OTTAWA — A "thank-you Canada" posting on a much-visited American military web site has sparked a mini-debate that's largely complimentary to Canadians.

David Meadows, a retired American navy captain and an author of military fiction, posted his thank-you column in response to the deaths of four Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan on April 22.

"Canada is like a close uncle who constantly argues, badgers, and complains about what you are doing, but when help is truly needed, you can't keep him away: he's right there alongside you," Meadows wrote on the site military.com.

"We have a unique relationship with Canada. We have different political positions on many issues, but our unique friendship has weathered world wars, global crises, and the ever-so-often neighbourhood disagreement."

He notes Canada sent ships and rescuers south to the Gulf Coast in the wake of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and to Florida after Hurricane Ivan struck in 2004.

Meadows says he was in the Pentagon during the 9-11 attacks, when the United States closed its air space and dozens of planes were diverted to Canada.

"Canada rapidly mobilized its forces," he writes. "Within hours, the Canadian Navy was on alert with ships preparing to cast off immediately for any U.S. port to help victims of the 9-11 attacks.

"Canada's Disaster Assistance Response Team prepared to deploy from Trenton, Ontario. Canada dispersed CF-18 fighter aircraft to strategic locations throughout Canada.

"No politics. No negotiating. No questions. They were just there. Canada would have fought any adversary that approached the United States that day."

He called the four dead Canadians "heroes" and concluded:

"Canada is more than a neighbour. It is a close family member with the gumption to disagree with its brother to the south but always there when disaster strikes and America needs help. For that, I salute you, Canada, and extend my respect for the sacrifices given by members of the Canadian Forces."

Meadows was a naval flier with 5,000 hours in the air. He also served aboard a number of surface ships. He has written nine military thrillers including Seawolf and Tomcat.

His essay was posted on military.com., a website that provides information on the U.S. military to serving members and the public, offers news and opinions on defence and security issues and claims six million members. Meadows is a regular contributor to its op-ed section.

A number of readers posted reactions, including a couple of skeptics.

One brushed off Canada's military efforts:

"A nation that has literally abandoned its own defence to live in the comparative comfort under the shield of Uncle Sam, then complains about how this defence is accomplished, is not a country that deserves such lionizing as this article has done."

Others were more supportive, including one who wrote:

"It's about time someone addresses the fact that although we don't always agree with Canada, and vice versa, they are always there for us."