Hi Folks,
A Squadron SITREP from PANJWAYI, AFGHANISTAN
Bann
13 July 2010
Panjwa'i District, Kandahar
Dragoons, families and friends of the Regiment,
On behalf of all the soldiers of Reconnaissance Squadron currently
serving in Southern Afghanistan, SSM Ken Pichie and I would like to extend
our sincere appreciation for the support that you have shown the Squadron
and its families since we have been deployed. Our intent is to try and keep
you updated on our activities as our tour matures and we equally endeavour
to keep the Regimental website updated as well -
www.dragoons.ca.
When faced with the tragic loss of Tpr Larry Rudd, the Dragoon and Corps'
families once again came together. You would be humbled to see some of the
correspondence I have received from various people back home and in theatre
who have all expressed their astonishment at the degree of care and
professionalism displayed in times of needs amongst the Dragoon family.
Many of folks that took the time to write the SSM and I remain much attuned
to the activities of the Regiment though for many, they themselves have
never been Dragoons.
This week-end marked two months since A Squadron conducted a
transfer of command authority and relief in place with B Squadron. It has
been a very hectic two months but leave has begun so many members of the
Squadron have begun to rotate home for a couple of weeks. Others choose to
travel abroad as part of their overall experience and also because good
opportunities exist to have subsidized travel to places like Europe and
Australia.
As many of you already know, the Squadron is dispersed throughout the
volatile Panjaw'i district and we have essentially rolled into the summer
fighting season. The soldiers live in austere conditions conducting
persistent observation over vital routes to allow our coalition and Afghan
partners the ability to move freely without fear of attack. The soldiers
live for prolonged periods in semi permanent observation posts where many
have frequent interaction with locals.
The Squadron also provides the military leadership for the Panjaw'i District
Operational Coordination Centre. This Centre is the nexus of the military
and civilian activities that will help to build a safe and secure district
for the Afghans. This Centre also contains our Afghan military and civilian
counterparts; through the Centre the District Governor is able to decide how
we can assist his people to build and develop in a synchronized manner as
equals.
For Canada Day, the SSM organized and acquired "cold near beer" and
we were able to make our way about the battle space on a whistle stop tour
to bring some degree of civility to their lives in the dust and sun. Just
the other day, one of the soldiers in an Observation Post had a reading of
61.6 degrees Celsius on his thermometer. Coupled with dust storms, sun can
wear down on the soldiers and equipment so maintenance and rest become
absolutely essential.
SSM Pichie and I are privileged to serve with such a fine group of
soldiers. Despite the harsh living conditions, long hours and continuous
danger, the morale remains high.
We will keep in touch.
- Bold and Swift -