Here We Are…

Trooper Tony Peters
11 August 2010

Well we’ve been on the ground for about three and a half months. For most of us, this is our first time and so far it has certainly been a whole new experience. The heat is unbelievable but surprisingly you just become used to it. Don’t get me wrong, there are days that it’s almost unbearable. Regardless, we still get our jobs done with the help of a lot of water. Throughout our time here the Squadron has truly become a family. There’s the odd family member you just don’t get along with, but in the end we all know that we’re in it together. There’s no shortage of laughs, and well, the odd hot temper.

We have reached the point in our tour where the days have become one; some say that every day is Monday and others liken it to being Groundhog Day, everyday. There’s no shortage of snacks and drinks, which results in the gym being pretty busy on a nightly basis. Everyone seems to be getting ready for the beach during their HLTA. This writer is certainly doing what he can! That being said, Cpl Ameerali (T19 Gunner) thinks I need to work much harder if I’m going to be ready for Mexico. In my opinion it’s a vacation, I’m not trying out for the NFL! Others are hitting the gym because they’ve already had their HLTA and apparently beer is fattening, who knew?
  
I'd like to pay dues to the other Canadians working closely with the Squadron over here. Certainly the cooks deserve a tip of the hat. Those poor folks have to endure 70+ degrees in the kitchen to bring us some stellar food every day! Of course a big thanks to all of the other pieces of the big puzzle: Engineers, Infantry, and the guys and girls that maintain this camp. Our FOB has become so big that many use words like ‘suburbs’ and ‘commute’ to describe it. Of course there are our American friends. The guys doing the endless route clearance along with Canadian elements, keeping the roads open for us. Also thank you to our American brothers to our north, keeping things in check on the other side of the river. It’s a great having those guys on the radio. It certainly makes a CP shift go by quick listening to them mix it up over there.

All in all, serving here is one of those events in your life that you don’t necessarily always like while you’re doing it, but just know that it makes for some great experiences and stories after the fact. Of course, we’re all counting the days until we are home with our families and friends.