MND, CLS, and Trafficking?

By Cpl Mike Sibulak
28 May 2009

The last few weeks have been eventful for C Squadron as it continues its adventure in the sand. For many soldiers the two month mark is where the strangeness of a foreign land becomes commonplace and the routine of the day makes pains of homesickness slowly subside. Thoughts of home never end, though, and the oddest moments can remind members of people and places that they will be returning to soon. Tpr Ben Kroker was astounded by the weather during the Easter weekend when within an hour the base experienced a high of 45 Celsius and hail the size of marbles. " I came here to get away from the Alberta weather," he laughed, " this is ridiculous!" Tpr Dave Young was badly missing his native British Columbia until he noticed the wild marihuana growing inside the camp. "What a terrific gesture by the locals to make me feel more at home. I'd love to repay them for the thought and all the effort, but back in Canada we call that trafficking."

 

Spring is the season for VIP visits and FOB Ma'Sum Ghar has had some big ones in recent weeks. Tpr Neil Verway and Cpl Harvey De Roy enjoyed powdered eggs, bacon, and blueberry PopTarts with General Leslie, Chief of Land Staff. While Cpl Tim LeBlanc and Tpr Eric Trembley led the Minister of National Defence, The Hon. Peter McKay, through the cramped dusty splendour of a Leopard 2A6M Main Battle Tank. The biggest excitement, however, is reserved for the upcoming CanCon show and speculation about the included artists is a hot discussion topic around the camp. "I'd love to see Brad Paisley out here," said Tpr Matthew Burke," but without my Sarah to share it with, it just wouldn't be worth it." Cpl Trevor Osborne's argument for Disturbed brought up several excellent points. "Well, you have a couple hundred guys all eighteen to twenty-five. Everyone is dirty and hot and sweaty and is itching for a stand-up fight. Sounds like every disturbed concert I've ever been to." Regardless of the acts included it will be an appreciated respite from the incredibly loud Pashto Synth-Pop favoured by the locals.

 

With good chunk of the tour behind them, the soldiers of C Squadron have their hearts safely at home in Canada and their minds firmly focused on the task at hand. The long days in Wainwright have paid off well and everything seems a lot less daunting than it did two months ago. Days are long, but nevertheless pass quickly with the furious pace of events and it will be only a blink of the eye before C Squadron is back at home grumbling about snow and dreaming of what +45 Celsius felt like.