Thoughts from Recce Maintenance…

Cpl Petca
2 January 2005

Almost five months have past since we landed in this country and we just stepped into the New Year. It is the time when we think about the accomplishments or failures of 2004 and make plans for the future. It is the time to look back and be proud of what we have done since we our arrival here, even if it's not over yet. We did our job to the best of our ability and so far and it seems the results have been appreciated. My name is Petca; Cpl Petca and I am a proud EME member of the Recce Sqn Maintenance Team. I am in charge of keeping the LAV Coyote's electronics, optics and all surveillance gear up and running. The people I work with, Vehicle Techs, Weapons Techs, LCIS Techs or Supply Techs are a great team and we all pull together and get the job done. Sometimes we work late into the night because the troops depend on us and it's important that we do everything we can to make sure all vehicles are leaving the shop as soon as possible and in as close to perfect condition as possible. We know our work has been done right if all the gear is running at two o’clock in the morning in the middle of a snowstorm and the troops are happy.

It was also the time for us to spend the Christmas Holidays away from the people we love. For us here in Camp Julien it started with the Men's Christmas Dinner on the 25th of December in the Junior Ranks Club. The celebration was done according to the military tradition with the oldest member of Recce, who happened to be me, exchanged ranks with the Sergeant Major; and the youngest exchanging ranks with the OC. Governor General who took time out of her busy schedule to visit with the troops deployed on peacekeeping missions. Her Excellency also awarded the Afghanistan Peacekeeping medals on the 1st of January to number of soldiers. During the past week we received a flood of letters, Christmas cards and parcels from children and strangers from all over Canada wishing us the best and thanking us for doing our job. All these events made me appreciate a little more this festive season and the fact that people back in home still think of us and care about what we do, to make their Christmas a little more peaceful.

The scenery here in Kabul has changed in the past week or so. The ever-present dust got turned into mud by the snow that keeps falling and melting every day, but the weather has little impact on the work we do here. In the New Year, 2005, our mission will remain unchanged. Recce Maintenance will ensure that the fleet going out the gate is serviceable in order to ensure that the troops can do their job. We are also look forward to the upcoming rotation and the end of our tour and returning home to our families.

From all of us in Recce Maintenance here in Kabul, Afghanistan, to all our families and all the people who are with us in spirit, I would like to wish a Very Happy New Year filed with joy, health and prosperity and thanks for your help in making our Christmas better.