Good Day faithful Blogophiles,
first this Monday morning I will explain the Happy Photo at the top of today’s Blog. Young KOAN 10 months old and enjoying his first ever Canadian treat . Yup Corn on The Cob. A mouth watering healthy food that most Canadians enjoy. When I was in the military the 9 years overseas were great but the lack of Corn on the Cob in late summer was something we all missed. I hope that some one sends a shipment now a days to our troops in Kandahar a tasty treat from home. C’mon corn growers of Canada this is a challenge to you. Show your support, by shipping corn on the cob to the troops.
Meanwhile at home the sad news that the current Government is not re appointing Veterans Ombudsman Pat Stogran to a further term. This is a tragedy for our Veterans as Pat was able to call the department of Veterans affairs and the government to task on very important issues.
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/100813/national/veterans_ombudsman_fired
Now an e mail from a proud Islander serving in Afghanistan
Robbie
here is an article that I wrote that has made the run through several CF publications in the last few months. Do with it what you like it has been approved for general release.
My Mom and Niece have attended/volunteered with several MFRC events during my tour here. Thanks for helping me to have her hook up with Charlene.
As far as the PEI connection here. The WO that I replaced was also from PEI WO Gerry Dowling, this was Gerry`s 3rd tour here. There have been several Islanders that have filled senior Lineman positions here in theatre. Both with Task Force Kandahar as well as Regional Command (South) for NATO.
MWO Phil Ferguson, Senior Lineman RC(S), MWO Owen Crabbe, TFK Line Construction Supervisor and he will soon return as Senior Lineman RC(S), WO Dave Burgess, Line crew Supervisor TFK, Sgt Robert Cassista Line Crew Supervisor RC(S). All of us are former members of 721 Communications Regiment, which just goes to show how the Signals unit of the Island has played a major role in the training of Lineman for the Regular Force and then on to deployed Operations.
Thanks for the great blog and support.
Mark DesRoches
Marks Story:
When I deployed from the Canadian Forces Joint Signals Regiment, I was going into a 10-month tour as project foreman responsible for major line communications taskings in Joint Task Force Afghanistan. Like most soldiers, I hoped I had the “right stuff” for my duties.
For those who are not familiar with the lineman trade, we are the behind-the-scenes signallers who run the miles and miles of copper, fibre-optic and co-axial cables that keep the Canadian Forces’ many telecommunications networks connected. In Afghanistan, as well as providing the same range of services here as we do in Canada — telephones, e-mail, computer connectivity — we also have the challenging responsibility of integrating our systems with those of the other NATO contingents based at Kandahar Airfield (KAF).
The Line Section of Task Force Kandahar (TFK) Headquarters and Signals Squadron has two elements: a 10-person team deployed for 10 months to keep the phones ringing and the computers humming, and a six-person team deployed for six months to handle major projects such as cable-plant upgrades and wiring new buildings. On Roto 8 of Operation ATHENA, the 10-month crew comes from 5 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group in Valcartier, Que., and the six-month group comes from the Canadian Forces Joint Signals Regiment in Kingston, Ont.
I am responsible for keeping the major projects team working, so it is my job to ensure that they have the tools and materials they need. Our supply line reaches half-way around the world, so this is sometimes a daunting task. With support from other linemen in Canada, however, it has been relatively smooth so far.
When I first arrived, I assumed that most of my work would take place within the confines of KAF, but I was mistaken. With lots of changes happening throughout the TFK area of operations, and the introduction of new systems, my team has faced non-stop demands both in KAF and out in the field. The constant change, both in work locations and types of installation, has not only made the tour fly by, it has also provided lots of opportunity to learn new skills and polish up old ones.
The six-month deployment is now coming to the end, and the six linemen of Roto 8 will be replaced by another group of six deployed for six months from the Joint Signals Regiment and three more, also from the Regiment, who will work with us for three months on a Technical Assistance Visit. I am sure they, too, will be able to handle the high tempo they will encounter here, and continue to provide the top-notch service their predecessors delivered so well.
It has been a very rewarding experience to be putting all my training and skills into practice, as well as those trade secrets that can be gained only by experience.
I am at the half-way point of my tour here, and so far so good —I guess my team and I have the “right stuff” after all. I look forward to the challenges that will surely arise in the next half as we keep the lines of communication up and running for all in theatre.
My thanks to WO Desroches and all the other “Jimmies” who do a great job. Canadians helping Canadians.
Please remember to show your support to our troops, and think of the men and women serving in some God forsaken places.
Nil Sine Labore
Robby
