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Greetings from 3 Troop
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Corporal Alex DiBlasio
29 November 2004
 Greetings to all Canadians and fellow Strathcona’s. It’s time for another article on behalf of 43. This last month has been very busy for the Squadron, aside from our regular work of making the world a more peaceful place; we have been tasked with many exciting new challenges at camp and around beautiful sunny Kabul.
 It all started off with the Return of 43C & D (a.k.a. Chuckles & Dinglenuts) with key players Cpl Bryce Warnica (Ashley B), Cpl Alex Di Blasio (rocket man), Tpr Mark Dennis (Bubbles) & 43B (Brave to be in 43A!). Also, the proud new Father of a healthy baby girl MCpl Tom Pett (Hamster) returned from leave and we saw the departure of MCpl Trent Hiscock (little guy), Cpl Billy Clendenin (the Billy), Tpr Jesse Scheller (Jessica) & Tpr Kevin England (Hey big brother). The HLTA period is a very emotional time here at Camp Julien. We see all the happy faces leave and the sad ones coming back. Once we all got settled back in camp, without a minute to spare, we launched out for a 3-day OP at affectionately named Leatherface. To our surprise we were introduced to a new concept of OP life, one which was definitely marked by an air of truly Strathcona comfort. With the help of Administration Troop, the boys put together 2 sections of modular tentage, a BBQ, fresh rations, & the icing on the cake, an Xbox with a flat screen TV. It’s a real step up from your ordinary OP, and it certainly helps to kill the time!
With Remembrance Day around the corner, 43 was tasked to protect General Fox, Colonel Commandant of the Armoured Corps, making us his personal escort. We started the task with a route recce a few day’s prior to the General’s arrival to and from Kabul International Airport where I noticed how much Sgt Ernie Romanuik missed MCpl Hiscock (little guy) and paid tribute to his deception plans with a few u-turns in his honour.  The next step of the operation was the pickup, which was left in the hands of 43A because 43C had to ensure that no rockets were to be launched, conducted a presence patrol in the Jowz valley. General Fox was greeted at Camp Julien with all the formalities that a man of his stature and service is respectfully entitled. The Remembrance Day parade was a success and Padre Legault performed a service that touched the hearts and souls of all the members on parade. General Fox laid a wreath on behalf of the Canadian Forces and the day ended in our respective messes.
Unfortunately, General Fox’s stay came to an end and the Troop had to move on and aide the people of Kabul in ensuring a secure environment for the Kabul International trade show. The Trade Show was very important for the economic growth of Afghanistan. 43 & 43C (Chuckles) were tasked with conducting a screen on the convention grounds. After a day of packing a year’s worth of supplies and the addition of Administration Troop’s finest, Cpl Trent Cooper (Cannibal), to aide us, we left for the King’s Tomb to complete our task.  During our stay there, we were graced with the presence of our interpreter Rahmat Salem and all the fine local cuisine he introduced to the patrol. On our third night here the CF Ombudsman came and visited us in action and got a feel for what the Strathcona OP life was all about. On the final day of the OP, we were visited by the happy crew of CANCON performers. This was a real treat for us as they were quite interested in our OP operation. They even agreed to pose for a picture in front of the sign we made for them.
Well, it’s half time now and we’re in the lead, but there is still a lot of work ahead of us before this game is over. We are all looking forward to our return home and to the exciting challenges and changes awaiting us at Steele Barracks.
PERSEVERANCE
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