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Three Troop Guards the PASS
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By WO Jim McGregor and Lt Michael Gough
13 January 2005
 It was a cold damp morning when 3rd Troop, along with 51 and some attachments from SHQ/ADM/Maint, headed out for a week of guarding the Pol-E Charkhi Ammunition Storage Site (PASS). Things didn’t look good when we got there to find two German soldiers standing around a burning garbage can shivering while guarding the gate. On the other hand, they were very glad to see us because we were their relief. In true Strathcona style we proceeded to set up a base camp complete with flying kitchen and a big screen TV. Unfortunately somebody forgot the remote control so we had to send in an emergency ADREP. The Troops took over the guard towers from the Germans and we settled in for a week of welcome routine.
 Cpl Thomaz Wasylow “The Taskmaster” set about Beasting the rest of his Patrol while MCpl Trent Hiscock “Little Buddy” focused on creative ways to get some heat into the guard towers. The Cooks turned out some fantastic meals for us; a real treat compared to the IMPs and box lunches we normally get while out on OPs. I’m sure we all put on a little weight, but that’s okay, Sgt Eeernie Romanuik didn’t need any help after HLTA anyway. Cpl Chad Humphreys “Fluffy” was just glad to be out of camp for a while and MCpl Doney from Maint was a definite asset as he kept the heaters and generator going strong.
 Half way through the task, WO Jim McGregor “Tank Boy”, Cpl Billy Clendennin “the Billy”, Cpl Trevor Bricker “Leatherface” and Tpr Ryan Pasuta returned to Camp Julien to prepare for the Governor General’s parade and New Year’s Day Resolution Run. Sgt Romanuik, MCpl Ken Shiells “Loaf”, Cpl Curtis Simpson “Pappy” and Tpr Steve Kay fresh off their HLTA came out to replace them. Tpr Pasuta is very proud of his first medal but is a little upset that it has Pte Pasuta engraved on it.
 On New Year’s Eve, His Excellency, John Ralston Saul, C.C., our Commander-in-Chief’s husband, paid a visit to the PASS. Accompanied by the OC, Maj Derek Macaulay and SSM Brian Talty he delivered a bottle of Champagne to each guard tower. The boys were ecstatic until they realized that it was non-alcoholic. It was still appreciated non-the less. After a rushed visit, His Excellency proceeded to the King’s Tomb where they ushered in the New Year with 41C.
 We also received another visitor of note. The Deputy Commander of ISAF visited us for lunch on Sunday. The OC was disappointed to hear that the cooks were serving grilled cheese and soup for lunch, but as always, they outdid themselves providing omelettes fresh off the grill. The General seemed very impressed, as it was his first visit to the PASS. Although guard tasks are not the most exciting, Op KLONDIKE II gave the soldiers a chance to settle into a routine for a week while escaping some of the more mundane duties around Camp Julien.
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