Well, it's that time of the year again. The festive silly season is no doubt in full swing back in the UK, but here in Afghanistan, it's a totally different story.
As the UK prepare to get obscenely drunk and eat masses of food and chocolates, the troops here in Afghanistan prepare for just another day!
Some will spend the day relaxing and playing games.
Some will spend the day patrolling through the bazaar.
Some will have the luxury of a cooked turkey dinner.
Some will be eating yet another ration pack.
Some will spend time on Skype to there families.
Some won't even get the chance to ring home.
Some will go to bed full of Christmas cheer and food.
Some won't sleep because they will be on duty.
Whatever happens here tomorrow, wherever they are, everyone will be thankful of one thing. The fact they are a day closer to getting home to their loved ones.
Whatever you do this Christmas, please, spare a thought for our Troops on Operations who won't get to see there loved ones this Christmas. Be grateful for whatever 'Santa' brings you, but most of all, please be grateful, and raise a glass, to the people sacrificing there lives for your peaceful and terrorist free Christmas. A lot of people won't have the opportunity to see there loved ones ever again, and many more now have to face life changing injuries.
I would like to thank everyone that has supported me and my blog over the past few months, the feedback on my imagery has been amazing. But most of all, I want to thank my beautiful wife Michelle, who has been my absolute rock since I departed the UK in September. Big hugs to my kids too, who I am missing terribly. Also not forgetting my gorgeous spaniels, Willow, Monty and Tia.
I wish my family, and everyone, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
All the best
Steve
A heartfelt 'Thank you' for all your wonderful, morale boosting photos over the past few months and those poignant words expressed in this blog, Steve.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with all those families who are facing Christmas without their heroes this year, but more pertinently, those families for whom, there will be always an empty chair at their table. May they be supported, surrounded and comforted by their families and friends.
May each and every one of our troops stay strong, focused and cheerful this Christmas and the coming few months and we at home, will endeavour to do the same. We absolutely love your crazy sense of humour and to see all your 'exploits' of cross dressing! And I'm quite sure, after opening your Christmas presents there will be even more delectable delights for our collective perusal in the coming new year!
Maximum Respect to you all! :O)
I salute each and every one of you and will proudly raise a glass in your honour on Christmas Day!
Thanks for your kind words Anj.
ReplyDeleteCan I just point out, to anyone reading this, the crazy cross dressing comment is not aimed at me! haha Just before anyone makes a sarcastic comment.
All the best Anj.
Steve
Great pictures and now great words. As a father with a son out in Afghan at the mo. I just wish the rest of the world would read them at this time of the year. Keep up the good work, and a happy peaceful xmas to you all and a safe return in 2012.
ReplyDeletegreat photos please keep then coming it helps us all back home. we can not thank you enough xx
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