Letters from Kandahar

Thought I'd post a couple of letters received from CAF personnel in Afghanistan this Christmas...

Classification: NATO/ISAF UNCLASSIFIED

Good day Lynn & Fred,

My name is Chief Petty Officer Bob Burton, serving in Afghanistan until end of Apr 2010. I checked the mail today and your letter was in it, I always enjoy reading letters from home…home being Canada of course. I was born and raised in Newfoundland and have spent the last 19 ½ years in the Navy (yes you heard it right – NAVY). I volunteered to come and do my part; my brother is also here serving. I have a beautiful wife and 3 great children ages 12, 11 and 2; they will be spending XMas with family in Guysborough, N.S. this year.

Thank you for the Tim’s card, I will think of you and home when I have my next large double double on the boardwalk.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you both!

Regards

Bob


---------------------

Dear Fred and Lynn

We received your Christmas and New Year greetings on 23 Dec 09. Your
appreciation and support mean more than you can imagine to all members,
both at home and deployed. The Timmies Card you sent will be put to
good use. Here at the MP Det at Kandahar Airfield (KAF) we are
extremely fortunate and have many oppurtunities to go, however our
members that are outside the wire, deployed to forward locations do not.

Having been deployed outside in 2006, I know that a little taste of home
can do wonders for your morale. It did for mine when we came in shortly
after the Timmies opened here. Although the old man saif that KAF was a
part of our regular patrol for that day, we were all aware of why we
actually stopped for more than a quick check in.

I try to ensure that those coming in get the oppurtunity to relax and
unwind, before going out again, whether going on leave or just in for a
short stop, so I have put your card to the side (with a few others) for
when the boys and girls come in. I hope that this is OK with the both
of you.

With regards to Hubby being in the Airforce in "Easier Times". My
father was also in the Navy during "Easier Times", but the truth is, I
remember too well the duck and cover days. Those that stood on the
front line of freedom during those times are a very large reason why we
live free today. You both have my eternal gratitude. I say both
because if it wasn't for our amazing, supportive better halves this job
would be that much more difficult. I truly believe that the partners at
home have a much rougher time than us over here. At least we know what
is going on and what we are doing.

Thank you very much, for the Tim Card, and you letter. I hope that you
have a great Christmas and that the New Year brings you good fortune.

Mike