Shots from our 4th trip to this comfortable beach resort. Maggie, Maybel, Mariagna, LeDuan, Juanki, Roberto, Carlos, Carlitos, Leonis, Yanie, Jose, Osvani, Big Alex, and probably a few others.

Another Letter from Kandahar

Today's post is another letter just received from a Canadian Armed Forces member serving with the helicopters in Afghanistan.

Good morning to you. I am a female Canadian Soldier deployed with
CHF(A) ( Canadian Helicopter Force Afghanistan). We received some Xmas
Cards with Tim Horton gift certificates in them and cannot tell you how
greatfull we are for your generous support to the troops. For you to
take the time to send a card & a Tim Cards means a lot to our soldiers.
A little background on myself this is my first deployment here and what
an experience. Being here is not easy and especially at Christmas time.
We here had it rough over the holidays while our loved one were sitting
down to enjoy Christmas Eve we were on the ramp sending another Canadian
home from the war. Then of course New Years Day we were back again
sending four more home. This sure plays on your emotion and when most
are missing home at that time it did not make it easy. But we all know
what we are here for and pulled together to make the best of the holiday
season. I must say the support that we received over the holidays from
fellow Canadians was amazing. Little did I know that so many Canadians
would take the time from their busy sechedules to either send a note or
a card to any Canadian Soldiers. I have watched some who do not receive
much from home and getting these words of support means a lot to them.
Some have been coresponding with the letters that we passed on to them.
We here at the Helicopter Squadron tried to repond to any with a return
address. Sorry it took a month to get a note of Thanks off to you. I
will close again with a great big Thanks from all of us here with
Canadian Helicopter Force. The Timies is a great welcome to our troops.
Just found out that they are moving the location to be closer to where
the Canadians are housed and when deployment here in 2011 is complete it
will be portable and be sent to the next deployment that Canada is
called out for.

Again Thanks Very Much

Patty MacWilliams
Warrant Officer
Canadian Helicopter Force Afghanistan

Freddy K Karaoke

Here's my tribute to the Romantics great tune "What I Like About You"



Remember Clark Griswold's pool fantasy, in the movie "Christmas Vacation"? Well here's my cover of Bing Crosby/Jimmy Buffett's renditions of "Mele Kalikimaka"...



These tunes may be rough but I try to do them in a single take, just like karaoke down at the local bar. No opportunity for multiple takes, punch-ins, or voice-overs there!

The 12 Days of Training - our 400 Squadron carol

Here's the version of the 12 Days of Christmas we sang in the Air Force.

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