SOS!!

SOS: Support our soldiers!

Another British soldier has been killed in Afghanistan this week. As we honour those who have fallen on the battlefield, we can also support the men and women still serving.

By Jan Bird - Saturday 05 Nov 2011

A soldier from the 2nd Battalion, the Mercian Regiment is the latest British military casualty in Afghanistan. He has been named as Private Matthew Haseldin, aged 21, who had only been deployed to Afghanistan in September having joined the army in February. He was shot dead whilst on patrol in Helmand province on 3 November, bringing the total number of British military deaths in Afghanistan to 384, since “Operation Enduring Freedom” began 10 years ago in 2001.
Lieutenant Colonel Colin Marks, commanding officer of 2 Mercian Regiment, paid tribute to the young soldier, describing him as “hugely popular”. He continued:

“… it was impossible to tell that he was the newest member of 7 Platoon, all of whom loved him like a brother. One of the team, Matthew was at the centre of most things and enjoyed a game of cards during precious rest periods. Steadfast in battle, Matthew faced more challenges in the few short weeks he spent in Helmand than many soldiers experience in a lifetime. He died standing firm in the face of a determined enemy, in the highest traditions of The Mercian Regiment.”

As Remembrance Day approaches, it’s time for all of us, whatever our opinions about war in general or this conflict in particular, to pause and reflect on the lives lost in past and present campaigns and on the sacrifices our soldiers make on a daily basis. Wherever you come from, geographically or figuratively, it’s undeniable that these men and women are doing difficult, dangerous jobs in places most of us would avoid. We should salute them for it and we should say “thank you” far more often.
That’s why I’m so thrilled to have found an organisation that helps UK residents support our soldiers serving in Afghanistan and in other conflict zones. Called “Adopt a Squaddie” (using a British slang word for a soldier), it enables individuals and groups to support serving soldiers with letters and parcels from their home country.
It’s tough to imagine when we’re in our comfortable houses, perhaps enjoying time with our kids, what it’s like being thousands of miles from home, away from your family and under constant threat of attack. I complain about not having a day job but I’m not patrolling streets under threat of sniper fire, or risking my life to save others by defusing a roadside bomb.
Imagine coming back to barracks, exhausted, filthy and hungry, perhaps in shock having lost a friend during the day and finding that someone you don’t know has sent you a parcel with a few special treats and basic necessities from home. These are items that individually may cost little but which, to a serving soldier, will mean the world. That box says someone gives a damn about you even if they don’t know you, someone who recognises your sacrifice and your bravery and wants to say “thank you”.
I’ve already been shopping and packed a box. Mine contains:

• A book of number and word puzzles, pens and playing cards
• Sweets (candy) and gum – not just for comfort but essential for dry, dusty conditions
• Handwarming pads
• Razors, shaving balm, spare toothbrushes and toothpaste
• Ketchup and instant chocolate drinks – a taste of home
• Wet wipes – highly prized given the sand and dust
• Nail brushes and cotton buds
• Glucose tablets

I’ve already bought enough for two boxes!
If you’re not a UK resident and you wish to support troops from your own country, there are organisations operating a similar service which you can easily find on the internet. Do consider supporting such organisations even if you’re not from a military family. I don’t have close relatives serving but that doesn’t make any difference to me. They’re all out there doing a job on our behalf, a job most of us wouldn’t do.
These brave men and women go where their government points them and do their job without question. As we remember their fallen colleagues, so we also remember those still serving. They deserve our support, our kindness and our appreciation.

 This is an article written by Jan Bird, a member of Adopt a British Squaddie, a group that I am proud to be a member of. To date I have adopted 5 squaddies and it is amazing to support these men & women who are doing such an immense job so far away from home.

Without a doubt, visit the website www.adoptabritishsquaddie.co.uk to find out more. They desparately need more adopters, so you should totally sign up and do it if you are able and willing.