Farewell party for Notts troops heading to Afghanistan

THREE Notts soldiers are to begin a six-month tour of Afghanistan next month for the Territorial Army.

The trio were given a send off party with their families and other troops on Thursday night at the TA Barracks, Cavendish Drive, Carlton.

The soldiers, from the Royal Yeomanry S Squadron the Sherwood Rangers, have recently returned from training in Germany and are to leave for their tour of the war-torn country in early April.

During their service they will be attached to the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards and will work with the latest army vehicle, the Warthog.

Corporal Kane Brewer, of Hardigate Road, Cropwell Butler, said that he was looking forward to serving in Afghanistan for a second time.

The 23-year-old said: "I last went out in 2008.

"Before joining the TA, I had never been abroad, but over the past six years I've been all over the place – it's changed my life."

Mr Brewer, a former pupil of Colonel Frank Seely school, Calverton, said his family were proud of him.

He added: "They just want me to come back safely.

"I wasn't that good at school, but with the TA I've finally found something challenging."

Corporal Philip Allen has served with the TA for seven years and said he likes the contrast with his other job as an electrician.

Mr Allen, 37, of Sturgeon Avenue, Clifton, said: "Both jobs interest me, but in massively different ways.

"I originally joined the TA because I always regretted not joining the Army when I was younger and, as I got older, I felt life was getting a bit boring."

This will be Mr Allen's second tour of Afghanistan, having previously serving in 2009.

He said: "Last time I went out, the rain was just so intense things took ages to dry out.

"This time, because it's the summer, I think it will be quite hard to get used to the hot days but I'm sure we'll cope."

Sergeant Nigel Pick, of Cotgrave, took part in Operation Telic in Iraq in 2004, and is set to work in the operation headquarters at Camp Bastion during this tour.

Mr Pick, 45, who is a refuse collector, said: "The training has been good and there's no reason why it won't be a good tour. We're all confident.

"My wife, Jane, thought now would be the best time to go while the children are settled at school.

"But I'll miss them all while I'm away."

Source: http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/32715/f/503354/s/1326e137/l/0L0Sthisisnottingham0O0Cnews0CFarewell0Eparty0ENotts0Etroops0Eheading0EAfghanistan0Carticle0E32965320Edetail0Carticle0Bhtml/story01.htm

Blackpool Rihanna US constitution and civil liberties Bradford Bulls The Ashes Japan