Recce Squadron Celebrates the Regimental Birthday
MCpl Matt Scheepers, SHQ, TF 3-09 Recce Sqn
MCpl Matt Scheepers, SHQ, TF 3-09 Recce Sqn
As the Royal Canadian Dragoons celebrated another birthday back home in Petawawa, Ontario, B Squadron (Recce Squadron) was spread to the four corners of Kandahar Province, Afghanistan this 21 December. Although we would have all loved to spend the day together, operational commitments were the priority. Despite this, the Troops and Patrols celebrated in their own way wherever they were. Those of us who were in Patrol Base Marianne did everything we could to celebrate this special day to the level that it deserved.
The shortest day of the year started out quietly at Patrol Base Marianne. The compounds were cleaned of even the smallest scraps of rubbish and the common areas shined. The bed spaces were made, the boots were bloused and only authorized patches adorned the arms and shoulders of the men on the camp. The camp routine was like any other but with a few exceptions - one, the kitchen staff was eagerly awaiting the return of the Sergeant Major’s convoy and two, the men were just as eagerly awaiting the promised beer call. The carrots were cut, the roast beef was seasoned and wrapped in foil, the cabbage salad was placed in serving bowls but all the while the potatoes were loaded on the back of a truck somewhere between the Patrol Base and KAF. The morning shifts were almost done and the Troops were already checking their watches, knowing that the brew was also somewhere on that truck.
The meat was on the grill slowly cooking in its own juices at an even 200 degrees Fahrenheit, the carrots were beginning to steam and still - no potatoes. Every man with eyes in his head could see the sun was hanging to the West and still no truck. Then, in the Command Post loud and clear over the means it came - the convoy had stopped… a vehicle had gotten stuck. Three call signs spooled up, knowing that one of their brothers may need them and who could forget about the precious cargo their truck contained. After what seemed like an eternity, the reaction force was finally stood down as the Sergeant Major’s convoy self-recovered and drove in through the razor wire gate. The pallets were unloaded and 1 x 20lb bag was run up to the kitchen. The men were formed up as the giant pot was placed on top of a blazing Coleman stove.
After an address from Maj Mark Popov, the Officer Commanding and MWO Kevin Mathers, the Squadron Sergeant Major, the men broke from their three ranks and formed a tactical column in front of a ledger and giant box of cans. With a dash of a pen, the sweet nectar was theirs. The men washed their hands while at the same time, the butter was whipped in with the spuds. After a day of preparation, the camp sat down to eat as a family. Jokes were told and laughter filled the air. Cold beers, great food and the best of company - what better way to celebrate the Regimental birthday while in the middle of Afghanistan!
The shortest day of the year started out quietly at Patrol Base Marianne. The compounds were cleaned of even the smallest scraps of rubbish and the common areas shined. The bed spaces were made, the boots were bloused and only authorized patches adorned the arms and shoulders of the men on the camp. The camp routine was like any other but with a few exceptions - one, the kitchen staff was eagerly awaiting the return of the Sergeant Major’s convoy and two, the men were just as eagerly awaiting the promised beer call. The carrots were cut, the roast beef was seasoned and wrapped in foil, the cabbage salad was placed in serving bowls but all the while the potatoes were loaded on the back of a truck somewhere between the Patrol Base and KAF. The morning shifts were almost done and the Troops were already checking their watches, knowing that the brew was also somewhere on that truck.
The meat was on the grill slowly cooking in its own juices at an even 200 degrees Fahrenheit, the carrots were beginning to steam and still - no potatoes. Every man with eyes in his head could see the sun was hanging to the West and still no truck. Then, in the Command Post loud and clear over the means it came - the convoy had stopped… a vehicle had gotten stuck. Three call signs spooled up, knowing that one of their brothers may need them and who could forget about the precious cargo their truck contained. After what seemed like an eternity, the reaction force was finally stood down as the Sergeant Major’s convoy self-recovered and drove in through the razor wire gate. The pallets were unloaded and 1 x 20lb bag was run up to the kitchen. The men were formed up as the giant pot was placed on top of a blazing Coleman stove.
After an address from Maj Mark Popov, the Officer Commanding and MWO Kevin Mathers, the Squadron Sergeant Major, the men broke from their three ranks and formed a tactical column in front of a ledger and giant box of cans. With a dash of a pen, the sweet nectar was theirs. The men washed their hands while at the same time, the butter was whipped in with the spuds. After a day of preparation, the camp sat down to eat as a family. Jokes were told and laughter filled the air. Cold beers, great food and the best of company - what better way to celebrate the Regimental birthday while in the middle of Afghanistan!
Cpl Ben Babin, Recce Sqn vehicle technician, receives a care package along with a cold Bud Light Lime
Recce Sqn soldiers line-up to sign for there ration of beer
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