Surprise FOB visit in Afghanistan

By Lieutenant Joshua Makuch

On 10 September 2009, the soldiers of Combat Team Cobra of the 2nd Battalion Royal 22e Régiment Battle Group welcomed the Team Canada tour visiting all the Forward Operating Bases in Panjwayi District. The group was made up of Canadian athletes and musicians, including hockey players Guy Lafleur and Patrice Brisebois, Peter Della Riva of the Montreal Alouettes in the good old days, the Ultimate Fighting Championship star Pat Coté, the band Finger Eleven and singer Bruce Cockburn.

When they arrived, our guests were directed to the range at the patrol base, where the members of CT Cobra waited to introduce them to the light weapons of an infantry platoon and to conduct a little demonstration of tactical fire. Team Canada took their fill of the C7 and the C6, and then returned the favour with a mini-concert by Ricky Paquette, Bruce Cockburn and Finger Eleven.

Touring with Team Canada was General Walter Natynczyk, the Chief of the Defence Staff, who seized the opportunity to present coins to several members of the patrol base in recognition of the excellent work they are doing in Panjwayi District.

The soldiers of CT Cobra and Patrol Base Sperwan Ghar would like to thank the stars who took the time to visit us. We had a great afternoon with excellent music in the company of distinguished guests who permitted us to take a break and feel as if we were back home.