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Testimonials
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Michel, QC Michel D. Travel Coordinator Camp Mirage Joint Task Force Afghanistan Roto 7
Janet, ON Janet G. Retail Attendant Kandahar Air Field Joint Task Force Afghanistan Roto 7
"The most amazing and obvious aspect of being in theatre at KAF was the fact that you are there amongst a myriad of other nations all in one ‘small’ space (albeit it is about 15,000 strong!) – I sit down at a DEFAC for my meal and amongst the Canadian soldiers sitting at my table there is an American soldier sitting to my left, a Dutch soldier sitting to my right, a British soldier sitting across from me, an Australian soldier sitting behind me, and every other NATO nation all under one roof speaking their native tongue - this to me was awesome! Where else would you ever experience this sense of multinational camaraderie serving the same purpose!" . Val, AB Val M. Retail Attendant Kandahar Air Field Joint Task Force Afghanistan Roto 6
"My life pre deployment has changed to not sweat the small stuff post deployment. It was an amazing experience. I have travelled extensively for years and have always loved the Middle East. But to work and play under constant danger puts everything you do into perspective. Right from the start you have all the forms that you think you will never get through, to the shots, to the all important "what to pack for 6 months", and finally keeping tabs on how many times you have to run to the base for exams etc. It all seems very stressful and it has you think "can I do this"? YES, YES you can! I was so nervous, despite having taken entire groups to Egypt with no fear. But from the moment I landed in the "Secret City", I knew that this was for me. My first ramp ceremony was at 3:30 in the morning in that city the first day I arrived and I will never forget standing there when a soldier walked right up to me and said THANK YOU for coming. I was speechless. I had not even done anything yet, but he knew. He knew where I was going and what I was going to do, and from that moment on I had this deep sense of contentment. There wasn't a day that went by, from the moment we arrived in Kandahar, that I didn't have a smile on my face. (Except when I took a massive spill on my bike just before a rocket attack!)
Li, QC Li Q. Retail Attendant Kandahar Air Field Joint Task Force Afghanistan Roto 6
I enjoyed working in the KAF Tim Horton’s. During the morning rush hour, everyone can be either Bagel Queen, Bagel King but above all you must be super efficient! Our bagel is the best in KAF village! KAF is such a nice place for HOT yoga! It’s fun to do yoga military style. People that came to my class were from different countries. It was exactly what Yoga means – Union! Jennifer, QC Jennifer F. Retail Attendant Kandahar Air Field Joint Task Force Afghanistan Roto 7
Unforgettable is the word that comes to my mind when I think of my tour. I believe I am an extremely lucky person to have had the chance to live such an experience. Nancy, MB Nancy M. Fitness, Sports and Recreation Coordinator Camp Mirage Joint Task Force Afghanistan Roto 8
It's been a fantastic opportunity to work so closely with the military members. I think the most important role we have here is to treat the military members like people, to remind them that the world is bigger than the camp and to bring their mindset to home when they're so far away from it. A few people coming through from KAF asked me if it was what I had expected. Honestly, it is. The training prepared me for my duties and the advice and stories from my peers painted a vivid picture…. But Mirage is a LOT smaller than you think! I am learning a lot about my own strengths and weaknesses and everyday I end up doing something new that I never would've had the opportunity if not for this experience! I have not seen one spider yet…. The anticipation is unbearable. Expect it when you least expect it!
Jennifer, ON Jennifer H. Retail Attendant Kandahar Air Field Joint Task Force Afghanistan Roto 7
I've been back in Canada for almost a month now and my head is still reeling from the experience. Our days were filled with long hours of work, but our free time is also filled with opportunities that most Canadians would never get to experience. From getting the chance to take a spin in a tank, drive a LAV, take close up looks of Chinook and Griffon helicopters, riding in the cockpit of the Hercs and C-17s (it helps if you bribe the pilots with timbits!), to seeing the smiles of appreciation on the faces of soldiers, learning about a completely different culture, and forming friendships with some of the most amazing people you'll ever meet. The base also offers many activities such as pool tables, salsa dancing, coffee shops, board games, bingo, poker, and casino nights, a theatre and DVD rentals, libraries, hip hop nights and talent shows, gyms, massage parlours and spas, shopping, and many other things. You cannot get bored in KAF! Claudine, QC Claudine F. Admin & Special Events Coordinator Kandahar Air Field Joint Task Force Afghanistan Roto 7
Sometimes we think that we are having a bad day. It only takes a quick look at the guys out there in the field, putting their life on the line for our freedom and it gives us the energy to keep going. It's hard...but not as hard as some. Jennifer, BC Jennifer M. Retail Attendant Kandahar Air Field Joint Task Force Afghanistan Roto 7
One of life’s special gifts that relatively few Canadian civilians get to experience - the sights, the sounds, the feelings, the people & the work…living in and being part of that world that is KAF. I got to be one of the chosen few. I am both privileged and grateful for this. The first part of my tour, with the exception of 3 weeks (one in New Canada House, one as morning decorator in bakery and one in store front Tim Horton’s), was working in the Bakery on the afternoon shift. This involved a whole lot of cleaning, the usual anticipating and keeping up with production needs (aka keep those donuts/cookies/muffins coming!), reefer runs (trips to the reefers to restock the bakery freezers for the morning shift), training five of my fellow co-workers in the art of donut decorating and baking and the extra cleaning tasks that are required to be done during this shift. Did I mention we do a lot of cleaning? With the dust everywhere in KAF, we have to be extra diligent in the bakery – one of the differences between here and "back in Canada". The second part of my tour was entirely spent as the morning baker. Work is slated to begin at 3 AM (02:45 actually since everyone is expected to be at work 15 min. before their shift begins). I loved to walk to work in the peace of the night-time sky, although quiet may not truly express the truth, with the constant takeoff and landing sounds of the planes/helicopters. Only the odd vehicle on the road and the odd person here and there that one meets on ones way, including those that would be sitting outside the Tim Horton’s chatting via their laptops to love ones back home. It is relatively quiet … even with the sounds of the guns at the firing range going off, or periodically the planned detonation of gathered explosives … much quieter than the noises and dust of the day. The main difference with this shift is the majority of the donuts/cookies/muffins/bagels are made and sold during the morning shift – there is no time for extra cleaning, just the normal "clean as you go". And, of course, keep those donuts/cookies/muffins/bagels coming! One doesn’t work alone in the bakery - there is a second person that decorates the donuts. Both are responsible for clean up. At times if there is a short staff situation in the storefront, one person may do both positions while the other fills in front for breaks. Teamwork is truly valued here and it goes both ways. I had a co-worker who was working the counter at the time, volunteering to come in two hours early to work as the decorator until store opening. It was a Saturday, which is our busiest day of the week. She did it and saved me a whole lot of stress. Many people preferred to be working more directly with the soldiers than being in the bakery – that there isn’t enough contact within the job and that is why they are there. I believe I served our soldiers there well. Whenever a conversation came up that I worked in the bakery, smiles and delight broke out and there was always a "so & so donut is the best ever" statement. It reminded me of the smiling faces of kids in a candy store – that same kind of pleasure. My "contact time" with the soldiers was mainly at meal times, en route to work/home, assisting with the bingo at the market or at the post office where the packing and shipping of treasures bought for love ones took place. Also, listening to advice or during that every 5 to 7 minutes when we checked the storefront display, made eye contact, a big smile, and wished them a great day. Even a warning to stay out of the puddles or whatever would brighten their day for that small moment in time as we were zooming in and out again. I often referred to my stay in KAF as my stay at the Spa. This wasn’t in anyway disrespectful to our soldiers or to KAF. This was in part because many of the people I know simply didn’t know where I was, while those who did were reassured by this attitude and the simple recognition that there is a difference in the experience levels at KAF. I was prepared for long hours … but the soldiers put in many more. I was prepared for discomfort only to arrive and find I would be staying in a room with a real bed and only one roommate at a time. I got to go to the gym everyday. My meals were prepared for me as well as my laundry. We had showers in our ISOS. True they didn’t work all the time. There were a couple of times where I actually went to the building next door that had water pressure and very cold water only but I got to have a shower. Soldiers in the field don’t have these luxuries. Amazingly they don’t hold it against us. It did take me a little time to get over feeling guilty about it. We all had jobs to do …and we did them well. It was that teamwork thing again. Before going to KAF I had thought that one of the assets I would be bringing with me was that I would be a reminder to the soldiers of their own mom/sister/grandma/next-door neighbour/friend or even a symbol of home. And, sure enough, I was told just that a number of times. The last time I was asked why I was there, I simply asked "why are you here?" and how could I not be here while you were? And they understood. It is that kind of experience. Would I recommend this experience to others - of course, I already have. Would I do this again? I am hoping to. First I have to spend time with my family. Celest, AB Celest N. Travel Coordinator Kandahar Air Field Joint Task Force Afghanistan Roto 7
There were so many truly amazing people I had the privilege to work with, both in KAF and Camp Mirage. I learned so much about the military, all of which was a mystery to me before...I have a greater respect for those that serve abroad, and appreciate the efforts and sacrifice they make, experiencing it first-hand. It was a great feeling when the members would stop in to say thank you for arranging their trip, knowing they have much greater issues to deal with. It was fulfilling knowing that my efforts helped them not worry about their leave. I Can't wait to do it again!
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