SHILO, Manitoba — Less than two months after taking delivery of the new lightweight M777 155 mm towed howitzer, gunners from A Battery, 1st Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery (1 RCHA) are deploying to Afghanistan to support ground operations.
For many gunners, this is their first tour and, for many more, the first time away from girlfriends, wives or young children. Soldiers, friends, and families gathered at the Multi-Purpose Training Facility building to cherish their last moments together and say their goodbyes.
"We've been away a lot during training for this, but it was good. I'm not really sure what to expect. This is my first tour, but I'll keep my head up, my eyes open, and I'll be learning a lot", said Bombardier Wayne Medcalf.
Across the floor, Bombardier Chris Golding was enjoying his last few minutes with wife Adrienne and daughter Keira. Engaged while he was on tour in Bosnia, Adrienne had fun planning the wedding with him away.
"When we married it was like I was signing up too, but I knew what I was getting into. I'm a little more apprehensive about this tour, but have confidence in the guys going with him," said Adrienne.
According to Warrant Officer Gord Brooks, this tour will be different. Artillerymen rarely know or meet the troops they support, being separated by distance and the number of units they are on call for. During this deployment the Battery will be split up, with a troop going to each of several infantry companies, providing dedicated fire support as required.
"I'm looking forward to this tour," said WO Brooks. "It's the first time I'll actually be employed as a gunner on a tour which puts a new spin on things. We'll also be working much closer to the troops than ever before, whichever company we're attached to, we'll be their guns. So they'll be getting to know who's supporting them. It makes it a lot more personal for us."
Article and photos by Master Corporal Dennis Power
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