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The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday May 3, 2006 - 3 Nothing routine about military life in Afghanistan By Krissi Rutherford OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Oakville's Charlie Long has been stationed in Kandahar, Afghanistan since Feb. 1, and last week, The Oakville Beaver spoke to his family members to shed some light on how a local family is dealing with their son's involvement. The paper has since been in touch with Private Long via email, and the T.A. Blakelock graduate responded to a few questions to give Oakville residents an idea of what he's been experiencing over the last three months. Much of the military information is classified, so Long was unable to answer specifics regarding military activity. He is with the First Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. Q: What is your day-to-day life like? A: Here there are no typical days. In the combat arms, our main base is KAF (Kandahar Air Field) and we spend about 15 - 20 per cent of our time here. This is where there are showers, amenities, hot food. Usually we are here for rest and refit and the rest of our time is spent outside the 'wire' of the main base, where we sleep on the ground, eat rations and live out of a rucksack. We usually go out for periods as short as five days ­ if we're lucky ­ they usually last about 15-25 days. Our task depends on the mission at hand, sometimes we will be at a FOB (forward operations base). Life changes every day. We do camp security one day, a patrol through the ON PATROL: Private Charlie Long (below) and one of his Red Devil company members on patrol in Afghanistan. Hindu Kush mountain range the next, conduct vehicle check points, man ops (observation posts). There is no typical day outside the wire, no showers, no amenities ­ this is where we get the job done. Q: What's your favourite part about being in Kandahar? A: The best part about being here is wearing the Canadian flag on my shoulder and fighting for my country's beliefs. We are not conscripts, we had the option of coming here. I owe it to all the people who have gone before me, that fought for bigger things than I am fighting for now, and to ensure the safety so that others do not have to come back to this country. Q: What's the most difficult part of being in Kandahar? A: The most difficult part about being over here is being away from my family, friends and my son. It's difficult to know that they stress over the news. Not knowing is the hardest part for them and for me as well. Sometimes I can't explain to them what's going on due to operational security reasons, so that makes it difficult. Q: What's the camaraderie like within the troops? A: That's the easiest thing to comment on. Camaraderie is excellent within the first battalion, especially within my company the "Red Devils." I've known most of these guys for two and in some cases two and a half years. We spend every day together and we are all good friends, so it makes it easy. You don't feel alone, you have your buddies by your side all the time to watch your 6 (your back). Q: What are the feelings within your battalion after losing Canadian troopers? A: You try to not let it bother you. That's the reason we are here, to prevent this from happening. Time after time, it happens, but that's part of the job. It just makes you want to get out there to catch the enemy and make sure this doesn't happen on Canadian soil. Q: Describe the culture shock you felt when you first arrived in Kandahar. A: If you leave Southern Ontario it's a culture shock, but I mean this is totally different than anything I could have dreamed. These people live a terrible life compared to the Canadian lifestyle, but they are quite content with it. See Culture page 5 NEW GST NOW! READY to GO! A/C, ABS Brakes, 6-disc cd changer, limited slip diff., 18" chrome wheels, monsoon, premium sound, power everything, leather. Stk. #SL694 * $ 33,375 OR LEA $ 583* $ /MTH 0 Downpayment 3.6L V6, VVT 255 H.P., _Speed, Auto, Heated/ Power Seats, XM Satellite Radio, 17" Alloys, Stk. #CT461 2.8L V6, 6 speed manual, AM/FM/CD, heated bucket seats, Stk. #C110 $ $ 34,998OR $ $ $ 52,730 OR $ 0 Downpayment LEAS 448* /MTH 0 Downpayment LEAS 624* /MTH 410 SOUTH SERVICE ROAD, OAKVILLE 1-888-215-4849 just west of Dorval Drive www.kerroakville.com *Cars not exactly as shown. New car price is plus freight, taxes, admin. Lease based on 48 months, 80,000 kms allowance. Lease rates vary from 0.5% - 5.4% O.A.C. Prices include all GM promotions. All vehicles at Kerr 6% GST.