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OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, October 23, 2009 · 16 The Armed Forces come to T.A. Blakelock By Clayton Ward-Theriault GRADE 12. T.A. BLAKELOCK think? L a n d l o c k e d ? Corruption? Devastation? War-torn? Terrorism? Well when I hear the word I think of the Canadian Armed Forces. Just stop and think for a minute. These brave men and women are over there risking their lives for the innocent people of Afghanistan alongside the U.S., Britain, as well as other NATO countries. Words cannot express the extent of the challenges faced by these valiant men and women On Monday, Oct. 19, Captain Cole Heffren, a member of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry visited T.A Blakelock and spoke to about 100 Grade 11 and 12 students about W hen you hear the word Afghanistan what do you his recent deployment in Kandahar. Back from his tour, Heffren is again serving his own community as a police officer in Peel Region. His visit was part of the English Department's study of Khaled Hosseini's best-selling novel The Kite Runner. After reading the book and undertaking a series of PowerPoint assignments about Afghanistan which related to the story, Heffren was invited to convey his real-life, firsthand experience and impressions on this topic. Heffren was deployed August 2008 as a CivilMilitary Co-operation Team Leader (CIMIC). In this capacity, his duties included overseeing and developing reconstruction programs in the community. He also worked with local district leaders on governance issues and security co-ordination. ber of questions about his own personal feelings about Afghanistan. Students were interested in hearing his views on what we consider to be corruption. Heffren implied that although we see some of the activities as corrupt, it is the norm for many Afghans. When asked what he missed most about Canada, he told us that cleanliness was slim to none compared to home. In his presentation, he He also stated that showed us a photograph flushing toilets were not of a school that was con- in evidence, all waste was structed by Canadians. Unfortunately, the school was a boys-only school, as girls are still restricted in this very conservative Islamic region. Portrayed in the picture was the head master of the school holding a whip, an odd sight in the eyes of Canadians. After his presentation, Heffren was asked a num- drained into the street, he even saw kids playing in it, which is a growing cause of disease. The team with whom Heffren worked, were located in a fire base and were constantly under fire from incoming missiles and gunfire. However, no damage was incurred because of the protective sandbag system. The biggest challenge in the base was from Camel Spiders, but these were soon controlled. Only on patrols did the soldiers have a sense of real danger from Improvised explosive devices (IED). Light armoured vehicles were used to transport troops on patrol, and Afghans were well aware to keep their distance. The general feeling of the students when the presentation was over was one of the most positive I have seen in my four years at high school. We all felt connected to all the Canadians serving in such a hostile environment. Words cannot express our gratitude and respect. FACTORY AUTHORIZED SOLID WOOD SALE Durham Furniture Unbeatable prices on Special Orders, In Stock Floor Models and Opportunity Buys! True Canadianmade quality at a price that will surprise you There's never been a better time to save! Solid Maple King Panel Bed Reg. $1999 Opportunity Buy, Limited Quantity $ 799 4205 Fairview Street, Burlington · 905.634.5298 Heritage Furniture Don't miss out on this one time offer!