Long time readers of this blog may remember my Mad Padre Vs Mad Padre post of last August. This was not a post about some internal psychic conflict, but rather a small celebration of a friend I made that summer, Padre Kevin White of the British Army Chaplain Corps. Kevin had come over to Suffield, Alberta, to be with his congregation, 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, who were training for Afghanistan. That summer we discovered a mutual passion for God, good beer, and toy soldiers, to paraphrase this blog's header. Here we are after a rousing game of I Ain't Been Shot Mum at my gaming chapel. Kevin is the chap on the right, beside the chinless wonder.
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He can also be seen on the far right of the masthead for Harry Pearson's Parum Pugna blog. Beside Harry (Achtung Schweinhund!) Pearson, Kevin's gaming circle includes another wargaming cleric, Stephen Caddy, who apparently is aware of my blog, so a wave to you, sir, if you are reading.
Well, enough of this froth, to business. Kevin wrote to me this week and said he would be deploying to Helmand Province, Afghanistan, this Easter Sunday and would likely be there until October. He goes with several other padre friends I made last summer: Padre Phil Burrows of 2nd Duke of Lancaster's Regiment (already in theatre) and Padre Nigel Kinsella of the Household Cavalry, who will be going over shortly. Phil has specifically asked for prayers that no one is killed on this rotation. The 1st Mercians lost a young Lance Corporal last week, so Helmand is still a dangerous place for the British Army even though the end now seems to be in sight. I ask you for your good thoughts and, if you are the praying type, for them and for their lads.
Great post, Mike and wonderful to see you both looking well. The thoughts, best wishes, and prayers of me and my family are with you guys - especially in Afghanistan. Make sure you come back safely Kevin, with all your mates. Perhaps we can get you a lurid shirt like Mike's for your return!! All the best!
ReplyDeleteI wish you a safe tour and hope to see more of these cheerful photographs in the future
ReplyDeleteThoughts are with you Kevin and your group. Come back safe and sound.
ReplyDeleteI wish them all the best of luck and please stay safe.
ReplyDeleteI am not normally the praying type, but since it is Easter and it is a good and just cause my thoughts and wishes go out to all ISAF personnel and families.
ReplyDeleteNice one Mike
Praying for a smooth rotation with no bad outcomes for those serving and their friends and families at home.
ReplyDeleteWill do.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a blissfully boring, uneventful rotation and a safe return.
ReplyDeleteI have had a word with Oden and asked him that no requests for table reservations at Valhalla be honoured during the next six months or so.
ReplyDelete