AndyBaker

23 years to the day after watching my son Ben born I've just seen him on to a plane at Brize Norton for a 4 month tour of Afghanistan. Held it together till I got to the car

mgcvk

Brave lad. Hope he's back soon safe and sound. That is a very tough one for a parent.

AndyBaker

Thanks mate it was an experience I wouldn't want to repeat.

Peedee

iTrader: (4)

My mum was (and still is) the same with me (I'm still mummy's little soldier ).

He'll be fine mate, no need to worry at all! He might get a douse of the s h I t s though if he's unlucky lol!! Keep us all updated on how he's doing!

What part of the forces is he in?

AndyBaker

RAF so hopefully not as bad as the lads who go out on foot patrol but not too sure exactly what he's doing, he hasn't said too much so we haven't asked.

AndyBaker

On a lighter note he made his Mother's day by telling her that after he'd been out in mine he's getting himself an Impreza when he gets back

David Lock

I have a son that age and it would tear me apart if I had to do similar so I really empathise.

I am sure 4 months will pass quickly and he will be fine. Aren't some of the lads doing a 9 month tour now?

I don't support the war but I am full of admiration for our lads, and lasses, out there.

God's speed for a safe return.

David

Oldun

I cried when my daughter got posted to RAF Leuchars, I dread to think of the emotion you felt when your lad left for Afghanistan.

I bet you felt proud at his graduation at RAF Halton

GazTheHat

That must've been tough.

willN

iTrader: (1)

Respect to your son! I wish I had the ***** to do something like that with my life.. still got my navy application paperwork in a draw at home somewhere!

Four months will fly by and he'll be home in no time!

The Trooper 1815

iTrader: (31)

Even though my deploying days are over I still send a few off and look after the home base.

My son-in-law is still at it and as only just come back. I flap like a good'un but remain positive for my daughter and the grand children. He's been away a few times, as we all have, but it does not get any better.

Time will fly mate and if you need any advice or info drop me a PM, it's now my main focus. Hope you have all the info about e-blueys etc?

Ian

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

Mate, it's bad enough when your kids leave to go to University, what you must be thinking now, I don't know.

Hope everything is OK.

PS: DO NOT brood tomorrow...you will feel like it.

tubbytommy

iTrader: (20)

chin up fella, nice to see some brave young men in the world.

you must be very proud.

AndyBaker

Thanks for the kind words lads, and I might just take you up on your offer Trooper. Funniest thing ever was when he was checking his kit in at the passenger terminal which is a bit like a normal airport except for the bit where the women said "will you be checking a weapon in sir". Now I thought that was funny until she then went on to ask if he had anything sharp on him. wtf is that all about, he can cart an SA80 on but not a screwdriver

Peedee

iTrader: (4)

Someone correct me if I'm wrong on this (trooper) but don't SF carry their weapons on them if required to I.e once they get to theatre, they're off straight away?

AndyBaker

Sure was Oldun and the best bit was when we got taken into the Trenchard museum and they had some older guys, volunteers I suppose showing people round. Well I was with my Dad who came to see him pass out and one of the old guys was pointing out their pride of honour which was a British Empire medal at which point I said to my Dad "show them yours" which he was awarded for services to the public as a motorway copper, I believe it's the services equivalent to the MBE. My Dad has left it to my son in his will but apparently (and maybe Trooper can confirm this) he is not allowed to wear it until my Dad passes on.

Peedee

iTrader: (4)

That's true, plus the wearer will wear it on his right side, not his left

TH9564

iTrader: (2)

Where did you get sf from? He's is RAF not sf, and no they don't! That would be somewhat of an advert! They are normally the guys with beards!
Also don't sweat it just keep in touch, its amazing how hearing about mundane normal life is good to hear when out there! He is probably based at bastion unless he is a jtac.

AndyBaker

Bastion it is.

Peedee

iTrader: (4)

I know he's RAF, but all sorts get onto the plane....different corps / regiments / arms etc. yeah I don't mean the sf walk on the plane looking like Rambo with grenades hanging off their chest and knives attached to their hips.

Oh, and not all SF have great big beards and look like they haven't slept for 5 years........THAT WOULD BE SOMEWHAT OF AN ADVERT.

The Trooper 1815

iTrader: (31)

Probably a side arm but yes they do carry weapons on aircraft. Most normal journeys have weapons bundled but theatre entry may necessitate weapons stowed under seats.

BOB.T

I had a similar experience in Sweden, there we were divvying up our baggage to get under the weight limit, checking what we could and couldn't carry, packing our bags ourselves etc etc when a group of squaddies came in and checked in their rifles!

Best wishes to your lad, I'm sure he'll be fine!

Leslie

I wish him all the best and a safe return.

Les

AndyBaker

Just had a 15 minute conversation with Ben on Skype and all seems well, he can't say too much but there seems to be plenty kicking off reading between the lines. Anyway his mothers a lot happier now (asked him if he needed any pants sending out) God bless mothers

Turbohot

Good to know you and his mum have heard from your brave son. Take it easy.

AndyBaker

Thanks mate

AndyBaker

Pleased to say that my son came home very recently in one piece and whilst having seen some harrowing things he believes we are there to make things better. I knew I'd be proud of him but ............. He gave us a certificate marking our 25th wedding anniversary together with the actual American flag that was flying over Bastion on that day (together with photo). He also got a commendation from the The U S Commander for his "efforts" whilst there (another certificate) so all is good at the Baker household

donny andi

iTrader: (3)

Happy times fella .....now go buy the boy a beer for a job well done

AndyBaker

Already done mate and its surprising how not having a drink for that long affects them. He's still "having a sleep".

Gpowerfq400

I'm glad he said its werth while I think it's a good cause well done