Guido
24th Dec 2003, 17:39
I would like to wish the Seasons Best to all our people on Operational Detachments overseas.
I know from experience that sometimes the camaraderie makes for a good time, sometimes too good but nothing replaces the joys of being with family and friends.
Keep up the good work – you DO have people back here supporting you.:ok:
NURSE
24th Dec 2003, 18:22
Can I agree with the above comment and extended my Christmas Best wishes to all of HM Forces currently deployed overseas.
Lionel Lion
24th Dec 2003, 18:57
Happy Chrimbo chaps. Take care
:ok:
WASALOADIE
24th Dec 2003, 20:20
A very Merry Christmas and happy New Year to all on duty away from home at the moment, especially to all my old colleagues on the SH Force.
Uncle Ginsters
24th Dec 2003, 20:41
Ladies and Gents working overseas this Christmas,
Have a safe and Happy Christmas and New Year wherever you may be,
Special wishes to all (former) tanker/AT buddies on Det or down route over the festive season,
http://home.no.net/anyas/xmaspict85.gif
:ok:
Uncle G
OFBSLF
24th Dec 2003, 20:55
Christmas Best wishes to all of HM ForcesI'd like to extend my best wishes to all forces from all of the many countries who are deployed. Keep your heads down, your body armor on, and come home safe.
Man-on-the-fence
24th Dec 2003, 21:04
Cheers chaps. It means a lot to this Fence that you guys do what you do.
Always in our thoughts
MOTF
propulike
24th Dec 2003, 21:45
Not my poem, but it's been posted here for the last couple of years. If you haven't read it before here it is - not everyone can associate with it, but readers of this forum will.
Merry Christmas to all.
A SOLDIERS CHRISTMAS
T’WAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS,
HE LIVED ALL ALONE,
IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE,
MADE OF PLASTER AND STONE.
I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY,
WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE,
AND TO SEE JUST WHO,
IN THIS HOME, DID LIVE.
I LOOKED ALL ABOUT,
A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE,
NO TINSEL, NO PRESENTS,
NOT EVEN A TREE.
NO STOCKING BY MANTLE,
JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND,
ON THE WALL HUNG PICTURES,
OF FAR DISTANT LANDS.
WITH MEDALS AND BADGES,
AWARDS OF ALL KINDS,
A SOBER THOUGHT,
CAME THROUGH MY MIND.
FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT,
IT WAS DARK AND DREARY,
I FOUND THE HOME OF A SOLDIER,
ONCE I COULD SEE CLEARLY.
THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING,
SILENT, ALONE,
CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR,
IN THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME.
THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE,
THE ROOM IN SUCH DISORDER,
NOT HOW I PICTURED,
A PROFESSIONAL SOLDIER.
WAS THIS THE HERO, OF WHOM I’D JUST READ?
CURLED UP ON A PONCHO, THE FLOOR FOR A BED?
I REALIZED THE FAMILIES,
THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT,
OWED THEIR LIVES TO THESE SOLDIERS,
WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT.
SOON ROUND THE WORLD,
THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY,
AND GROWNUPS WOULD CELEBRATE,
A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY.
THEY ALL ENJOYED FREEDOM,
EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR,
BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS,
LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE.
I COULDN’T HELP WONDER,
HOW MANY LAY ALONE,
ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE,
IN A LAND FAR FROM HOME.
THE VERY THOUGHT BROUGHT,
A TEAR TO MY EYE,
I DROPPED TO MY KNEES,
AND STARTED TO CRY.
THE SOLDIER AWAKENED,
AND I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE,
“SANTA DON’T CRY,
THIS LIFE IS MY CHOICE;
I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM,
I DON’T ASK FOR MORE,
MY LIFE IS MY GOD,
MY COUNTRY, MY CORPS.”
THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER,
AND DRIFTED TO SLEEP,
I COULDN’T CONTROL IT,
I CONTINUED TO WEEP.
I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS,
SO SILENT AND STILL,
AND WE BOTH SHIVERED,
FROM THE COLD NIGHT’S CHILL.
I DIDN’T WANT TO LEAVE,
ON THAT COLD, DARK, NIGHT,
THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOR,
SO WILLING TO FIGHT.
THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER,
WITH A VOICE SOFT AND PURE,
WHISPERED, “CARRY ON SANTA,
IT’S CHRISTMAS DAY, ALL IS SECURE.”
ONE LOOK AT MY WATCH, AND I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT.
“MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND, AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT.”
Brian Dixon
24th Dec 2003, 22:08
Excellent Thread.
Merry Christmas everyone, and thank you for doing what you all do.
http://www.stopstart.freeserve.co.uk/smilie/santa_2.gif
Tonkenna
25th Dec 2003, 04:00
Merry Christmas guys and girls,
No doubt it will be us next year
Tonks http://www.stopstart.freeserve.co.uk/smilie/guin.gif
Huron Topp
25th Dec 2003, 08:05
May the Moose Milk flow, wherever the boys and girls are. I thanks god that I'm able to be with family and friends, remembering all too well what it was like being somewhere I'd rather not be during holidays. Stay safe and know that we care.
insty66
25th Dec 2003, 08:20
Just about to turn in but can't go without saying to all detached people.................Have as good and safe Christmas as you can. May your New year bring you home quickly and soon.
Lastly to those I know out there "stay safe, come home" and for one person Your Niece loved her card:ok:
See you next year when it's my turn!!!!!!!!!:ugh:
Flak Jacket
26th Dec 2003, 18:21
Thanks to all of the above. It does mean a lot to all detached personel to hear that we are still in the thoughts of those back home. Festive cheer to all. :ok: FJ
TRF4EVR
26th Dec 2003, 18:53
Merry Christmas from the embarrassing relations across the pond. And THANKS. :ok:
Flak Jacket
27th Dec 2003, 01:58
And whilst detached away from home, using the wonderful welfare computers used by all of us, I must remember to log off from PPRuNe when I have finished :uhoh:
Don't worry FJ, I will log off for you :p
Anon
P.S. FJ has kindly, unknowingly, let me also add my thanks and best wishes to you all. Have a good one.
Flak Jacket
27th Dec 2003, 19:26
Oops, Thank you anon. Kind sir. :ok: