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This week was crazy-busy, so I've given up trying to write entries for every day that things happen... today is the Coles Notes version of this week.
Where to start? Many of you have asked how Torit the wonderdog is. The last time anyone saw him was the night I left for Kapoeta, and that was two weeks ago. I think he had been struck or kicked by something or someone, and his neck seemed to be badly damaged or even broken. He was having trouble walking and didn't seem to be able to close his mouth, or turn/move his head. I think that he went away to die. I hope you died quickly and quietly Torit. Rest in peace.
Tuesday was a bit a shocker for me. I was duty officer at the Team site, and had the chance to mount a quick reaction patrol to investigate an incident that had happened the night before, but the victims had only made it to the hospital that morning. I spent some time in and around Torit, and visited the local hospital, including the childrens ward, with some UN police and was present during some of the interviews of
the surviors. Suffice it to say that I will never forget the things I saw or heard, and will never be able to understand why people do the things they do. These types of things happen in every country in the world, but I am still at a loss to fully understand why. I will leave it at that, as I can't/shouldn't discuss it in detail for security reasons.
On Thursday, we had some cargo arrive on a Russian MI-6 helicopter. The sheer size of this thing is incredible, it unloaded a dockyard-style fork lift, and then unloaded our cargo. I got a few pictures, but you have to stand beside this thing to get an appreciation for how big it really is. It seems to be as big as one of our C-130 Hercules transport aircraft... except it's a HELICOPTER. The big bonus of the whole cargo load was the all-terrain tires;these tires should enable us better control and traction while driving on the poor roads during the rainy season. Previously, we had been given all season tires with a M+S (mud and snow) rating stamped on the side. Anybody knows that this does not consitute an "all-terrain"
or "mud" tire; however, somebody in HQ in Khartoum thought these are what the UNMO's need in the team site... so that's what we kept getting. I would like to bring tho light the fact that UNMIS has been active since 2005, and has been active through TWO rainy seasons, and team-sites like Torit had been making requests for all-terrain/mud tires since 2005. We got them on Thursday, July 6, 2007. Aaah, bureaucracy at it's finest.
On Friday, Alex, a Dutch UN Police (UNPOL) member, headed for home. He lived in the container-group next to mine, and was a good guy. He has some leave to burn, and then starts his out-clearance in Khartoum. Alex also was also a big helper with morale and welfare at the camp, as he was the resident beer/soda seller for the Welfare Committee, and had a great selection of movies that he lent out for people to watch. We will miss you Alex!! Thankfully, he left us the whole collection of DVD's when he departed, so we can continue to have "movie nights" every Saturday. (Ron, if you are reading this, SEND BIKE MOVIES ASAP... I'M DYING) Now that Alex is gone, I
moved my things over to his container, primarily because the fridge is there and I am now the soda/beer seller, but also beacuse he had some extra furniture/ammenities/food that makes life easier. So I got re-settled on Saturday afternoon, and we watched "The Australian Lighthorsemen," courtesy of our Aussie UNPOL's Scott and Duane. The last time I watched that movie was with my Dad, and it brought a smile to my face. I encourage any of you who enjoy horses and miltary movies to check it out. It is based upon real events during WWI, in which the Lighthorse Regiments charged Turkish defences at Beersheba, enabling the other British Forces to capture the town. The camera-work and sound during the final charge is incredible, I caught myself holding my breath. Anyway.... I'm rambling.
I also had the chance this week to witness the deployment of some troops to a new location in the country. As an UN Military Observer, this falls under our duties of "Monitor and Verify" the movement of all forces in you area of responsibility. The troops were excited and after speeches from their Brigade Commander and the Acting-Governor of the State, they ran to their
trucks and mounted up. These trucks were piled to maximum capacity with equipment and personal effects, there were even bicycles strapped to the sides of the cargo area. When dismissed the troops all ran to the trucks, and climbed aboard, ready to ride to their destination perched high atop all of their gear, waving their Ak-47's. It was quite the sight to see. Just a little bit different than the way things are done in the Canadian Forces. Once everyone was loaded up, one excited truck driver pulled out and did a couple of doughnuts in the dirt... on the second time around a soldier flew right off the back of the truck, falling about 10-12 feet. He lay on the ground for a bit, but then got up and climbed back up on his truck to the cheers and whistle0blowing of his comrades. It was quite the experience. I have some pictures and video of the "dismount", but will save them for viewing until I get home, once again I cannot discuss details for security reasons.
I also need to introduce Scott and Duane, the two Australian UNPOL's who arrived in Torit about 2 weeks after I did.
They are good guys, and always have a smile and a joke for you when you see them. They assist the local Southern Sudanese Police Force with establishing a recruiting/training program, as well as reinforcing the conepts of the judiciary system and all that it entails. Today Yannick, Scott, Duane and I had a lunch of french toast. It was quite good. Yannick did the cooking of the toast, as he is French-Canadian; I made apple topping on the stove, and Duane made "damper" or Australian Bush Bread. The bread didn't turn out because the oven wouldn't get hot enough to bake it, but we are going to try again using different methods. While the three of us were cooking, Scott stood around and made fun of us, and told jokes... all of which are essential to having a good Aussie-Canuck Sunday brunch. They are always saying things like "BONZA! RIPPA! A DINGO ATE MY BABY!" and my personal favourite, "THAT'S NOT A KNIFE, THIS IS A KNIFE!" Okay... I'm only kidding, but I think I'm funny and that's all that counts.
Anyhow, I'll leave you with some final pictures of some serious contenders for PIMP MY RIDE -
SUDAN EDITION. For those of you unfamiliar with the show, the cast finds an person driving an absolute piece-of-crap car, and then the fix it all up, installing stupid gizmos like cappucino makers, fog machines, and ping-pong tables. Here ya go... I'm out.
PS - here is a picture of our team site! Enjoy.
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Laurie (Your favorite 407 Sqn Clk)
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Hello Don, I'm really enjoying reading your site. Missing you in the Sqn and on the ferry....lol. Take care and keep on writing. So sad to hear about Torit the dog. How is your garden after the rain?