The war in Afghanistan seems to be dragging on for an eternity. That eternity can seem much longer when you have a loved one involved directly in the turmoil.
There are many people from the Coast of Bays who have made a career through the armed forces. It’s good to see people from our region joining in to help a country outside their own. It’s even better when they come home safe and well.
Anthony Bullen, from Boxey, is one of the fortunate people who made it home safe. He spent nearly eight months in Afghanistan in 2010 working as a mechanic. If a vehicle was broken down or had battle damage he would have to go off base to retrieve it and bring it back.
Bullen decided to join the army when he realized how much he liked cadets in school. He said that the army seemed to be a good career because of the options it provides. You can have any career and be trained for free.
Despite the stress of never knowing who the enemy is or how much danger they could be in, Bullen enjoyed his time spent over seas.
“The lifestyle is different over there but it’s always changing,” he said. “It’s progressing and it’s good to see how Canada, along with other countries, is making a difference. That’s why we’re over there.”
He said that the friends he made over there will be lifetime friendships.
He added, “You become really close with them and share a different kind of trust because you are entrusting your life to those people.”
The night of August 2 was shared with his friends and family at home. The people of Boxey and surrounding areas came together at the community centre to welcome him back. Everyone had proud faces and relieved minds to have Bullen home.
He got a chance to see people he had not seen in years and to catch up on the changes in their lives since he left about two years ago. He also liked the fact that the welcome home event gave other people that don’t normally get to be together often a chance to see one another.
Canadian troops are supposed to be coming home in 2011 so if Bullen has to return to the war it shouldn’t be for very long. For now, he is enjoying his time spent with family and old friends. He’s got his own peace for a little while.
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