A few days ago, all the soldiers received Christmas packages. Inside were the things most needed and certain to make life easier while serving on the mission, such as toiletries and sweets. This does not mean that the soldiers lack adequate medical or social support. However, small gifts from the people they love most are the most precious present. In addition to their closest relatives, some schools and preschools also organized campaigns to send greetings to the soldiers serving in Afghanistan.
Along with the greetings in the envelopes, students included wafers and sachets of coffee. Some added their address and telephone number, while others included only a short but meaningful message: “We are with you.” All the Christmas cards received were placed on the walls of the rooms where the soldiers work and rest.
The red card with large hearts attracted the attention of Lt. Karol Walczak. “It is titled ‘for the unknown soldier.’ Inside, Natalia sends wishes for a safe return home,” Walczak describes.
Navy Lt. Agnieszka Opalińska admits that the students’ gesture deeply moved the soldiers: “It is a small thing, but it brings a lot of joy. Every card is different and carefully prepared.”
Maj. Tomasz Poninkiewicz feels the same: “We are very pleased that someone remembers us. We have already sent our thanks.”
There are many ideas for reciprocating the students’ kindness. Some children received thanks by email, while others received them through Nasza-Klasa. Lt. Col. Robert Brzęk intends to take a group photo with his subordinates and send it to the students.
Warrant Officer Jan Serafin has already sent an official thank-you for the greetings received: “The card from a six-year-old girl moved me the most. Especially since I have a daughter the same age, and I also received wishes from her.”
On behalf of all the soldiers of PKW Afghanistan, we thank all the students and preschool children for the greetings they sent.
Soldiers of the 23 Śląska Brygada Artylerii are also stationed at the base in Ghazni, Afghanistan. The Bolesławiec artillerymen form part of the Fire Support Group of the sixth rotation of the Polish Task Forces. You can read more about this HERE.
(information: Anna Pawlak/Capt. Stanisław Denys/ii)