PUMA Force Reaches New Heights In Kenya 845 - The Far Side Of The

such as “painful”, “proud”, “sad”, “conflicted” and “confused” were expressed.

Passages from the Bible and Prayers were led by Padre Paul Stephens, RAF Benson. His colleague, Padre Philip Wilson, remarked: “We felt that, in the midst of the wallto-wall news coverage, there was a need to have literally a safe space for people to reflect and to remember.

For a lot of people in JHC, Afghanistan represented an enormously significant amount of time in their lives and there is a need to express that mentally, emotionally, and spiritually in a way that hopefully makes sense. To re-member is to bring together what was dis-membered and this is an important aspect of our work as Padres. We are always here to help people reflect and to find value and meaning in what we are all asked to do. I would strongly encourage people to get in touch with us if there’s ever anything we can do to help them or their loved ones.”

Below are some poignant verses from “The End and the Beginning” by Wislawa Szymborska, which were read during the vigils:

After every war someone has to tidy up. Things won’t pick themselves up after all. Someone has to shove the rubble to the roadsides so the carts loaded with corpses can get by.

Someone has to trudge through sludge and ashes, through the sofa springs, the shards of glass, the bloody rags. Someone has to lug the post to prop the wall, someone has to glaze the window, set the door in its frame.

No sound bites, no photo opportunities, and it takes years. All the cameras have gone to other wars.

Someone, broom in hand, still remembers how it was. Someone else listens, nodding his unshattered head. But others are bound to be bustling nearby who’ll find all that a little boring.

From time to time someone still must dig up a rusted argument from underneath a bush and haul it off to the dump.

Those who knew what this was all about must make way for those who know little. And less than that. And at last nothing less than nothing.

PUMA FORCE REACHES NEW HEIGHTS IN KENYA

In late Sep 21, twelve members of the Puma Force deployed on Exercise INUA ASKARI, as part of Joint Helicopter Force (Kenya) (JHF(K)), have summited Mount Kenya.

Written By: Flt Lt Tom McInally

Whilst eagerly awaiting the arrival of their Puma Helicopter aircraft for the start of the Exercise, the recent deployment of RAF Benson personnel ensured that this time was not wasted. They grasped an opportunity to undertake a four-day expedition to summit Mt Kenya. The entire team successfully summited the Point Lenana peak, which sits at an altitude of 4,985m/16,355ft.

The unanticipated opportunity for adventurous training was unique and thoroughly enjoyed by all members of the crew. Spirits remained high throughout the trek and forged a strong feeling of team ethos through the numerous challenges that the mountain presented.

Logistical support was provided by the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK). The Team also placed their faith in the mountain leaders and porters of African Ascents, who demonstrated outstanding care and skills throughout.

Thankfully the Pumas have now arrived in Kenya and the first flights have taken place. During the Exercise, the Puma Force will deliver the JHF(K) commitment to support Battle Group land training, staged from BATUK. The deployment will also enable key engagements with members of the Kenyan Government and Armed Forces, paving the way for the future of Britain’s Global Hub in east Africa.

33 Sqn OC B Flt thanking the African Ascents team on day four.

Campsite below the summit of Mt Kenya..