Picture this: two American fighter jets and a Canadian Chinook helicopter are all in the air in closer proximity than you would ever imagine they should be.
Meanwhile, a pair of U.S. Blackhawk helicopters are also on final approach, adding to the chaos on the world’s busiest runway, and interrupting a briefing of a group of NHL alumni who are in Afghanistan for the fifth time in as many years.
This is my second journey to the war-torn country; I was here last year as well. I, and the former NHL players I accompanied, will spend some time with our soldiers, play a little ball hockey, and hopefully provide a welcome diversion from the stresses of war.
Though the battle against the Taliban and insurgents in Afghanistan has been overshadowed by the protests and unrest happening in places like Egypt and Libya in recent weeks, coming back to Kandahar Air Field (KAF) is still a very emotional journey; the monument at the base honouring fallen soldiers is testament to the many sacrifices that have been made.
Yet progress is being made. Bolstered by an increase in American feet on the ground, the coalition forces have pushed ahead, causing the enemy extreme difficulties and resulting in fewer injuries and fatalities to our Canadian troops.
When asked how he deals with the uncertainties of war, one soldier on our flight into KAF replied, “No news is good news.”
In true hockey style, there has been blood spilled on this trip with the NHL alumni in Kandahar. A couple of high sticks and one accidental (on purpose) elbow from Tiger Williams.
When this group of former players, musicians, comedians and MMA fighters (don’t ever call them wrestlers) leaves, they will have brightened spirits and at the very least served as a distraction from the reality to our men and women who are serving in a war zone.
These trips, which started in 2007 by Chief of Defense Staff, General Rick Hillier (ret) and continued by his predecessor General Walt Natynczyk, have helped create a Canadian identity at Kandahar Airfield. But what will be Canada’s legacy?
The influence of the United States forces here is undeniable, by both the sheer numbers of soldiers and chain of command. Despite fewer aircraft, vehicles, guns and people, Canada may be what is left behind.
The ball hockey rink dominates the infield at the boardwalk. It’s a gathering place for sports, minor shops and restaurants. KFC is here, TGI Fridays as well, but if you want a coffee every soldier and civilian makes the trip to Tim Hortons where the only negative is line-up.
Fitness, fun and food is the lasting impression on base but outside the wire, Canada’s mission is shifting. Like the hockey rinks’ large impression on the enlisted, the Afghanistan population has trouble seeing past the work of Canadian forces.
Combat missions are giving way to a rebuild of a nation. Weapons turn into shovels and heavy machinery used to construct schools and repair roads damaged by the enemy.
Blood has been spilled, the cost incredibly more severe than a high stick but the legacy will be greater than a ball hockey rink and a Canadian coffee shop.