Story from local Kiwi Trooper far far away...
Hello everyone in the Bay of Plenty i'm CPL Mathew Ohlson and i'm a soldier in the New Zealand Army. I'm currently serving in Afghanistan with the NZPRT (New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team) CRIB 21.
Just a little background about myself i grew up in a small town of Murupara and joined the army in 2001 when i was 19yo as a Infantry soldier with the RNZIR and then late 2007 Corp changed to RNZAC to become an Armoured Warrior.
I'm posted to Linton Military Camp in Palmerston North. I've been deployed to East Timor twice 2002 BATT6- 2006/07 GYRO 2 and also twice to Afghanistan CRIB 18 2011- CRIB 21 2012/13 (current). I'm currently based in the Bamyan province of Afghanistan, in our FOB (Forward Operating Base) known as Kiwi Base and this camp houses for at least 200-250 people.
Our camp is fully facilitated to our every need such as Internet, TV/Rec room, Welfare phones, Dining hall, Gym, accommodation, Washers/ Dryers, 25m firing range and also showers and ablution blocks.
On a everyday basis we do what we need to do to get through the day whether it be on task, resting, conducting maintenance on NZLAV or fine tuning our own soldiering skills or providing security to Kiwi Base.
It's a busy lifestyle here in camp and at times can be really quiet, so that gives me the chance to either ring back home to my wife or jump online and catch up with friends on facebook, as well as online shopping.
My Primary role as a NZLAV Crew Commander, Callsign "PEGASUS" KT2A is to provide that Mobility, Firepower and Protection that the NZLAV can give to our fellow soldiers on the ground and it has been a great vehicle to work with over here.
I've been here since October 6th and wont be home till mid next year, all i would like to say to everyone in New Zealand and especially to my wonderful family living in Kutarere and Palmerston North is to wish use all a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year and to remember those who cant be home with their loved ones and families on this special occasion and to wish us all the best, AKE AKE KIA KAHA.
