A safe return from Afghanistan

The threat of enemy insurgents was just another part of the daily routine for two Ancaster reservists who recently returned from Afghanistan.
Sergeant Bradley Lofchik and Corporal Derk Dunford served an eight month tour of duty in Kandahar, Afghanistan with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada.
Sgt. Lofchik and Cpl. Dunford provided security for government representatives as they toured Kandahar province in Southern Afghanistan. They were part of a Canadian contingent estimated at 2,700. Canadian troops are expected to remain in Afghanistan until 2011 according to current federal government plans.
On Monday morning, Sgt. Lofchik and Cpl. Dunford gave a presentation to students at CH Bray Public School, where Derk’s father, Doug Dunford, serves as principal.
Sgt. Lofchik, 30, who once attended CH Bray, said most Afghans he met appreciated the involvement of Canadian Forces who are helping to provide peace and stability.
“The country still has a long way to go, unfortunately. But all I hear from the locals is nothing but good things.”
Sgt. Lofchik said several key areas were targeted by enemy insurgents, including the local Afghan police headquarters and a jail.
Cpl. Dunford, 19, said it was not uncommon to hear loud explosions that would shake some of the buildings in their area. Just one week before their departure, the governor’s mansion in Kandahar province was targeted by a suicide bomber. No Canadians were involved.
“Every day there would be something new,” Cpl. Dunford said. “It just became normal. It was life.”
When it comes to fixing Afghanistan’s social, political and economic problems, Sgt. Lofchik said the only solution is time.
“Like any other country, there’s no quick fix,” he said.
Just a few hours after the reservists’ visit to CH Bray, Canadians were reminded of the heavy toll the country has paid during the Afghanistan mission. By Monday afternoon, the Canadian Press had reported the death of Private Alexandre Péloquin, 20, of the Royal 22e Regiment, based at CFB Valcartier near Quebec City. The Canadian Press reported Pte. Péloquin was killed by a makeshift bomb while on foot patrol in the Panjwaii district of Kandahar province. Pte. Péloquin’s death marks 119 casualties for Canadian Forces since the combat mission began in 2002.
After showing students a slide show of photos from their mission, Sgt. Lofchik and Cpl. Dunford fielded questions from CH Bray students.
Sgt. Lofchik described the Taliban as “the bad people” who have access to guns and impose their will with brute force.
“They’re people who don’t agree with the beliefs of the other people,” said Sgt. Lofchik.
As CH Bray Principal Doug Dunford explained, the Taliban seek to ban girls from attending school.
The Taliban ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001 and still control several key areas.
The slide show included photos of various buildings that have been protected and maintained by Canadian forces. A new Kandahar City University is a recent addition, along with several new schools. Canadian troops helped to rebuild a retaining wall at a local jail that was damaged during an attack. An abandoned hospital was also surveyed in the hope it can be reopened. The presentation also included shots of armed soliders in military fatigues, soldiers handing out supplies to Afghan children, scores of supporters lining the Highway of Heroes and reservists hoisting cups of Tim Hortons coffee. A photo of a soldier seated on Santa Claus’ lap prompted laughter from the students.
One student asked the reservists if they had fun during their mission.
“It’s not meant to be a fun experience,” said Cpl. Dunford, so it’s not as fun as you might think.”
Cpl. Dunford was one of the youngest reservists ever accepted for an overseas mission by the Argylls. Like the rest of his colleagues, he underwent a one-year training program at CFB Petawawa before being dispatched into the field.
Now that their tour of duty is complete, both reservists are looking forward to new careers. Sgt. Lofchik plans to attend teacher’s college. Cpl. Dunford hopes to become a paramedic.