While most of us will relax by the fire this Christmas and enjoy the turkey and all the festive trimmings, 28 local men will not.
Throughout the year troops from James Stephens Military Barracks in Kilkenny are relocated to different countries around the world to enforce peace as part of the UN Peace Enforcing Mission.
This year 28 soldiers from Kilkenny’s James Stephens Barracks left for Chad on September 17, for their four month mission. Due to the long stint without a break the Kilkenny barracks has found a way of linking families up at Christmas time with their loved ones and this wonderful event took place on Saturday.
Speaking to the Kilkenny Advertiser Lt Declan Barrett of James Stephens Barracks explained about the peace enforcing mission and about how they keep people connected.
“The Chad mission is different to other missions as it is very far away and takes a lot of travel to reach the destination - hence the four month stretch without a break. However it is very important that our presence is felt over there as the soldiers act as a good deterrent against possible conflict which could be caused by the refugees coming into the country and locals.”
As the mission is over the festive period James Stephens Barracks decided to introduce a satellite link up with soldiers and their families. “We actually brought this in two years ago,” said Lt Barrett. “One of our sergeants was stationed in Chad and his partner had just given birth to a baby girl. He had not laid eyes on his daughter and naturally was anxious to, so we set up the satellite link in the barracks and then decided this would be an annual event from then on.”
As the link-up is very expensive it is just an annual event.
“We can only allow 10 minutes per family for the link-up as it costs a lot. However the cost is worth it when you see what an emotional and special experience it is for all involved.”
Last Saturday’s event also included other treats, there was tea and coffee and treats available for all the families, Mass was celebrated and there was also a visit from Santa who gave gifts to all the children.
