The Green Howards are based in Kabul, Afghanistan, where Leeds MP John Battle has just visited with Christian Aid.
Lance Corporal Brett Grayson, 31, of Leeds, is a member of the Kabul Patrol Company.
He is out on the streets of the city, keepin
g it secure and talking to the local people, helping them to get back on their feet.
The Green Howards, North Yorkshire and Teesside's County Infantry Regiment, which has been serving the Crown since 1688, have been in Afghanistan for six weeks, having recently completed a two-year tour of duty in Northern Ireland.
Brett is involved in tasks including helping to deliver drugs and food packages to the children's ward in Kabul's Maywand General Hospital and clothing and food – as well as sports equipment – to Rahman Mena Girls' School.
Damaged
The hospital, which cares for 300 patients, was extensively damaged over recent years.
The UK CIMIC (civil and military co-operation) team has regularly supplied drugs for the patients, has set up a laundry and is now building a new kindergarten for the children of hospital staff.
They have to monitor the control and administration of the drugs to make sure they are not being sold on the black market.
Brett said: "My first impression was that it was a very dusty and arid environment.
"The main road into Kabul is called the Jalalabad Road. Either side of the road it is cram-packed with small hut-like houses and stalls that represent shops. The road is a dual carriageway. However it is used in many different ways with traffic all over the place.
"On certain days, the central reservation is jam-packed with trucks nose to tail. The people here are very friendly and are very keen to help you in any way they can. The children are left to wander around by themselves but always smile and wave at you as you pass.
"The camp where we live is an American Camp called Camp Phoenix. It is situated on the eastern side of the city, in what used to be an old scrap yard. There are eight of us living in an air-conditioned tent, which is something of a luxury."
They are helping the country maintain a secure environment, and helping to win the 'hearts and minds' campaign with local people.
Security
In Afghanistan the Green Howards are working with the UN-mandated International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), which is helping the Afghan Transitional Authority maintain security in Kabul and the surrounding areas.
The 1st Battalion, which has over 600 Regular Army Green Howard soldiers, is stationed in Beachley Barracks in Gwent.
alison.bellamy@ypn.co.uk
