Mike Penning visits troops in Afghanistan and 200 more “Treats for our Troops” parcels are sent from Dacorum.

Hemel Hempstead MP, Mike Penning visited servicemen and women in Afghanistan last weekend.

Mike visited personnel stationed at both Kandahar and Camp Bastion in Helmand Province where our forces are working alongside and training the Afghan army.

He said:
“The overwhelming impression is the sheer scale of the organisation behind the UK commitment in Afghanistan. The professionalism and dedication of our troops is outstanding. They face incredible difficulties on a daily basis – they regularly come under attack, the weather is often harsh and the terrain difficult.”

After visiting the hospital at the camp, Mike said:
“I am very pleased to report that the facilities at the hospital are quite probably the best in the world – comments reinforced by Commanding officers from other countries that I met - but my thoughts and prayers go out to the soldiers I saw there who are very seriously injured. This is an extremely difficult time for them and their loved ones back home. The price they pay on our behalf and the courage and fortitude they show in very difficult circumstances is humbling.”

Mike handed over souvenirs from Hemel Hempstead – including a flag from Hemel Town Youth Football Club Under-10s who helped launch the “Treats for our Troops” campaign. He also presented pennants made for the regiments by members of Quilts4London Pennant Project which has been launched by Irene Heathcote of Hemel Hempstead and is making pennants for competitors in the 2012 London Olympics (http://www.quilts4london.org.uk/ [1]).

“The brigade commander was delighted with the flag from the Under 10s squad. The pennants are an incredible work of art and were very well received by our service personnel. What a great way to reinforce to our troops that we are behind them 100%. It was a real honour to present them to the commanding officers of the various regiments.”

Although Mike didn’t meet anyone from Dacorum, he did meet a young soldier from the Royal Welsh Regiment who will marry his Hemel Hempstead fiancée in the summer!

Mike received numerous “thank yous” from all ranks for the “Treats for our Troops” parcels that were sent by residents of Dacorum.
“I was told time and time again how much it means to have the support of people back home and how valued our parcels were. Our parcels are getting through to the people who appreciate them and we will continue this campaign,” he added.

Another 200 parcels were sent out today (20th January).

Finally, Mike commented:
“It has made me more determined than ever to give our armed forces the support and back-up from home that they richly deserve.”

Mike learns what its like to drive a Jackal armoured vehicle

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