Everywhere in the world, soldiers are in the same position in the game. Even if you are in another country and speak a different language; the camaraderie is felt even in the most critical situations. Former soldier of the infantry Edwin (35) can talk about it. On a mission in Afghanistan, the soldier stationed in Havelte unexpectedly ended up in a firefight. He performed a heroic deed and is today awarded the Bronze Cross: a very high award.
Sooner than he could have imagined, the Alkmaarder, who was born in Alkmaar, went on a mission to Afghanistan after his infantry training. From 2006 to 2010, the Netherlands contributed to the construction, stability and security when the Taliban fighters seized power in the country. Edwin traveled in November 2007 under Battle group 5 and stayed there for about a year and a half.
“We tried to be as visible as possible,” he remembers. “We spent a lot of time outside the gates, visited the local population in villages and talked to the people.” In addition, there was the harsh reality, Edwin recalls. Roadside bombs were everywhere and danger was always lurking. “Fortunately it turned out well researched, But we certainly got lucky.”
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