CORNER BROOK — Sgt. Steven Smith believes in serving his country and his friends.
That’s why Smith, a member of the the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, said he “completely” supported Canada’s mission in Afghanistan.
“I think everybody should be there, who’s there.”
Smith served in Afghanistan in 2010, from April to December.
It was his choice to go and he said at no time was he concerned for his own safety.
When you get over there, he said “you try not to think about it,” as you go about your everyday work.
“Your spider sense kicks in at the right time.”
Tuesday marked the end of Canada’s combat mission in Afghanistan. In a ceremony at the Afghan National Army compound of Forward Operating Base Ma’sum Ghar the 1st Battalion Royal 22e Regiment handed over the Kandahar battlefield.
Smith, 30, has been with the local regiment since 1998.
He and seven other members signed on for the Afghanistan tour.
While there he was the platoon 3IC and would take over running the platoon whenever the commanding officer or platoon 2IC was away.
Smith and the men and women who served with him didn’t engage in any combat, but he said they did see it.
The country, he said, was hot and poverty was rampant.
“We were in downtown Kandahar, so we seen all the stress of the roads.”
Members also made a lot of visits to the prison.
The platoon was part of the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team and provided escort and security services for dignitaries and for civilian projects.
“Most times that’s what our primary role was, the transportation of people.”
And this work was not without danger as the soldiers had to be constantly aware of improvised explosive devices.
“One of the worse things about the city is that they’re everywhere,” he said of the IEDs. “But at the same time we lucked out. The Americans with us, not so much.”
As for the success of his part of the mission, Smith said “I think we accomplished at least 90 per cent of what our role was within our timeframe for sure.”
While the combat mission is over, Smith said Canada is still helping out in Afghanistan.
Canadian forces are still in the country training the local police force and army.
Smith said “it’s good” to see Canada continuing to help the Afghan people.
“That is probably the more important thing to do right now.”
He said Canada is using its leadership skills and knowledge so that the Afghan police officers and soldiers can develop theirs.
Smith said it’s too early to say if he’ll return to Afghanistan. Given the opportunity, the soldier who also did a tour in Bosnia in 2003 said he would consider it.
He said the experience did change him a bit.
“I’m more calm. You know the little things in life is not a stressor anymore.”
While Smith was serving in Afghanistan, so was his brother Garland.
Master Cpl. Garland Smith is with the regular forces and stationed at CFB Gagetown in New Brunswick.
The brothers were in different camps, but saw each other at least twice a week.
