There were tears of joy as brave medics were reunited with their families after a tour of Afghanistan.
More than 40 soldiers from Greater Manchester and the north west were greeted by their loved ones at the ceremony in Stretford after four months in the war zone.
The medics from the 207 (Manchester) field hospital (volunteers) served in the busiest trauma hospital in Afghanistan, treating wounded comrades.
The British military hospital takes more than 60 per cent of all casualties in the region, which includes Helmand province.
Video below shows Corporal Tristan Jackson, 25, from Heaton Mersey, being reunited with his little brother Patrick, 17 at the homecoming ceremony in Stretford ...
During the homecoming at the regimental headquarters on Kings Road, Colonel Robin Jackson, commanding officer of the 207, hailed his team’s efforts and branded the tour ‘the most challenging and rewarding thing I have ever done’.
Among those returning from the Camp Bastion centre was Major Eddy Hardaker, second in command at the hospital and in charge of training the volunteers.
Major Hardaker, 47, left for Afghanistan with his fellow soldiers in October last year – his wedding anniversary. He returned the day before wife Viv’s birthday.
Major Hardaker, from Heyside, Oldham, said: “I’ve served twice in Iraq and this was my second in Afghanistan and it was the hardest tour I’ve been on. I’m extremely proud of the team and the way they rose to the challenge.
“What really helped us out there is the support we got from everyone in the north west.”
Sergeant Phil Rodgers, 46, from Audenshaw, who was met by partner Sarah Worrall, 38, and his mum, dad and uncle, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be back. It was an experience I’ll never forget. It’s great to be back, but we need to remember those still out there.”
The video below shows Sgt Rodgers embracing his dad Stan Wood at the homecoming ceremony in Stretford.
The soldiers filed into the main hall before being released to embrace their families and then return home to celebrate coming back safely from one of the world’s most dangerous places.
Anyone interested in joining the volunteers should contact 0161 232 4985.
Tweet
Comments
Login or Register to comment
Thank you for your service.
This fella knew a bit, too:
The Combat Medic
I am a combat medic,
I serve to help the wounded,
Whatever your colour,race,or creed,
I carry neither bomb or bullet.
With an aid kit on my back,
An armband on my sleeve,
I race across the battlefield,
Bringing help unto the needy.
Through shot, shell, and rifle fire,
I care for every wounded soul,
I tend and toil from dawn to dusk,
And then I toil some more.
After the battle has been fought,
The soldiers have all gone home,
Spare a thought for the combat medic
Who is long time dead and gone....
Robert Johns, DCM.LLB. SRN. MIOT.
Welcome home lads and lasses. Proud of you all.
Welcome Home you fantastic people.
Welcome home we are all so proud of you, thank you for risking your lifes to protect ours and our childrens. You all deserve medals in my eyes xx