Toast

It is with sadness, anger, frustration, and trepidation that I write this next blip. Sgt. Faught a.k.a "Toast" was a war horse and respected by all within this platoon and every other platoon in this battle group. It was by choice that he took point in every patrol, leading his section from the front. I would often find myself wondering, after patrolling well into and over 10km, how he dealt with his kit hanging languardly off his back and sides. I mean, everyone is uncomfortable on patrol after a long day, but it never seemed to bother him and he never complained. He just marched on, kit rubbing off his mid-thigh, often calling the chimos forward to check out a suspicious area. He was careful and deliberate and unfortunately this country took him and his dreams for the future away. He mentioned after tour, and once retiring, that he was to open a pub somewhere in Ontario. Once in awhile, he'd have Winthers stop by and be a guest chef in his pubs kitchen. Winthers was always behind Toast in patrol and I feel for all of the section and htis platoon. Needless to say, we are angry at everything and want some form of retribution. Sadly, this is not how it works here and we will maintain our professionalism.
They were on their way back from a 5 hour patrol, about 700m away from the platoon house when the IED hit. Rediger and Maddin were on this one and they seem to be doing okay. They did their jobs ensuing the blast and got the good Sergeants body away in good time. They were on a well travelled footpath and I am certain the population knew what was waiting in the dirt for us. This is the sad reality. The people know, but are afraid of Taliban backlash if they cooperate.
Needless to say it was a sombre day yesterday and our heads were hung for most of it. There is no choice but to press forward and try to make this thing work. That is exactly what we're going to do. Faughts section is now in KAF for the ramp ceremony and should be back in a day or two. Not sure who will take the reigns, however his 2IC, MCpl Johnson is more than capable.
I often wondered why he took point on all of his patrols. He didn't for the first while, but began after a month in theater. Something in me says he did it just in case this sort of thing happened. I don't know forsure, but I can see it in him to do something like that. The man spent his whole career on tour in foreign war zones, I think he had 9 in total. He was ready for retirement and was prepared to come back in 2011.....respect. He did not suffer and died a soldiers death. On his two feet, in a foreign country, serving the flag that he fights for. I'll throw a box on the fire for you tonight Toast.........out