A journey in a helicopter. With the door open.
Good morning! It's 10am here or as the military would say... 1000 hours.
We've slept finally. A bit. I am having the most fascinating experience ever. More on this later...
To continue the story then, I'm now back in 'Camp Bastion' (our home for the week) after an overnight trip to another military base nearby called 'Lashkar Gah'. Here's a bit of interesting information about the area...
Lashkar Gah is the Capital city of Helmand Province and is the Task Force Helmand HQ and is also home to civilians at the base. This includes 1 Lancs, Royal Dragoon Guards, Provincial Reconstruction Team (civilians) and a few Danish.
There were no British run flights there (its about 30km) away so we managed to blag our way onto a US Marine helicopter called an 'Osprey'. Below is me with the pilot. The wind makes it look like I have wobbly goat legs.
When I arrived, I spent a fascinating day with everyone at Lashkar Gah, went to their radio station, did a horrible fitness test, interviewed a Brigadier, went to a look out tower or in military speak - a 'sangar' - and judged a talent competition. It was a full on day! I'll tell you all about it this afternoon from 4 LIVE from Afghanistan!
***If you are leaving a comment on this blog, please do not leave any information that could lead to the identification of an individual. Doing so would break our house rules and unfortunately we would have to delete the comment.
If you would like to send Greg a message to pass on to anyone serving in Afghanistan, please do so by emailing greg.james@bbc.co.uk.
Headmistress Laura from Greg’s show is reading all of them and will pass them onto the team in Afghanistan.***
Comment number 1.
At 13:04 10th Dec 2012, OliFirth wrote:You missed Homeland last night greg, but I doubt you care much, because your living it over there!!...you're like Saul... but without the bushy beard and flat cap!
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Comment number 2.
At 15:10 10th Dec 2012, L Lloyd wrote:Hey there!
My fiancee is currently serving in Camp Bastion he has been out there for a few months now.... He is in the British Army He is known as WO1(AMS)Driver in the Logistic Aid Group. He asked me to marry him just after he arrived in Afghanistan we have not yet been able to see each other. He has been a serving member for 18years and I would be very grateful if you would tell him I love him and give him a big kiss for me ?? or if not may be you could play us our song by Mumford & Sons - I will wait ?
Many thanks
Lucy x
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Comment number 3.
At 15:30 10th Dec 2012, Trip wrote:I was in the RN for 5 years. Very jealous that you're out there with the heroes and i'm not. Well done Greg, keep up the good work and let everyone out there know, they are being thought about at Christmas.
Stay safe
Adam, Plymouth
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Comment number 4.
At 15:52 10th Dec 2012, Edith Crispin wrote:Thank you for doing this, Greg. It would be easy to stay in Camp Bastion, but you've made the perilous journey to the front-line at LashKar Gar. Respect!
A big salute to my son and the rest of 4 Armoured Engineer Squadron, 21 Engineers Regiment, building a bridge near some god-forsaken Patrol Base that I cannot name. Happy birthday for the 18th December, Adam
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Comment number 5.
At 16:08 10th Dec 2012, sauu wrote:You are a hero Greg, you have put a smile on those troops's faces this christmas. Thank you Greg.
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Comment number 6.
At 16:39 10th Dec 2012, Proud Mum wrote:Hi Greg
Say thanks to all the boys n girls doing such a hard job and tell my boy LCPL R.R. who's away from home for Christmas that we love him so much and are so very very proud of him! He's out in a FOB I know I can't say much on here for security but just grab any opportunity to connect with him. Thanks for been there it some how makes him feel closer a proud tearful Mum x
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Comment number 7.
At 16:48 10th Dec 2012, Bee wrote:Hi Greg,
Sounds like you are experiencing life on the wild side! Great to hear you are bringing some festive cheer to all the troops out there :)
Please can you tell the QRL Regiment that their family and friends are very proud of them and hope they enjoy all the Christmas parcels we have sent out! Thank you, Bee x
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Comment number 8.
At 17:52 10th Dec 2012, Grace Anne wrote:Hey Greg!
My best mate is Kaf at the moment and I am missing him loads! Unfortunately when he's due to return I can't get really excited cause my husband goes to kaf as he gets back :( I haven't been able to speak to my best mate (SAC Ben Ford) very much while he's been there but can you let him know I really miss him and I'm very proud of him :) and possibly play ho hey by the lumineers
Thank you Greg!! Xx
Lots of luv Grace xx
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Comment number 9.
At 19:04 10th Dec 2012, bev wrote:hey greg, can you please tell my son Danny Frost who is on his first tour of afgan that we love and miss him loads and are so proud of him and all the lads out there doing a great job. he is not due home till April so will miss his son's lucas, first xmas and birthday but will make up for it when he is back love you loads dad XX love from all the frosty family xxxx
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Comment number 10.
At 19:38 10th Dec 2012, laura emily wrote:Hi Greg!
My boyfriend is currently serving in afghanistan, (PTE George Brooks)
If you could give him a shout out, and tell him that I am so proud of him, + I love and miss him so much! Would be much appreciated!
Thankyou:):)
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Comment number 11.
At 22:38 10th Dec 2012, Claire wrote:Hi Greg, I love all of these videos! Be safe! My boyfriend (Lt Ashington-Pickett) is out there at the moment. Please tell him everyone is very proud of him back home and we miss and love him lots. If possible, can you either play some of the xx or lana del ray. Thanks x
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Comment number 12.
At 01:30 11th Dec 2012, bex wrote:Hi Greg, its great your out there supporting our troops. My Husband is currently in Kandahar (CPL Andy Blake) we're 3 weeks into a 6 month tour due back in june 5th tour away from us now and everyone over christmas . Could you give him a shout out please. From his very proud wife Becky and 2 children who miss him very much and love him to bits and can't wait to get him home next year xxx Thanks Greg :-)
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Comment number 13.
At 09:04 11th Dec 2012, Nic wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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