Stafford regiment returns from Afghanistan to a heroes' welcome

Feb 28 2009 by Paul Bradley, Birmingham Mail

SOLDIERS who risked life and limb on the battlefields of Afghanistan are to be welcomed home during a parade to mark their Freedom of a Midland borough today.

Troops from the 22 Signal Regiment of the British Army will receive their tour of duty medals in the Market Square in Stafford.

The Regiment has just returned from a six-month tour of Afghanistan where they were responsible for providing vital communications between soldiers fighting the Taliban.

The 570-strong regiment has been based at the Beacon Barracks in the town’s Beaconside since April 2007.

Commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Neil Fraser, said: “Our six-month tour is now over and as a regiment we can all be proud of what we have achieved, especially so soon after forming.

“We can also be proud of the endeavours of the Regiment back in Stafford which has continued to support exercises and training, and ensured that we have had excellent welfare and administrative support allowing us to focus on the task in hand.

“For us, Operation Herrick is now a memory, but we must remember that for others it continues, and for some the effects continue well after they return from Afghanistan.

“It is only right to remember the sacrifices made by our families whose loved ones have been away for some time and to thank the people of Stafford for taking the regiment into their community, supporting us with parcels and praise and welcoming us home.”

Leader of Stafford Borough Council, Coun Judith Dalgarno, added: “To see thousands of people cheering and waving flags will show just how much the town thinks of them and the work they do in helping protect the freedom of people in other parts of the world.

The day’s events begin with the private church service before the soldiers receive their medals during a ceremony.

The day will finish with the regiment exercising their Freedom.