Home From War

Capt. Laurie Mang of the Canadian Army Reserve recently returned home from Afghanistan after serving a six-month tour.
Mang was stationed at the Regional Command South (RCS) headquarters. The RCS is comprised of six provinces, including Kandahar and Helmand, and spans roughly 78,000 square miles.
Mang worked in the joint operation centre as a battle captain.
"All the information, action and events went through the centre. We would monitor, control and report back to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) headquarters," said Mang.
The ISAF headquarters is based in the city of Kandahar.
Mang said he was proud of the work that Canadian soldiers are doing in Afghanistan.
"Canadians are doing a great job and the rest of the world is in awe of our troops and what they have managed to accomplish," said Mang. "Our troops are extremely professional and capable. We have a world class military."
Mang is impressed that Canadians are making a difference in the country.
"We have managed to stop most of the drug money from reaching the Taliban and have taken control of their training grounds," said Mang. "Everyone out there is making a contribution. We are making a huge difference. NATO is there for all the right reasons."
Poppy eradication and drug raids are an important step in helping Afghanistan, said Mang.
"Countries from around the world are a part of helping the Afghanistan people," he said. "We work alongside British, American, Australian and Czech Republic troops in joint operations."
Mang's wife, Lenise, said she wasn't too concerned for Mang's safety but did worry about his psychological state of mind.
"I was worried how this tour was affecting his mind. He attended a lot of ramp ceremonies to pay respect and not just our boys but soldiers from around the world," said Lenise. "Seeing so many bodies sent home would affect anyone."
Lenise said she knew Mang wanted to do more when he would see the troops heading out on patrol.
"I could hear it in his voice when he called home. It was eating at him, but it's a young man's job," said Lenise.
Mang admitted it was hard to stay back and watch the soldiers leave on duty.
"I was trained to do what they do. I just had to keep reminding myself that my job at the centre was just as important," said Mang.
Mang did not see any action unless the base was rocketed or attacked by a suicide bomber.
"It was good to come home. I've been hugging my wife a lot since I got back," said Mang.

Colin Dewar can be reached at 691-1263