An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 9 Sgt Joey howe (45), 27 inf bn, 2 bde tell us about yourself, your family and your past missions? "I'm from Dundalk town and have competed 24 Years service with the 27 Inf Bn. At home I have my wife Dianne, and my three sons Sean (11), Tadhg (9), and Aaron (5). My first overseas trip was with 77 Inf Bn UNIFIL, in 1995. I have also served in Liberia in 2004, and Kosovo in 2008." tell us about the training, and how it has changed from your first over- seas trip to lebanon? "The first thing that comes to mind is the equipment; it really is to the forefront of the mission and has stepped up to the mark. Training and instruction is top class and our experience makes it second to none. The mission has really changed from the static checkpoint-based training from older missions to mobile patrol training. The soft-skin vehicles are gone and the armoured vehicles are now used, it really reflects the mission." what are you looking forward to most about returning to lebanon? "Well 22 years is a long time ago from my last trip to Lebanon, I suppose the development of the country. I hear that there is tarmac on most roads now and the country has come a long way in the last number of years." what is the hardest part about being away from your family? "Leaving the family unit is the hardest part, but I have good backing from my wife and the kids are well prepared. Compared to years ago, social media and communications have improved, the kids will probably get tired of speaking to me." Sgt David casey (42), 27 inf bn, 2 bde tell us about yourself and your family? "I'm from Dundalk and I joined the army 21 years ago. My first trip overseas was with the 84 Inf Bn 1998 into 1999. I have my wife and four kids, Clara (13), Lee (10), Zoey (5), and Co- rey (3) at home and I'm travelling on a family friendly mission." tell us about the training, and how it has changed from your first over- seas trip to lebanon? "The training has become more streamlined now; some of the training from years ago has been changed to suit the mission. The knowledge and experience from the area has been reflected in the lectures and training." what are you looking forward to most about returning to lebanon? "I'm looking forward to seeing how the country has developed and moved on from where it was 20 years ago to a more positive way of life. It's nice to know that our small contribution back then has led to a better society for the people out there. I'm also looking forward to seeing where the old posts where and what it looks like now." what is the hardest part about being away from your family? "The family friendly trips are a great thing they really are family friendly. I will be out there for six weeks, and then I'll be home and then back out for five weeks. My wife and I were recently looking through a box of letters I wrote to her the last time I was in Lebanon; there were even some old call cards from out there. The communications back in the old missions could be frustrating, now with the Internet things are much easier to send messages back and forth, so will make things easier."

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