What a great way to spend Christmas!  I'm sitting under a dark, overcast Afghanistan sky at a place called Mas'um'Ghar.  It is "home" to about 200 men and women who are part of Canada's 2,500 person commitment to Afghanistan.  They are operating under a United Nations mandate and NATO leadership, as part of a 37-nation alliance to bring a brighter future to a troubled land.  I'm chatting with General Rick Hillier about war and peace, people and politics, leadership and philosophy.  Nearby, colleagues Jay Hill and John Baird are talking with some troops, while Rick Mercer is holding comedic court in another corner of our canvas Hilton.  We're "outside the wire" for thirty hours of close-up inspection of Canada's efforts to secure and rebuild Kandahar province.

Above: Double-Doubles with BGen Tim Grant, Gen Rick Hillier and MP Jay Hill


Above: Our combat limo and protection crew

Earlier in the day, we were dropped off by a U.S. Army Chinook helicopter, the type that Canada is acquiring.  We've already visited two other forward locations and served up Christmas dinner to some very deserving Canadians.   We'll spend Christmas Eve in sleeping bags before continuing our convoy trip in LAV III Armoured Personnel Carriers and Nyala Armoured Patrol Vehicles.  On Christmas Day, it's more turkey, more outposts and more troops.  During our visit to the region, we'll have the opportunity to talk to about 95% of deployed Canadians.  I meet about 20 people with whom I have previously served - a special treat.  We pass through several large and small towns and see Afghans getting on with their lives, because Canada is there.

Above: Talking to the troops

Everyone in the convoy is alert to possible threats, but the Taliban has taken the day off.  We also visit the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team and learn about the many projects that are being organized.  Progress is slow, but it is real.  Back at Kandahar Airfield, we join Mary Walsh, CTV's Max Keeping, singer Damhnait Doyle and rock band Jonas for a Christmas show in front of about 800 military and civilians.  We head north via C-130 and visit our people in Kabul, spending some valuable time with Afghanistan's Minister of National Defence, a very interesting fellow who has lived the history.

Above: Laurie with Afghan Minister of National Defence Rahim Abdul Wardak

We have thousands of incredible men and women, thousands of kilometers from home, helping to bring back what the Taliban had taken away.  They are backed by equally incredible families at home.  These heroic Canadians deserve our one hundred percent support.  They are doing the right thing and Canada is doing the right thing.  I'll spend every Christmas with these brave and dedicated Canadians, if I have the chance.  

Above: What our mission in Afghanistan is all about