Sunday 23 May 2010

David Beckham - Visits Helmand Province


The former England captain visited Camp Bastion in Helmand Province where he took part in a question-and-answer session, posed for pictures with servicemen and received a lesson in how to handle a heavy machine gun.





Beckham, who arrived at Camp Bastion on Friday night wearing a helmet and body armour, said: "To see the morale of the troops is really incredible. It first kind of hit me on the way over when we were on the military plane flying in to Afghanistan.

"You can see the faces, you can see obviously they know they are leaving their families, but they're so focused and they've got this look in their eyes that they're just so confident and just ready. That really is an unbelievable sight to see, and you feel it as well."


His day began yesterday with a 7.30am fried breakfast in the cookhouse and included a tour of the camp, which is currently home to 9,000 British soldiers. He was shown how to handle weaponry, given a metal detector demonstration and even scored a penalty on a makeshift goalmouth in the sand.


Beckham, 35, who is missing the World Cup through injury, said: "Just yesterday one of the troops was killed, and you feel it and you see the flags at half-mast and you feel the tension there. It really is, like I said, amazing to be around but you feel the love from everybody.

"It just really is scary work. These guys are the bravest people that I've ever met and it really is, it truly is, an honour to be here."


He has also paid tribute to fallen British soldiers during his visit.

The former England captain stood silently with his head bowed before the Camp Bastion memorial dedicated to those who have given their lives for their country as a Union flag flew at half mast.

He took time to read the full names, engraved on the brass plaques, of members of the UK Armed Forces who have fallen in service, complete with their regiment and date of death.

The British death toll since operations began in 2001 stands at 286.

Beckham paid his respects at the memorial during the second day of his visit to Camp Bastion in Helmand Province, where around 9,000 British soldiers are based.

Reflecting on his trip to Afghanistan, the 35-year-old said it had been "one of my best experiences of my whole life, to actually be here, to see first hand what you all go through.

"You have to leave your families, your friends, your loved ones, your kids, that must be hard."

He also spoke of his admiration for the comradeship among the troops.

He said: "I've represented my country on the field, and I've got great team mates and great friends, but every now and again I can let my team mates down on the field, you out here, you have to trust your friends, trust the people that you are next to, and your team mates, you don't get another chance. I have huge admiration for everything that you do, everything that you believe in, and everything that you are doing for our country; it's a real honour for me to be here."

Earlier Beckham met senior officers during breakfast, including Deputy National Contingency Commander of British Forces, Brigadier Angus Fay. He said: "I think it's been fantastic for the British forces that he has shown so much interest in the work we are doing. He is such an iconic figure to everyone of all ages and background. His effect on the morale has been phenomenal and we are very grateful for his commitment to us."

Article from The Press Association




No comments:

Post a Comment