A SOLDIER from the North-East is to take part in one of the last combat operations in Afghanistan.
Territorial Army soldier Lee Soanes will work in the war zone to recover vehicles broken down or battle damaged.
The 22-year-old civil engineer, from Darlington, is expecting to be deployed to Afghanistan next year.
“My training has been building up to this deployment for the last four years and it’s important for me to go to Afghanistan to make that contribution. It is the opportunity of a lifetime," he said.
His deployment will be one of the last to Afghanistan, with the Government pledging to end all combat operations there by the end of 2014. Any remaining troops will take on training and mentoring roles.
He will take time off from his job with A-One+ Integrated Highway Services to serve and is extremely grateful to have the support of his employers.
Mr Soanes, of 124 Recovery Company, 102 Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), is based at the TA Centre in Newton Aycliffe, where he has trained to operate specialist recovery vehicles.
The Battalion is currently recruiting for a number of roles, including vehicle mechanic, recovery mechanic, chefs, drivers, radio operators and clerks. Full training is given and soldiers and officers are paid the same rate as those serving in the regular Army.
For details call 01325 375000 or visit the Aycliffe Armoury on Northfield Way.
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