OcToseR 12, 2006

Josh Lewis Sports Editor

A former UPEI student will soon be deployed to Afghanistan as part of the Canadian Forces mission in Kandahar.

Cpl. Ben Miller, a reservist from Elmwood, P.E.I., will head to the war-torn Middle East country in February, where he will be transporting combat troops in light- armoured (LAV-III) and mine-proof (Nyala) vehicles as part of the 4 Engineers Support Regiment (4ESR). While Miller is looking forward to the experience, he wasn’t always so sure about putting his life on the line.

“At first I thought it’d be an adventure,” Miller said from CFB Gagetown recently. “But I sat down and thought about it and realized that I could get killed. So I took my name out (of consideration).

“Later on, I realized that I could just as easily die from being hit by a drunk driver. I decided that not very often does your country ask for volunteers to go overseas. I’d be going over with some of the best trained soldiers in the world, as well as some of the finest human beings this country has to offer. Sometimes you just have to take a chance. It doesn’t matter how much they train you. There are thousands of possible situations and variables. You won't know how you react under pressure in different situations.”

Miller, one of 17 PEI Regiment soldiers leaving in February, strongly

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Former UPEI Student Anxious To Serve Overseas

Photo: Niastes arcu deme Budden

Corporal Maxime Gsbuirtciiad is assigned to foot patrol in the remote village of Morghan Kechah located south east of Kandahar City, Afghanistan.

believes that Canada has an important role to play in the fight against terrorism.

“If we don’t go there and stop the terrorists elsewhere, they’re going come here. If we don’t take the fight to them, they'll take the fight to us when we least expect it, and it'll be

another September 11. Our other

allies have taken casualties over various missions throughout the world. Now we can take the ball and

lead the way. It’s our turn to provide needed support. We have to step up.”

Miller, who followed his twin brother Brian into the Canadian Forces, says the decision wasn’t taken easily by his parents Alan and Mary and sister Sarah.

“They weren’t too impressed when I first told them, but in the end they realized it’s my decision and they will support me. And that’s all you

THE CADRE @ 8

can ask for. As for my friends, _ they’ve been behind me from day one. I couldn’t ask for better support.”

He also said seeing Canadian

casualties in Kandahar only strengthens his resolve.

“Tt makes me train harder and do even better, so when the time comes and we have to perform, we are going to perform to the best of our abilities... no matter how tough it is, you'look at the guys beside you and they’re grinning along with you. In the end, you signed the papers, you realize what you’re getting yourself into. And that’s the risk you take.” Miller says his involvement in the military has definitely helped him personally.

“It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I thought it would be a good challenge and it was the challenge I was looking for. It’s instilled self-confidence, taught me discipline”

Regardless of their personal or political beliefs, Miller urges

- Canadians to stand behind his

comrades.

“Every Canadian should support our soldiers, regardless of what they’re doing. We are serving our country all across Canada and the world. It’s one of the toughest jobs you can do, with long hours and long days, but you keep on going. You hold your own.”