Christmas greetings to Edenderry from Lebanon
Local soldier Sgt Martin Moules is among the 109th Infantry Battalion who deployed in November to South Lebanon as part of UNIFIL (United Nation Interim Force In Lebanon) under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Howard.
When the unit deployed to South Lebanon the 109 Inf Bn assumed the lead of IRISHFINBATT. The Irish contingent constitutes the majority of the IRISHFINBATT, which also includes a Company of Finnish soldiers, and a Platoon of Estonian troops.
The soldiers currently provide a robust patrolling support to the Lebanese Armed Forces, and provides two Platoons to man Observation Posts (one Irish, one Finnish) along the Blue Line near the Zone of Separation.
As well as working alongside their Finnish counterparts, the 109 Inf Bn work with soldiers from countries such as Spain, Italy, Fiji and Nepal.
Just prior to Christmas, Sgt Martin Moules from Edenderry took time out to tell the Offaly Independent about the mission so far, what he misses from home and how he will celebrate Christmas in the Lebanon.
Sgt Martin Moules
I am from Edenderry, Co Offaly but am now deployed on a six month rotation to UNIFIL, South Lebanon. I am a member of the Medical Section, Battalion Support Group, 109 Infantry Battalion.
I joined the Defence Forces in 2001 and was recently awarded the International Operational Service Medal for service with Operation PONTUS while working with the Naval Service in the Mediterranean. This is my 6th tour of duty overseas, I have previously serviced with the United Nations in Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Chad.
Here in South Lebanon, myself and the section work closely with the Battalion Mobile Reserve, which act as a Quick Reaction Team in the event of any incidents in the Area of Operations. Medics are an essential asset in an overseas environment as they provide the care and treatment of troops in the event of illness or injury.
Each of the manoeuvre elements are provided with medical training in the pre-deployment stage, and I am responsible for the ongoing training and up-skilling of the Medical First Responders in the Battalion.
During the Christmas period we will continue our work, the medical team will be on-call to the Battalion Mobile Reserve, who will be patrolling in the Area of Operations day and night. There are many welfare activities and events planned during Christmas Week that will provide some entertainment during rest periods, which I am looking forward to.
I miss my wife Bernadette, and wish her a very Merry Christmas. To all my family and friends best wishes for the Christmas and I’m looking forward to seeing you all in the New Year.