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Rifleman Brett's Afghanistan action
BRAVE rifleman Brett Reed can't wait to take a break from fighting the Taliban next month - so he can come home and tuck into a belated Christmas dinner.
The 19-year-old from Haddenham is currently serving in the Army's 7th Battalion, The Rifles in war-torn Helmand Province in Afghanistan - the scene of vicious fighting with the Taliban in recent years.
Although his tour officially ends this April, Brett will return to the UK for some well-deserved 'R&R' in February and his family are counting down the days.
Mum Nicola said: "The days are really dragging now - there are only a few to go.
"It will be really nice to have him back and I know he's looking forward to it - he can't wait to get stuck into a late Christmas dinner."
Brett wanted to join the Army from his early teens and - after also serving in Iraq last year - is quickly becoming a veteran.
Now enjoying his second tour, Brett stays in contact with mum Nicola and brothers Kyle, 21, and Jamie, 17 by sending letters and occasional phone calls.
Proud mum Nicola admits she is worried for her middle son, but knows that Brett loves serving his country.
She said: "I do worry about him, but I support him in everything he wants to do. We all do - he knows he's got the whole family's support.
"Brett was determined to join the Army from the age of 14 and would constantly train to get ready. I would have to drive him out to the hills to go running."
The former Princes Risborough School pupil actually volunteered for his current posting in Afghanistan with Salonika company - and will return to his regular 2nd Battalion platoon later this year.
Also a trained medic, Brett has crammed a lot into his short career and his mum revealed that her son's only lows come when he's not involved in the action.
She said: "He doesn't like being called back to bastion (base camp) because he just wants to go back out again. He just wants to be a good soldier."
Lieutenant Jon Dolphin of 7 Rifles spoke glowingly of Brett's career so far.
He said said: "Brett is a key asset to his platoon. He has so far undertaken a number of tasks including providing protection for the medical teams that deploy by helicopter to rescue injured soldiers.
"This has exposed him to some quite horrendous sights and has often meant flying into some 'pretty hot' situations."
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Weather for Aylesbury
Saturday 26 May 2012
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Temperature: 11 C to 23 C
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Temperature: 11 C to 24 C
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