MR lo...

I've loads of thanksgiving for this final in camp training. I was originally posted out to the holding list because I deferred for an overseas studies, but thankfully I was reposted back to 442 after two appeal emails. I really did mean what I wrote in my letters - that I wanted to finish off with the unit whom I spent my last 8 years with. The camaraderie that is built up with my fellow bunk mates and platoon is something I really cherish...

As we stood at the BMR listening to our CO giving the speech, it really felt gratifying. This is the unit that made legend by failing the ATEC during its active days. Never before and never after repeated. Yet as it began its second life as 442, the painful memory was not a nemesis but was turned to our source of strength as we strove to prove ourselves. We - yes we, including me - gave it our best. And re-wrote history we did - best ever ATEC 1 and ATEC 2 results in Armour reservist history, and we won the Best Armour Unit for three years! Memories of these years came back to mind... as if it was just yesterday when we reported to the old ATC in 2000 for our first ICT. We were also the last few who had such an experience.

The highlight of the parade came as the Brigade Commander said these faithful words "...I declare 442 SAR stand down". And that was it. We've served our nation and we're done our fair share. Its like hearing "well done good and faithful servant". Wow....

Over the ICT, I had the opportunity to share the gospel with a fellow spec who identified himself as "See" (we go by last names), and encouraged another brother Sze Wei as he struggled with mid-life concerns about earning power. May God continue to watch over their lives, and may See and his family come to know Christ some day.

I'll miss 442. A salute to the officers and men of this batalion.