Reading about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, a part of me was glad that I didn’t personally know any of the troops who serve there, because when I read about casualties or deaths, it is a constant reminder that it is high time those guys came home. Unfortunately, this cannot be solved quickly, even with President-Elect Obama in the hotseat come January.
That same part of me also forgets that my cousin serves in the Italian air force.
You know how you always think stuff happens to other people, and then when stuff happens to someone close to you, you somehow cannot believe it? Yeah, like that.
Francesco and I speak infrequently, or when the Azzurri are on a bad run that makes you want to rant to someone who cares, or at least shares your passion of wanting to bitchslap Roberto Donadoni. It never crosses my mind to ask how he is doing at his job, despite being a fighter pilot. Who wouldn’t think being a fighter pilot is the coolest job ever?
Well, it’s the coolest job ever if you don’t serve the US or your country isn’t a member of the ISAF. Unfortunately, Italy have a 2000-strong troop presence in Afghanistan, and Francesco will be joining them.
He’s probably part of the troop surge brought on by the increased violence. ISAF have some pages noting the presence of troops in each region, although they are quite broad and don’t mean much, so who knows where his regiment will serve.
Francesco, take care of yourself, and come home safe. We shall speak soon, when the Azzurri next play.
