Give the boys a cold beer (From Witney Gazette)

Give the boys a cold beer

10:53am Friday 2nd October 2009 in News By Jen Rivett

Give the boys a cold beer

AFTER six months of working in the hot, dry climate of Afghanistan, cracking open a cold beer is the perfect way to celebrate the journey home to loved ones.

Thanks to the generosity of members of the public, a cold thirst quencher is what every returning soldier can look forward to.

In the past three weeks, 216 Squadron, which operates the military’s fleet of aircraft based at RAF Brize Norton, have been given 5,000 cans of beer — enough for every servicemen and women flying back to the UK in the next five weeks.

Donations of more than £10,000 have also been received, which will be used to provide a can of lager or bitter to those in decompression cells in Cyprus, before they fly home. Squadron Leader Al Barnes, acting operations commander of 216 Squadron, said: “It has been well received by all the passengers.

“They are very grateful and think it’s a fantastic project.

“They really do enjoy getting that one can.

“We are making them aware that all this has been made possible by the British public and our British breweries, which makes them feel quite worthwhile.”

Wing Commander Steve Chadwick launched Beer for the Boys two years ago, when he took over 216 Squadron.

About 1,000 troops return home each week from six-month tours, during which they are not allowed alcohol.

Sqn Ldr Barnes said: “They have been in one of the harshest environments, it has been hot and very dusty.

“To get on the plane and know you are coming home, and to be given a cold beer, it’s beautiful.

“To know it’s on behalf of a grateful nation, it makes it all the more worthwhile. It’s a token of the nation’s gratitude.”

To donate to Beer for the Boys, visit 216squadron.com