6/24/2012 – Luke Bonnett

My Grandpa, Frank ‘Bud’ Lawrence gave me your email address so that I could thank you for the gesture of appreciation that Grandpa and my mother were able to give to me upon my return from Afghanistan. The certificate and the USA flag are very special and I am extremely proud to have received them and to have received a salute from my Grandpa that I proudly returned.

As Grandpa told you I spent the majority of my time working with the US Marine Air Wing and USAF personnel working from Bastion Airfield in Helmand Province during my 6 months there and hopefully I made things safer not just for my own troops but also the US troops, our coalition partners and the local people as well. Being an Explosive Safety Officer for this tour I was also able to blow a lot of stuff up which is always fun!

I am now back in the UK and my only excuse for not emailing sooner is that I am worked off of my feet as an Engineering Officer for 3(F) Sqn, the oldest Sqn in the Royal Air Force who celebrated their Centenary this year. I am working with Typhoon aircraft, the most advanced fighter in our arsenal and one that would certainly give anything you’ve got on the other side of the pond a run for its money, not to mention whatever the Russians are flying!

Anyway, I just wanted to thank you for the gesture. I had a great time working with my Allies from the US Armed Forces and their professionalism and heroism is heartening in such a terrible place. Here’s to many more years of harmonious Joint Service between our two great nations.

Regards

Luke Bonnett
Flight Lieutenant
Royal Air Force
Junior Engineering Officer
3 (Fighter) Squadron