RAY WOODCROFT
SERVES CANADA
IN AFGHANISTAN

Sgt. Ray Woodcroft on duty in Afghanistan.

Ray Woodcroft is a husband, father, son and soldier... and it’s his job as a soldier that often takes him away from those he loves and holds most dearly.
But Ray also takes his job seriously and for his dedication to his profession, he was named the ‘top sergeant’ in the Royal Canadian Dragoons Regiment last year. Not an easy accomplishment since there are more than 80 sergeants in the regiment.
Sergeant Ray Woodcroft is nearing the end of his current tour of duty in Afghanistan and by the time he returns to Canada in December, he will have served more than 400 days in the dust and heat of this hostile country.
Ray’s first tour in Afghanistan took place from February to August 2007. Aside from being separated from family and friends, he and his “buddies” as he refers to his companions, had to learn to deal with to oppressive heat, primitive living conditions and the always present threat of death.
And death is certainly on the mind of all soldiers as they are out on patrol, causing them to be extremely cautious at all times.
But despite their caution, tragedy does happen. On April 11, 2007, while on his first tour, Ray experienced the dangers of war first hand, losing two of his ‘buddies’ to a land mine.
“Our truck struck an IED (Improvised Explosive Device), totally disabling our vehicle,” he said, explaining it went through the engine, narrowly missing his driver and himself. Fortunately, they were not seriously injured.
But another group of Canadian soldiers, 4 km away, heard the explosion and rushed to assist them. On the way to help their comrades they hit another IED, killing two of them. Both men were only 23 years of age.
During his recent tour, Ray was less than 100 metres away from Trooper Larry Rudd when an IED exploded killing the young soldier. “We pulled him out of his vehicle as well as another soldier who was seriously injured,” he recalled.
That deadly IED had apparently been planted before the troops had established their Observation Post (OP) and he said they had walked within several feet of it numerous times.
Sergeant Woodcroft is in command of a three vehicle patrol, consisting of 14 personnel. Their responsibilities are to observe the daily activities and routines of the people in the small village, as well as monitor movement on the roads to detect anything suspicious.
Having been in Afghanistan for several months, Ray and his soldiers have established good relationships with the towns folk and community leaders, who often inform the soldiers if something is about to happen.

Sgt. Ray Woodcroft with an Afghan elder.

Another duty of his soldiers is to inspect vehicles
travelling the roads, to help ensure the safety of the troops and the citizens. “We are the “eyes and ears” of our troops as they pass through,” he said.
One of the most difficult things for Canada’s young soldiers is getting accustomed to is the oppressive heat and poor living conditions.
Ray explains that at the ‘OP’, 14 men live in the confines of three bunkers, measuring 30’x12’ by three feet deep. Four to five soldiers live in each of the bunkers, always on the lookout for poisonous snakes, scorpions and spiders.
And when he lies down at the end of a day, his mind re-runs the events that day and he begins planning for the following day in the field.
“One of my goals to ensure that our ‘buddies’ return home safely. That is a top priority, so I am constantly thinking about it, even as I lie down to rest.”
Ray adds, “Our showers are rather primitive to say the least. We have a frame around which we wrap a tarp; above the frame is a gerry can with heated water and hose; when the can is empty, our shower is finished. Our toilet facilities are similar to a commode chair; we burn the wastes.”
Soldiers meals consist of rations which contain many nutrients and calories to help keep them energized. They also appreciate packages from home, which often include canned goods, homemade cookies, pasta and other items.
In addition to the primitive living conditions, the soldiers must also endure extreme heat and Ray reports, “During the summer, temperatures range from 40 to 50C, however, we had temperatures up to 64C for several days. We sleep on our cots on the ground; during the day it is almost impossible to sleep due to the heat.”
“This is how we live, work, eat and sleep for nine days. We then get to the ‘FOB’ (Forward Operating Base) for three days rest before returning to the ‘OP’, he explains.
In addition to adjusting to the heat, when the soldiers are on duty they must wear 70-80 lbs of gear. The heavy load and extreme heat is unbearable and accounts for the fact that each soldier goes through up to 20 bottles of water a day.
When we asked Ray to explain a typical day, he said there is no such thing as a typical day. He explained when they are serving at an ‘OP’ they are on a 24 hour rotation.
“We are on duty for thee hours and off duty for six hours; therefore, we do not go to bed or get up at any set time,” he says.
His soldiers responsibility is to observe and report the patterns of life in the nearby villages, and any suspicious movements or activities on the roads.
“We have four soldiers on duty at all times – observing in all directions – 24 hours per day to ensure our safety and the safety of other troops and citizens,” he says.
Now, with little more than a month until the end of his tour, Ray is looking forward seeing his wife Sandra and returning to CFB Camp Petawawa in time for Christmas. They are expecting visits from their daughter Melyssa and her husband Patrick, of Winnipeg, and son Noel of Fredericton.
The family are also planning a visit to Prince Albert over the holiday to see his parents, Paul and Tia Woodcroft.
Although Ray will be happy to see his tour come to an end soon, he’s very proud to have been able to serve his country and its efforts to bring peace and stability to the Afghan people.
And like a true soldier he feels strongly about the mission, citing “much has been achieved, but much remains to be accomplished.
By J. Peter Hvidsten
Focus on Scugog