Page 30 - Mind, Body and Spirit 2015-16

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www.raptcassociation.org.uk
UKNFoS ToW Champs
The RAPTC Display Team performing at the Armed Forces Day 2015
The unit conducted various Adventurous Training exercises. The mountain bike centre in Coed-y-Brenin and Coed Llandegla was the playground for members of the unit. Everyone honed in on their personal skills and drills before embarking on the red routes. Everyone escaped injury free and enjoyed the week. LCpl Klein and I were able to assist the Defence School of Transport (DST) Lecon eld on Ex Communicator Challenge coast-to-coast event.
The challenge was to walk and ride the 192 mile route. The beautiful climb of Hardknott Pass was a testing spectacle on 2 wheels. The legs were screaming and the glasses steamed
SSgt Burnell RAPTC and LCpl Klein RLC, the calm before the storm of Hardknott Pass
up, but the voice in my head to stay on 2 wheels prevailed and I reached the summit. The remainder of the group each faced their own demons, I know I certainly did.
The RAPTC display team were on hand to perform at the Armed Forces Day in Guildford. The blazing heat made the event a summer spectacular. The performers were awesome as always and the crowd were amazing support.
This year looks set to be extremely busy in all aspects of training. I look forward to the challenges ahead.
With a date of completion approaching and a new chapter just about to start, I think back to my role with 21 Engineer Regiment and how welcome I was made and how much they made my life so much easier with great direction from the Commanding Of cer downwards. Hopefully I did make a difference to one or two of the sappers and can clearly state that they are a ne Regiment and I wish them all the best for their move in 2018 where they take post under the direction of SSgt (SSI) Jules Bloomer.
Highlight of the year for me was being named as the RAPTC FC club captain and being part of the Gibraltar touring squad. A post after being with the squad for over 12 years I thought would never come, however under the direction of the new manager Lee Dyson that position came my way. I would like to thank him and
21 ENGINEER REGIMENT
SSgt (SSI) LP Addison RAPTC
SSgt Addison Kayaking Ardeche
the management staff for rstly selecting me and secondly believing in the current squad of players.
The Regiment has great sporting connections and these came to light when the Regiment was asked to host not only Wigan Warriors under 16’s, academy but also the First team here in Ripon. With such athletes you would expect egos,
however they were superb. Listening to direction, conducting physical training to the best of their ability and then thanking the staff afterwards personally and then through social media. Some true friends were made on all 3 trips and I look forward to meeting up with some of them further down the line.
What’s on the cards for 21 Engineer Regiment? 21 Engineer Regiment will be leaving their current location in 2018 after serving in Ripon for over 80 years (Various Engineer Regiments).
What for me? Taking up my new post at the Army foundation college Harrogate in May 2016, however one thing I do have in the back of my mind is my time in the RAPTC and the Army is coming to an end. A scary thought after already completing over 22 years.