8:14am Friday 16th May 2008
TWO soldiers from the region are heading to the Middle East to help maintain Army communications.
Fifty soldiers from 2nd Signal Regiment flew out of the country this morning to begin a six-month tour in Iraq and the area. The squadron returned from Afghanistan only a few weeks ago.
Lance Corporal Dawn Durham, 23, from Stockton, said: "I am a little bit nervous, but also really excited about getting out to Iraq. My family are very proud of me and I will miss them, but this is a great opportunity."
Her colleague, L Cpl Michael Carter, 21, also of Stockton, said: "I have been in the Army for five-and-a-half years, and for the last 18 months in this regiment, but this is the first time I will have been to Iraq."
Major Andy Mould, the officer commanding 219 Signal Squadron, said: "We are one of the busiest regiments in the Army, as in today's modern world, communications are vital to the main effort of bringing independence and stability in Iraq."
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