A ROUTINE flight in Afghanistan turned into something special for for a soldier after he received a surprise promotion.
Sergeant Shaun Flynn, 38, from Middlesbrough, is serving with the 1st Battalion The Green Howards on a six-month tour of duty.
His battalion was flying from Afghan capital Kabul to Mazar-e-Sharif, in the north of the war-torn country, when his commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Jim Willis, told him he was being promoted to the rank of Colour Sergeant.
Before his high-flying promotion, Colour Sergeant Flynn was a rifle platoon sergeant with the Kabul Patrol Company.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article