Two Vancouver brothers serving in Afghanistan have the prayers of a Catholic school behind them
Two B.C. brothers serving with the Canadian Armed Forces in Afghanistan have the prayers of not only many Canadians behind them, but also the prayers of St. Patrick’s High School students.
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Special to The B.C. Catholic
Andy McDonald speaks to Grade 11 students at St. Patrick’s Secondary in Vancouver before leaving for Afghanistan.
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Special to The B.C. Catholic
Andy and Jeff McDonald with two other soldiers in Kandahar. The volunteer reservists are both corporals from Vancouver.
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Special to The B.C. Catholic
Andy and Jeff McDonald, brothers and members of the Canadian Armed Forces, are sharing their experiences in Afghanistan with Vancouver Catholic high school students.
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The school’s Socials 11 students are keeping Andy and Jeff McDonald, both local parishioners, in their intentions while the brothers serve in Kandahar on a tour that began last year and will end this spring.
The students met with one of the brothers shortly before they left last year and assured them of their prayers. In return, the McDonald brothers are keeping the students posted with regular e-mails.
The students and soldiers got connected when St. Pat’s teacher Dave Hancock learned that a friend’s nephews were heading oversees.
Before they departed, Andy agreed to meet with Grade 11 students as part of their Socials 11 class. During his visit, he explained Canada’s role in Afghanistan and told the students how much he and his brother believe in the Canadian mission.
Students got the opportunity to ask questions, which he gladly answered, and before he left they agreed to stay in touch.
Now the brothers send e-mails, and the students keep the McDonalds in mind, not only spiritually, but with care packages.
The Grade 11 students raised money before Christmas to send gifts to their adopted soldiers in Kandahar, and in a post-Christmas message they expressed their gratitude.
“It truly was above and beyond the call,” wrote Andy. “I was giving Jeff the envious eye as he put on his scarf and toque, only to realize that there was a set for me in there too.... Some things around Christmas never change, including a little brotherly jealousy over who gets what! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this. It really is an honour to be on the receiving end of your generosity.”
They also described their Christmas experience in Afghanistan. “As you probably know, Christmas trees are rather difficult to come by here in Kandahar, not to mention that Christmas itself is not a locally celebrated holiday. Having said that, the entire base gets together to celebrate in their own way, as most members of the multinational force here do, and I hung my stocking up by my bunk just to make sure, you know, just in case.”
Not all the messages are so joy-filled. In one, Andy wrote: “We just concluded our handover from the previous rotation.... I have had the unfortunate duty of attending two ramp ceremonies in as many days for fallen Canadian soldiers. I didn’t know who they were, but that doesn’t matter. It was one of the saddest experiences of my life to date. But we have to keep on going; it’s not really an option not to. Our work continues and I’m still motivated and so is everyone around here....”
The intent of the Social Studies event was to make students aware of Canadian sacrifices in Afghanistan, said principal John Bevacqua.
“Andy and Jeff McDonald are two fine Canadian soldiers who have connected with our students, but more important are two Canadian heroes who are making our world a safer and better place. Thank you to them and all Canadian soldiers.”
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