Yellowknife (Feb 02/04) - Maj. Juan C. Gallego is going to miss his snowmobile and the great, white expanses of snow and ice he has come to enjoy since arriving in Yellowknife nearly three years ago.

"I am going to miss the opportunity to live out the winter here in Yellowknife because of all the things it has to offer, the Ski-Dooing and so forth," said the 20-years-plus Canadian Forces veteran pilot.

"I am an outdoor enthusiast."

Gallego will be one of 1,700 soldiers heading to Afghanistan over the next month to relieve the large body of Canadian troops already there. A friend will be taking care of his boat and snowmobile while he is away.

Over the next six months, the 440 Squadron flight commander will be stationed in the war-torn nation's capital, Kabul. He leaves tomorrow.

While there, he will serve as an advisor for air operations at the airport and at the headquarters for the international body of peacekeepers dedicated to smooth over the transition from lawlessness to orderly government.

Gallego said he was chosen for this latest mission because of his familiarity with military aircraft and tactical operations.

"When it comes to specific-type questions as to how the airport is being used or what other limitations there are for some of the other airports -- what we can take in or can't -- from a flier's point of view, that's what advice that I will give," he said.

With the recent death of Cpl. Jamie Brendan Murphy still weighing heavily on the minds of many Canadians, Gallego said he is still confident the soldiers can get the job done and that the safety of himself and the rest of the troops stationed there is a priority.

"We're well trained for the mission, we're well equipped," said Gallego.

"It is a high risk area and things will happen, not withstanding all the measures we take, but I think we're in a pretty good position to take care of ourselves."

Gallego has been on many international missions during his lengthy career.

He served in Operation Desert Shield, the 1990 prelude to the Persian Gulf War, which was meant to protect neighbouring nations from Iraq.

He was a part of a famine-relief mission, flying a Hercules aircraft over Ethiopia in the late 1980s and was in Bosnia during the Balkan war.

A duty to the world

Gallego believes Canada still has an important role to play in peacekeeping missions around the world.

"We are a country that is pretty privileged by international standards," Gallego said.

"I think it behooves us to do our part to help others less fortunate."

He has no opinion on Canada's decision not to join the Americans in the latest war against Iraq but said our country's help in Afghanistan is vital in the war against terror.

His parents, who live in Brantford, Ont., along with his brother and sister, are worried but also very proud.

"I've assured them and I know that they're confident we're properly trained and equipped for the mission," he said.

"It's an important thing that we're doing over there, not withstanding the hazards. They're proud and supportive."

After his tour in Afghanistan is complete, Gallego will return to Yellowknife and 440 Squadron.

He is committed to serve at least one more year in the North.