A soldier from New Milton has been deployed to help construct a vital military road in Afghanistan.
Michael Lee,19, a combat engineer for the Royal Engineers, is helping to build Route Trident, a road link which will give British troops the freedom of movement they need to protect local communities in the war against the Taleban.
It is also hoped the road will kick-start economic and social development in the area and help encourage the Afghan people to reject the Taleban.
Sapper Lee said: "We work for long hours, often at night and under enemy fire. The force protection we provide for our soldiers is very important as it helps keep all of our soldiers safer against attacks from insurgents. But it’s not just about safety and security –we also do things like install hot showers which are a real morale boost to the lads."
A spokesman for Task Force Helmand, the name given to all UK forces in the province, said: "As a combat engineer, Michael is responsible for building structures in dangerous locations. The aim of projects such as Route Trident is to make it easier to drive out insurgency and improve security for the local population."
But despite the high-pressure situation, Sapper Lee has still maintained his sense of humour:
"What keeps you going is being able to spend time and have banter with the rest of the squadron – amongst my personal highlights have been trying to catch a runaway headless chicken that we were preparing for a special dinner treat!" he said.
"I am very proud of what I do and the difference we are making. The locals often tell us we have made a big difference to their lives by improving the roads."
Sapper Lee, a keen rugby fan, attended Arnewood School in New Milton before joining the Army in 2008. This is his first visit to Afghanistan.
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