Beer donation gives troops a taste of home (From The Oxford Times)

Beer donation gives troops a taste of home

3:47pm Friday 28th May 2010 in

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SERVICEMEN and women on their flight back from Afghanistan have been treated to a well-deserved taste of home.

Forty cases of Old Speckled Hen, each containing 24 cans and bottles, were delivered to Dalton Barracks, Abingdon, and another 40 to RAF Brize Norton.

Greene King’s distribution centre in Abingdon made the donation in support of the Beer for the Boys campaign, which aims to give every serviceman and woman a beer on their flight back home from active service.

Dawn Langley, manager of the distribution centre, said: “Both bases play a very important role in our community and everyone at the depot wanted to do something to show our appreciation for all of their efforts.”

Captain Jim Vincent, the Regimental Adjutant at 4 Logistic Support at Dalton Barracks said: “Many thanks to Old Speckled Hen. The gesture is much appreciated by everyone connected to the base. Our guys are really looking forward to tasting some real ale with a taste of home.”

Beer for the Boys’ was the brainchild of Wing Commander Steve Chadwick, Officer Commanding 216 Squadron, based at Brize Norton. He started the campaign in 2007 with the aim of giving a free can of beer to every serviceman and woman flying home from Afghanistan on RAF TriStar aircraft, which are operated by 216 Squadron.

Alcohol is not available to British troops while serving in the Middle East.