By Nick Wolochatiuk

Some soldiers returning from duty overseas get a welcome home article in the local newspaper, or a banner, but when Michael Conway of the 3RCR came back to Williamstown from his tour of duty in Afghanistan, he got both of those, plus a brightly painted boulder.

Ever since Conway was a little boy, he wanted to be a soldier. In 2006 he signed up, becoming part of 3RCR, M Company. He was trained as an infantryman, a paratrooper, at St. Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec and Meaford, Ontario.

“I was then sent to Afghanistan, where I served for seven and a half months. I believe we are doing a good thing over there. I now want to take some career courses and possibly return in one year if I can.”

When his parents, Donal (a retired doctor) and Mary (a nurse) were asked to comment about their son’s life in the military, their response was, “Excellent, but we’re so glad he is home. The house sure was empty.”

His friends came to Williamstown to throw a party in celebration of his return. All Canadians are appreciative of Michael and all others who are committed enough to serve abroad, in an attempt to make this a better world for peace-loving people.