Proud of the little fella, I am, I am.......
Message from PM
By LAURIE MUSTARD January 17, 2007
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Winnipegger Matt Podolas, 23, got an extremely pleasant surprise Sunday night at the Canad Inns family holiday celebration.
Back home on holidays amid working six months at the Tim Hortons at Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan, the Canad Inns employee was being recognized for his contribution to our Canadian troops by Canad Inns president and CEO Leo Ledohowski.
After presenting Matt with a Canad Inns gift, Leo read Matt the following letter: (edited for length).
"Dear Matthew,
"It is with great pleasure that I extend my personal greetings to you on the occasion of your 23rd birthday and your return to Canada from Afghanistan.
"I am certain that our servicemen and servicewomen greatly appreciate the work you and your colleagues do to provide them with the comforts of home while they bravely serve our country abroad.
"I would like to personally thank you for your decision to help out in Kandahar. Your efforts are commendable and I wish you the best as you prepare to return to Afghanistan later this month.
"Once again, please accept my best wishes for a wonderful celebration spent with friends, family and colleagues.
"Sincerely, The Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada."
Matt's reaction to the letter? "Completely beside myself. I was shocked and humbled that he would take the time to acknowledge what I'm doing in support of our troops. And to have the prime minister wish you happy birthday. Wow."
Matt's decision to go overseas was spurred by the service of his 28-year-old brother, Master Cpl. Mike Podolas, who recently completed his second tour in Afghanistan.
So how's your tour going, Matt? "Really well. I'm living in an eight-person tent at the Kandahar Air Base, have my own little room, it's interesting."
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