Chief Supt. Dave Critchley had an amazing year in Afghanistan. But don't just take our word for it. Here are Critchley's own words, with selections from his blog: My Year in Afghanistan: http://davecritchleyinafghanistan.blogspot.com
June 5, 2011
(Critchley returns to a new job in Canada)
I keep getting asked by the various people I work with if I am excited to be leaving ... I answer the question by saying, I am not excited to be leaving, but I am extremely excited to be going home. This has been one incredible experience and opportunity for me, however it is time to go home ... everyone and everything I love and cherish is not here, but back home. That's where I belong.
June 2, 2011
(Critchley meets up with his niece)
That's right everyone ... the Critchleys in Kandahar!
Can you imagine? What are the odds that two generations of Critchleys are in Kandahar at the same time?
Today, I travelled with our ambassador to Kandahar for meetings and, of course, made a special effort to find Bonnie and have a coffee at Tims.
This trip was actually my last trip to Kandahar before I leave Afghanistan in the coming days. I must tell you how extremely proud I was to introduce my niece to Ambassador Crosby and Deputy Head of Mission, Jess Dutton.
I explained how Bonnie had arrived a couple weeks ago and we really represent a number of Critchleys who have served our country.
It's really quite something when you think of it. Of course, my brother Steve (Bonnie's dad) had an outstanding career in the military, travelling across the globe to various conflicts, both my dad and mom served in the armed forces, Debra in the reserves, my father-in-law in the air force, and of course it continues on from there ... grandfathers, uncles, etc. Without question, our family can stand tall and proud when we speak of Canada and all it means to us.
I gave Bonnie a big hug, told her we loved her and to stay safe.
May 30, 2011
(Critchley travels and successfully interviews for his new job in Burnaby)
I must first apologize for not doing a post in such a long time.
I have been very busy for a couple of reasons.
First (wife) Debra and I went on a fabulous three-week holiday to the UAE (United Arab Emirates), Turkey and Spain.
Then, when I returned to Kabul, I had to turn around and head back to Canada where I attended an international police conference in Kelowna.
Following Kelowna, I was off to Burnaby B.C. for an interview on my next job (which I was successful on...yeah!), and finally back to Kabul where I have been busy getting ready to turn "the keys" over to my successor in the next several days.
March 18, 2011
Good evening all!
I must apologize up front for being less than timely on my blog updates.
I had to go back to Ottawa for several days and was back and forth to our NHQ for meetings and the time has flown by. Prior to going home, I was extremely busy and there did just not seem to be enough hours in the day to keep up with all the things I wanted to accomplish. Looking ahead to the next couple of weeks I know I will really be "up to my armpits in alligators". I will do my best to make regular updates.
We managed to skate on the (Rideau) Canal and just in time, as it closed a couple days later.
Jan. 17, 2011
(Critchley vacations with his family in Jamaica)
Even with a couple of pre-tanning sessions in Ottawa prior to going to Jamaica, I stood out at the pool like a marshmallow in a bag of coal!
I am now back at work in Afghanistan after my three-week break back home.
As I sit here in my room and type out this post, I can close my eyes and smell the Christmas turkey, Debra's cinnamon buns, the tropical flowers in Jamaica and of course my after-sun lotion. Can't believe how fast the time went and how much fun we had.
We were extremely fortunate that I made it home for Christmas. Seemed like everything was against me as I tried to get home on Dec. 22.
First the EU banned all Afghan airlines from EU airspace. This had a trickle-down effect on all flights from Kabul and numerous were cancelled.
Then the weather chaos in Europe and Frankfurt shutting down (airports) and finally an insurgent attack in Kabul the day before I left which threatened to shut down the Kabul airport. ... I was literally counting the minutes until I got on the plane. But, all worked well and we had a wonderful Christmas at home. It really recharged my batteries (soul) spending time with my family and friends enjoying great food, wine and moments where we laughed until we cried.
Debra and I headed off to Ocho Rios in Jamaica right after New Year's (Day) and had a splendid week of sunshine at the resort. It actually took us a couple of days to slow down and get into the groove...more importantly the Jamaican or possibly the Caribbean pace of doing things. In other words, no rush, slow down and enjoy the moment.
Oct. 2, 2010
(Critchley writes a letter to his wife)
To my beautiful wife:
For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart.
It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul...
- Judy Garland
Happy 28th anniversary Debra!
I know when I was in Vancouver on our anniversary last year I said it would be the last one I would be away for.....whoops!
Thanks for all the great years together and I look forward to many, many more.
All my love,
Dave
Sept. 30, 2010
(Critchley takes the family on a trip to New York City)
Alas...I must report that my trip home has come and gone in a blink of an eye. I simply can't believe how fast the time went by and more importantly, how much our family crammed into a couple of weeks.
We took a trip down to New York City while I was home. Debra and I have been to NYC several times, however the girls have not and we decided to take advantage of my time home to do a "family trip".
Given there is a wedding in the near future (not to mention grandchildren at some point) we thought it would be fun for the four of us to do a road trip. It has been quite some time since the four of us travelled together and we had a blast.
We drove down to Syracuse New York where we spent one night and then jumped onto a train the next morning to NYC, where we spent three nights at the Roosevelt Hotel right in Manhattan.
The hotel was within walking distance to all the major tourist attractions and we were able to take in as many as possible. We took the girls to see sights such as Central Park, Empire State Building, Rockefeller Centre, Times Square, Statue of Liberty, Chinatown, and, of course, take in a Broadway show (Chicago).
Aug. 16, 2010
(Critchley gets the best news of all)
Well tonight I have the most exciting news a parent can have.....our beautiful daughter is getting married!
I received an email from Jennifer's boyfriend (sorry, I guess it is now fiance) asking me if I could give him a call.
I dialed up Brandon with slight trepidation, as Debra and I were both hoping he was going to ask for permission to marry Jennifer, but as all parents know, when kids ask for you to give them a call, you are never really sure what to expect.
After Brandon told me how special Jennifer is, how much he loves her and that he would like my permission to marry her, I tried to talk but got all choked up.
I think there must be something in the Kabul water and I am turning into an emotional wreck.
I will leave it to Jennifer and Brandon to share with everyone what their plans are for their special day, but for now all I can say is how proud Debra and I are of our little girl.
