Bushell is currently in his third month of a seven-month tour of duty in Afghanistan. The Collingwood Collegiate Institute graduate is a member of the military police unit. The 23-year-old is based out of Edmonton and is former member of the local Air Force cadets in Collingwood and Meaford and attended Nottawa Public School.

"My role in Afghanistan along with the other members of our small team is to help mentor Afghan National Police (ANP)," he said in an e-mail interview with The Connection.  "Our team is comprised of both military police and infantry soldiers. We live in a small compound called a Police Sub Station; there we both live and work alongside the ANP.  I always enjoy new challenges so I do enjoy my role in this mission, it's one that is ever changing in a war that is also ever changing. I do feel we are making a difference."

Bushell has been a member of the Canadian Forces for more than three years. He enrolled in 2006 while still at CCI, where he was a member of the football and track and field teams. He is the son of Judy and Don Hitchings of Collingwood.

"I enrolled in 2006 when the focus of the Canadian military mission shifted from Kabul in the north to the Taliban stronghold in Kandahar in the south," he recalls.  "It was at CCI on a Friday before exams. I was on a computer in Mr. Tudor's Communications Technology class when I decided to put in my application; best choice I ever made next to marrying my wife."

Judy said her son has wanted to be in the military since he was young. She said she is scared and proud at the same time.

"I'm excited for him because that's what he wants to do," she said. "But it also brings tears to my eyes."

He said his unit is a tight-knit group, but the group did suffer a set back when its team leader Lieutenant Justin Boyes was killed in October.

"I don't think there's such thing as a typical day here, although a lot of our focus is on patrolling and joint operations with the Afghan National Army," he said. "This has been the busiest winter fighting season for the Taliban, in our case it means we get fairly regular inbound rockets and rocket propelled grenades. Other threats out here are suicide bombers and improvised explosive devices (IEDs)."

Don says his heart sinks when he hears about soldiers losing their lives.

But Bushell said he doesn't get scared.

"As for getting scared I feel more worried about my wife, my family back home and my fellow soldiers. In my mind and heart I'm prepared to give my life for my country, this mission and my comrades. I'm focused on the job at hand and I keep faith in God and the rest is out of my hands."

Bushell said he has four months before he is back home.

"Boy I miss Collingwood," he said. " Don't get me wrong I've always wanted to be in the military, as far back as I can remember but nothing's like being back in that great country of ours with all our friends and families. I've been in the army for three-and-a-half years now. To my mom and dad, brother Corey, sisters Brandy, Nicole and Audrey, and all the other members of my family, friends included, I love you guys. Thanks for all the support and prayers. Also I would like to thank the Ladies Auxiliary Corp for their support as well as the Royal Canadian Legion. I salute you Collingwood, love you all and keep safe."

This is first in an ongoing series of stories The Connection will be running on local members of the Canadian Forces serving in Afghanistan.