Soldier From Ely Is Working Hard To Keep The Troops Fed In Afghanistan

A SOLDIER from Ely is working hard to keep British troops fighting fit on the front-line in Afghanistan.

Private Ricky Walker, 20, is a chef with the Royal Logistic Corp and is tasked with keeping 1,800 hungry soldiers fed and watered at the iconic Camp Bastion in Helmand Province.

Private Walker, a former pupil at the City of Ely Community College, is more than half-way through a six month deployment in the notorious province and is due to return home to Ely in September.

Private Walker, who is also responsible for feeding hundreds of multi-national troops, said : 'I work in the main kitchen at Camp Bastion Two and this involves being part of a team that provides food for 1,800 personnel from multi-national forces and we use �6,000 worth of food every day. I am usually tasked with producing one or two of the main dishes such as lasagne or a roast.'

'My step mother, Sharon, and my father, Kevin, live in Ely with my brothers Lee, 22, Jason, 17, Scott 14, Shane, 8, and sisters Gemma, 21, Rosemary, 19, and Nina 11.'

'I find it difficult at times as I am always working to tight deadlines and covering very long shifts. The kitchen is also one of the hottest places on the camp so you have to get used to it quickly when you arrive.'

'I had only travelled as far as Scotland before I joined the Army, and I am now serving in Afghanistan which I think is a fantastic opportunity, experiencing working in a kitchen of this size. I previously served in Northern Ireland and during the deployment to Afghanistan we stopped in a US Army base in the United Arab Emirates.'

'I have found being away from my family and friends quite difficult. I intend to spend some time with them when the tour finishes. I am really looking forward to getting home and going on a well deserved holiday with my brother Lee."

Private Walker prepares another meal for hundreds of hungry troops. Photo: SUPPLIED.