Trimdon Village RAF corporal supports troop communications in Afghanistan (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Trimdon Village RAF corporal supports troop communications in Afghanistan

3:57pm Tuesday 5th March 2013 in News By Lizzie Anderson

A ROYAL Air Force corporal from County Durham is using his IT and communication skills to support the Armed Force’s International Headquarters in Afghanistan.

Stewart Pierson, of Trimdon Village, near Sedgefield, is working with soldiers from the Army’s 2 Signal Regiment to help maintain communications across Kabul.

It is the 34-year-old’s second tour of duty, having served in Iraq in 2006.

“I volunteered to come to Kabul and I’m really enjoying it,” he said. “We’re out and about fixing communications kit across the city - it’s very different to my other RAF postings.”

Cpl Pierson attended Sedgefield Community College and joined the RAF in 2002. He is a member of C4I Support Squadron, which is stationed at RAF Coningsby, South Lincolnshire and specialises on IT and communications support.

Cpl Pierson returns from Afghanistan this month.

“This tour has taught me a lot about myself - I go back home having made friends from all corners of the world,” he said.

“I have helped the guys from 2 Signals Regiment through some tough times and we’ve become amazing friends.

“The locals are very friendly and I’ve tried to make an effort greeting them in Dari - learning one word of the local language every day of the tour.”