Role as Platoon Commander

Heroes Remember

Role as Platoon Commander

Transcript

Going to Afghanistan as a platoon commander was a fantastic experience for me. There was some peaks and valleys to it obviously but overall that was one of the highlights of my career for sure. We were the first rotation in there in 2003/2004, Roto O. We were in the city of Kabul and you could tell the change from when we first got there til the end of the tour, you know, you could tell that kids weren’t going to school, you know, there was no music. The streets were kind of quieter but by the end of the tour you could see more people on the streets, more businesses opening, schools were opening. It was an experience really cherishing what we have here in Canada knowing that those Afghanistan people and what they have to deal with on a day to day basis. It was incredible and to be part of that and making that difference and helping them avoid conflict and get on and live their normal life was really a rewarding experience. So we were busy patrolling and helping the police services patrol and the military patrol their certain districts. We had lots of meetings with mayors and the elders in the communities about how we can work together to secure that area. The platoon was very busy. We did a lot in that six months. They were very long days and long weeks but, you know, I had a great group of men under my command and they were fantastic individuals.

Description

Major Feyko provides an understanding of his role as platoon commander and how the presence of our military resulted in an improved lifestyle for the Afghan people.

Jay Feyko

Mr. Jay Feyko was born April 25, 1973 in Windsor, Ontario. While attending Trenton University, unsure of his future, Mr. Feyko decided to join the military under a three year contract with the Canadian Forces. After having the opportunity to be honour guard in commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, his inspiration for those who served before him led him to the decision to remain in the military. Joining as private under the 3rd Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment, Infantry Division, Mr. Feyko deployed to Afghanistan under Operation Roto O holding rank of platoon commander. He was medically discharge and rose to the rank of major. Deployment to Afghanistan resulted in a severe injury when he became wounded after a suicide bomber detonated the vehicle he was travelling in. Not allowing his injuries to change his lifestyle, Mr. Feyko carried on with his career, accepting a position as senior manager of Soldier On where he continues present day in supporting and assisting other Veterans with challenges in life. Mr. Feyko was medically discharged from the Canadian military in June 2016 and continues to advocate for the needs of his fellow comrades. Mr. Feyko now resides in Ottawa, Ontario with his wife and children.

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