Irish soldier from Laois sends Mothers Day wishes from Syria

Irish Irish Defence Forces soldier Johnathan Tuft has sent his is Mothers Day wishes back home to his family in Laois

Corporal Tuft is among the Irish Defence Forces troops from 64th Infantry Group deployed with the UN to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force in Syria (UNDOF). The 64th Infantry Group deployed to Syria in Oct 2021 and consists of a total of 129 Irish personnel

Personnel deployed overseas would normally have 3 weeks leave in the course of a 6-month tour of duty, but due to current UN Covid related restrictions, Johnathan and the other soldiers must conduct their full tour of duty without any leave. 

Having been away from their families for Christmas, the troops will celebrate a virtual Mother's day with their Mothers and partners. 

Cpl Tuft from Abbeyleix had this message for home.

"To my mother Siobhan, my sister Emily, and my Grandmother Ann. I wish you all a very happy Mother’s Day. I love and miss you all, and I’ll see you all very soon. Johnny," he said in the message.

Jonathan completed extraordinary march in 20020 to raise funds under the Frontline Mo-Bros group of emergency and security services worker who joined forces to fundraise for Movember.

He walked 55 kms with 55 pounds (24kg) in his backpack starting from the Curragh camp and finishing in Abbeyleix. He did, he says it in memory of all the dads, brothers, sons and soldiers who have sadly passed and for men's mental health.

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The Irish Defence Forces is deployed to 14 missions and operations in 12 countries across the Balkans, Africa, and the Middle East. At present there are 580 Irish personnel deployed on multinational Peace Support Operations with the United Nations, European Union, and NATO-Partnership for Peace, with the vast majority coming from the Army. 

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The 64th Infantry Group is composed of a Group Headquarters, Two Mechanised Infantry Platoons, a Cavalry & Artillery Reconnaissance Troop and a Contingent Support Group of 129 personnel to the Golan Heights in Syria. The Infantry Group will be carrying out peacekeeping duties under Chapter 6 of the UN Charter. 

The group acts as the Force Reserve Company, the main focus of which is constituting a Quick Response Force for UNDOF, as well as supporting the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO). This group operates Observation Posts along the Alpha line in order to monitor the AOS. This will involve extensive patrolling throughout the AO in addition to monitoring the AOS. In accordance with Security Council Resolution 2581, duties will also include helping to ensure humanitarian access to the civilian population in the area.  

Here's the full list of Mother's Day wishes from Syria.

Tpr Kevin Moloney (Kildare): I want to wish my mother Ursula a very happy Mother’s Day. Love and miss you loads, and I’ll see you soon.

Tpr Liam Quinn (Cork): To my mother Mary, and mother-in-law Bridie, happy Mother’s Day. Have a great day. See you both very soon.

Pte Kyle Mullins (Kildare): I would like to wish my mother Sonya a very happy Mother’s Day. I hope you have the best day. You deserve it. I’ll see you soon.

Cpl Jonathan Tuft (Laois): To my mother Siobhan, my sister Emily, and my Grandmother Ann. I wish you all a very happy Mother’s Day. I love and miss you all, and I’ll see you all very soon. Johnny.

Armn Liam O’Connell (Dublin): I want to wish my mother Fiona a very happy Mother’s Day. I hope you have the best day, and I’ll see you soon. Lots of love, Liam.

Sgt Aoife Harrington (Kildare): I want to wish my mam a happy Mother’s Day. Love you and see you soon.

Gnr Khalum Doyle (Athlone, Co. Westmeath): I just want to wish my mother Mary back home a very happy Mother’s Day, and I’ll see you soon.

Cpl Keith Moran (Dublin): I want to wish my mother Annette a happy Mother’s Day. Hope you have a great day. See you very soon. From your favourite, Keith.

Cpl Paul Dawson (Kildare): I would like to wish my mother Olive a happy Mother’s Day. Looking forward to seeing you when I’m home.

Cpl Jack Dooley (Kildare): I want to wish my mother Karen a big happy Mother’s Day. Can’t wait to see you in a few weeks.

Capt Daniel Graham (Cavan): Happy Mother’s Day to my amazing mother. Looking forward to seeing you very soon.

Tpr Darren Daly (Carlow): Happy Mother’s day to my mother Cathy Daly. Keep doing your amazing job. Love you lots, and can’t wait to see you again.

Cpl Alan Kearns (Dublin): Happy Mother’s Day to my mother. Hope you have a lovely day. See you soon. Also, to my partner Terri. You are smashing it. I love you, and see you soon.

Lt Borys Stan (Kildare): Mum, happy Mother’s Day. I hope you have a wonderful day. I miss you very much and I can’t wait to see you very soon.