Postcards from Tekong

27 January 2007

Tekong Sanyongkong Field Camp (8.1.07 ~ 12.1.07)
It has been a year since I last stepped on Tekong soil since POP in December 2005. It is an experience to return to Tekong Sanyongkong Field Camp for ATEC 1 Mock from 8.1.07 to 12.1.07. Memories of BMT life, starting from the day of enlistment till POP poured in quickly, as if everything only happened yesterday...

Postcard from HQ111 @ Blk 31 Tekong Sanyongkong Field Camp (10.1.07 8pm)
On 10.1.07, after a long day of training, we finally had some rest after 2pm. After an hour of afternoon nap, I went to the backyard for a phone chat with mumy. Upon finishing talking, I did not go back to my bunk immediately. Instead, I continued to sit on the field bench to admire the lazy afternoon scenery. I feel relax by looking at the peaceful and tranquil view of Sanyongkong grassland, enjoying the CNY wind gusting pass my ears, and watched the grass and leaves dance freely in the wind. Birds flying across the sky enhanced the sense of freedom against the orange coloured sky. I fell in love with the scenery instantly. It brings back memories of BMT Field Camp and Ubin Lagoon Resort 7 years ago. I also consumed my dinner (luncheon meat) there while enjoying the lovely sunset. I sat at the backyard for about 3 hours and it is my most beautiful memory of Tekong Sanyongkong Camp.

Tekong Sanyongkong Field Camp (24.1.07 ~ 26.1.07)
The second trip to Tekong Sanyongkong Field Camp is for ATEC 1 from 23.1.07 to 26.1.07. This trip was even more precious, as we visited BMTC as a reward for our outstanding performance for ATEC 1 (to be honest, it is a free ride for me as Gilbert is the one who was tested for ATEC 1 pros of having 2 guys for your vocation and being the younger of the duo, because rumours has it that selection tends to be on nominal roll / NRIC basis)...

Postcard from W4306 @ Blk 30 Ladang Ring 1 #5-3 (25.1.07 3pm)
We visited BMTC2 Canteen this afternoon, something highly appreciated by the boys after a successful ATEC 1. First of all, I went to buy a 9Div singlet as a memorable souvenir for revisiting Tekong, which I think, this might be my final trip here during my NSF life. Next, I went to eat Roti John and Carrot Cake at the canteen. It's a pity that the Roti Prata stall is not open today... While eating, memories of my BMT life starts to pour in... I miss the nights when Chris, Ryan and I lined up for the food, eat and watch "wu chu chai hong" in the canteen...

After finishing my food and battling some internal psychological struggle, I decided to cross Ladang Street 1 to visit Whiskey Company. I had longed to revisit Whiskey since POP but I'm afraid that if I return, it might tarnish my beautiful bittersweet memories and reminds me of friends whom I deeply missed...

Walking along Ladang Street 1 reminds me of cleaning the backline every morning... Finally, I arrived at Whiskey's company line. None of my batch's commanders are still around and Platoon 4's Hall of Fame was removed. However, the squirrel, which is our platoon mascot, is still there and it reminds me of Ming Lun...

The stairs are now painted grey and upon reaching Level 5, I really have mixed feelings... This place indeed brings back memories of my first 3 months of army life. A peep into my (former) bunk reminds me of my section mates (although the shoe cabinets are gone and the layout arrangement is different). The sea view from W4 is still the same, except that more land is reclaimed around Tekong Kechil... The foyer reminds me of the night of enlistment and various activities there... A walk into the toilet makes me appreciate Darryl more...

While everything at Whiskey looks so familiar, it also feels very strange and different... Everything just feel different from what it used to be... Despite standing on the same ground, I do not have any sense of belonging to this place. This place no longer belongs to me anymore. Feeling emotional... Feel like crying... Nevertheless, this is where I get to know many true friends (Chris, Zhong Sheng, Weimin, Darryl, KC, Ryan, Bronson, Tiong Peng, Kelvin etc.) from different walks of life. I hope the current Whiskey boys will continue to fly our Whiskey flag high...

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