The Darien Times

Darien High boys hockey holds ‘Support the Troops Donation Drive’

Last Updated on Tuesday, February 14, 2012 02:41 PM Tuesday, February 14, 2012 02:37 PM

On Saturday at DIR, prior to Darien boys hockey beating Ridgefield 4-2, the Wave paid tribute to the armed forces in Afghanistan.

As part of the tribute, the team conducted a donation drive to gather morale boosting supplies for the battalion of a fellow DHS and DYHA alumni currently serving in Afghanistan, Clay Canning, DHS Class of 2005.

Things as simple as cookies, potato chips, magazines, tooth brushes and used video games for Xbox did the trick at the event.

The donations will be boxed up by the team and sent to Clay to distribute to his battalion nicknamed “The Gimlets.”

In a release produced by the Wave, a glimpse of what Clay has been up to since 2005, follows.

Clay Canning, a 2005 Darien High School graduate is a 1st Lieutenant with the US Army and is currently serving at a forward operating base in eastern Afghanistan. Clay is a member of the 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team C Company — nicknamed the “Gimlets.”

Clay began his deployment as a platoon leader stationed at a combat outpost, where he was responsible for leading 30-40 soldiers on patrol and in combat situations. In this position, Clay also met with local Afghan leaders in a “shura”; these conferences allow the US to build goodwill and maintain strong intelligence contacts in Afghan communities. In the fall, Clay became Crusher Company’s XO, or “Executive Officer”. In this position, Clay oversees major logistical operations and combat missions of a wider scope. Though he wishes he could continue to go on patrols and see combat with his 1st platoon soldiers, Clay is enjoying leading warriors from his new post.

When Clay changed jobs, he moved to the forward operating base, or “FOB” where he is currently stationed. One of the highlights of Clay’s deployment has included building the TOC, or tactical operations center where he works each day. This new base is a major upgrade for Clay, because there is an Army cook and running water.

Clay’s unit is based in Fairbanks, Alaska at Fort Wainright. Fort Wainright is the home of the “Artic Warriors.” This name is an apt one, considering the average winter temperature usually hovers around zero and frequently ventures as low as -40 degrees F.

The Gimlets’ deployment began in May 2011 and is scheduled to end in April. Clay will spend another year in Fairbanks before moving to Ft. Benning, Georgia to complete the Captain’s Career Course, which is requisite for his career progression. Clay became a commissioned Army officer upon his graduation from the United States Military Academy at West Point in May 2009 where he earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering.

Clay was a long time participant in DYHA. Clay starting skating as a mini mite and ending his career as a Midget. He played on two state tournament championship teams during his travel hockey career.

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