In December 2009, Louise Bostock from Star News travelled to Afghanistan to take a look at how the NorthEast soldiers are coping with being away from their families at Christmas time.
For many it is the first time they have been away from their families not knowing what the future holds for them and for the region.
Across the week Star News will be examining different aspects of the British Army's role in the conflict as well as repercussions for the troops, and the country at the centre of the most controversial conflicts of the 21st century.
Camp Bastion at dawn on my first day.
As the UK mourns the loss of its one hundredth soldier out in Afghanistan last week, the number of troops being wounded in the war torn country is also on the rise.
All this week, Star News is bringing you special reports from Afghanistan.
Our reporter Louise Bostock's been on the front line, with the soldiers from our region.
Today, Louise looks at what life is like on the frontline for those looking death in the face.
Their skills, equipment and bravery make them the most advanced medical team anywhere in the world.
The Medical Emergency Response Team, based at Camp Bastion risk their lives to try and help save another on the front line.
Today, Louise Bostock talks to County Durham combat medic Flight Superintendent Anthony Kyle, who goes out on relentless flights to rescue the injured.
All this week on Star News we're finding out what life is really like for our troops in Afghanistan.
Our reporter Louise Bostock's spending a week over there.
Today, we find out what it's like spending Christmas away from your loved ones.
While tributes are being paid to two British soldiers killed by a suspected suicide bomber in Afghanistan earlier this week, Star News reporter Louise Bostock has been speaking to the region's troops about how they cope when they hear about lives being lost on the frontline.
Britain's mission in Afghanistan is by far one of the most challenging in recent history.
And, despite the number of soldiers being killed this year topping a hundred, Gordon Brown's hinted we could be pulling out of the war torn country in 2011.
But how likely is that?
Star News reporter Louise Bostock's been talking to those who believe it is unrealistic.
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