January 6, 2009 11:58 AM - Military bases have been part of Corporal Shirley De Souza's life since she was was a child.
"I've spent a lot of time on bases - in one context or another," laughed De Souza in an interview this morning from Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan, where the Mississauga woman is serving with the Canadian military.

The native of East Africa and her family were forced into refugee camps because of the coup in Uganda when she was 10 years old. She and her family lived in two refugee camps in Great Britain before making their way to Canada in 1974.

Asked why she joined the reserves in 1990 and then signed up full-time in 2003, De Souza says, "when you (emigrate) from a developing country that has seen wars and strife, you appreciate things more.

"When you see what Canadian forces can do in an international context and with my own experiences as a refugee and an immigrant, you just say, 'hey, what can I give?'" continued the University of Waterloo graduate, who majored in geography and environmental studies.

While on her tour of duty, De Souza works 10-to-12-hour days, seven days a week as a clerk in the orderly room providing pay and administrative support to fellow troops.

"I've been on a few patrols, too, which is an eye-opener - to see the local people and their living situations. When you compare it to what we have in Canada, we have to be very thankful."

This is the Mississaugan's second tour abroad since she joined the forces. In 2004, she was part of a United Nations peacekeeping force on the Golan Heights in Israel.

The "care packages" from home, both the ones her mother, Bertila, sends from Mississauga and the letters and gifts from students and churches from across Canada, are much appreciated.

"Even all the way over here, we do feel the love," said De Souza.

With more than 100 Canadian military casualties to date in Afghanistan, does she ever think about the potential danger?

"Not on a day-to-day basis," said De Souza. "You do the job and you know the job has certain dangers. You don't dwell on them."
The De Souza clan, including brother Colin and sister Sarita, plus extended family, have lived in Mississauga for about a decade after moving from Scarborough.

They live in City Centre, a 25-minute walk from Square One Shopping Centre. On her return to Mississauga, De Souza says that's where she's planning her next tour of duty — to liberate her credit card.

Corporal Shirley De Souza (right) provides administrative services with a smile to Captain Diane Kilby of Kingston during the Christmas season at the National Support Element Orderly Room in the Canadian Task Force headquarters compound at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan.