The British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) Northern Ireland radio presenter will be based at the BFBS studios in Camp Bastion, broadcasting to British troops in Afghanistan and all around the Forces world.
Rachel is going to be presenting 'Total Ops Connection' for the next three months, providing a vital two-way link between troops on operations and their families back home. She said:
"My show is all about connecting the troops in Afghanistan with their friends and families at home. It can pull on the heartstrings, but that's a great part of the job. It means that the guys and girls serving on ops know that their families are OK back home and vice-versa."
This will be Rachel's second tour with BFBS to Afghanistan, having spent three months living and working at Camp Bastion in 2010. Rachel felt privileged to be supporting our troops and their families during Op HERRICK 13. She said:
"It was an amazing experience, though at times it could be difficult. The servicemen and women face very challenging and scary times; it's really admirable how they work together as a team and I was really amazed at how they were able to keep each other's spirits up.
"I feel very honoured to be part of their world and being able to put a smile on a soldier's face by giving them a message from home and knowing that even though they may be having a rough day, you can turn it around for them; it makes my job worthwhile."
You can tune into Rachel on the 'Total Ops Connection' live from Afghanistan, weekdays from 1000-1300hrs. You can also listen to her on DAB Digital Radio, on Sky Guide 0211, Freesat Channel 786, and via the BFBS website and the new BFBS smartphone app.
If you have family, friends or loved ones currently based overseas with the Forces, then remember you can send a message of support online - see Related Links.