They're on a UN peacekeeping mission in Syria.
18 soldiers from the midlands will be away from their families this Christmas.
13 from Westmeath, four from Offaly and one from Laois are part of a UN peacekeeping mission in Syria.
A number of events, including Christmas movie screenings, are being run for troops stationed overseas to get them in the festive spirit.
One of those abroad is Craig Charles from Athlone - he says technology will make the experience a small bit easier:
Garda ‘Go Safe’ Camera To Be Installed at Midlands Railway Station
The aim is to help improve safety for passengers across the country.
Taoiseach Acknowledges Frustration As Laois Refuge Centre Stalls
Funding for an 8-unit shelter was denied due to non compliance issues.
Westmeath Comedian Shares Journey From Diet Culture To New Stand-Up Show
Alison Spittle will be on her new tour next month.
Offaly IFA Raises Alarm Over Brazilian Beef Imports Row
Bord Bia Chair Larry Murrin remains in his position despite protests.
Westmeath Town To Hold First TEDx Event
The talk gets underway at 7pm tomorrow.
Over €20k Raised For Family Of Midlands Nurse After Sudden Passing
Over 700 people have donated to a Go Fund Me to support the family of Sherin Abraham.
Fast Track Citizenship Proposed For Immigrants Serving In Defence Forces
The proposal is aimed at increasing recruitment numbers in the Irish military.
Gardaí Investigating Spate Of Laois Thefts
Clothing was among the items stolen.
Westmeath Councillor Wants Short Term Let Planning Exemptions For Self Caterers
David Jones is calling for intervention from the Housing Minister.
Plans For 27-Acre Midlands Soccer Facility Rejected
Midlands Schoolboy/Girls League's proposed centre of excellence has been turned down.
Laois Senator Rails Against Rent Pressure Zone Legislation
The Residential Tenancies Bill is moving through the final stages of the legislative process.
Managers Should Consider Remote Work Where Possible - FRS
New research from JobLeads shows just 3.7% of jobs in Ireland are fully remote.
Tourism Minister Welcomes Government Short-Term Let Restrictions
Longford-Westmeath TD Peter Burke says the plan will strike a balance for short term lets.
Former Portlaoise Prison Assistant Governor Criticises Psychiatric Prisoner Numbers
38 people are being held in prisons currently.
Midlands Local Authority Submits Plans To Extend Living City Initiative
Simon Harris is expected to extend the measures until 2030.
Laois Commuters Spend Up To Two Hours A Day Travelling To Work
The local authority carried out a survey.
"Clarity, Honesty And Fairness Must Come Before Profits" - Midlands MEP
It comes as Dawn Farm Foods is importing beef from Brazil.
Rent Increases Hit Westmeath Council Tenants
Carers allowance is counted as income in Westmeath’s rent calculations.
NUJ Warn Oireachtas AI Threatening Journalism
Assistant General Secretary of the NUJ, Ferbane's Séamus Dooley has spoken to the AI Committee.
Midlands Tourism Businesses Awarded For Excellence
Clonmacnoise Visitor Centre, Sean's Bar and the Sheraton Athlone Hotel have all picked up CIE Tours Awards.
