THE DEFENCE FORCES do a tough job carrying out their duties overseas.

At the moment, there are 350 personnel deployed in the Middle East on three separate missions.

190 of these are based in south Lebanon.

Thankfully this time of year brings a bit of light relief, and the soldiers get to write Valentine’s Day messages home to their significant others.

A few of them have been brave enough to share them with us.

Here are just a few of them…

Captain Padraig Murphy from Tullow, Co Carlow

Charlene, sending you all my love from South Lebanon. Missing you loads, you complete me. I dream about us constantly and am looking forward to romantic nights when I get home! Hugs and kisses, Padraig xx. Source: Defence Forces

Corporal Adrian Dunne from Tullamore, Co Offaly

To Ali, Happy Valentine’s Day. Hope you have a beautiful day, love you loads. And Hannah my beautiful daughter, I love you so much. Happy Valentine’s Day to ye. See ye soon. Source: Defence Forces

Captain Conor Butler from Kinsale, Co Cork

Happy Valentine’s Day to my beautiful wife Elaine. I will miss you so much on our first Valentine’s Day since we got married. You have made me the happiest man since then, I can’t wait to see you again soon. Love you to bits. Xx Source: Defence Forces

Sergeant Gerry Coyne from Mullingar, Co Westmeath

Dear Jenny, Wishing you all my love on Valentine’s Day. Miss you loads and will see you in a few weeks. Love Gerry Source: Defence Forces

Private Michelle Tarpey from Knockroghery, Co Roscommon

Happy Valentines Day to my wonderful fiancé Jeremiah. Hope you like your present and are not missing me too much. We will celebrate when I return home. All my love, thinking of you, Michelle xxxx. Source: Defence Forces

Lieutenant Donncha Lenihan from Dublin

Happy Valentine’s Day to my beautiful and wonderful fiancé Megan! I’m sorry I can’t be there with you today, but i look forward to seeing you again in a few weeks time and to our wedding in June! X Source: Defence Forces

Corporal Stephen McNamee from Mulligan Co Westmeath

Dear Yvonne, Wishing you a great Valentine’s Day. Miss you so much, see you and the girls in a few weeks. Love Stephen Source: Defence Forces

Read: Ireland plans to bulk up the Defence Forces

Also: Defence Forces want more women, gay people and ethnic minorities