Canada in Afghanistan

[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

RIP, MCPL Michaud.

July 5, 2009
Injured Canadian soldier dies of wounds
By Nelson Wyatt, THE CANADIAN PRESS

MONTREAL - A deadly improvised explosive device of the type that has slashed into the ranks of Canadian troops serving in Afghanistan has claimed another victim, bringing the Canadian military death toll in the war-weary country to 122.

Master Cpl. Philippe Michaud died in a Quebec City hospital from devastating injuries he sustained from a landmine while on foot patrol in the Panjwaii district on June 23, the Canadian Forces said Sunday.

Michaud's death was announced as another family prepared to receive the remains of the 121st Canadian soldier killed in Afghanistan.

The body of Cpl. Nick Bulger, who was killed last Friday by a roadside bomb in Zhari district, is due to arrive Monday afternoon at Canadian Forces Base Trenton.

Bulger, 30, from the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry based in Edmonton, was raised near Peterborough, Ont.

Word on the repatriation of Bulger's remains came on the same day the military announced Michaud had died from his wounds.

Michaud was praised Sunday as a model soldier who worked tirelessly to season his fellow troops.

"Nicknamed 'Chuck' by his friends, Master Cpl. Michaud had an enormous presence in the field and the garrison," said Col. Jean Marc Lanthier, commander of the 5th Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, as he announced Michaud's death at Canadian Forces Base Valcartier, near Quebec City.

"Very close to his men, he looked after their well-being constantly," Lanthier said. "He was deeply involved in the development of his subordinates and was a mentor to younger soldiers."

"He remains an example to be followed by all his fellow troops. His departure leaves a huge hole in the heart of his section, his platoon and his regiment."

Michaud, who was on his third operational tour and his second in Afghanistan, was wounded southwest of Kandahar city. A member of the 2e Batallion, Royal 22e Regiment based at Valcartier, he never regained consciousness.

A helicopter raced him from the scene of the explosion to the coalition medical facility in Kandahar city. He was transferred to a military hospital in Germany before being returned to a Quebec City hospital on June 28.

He died of his injuries on Saturday afternoon.

Lanthier said Michaud is survived by his wife, his parents and a brother. The military said the family would have no immediate comment.

Tributes poured in quickly from Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Gov.-Gen. Michaelle Jean and Defence Minister Peter MacKay.

Harper extended his sympathies to Michaud's family and friends and reiterated his commitment to Canada's mission in Afghanistan.

"We honour his sacrifice," Harper said in a statement. "We stand by our troops and allies in the struggle to bring Afghans a better future and make Canadians safer."

MacKay described Michaud as "valiant and courageous."

"Thanks to Master Cpl. Charles-Philippe Michaud, progress and change is taking place in Afghanistan."

In praising Michaud, Jean noted that "attacks in Afghanistan are constant and merciless."

"Our patrolling soldiers and those assigned to demining the country are acutely aware of this and yet go meet danger face to face every day," she said.

"Their courage knows no limit."

[John McGillivray]

Two Canadian soldiers killed in helicopter crash
Updated Tue. Jul. 7 2009 12:29 AM ET
CTV.ca News Staff
Two Canadian soldiers have died in a Griffon helicopter crash in Afghanistan, along with another coalition soldier. Three other Canadians were injured.
The killed Canadians have been identified as Master Cpl. Pat Audet, 38, and Cpl. Martin Joannette, 25. Both were based in Valcartier, Que.
Audet served with the 430 Tactical Helicopter Squadron, and Joannette was with the 3e Bataillon, Royal 22e Regiment.
Two of the injured soldiers were able to return to duty, while the third was listed in stable condition.
Military officials say the helicopter crashed at a U.S. base in Zabul province, about 80 kilometres northeast of Kandahar where the bulk of Canadian troops are based.
Insurgents were not involved in the incident, suggesting the helicopter may have suffered from mechanical failure.
"A flight-safety investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the crash," said Canadian commander Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance.
Griffons are used mainly to transport troops, and are part of the Canadian Helicopter Force Afghanistan. They have been used by the Canadian military since the start of this year.
The majority of Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan have died from improvised explosive devices, buried along Kandahar's dangerous roads. Because of that, helicopters are considered a much safer method of transportation.
"With the arrival of the Griffon and Chinook helicopters in our area of operations, (Audet and Joannette) played a valuable role in reducing exposures to IEDs, and by providing aviation support to combat operations," said Vance.
Audet was on his first deployment to Afghanistan. He is survived by a wife, Katherine, and his parents. Joanette, although younger, was on his third deployment. He leaves behind a wife, Marie-Eve.
"Their contribution here in Afghanistan was incredible, and we will remember their sacrifice always," said Vance.
Canada has now lost four soldiers in as many days. Cpl. Nicholas Bulger died from an IED explosion on July 3, and Master Cpl. Charles-Philippe Michaud died the next day, succumbing to injuries he had suffered in a bomb blast the previous month.
"It has been an extremely difficult week here in Kandahar," said Vance. "We all are feeling a great sense of loss."
The latest casualties bring Canada's military death toll in Afghanistan to 124 since the mission began in 2002.
With files from The Canadian Press
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNew...hub=TopStories