Canada in Afghanistan

[Frank L.]

What a shitty week...yesterday was a hard one.

Well, back to work.

Regards

[John McGillivray]

The soldiers killed have been identified as: Cpl. Thomas James Hamilton, Pvt. John Michael Roy Curwin and Pvt. Justin Peter Jones.
All three were with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, RCR based in Gagetown, New Brunswick.

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNew...hub=TopStories

[Alex Blair (RIP)]

Originally Posted by Geoff Winnington-Ball

God Rest Your Souls, my lads.

RIP lads..God bless you...

Department of National Defence

Dec 14, 2008 00:41 ET
DND: Three Canadian Soldiers Killed and One Injured in Afghanistan

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Dec. 14, 2008) - Three Canadian soldiers were killed and one was injured when an improvised explosive device detonated near an armoured vehicle during a patrol in the Arghandab District. The incident occurred approximately 14 kilometers west of Kandahar City at about 9:00 a.m., Kandahar time, on 13 December 2008.

Killed in action were Corporal Thomas James Hamilton, Private John Michael Roy Curwin, and Private Justin Peter Jones. These soldiers were all from 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment based at CFB Gagetown, New Brunswick, and served as members of the Force Protection Company of the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team.

Another soldier was injured in the blast and is currently in fair condition. The name of the injured soldier will not be released.

Members of Task Force Kandahar and the Provincial Reconstruction Team are committed to improving security and increasing development in Kandahar Province. We are all thinking of the family and friends of our fallen comrades during this sad time, but are determined to continue working with our Afghan and international partners towards a better future for the people of Afghanistan.

Note to Editors:

A photograph of Corporal Thomas James Hamilton, Private John Michael Roy Curwin, and Private Justin Peter Jones will be available on the Combat Camera website (search under last name) at www.combatcamera.ca .

For more information, please contact
Information: 1-866-377-0811
After hours: 613-792-2973
www.forces.gc.ca
Click here to see all recent news from this company

[John McGillivray]

Canadian soldier killed by roadside bomb
Updated Fri. Dec. 26 2008 1:24 PM ET
CTV.ca News Staff
One Canadian soldier was killed and three others were wounded after an improvised explosive device went off in the Zhari District of Kandahar Province.
The incident occurred on Friday morning, about 25 kilometres west of Kandahar City.
The dead soldier's immediate family has been notified. However, the family has requested that the soldier's identity not yet be released.
The wounded Canadian soldiers are said to be in good condition.
In December alone, seven Canadian soldiers have been killed by roadside bomb attacks.
Canadian Forces also said Friday they have killed the man behind the planning and planting of the IEDs.
Shahir Sahib, along with 11 other armed insurgents, was killed in an operation Friday.
Sahib is believed to have been involved in planting the IEDs that killed six Canadian soldiers in two separate incidents earlier this month.
Canadian intelligence played a key role in developing leads and information to help coalition forces carry out the mission.
The latest death brings the number of Canadian soldiers killed in the mission in Afghanistan to 104 since 2001.
One diplomat and two aid workers have also been killed.

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNew...hub=TopStories

[Steve Freeman]

I've been following this message stream since the beginning, never thinking that I would be posting with this message. The soldier killed Friday was my nephew Micheal Bruce Freeman of Peterborough , Ont.

Mike and I last talked last summer before he left on this his 1st tour. Several things stick out in my memory from that coversation.

1. He had chosen to become a LAV driver since it allowed him to provide a key service to his section. He was proud to be a member of the team and wanted to play a key role.

2. He was aware of the risks involved, especially as a LAV driver.

3. He knew than that he would be rotating back to Canada the end of November for his mid-tour leave. He was pleased with this arrangement since it would allow a married member of his team to be home at Christmas. (He was single.)

4. Probably like most soldiers he was not serving for God, King, and Country. He was just proud of his job, his duty, and his team.

I talked to his dad this evening. Even though the grief was almost unbearable he expressed pride in his son. He did his duty, he was loyal to his team, and be brought honour to himself and his unit.

God bless Mike, all who have gone before him, and all who will follow.

[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

Dammit, Steve.... just - dammit.

Thank you for sharing that story. You have our sincere heartfelt condolences.

[servicepub (RIP)]

Steve,

My heart goes out to you and Mike's family. The loss of any Canadian soldier is hard to bear but it is made all that much harder when it touches on our extended MLU family.

Ducimus

Clive

[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

Two more have fallen. RIP, lads.

Two Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan
CTV.ca News Staff
Updated: Sun. Dec. 28 2008 1:53 AM ET

Two Canadian soldiers have died in Afghanistan after a bomb exploded west of Kandahar city. An Afghan policeman and interpreter were also killed in the blast.

The soldiers had been conducting security operations in the volatile Panjwaii district, where Canadian troops have repeatedly fought against Taliban gunmen.

The military has identified the slain soldiers as:

* Warrant Officer Gaeten Joseph Roberge, a member of the Royal 22nd Regiment who was serving with the Irish Regiment of Canada in Sudbury, Ont. He was serving in Afghanistan to help train the country's national police force.
* Sgt. Greg John Kruse from the 24 Field Squadron, 2 Combat Engineer Regiment based in Petawawa, Ont. He was serving as a member of 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment battle group.

"There are no words to properly express our sorrow at this moment," Brig.-Gen. Denis Thompson, the head of Canadian and NATO forces in Kandahar, said in a statement. "Every one of our soldiers is very dear to us. They are our friends and our brothers."

He added that Canadian soldiers "also grieve for our Afghan brothers with whom we have been working side by side to help make their country more secure and stable."

Family of Roberge and Kruse were notified of their deaths on the same day as the body of Pte. Michael Freeman, who was killed in Kandahar on Friday, was taken aboard a military plane to be transported back to Canada.

Defence Minister Peter MacKay had been in Afghanistan to attend the ramp ceremony for Freeman. It's believed that MacKay's attendance was the first time a sitting defence minister had attended such an event at Kandahar Airfield.

One of Freeman's wounded colleagues also attended the ramp ceremony on a military gurney.

Before the ceremony, MacKay expressed his condolences to Freeman's family.

"We regret that loss in the extreme as we do each and every one, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends and loved ones in Canada," MacKay said.

Along with one diplomat and two aid workers, 106 Canadian soldiers have now died in the war-torn country since 2002.

With files from The Canadian Press

[sapper740]

[QUOTE The soldier killed Friday was my nephew Micheal Bruce Freeman of Peterborough , Ont.
God bless Mike, all who have gone before him, and all who will follow.[/QUOTE]


Many a lofty line has been written in an attempt to assuage the grief of those loved ones left behind, but we all know that only time can heal that wound created by the loss. And tho' the wound heals the indelible scar left is a constant reminder of loved ones lost. The gods of war are capricious indeed! I'm no great crafter of the English language so allow me to quote Sir Arthur Conan Doyle when I say,

Let us pray to God that we may ever hold their virtues.

You and your family have my deepest condolences.

[maple_leaf_eh]

Originally Posted by Steve Freeman

I've been following this message stream since the beginning, never thinking that I would be posting with this message. The soldier killed Friday was my nephew Micheal Bruce Freeman of Peterborough , Ont.

...

I talked to his dad this evening. Even though the grief was almost unbearable he expressed pride in his son. He did his duty, he was loyal to his team, and be brought honour to himself and his unit.

God bless Mike, all who have gone before him, and all who will follow.

Do not despair that such a man has died. Rejoice that men like him live.

[sapper740]

Announced this a.m. in the Dallas Morning News, America will be sending an additional 20,000 to 30,000 troops to Afghanistan. The first will start arriving in January with the rest in-country by summer. Hopefully this will reduce the toll of the fine young men of both countries. Derek.

[Brian Gough]

Wed Jan 7, 2009 - another Canadian soldier has been killed in Afghanistan

The soldier who was killed has been identified as Trooper Brian Richard Good, 42, from the Royal Canadian Dragoons from CFB Petawawa, Ont. Good was serving with the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment battle group.

http://news.sympatico.msn.ctv.ca/hom...howbyline=True

RIP Trooper Good

[Alex Blair (RIP)]

For those that can get out to the highway of hero's to pay there respects,here is the timetable...Get there early...25 below zero or not there is standing room only..
RIP brother..

Department of National Defence

Jan 09, 2009 12:54 ET
DND: Our Fallen Soldier Returns Home

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Jan. 9, 2008) - Our fallen soldier, Trooper Brian Richard Good, will return home to Canada on Saturday, January 10, 2009.

Where: 8 Wing, Canadian Forces Base Trenton, Ontario.

When: Saturday, January 10, 2009 at 2:00 p.m.

What: At the wishes of the family, media will be permitted on the tarmac.

Present to pay their respects will be Her Excellency The Governor General of Canada, The Right Honourable Michaelle Jean, Minister of National Defence, The Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Chief of Defence Staff, General Walt Natynczyk and other dignitaries.

Trooper Good from The Royal Canadian Dragoons based at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa, and serving with 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group, and three other Canadian soldiers were injured when their armoured vehicle struck an improvised explosive device approximately 35 kilometres north of Kandahar City in the Shah Wali Kowt District. The incident occurred at approximately 8:00 a.m., Kandahar time, on January 7, 2009.

Note to Editors/News Directors:

Interested media may contact Lieutenant Annie Morin, 8 Wing/CFB Trenton Public Affairs Officer, who can be reached at (613) 243-7330.

For general queries, please contact the Media Liaison Office at (866) 377-0811, or on weekends 613-792-2973. For flight information, please contact the Air Passenger Terminal at 1-800-487-1186.

For more information, please contact
Information: 1-866-377-0811/613-996-2353
After hours: 613-792-2973
www.forces.gc.ca
Click here to see all recent news from this company

[John McGillivray]

Canadian soldier killed by IED in Afghanistan
Updated Sat. Jan. 31 2009 4:27 PM ET
CTV.ca News Staff
A Canadian soldier was killed in Afghanistan Saturday as he participated in a major operation to locate bomb-making factories in Taliban territory.
Sapper Sean David Greenfield, 25, was killed when the armoured vehicle he was riding in struck an improvised explosive device in the Zhari district, west of Kandahar city.
"It is with a heavy heart that I announce that a Canadian soldier was killed today," Brig.-Gen. Denis Thompson, Canada's top military commander in Afghanistan, said.
Greenfield was killed at the tale end of a joint operation with American and British troops to root out the Taliban's bomb-making abilities.
"The mission in question was meant to go into a zone, the western part of Panjwaii and Zhari districts in order to go after specific Taliban compounds of interest, where we did find. . .bomb-making material and other weapons," Thompson said.
The incident occurred as hundreds of soldiers fanned out over 20 kilometres, looking for Taliban weapons caches.
The other soldiers in the vehicle were not hurt, Thompson said.
Greenfield was a member of 24 Field Engineer Squadron, 2 Combat Engineer Regiment based out of Petawawa, Ont., serving with the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group.
Thompson described Greenfield as exceptionally fit and said the young soldier recently completed a combat diver's course. He added that Greenfield aspired to join JTF2, Canada's elite and secretive special forces team.
Greenfield was described as having a great sense of humour and someone who loved to sing and play guitar.
Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) continue to plague Canadian troops in Afghanistan. IEDs are responsible for more than half of all Canadian troop deaths in the country, which now total 108.
Canadian soldiers have ramped up efforts to seek out IED materials in recent months.
In early January, Operation Shahi Tandar (Royal Thunder), a joint operation between Canadian, British and Afghan troops, seized detonators, wires and tubes, and other bomb-making materials.
Saturday's search yielded even more material that would be used to make IEDs.
"The engineers went in and found what seems to be a bit of a false wall," Platoon Commander Lieut. Aron Corey told reporters. "In behind that were some spools of wire, the same type of wire that's used in IEDs."

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNew...hub=TopStories

[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

RIP Warrant Officer Dennis Raymond Brown, Cpl. Dany Fortin and Cpl. Kenneth O'Quinn...

March 4, 2009

Three Canadian soldiers dead

Two wounded in roadside bomb attack
By Murray Brewster, THE CANADIAN PRESS

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - Three Canadian soldiers died Tuesday and two others wounded following a massive roadside bomb attack northwest of Kandahar.

Warrant Officer Dennis Raymond Brown, Cpl. Dany Fortin and Cpl. Kenneth O'Quinn were killed when the explosive detonated near their armoured vehicle in Arghandab district, a normally a quiet region.

The soldiers were part of a quick reaction team that responded to a report of roadside bomb in the district, which is often used as a transit point for Taliban fighters coming down from the mountains towards the city.

"As they were returning from a call to clear an IED found on the road, their armoured vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb," said Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance, the commander of Canadian troops in Afghanistan.

He said the casualties were evacuated to the multi-national hospital at Kandahar Airfield.

There have been 111 Canadian soldiers, one diplomat and two aid workers who've died as part of the Afghanistan mission since 2002.

The wounded are listed in fair condition, but their names will not be released.

The Canadian military, with the addition of surveillance helicopters and unmanned drones, have stepped up patrols looking for roadside bombs, which have accounted for more than half the deaths.

In the last three years, the Canadian battle group has only fought two major engagements in the Arghandab district, a lush farm valley that's divided by a river and isolated from the city by ridge of mountains.

Known as the northern gateway to Kandahar city, Taliban forces tried to take over the Arghandab in the fall of 2007 following the death of Mullah Naquib, a powerful tribal leader.

They were beaten back by Canadian troops.

And following last summer's attack on Sarpoza prison, hundreds of freed Taliban militants fled into the leafy growth and twisted laneways of the region, resulting in several pitched battles.

Vance described Brown, a reservist with the Lincoln and Welland Regiment, as someone who "always had an infectious smile on his face, no matter what the challenge."

The Niagara-area native leaves behind a wife and four children. In civilian life, he served as a police special constable.

Fortin, an air force member based in Bagotville, Que., who's middle name was Olivier, was known to his comrades as Danny-O.

He was an ardent fan of the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League.

Vance said O'Quinn was "a proud, dedicated soldier, who had a bright future ahead of him."

Known to his friend by his middle name, Chad, O'Quinn "believed he could accomplish anything in his life and everyone had the same faith in him," the general added.

[John McGillivray]

http://watch.ctv.ca/news/latest/sold...ed/#clip146214

http://watch.ctv.ca/news/latest/sold...ed/#clip146222

http://watch.ctv.ca/news/latest/sold...ed/#clip146481


http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNew..._name=&no_ads=

[John McGillivray]

1 Canadian soldier killed, 4 injured by roadside bomb in Afghanistan
Last Updated: Sunday, March 8, 2009 | 4:14 PM ET
One Canadian soldier was killed and four were injured when a roadside bomb exploded near an armoured vehicle on patrol northeast of Kandahar city in Afghanistan, the military said Sunday.
The soldiers were conducting security operations in the Sha Wali Kot District when the explosion occurred at about 1:15 p.m. local time on Sunday, the military said.
Trooper Marc Diab from the Royal Canadian Dragoons was killed. He was serving as a member of the 3rd Battalion, the Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group, the military said.
The injured soldiers, whose names are being withheld in to adhere with military policy, were taken by helicopter to a medical facility at the Kandahar Airfield. All are in stable condition and three of them will be taken to the Landstuhl medical facility in Germany.
More to come

http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2009/0...-soldiers.html

[Darrell Zinck]

Tpr Diab Funeral/Iterment Details

FUNERAL

Visitation: 1700 -2100 hrs Monday - 16 Mar 09
Scott's Funeral Home
420 Dundas East, Mississauga, ON
905-272-4440

Funeral: 1000 hrs Tuesday - 17 Mar 09
Our Lady of Lebanon
1515 Queen St, Mississauga, ON
416-821-7070

Interment: 1300 hrs Tuesday
Assumption Roman Catholic Cemetery
6933 Tomken Road, Mississauga, ON
905-670-8801
Reception to follow interment

Dress: DEU 1A (Medals)

Unit Memorial Service - RCD - CFB Petawawa

Location: St Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Chapel, CFB Petawawa
Date: 25 Mar 09
Timing: 1045 hrs for 1100 hrs
Dress: DEU 1A (Medals)

These are the details to date.

Please check our Regimental Website for any last minute changes at www.dragoons.ca

regards
Darrell

[John McGillivray]

Four Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan
Updated Fri. Mar. 20 2009 5:52 PM ET
CTV.ca News Staff
Four Canadian soldiers have been killed and another eight injured in Afghanistan in two separate improvised explosive attacks.
The dead have been identified as: Master Cpl. Scott Vernelli, 28, Cpl. Tyler Crooks, 24, Trooper Jack Bouthillier, 20, and Trooper Corey Joseph Hayes, 22.
Vernelli and Crooks died in an early morning blast at about 6:45 a.m. local time while on foot patrol in the Zhari district west of Kandahar. Another five Canadian soldiers were injured in that attack and a local interpreter was killed.
Bouthillier and Hayes were killed about two hours later when their vehicle was struck by a roadside bomb attack in the Shah Wali Kot district, about 20 kilometres northeast of Kandahar city. Three others were injured.
All the deaths occurred as the Canadians were taking part in a major operation attacking Taliban command centres and supply lines.
The operation was described as the largest joint Canadian-American military operation since Korea, CTV News' Jennifer Madigan reported from Kandahar.
All the wounded soldiers were evacuated by helicopter and are listed in stable condition.
Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance, the commander of Canadian troops in Afghanistan, urged Canadians in a statement to not consider the deaths a failure of any particular person or the mission.
"Success in war is costly. We are determined to succeed so that Afghan lives improve, but the insurgents are equally determined to challenge and prevent Afghanistan from flourishing as the nation it so wants to be. Remember, the deaths of these superb Canadians occurred as Canadian Forces were bringing safety to those in peril. Today, they succeeded," he said.
Vance added that the soldiers died protecting the Afghan people.
All of the soldiers were based out of CFB Petawawa.
Madigan said the news of the deaths quickly spread around the Canadian base in Kandahar.
"The mood was very somber, it was very quiet . . . people sitting around breakfast without saying a word," she said.
Vernelli was described as an experienced and well-respected soldier. He is survived by his spouse and six-month-old daughter.
Madigan said that Vernelli's tour of duty was postponed earlier so he could be home for his daughter's birth and he was a "proud father."
Crooks was described as a keen soldier, an excellent athlete who "would do anything for you without even being asked."
Madigan said Crooks was very popular and often was seen sitting with much higher ranked officers.
Both Vernelli and Crooks were of November Company, 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment.
Bouthillier was known for his sense of humour, Vance said, and practiced martial arts.
Hayes was a "proud and dedicated soldier . . . who stood up for what was right," Vance said.
Both Bouthillier and Hayes were of the Royal Canadian Dragoons.
The deaths bring the total number of Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan to 116.
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNew...hub=TopStories

[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

Our hearts go out to her family and comrades.

Canadian killed, 4 wounded in Afghan blast

Trooper Karine Blais, with the 2nd Battalion of the Royal 22nd Regiment Battle Group, was killed by a roadside bomb north of Kandahar City, Monday, April 13, 2009.

CTV.ca News Staff
Updated: Tue. Apr. 14 2009 1:58 AM ET

A Canadian soldier died and four others were wounded when their armoured vehicle rolled over an improvised explosive device north of Kandahar city on Monday.

The fallen soldier has been identified as Trooper Karine Blais. She was 21 years old and began her tour of duty just two weeks ago.

Blais was with the 2nd Battalion of the Royal 22nd Regiment Battle Group -- the famed Quebec regiment nicknamed the Van Doos -- based at Canadian Forces Base Valcartier, near Quebec City.

The soldiers were travelling through the Shah Wali Kowt District, when the roadside bomb detonated at about 5 p.m. local time on Monday.

In a statement released Tuesday morning in Kandahar, Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance described Blais as an energetic soldier who gave "100 per cent to every challenge she faced."

Vance said Blais demonstrated qualities of a future leader, adding she had a "unique sense of humour" and that she was respected by all members of her squadron.

"This young woman's life did not go to waste," said Vance. "Her life was lost in the pursuit of peace and stability."

Blais leaves behind her mother Josee, her grandmother Laurette and her brother, Billy.

The injured soldiers were airlifted to a military hospital at Kandahar airfield. Two of the soldiers were being treated by medical personnel and two have been released. The wounded soldiers have not been identified.

Blais is the second female Canadian soldier to be killed as part of the Afghan mission.

Capt. Nicola Goddard of the 1st Regiment of the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery died in a grenade attack in the Panjwaii district, west of Kandahar city, on May 17, 2006.

Canada has lost 117 military personnel in Afghanistan since the mission began in 2002. Of that number, the majority have died from roadside bomb blasts.

"All members of Task Force Kandahar are thinking of the family and friends of our fallen comrades during this sad time," the military said in a press release Tuesday. "We will not forget their sacrifice as we continue to bring security and hope to the people of Kandahar Province."

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNew...hub=TopStories

[Greg]

My wife's first cousin's husband was in the vehicle that was hit when sapper Greenfield was killed in January and survived without a scratch. Greenfield was his best friend and he escorted him home. He went back to Afganistan after a two leave and had a minor flesh wound when another vehicle was hit.
May god bless all of the troops and help them.

Cheers,
Greg

[servicepub (RIP)]

Trooper Blais appears to be a Reservist. If it weren't for the Militia the CF wold have a hard time meeting its troop strength requirements. A special thanks to these guys who take time from their 'real' lives to serve their country - "Twice the Citizen".
Soldat Blais - repos

[John McGillivray]

Originally Posted by servicepub

Trooper Blais appears to be a Reservist. If it weren't for the Militia the CF wold have a hard time meeting its troop strength requirements. A special thanks to these guys who take time from their 'real' lives to serve their country - "Twice the Citizen".
Soldat Blais - repos

Tpr Blais is reg army (12RBC) based in Valcartier.

About the reserves. Many of the people who served with my son in Afghanistan in 2007 have gone back for a second tour this year. If my son had remained in the reserves in Quebec he would most likely be in Afghanistan now. But as things stand at the present time he will be going in 2010. One person from his platoon in 2007 hit two IEDs and was injured twice. He is now back in Afghanistan.

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNew...hub=TopStories

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNew...hub=TopStories

[servicepub (RIP)]

Thanks John, I didn't recognize the cap badge and jumped to a conclusion. Notwithsatnding Tpr Blais' status my comments about the Reserves stands.
Clive

[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

Originally Posted by servicepub

... Notwithsatnding Tpr Blais' status my comments about the Reserves stands.
Clive

As it always has been, n'est-ce pas?

[Alex Blair (RIP)]

Department of National Defence

Apr 24, 2009 05:02 ET
One Canadian Soldier Dies in Afghanistan

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - April 24, 2009) - At approximately 4:00 p.m. Kandahar time, 23 April 2009, a Canadian Forces member was found dead in her accommodation room, at Kandahar Airfield.

Deceased is Major Michelle Mendes, based in Ottawa, Ontario.

An investigation is ongoing to establish the circumstances of this incident. No further details are available at this time, although enemy action has been ruled out.

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of our lost comrade. Our primary focus at this time is to provide the best possible support to the family of our soldier and to her colleagues.

The immediate family of Major Mendes has no comment at this time. They are asking that the media respect their privacy and they will provide a statement in due course.

Note to Editors: A photo of the deceased Canadian Forces soldier is available on the Combat Camera website at: www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca

[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

Originally Posted by Frank L.

What a shitty week...yesterday was a hard one.

Well, back to work.

Regards

Just thought I'd let you know... while Frank hasn't posted here much during his tour, he's safe-at-home home now and on Friday morning, 01 May 2009, witnessed the birth of his first son (Hayden) at 0949... Frank, our best to all three of you! Do take care, and we'll talk soon.

Jif

[servicepub (RIP)]

Nice to read good news on this thread. Normally a sense of dread comes over me when I get a 'Canada in Afghanistan topic notification'.

[Alex Blair (RIP)]

Looks like the boys in blue are going to make some new maps for the lads..(and lassies)

Department of National Defence

Department of National Defence AIR FORCE PUBLIC AFFAIRS

AIR FORCE PUBLIC AFFAIRS
May 08, 2009 12:19 ET
Canada's Air Force to Produce Maps for Canadian Troops in Afghanistan

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - May 8, 2009) - The Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, today announced that two CP-140 Auroras deployed overseas yesterday for approximately two months to produce maps for Joint Task Force-Afghanistan.

The Auroras and their two crews will produce high-resolution, colour and stereo imagery in support of Operation ATHENA, the Canadian contingent to the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan. The type of imagery that will be gathered will promote interoperability and operational success since it can be shared across the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), including the Afghan National Army (ANA) and Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF).

"The deployment of the Auroras and their highly specialized sensor equipment displays our commitment to the security and effectiveness of this United Nations-mandated, NATO-led mission," said Minister MacKay. "The Aurora crews will produce valuable digital aerial imagery to improve awareness of the situation on the ground for deployed Canadian Forces and allied troops."

The maps produced will cover new ground where no detailed maps exist or be an improvement over existing out-dated maps where developments have changed the landscape. Imagery collected will be based on priority areas identified by the Canadian Forces and allies in conjunction with Joint Task Force -Afghanistan.

"The Auroras' deployment to Afghanistan to perform overland mapping represents an expansion from its long-time role of maritime patrol," said Lieutenant-General Angus Watt, Chief of the Air Staff. "This deployment will demonstrate and increase the experience levels of the CP-140 air and ground crews and be a milestone event for the Long Range Patrol community."

Canada's Air Force has played a critical role in supporting the mission in Afghanistan since 2002, contributing vital airlift; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; and other mission-essential support involving approximately 20 per cent of the personnel deployed in support of the operation.

For detailed information about Joint Task Force-Afghanistan, visit: http://www.cefcom-comfec.forces.gc.c.../index-eng.asp

For more information, please contact
National Defence Media Liaison Office
Information: 1-866-377-0811 / 613-996-2353
After hours: 613-792-2973
www.forces.gc.ca
Click here to see all recent news from this company

[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

Rest in peace, Pte. Peloquin...

June 8, 2009
IED claims life of Canadian soldier in Afghanistan

By Colin Perkel, THE CANADIAN PRESS



KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - A period of relative calm for Canadian soldiers trying to bring stability to Afghanistan was shattered Monday when a makeshift bomb cut short the life of an infantryman on foot patrol in the treacherous Panjwaii district of Kandahar province.

Pte. Alexandre (Pelo) Peloquin, 20, of the 3e Bataillon, Royal 22e Regiment, was based at Canadian Forces Base Valcartier near Quebec City.

"Pelo, as named by his friends, was a strong man, remarkably fit and very courageous," said Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance, the senior commander in Kandahar province, cradle of the Taliban.

"His family and friends should be very proud of him, and so should all Canadians, for he represented the very best of Canada."

No one else was hurt in the blast.

Peloquin is survived by his mother Monique.

The incident occurred in the village of Nakhoney, about 15 kilometres southwest of Kandahar city in an area where insurgents have stepped up their attacks on Canadian forces in the region.

Peloquin had been serving as a member of the 2e Bataillon, Royal 22e Regiment Battle Group during a six-day operation to find and neutralize improvised explosive devices.

The group removed material for hundreds of IEDs, and 15 of the terror weapons were taken out of circulation on Monday, Vance said.

"The local population is extremely happy and wants us to continue," Vance said.
"Pte. Peloquin was part of a successful operation, and he contributed to that success today."

It was Canada's first death in Afghanistan since April 23, when 30-year-old Maj. Michelle Mendes, an intelligence officer based in Ottawa, was found dead in an accommodation room at Kandahar Airfield.

Canadian soldiers routinely leave the safety of their operating bases to walk city and village streets, searching for improvised explosive devices or stopping to talk to locals in an effort to bridge the vast divide between them.

It was during such a patrol that Peloquin was killed.

The death comes as Canada attempts to move away from a hard-edged combat role to a more supportive mission ahead of its scheduled military departure in 2011.

Peloquin's death brings to 119 the total number of Canadian soldiers who have died on the mission to Afghanistan since it began in 2002.

"This young man sacrificed his life for a greater cause; he believed in his role as a soldier and his dedication to the overall mission was truly outstanding," Vance said.

"Alexandre was proud to be a soldier. He will be missed."