Canada in Afghanistan

[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

RIP to a good sapper - that they know what they're dealing with every day and do it anyway amazes me.

Canadian soldier killed trying to defuse bomb
Updated Sun. Jun. 14 2009 5:08 PM ET
CTV.ca News Staff

A Canadian soldier was killed in Afghanistan Sunday when one of two roadside bombs he was trying to defuse exploded.

Cpl. Martin Dube, 35, was the second Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan in a week.

The explosion also killed an Afghan police officer and gravely injured a local interpreter.

Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance described Dube as "energetic" and as someone who believed in the Afghan mission. He said the combat engineer was always willing to help anyone in need.

"The IED that Martin was dismantling could have killed an entire family, as it was deliberately aimed at passing traffic," Vance, the senior Canadian solider in Kandahar, said. "His actions, his sacrifice, saved the lives of innocents."

Dube was from 5e Regiment du Genie de Combat based at CFB Valcartier near Quebec City.

The explosion occurred just after noon in the Panjwaii district, which is about 20 kilometres southwest of Kandahar city.

Last Monday, Pte. Alexandre Peloquin died in the same district when he stepped on an explosive device.

Dube was the 120th Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan.

Vance, seemingly addressing civilians back in Canada, said that grief over the soldier's death would not get in the way of the mission.

"The loss of a soldier is not an indication of failure, nor cause for hopelessness -- Martin Dube knew that, and so should you," Vance said. "We are determined to succeed so that Afghan lives improve; but our enemies are equally determined to challenge and prevent Afghanistan from flourishing as the nation it so wants to be."

Dube is survived by his girlfriend, Julie, his parents, Marie-Paule and Roger and his brother Vincent.

The interpreter was flown to Kandahar Airfield Hospital. His condition is not known.

With files from The Canadian Press

[Alex Blair (RIP)]

Department of National Defence
Jul 03, 2009 14:45 ET
One Canadian Soldier Killed and Five Injured in an Explosive Device Strike

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - July 3, 2009) - One Canadian soldier was killed and five injured when an improvised explosive device detonated near their armoured vehicle during a patrol in the Zhari District. The incident occurred south-west of Kandahar City at around 11:20 a.m., Kandahar time, on 3 July, 2009.

Killed in action was Cpl Nicholas Bulger from the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry based in Edmonton.

The injured soldiers were evacuated by helicopter to the Role 3 Multi-National Medical Facility at the Kandahar Airfield. They are in good condition and under medical care.

The identities of the injured soldiers will not be released.

The soldiers were members of the Task Force Kandahar Headquarters.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of our fallen comrade during this very difficult time.

Members of Task Force Kandahar are committed to improving security and increasing development in Kandahar Province. Despite these cowardly attacks we 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 Cpl Bulger is available on the Combat Camera website (search under last name) at: www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca

For more information, please contact
Information: 1-866-377-0811 / 613-995-2353
After hours: 613-792-2973
www.forces.gc.ca
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[servicepub (RIP)]

Shit! I hate seeing this thread updated in my e-mails, 'cause I know it will be another announcement of the loss of a good Canadian soldier.
RIP soldier

[Alex Blair (RIP)]

Originally Posted by servicepub

Shit! I hate seeing this thread updated in my e-mails, 'cause I know it will be another announcement of the loss of a good Canadian soldier.
RIP soldier

Clive ..it is really sad any time one of our young warriors pays the ultimate price for us..
The sad thing this time is that they interviewed him at length on TV the day before he was killed ..

[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

[Alex Blair (RIP)]

Originally Posted by Geoff Winnington-Ball

Just saw on Global news that there was a suicide bombing against another LAV this moring. None killed, but several wounded. The bomb blew out all the right-side tires, but it looks like the armour retained its integrity.

More to follow.

Department of National Defence


Department of National Defence
Jul 16, 2009 11:40 ET
One Canadian Soldier Killed on Operations

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - July 16, 2009) - One Canadian soldier died while conducting operations in the Panjwayi District. The incident occurred approximately 17 kilometres south-west from Kandahar City at around 6:00 a.m., Kandahar time, on July 16, 2009.

Killed in action was Private Sebastien Courcy from 2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Regiment based in Quebec City, Quebec. Pte Courcy was serving as a member of the 2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Regiment Battle Group.

Pte Courcy was evacuated by helicopter to the Role 3 Multi-National Medical Facility at the Kandahar Airfield.

Our thoughts and condolences go to the family and friends of our fallen comrade.

Canadian soldiers and their ANSF partners work together for the greater good of Afghanistan. Security operations sometimes require a heavy price to be paid, but the challenge we face cannot deter us from our ultimate goal and commitment we have toward Afghans.

Note to Editors:

A photograph of Pte Courcy is available on the Canadian Forces Image Gallery website (search under last name) at: www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca

For more information, please contact
Information: 1-866-377-0811/613-996-2353
After hours: 613-792-2973
www.forces.gc.ca
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[Alex Blair (RIP)]

Two more good Canadian troops paid the ultimate price 1 ST August..Go with God ..Bless you..
RIP..


Department of National Defence




Aug 03, 2009 10:15 ETName of Second Canadian Soldier Killed in Afghanistan Released
OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Aug. 3, 2009) - The identity of the second Canadian soldier killed in Afghanistan on August 1, 2009 is as follows:

- Sapper Matthieu Allard from 5e Regiment du genie de combat serving as a member of the 2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Regiment Battle Group based in Valcartier, Quebec.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

A photograph of Sapper Matthieu Allard is available on the Combat Camera Website (search under last name) at: http://www.combatcamera.ca.



For more information, please contact

Information: 613-996-2353/54
After hours: 613-996-2353
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[Alex Blair (RIP)]

Governor General of Canada




Aug 03, 2009 10:48 ETMessage From Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaelle Jean, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, on the Deaths of Corporal Christian Bobbitt and Sapper Matthieu Allard
OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Aug. 3, 2009) -

Words cannot express the pain and sadness we feel upon learning of the deaths of Corporal Christian Bobbitt and Sapper Matthieu Allard, both from 5e Regiment du genie de combat serving as members of the 2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Regiment. They were killed on patrol when their vehicle hit an improvised explosive device in the Zhari district, 15 km outside Kandahar City. Another of their comrades was gravely wounded.

The thoughts of my husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, and I are with the parents, families, loved ones and friends of these soldiers. This is a devastating blow to all of them, who today are inconsolable. We hope they can take comfort knowing that they are not alone, and that Canadians everywhere are touched and saddened by their loss. Above all, with the greatest respect and consideration, we will never forget the heroic contributions of these brave soldiers.

They gave the very best of themselves and their lives knowing that their efforts would help to improve the lives of thousands of women, men and children whose greatest desire is to live in a peaceful, safe country, where democracy and justice prevail.

Their courage and self-sacrifice honour them.

Michaelle Jean



For more information, please contact

Rideau Hall Press Office
Marie-Eve Letourneau
613-998-0287
www.gg.ca
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[John McGillivray]

Two Canadian soldiers killed in roadside bomb blast
Updated Mon. Sep. 7 2009 7:53 AM ET
CTV.ca News Staff
Two more Canadian soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan, after a roadside bomb exploded on a road southwest of Kandahar.
The blast occurred at around noon on Sunday, in the Dand district, southwest of Kandahar city.
Maj. Yannick Pepin, 36, and Cpl. Jean-Francois Drouin, 21, were killed by the bomb. Five others were injured in the blast.
Both fallen soldiers were members of the 5 Combat Engineer Regiment out of Valcartier, Que.
Following the news of their deaths, Col. Roch Lacroix, the deputy commander for Task Force Kandahar, said the entire task force was mourning their loss.
"Saying goodbye to Yannick and Jean-Francois so prematurely is hard for me, it is hard for their friends, and it's hard for their families," Lacroix said late Sunday night.
"Engineers like Yannick and Jean-Francois....put in a great deal of effort in Afghanistan where they're denying the ability of the insurgents to kill innocent victims on a large scale or simply reconstructing a bridge, roads, schools with their Afghan partners."
Lacroix praised both men for their commitment to the mission and their personal qualities.
"Nothing comes easy here and it takes patience and determination -- two qualities that both men embodied. Today is the time to grieve but tomorrow we will continue our work to better the lives of Afghans."
Pepin leaves behind his partner, Annie, and their two children, Alexandra and Charles.
The 10-year Canadian Forces veteran was a compassionate soldier, Lacroix said.
"Proof of this was when he was on patrol once and stopped his vehicle to take a kite out of the antenna from his vehicle. He handed it to the small Afghan child who thought it had been lost. That day he carried a big grin," said Lacroix.
"Yannick was a man of action who was always involved in things and put his personal interests second. We miss him enormously."
His younger colleague Drouin had a bright future ahead of him in the military. He was known among his fellow soldiers as 'Big Drou,' and as a guy who liked to make other people laugh.
"Jean-Francois was a very generous man with a big heart," Lacroix said. "As big a heart as the three pieces of steel he liked to lift in the gymnasium."
Lacroix said Drouin had recently received an accelerated promotion to the rank of corporal.
Drouin is survived by his partner, Audrey.
Canada has now lost 129 soldiers during its mission in Afghanistan since it began seven years ago.
With files from The Canadian Press
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNew...hub=TopStories

[Alex Blair (RIP)]

Two more deaths of our troops and five injured,,.
God bless 'em and rest in peace..

Department of National Defence


Department of National Defence
Sep 07, 2009 08:19 ET
Statement by the Minister of National Defence on the Deaths of Major Yannick Pepin and Corporal Jean-Francois Drouin

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Sept. 7, 2009) - The Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Gateway, issued the following statement today on the deaths of two Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan:

"The Canadian Forces and the Department of National Defence mourn the deaths of Major Yannick Pepin and Corporal Jean-Francois Drouin, who made the ultimate sacrifice today in Afghanistan. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their loved ones in this time of grief, and to the five other Canadian Forces members injured in this attack.

Major Pepin and Corporal Drouin died when an improvised explosive device detonated near the vehicle in which they were travelling in the Dand District, southwest of Kandahar.

Their tragic passing illustrates some of the risks that the selfless men and women of the Canadian Forces face every day in carrying out their duties.

Canada is in Afghanistan as part of a UN-sanctioned mission to help build a stable, democratic, and self-sufficient society. Progress toward this goal cannot be made in an unstable security environment. Our Canadian Forces members are playing a key role in this NATO-led mission, helping improve the security situation in order to create the conditions necessary for Afghans to live normal lives.

Major Pepin and Corporal Drouin were helping to bring back hope to a population that has seen much hardship and turmoil.

This is a tragic loss for the Canadian Forces and all of Canada.

Major Yannick Pepin and Corporal Jean-Francois Drouin were members of 5e Regiment du genie de combat, based at CFB Valcartier.

[Lang]

Having checked on this thread from time to time it occurs to me there must be a similar American forum with ten times the depressing list of casualties in Afghanistan. Add to that the British, Australians, Dutch, Belgians etc who are being killed or wounded daily.

I feel I am of average intelligence with a long interest in the military and follow world affairs very closely. Despite this I have NEVER seen or heard anyone from any nation explaining exactly what we doing there and what we are trying to achieve.

Political clap-trap about "improving the lives of the Afghan people" seems to be the sum total of the reasons for a continuous growing list of dead soldiers.

The recent highly talked-up elections with almost no elector turnout and now the totally expected corruption cries from the losers was the publicised justification for the slaughter of our soldiers for the last two years - a total failure.

Abysmal double standards are evident when the world's prime source of heroin could be totally eradicated in a few weeks but is left to grow so the farmers will not be influenced to turn to the Taliban after losing an income (they have only had in relatively recent years anyhow). The Americans and all of us partners should rightly be listing the ruined lives and miserable deaths of thousands of our people through the use of this "agricultural" crop as casualties of the war as well.

What military aims do we have other than to drive around until unlucky enough to be killed by a remotely fired explosive placed by an enemy who seldom gathers in numbers large enough to result in any decisive or even telling battle. I don't know, none of the Generals I have seen interviewed know, can the politicians please tell us.

The British were massacred in Afghanistan over several campaigns, the might of the entire Russian military effort could make no headway despite much more relaxed rules of engagement, restrictions or ethics than now restrict our troops.

Sure, Afghan life was not the best under the Taliban but Afghanistan is a shining light of peace and freedom compared to a long list of other countries. Who cares about the Congo and Angola where 6 million (yes the same number as the entire holocaust!) have died and continue to die. Rwanda - millions, Somalia - million etc etc.

Is there anyone on the forum who can tell me (and the rest of the world) EXACTLY why we are in Afghanistan and what are the exact military aims which justify the staggering cost and dismal casualty lists.

Lang

[Gordon Yeo]

Perhaps after the former experiances in the Congo, Rawanda and Somalia nobody wants to go play there again. Afganistan is still all new and exciting for Canada. However, maybe after we get home after 2011 we wont be so quick to go back again.

[Alex Blair (RIP)]

Lang..

Some time ago I read a report that seemed to address just that question and the writer alleged that the American oil industry had to establish a secure route to run a pipe line from the 'stan country's ,through Afghanistan and Pakistan to access the oil reserves of those country's...
After the fall of the Soviet Union,the 'stans got their "independence"and Big Oil was the first one in there to grease the wheels of the local chief stick...
With their war chests of cash the oil contracts and fields were soon tied in ,but no way to get the stuff to market..other than an oil pipeline through China or Russia..neither one a hot prospect..
Afghanistan and Pakistan is where they were going to build the pipeline to the seaport on the coast of Pakistan..
Why we are there ..I don't know..but where there is oil ..there is money and power..which can buy anything..including our boys lives..
2011 Is long enough ..and although I support our troops,(Having been one for 14 years)I am leery to support the politics of death and destruction of our way of life to try to change tribal society that has flourished,right of wrong ,for thousands of years..
Time they fixed it them selves..which they eventually will ..when the time is right..for them..not for us..
Rant over..
Off the box..

[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

RIP, Private Lormand.

Canadian soldier killed by IED blast in Afghanistan



Pte. Patrick Lormand, 21 of the 2nd Battalion, Royal 22nd Regiment, is seen in this image made available by the Department of National Defence.

The Canadian Press

Updated: Mon. Sep. 14 2009 5:36 AM ET

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — The 'bright, clear eyes' of another young Canadian soldier were closed forever Sunday as an improvised explosive device raised Canada's death toll in this bleak and unforgiving land to 130.
Pte. Patrick Lormand, 21 of the 2nd Battalion, Royal 22nd Regiment was killed and four others were injured in a roadside IED blast approximately 13 kilometres southwest of Kandahar city.

"He did not come here as a potential victim, he came here to help and help he did. He does not need to be told his efforts are futile for he could see positive results in the communities he was protecting," said an emotional Brig. Gen. Jonathan Vance, the commander of Task Force Kandahar.

"You need only look into those young, clear eyes to know that he was a good soul, who tried every day to do the right thing and saw in the results of his efforts a chance to succeed on a wider scale on behalf of Canadians and Afghans alike."

An opinion column that ran in several Canadian newspapers from Colin Kenny, the chair of the Senate Committee on National Security and Defence, criticized the Afghan mission as being `futile' and said "It's time to retreat from Canada's Vietnam".

"He took a fatal strike where an Afghan family might have. He lived in the community so they knew the families he was protecting and they saw him as just that -- a protector," said Vance.

"Neither he nor his family benefit from uninformed opinions about what his goals were and the techniques he used to achieve them," he added. "The thousands of young, clear, determined eyes that remain wide open here in Kandahar are working hard, every day to protect and stabilize the population -- not an impossible mission as some might suggest."

Pte. Lormand was on a patrol in the volatile Panjwaii district, where Canadian soldiers have been battling the Taliban for the past few years. The injured soldiers were treated at Kandahar Airfield for minor injuries and released.

The incident happened at 1 p.m. Kandahar time on Sunday. Journalists at Kandahar Airfield were informed almost immediately but it was nearly a full 24 hours before the Canadian forces lifted the embargo.

Lormand, or "Lorm" as he was known to his friends, was well liked and his good humour and happiness was credited with raising the morale of his section and his platoon.

He had pride in his mission, said Vance, and was dedicated to his peers and to his career as an infantryman. He is survived by his parents Jacques and Sylvie Lormand.

The latest incident happened one week after another powerful blast hit an armoured vehicle in the same area, killing 36-year-old Maj. Yannick Pepin and Cpl. Jean-Francois Drouin, 31.

Both men were members of the 5 Combat Engineer Regiment and were stationed in Valcartier, Que.

Lormand is the 12th soldier killed during the current rotation.
A few days ago, the Chief of Canada's Defence Staff, Gen. Walter Natynczyk had been urging soldiers here to be careful and not to let down their guard as their tour came to an end.

The IED has become the weapon of choice for the Taliban for over two years. Seventy-one of the 130 Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan have died from IED strikes. Since April of 2007 - 62 of the 85 Canadian deaths were the result of improvised explosive devices which are cheap and easy to make.

Six Canadian soldiers died on April 8, 2007 - Sgt. Donald Lucas, Cpl. Aaron E. Williams, Pte. Kevin V. Kennedy, Pte. David R. Greenslade, Cpl. Christopher P. Stannix and Cpl. Brent Poland.

"His was a world where success is something won under the hardest of circumstances, where ideas are turned into action and where the Canadian forces seek to protect and stabilize," said Vance.

"Rest in peace brother Patrick."

[John McGillivray]

Canadian soldier killed, 11 injured in Afghan blast
Updated Thu. Sep. 17 2009 5:37 PM ET
CTV.ca News Staff
A Canadian soldier has died in an Afghan bomb attack, the second such death in less than a week.
The soldier has been identified as 23-year-old Pte. Jonathan Couturier of the 2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Regiment, based in Valcartier, Que.
Couturier, who was involved in a mission to seize weapons and control Taliban movements, was killed when an improvised explosive device exploded.
He is the 131st Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan.
Eleven others were also injured in the blast, but those injuries weren't serious, said Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance.
The death comes a day after the body of Pte. Patrick Lormand, 21, returned to Canada in an emotional ceremony at CFB Trenton in Ontario.
Lormand was killed by a roadside bomb on Sunday in Afghanistan's southwest near Kandahar City.
Earlier on Thursday, six Italian soldiers and 10 Afghans were killed in Kabul by a suicide car bomber.
The Taliban claimed responsibility for the blast and it came despite massive security in the Afghan capital.
Violence has been on the rise in Afghanistan as thousands of U.S. troops have entered the country with the intention of pushing insurgents out of their strongholds.
The attacks also follow a highly contentious presidential election, which still has no clear winner.
In the weeks before Afghans went to the ballot boxes, the Taliban vowed to disrupt voting through violence and intimidation.

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

[sapper740]

Originally Posted by Lang

Is there anyone on the forum who can tell me (and the rest of the world) EXACTLY why we are in Afghanistan and what are the exact military aims which justify the staggering cost and dismal casualty lists.
Lang

We're not over there fighting to support a tribal government, hence the elections, nor for Afghanistan's vast oil resources (they have none), we're there to prevent the country from being a breeding ground for Islam terrorists, present and future. Our presence there keeps the Taliban and Al Qaeda on their heels, preventing them from consolidating their power through terror and turning Afghanistan into a terrorist training camp on a nation-wide basis. Further, by being there it makes it difficult for the Mullahs to indoctrinate the next generation of Bin Laden "Jugend" into wanting to martyr themselves. It's unfortunate that there are those who, without the stomach for a prolonged struggle, would have us leave Afghanistan without a self supporting government that has some idea of human rights in place. Believe me, radical Islam not only has the stomach, it thrives on chaos, torture, and bloodshed. There is no appeasing the blood lust and hatred of the West by radical Islam...why is it so many forget the mistakes of the past? One doesn't have to look too far into history to see the failed policies of Appeasement. Unfortunately, way too many of our fine young men have to give their lives in this struggle, but I'm willing to bet that they are in Heaven right now looking down on us willing us to keep the faith and finish the job so that their sacrifice wasn't for nought. Derek.

[Lang]

Derek,

Thanks for that.

I think you are very optimistic to believe we can ever "get the job done" - to do so will require decades of involvement and huge numbers of garrison troops to keep any form of organised government and society on the "right" track.

We are not trying to get rid of a bad government (Hitler and numerous other dictators or juntas) in Afghanistan, we are trying to create a new society.

We have an even money shot in Iraq because Iraq had a relatively well educated well organised and functioning country under Hussein and all we had to to do was get rid of the evil to reveal the acceptable base system like we did in Germany and Japan in the 40's.

As for Afghanistan becoming the world's terrorist training ground - once we finish there we will have to follow them across the border to the other 'stans and even into our ally Pakistan (where they operate now in any case). We have to find some other way to to solve the Islam/West divide or our soldiers are going to keep being killed in Central Asia for the next hundred years.

I certainly don't know the answer and I don't think anyone else does but we sure have to come up with one.

Lang

[sapper740]

Originally Posted by Lang

Derek,

Thanks for that.

I think you are very optimistic to believe we can ever "get the job done" - to do so will require decades of involvement and huge numbers of garrison troops to keep any form of organised government and society on the "right" track.

Lang

You're absolutely right. To have any chance of preventing Afghanistan, and many other countries from reverting to fundamentalist Islamic Theocracies, we have to accomplish three things: destroy Al Qaeda and the Taliban, not allow any more Moslem youth to be radicalized, and to send the one's who have been radicalized to Paradise at either our hands or theirs. My best guess is this will take at the bare minimum 2-3 generations. Do we have the will to achieve this? Absolutely not! But at least in the meantime by keeping the terrorists busy over there, they're not busy over here. Derek.

[Lang]

You're absolutely right. To have any chance of preventing Afghanistan, and many other countries from reverting to fundamentalist Islamic Theocracies, we have to accomplish three things: destroy Al Qaeda and the Taliban, not allow any more Moslem youth to be radicalized, and to send the one's who have been radicalized to Paradise at either our hands or theirs. My best guess is this will take at the bare minimum 2-3 generations. Do we have the will to achieve this? Absolutely not! But at least in the meantime by keeping the terrorists busy over there, they're not busy over here. Derek.[/QUOTE]

Derek,

The aim is Ok but the execution impossible with the current approach.

The Taliban is only a local problem and just a matter of a bad government that we have decided to replace. Their governing methods are unacceptable to many in the west (I think we should mind our own business and look at the many more pressing problems in the world). They are no threat to the west other than by association because they make available their country to Al Qaeda who are the real threat. As mentioned above Al Qaeda can just pack up their camels and move to another country.

Al Qaeda is not a formed body in the accepted sense but more of an association of like minded people (a club if you will) with a strong "committee", club training and club outings. They are spread throughout the world and almost impossible to pierce through the heart. At the moment we are just chopping off fingers and toes with a couple of arms in bigger kills but they grow back before the dust clears.

With this kind if enemy the only major defeat they will suffer is through smart intelligence not by force of arms. We are chasing smoke in Afghanistan while being used as targets by the Taliban (and let's face it, by local warlords who have absolutely no interest in Islamic progress, only their own power). We are being bloodied by the opposition cheer leaders while hardly laying a glove on the real opposing team.

We have to find out what is the motivation - not just to take out the west- but the real motivation of WHY they want to take out the west, why they want to radicalize their youth.

We have to convince the Islamic leaders that moderation is the best for everyone. We have to convince our people that that others have a right to conduct their own affairs, even with "civil rights" as our politically correct society sees them, reduced. We need to reduce the confrontations on both sides. We need to pull Israel into line and stop their provocative behaviour towards the Palestinians with the lack of "rights" we crow about, illegal settlements etc. Both sides have got to stop acting in the name of God (Yes, he is the same guy on both sides). We have to get rid of the missionary zeal to gather numbers to our particular religions and laws based on religion - we have as many laws arising from the church as the Moslems do and it is only in recent years that the Christian Church stopped slaughtering people in their millions in the name of God. Islam is a moderate religion, Christianity is a moderate religion but both churches (who have little to do with religion) are radical.

Unfortunately all this is a fairy story. Self interest, power and wealth will continue to drive men and nations into the forseeable future and young men will continue to die on the field of battle as they have for the past 50,000 years since the first humans to leave the Rift Valley killed the second humans to leave the Rift Valley because they wanted to use their waterhole.

I think we should tail this discussion off to the thread's real focus to record the efforts of the boys working and dying in Afghanistan, and elsewhere, at the behest of their governments as soldiers must. No matter what falsehoods, incompetence or greed caused their presence on the battlefield soldiering is an honourable profession.

Lang

[sapper740]

Lang, true words on all accounts.

Derek.

[Rob MacDonald]

We've lost 144 Canadian Soldiers to date on 'Peacekeeping' missions, but no-one feels compelled to keep score on THAT game.

You'll find that when the west (USA/UK/Canada) leaves those two theatres the young hot-heads will no longer flock there to kill their infidel but will turn their attention to the 'western homelands' - and then you won't be reading about a death in Gandamak but a subway bombing in Toronto.

I'd like to hope I'm wrong, but I'll bet I'm right.

[Mark W. Tonner]

OTTAWA – One Canadian soldier was killed and two injured by an improvised explosive device that detonated near their dismounted patrol. The incident occurred approximately 20 kilometres south-west of Kandahar City at around 9 a.m., Kandahar time, on 28 October 2009.

Killed in action was Lieutenant Justin Boyes of the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, serving with the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team.

The injured soldiers were evacuated by helicopter to the Multi-National Medical Facility at the Kandahar Airfield and are in good condition. The next of kin for the injured soldiers have also been notified. The identities of the injured soldiers will not be released.

Our thoughts and condolences go to the family and friends of our fallen comrade.

Members of Task Force Afghanistan work with Afghan security forces for the greater good of Afghanistan. We remain focused and determined to bringing peace, stability and good governance despite the challenge imposed on us by the insurgents. We remain committed to Afghanistan.

[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

RIP, Lieutenant.

[Alex Blair (RIP)]

Originally Posted by Seaforthpiper

We've lost 144 Canadian Soldiers to date on 'Peacekeeping' missions, but no-one feels compelled to keep score on THAT game.

You'll find that when the west (USA/UK/Canada) leaves those two theatres the young hot-heads will no longer flock there to kill their infidel but will turn their attention to the 'western homelands' - and then you won't be reading about a death in Gandamak but a subway bombing in Toronto.

I'd like to hope I'm wrong, but I'll bet I'm right.

Piper..
At that point ,the "young hot heads "had better be controlled by their own kind...other wise the "Moderates " will be dragged into a war of attrition ..and will pay the price of excommunication and expulsion..Hate does strange things once aroused..

[John McGillivray]

The Canadian Press
Date: Sat. Oct. 31 2009 4:44 PM ET
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — The latest Canadian victim of the relentless IED campaign by insurgents in Afghanistan was headed home Saturday after his flag-draped coffin was loaded onto a military transport plane.
Sapper Steven Marshall, 24, of 11 Field Squadron, 1 Combat Engineer Regiment, was the sole casualty of an explosion that struck his patrol Friday in Panjwaii district, 20 kilometres southwest of Kandahar city.
More than 2,300 Canadian and foreign troops gathered under the floodlights on the tarmac at Kandahar Airfield to pay their last respects to the Calgary native.
"Steven was a passionate hockey fan who loved his hometown Calgary Flames," said padre Cpt. Steve Defer in a eulogy delivered by the Hercules C130 that will take Marshall to CFB Trenton.
"His ever present grin and sense of humour was contagious."
One of Marshall's best friends, Sapper Dustin Perry, also called attention to his penchant for cracking jokes, which he said brought out the best in everyone.
"Those of us who knew him remember that he was the kind of guy who would do anything for you and ask nothing in return," he said following the ramp ceremony.
"He always put his friends before himself."
Marshall and Perry had been close since training together at CFB Gagetown three years ago, despite Perry being partial to the Vancouver Canuck.
"When Vancouver and the Flames were playing it was gloves off for me and Marshall," Perry said.
"Marshall was a very competitive hockey player. I was always kind of jealous of his skills."
Marshall is the 133rd Canadian soldier to die as part of the Afghan mission. He was the second Canadian soldier killed this week by an IED.
Lt. Justin Boyes died Wednesday in an explosion that also injured two other soldiers. His body arrived at CFT Trenton, Ont., on Saturday.
Private sector analysts HMC Inc. have tracked a more than 60 per cent increase in the use of IEDs in Afghanistan between 2006 and 2008.
It has already tracked well over 100 more cases in 2009 than for all of 2008.
Since April 2007, 65 of the 88 Canadian deaths in Afghanistan have been the result of improvised explosive devices.
As a sapper, Marshall was on the front lines of efforts to minimize the threat presented by the home-made bombs.
"With his skills Steven held one of the critical keys to a lasting peace in Afghanistan," said Defer.
"Clearing the mines and IEDs that threaten our soldiers promises more than just our safety, but also, it offers the real promise that the people of Afghanistan might one day know a truly lasting freedom."
Marshall was working in an area thought critical for the future success of the counter-insurgency strategy initiated by Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance earlier this year.
The Canadian military is working to establish a series of model villages in the Dand district that will allow them to separate insurgents from the population at large by providing security and basic economic development.
Marshall was killed in the area around Belanday, which borders Panjwaii and was considered one of the success stories of the new strategy.

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNew...b=TopStoriesV2

[Alex Blair (RIP)]

Out today..
God bless our troops..

Governor General of Canada


Governor General of Canada
Nov 04, 2009 10:25 ET
Governor General to Preside Over the Inaugural Presentation of the Sacrifice Medal

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Nov. 4, 2009) - Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaelle Jean, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, will present the first 46 Sacrifice Medals to members of the Canadian Forces and, posthumously, to a Canadian diplomat. The inaugural ceremony will be held on Monday, November 9, 2009, at 11 a.m. at Rideau Hall, in the presence of the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada.

The Governor General will present 46 Sacrifice Medals of which 21 are awarded posthumously. The recipients come from all regions of the country and from a variety of Canadian Forces regiments. The list of recipients is attached. .

The Sacrifice Medal was created to provide a tangible and lasting form of recognition for the members of the Canadian Forces and those who work with them who have been wounded or killed by hostile action and to Canadian Forces members who died as a result of service.

Members of the media who would like to conduct interviews with the recipients are asked to contact the National Defence Media Liaison Office. Members of the media wishing to cover the event are asked to inform the Rideau Hall Press Office, and must arrive at the Princess Ann Entrance for 10:30 a.m.


RECIPIENTS OF THE SACRIFICE MEDAL

To receive the Sacrifice Medal and Bar:

Sergeant Lance Thomas Hooper, M.S.M., C.D.

To receive the Sacrifice Medal:




Captain Casey Balden
Corporal Cole Daniel Bartsch (posthumous)
Corporal Robbie Christopher Beerenfenger (posthumous)
Dr. Glyn Raymond Berry (posthumous)
Master Corporal Roger Dennis Boudreau, C.D.
Private Darryl James Caswell (posthumous)
Sergeant Joseph Anatole Serge Charette, C.D.
Corporal Ryan E. G. Elrick, C.D.
Corporal Andrew James Eykelenboom (posthumous)
Master Corporal Paul Milson Franklin
Master Corporal Michael Christian Gauthier, C.D.
Corporal Vincent C. Gauvreau-Roussin
Master Corporal Dave Gionet, M.M.V.
Captain Nichola Kathleen Sarah Goddard, M.S.M.
(posthumous)
Corporal Joseph Francois Etienne Gonthier (posthumous)
Private Richard Anthony Green (posthumous)
Captain Charles Trevor Greene
Corporal Phillip J. Guy
Private Michael Yuki Hayakaze (posthumous)
Sergeant Sheldon Herritt, C.D.
Private Arielle Marie Keyes-Oliver (posthumous)
Major Paeta Derek Hess-von Kruedener, M.S.C., C.D.
(posthumous)
Private Joseph Simon Maurice Serge Longtin
(posthumous)
Captain Juli-Ann Dawn Mackenzie (posthumous)
Captain Simon Jean Mailloux
Corporal Nicholas George Makischuk
Master Corporal Bounyarattanaphon Makthepharak
Corporal Joseph Francois Maurice Malboeuf, C.D.
Warrant Officer Frank Robert Mellish, C.D. (posthumous)
Officer Cadet Jesse Lee Melnyck
Master Warrant Officer
Joseph Christian Michel Mario Mercier, M.S.C., C.D.
(posthumous)
Master Corporal Jody Allan Mitic, C.D.
Master Corporal Kirk Bradley Noel (posthumous)
Corporal Michael P. O'Rourke, M.M.V.
Master Corporal Darrell Jason Priede (posthumous)
Corporal J. Y. Martin Renaud
Master Corporal Joel Emile Richard
Master Seaman Crysta L. Rutherford
Lieutenant(N) Christopher Edward Saunders, C.D.
(posthumous)
Sergeant John Sloan, C.D.
Sergeant Mark William Soper, C.D.
Sergeant Shane Hank Stachnik (posthumous)
Master Corporal Jeffrey Scott Walsh (posthumous)
Sergeant Gregory Owen White
Private Joel Vincent Wiebe (posthumous)






The Sacrifice Medal

The Sacrifice Medal was created to provide a tangible and lasting form of recognition for the sacrifices made by members of the Canadian Forces (CF) and those who work with them who have been wounded or killed under honourable circumstances as a direct result of a hostile action or action intended for a hostile force. The medal is also awarded posthumously to any member of the CF who served on or after 7 October 2001, and dies under honourable circumstances as a result of an injury or disease related to military service.

Applications

A commanding officer will submit an application through the usual military chain of command for eligible members of their unit.

Description of the Medal

The Medal consists of a silver circular medal that is 36 mm across, has a claw at the top of it in the form of the Royal Crown, and is attached to a straight slotted bar.

On the obverse of the Medal appears a contemporary effigy of Her Majesty the Queen of Canada, facing right, wearing a Canadian diadem composed alternately of maple leaves and snow flakes, and circumscribed with the inscriptions "ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA" and "CANADA", separated by small maple leaves.

On the reverse of the Medal appears a representation of the statue named "Canada" -that forms part of the Canadian National Vimy Memorial - facing right, overlooking the horizon. The inscription "SACRIFICE" appears in the lower right half of the Medal.

The Medal is suspended from a watered ribbon that is 32 mm in width, consisting of a 10-mm black stripe in the middle that is flanked by 11-mm red stripes, on which are centred 1-mm white stripes.

The bar to the Medal is in silver with raised edges and shall bear a centred, single silver maple leaf overall. The Bar is presented for subsequent awards of the Medal.


Related Information: For more information on military honours, please see the Department of National Defence Web site for Canadian Forces Honours and Awards: http://www.cmp-cpm.forces.gc.ca/dhr-ddhr/index-eng.asp. For more information on the Sacrifice Medal, visit http://www.cmp-cpm.forces.gc.ca/dhr-...eng.asp?ref=SM.

For more information, please contact
For information on the ceremony:
Annabelle Cloutier
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-993-2569
www.gg.ca
www.citizenvoices.gg.ca

or

For information on the Sacrifice medal and its recipients:
Department of National Defence
Media Liaison Office
1-866-377-0811
613-996-2353
www.forces.gc.ca
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[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

RIP, Lieutenant Nuttall. You shall not be forgotten.

Canadian soldier killed by IED in south Afghanistan

CTV.ca News Staff
Updated: Thu. Dec. 24 2009 6:44 AM ET

A Canadian soldier was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated while he was on foot patrol in Afghanistan, the military announced early Thursday.

Lt. Andrew Nuttall, 30, of Prince Rupert B.C., died along with an Afghan soldier in the town of Nakhoney in the Panjwaii district of southern Afghanistan on Wednesday. An Afghan interpreter was also seriously injured in the IED attack.

Nuttall belonged to the 1st Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based in Edmonton. He is survived by his mother Jane and father Richard, who said they were proud of their son's decision to join the military.

"We have lost a bright light in our lives," said the family in a statement.

In total, 134 Canadian soldiers have now been killed while serving in Canada's mission in Afghanistan which begain in 2002. Nuttall is the first soldier to die since Sapper Stephen Marshall was killed on Oct. 30 in a similar IED attack.

Brig.-Gen. Daniel Menard, commander of coalition forces in Kandahar province, desribed Nuttall as a generous person who came to Afghanistan because he thought he could make a difference to the Afghan people.

"He wanted to lead from the front and set the example -- attributes he passionately displayed every time he was in front of his platoon," Menard said Thursday morning in a statement from Kandahar.

His death comes during a period of relative calm after a summer that saw a spike in violence, and as NATO forces are seeing an infusion of hundreds of fresh U.S. troops who are helping in the effort to secure areas in and around Kandahar City.

Nakhoney, about 25 kilometres southwest of Kandahar City, is part of the Panjwaii trangle -- an area where Canadian forces have found factories used by Taliban to make IEDs, as well as large quantities of other weapons.

Menard said Nuttall was searching for Taliban transit routes at the time of his death.

"His patrol was part of our efforts to protect the people of the village from insurgents," said Menard.

In a statement, Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean said Nuttall's death comes at the end of a "particularly difficult year," and during the holiday season, "an important time for families."

"It is a harsh reminder of the enormous sacrifices our soldiers and their loved ones have agreed to make so that stability and security can be re-established in a dangerous region of the world and to help people who have been deprived of their most fundamental rights, distressed by years of violence and oppression," said Jean.

With a report from the Canadian Press

[Brian Gough]

Four Canadian soldiers and a Canadian journalist have been killed in a powerful blast in Kandahar city.

The deaths Wednesday afternoon occurred as they drove through a supposedly safe part of the city on a regular patrol.

The military did not immediately release any names, but reporters at the base at Kandahar Airfield has identified the journalist killed as Michelle Lang of the Calgary Herald.

She had been in Afghanistan for just over two weeks on her first assignment in the country for Canwest News Service.

The four soldiers were based at the Canadian military-civilian outreach compound in Kandahar.

In all, 138 Canadian soldiers and two civilians have died on the Afghan mission.


http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/...rticle1415241/

[Mark W. Tonner]

DND News Release:

Four Canadian soldiers and one Canadian reporter killed and five injured in an IED strike

CEFCOM NR - 09.034 - December 30, 2009

OTTAWA – Four Canadian soldiers and one Canadian reporter embedded with Joint Task Force Afghanistan (JTF-Afg) were killed, while four other Canadian soldiers and one Canadian civilian official were injured in an IED incident in Kandahar province, on Wednesday December 30, 2009.

The incident occurred 4 km south of Kandahar City at approximately 4:00 p.m., Kandahar time, Wednesday afternoon as a result of an improvised explosive device attack on an armoured vehicle during a patrol.

We will not release the names of the soldiers, as notification of next-of-kin is ongoing at this time. Further information on the incident will be provided once this has been completed.

All of the injured personnel were evacuated to the Role 3 Multi-National Medical Facility at Kandahar Airfield. They are undergoing medical examination and treatment, and their names will not be released.

Members of Task Force Kandahar are committed to improving security and increasing development in Kandahar Province. Our thoughts are with the loved ones of our fallen comrades and our prayers go out to the family and friends of our fallen civilian reporter during this sad time, but we are determined to continue working with our Afghan and international partners towards a better future for the people of Afghanistan.



... At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them