Corporal
Anthony Joseph Boneca was killed during an engagement with Taliban
insurgents that occurred approximately 25 kilometres west of
Kandahar Airfield. The incident occurred at approximately 8:30 a.m.
Kandahar time (12:00 a.m. EDT) on 9 July, 2006.
Cpl. Boneca was serving with Task Force
Afghanistan as part of the 1st Battalion Princess Patricia’s
Canadian Light Infantry (1 PPCLI) Battle Group. Cpl. Boneca was a
member of the Lake Superior Scottish Regiment, which is based in
Thunder Bay, Ontario. Cpl. Boneca’s unit was operating in Zjarey
district as part of Operation Zahar, which means “Sword” in Pashto.
Operation Zahar is a joint Afghan National Army/Coalition security
operation aimed at removing the Taliban threat to Afghan citizens in
the region west of Kandahar City while strengthening the Afghan
Government's authority in the area.
Statement by the Minister of National Defence on the passing of
Corporal Anthony Joseph Boneca
NR-06.037 - July 9, 2006
Ottawa, Ontario
The Honourable Gordon O'Connor, Minister of National Defence, issued
the following statement today on the passing of Corporal Anthony
Joseph Boneca.
"It is with deepest sorrow that I learned of the death of Corporal
Anthony Joseph Boneca, who was killed during operations this morning
in Afghanistan at approximately 8:30 a.m. local time. Corporal
Boneca was a member of the Lake Superior Scottish Regiment, based in
Thunder Bay, Ontario.
My sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of this
brave soldier, who died in the name of democracy, protecting the
freedoms we cherish so strongly as Canadians.
Canada will mourn the loss of Corporal Boneca but he will not be
forgotten. His memory will live on through the people whose lives he
has touched, while fulfilling our mission to bring peace and
security to Afghanistan.
There are risks involved in this operation, but our members are
among the best trained, and most experienced soldiers in the world.
They are fully prepared for the mission in Afghanistan. Corporal
Boneca's courage in the face of danger demonstrates the tenacity and
strength of all our CF members and it is with pride that I say he
represents the best of Canada--an inspiration to his countrymen.
I stand in honour of his sacrifice and my thoughts and prayers are
with him." |