NR-06.050 - August 23, 2006

The Honourable Gordon O'Connor, the Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement on the death of Corporal David Braun

"A young Canadian soldier, Corporal David Braun, was killed Tuesday in Afghanistan when the LAV III in which he was riding was attacked by a suicide car bomber. I extend my deepest condolences, and those of all Canadians, to his family and friends.

Cpl. Braun, based in Shilo, Manitoba, with the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, was on patrol in Kandahar City with his fellow soldiers at the time of his death. Three of his comrades were injured, and we hope for their swift recovery.

Canadians will not forget the dedication and courage Cpl. Braun demonstrated in our name. We are humbled by his willingness to serve Canada in this theatre of operation.

While there are risks involved in this selfless work, our personnel are fully prepared for the demands they face. They are among the best-trained and most experienced soldiers in the world. Canadians everywhere honour their unwavering commitment to our country, and we pray for their safe return."

Cpl. David Braun, 27, died in the southern Afghanistan city of Kandahar when his re-supply convoy was rammed by a vehicle loaded with explosives. Three other soldiers were injured in the attack.

Cpl. Braun is the 27th Canadian killed since troops landed in the troubled country more than four years ago. The growing number of dead has raised questions among some about the merits of the mission. But doubt is not what Cpl. Braun would have wanted, according to his relatives and friends.