Sgt. Jason Boyes of 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based in Shilo, Man., was killed after he stepped on an explosive device. The 32-year-old was born in Napanee, Ont. (earlier reports had him from Lynn Lake, Man.). He is the first Canadian to be killed while on foot patrol in nearly a year.

We are devastated by this news. Jason loved his job, he loved the military, and his fellow soldiers loved him back. His world was his daughter, Mackenzie, his wife, Alison, his dogs and his family, Boyes family said in a statement distributed by the military.

This was his third tour in Afghanistan. We have always, and still do, support this mission.

My thoughts and best wishes go out to Sgt. Boyes's family, especially his daughter Mackenzie and wife Alison. Sgt. Boyes is a Canadian hero and his sacrifice will not soon be forgotten.

I'll let Guy Laroche have the last word:

He answered the call of duty one last time in Afghanistan. We will honour his memory, his dedication, and his desire to make a difference in a country that has lost hope that one day its children will grow up to know the real sense of the words 'peace' and 'freedom.'