Trooper Mark Wilson of the Royal Canadian Dragoons. Married, father of two.
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OTTAWA, Ontario — A Canadian soldier was killed on October 7 when the RG-31 he was travelling in was hit by an improvised explosive
device (IED) in the Panjwayi area, approximately 25 km west of Kandahar, Afghanistan.
Trooper Mark Wilson of the Royal Canadian Dragoons was the 40th Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan since 2002. Wilson's body is expected
to arrive at Canadian Forces Base Trenton, Ontario, on October 11.
There are no reports of any other casualties. The soldier's unit was on patrol between the Zhari District Centre and Bazaar-e-Panjwayi, the
location of a new two-lane road which is being constructed with the assistance of the Canadian provincial reconstruction team.
"My thoughts are first and foremost with Mark Andrew Wilson's loved ones," stated Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean,
Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada.
"All Canadians share your sorrow. My thoughts also go to the colleagues of Trooper Wilson and to all members of the Canadian Forces who,
despite this tragedy, persevere with courage to fulfill their mission in Afghanistan. We can only admire their resolve and assure them of
our continued support in these difficult hours."
"It is with great sorrow that I have learned of the death of Trooper Mark Andrew Wilson, who was killed in the line of duty while helping
the people of Afghanistan," said Prime Minister Stephen Harper. "On behalf of all Canadians I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to his loved ones."
"There is no doubt that Trooper Wilson represented the best of our military and our country. His family and friends can be proud of the fact
that this courageous Canadian sacrificed his life for a greater cause. We will honour the memory of Trooper Wilson by remaining steadfast
and determined to help Afghans achieve lasting stability and security."
There is no doubt that Trooper Wilson represented the best of our military and our country.
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