Jun 28, 2007 red friday, troops, canadian armed forces, red fridays, yellow ribbon, red friday rally, donation to Red Fridays, saspper mik mcteague wounded warriors fund, CFPSA, red ridays ribbon, support our troops, support the troops, Suppoting Canadian Troops, wear red on fridays, start a red fridays movement, wear a red fridays official ribbon, organize a red friday rally, red fridays, sapper mike mcteague wounded warriors fund, yellow ribbons, support the troops ribbon, afghanistan, memorial for the fallen soldiers, fallen warriors, canadian heroes, I wear red on fridaysSuppoting Canadian Troops, wear red on fridays, start a red fridays movement, wear a red fridays official ribbon, organize a red friday rally, red fridays, sapper mike mcteague wounded warriors fund, yellow ribbons, support the troops ribbon, afghanistan, memorial for the fallen soldiers, fallen warriors, canadian heroes, I wear red on fridays 1                      Wednesday, June 27, 2007   The 3 Leafs of Hope Faith and Charity Support Our Troops WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS TO SHOW YOU CARE Memorials for our fallen click here Coming soon - Red Fridays Blog P ress Release: Red Fridays Foundation releases press release over comments made by Toronto's Mayor David Miller to remove support ribbons from City Emergency Vehicles. more ... SHOW THEM WE CARE Plus much more! Click the ribbons above NEW - Support our Troops Head covers! _________________________ PAST EVENTS FOR RED FRIDAYS CLICK HERE Are you organizing a Red Friday Event? please click here . Get the "How To's" and help to organize your rally! _________________________________ Teachers - are you involved in a Red Friday event in your school? Click here ! GREAT PRODUCTS FROM RED FRIDAYS New Red Fridays T-Shirts & Sweats   2.5 inch sticker. Great for Hockey Teams helmets to tackle boxes and car windows! Just Peel and stick. Vibrant Red shows well on any surface. ONLY $0.50  ea! ORDER NOW!     Use on Helmets, hard hats, lunch box, tool box, tackle box and just about anywhere you want to show your pride! ______________________________________ The Yellow Ribbon origin Support Our Troops   ( The history ) If you are family or friends of the fallen, please feel free to add to your lost one's memorial page.   more ... Spread The Word - Click Here to know how _______________________________________ - To volunteer for Red Fridays or to help spread the word of wearing RED on FRIDAYS click the "How to Help" button above for more details.   RED FRIDAYS OFFICIAL RIBBON LAPEL PIN $9.95 CAN NICKEL - NEVER CORRODES! ___________________   Corporate Sponsorship Program Corporate sponsors are welcomed. Please contact us on how your corporation can help and make a difference and gain community attention and respect. Showing support for our Canadian Troops is not trendy. It demonstrates your community involvement and leadership. Become a sponsor today and support this worthy cause. __________________ Our Corporate Sponsors For more information on our sponsorships, click here. RED FRIDAYS FOUNDATION OF  CANADA Is an organization to promote support for our men and woman who serve our country. Our Canadian military has made many sacrifices in the name of peace for Canada and other countries. Fighting the terrorism abroad is not a matter of political policy it is so we don't have to at home. Wearing Red on Fridays is a symbolic gesture to show fellow Canadians and our troops that we care and honour those who fought for our freedom, our peace, our resolve. Our goal is to be non-partisan support for our military troops. We do not support any particular policy, political position, agenda or the nature of the military missions. This support is for all Canadian Troops regardless of their activity if its here or abroad. As Canadians we need to show support for our men and woman that place themselves in harms way for us Canadians. They are our National Treasure. United we stand for peace in Canada no matter of opinion, creed, religion, colour or race. Show you care by becoming a part of Red Fridays Foundation of Canada. -Brian Muntz   Ajax Store S. William from Palgrave ON is our first winner of the Brita Filter Give-away Free Raffle. Be sure to visit us at our next public appearance to get your free raffle ticket to win.   2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 Afghanistan casualties, taliban, war on terrorisum, canada soilders, canadian armed forces, armySoldiers that have died in afghnistan, wear red on fridays for the fallen. 1 Thursday, June 21, 2007 -- Oh Canada, they stood on guard for thee --   Sergeant Christos Karigiannis, Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (3 PPCLI) from CFB Edmonton. June 20, 2007 OTTAWA – Sergeant Christos Karigiannis was killed when the vehicle he was traveling in struck an improvised explosive device on the main road, approximately 6 km west of Forward Operating Base Sperwan-Gar. The incident occurred while the soldiers were conducting resupply operations between checkpoints. Go to Memorial   Private Vincent Wiebe, Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (3 PPCLI) from CFB Edmonton. June 20, 2007 OTTAWA – Private Vincent Wiebe was killed when the vehicle he was traveling in struck an improvised explosive device on the main road, approximately 6 km west of Forward Operating Base Sperwan-Gar. The incident occurred while the soldiers were conducting resupply operations between checkpoints. Go to Memorial   Corporal Stephen Frederick Bouzane,  Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (3 PPCLI) from CFB Edmonton. June 20, 2007 OTTAWA – Corporal Stephen Frederick Bouzane was killed when the vehicle he was traveling in struck an improvised explosive device on the main road, approximately 6 km west of Forward Operating Base Sperwan-Gar. The incident occurred while the soldiers were conducting resupply operations between checkpoints. G o to Memorial   Trooper Darryl Caswell of The Royal Canadian Dragoons (RCD), 25, based at Petawawa, Ont. June 11, 2007 OTTAWA – Trooper Darryl Caswell (Bomanville) was killed today when a roadside bomb detonated near the vehicle he was traveling in, about 40 km north of Kandahar City. The incident occurred at approximately 6:25 p.m. Kandahar time (10:05 a.m. EST). Go to Memorial Master Corporal Darrell Jason Priede from Gagetown, NB May 31, 2007 OTTAWA – Master Corporal Darrell Jason Priede, a military Imagery Technician serving with the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Regional Command (South) Headquarters at Kandahar Airfield, was killed when the helicopter in which he was a passenger went down at approximately 9 p.m. Kandahar time on 30 May, near the town of Kajaki, Helmand Province, about 95 kms northwest of Kandahar City. Master Corporal Priede was a member of the Army News Team from 3 Area Support Group, based at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown, New Brunswick. Go to Memorial Corporal Matthew McCully, (CP/HO/Canadian Armed Forces) , 25, from Orangeville, Ontario May 25, 2007 A Canadian soldier who died in Afghanistan on May 25, 2007 has been identified. Corporal Matthew McCully, 25, from Petawawa, Ontario, was killed in IED attack. He was a signaler and communications specialist working, like 70 other Canadian troops in the Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team, with soldiers of the Afghan National Army. An Afghan interpreter was slightly injured in the blast. Go to Memorial Master-Corporal Anthony Klumpenhouwer, 25, from Listowel, Ontario April 18, 2007 A Canadian soldier who died in Afghanistan on April 18th has been identified. Master-Corporal Anthony Klumpenhouwer, 25, from Listowel, Ontario, was killed in an accident. The communications technician was working on a tower when the accident occurred.   Go to Memorial   Trooper Patrick James Pentland , The Royal Canadian Dragoons, based in Petawawa, Ont April 11, 2007 On the eve of six killed April 8, 2007 coming home Trooper Patrick James Pentland was killed when his vehicle was bombed by an road side IED during heavy fighting with the Taliban resistance. Three other CF soldiers were, one seriously, as a result of this attack.  Go to Memorial   Master Corporal Allan Stewart , The Royal Canadian Dragoons, based in Petawawa, Ont. April 11, 2007 On the eve of six killed April 8, 2007 coming home Master Corporal Allan Stewart was killed when his vehicle was bombed by an road side IED during heavy fighting with the Taliban resistance. Three other CF soldiers were, one seriously, as a result of this attack. Go to Memorial   Sgt. Donald Lucas, 31, of Burton, N.B. (but raised in St. John's).  2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment April 8, 2007 Donald Lucas one of the six Canadian soldiers were killed and two of their comrades were injured today in Afghanistan after a roadside bomb exploded near their vehicle. The incident occurred at approximately 13:30 hrs Kandahar time, west of Kandahar City.   Go to Memorial   Pte. Kevin Vincent Kennedy, 20, of St. Lawrence, N.L. 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment April 8, 2007 Kevin Kennedy one of six Canadian soldiers were killed and two of their comrades were injured today in Afghanistan after a roadside bomb exploded near their vehicle. The incident occurred at approximately 13:30 hrs Kandahar time, west of Kandahar City.   Go to Memorial   Cpl. Aaron E. Williams, 23, of Lincoln, N.B. 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment April 8, 2007 Aaron Williams one of Six Canadian soldiers were killed and two of their comrades were injured today in Afghanistan after a roadside bomb exploded near their vehicle. The incident occurred at approximately 13:30 hrs Kandahar time, west of Kandahar City.   Go to Memorial   Pte. David Robert Greenslade, 20, of Saint John, N.B. 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment April 8, 2007 David Greenslade one of six Canadian soldiers were killed and two of their comrades were injured today in Afghanistan after a roadside bomb exploded near their vehicle. The incident occurred at approximately 13:30 hrs Kandahar time, west of Kandahar City.   Go to Memorial   Cpl. Brent Poland, 37, of Camlachie, Ont. 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment April 8, 2007 Six Canadian soldiers were killed and two of their comrades were injured today in Afghanistan after a roadside bomb exploded near their vehicle. The incident occurred at approximately 13:30 hrs Kandahar time, west of Kandahar City.   Go to Memorial   Master Cpl. Christopher Paul Stannix, 24, of Dartmouth, N.S. reservist with the Princess Louise Fusiliers, Halifax April 8, 2007 Christopher Stannix one of six Canadian soldiers were killed and two of their comrades were injured today in Afghanistan after a roadside bomb exploded near their vehicle. The incident occurred at approximately 13:30 hrs Kandahar time, west of Kandahar City. Stannix was promoted in the field to Master Corporal in Afghanistan   Go to Memorial   Corporal Kevin Megeney, Reserve -1st Battalion, The Nova Scotia Highlanders March 7, 2007. Canadian soldier Corporal Kevin Megeney, Reserve -1st Battalion, The Nova Scotia Highlanders was killed by accidental friendly fire on Tuesday March 7, 2007 The accident took place in the compounds of a non war area in Afghanistan.   Go to Memorial   Chief Warrant Officer Robert Girouard, the Regimental Sergeant Major of the 1st Battalion November 27, 2006. Canadian soldier Chief Warrant Officer Robert Girouard, the Regimental Sergeant Major of the 1st Battalion was killed by suicide attack on Monday November 27, 2006 A suicide car bomber struck a military convoy near the southern Afghan city of Kandahar Go to Memorial   Cpl. Albert Storm from the 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group November 27, 2006. Canadian soldier Cpl. Albert Storm from the 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group was killed by suicide attack on Monday November 27, 2006 A suicide car bomber struck a military convoy near the southern Afghan city of Kandahar. Go to Memorial Sgt. Darcy Tedford , 1st Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment Oct. 14, 2006. Sgt. Darcy Tedford was killed on October 14 when his unit was ambushed near the new Panjwayi development road, 25km West of Kandahar City. Go to Memorial Pte. Blake Williamson, 1st Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment Oct. 14, 2006. Pte Blake Williamson was killed on October 14 when his unit was ambushed near the new Panjwayi development road, 25km West of Kandahar City. Go to Memorial Trooper Mark Wilson of the Royal Canadian Dragoons Oct. 7, 2006. Trp. Mark Wilson was killed on October 7 when the RG-31 he was traveling in was hit by an improvised explosive device (IED) in the Panjwayi area, approximately 25 km west of Kandahar, Afghanistan. Go to Memorial Cpl Robert Mitchell Oct. 3, 2006. Cpl Robert Mitchell was killed October 3, 2006 in clashes with the Taliban. Mitchell was one of two Canadian Armed Forces trooper to die during the intense fighting this day in Afghanistan. Go to Memorial Sgt Craig Gillam Oct 3, 2006. Sgt. Craig Gillam was killed October 3, 2006 in clashes with the Taliban. Gillam was one of two Canadian Armed Forces trooper to die during the intense fighting this day in Afghanistan. Go to Memorial Pte. Josh Klukie Sep.29, 2006. Canadian soldier Pte. Josh Klukie was killed by an improvised explosive device, while he was conducting a foot patrol in the Panjwayi district, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan . Go to Memorial Cpl Glen Arnold Sep.18, 2006. Cpl Glen Arnold, a member of 2 Field Ambulance, was killed Sept 18, 2006 by a suicide bomber during a foot patrol in Afghanistan. Go to Memorial Cpl. Shane Keating Sep.18, 2006. Corporal Shane Keating of 2 nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry was killed on Sept 18, 2006 by a suicide bomber who attacked his patrol in Afghanistan. . Go to Memorial   Cpl. Keith Morley Sep.18, 2006. Corporal Keith Morley, of 2 nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry was killed on Sept 18, 2006 by a suicide bomber who attacked his patrol in Afghanistan. Go to Memorial David Byers Sep.18, 2006. Pte David Byers, a member of 2 PPCLI was killed on Sept 18, 2006 by a suicide bomber who attacked his patrol in Afghanistan. Go to Memorial   Warrant Officer Richard Francis Nolan Sep.3, 2006. Warrant Officer Richard Francis Nolan was killed on Sunday, Sept. 3 fighting against Taliban insurgents west of Kandahar City. Go to Memorial Pte. Mark Anthony Graham Sep. 4, 2006. Pte. Mark Anthony Graham, a member of 1st Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment, based in Petawawa, Ont., was killed on Monday, Sept. 4, about 15 kilometres west of Kandahar City as Canadian troops participating in Operation Medusa were mistakenly strafed by a U.S. warplane. Go to Memorial   Private William Jonathan James Cushley Sep. 3, 2006. Private William Jonathan James Cushley was killed in Afghanistan on September 3, 2006. Go to Memorial   Sergeant Shane Stachnik Sep. 3, 2006. Sergeant Shane Stachnik was killed while fighting Taliban insurgents in an operation whose roots trace back to the New York and Washington terror attacks. Go to Memorial   Warrant Officer Frank Robert Mellish Sep. 3, 2006. Warrant Officer Frank Robert Mellish was killed on September 3, 2006 in Afghanistan. Go to Memorial   Cpl. David Braun Aug. 22, 2006. Cpl. David Braun  was killed in a suicide attack on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2006 in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Go to Memorial   Cpl. Andrew James Eykelenboom Aug. 11, 2006. Cpl. Andrew James Eykelenboom, a Canadian Forces medic with One Field Ambulance based in Edmonton, was killed Friday in a suicide attack near Spin Boldak, about 100 kilometres south of Kandahar. Go to Memorial   Master Cpl. Jeffrey Scott Walsh Aug. 9, 2006. 06:51 AM Master Cpl. Jeffrey Scott Walsh died in Afghanistan Aug 9, His death came just six days after he was re-deployed to the country for his second tour of duty. Go to Memorial   Master Corporal Raymond Arndt Aug. 5, 2006. Master Corporal Raymond Arndt of the Loyal Edmonton Regiment died in a vehicle accident south east of Kandahar August 5, 2006. Go to Memorial   Cpl. Christopher Jonathan Reid Aug. 3, 2006. Cpl. Christopher Jonathan Reid, of 1st Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, was killed Aug. 3 near Kandahar by a roadside bomb. Go to Memorial   Sgt. Vaughn Ingram Aug. 3, 2006. Sgt. Vaughn Ingram of the 1st Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry died in Afghanistan on Aug. 3, 2006. Go to Memorial   Cpl. Bryce Jeffrey Keller Aug. 3, 2006. Cpl. Bryce Jeffrey Keller of the 1st Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry died in Afghanistan Aug. 3. Go to Memorial   Private Kevin Dallaire Aug. 3, 2006. Private Kevin Dallaire of the 1st Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry was killed August 3, 2006 near the village of Pashmul, southwest of Kandahar City, Afghanistan. Go to Memorial   Corporal Francisco Gomez July 22, 2006. Corporal Francisco Gomez of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry based in Edmonton was one of two Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan on July 22, 2006. Go to Memorial   Corporal Jason Patrick Warren July 22, 2006. Corporal Jason Patrick Warren of The Black Watch in Montreal was one of two Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan on July 22, 2006 . Go to Memorial   Corporal Anthony Joseph Boneca July 9, 2006. Corporal Anthony Joseph Boneca was killed during an engagement with the Taliban near Kandahar on the morning of July 9th. Go to Memorial   Capt. Nichola Goddard May. 17, 2006. Goddard, a 26-year-old officer with the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, was killed while serving as a forward observer, ready to bring down gunfire in support of the infantry. She was Canada’s first female fighting soldier to die by enemy fire. Go to Memorial     Cpl. Randy Payne April 22, 2006. Payne, 32, was killed in Afghanistan April 22 with three other soldiers when a roadside bomb exploded next to their vehicle. Go to Memorial   Corporal Matthew David James Dinning Apr. 22, 2006. Dyer was killed in Afghanistan April 22 with three other soldiers when a roadside bomb exploded next to their vehicle. Go to Memorial   Lieutenant William Turner Apr. 22, 2006. Lieutenant William Turner was killed in Afghanistan April 22 with three other soldiers when a roadside bomb exploded next to their vehicle. Go to Memorial   Bombardier Myles Mansell Apr. 22, 2006. Bombardier Myles Mansell was killed in Afghanistan April 22 with three other soldiers when a roadside bomb exploded next to their vehicle . Go to Memorial   Pte. Robert Costall Mar. 28, 2006. Canadian soldier Robert Costall was killed in a firefight with Taliban insurgents near Kandahar on March 28th. Go to Memorial   Cpl. Paul Davis Mar. 2, 2006. Corporal Paul Davis, a Canadian soldier from Bridgewater, N.S., serving with the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (2 PPCLI) in Kandahar, was killed March 2 when the light armoured vehicle collided with a civilian taxi and then rolled over after hitting a ditch on the side of the road. Go to Memorial   Master-Corporal Timothy Wilson Mar. 5, 2006. Master-Corporal Timothy Wilson, of Grande Prairie, Alberta, who was seriously injured in the March 2 vehicle accident in Kandahar, Afghanistan, died at a U.S.-run hospital in Landstuhl, Germany early Sunday March 5, 2006. Go to Memorial   Canadian diplomat Glyn Berry Jan. 15, 2006. Canadian diplomat Glyn Berry, a political director posted with the provincial reconstruction team in Afghanistan, was killed near Kandahar in an apparent suicide bombing on Sunday, January 15 Go to Memorial Private Braun Scott Woodfield Nov. 24, 2005. Private Braun Scott Woodfield of Victoria, B.C., shown in a August 26, 2005 photo in Kabul, Afghanistan was killed Thursday, Nov. 24, 2005 and four others injured when their armoured vehicle rolled over in Afghanistan. Go to Memorial   Cpl. Jamie Murphy Jan. 27, 2004. 03:44 PM Cpl. Jamie Brendan Murphy, killed in Kabul Jan. 27 in a suicide attack Go to Memorial   Sgt. Robert Short Oct. 2, 2003. 04:53 PM Sgt. Robert Short, 42, was killed Oct. 2, 2003 when his jeep hit a land mine or buried shell near the capital, Kabul. Go to Memorial   Cpl. Robbie Beerenfenger Oct. 2, 2003. Cpl. Robbie Beerenfenger, 29, was killed Oct. 2, 2003 when his jeep hit a land mine or buried shell near the capital, Kabul. Go to Memorial   Cpl. Ainsworth Dyer Apr. 17, 2002. Cpl. Ainsworth Dyer of the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia's Light Infantry of Edmonton is seen in this undated file photo. Go to Memorial   Sgt. Marc Leger Apr. 17, 2002. Sgt. Marc Leger died April 17, 2002 under friendly fire. Go to Memorial   Pte. Richard Green Apr. 17, 2002. Pte. Richard Green died April 17, 2002 under friendly fire. Go to Memorial   Pte. Nathan Lloyd Smith Apr. 17, 2002. 04:21 PM Pte. Nathan Lloyd Smith, died April 17, 2002 under friendly fire. Go to Memorial     2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 Yellow ribbon, mayor david miller, decals on emergency cheicles, toronto council support for the troopsred fridays foundation of canada releases a press release in rebuttle to toronto's mayor david miller 1 Wednesday, June 20, 2007 07:31 PM FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Red Fridays Foundation of Canada June 20, 2007 (11:00AM -5 GST) Re: Troop Decal spat hits city hall published Toronto Star .   Contact Information: Brian Muntz (Founder of Red Fridays Foundation of Canada) Website: WWW.REDFRIDAYS.CA Email: Info@RedFridays.ca On the eve of the funeral for yet another Canadian Armed Forces Trooper that died in Afghanistan, comes a controversy of should city of Toronto emergency vehicles bare the support the troops ribbon. Support for our men and woman serving our country was heightened with the mission in Afghanistan. It has been long over due.  Bearing a yellow ribbon or other Support the Troops ribbons does not necessarily show support for war. As stated by Mayor Miller that war in Afghanistan is full of controversy. In my opinion, any war is full of controversy. This support that is in question should not be partisan to anyone supporting war specifically or against any one person.    When the world asks for help in rebuilding and peace-keeping, it is without any doubt that Canada stands in the foreground of NATO.  We are the best. The world knows that. Serving in this capacity does place all men and women in a mission or theatre of war in harms way.  To symbolize that as citizens we support our serving men and woman should never be cross referenced to an act of war.  Our Canadians that are serving in Afghanistan are there by the decision of the federal government. I can assure that Mayor Millers’ positioning on that very support either for or against will not change the fact that our brothers, sisters, dads, moms etc. took orders from their superiors and went to Afghanistan bearing the Canadian flag and placed themselves in harms way.   Red Fridays foundation of Canada has always been non partisan to any positioning of military missions, political parties or policies. It is essential to demonstrate to the general public that supporting our troops is supporting our country, our freedoms, our liberties, our multicultural society and the very essence of what our country stands for and that is peace. People who believe that supporting our troops is supporting war or a particular mission should reexamine their lives here in Canada and be a little more thankful.   I am safe to assume that the majority of the public at large does not support war in general.   I myself don’t support war either. I support the efforts of this nation to procure peace. Sometimes in that procurement, we have to fight for democracy and peace. In 1945 D-Day, 160,000 plus men and woman lay down their lives to procure peace in the world. My family was a directly affected by the efforts of Canadians who came to liberate the Dutch as well as my family from the Netherlands where they were in the clutches of the SS Army.  Les we forget.   In November of 2006, during the election campaign in Toronto, I personally gave to Mayor Miller a lapel pin of the Red Fridays support ribbon. I also gave one to Jane Pitfield the running candidate for the mayoral position.  On Remembrance Day, Jane Pitfield wore the pin and also wrote a letter of gratitude and honour to the efforts of red Fridays Foundation. The Mayor did not wear his nor did I get a letter of any acknowledgement. This lack of interest in supporting our troops is not new; during a Red Friday Rally at Dundas Square were the Mayor did not patronage the efforts of the Red Friday supporters who congregated in this city to show their support. I would also mention the media paid very little support to the rally as well.   The point of our objection to the Mayor’s ambition to remove the decal stating it does not belong on City vehicles, is quite the opposite for Red Fridays Foundation of Canada. These decals belong more so on emergency vehicles than any other. The operators of these emergency vehicles know and understand the job condition of placing themselves in harms way. In a sense there is a brotherhood between emergency personnel and the military, both are serving our public.   I urge the Mayor as well as the council members to put aside their personal feelings about Afghanistan and look at this from a perspective of non partisanship. The ribbons are to honour our Canadian Forces men and woman serving Canada world wide. Afghanistan is only one theatre of over 20 currently in action.  If our tax dollar of a few thousand dollars can be used to show the unity of this city, this country to offer a visible support for our troops, I can say that is money well spent. In contrast to tax dollars being spent that truly deserves the attention and guardianship of our council members.  There are plenty of Moms, Dads, Brothers and Sisters, Nephews and Nieces, that have a loved one serving our country. They live day to day knowing their loved ones are in harms way or can be called at any time to be in a mission that is dangerous. Labeling the support to one mission, or the media’s hot spot for controversy is hardly fair to these people.     If the Mayor or the City’s Council whishes to remove these ribbons, please publicize the tax dollar amount to remove support for our serving men and woman. I am sure these people would like to know what their net worth is from the City of Toronto.   In conclusion, I have given some thought to having a rally at Nathan Philip’s Square to show our position but one demonstration is not nearly enough. I urge the public to wear Red every Friday and if possible walk through Nathan Philips Square to show our city leaders that we can support our troops without having to take a political position.   We the people of Toronto and around the nation care about our troops and the yellow, camouflage, red and white ribbons will continue to show that we care.   -Brian Muntz Red Fridays Foundation of Canada.       2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 red friday ribbon, red friday car sticker, red friday bumper sticker, red friday lapel pin, red friday shirts, red friday sweatshirts, support our troops shirts, red shirts, yellow ribbon, military, CFPSASupport Red Fridays by buying Red Fridays products. Bulk Purchases available 1   Wednesday, June 27, 2007 IMPORTANT Please note: Proceeds of these products are for support of the Red Fridays initiative. For more information regarding donations and our proceeds, please visit our donations page from the link above. Over 9000 Stitches in Embroidery! Black or White Baseball Cap Red Fridays Baseball Support Cap ™ click image to enlarge   *** NEW FOR 2007 *** Baseball  cap with embroidered support logo:   High end Cotton, triple bill layer pre-shaped, adjustable Velcro strap, 9000 stitches embroidery.  This cap will last for years! With a deep bowl and large bill, this hat stays on in wind and offers maximum shade for your eyes. ONLY $19.95  Plus shipping *Limited supply* Choose Colour Red Black 100% Cotton, DEEP BOWL FIT WITH LARGE BILL! Adjustable strap! SHIPPING: 3 - 5 BUSINESS DAYS - Tracked. ** Please note. Shipping in Canada is high due to the fact that Canada Post considers a Cap a parcel when shipped. We have no control over the costs of shipping. Cool Cotton Camo-Cap Red Fridays Camo-Cap ™ click image to enlarge   *** NEW FOR 2007 *** Camouflage cap with embroidered logo and Canadian Flag :   ONLY $13.95  Plus shipping *Limited supply* 100% Cotton, adjustable strap! SHIPPING: 3 - 5 BUSINESS DAYS Tracked. ** Please note. Shipping in Canada is high due to the fact that Canada Post considers a Cap a parcel when shipped. We have no control over the costs of shipping. Yellow Ribbon Car Decal Magnet with center knock out fridge magnet ! Red Fridays Traditional Yellow Ribbon ™ click image to enlarge       *** NEW FOR 2007 *** RED FRIDAYS Yellow Ribbon traditional Bumper Decal 4" x 8" (9cm x 20cm) Yellow Ribbon Support our Troops Car Decal :   ONLY $9.95  Plus shipping 100% PVC, UV protected from sun fading, 5mm Magnetic backing. comes off and on your vehicle without leaving a mark! Has center knock out for fridge magnet or note holder. SHIPPING: 3 - 5 BUSINESS DAYS ** Protect your vehicle and use our MAGNETIC decal to display your pride! Will not come off in travel. Easily remove for safe storage, while washing your vehicle or transfer from one vehicle to another! Camouflage (Woods) Ribbon Car Decal Magnet Red Fridays Camo-Woods Ribbon ™ click image to enlarge     *** NEW FOR 2007 *** RED FRIDAYS Woods Camouflage Ribbon Bumper Decal 4" x 8" (9cm x 20cm) Camouflage (Woods) Ribbon Support our Troops Car Decal :   ONLY $9.95  Plus shipping 100% PVC, UV protected from sun fading, 5mm Magnetic backing. comes off and on your vehicle without leaving a mark! Has center knock out for fridge magnet or note holder. SHIPPING: 3 - 5 BUSINESS DAYS ** Protect your vehicle and use our MAGNETIC decal to display your pride! Will not come off in travel. Easily remove for safe storage, while washing your vehicle or transfer from one vehicle to another! Camouflage (Desert) Ribbon Car Decal Magnet Red Fridays Camo-Desert Ribbon ™ click image to enlarge     *** NEW FOR 2007 *** RED FRIDAYS Desert Camouflage Ribbon Bumper Decal 4" x 8" (9cm x 20cm) Camo-Desert Ribbon Support our Troops Car Decal :   ONLY $9.95  Plus shipping 100% PVC, UV protected from sun fading, 5mm Magnetic backing. comes off and on your vehicle without leaving a mark! Has center knock out for fridge magnet or note holder. SHIPPING: 3 - 5 BUSINESS DAYS ** Protect your vehicle and use our MAGNETIC decal to display your pride! Will not come off in travel. Easily remove for safe storage, while washing your vehicle or transfer from one vehicle to another! Yellow Ribbon inside window static sticker ! Yellow Traditional Ribbon ™     *** NEW FOR 2007 *** Yellow Ribbon traditional inside window sticker smaller size 3" x 6" Yellow Ribbon Support our Troops Window Sticker :   ONLY $9.95  Plus shipping 100% vinyl, UV protected from sun fading, just peel and stick. No glue. Uses special vinyl and static charge. Stays on window through hot and cold. Remove from window without leaving any residue. Size is small enough not to obstruct view but large enough to been seen. A must for cars that can not use a magnetic decal. SHIPPING: 3 - 5 BUSINESS DAYS ** Protect your vehicle and use our STATIC decal to display your pride in your car window! Will not come off in hot or cold. Easily remove without leaving any residue! Yellow Ribbon inside window static sticker ! Yellow Traditional Ribbon ™     *** NEW FOR 2007*** Camouflage (WOODS) Ribbon inside window sticker smaller size 3" x 6" Camo-Woods Ribbon Support our Troops Window Sticker :   ONLY $9.95  Plus shipping 100% vinyl, UV protected from sun fading, just peel and stick. No glue. Uses special vinyl and static charge. Stays on window through hot and cold. Remove from window without leaving any residue. Size is small enough not to obstruct view but large enough to been seen. A must for cars that can not use a magnetic decal. SHIPPING: 3 - 5 BUSINESS DAYS ** Protect your vehicle and use our STATIC decal to display your pride in your car window! Will not come off in hot or cold. Easily remove without leaving any residue! Yellow Ribbon inside window static sticker ! Yellow Traditional Ribbon ™     *** NEW FOR 2007 *** Camouflage (Desert) Ribbon inside window sticker smaller size 3" x 6" Camo-Desert Ribbon Support our Troops Window Sticker :   ONLY $9.95  Plus shipping 100% vinyl, UV protected from sun fading, just peel and stick. No glue. Uses special vinyl and static charge. Stays on window through hot and cold. Remove from window without leaving any residue. Size is small enough not to obstruct view but large enough to been seen. A must for cars that can not use a magnetic decal. SHIPPING: 3 - 5 BUSINESS DAYS ** Protect your vehicle and use our STATIC decal to display your pride in your car window! Will not come off in hot or cold. Easily remove without leaving any residue! RED FRIDAYS RIBBON PIN OUR SIGNATURE PIN™   RIBBON PIN SIZE: HEIGHT 35CMM (1.5") NOTE: LAPEL PIN :  $9.95   Non corroding Nickel Lapel Pin will last for many years! Beautiful on Lapel or collar. Wear the Ribbon on Fridays or every day!  Red Fridays Signature Ribbon NOTE: Many companies has HR policies on dress code. Wearing a RED T-shirt or cap may be prohibited; however, wearing this lapel pin in most cases is acceptable. This precedent was set by Parliament Hill Staff on the 1st Canadian Red Friday event. Parliament Hill has uniformed strict dress codes but allows wearing a ribbon to show support.   SHIPPING: 3 - 5 BUSINESS DAYS RED FRIDAYS CANADIAN FLAG PIN ™ click image to enlarge CANADIAN FLAG PIN SIZE: HEIGHT 35CMM (1.5")   GOLD PLATED! ONLY $9.95 Metal and will last for many years! Beautiful on Lapel or collar. Many companies has HR policies on dress code. Wearing this lapel pin in most cases is acceptable.  SHIPPING: 3 - 5 BUSINESS DAYS Yellow Lapel Pin Click on Image to enlarge Butterfly Back Pin-Lock GOLD PLATED RIBBON PIN SIZE: HEIGHT 35CMM (1.5")  GOLD PLATED! ONLY  $9.95 Non corroding Gold Lapel Pin will last for many years! Beautiful on Lapel or collar. Wear the Ribbon on Fridays or every day!  Many companies has HR policies on dress code. Wearing this lapel pin in most cases is acceptable.    SHIPPING: 3 - 5 BUSINESS DAYS   Red Fridays Signature Pin Yellow ™ click on image to enlarge Butterfly Back Pin-Lock Gold Plated RIBBON PIN SIZE: HEIGHT 35CMM (1.5")  GOLD PLATED! ONLY  $9.95 Non corroding Gold Lapel Pin will last for many years! Beautiful on Lapel or collar. Wear the Ribbon on Fridays or every day!  Red Fridays Signature Ribbon Many companies has HR policies on dress code. Wearing this lapel pin in most cases is acceptable.    SHIPPING: 3 - 5 BUSINESS DAYS Printed in Canada   ONLY $19.95 Canadian Heroes ® Support Our Troops T-Shirt GILDAN 100% Heavy Cotton High End T-Shirt Ships in 3-5 Business Days Express Post only - Insured   Click on picture to enlarge. Shirt Size XL Extra Large L Large Very Comfortable Heavy Cotton T-Shirt. Will last for years! ® Canadian Heroes T-Shirt - Artech Promotional Wear Canada Red Fridays Fleece Sweatshirt™ Is Really Comfortable! Support our Troops - Fleece Sweatshirt. A very attractive and comfortable sweatshirt!  This is a Gildan high end fleece sweatshirt!   Printed in Canada   Gildan 50/50 Ships in 3 - 5 business days. Express Post Insured Only. ONLY $49.95  REDUCED ! ONLY $39.95 GREAT VALUE - limited time Show your Support in the most comfortable fleece sweatshirt ever made! Every shirt automatically supports the Wounded Warriors Fund. Sweatshirt size Large XL Extra L Large Size click image to enlarge Canadian Heroes Support our Troops Toque ™   Canadian Heroes Support our Troops - Thinsulate™ Toque.   A very warm and comfortable hat that shows your pride!  This is a  high end knit and ultra thin that is amazingly warm! ONLY $18.95 GREAT VALUE limited quantity ORDER NOW!   Choose your colour RED BLACK RED FRIDAYS Embroidery Patch™ . Heat Attach to most fabrics! RED FRIDAYS Patch 2.5" or 6.5CM High Heat Activated Fabric Glue Already on back. Just add heat from iron and make your own RED FRIDAYS garment or cap! Make your own Red Fridays garment RED FRIDAYS Patch™ . It is 2.5" / 6.5 CM in height and attaches in seconds!     ONLY $5.95 ea. PLEASE READ: Easy to apply. Just place on shirt, cap or any garment and press on with a hot iron for 20-30 seconds. No Steam. Fabric glue on back is heat activated and adheres to garment very well. The glue is so strong we suggest you check twice before applying. Will bond to most fabrics that are cotton or mostly cotton based. Not recommended  for fur or animal leather materials or 100% polyester, lycra or other petroleum based fabrics.  Apply with a heat protector cloth. A tea towel can be used and will act as a heat shield to protect garment. Do not move iron back and forth, just press down on stationary iron for 20-30 seconds. Check to see if patch is adhered - if not repeat process. Click on image to enlarge! SHIPPING: 3 - 5 BUSINESS DAYS Selling Fast ! Due to high Demand, we urge you to make your purchase as soon as possible. They are currently in stock and ships within 3 business days. Your support is appreciated!   Yellow Ribbon Car Decal Magnet Red Fridays Signature Ribbon ™ click image to enlarge     RED FRIDAYS Yellow Ribbon Bumper Decal 4" x 8" (9cm x 20cm) Yellow Ribbon Support our Troops Car Decal :   ONLY $9.95  Plus shipping 100% PVC, UV protected from sun fading, 5mm Magnetic backing. comes off and on your vehicle without leaving a mark! SHIPPING: 3 - 5 BUSINESS DAYS ** Protect your vehicle and use our MAGNETIC decal to display your pride! Will not come off in travel. Easily remove for safe storage, while washing your vehicle or transfer from one vehicle to another! click image to see example of car RED FRIDAYS Bumper Decal 4" x 8" (9cm x 20cm) Red Fridays Car Decal ™ :   ONLY $9.95  Plus shipping 100% PVC, UV protected from sun fading, 5mm Magnetic backing. comes off and on your vehicle without leaving a mark! SHIPPING: 3 - 5 BUSINESS DAYS ** Protect your vehicle and use our MAGNETIC decal to display your pride! Will not come off in travel. Easily remove for safe storage, while washing your vehicle or transfer from one vehicle to another! click image to see example of car RED FRIDAYS Bumper Decal 4" x 8" (9cm x 20cm) Red Fridays Car Decal ™ :  Logo Only ONLY $9.95  Plus shipping 100% PVC, UV protected from sun fading, 5mm Magnetic backing. comes off and on your vehicle without leaving a mark! SHIPPING: 3 - 5 BUSINESS DAYS ** Protect your vehicle and use our MAGNETIC decal to display your pride! Will not come off in travel. Easily remove for safe storage, while washing your vehicle or transfer from one vehicle to another! Red Fridays Logo Sticker ™ click picture to enlarge 2.5 inch sticker. Great for Hockey Teams helmets, hard hats, tackle boxes, tool boxes, side car windows or where ever you want to display your support. Just Peel and stick. Vibrant Red shows well on any surface. Holds well in hot and cold environments. Adhesive by 3M. Ships in 3-5 business days. Lots in stock! For large quantities please contact us. ONLY $0.50 ea. BUY LOTS FOR YOUR TEAM! RED FRIDAYS US FLAG PIN ™ Click image to enlarge US FLAG PIN SIZE: HEIGHT 35CMM (1.5") Gold Plated! LAPEL PIN :  $9.95   (INCLUDES SHIPPING to Canada & US) Metal and will last for many years! Beautiful on Lapel or collar. SHIPPING: 3 - 5 BUSINESS DAYS IN STOCK NOW!   2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1 Tuesday, June 05, 2007 09:45 PM ______________________________________________________________________ June 1st, 2007 Wood Mountain Saskatchewan Rodeo Grounds. The performance will begin at 11:00 with our Go Red Grand Entry, and the rodeo will follow. Contact Tara Slade at 306-274-4883 for more information SHSRA National High School Rodeo Red Friday Event Come out and show your support and wear Red.   Media Advisory June 1st, 2007 MA-07.013 - May 30, 2007 OTTAWA – The military and civilian staff of the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Forces will take part in a 5 km Red Shirt Walk/Run on Friday June 1, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. As part of this year’s Canadian Forces Day events organized throughout Canada, the Red Shirt Walk/Run is meant to recognize those who support the Canadian Forces and their families, and promote a  “fighting fit” Canadian Forces.  The Red Shirt Walk/Run will start off from National Defence Headquarters near the Laurier Bridge, travel the scenic route along Colonel By Drive over the Pretoria Bridge, returning by way of the Queen Elizabeth Driveway up to Wellington Street, and finishing on Parliament Hill.   Red Shirt Walk/Run: Celebrating Those who Support the Canadian Forces! Start Time: 1 p.m. – National Defence Headquarters near the Laurier Bridge Finish: Approximately 2:30 p.m. - Parliament Hill   May 2007 The Royal Canada Legion Branch 34 Dance and Silent auction fund raiser for the Wounded Warriors Fund. Photo: Sapper Mike McTeague and father Sean McTeague receives a cheque from John Falcon from Artech Canada for over $6000.00 towards the fund named after the CF Sapper Mike McTeague who is injured seriously in Afghanistan. Virginia Devlin Branch 34 Orillia said " It was very moving to see Mike doing as well as he is, everyone benefited from just seeing his strength in recovery and how his general well being has improved."     Friday March 24, 2007 Wal-Mart celebrates a Red Friday event at the Ajax store! The staff and patrons enjoyed the idea of having a Red Friday at Wal-Mart   March 3 - 4, 07 9AM to 5PM both days. The Pickering Markets 1400 Squires Beach Road, Pickering Ontario The event was a great success. Many people enjoyed our visit to the market and we are planning on returning once again.   March 9, 10 & 11 2007   Special thanks to Brenda and her staff from Performance World for our presence at the show and to Terry and Roger from Shodex. The show was a huge success. Visit our page on the Performance World Show.  Master Flex present a very special banner that you as visitors to our booth made possible. Click here to see some photos of the show.         Bagpipe Fundraiser for Cpl. Ryan Pagnacco   "Music speaks what cannot be express... more Feb 23-24 2007 February 16, 07 Oddfellows Hall - HWY 28 Port Hope Dinner honoring Port Hope Soldiers   See the incredible masks painted by Toronto renowned sports artist David Arrigo. The Masks (Canadian and US version) will be auctioned off at the NHL auction site to raise money for a variety of charities support the troops including our Wounded Warriors Fun. Click here for the details and more photos.   Jan. 19/07 - Orillia. Legion Branch 34 holds rally fund raiser. Sapper Mike McTeague was an honorary guest the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 34 in Orillia as local Legion members held this event in the name of the Wounded Warriors Fund named after Sapper McTeague. Red Fridays was in attendance as a special guest encouraging everyone to continue to wear red every Friday.  See photos. more ... Click on picture to enlarge! ______________________________________________________________________ ORILLIA LEGION HOSTS INDOOR SUPPORT OUR TROOPS RALLY DATE: Friday, 19 January 2007 at 8:00pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion Branch 34 215 Mississaga St. E. (Downtown Orillia) Was a wonderful success. People met Mike McTeague and family along with OPP and local supporters. Click Here for some photo memories of this event. MEET RED FRIDAYS AND CANADIAN ARMED FORCES AT THE SUPPERSHOW 2007  read more A rtist Motor Marc and SUPERSHOW 2007 In support of the Sapper Mike McTeague Wounded Warrior Fund, the Canadian Forces and Red Fridays Canada  held a raffle and fundraiser at SUPERSHOW 2007 of a new original painting by renowned artist Marc Lacourciere . Click here to visit our photo show. ____________________________________________   The unveiling of the RED FRIDAYS THUNDER painting was a success! Click here to see the slide show.   ____________________________________________   2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 Red Fridays, Rallies, rally, red friday rally, red fridays at workRed Fridays events. Some tips on how to start a red fridays event or rally. 1  Tuesday October 17, 2006 Are you are having a Red Friday event? First of all, let me thank you for taking the step to organize your Red Friday participation. It is important that the Red Friday events or simply just wearing Red on Fridays does not stop or become just a fad. Our military is not a fad and has been standing up for Canada for over 100 years. FACT: Did you know that currently the Canadian Armed Forces are active in 20 theatres? Afghanistan is only one of them. We would like to help you with your event.  Here you can down load some flyers and wall signs to hang up in your office or work place. We want you to register in our support affiliation page . There you can leave contact information specifically regarding your event and even list a website address if you have one. If you are planning a public event, please send us your press release. We will give you full news coverage and a special page regarding your public event. Lastly and probably the most important, all of our web services that we can provide to you and your Red Friday event is free of charge. Only the products such as pins, shirts, car decals etc, have a costs to purchase. If you need a large amount to sell at your event, contact us for a quote. If you have any questions regarding your event and would like to discuss it with us, please use the contact us button above and write to us. We try our best to respond within 1-2 business days or sooner. Good luck with your event and remember to wear Red every Friday! Download our posters. Print on High Gloss paper and use a Sharpie to fill in your information as needed. Size 8.5 x 11 is or close proximity and hand outs. 11x14 is for wall marker and 23x34 large area and entrances - this will fit in wall litho movie poster frames.  Click image to download Size 8.5 x 11 300 DPI Click image to download Size 11x14 300 DPI Click image to download Size 23x34 300 DPI -Brian Muntz Red Fridays Canada   2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 Schools red fridays, red friday with childrenChildren get involved with showing support to Canadian Troops 1  Fridays November 17, 2006 Schools and teachers throughout Canada are getting involved - are you? Now you can have your own Red Fridays Event at your school and have the event published here. If you are planning your event, let us help you with some helpful tips. Foley Catholic School in Brechin, ON (Red Friday event) Click on image to enlarge - When sending home an announcement, mention our site will publish pictures of your event. Mention that this is a non partisan movement in support of Canadian Troops and not one particular theatre or Armed Forces event. - The mission is to show support for the CF troops that fight for peace - abroad and here at home. - The Canadian Armed Forces are currently active in 20 theatres of peace keeping and country rebuilding. - The Canadian Armed Forces are fighting against terrorism abroad so they don't have to at home. - Have the children wear anything that is RED on a FRIDAY. It could be a t-shirt, a pair of pants, scarf, hat etc. There is no need to buy any of our products in order to have this event and published here. - Encourage the children that their school will be mentioned and pictures published here (www.redfridays.ca) for their families and friends to see. We will not publish children's names. Only the school name and teachers' name providing permission is granted. - Pictures may be entered into a scrap book to be sent to the troops in Afghanistan. - If possible, a Red Friday's member or volunteer may attend your rally to speak to the children regarding supporting our Canadian Troops and bring a banner for the children to sign. These banners are sent to the Canadian Forces Head Quarters to be distributed amongst their bases. The CF members who see these banners are very touched by the support of our Canadian Children. If there is a CF base near by, we will also contact them and ask for their attendance as well. We can not guarantee the attendance of CF members, staff or Red Fridays staff for circumstances beyond our control.  We always try our very best. Be sure to send us any local media names and contacts for us to send them a media kit for your event. - Be creative in your rally. Make posters, signs, banners etc. - Have a march down a street path and notify the local papers of the rally. - Send a press release of your event here to be published for the media. - If your school has their own web site, place a link from our "link to us" page on your site to Red Fridays Canada in conjunction with your school event. - Teachers can start their own message forum on our site to blog about your event and receive feed back from others. This is also encouraged for other teachers to contact other teachers for ideas and assistance. - Most important! Click on the home page and select the "RED FRIDAYS SUPPORTERS" button and register your school. Place in your link to your school site if you have one; but if you don't just type in our web address and we will place a link there to your special page at Red Fridays Canada. It is important for our children to know what our Canadian Troops are doing. To understand that supporting the troops is not just for the fallen but for the active personnel.  Troopers on their down time in some theatres have internet access. Showing them that we as Canadians support them, gives them courage, a sense of home and knowledge that they are appreciated and supported by fellow Canadians young and old. Remember to send us your event date and school name and location. Send us photos and a short story on your event. We will publish your event no matter how large or how small. We hope to see your school event here soon. If you have any questions, please click on the button to contact us. We will promptly reply to your queries.  -RED FRIDAYS CANADA   2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 awareness products, car magnet, patriotic magnet, support our troops magnets, yellow ribbon magnets, fundraisers, mia, patriotic awareness, inspirational causes, public service,patriotic products, pow ,pow mia, support our troops, support our troops magnets ,wristbands, yellow ribbon yellow ribbon greetings support our troops, yellow ribbon magnetThe history of the Yellow Ribbon for Support he Troops. yellowribbon, yellow ribbon, yellow ribbon support our troops, 1 Wednesday, March 21, 2007 11:45 PM Yellow Ribbon Support Our Troops (history) Family Tradition Display of a Yellow Ribbon is a sign of loyalty to family, friends or loved ones away in the military, or to welcome them home Background Did you ever wonder where the Yellow Ribbon Support Tradition came from? Many think it came from the 1973 Tony Orlando and Dawn all-time classic: “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree.” Actually it came from the Classic 1949 Movie with John Wayne " She Wore A Yellow Ribbon " directed by John Ford that stars John Wayne  in which the female lead Wore the yellow ribbon to express her undying love for a cavalry officer. The Cavalry uniform pants had a yellow stripe down the pants; thus the yellow ribbon.   Support the troops and get your ribbon today!   Usage The Yellow ribbon has many causes that use of a yellow ribbon represents. One of the oldest is teenage suicide prevention, the Canadian Cancer Society, and a common uses to demonstrate some form of hope. Often tied around a tree near a place of a loss or tragedy. Yellow ribbons have been used for the hope of finding a lost child or as a marker were loved ones lost their lives has become common place. Lately, the yellow ribbon has taken a new face since the war on terrorism was declared by the United States after the infamous 9/11 attacks.  First seen in the US because of the history of the yellow ribbons by military families, the yellow ribbon has nearly exploded into a international fashion accessory demonstrating support for active military personal. Canada adopted the yellow ribbon shortly after the presence of the yellow ribbon started in the US. The CFPSA first marketed the Yellow Ribbon by adding a Canadian Flag to the yellow ribbon in forms of pins, decals and other forms of products. Shortly after the Yellow Ribbon caught on, other stories and ideas of demonstrating support came about. One of them is wearing Red on Fridays. The exact origin of this is believed to be in the US but is not verified. After the trendy fashion of wearing RED began to sweep the nation, two Canadian wives of the military had a large rally in the Capital of Canada - Ottawa.  The Red Friday trend was adopted by Red Fridays Foundation of Canada and made into a worthy cause to raise funds to support our troops in many ways. As a result, a new ribbon was developed that shows the Canadian support of their troops as a Canadian Flag / Maple Leaf. The wearing of a ribbon has a long history of supporting special causes. As one very historical record was the Dutch in WWII. As Jewish people had to wear a yellow star on their clothing identifying themselves as Jewish people, the Dutch citizens in despite of the Nazi rule all started to wear yellow over their left chest. This would be yellow ribbons to yellow tulips.  This was organized spontaneously to confuse the Nazi policing of the Jewish people and a demonstration against the racism of the Nazi Army. Wearing a ribbon obviously with out a doubt is worn to demonstrate support of some kind or another. Common ones are well known such as pink ribbons for breast cancer and red for aids. Being that the common market place has made many types of ribbons to show support of the troops, the individual wearer has a choice of ribbons to wear. Red Fridays Canada has supplied such a special ribbon to show their Canadian colours. Red Fridays ribbon does not claim to be the only support ribbon for Canada but does suggest the ribbon unmistakably demonstrates your support for the Canadian troops.   Red Fridays RIBBON: Our ribbon is elegant and unique from Red Fridays Canada. Our design was to identify Canada and the ribbon for support of our troops. We are not suggesting the yellow ribbons are not supported and still encourage the yellow ribbon symbolic meaning. We also carry a Yellow Ribbon on our products page.  Red Fridays Foundation of Canada designed a ribbon that is uniquely Canadian. From a distance, our  ribbon can be identified as Canadian without any doubt to where your support message goes. The 3 maple leafs on the ribbon represent " Faith " (which our military restores to people in their fight for freedom in their missions) " Hope " (which our military gives to people in their missions of peace here and at home) and lastly " Charity " (which the Canadian Military has shown for over 100 years to give help to those in need).   Be sure to get yourself a ribbon and wear them proudly every Friday!  Check our products page for many ways to wear the RED ON FRIDAYS and show your support.   2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy .   Jun 28, 2007 Red Fidays, help out with red fridays, how to do a red fridayHow to help Red Fridays iniaitive 1 Hello and welcome to our how to help page. It is important that you came here as we need your help. One of the most important way to help is to spread the word of this movement and great cause. Word of mouth has proven the best way to get peoples attention and we depend on you. We all care and want to how some way of support. Don't stop by just visiting this page; get involved. Have a RED FRIDAYS rally or event. We can help you with your event in many ways - just contact us!  Please read below the ways to help and thank you for your support! Here are some of the ways you can help spread the word of Red Fridays. 1.) Learn as much as you can about supporting our national treasure our Canadian Troops. Visit us often. 2.) Buy any products from RED FRIDAYS store and wear them proudly! 3.) Join our SUPPORTER LIST and exchange links with your site. 4.) Get us to help your event/organization rally with us. 4.) If your a corporation, we need your support - Contact Us! 5 .) Organize a Red Fridays - day at work or school or in your community. Let us know so we can help ! 6.) Wear RED on FRIDAYS and every Friday and share with others why! 7.) Attend Red Friday Events and meet the people and military people behind the scenes. 8.) Most importantly, spread the email story to your friends and associates. Share  this wonderful website with others. How to send the email story to your contacts: Use the link below to open the email story on a separate window. Open an email in your email client and copy and paste the email story into your email body and put in the subject line "RED FRIDAYS" ...send the email story to as many people as you wish. Many people included all theirs contacts from their personal list which is very helpful to us.  If you wish to help spread the word, please share this site with your friends. * = Required     X = Error   Help share this site and spread the word! Your Details :  Your Name: *  Your Email address: * Your Friend's Details :  Your Friend's email:     *  Your Friend's email 2:   Your Friend's email 3:   Message: (optional)   Security Question: U.S. presidents last name.    * R ed Fridays is currently seeking volunteers. We are seeking English to French translators to assist in the creation of the French Version of our site. If you can volunteer your services, please use the Contact Us button above and let us know what your special skills are or contacts. We need to pull together! 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read the Legal Policy and Privacy Policy Jun 28, 2007 volunteer for red fridays, volunteer support the troops, volunteer support our troopsVoulnteer for Red Fridays 1 Red Fridays Volunteer Program. Contact Us Today!   Technology Web Developers - Experience in Java, JEE, HTML, PHP, MySQL, Linux servers, Database driven websites. Illustrators - We are in need of volunteer illustrators and logo designers. Many events needs banners, parade banners, logos etc. If you have some spare time and would like to get your name out there as a designer and illustrator... become a Red Fridays Volunteer. Editors & Translators French translators are need. If you can translate proper English to French and can spare a few hours per week, please contact us - we need your help. Community Volunteers Community Event Marshals - We need volunteers around the nation to be our voice and volunteers for Red Friday Events.  If you have good organizational skills, have worked with community events in the past and or have local contacts for creating community events, become a Red Friday Volunteer representative. Community Media We know from all the letters we get that there are a number of media people that support the troops full hearted. As a media person, you can reach out to the community and pass on the message and movement of Red Fridays.  We like to hear from you. Please contact us with your contact information. If you have already written a story or have an upcoming event that your are publishing please let us know. To contact us for the Red Friday Volunteer program click on the Contact Us button above and in the subject menu selection, choose the "Volunteer for Red Fridays" option. Thank you and remember to wear Red on Fridays!   2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 Become a red friday foundation corporate sponsor, showing your support through your corporate sponsorship shows your commitment to commuinity and canadians, use this program to corporate brand your company through our public presence, Red Fridays Corporate sponsorship program, support our troops through your company, help red fridays foundation, donation supportBecome a red friday foundation corporate sponsor, showing your support through your corporate sponsorship shows your commitment to commuinity and canadians, use this program to corporate brand your company through our public presence 1 Wed, June 27, 2007, 11:26 pm   Red Fridays Foundation of Canada are offering corporate sponsorship to partner in our efforts to promote our mission of wearing Red on Fridays to show your support of our Canadian Troops. Currently we are not attending any public events at this time; however, this will change over time. We are currently developing new initiatives and goals for Red Fridays Foundation of Canada to promote.  We are going to try our best to maintain Red Fridays' products available from our internet website for the public to order and enjoy wearing or displaying. We have some new product designs below we are seeking assistance in manufacturing and making available for people to obtain ether through our site or some other format for consumer retail. For manufacture products sponsorship, we are excepting your product for retail sale through our site and supported retail outlets. Your product must have "Support Our Troops" theme on the product as well as the theme of wearing Red on Fridays to demonstrate support for our troops. Your cost recovery is available by consignment.  Please contact us with your products or ideas but using the contact menu above. New Products For development and Sponsorship.     CANADIAN HEROES  LOGO SPACE AVAILABLE ON SLEEVE (minimum 100 shirts)                            CANADIAN HEROES CAPS (EMBROIDERED)                          LEFT SIDE OF CAP AVAILABLE FOR COMPANY LOGO (Minimum 1000 CAPS) OTHER DESIGNS AVAILABLE AND CUSTOM MADE FOR YOUR COMPANY CAMOUFLAGE MAGNETIC CAR DECALS WITH CENTER FRIDGE MAGNET KNOCK-OUT (1000 pcs minimum)   Dog Tags Metal plate has support logo on one side and other side is blank for your logo. (1000 pcs minimum) LED FLASHLIGHTS METAL BODY WITH LASER ENGRAVING OF YOUR COMPANY NAME. 15 ULTRA BRIGHT LED WHITE LIGHT (500 pcs minimum)   SUPPORT OUR TROOPS RED FRIDAYS SIGNATURE BANNER PEOPLE ARE OFFERED TO SIGN A BANNER OR  PLACE THEIR THUMB PRINT IN THE FLAG BANNER WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE CANADIAN FORCES TO BE SENT TO CF BASES BLANK BANNERS WITH CANADA FLAG OUTLINE AVAILABLE FOR YOUR EVENT (1PC MINIMUM - 8' X 3') BANNER IN USE EXAMPLE Thank you for your consideration in becoming a sponsor for the RED FRIDAYS FOUNDATION of CANADA. We are looking forward to speaking with you soon. RED FRIDAYS FOUNDATION of CANADA   2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 Events, shows, red fridays, wear red on fridays, support our troops, rallies, red friday rallies, special eventsRallies and special events listings for Red Fridays Events 1 We are now booking events again. Please use the contact form to book events or register your events. To have your event listed here, contact us and we would be happy to add your event free of charge! If you need help organizing your event, please write  to us using the contact us button above. SPECIAL EVENTS When Where Event or activity June 16 - 17 2007 1400 Squires Beach Road Just of Bailey Pickering ON Father's Day Weekend at the Market WEAR RED! - RED FRIDAYS is at the Pickering Market. Get Dad that special support the troops gift! Friday JUNE 29th, 2007 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm   Lake Street Armoury St. Catharines   BBQ, Raffles, Entertainment and MORE! All proceeds will be donated to the CF hospital comforts program. For more information or donations Mishelle Chaloner mailto:mishellec@sympatico.ca 905-937-2229   June 9 RED FRIDAYS WILL BE THERE!   The Canadian Military Tattoo The Canadian International Military Tattoo invites you to join us at this year's show that salutes and honours those members of Canada's Army Reservists currently serving overseas as well as those who have served in the past. We also revere all members of the Canadian Forces who have left the comfort of their communities and jobs to serve Canada on foreign fields today and over the past ninety years. 2007 marks the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge—historically described as the day on which Canada stood up among the independant nations of the world. The legacy of the Canadian soldier that won the day at Vimy is still alive and making a difference today in Afghanistan, where more than 2500 Canadian soldiers help bring stability to an emerging nation.   Copps Coliseum, 101 York Boulevard Hamilton, Ontario, Canada  L8R 3L4 Box Office: 905-546-4040 Tel: 905-546-3100The   Canadian International Military Tattoo invites you to join us at this year's show that salutes and honours those members of Canada's Army Reservists currently serving overseas as well as those who have served in the past. We also revere all members of the Canadian Forces who have left the comfort of their communities and jobs to serve Canada on foreign fields today and over the past ninety years. 2007 marks the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge—historically described as the day on which Canada stood up among the independent nations of the world. The legacy of the Canadian soldier that won the day at Vimy is still alive and making a difference today in Afghanistan, where more than 2500 Canadian soldiers help bring stability to an emerging nation.   2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1 Canadian Casualties Year Deaths 2002 4 2003 2 2004 1 2005 1 2006 36 2007 16 Total 60 US Casualties Year Deaths Wounded 2003 486 2408 2004 848 7997 2005 846 5946 2006 824 6372 2007 279 1568 Total 3283 24291 Jun 28, 2007 Copyright Notice for www.redfridays.caCopyright Notice for www.redfridays.ca 1 Copyright Notice for www.redfridays.ca Copyright © 2006 by Brian Muntz & www.redfridays.ca . All rights reserved.   1. This Copyright Notice governs the use of the web page at and its associated services, web pages, domains and sub-domains, which are owned and operated by Brian Muntz ("Owner"). Wherever this Notice refers to "users" it means "you", while "we" or "our" refer to Brian Muntz and "Web Site" refers to www.redfridays.ca . If at any time the terms and conditions of this Copyright Notice no longer acceptable to you, you should immediately cease use of the web site where is located. 2. You acknowledge that the web page contains information and/ or software, photographs, audio and video clips, graphics, links and other material that are protected by copyright, trademark or other proprietary rights of Brian Muntz or third parties, including but not limited to product names, logos, designs, titles, and words or phrases which may be registered in certain jurisdictions (collectively, the "Content"). You agree to comply with any additional copyright notices, information, or restrictions contained in any Content available on or accessed through . If you want to use any content of for any reason you must obtain prior express written permission of Brian Muntz. 3. You may not modify, publish, transmit, transfer or sell, reproduce, create derivative works from, distribute, perform, display, or in any way exploit any of the content, in whole or in part. Content consisting of downloadable software may not be reverse-engineered unless specifically authorized by Brian Muntz or the owner of the software's patent and or copyright. Subject to the provisions of this Copyright Notice, you may post on the any content owned by you (such as your original statements), content for which you have received express permission from Brian Muntz, and content in the public domain. You assume all right and responsibility for determining whether any content is in the public domain. You grant to Brian Muntz the right to edit, copy, publish, distribute, translate and otherwise use in any medium and for any purpose any content that you place on without compensation to you. You represent and warrant that you are authorized to grant all rights set forth in the preceding sentence.   4. You may not download content on that is indicated to be for sale except under the terms of the sale. Such content is the protected and copyrightable property of Brian Muntz. "Free" content may be downloaded for your personal use or non-commercial distribution consistent with the terms defined in this Copyright Notice. When using both purchased and "free" content, you will maintain and include all copyright and other notices contained in such content. Except as expressly permitted by the copyright laws, no copying, storage, redistribution or publication of any content is permitted without the express permission of Brian Muntz or the owners of such content or their authorized persons if other than Brian Muntz. 5. We are confident that you have understood your rights and obligations in concern to the use of and that you agree with the terms described above. © 2006 - www.redfridays.ca All rights reserved. Jun 28, 2007 1 www.redfridays.ca PRIVACY POLICY Welcome to www.redfridays.ca (the "Site"). We understand that privacy online is important to users of our Site, especially when conducting business. This statement governs our privacy policies with respect to those users of the Site ("Visitors") who visit without transacting business and Visitors who register to transact business on the Site and make use of the various services offered by www.redfridays.ca (collectively, "Services") ("Authorized Customers"). "Personally Identifiable Information" refers to any information that identifies or can be used to identify, contact, or locate the person to whom such information pertains, including, but not limited to, name, address, phone number, fax number, email address, financial profiles, social security number, and credit card information. Personally Identifiable Information does not include information that is collected anonymously (that is, without identification of the individual user) or demographic information not connected to an identified individual. What Personally Identifiable Information is collected? We may collect basic user profile information from all of our Visitors. We collect the following additional information from our Authorized Customers: the names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses of Authorized Customers, the nature and size of the business, and the nature and size of the advertising inventory that the Authorized Customer intends to purchase or sell. What organizations are collecting the information? In addition to our direct collection of information, our third party service vendors (such as credit card companies, clearinghouses and banks) who may provide such services as credit, insurance, and escrow services may collect this information from our Visitors and Authorized Customers. We do not control how these third parties use such information, but we do ask them to disclose how they use personal information provided to them from Visitors and Authorized Customers. Some of these third parties may be intermediaries that act solely as links in the distribution chain, and do not store, retain, or use the information given to them. How does the Site use Personally Identifiable Information? We use Personally Identifiable Information to customize the Site, to make appropriate service offerings, and to fulfill buying and selling requests on the Site. We may email Visitors and Authorized Customers about research or purchase and selling opportunities on the Site or information related to the subject matter of the Site. We may also use Personally Identifiable Information to contact Visitors and Authorized Customers in response to specific inquiries, or to provide requested information.   With whom may the information may be shared? Personally Identifiable Information about Authorized Customers may be shared with other Authorized Customers who wish to evaluate potential transactions with other Authorized Customers. We may share aggregated information about our Visitors, including the demographics of our Visitors and Authorized Customers, with our affiliated agencies and third party vendors. We also offer the opportunity to "opt out" of receiving information or being contacted by us or by any agency acting on our behalf. How is Personally Identifiable Information stored? Personally Identifiable Information collected by www.redfridays.ca is securely stored and is not accessible to third parties or employees of www.redfridays.ca except for use as indicated above. What choices are available to Visitors regarding collection, use and distribution of the information? Visitors and Authorized Customers may opt out of receiving unsolicited information from or being contacted by us and/or our vendors and affiliated agencies by responding to emails as instructed, or by contacting us at info@redfridays.ca Are Cookies Used on the Site? Cookies are used for a variety of reasons. We use Cookies to obtain information about the preferences of our Visitors and the services they select. We also use Cookies for security purposes to protect our Authorized Customers. For example, if an Authorized Customer is logged on and the site is unused for more than 10 minutes, we will automatically log the Authorized Customer off. How does www.redfridays.ca use login information? www.redfridays.ca uses login information, including, but not limited to, IP addresses, ISPs, and browser types, to analyze trends, administer the Site, track a user's movement and use, and gather broad demographic information. What partners or service providers have access to Personally Identifiable Information from Visitors and/or Authorized Customers on the Site? www.redfridays.ca has entered into and will continue to enter into partnerships and other affiliations with a number of vendors. Such vendors may have access to certain Personally Identifiable Information on a need to know basis for evaluating Authorized Customers for service eligibility. Our privacy policy does not cover their collection or use of this information. Disclosure of Personally Identifiable Information to comply with law. We will disclose Personally Identifiable Information in order to comply with a court order or subpoena or a request from a law enforcement agency to release information. We will also disclose Personally Identifiable Information when reasonably necessary to protect the safety of our Visitors and Authorized Customers. How does the Site keep Personally Identifiable Information secure? All of our employees are familiar with our security policy and practices. The Personally Identifiable Information of our Visitors and Authorized Customers is only accessible to a limited number of qualified employees who are given a password in order to gain access to the information. We audit our security systems and processes on a regular basis. Sensitive information, such as credit card numbers or social security numbers, is protected by encryption protocols, in place to protect information sent over the Internet. While we take commercially reasonable measures to maintain a secure site, electronic communications and databases are subject to errors, tampering and break-ins, and we cannot guarantee or warrant that such events will not take place and we will not be liable to Visitors or Authorized Customers for any such occurrences. How can Visitors correct any inaccuracies in Personally Identifiable Information? Visitors and Authorized Customers may contact us to update Personally Identifiable Information about them or to correct any inaccuracies by emailing us at info@redfridays.ca Can a Visitor delete or deactivate Personally Identifiable Information collected by the Site? We provide Visitors and Authorized Customers with a mechanism to delete/deactivate Personally Identifiable Information from the Site's database by contacting info@redfridays.ca . However, because of backups and records of deletions, it may be impossible to delete a Visitor's entry without retaining some residual information. An individual who requests to have Personally Identifiable Information deactivated will have this information functionally deleted, and we will not sell, transfer, or use Personally Identifiable Information relating to that individual in any way moving forward. What happens if the Privacy Policy Changes? We will let our Visitors and Authorized Customers know about changes to our privacy policy by posting such changes on the Site. However, if we are changing our privacy policy in a manner that might cause disclosure of Personally Identifiable Information that a Visitor or Authorized Customer has previously requested not be disclosed, we will contact such Visitor or Authorized Customer to allow such Visitor or Authorized Customer to prevent such disclosure. Links: This web site contains links to other web sites. Please note that when you click on one of these links, you are moving to another web site. We encourage you to read the privacy statements of these linked sites as their privacy policies may differ from ours. © 2006 www.redfridays.ca , All rights reserved. Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Sergeant Christos Karigiannis, Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Private Vincent Wiebe, Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Corporal Stephen Frederick Bouzane, Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 Trooper Darryl Caswell of The Royal Canadian Dragoons canadian armerd forces memorialmemorial for Trooper Darryl Caswell of The Royal Canadian Dragoons 1  October, 02, 2006 Trooper Darryl Caswell of The Royal Canadian Dragoons Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Master Corporal Darrell Jason Priede, (Army News Team from 3 Area Support Group, based at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown) Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Corporal Matthew McCully, 25 Orangeville Ontrario, (CP/HO/Canadian Armed Forces) Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Master-Corporal Anthony Klumpenhouwer - Special Forces Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Trooper Patrick James Pentland, The Royal Canadian Dragoons Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Master Corporal Allan Stewart, The Royal Canadian Dragoons Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Sgt. Donald Lucas, 31, of Burton, N.B. 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Pte. Kevin Vincent Kennedy, 20, of St. Lawrence, N.L. 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Cpl. Aaron E. Williams, 23, of Lincoln, N.B. 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Pte. David Robert Greenslade, 20, of Saint John, N.B. 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Cpl. Brent Poland, 37, of Camlachie, Ont. 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Master Cpl. Christopher Paul Stannix, Reservist Princess Louise Fusiliers, Halifax Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  March, 07, 2007 Corporal Kevin Megeney Reserve 1st Battalion NS Highlanders Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Chief Warrant Officer Robert Girouard, the Regimental Sergeant Major of the 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Cpl. Albert Storm from the 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Sgt. Darcy Tedford, 1st Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Pte. Blake Williamson, 1st Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Trooper Mark Andrew Wilson Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Cpl. Robert Thomas James Mitchell Royal Canadian Dragoons Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Sgt. Craig Paul Gillam Royal Canadian Dragoons Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Private Klukie 1st Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Cpl Glen Arnold, a member of 2 Field Ambulance Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Corporal Shane Keating of 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Corporal Keith Morley of 2 PPCLI Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Private David Byers of 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Warrant Officer Richard Francis Nolan Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Pte. Mark Anthony Graham, a member of 1st Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Private William Jonathan James Cushley, a member of 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Sergeant Shane Stachnik from 2 Combat Engineer Regiment Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Warrant Officer Frank Robert Mellish 1st Batallion, Royal Canadian Regiment Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Cpl. David Braun, Second Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Cpl. Andrew James (Boomer) Eykelenboom 1st Field Ambulance Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Master Cpl. Jeffrey Scott Walsh, Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Master Corporal Raymond Arndt, Loyal Edmonton Regiment Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Cpl. Christopher Jonathan Reid, 1st Battalion of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Sergeant Vaughan Ingram, First Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1 Parse error : syntax error, unexpected '.' in /home/canada/public_html/memorial/keller.php on line 12 Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Pte. Kevin Dallaire, 1st Battalion of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Cpl. Francisco Gomez, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Cpl. Jason Patrick Warren, Montreal's The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Corporal Anthony Joseph Boneca, 1st Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Capt. Nichola Goddard, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Cpl. Randy Payne of CFB/ASU Wainwright Military Police (MP) Platoon in Wainwright Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Cpl. Matthew Dinning, member of 2 Mechanized Brigade Group in Petawawa Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Lt. William Turner, Canadian Armed Forces Reserves Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Bombardier Myles Mansell, Canadian Armed Forces Reserves Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Pte. Robert Costall, Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Corporal Paul Davis, 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Master Corporal Timothy Wilson, Second Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Canadian diplomat Glyn Berry Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Pte. Braun Scott Woodfield Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Cpl. Jamie Brendan Murphy Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Sgt. Robert Alan Short, Royal Canadian Regiment, 3rd Battalion Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Cpl. Robbie Christopher Beerenfenger 29 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Ottawa Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Cpl. Ainsworth Dyer of the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia's Light Infantry of Edmonton Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Sergeant Marc D. Léger, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Pte. Richard Green A Company 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1  October, 02, 2006 Pte. Nathan Smith, of Ostrea Lake N.S., of the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia Light Infantry Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 Red Fridays, Rallies, rally, red friday rally, red fridays at workRed Fridays events. Some tips on how to start a red fridays event or rally.contact red fridaysRed Fridays Contact Form 1   First Name: * Required Last Name: * Required Email Address: * Required Confirm Email Address: * Required Phone: (Optional) Organization or Company name: (Optional) Address 1 (Optional) Address 2 (Optional) City or Town (Optional) Province or State: Select One Alabama Alaska Alberta Arizona Arkansas British Columbia California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Manitoba Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Brunswick New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York Newfoundland North Carolina North Dakota Northwest Territories Nova Scotia Nunavut Ohio Oklahoma Ontario Oregon Pennsylvania Prince Edward Island Puerto Rico Quebec Rhode Island Saskatchewan South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Yukon (Optional) Country: Select One Canada United States Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belguim Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia Comoros Congo Cook Islands Costa Rica Cote D'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) Croatia (Hrvatska) Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic East Timor Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Great Britain (UK) Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard and McDonald Islands Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Ireland Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Korea (South) Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macau Macedonia Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands Netherlands Antilles New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Reunion Romania Russia Rwanda S. 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To combat spam we require you to enter the answer to the security question on the left.       2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read the Legal Policy and Privacy Policy Jun 28, 2007 1 Monday, March 26, 2007 11:02 PM Bagpipe Fundraiser for Cpl. Ryan Pagnacco   "Music speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it rest, heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from heaven to the soul." THANK YOU!!! As you know, my brother is a bagpiper. For the last 8 years, Ryan has been playing on a 15-year old set on loan from the Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada reserve band. Since Remembrance Day (Nov 11th, 2006) we have been raising funds to purchase his "dream set" . On January 30th, 2007, Ryan was surprised to receive his brand new set of bagpipes! A fellow piper & reservist from Dundas contacted the manufacturer directly, and what resulted was more than any of us could have hoped for! McCallum Bagpipes created a custom set, complete with an engraved plate bearing Ryan's name... and donated it for free!!!   Photos of the new bagpipes Photo slideshow (K-W Record) Video of the surprise (YouTube) K-W Record article (Jan 31, 2007) Check back for more... Your donations have helped two-fold; not only has Ryan benefited from your generous support, but the money raised ($2,500+) will help other wounded soldiers. On Feb 3rd, we will present a cheque to the Wounded Warriors Fund during their fundraising concert in Cambridge. From Lisa (his fiancee) and Holly (his sister) thank you so very, very much! Your kind words & well wishes have helped Ryan tremendously. Special thanks to Darryl Owen & Rosie, Melinda Dalton of the K-W Record , Kenny McLeod of McCallum Bagpipes , the RHFC , and all the donatees! "You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty   2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 NHL goalie masks by David ArrigoToronto based sports artist makes NHL history by creating goalie masks that were used in the All Star Game and later auctioned to raise money for a variety of support the troops fund. 1 NHL All Star game goalie mask   Goalie mask soldier tribute Trooper Mark Wilson’s death in Afghanistan has inspired a special piece of art that’s being passed among elite NHL players to become part of the upcoming all-star game. Sports artist David Arrigo, a friend of one of Wilson’s relatives, was hit hard by the October death of the London soldier and inspired to design a military-themed goalie mask. “It just sort of pushed me — this is going to be my addition to thanking the soldiers,” said Arrigo, who has done work for years for the NHL, NFL and other pro sports leagues. “(But) I didn’t want this piece to be about any one person — it’s more about all the soldiers in Afghanistan.” The detailed mask design, Arrigo explained, has two distinct sides: The right is called “the mission,” and features images of an Afghani girl reading and a Canadian soldier. The left side, called “the memory,” includes a bagpiper and a soldier pinning a poppy on a wreath. They have also photographed the mask with hockey celebrities such as Don Cherry, who mentioned the project during Coach’s Corner on Hockey Night In Canada. NHL officials in the U.S. were so impressed, they have asked Arrigo to make a mask with an American theme. Those photos will eventually be posted at NHL.COM and on Arrigo’s own website, darrigoart.com. Arrigo’s mask will then be auctioned off on the NHL’s website with the money raised going to tbenefit the United Services Organization (USO), the Canadian Forces Personnel Support Agency (CFPSA) and The Sapper Mike McTeague Wounded Warrior Fund. Sabres' Miller honoring soldiers at All-Star event Sabres goalie Ryan Miller and several other NHL players are going to Dallas-Fort Worth airport on Tuesday to greet returning soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan. The Stanley Cup also will be there (although it would be shocking if Miller broke hockey code and actually picked up the Cup before earning it on the ice). Also, while visiting with the troops Miller is going to show two new goalie masks custom-designed to honor U.S. and Canadian troops. The masks, designed by renowned sports artist David Arrigo, will be displayed in the terminal during the visit. Arrigo has done paintings for all sports and sporting events. He designed the Canadian mask after a relative of a friend of his was killed in combat in Afghanistan. After seeing it, the NHL asked him to design one with an American theme. By the time the returning soldiers see the masks at the airport, the masks will already be part of an online auction on NHL.com. They'll go up on the auction at 3 p.m. Monday. Proceeds from auction will benefit the United Services Organization (USO), the Canadian Forces Personnel Support Agency (CFPSA) and The Sapper Mike McTeague Wounded Warrior Fund. _________________________________________________________________ Photos click on photo to enlarge Far left - Left side of Canadian Mask by David Arrigo (Toronto sports artist) Center - Sports Artist David Arrigo with Don McLean and Don Cherry on Coach's Corner. Far left - Right side of Canadian Mask by David Arrigo (Toronto sports artist) Center - David Arrigo with NHL players at the Texas Speed way   Far left - Joe Sakic - Centre for Colorado Canadian born from BC Center - Roberto Luongo Goalie for Vancover Canucks at the All Star Game has Canadian Goalie mask by David Arrigo in hand. Roberto is Canadian Born - Montreal Quebec.   Left side - Veron Wells Toronto Blue Jays player holds the two masks created by David Arrigo at the NHL All stars game. Center - Posing with Canadian Mask is Marc Andre Fluery goalie of the Pittsburg Penguins born in Sorel Quebec and Centre position Sidney Crosby born in Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia.   2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1 Tuesday, March 06, 2007 09:00 PM Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. 2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1 Tuesday, March 06, 2007 09:00 PM Motor Marc Lacourciere at the SUPERSHOW 2007 unveiled a beautiful work of art dedicated to the service men and woman of the Canadian Forces. The painting proudly called "Red Fridays Thunder". A CF ceremony march and bag piper marched through the Convention Centre building. Noted Motorcycle artist and American Chopper licensed artist, Marc Lacourciere, will have a gallery of his works at SUPERSHOW 2007 in the Choppers & Customs Hall, and he will unveil his latest tribute to the Canadian Military in conjunction with the 'Sapper Mike McTeague Wounded Warrior Fund' and Red Fridays Foundation of Canada. An accomplished artist, Motor Marc Lacourciere is known as the painter of the open road and has gained international recognition through his work for companies such as the Bradford Exchange, NASCAR, Chevrolet, Harley Davidson, Boyd Coddington, and American Chopper. Photos and more about Motor Marc (PDF file) Visit Marc's website www.motormarcart.com   Be sure to come to this event and meet the people of Red Fridays Canada and the Canadian Military and many popular personalities from TV. New Red Fridays Products will be revealed at the SuperSHow 2007 See and purchase all our products at the show - be sure to get yours!     2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1 Tuesday, March 06, 2007 09:00 PM SuperShow 2007 Toronto International Centre January 6,7,8 2007 America's Largest Indoor Motorcycle Show The Red Fridays Thunder Painting is unveiled at this show. Motor Marc donated the proceeds of the painting to the Wounded Warriors Fund and Red Fridays _________________________________________________________________ This content requires the Macromedia Flash Player. Get Flash To stop and replay, right click the show and select "play" Click on pictures on left or right to enlarge _________________________________________________________________   2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 Red Fridays, Rallies, rally, red friday rally, red fridays at workRed Fridays events. Some tips on how to start a red fridays event or rally. 1  Tuesday October 17, 2006   Welcome Red Friday Sponsors & Supporters To all the other Red Friday Organizations, event organizers and Red Fridays supporters. Welcome to Red Fridays of Canada. We would like to extend an invitation to your organization to register with our web site support program. We do not charge any membership fees or publishing costs to you.  You can register your business site and list your support for Red Fridays and publish a link back to your site for all the details. This will help drive traffic to your site as well assisting us with your support efforts for Red Fridays. When you enter a URL link to your site on the registration form, please have a link back to our site from yours. You can select already made banners from our "link to us" button above.  All events are welcomed to register; there is no need to donate or raise funds for our site as a prerequisite. We limit the registrations to events and affiliations that is related to supporting the troops of the Canadian Armed Forces. If you need more details click on the button to contact us and enter your request.   Supporters Registration Form   Organization:   (Optional) Website:  http://   (Optional) Event:   (Optional) First Name:   Last Name:   Address:   City:   Province: Select One Alberta British Columbia Manitoba New Brunswick Newfoundland Northwest Territories Nova Scotia Nunavut Ontario Prince Edward Island Quebec Saskatchewan Yukon   Postal Code:   Email Address:   Telephone:   Security: Enter Canada in caps.           Organization Contact Event Website   Movie Gallery Canada Pat Support our Troops July 2007 Success College Lorie Red Friday www.thinksuccess.ca none mona red friday Jun 28, 2007 red friday events, red friday event registrationRegister your red friday event with www.redfridays.ca 1  October 20, 2006 Welcome Red Friday Sponsors & Supporters To all the other Red Friday Organizations, event organizers and Red Fridays supporters. Welcome to Red Fridays Foundation of Canada. We would like to extend an invitation to your organization to register with our web site support program. We do not charge any membership fees or publishing costs to you.  You can register your business site and list your fund raising event for Red Fridays and publish a link back to your site for all the details. This will help drive traffic to your site as well assisting us with your fund raising efforts for Red Fridays. When you enter a URL link to your site on the registration form, please have a link back to our site from yours. You can select already made banners from our "link to us" button above.  All events are welcomed to register; there is no need to donate or raise funds for our site as a prerequisite. We limit the registrations to events and affiliations that is related to supporting the troops of the Canadian Armed Forces. If you need more details click on the button to contact us and enter your request. Key Facts: Our site offers a calendar and message board to list your events that you organize. You can use our web address to send visitors to get more information regarding your event in media and press releases. We offer a separate page for your press releases. Our message board can be used to interact with visitors regarding your event or service. The message board requires a separate membership registration in order to use the message center. Be sure to register - click on Message Forum above to register and for more information.   To delete a link or affiliation please use the contact us button Supporters Registration Form Organization Name:   Website:  http://   Event:   Contact First Name:   Contact Last Name:   Address Street & number:   City:   Province:   Postal Code:   Email Address:   Telephone:   Verification:     Send Registration:   Affiliates Organization Contact Event Website   Movie Gallery Canada Pat Malmberg Support our Troops July 2007 Success College Lorie Stevens Red Friday www.thinksuccess.ca none mona shortt red friday Jun 28, 2007 Link to red friday, link red friday, red friday bannersLink to Red Fridays, just cut and paste HTML into your page to link to Red Fridays Canada 1  Tuesday October 17, 2006 Please feel free to add a link from your site to ours. We have a selection of banners for you to choose from. If you have any questions, please click on the contact us link above and we will respond to you as soon as possible. Thank you for your support! LEDGER SIZE 728x90 LEDGER ENGLISH - Copy code below. <a title="Visit Red Fridays Canada Support Our Troops" target="_blank" href="http://www.redfridays.ca/"> <img border="0" src="http://www.redfridays.ca/banners/support-banner-Ledger-en.jpg" width="728" height="90"></a> LEDGER Le français - Copier le code au dessous. <a title="Visiter Rouge le vendredi le Canada Appuynos nos troupes" target="_blank" href="http://www.redfridays.ca/"> <img border="0" src="http://www.redfridays.ca/banners/support-banner-Ledger-fr.jpg" width="728" height="90"></a>       Banner Full Size 468x60 FULL BANNER ENGLISH - Copy code below. <a title="Visit Red Fridays Canada Support Our Troops" target="_blank" href="http://www.redfridays.ca/"> <img border="0" src="http://www.redfridays.ca/banners/RFbanner468x60.jpg" width="468" height="60"></a> FULL BANNER Le français - Copier le code au dessous.  . <a title="Visiter Rouge le vendredi le Canada Appuynos nos troupes" target="_blank" href="http://www.redfridays.ca/"> <img border="0" src="http://www.redfridays.ca/banners/RFbanner468x60-fr.jpg" width="468" height="60"></a>         TOWER BANNER 169x136      TOWER BANNER ENGLISH - Copy code below. <a title="Visit Red Fridays Canada Support Our Troops" target="_blank" href="http://www.redfridays.ca/"> <img border="0" src="http://www.redfridays.ca/banners/support_banner1.jpg" width="169" height="336"></a> TOWER BANNER Le français - Copier le code au dessous.  . <a title="Visiter Rouge le vendredi le Canada Appuynos nos troupes" target="_blank" href="http://www.redfridays.ca/"> <img border="0" src="http://www.redfridays.ca/banners/support_banner1_fr.jpg" width="169" height="336"></a>         RECTANGLE BOX 336X280     RECTANGLE BOX BANNER ENGLISH - Copy code below. <a title="Visit Red Fridays Canada Support Our Troops" target="_blank" href="http://www.redfridays.ca/"> <img border="0" src="http://www.redfridays.ca/banners/support-336x280-en.jpg" width="336" height="280"></a> RECTANGLE BOX BANNER Le français - Copier le code au dessous.  . <a title="Visiter Rouge le vendredi le Canada Appuynos nos troupes" target="_blank" href="http://www.redfridays.ca/"> <img border="0" src="http://www.redfridays.ca/banners/support-336x280-fr.jpg" width="336" height="280"></a>         SMALL BOX 180X150        SMALL BOX BANNER ENGLISH - Copy code below. <a title="Visit Red Fridays Canada Support Our Troops" target="_blank" href="http://www.redfridays.ca/"> <img border="0" src="http://www.redfridays.ca/banners/RFbanner180X150-en.jpg" width="180" height="150"></a> SMALL BOX BANNER Le français - Copier le code au dessous.  . <a title="Visiter Rouge le vendredi le Canada Appuynos nos troupes" target="_blank" href="http://www.redfridays.ca/"> <img border="0" src="http://www.redfridays.ca/banners/RFbanner180X150-fr.jpg" width="180" height="150"></a>         MICRO BOX 81X31        MICRO  BOX BANNER ENGLISH - Copy code below. <a title="Visit Red Fridays Canada Support Our Troops" target="_blank" href="http://www.redfridays.ca/"> <img border="0" src="http://www.redfridays.ca/banners/RFmicro88x31en.jpg" width="81" height="31"></a> MICRO BOX BANNER Le français - Copier le code au dessous.  . <a title="Visiter Rouge le vendredi le Canada Appuynos nos troupes" target="_blank" href="http://www.redfridays.ca/"> <img border="0" src="http://www.redfridays.ca/banners/RFmicro88x31fr.jpg" width="81" height="31"></a>       2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 1 Jun 28, 2007 From the daughter of a Soldier: Please read all the way to the end of this email.From the daughter of a Soldier: Please read all the way to the end of this email. 1  Tuesday October 17, 2006 Red  Fridays: This email story is unverified but none the less it is a heart felt story regarding our Canadian Troops. _____________________________________ I normally don’t forward these types of email, but this one really struck my heart. Please read and forward to your friends and loved ones. ---------------------------------------------------- Date: 18 Aug 06 - 10:29 AM  - http://www.redfridays.ca From the daughter of a Soldier: Please read all the way to the end of this email. Last week I was in Trenton, Ontario, attending a conference. While I was in the airport, returning home, I heard several people behind me beginning to clap and cheer. I immediately turned around and witnessed one of the greatest act's of patriotism I have ever seen. Moving thru the terminal was a group of soldiers in their camo's, as they began heading to their gate everyone (well almost everyone) was abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering. When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and cheered for, it hit me. I'm not alone. I'm not the only red blooded Canadian who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families. Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we can go to school, work and home without fear or reprisal. Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our service men and women, a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old, ran up to one of the male soldiers. He kneeled down and said "hi," the little girl then she asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her. The young soldier, he didn't look any older than maybe 22 himself, said he would try and what did she want to give to her daddy. Then suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek. The mother of the little girl, who said her daughters name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Corporal and had been in Afghanistan for 11 months now. As the mom was explaining how much her daughter, Courtney, missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up. When this temporarily single mom was done explaining her situation, all of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second. Then one of the other servicemen pulled out a military looking walkie-talkie. They started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it. After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to Courtney, bent down and said this to her, "I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you." He then hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished by saying, "Your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and he is coming home very soon." The mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young soldier stood to his feet he saluted Courtney and her mom. I was standing no more than 6 feet away as this entire event unfolded. As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed their applause. As I stood there applauding and looked around, there were very few dry eyes, including my own. That young soldier in one last act of selflessness, turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek. We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and their sacrifices. At the end of the day, it's good to be a Canadian. Red Friday Just keeping you "in the loop" so you'll know what's going on in case this takes off. RED FRIDAYS ----- Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing RED every Friday. The reason? Canadians who support our troops used to be called the "silent majority". We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers. We are not organized, boisterous or over-bearing. We get no liberal media coverage on TV, to reflect our message or our opinions. Many Canadians, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of Canada supports our troops. Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday - and continues each and every Friday until the troops are no longer needed for peace, sending a deafening message that.. Every red-blooded Canadian who supports our men and women afar will wear something red. By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the Canada on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, co-workers, friends, and family, it will not be long before Canada is covered in RED, and it will let our troops know the once "silent" majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on. The first thing a soldier says when asked "What can we do to make things better for you?" is...   "We need your support and your prayers." Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear something red every Friday. IF YOU AGREE -- THEN SEND THIS ON... IF YOU COULD CARE LESS THEN HIT THE DELETE BUTTON.. IT IS YOUR CHOICE. THEIR BLOOD RUNS RED---- SO WEAR RED! --- Lest we Forget   Please visit http://www.redfridays.ca   A list of fallen soldiers is listed there on a memorial page. Sign their memorial guest book if you wish for their families. http://www.redfridays.ca Pass it on!   2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy . Jun 28, 2007 from a daughter of a soldier storyfrom a daughter of a soldier story 1 I normally don’t forward these types of email, but this one really struck my heart. Please read and forward to your friends and loved ones. ----------------------------------------------------  Date: 18 Aug 06 - 10:29 AM  - http://www.redfridays.ca From the daughter of a Soldier: Please read all the way to the end of this email. Last week I was in Trenton, Ontario, attending a conference. While I was in the airport, returning home, I heard several people behind me beginning to clap and cheer. I immediately turned around and witnessed one of the greatest act's of patriotism I have ever seen. Moving thru the terminal was a group of soldiers in their camo's, as they began heading to their gate everyone (well almost everyone) was abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering. When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and cheered for, it hit me. I'm not alone. I'm not the only red blooded Canadian who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families. Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we can go to school, work and home without fear or reprisal. Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our service men and women, a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old, ran up to one of the male soldiers. He kneeled down and said "hi," the little girl then she asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her. The young soldier, he didn't look any older than maybe 22 himself, said he would try and what did she want to give to her daddy. Then suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek. The mother of the little girl, who said her daughters name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Corporal and had been in Afghanistan for 11 months now. As the mom was explaining how much her daughter, Courtney, missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up. When this temporarily single mom was done explaining her situation, all of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second. Then one of the other servicemen pulled out a military looking walkie-talkie. They started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it. After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to Courtney, bent down and said this to her, "I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you." He then hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished by saying, "Your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and he is coming home very soon." The mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young soldier stood to his feet he saluted Courtney and her mom. I was standing no more than 6 feet away as this entire event unfolded. As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed their applause. As I stood there applauding and looked around, there were very few dry eyes, including my own. That young soldier in one last act of selflessness, turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek. We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and their sacrifices. At the end of the day, it's good to be a Canadian. Red Friday Just keeping you "in the loop" so you'll know what's going on in case this takes off. RED FRIDAYS ----- Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing RED every Friday. The reason? Canadians who support our troops used to be called the "silent majority". We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers. We are not organized, boisterous or over-bearing. We get no liberal media coverage on TV, to reflect our message or our opinions. Many Canadians, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of Canada supports our troops. Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday - and continues each and every Friday until the troops are no longer needed for peace, sending a deafening message that.. Every red-blooded Canadian who supports our men and women afar will wear something red. By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the Canada on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, co-workers, friends, and family, it will not be long before Canada is covered in RED, and it will let our troops know the once "silent" majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on. The first thing a soldier says when asked "What can we do to make things better for you?" is...   "We need your support and your prayers." Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear something red every Friday. IF YOU AGREE -- THEN SEND THIS ON... IF YOU COULD CARE LESS THEN HIT THE DELETE BUTTON.. IT IS YOUR CHOICE. THEIR BLOOD RUNS RED---- SO WEAR RED! --- Lest we Forget   Please visit http://www.redfridays.ca   A list of fallen soldiers is listed there on a memorial page. Sign their memorial guest book if you wish for their families. Jun 28, 2007 Corporal Matthew McCully, (CP/HO/Canadian Armed Forces)Corporal Matthew McCully, (CP/HO/Canadian Armed Forces) 1 Sergeant Christos Karigiannis, (3PPLI - Edmonton)   CEFCOM NR–07.020 - June 20, 2007 OTTAWA ? Sergeant Christos Karigiannis of the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, was killed when the vehicle in which he was traveling struck an improvised explosive device approximately 40 km west of Kandahar City, Afghanistan Joint Task Force Afghanistan and other soldiers from the ISAF community pay tribute to fallen soldiers during a ramp ceremony held at the Kandahar Air Field. Soldiers slowly carry their fallen comrades, Sergeant Christos Karigiannis, Corporal Stephen Frederick Bouzane, and Private Joel Vincent Wiebe, to the waiting C130 Hercules transport for the journey back to Canada All three soldiers were members of Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia?s Canadian Light Infantry (3 PPCLI) from CFB Edmonton and at approximately 7:49 am Kandahar time 20 June 2007 the three Canadian soldiers were killed when the vehicle they were traveling in struck an improvised explosive device on the main road, approximately 6 km west of Forward Operating Base Sperwan-Gar. The incident occurred while the soldiers were conducting resupply operations between checkpoints. 3 PPCLI members is part of the 2nd Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment (2 RCR) Battle Group of the Joint Task Force Afghanistan (JTF-Afg).   Jun 28, 2007 1 Sergeant Christos Karigiannis, Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia?s Canadian Light Infantry (June 20, 2007) No information is available at this time.   Jun 28, 2007 1   Statement from the family of Sergeant Christos Karigiannis   No other information or photos are available at this time. Jun 28, 2007 1 Feel free to leave a comment and sign this guestbook for Pte. Nathan Smith, of Ostrea Lake N.S., of the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia Light Infantry. Name:   From:  (Calgary, AB)  Notes:   Security:  Add three plus four and type it.   Our Condolences Jun 28, 2007 1 If you are a family or friend of , andwould like to contribute to this memorial page, please use the form below to contact us. Be sure to includeall information and a method of contacting youfor verification. Thank you for visiting this memorialpage for our fallen heroes . Jun 28, 2007 wear red on fridaysred fridays for these falled soldiers 1 Wearing RED on FRIDAYS symbolically shows the colour of the blood shed for our freedom. This memorial site is dedicated to all those that have shed their blood for our freedom. The mission is to show every Friday a sea of RED walking amongst us demonstrating that we care for those we have lost, we care for those who have been hurt, for those in harms way to protect our way of life. It is a simple gesture to wear something RED on Fridays but we can assure the impact to yourself is very profound. You begin to think of the people that have paid the price for your freedom, you realize that you have been taking for granted our peaceful nation. The most amazing part of this action is that it is impartial to ethnic or racial background. Freedom is colourless; it is not based on your education, religion, age or sexuality. We are truly a free country and we have so much to be thankful for to those who have fought or currently fighting to maintain our freedom. If you feel these soldiers who dies for our Country and our mission of peace is important to yourself, wear RED on Fridays.  Take that little step to show you do care and are appreciative of our Nations' resolve. Our dreams can be yours too; the sight of RED on Fridays symbolizing our faith and thankfulness to our troops and citizens that fight for our freedom. Y ou do not have to purchase a product from us to show support to our cause. We only offer the products in helping you show your support for our troops. If you want to become more involved with the Red Fridays' mission, please return to the home page and click on how to help. Proceeds from our sales and donations are used to continue the education this site provides, the costs of operations and assistance to other groups organizing a RED Friday events. Some of the proceeds are donated to the variety of programs or funds that have been established by the Canadian Forces such as the Canadian Forces Personnel Assistance Fund. There programs include help to the soldiers and their families in their time of needs. For more information on these trust funds, please visit the Canadian Armed Forces website at http://www.forces.gc.ca/ and look at the CFPAF program. Thank you for visiting this memorial and your support. -RED FRIDAYS FOUNDATION of CANADA   Jun 28, 2007 Corporal Matthew McCully, (CP/HO/Canadian Armed Forces)Corporal Matthew McCully, (CP/HO/Canadian Armed Forces) 1 Private Vincent Wiebe , (3PPLI - Edmonton)   CEFCOM NR–07.020 - June 20, 2007 OTTAWA ? Private Vincent Wiebe of the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, was killed when the vehicle in which he was traveling struck an improvised explosive device approximately 40 km west of Kandahar City, Afghanistan Joint Task Force Afghanistan and other soldiers from the ISAF community pay tribute to fallen soldiers during a ramp ceremony held at the Kandahar Air Field. Soldiers slowly carry their fallen comrades, Sergeant Christos Karigiannis, Corporal Stephen Frederick Bouzane, and Private Joel Vincent Wiebe, to the waiting C130 Hercules transport for the journey back to Canada All three soldiers were members of Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia?s Canadian Light Infantry (3 PPCLI) from CFB Edmonton and at approximately 7:49 am Kandahar time 20 June 2007 the three Canadian soldiers were killed when the vehicle they were traveling in struck an improvised explosive device on the main road, approximately 6 km west of Forward Operating Base Sperwan-Gar. The incident occurred while the soldiers were conducting resupply operations between checkpoints. 3 PPCLI members is part of the 2nd Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment (2 RCR) Battle Group of the Joint Task Force Afghanistan (JTF-Afg).   Jun 28, 2007 1 Private Vincent Wiebe, Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia?s Canadian Light Infantry (June 20, 2007) No information is available at this time.   Jun 28, 2007 1   Statement from the family of Private Vincent Wiebe   No other information or photos are available at this time. Jun 28, 2007 Corporal Matthew McCully, (CP/HO/Canadian Armed Forces)Corporal Matthew McCully, (CP/HO/Canadian Armed Forces) 1 Corporal Stephen Frederick Bouzane , (3PPLI - Edmonton)   CEFCOM NR–07.020 - June 20, 2007 OTTAWA ? Corporal Stephen Frederick Bouzane of the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, was killed when the vehicle in which he was traveling struck an improvised explosive device approximately 40 km west of Kandahar City, Afghanistan Joint Task Force Afghanistan and other soldiers from the ISAF community pay tribute to fallen soldiers during a ramp ceremony held at the Kandahar Air Field. Soldiers slowly carry their fallen comrades, Sergeant Christos Karigiannis, Corporal Stephen Frederick Bouzane, and Private Joel Vincent Wiebe, to the waiting C130 Hercules transport for the journey back to Canada All three soldiers were members of Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia?s Canadian Light Infantry (3 PPCLI) from CFB Edmonton and at approximately 7:49 am Kandahar time 20 June 2007 the three Canadian soldiers were killed when the vehicle they were traveling in struck an improvised explosive device on the main road, approximately 6 km west of Forward Operating Base Sperwan-Gar. The incident occurred while the soldiers were conducting resupply operations between checkpoints. 3 PPCLI members is part of the 2nd Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment (2 RCR) Battle Group of the Joint Task Force Afghanistan (JTF-Afg).   Jun 28, 2007 1 Corporal Stephen Frederick Bouzane, Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia?s Canadian Light Infantry (June 20, 2007) No information is available at this time.   Jun 28, 2007 1   Statement from the family of Corporal Stephen Frederick Bouzane   No other information or photos are available at this time. Jun 28, 2007 Corporal Matthew McCully, (CP/HO/Canadian Armed Forces)Corporal Matthew McCully, (CP/HO/Canadian Armed Forces) 1 Corporal Matthew McCully, (CP/HO/Canadian Armed Forces) Canadian Soldier killed, two injured by roadside bomb in Afghanistan CEFCOM / COMFEC - NR?07.017 - June 11, 2007 OTTAWA ? A Canadian soldier was killed today when a roadside bomb detonated near the vehicle he was travelling in, about 40 km north of Kandahar City. The incident occurred at approximately 6:25 p.m. Kandahar time (10:05 a.m. EST). Two Canadian soldiers suffered non-life threatening injuries from the blast. They have been evacuated by helicopter to the Canadian-led multinational hospital at Kandahar Airfield for further treatment and are expected to return to duty soon. Killed was Trooper Darryl Caswell of The Royal Canadian Dragoons (RCD), based at Petawawa, Ont. Trooper Caswell was deployed in the south of Afghanistan with the RCD Reconnaissance Squadron as part of the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment (2RCR) Battle Group. Trooper Caswell was part of a Combat Logistics Patrol (CLP) convoy, conducting a resupply mission for Canadian troops based at a forward operating base in Kahkrez when the incident occurred. The convoy was operating in support of the ongoing security efforts conducted jointly by the Afghan national security forces and International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) soldiers in the northern region of Kandahar province. Family members of the deceased and injured soldiers have been notified. Our priority at this time is to ensure that our wounded soldiers receive the best possible medical care and that the remains of Trooper Caswell are repatriated to Canada in the most dignified and respectful manner. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of our wounded and fallen soldiers.   Jered Stuffco, Canadian Press Published: Tuesday, June 12, 2007 CLARINGTON, Ont. - Trooper Darryl Caswell's family was waiting for a phone call from half a world away Monday to mark his brother's birthday at the family home in this quiet bedroom community east of Toronto. Instead came the knock at the door that every military family dreads, and the terrible news that Caswell had become the 57th Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device. "He was going to do all he could to call," Caswell's stepmother Christine said Wednesday. "It wasn't the call we were expecting." Caswell had six weeks left in Afghanistan before he was set to return home, she added. "He was due to come back on his birthday on the 31st of July," Christine said. "He was so young, he had so much to do and (so much) he wanted to do." Caswell, 25, was a member of the Royal Canadian Dragoons, based in Petawawa, Ont. He was deployed with Reconnaissance Squadron from the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment battle group. He was riding in the lead vehicle in what the Canadian Forces call a combat logistics patrol - a perilous mission that involves restocking forward operating bases and soldiers in the field with everything from ammunition and equipment to rations and water. Darryl had been serving in Afghanistan since January, his stepmother said. "He was doing what he wanted to do and what he believed in." The convoy was en route to the district of Khakriz in northwestern Kandahar province when it struck the IED - an ever-present threat in Canada's ongoing battle with Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan. Caswell was providing security for the convoy as it travelled along a secondary road 40 kilometres north of the city of Kandahar when it was struck. "Without security there can be no development in Afghanistan, and thanks to soldiers like Trooper Caswell, we are making significant progress," Prime Minister Stephen Harper said in a statement that offered Canada's condolences to the Caswell family. "He has left a valuable legacy and we will be forever grateful for the ultimate sacrifice he has made for our country." Liberal Leader Stephane Dion and Defence Minister Gordon O'Connor also offered their own words of comfort to the family, and echoed the sentiment that Caswell was doing important work in Afghanistan. "I speak not only for our party but all Canadians when I say that we greatly appreciate all the hard work and sacrifice (soldiers) undertake on our behalf to help the people of Afghanistan and bring stability to the region," Dion said. Canadian forces have been in Khakriz working with the Afghan National Army in Operation Adalat, an offensive against insurgents in the northern sector of Canada's command area - a place where Canadian forces have already suffered heavy losses. Last year, an IED killed four Canadians in the neighbouring district of Sha Wali Kot. Until recently, Canadian forces had been slowly pulling back from the region. "The Taliban have consistently demonstrated their disregard for peace and improvements to the quality of life for those Afghan citizens that desire peace," O'Connor said. "We are making a difference and the Government of Canada stands proudly with our soldiers, sailors, airmen and airwomen as they strive to protect Canadians, our interests and our values." Born in Bowmanville, Ont., Caswell grew up in Clarington - an hour's drive east of Toronto - and later lived with his mother in nearby Whitby, as well as the southwestern Ontario border city of Sarnia. When he turned 12, Darryl moved to Clarington to live with his father and stepmother. "He just kept wanting to live with his dad. He took to it like a fish to a worm," Christine Caswell said. "He and his dad had a special bond." After high school, Caswell enrolled in the Police Foundations program at Sir Stanford Fleming College in Peterborough, Ont., before joining the Canadian military in 2004. © The Canadian Press 2007     Jun 28, 2007 1 Trooper Darryl Caswell of The Royal Canadian Dragoons (June 11, 2007) BOWMANVILLE, Ont. ? Hundreds of people with Canadian flags and yellow ribbons pinned to their chests gathered outside a small, red-brick church in Bowmanville, Ont., on Wednesday, to pay their respects to fallen soldier Trooper Darryl Caswell. Yellow bows hung from lamp posts and trees along the town?s main streets, flags flew at half-mast and signs in the windows of local shops expressed condolences to the family of Caswell, who died last week in an explosion. His military funeral was held Wednesday afternoon in community where he was born and attended high school, a town of 30,000 residents, 75 kilometres east of Toronto. A poster reading ?Remember Darryl? sat in the window of Ken Harker?s almost 10-year-old music store. ?I did it to let (his family) know my thoughts are with them ... that they?re not forgotten,? he said, shortly before the funeral procession passed on the street. Inside the Trinity United Church, Caswell?s mother, Darlene Cushman, thanked the community for their support. ?You?ll never know what it means to me,? she said. She said she would be sending her son?s fellow troops in Afghanistan cases of Crystal Light packages to flavour their bottles of water. The eight boxes she sent her son the last time were gone in an hour, she said. He would have wanted his military family taken care of, she said. More people watched a live telecast of the service in adjoining rooms. A crowd of more than 100 stood across the street. A war veteran in a motorized scooter had come from a nursing home around the block, and high school students had trickled over after classes. Some people wiped their eyes as Caswell?s flag-draped coffin was carried out of the church to the sound of bagpipes. As the hearse drove away, down a street flanked by soldiers, veterans and police officers, community members applauded and filled the road behind the vehicle. ?Whether you agree or don?t agree with the war, it goes beyond that,? Ximena Davidson said of her presence. She sat in the shade with her nine-month-old daughter. ?It goes beyond that when it?s an individual,? her neighbour, Jill Doswell, 52, added. Mourners faced dozens of photos of Caswell as a small boy, as a graduate, as a soldier. There were pictures of his motorcycle and shots from his recent vacation in Australia, hugging a Koala bear. ?All of the ribbons, all of the people, it?s amazing how supportive the whole town has been,? said Kayla Myers, who flew back to her hometown from Australia for her friend?s funeral. Cpl. Darren Hann, 23, who went to high school with Caswell said the town?s response has been ?overwhelming.? ?I?ve always been proud (to be a soldier) but it lifts the morale,? he said. When a police cruiser drove by with a sticker of a yellow ribbon on its bumper, Hann said: ?It?s great to see that. (People) may be against the war but at least back up the soldiers who are defending your country.? During the service, Caswell?s stepmother, Christine Caswell, asked the congregation to ?remember all of the other soldiers who have served this great country, Canada, in our time of need.? ?Three more families (are) going through what we are going through," she said, referring to the three Canadians killed in Afghanistan on Wednesday, bringing the total of Canadians who have died in Afghanistan since 2002 to 60. ?Our thoughts are with them.? She invited everyone to stand and face the soldiers in the church and hall. ?Thank you for your sacrifices ... We are so proud.?     Jun 28, 2007 1   Statement from the family of Trooper Darryl Caswell of The Royal Canadian Dragoons   Jered Stuffco, Canadian Press Published: Tuesday, June 12, 2007 CLARINGTON, Ont. - Trooper Darryl Caswell's family was waiting for a phone call from half a world away Monday to mark his brother's birthday at the family home in this quiet bedroom community east of Toronto. Instead came the knock at the door that every military family dreads, and the terrible news that Caswell had become the 57th Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device. "He was going to do all he could to call," Caswell's stepmother Christine said Wednesday. "It wasn't the call we were expecting." Caswell had six weeks left in Afghanistan before he was set to return home, she added. "He was due to come back on his birthday on the 31st of July," Christine said. "He was so young, he had so much to do and (so much) he wanted to do." Caswell, 25, was a member of the Royal Canadian Dragoons, based in Petawawa, Ont. He was deployed with Reconnaissance Squadron from the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment battle group. He was riding in the lead vehicle in what the Canadian Forces call a combat logistics patrol - a perilous mission that involves restocking forward operating bases and soldiers in the field with everything from ammunition and equipment to rations and water. Darryl had been serving in Afghanistan since January, his stepmother said. "He was doing what he wanted to do and what he believed in." The convoy was en route to the district of Khakriz in northwestern Kandahar province when it struck the IED - an ever-present threat in Canada's ongoing battle with Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan. Caswell was providing security for the convoy as it travelled along a secondary road 40 kilometres north of the city of Kandahar when it was struck. "Without security there can be no development in Afghanistan, and thanks to soldiers like Trooper Caswell, we are making significant progress," Prime Minister Stephen Harper said in a statement that offered Canada's condolences to the Caswell family. "He has left a valuable legacy and we will be forever grateful for the ultimate sacrifice he has made for our country." Liberal Leader Stephane Dion and Defence Minister Gordon O'Connor also offered their own words of comfort to the family, and echoed the sentiment that Caswell was doing important work in Afghanistan. "I speak not only for our party but all Canadians when I say that we greatly appreciate all the hard work and sacrifice (soldiers) undertake on our behalf to help the people of Afghanistan and bring stability to the region," Dion said. Canadian forces have been in Khakriz working with the Afghan National Army in Operation Adalat, an offensive against insurgents in the northern sector of Canada's command area - a place where Canadian forces have already suffered heavy losses. Last year, an IED killed four Canadians in the neighbouring district of Sha Wali Kot. Until recently, Canadian forces had been slowly pulling back from the region. "The Taliban have consistently demonstrated their disregard for peace and improvements to the quality of life for those Afghan citizens that desire peace," O'Connor said. "We are making a difference and the Government of Canada stands proudly with our soldiers, sailors, airmen and airwomen as they strive to protect Canadians, our interests and our values." Born in Bowmanville, Ont., Caswell grew up in Clarington - an hour's drive east of Toronto - and later lived with his mother in nearby Whitby, as well as the southwestern Ontario border city of Sarnia. When he turned 12, Darryl moved to Clarington to live with his father and stepmother. "He just kept wanting to live with his dad. He took to it like a fish to a worm," Christine Caswell said. "He and his dad had a special bond." After high school, Caswell enrolled in the Police Foundations program at Sir Stanford Fleming College in Peterborough, Ont., before joining the Canadian military in 2004. © The Canadian Press 2007   No other information or photos are available at this time. Jun 28, 2007 Master Corporal Darrell Jason Priede Military Imagery ISAF Army News Team from 3 Area Support Group, based at Canadian Forces Base GagetownMaster Corporal Darrell Jason Priede Military Imagery ISAF Army News Team from 3 Area Support Group, based at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown 1 Master Corporal Darrell Jason Priede, (Military Imagery [ISAF] Army News Team from 3 Area Support Group, based at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown ) Master Corporal Darrell Jason Priede, a military Imagery Technician serving with the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Regional Command (South) Headquarters at Kandahar Airfield, was killed when the helicopter in which he was a passenger went down at approximately 9 p.m. Kandahar time on May 30th, near the town of Kajaki, Helmand Province, about 95 kms northwest of Kandahar City. Master Corporal Priede was a member of the Army News Team from 3 Area Support Group, based at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown, New Brunswick. His next of kin have been notified. The other six military personnel (5 from the US and one from England) aboard the helicopter were also killed in the incident. The Honourable Gordon O'Connor, Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement today "On behalf of the entire Defence community I extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Master Corporal Darrell Jason Priede who died when a helicopter, in which he was a passenger, went down in Helmand Province in Afghanistan. I also extend my condolences to the families and friends of the six other coalition troops who died in this incident.Master Corporal Priede was a valued member of the Army News Team from 3 Area Support Group, based at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown. He gave his life not only to protect Canadians and our national interests, but also to provide hope to Afghans for a better future.Master Corporal Priede was part of an international coalition working to bring peace and security to this troubled country. Canadians are forever proud and grateful for his service and for the contributions of all our men and women in uniform."   Jun 28, 2007 Master Corporal Darrell Jason PriedeMaster Corporal Darrell Jason Priede 1 Master Corporal Darrell Jason Priede  (May 31, 2007) Canadian Press CFB GAGETOWN -- A Canadian military photographer who died two weeks ago in Afghanistan was remembered Tuesday as a professional whose photographs will live on forever. Hundreds of people gathered at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown for the funeral of Master Cpl. Darrell Priede. Priede, 30, died May 30 along with five Americans and a Briton when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter they were flying in was shot down in Afghanistan's volatile Helmand province. Before the crash, he was photographing coalition forces trying to capture a valley from insurgents. Col. Ryan Jestin, commander of CFB Gagetown, said Priede was highly regarded for his contributions to various in-house publications, including Army News. "After we're all gone, (others) will be able to look at his pictures from Afghanistan and his pictures from CFB Gagetown," Jestin said after the service. "What a great professional he was. What a great man he was, and we're going to miss him." Priede, who had been in Afghanistan for less than six weeks, had recently remarked to his superiors that he believed his job was one of the safest to be had in a war zone. "Nobody is safe - it's a risky business," said Brig.-Gen. Rick Parsons, commander of Land Force Atlantic. Parsons attended the funeral service and praised the work of Priede and others involved in the Afghan mission. "The work that's done by Army News teams, the work that's done by photo techs, and by everybody that's involved in the mission ... they all contribute to an end goal which is to provide the very best possible assistance they can in achieving the mission and providing the stability that we need in Afghanistan," he told reporters outside the chapel. Roxanne Priede said her son, who was born in Burlington, Ont., and raised in Grand Forks, B.C., volunteered to go to Afghanistan and was eager to capture images of Canada's mission there. "He really wanted to do something that would show more of what the military stood for," she said in an earlier interview from her home in Grand Forks. Some of the photos the airman took are on display at the provincial reconstruction team base outside Kandahar. Priede entered the military in 1996 as a gunner, later served as a peacekeeper in Bosnia, and applied to become a military photographer while on his second tour in the Balkans. His funeral service was held in St. Luke's chapel at Gagetown, not far from where Priede lived with his wife, Angela, in the town of Oromocto. The chapel, which can hold about 400 people, was full. Another chapel on the base, which holds 600, was also opened for the ceremony with an audio and video feed provided. The private service was attended by family members and soldiers from the base. The eulogy was delivered by Master Cpl. Mike Selig, a friend of Priede's. Rev. Greg Costen said the mood of the service was sombre but with a few lighter moments as Selig recalled moments of Priede's life. "The theme that kept emerging with the family and through the proceedings was Darrell's smile that could light up a room," said Costen. "He was the kind of person that seemed to have a personality that could bring light to a space." Jestin, who is about to retire from the military, has been visibly shaken by the deaths of soldiers from his base. He told reporters there are no words to adequately express his feelings. "Long after I'm gone here, I'll be remembering all those soldiers ... all the names of the ones we've lost during the last four months over there, and I just pray there's absolutely no more," he said. Priede's death brought to 56 the number of Canadian soldiers and airmen killed in Afghanistan since 2002. But before Priede's family and friends paid their last respects, the toll increased to 57. Trooper Darryl Caswell, 25, of Clarington, Ont., was killed Monday by a roadside bomb north of Kandahar City, in an area outside where the Canadians normally operate. Caswell, a member of the Royal Canadian Dragoons, based at CFB Petawawa in eastern Ontario, was the third Canadian soldier to die in as many weeks in Afghanistan. He was helping resupply troops involved in an operation to establish security in Kandahar province. Two other Canadians soldiers were hurt by the blast. Col. Mike Cessford, deputy commander of Canada's military in Afghanistan, said they were reported in good condition.     Jun 28, 2007 Master Corporal Darrell Jason PriedeMaster Corporal Darrell Jason Priede 1   Statement from the family of Master Corporal Darrell Jason Priede   Priede said her 30-year-old son, who was married a few years ago and was based at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown in New Brunswick, was eager to capture images of Canada?s mission in Afghanistan. ?We?re very proud of him,? she said, choking back tears and pausing to regain her composure. ?Our son was exemplary ... He didn?t have one black mark in the military ... He enjoyed what he did because he always wanted to capture as much good as possible.? Priede said her son entered the military as a gunner in 1996 and later served as a peacekeeper in Bosnia.   No other information or photos are available at this time. Jun 28, 2007 Corporal Matthew McCully, (CP/HO/Canadian Armed Forces)Corporal Matthew McCully, (CP/HO/Canadian Armed Forces) 1 Corporal Matthew McCully, 25 Orangeville Ontario (CP/HO/Canadian Armed Forces) CEFCOM NR?07.015 - May 25, 2007 OTTAWA ? Killed earlier today in Afghanistan was Corporal Matthew McCully, a Signals Operator, from 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group Headquarters and Signals Squadron, based at Petawawa, Ontario. His next-of- kin have been notified. Corporal McCully tragically lost his life after an improvised explosive device detonated in the proximity of where he was patrolling by foot, along with Afghan national security forces, close to the village of Nalgham, approximately 35 km west of Kandahar City. The incident occurred at approximately 8:00 a.m. Kandahar time. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Corporal McCully, and with his comrades in Afghanistan who remain committed to helping Afghans improve their living conditions and build a free and democratic society. The courage and dedication demonstrated by Corporal McCully in his efforts to assist the Afghan national security forces represent Canadian values in the finest tradition. He will be greatly missed. Canadian soldiers bid farewell to slain colleague MURRAY CAMPBELL Globe and Mail Update May 26, 2007 at 6:06 PM EDT KANDAHAR, Afghanistan ? Corporal Matthew McCully, praised as a ?tremendously professional soldier,? began the first stage of his long journey back to Canada Saturday. Hundreds of troops from Canada and other nations lined the tarmac at Kandahar Air Field in the soft twilight and bagpipes played mournfully as Corp. McCully's flag-draped casket was loaded on to a Hercules transport aircraft. The 25-year-old was killed on Friday after stepping on a roadside bomb in the early moments of Operation Hoover, an offensive aimed at flushing out Taliban insurgents from the Zhari district. He is the 55th Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan since 2002. Corp. McCully was a signals operator with 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group Headquarters and Signals Squadron based in Petawawa, Canadian soldiers carry the casket of Corporal Matthew McCully during a ramp ceremony Saturday in Afghanistan. (Murray Campbell/Globe and Mail) Ont., near Ottawa. He was a signaler and communications specialist working, like 70 other Canadian troops in the Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team, with soldiers of the Afghan National Army. An Afghan interpreter was slightly injured in the blast. ?Matt McCully was a tremendously professional soldier,? said Major Peter Sullivan, acting commander of the OMLT. ?Certainly I found him to be a mature young man and his company was enjoyed by all so he will be greatly missed.? The OMLT is in charge of upgrading the skills of Afghan soldiers so they can assume responsibility for Afghanistan's security and allow the nations in the International Security Assistance Force to leave. Maj. Sullivan said the Afghans are ?without a doubt fierce fighters? but that the mentoring program is designed to teach the rules, regulations and tactics of a modern army. He said Corp. McCully will be ?sorely missed? but his death will not affect the mission. ?He was a professional, he was a young man with a lot of potential but he was a professional soldier,? Maj. Sullivan said. ?And as a professional soldier we all understand and know that regardless of what happens the mission must continue, the mission must carry on. Matt understood that, he would have expected that and demanded that we move ahead and do things that we came here to do.? He said Corp. McCully would leave a legacy in Afghanistan. ?He was a soldier, he came here to soldier, he did exactly that,? Maj. Sullivan said. ?So in my mind, if we could say that he left a legacy he left the one that he came here to leave and that was one of a Canadian and a professional soldier.? The ramp ceremony was also attended by Brig.-Gen. Tim Grant, commander of the Canadian mission in Afghanistan, and Arif Lalani, Canada's new ambassador to Afghanistan. Meanwhile, in Kandahar today, a suicide bomber on foot attacked a government vehicle killing himself and wounding five police officers. As well, a British soldier was killed and four wounded in neighbouring Helmand province during an attack on Taliban positions.   Jun 28, 2007 1 Statement from the family of Corporal Matthew McCully, (CP/HO/Canadian Armed Forces)   (May 25,, 2007) Corporal Matthew McCully; Funeral information At 1100 on Thursday May 31st, the final service for Cpl McCully will take place at Tweedsmuir Presbyterian Church located at 6 John St, off Broadway in Orangeville Ontario.   Cpl. Kyle Powell (centre) walks solemly from the church following his comrade's funeral. Powell was with Orangeville's Cpl. Matthew McCully when he died in Afghanistan last week. About 1000 people attended a funeral service for the "polite, courteous, respectful and loving" Corporal Matthew J. McCully of Canadian Forces' 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group. Thursday, May 31, 2007 at 11:00 am at Tweedsmuir Memorial Presbyterian Church. , 6 John St, Orangeville. Speakers were set up outside the church so an overflow crowd in a legion parking lot across the road could hear the service. Matthew died while serving his country in Afghanistan, on Friday, May 25, 2007 in his 26th year. To his family - mother and dad Valerie McGrady and Ron McCully, step-dad Neal Weise, sister and brother Shannon and Daniel, little nephew Joshua, step brothers Joseph, Bailey and Jordan, and grandparents John Perozick and the late Robert and Karen McCully, he was remembered as the outdoorsy, red-haired boy. He loved fishing, hiking and camping. Eight members of McCully's squadron carried his casket into the church, escorted by Cpl. Kyle Powell, who was in the field with McCully when his life was taken and brought his remains home. To his fellow soldiers, he was remembered as responsible and dutiful. These family groups: both friends and relatives, and military family in Matthew McCully?s life came together yesterday for the funeral of the communications specialist who died in Afghanistan last Friday. He was killed when a landmine exploded. Those in attendance, both inside and outside the church, heard stories of how McCully would spend hours making sure his combat uniform was just right for inspection and how, as a child, he was eager to share the knowledge he learned as a member of the Scouts. ?He was one of those kids you just trusted,? his aunt Brenda Freer said in the eulogy. "He was a fun-loving young man, who had a little smirk and a twinkle in his eye.... Matthew joined Boy Scouts and he would try to teach his siblings and cousins what he had learned about surviving in the wilderness. He was a natural teacher -- extremely patient for his years. When I found out he was training soldiers in the Afghan army, I knew he'd be awesome at it. Matthew was trilingual. He spoke English, a little French and army," she said. "On behalf of our family, I want you soldiers to know we will continue to think of you, support you and pray for you." "It was a long journey from Orangeville to Afghanistan for Cpl. Matthew McCully, and it was a long journey back home" Mjr. Doug Friesen said during yesterday's funeral service for the fallen soldier. "Along the way, Cpl. Matthew McCully had some amazing adventures. He saw some very interesting places and he made some wonderful friends," commented the chaplain from CFB Petawawa, where McCully was based. "Matthew spent part of his precious life walking with the people of Afghanistan on their long journey to a better life." As stories of McCully's life were shared, many in the pews sniffled and tried to hold back tears -- wiping them away in virtual silence. "We come together today as one; one community, one family, one nation in mourning," commented Rev. Harvey Self, who officiated the service with Friesen. "We come to honour one of our own, here in Matthew's home town of Orangeville. To honour a brother in arms, a son, brother and nephew." ?He had the ability to bring out the best as a soldier and a friend,? said Corporal Sandy Gauthier, from the Second Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group in Petawawa, who also eulogized McCully. He told of how McCully would take car keys away from friends who were going out for a night of drinking and carousing. And always made sure his uniform was neat and presentable, Gauthier said. "Matthew gave this country the ultimate sacrifice anybody could give.... What Matt was doing was what he believed was best for his country and family," Cpl. Gauthier said in his eulogy. Gauthier served with McCully and was a close friend outside of their duties. "He was a brother to all of us. There are two types of people in the military; those who need the military and those who the military needs. Matt was what the Canadian Forces needed," Gauthier said. "He will be missed and never forgotten. Welcome home brother." No further information available at this time   Jun 28, 2007 1   Statement from the family of Corporal Matthew McCully, (CP/HO/Canadian Armed Forces)   Statement from the family of Corporal Matthew McCully May 26, 2007 As the family of Matthew McCully we wish to express firsthand how proud we are of Matthew. Matthew was caring, outgoing, adventurous somewhat quiet young man. He had a "mission? and he was going to fulfill it at all costs. Matthew died doing what he wanted to do and doing what he truly believed in. Matthew will be greatly missed, he will be remembered as our and Canada's Hero. At this time we would like to extend a sincere thank you to our Canadian Army for their tremendous support to our family during this difficult time. The McCully&Monkley Family How boring life would be if we were all the same......How nice it is to know we all have special qualities to share. Michelle L McCully His sister, Shannon McGrady, 21, of Orangeville, said her brother was a role model for her and her younger brother while growing up with their mother in Orangeville. She said he was passionate about the military. Brother Daniel, 19, of Orangeville is currently enrolled at Seneca College. Cpl. McCully's father and stepmother live in Prince George, B.C. His mother Valerie McGrady, who moved from Orangeville to the Mansfield area earlier this year, said her son planned to join the special forces, when he returned from Afghanistan, and to make a life career of the military.   A statement from the family reads: "As the family of Matthew McCully we wish to express firsthand how proud we are of Matthew. Matthew was caring, outgoing, adventurous and a somewhat quiet young man. He had a "mission" and he was going to fulfill it at all costs. Matthew died doing what he wanted to do and doing what he truly believed in. Matthew will be greatly missed, he will be remembered as our and Canada's Hero. At this time we would like to extend a sincere thank you to our Canadian Army for their tremendous support to our family during this difficult time."   No other information or photos are available at this time. Jun 28, 2007 1 Master-Corporal Anthony Klumpenhouwer, 25, from Listowel, Ontario OTTAWA, Ontario ? A Canadian soldier working with Special Operations Forces in Afghanistan died in a non-combat related incident yesterday. Master-Corporal Anthony Klumpenhouwer, 25, from Listowel, Ontario, was killed in an accident. The communications technician was working on a tower when the accident occurred. MCpl Klumpenhouwer is the first special forces member to die in Afghanistan. Klumpenhower , a member of an elite special forces unit, was killed in a tragic accident when he fell from a communications tower while performing surveillance duties in Kandahar. One of 13 siblings, Klumpenhower was remembered by his aunt as having bright blue eyes and a "beautiful smile," The Canadian Press reports. She also described her nephew as a born soldier who was cut out for his chosen profession. She said he originally enlisted with plans to stay short term, but found the military to be such a good fit that he decided to stay on.     Jun 28, 2007 1 Master-Corporal Anthony Klumpenhouwer (April 18, 2007) Master-Corporal, serving with Canadian Special Operations Forces in Afghanistan. Age 25, of Ottawa. He grew up in a farming family of seven brothers and six sisters in Kurtzville, near Listowel, Ontario. He was on duty conducting routine surveillance when he fell from the communications tower where he was stationed in Kandahar City. An investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances of the non-combat related incident. No other details have been released. He is survived by parents Theo and Joy (Noseworthy) Klumpenhouwer; girlfriend Julie Farmer; siblings Susanna; Matthew and Amy Klumpenhouwer; Jennifer and Ben Stewart; Violet and Joe Zantinge; Joshua and Rebecca Klumpenhouwer; John, Samuel, Andrew, Esther, Timothy, Krista, and Jewel Klumpenhouwer; grandmother Violet Schnarr; step-grandmother Judy Noseworthy; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Funeral service held at the Listowel Pentecostal Church on April 26, 2007. Interment in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Wallace Township. Fifty-four Canadian soldiers and one diplomat have died since Canada first sent troops to Afghanistan in 2002. Burial: Trinity Lutheran Church Cemetery Perth County Ontario, Canada   Jun 28, 2007 1   Statement from the family of Master-Corporal Anthony Klumpenhouwer   April 20, 2007 ?It is with great sadness that we learned of Anthony?s death in Afghanistan. He was such an important part of all our lives and will be dearly missed. The coming days and weeks will be an intensely private time for the family. Therefore, we will not entertain any media requests.?   Klumpenhouwer's family said he was the second-eldest boy in a family of 13 children and had planned to marry his girlfriend. "It is with great sadness that we learned of Anthony?s death in Afghanistan. He was such an important part of all our lives and will be dearly missed. The coming days and weeks will be an intensely private time for the family," they said in a statement released Friday. In interviews with the Toronto Star, his family also described the 25-year-old as a born soldier and a country boy at heart, even though he studied computer science for a time in Toronto. No other information or photos are available at this time. Jun 28, 2007 1 Trooper Patrick James Pentland 'Professional' was proud to follow in father's steps RHÉAL SÉGUIN OROMOCTO, N.B. -- The deaths of two more Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan have hit at the heart of this small New Brunswick military town. Trooper Patrick James Pentland, 23, grew up in Geary, a village just on the outskirts of Oromocto. His father, Jim, was a career soldier proud to see his son follow in his footsteps. But yesterday, as he absorbed the shocking news of his son's death, Mr. Pentland gathered with his wife Gabi and elder son Tony at their modest home in Geary to mourn their loss. "They are deeply sorrowed, just exhausted and are devastated by the news," said family friend Lisa Greenwood. In a statement released through the Canadian Forces yesterday, the Pentland family spoke of their loss. "Pat was a proud, professional soldier, who followed in the footsteps of his father, serving with the Royal Canadian Dragoons. From a young age, Pat was set on becoming a soldier. "Pat was the youngest son of Jim and Gabi. Born in Lahr, Germany, and growing up in Oromocto, Pat was military through and through, and was proud to wear his father's cap badge with the Dragoons. "Also important, was the guidance provided by Lynne Hastings, helping him through his studies and in life. In the community, shock quickly gave way to anger and questions about Canada's role in Afghanistan, "I never really paid too much attention to the war until I heard about the guys from CFB Gagetown getting hit, and then today at work I hear about my friend," said Justin Carr, 23, a school buddy of Patrick. "And that's when it actually struck me. I'm angry. I don't think they have to go over there. It's stupid." Others in the community, despite their strong support for the soldiers and families, also spoke out against Canada's military presence. Dwayne Grasse, 55, a civilian who is now retired after working 35 years at the Gagetown base, asked why Canadians should be losing their lives for a conflict in which they will have little impact. "The Canadian people just don't want our soldiers over there. . . . Everyone you talk to says it. . . . I've worked with soldiers all my life. They fight and live to protect Canada. They go and that's their duty. But myself, I don't like them being over there. It puts too much strain on the family. . . If they were helping to stop all that fighting -- but it's not working." At the Oromocto High School that Patrick attended, teachers and students were also grieving. His high-school art teacher Kathryn Downe praised Patrick, whom she remembered as a quiet, hard-working but mostly passionate student. She said she has yet to grasp fully the depth of the void left by the young soldier's death. "A time like this is horribly tragic and very, very hard on the community. But as a community, it is amazing how strong the community is. But that will never take place of the vacancy that is left."     Jun 28, 2007 1 Trooper Patrick James Pentland , The Royal Canadian Dragoons (April 11, 2007) Final funeral held in week of mourning for fallen Canadian soldiers CHRIS MORRIS Canadian Press April 21, 2007 at 7:07 PM EST Oromocto, N.B. ? A young Canadian soldier who loved children so much he once asked about adopting an orphaned Afghan child has been buried in his home province of New Brunswick. Trooper Patrick James Pentland, 23, who was killed in Afghanistan on April 11, was buried with full military honours on Saturday ? the last funeral for eight young soldiers killed during Canada's deadliest week of combat in Afghanistan. About 800 mourners attended the funeral service for Trooper Pentland, a member of the Royal Canadian Dragoons, at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown near Fredericton. Although Trooper Pentland was based at CFB Petawawa in Ontario, he had served earlier at Gagetown and his family still lives near the New Brunswick base. His father, Warrant Officer (retired) Jim Pentland, was a former crewman with the Dragoons. Members of the Royal Canadian Dragoons carry the coffin of Trooper Patrick James Pentland after his funeral at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown, N.B., on Saturday. (Stephen MacGillivray/Canadian Press) Friends and colleagues described Trooper Pentland as a strong, big-hearted man who wanted nothing more in life than to follow in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, who also served in the military. ?What a marvellous epitaph for a human being to leave behind ? that he was considered genuine and that he had such respect for his family he wanted to do the things his father had done,? said Lieutenant-Colonel Stephen Cadden, commander of the Dragoons. Padre Alex Varga told the funeral service that Trooper Pentland once asked relatives about the possibility of adopting an orphan in Afghanistan and bringing the child back to Canada. ?He loved children,? Mr. Varga said of Trooper Pentland, who was not married and had no children of his own. Mr. Varga comforted the Pentland family with a homily that stressed the need for faith in eternal life. ?God did not take Patrick,? Mr. Varga told the mourners. ?A war took Patrick; evil in the world took Patrick. God caught him when he fell and now God carries him safely into eternal life.? Trooper Pentland died when the light-armoured vehicle he was driving hit a roadside bomb near Kandahar. Also killed in the blast was Master Corporal Allan Stewart, whose funeral was held at Petawawa on Friday. Trooper Pentland's funeral ends a difficult and sad week for the Canadian military and relatives of the dead soldiers. Funerals began on Wednesday for six soldiers killed on Easter Sunday when the light-armoured vehicle in which they were travelling struck a roadside bomb. Corporal Brent Poland, Master Corporal Christopher Stannix, Sergeant Donald Lucas, Corporal Aaron Williams, Private Kevin Kennedy and Private David Greenslade were killed instantly in the explosion. The six were buried in their home provinces in Atlantic Canada and Ontario. The soldiers were members of the 2nd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment, based at CFB Gagetown. MCpl. Stewart and Trooper Pentland, who both served with the Royal Canadian Dragoons based at CFB Petawawa, died three days after the Easter Sunday attack in a similar roadside bombing. The deaths marked the deadliest week for Canadians in combat since the Korean War. A ninth soldier, 25-year-old Anthony Klumpenhower who served with elite special forces, died last week after he fell from a communications tower while on duty conducting surveillance in Kandahar City. Since 2002, 54 Canadian soldiers and one Canadian diplomat have been killed in Afghanistan. Officials at CFB Gagetown said a memorial service for all of the recent casualties is being planned for Wednesday at the base.     Jun 28, 2007 1   Statement from the family of Trooper Patrick James Pentland   Soldier's family grieves Jeremy Warren, The StarPhoenix; with files CanWest News Service Stewart a family man, Saskatoon sister says Published: Thursday, April 12, 2007 Master Cpl. Allan Stewart, who died in Afghanistan on Wednesday when his vehicle hit a roadside bomb, was born for the military but lived for his two daughters, says his sister. "He was about family. Even though he was quiet and kept to himself, we knew he was there for us," said his sister, Tanya Safard, a Saskatoon resident. "He said this was his last tour. He wanted to be home with his daughters." Stewart, 30, was killed with Trooper Patrick James Pentland, 23, just west of Kandahar City when their convoy of armoured vehicles was attacked. They were members of the Royal Canadian Dragoons, based in Petawawa, Ont. A career military man, Stewart lived in Trout Brook, N.B., with his wife and two daughters, Brittney, 12, and Sarah, 8. "He had two younger sisters and two daughters. Allan was a protector. . . . He was born to do this. He's always been a fighter," Safard said. "He spent almost every minute he had with his daughters when he was home." Stewart's other sister, Tammy Shackleton, and his grandmother were in Saskatoon with Safard on Wednesday night mourning Stewart's death. "(Allan) was strong-willed. He was very quiet, but caring," Safard said, trying to hold back tears. He returned to Afghanistan on April 1 after a two week leave, required because of a pinched nerve in his back that was caused when a vehicle he was riding in was bombed, Safard said. He spent time in Bosnia as a soldier, but he said Afghanistan was a completely different experience, his sister said. "He said it was dirty and bad and this was the worst tour he's been on. He was on the front lines this time," she said. Stewart and Pentland died on a day that saw three separate attacks in Afghanistan on convoys of Canadian armoured vehicles. No further information is available at this time.   Jun 28, 2007 1 Master Corporal Allan Stewart, The Royal Canadian Dragoons Master Corporal Allan Stewart 'Straight shooter' veteran had premonition of blast ALEX DOBROTA OTTAWA -- The thought of land mines and bombs concealed in the Afghan desert gnawed at Master Corporal Allan Stewart, even as he enjoyed a leave with his wife and two daughters in a sleepy Ottawa Valley hamlet. A member of the Royal Canadian Dragoons, MCpl. Stewart took a short break last month from a daily routine that involved trying to spot the deadly devices planted by the Taliban before they could inflict damage on Canadian troops. But as he prepared to bid his family goodbye, the worry that his own reconnaissance vehicle might be struck by an improvised explosive device crept up in MCpl. Stewart's mind, an acquaintance said. "He said: 'Am I going to drive over a land mine? That's always my biggest worry: driving over stuff,' " recalled James Resmer, the owner of a grocery store in Rankin, which caters to many military families. MCpl. Stewart, a veteran soldier who served three tours of duty abroad, died Wednesday when his Coyote armoured vehicle was hit by one of the IEDs he so feared. "MCpl. Stewart distinguished himself as a likeable, good-natured, enthusiastic soldier and leader," Major James Follwell of the Dragoons told reporters on Canadian Forces Base Petawawa. "Allan was a caring father and husband, expressing immense pride when he talked about [his family] to his fellow soldiers." One of his unit's roles was to spot any change in the landscape or in the local population that could betray the presence of a planted IED, Major Follwell said. MCpl. Stewart's death also left grieving a community of on-line gamers, who shared his fascination with war simulations. Many of them never met MCpl. Stewart in real life, but through their interactions on the Internet, they came to prize the same qualities that had distinguished him among his fellow soldiers. He took a role as a leader within a "squad" of about 30 on-line gamers, and he discouraged both surreptitious tactics and cheating among gamers. "He was a straight shooter," said Ken Finney, a teacher at the Art Institute of Toronto who knew MCpl. Stewart by his on-line nickname, Dr. Evil TAG. "He never dealt anybody a bad hand. You had this mental image of this guy with a wide smile." MCpl. Stewart was born in Newcastle, N.B., in 1977 and joined the Canadian Forces in 1997. He served on his first tour of duty abroad in 2001, in Bosnia. In 2003, he was posted to Kabul, Afghanistan, as part of Operation Athena. MCpl. Stewart empathized with the local population, which has endured decades of fighting. He noted in one of the captions to the photographs he shot and posted on his website that many Kabul residents live in buildings made of clay and straw. "It sort of makes you wonder how they stand up when it's raining outside," he wrote. Jun 28, 2007 1 Master Corporal Allan Stewart, The Royal Canadian Dragoons (April 11, 2007) April 20, 2007 A private funeral for Stewart at CFB Petawawa in eastern Ontario also attracted hundreds of mourners, according to a base spokesman. He described the service as "a sombre experience," adding that the community is still struggling to come to terms with the loss     Jun 28, 2007 1   Statement from the family of Master Corporal Allan Stewart Family Statement: Statement from the family of Master Corporal Allan Stewart PETAWAWA, ONTARIO--(CCNMatthews - April 13, 2007) - Allan was a kind, loving, brave man. The kind of man anyone could be proud of and he was a hero, my hero. He sacrificed his life for the sake of his others. Allan was proud to be a soldier, and he was a good one too. He wanted to go to Afghanistan, not because he wanted to be away from his family but because he wanted to make a difference. He wanted to help the Afghan people have some freedoms that we take for granted. He was such a good man, an excellent father, husband, and my, and many others, best friend. I am extremely proud of him for standing up for what he believed in. I just wish he didn't have to come home so soon. He will be deeply missed. I would kindly ask that during this difficult time, as we grieve the loss of a loved one, you would kindly respect our privacy. His loving wife. Note to the editors: The Department of National Defence is publishing this statement at the request of the family Jun 28, 2007 1 Sgt. Donald Lucas, 31, of Burton, N.B.  2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (CP) - A devastating roadside-bomb explosion killed six Canadian soldiers Sunday in the worst single-day toll for the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan, military officials said. The explosion west of Kandahar city also caused serious but non-life-threatening injuries to one Canadian soldier and light injuries to another, said Col. Mike Cessford, deputy commander of the Canadian contingent in Kandahar. "The soldiers were in a moving vehicle when the blast occurred around 1 p.m." Col Mike Ceswsford stated. "You can appreciate, clearly we are saddened by the loss of six our best soldiers ... but we stay committed to the mission," he said. "This is what we do. We are focused on rebuilding Afghanistan, on doing the right things for those kids who wave at us every day as we drive down the roads here." Statement Statement by the Minister of National Defence on the deaths of Six Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan NR-07.020 - April 9, 2007 OTTAWA ? The Honourable Gordon O'Connor, Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement today on the deaths of six Canadian soldiers: ?It is with the utmost sorrow that I extend my condolences, and those of all Canadians, to the families and friends of Sergeant Donald Lucas, Corporal Brent D. Poland, Corporal Christopher Paul Stannix, Corporal Aaron E. Williams, Private David Robert Greenslade, and Private Kevin Vincent Kennedy. Those who fell will be deeply missed by the Canadian Forces family.  The dedication and bravery of these soldiers will be forever remembered.  I also extend my wishes for a speedy recovery to those injured in the attack. Our troops have a clear mission - to build security and stability in Afghanistan. And it is because our soldiers are succeeding in this mission that they came under attack. It is in Canada?s national interest that the people of Afghanistan regain control of their own destiny - to ensure their country never again becomes a launching pad for global terrorism. There can be no doubt that the desperate terrorists who carried out yesterday?s attack want to return a murderous regime to power.   Jun 28, 2007 1 Sgt. Donald Lucas (April 8, 2007) Sgt. Donald Lucas, 31, was hailed as a respected soldier and a valued friend, as about 1,100 mourners filled St. Thomas Anglican Church in downtown St. John's for a private service. Grieving with Lucas's widow and two young children were family members and fellow soldiers from Lucas's regiment at Canadian Forces Gagetown in New Brunswick. "He was my friend. That's why I'm here," Paul Noftall, who grew up five houses away from Lucas, said while choking back tears. "Very hard day. Very sad." Describing Lucas as "an outstanding soldier and highly regarded by those soldiers he commanded," Brig.-Gen. Rick Parsons said the loss is deeply felt. "He was a soldier that ? probably the best way to compliment him ? is that his soldiers that served with him would follow him anywhere," Parsons told reporters. "And as a military person, you couldn't ask for a higher compliment."   Hundreds of people gathered Wednesday morning to bid a final farewell to Sgt. Donald Lucas who was killed in Afghanistan on Easter Sunday. Rows of military personnel stood at attention saluting their fallen comrade. His wife, son and daughter held hands. Brigadier General Rick Parsons called Sgt. Lucas well respected and highly regarded. Sergeant Donald Jason Lucas died on Easter Sunday when the armed military vehicle he was travelling in was hit by a roadside bomb. Five other members of the 2nd Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment, Hotel Company died in the blast, including Private Kevin Vincent Kennedy of St. Lawrence. The 31-year old was born and raised in St. John's, and was the youngest child of Ella and Fred Lucas. He started his career with the Royal Newfoundland Regiment before transferring to the Regular Force and 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment. Sgt. Lucas, his wife and two young children were living in Burton, New Brunswick.     Jun 28, 2007 1   Statement from the family of Sgt. Donald Lucas   ?He was an excellent leader and very proud of the soldiers under his command. He believed in the mission and that he had a role to play to help those in need in Afghanistan,? his family said in a statement. Lucas, 31, was born and raised in St. John?s, N.L. His family described him as a ?proud Newfoundlander.? A member of the 2nd battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, he was stationed at CFB Gagetown in New Brunswick and lived in the nearby town of Burton. He has two children, son Matthew and daughter MacKenzie. ?In his spare time, Don enjoyed everything to do with the outdoors, from hunting to boating, to sitting around the campfire with Matthew, and looked forward to his days boating on the river,? the family said. A man reached at the home of one of Lucas?s relatives said the family had no comment. In its statement, the family asked the media to respect their privacy. News of the soldiers? death cast a pall over Oromocto, a small military town of about 9,000 nestled next to CFB Gagetown. On most days, military veterans and local residents can be heard swapping stories at the mall in town, said Doreen Williams, an Oromocto resident whose husband served on several NATO peacekeeping missions. That?s where she would occasionally run into Lucas, whom she described as a ?gentleman? who appeared dedicated to his work. But the entire town seemed eerily quiet Monday, she said. ?Look at the Canadians who were killed in Vimy, and look what?s happening now. When are Bush and the rest of them going to say hey, ?Enough is enough??? No other information or photos are available at this time. Jun 28, 2007 1 Pte. Kevin Vincent Kennedy, 20, of St. Lawrence, N.L. 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (CP) - A devastating roadside-bomb explosion killed six Canadian soldiers Sunday in the worst single-day toll for the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan, military officials said. The explosion west of Kandahar city also caused serious but non-life-threatening injuries to one Canadian soldier and light injuries to another, said Col. Mike Cessford, deputy commander of the Canadian contingent in Kandahar. "The soldiers were in a moving vehicle when the blast occurred around 1 p.m." Col Mike Ceswsford stated. "You can appreciate, clearly we are saddened by the loss of six our best soldiers ... but we stay committed to the mission," he said. "This is what we do. We are focused on rebuilding Afghanistan, on doing the right things for those kids who wave at us every day as we drive down the roads here." Statement Statement by the Minister of National Defence on the deaths of Six Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan NR-07.020 - April 9, 2007 OTTAWA ? The Honourable Gordon O'Connor, Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement today on the deaths of six Canadian soldiers: ?It is with the utmost sorrow that I extend my condolences, and those of all Canadians, to the families and friends of Sergeant Donald Lucas, Corporal Brent D. Poland, Corporal Christopher Paul Stannix, Corporal Aaron E. Williams, Private David Robert Greenslade, and Private Kevin Vincent Kennedy. Those who fell will be deeply missed by the Canadian Forces family.  The dedication and bravery of these soldiers will be forever remembered.  I also extend my wishes for a speedy recovery to those injured in the attack. Our troops have a clear mission - to build security and stability in Afghanistan. And it is because our soldiers are succeeding in this mission that they came under attack. It is in Canada?s national interest that the people of Afghanistan regain control of their own destiny - to ensure their country never again becomes a launching pad for global terrorism. There can be no doubt that the desperate terrorists who carried out yesterday?s attack want to return a murderous regime to power.   Jun 28, 2007 1   Statement from the family of Pte. Kevin Vincent Kennedy   No other information or photos are available at this time. Jun 28, 2007 1 Cpl. Aaron E. Williams, 23, of Lincoln, N.B. 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (CP) - A devastating roadside-bomb explosion killed six Canadian soldiers Sunday in the worst single-day toll for the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan, military officials said. The explosion west of Kandahar city also caused serious but non-life-threatening injuries to one Canadian soldier and light injuries to another, said Col. Mike Cessford, deputy commander of the Canadian contingent in Kandahar. "The soldiers were in a moving vehicle when the blast occurred around 1 p.m." Col Mike Ceswsford stated. "You can appreciate, clearly we are saddened by the loss of six our best soldiers ... but we stay committed to the mission," he said. "This is what we do. We are focused on rebuilding Afghanistan, on doing the right things for those kids who wave at us every day as we drive down the roads here." Statement Statement by the Minister of National Defence on the deaths of Six Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan NR-07.020 - April 9, 2007 OTTAWA ? The Honourable Gordon O'Connor, Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement today on the deaths of six Canadian soldiers: ?It is with the utmost sorrow that I extend my condolences, and those of all Canadians, to the families and friends of Sergeant Donald Lucas, Corporal Brent D. Poland, Corporal Christopher Paul Stannix, Corporal Aaron E. Williams, Private David Robert Greenslade, and Private Kevin Vincent Kennedy. Those who fell will be deeply missed by the Canadian Forces family.  The dedication and bravery of these soldiers will be forever remembered.  I also extend my wishes for a speedy recovery to those injured in the attack. Our troops have a clear mission - to build security and stability in Afghanistan. And it is because our soldiers are succeeding in this mission that they came under attack. It is in Canada?s national interest that the people of Afghanistan regain control of their own destiny - to ensure their country never again becomes a launching pad for global terrorism. There can be no doubt that the desperate terrorists who carried out yesterday?s attack want to return a murderous regime to power.   Jun 28, 2007 1 Cpl. Aaron E. Williams (April 8, 2007) Funeral service was held in Perth-Andover, N.B., for Cpl. Aaron E. Williams, 23. It appeared the entire St. John River Valley was in mourning. Yellow ribbons and Canadian flags started along the Trans-Canada Highway in Florenceville, a 40-minute drive from Perth-Andover. The closer to the northwestern community, the bigger the ribbons, the bigger the flags. The small town seemed deserted outside the afternoon ceremony at the Calvary Tabernacle Church. More than a thousand people turned out for the double service: one civilian, one military. Two other village churches filled their pews to capacity, showing the service on closed-circuit television. Mourners could be seen arriving on foot and by car, truck and school bus. The population of Perth-Andover is around 2,000 people. CFB Gagetown communications officer Lieut. Brian Owens said more than 3,000 visitors showed up at the local funeral home Tuesday to pay their respects. Hundreds of mourners attended funeral services for Cpl. Aaron Williams, 23, of Perth-Andover, N.B., a member of the 2nd battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment, based at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown, N.B. He died killed along with five others on Easter Sunday when the vehicle in which they were travelling struck a roadside bomb in Afghanistan. It was the worst single-day casualty toll for Canadian soldiers serving there. It was a cold, blustery day in Perth-Andover, in western New Brunswick, as family and friends said farewell to Williams. His two-year-old daughter, Kayla, looked bewildered as she was bundled against the cold for her father's burial in a small, snow-covered cemetery in the community on the St. John River. She clutched a program for her father's funeral, which attracted about 1,100 people mourners. "The majority of the community is here," said Dr. Larry Kennedy, a physician who knew Williams all his life. "He will be remembered as a dedicated young man who had a direction in life. He achieved that direction." Col. Ryan Jestin, base commander at Gagetown, said it's difficult to come to terms with the youth of the slain soldiers. Several leave behind small children who will never know their dads. "I believe that these deaths have not been in vain," Jestin said in Perth-Andover, N.B., following the funeral for Williams. "The families all told me their sons were doing what they wanted to do. We're trying to make the world a better place and you can't ask for a better legacy than that."     Jun 28, 2007 1   Statement from the family of Cpl. Aaron E. Williams   No other information or photos are available at this time. Jun 28, 2007 1 Pte. David Robert Greenslade, 20, of Saint John, N.B. 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (CP) - A devastating roadside-bomb explosion killed six Canadian soldiers Sunday in the worst single-day toll for the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan, military officials said. The explosion west of Kandahar city also caused serious but non-life-threatening injuries to one Canadian soldier and light injuries to another, said Col. Mike Cessford, deputy commander of the Canadian contingent in Kandahar. "The soldiers were in a moving vehicle when the blast occurred around 1 p.m." Col Mike Ceswsford stated. "You can appreciate, clearly we are saddened by the loss of six our best soldiers ... but we stay committed to the mission," he said. "This is what we do. We are focused on rebuilding Afghanistan, on doing the right things for those kids who wave at us every day as we drive down the roads here." Statement Statement by the Minister of National Defence on the deaths of Six Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan NR-07.020 - April 9, 2007 OTTAWA ? The Honourable Gordon O'Connor, Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement today on the deaths of six Canadian soldiers: ?It is with the utmost sorrow that I extend my condolences, and those of all Canadians, to the families and friends of Sergeant Donald Lucas, Corporal Brent D. Poland, Corporal Christopher Paul Stannix, Corporal Aaron E. Williams, Private David Robert Greenslade, and Private Kevin Vincent Kennedy. Those who fell will be deeply missed by the Canadian Forces family.  The dedication and bravery of these soldiers will be forever remembered.  I also extend my wishes for a speedy recovery to those injured in the attack. Our troops have a clear mission - to build security and stability in Afghanistan. And it is because our soldiers are succeeding in this mission that they came under attack. It is in Canada?s national interest that the people of Afghanistan regain control of their own destiny - to ensure their country never again becomes a launching pad for global terrorism. There can be no doubt that the desperate terrorists who carried out yesterday?s attack want to return a murderous regime to power.   Jun 28, 2007 1 Pte. David Robert Greenslade (April 8, 2007) SAINT JOHN, N.B. (CP) - A collage of personal photos offered a glimpse of David Greenslade's youth to hundreds of mourners who gathered Thursday for the young soldier's funeral. Greenslade, one of six Canadian soldiers killed by a roadside bomb last week in Afghanistan, was only 2O when he died. Inside the Main Street Baptist Church in Saint John, the pictures showed a handsome, young man smiling with his prom date, and canoeing and swimming with friends. Pallbearers carry the coffin of Pte. David Robert Greenslade as they leave the Main Street Baptist Church. (CP PHOTO/Andrew Vaughan) Greenslade's funeral was the third of eight services to be held this week for fallen soldiers from Atlantic Canada and Ontario. The Canadian military's sad duty of burying victims from the worst week of attacks on Canadians in Afghanistan was to continue Thursday in St. Mary's, N.L., where Pte. Kevin Kennedy was to be buried. Originally from St. Lawrence in eastern Newfoundland, Kennedy was with Greenslade and four other members of Hotel company when their military vehicle hit an explosive device west of Kandahar on Easter Sunday.     Jun 28, 2007 1   Statement from the family of Pte. David Robert Greenslade   No other information or photos are available at this time. Jun 28, 2007 1 Cpl. Brent Poland, 37, of Camlachie, Ont. 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (CP) - A devastating roadside-bomb explosion killed six Canadian soldiers Sunday in the worst single-day toll for the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan, military officials said. The explosion west of Kandahar city also caused serious but non-life-threatening injuries to one Canadian soldier and light injuries to another, said Col. Mike Cessford, deputy commander of the Canadian contingent in Kandahar. "The soldiers were in a moving vehicle when the blast occurred around 1 p.m." Col Mike Ceswsford stated. "You can appreciate, clearly we are saddened by the loss of six our best soldiers ... but we stay committed to the mission," he said. "This is what we do. We are focused on rebuilding Afghanistan, on doing the right things for those kids who wave at us every day as we drive down the roads here." Statement Statement by the Minister of National Defence on the deaths of Six Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan NR-07.020 - April 9, 2007 OTTAWA ? The Honourable Gordon O'Connor, Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement today on the deaths of six Canadian soldiers: ?It is with the utmost sorrow that I extend my condolences, and those of all Canadians, to the families and friends of Sergeant Donald Lucas, Corporal Brent D. Poland, Corporal Christopher Paul Stannix, Corporal Aaron E. Williams, Private David Robert Greenslade, and Private Kevin Vincent Kennedy. Those who fell will be deeply missed by the Canadian Forces family.  The dedication and bravery of these soldiers will be forever remembered.  I also extend my wishes for a speedy recovery to those injured in the attack. Our troops have a clear mission - to build security and stability in Afghanistan. And it is because our soldiers are succeeding in this mission that they came under attack. It is in Canada?s national interest that the people of Afghanistan regain control of their own destiny - to ensure their country never again becomes a launching pad for global terrorism. There can be no doubt that the desperate terrorists who carried out yesterday?s attack want to return a murderous regime to power.   Jun 28, 2007 1 Cpl. Brent Poland (April 8, 2007) TOBI COHEN Canadian Press April 21, 2007 at 2:01 PM EST SARNIA, Ont. ? A soldier who was laid to rest in this southwestern Ontario town died while fulfilling his destiny and following a long-held personal dream, family members told more than 1,000 mourners Friday. In a powerful eulogy filled with references to a letter Cpl. Brent Poland wrote to his family in January in the event he was killed in combat, Poland's younger brother and fellow soldier Mark urged mourners to remember that his brother died doing exactly what he wanted. ?It is as we gather here today easy to be sad. We lost a brave and proud Canadian. A man who readily accepted grave personal risk for a chance to make a difference,? Maj. Mark Poland said. ?We lost a man who loved his country, his regiment, his family and his friends, but we ought not hang our heads and wallow. That is not what Brent would have wanted.?   Jun 28, 2007 1   Statement from the family of Cpl. Brent Poland   No other information or photos are available at this time. Jun 28, 2007 1 Master Cpl. Christopher Paul Stannix, 24, of Dartmouth, N.S. Reservist Princess Louise Fusiliers, Halifax KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (CP) - A devastating roadside-bomb explosion killed six Canadian soldiers Sunday in the worst single-day toll for the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan, military officials said. The explosion west of Kandahar city also caused serious but non-life-threatening injuries to one Canadian soldier and light injuries to another, said Col. Mike Cessford, deputy commander of the Canadian contingent in Kandahar. "The soldiers were in a moving vehicle when the blast occurred around 1 p.m." Col Mike Ceswsford stated. "You can appreciate, clearly we are saddened by the loss of six our best soldiers ... but we stay committed to the mission," he said. "This is what we do. We are focused on rebuilding Afghanistan, on doing the right things for those kids who wave at us every day as we drive down the roads here." Statement Statement by the Minister of National Defence on the deaths of Six Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan NR-07.020 - April 9, 2007 OTTAWA ? The Honourable Gordon O'Connor, Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement today on the deaths of six Canadian soldiers: ?It is with the utmost sorrow that I extend my condolences, and those of all Canadians, to the families and friends of Sergeant Donald Lucas, Corporal Brent D. Poland, Corporal Christopher Paul Stannix, Corporal Aaron E. Williams, Private David Robert Greenslade, and Private Kevin Vincent Kennedy. Those who fell will be deeply missed by the Canadian Forces family.  The dedication and bravery of these soldiers will be forever remembered.  I also extend my wishes for a speedy recovery to those injured in the attack. Our troops have a clear mission - to build security and stability in Afghanistan. And it is because our soldiers are succeeding in this mission that they came under attack. It is in Canada?s national interest that the people of Afghanistan regain control of their own destiny - to ensure their country never again becomes a launching pad for global terrorism. There can be no doubt that the desperate terrorists who carried out yesterday?s attack want to return a murderous regime to power.   Jun 28, 2007 1 Master Cpl. Christopher Paul Stannix (April 8, 2007) MCPL CHRISTOPHER PAUL RAYMOND STANNIX 24, of Cole Harbour, passed away on April 8, 2007 while serving in Afghanistan protecting our rights and freedoms. Born in North Bay Ontario, he was the son of Kenneth H. F. and Kathy A. (Little) Stannix originally from McAdam, NB. Chris graduated from Auburn High School in 2001, and was currently attending Saint Mary's University. In 2000, he enlisted with the Princess Louise Fusiliers Infantry Regiment, Halifax. While with the Regiment, he completed many military leadership courses and participated in various military exercises and taskings. He was promoted to Master Corporal in February 2006. Putting his university education on hold , Chris was deployed to Afghanistan in January 2007. Further, in order to serve with the 2 RCR Battle Group in Afghanistan, he willingly chose to accept a temporary reduction in rank. His pastimes included paintballing, computer gaming and reading. More than anything, Chris enjoyed spending time with family and friends while Candice was the true love of his life. His sense of humour, dedication, courage and willingness to help others will be missed by all those who knew him. In summing up his belief in the Canadian mission in Afghanistan, Chris stated, 'I would like to think if I was in the same position there... somebody would be willing to step in and help me in the exact same way'. Chris will be remembered as a best friend to all. He is survived by his spouse Candice P. D . Ziolkowski; sisters Lesley. Sunderland, Meaghan Stannix; nephew Ryan Sunderland; niece Faith Sunderland, all of Dartmouth; paternal grandmother Thelma Stannix, Bayfield, ON, maternal grandmother Hilda Little, St. John, NB; uncle Larry Stannix, Bayfield, ON; aunt Lynn (Mike) Milburn, Calais, Maine; aunt Susan Little, Quispamsis, NB, uncle Tony (Wendy) Little, St. John, NB, A u n t Pa tsy ( B ru c e) McM u llin , Calgary, AB. Chris was predeceased by paternal grandfather Paul Stannix, maternal grandfather Raymond Little. Visitation will be held in Atlantic Funeral Home, 6552 Bayers Road, Halifax on April 18 from 7-9 p.m. and April 19 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Services will be held 2 p.m. April 20, 2007 at Stadacona Chapel, CFB Stadacona, Halifax. Burial will be in Rockland Cemetery, McAdam, New Brunswick.   Jun 28, 2007 1   Statement from the family of Master Cpl. Christopher Paul Stannix   No other information or photos are available at this time. Jun 28, 2007 1 Corporal Kevin Megeney, Reserve -1st Battalion, The Nova Scotia Highlanders DND OTTAWA, Ontario ? Corporal Kevin Megeney, a Reserve member of the 1st Battalion, The Nova Scotia Highlanders (North), serving at Kandahar Airfield, succumbed to a gunshot wound shortly after 7 p.m. Kandahar time today. Corporal Megeney was 25 years of age. No further details are available at this time regarding the circumstances surrounding this incident, although enemy action has been ruled out, since the incident occurred within the secure confines of Kandahar Airfield. Joint Task Force Afghanistan's National Investigation Service Detachment is investigating this incident. "My husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond and I were grieved to hear of the incident that took the life of Corporal Kevin Megeney, a Reserve member of the 1st Battalion, The Nova Scotia Highlanders (North). We salute Corporal Megeney's commitment and devotion to duty. We also honour our soldiers' families, who understand the importance of fighting for this cause, in which we all have the greatest hope," said Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada. "On behalf of all Canadians, we offer our sincere condolences to Corporal Megeney's family and friends." The soldier, Cpl. Kevin Megeney, was shot in the chest, the family told CBC News on Tuesday. Cpl. Kevin Megeney, shown in an undated photo, was a 25-year-old reservist from Stellarton, N.S., who volunteered to go to Afghanistan in the fall of 2006. (DND) The Defence Department would only confirm that Megeney died of a gunshot wound shortly after 7 p.m. local time. "Enemy action has been ruled out, since the incident occurred within the secure confines of Kandahar airfield," the Defence Department said in a news release. Military officials are investigating the incident, the release said. The 25-year-old, a reservist from Stellarton, volunteered to go to Afghanistan in the fall as part of the militia with 1st Battalion Nova Scotia Highlanders.   Jun 28, 2007 1 Cpl Kevin Megeney (March 6, 2007) No information available at this time Jun 28, 2007 1   Statement from the family of Cpl. Kevin Megeney   His uncle, George Megeney, said the family was informed of the incident around 10 a.m. today. Cpl. Megeney went to Afghanistan in the fall as a volunteer with the Nova Scotia Highlanders Militia. He was apparently in his tent when he was shot, his sister Lisa said from the Stellarton home of her parents, Dexter and Karen Megeney. "It was friendly fire, that?s all I know," she said through tears.   No other information or photos are available at this time. Jun 28, 2007 1 Chief Warrant Officer Robert Girouard, the Regimental Sergeant Major of the 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group Last Updated: Monday, November 27, 2006 | 7:38 AM ET A suicide car bomber struck a military convoy near the southern Afghan city of Kandahar on Monday, killing two Canadian soldiers, NATO says. Chief Warrant Officer Robert Girouard, the Regimental Sergeant Major of the 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group was one of the soldiers killed in this suicide attack. A Canadian soldier takes note over the wreckage of a suicide bomber's vehicle after the attack near Kandahar. (Allauddin Khan/AP) Maj. Luke Knittig, a spokesman for the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force, said Chief Warrant Officer Robert Girouard were helping with reconstruction projects in an area where there has been heavy fighting in recent months. "It is a sad day. Every time we lose soldiers, it is a sad day," he said. Provincial police chief Ismatullah Alizai said the attack occurred near a gate that leads to the city of Kandahar after the bomber drove up to a military convoy. He said the attack killed one Afghan civilian and wounded another. Canadian soldiers load a colleague's body into a helicopter after the attack. (Allauddin Khan/AP) The deaths mean 44 Canadian soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan since Ottawa first sent troops to the troubled country in early 2002.Canada has more than 2,000 troops in the country, with the majority stationed in the volatile province of Kandahar.   Jun 28, 2007 1 C hief Warrant Officer Robert Girouard, the Regimental Sergeant Major of the 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group (November 27, 2006) Soldier son pays tribute to fallen father Andrew Thomson CFB PETAWAWA, Ont. - Pte. Robert Girouard Jr.'s voice cracked a few times during Wednesday's eulogy for his personal hero, but it didn't break. He stood tall at the podium, itself a tribute to his fallen regimental sergeant major. ''He was an example to his men and peers, and nothing less than in idol to myself,'' said the 23-year-old member of 1st Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment. ''He was over there to keep his family here safe. Rest in peace Dad, you've earned it.'' Girouard's father, Chief Warrant Officer Robert Girouard, was killed Nov. 27 when a suicide bomber attacked his Bison armoured vehicle on a highway near Kandahar. The popular regimental sergeant major of 1RCR is the highest-ranked enlisted Canadian serviceman to die in Afghanistan. The Bison's driver, 36-year-old Cpl. Albert Storm, of Fort Erie, Ont., was also killed. About 1,000 soldiers and civilians attended Girouard's funeral at a regimental building on the base. The two-hour service highlighted ''Bobby'' as a hopelessly devoted husband, proud father, longtime minor hockey coach and feared defenceman, and a dedicated and professional soldier who believed in the Afghan mission. ''He was the glue that kept the battle group motivated and kept morale high,'' said Maj. Peter Scott of 1RCR. ''He was idolized by all. Everyone from all ranks looked up to him.'' As 1RCR's appointed regimental sergeant major, Girouard was a sort of father figure for enlisted soldiers, responsible for overseeing their well-being and discipline while also forming a close partnership with commanding officers. His professionalism and personality made him a beloved figure with both groups at CFB Petawawa. Several troops stood silently in front of the simple altar of photos and flowers after the service, wiping away tears while bowed in silent prayer. The deadly attack occurred during an escort mission to the nearby Panjawaii region for Lt.-Col. Omer Lavoie, the RCR's commanding officer. From Afghanistan, Lavoie sent an emotional message about his ''confidante, adviser and friend,'' read aloud during the funeral. He said the regiment's command posts across southern Afghanistan ''fell silent'' with grief the morning of Girouard's death. ''He took care of his soldiers, and died doing it,'' Lavoie wrote. ''They loved and respected him. He would want us to finish the job, and we will.'' Originally from BatHearse, N.B., Girouard enlisted in 1979. He was appointed regimental sergeant major in 2005 and arrived in Afghanistan in August as part of Operation Archer. He previously served in Bosnia, West Germany and Norway. Girouard is survived by wife Jacqueline and three children: Robert Jr., daughter Jocelyn, 21, and son Michel, 20 - also planning a military career as an air force pilot. Girouard was interred at Beechwood National Military Cemetery in Ottawa.   Jun 28, 2007 1   Statement from the family of Chief Warrant Officer Robert Girouard, the Regimental Sergeant Major of the 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group   No other information or photos are available at this time. Jun 28, 2007 1 Cpl. Albert Storm from the 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group 36 Last Updated: Monday, November 27, 2006 | 7:38 AM ET A suicide car bomber struck a military convoy near the southern Afghan city of Kandahar on Monday, killing two Canadian soldiers, NATO says. Cpl. Albert Storm from the 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group was one of the soldiers killed in this suicide attack. A Canadian soldier takes note over the wreckage of a suicide bomber's vehicle after the attack near Kandahar. (Allauddin Khan/AP) Maj. Luke Knittig, a spokesman for the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force, said Cpl. Albert Storm from the 1st Battalion were helping with reconstruction projects in an area where there has been heavy fighting in recent months. "It is a sad day. Every time we lose soldiers, it is a sad day," he said. Provincial police chief Ismatullah Alizai said the attack occurred near a gate that leads to the city of Kandahar after the bomber drove up to a military convoy. He said the attack killed one Afghan civilian and wounded another. Canadian soldiers load a colleague's body into a helicopter after the attack. (Allauddin Khan/AP) The deaths mean 44 Canadian soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan since Ottawa first sent troops to the troubled country in early 2002.Canada has more than 2,000 troops in the country, with the majority stationed in the volatile province of Kandahar. Cpl. Albert Storm,  reminisced about past missions and mused about his planned retirement a few years down the road on the day before his death, a friend said Tuesday. Storm, 36, a Fort Erie, Ont., native, and Chief Warrant Officer Bobby Girouard, 46, of BatHearse, N.B., his battalion's regimental sergeant major and a 29-year military veteran, were killed Monday when a suicide bomber attacked their Bison armoured personnel carrier just outside Kandahar city. Storm, a decorated soldier who had served in trouble spots around the globe, was just three years from retirement, according to a friend, Cpl. William Guse. Guse, a medic, served with Storm over 14 years ago and had coffee with him on Sunday. "I bought him a coffee and we talked about the past and what we had done in the past," said Guse, with a catch in his voice. "We kind of reminisced a bit and he was talking about planning for his retirement." "He was a soldier. He died doing what he wanted to do, he thoroughly enjoyed the army. He enjoyed it as much as he enjoyed planning for his retirement too." Guse didn't know Girouard as well personally, but said he was his platoon warrant officer in battle school. "He had a definite hand in shaping me as a soldier and a man. I can honestly say that," said Guse, who was born in Victoria. "I'm a better soldier for him having been my platoon warrant in battle school." Guse said he feels for the families of both men but won't allow himself to grieve while still in Afghanistan. That is something he will do when he returns home. Prime Minister Stephen Harper was among those extending condolences to family and friends of the fallen soldiers on Tuesday, saying their "resolve and courage" represented Canadian "values and beliefs in the finest tradition." "We stand united in pride and pledge to remember their sacrifice," the prime minister added in a statement issued in Ottawa in which he said Canada would "not be deterred from the mission to assist the Afghan people achieve greater stability and security." "Our progress is gradual but we are determined to achieve irreversible success," he said. ". . . I know that Canadians stand proudly behind our Canadian Forces as they carry out this mission." Storm's older brother, George, remembered his sibling as someone who loved the service. "As a soldier, he was proud to be one," he said from his home in Kenora, Ont.. "As a person, he was the best. He would do anything for anyone." George Storm said he was informed of his brother's death "in the wee hours of the morning," when a colonel from the 116th Battle Regiment knocked on his door. He said he had the unhappy task of informing their elderly father, sister Beverly and another brother Frank, who is still in the Niagara area. "I'm the eldest. It was my job." Girouard, a father of three, had been with his family in BatHearse just last week, finishing a three-week leave said his brother, Peter. Peter Girouard recalled that his brother was concerned about the situation in the war zone. "His mood? It is depressing over there. Any war is, I guess, depressing," he said. "Last week he was with his family and he was probably heartbroken he was leaving his family again," Peter Girouard said. He said the family had celebrated an early Christmas, knowing Bobby wouldn't be with them on Dec. 25. "It was a celebration week before he left to go over, not knowing it would be his last week," Peter said. Asked for recollections of his brother, he described him as a serious man who loved his native province's expansive woodlands, where he walked the forests and loved to fish. Both soldiers served with the Royal Canadian Regiment, based in Petawawa, Ont.. It was the first deadly strike against the Canadians in six weeks, shattering a period of relative calm.   Jun 28, 2007 1 Cpl. Albert Storm from the 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group (November 27, 2006) Hundreds pay respects to fallen Canadian soldier Updated Fri. Dec. 8 2006 1:55 PM ET Canadian Press ST. CATHARINES, Ont. -- Hundreds of mourners gathered Friday to say goodbye to Cpl. Albert Storm, one of two soldiers recently killed by a suicide bomber in southern Afghanistan. Storm, who received a full military funeral at the armoury in St. Catharines, Ont., was to be laid to rest at the foot of his mother's grave. The 36-year-old native of Fort Erie, Ont., was a decorated soldier who had served in trouble spots around the globe. Storm's commanding officer, Maj. Peter Scott, told mourners his slain comrade was a "modest and humble individual'' and "a model soldier who gave his all in everything he did.'' The burly Storm was renowned for his physical strength, and could weightlift 350 pounds, Scott recalled. "Albert was the kind of guy who when asked to dig a hole, would probably dig all the way to China if you didn't tell him to stop,'' Scott said. "That was the way Stormy was: quiet, but a force to be reckoned with.'' Storm was the father of two children -- 13-year old Joshua and 11-year-old Danika. He was three years from retiring from the Forces. Storm and Chief Warrant Officer Bobby Girouard, 46, were in an armoured personnel carrier when a civilian vehicle drove alongside and detonated explosives on Nov. 27. Their flag-draped caskets were returned to Canada last Friday in a repatriation ceremony at CFB Trenton. Both men served with the Royal Canadian Regiment based in Petawawa, Ont. Storm was an army cadet prior to enlisting in the Canadian Forces in 1990, and was later deployed to Bosnia and Croatia. He was on his second tour of duty in Afghanistan.     Jun 28, 2007 1   Statement from the family of Cpl. Albert Storm from the 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group   11-year-old awarded tragic yet historic honour GREGORY BONNELL Canadian Press   ST. CATHARINES, Ont. ? Eleven-year-old Danika Storm was bestowed a tragic yet historic honour at her father's funeral Friday when military brass informed her she had become the youngest-ever recipient of the Memorial Cross. Cpl. Albert Storm, one of two soldiers killed by a suicide bomber in Afghanistan last week, lost his own mother years earlier and was divorced from the mother of his two children.   No other information or photos are available at this time. Jun 28, 2007 Sgt. Darcy Tedford, 1st Battalion, Royal Canadian RegimentSgt. Darcy Tedford, 1st Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment 1 Sgt. Darcy Tedford, 1st Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment October 14 2006   Kandahar, Afghanistan Sgt. Darcy Tedford was killed on October 14 when his unit was ambushed near the new Panjwayi development road, 25km West of Kandahar City. Canadian units quickly responded to the attack and became involved in a three-hour battle with insurgents. The Panjwayi development road, which is being built by the Canadian Provincial Reconstruction Team and other Canadian units, is vital to Afghan development and progress in the area. Sgt. Darcy Tedford of the 1st Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment based at eastern Ontario's CFB Petawawa. the age and hometown have not yet been released. Three soldiers who served with Sgt Tedford told The Canadian Press that they have been instructed to not speak publicly for at least a day. The soldiers were guarding a Canadian road construction project west of Kandahar city when they were attacked. He was killed when a rocket-propelled grenade exploded over their heads as they were outside their armoured vehicles.     Jun 28, 2007 Sgt. Darcy Tedford EulogySgt. Darcy Tedford Eulogy 1 Sgt. Darcy Tedford, 1st Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment (October 14, 2006) Wife, daughters mourn at burial Oct. 25, 2006. 10:42 AM CANADIAN PRESS   Sgt. Darcy Tedford, a 32-year-old father of four who grew up in Nova Scotia and was killed in an Oct. 14 Taliban ambush, was buried yesterday at the National Military Cemetery in Ottawa. OTTAWA ? Sgt. Darcy Tedford?s widow gently stroked her husband?s beret and medals as he was laid to rest today at the national war cemetery. Family, friends and comrades from the Royal Canadian Regiment gathered at the graveside under a grey sky to pay their last respects following a private funeral service. With her two young daughters by her side, Charmaine Tedford was presented with her husband?s beret, medals and the Canadian flag that had been draped across his coffin. No family members or friends spoke at the burial, but Charmaine and daughter Kaeleigh touched the coffin in a final tearful farewell. Tedford, 32, was killed in Afghanistan along with Pte. Blake Williamson on Oct. 14. They were patrolling a road west of Kandahar when their unit was ambushed by Taliban insurgents, who fired a flurry of rocket-propelled grenades and small arms. Several Canadian soldiers have died along the stretch of road, which is under construction in the Panjwaii district. Tedford, based at CFB Petawawa, Ont., was remembered by friends serving overseas as a quietly confident soldier who had several deployments to his credit. In an interview shortly after both men were killed, Capt. Ryan Carey said Tedford could be relied on for wise advice.       Jun 28, 2007 Statement from the family of Sgt. Darcy TedfordStatement from the family of Sgt. Darcy Tedford 1   Statement from the family of Sgt. Darcy Tedford No other information or photos are available from the family at this time. Jun 28, 2007 Pte. Blake Williamson, 1st Battalion, Royal Canadian RegimentPte. Blake Williamson, 1st Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment 1 Pte. Blake Williamson, 1st Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment October 14 2006   Kandahar, Afghanistan Pte Blake Williamson was killed on October 14 when his unit was ambushed near the new Panjwayi development road, 25km West of Kandahar City. Canadian units quickly responded to the attack and became involved in a three-hour battle with insurgents. The Panjwayi development road, which is being built by the Canadian Provincial Reconstruction Team and other Canadian units, is vital to Afghan development and progress in the area. Pte. Blake Williamson of the 1st Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment based at eastern Ontario's CFB Petawawa. the ages and hometown have not yet been released. Three soldiers who served with Pte. Williamson told The Canadian Press that they have been instructed to not speak publicly for at least a day. The soldiers were guarding a Canadian road construction project west of Kandahar city when they were attacked. He was killed when a rocket-propelled grenade exploded over their heads as they were outside their armoured vehicles.   Jun 28, 2007 Pte. Blake Williamson EulogyPte. Blake Williamson Eulogy 1 Pte. Blake Williamson, 1st Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment (October 14, 2006) Loss 'difficult,' father writes Oct. 25, 2006. 10:43 AM CANADIAN PRESS   Private Blake Williamson's coffin lay bathed in blazing autumn sunlight Saturday, piled with red and white roses placed by grieving family and friends. Williamson was 23 when he and Sergeant Darcy Tedford were killed on a road west of Kandahar, Afghanistan, that Canadians are helping to build and protect. Anti-government insurgents ambushed the Canadian unit with rocket-propelled grenades and gunfire. Both men were from the 1st Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment, and based at CFB Petawawa. Williamson had called nearby Ottawa home in recent years. Dozens of his friends, most in their 20s, huddled against a wintery wind, many wiping away tears, as the military interment ceremony unfolded. At the outset, eight regimental comrades in full red dress slowly carried the flag-draped coffin into the open, grassy area of the National Military Cemetery where he would be buried. Williamson's mother Heather Anderson, stepfather Gary Benedict, sister Reid Williamson and brother Ryan Williamson followed behind while a bagpiper played Amazing Grace. Lieutenant Bruce McKay of the Royal Canadian Navy presided at the service. "We will grieve, we'll be sad, we'll go through and at times there'll be a flash of memory of Blake," McKay said. "But there is a mystery about this. The mystery is that life does not end at the grave." Later, the military pallbearers methodically folded the Canadian flag draped over the coffin and carefully handed it from soldier to soldier until it was finally placed on his mother's lap. Anderson smiled and patted the hand of the soldier who gave her the flag as he knelt before her. Williamson's father, Neil, wrote a letter that appeared Saturday in newspapers in Ottawa and London commending the military for the respect they show families in the aftermath of a soldier's death. "It is difficult to lose a 23-year-old son but the respect, precision, patience, understanding and complete focus on the families suffering this loss is overwhelming," Neil Williamson wrote. Williamson's simple grey headstone joins a growing number at the National Military Cemetery that mark the final resting places of soldiers killed in Afghanistan.       Jun 28, 2007 Statement from the family of Pte. Blake WilliamsonStatement from the family of Pte. Blake Williamson 1   Statement from the family of Pte. Blake Williamson Letter from Pte. Blake Williamson's Father: On the evening of Saturday Oct. 14, 2006, I received the news that no dad wishes for. My oldest son and first born had been killed in Afghanistan doing his job alongside his sergeant while on patrol guarding a road that has been problematic to protect. A road that will link a major highway to better offer services and necessary supplies to the nearby residents of Panjwaii district. As Brig.-Gen. David Fraser said earlier, the Taliban do not like roads because roads mean progress and aid to the residents. It was my son?s wishes to serve his country as many of his grandparents, uncles and family friends had many years earlier. But the rest of the story is, what happens when the news and the full support of the Canadian military comes into play? (It includes) condolences for our loss to transportation, support, aid, providing a chaplain and dedicated military warrant officer for each family upon arrival at (CFB) Trenton for the repatriation ceremony. Blake?s grandmother and I were greeted at the entrance to the passenger terminal and never left alone or unattended. After being escorted into a family hospitality reception lounge, coffee, teas, sandwiches, dessert and flowers were provided. Chaplain Morrison, who had served in Afghanistan, was there to explain the ceremony and offer spiritual support. Master warrant officer Ron Clement was present to offer whatever support, explanations and directions to the family. From my perspective, having watched television of this ceremony prior to this loss, I believed that although the governor-general and senior-ranking military officers may be in attendance, it was to deliver speeches. That does not occur. Instead, the ceremony is reserved solely to pay respect for the loss to the families and military. There are no speeches and photo ops on the tarmac, just the honour guard, piper and pallbearers, some of whom would have known my son. The gove rnor-general, cabinet politicians and those very senior officers (in) attendance come into each of those hospitality suites on a one-to-one basis. They enter in perhaps twos, introduce themselves, and offer their condolences, admitting they never know what to say in these cases, except that they appreciate what the family has given up in the service of Canada and its commitment to Afghanistan. It was sheer amazement to myself and my mother that such personal attention and sincere focus was being given directly to the families in this private setting by such senior Canadian figures. Once the aircraft has arrived and the repatriation service is ready to commence the families are escorted to the tarmac on the receiving line. The caskets containing the sons are lowered one by one to the pallbearers after a military honour guard salute, and to the tune of the piper. The pallbearers, many made up of friends and perhaps those who served with the son lost, slowly escort each casket on shoulders across the quiet tarmac to the awaiting vehicles. The family then separately approaches the casket to lay flowers and pay their private respects. The family returns to the receiving line. The next casket is lowered and when all family have completed their visit they depart to awaiting limos to be escorted off the field while the . . . senior officers and the governor-general stand in respect and (are) the last to leave the field. Again, in respect to those lost. It is difficult to lose a 23-year-old son but the respect, precision, patience, understanding and complete focus on the families suffering this loss is overwhelming. On behalf of families who have experienced this repatriation service I wish to say thank you to all those who organize such a sorrowful event for their professionalism, respect and sharing of loss they provide to the families in this time of grief. Neil Williamson.   No other information or photos are available at this time. Jun 28, 2007 Trooper Mark Wilson of the Royal Canadian DragoonsTrooper Mark Wilson of the Royal Canadian Dragoons 1 Trooper Mark Wilson of the Royal Canadian Dragoons Trooper Mark Wilson of the Royal Canadian Dragoons. Married, father of two. 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. ? Prime Minister Stephen Harper The Pashmul area is where the Canadian Forces have been focusing their efforts during Phase 4 of Operation MEDUSA, the reconstruction and development phase. The IED blast occurred within 1 km of the two most recent incidents which took the lives of three Canadian soldiers. Canadian troops in Afghanistan are serving alongside soldiers and civilians from 36 countries under the NATO-led, UN-mandated International Security Assistance Force. A key part of Canada's 'whole of government' assistance to Afghanistan is helping establish the security necessary to promote development.   Jun 28, 2007 Trooper Mark Wilson EulogyTrooper Mark Wilson Eulogy 1 Trooper Mark Wilson of the Royal Canadian Dragoons (October 7, 2006)   1,000 gather for soldier's funeral Oct. 16, 2006. 05:50 PM CANADIAN PRESS   LONDON, Ont. ? The 40th Canadian soldier killed in Afghanistan since 2002 was remembered today for his passion for the Canadian Forces and how he had embraced his profession. Pete Sanford, the godfather of Trooper Mark Wilson, tried to help family and friends come to grips with their loss, telling those gathered at the funeral for the fallen soldier that it was time to celebrate Wilson's life. "We all have our special moments that we have shared with Mark which we will always cherish," said Sanford. Sanford also spoke of Wilson's love for the Canadian Forces, which he joined four years ago. "Training and exercises for some were trials of endurance, but for Mark, they were the personification of his passions." About 1,000 people packed a military funeral for Wilson at Mary Immaculate Church in the southwestern Ontario city of London, where a few hundred more gathered outside to listen to the service on speakers. Among the overflow crowd was a group of about 100 school children carrying paper Canadian flags and several veterans. Wilson, 39, was killed in a roadside bomb attack over the Thanksgiving long weekend about 25 kilometres west of Kandahar. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Dragoons based in Petawawa, Ontario. Wilson leaves behind his wife, Dawn, and two sons, Joshua and Benjamin. Many London, Ont., homes and businesses have put up yellow ribbons to show their support for the Wilson family and for all Canadian soldiers serving overseas.   Jun 28, 2007 Statement from the family of Trooper Mark WilsonStatement from the family of Trooper Mark Wilson 1   Statement from the family of Trooper Mark Wilson of the Royal Canadian Dragoons Family And Friends Mourn Latest Soldier Killed In Afghanistan Sunday October 8, 2006 Relatives and friends of the 40th Canadian soldier killed in Afghanistan struggled to give thanks Sunday, and instead gathered in grief over the loss of a loved one. On Sunday, those that knew and loved trooper Mark Andrew Wilson met in a London, Ont. home still marked by yellow ribbons. "We put the ribbons up when he left for Afghanistan in August," said Wilson's mother Carolyn. "We weren't going to take them down until he returned," she added. The 39-year-old father of two was a trooper with the Petawawa-based Royal Canadian Dragoons, and died of bomb injuries as he rode in a Nyala armoured truck en route to pick up other troops in the Panjwaii district of southern Afghanistan. He leaves behind wife Dawn and sons Josh, 17, and Ben, 11. Wilson also had a tight-knit family that included 35-year-old twin brothers and a 28-year-old sister. "He was my caretaker, my biggest big brother," said sister Andrea.He was the kind of guy everybody loved," said brother Sean. "He was the one who was always smiling." Wilson is described as an outdoor enthusiast who before joining the army at 35 tried his hand at many occupations including a bed and breakfast with his wife. But family say the army was his true calling. "He said `I can't believe they would pay me to do this,' " said brother Sean. "He absolutely loved it, he said he would have volunteered to do it." That pride and enthusiasm may help explain Wilson's fairly positive outlook on the Canadian mission in Afghanistan. "We can definitely make a difference in the lives of many, many people who are in such need of the assistance," he wrote in an online entry during the summer. Of course there was sorrow for Wilson in Afghanistan also. Last week friends Cpl. Robert Mitchell and another member of the Dragoons were killed in a mortar attack. "He sounded really upset because his friend had been killed," said Wilson's mother. "I think he sounded really, really frightened. "He said, `I know we're doing a good job, but it's so horrible, we don't know who our enemy is.' Similarly, the Wilson family, through their grieving maintains their support for the Canadian armed forces. "We support the military and I am so proud of (Mark)," said Wilson's dad Carl. "He loved what he was doing, he knew it was dangerous but he was proud. And I am proud because he was."   - October 10, 2006 Josh, Ben and I are still reeling from the news we received regarding Mark?s death. Mark very proudly served his country and died for a cause he believed in. He will be sadly and forever missed by his wife and sons, as well as by his parents, siblings, and extended family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the troops of his regiment, those deployed in Khandahar and at CFB Petawawa. We also send our deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones while serving in Afghanistan.   No other information or photos are available at this time. Jun 28, 2007 Cpl. Robert Thomas James Mitchell Royal Canadian DragoonsCpl. Robert Thomas James Mitchell Royal Canadian Dragoons 1 Cpl. Robert Thomas James Mitchell Royal Canadian Dragoons OTTAWA, Ontario ? Cpl.  Robert Thomas James Mitchell was killed on 3 October in an attack on International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) troops. Both soldiers were members of the Royal Canadian Dragoons, based in Petawawa, Ontario. The attack occurred at approximately 4:50 p.m. Kandahar time, about 20 km west of Kandahar City, as ISAF forces worked to clear a route of mines and improvised explosive devices for a future road construction project. A number of ISAF soldiers, including Canadians, suffered injuries in the attack. All of the injured Canadian soldiers have non-life threatening injuries. They are being treated at the Canadian-led multinational hospital at Kandahar Airfield.   "This is a time of mourning," Maj. James Follwell, regimental second-in-command with the Dragoons, told reporters in Petawawa yesterday. "Everyone in the regiment back home is feeling it, but we are also determined to ensure these soldiers and others did not die in vain." Mitchell, who joined the military in 2001 and had been in Afghanistan since August, is survived by his wife, Leanne Hass, who was recently accepted into the OPP, and their three children, ages 2, 3 and 5. Described as keen and well-respected, Mitchell was also remembered for his athleticism and "high-endurance personality." He competed in gruelling ironman races, Follwell said. Mitchell had also applied to JTF2, the military's elite commando unit, Follwell said.     Jun 28, 2007 Cpl. Robert Thomas James Mitchell EulogyCpl. Robert Thomas James Mitchell Eulogy 1 Cpl . Robert Thomas James Mitchell Royal Canadian Dragoons (October 3, 2006) Soldier had ties to Niagara Oct. 5, 2006. 01:09 AM TORSTAR NEWS SERVICE   The tragedy of war came home to Niagara with news that one of two soldiers killed in Afghanistan Tuesday had ties to the region. Corporal Robert Mitchell, 32, who was born and raised in Owen Sound, attended Niagara College and lived in Niagara Falls. A former neighbour, who knew him only briefly, burst into tears when he heard the news yesterday. "He was just a nice gentleman," said Vic Mealing who lived next to Mitchell, his wife Leanne and their three young children. "They were very friendly, a lovely couple." Mealing said the family moved out west within a couple of years of buying the house on Palmer Avenue in Niagara Falls. Mitchell's first posting out of Niagara College was with the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry in Edmonton. Later he served with the Royal Canadian Regiment and most recently with the Royal Canadian Dragoons as part of the NATO mission in Afghanistan. His family had moved into a new home near CFB Petawawa just days before he was deployed overseas. During her husband's tour of duty, Leanne was raising their children, 5, 3 and 2, and studying to become a police officer. Reached at her home, the grieving widow asked for privacy but said she would be releasing a statement soon. Her father, Gary Hass of Fort Erie, said Mitchell felt strongly about the work he was doing in Afghanistan. "(Mitchell) was dedicated to his family and dedicated to his military career." His parents, Carol and Bob, left Owen Sound for Petawawa. Mitchell had been in Afghanistan since early August.     Jun 28, 2007 Statement from the family of Cpl. Robert Thomas James MitchellStatement from the family of Cpl. Robert Thomas James Mitchell 1   Statement from the family of Cpl. Robert Thomas James Mitchell Royal Canadian Dragoons   October 10, 2006 First and foremost, we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Craig Gillam, and also to the other families that have lost loved ones in Afghanistan. Ours is a shared tragedy. We understand the difficult times you are going through, and our thoughts and prayers are with you. Robert will be remembered in many ways. To his friends, he was the guy who would cross the finish line of a 50 km Ironman, a smile still beaming on his face, with enough left in him to go for a long jog the next day. To his regiment he was the consummate professional soldier with limitless potential. To us, his family, he was a dedicated father, a loving son, and an amazing husband. It was pride in this country, respect for his regiment, and his devotion to duty that led Robert to Afghanistan. His support and belief in the importance of the mission was unwavering. As a proud Canadian, he took upon himself the obligation of this nation to help those around the globe less fortunate than we. His life was one of quiet dedication and service: it was far too short, but far from empty. Those who knew him were enriched by the experience. The world is somehow lesser without him in it. He will be truly and dearly missed. Loving Friends and Family   No other information or photos are available at this time. Jun 28, 2007 Sergeant Craig Paul Gillam Royal Canadian DragoonsSergeant Craig Paul Gillam Royal Canadian Dragoons 1 Sergeant Craig Paul Gillam Royal Canadian Dragoons OTTAWA, Ontario ? Sergeant Craig Paul Gillam awas killed on 3 October in an attack on International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) troops. Both soldiers were members of the Royal Canadian Dragoons, based in Petawawa, Ontario. The attack occurred at approximately 4:50 p.m. Kandahar time, about 20 km west of Kandahar City, as ISAF forces worked to clear a route of mines and improvised explosive devices for a future road construction project. A number of ISAF soldiers, including Canadians, suffered injuries in the attack. All of the injured Canadian soldiers have non-life threatening injuries. They are being treated at the Canadian-led multinational hospital at Kandahar Airfield. The Honourable Gordon O?Connor, Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement today on the deaths of Sergeant Craig Paul Gillam and Corporal Robert Thomas James Mitchell: ?Two Canadian soldiers, Sergeant Craig Paul Gillam and Corporal Robert Thomas James Mitchell, were killed today in the Panjwayi area in Afghanistan, and I extend my deepest condolences, on behalf of all Canadians, to their family and friends. These soldiers lost their lives in a mission to prevent Afghanistan from reverting to a safe haven for terrorists and their destructive networks. Canada will remain forever grateful for their service, and we are all saddened by this loss.? Gillam, 40, was about a month away from a visit home to Petawawa, where he planned to spend time with his wife, Maureen, and two teenage children. Sergeant Craig Paul Gillam  was a  member of the Royal Canadian Dragoons, based in Petawawa, Ontario. Jun 28, 2007 Sergeant Craig Paul Gillam EulogySergeant Craig Paul Gillam Eulogy 1 Sergeant Craig Paul Gillam (October 3, 2006) Insurgents smash plan for joyful reunion Slain soldier was eager to see family Talked to wife just hours before death Oct. 5, 2006. 10:19 AM DEBRA BLACK STAFF REPORTER -The Star   The news came out of the blue for the wife of Sgt. Craig Paul Gillam, and left her crippled with disbelief and grief. It simply made no sense. Early Tuesday morning, Maureen Gillam received a call from her husband Paul. He called her from Afghanistan, where his unit, the Royal Canadian Dragoons, was on a mission, patrolling near Kandahar. They had much to discuss since Gillam, 40, was scheduled to come home on leave Nov. 3. His tour in Afghanistan was to end in March. Everyone was excited about his impending return, especially his teenage son and daughter. But that joyful homecoming was not to be. Only a few hours after speaking to her husband, Maureen heard the news every military spouse dreads ? Gillam had been killed, along with Cpl. Robert Thomas James Mitchell, during an attack by a handful of insurgents armed with rocket-propelled grenades and assault rifles. Five other Canadian soldiers were wounded. The two men were the first members of the Royal Canadian Dragoons killed while serving in Afghanistan. Gillam, born in South Branch, Nfld., began his 20-year-military career at CFB Petawawa, Ont., and then spent 17 years at CFB Gagetown, N.B. He and his family returned to Petawawa last year. This was Gillam's first deployment to Afghanistan. He was "very realistic, very approachable, very professional and a tremendous leader," Maj. James Follwell, Regimental Second in Command of the Royal Canadian Dragoons, told a CFB Petawawa news conference. Gillam loved martial arts and was an unarmed combat instructor. He was also active in the community, playing hockey as well as coaching minor hockey, military officials said. "He was a wonderful husband, a loving father," Cindy Septon, his sister, told the Toronto Star . Maureen and Paul had been high school sweethearts. Septon flew in from Fredericton on Tuesday night to be with her sister-in-law and niece and nephew. Gillam's parents, Graham and Agnes, were scheduled to fly in from Newfoundland yesterday. "His family was what mattered most in his life," Septon said in a telephone interview. "His biggest and proudest accomplishments are his two children. "He was a dedicated son, a prankster. ... He had a generous spirit. He was always willing to give a hand when anyone needed it ? even if it was the shirt off his back." Mitchell's parents, Carol and Bob, chartered a plane from their home in Owen Sound to join Mitchell's wife, Leanne, and the couple's three children ? aged 5, 3 and 2 ? in Petawawa. Leanne is studying to become a police officer. The family had moved into a new home not far from the base only days before Mitchell went overseas. Mitchell, who had been in Afghanistan since early August, was a graduate of Niagara College. The 32-year-old spent part of his youth in Owen Sound, where he attended high school. He joined the military in 2001 and his first posting was with the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry in Edmonton. This was also his first deployment to Afghanistan and his first foreign assignment. According to military officials, Mitchell was extremely athletic, competing in two high-endurance contests in the military ? the iron man competition, which is run out of CFB Petawawa, and the mountain man competition held at CFB Edmonton. Mitchell was "extremely keen and well respected and he liked what he did in the military," said Follwell. "(Mitchell) was dedicated to his family and dedicated to his military career," said his father-in-law, Gary Hass of Fort Erie. Mitchell, Gillam and other Canadians were providing security for road construction about 20 kilometres west of Kandahar when they were attacked.       Jun 28, 2007 Statement from the family of Sergeant Craig Paul GillamStatement from the family of Sergeant Craig Paul Gillam 1   Statement from the family of Sergeant Craig Paul Gillam   (CP) - The horrors of a far-off war reached deep into a tiny Newfoundland community Wednesday as word trickled out that one of their own was among Afghanistan's latest casualties. Rita Gillam was at her home in South Branch when she learned late Tuesday evening that her beloved nephew had been killed in an attack by insurgents armed with rocket-propelled grenades and assault rifles outside Kandahar city. The grieving relative said she was stunned by the news that Sgt. Craig Paul Gillam was dead, just days after she had spoken to him and he talked of coming home. "He was a wonderful man, a wonderful child. . . . He was just so good," she said from the community of about 150 people on Newfoundland's southwestern tip. No other information or photos are available at this time.         Craig Gillam, his daughter Gale, wife Maureen and son Stephen. Submitted photo Jun 28, 2007 Private Josh Klukie Bravo Company of the First Battalion, Royal Canadian RegimentPrivate Josh Klukie Bravo Company of the First Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment 1 Private Josh Klukie Bravo Company of the First Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(CCNMatthews - Sept. 30, 2006) - The Honourable Gordon O'Connor, Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement today on the death of Private Josh Klukie: "On behalf of the Defence family and our brave men and women in uniform I extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Private Josh Klukie. This brave soldier gave his life providing hope for a brighter future, free from hardship and struggle, to the people of Afghanistan. Canada is in Afghanistan helping to stabilize and reconstruct the country. Private Klukie gave his life so that the Afghan people have the means to build a better future for themselves and their communities. Canadians stand united in pride and gratitude behind our Canadian Forces. We honour Private Klukie's courage and commitment. His sacrifice will not be forgotten." Private Josh Klukie was a member of 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, based in Petawawa, Ontario, and died from the blast of an Improvised Explosive Device. His death came on the same day that funerals were held in Canada for three other soldiers who were killed Sept. 18 by a suicide bomber.   The flag-draped casket of Pte. Josh Klukie is heading home after a solemn farewell in Afghanistan. The 10th Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan last month was a young private from Thunder Bay, Ont., who the military identified on Saturday. Klukie?s troopmates gave him a final salute on Sunday, wiping tears from their cheeks as they promised to make a pilgrimage to his hometown of Thunder Bay, Ont. when their mission is complete. Jun 28, 2007 Private Josh Klukie EulogyPrivate Josh Klukie Eulogy 1 Private Josh Klukie Bravo Company First Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment   (September 29, 2006) Soldier had bright military future Oct. 3, 2006. 09:31 PM CANADIAN PRESS   KANDAHAR, Afghanistan ? Josh Klukie wore the single chevron of a private in Canada?s infantry, but he inspired reverent tones Sunday from the captains and corporals who led him. Klukie, 23, died Friday, Sept. 29, when he stepped on a powerful explosive booby trap ? an anti-tank mine packed with other explosives and a hair-trigger. Klukie was destined for military greatness, his platoon mates testified Sunday, minutes after sending his remains on the voyage back to Canada. ?It?s easy to be good at this job but it?s extremely rare that guys are great at it,? said Cpl. Mike Blois of Exeter, Ont. ?He was that rare guy who is very great at this job.? Klukie?s unit of the First Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment, was on patrol Friday in the Panjwaii area where Canadians won a fierce battle against Taliban insurgents earlier this month. The patrol by Alpha section, Four platoon, moved onto a dusty road. Several soldiers passed over the hidden trap before Klukie set it off. Insurgents tampered with the mine so even a light footstep would trigger it instead of the weight of an armoured vehicle. Klukie was thrown several metres, with pieces of his equipment flying in all directions. Blois found his friend with the help of an American medic. Klukie was alive but clearly in shock. ?He was breathing, his eyes were moving, he recognized me as soon as I got there,? Blois said. ?He looked right at me but he couldn?t talk.? Blois and the medic applied tourniquets to Klukie?s bleeding limbs. ?I was looking at him, trying to encourage him, but there wasn?t anything I could do,? Blois said. After a few minutes, Klukie stopped breathing and his heart stopped. Blois tried to resuscitate him. ?I started getting on his heart. I think I broke every rib in his body,? Blois said. ?He didn?t suffer, he didn?t feel anything, he wasn?t crying in pain. He was just there, and in shock.? Klukie was among the fittest soldiers in his platoon and a sensitive soul, who was usually the first to recognize when someone was troubled. ?He was a paramedic before he joined the army,? said Pte. Wes Whitfield of Markham, Ont. ``I guess it was just in his nature to pick up on things like that.? Klukie studied Afghanistan and took careful notes on what he learned. He was as likely to pick up a history book as the men?s magazines popular with soldiers. ?I think 1RCR (the battalion) was just a stepping stone for him,? said Whitfield, who started his military career with Klukie three years ago and became his fire team partner on missions. ?A lot of us feel he had a lot of potential to go to (special forces) in the future.? One commander said Klukie was destined to do great things. ?He was the one-in-a-hundred who had a very good future and wanted to do it for life,? said Capt. Piers Pappin, the head of Klukie?s Four Platoon. Pappin said Klukie had doubts about his military career going into the Afghanistan mission. Klukie wasn?t sure how he would handle deaths and injuries to his friends. September?s Operation Medusa, where Canadians scored a conclusive victory over the Taliban, changed that. Four soldiers were killed and more than 40 injured, but Klukie decided he could handle the suffering around him. ?A week ago, he came to me and started the paperwork for re-enlistment and he told me this is what he wanted to do for the rest of his life,? Pappin said. ?It was good for me to hear, because he was one of those soldiers who was going places, for sure.? Pappin said most of his platoon will likely make a pilgrimage to Thunder Bay, Ont., to visit Klukie?s family and grave when their tour of duty ends. Klukie is the 37th Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan since 2002. Jun 28, 2007 Statement from the family of Private Josh KlukieStatement from the family of Private Josh Klukie 1   Statement from the family of Private Josh Klukie   Greg Eby, identified by his father as a friend of the fallen soldier, left a message on the Department of National Defence's message board in September paying tribute to the troops. Klukie's immediate family in Thunder Bay declined to comment on the soldier's death Saturday, but Capt. Jim Davis, a military spokesman, said the Klukie family would organize a press conference next week. The young soldier's family and friends honoured him for the ultimate sacrifice he made for his country. Words of remembrance came from the his family, as well as a Hillcrest High School coach, who dedicated the upcoming basketball season to the former player. David Klukie, the fallen soldier's brother, spoke of the his younger brother's passion for life, his love and commitment to his family, and how proud he was to be a part of the Canadian Service. Picture: Capt. James Davis of the Lake Superior Scottish Regiment escorts Carol Klukie during the funeral service for her son Pte. Josh Klukie in Thunder Bay on Tuesday. Photograph by : Canadian Press No other information or photos are available at this time.         Jun 28, 2007 Cpl. Glen Arnold, 2 Field Ambulance, CFB Petawawa, Ont.Cpl. Glen Arnold, 2 Field Ambulance, CFB Petawawa, Ont. 1 Cpl. Glen Arnold, 2 Field Ambulance, CFB Petawawa, Ont. KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - A Taliban bicycle bomber killed four Canadian soldiers and injured many more as they were mingling with Afghan children yesterday, switching back to guerrilla tactics a day after NATO commanders had declared a two-week offensive against fighters in this region a "significant success." The four slain soldiers have been identified as Cpl. Shane Keating., Cpl Keith Morley and Pte. David Byers, 22, all members of the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry from Shilo, Man. The fourth soldier was identified as Cpl. Glen Arnold, a member of the 2 Field Ambulance, from Petawawa, Ont. The blast happened about 9:30 a.m. yesterday, as a group of Canadian soldiers was patrolling the community of Kafir Band in the Panjwaii combat zone just west of Kandahar city, where they had handed out candies to children earlier in the day. Witnesses say dozens of wary area residents were cautiously approaching the Canadian troops, hoping for promised handouts, when the bomber struck. "I was going to the same place to see if they were giving aid but at once the explosion occurred," said Haji Mohammed, a 35-year-old farmer. "Thank God I didn't get too close. "Everybody was running to their houses. We were hiding because we thought if we went over there we would be shot by someone." The number of troops and Afghans injured is still being determined, but the tally is expected to surpass 40, with NATO confirming 27 civilians wounded, many of them children. Plans are being made to fly 10 Canadian soldiers who were injured to Landsthul, Germany, for further medical treatment. Pending medical assessments, several other soldiers may also be sent to Germany. None of the troops suffered life-threatening injuries, officials said. The Taliban have claimed responsibility for the attack, which also killed the bomber. In Ottawa, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said yesterday the attack illustrates the "evil" Canadian soldiers are fighting and the nobility of their cause. "Nothing more than this incident illustrates the evil that they are fighting and the goodwill and the nobleness of the cause that they are taking to the Afghan people," Mr. Harper told the Commons. The fatal bombing was one of three that claimed the lives of at least 19 people across the country yesterday. Outside a mosque in the western city of Herat, a suicide bomber on a motorcycle killed 11 people and wounded 18 others. In Kabul, a car laden with explosives killed four police officers, while 10 bystanders were injured. The violence this year in Afghanistan marks a downward spiral not seen since the Sept. 11 attacks prompted a U.S.-led invasion in 2001 to try to capture al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and overthrow the Taliban government. The Taliban have regained strength since, but their attacks will not drive Canadian soldiers from Afghanistan, said Canadian Brig.-Gen. David Fraser, commander of NATO forces in the southern region. "We're not going to get deterred from this," he said yesterday afternoon at Kandahar Air Field. "The Taliban continue to attack this country. They continue to attack the people. They attacked children today. That's about as cowardly as you can get." Yesterday's death toll brings the total number of Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan since 2002 to 36. A Canadian diplomat has also been killed. The number of injured has not been disclosed. Nine soldiers have been killed since Operation Medusa, an offensive against the Taliban in Kandahar province, began Sept. 2. The Canadian deaths are part of bloody year for NATO and U.S. forces. Roughly 130, mostly Canadian, American and British, have been killed. NATO commanders say they need 2,500 more soldiers, plus greater air support, to crush the Taliban threat more quickly. The day before the latest blasts, Brig.-Gen. Fraser and Kandahar's governor, Assadullah Khalid, had been talking about the success of Operation Medusa. The Taliban in the area had been crushed, but the threat of more attacks had not been eliminated, they conceded. Since the bulk of the fighting ended last Wednesday, Canadian troops have encountered two suicide bombings and a blast from an improvised explosive device (IED). The presence of suicide bombers and IEDs in an area where, according to NATO, 512 insurgents died and 136 were taken prisoner during two weeks of fighting, doesn't surprise Brig.-Gen. Fraser. "There was no lapse in security," he said. "We knew that the Taliban would revert to other attacks, including attacks like this. "This, unfortunately, is the environment that we have to work in here, and we're trying to bring this back to normal and the Taliban just keep wanting to try and destroy it." Yesterday's foray into the village was part of a bid to restore relations with people in the area. Since Thursday, Canadian troops have been visiting with villagers and smiling and waving at people passing by in vehicles, on foot and on bicycles. Their efforts are part of NATO's plan for severing the Taliban's hold on Kandahar province: Bomb and kill the fighters first, then rebuild schools, water wells and trust amongst locals so that the Taliban won't gain strength again. Not all of the soldiers are comfortable with this role. Sgt. Mike Martin said it's difficult for soldiers to make the transition from killing to mingling with residents. That job, he said, was better suited to soldiers and government workers with Canada's Provincial Reconstruction Team. The suicide bombing weighed on the minds of troops from Petawawa, as they gathered for a barbecue and rare beers in a rock-covered parking lot at the base. For a moment yesterday, it appeared as if the dinner to mark the end of Operation Medusa's battle phase would be cancelled. The troops had encountered their own suicide bomber Sunday on the drive back to Kandahar from a base in the Zhari district. The white van smashed into a light-armoured vehicle, killing one civilian and the bomber and slightly injuring three soldiers. Waving at the children as they continued to Kandahar wasn't easy after that, Capt. Mike Fenton said. "Every time you go outside the wire, everyone knows in the back of your mind it could be you, " he said. "You feel bad for the guys who are just out there because we were just there." Jun 28, 2007 Corporal Glen Arnold UlogyCorporal Glen Arnold Ulogy 1 Corporal Glen Arnold (September 18, 2006) Corporal was 'very much a soldier' Sep. 26, 2006. 08:48 PM GREGORY BONNELL CANADIAN PRESS   ESPANOLA, Ont. - The cenotaph outside this town's legion hall bears the names of 26 soldiers, local men who ``served till death'' in the name of their country. Two more names - the first since 1968 - will soon be etched into the towering grey stone. Pte. David Byers, 22, was born and raised in Espanola, while Cpl. Glen Arnold, 32, grew up just five kilometres away in the tiny northern Ontario hamlet of McKerrow. On Sept. 18, they died together - victims of a suicide attack in Afghanistan that has left their neighbouring hometowns struggling to cope with the loss. ``We care about all the soldiers we lose there, but when it hits home it's devastating,'' Leslie Stewart, a friend of both families who is spearheading a yellow ribbon remembrance campaign, said while sitting at her dining room table, a bolt of ribbon on the kitchen countertop. ``Every person I'm talking to is reacting with shock and disbelief. They want to do something to show the families their support.'' Arnold would travel daily from his hometown - which boasts some 450 residents situated on a handful of roads with one convenience store and a boarded-up tavern - to attend school in Espanola, a town of 5,500 some 70 kilometres west of Sudbury. Arnold's family was equally active in the community; he had relatives working at the massive pulp and paper mill that drives the local economy, while his mother Leona served for years as a school trustee. The loss has proved almost too much for some in a town where everyone knows everyone else, a place that's now dotted with Canadian flags flying at half-mast. ``What can you say? I picked up a (condolence) card today. I have no words,'' said Jackie Ardiel as she tended to chores outside the house where she's lived for 36 years. ``This street alone is like a family. It's two families that have lost their babies. It makes your little problems so tiny.'' Just two weeks ago, Arnold's father George visited the legion hall where he and William Proctor, another local military father, talked about the Canadian mission in Afghanistan. ``When my son was there I hardly slept good,'' Proctor, 75, said during a break in his Wednesday afternoon billiards game at the legion. Proctor's son, who is stationed in Edmonton, was among the soldiers who came home this summer after being relieved by the contingent that included Byers and Arnold. ``I was talking to (Arnold's) dad just two weeks ago. He asked me then if Scotty had come home... He said, `Well, my son just left a couple of weeks ago,''' said Proctor, who moved to Espanola in 1940 - his father was a military policeman who watched over German prisoners sent to northern Ontario during the war. ``Now (my son's) home, and these poor guys. It all just happened so fast and especially so close to home.'' Speaking from her home in McKerrow, Ont. soon after news of her son's death, Arnold's mother said her Arnold was "very much a soldier." Arnold, Byers, Cpl. Shane Keating, 30, of Saskatoon, and Cpl. Keith Morley, 30, of Winnipeg, were killed when a man on a bicycle detonated a bomb near Canadian troops on foot patrol in the Panjwaii district. Byers, Keating and Morley were from the second battalion of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based in Shilo, Man. Arnold was a married father of four stationed with 2 Field Ambulance out of CFB Petawawa. At the southern end of Espanola, two women who work at Home Hardware had the store flags lowered to half-mast as soon as they heard the news. ``I think we're pretty much in shock,'' said Kim Ogston, whose husband works with Byers' uncle at the paper mill. Ogston said she was especially surprised to learn two of the four soldiers were from the Espanola area. ``It's something you always hear about, but you never think it's going to be somebody so close to home,'' she said. Jun 28, 2007 Statement from the family of Corporal Glen ArnoldStatement from the family of Corporal Glen Arnold 1   Statement from the family of Corporal Glen Arnold September 20, 2006 We would like to first send heart felt condolences to the families and friends of the other fallen and injured soldiers. We understand the difficult time you are going through and our prayers are with you. My husband Glen was born in Sudbury, Ont., and raised in McKerrow, Ont., where his loving parents George and Leona reside. He bravely served his country for 14 years during which he deployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina, as a member of DART in Sri Lanka and one previous deployment to Afghanistan. In addition to being a dedicated soldier, we will first and foremost remember Glen as a dedicated father and a loving husband. He was loved and respected and will be dearly missed by all of us. In closing, during this difficult time, as we grieve the loss of a husband, a father, a son, a brother and a friend, we respectfully request privacy. Loving wife, Kerry and Family (CP) - The wife of a soldier slain during a suicide attack in Afghanistan bid her husband a safe return to Canada for the holidays in an emotional message sent less than two weeks before his death. "We miss you so much... and we can't wait to see (you) home for Christmas," Kerry Arnold wrote Sept. 6 on a Department of National Defence website that relays messages to Canada's soldiers. "We are so proud of you. Great job honey. Stay safe, take care," reads the posting, which includes expressions of love from Kerry, daughters Jessica and Samantha and son Connor. No other information or photos are available at this time. Jun 28, 2007 Corporal Shane Keating of 2 PPCLICorporal Shane Keating of 2 PPCLI 1 Corporal Shane Keating of 2 PPCLI Dave Deibert, The StarPhoenix Published: Wednesday, September 20, 2006 DALMENY -- Loyalty. It was a word Cpl. Shane Keating lived by. Even after his family moved from Dalmeny to Saskatoon prior to his Grade 12 year, Keating was still a part of the group he had grown up with. That's why he went with his former classmates on a trip to England and Scotland over Easter break in 1994. He had been a part of the fundraising for two years in Dalmeny and wasn't going to miss out on the voyage with his best friends. Another time, he and two of his teenage buddies were climbing the town's grain elevators, getting into harmless mischief that young boys do. Keating got caught. The others got away. He took the punishment all by himself, said one of the culprits, Tyler Prosofsky. Prosofsky knew Keating since the two of them were barely old enough to walk or talk. Keating, Prosofsky said with a smile, would never rat out his buddies. Keating was showing loyalty and heart earlier this week as a member of the Canadian Armed Forces. He was part of the team, doing whatever he could to make things better, one gesture at a time. "When he committed himself, it was very much a commitment," said Garry Smith, longtime principal of Dalmeny High School. Keating, along with three other members of the Canadian military, was killed on Monday in Afghanistan. He was 30. - - - Keating -- who grew up in Dalmeny, a town of roughly 1,800 people, before moving to Saskatoon and graduating from Bishop Mahoney High School in 1994 -- was identified Tuesday as one of four Canadian soldiers who died on Monday in southern Afghanistan. Keating, Cpl. Keith Morley, Cpl. Glen Arnold and Pte. David Byers were killed when a suicide bomber travelling on a bicycle detonated a bomb near Canadian troops. The soldiers were conducting a foot patrol at approximately 9:30 a.m. in the Panjwaii district, roughly 30 kilometres west of Kandahar. The attack occurred as the soldiers were walking along a dirt road after handing out school supplies, toys, balls and biscuits to local children. The blast from the explosion was so powerful it killed a cow 70 metres away. Keating, Morley and Byers were members of Princess Patricia's Light Infantry, based in Shilo, Man. Arnold was from 2 Field Ambulance, based in Petawawa, Ont. "We love Shane very much and we are proud of all that he has accomplished," Judith Budd, Keating's mother, said in a statement. "Shane was very proud of his service and believed in what he was doing." - - - Word spread through Dalmeny starting late Monday. On Tuesday, the news became public. There were tears shed. Prosofsky's mother broke down as soon as he told her the news. There were those in disbelief. "It's a sense almost like a numbness," said Glen Kehler, a longtime staff member at Dalmeny High School, who taught Keating for several years. Kehler talked with one of his classes about Keating's death. The silence from the stunned students was deafening. Even though Keating was far removed in age from the current crop of students, it was still a personal loss for them. "Here's somebody out of Dalmeny High School that's now died in the line of duty," Kehler said. Jun 28, 2007 Corporal Shane Keating eulogyCorporal Shane Keating eulogy 1 Corporal Shane Keating (September 18, 2006) Soldier believed in cause, mom says Sep. 21, 2006. 04:21 PM CANADIAN PRESS   SASKATOON ? The family of a Canadian soldier killed in Afghanistan this week says he would not want the troops to come home before the job was done. Judith Budd, mother of Cpl. Shane Keating, told reporters Thursday that her son died fighting for a cause he believed in. An emotional Budd said her son told her in a conversation they had that ?people have to know? that even though soldiers will die, it will make a difference to the Afghan people. ?He said most of us will come home and you can?t just look at the individual, because most of us will come home, and the ones who don?t made a difference and it?s worth it,? she said, crying. ?Nothing is worth losing a son but everything ? everything ? is worth a man willing to take that risk and to die for what he believes in.? Mickey Keating said his nephew believed his path in life was to help those in need, and the family supported his choice. ?It?s time for the Canadian nation to support our sons and daughters in harm?s way, to protect, to facilitate and plant the seeds of justice and freedom in the world. ?Shane would not want Canada and the UN to pull the soldiers home before the job is done.? The Keating family?s comments came the same day Prime Minister Stephen Harper appeared before the UN General Assembly and appealed for more help in Afghanistan. Keating, 30, was killed along with Cpl. Glen Arnold of McKerrow, Ont.; Pte. David Byers, 22, of Espanola, Ont.; and Cpl. Keith Morley, 30, of Winnipeg when a man on a bicycle detonated a bomb near Canadian troops on foot patrol in the Panjwayi district. Byers, Keating and Morley were from the second battalion of the Princess Patricia?s Canadian Light Infantry based in Shilo, Mba., while Arnold was stationed with 2 Field Ambulance out of CFB Petawawa in Ontario. ?Our Shane paid the ultimate price for his willingness to go beyond the safe haven of Canadian borders in an attempt to help other world citizens,? said Mickey Keating. ?Those who love the world serve it in action. Shane Keating was a loving member of our family. He loved the world and chose to serve it as a proud member of the Canadian military.? The bodies of the four soldiers were expected to arrive back in Canada on Saturday at CFB Trenton     Jun 28, 2007 Statement from the family of Corporal Shane KeatingStatement from the family of Corporal Shane Keating 1 Statement from the family of Corporal Shane Keating September 20, 2006 Keating's mother, Judith Budd, also issued a statement on Tuesday afternoon: "We love Shane very much and we are proud of all that he has accomplished," the statement read. "Most of us will come home," Keating told his mother. "The ones who don't made a difference. And it's worth it." As Budd grieves the death of her son -- he and three other soldiers were killed on Monday in Afghanistan by a suicide bomber -- she remembers that talk and takes solace knowing Keating gave his life for something he thought was right. "Shane was very proud of the service and believed in what he was doing." "He understood and he believed in what he was there for, strongly," said Budd. "He was going for a purpose. I believed in his purpose as well." "Our private grief is immense, you can imagine," Budd said, again struggling to gain her breath or contain her emotions. "I mean, we miss him forever." - - - Keating's fellow soldiers, those who trained and travelled with him, have shed tears. No other information or photos are available at this time. Jun 28, 2007 Cpl. Keith MorleyCpl. Keith Morley 1 Cpl. Keith Morley Cpl. Keith Morley AGED 30 HOMETOWN: WINNIPEG DIED SEPT. 18, 2006, IN ATTACK BY SUICIDE BOMBER KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - A Taliban bicycle bomber killed four Canadian soldiers and injured many more as they were mingling with Afghan children yesterday, switching back to guerrilla tactics a day after NATO commanders had declared a two-week offensive against fighters in this region a "significant success." The four slain soldiers have been identified as Cpl. Shane Keating., Cpl Keith Morley and Pte. David Byers, 22, all members of the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry from Shilo, Man. The fourth soldier was identified as Cpl. Glen Arnold, a member of the 2 Field Ambulance, from Petawawa, Ont. The blast happened about 9:30 a.m. yesterday, as a group of Canadian soldiers was patrolling the community of Kafir Band in the Panjwaii combat zone just west of Kandahar city, where they had handed out candies to children earlier in the day. Witnesses say dozens of wary area residents were cautiously approaching the Canadian troops, hoping for promised handouts, when the bomber struck. "I was going to the same place to see if they were giving aid but at once the explosion occurred," said Haji Mohammed, a 35-year-old farmer. "Thank God I didn't get too close. "Everybody was running to their houses. We were hiding because we thought if we went over there we would be shot by someone." The number of troops and Afghans injured is still being determined, but the tally is expected to surpass 40, with NATO confirming 27 civilians wounded, many of them children. Plans are being made to fly 10 Canadian soldiers who were injured to Landsthul, Germany, for further medical treatment. Pending medical assessments, several other soldiers may also be sent to Germany. None of the troops suffered life-threatening injuries, officials said. The Taliban have claimed responsibility for the attack, which also killed the bomber. In Ottawa, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said yesterday the attack illustrates the "evil" Canadian soldiers are fighting and the nobility of their cause. "Nothing more than this incident illustrates the evil that they are fighting and the goodwill and the nobleness of the cause that they are taking to the Afghan people," Mr. Harper told the Commons. The fatal bombing was one of three that claimed the lives of at least 19 people across the country yesterday. Outside a mosque in the western city of Herat, a suicide bomber on a motorcycle killed 11 people and wounded 18 others. In Kabul, a car laden with explosives killed four police officers, while 10 bystanders were injured. The violence this year in Afghanistan marks a downward spiral not seen since the Sept. 11 attacks prompted a U.S.-led invasion in 2001 to try to capture al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and overthrow the Taliban government. The Taliban have regained strength since, but their attacks will not drive Canadian soldiers from Afghanistan, said Canadian Brig.-Gen. David Fraser, commander of NATO forces in the southern region. "We're not going to get deterred from this," he said yesterday afternoon at Kandahar Air Field. "The Taliban continue to attack this country. They continue to attack the people. They attacked children today. That's about as cowardly as you can get." Yesterday's death toll brings the total number of Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan since 2002 to 36. A Canadian diplomat has also been killed. The number of injured has not been disclosed. Nine soldiers have been killed since Operation Medusa, an offensive against the Taliban in Kandahar province, began Sept. 2. The Canadian deaths are part of bloody year for NATO and U.S. forces. Roughly 130, mostly Canadian, American and British, have been killed. NATO commanders say they need 2,500 more soldiers, plus greater air support, to crush the Taliban threat more quickly. The day before the latest blasts, Brig.-Gen. Fraser and Kandahar's governor, Assadullah Khalid, had been talking about the success of Operation Medusa. The Taliban in the area had been crushed, but the threat of more attacks had not been eliminated, they conceded. Since the bulk of the fighting ended last Wednesday, Canadian troops have encountered two suicide bombings and a blast from an improvised explosive device (IED). The presence of suicide bombers and IEDs in an area where, according to NATO, 512 insurgents died and 136 were taken prisoner during two weeks of fighting, doesn't surprise Brig.-Gen. Fraser. "There was no lapse in security," he said. "We knew that the Taliban would revert to other attacks, including attacks like this. "This, unfortunately, is the environment that we have to work in here, and we're trying to bring this back to normal and the Taliban just keep wanting to try and destroy it." Yesterday's foray into the village was part of a bid to restore relations with people in the area. Since Thursday, Canadian troops have been visiting with villagers and smiling and waving at people passing by in vehicles, on foot and on bicycles. Their efforts are part of NATO's plan for severing the Taliban's hold on Kandahar province: Bomb and kill the fighters first, then rebuild schools, water wells and trust amongst locals so that the Taliban won't gain strength again. Not all of the soldiers are comfortable with this role. Sgt. Mike Martin said it's difficult for soldiers to make the transition from killing to mingling with residents. That job, he said, was better suited to soldiers and government workers with Canada's Provincial Reconstruction Team. The suicide bombing weighed on the minds of troops from Petawawa, as they gathered for a barbecue and rare beers in a rock-covered parking lot at the base. For a moment yesterday, it appeared as if the dinner to mark the end of Operation Medusa's battle phase would be cancelled. The troops had encountered their own suicide bomber Sunday on the drive back to Kandahar from a base in the Zhari district. The white van smashed into a light-armoured vehicle, killing one civilian and the bomber and slightly injuring three soldiers. Waving at the children as they continued to Kandahar wasn't easy after that, Capt. Mike Fenton said. "Every time you go outside the wire, everyone knows in the back of your mind it could be you, " he said. "You feel bad for the guys who are just out there because we were just there." Jun 28, 2007 Cpl. Keith Morley eulogyCpl. Keith Morley eulogy 1 Cpl. Keith Morley (September 18, 2006) Winnipeg soldier 'very confident' Sep. 29, 2006. 01:13 PM Long before Afghanistan, this soldier from Winnipeg -- who first began dreaming about a life in the military when he was in junior high -- trained for a peacekeeping mission in Bosnia. And a small recollection from a fellow grunt at the time speaks volumes about the kind of rifleman Morley was. "I served with Keith in Bosnia on Roto 8. He was in my section," said his former comrade. "He was a great guy. I remember standing in a freezing trench with him during work-up training before we deployed to Bosnia, and asking him why he was in the infantry... he simply replied "Because I like this stuff." Mother of soldier killed in Afghanistan says he believed in helping people WINNIPEG (CP) ? A Canadian soldier who was killed in Afghanistan was remembered today as a man who was proud to serve in Afghanistan and believed he was helping people there. Della Morley told reporters in Winnipeg that her 30-year-old son, Cpl. Keith Morley, had wanted to be a soldier ever since he was a teenager. He served two tours in Bosnia before joining the Canadian mission in Afghanistan. ?He served his country with pride and certainty that missions there and Afghanistan would better the lives of people in those troubled nations,? she said. Morley was one of four soldiers killed Sept. 18 when a suicide bomber on a bicycle attacked Canadian troops who were on foot patrol. His family asked that his Friday afternoon funeral remain private. Funerals were also being held Friday for two of his colleagues from the 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia?s Canadian Light Infantry, based in Shilo, Man: Pte. David Byers in Espinosa, Ont., and Cpl. Shane Keating in Saskatoon. Also killed in the same incident was Cpl. Glen Arnold, a medic based in Petawawa, Ont. The four are among 36 Canadian soldiers who have died in Afghanistan since 2002. Morley?s sister, Shannon, said her brother felt good about the mission in Afghanistan, and his death has not changed the family?s support for it. ?He really educated himself about everything he did,? she said. ?He did so much research on everything that he did. He was very confident, and he felt that he was going over there for a lot of good reasons.?     Jun 28, 2007 Statement from the family of Corporal Keith MorleyStatement from the family of Corporal Keith Morley 1 Statement from the family of Corporal Keith Morley September 20, 2006 Morley's family said he would be "missed by all of his family and friends, who are very proud of him." "Keith was also proud of what he was doing in Afghanistan," read the statement released by his relatives "He was a good soldier and a tough guy with a good heart." That good heart stopped beating when a suicide bomber on a bike pedalled his way through a marketplace until he was close enough to kill Morley and two other Canadian soldiers. On Sept. 23, Morley came home in a casket on what would have been his 31st birthday to his family, who had tied a yellow ribbon around a small tree on the lawn of their St. Vital home. "In many ways, he grew up an average Canadian boy, but he was far from ordinary," his mother Della Morley told reporters outside the family home before a private memorial service. "He served his country with pride and certainty," She talked about her son's love for his dog, Lokie, and his joy in choosing the perfect gift for family members. "Children were drawn to him. He could so easily have been one of them. He loved his dog... and laughed at his puppy antics. Keith always found the perfect gift for each and every one of us." Morley's sister Shannon said he was confident about his mission in Afghanistan. "He felt good about what he was doing," she said. Cpl. Mark Jackson remembered Morley as a man who had finally found his calling when he entered the army. "He looked as though he had found a purpose," Jackson recalled. "Keith's been taken from all of us, but I have no doubt I will see him again. Keith, my old friend, you wore the Canadian flag with honour. You will never be forgotten.""   No other information or photos are available at this time. Jun 28, 2007 Private David ByersPrivate David Byers 1 Private David Byers of 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry CEFCOM NR?06.024 - September 18, 2006 OTTAWA ? One of the Canadian soldiers killed in today's suicide attack in Afghanistan was Private David Byers of 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based in Shilo, Manitoba. Family for the three other deceased soldiers have requested that the names of their loved ones not be released at this time. Plans are being made to medevac ten Canadian soldiers who were injured in today's suicide attack to Landsthul, Germany, for further medical treatment. Pending medical assessments, several other soldiers may also be sent to Germany. None of the soldiers have life- threatening injuries. Four Canadian soldiers were killed and a number of others injured when a suicide bomber, travelling on a bicycle, detonated his bomb near Canadian troops on foot patrol in the Panjwayi district, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. The attack occurred at approximately 9:30 a.m. Kandahar time, about 30 km west of Kandahar City. A number of civilians, including children, were also injured in the attack. Two children are being treated by Canadian medical personnel at Kandahar Airfield. The Canadian soldiers were in Panjwayi to help bring security and normalcy to the area after Canadian, Afghan and international troops successfully forced out Taliban insurgents from the area. The insurgents had previously caused civilians to flee the area due to threats, intimidation and violence. Reconstruction of Afghanistan is the overarching goal of Canada and of the international community. Pte David Byers, a member of 2 PPCLI was killed on Sept 18, 2006 by a suicide bomber who attacked his patrol in Afghanistan. Task Force Afghanistan is part of Canada?s contribution to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. This mission is about Canadians and their international partners helping Afghans rebuild their lives, families, communities and nation. Canadian operations aim to improve the quality of life of Afghans by providing a secure environment in which Afghan society can recover from more than 25 years of conflict. The Canadian Forces (CF) contribution in Afghanistan comprises about 2,000 soldiers, most of whom serve with Task Force Afghanistan at Kandahar Airfield and Camp Nathan Smith in Kandahar City. Additional personnel are assigned to various military headquarters, and civilian organizations in Kabul and elsewhere in the country. Jun 28, 2007 Private David Byers Family Issues StatementPrivate David Byers Family Issues Statement 1 Statement Private David Byers Family Issues Statement September 20, 2006 On Monday, September 18, 2006 while serving in Afghanistan, our beloved son, Private David Robert James Byers, heroically paid the ultimate sacrifice for his country. David?s sacrifice was also paid by three of his comrades in this fateful event. David was a true soldier, loved by his family and his extended family in the military. The family respectfully requests privacy in this time of grief. Parents: John and Jane Byers Brothers: Nathan and Alan Byers Fiance: Chantal Roy and Family Members No other information or photos are available at this time. Jun 28, 2007 Warrant Officer Richard Francis NolanWarrant Officer Richard Francis Nolan 1   Warrant Officer Richard Francis Nolan ST. JOHN'S, N.L. -- Warrant Officer Richard Nolan was laid to rest with full military honours Thursday, hailed as a dedicated soldier and loving father. Friends, family and his military comrades remembered Nolan and the sacrifices he made in Afghanistan at a funeral in St. John's. Rev. Greg Bailey called the 39-year-old Nolan a "peacemaker." "Now I know that for some, peacemaking may not fit their understanding of the role of a Canadian soldier," the padre told hundreds of mourners at the Basilica of St. John the Baptist. "But I wonder, how can we keep something if it does not exist in the first place? There are situations in which, if you want to keep the peace, you will need to make it first. That's what Rick Nolan and his colleagues were trying to do." Nolan was one of four Canadians killed Sept. 3 in a fierce battle with Taliban insurgents near Kandahar. Photos by: MCpl Chris Connolly   6 September 2006 8 Wing Trenton Ontario The remains of Warrant Officer Richard Francis Nolan were received during a solemn repatriation ceremony on the ramp at 8 Wing / Canadian Forces Base Trenton, 6 September 2006. Warrant Officer Nolan, a member of 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, based in Petawawa, Ontario was killed on September 3, 2006 fighting against Taliban insurgents approximately 15 km west of Kandahar City. Present to pay their respects were The Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada and Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Forces, General Rick Hillier, Chief of the Defence Staff and Lieutenant-General Andrew Leslie, Chief of the Land Staff. Also present was Colonel David Brackett, United States Air Force.                                               Jun 28, 2007 Warrant Officer Richard Francis Nolan EulogyWarrant Officer Richard Francis Nolan Eulogy 1 Warrant Officer Richard Francis Nolan CFB PETAWAWA, Ont. (CP) - A neighbour of one of four soldiers killed in heavy fighting in Afghanistan Sunday described him as a man with a "genuine soul" who was devoted to his children and committed to his work in the Canadian Forces. Speaking from her home in Petawawa, Ont., Sarah Proulx said Warrant Officer Richard Nolan was the sort of man who took the most pleasure in spending hours playing outside with his three school-aged sons and stepdaughter. "I'd be out working in my garden, and I would hear him with his children . . . just giving them perfect guidance," Proulx said. Nolan, known as Rick to his friends, was one of four soldiers killed Sunday morning during a coalition ground assault on an insurgent position west of Kandahar City. Warrant Officer Frank Mellish also died, and six soldiers received non-life-threatening injuries. At the request of their families, the names of the other two casualties were not released immediately. While members of Nolan's family declined to speak to the media, Proulx said Nolan's children are currently in the care of his mother who came from his home province of Newfoundland to look after the children while their parents were overseas. Both Nolan and his common-law partner Kelly were serving six-month stints in Afghanistan, but were not posted to the same part of the country. "Rick and Kelly were very close," Proulx said, choking back tears. "You didn't just know they were partners, you could feel it." Proulx said the couple were both dedicated to the military and saw their work in Afghanistan as necessary for the entire country. "They both knew they had to do their job, and they both had a strong commitment to Canadian people," she said. Proulx described Nolan and his partner as ideal neighbours who were renowned for lending a helping hand without being asked. Proulx recalled an incident just two weeks before Nolan's departure about a month ago where he removed a fallen tree from her yard while she was at work, adding that such acts of kindness were common. "You couldn't ask for better neighbours," Proulx said. "They were extraordinary people." The deaths of Nolan and his comrades were felt throughout Petawawa on Sunday. Mayor Bob Sweet said that with about 5,000 soldiers based in the community with their families, more than half of Petawawa's population of 15,000 is directly related to the military. "Our thoughts are with the families," Sweet said. "It's a tragedy here. "We're a very close-knit community as far as the military is concerned . . . these are people that we know and are touched by everyday. We see them on a regular basis." Prime Minister Stephen Harper released a statement offering "heartfelt condolences" to the families and friends of those killed, as well as his wishes for "the speedy recovery" of the injured. "While deeply saddened by this loss, I hope the families may find some solace in the knowledge that they do not grieve alone and that Canada will not forget the heroism of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice," Harper's statement said. Interim Liberal Leader Bill Graham also extended condolences to the families, friends and comrades of those who died. "Their memories will be forever honoured, as they died serving their country and protecting the values we all cherish." In addition to expressing his sadness at the deaths, NDP Leader Jack Layton reiterated his call for Canadian troops to be withdrawn from Afghanistan by the end of February. "We think this is not a mission that is suitable for Canada," Layton said in Ottawa. "It's not achieving the objectives. In fact, the objectives are not even clear. Defence Minister Gordon O'Connor issued a statement from Japan, expressing sadness and praising the soldiers bravery. "Together as Canadians we stand proudly behind our men and women in uniform and we honour the risks they took, in the name of Canadian security and the values of freedom, on our behalf." Some soldiers who engaged the insurgents expressed surprise at how stubbornly Taliban fighters had defended their ground. NATO officials maintained the operation was a success, taking out key Taliban command and control facilities. The alliance estimates it has killed 200 Taliban militants and captured 80.     Jun 28, 2007 Warrant Officer Richard Francis Nolan rememberedWarrant Officer Richard Francis Nolan remembered 1 No family statement has been made officially. While members of Nolan?s family declined to speak to the media, Proulx said Nolan?s children are currently in the care of his mother who came from his home province of Newfoundland to look after Nolan?s children while their parents were overseas. Both Nolan and his common-law partner Kelly were serving six-month stints in Afghanistan, but were not posted to the same part of the country. ?Rick and Kelly were very close,? Proulx said, choking back tears. ?You didn?t just know they were partners, you could feel it.? Proulx said the couple were both dedicated to the military and saw their work in Afghanistan as necessary for the entire country. ?They both knew they had to do their job, and they both had a strong commitment to Canadian people,? she said. Proulx described Nolan and his partner as ideal neighbours who were renowned for lending a helping hand without being asked. Proulx recalled an incident just two weeks before Nolan?s departure where he removed a fallen tree from her yard while she was at work, adding that such acts of kindness were common. ?You couldn?t ask for better neighbours,? Proulx said. ?They were extraordinary people.?   No other information or photos are available at this time. Jun 28, 2007 Pte. Mark Anthony Graham, a member of 1st Battalion, Royal Canadian RegimentPte. Mark Anthony Graham, a member of 1st Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment 1 Pte. Mark Anthony Graham, a member of 1st Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment Statement Statement by the Minister of National Defence on the death of Private Mark Anthony Graham NR-06.056 - September 5, 2006 OTTAWA ? The Honourable Gordon O'Connor, Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement today on the death of Private Mark Anthony Graham, a member of 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, based in Petawawa, Ontario: ?I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Private Mark Anthony Graham, who died while fighting in an ongoing offensive operation in Afghanistan. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Private Mark Anthony Graham, and with his comrades who remain steadfast in Afghanistan in this ongoing operation to help the local population reclaim their homes and be free from the grip of the Taliban. Our mission in Afghanistan will continue to have risks, but we stand firm behind our serving men and women who are helping to bring shades of hope to a country that has known much despair and instability. Private Graham made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of his country, and like all Canadians I am deeply grateful for that service.? Pte. Mark Anthony Graham, a member of 1st Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment, based in Petawawa, Ont., was killed on Monday, Sept. 4, about 15 kilometres west of Kandahar City as Canadian troops participating in Operation Medusa were mistakenly strafed by a U.S. warplane. The remains of Private Mark Anthony Graham were received during a solemn repatriation ceremony on the ramp at 8 Wing / Canadian Forces Base Trenton, 6 September 2006. Private Graham, a member of 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, based in Petawawa, Ontario, was killed on September 4, 2006, as Canadian troops participating in Operation Medusa, 15 km west of Kandahar City, were mistakenly engaged by an aircraft supporting ISAF combat operations. Present to pay their respects were The Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada and Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Forces, General Rick Hillier, Chief of the Defence Staff and Lieutenant-General Andrew Leslie, Chief of the Land Staff. Also present was Colonel David Brackett, United States Air Force.     Sep. 7, 2006. 04:35 PM BY DANA BORCEA AND FRED VALLANCE-JONES HAMILTON SPECTATOR   The harsh brutality of war came home to Hamilton yesterday when a former Olympic athlete from the west Mountain was killed by fire from a U.S. warplane in Afghanistan.   Private Mark Anthony Graham, 33, of the Royal Canadian Regiment, is the first Hamilton native to die in the ongoing war against Taliban insurgents. The U.S. A-10 Thunderbolt was one of two planes providing support to NATO troops in Operation Medussa.   Graham was remembered as a imposing and gifted athlete who quickly rose to become a national-calibre runner. Yesterday, his family gathered in their small west Mountain bungalow to mourn his sudden passing.   "They're in a fog and just weeping," said the reverend George Horton, of Stewart Memorial Church, where Graham's father has been a long-time parishioner and trustee. "They are still in shock."   Horton spent much of yesterday consoling the family, including his mother Linda, a social worker, and father Albert, who works at Stelco.   Graham was the oldest of three brothers, one of whom has also now joined the military. He leaves a young daughter. He was not married.   Yesterday, the family asked for privacy as they prepared for the glare of national publicity to come. "Tonight we are just getting together as a family and figuring out what needs to be said" said an aunt, who asked not to be named.   Dan Clark was Graham's coach throughout his high school athletic career at Sir Allan MacNab Secondary School. Clark said he, and many of Graham's friends, while aware he had joined the army a little over two years ago, did not know he was in Afghanistan. "Most of us, and I have talked to a few of his friends and former students, they were surprised that he had gone over."   Clark remembers Graham as a natural athlete who impressed from the moment he arrived in Grade 9. "He was put together, six foot four and 190 pounds and a completely developed individual when he came and we knew he was something special at that time." By the time he graduated, he was well on his way to national-calibre competition. "When he ran at track meets everybody paid attention, everyone would stop and watch him" Clark said.   Graham later went on to run with Canada's 4 x 400 relay team at the 1992 summer Olympics in Barcelona. After the Olympics, he went to the University of Nebraska on a track and field scholarship, and later attended Kent State University in Ohio. Injuries eventually sidelined his high-level athletic career, and he returned to Hamilton to help Clark coach at his old high school.   Clark said Graham decided to join the army, partly to learn new skills, such as with computers, and partly because he felt the disciplined life of the army would be good for him.   "What a treasure we've lost," said Horton after learning of the tragedy yesterday. He said the congregation prayed often for Graham's safety.   Horton said that Graham had attended a special service in his honour at the John Street North church earlier in the summer before returning to his base in Petawawa. He came in uniform. "I loved him like a son," he said. "Anyone who knew him would ... He was so handsome and stately."   Yesterday's news was a stark reminder to military families of the awful dangers faced by their children, or brothers and sisters. "We hear it and you know I guess you just start to pray," said Brian Pett of Caledonia, whose son Jonathan is a reservist and has been in Afghanistan about a month.   "If I were the parents, I would feel very very bad because it is one thing if you are killed by the enemy, but it is another thing if you are killed by the friends."   Tim Fletcher, public affairs officer with the 31 Canadian Brigade Group, which counts among its numbers 10 army reservists from Hamilton in Afghanistan, said the incident, while tragic, is part of war.   "In a circumstance like that (friendly fire) when you are working with allies you have a common mission, when you are engaged in close action and you are calling for close support, things like this are inevitable and have happened throughout history."   "You take every precaution, but it's war and things happen in war."   Fletcher said the Canadian forces are like a family, and everyone feels a tragedy such as this, but he added it doesn't weaken the resolve to continue Canada's mission. "We are there for a purpose; we are not going to waver from that purpose, but it is still tragic."   Ten Hamilton-area army reservists are serving in Afghanistan, as well as many more regular soldiers from the area. Jun 28, 2007 Pte. Mark Anthony Graham eulogyPte. Mark Anthony Graham eulogy 1 Pte. Mark Anthony Graham (September 4, 2006) HAMILTON (CP) - A former Olympian killed when a U.S. pilot accidentally strafed Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan was remembered Wednesday as "larger than life" while another soldier slain engaging Taliban insurgents was called a "leader" despite his rank of private. The soldiers, who were among five men killed in Afghanistan on Labour Day weekend, were laid to rest in separate funerals in their respective Ontario hometowns. In Hamilton, more than 1,000 mourners - many in full dress uniform - filed into the West Highland Baptist Church under grey skies to commemorate the life of Pte. Mark Graham. "Seeing the turnout of the people who he affected in his short time here, he's inspired me again" said Vaughn Daley, who added Graham always motivated him in high school when they competed in athletics. The 33-year-old's flag-draped coffin was carried from a large black hearse into the church by white-gloved military pallbearers. Graham, who competed for Canada on the 4x400-metre relay team at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, died on Labour Day. The friendly-fire incident came one day after four soldiers, including Pte. William Cushley, were killed during a fierce battle with Taliban insurgents. All five were stationed at CFB Petawawa, northwest of Ottawa. In Port Lambton, Ont., the sun burst through the clouds as soldiers greeted the casket containing the remains of Cushley outside Sacred Heart Church. Some 500 people were on hand to bid farewell to the first Lambton County resident to be killed in action since the Korean War. "He was a deeply spiritual man," said Brig.-Gen. Guy Thibault, Commander Land Force Central Area. "The rank wasn't testimony to his leadership." Thibault said soldiers who knew Cushley were no doubt thinking of him, but added he believes morale remains strong among Canadian troops. "It steels the soldiers in their resolve for what they have to do," Thibault said. In his homily, Capt. Rev. Greg Bailey told mourners that while Graham's friendly-fire death might test their faith, they must put their trust in God. A visibly shaken member of Parliament fought back tears in paying tribute to Graham. "This man was very well loved and respected," said Hamilton East-Stoney Creek member Wayne Marsden. "The love we saw in that room was amazing... This community knew him well, loved him well." Other dignitaries included Hamilton Mayor Larry Di Ianni, and provincial politicians Judy Marsales and David Christopherson. Cushley was remembered by Capt. Rev. Daniel Roushorne as a man "who got back off the bus to give mom a hug and kiss, and it didn't matter that everybody was watching." In his eEulogy, Tyler Atkins paid tribute to his fun-loving buddy and added that Cushley "made a difference for our country." Cushley's three sisters took turns reading stanzas from a heart-wrenching poem, including lines that read: "You were our brother and our friend. We wish we could have been with you at the end." The graveside service saw three volleys of fire from soldiers, a bagpiper, then a trumpeter sound the Last Post. Cushley's parents, Errol and Elaine, were presented with a Canadian flag.     Jun 28, 2007 Private Mark Anthony Graham's Family Issues StatementPrivate Mark Anthony Graham's Family Issues Statement 1 Private Mark Anthony Graham's Family Issues Statement September 6, 2006 The family of Mark Graham was devastated to learn of his death in Afghanistan. Mark joined the Canadian Forces in 2004 and was posted to Afghanistan in August 2006. Mark was a fierce, competitive athlete and a personable friend, son, brother and father. Mark enjoyed a successful career in track and field starting at Chedoke Middle School and on into Sir Allan McNab High School. He attended the Barcelona Olympics in 1992, running in the 4 x 400 relay - running the fastest leg of the Canadian Team. Mark attended university in the United States and returned to work in the fitness industry. Mark inspired many people by his enthusiasm.   A memorial service will be held for family and friends at a later date. Please respect the family's request for privacy during their time of grief. Albert, Linda, Jason and Daniel Graham. No other information or photos are available at this time. Jun 28, 2007 Private William Jonathan James Cushley, a member of 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian RegimentPrivate William Jonathan James Cushley, a member of 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment 1 Private William Jonathan James Cushley, a member of 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Private William Jonathan James Cushley, a member of 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, based in Petawawa , Ontario was killed on September 3, 2006 fighting against Taliban insurgents approximately 15 km west of Kandahar City . Private Cushley's unit was part of Operation MEDUSA, a significant combined effort between the Afghan National Security Forces, Canada and our other NATO partners in the International Security Assistance Force aimed at removing armed militants from the Panjwayi and Zhari district region so that displaced villagers can return to their homes and re-establish their livelihoods without living in constant fear of the Taliban. Jun 28, 2007 Private William Jonathan James Cushley EulogyPrivate William Jonathan James Cushley Eulogy 1 Private William Jonathan James Cushley (September 3, 2006) Soldier, 21, returns to St. Clair River town Sep. 14, 2006. 04:09 PM CANADIAN PRESS In Port Lambton, Ont., the sun burst through the clouds as soldiers greeted the casket containing the remains of Pte. William Cushley, 21, outside Sacred Heart Church. Some 500 people were on hand to bid farewell to the first Lambton County resident to be killed in action since the Korean War. ?He was a deeply spiritual man,? said Brig.-Gen. Guy Thibault, Commander Land Force Central Area. ?The rank wasn?t testimony to his leadership.? Thibault said soldiers who knew Cushley were no doubt thinking of him, but added he believes morale remains strong among Canadian troops. ?It steels the soldiers in their resolve for what they have to do,? Thibault said. Cushley was remembered by Capt. Rev. Daniel Roushorne as a man ?who got back off the bus to give mom a hug and kiss, and it didn?t matter that everybody was watching.? In his eEulogy, Tyler Atkins paid tribute to his fun-loving buddy and added that Cushley ?made a difference for our country.? Cushley?s three sisters took turns reading stanzas from a heart-wrenching poem, including lines that read: ?You were our brother and our friend. We wish we could have been with you at the end.? As the hearse passed by Sacred Heart elementary school, from which he had graduated only seven years before, the entire student body lined up on the curb, most dressed in red, all wearing arm bands that read 'Thank you Will.' Some waved Canadian flags or tossed flowers. Other than a few muffled sobs, the 145 youngsters stood silently as the procession, which was more than 100 metres long, passed by. Warrant Officer Richard Francis Nolan, Warrant Officer Frank Robert Mellish, Sgt. Shane Stachnik were also killed in the bloody battle with Taliban insurgents near Kandahar on September 3. A fifth soldier, Pte. Mark Graham, died a day later when he was accidentally strafed by a U.S. warplane. The graveside service saw three volleys of fire from soldiers, a bagpiper, then a trumpeter sound the Last Post. Cushley?s parents, Errol and Elaine, were presented with a Canadian flag.   Jun 28, 2007 Statement from the family of Private William Jonathan James CushleyStatement from the family of Private William Jonathan James Cushley 1   Statement from the family of Private William Jonathan James Cushley   The family  of Private William Jonathan James Cushley has remained private. No other information or photos are available at this time. Jun 28, 2007 Sgt. Shane Stachnik from 2 Combat Engineer RegimentSgt. Shane Stachnik from 2 Combat Engineer Regiment 1 Sgt. Shane Stachnik from 2 Combat Engineer Regiment Sergeant Shane Stachnik was killed on September 3, 2006 in Afghanistan during operation Medusa.  The friendly fire incident occurred around 5:30 a.m. when soldiers trying to seize a Taliban stronghold along the Arghandab River requested air support. NATO said in a statement that the International Security Assistance Force provided the support but "regrettably engaged friendly forces during a strafing run, using cannons." It later identified the planes as U.S. A-10 Thunderbolts. It was a scene of absolute chaos this morning at the airport near the hospital. We were there as helicopter after helicopter ferried in the wounded," CTV's Matt McClure reported from Kandahar. Brig.-Gen. David Fraser, the Canadian in charge of NATO forces in southern Afghanistan, said Operation Medusa will continue despite the casualties. "This has been a tough hit, but Canadians are continuing the fight," he said in a statement released Monday. Monday's friendly fire incident was the second such incident since Canadians began operations in Afghanistan more than four years ago. The friendly fire death comes just one day after another four Canadian soldiers were killed and six wounded during Operation Medusa, a mission aimed at purging militants from the Taliban stronghold of the Panjwaii district west of Kandahar.     Jun 28, 2007 Sgt. Shane Stachnik EulogySgt. Shane Stachnik Eulogy 1 Sgt. Shane Stachnik from 2 Combat Engineer Regiment ( September 3, 2006 ) Alberta-raised soldier 'not one for fanfare' Sep. 14, 2006. 02:19 PM   OTTAWA ? While memorials around the world remembered the 9-11 terror attacks Monday, a ritual at the National Military Cemetery marked one of the most recent echoes from that five-year-old tragedy. Family, friends and comrades buried Sgt. Shane Stachnik, a 30-year-old combat engineer killed in Afghanistan on Sept. 3. He was killed while fighting Taliban insurgents in an operation whose roots trace back to the New York and Washington terror attacks. Canada followed the United States into Afghanistan against a Taliban regime that had harboured Al Qaeda terrorist camps and leaders. Stachnik was buried with the now-familiar trappings of a guard of honour, a firing party, muffled drums, a piper and a bugler. His parents Hank and Avril Stachnik followed their son's flag-draped coffin into the cemetery. Hank Stachnik's head stooped. Stachnik, an Alberta native stationed at Petawawa, Ont., was one of four soldiers killed in Operation Medusa, a drive to push Taliban fighters out of a volatile region west of Kandahar. He was also one of five soldiers from CFB Petawawa killed in a 24-hour period Sept. 3-4. Lt. Jean Johns, a comrade, linked the Sept. 11 dates five years apart, saying both were marked by mourning and grief. He said his fellow soldiers will remember Stachnik as a dedicated, yet fun-loving soldier. "We remember the grin that alluded to the infectious sense of humour that all who were close to him knew," Johns said. Stachnik lived in Chalk River, just north of Petawawa. Johns said his friends knew him for his love of simpler things like working on his motorcycle and wearing lumberjack jackets. He was also looking forward to marrying his fiancee, Darcy Mitton. The two had yet to set a date for their wedding. They wanted to wait until he returned home from his tour of duty to begin planning their future. Stachnik was a quiet man, Johns said, but the first to diffuse a tense situation with humour. Stachnik never looked for any glory, Johns said. He joined the military out of a desire to help the world. "Shane lived his life the way many of us dream of ? he lived to serve, to give and to love," Johns said. "He was not one for fanfare."  Throughout the sombre ceremony, Stachnik's father dabbed tears from his eyes while his wife looked ahead at her son's casket. Stachnik, a member of 2 Combat Engineer Regiment, was due to finish his second tour of duty in Afghanistan in February. He was a veteran of the Canadian Forces, having served in the aftermath of the 1994 Manitoba flood and the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami in Sri Lanka.     Jun 28, 2007 Statement from the family of Sergeant Shane StachnikStatement from the family of Sergeant Shane Stachnik 1   Statement from the family of Sergeant Shane Stachnik   Struggling Monday to come to terms with Sgt. Stachnik's death, Ms. Mitton and the soldier's friends described him as a nice, quiet man, a loving partner and a proud soldier. ?He was such a strong and sweet man,? Ms. Mitton wrote in a statement Monday. ?He had strong morals, values, ethics and they showed in everything he did.? The couple had put off discussing a wedding date until February, when Sgt. Stachnik was scheduled to end the six-month tour of duty that he began three weeks ago. He was planning to return home in October for a short leave to see Ms. Mitton. ?We were just looking forward to seeing each other,? she said through sobs in an telephone interview. Sgt. Stachnik joined the Canadian Forces in the 1990s. In 1997, he helped fight the Winnipeg flood that forced thousands from their homes. ?He said it was times like this when it was worth serving your country,? Ms. Mitton wrote. "This guy was so good, and it's not just because I was engaged to him," Mitton said. "He was the kind of guy who'd pick up litter on the sidewalk. He was just a good person." Stachnik's family lives in Alberta where he grew up. Always the attentive son, Stachnik ? who served with 2 Combat Engineer Regiment ? called home to speak with his parents days before his death. Even though he was based in Petawawa, Ont., he took every opportunity to fly home and see his parents and younger sister. "People need to know he was just like you or I," Mitton said of Stachnik. "You see these big tough soldiers ? and he was proud of (his work) ? but he was just a good Canadian citizen. He was going to be a fine example of a father."   No other information or photos are available at this time. Jun 28, 2007 Bombardier Myles MansellFuneral of Bombardier Myles Mansell - 5th Field Regiment 1 Warrant Officer Frank Robert Mellish 1st Batallion, Royal Canadian Regiment Statement by the Minister of National Defence on the Deaths of Four Canadian Soldiers in Afghanistan NR-06.055 - September 3, 2006 OTTAWA ? The Honourable Gordon O'Connor, Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement today from Japan on the deaths of four Canadian soldiers: ?It is with deepest sympathy that I extend my condolences to the families and friends of Warrant Officer Richard Francis Nolan and Warrant Officer Frank Robert Mellish, who were killed today along with two other Canadian Forces members during an ongoing offensive operation in Afghanistan.? Both were members of 1st Batallion, Royal Canadian Regiment, based in Petawawa, Ontario. The identities of the remaining two soldiers are being withheld at the request of the next-of-kin. The MND also added: ''My thoughts and prayers are with their loved ones, and the nine comrades who were also injured. We pray for their swift recovery. These soldiers died in an ongoing effort to force Taliban insurgents from a region west of Kandahar City so that displaced villagers can return to their homes and re-establish their livelihoods without living in constant fear. The resolve and courage of these brave men will not be forgotten. Together as Canadians we stand proudly behind our men and women in uniform and we honour the risks they took, in the name of Canadian security and the values of freedom, on our behalf." Jun 28, 2007 Warrant Officer Frank Robert Mellish EulogyWarrant Officer Frank Robert Mellish Eulogy 1 Warrant Officer Frank Robert Mellish (September 3, 2006) Soldier killed in Afghanistan remembered as ideal neighbour and loving father Warrant Officer Frank Robert Mellish. (CP/HO/Department of National Defence) CFB PETAWAWA, Ont. (CP) - A neighbour of one of four soldiers killed in heavy fighting in Afghanistan Sunday described him as a man with a "genuine soul" who was devoted to his children and committed to his work in the Canadian Forces. Speaking from her home in Petawawa, Ont., Sarah Proulx said Warrant Officer Richard Nolan was the sort of man who took the most pleasure in spending hours playing outside with his three school-aged sons and stepdaughter. "I'd be out working in my garden, and I would hear him with his children . . . just giving them perfect guidance," Proulx said. Nolan, known as Rick to his friends, was one of four soldiers killed Sunday morning during a coalition ground assault on an insurgent position west of Kandahar City. Warrant Officer Frank Mellish also died, and six soldiers received non-life-threatening injuries. At the request of their families, the names of the other two casualties were not released immediately. While members of Nolan's family declined to speak to the media, Proulx said Nolan's children are currently in the care of his mother who came from his home province of Newfoundland to look after the children while their parents were overseas. Both Nolan and his common-law partner Kelly were serving six-month stints in Afghanistan, but were not posted to the same part of the country. "Rick and Kelly were very close," Proulx said, choking back tears. "You didn't just know they were partners, you could feel it." Proulx said the couple were both dedicated to the military and saw their work in Afghanistan as necessary for the entire country. "They both knew they had to do their job, and they both had a strong commitment to Canadian people," she said. Proulx described Nolan and his partner as ideal neighbours who were renowned for lending a helping hand without being asked. Proulx recalled an incident just two weeks before Nolan's departure about a month ago where he removed a fallen tree from her yard while she was at work, adding that such acts of kindness were common. "You couldn't ask for better neighbours," Proulx said. "They were extraordinary people." The deaths of Nolan and his comrades were felt throughout Petawawa on Sunday. Mayor Bob Sweet said that with about 5,000 soldiers based in the community with their families, more than half of Petawawa's population of 15,000 is directly related to the military. "Our thoughts are with the families," Sweet said. "It's a tragedy here. "We're a very close-knit community as far as the military is concerned . . . these are people that we know and are touched by everyday. We see them on a regular basis." Prime Minister Stephen Harper released a statement offering "heartfelt condolences" to the families and friends of those killed, as well as his wishes for "the speedy recovery" of the injured. "While deeply saddened by this loss, I hope the families may find some solace in the knowledge that they do not grieve alone and that Canada will not forget the heroism of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice," Harper's statement said. Interim Liberal Leader Bill Graham also extended condolences to the families, friends and comrades of those who died. "Their memories will be forever honoured, as they died serving their country and protecting the values we all cherish." In addition to expressing his sadness at the deaths, NDP Leader Jack Layton reiterated his call for Canadian troops to be withdrawn from Afghanistan by the end of February. "We think this is not a mission that is suitable for Canada," Layton said in Ottawa. "It's not achieving the objectives. In fact, the objectives are not even clear. Defence Minister Gordon O'Connor issued a statement from Japan, expressing sadness and praising the soldiers bravery. "Together as Canadians we stand proudly behind our men and women in uniform and we honour the risks they took, in the name of Canadian security and the values of freedom, on our behalf." Some soldiers who engaged the insurgents expressed surprise at how stubbornly Taliban fighters had defended their ground. NATO officials maintained the operation was a success, taking out key Taliban command and control facilities. The alliance estimates it has killed 200 Taliban militants and captured 80. With the latest deaths, 31 Canadian soldiers and one diplomat have been killed in Afghanistan since 2002. The last time the Canadian Forces suffered as many deaths in one day was Aug. 3 when two roadside bombings and a hail of rocket-propelled grenades killed four Canadians and injured 10. Most of those casualties occurred near the village of Pashmul, also within Panjwaii district.     Jun 28, 2007 Statement of the family of Warrant Officer Frank Robert MellishStatement of the family of Warrant Officer Frank Robert Mellish 1 Statement of the family of Warrant Officer Frank Robert Mellish Media Advisory Family of Warrant Officer Mellish Issues Statement MA 06-020 - September 4, 2006 CFB GAGETOWN - Warrant Officer Frank Robert Mellish, age 38, an 18-year veteran of the Canadian Forces was killed Sunday while deployed to Afghanistan. Frank was the son of Barry and Sandra Mellish, loving husband of Kendra Mellish, and devoted father of Matthew and Koven. He is greatly missed and our family will never be the same. Frank had always dreamed of being a soldier and joined the army right after graduating from high school. Throughout his career, Frank was a driven soldier and never one to pass up a challenge or take the easy way out. Frank set an example for everyone he served with and was highly respected by his leaders and subordinates. He served with distinction and great pride in both the Royal Canadian Regiment and the Canadian Airborne Regiment. Frank loved NASCAR, working with his hands, and anything else that let him spend time with his boys. He spent much of his leave prior to deploying putting the finishing touches on the new family home and teaching his sons how to ride their new dirt bikes. This was Frank's seventh deployment overseas, and his second to Afghanistan. He was aware of the risks and accepted them as part of getting the job done. Frank would not have wanted to be anywhere other than in Afghanistan serving beside the friends and fellow soldiers that he trained with. We are proud of Frank's service and accomplishments on this and previous missions. We will sorely miss Frank and ask that Canadians continue to support the soldiers in Afghanistan and their families. Please respect the family's request for privacy during their time of grief. Note to editors: For all media queries, please contact Lt(N) Brian Owens, CFB Gagetown Public Affairs Officer, at (506) 422-2000 ext 2466 (w), (506) 260-6124 (c) or Owens.BP@forces.gc.ca No other information or photos are available at this time. Jun 28, 2007 Corporal David Braun, Second Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light InfantryCorporal David Braun, Second Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry 1 Corporal David Braun, Second Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Cpl. Braun was killed while serving in Afghanistan on August 22, 2006 The Honourable Gordon O'Connor, Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement on the death of Corporal David Braun NR-06.050 - August 23, 2006 ?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   Jun 28, 2007 Cpl. David Braun UlogyCpl. David Braun Ulogy 1 Cpl. David Braun (August 22, 2006) Soldier 'never spoke with fear' Latest Canadian to die in Afghanistan described as soldier who loved his job Aug. 31, 2006. 07:31 PM CANADIAN PRESS   RAYMORE, Sask. ? Cpl. David Braun was remembered today as a passionate soldier with a strongly held view that the Canadian military should do its part to promote stability abroad. Braun was killed in Afghanistan last week when the convoy he was travelling in was hit by a suicide bomber. Based in Shilo, Man., the 27-year-old had been with the military for four years, but had been in Afghanistan for less than a month. More than 600 mourners gathered at the local school in Raymore ? a tiny farming community about an hour north of Regina ? to pay tribute to Braun, the 27th Canadian soldier to die in the war-torn country since 2002. ?He was one of the good people,? said Jim Braman, Braun?s former teacher and a close family friend. ?Someone who could win you over with his quiet strength or his sense of humour or his generous heart. It?s obvious by the number in attendance today that Dave did touch the lives of a lot of people.? Braman recalled how Braun developed a keen sense for world events in high school. If he wasn?t watching the Looney Tunes, Braman said, the television would always be tuned to the History Channel, the Discovery Channel, or CNN. ?From his interest in world events, Dave formed strong opinions about what role Canada should play in these events,? Braman said. ?He started to feel the need to make a difference. He could have done this a number of ways, but the way he chose was ... as a soldier, a profession he had been leaning toward all his life.? Braun would often argue that Canada should have a strong military presence in the Middle East. In fact, when he was on leave and at home, he was often ?wound up as tight as a drum? because of the inactivity, Braman remembered. ?Dave felt he should be doing more,? he said. While a good deal of Thursday?s service focused on Braun?s passion for the military, there were lighter moments as well. Braman recalled how Braun could fall asleep just about anywhere. When he was a child and almost had his finger severed in the door of a combine, he even managed to take a nap on the way to the doctor?s. Braman?s son Terry, who was Braun?s best friend, recalled how once, while out dancing with friends in Regina about three years ago, Braun doffed his shirt to impress the ladies while ?The Summer of ?69? by Brian Adams blared in the background. ?Yes, Dave was constantly surprising me,? he recalled with a chuckle. Terry Braman said the funeral brought with it mixed emotions for him. He was sad to lose such a good friend, but also very proud of the work Braun did. He recalled how he and Braun talked at length about his deployment to Afghanistan right before he left. ?This guy never spoke with fear, never,? Braun recalled. ?He shrugged his shoulders and said `I didn?t re-sign my contract to sit around Shilo, that?s for sure.? ?     Jun 28, 2007 Statement from the family of Cpl. David BraunStatement from the family of Cpl. David Braun 1   Statement from the family of Cpl. David Braun   Braun's mother, Patty, sister Diana, and brothers Mike and Chris, were joined by Braun's friend Terry Braman on the tarmac for the solemn repatriation ceremony as a gentle breeze rippled over the eastern Ontario military base. Braun's mother, Patty Braun, said in a written statement this week that the family is proud of Braun's bravery and asked Canadians to continue to support our troops in Afghanistan. Each looked on in sorrow, dabbing away tears, as Braun's coffin was lowered from the plane and carried by uniformed pallbearers to a waiting hearse, accompanied by a lone piper playing a mournful lament for the fallen solider. Military officials said that at the family's request, Braun's coffin was draped with the Canadian Forces Ensign, a white flag bearing both the Canadian maple leaf and the emblem of the Forces.   Braun's mother then approached the hearse, kissed her hand and touched her son's casket before laying a single yellow rose on top.Braun's siblings and friend followed, taking a moment to pay their respects before placing a rose of their own. Braun's family wept and pipers played a lament Saturday as his coffin, draped in a Canadian Forces Ensign, was escorted from a military jet to a hearse. The young soldier will be buried with full military honours in his home town of Raymore, Saskatchewan.   No other information or photos are available at this time. Jun 28, 2007 Corporal Andrew James Eykelenboom 1st Field AmbulanceCorporal Andrew James Eykelenboom 1st Field Ambulance 1 Corporal Andrew James Eykelenboom 1st Field Ambulance Corporal Andrew James Eykelenboom was killed by a suicide bomber in a vehicle attack near the town of Spin Boldak, approximately 100 km southeast of Kandahar City. The attack occurred at approximately 3:30 p.m. Kandahar time August 11, 2006. Cpl. Eykelenboom was travelling in an armoured ?G Wagon? (Gelaendenwagen) Light Utility Vehicle as part of a resupply convoy heading north from Spin Boldak to Kandahar Airfield on Highway 4 when the suicide bomber exploded his vehicle near the convoy. A Taliban spokesman claimed responsibility for the attack, which came a few weeks before Eykelenboom was scheduled to return home. NR-06.049 - August 12, 2006 OTTAWA - The Honourable Gordon O'Connor, Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement today on the death of Corporal Andrew James Eykelenboom, a member of the medical unit, 1 Field Ambulance, in Edmonton. It is with profound sadness that I learned this morning of the death of Corporal Eykelenboom, who was killed by a suicide bomber approximately 100 km southeast of Kandahar City. Corporal Eykelenboom was traveling towards Kandahar Airfield as part of a re-supply convoy when the attack occurred, and our nation grieves his loss. My sympathies go to Corporal Eykelenboom's family and friends. Canadians stand united in pride and gratitude behind Corporal Eykelenboom, and we will not forget his courage in the face of danger. While there are risks involved in this selfless work, our Canadian Forces members are fully prepared for the demands they face. Canadians everywhere honour their unwavering commitment to our country and I commend their calling to this noble purpose.   Jun 28, 2007 Cpl. Andrew James (Boomer) Eykelenboom EulogyCpl. Andrew James (Boomer) Eykelenboom Eulogy 1 Cpl. Andrew James (Boomer) Eykelenboom 1st Field Ambulance ( August 11, 2006 ) 'Boomer' touched my heart Aug. 15, 2006. 10:26 PM ROSIE DIMANNO   No Canadian soldier, killed in Afghanistan, dies in anonymity. There is at least that: The number of casualties, even as they mount, are not yet so plentiful that names and faces are becoming interchangeable. Biographies of the fallen mutate into obituaries for lives cut brutally short, which has always been the don't-speak-of-it fate looming terribly real for fighting grunts. We read the stories and study the photographs, trying to imagine the totality of one soldier's existence from the paucity of details that make it into media dispatches, the comments often a little too reverent, given the solemn nature of the report, never quite capturing the essence of the individual. Because soldiers, especially those at the front, in close proximity to danger and the craziness of war, are wildly irreverent, fiercely scatological, monkey-shining. This is what I know of Canadian army medic Andrew James Eykelenboom, or "Boomer'' as he was called by his mates, killed by a suicide bomber near the Afghan-Pakistan border on Friday: He was sweetly goofy, more than a little bit off-centre in humour, with a deadpan delivery such that you never saw the punchline coming or even realized he was having you on, until the sly grin at the end. He was an insatiable reader, of popular fiction mostly, and once noted that he couldn't imagine getting through the long periods of boredom that typify the lull of combat between skirmishes without the weighty collection of paperbacks in his kitbag. During the 23 hours I spent with him in the tight confines of a LAV-III, as our convoy humped across the Afghan desert en route to Forward Operating Base Robinson, Eykelenboom would carefully dog-ear his place in The DaVinci Code when his turn came to ride sentry duty, head and shoulders sticking up out of the hatch, and return to it eagerly afterwards, barely pausing to wipe the accumulation of dust and dirt from his face. He was laconic in conversation and moved with deceptive slowness, sometimes as if half asleep and probably he was, too, since he was not among those in the crew capable of sleeping on the spot, with a mate's elbow in the ribs and a pair of combat boots invading one's groin space as our vehicle lurched across deep wadis and juddered over swelling dunes. Yet I saw his quickness too, and his poise, when the LAV behind us was sideswiped by a passing truck, causing the turret gun to swing around, hitting two other Canadian soldiers smack in the face, blood gushing, the impact so forceful that the cannon bent. In our enclosed space, we didn't even realize what had happened until a medic call came crackling over the radio. Without any outward show of anxiety, Eykelenboom was immediately out the back of the LAV, the first on the scene to tend to the injured, ripping open and pressing compresses to wounds, speaking with soothing reassurance into the ears of the two very frightened soldiers, their blood on his hands as he squeezed their fingers, never moving from their side until a helicopter arrived to evacuate the casualties. Then, with a this-is-my-job shrug, returning seamlessly to his book, never speaking of the incident again. They'd made a medic out of him, did the Canadian military, because he had considerable first-aid experience, some college instruction in rudimentary medicine, a keenness for the assignment, and the intention of taking advanced courses upon his return to British Columbia, when his military contract was up. Wanted to be a paramedic, save lives on the home front, an ambulance cowboy. So much experience he was gaining in the field, in Afghanistan. It was Eykelenboom ? he was wearily accustomed to spelling out that mouthful of a surname ? who was credited, later, for saving the life of an Afghan interpreter who'd born the full brunt of an RPG attack against the G-Wagon in which he was riding, struck during an ambush. That was near the start of the Battle of Pashmul, the fierce engagement waged by Task Force Orion ? the Canadian battlegroup ? alongside Afghan troops against the Taliban, right in the enemy's wheelhouse west of Kandahar City. But during that long night in the LAV, on the way to FOB Robinson, when Eykelenboom could no longer read because it was too risky to keep even a small light on, we talked and talked, this 23-year-old soldier and me, sharing licorice sticks and chocolate bars. He didn't mind when I stretched out my legs and rested stinky feet in his lap. And later, when the bodies had rearranged themselves, he made no comment as I drowsily lay my head against his shoulder. He was just a boy, really. A sweet, kind and good-natured boy, who was still somewhat mystified about how the hell he'd ended up in a war, in this strange country. But he accepted the circumstances with an equanimity beyond his years, never once sinking into platitudes, never bothering to talk about the big picture and the urgency of this Canadian mission to Afghanistan. I was touched by him, for whatever reason more so than any other of the many fine young men and women I encountered during six weeks with the troops. Back at Kandahar airfield base, after leaving Charlie Company behind at FOB Robinson ? they would remain at the inhospitable and frequently attacked outpost for more than a month ? I sent Eykelenboom and his LAV mates a care package via re-supply convoy that consisted of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition and speakers for the LAV, with thanks from the Star . He'd said he missed pretty girls and rock music. Yesterday, from the lush countryside of Tuscany, I logged onto the Star website, breaking my promise to myself not to read my paper while on holidays. Immediately, I recognized the photo of Eykelenboom, taken apparently while on an R'n'R leave in Thailand, bottle of beer in hand, laughing. It was like a kick in the gut and I wept as I read the story of his death. A Canadian Forces spokesperson in Ottawa told me later that Eykelenboom had been scheduled to rotate home from Afghanistan within a fortnight. Last night, his body was to arrive at CFB Trenton, in a casket. I cannot picture him dead.     Jun 28, 2007 Statement from the family of Cpl. EykelenboomStatement from the family of Cpl. Eykelenboom 1   Statement from the family of Cpl. Eykelenboom Updated Thu. Aug. 17 2006 7:31 PM ET Cpl. Andrew Eykelenboom, 23, was an army medic who was killed in a suicide attack in Afghanistan on Aug. 11. Known by colleagues as "Boomer", Eykelenboom was serving with the First Field Ambulance unit based out of CFB Edmonton. The following is a statement issued by his family on Thursday. Thank you all for your support and condolences in this time of anguish.  The outpouring of words describing Andrew's impact on everyone's life has been invaluable in helping us through this gruelling time. The grief that overcame us when we were out on the tarmac as we watched the airplane door open to the flag covered coffin was more than we thought we could bear.  The rain that fell as the piper played his song of sorrow allowed us to release our sadness, unencumbered with the rest of the nation.  Somehow, God gave us the strength to endure.  An hour later when the police were escorting us back to Toronto we were able to laugh and tell stories.  We humans are strange creatures. That entourage included six police cars, two dignitary cars, the hearse, and two family limos.  The police stopped traffic, all sirens, making our ride through downtown Toronto seamless and smooth.  It was a ride that Andrew would have enjoyed so very much, and he did, we felt him with us.  This feels surreal.  We are overwhelmed. Andrew; a medic with the 1 field ambulance; will not see his 24th birthday. His mission in life was to help people and he believed that the best way to do this was to learn the craft of a lifesaver and join a cause he believed in. He focused on ensuring the people around him were appreciated for who they are and looked for openings to show the benefits of faith and friendship.  Even with a self-directed mission as great as helping others he found time to enjoy the life he was given, hanging out with friends, camping, fishing, snowboarding or surfing. All of which still involved his unspoken drive to educate everyone he could touch with his passion for the Lord and the ideals of care and good deeds. It has been written that Andrew is a hero for saving the lives of others while serving his country.  He would not see things this way.  Andrew would just shrug and say "That's just my job, I did what I was trained to do."  His motivation to join the service was not in pursuit of fame or honour.  It was his genuine commitment to others. The work of the NATO forces in Afghanistan is not only about protecting Canada's Sovereignty; it is about making the world a better place for all.  The chain of our human society is only as strong as the weakest link and although there are a lot of places that require assistance, we need to focus our efforts in areas where our work can be effective over the long term. The military presence is required in Afghanistan for many reasons.  The foremost reason that comes to our minds is the need to foster an environment where we can show the people that there is another way of life.  The median age in Afghanistan is 17 years.  This says to us that we have the opportunity to show a better way of life to the future leaders of that vast country. The tyranny of decades of Taliban control is not the view of the world and through education, those young people will learn the difference between good and evil.  There is a guestbook found through Legacy.com that people have written into, expressing their condolences and what Andrew meant to them.  There is also a guestbook at www.redfridays.ca . We would like to encourage those who wish to express their thoughts to sign those pages where they can be read and appreciated by all who choose.   He and the 25 soldiers who came before him, did not pay the ultimate price solely for their country; they paid the ultimate price for all of humanity. Unfortunately for all of us, Corporal Andrew James Eykelenboom has left a gaping hole in our lives. We are setting up a fund in honour of Andrew and the other soldiers who have lost their lives in this meaningful mission. The fund, "Boomer's Legacy," will benefit the women and children of Afghanistan. We will provide details as soon as possible.     No other information or photos are available at this time. Jun 28, 2007 Master Cpl. Jeffrey Scott Walsh, Patricia's Canadian Light InfantryMaster Cpl. Jeffrey Scott Walsh, Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry 1 Master Cpl. Jeffrey Scott Walsh, Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry A Canadian soldier was shot and killed August 9, 2006 in Afghanistan in what appears to have been an accidental discharge of a rifle from a comrade-in-arms. Walsh departing to Afghanistan Aug 3 2006 Military officials say Master Cpl. Jeffrey Scott Walsh -- with the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based in Shilo, Man. -- had just arrived in Kandahar some six days ago. He had been returning from a routine patrol west of Kandahar when there was an apparent unintended or accidental discharge of a weapon by another soldier. Walsh is the sixth Canadian soldier to die in the past week and the 25th soldier killed in the mission in Afghanistan. His death is under investigation by the military's National Investigation Service.     Jun 28, 2007 Master Cpl. Jeffrey Walsh EulogyMaster Cpl. Jeffrey Walsh Eulogy 1 Master Cpl. Jeffrey Walsh (August 10, 2006) Accidentally shot, soldier buried in Regina Fellow soldier's gun fires accidentally Also, 6 injured when vehicle hits truck Aug. 10, 2006. 06:51 AM CANADIAN PRESS   REGINA ? Master Cpl. Jeffrey Walsh was remembered Thursday as a valiant soldier, acutely aware of the dangers he faced in Afghanistan, but driven by a need to protect the world from the ?monsters? that threaten it. Walsh died in the war-torn country last week in what appeared to be an accidental shooting by a fellow soldier. His death came just six days after he was re-deployed to the country for his second tour of duty and just one day after he celebrated his 33rd birthday. Before he left, Walsh wrote a poem about the mission after the eldest of his three children, six-year-old Avery, asked him why he was going away. Entitled ?Monsters in the Dark,? it was read to the crowd of about 600 mourners who gathered at a downtown Regina church to pay their last respects. ?I know that they are out there. I will not be ignorant anymore,? the poem reads. ?Pulling the blanket over my head will not keep them from coming ashore. Instead I choose to confront them as afraid as I might be. Because if I don?t stop the monsters, our children can never be free.? Walsh?s friend, Norman Yeo, said it was a sense of adventure and a willingness to help others that inspired the fallen soldier. ?He knew the risks involved in the operations that he was taking part in, but that didn?t stop him from helping those who needed it,? Yeo said. ?Jeff protected us here and we have comfort in knowing that he will always be watching over us from above.? The son of an RCMP officer, Walsh knew from a very young age about putting one?s life on the line to protect others. ?Jeffrey Scott Walsh was a police kid,? Rev. Allan Higgs told the congregation. ?He knew that his dad strapped on a gun to go to work each day .x .x . Jeff had developed an equal sense of duty to community and to society.? Higgs talked about the way Walsh died. ?How or why a gun went off will take time to determine,? he said. ?We do know, though, that the person responsible for that gun carries a terrible burden. Our hearts go out to that individual. Do remember him or her in your prayers.? He also spoke directly to any doubters of the Canadian mission in Afghanistan and said the recent terrorist plot uncovered in Britain should give the country and its soldiers even more resolve. ?Those individuals need give their heads a shake,? Higgs said of anyone who doesn?t support Canada?s involvement in the war. A military investigation is currently underway to determine what led to Walsh?s death. Negligence will be the focus, as foul play, suicide and enemy action have all been ruled out, according to military officials. Meanwhile, the family of Cpl. Andrew Eykelenboom, 23, of Comox, B.C., issued a statement Thursday that also expressed support for the mission in Afghanistan. ?The work of the NATO forces ... is not only about protecting Canada?s sovereignty ? it is about making the world a better place for all,? the statement said. ?The military presence is required in Afghanistan for many reasons. The foremost that comes to our minds is the need to foster an environment where we can show the people that there is another way of life.? Eykelenboom was killed when a suicide bomber plowed an explosives-laden pickup truck into a NATO convoy. He was the first Canadian military medic killed in action since the Korean War.     Jun 28, 2007 Statement from the family of Master Cpl. Jeffrey Scott WalshStatement from the family of Master Cpl. Jeffrey Scott Walsh 1   Statement from the family of Master Cpl. Jeffrey Scott Walsh Walsh's parents, Ben and Margie Walsh, released a statement saying they were proud of their son. "Jeff believed in his job and felt he could make a change in Afghanistan," the statement said. "We, his parents, support Jeff and all the Forces members in Afghanistan and all our peacekeepers." No other information or photos are available at this time. Jun 28, 2007 Master Corporal Raymond Arndt, Loyal Edmonton RegimentMaster Corporal Raymond Arndt, Loyal Edmonton Regiment 1 Master Corporal Raymond Arndt, Loyal Edmonton Regiment Master Corporal Raymond Arndt of the Loyal Edmonton Regiment died in a vehicle accident south east of Kandahar August 5, 2006. Statement by the Minister of National Defence on the Passing of Master Corporal Raymond Arndt NR?06.047 - August 5, 2006 The Honourable Gordon O'Connor, Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement today on the passing of Master Corporal Raymond Arndt. OTTAWA-- "I was deeply saddened to learn today of the tragic death of Master Corporal Raymond Arndt, who was accidentally killed when his resupply vehicle was involved in a collision with a local civilian vehicle. The accident also injured three fellow members and I am hopeful they will soon recover. While this incident pains our nation, Master Corporal Arndt's death was not in vain. I am joined by all Canadians in my grief, and extend my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Master Corporal Arndt. His resolve to fulfill his mission in the face of danger speaks to the strength of all our Canadian Forces members. Master Corporal Arndt's legacy will be carried on by the people of Afghanistan whose lives he has touched, by his Canadian Forces family and by all who knew him. In spite of the complex risks faced in Afghanistan, our Canadian Forces members have the support of our great nation to succeed and will fulfill their mission. As a country we honour their daily sacrifices in the name of Canada's national interests and we wish for the safety of all Canadian Forces members serving around the world." Jun 28, 2007 Master Corporal Raymond Arndt UlogyMaster Corporal Raymond Arndt Ulogy 1 Master Corporal Raymond Arndt, Loyal Edmonton Regiment (August 5, 2006) Soldier remembered for quick smile and tenacity Canadian soldier died, 3 hurt as truck hit vehicle Aug. 8, 2006. 09:16 AM CANADIAN PRESS   EDSON, Alta. ? Close to 1,000 soldiers, friends and family packed a Royal Canadian Legion on Wednesday to remember a soldier with a quick smile and the tenacity to follow what he loved. Master Cpl. Raymond Arndt, a reservist with the Loyal Edmonton Regiment, was killed in Afghanistan on Aug. 5 when his armoured G-Wagon collided head-on with an Afghan transport truck. ?Everybody knew Ray, everybody,? said Lt.-Col. Hans Brink, Arndt?s commanding officer. ?So there wasn?t anybody that didn?t know him in some capacity, didn?t have a beer with him at one time or another. So, a loss like this hits us all hard. ?He was a very good soldier. Very dedicated, hardworking. Loved to smile, loved to tell jokes.? Among the mourners were 125 soldiers who rode buses from Edmonton to Edson, about 190 kilometres west. Another 25 soldiers drove out. They were joined at the funeral by a dozen RCMP officers in dress red serge. ?It was standing-room only at the funeral,? said RCMP Cpl. Bruce Chomeakwich. Colleagues recalled how Ardnt ? who had one foot size six and one foot size nine ? almost wasn?t admitted to the military. But he wouldn?t give up. ?Originally, it was going to keep him out of the army, and he had to prove to the medical branch that he could march with us, and do everything that a normal soldier could do,? said Brink. Three other Loyal Edmonton reservists were injured in the crash that killed Ardnt. Their G-Wagon was the lead vehicle in a convoy returning to Kandahar. Cpl. Ashley Van Leeuwen of St. Paul was severely injured in the crash and was flown to a military hospital Germany. Cpl. Jared Gagnon of Sherwood Park was also flown to hospital in Germany, while Pte. Adam Keen of Edmonton suffered minor injuries and returned to duty. The Loyal Edmonton Regiment had 27 members in Afghanistan, including Arndt and the three injured men. They were part of a platoon that escorts convoys to different locations, such as supply bases. Brink said the military is looking into the crash. ?Like any accident, it?s under investigation, and that?s basically where it stands right now,? he said. Arndt, 32, was originally from Peers, northeast of Edson.     Jun 28, 2007 Statement from the family of Master Corporal Raymond Arndt, Loyal Edmonton RegimentStatement from the family of Master Corporal Raymond Arndt, Loyal Edmonton Regiment 1   Statement from the family of Master Corporal Raymond Arndt, Loyal Edmonton Regiment   He married his wife, Darcia, last year. The couple, who met at a regimental dinner a few years ago, was looking forward to their life together in Edmonton, where they planned to have children. "He was very devoted to his wife. He wanted to be a father. He was looking forward to starting a family," MCpl. McFadzen said. His family issued a statement over the weekend and asked for privacy as they grieve. "He was a loving husband, son, brother, uncle and friend," the statement said. "Ray had a love for life, for his family, and had a wonderful sense of humour. Ray was proud of who he was and of the work he was doing in Afghanistan."   No other information or photos are available at this time. Jun 28, 2007 Cpl. Christopher Jonathan Reid, 1st Battalion of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light InfantryCpl. Christopher Jonathan Reid, 1st Battalion of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry 1 Cpl. Christopher Jonathan Reid, 1st Battalion of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Cpl. Christopher Jonathan Reid, with the 1st Battalion of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, was killed in action. He died on Aug. 3 in an area where Canadian soldiers have been advancing on Taliban insurgents, said Col. Tom Putt, deputy commander of Task Force Afghanistan. Reid was the 20th soldier to be killed since Canadians moved into Afghanistan in 2002, and the 12th to die in the last six months. Reid, based in Edmonton, died during the night when a Canadian Light Armoured Vehicle, or LAV-3, was struck by a roadside bomb TRURO, N.S.?Angela Reid says that when she spoke with her son for the last time, he was in a great mood and showed no sign of growing tired of his mission in Afghanistan even though he was slated to return to Canada within weeks. In a brief phone call Wednesday, Reid says she urged her son to remain on high alert as he traversed the dangerous terrain. But when a military padre came knocking at her door at 4 a.m. yesterday, Reid knew her warnings had not saved him. Officials informed her that their only remaining child, Cpl. Christopher Reid, was one of four Canadian soldiers killed in attacks yesterday near Kandahar.   Jun 28, 2007 Cpl. Christopher Jonathan Reid EulogyCpl. Christopher Jonathan Reid Eulogy 1 Cpl. Christopher Jonathan Reid, 1st Battalion of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (August 3, 2006) Fallen soldier 'would not like any of this fanfare': mother Cpl. Christopher Reid remembered for his dedication at Nova Scotia funeral Aug. 12, 2006. 12:27 PM CANADIAN PRESS   TRURO, N.S. ? Cpl. Christopher Reid believed strongly in Canada's military mission in Afghanistan, but the soldier who was killed earlier this month near Kandahar could always be counted on to head home to Nova Scotia whenever he had the chance. Cpl. Terry Cole, a friend of Reid's, recalled at a funeral service Saturday how his buddy always headed home to Truro when he was on leave. "Well, Chris, you're home now, so it's time for you to take it easy," Cole told about 300 mourners at the Truro Armoury. "We're all going to miss you, Chris. Rest in peace, buddy." Like many who spoke about Reid, Padre John O'Donnell said the 34-year-old was a dedicated soldier who never missed a training exercise. "He believed in the mission because he believed in Canada and in the values for which we stand as a nation," he said. "He wanted to be there and he wanted to be there 110 per cent." Angela Reid prompted a standing ovation when she spoke about her son in an unwavering voice as someone without pretention who never tried to impress "Chris would not like any of this fanfare," she said, her memories of a son with an adventurous spirit and a sensitive side bringing laughter from those who knew him. "I could glorify Chris but he would not want that." At the end of the service, Angela Reid was presented with the maple leaf flag that draped her son's casket after it had been ceremoniously folded. Tom Reid was given his son's beret and five of his medals. Reid was one of four Canadian soldiers killed in attacks near Kandahar nine days ago. Three of the soldiers were part of a NATO patrol and killed by suspected Taliban fighters in a battle at a school near the village of Pashmul, west of Kandahar City. Reid died in a separate incident when his vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb planted on a nearby highway. Ten other members of the regiment were injured in the attacks. All were members of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry based in Edmonton. It was the worst day of death and injury Canada has endured in Afghanistan since troops were first deployed there in 2002. A private internment ceremony will be held for Reid later in the week. Angela Reid has said her son raved about the LAV-3, the type of light-armoured vehicle he was in when the bomb exploded, killing him and injuring another soldier. He thrived in Afghanistan's harsh conditions, but loved coming home where he enjoyed driving off-road with his army buddies in a truck sporting a Nova Scotia flag. One relative recently remembered how the young man, who was single, used to love camping with his friends and tearing down country roads in his four-by-four to the family's woodlot. Friends and relatives have said Reid, who was trained as a driver, never expressed reservations about the mission in Afghanistan when he was deployed there in January, even after surviving a Taliban attack in May that killed his friend Capt. Nicola Goddard. His family also had little apprehension about him heading overseas. The Reids had lost their second child and only daughter several years earlier to a chronic illness. Reid joined Truro's army reserves in 1989, then moved on to the regular force in 1995. He later served across Canada and overseas, where he completed tours in Bosnia and Croatia.     Jun 28, 2007 Statement from the family of insert Cpl. Christopher Jonathan ReidStatement from the family of insert Cpl. Christopher Jonathan Reid 1   Statement from the family of insert Cpl. Christopher Jonathan Reid Surrounded by family and friends, they read a brief statement to reporters Thursday afternoon, describing their son as a devoted soldier who lived life to the fullest. Angela Reid expected her son home in a few weeks. She spoke to him on Wednesday and said her final words were "continue to be on high alert." She said he supported Canada's decision to stay in Afghanistan and loved the LAV III, the vehicle he was riding in when he died. "Please support our troops" was her closing message to reporters.   No other information or photos are available at this time. Jun 28, 2007 Sgt. Vaughn Ingram of the 1st Battalion Princess Patriciaís Canadian Light InfantrySgt. Vaughn Ingram of the 1st Battalion Princess Patriciaís Canadian Light Infantry 1 Sgt. Vaughn Ingram of the 1st Battalion Princess Patriciaís Canadian Light Infantry Sgt. Vaughn Ingram,  of 1st Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry based in Edmonton - died in the line of duty. The Canadian soldier was killed as the result of a rocket-propelled grenade attack in Afghanistan on Aug. 3, 2006. In a statement released the day of the tragedy, Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean expressed her sorrow for the fallen soldiers and said she shared "the grief of a nation." Jean added: "We must salute the sense of duty and the determination of our soldiers as they face dangers in the name of rebuilding Afghanistan." Jun 28, 2007 Sgt. Vaughan Ingram EulogySgt. Vaughan Ingram Eulogy 1 Sgt. Vaughan Ingram, First Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (August 3, 2006) Mourners pack two churches in Nfld. town Aug. 18, 2006. 09:28 AM   BURGEO, N.L. - Hundreds of mourners filled two churches in this small Newfoundland community on Sunday to bid farewell to Sgt. Vaughan Ingram. The 35-year-old, who was born and raised in Burgeo, was one of three soldiers killed in Afghanistan during a grenade assault by Taliban forces near Kandahar on Aug. 3. The service was closed to the media at the family's request, but more than a thousand people attended, said Capt. Michael Pretty, the assisting officer for the family. About 600 people filled the church where the funeral was held, and between 600 and 700 watched a video feed of the funeral in another church nearby. ``When we went outside, and the people who couldn't fit in both churches were lined on the streets,'' Pretty said. ``I looked back, and as far as I could see, up the street, up the hill, there were easily 1,200 people.'' Friends and family from across Newfoundland and from Edmonton, where Ingram was stationed, attended, as well as Brig.-Gen. Rick Parsons, the commander of Land Force Atlantic Area. Parsons presented both Ingram's wife and mother with a Memorial Cross. His mother received the flag that covered Ingram's coffin when it left Afghanistan. The ceremony continued at the town's cenotaph, where Ingram's medals and beret were given to his five-year-old daughter Brooke. Another flag was presented to his 13-year-old daughter Samantha McCoubrie. As Ingram's body was driven away to be cremated, his daughters each let go of a white balloon that rose skyward. ``And she said, `There is my daddy going to heaven,''' Pretty said of Brooke. The news of the soldier's death quickly cast a cloud over the tight-knit community of 2,4 00. Immediately after he was killed in Canada's bloodiest day so far in Afghanistan, Ingram was remembered by those who knew him as a fearless soldier who was resolute in carrying out his mission. Two months earlier, Ingram was injured in a firefight when Taliban fighters fired on the light-armoured vehicle he was riding in. He was just weeks away from rotating out of Afghanistan when he died. Cpl. Bryce Keller and Pte. Kevin Dallaire also died in the Aug. 3 attack. Cpl. Christopher Reid of Truro, N.S., who was remembered at a funeral service on Saturday, died in a separate roadside bomb attack the same day. All four were from the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry based in Edmonton. Three more soldiers have died since, bringing to 26 the number killed since the Afghanistan mission began in 2002. A Canadian diplomat has also died.     Jun 28, 2007 Statement from the family of Sgt.t Vaughn IngramStatement from the family of Sgt.t Vaughn Ingram 1   Statement from the family of Sgt.t Vaughn Ingram Family and friends were reflecting on that tough demeanor Friday, just a day after getting news that the 35-year-old father of two died in a vicious rocket attack near Kandahar that killed two other Canadian soldiers. "From here, we support 'em and no regrets in general," Clayton Ingram, the soldier's older brother, said from the family home where relatives were gathering. "That's the life he chose, he was good at it, he enjoyed it. He did what we asked him as a country to do." A family friend who has known Ingram since he was a young boy said he was so keen on being a soldier that when he joined the military he told them they could "sign me up for life." "He was a military man through and through," Allister Hann said from Burgeo, adding that the earlier firefight didn't seem to rattle him. "He was still gung ho in carrying out the mission . . . he was ready to go right back again to the front line."   No other information or photos are available at this time. Jun 28, 2007 te. Kevin Dallaire, 1st Battalion of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantryte. Kevin Dallaire, 1st Battalion of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry 1 Pte. Kevin Dallaire, 1st Battalion of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Pte. Kevin Dallaire, 22, was killed Aug. 3 in a rocket-propelled grenade attack during fighting with Taliban forces west of Kandahar in Afghanistan. He was with the 1st Battalion of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based in Edmonton. Dallaire was one of three the 20th, 21st and 22nd Canadian soldiers to be killed in Afghanistan since 2002.   Jun 28, 2007 Pte. Kevin Dallaire UlogyPte. Kevin Dallaire Ulogy 1 Pte. Kevin Dallaire, 1st Battalion of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (August 3, 2006) Soldier, 22, buried in Ottawa Group of bereaved parents forming support network Aug. 11, 2006. 12:41 PM CANADIAN PRESS   OTTAWA ? As a piper played Amazing Grace, comrades carried Pte. Kevin Dallaire's flag-draped coffin to burial Friday in the National Military Cemetery in Ottawa. Dallaire, 22, Sgt. Vaughn Ingram and Cpl. Bryce Jeffrey Keller were killed Aug. 3 in a rocket-propelled grenade attack during fighting with Taliban forces west of Kandahar in Afghanistan. All were with the 1st Battalion of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based in Edmonton. They were the 20th, 21st and 22nd Canadian soldiers to be killed in Afghanistan since 2002. A bugler sounded the Last Post and Reveille and three volleys of rifle shots were fired over the grave as Dallaire was laid to rest with full military honours. Dallaire's mother, Diane received the flag that draped her son's coffin while father Gaetan was presented with his headdress, scabbard and medals. As family and friends walked solemnly from the gravesite, Diane laid her head on the grave of Capt. Nicola Goddard, who had served in Dallaire's battle group in Afghanistan. Goddard was killed in Afghanistan on May 17. Armed Forces spokesperson Sylvain Chalifour said Diane had met Goddard in Canada and had specifically asked to see her grave. Quietly watching the ceremony were Deborah and Gerald Warren, parents of Cpl. Jason Warren, 29, who was killed July 22 in Afghanistan and was buried in the same cemetery Aug. 3. The Ottawa couple had come to visit their son's grave and were unaware beforehand of the latest burial. They said they were very sad for the Dallaires, especially given his young age. The Warrens said there are no other parents in the area who had lost children in Afghanistan, but that a support network of family members across Canada is quietly coming together as the deaths mount. "There is a group forming out there. It is unfortunate, but it is only natural that it will form," Gerald Warren said. Maj. Paeta Hess-von Kruedener, 43, one of four UN observers killed July 25 in Lebanon, was to be buried Friday in Burlington, Ont.     Jun 28, 2007 Statement from the family of Pte. Kevin DallaireStatement from the family of Pte. Kevin Dallaire 1   Statement from the family of Pte. Kevin Dallaire, 1st Battalion of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry "Kevin was a very, very quiet individual. With his brother, he'd be really riled up. With me, he'd be very quiet," Dallaire said Friday, describing his 22-year-old eldest son as an introverted man with a quiet nature. Kevin Dallaire had just started his last year of high school at Ecole Ste-Marguerite Bourgeoys in Calgary when 9/11 erupted. He was a shy, good-natured teenager, yet every now and then he'd light up the stage in school variety shows, break dancing for the audience. "He was a really quiet kid, but he was heavy into the break dancing scene," says his uncle Serge Francoeur. Off stage, Dallaire was so modest and reserved that when he joined the army, his mates called him the "Silent Frenchman." Although his parents, Diane and Gaetan, came originally from northeast Ontario, Dallaire spent most of his life with his brother Mikael on the airbase at Cold Lake, where his dad was an air force electronic technician. The family moved to Calgary when Gaetan retired from the Forces and, after finishing high school, Dallaire enlisted in the army with the Princess Patricia's. He joined the military hoping "to see the world," his father said. "The only thing that he'd seen was here, Alberta, for all his life." Afghanistan was his first chance at a foreign mission. His last words to his mom and dad, when he called them from Kandahar the Sunday before he died, were that he couldn't wait to come back to Canada and enjoy a cold beer. Diane Dallaire, mother of Pte. Kevin Dallaire, places her head on the gravestone of Capt. Nichola Goddard who was also killed in Afghanistan while serving in the same combat unit as her son.(CP / Fred Chartrand) No other information or photos are available at this time.   Jun 28, 2007 Cpl. Francisco Gomez, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light InfantryCpl. Francisco Gomez, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry 1 Cpl. Francisco Gomez, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Corporal Francisco Gomez of the Princess Patricia?s Canadian Light Infantry based in Edmonton, Alberta was one of two Canadian soldiers killed on July 22, 2006 when a suicide bomber rammed a vehicle packed with explosives into their convoy approximately 5 kilometres west of Kandahar City on Highway One. Cpl. Gomez was traveling in a combat service support convoy that was returning to Kandahar Airfield after successful operations in Helmand and Kandahar provinces. Eight other Canadian soldiers were injured in the same incident. They were the 18th and 19th Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan since 2002. Jun 28, 2007 Cpl. Francisco Gomez EulogyCpl. Francisco Gomez Eulogy 1 Cpl. Francisco Gomez, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (October 27, 2006) `He was a soldier's soldier ... professional all the time' Aug. 2, 2006. 02:07 PM SHANNON MONTGOMERY CANADIAN PRESS   EDMONTON?Soldiers who worked with fallen soldier Cpl. Francisco Gomez remembered him yesterday as a soft-spoken man who nonetheless made a resounding impact on those around him. "Cpl. Gomez, just like they said in the service, was the quietest guy, you know, never had much to say," said friend Cpl. Richard Haggarty, who attended a private funeral in Edmonton with Gomez's family. "But when he did, he could quiet a room. Everybody in the room would stop and listen to what he had to say. And what he said, everybody thought about." Gomez, 44, a career soldier, was killed by a suicide bomber in Afghanistan on July 22, along with Jason Warren, 29, of the Black Watch, the Royal Highland Regiment of Canada based in Montreal. Eight other soldiers were injured. The plaintive wail of bagpipes and columns of officers marching in unison signalled the start of the military funeral procession. But the pipes were soon drowned out by the rumble of a light-armoured vehicle pulling Gomez's flag-draped casket behind it. The eight-wheeled, dull green vehicle is similar to the one he was driving the day he died. In front of the vehicle, a brown horse led by a member of the Lord Strathcona's Horse ? Gomez's unit ? carried two black boots facing backward in the stirrups, a sign of a fallen comrade. Those who knew him called Gomez, who never married and had no children, the perfect soldier, completely dedicated to his job. His commanding officer, Lt.-Col. Pascal Demers, said an uncle told the service why his nephew continued to enlist in the military. "Francisco would say, `Someone has to protect the children from the bullies,' " he said. "And I think that gives an idea of what type of man Francisco was." "He really enjoyed his job, he loved it," said Peter Cochrane, a retired soldier who worked with Gomez for 19 years. He said that Gomez, who served in Somalia, Bosnia and Cyprus, could easily have advanced above the rank of corporal, but didn't want to be promoted. "That is the working rank of the military. He was a soldier's soldier. He was professional all the time." Gomez and Warren were the 18th and 19th Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan since 2002.     Jun 28, 2007 Statement from the family of Cpl. Francisco GomezStatement from the family of Cpl. Francisco Gomez 1   Statement from the family of Cpl. Francisco Gomez Warren's family issued a statement Tuesday, saying he died while proudly serving his country and doing what he believed in. "He wanted to make a difference in the world," the family said in a statement issued by the Defence Department. "He died doing what he loved, being a soldier and serving his country." The Venezuelan-born Gomez reportedly joined the Armed Forces right out of high school. His older brother, Richard, also served in the military. George Gomez, 76, has said his son was killed less than a week before he was to return home to Canada. He added the family accepted the risks the soldier was taking by going to Afghanistan. No other information or photos are available at this time. Jun 28, 2007 Cpl. Jason Patrick Warren, Montreal's The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment)Cpl. Jason Patrick Warren, Montreal's The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) 1 Cpl. Jason Patrick Warren, Montreal's The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) Canadian soldier was killed  July 22, 2006 in a suicide bomb attack in Afghanistan near the coalition base in Kandahar. Cpl. Jason Patrick Warren, 29, of Montreal's The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada died in the attack, the Department of National Defence said. Cpl. Jason Warren, top, and Cpl. Francisco Gomez were killed Saturday when a suicide bomber rammed a vehicle packed with explosives into their convoy. The soldiers were traveling in a Bison armoured vehicle, part of a support convoy that was returning to Kandahar airfield when a suicide bomber attacked at about 5:20 p.m. local time (8:50 a.m. ET).   Jun 28, 2007 Cpl. Jason Patrick Warren EulogyCpl. Jason Patrick Warren Eulogy 1 Cpl. Jason Patrick Warren, Montreal's The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) (July 22, 2006) Parents of Montreal soldier grieve loss of caring son Aug. 2, 2006. 02:16 PM CANADIAN PRESS   KANATA, Ont. ? As they prepare to bury their first born, Cpl. Jason Patrick Warren's parents are comforted by memories of his infectious laugh and the knowledge that he died doing his part to change Afghanistan. "From a mother's heart I'm devastated by the loss, but I have such wonderful memories," Debbie Warren told The Canadian Press in an interview at a funeral parlour near her home, west of Ottawa. Not far from her thoughts these days is her son's broad smile and bellicose laugh. "It was just very contagious, very rough." She also holds dear their last conversation, just two days before his death, in which Debbie was able to tell her son one final time how much she loved him. The 29-year-old reservist and Cpl. Francisco Gomez, 44, of Edmonton were killed July 22 when a suicide bomber detonated a car filled with explosives beside the Bison armoured vehicle that Gomez was driving. They were on the tail end of a large convoy returning from fighting west of Kandahar. Clutching a tissue, Debbie Warren described her son's unending optimism and love for country that propelled him to follow family tradition by joining the military. Debbie Warren's father is a Second World War veteran and her daughter is a corporal who has served two tours in Afghanistan. The Warrens were fully aware of the risks associated with their son's mission in Afghanistan. But they take comfort in the knowledge that he was doing what he loved. Working in psychological operations, Jason Warren used his warm personality to foster attitude changes among Afghan civilians. "He loved the idea of being able to go into places and be able to counter the negative impact of the Taliban," his mother said proudly. And he was good at it. Even as a youngster growing up in Quebec City, he made friends easily and was very perceptive. Each Christmas, he knew exactly what to give, after assembling little clues given unconsciously by family members, Debbie Warren said. Gerry Warren said he had a close bond with his son, admiring his devotion, loyalty and love. He said Jason had hoped to change the hearts and minds of Afghanis and give them an opportunity to try to resolve issues without resorting to violence. "Like a true Canadian he would first put his hand out to see what he could do to help," Gerry Warren said, sporting a Canadian flag pin on his shirt. "But then if that man would stand up against him and be aggressive and fight, then he would fight that man." Jason Warren shielded his parents from much of the horror of his experiences. But his parents said he was able to open up completely with his sister Rachelle, whom he followed into the military. "Gerry and I hardly understood when they spoke because they had all these expressions (about their experiences)," Debbie Warren said. "They just had a great time." Jason Warren is also survived by a brother, Stephen, and his sibling's wife. Warren's six-month deployment was slated to end in August. He served with the Royal 22nd Regiment in Bosnia in 2002 and had hoped to return to Afghanistan before he became the first member of the Black Watch Regiment to die in action since 1970. As much as he loved his family, Jason Warren also found a special bond with friends at the Black Watch Regiment, his mother said. "The Black Watch is like a family," she said, tearfully recalling the support they have given the family. The outpouring of affection for their son has been overwhelming, the parents said. They enjoyed learning more about their son from messages left by friends on an online condolence book. They were particularly heartened by the warm words of Prime Minister Stephen Harper during a telephone conversation and the thoughtfulness shown by Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean at Thursday's repatriation ceremony. While Gerry Warren is touched by the support shown by Canadians, he expressed frustration with recent polls that suggest Canadians are growing weary of the war. "We had no choice but to be there," he said defiantly. "It would be a great cowardly stain on Canada if we pulled out right now. "We know that if we let Afghanistan go it will become a cesspool for training terrorism and we're going to feel the impact of it at home." Quebec Lt.-Gov. Lise Thibault will be among the dignitaries who will participate in Warren's funeral on Wednesday at the Church of St. Andrew and St. Paul, the Black Watch chapel, in Montreal. Warren and Gomez were the 18th and 19th Canadian soldiers to be killed in Afghanistan since 2002. They will be buried in Ottawa on Thursday at the Canadian Forces National Military Cemetery.     Jun 28, 2007 Statement from the family of Cpl. Jason Patrick WarrenStatement from the family of Cpl. Jason Patrick Warren 1   Statement from the family of Cpl. Jason Patrick Warren   The parents of the reservist killed in a suicide bombing near Kandahar told CBC Monday their son died for a worthy cause and that they wouldn't stop their daughter, also a soldier, from returning to serve in Afghanistan. Cpl. Jason Warren 29, of Montreal,  of Edmonton died on July 22 when a suicide bomber blew up his vehicle close to their troop carrier near the coalition base in Kandahar. Deborah and Gerald Warren believe their son died fighting for a cause he believed in. Gerald and Deborah Warren said they believe their son died fighting for a cause he believed in. "I asked him, 'Do you feel you're accomplishing anything there? Because for a lot of people here, it seems very hopeless," said Gerald Warren. "And he said, "Yes, and we are accomplishing, It's not easy and it's a long haul, but there are some achievements there.' " The Warrens said they last talked to their son by satellite phone just two days before the fatal attack. "I told him, I said 'We've got your back Jason,' and I love you so much and he said 'I love you Mom,' " said Deborah Warren. Cpl. Warren served with the Black Watch, the Royal Highland Regiment of Canada. It was his second overseas mission, following a deployment in Bosnia in 2002. Eight others, including one Canadian, were injured in the attack that killed Gomez and Warren. Coalition soldiers honoured the pair of fallen soldiers in a ceremony at Kandahar Airfield two days after the bombing, with Canadian military officials gathering at CFB Trenton in eastern Ontario last Thursday at a repatriation ceremony. "Those guys in Afghanistan treated our son with such dignity and we felt such an outpouring of love from them and we know that it's hard for them," said Gerald Warren. Cpl. Rachel Warren of the Royal Canadian Dragoons of Petawawa, Ont., has already done two tours of duty in Afghanistan as a soldier and plans to return. "I would never, never try to stop her," said Deborah Warren. "It would be so hard as a mother. I would not want to lose another child, but I would never stand in her way. Just hug her a lot before she leaves. "Her gut reaction is a soldier's gut reaction: I'd like to go finish what Jason tried to accomplish," added a tearful Gerald Warren. The funeral for Cpl. Warren will be held in Montreal on Wednesday. A private funeral will be held for Cpl. Gomez on Tuesday in Edmonton. Last week, George Gomez, the soldier's father, said he died for a worthy cause. "We are not broken up about his death because we know from the philosophy that we have, he is still alive," said Gomez. Since Canada began its mission in Afghanistan in 2002, 19 soldiers and one diplomat have been killed. No other information or photos are available at this time. Jun 28, 2007 Cpl.  Anthony Joseph Boneca, 1st Battalion Princess Patricia?s Canadian Light InfantryCpl.  Anthony Joseph Boneca, 1st Battalion Princess Patricia?s Canadian Light Infantry 1 Cpl.  Anthony Joseph Boneca, 1st Battalion Princess Patricia?s Canadian Light Infantry 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." Jun 28, 2007 Cpl. Anthony Joseph Boneca UlogyCpl. Anthony Joseph Boneca Ulogy 1 Cpl. Anthony Joseph Boneca, 1st Battalion Princess Patricia?s Canadian Light Infantry (March 5, 2006) Soldier knew dangers: Father Competing stories surface in wake of corporal's death Reservist `loved' being in army, his family says Jul. 12, 2006. 05:28 AM BRUCE CAMPION-SMITH OTTAWA BUREAU   OTTAWA?Cpl. Anthony Boneca knew the dangers of his mission in Afghanistan and was well-prepared to face them. Or he was ill-informed about his role and ill-equipped to carry it out. These are the competing stories coming from the family of the 21-year-old reservist and the family of his girlfriend, in the wake of his death Sunday near Kandahar. "My son volunteered to go to Afghanistan," father Antonio Boneca said in a statement released by the military yesterday. "Anthony knew what he was getting into. "In all my conversations with my son, there was never any mention of him not being well enough or fit enough to carry out his military duties." His girlfriend's father, Larry DeCorte, said Sunday that Boneca, serving his second tour in Afghanistan, was deeply unhappy about the conditions, including one long patrol without adequate food or water. "He hated it over there. He was misled as to what was going to be there when he got there, and what he would be doing," DeCorte told the Star . Antonio Boneca painted his son's military service in a different light, saying the Thunder Bay native "loved" being in the army. "He was well aware of the dangers around him and was committed to the test he had taken on," the statement read. "He said it was difficult to cope with the weather, the sand, and the situation the young children endured. He was proud to make a difference in their lives and said he wished these children could live like we do in Canada. "Certainly, Anthony wanted to come home, but I ask, what soldier wouldn't in that situation?" Maj. Tod Strickland, a top commander in the Kandahar field, said in an interview from Afghanistan yesterday that even if Boneca had expressed some misgivings about the mission, "what is really remarkable is that ... he went forward and did his job." "That to me speaks volumes about the kind of man he was," said Strickland, the deputy commander of task force Orion, the infantry battle group. Strickland was gracious in his praise of Boneca as a "fine" reservist who was able to make the cut and be accepted by a front-line rifle company that was fighting the enemy. "That he was good enough to make the `A-team' ... speaks very highly of his qualities as a soldier," Strickland said. He said the life of an infantry soldier is, at times, one of "deprivation and hardship. "We all know when we sign on, even if it's a slightly romantic view, that there's going to be periods when you're hungry, when you're tired, thirsty, wet, cold ? in this case very hot ? and you're going to have a difficult job to perform with someone trying to kill you," he said. "We, as leaders, try to minimize ... the sufferings of our soldiers." Boneca's body is expected to arrive at CFB Trenton today at 7 p.m. to a solemn ceremony attended by his grieving family, along with dignitaries such as Governor General Michaëlle Jean; Defence Minister Gordon O'Connor; Gen. Rick Hillier, the chief of defence staff; and Maj.-Gen. Marc Lessard, assistant chief of land staff. His family decided yesterday to allow all media access to the ceremony and to allow photographs to be taken. Strickland defended the Afghan operation against complaints levelled by Boneca in phone calls and emails to family and friends that patrols ran low on food and water. In one case, a one-week patrol stretched to three weeks with just seven days of food, according to DeCorte. Having patrols run longer than expected is common, but it's rare those missions would go too long without getting new supplies of food, water and ammunition, Strickland said. "Going from one week's worth of rations and trying to live on it for three weeks, I think I would have heard about that," he said. "That's not to say it didn't happen. It may well have. But that would be the exception, not the rule," he said. Boneca also complained about being kept on patrol in the mountains for a week after breaking his ankle. Strickland said he didn't know details of that incident, but said the military has evacuated troops from the front line for "far less, whether it be dehydration, back injuries, any number of wounds. We get the guys out as quickly as we can. "Someone who can't march really isn't any good. He's a liability." Strickland wondered if Boneca covered up his injury out of sense of duty to fellow soldiers. Strickland conceded that the Kandahar mission, with its dangers of roadside bombs and ambushes, is something few troops, reservist or full-time, can fully prepare for. "I'd be lying to you if I told you Afghanistan met my expectations," said Strickland, who has done three overseas tours. "It's an extreme challenge and it continues to evolve. Every day you see something different or something you wouldn't have expected," said Strickland. He was just back in Kandahar after being on the front line where in recent days Canadians have faced some of their fiercest fighting in their six-month tour. "I can think of little I have seen in my service as challenging as the past couple of days have been," he said, describing scorching temperature nearing 50C, the ever-present dust and the dangerous insurgents. "They are an extremely tenacious enemy," he said.     Jun 28, 2007 statement from the family of Corporal Anthony Joseph Bonecastatement from the family of Corporal Anthony Joseph Boneca 1   Statement from the family of Corporal Anthony Joseph Boneca, 1st Battalion Princess Patricia?s Canadian Light Infantry   Shirley and Tony Boneca were told of their son's death by an army padre and a commander who came to their Thunder Bay home at 3:30 a.m. yesterday. Their only child had just three weeks left on his second tour in Afghanistan. "My son volunteered to go to Afghanistan," father Antonio Boneca said in a statement released by the military yesterday. "Anthony knew what he was getting into. "This is so hard to do," Elizabeth Babe, Boneca's aunt, said from the family home yesterday. "He was coming home in 20 days. I have nothing but wonderful things to say about a wonderful boy. I've known him all of his life, as short as it has been." He leaves his parents, six aunts and two uncles, many cousins, family in Portugal, and his girlfriend, Megan DeCorte, 19. Larry DeCorte said Boneca and his daughter planned to marry. There was no set date because Boneca had wanted to ask him in person for permission. "He was the love of her life, and they were planning on a life together right after he got home," DeCorte said. "We loved him. The whole family here loved him. He is the kind of kid that, when you have daughters, you want your daughter to find." Boneca was born and raised in Thunder Bay. He graduated a few years ago from St. Ignatius Catholic Secondary School, where he quarterbacked the Falcons, the school's football team, with great enthusiasm if not always across the goal line. "He was always one of the ones where you'd have to repeat yourself about 30 times for instructions," chuckled Barry Quarrell, a vice-principal at St. Ignatius who coached the team when Boneca was there. "He'd always forget the plays. He'd say, `Give me a piece of paper, give me a book, write it on my forehead.' I just knew what kind of soldier he was," said Quarrell, "because he was dedicated at whatever he did, and I know that he loves what he did." "He didn't really have any goal for when he finished high school," said his aunt. "He sort of knew he wasn't ready to go to college or university. He liked military strategy, military games, and stuff like that. So I guess that just followed naturally. I guess he figured it would be something to try, and when he did go into the reserves, he really, really, loved it. He made a lot of friends." Boneca emailed friends last week: "It's so hot here now you can barely handle it. I know you're all watching the news and know what's going on here, but don't worry, I'll be okay."   No other information or photos are available at this time. Jun 28, 2007 Capt. Nichola GoddardFuneral of Capt. Nichola Goddard 1 Capt. Nichola Goddard, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Canadian woman 16th soldier killed in Afghanistan Last Updated Wed, 17 May 2006 15:45:26 EDT CBC News A female soldier from Canada was killed while fighting Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan on Wednesday, military officials said. Capt. Nichola Goddard was serving as a forward observer with the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry in Afghanistan. (Department of National Defence) Capt. Nichola Goddard, 26, had been serving in Afghanistan with the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. She was a member of the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, based in Shilo, Man. She is the first Canadian woman to be killed in action since the Second World War, and the first female combat soldier killed on the front lines. Goddard died about 6:55 p.m. local time (10:25 a.m. EDT) in a military operation against Taliban forces near Kandahar, where the majority of the country's 2,300 soldiers in Afghanistan are serving. Canadian soldiers had been called in to support Afghan troops fighting in the Panjwai region, about 24 kilometres west of Kandahar. When the battle ended, 18 Taliban militants had been killed, and 35 captured, Canadian Forces spokesman Maj. Scott Lundy said. Three Afghan soldiers were wounded. Goddard was from Calgary and lived with her husband, Jason Beam, at the Canadian Forces Base in Shilo. She had no children. Beam, to whom she had been married since 2002, told CBC News that Goddard joined the forces eight years ago, enlisting in the military right out of high school. He said he last spoke with her Tuesday, and she was excited about the mission that, in the end, claimed her life. Goddard was serving as a forward observer, helping to target the artillery by observing where the shells fell. She was supposed to be home in September. 'It's a hard day' Maj. Liam McGarrey said that Goddard had been marked for rapid advancement. Word of Goddard's death slowly filtered through the base as soldiers attended a morale-boosting concert featuring Canadian musicians. Goddard's remains are to be sent by plane to Canada on Friday during a ramp ceremony at the main Kandahar base. Brig.-Gen. David Fraser, who commands Canadian and coalition forces in Kandahar, offered his sympathies to Goddard's family. "It's a hard day, but it's also a day of achievements here," said Fraser, who stood in front of a Canadian flag at half-mast. "The government of Afghanistan and the Afghan national security forces have had a good successful day. There was significant Taliban casualties both killed and captured. "Unfortunately, the cost today was the life of Nichola." PM salutes soldier's contribution In a statement, Prime Minister Stephen Harper acknowledged Goddard's contribution. "Capt. Goddard died while helping to bring peace, stability and democracy to a troubled region of the world. She, and the other men and women who serve in Afghanistan, are involved in a difficult and dangerous mission." Manitoba Premier Gary Doer said the province will fly its flag at half-mast in Goddard's honour. "I just want to say, on behalf of the people of Manitoba, we respect her life of bravery and honour on behalf of Canada, and we offer our condolences to the family and to the community of Shilo," he said. Goddard's death raises Canada's toll in Afghanistan to 16 soldiers and one diplomat since the mission beganin 2002. Dozens of Canadian women have died while serving in the First and Second World Wars, says the Department of National Defence: Forty-three women in the Canadian military died in the First World War ? 29 in enemy action on the Western Front. Seventy-one female members of the Canadian Forces died in the Second World War, including five combat-related deaths ? four during the bombing of London and one when a German U-boat sank the SS Caribou. There were no women military casualties in the Korean War Thousands of comrades send Goddard home Last Updated Fri, 19 May 2006 18:12:17 EDT CBC News Thousands of troops from several countries lined the tarmac at Kandahar airbase on Friday to say goodbye to Capt. Nichola Goddard, Canada's latest casualty in Afghanistan. Members of the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery carry the casket of Capt. Nichola Goddard on board a C-130 Hercules at Kandahar. The plane is expected to arrive in Trenton, Ont., on Saturday. (Bob Weber/Canadian Press) Goddard, the first female combat soldier Canada has lost in battle, was killed Wednesday battling Taliban insurgents west of Kandahar. On Friday, soldiers from eight countries watched as her flag-draped casket was carried by eight members of her unit, the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery. The casket went underneath an arch formed by two M777 howitzers and between the ranks of camouflage-clad soldiers, then up the loading ramp of a C130 Hercules for the flight home to Canada. The plane is expected to arrive in Trenton, Ont., on Saturday. At the Kandahar base, prayers were said, and Brig.-Gen. David Fraser followed the casket into the airplane to say a brief private farewell. Soldiers at the ceremony included those from Canada, the United States, Britain, Romania, France, the Netherlands, Estonia and Afghanistan. Goddard was serving as a forward artillery observer when Canadian troops were called to support Afghan forces as they battled Taliban fighters about 24 kilometres west of Kandahar. The casket of Capt. Nicola Goddard is inside the hold of the Canadian Forces C-130 on Friday at Kandahar airfield. (Sgt. Carole Morissette/DND) She was killed when the LAV III light armoured vehicle she was in was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade, a number of media outlets are reporting. The Canadians formed a ring around the area where the Afghan forces were battling the Taliban. Canadian military officials said 18 Taliban militants were killed and 26 captured during the operation. Three Afghan National Army soldiers were wounded. Goddard was the 16th Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan since 2002. One Canadian diplomat has also been killed. Capt. Nichola Goddard is the first Canadian female combat soldier to die in battle. (DND) The Calgary native lived in Shilo, Man., with her husband, Jason Beam. Her funeral will be in Calgary at the same church where she was married less than four years ago. A public memorial is planned at her base at CFB Shilo.   Jun 28, 2007 Capt. Nichola Goddard EulogyCapt. Nichola Goddard Eulogy 1 Capt. Nichola Goddard, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (May 17, 2006) Goddard a soldier ? and so much more Parents recall loving daughter Friends called `Care Bear' May 19, 2006. 12:20 PM DALE BRAZAO STAFF REPORTER - Toronto Star Calgary? A "Care Bear" with a gun who loved her country, her family and her pets, Capt. Nichola Goddard was well aware of the risks of being a professional soldier in a war zone. She was a conscientious, fun-loving, dedicated Canadian soldier who believed deeply in Canada's role in Afghanistan, her parents said yesterday, a day after the 26-year-old artillery captain was killed by Taliban fighters. She was the first Canadian female to die by enemy fire ? but that's not the way she would have wanted to be remembered, her family said. To them, she'll be remembered as a woman with a huge smile and a big heart who often called home to check on her two cats and two dogs, and who dreamed of running her own kennel when she left the army. "Our daughter has been portrayed in the media as a strong leader, an officer who cared for her soldiers, and one who believed in the importance of her work in the Canadian mission in Afghanistan," her father Tim Goddard said yesterday. "She was all those things but she was also so much more. "Nichola lived her life fully," her father told a news conference held at Calgary University, where he is an associate dean. "She died too young, but she died doing something she believed was important, something she was good at, something she loved doing, and surrounded by people she enjoyed and respected. We shall miss her." Goddard, a forward artillery observer with the 1st Canadian Royal Horse Artillery, whose job was to send target information back to the firing crews, was killed around 7 p.m. Wednesday during a fierce firefight with Taliban insurgents about 25 kilometres west of Kandahar. She is the 16th Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan since Canada committed troops to the war-torn country in 2002. Combat roles have been open to women in the Canadian military since 1990. Reading from a prepared statement entitled "Not Just a Soldier," Tim and Sally Goddard, their eyes red from crying, took turns before the microphones and cameras to tell the world about their beloved daughter. The volunteer scout leader and faithful member of the Anglican church. A selfless leader who agreed to shave her hair to raise money for cancer research and relished the spectacle as the soldiers she commanded gleefully auctioned off the right to wield the razor. A kid who once won the prize for being the best Dene speaker in kindergarten in Black Lake an Indian reserve in Northern Saskatchewan. The owner of a bedevilling smile that once flashed could persuade her parents into the back yard for hours to turn the rope so she could learn to skip. The Goddards last spoke to their daughter on Monday night, when she called to say she wouldn't be able to talk to her father on his birthday two days later because she was going out on a mission. A mission she would never return from. "She was anxious to get out of the Kandahar base, as she was far happier in the hills, and was keen to get on with the job," her father said. "She was never a paper pusher. She wanted to be a combat officer. She was far happier outside the wire with her men." `Nichola lived her life fully. She died too young, but she died doing ... something she loved' The oldest of their three daughters, Nichola was born in Mandang, in Papua New Guinea, where the Goddards were teaching at the time. Tim Goddard recalled fondly yesterday how his daughter's personality, toughness and love of the outdoors was fashioned in such remote settings as northern Saskatchewan and Baffin Island. She was an avid runner and cross country skier who competed in a biathlon. By the time she graduated from high school, she had attended seven different schools. "She often joked that the one reason she joined the army was for the structure," Sally Goddard said of Nichola, who joined the military at age 18 while they were living in Nova Scotia. "Nichola had a huge smile and an even bigger heart," Tim Goddard said in describing his daughter as an ardent athlete who once gave up a chance to win a ski race to help a fellow racer who had collapsed due to hypothermia. "After that, her friends called her `Care Bear,'" he said of the moniker she carried with her into adulthood and to Afghanistan, where she established herself as a strong leader, and an officer who cared for her soldiers. Those sentiments were echoed yesterday by her husband Jason Beam in a telephone interview from Shilo, Man., the Canadian Forces base where Goddard was stationed prior to leaving for Afghanistan in January. And despite his very personal pain, Beam says he remains a firm believer that Canadian soldiers need to stay in Afghanistan to help bring peace to the country. Nichola would want it that way, too, he said. "I don't think we should turn, run and hide because we've suffered a couple of casualties," Beam told the Toronto Star. "I'm very glad to hear that the mission has been extended." His wife would not care for all the fuss that is being made about her being the first Canadian female killed in combat. She had fought hard to overcome stereotyping in her work, he said. "She would like to be remembered simply as a soldier doing her job." "I am very proud of her," Beam said of his wife of three years.     Jun 28, 2007 Capt. Nichola Goddard Family StatementCapt. Nichola Goddard Family Statement 1   Goddard family issues statement regarding their daughter, Captain Nichola Goddard, killed in action in Afghanistan Our daughter, Captain Nichola Goddard, has been portrayed in the media as a strong leader, an officer who cared for her soldiers, and one who believed in the importance of her work and of the Canadian mission in Afghanistan. She was all those things, but she was also so much more. Nichola was an avid outdoors-woman. She was an accomplished cross-country skier, and when she lived in those provinces she was a member of both the Alberta and Nova Scotia junior women Nordic ski teams. She loved camping and hiking, especially in the winter, perhaps because of her years spent living in northern Saskatchewan and on Baffin Island. She loved animals, and had two dogs and two cats she had brought from the animal shelter. She dreamed of owning a boarding kennel when she left the Army. Nichola had a huge smile, and an even bigger heart. She was a volunteer scout leader and a faithful member of the Anglican church. She was always a caring person. Once, during a ski race, a competitor became hypothermic and collapsed by the side of the track. Nichola stopped and helped him down to the finish, losing any chance of winning the race herself. After that, her friends all called her ?care bear?. At Shilo, she agreed to shave her head as part of a Cancer Fundraiser, and her men gleefully auctioned off the right to wield the razor. She raised a lot of money. Nichola was born in Madang, Papua New Guinea, where her parents were teaching. She grew up around the world, attending seven schools before graduating from high school. She often joked that one reason she joined the Army was for the structure! nichola and familyNichola spent her childhood growing up with her two sisters, Victoria and Kate, in places such as Black Lake, a native reserve in northern Saskatchewan where she won a prize for being the best Dene speaker in Kindergarten. The family then moved to Dundurn, just outside of Saskatchewan, where she learned how to ride a bike and skip rope, something she hadn?t had an opportunity to do on the reserve. Tim and Sally spent hours in the backyard turning the rope so she could practice. In Baffin Island, Nichola and her two sisters took a skidoo ride with their dad onto the ice to finally see the sun again. It was February, minus 22, and Nichola took off her snowsuit and danced in the sun. Nichola was the eldest of the three girls, and leaves to grieve her parents, her sisters, her husband, Jason, and so many more. In one of her regular letters home from Afghanistan, Nichola observed that the work of her father, an associate dean at the University of Calgary, and his colleagues in the field of post-conflict educational development was only possible because of people like her and her men. "I do what I do so you can do what you do," she said. nichola and familyThe family spent Christmas together and spent the holidays in Wales with Nichola?s grandmother and many members of her family. She then spent time in Sault Ste. Marie with her maternal grandparents. Before she was deployed to Afghanistan, she gathered in Calgary with her husband, parents and sisters for a weekend of family time. The one stipulation she gave before agreeing to the family weekend was that it not be a sad weekend. It wasn?t. We spoke with Nichola on Monday night. She called saying she wouldn?t be able to talk to Tim on his birthday, which was Wednesday. She was anxious to get out of the Kandahar base, as she was far happier in the hills, and was keen to get on with the job. She was never a paper pusher, she wanted to be a combat officer. She was happier outside the wire with her men. We are in the process of setting up a scholarship fund in Nichola?s memory. We will release more information on that once details are finalized. The funeral will be held in Calgary, at St Barnabas? Anglican Church, at a date to be determined. Nichola lived her life fully. She died too young, but she died doing something she believed was important, something she was good at, something she loved doing, and surrounded by people she enjoyed and respected. We shall all miss her dearly. nicholaNichola Kathleen Sarah Goddard   No other information or photos are available at this time. Jun 28, 2007 Cpl. Randy PayneCpl. Randy Payne 1 Cpl. Randy Payne Payne, 32, and Turner, 44 were one of four Canadian soldiers killed on April 22 when their light-armoured vehicle hit a roadside bomb near Gumbad, north of Kandahar. The soldiers were travelling in an armoured vehicle called a G-wagon when it was blown onto its side by an improvised explosive device, 70 kilometres north of Kandahar city, around 7:30 a.m. local time Saturday. Three of the men died at the scene, near Gumbad, a small outpost established by the Canadians two months ago. The fourth died shortly after being transported by helicopter to the hospital at the coalition air base in Kandahar.   There was little that could have been done to prevent the insurgent bombing that killed four Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan, Canada's top soldier says. Chief of Defence Staff Rick Hillier said Saturday in Ottawa that the device that killed the soldiers had "considerable explosive power." "What exactly caused that explosion, we're in the process of determining, and we will determine it, but it was huge," he said at a news conference. "I've seen a picture of the crater, it was deep, it was significant." Hillier said there is little that can be done to stop determined insurgents from attacking Canadian troops. "You cannot reduce the risk to zero," he said.     Jun 28, 2007 Cpl. Randy Payne EulogyCpl. Randy Payne Eulogy 1 Cpl. Randy Payne (April 22, 2006) 'He wanted to be the best' Soldiers have given us freedom: EEulogy Hundreds come out to say goodbye May 2, 2006. 07:10 AM JOHN GODDARD STAFF REPORTER - Toronto Star GANANOQUE, ONT.?It is the soldier who more than anybody else grants a nation its freedom, a close friend to Cpl. Randy Payne told a public military funeral yesterday. "It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech," said Cpl. Corey Gaffey, who trained at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, southeast of Edmonton, with Payne before his January departure for Afghanistan. "It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to demonstrate. It is the soldier, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial." The eEulogy rang out from speakers on the lawn of Grace United Church to the overflow portion of the crowd in bright morning sunlight. Inside the downtown stone building, extra chairs brought seating capacity to 500 or so. Just as many people or more attended in almost total silence outside. A few residents of the summer resort town of Gananoque held Canadian flags in their hands. Men and women in uniform stood silently in rows, representing the armed forces and various military and civilian police forces. A colour guard of war veterans carried the Union Jack and other flags representing Canada, the Canadian provinces and the United Nations. The only family member to address the service was Payne's 7-year-old son, Tristan. In a tiny voice, he read a Christian story, said to have been sent with a condolence card last week, about how Jesus walks with His believers and, in the worst times, even carries them. "Good show, buddy," Wainwright chaplain Larry Keddie said softly to the boy at the end. Payne, 32, had been picked to serve in Afghanistan with an elite protection detail for Brig.-Gen. David Fraser, Canadian commander of the multinational brigade in Afghanistan. He attended a meeting between Fraser and village elders in Gombad, 75 km north of the Kandahar military base a week ago Saturday, and was driving a lightly armoured G-Wagon on his way back when it hit a roadside bomb. The explosion killed Cpl. Matthew Dinning, Bombardier Myles Mansell and Lieut. William Turner instantly. Payne survived the initial blast but died after emergency surgery at Kandahar air base. Soldiers in two other vehicles in the convoy remained unharmed. Mourners began to gather at the church as early as 8 a.m. for the 10 a.m. service. Proceedings unofficially began with the arrival of Payne's grieving family, huddling together on the church lawn to await the casket. They included Payne's wife, Jody, son Tristan, 5-year-old daughter Jasmine, parents David and Nancy, and older brother Christopher, also in military uniform. The casket arrived, carried by eight uniformed pallbearers. The only sound as the family followed behind was the dull hum of a generator powering a satellite television feed. In the eEulogy, Cpl. Gaffey told anecdotes of life at Wainwright, referring to his friend as "Payner" and testifying to his friend's accomplishments in dancing, cooking spaghetti sauce and racing a dune buggy. "He wanted to be the best military police officer he could be," Gaffey also said of Payne. "He was the type of person who in a panic ... could take a step back and quickly analyze the situation in his head ... before deciding on a course of action." Before leaving for Afghanistan, Payne several times expressed the wish that, should he not return, his family be properly cared for, Gaffey said. "Don't worry my friend," Gaffey said. "As I stand here before you, I swear your last wish will be fulfilled." Payne was born to a Canadian military family at the Canadian base in Lahr, Germany, but spent most of his teenage years in Gananoque. "He always had a smile on his face," recalled Pat Barr, whose daughter knew Payne in high school. After graduating high school in Gananoque, Payne took a community college course in law and security, worked for Nortel for several years and eventually followed his desire to join the Canadian forces as a military police officer. Tristan, son of Cpl. Randy Payne, gets a hug from a priest after reading at his father's funeral on Monday.   Jun 28, 2007 Statement from the family of Cpl. Randy PayneStatement from the family of Cpl. Randy Payne 1   Statement from the family of Cpl. Randy Payne   EDMONTON - The family of Cpl Randy Payne would like to express their sincere gratitude to the people of CFB/ASU Wainwright and the surrounding community who have taken the time to convey their condolences, support and well wishes in the wake of this terrible tragedy. Randy touched many lives and was a loving husband, father, brother and son. He will be sorely missed by both his family and all those who had the honour of knowing him over the years. In respect to those who are suffering the most during this time of great loss, it is requested that Randy's family be allowed to mourn in privacy. In recognition of the sacrifice made by Cpl Payne and his fellow Military Policeman, Matthew Dinning, in the service of peace, there will be a public memorial service held at the Base on Wednesday, May 3, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. in the Tommy Prince Drill Hall. All are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, the family has indicated that donations can be made to an educational trust fund for Cpl Payne's children, Tristan and Jasmine. These trust funds have been established at the Toronto Dominion Bank in Gananoque, Ontario, account 6256255 .   No other information or photos are available at this time. Jun 28, 2007 Cpl. Matthew DinningCpl. Matthew Dinning 1 Cpl. Matthew Dinning Cpl. Matthew Dinning, born in Richmond Hill, Ont., and stationed at Petawawa, Ont. A roadside bomb killed four soldiers in southern Afghanistan on Saturday in the deadliest attack on Canadian forces in four years. The soldiers were traveling in an armoured vehicle called a G-wagon when it was blown onto its side by an improvised explosive device, 70 kilometres north of Kandahar city, around 7:30 a.m. local time Saturday.   Three of the men died at the scene, near Gumbad, a small outpost established by the Canadians two months ago. The fourth died shortly after being transported by helicopter to the hospital at the coalition air base in Kandahar. The four Canadians killed have been identified. From top: Cpl. Matthew Dinning, Lieut. William Turner, Bombardier Myles Mansell and Cpl. Randy Payne. (National Defence) The Defence Department has identified the Canadians: Cpl. Matthew Dinning, born in Richmond Hill, Ont., and stationed at Petawawa, Ont. Lieut. William Turner, born in Toronto and stationed at Edmonton, Bombardier Myles Mansell, born in Victoria, B.C., and stationed at Victoria. Cpl. Randy Payne, stationed in Wainwright, Alta   Jun 28, 2007 Cpl. Matthew Dinning EulogyCpl. Matthew Dinning Eulogy 1 Cpl. Matthew Dinning (April 18, 2006) A small town pays tribute 2,000 ribbons as Wingham awaits soldier's return Flag ruling `like a slap in the face,' says bereaved dad Apr. 26, 2006. 01:00 AM JOHN GODDARD AND DALE ANNE FREED STAFF REPORTERS - Toronto Star The small town of Wingham, Ont., was awash in purple ribbons yesterday to honour the anticipated return of Cpl. Matthew Dinning, killed by a roadside car bomb in Afghanistan. A citizens' committee formed spontaneously to cut more than 2,000 ribbons, which now adorn lamp posts, porches, trees, storefronts and car radio aerials. "We wanted the main street to be full of support when he comes home and it is," said one committee member who asked to be identified simply as a friend of the family. "We chose purple for bravery." On a day that the federal government's decision not to lower the flag on the Peace Tower in Ottawa to half mast was causing controversy, there was no debate in Wingham, population 3,000, northwest of London. "The flags at the Cenotaph, the flags at the town hall, the flags at the four corners ? every flag in town is at half mast," said Paul Rintoul, local manager of the Canadian Legion. "We've always lowered our flags regardless of what the government says. It's a sign of respect." That includes flags at the federal post office. "It was fairly obvious so we went ahead and did it," post office clerk Doug Wallace said of the staff's move to lower its flag. In fact, the town's move to honour Dinning, one of four Canadian soldiers killed Saturday on combat patrol, meets with no official disapproval in Ottawa. Canada Post has no objection, a spokesperson said. And the federal government's protocol announcement this week said only that the flag would not be lowered on the Peace Tower, and the Prime Minister would not attend a ceremony, every time a Canadian soldier is killed. "People can do whatever they want (to honour the soldiers)," military historian Jack Granatstein said in a phone interview. The move to declare a state of national mourning at a soldier's death began with the accidental killings of four Canadians by a U.S. warplane in Afghanistan in 2002, Granatstein said. A return to previous protocol is appropriate, he said, condemning opposition parties for playing politics with the issue. "I think this is the most shameless crap that I've seen in a long time, playing on the dead bodies of soldiers," Granatstein said of criticism of the government's move by the Liberals and NDP. "If these people had paid half as much attention to the soldiers' equipment over the last 40 years we would probably have fewer dead." Retired Maj.-Gen. Lewis MacKenzie, the first commander of United Nations forces in Bosnia in the 1990s, also said he agreed with Ottawa's decision. "The last thing we want is a trickle of casualties that keeps the flag, our national symbol, at its most important point on the Peace Tower, down for a month and a half." The other extreme is what happened during the UN campaign in Bosnia, he said, when bodies ? 26 Canadians altogether ? "were brought back at night and unloaded without any fanfare whatsoever." "Don't get me wrong," MacKenzie said. "They were buried with great dignity in home towns ... but there was very little (media) coverage." The families of three of the 2002 friendly-fire casualties contacted yesterday expressed strong feelings on the issue. "It's a disgrace not to lower the flag (on the Peace Tower)," said Agatha (Dyer) Dawkins, mother of Cpl. Ainsworth Dyer, of Toronto. "They did it for my son, lowered the flag. I think they should do it for the others." Dyer died near Kandahar on April 18, 2002, along with Sgt. Marc Léger, Pte. Richard Green and Pte. Nathan Smith, all from the Edmonton-based third battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. A U.S. pilot mistook their night training exercises for the enemy and dropped a bomb that killed four and injured eight others. Richard Léger, father of Léger, said the families of fallen Canadian troops should have been contacted before a public announcement was made not to lower the flag. "It's almost like a slap in the face," he said from his Stittsville home. "If they had consulted us or even spoken to us, it would have been a little easier to accept." The move in 2002 set a precedent that should not be changed, said Joyce Clooney, grandmother of Green, from Bridgewater, N.S. "I think our prime minister is taking the path that (U.S. President George W.) Bush is taking that maybe they (Canadians) won't notice how many young Canadians are dying over there if they don't lower the flag," she said. The public, MacKenzie said, remains confused about the mission in Afghanistan ? a counter-insurgency mission, not a peacekeeping one. "You might have a front page article of soldiers sitting down, putting their weapons down, meeting with local elders or setting up travelling medical or dental clinics, and the Canadian population is comfortable with that," he said. "Then they turn the page and see a picture of soldiers loaded down with machine guns and grenades trying to track down and eliminate bad guys." The explanation, he said, is that part of the Canadian force is providing security to another part providing nation-building and humanitarian assistance.     Jun 28, 2007 Statement from the family of Cpl. Matthew DinningStatement from the family of Cpl. Matthew Dinning 1   Statement from the family of Cpl. Matthew Dinning   On the morning of 9/11, Matt Dinning was fresh out of high school, in the opening weeks of a police foundations course at Westervelt College in London, Ont. Becoming a policeman had been a dream all his life, thanks to the example set by his dad Lincoln, an OPP officer in Wingham, Ont. Even as a little boy, Dinning read books on police and played police games. He was also a talented athlete. Growing up he played centre for the Wingham Junior Ironmen, his local hockey squad. A year after graduating from college, Dinning joined the Canadian Forces as a military policeman. Like his dad, who had worked as a police officer with the United Nations in Kosovo, Dinning was determined to serve his country overseas. He got his chance in January 2006. Having volunteered for close protection training, he was deployed to Afghanistan as one of a small, elite group of bodyguards ordered to protect Canadian Brig.-Gen. David Fraser, the coalition commander in Kandahar. "He loved being there," says his father. "He was a proud Canadian. He believed in what he was doing. We miss him dearly."   No other information or photos are available at this time. Jun 28, 2007 Lt. William TurnerLt. William Turner 1 Lt. William Turner January 2006dkfjd Lt. Bill Turner left Canada Post to go to Afghanistan. Lt. Turner killed April 22, 2006. ______________________________________   ?Hi, my name is Bill, and I'm here to help you." That was Lt. Bill Turner's favourite way of introducing himself to the dozens of ordinary people he met during his difficult and dangerous three months as a Civilian-Military Co-operation officer in Afghanistan. It was Turner's job to accompany combat officers into a village or a district, and sit down with local elders, sometimes over tea and figure out what the village needed. Sometimes the request he heard came from children. ?One of the most popular things we get asked for is kites", Turner said in an interview. The fact that a man who tried to bring clean water to dispossessed villagers and find kites for their children speaks volumes about Bill. " Over here, if I can make a small difference in one person's life -- in a child's life especially -- my time in Afghanistan will have been worth it,? he said. Turner stated in an interview, "The Taliban banned kites. But the kids here just love them?. Therefore, Turner decided to put in an order from home---kites and soccer balls for kids. However, on April 22, he and three other Canadian soldiers were killed by a roadside bomb.   Jun 28, 2007 Lt. William Turner EulogyLt. William Turner Eulogy 1 Lieut. William Turner (April 18, 2006) Lieut. William Turner: Inspired others Apr. 23, 2006. 07:37 AM LESLIE SCRIVENER STAFF REPORTER - Toronto Star Strong, wiry and energetic, Lieut. William Turner could inspire others ? whether competing in a cycling race, running long distance or patrolling the rough desert of Afghanistan. A letter carrier for Canada Post in his civilian life, Toronto-born Turner was in his mid-40s when he volunteered as a Civil-Military Co-operation officer in Afghanistan. "He was super-fit, super enthusiastic about life in general; he was amped all the time," said Chris Check, owner of the Edmonton cycling shop where he came to know Turner as a friend and competitive racer. He was attached to the Land Force Western Area Headquarters and was based in Edmonton. Before Turner left for Afghanistan in March, Check asked him what he would be doing with the Canadian forces. Turner told him he'd be working with village elders ? it was the job formerly held by Capt. Trevor Greene, another reservist, who was gravely injured when a young villager swung an axe into his head during a community meeting. Greene had removed his helmet and put down his rifle to show respect and that the Canadians' intentions were peaceful. "He had an immense amount of pride," said Check. "He was excited to make an absolutely direct difference in their lives. He wanted to be there as an ambassador." He recalled that Turner had taken time to write a letter to Check and his colleagues at Pedalhead Road Works. He sometimes raced on the Pedalhead team. "He said that it was hot and dusty, that the food was great and that he'd be seeing us soon." Turner had a self-deprecating sense of humour, joking about his age compared with the younger regular force soldiers he worked with. "I'm one of the old guys," he told The Canadian Press about a month ago. "I'm easily the weakest link in this group," he added. "I'm very well protected, very well looked after." However, with his steady regime of athletic training ? he was also a competitive long distance runner for many years ? Turner was often more of an inspiration than a liability to the younger soldiers. A hard march up a hill seemed effortless to him, while younger soldiers strained as they made their way behind. "That guy is hardcore," one young corporal reportedly said admiringly, after a patrol with Turner, who was thin, tanned and had a rugged jawline. Check recalled the younger soldiers that Turner brought into his store spoke warmly of him. "They had great things to say about him." Just as he encouraged younger soldiers at home to take up the sports that he enjoyed ? he'd often bring them to the cycling store ? he also offered advice on how to prepare for the demanding foot patrols in Afghanistan. Footwear is as important to soldiers as it is to runners and Turner had lots to say about making the right choices. Check said Turner's sister also lived in Edmonton and volunteered when Turner competed in cycling races. Turner was not married. He seemed to embrace the rigours of military service in Afghanistan. "This? This is nothing," he told CP, pointing to the mountains, a few kilometres from the road where he was killed. "This is like a walk in the park." As a field officer working on army reconstruction projects, and one who had taken over Greene's duties, Turner was clearly aware of the dangers in Afghanistan. "Hopefully, little by little, we'll start meeting the needs of these people. But right now, security takes precedence." Yesterday, Brig-Gen. David Fraser, the Canadian commander of the multinational brigade in Kandahar, said that Turner made a strong first impression. "I can't say enough about that guy. He was doing a superb job in making a difference in the lives of people in the Gombad region and the Shah Wali Kot region. I didn't know him before yesterday but I walked away with a tremendous respect for the man, for what he was doing." In Edmonton, Check ended the conversation abruptly. "This guy...excuse me, it's tough, you know someone like that ? and then he's gone."   Jun 28, 2007 Statement from the family of Lieut. William TurnerStatement from the family of Lieut. William Turner 1   Statement from the family of Lieut. William Turner   The Department of National Defence this afternoon issued the following statement on behalf of the family of Lt. William Turner (left): EDMONTON - Toyo Turner, the sister of Lieutenant William Turner, who was killed on April 22, 2006 while serving in Afghanistan, wishes to issue the following statement to the media: "I want to first extend my deepest sympathy to the families of Cpl. Randy Payne, Bombardier Myles Mansell, and Cpl. Matthew Dinning. I share in the grief that you are all feeling, and want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I want the Canadian public to know that my brother died doing what he loved and doing what he truly believed in. Bill knew that he was making a difference to the people in Afghanistan and wanted to continue this effort despite the obstacles that our troops face. Our family is going to continue supporting our troops, Bill's second family, who remain in Afghanistan. We are committed to supporting what he so strongly believed in. I also want to send a message to our troops. Bill spoke so highly of all of you, particularly those soldiers in A Company who supported him after Captain Trevor Greene was injured. He met a lot of wonderful people, and really appreciated the connections he made with all of you, including the Americans who shared his love for NCAA basketball. I want you to shake off what has happened to your comrades and focus on keeping yourself and each other safe so you can come home to your families. Bill's family continues to be behind you all 100% and believe in what you are accomplishing. Thank you for supporting us."   No other information or photos are available at this time. Jun 28, 2007 Bombardier Myles Mansell 5th Field RegimentBombardier Myles Mansell 5th Field Regiment 1 Bombardier Myles Mansell 5th Field Regiment Bombadier Myles Mansell, of 5th (British Columbia) Field Regiment, Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery along with three other Canadian soldiers were killed when their vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device near Gumbad, approximately 75 kilometres north of Kandahar on April 21, 2006. The funeral was held May 3, at Christ Church Cathedral in Victoria. Photos by: Corporal Shirley Edel The casket bearing the remains of Bombadier Mansell was carried on a gun carriage and escorted by members of 5th Field Regiment from Bay Street Armoury to Christ Church Cathedral. Pall bearers carry the casket bearing the remains of Bombadier Mansell into Christ Church Cathedral Pall bearers carry the casket bearing the remains of Bombadier Mansell to the altar of Christ Church Cathedral. Sergeant Darrell A. Stubbington of 5th Field Regiment, a friend, eulogizes Bombadier Mansell. Pall bearers fold the Canadian flag from the casket bearing the remains of Bombadier Mansell to be presented to his family. The Guard of Honour present arms as the casket bearing the remains of Bombadier Mansell are carried from Christ Church Cathedral. Pall Bearers carry the casket bearing the remains of Bombadier Mansell from Christ Church Cathedral. Members of 5th Field Regiment stand at attention after the casket bearing the remains of Bombadier Masell was loaded into the hearse. Jun 28, 2007 Bombardier Myles Mansell EulofyBombardier Myles Mansell Eulofy 1 Bombardier Myles Mansell (April 18, 2006) Bombardier Mansell was `the life of the unit' Jumped at chance to serve in Kandahar Apr. 23, 2006. 01:00 AM CHRISTIAN COTRONEO STAFF REPORTER -Toronto Star Friends called him Manny. Family called him Smiles. But last February, when the military called Myles Mansell to serve in Afghanistan, he exalted in the best title of all: Bombardier. The man of many nicknames dreamt of becoming a soldier for much of his life, working his way up through the cadet ranks to become a reservist with British Columbia's 5th Field Artillery Regiment after graduating from high school in 1998. "He was very happy in it," his aunt Kate Mansell recalled from her Victoria home yesterday. The young soldier, she added, always returned from his adventures, mostly training exercises, with a story to tell. "He was always excited when he was talking about it." Mansell, a 25-year-old Victoria native, was among four Canadian soldiers killed yesterday when their armoured vehicle struck a roadside bomb in southern Afghanistan. The improvised explosive device also claimed the lives of Cpl. Matthew Dinning of Richmond Hill, Lieut. William Turner of Toronto and Cpl. Randy Payne of Wainwright, Alta. Another aunt, Dolly Mansell, could only describe her nephew as "Just the nicest ..." before sobbing, "I really can't talk to you right now." Mansell had worked as a carpenter in the past, and was engaged to be married when he got back from his nine-month tour of Afghanistan in November. His brother Michael Mansell released a brief statement yesterday saying, "As his brother, I am very proud of what he and fellow Canadian soldiers are doing. Myles was doing exactly what he believed in: trying to make a better world for everyone." Kate Mansell held back sobs as she recalled her nephew's dreams of becoming a soldier. "I called him Smiles because he always had a smile on his face," she said. Mansell worked at his father's environmental services company for a time, but would seize every opportunity as a reservist to go on military exercises. "For as long as I can remember, it was something that he always wanted to do," Kate Mansell said. In 2003, he was among several soldiers who volunteered to battle sprawling forest fires that devoured B.C.'s interior. When the opportunity to serve in Afghanistan came, Mansell didn't hesitate. "He was doing what he wanted to do," Kate Mansell said. But Mansell still found a way to tell those stories, sharing them with family and friends through an unofficial website for his division, http://www.fivetribe.ca. As webmaster for the site, Mansell's voice rings throughout the discussion forums, sharing his memories from the first day he arrived, to ? ominously ? his training in improvised explosive devices and his hopes to go out on patrol soon. But yesterday his voice was replaced by scores of tributes from the men and women who knew him. "He was the life of the unit and a true friend indeed," wrote one soldier from CFB Kingston. "Myles ... from myself and my family, you were more than just a friend, you were part of the family." Another soldier wrote, "You've passed away too soon my friend, we were supposed to have some cold ones together at our mess while sharing war stories about this place and arguing about pointless stuff, and bitch about our tour. I will miss you." At the armoury in Victoria, where Mansell spent much of his time before going to Afghanistan, the mood was sombre. Petty Officer Kevin Middleton spent much of the day fielding phone calls from members of units across the country and awaiting funeral details from the fallen soldier's family. "Everyone's gone home and I volunteered to stay back waiting for any word from the family and that kind of thing," Middleton said. "Obviously, it's very devastating here. This is the first death in this regiment in probably a very long time. Needless to say it's a shock to everybody here." Although Middleton never knew him personally ? he was posted to the unit just two months before Mansell shipped out ? he said, "It's a really tight regiment. It's like a big family here and people watch out for each other." Capt. Dan Thomas, a public affairs officer for the 39 Canadian Brigade Group in Vancouver, said the flag over Mansell's armoury was flying at half-mast yesterday.     Jun 28, 2007 Statement from the family of Bombardier Myles MansellStatement from the family of Bombardier Myles Mansell 1   Statement from the family of Bombardier Myles Mansell VICTORIA -- Soldier, fiancee, forest firefighter, friend Bombardier Myles Mansell was many things to many people. The 25-year-old Victoria resident and three other Canadian soldiers died Saturday when an improvised explosive device (IED) hit the G-Wagon they were in as part of an armoured convoy 70 kilometres north of Kandahar. In Victoria, Mansell's family gathered at home on Saturday to mourn his loss. Mansell's brother Michael answered the door with tears in his eyes and asked for privacy for his grieving family. Mansell, the youngest of three siblings born and raised in Victoria, was dedicated to the reserves above and beyond other hobbies; giving up his summers and weekends to serve in the Armed Forces, said family. In June of 2004 he started the fivetribe.ca website with a message board so he and his colleagues could talk when stationed on different continents. Judging from the volume of postings Mansell logged, the soldier relished a good chat and a laugh. His last posting from Afghanistan was April 15. "I remember when I left I was so excited to get here," Mansell wrote. "When we landed and they started handing out our ammunition allotment to keep in our mags, which were loaded and ready, it started to hit home. "The other day we were in Kandahar. We had to set up a cordon on the street in the middle of the city. People were everywhere. Kids running and yelling. F---ing jingle taxis speeding up and down the streets. People trying to push past your cordon, speaking a language you barely understand. Cars screaming down the streets at you, stopping 250 metres away. All you can think is: "Is this the one?" In an earlier message that day he provided a glimpse of the escalating tensions soldiers face: "Things here are happening fast and furious. All sorts of skirmishes daily, that never make the news E This place is f----d up." In the lead up to his mid-February deployment, Mansell wrote about how anxious he was to go on a tour to Afghanistan: "The Stan" as it's referred to, and once there, out on patrol, outside "the wire" fenced borders of the base. He got his wish at the beginning of the month, heading into Kandahar then into the mountains. "Other than that... yah I am pretty bored," he noted April 6. Peppered throughout the good-natured jokes about bad food and the daily camp grind there is frustration. This posting appeared on March 18: "I can't even get the proper medical supplies for my C/S that is leaving the wire, or antennae tiedowns or anything. Air Horns. They wanted some to warn the locals. Oh... god forbid! RQ doesn't provide them and I scoured the camp trying to 'acquire' some but nothing. Now they have waterbottles full of rocks they huck at the locals to warn them off." But when talk turned to the value of the Canadian presence in Afghanistan, as it did on April 4, Mansell, who was engaged to be married, was adamant. "Let's not kid ourselves, if we pull out now we are making a big mistake. The way things are going it is just getting hotter. Guns are integral to the support of the line companies out in the field. KAF... a wasteland but a place we need to be for a while." On Saturday the online forum Mansell created, paid for and ultimately cherished became a place for the many who knew him to say goodbye. "I want to use many words right now to say how sad I am, but I cannot think nor speak right now," wrote one grieving colleague from Afghanistan. "(W)e were supposed to have some cold ones together at our mess while sharing war stories about this place and arguing about pointless stuff, and bitch about our tour. I will miss you." "The word friend is used a lot, Buddy is an army term, used even more," wrote another. "Brother is one we use for our closest. Milo, brother, I am going to miss you." Mansell was last home in January, celebrating Christmas with his brothers Michael, 33, and Matthew, 28. "I'm sorry to say that Bombardier Myles Mansell was killed while on patrol with a troop convoy late Friday night (April 21, 2006)," Michael wrote in a statement to the 5th B.C. Field Artillery Regiment. "As his brother, I am very proud of what he and fellow Canadian soldiers are doing. Myles was doing exactly what he believed in; trying to make a better world for everyone." On Saturday, Mansell's parents, Alan and Nancy, were en route to Victoria from their home in Barriere, the same community in B.C.'s Interior that was engulfed during wildfires in 2003. Mansell fought the fires as one of 1,150 Canadian Forces members who assisted the provincial fire service. Premier Gordon Campbell said the hearts and sympathies of B.C. residents go out to Mansell's family and friends. "I know you were proud of him for his service and I know that pride will not be lessened by your grief a grief and pride shared by all British Columbians," he said in a statement. No other information or photos are available at this time. Jun 28, 2007 Pte. Robert CostallPte. Robert Costall 1 Pte. Robert Costall Costall, 22, of the First Battalion of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry in Edmonton, died early Wednesday in a firefight with the Taliban insurgents. An American soldier was also killed in the battle, which took place in Helmand Province, about 110 kilometres north of Kandahar. At least eight Afghan National Army soldiers were also reported to have died. Costall was born in Thunder Bay, Ont. His wife Chrissy and their one-year-old son Colin survive him. Chrissy and Colin live in Namao, north of Edmonton. Costall is the 12th Canadian to die in Afghanistan since 2002 -- 11 soldiers and one Canadian diplomat, Glyn Berry. However, he is the first to die in actual combat.   Jun 28, 2007 Pte. Robert Costall eulogyPte. Robert Costall eulogy 1 Pte. Robert Costall (March 28, 2006) A warrior's final battle Isolated base was too tempting a target The Taliban `hit and hit and hit again' Mar. 30, 2006. 04:41 AM ROSIE DIMANNO KANDAHAR?Directly overhead, in the night sky, are the brilliant stars of constellation Orion, the great hunter drawing his bowstring taut. Down on the ground, the inhospitable desert ground, Task Force Orion ? which takes its name from that predatory celestial image ? is battle-bloodied from the crack and flare of enemy gunfire. Canadian soldiers, having already waged their longest and most injurious piece of combat fighting in more than three decades, were this morning anxiously braced for an anticipated second-strike assault by Taliban militia at a forward operating base in neighbouring Helmand Province. Even as one casket was solemnly loaded onto a departing Hercules aircraft ? containing the remains of Pte. Robert Costall, slain in the wicked firefight as Tuesday night turned into Wednesday morning ? his brothers-in-arms from Seven Platoon, Charlie Company, were continuing their hard-nosed mission at an isolated Afghan National Army base near Sangin, 110 kilometres northwest of Kandahar city. "The Canadian platoon, the reinforcement platoon, remains in situ and will do so until we decide otherwise," said Col. Chris Vernon, chief of staff of Task Force Aegis, the coalition forces battle-group component in Afghanistan. "But I won't tell you how we're going to play this because that's operational." Thirty-eight Canadian troops in the Quick Reaction Force ? detached about a month ago from Charlie Company and attached to the overall coalition brigade for rapid response duties, and of which infantryman Costall was a highly regarded member ? had been airlifted into Sangin the previous evening as emergency support after the base came under fierce and sustained assault. "It would be reasonably termed a significant-sized attack on to that forward operating in greater numbers than we've seen thus far," said Vernon, a British officer. The British have coalition command of Helmand Province, as the Canadians do Kandahar, although the bulk of their 2,500 troops will not be in place for another two months. "Did we expect a Taliban attack on the base? Yes. There have been probing attacks over the past month. But this size and the tenacity with which it was carried out may have slightly exceeded our estimates." There are only about 100 troops at the base ? Afghans, some American forces deployed there as training instructors and, now, the Canadians. The post is really no more than a distant and isolated hunkered-down toe-hold, surrounded by a sand berms and razor wire, and essentially wide open to attack from insurgents ? Taliban, narco-criminals and common thugs, all vying for ascendancy in the restive territory. The protracted combat episode actually began with Taliban fighters cleverly falling upon an Afghan supply convoy returning to base after acquiring provisions nearby around 3 o'clock Tuesday afternoon. That convoy took small-arms fire when it was about eight kilometres from base. Stranded in no-man's land, that frail convoy was further besieged with the detonation of an improvised explosive device that tore up the road, carving out a huge crater and freezing the vehicles for two hours. Eight Afghan soldiers were killed in that initial foray. "It wasn't looking good," Vernon admitted. "But the ambush was seen off." That's when a decision was made to rush in two British Harriers and a couple of American Apache helicopters from Kandahar airfield for close air support supplementing direct-fire weapons and mortar volleys. By 10 p.m., although the first assault had been repelled, the Taliban just kept coming. At that point, the Quick Reaction Force was dispatched from its quarters near the flight line in Kandahar, situated there for the very purpose of quick-paced scrambling. The Canadian platoon was airlifted by Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters. (Only two coalition nations in Afghanistan have chopper capacity in Afghanistan ? the Americans and the Dutch, who use their aircraft for special operations.) "Late on, in the early hours of the morning, the forward operating base was attacked by, I think it would be fair to say, a significant Taliban attack, during which a pretty fierce firefight ensued. A Canadian soldier was killed, an American soldier was killed, and five coalition forces were also wounded," said Vernon, laying out the still sketchy timeline for reporters at a brigade briefing. It was about 2:45 a.m. The dead and injured would later be Medevac-ed back to the Kandahar base in Black Hawk helicopters. Three Canadian soldiers suffered non-life-threatening flesh wound and gunshot injuries. All three ? one in a wheelchair, both legs bandaged, one on crutches and one in a plastic leg cast ? were on hand when Costall's casket was loaded onto the Hercules last night for transport to CFB Trenton. It is unclear how, exactly, Costall was killed, except that he was slain within the perimeter of the base. As Charlie Company commanding officer Maj. Bill Fletcher said of his 22-year-old infantryman later: "When most people would run away from the sound of gunfire, he'd run towards it." The attacking Taliban were armed with AK-47s and, apparently, the ubiquitous rocket-propelled grenade launchers. Usually, these Taliban militia move in small cadres of eight to 10 men and, said Vernon, try to avoid confrontations with larger, better-equipped enemy units. But the forlorn Sangin base must have been tempting as a target and they'd palpably been reconnoitering. "Over the past five or six weeks, there have been various probing attacks, mainly at night, by the Taliban to the forward operating base," said Vernon. "But it's fair to say this is the largest we've seen thus far." The Taliban didn't just hit-and-run, as is more common for them. They hit and hit and hit again, even while absorbing huge losses. "Initial reports indicate a significant number of Taliban there were killed during this attack," said Vernon. The BBC reported last night that 33 Taliban had been killed; 12 in the attack and 20 in an aggressive bombing sortie addendum by B-52s. "There was one follow-up, I understand, into a compound that was followed up by various means. Insurgents were seen running into a compound and that was destroyed." Vernon emphatically denied the allegation, by Afghan journalists, that civilians were killed in the bombing action and homes destroyed. "I find that very unlikely. I've seen the aerial photographs around the forward operating base. It's in the middle of nowhere. The attacks came over open ground. I cannot see in any way how any degree of civilian damage could have been inflicted because there isn't any civilian habitation around. It's almost in the middle of nowhere." By sun-up, all was reported to be quiet at the outpost, as the brigade conducted battlefield damage assessment from the air and on the ground. "Night exploits darkness," Vernon pointed out. But he emphasized that the post had not been breached. "The forward operating base remains entirely intact," he said. "No Taliban got into the base." The Taliban have said they have numerous suicide bombers waiting to strike. And early today, in the centre of Kandahar, a suicide car-bomber was killed when his explosives went off prematurely as he approached a Canadian military convoy, police said. None of the Canadians was wounded but Associated Press reported seven passers-by were hurt. Sangin, indeed very nearly all of Helmand Province, remains uncharted territory for coalition forces and particularly the British troops who have been on the ground there for only six weeks. But the area is of utmost importance to all those who covet that territory. "Sangin is a critical node in Helmand Province," said Vernon. "It's part of the Helmand River valley, in which a lot of the roads converge and then move northward into Uruzgan." The area is culturally and politically complex ? three main tribal groups live there ? with no Afghan district police or army authority able to assert control. "Through nobody's fault, the forward operating base has been pretty isolated," Vernon acknowledged. "We haven't been able to spread out in terms of patrols, both Afghan or coalition." Meanwhile, the Taliban recruit from the local male population ? largely unemployed men between the ages of 18 and 25 ? luring them with guns, motorbikes, and money obtained largely from control of the burgeoning opium crop. Vernon was frank about the Taliban fighting capacity, and its tenacity. "Their coherence as a fighting unit, in Western military terms, is not great. Their co-ordination measures are not great. "But what I will say is there's no doubt they are brave." After a pause, the British officer added: "There is always a fine line between bravery and stupidity."       Jun 28, 2007 Statement from the family of Pte. Robert CostallStatement from the family of Pte. Robert Costall 1   Statement from the family of Pte. Robert Costall No other information or photos are available at this time. Jun 28, 2007 Corporal Paul DavisCorporal Paul Davis 1 Corporal Paul Davis Corporal Paul Davis, 28, died instantly last Thursday in Afghanistan when the armoured vehicle he was riding in collided with a taxi, swerved into a ditch and overturned. "His compassion and genuine regard for others was truly a breath of fresh air in a world filled with hurt and cruelty," Cpl. Shane Schofield said during one of three emotional eulogies. Davis, married and the father of two young children, was the gunner in the vehicle when it careened off the road. An Afghan interpreter and six Canadian soldiers were also injured. Davis, who grew up near Halifax and Bridgewater, N.S., leaves behind his wife and two daughters, age 5 and 3. Cpl. Paul Davis, who was killed in an accident near Kandahar, was offered a promotion that would have kept him at home and out of harm's way in Afghanistan. But the grieving father of the 28-year-old soldier said his son showed courage in choosing the more dangerous assignment. "He had the sense of duty of comradeship with the people he'd been training with, and felt he wanted to go with them," Jim Davis told CTV Atlantic in an interview from his home in Bridgewater, N.S. on Thursday.   Jun 28, 2007 Corporal Paul Davis EulogyCorporal Paul Davis Eulogy 1 Cpl. Paul Davis   (March 2, 2006) N.S. town mourns soldier `All Canadians share this time of sorrow with you' Dutiful gunner declined chance to avoid mission Mar. 11, 2006. 04:54 PM ALISON AULD CANADIAN PRESS LOWER SACKVILLE, N.S.?Cpl. Paul Davis was remembered yesterday "as a valued brother and an inspirational and honourable Canadian soldier" during a military funeral attended by hundreds of mourners. Davis, 28, died instantly in Afghanistan on March 2 when the armoured vehicle he was riding in collided with a taxi, swerved into a ditch and overturned. "His compassion and genuine regard for others was truly a breath of fresh air in a world filled with hurt and cruelty," Cpl. Shane Schofield said during one of three emotional eulogies. Davis, married and the father of two young children, was the gunner in the vehicle when it careened off the road. An Afghan interpreter and six Canadian soldiers were also injured. Master Cpl. Tim Wilson later died from his injuries. Nova Scotia Premier Rodney MacDonald, several high-ranking military officers and the U.S. consul general to Nova Scotia were among the mourners at Knox United Church in Lower Sackville, not far from Halifax. "It is grief that brings us together and in our grief we give acknowledgement to our own human loss," Rev. Bob Chapman told mourners that included Davis's wife, Melanie. "Through this spiritual community, know also that not only the people of Lower Sackville but all Canadians share this time of sorrow with you." Cpl. Jae Dunfield, a friend from high school, cried several times during his tribute to Davis. Dunfield described Davis, whom he met in the summer of 1993 when the two were in Grade 10, as a best friend "who made him laugh to tears." "With his incredible smile and personality, you only had to meet Paul once for him to have an effect on your life ? and that is why there are so many of us here today," he said between heavy sobs. Last week, Davis was part of a routine patrol in Kandahar that was on its way to meet with local Afghan officials. His father, Jim Davis, said his son had a deep sense of duty that had earlier taken him to Bosnia and made him turn down a promotion that would have seen him avoid service in Afghanistan. "When he decided to go to Afghanistan, that really impressed me because he loved his family and his two children, but he had the sense of duty, and comradeship with the other people he had been training with," he said. It was his son's pursuit of adventure that led him to join the military at age 18, his father said. The young soldier served in Gagetown, N.B., Wainwright, Alta., and was eventually posted with the 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based in Shilo, Man. Davis, who grew up near Halifax and Bridgewater, N.S., leaves behind his wife and two daughters, age 5 and 3. The service occurred on a day when Canadian soldiers again came under attack in southern Afghanistan. No one was hurt when a roadside bomb damaged a Bison armoured vehicle. Several soldiers were injured in a suicide attack a week ago. And Lieut. Trevor Greene of Vancouver was struck on the head with an axe last Saturday while meeting with tribal elders. He remains in critical condition.     Jun 28, 2007 Statement from the family of Corporal Paul DavisStatement from the family of Corporal Paul Davis 1   Statement from the family of Corporal Paul Davis   "He had this sense of duty, but [also] comradeship with the other people he had been training with. He felt he wanted to go with them," Jim Davis said in an interview from his home in Bridgewater, N.S. "I am an extremely proud dad," he added. "I'm very proud of my son Paul. I believed in what he was doing, 100 per cent." Paul Davis was married and had two children, aged three and five. "I believe Paul died serving his country and serving the free world and that's the message I would like to get out," his father said. "My prayers are with the other parents of those boys who are struggling with their lives right now," said Jim Davis. "I would also like you to know that I am an extremely proud dad. I'm very proud of my son Paul. I believed in what he was doing 100 per cent and to his friends in Afghanistan, if they're listening to me, I want them to know I'm 100 per cent behind all of them." He added that he does not believe his son felt unsafe in the vehicles, despite criticisms that they are prone to tipping over. "There's a lot of talk about Canadian military not having the latest equipment, but when I talked to Paul he said no, that's not necessarily true. They were confident in the equipment they had." Davis said his son was a strong believer in what troops are accomplishing in Afghanistan, and said he worries that a mounting death toll will shake Canada's resolve to continue its mission there. "I fear a huge debate on why we're in Afghanistan would endanger the lives of our soldiers because it entices or encourages the insurgents to keep up the battle," he said. Meanwhile, friends and loved ones filed into the Davis home on Thursday to offer their support to the family. The last time Davis spent time with them was over the Christmas break, before he was sent off to the mission in Afghanistan on Jan. 23. The corporal's stepmother, Sharon Davis, said she is devastated -- but said she recognizes that loss is a reality of war. "And we need to support the effort because if it isn't stopped it will just get worse -- and our shores are not safe," she said. It's a message Prime Minister Stephen Harper has been trying to hammer home to Canadians. At a news conference on Wednesday, he pledged unwavering support to the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan and issued a stern rebuke to Liberal MPs who have questioned Canada's role in the war-torn nation. Harper followed that on Thursday by joining 1,500 troops at an Ottawa Senators hockey game for Canadian Forces appreciation night -- where the sacrifice of Cpl. Davis was honoured. Before the game, Canada's chief of defence staff, Gen. Rick Hillier, accepted a Senators jersey in appreciation and saluted his troops. "They do everything we ask of them as a country. They do without regard to their lives and we saw the impact of that and what that could mean today when we lost Corporal Paul Davis in an accident in Afghanistan," said Hillier. Back in Bridgewater, Jim Davis smiled and choked back tears as he reminisced about his son, who loved to play hockey as a child and was nicknamed "Smiley" by his teammates. "He used to get a lot of penalties," he joked. The last image he remembers of Paul was seeing him and his fellow soldiers off at the military strip of the Winnipeg airport. "They were all looking forward to it, nervous of course. The image I have in my mind right now is the last glance I got from Paul when I said goodbye to him, just as he was about to board the plane. He was smiling."   No other information or photos are available at this time. Jun 28, 2007 Master Cpl. Timothy WilsonMaster Cpl. Timothy Wilson 1 Master Cpl. Timothy Wilson Master-Corporal Timothy Wilson, of Grande Prairie, Alberta, who was seriously injured in the March 2 vehicle accident in Kandahar, Afghanistan, died at a U.S.-run hospital in Landstuhl, Germany early Sunday March 5, 2006. Wilson, with the Second Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry based in Shilo, was critically injured March 2 when the light armoured vehicle he was in was hit by a taxi and flipped over. Cpl. Paul Davis was killed instantly and five others were injured. All were based at Shilo. Wilson died two days later at a U.S. military hospital in Landstuhl, Germany.   Jun 28, 2007 Master Cpl. Tim Wilson eulogyMaster Cpl. Tim Wilson eulogyy 1 Master Cpl. Timothy Wilson (March 5, 2006) Afghan accident victim buried in Manitoba Mar. 14, 2006. 01:00 AM   BRANDON, Man.?A Canadian soldier who died in a road accident in Afghanistan was honoured with a 21-gun salute as he was buried yesterday after a private service at Canadian Forces Base Shilo. Grim-faced mourners made their way to the grave of Master Cpl. Tim Wilson, 30, to pay their last respects, while pallbearers in full military dress draped the Canadian flag on his casket and carried the fallen soldier to his final resting place. Among the mourners were Wilson's widow Daphne, daughter Sheralynn, 13, and son, Jesse, 9. Wilson, with the Second Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry based in Shilo, was critically injured March 2 when the light armoured vehicle he was in was hit by a taxi and flipped over. A few days after Master Corporal Timothy Wilson died from injuries suffered in a vehicle accident in Afghanistan, a letter he had written to his wife, Daphne, and their two young children arrived at his home in southern Manitoba. MCpl. Wilson's letter told his family in Wawanesa, 50 kilometres southeast of Brandon, about the suffering and privation of Afghans. "He talked about the children in Afghanistan and how they had nothing," said his uncle, Kerry Arksey. Mr. Arksey and his wife, Sharron, said the love and compassion their nephew had for family and others also extended to animals, a preoccupation he shared with his wife, who is involved in providing a haven for broken-down horses. Comments are closed for this story Today, MCpl. Wilson, 30, is being laid to rest at a military cemetery at CFB Shilo, just north of Wawanesa, where he served with Bravo Company of the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. As a youth, MCpl. Wilson, who was born in Grand Prairie, Alta., and later moved to Manitoba, used to help out on his uncle's Langruth cattle ranch northwest of Winnipeg. "He did chores for me. If you ever needed an extra hand, he was always there to do that," Mr. Arksey said. "He always had a willingness to work. He was like most kids in the country, he wanted to have a car of his own and he worked toward getting that." One day, a farm cat got drenched in paint that had spilled. "It was absolutely covered in paint. Tim spent hours cleaning it up because he was concerned it was going to die," Mr. Arksey recalled. "When I got home -- I had been out haying -- you couldn't tell it had been in the paint." MCpl. Wilson's concern for others was demonstrated in another way with his mother Jane's revelation that he had donated his organs to an international organ program. "Although his death is a terrible tragedy, I hope that his tremendous gift will provide a better life for the many recipients who will benefit from this," Mrs. Wilson said in a statement issued by the Canadian Forces on her and her husband Dale's behalf. "We have always supported Tim's military career. Although he has died, he did so doing something he loved and deeply believed in -- both in life and in death." Mr. Wilson, a retired Royal Canadian Military Police officer, and Mrs. Wilson live in Kenora, Ont. Their other two sons are also soldiers. Ben is in the navy and Chris is in the air force. MCpl. Wilson had been in the military for about eight years. When he was injured March 2 in Kandahar, he was on his second Afghan tour and had also served in Bosnia. He died a few days later while being treated for head injuries in Landstuhl, Germany. Mr. Arksey said his nephew always had an interest in the military and that may have been natural given his father was an RCMP officer and his grandfather had served during the Second World War. Ms. Arksey said her nephew loved to spend time at his parents' summer cabin near Kenora. "He didn't like fishing, but he did enjoy hunting," she said. The bodies of Master Corporal Timothy Wilson and Corporal Paul Davis, who died as a result of the same accident in Afghanistan, returned to Canada together. The caskets of the fallen soldiers were solemnly greeted Sunday by Defence Minister Gordon O'Connor, Gen. Rick Hillier, chief of the defence staff, and Governor General Michaelle Jean. Daphne and Jane Wilson -- the wife and mother of Timothy Wilson -- accompanied his body on the flight from Landstuhl, Germany to CFB Trenton in eastern Ontario. The families of Wilson and Davis watched with the dignitaries while the two caskets -- first Wilson, then Dabis, both draped in Canadian flags -- were gently lowered to the ground from the plane one by one by a mechanical lift. Accompanied by a priest dressed in white, soldiers then carried the caskets to waiting hearses, while a single bagpiper played and rows of troops stood at attention. The hearses carrying each coffin had a soldier in desert fatigues sitting in their passenger seat. "It was a very sad but very dignified and respectful tribute to these soldiers who gave their lives in Afghanistan," said CTV's Roger Smith. Wilson and Davis were riding in an armoured vehicle when it struck a taxi Thursday near Kandahar. Davis, from Bridgewater, N.S., was killed immediately. Wilson clung to life in a U.S.-run German hospital, but succumbed to his injuries early Sunday. Wilson, from Grande Prairie, Alta., was positioned in one of the vehicle's gun turrets when the top-heavy vehicle flipped over. He suffered major head injuries. Doctors at the Landstuhl, Germany hospital feared the worst for him. "It was immediately evident that Wilson sustained an incredible head injury and it did not appear that he was going to survive that injury," said Maj. Nick Withers, the senior Canadian medical physician there. Wilson's family was by his side when he passed away.   Jun 28, 2007 Statement from the family Master Corporal Timothy WilsonStatement from the family Master Corporal Timothy Wilson 1   Statement from the family Master Corporal Timothy Wilson   A few days after Master Corporal Timothy Wilson died from injuries suffered in a vehicle accident in Afghanistan, a letter he had written to his wife, Daphne, and their two young children arrived at his home in southern Manitoba. MCpl. Wilson's letter told his family in Wawanesa, 50 kilometres southeast of Brandon, about the suffering and privation of Afghans. "He talked about the children in Afghanistan and how they had nothing," said his uncle, Kerry Arksey. Mr. Arksey and his wife, Sharron, said the love and compassion their nephew had for family and others also extended to animals, a preoccupation he shared with his wife, who is involved in providing a haven for broken-down horses. Today, MCpl. Wilson, 30, is being laid to rest at a military cemetery at CFB Shilo, just north of Wawanesa, where he served with Bravo Company of the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. As a youth, MCpl. Wilson, who was born in Grand Prairie, Alta., and later moved to Manitoba, used to help out on his uncle's Langruth cattle ranch northwest of Winnipeg. "He did chores for me. If you ever needed an extra hand, he was always there to do that," Mr. Arksey said. "He always had a willingness to work. He was like most kids in the country, he wanted to have a car of his own and he worked toward getting that." One day, a farm cat got drenched in paint that had spilled. "It was absolutely covered in paint. Tim spent hours cleaning it up because he was concerned it was going to die," Mr. Arksey recalled. "When I got home -- I had been out haying -- you couldn't tell it had been in the paint." MCpl. Wilson's concern for others was demonstrated in another way with his mother Jane's revelation that he had donated his organs to an international organ program. "Although his death is a terrible tragedy, I hope that his tremendous gift will provide a better life for the many recipients who will benefit from this," Mrs. Wilson said in a statement issued by the Canadian Forces on her and her husband Dale's behalf. "We have always supported Tim's military career. Although he has died, he did so doing something he loved and deeply believed in -- both in life and in death." Mr. Wilson, a retired Royal Canadian Military Police officer, and Mrs. Wilson live in Kenora, Ont. Their other two sons are also soldiers. Ben is in the navy and Chris is in the air force. MCpl. Wilson had been in the military for about eight years. When he was injured March 2 in Kandahar, he was on his second Afghan tour and had also served in Bosnia. He died a few days later while being treated for head injuries in Landstuhl, Germany. Mr. Arksey said his nephew always had an interest in the military and that may have been natural given his father was an RCMP officer and his grandfather had served during the Second World War. Ms. Arksey said her nephew loved to spend time at his parents' summer cabin near Kenora. "He didn't like fishing, but he did enjoy hunting," she said. Although his death is a terrible tragedy, I hope that his tremendous gift will provide a better life for the many recipients who will benefit from this," Wilson's wife, Daphne, said in the release. "Tim's selflessness earned him the admiration and respect of all who knew him." "We have always supported Tim's military career," said his mother, Jane Wilson. "Although he has died, he did so doing something he loved and deeply believed in - both in life and in death."... Thank you, Master Cpl. Wilson, for your service to your country & your efforts to improve the lot of others. No other information or photos are available at this time. Jun 28, 2007 Glyn Berry Canadian Diplomat in AfghanistanGlyn Berry Canadian Diplomat in Afghanistan 1 Glyn Berry Canadian Diplomat in Afghanistan Canadian diplomat Glyn Berry, a political director posted with the provincial reconstruction team in Afghanistan, was killed near Kandahar in an apparent suicide bombing on Sunday, January 15. Glyn Berry joined Foreign Affairs Canada (then the Department of External Affairs) in 1977. His first assignment abroad was to the Canadian Embassy in Norway in 1978, after which he returned to Ottawa to work in the Development Assistance Division. In 1983, he was posted to the Canadian Embassy in the United States as First Secretary (Economic) and in 1987 to the Canadian Embassy in Cuba. In 1990, Mr. Berry returned to Ottawa as Deputy Director in the United States Trade and Economic Policy Division. In 1993, he was posted as Counsellor to the Canadian High Commission in London, and in 1997 he returned to Ottawa to work as the Deputy Director (OSCE) in the North American and Euro-Atlantic Security and Defence Relations Division. In 1999, Mr. Berry held the positions of Counsellor (Political) at the High Commission in Pakistan and subsequently of Minister-Counsellor to the Canadian Permanent Mission to the United Nations in 2002. Last summer, Mr. Berry was named Political Director of the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team in Afghanistan. Mr. Berry held a BA in political science from the University of Wales Swansea, an MA in political science from McMaster University, and a PhD in political science from Dalhousie University. Glyn Berry was following his passion when he lost his life in one of the most violent regions of the world. The longtime Canadian diplomat had volunteered for duty in Afghanistan, where he was on a mission to foster peace and stability in a country racked by poverty, strife, and all forms of hardship. Having served with Canada's Foreign Affairs since 1977, the 59-year-old Berry left his post in August as political counsellor at the United Nations' Canadian mission for the far more dangerous assignment. Berry was serving as political director of the Canadian Provincial Reconstruction Team, coordinating reconstruction projects from the violence-plagued southern region of Kandahar. It was on a main road on Jan. 15, about a kilometre southeast of Kandahar city, where he was killed. Travelling in a military convoy of heavily-armoured Mercedes jeeps, Berry died when a suicide bomber approached in a nearby vehicle and detonated his haul of explosives. Three Canadian soldiers were severely wounded in that blast.   Jun 28, 2007 Diplomat Glyn Berry Ulogy UlogyDiplomat Glyn Berry Ulogy 1 Diplomat Glyn Berry (January 15, 2006) Envoy `died a soldier's and hero's death' Soldiers pay tribute at London funeral for Canadian official Slain senior diplomat chose Afghanistan posting over New York Jan. 27, 2006. 01:00 AM   LONDON?Canadian diplomat Glyn Berry lived life to the full. Whether cheering a rugby team or helping to rebuild Afghanistan, where a suicide bomber ended his life, Berry did it with gusto and passion. That's the 59-year-old who mourners remembered yesterday after Canadian soldiers, most of them serving in Afghanistan, carried his flag-draped coffin into St. Martin-in-the-Fields Anglican Church at Trafalgar Square. Berry, who was born in Wales and served Canada around the world, made his final trip to the lament of a lone piper and the Last Post of a bugler. "Glyn, the consummate diplomat, died a soldier's and hero's death," said his friend, Brig. Nigel Hall. "He was a soldier of peace." Berry's funeral was a reminder of the risks Canadian soldiers will face as 2,000 extra troops head for a NATO mission in violence-torn Afghanistan. "Afghanistan is a very dangerous place and the insurgents are very determined ? and there's a lot of them," Sgt. Joe Brink, 29, told reporters after carrying Berry's coffin. Brink, who was riding in Berry's convoy when a suicide bomber rammed it Jan. 15, said his advice to Canadian soldiers heading to the southern Kandahar region is to stay alert. "There's no room for complacency," said Brink of Gibbons, Alta. "You have to always be on guard. Anything can happen, quite obviously, and when things do happen, it's instantaneous." Three soldiers in Berry's convoy suffered devastating wounds in the attack. Canadian ambassador to Afghanistan David Sproule said: "I think Canadians should know that it's very dangerous (in Kandahar). I'm hoping and I'm praying that there won't be more casualties but, if there are, I think Canadians will accept that as part of our mission. "I want to assure you that we are doing in Afghanistan everything we possibly can to minimize the risks to our soldiers and to our diplomats," he added in an interview. Also yesterday, British Defence Minister John Reid told the House of Commons that close to 5,000 more British soldiers would be sent to Afghanistan, 3,300 of them for the NATO mission in the south. "Whatever the difficulties and the dangers, and I do not hide them from the House or from the country, those risks are nothing compared to the dangers to our country and our people of allowing Afghanistan to fall back into the clutches of the Taliban and international terrorism," Reid said. Berry, Canada's senior diplomat in southern Afghanistan, knew the risks. Yet he gave up a posting in New York ? and what a friend described as an apartment with a stunning view ? when he volunteered last August to head a rebuilding mission around Kandahar. "He felt deeply that the people of Afghanistan deserved a better life," Canada's deputy foreign affairs minister Peter Harder told about 300 mourners. Only weeks before the attack that killed him, Berry found himself seconds away from a bomb attack on a convoy. Yet he didn't leave. "Nobody could have been more dedicated to the people of Afghanistan," Harder said. Berry believed "the principle challenge is not peacekeeping but peace building (which requires) ... people on the ground that can deliver the goods," he added. After joining Canada's external affairs department in 1977, Berry's assignments included postings in Norway, Cuba, London, New York, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Among the mourners were Berry's wife of 33 years, Valerie, and their two sons Gareth and Rhys. "My father used to say, `Whatever you do in life, make sure you're happy and make damn sure you've got a good story at the end of it.' My father lived by that in everything he did," Rhys told the mourners. Passionate about poetry, rugby, good beer and all things Welsh, Berry's joie de vivre twice had him singing from the top of a table at gatherings in Toronto and Kandahar, Rhys said. "We'll miss you so much," he added. Master Cpl. Niall Anthony was in Berry's convoy when the suicide bomber struck. "A split second after the explosion ... it was just mayhem and carnage," he said, after the funeral. Added Brink: "When they destroyed this vehicle, they also killed two civilian Afghans, so hopefully that will turn eventually the Afghan local populace against the insurgents as well, which would benefit us." Also attending the funeral were Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew, who lost his seat in Monday's election, Canadian High Commissioner Mel Cappe and retired general, now Senator, Roméo Dallaire.     Jun 28, 2007 Statement from the family Glyn BerryStatement from the family Glyn Berry 1   Statement from the family Glyn Berry   Berry's wife Valerie on Glyn Berry's memorial service "She spoke of how important he felt his work was and how much he felt he was making a difference," No other information or photos are available at this time. Jun 28, 2007 Pte. Braun Scott WoodfieldPte. Braun Scott Woodfield 1 Pte. Braun Scott Woodfield Pte. Braun Scott Woodfield, the 24-year-old soldier who died in a vehicle accident while serving in Afghanistan, was bestowed with full military honours at a memorial this morning at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown. Hundreds of mourners packed a gymnasium at the New Brunswick base to pay their last respects to the private known for his patriotism, his good humour and the maple leaf tattooed on his arm. A native of Victoria, B.C. raised in Eastern Passage, N.S., Woodfield was killed near Kandahar last week when the LAV-3 he was riding in rolled over. An investigation has since determined the vehicle's driver swerved to avoid an oncoming vehicle. Four other members of the 2nd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment, were injured. Two of those soldiers -- Cpl. Shane Dean Jones and Pte. Paul Schavo -- were present at the memorial Friday. "It was a tragic accident that claimed the life of an outstanding soldier," said Brig.-Gen. Rick Parsons, Commander, Land Force Atlantic, in a eEulogy. "Braun Woodfield could have been anything he wanted to be. He had no end to his options ... and just over two years ago he volunteered to join the army .... he volunteered to wear the Canadian flag on his shoulder because he wanted to help people. Jun 28, 2007 Pte. Braun Scott Woodfield eulogyPte. Braun Scott Woodfield eulogy 1 Pte. Braun Scott Woodfield (November 24, 2005) OTTAWA? Defence Minister Bill Graham, Gen. Rick Hillier and other military brass are expected to be on hand at CFB Trenton today to meet the plane carrying the remains of Pte. Braun Scott Woodfield. Woodfield, 24, was killed in Afghanistan Thursday when the driver of his armoured vehicle swerved to avoid a head-on collision with an oncoming car, military sources say. Woodfield, who was born in Victoria and raised in Eastern Passage, N.S., was rear sentry on the vehicle and was not driving, officials told Canadian Press on condition of anonymity. Military sources say the LAV-3 ? its inherent tippiness exaggerated by armour plates added recently to protect soldiers from explosions ? rolled over after a civilian car with no headlights suddenly appeared out of the dark. "It was a reaction by a driver who at the last second had to make a move to avoid a collision with an oncoming car that had no headlights on." A loaded LAV-3 weighs 21 tonnes. Most Afghan vehicles are Toyota Corollas. Had the driver not swerved, "our vehicle would have been on top of the small car," said a senior military source. "So who do you think would win in such a collision?" The accident occurred 45 kilometres northeast of Kandahar, near the village of Laghman along one of the country's best thoroughfares ? the paved Highway 1 that connects Kandahar and the capital of Kabul. The LAV-3 swerved "at the last second," flipped and ended upside down at the edge of the road. Officials do not know if the vehicle's stability was a major factor in the accident. An investigation has begun and, consistent with military practice, a formal board of inquiry is expected to be called. The driver had four years behind the wheel of the LAV, which is considered one of the more popular military vehicles in-theatre. Like many armoured vehicles and SUVs, the LAV-3s can roll over under certain conditions. Several defence sources said structural issues have never been factors in 11 rollover accidents in which LAV-3s have been involved. "There are rules and regulations and guidelines about how you drive, but accidents still happen," said an official. ________________________________________________________________ Col. Ryan Jestin, Commander, CFB Gagetown said Woodfield's death was a great shock for everyone at the base. "But we've found great comfort, actually, in the family. We've had many meetings with them to discuss their needs and their requirements as they go through this very, very tough time," he told Canada AM early Friday. Col. Jestin met Woodfield in Haiti when he visited Canadian troops carrying out Operation HALO there last summer. "He was a wonderful guy." "And of course, I said farewell to him on the tarmac here in Fredericton before he took off for Afghanistan in August." The colonel was one of the last people to see Woodfield on his home soil before he left for his overseas mission. Woodfield's ashes on Thursday were carried off the plane at Fredericton Airport by his mother. A military honour guard and members of the Woodfield family were waiting at the airport. "Yes, there's sadness," Daniel Woodfield told the Canadian Press. "But at the same time, there's great pride." Pte. Woodfield is the eighth Canadian to die in Afghanistan since Canadian troops were deployed there in 2002. Col. Jestin said the soldiers at Gagetown who lived, trained and worked with Pte. Woodfield are going through a grieving process. But he added: "The reality is we know when we go on these missions, inherently it's risky. "It's risky whether you're driving in a LAV-3 vehicle like what happened to Pte. Woodfield last week, or on any mission overseas representing Canada. The reality is although we never hope something like this ever happens, we know inevitably it will." Eastern Passage soldier killed in Afghanistan Last updated Nov 25 2005 08:27 AM AST CBC News A soldier who grew up in Eastern Passage was killed when his military vehicle rolled over in Afghanistan on Thursday. Pte. Braun Scott Woodfield, 24, died when the light armoured vehicle, called a LAV-III, rolled over at 6 p.m. local time on a highway that connects Kabul with Kandahar, near the village of Laghman. "A family has lost a treasured friend, loved one and we have lost a superb soldier and a member of our regimental family," said Lt.-Col. Robert Walker of CFB Gagetown. Four other soldiers from the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment, based out of Gagetown, were injured. None received life-threatening injuries. Pte. Braun Scott Woodfield, 24. (Courtesy DND) A centre was set up at the base Thursday night where people could meet and share their thoughts. It's not just for the families of the injured soldiers, said Shelly Hillier, deployment and family support co-ordinator at Gagetown, "but also families from our community who would just like to get together and gather and draw strength and support from one another." The four injured soldiers are being cared for by Canadian and U.S. medical staff in Afghanistan. Whether they'll be moved depends on the condition of their injuries. An investigation is underway into the crash with the light armoured vehicle, called a LAV-III. "It was a road accident, a single-vehicle accident," said Lt.-Gen. Marc Dumais, deputy chief of defence staff. In the six years the LAV-III has been in use, two Canadian soldiers have died in 10 rollover accidents. As recently as September, a 24-year-old Quebec soldier died when one of the vehicles went into a river during a nighttime training exercise in Alberta. As his great-uncle solemnly played the Flowers of the Forest lament on bagpipes Sunday, the body of Private Braun Scott Woodfield was returned to Canada. The flag-draped coffin arrived from Afghanistan and was escorted with an honour guard to a waiting hearse. About 25 family members, scores of military and Defence Minister Bill Graham watched the ceremony along with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment based in Gagetown N.B. Pte. Woodfield died Nov. 24 near Kandahar, Afghanistan when an armoured vehicle ? a LAV-3 in which he was the rear sentry ? swerved to avoid an oncoming vehicle and rolled. "This is a difficult day for all of us," said Gen. Rick Hillier, chief of defence staff. "(We are here) to grieve with his family and to say farewell to him." Cpl. Jeff Milne, who is stationed at CFB Trenton and is Pte. Woodfield's cousin, said many male members of the family had served or are serving in the military. "It's family tradition," he said. Pte. Woodfield's father said Friday that his son was skilled with computers but decided to join the infantry so he could go to places like Afghanistan, where people need help. Pte. Woodfield had been serving in Afghanistan since August. "His next venture probably would have been going to search and rescue because that was the kind of guy he was ? a helping fellow," Daniel Woodfield said from his home in Cow Bay, near Halifax. Cpl. Milne said the funeral for Pte. Woodfield will be Dec. 2 in Gagetown. The injured soldiers in the crash were identified as: Sgt. Tony Nelson McIver, 31, of Fredericton; Cpl. James Edward McDonald, 32, of Pembroke, Ont.; Cpl. Shane Dean Jones, 30, of White Rock, B.C., and Pte. Paul Schavo, 24, of London, Ont. Pte. Woodfield is the eighth Canadian to die in Afghanistan since Canada first sent soldiers into the southwest Asian country in 2002. Pte. Braun Woodfield honoured in N.B. memorial CTV.ca News Staff Pte. Braun Scott Woodfield, the 24-year-old soldier who died in a vehicle accident while serving in Afghanistan, was bestowed with full military honours at a memorial this morning at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown. Hundreds of mourners packed a gymnasium at the New Brunswick base to pay their last respects to the private known for his patriotism, his good humour and the maple leaf tattooed on his arm. A native of Victoria, B.C. raised in Eastern Passage, N.S., Woodfield was killed near Kandahar last week when the LAV-3 he was riding in rolled over. An investigation has since determined the vehicle's driver swerved to avoid an oncoming vehicle. Four other members of the 2nd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment, were injured. Two of those soldiers -- Cpl. Shane Dean Jones and Pte. Paul Schavo -- were present at the memorial Friday. "It was a tragic accident that claimed the life of an outstanding soldier," said Brig.-Gen. Rick Parsons, Commander, Land Force Atlantic, in a eEulogy. "Braun Woodfield could have been anything he wanted to be. He had no end to his options ... and just over two years ago he volunteered to join the army .... he volunteered to wear the Canadian flag on his shoulder because he wanted to help people. "Braun did help people." A tearful Beverley Woodfield, Braun's mother, said her son entered this world just as he left it: "Far too early." Born prematurely and weighing barely over two pounds, Braun was "sick a lot growing up. I worried about that boy all his life," she said. "But from the moment he was born, he was a fighter. He never gave up," she said. "My Braunie, my dude, my bud, my Braun, you are my boy forever in my mind's eye and in my heart." Later, Beverley Woodfield wiped tears from her eyes as the Last Post played. She stood alongside Lyndi Woodfield, Braun's sister, and Daniel Woodfield, Braun's father and a former lieutenant-commander in the Canadian navy. All three wept as a parade of bagpipers played Amazing Grace as mourners bowed their heads in respect to Woodfield. A Canadian flag was presented to his mother. Three medals the private received during his military service were presented to his father. Col. Ryan Jestin, Commander, CFB Gagetown said Woodfield's death was a great shock for everyone at the base. "But we've found great comfort, actually, in the family. We've had many meetings with them to discuss their needs and their requirements as they go through this very, very tough time," he told Canada AM early Friday. Col. Jestin met Woodfield in Haiti when he visited Canadian troops carrying out Operation HALO there last summer. "He was a wonderful guy." "And of course, I said farewell to him on the tarmac here in Fredericton before he took off for Afghanistan in August." The colonel was one of the last people to see Woodfield on his home soil before he left for his overseas mission. Woodfield's ashes on Thursday were carried off the plane at Fredericton Airport by his mother. A military honour guard and members of the Woodfield family were waiting at the airport. "Yes, there's sadness," Daniel Woodfield told the Canadian Press. "But at the same time, there's great pride." Pte. Woodfield is the eighth Canadian to die in Afghanistan since Canadian troops were deployed there in 2002. Col. Jestin said the soldiers at Gagetown who lived, trained and worked with Pte. Woodfield are going through a grieving process. But he added: "The reality is we know when we go on these missions, inherently it's risky. "It's risky whether you're driving in a LAV-3 vehicle like what happened to Pte. Woodfield last week, or on any mission overseas representing Canada. The reality is although we never hope something like this ever happens, we know inevitably it will."   Jun 28, 2007 Statement from the family of Pte. Braun Scott WoodfieldStatement from the family of Pte. Braun Scott Woodfield 1   Statement from the family of Pte. Braun Scott Woodfield "Braun did help people." A tearful Beverley Woodfield, Braun's mother, said her son entered this world just as he left it: "Far too early." Born prematurely and weighing barely over two pounds, Braun was "sick a lot growing up. I worried about that boy all his life," she said. "But from the moment he was born, he was a fighter. He never gave up," she said. "My Braunie, my dude, my bud, my Braun, you are my boy forever in my mind's eye and in my heart." Later, Beverley Woodfield wiped tears from her eyes as the Last Post played. She stood alongside Lyndi Woodfield, Braun's sister, and Daniel Woodfield, Braun's father and a former lieutenant-commander in the Canadian navy. All three wept as a parade of bagpipers played Amazing Grace as mourners bowed their heads in respect to Woodfield. A Canadian flag was presented to his mother. Three medals the private received during his military service were presented to his father.   No other statments or pictures are available at this time. Jun 28, 2007 Cpl. Jamie Brendan Murphy 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian RegimentCpl. Jamie Brendan Murphy 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment 1 Cpl. Jamie Brendan Murphy 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment Cpl. Jamie Brendan Murphy, 26, of Conception Harbour, Nfld., was killed when a suicide bomber with explosives strapped to his body, reportedly jumped on one of two Iltis jeeps carrying six Canadian soldiers on patrol. Three other Canadian soldiers were injured in the blast. The bombing comes as members of the regiment were in the process of returning to Canada after a six-month tour of duty. Murphy was due to return home next Friday. The Taliban has reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack. The Iltis is a lightly armoured vehicle that came under criticism when two Canadian soldiers were killed in October after their vehicle hit an explosive device while on a routine patrol in Kabul. Critics say the Iltis, which has been in service since the mid-1980s, is unsafe. In March, troops will begin using new German-made Gelaendewagens, called G-Wagons, which are believed to offer more protection. "I don't think the type of vehicle had any bearing on the outcome on this unfortunate loss of life," said Henault. Military officials said the blast went off around 8:30 a.m. local time near two Iltis jeeps carrying six soldiers in a convoy. They were on a routine patrol in the western side of Kabul about one kilometre from Camp Julien, the main base housing most of Canada's 2,000 soldiers. "There was a bump in the road, and when they slowed down to pass over it a terrorist jumped on one of the vehicles and blew himself up," said Ali Jan Askaryar, head of police in the western district of Kabul. Lieut. Jason Matthew Feyko, 30, of Peterborough, Ont., Cpl. Jeremy Gerald MacDonald, 30, of Burnt Islands, Nfld. and Cpl. Richard Michael Newman, 23, of Hartland, N.B., were wounded in the attack. They have non-life threatening injuries. One of the injured soldiers was transported to a German medical facility to undergo surgery. He has shrapnel wounds to his face and may have damage to an eye. The two other soldiers remain in the care of Canadian medical staff at Camp Julien. One has shrapnel injuries to his upper body, while another suffered very minor injuries. "I am deeply saddened by the tragic incident that claimed the life of Cpl. Jamie Murphy and injured three others," Minister of National Defence David Pratt said in a statement. "Our deepest sympathies are with the families and friends of the victims of this terrible event." All of the soldiers are members of the International Security and Assistance Force, and are taking part in policing and security operations in Kabul. One Afghan civilian died and eight others were injured in the attack and are being treated in hospital. In October, two other Canadians were killed in Kabul. Sgt. Robert Allan Short, 42, and Cpl. Robbie Christopher Beerenfenger, 29, died when a suspected landmine was detonated under their Iltis jeep. Master Cpl. Jason Cory Hamilton, Cpl. Thomas Stirling and Cpl. Cameron Lee Laidlaw were hurt in the blast. The latest attack comes less than a week after members of a second contingent of Canadian troops began heading to Afghanistan. They will replace the first wave of troops who have been there for the past six months. The Taliban is taking responsibility for a suicide bombing that killed a Canadian soldier and wounded three others outside Kabul, Afghanistan. Cpl. Jamie Brendan Murphy, 26, of Conception Harbour, Nfld., was killed Tuesday while on a routine patrol through the outskirts of Kabul in an Iltis vehicle. When the two jeeps in the convoy slowed down for a bump in the road near a bombed-out former palace, the attacker jumped onto one of the vehicles and detonated explosives that were apparently strapped to his chest. Murphy died instantly. "They were just outside the main gate of Camp Julien on a road that is used by all members of the International Security Assistance Force," Gen. Ray Henault, Chief of the Defence Staff for the Canadian Forces, told reporters Tuesday. Three Canadian soldiers were wounded. They are: Lt. Jason Matthew Feyko, 30 of Peterborough, Ont.; Cpl. Jeremy Gerald MacDonald, 30, of Burnt Island, Nfld. Cpl. Richard Michael Newman, 23, of Hartland, N.B. All were members of the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment, based at CFB Petawawa, Ontario. None of the three wounded suffered life-threatening injuries. One walked into hospital at Camp Julien on his own, military officials said. Another was flown to German medical facilities at the Kabul International Airport where he had surgery for an eye injury. The third soldier had superficial wounds. "They're under the best of care right now and it looks like they're going to be OK," said Maj. Jay Janzen, public affairs officer for the regiment. A spokesman for the Taliban claimed responsibility. "This attack was carried out by us," Hamid Agha told Reuters. Another Taliban official, Abdul Latif Hakimi, said there were several hundred Taliban supporters waiting to carry out similar attacks against foreign "infidels." The military says as many as nine Afghan civilians walking nearby were hurt in the blast. One later died in hospital. Defence Minister David Pratt joined Henault to offer condolences to the families of the victims. Pratt said the death is a stark reminder of the sacrifices Canadian Forces members make.   Jun 28, 2007 Cpl. Jamie Murphy eulogyCpl. Jamie Murphy eulogy 1 Cpl. Jamie Murphy (January 27, 2004) Last goodbye to a local hero Cpl. Jamie Murphy buried in snowy Nfld. grave 'They sent him off right. Guess they always do' ATLANTIC CANADA BUREAU   CONCEPTION HARBOUR, NFLD.?The seventh Canadian soldier killed in the war on terror was carried to his final resting place yesterday on the shoulders of eight strong comrades and the prayers of 1,000 friends. They crossed countries and even oceans to mourn the man whom most knew as "Murph," 26-year-old Cpl. Jamie Brendan Murphy, killed in Kabul Jan. 27 in a suicide attack. One friend flew in from Bosnia. Almost three dozen came from Petawawa. There was a premier, a former premier, the lieutenant-governor and two MPs. An honour guard wearing the uniform of the Royal Canadian Regiment carries the casket of Cpl. Jamie Murphy from St. Anne's Church in Conception Harbour, Nfld But dozens, maybe hundreds, of those who gathered at the white clapboard church at the edge of a black bay didn't even know Murphy, drawn there by fears for their own kin and a bittersweet pride in Canada's role in a troubled part of the world. Reg Gulliver has a son in the navy and wanted to honour the men and women in uniform who regularly risk their lives. He stood outside St. Anne's Church for more than an hour, stamping his feet in the minus-8C cold, just so he could say a private goodbye to a young man he never knew. "They sent him off right," Gulliver said after Murphy's casket, draped in a Canadian flag and topped with his cap, scabbard and wreath, was carried out of the church on the shoulders of eight men wearing the bright red uniforms of Murphy's Royal Canadian Regiment. "They sent him off right. Guess they always do." "Today we said goodbye to our hero, Cpl. Jamie Murphy, with great honour and dignity," Maj.-Gen. Terry Murphy said after the ceremony, thanking "all Canadians for their support." Murphy was the seventh soldier to die in Afghanistan since the government committed troops to the war on terror. His mother denounced the mission in Afghanistan shortly after his death, calling on Ottawa to bring the troops home. But there was no politics here yesterday, only sorrow and remembered joy as siblings and friends called forth the memory of the boy who, as they say here, "grew up on the bay." His family asked for a full military funeral and that's what they got, with an honour guard and escort, a bagpipe playing "Amazing Grace" and three volleys over Murphy's snowy grave from a 14-man firing party. People began arriving hours before the funeral, with cars parked several kilometres away. By one o'clock, RCMP had closed the main road into town and both the church, which seats 400 people, and a nearby community hall that seats another 250, were full. The family, who wanted to grieve unobserved, asked media to remain outside. After the service, the long road to the cemetery was clogged with hundreds of people trudging up the snowy hill to join the very last goodbye. Murphy's death has sparked a familiar heartache in Newfoundland, and familiar fear. This province has long sent a larger share of its men ? and now women ? to war than any other part of the country. In towns with little money and fewer jobs, the armed forces are an important route to an education, a steady income, a future. Too many times, that has meant tragedy as well. Murphy grew up with that legacy, had a daily reminder of the tradition ? and tragedy ? of Newfoundlanders in arms. In a knoll beside Roncalli High School, where he first met army recruiters, is a small granite memorial to neighbours who fought in World Wars I and II. Seventy-one names are engraved on the stone, 13 marked by a cross ? killed in action. Murphy was a seasoned soldier before he arrived in Afghanistan as part of the Parachute Company 3rd Battalion Group. He joined the army in 1997 after high school, and was posted to the 1st Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment.   A casket with the remains of Corporal Jamie Brendan Murphy, 26, a Canadian soldier killed during a suicide attack in Kabul, Afghanistan on January 27, 2004, is repatriated back to Canada by members of The Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR) during a ceremony in Trenton, Ontario today. Leading the procession, padre Major Leslie Dawson, returning herself from Operation ATHENA, escorts the remains to the waiting hearse. Murphy was killed just five days before he was scheduled to return home to Canada. His family had planned to meet him in Ontario to help him move into a new home that he built with his partner, Candace McCauley.   Jun 28, 2007 Statement from the family of Cpl. Jamie MurphyStatement from the family of Cpl. Jamie Murphy 1   Statement from the family of Cpl. Jamie Murphy   Baseball consumed Jamie Murphy's summers in Petawawa, Ont., where he lived with his common-law wife Candace, and was a member of the Royal Canadian Regiment. A talented fielder who played for the Stags, a prestigious local team, Murphy was driving to Ottawa for a tournament one summer with a friend when his car caught fire. Instead of calling it quits, they simply grabbed their gear and hitchhiked the rest of the way. "That's how he was about everything," says Candace. "No matter what was put in front of him, he always found the good in it." Murphy grew up in the small fishing village of Conception Bay, N.L. He applied to a local trade school and the army after finishing high school. When the army called back first, he signed up with the infantry. He was at work in Petawawa the morning of 9/11, when news of the attacks turned the army base into a hive of adrenalin. "I remember getting a phone call from him, saying they were on standby to possibly go down to New York City that day," Candace says. His unit never went to New York, but was posted to Kabul in 2003. He and Candace had bought a new house before he left. She was waiting for his return before moving in. "I still miss him," she says, "and for each soldier that goes over there, my heart goes out to every one."   No other information or photos are available at this time. Jun 28, 2007 Sgt. Robert Alan ShortSgt. Robert Alan Short 1 Sgt. Robert Alan Short CBC News -- KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - Canadian soldiers were back patrolling the streets of Afghanistan's capital city Thursday night, October 3, 2003, just hours after two of their colleagues were killed in what appeared to be a landmine blast. "I told them that the mission will continue," said Maj.-Gen. Andrew Leslie, the commander of Canada's 1,950-member peacekeeping contingent in the country. "We will continue to protect the Afghan transitional authority, and the good citizens of Kabul." Sgt. Robert Alan Short, 42, of Fredericton  died in the explosion. The injured soldiers are Master Cpl. Jason Cory Hamilton, 33, of Regina; Cpl. Cameron Lee Laidlaw, 25, of Oromocto, New Brunswick; and Cpl. Thomas Stirling, 23, of Assiniboia, Sask. All five soldiers were members of the Royal Canadian Regiment, 3rd Battalion, based in Petawawa, Ont. The road had been "cleared" by military engineers 24 hours earlier, according to the chief of defence staff, Gen. Ray Henault. Investigators are not sure if a new landmine was laid or if one had been missed by earlier teams. There's no evidence it was a rocket blast, officials said, but they haven't ruled out anything. The explosive device appeared to have been detonated when the jeep drove over it around 1:45 p.m. local time, they told reporters at a news conference in Ottawa Thursday afternoon. The two jeeps had extra armour beneath them, said Leslie. The soldiers were all wearing special protective gear. The explosion was so large, the right side of the first jeep was ripped away. Within hours of the tragedy, Leslie told more than 1,500 Canadian soldiers at the base in Afghanistan to remain sharp, and to honour the dead and injured by remaining professional. By nightfall, patrols had resumed. "I told them that the mission will continue. We will continue to protect the Afghan transitional authority, and the good citizens of Kabul," the major-general said. "This is a dangerous but worthwhile mission in a dangerous area. But if it weren't dangerous, they wouldn't need us," Leslie said. "The Taliban and al-Qaeda want us to retreat to our camps or run away. And neither, of course, is an option for our soldiers." Ottawa has about 1,800 soldiers stationed with a 31-country force of 5,500 in Kabul. The Canadians left for Afghanistan in August. Canada is one of the largest contributors to the Kabul force. NATO took over control of the force in August. ISAF currently focuses on Kabul, but the alliance is considering expanding its mandate to regions outside the capital. The still-confidential plans could have as many as 10,000 troops added to the force, which would spread out to major provincial cities. Prime Minister Jean Chrétien expressed deep sympathy on behalf of all Canadians in a statement Thursday. Four Canadian soldiers died last year in Afghanistan when a U.S. fighter jet mistakenly bombed their position during a training exercise near Kandahar. About 11,500 U.S.-led coalition troops remain in Afghanistan hunting down Taliban and al-Qaeda fighters.     Jun 28, 2007 Sgt. Robert Allan Short EulogySgt. Robert Allan Short Eulogy 1 Sgt. Robert Allan Short (October 2, 2003) BRUCE CAMPION-SMITH TORONTO STAR   PEMBROKE - A trumpeter's mournful rendition of Last Post and a bagpiper's lament set the tone as more than 2,000 people turned out to honour Sgt. Robert Short, 42, and Cpl. Robbie Beerenfenger, 29. The men, from nearby CFB Petawawa, were killed in Kabul, Afghanistan, Thursday when the jeep they were in struck an explosive device. Canadian military officials have new evidence that suggests the blast was a deliberate attack, and that at least one, and possibly three, anti-tank mines planted in a creek bed killed the soldiers. Investigators suggested the mines - one a Soviet-made TM-57 anti-tank mine "designed to kill or immobilize a main battle tank" - could have been planted or armed within 21/2 hours before the blast. Kabul police, aided by Canadian, British and German forces, yesterday arrested a man they believe is a local terrorist leader who may be responsible for the explosion. Abu Bakr is Kabul-area commander of Hezb-e-Islami Gulbuddin, or HIG, described by the Canadian contingent's top soldier as the third-largest terrorist organization in Afghanistan, after Al Qaeda and the Taliban. Bakr has also been linked to the suicide bombing of a bus last June, in which four German soldiers were killed and 29 others wounded. "We have indications he is under orders to orchestrate attacks on ISAF personnel using rockets and mines," said Maj.-Gen. Andrew Leslie, commander of Canadian Forces in Afghanistan, referring to the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force under which the Canadians are operating. "Should this turn out to be conclusively an attack, we may well have apprehended the man who ordered it." But the people who filled this town's arena to overflowing yesterday weren't looking for answers. Rather, they wanted to pay tribute to men remembered as loving fathers, crack soldiers and most of all, heroes. "They loved what they were doing and they were brave in the execution of their duties. And for that we are so proud of, them" said Lt.-Gen. Rick Hillier, commander of the army. Reciting the words of "In Flanders Fields" by Canadian solider John McCrae, Hillier said: "To you from failing hands we throw the torch, be yours to hold it high. "Sgt. Short and Cpl. Beerenfenger have certainly held the torch high." And in a heartfelt tribute from Afghanistan, Lt-Col Don Denne, commanding officer of The Royal Canadian Regiment battalion group, said the 2,000 Canadian soldiers at Camp Julien in Kabul are all feeling the loss. He remembered Beerenfenger as an "utterly dependable" man who loved his family, and had a burning desire to be a paratrooper. Short, he said, was a selfless, devoted husband and father and "nothing less than brilliant" as a section commander. "Everyone was hoping the mission would go smoothly," said Karen Little outside the arena yesterday. "And we're all very saddened by the deaths."     Jun 28, 2007 Statement from the family of Srgt. Robert Alan ShortStatement from the family of Srgt. Robert Alan Short 1 Statement from the family of Srgt. Robert Alan Short Sgt. Robert Short Killed in landmine explosion, Oct. 2, 2003, age 41 Robert Short had just returned home to Petawawa, Ont. -- only days back from his third tour in the Balkans -- when 9/11 turned the world upside down. As a result, his fifth and final overseas mission would take him to Afghanistan in 2003. Short was no stranger to sorrow. Not only Pall bears carry Srgt. Short casket in Trenton had he witnessed the horrors of the Bosnian war, at home his family had suffered personal losses too. His son, Jacob, died in a house fire as a toddler, and his wife had battled for years with serious health problems. Through it all, Short remained a dedicated father to his other son, Josh, and his daughter, Charissa, and a loving husband. He called his wife, Susan, his "princess." At work, however, Short was a quintessential modern warrior: tough as nails, expert at his craft, and earnestly professional. After growing up in Fredericton, he enlisted in the army at 28, joined the Royal Canadian Regiment and never looked back, becoming one of the country's most accomplished soldiers. He was a UN peacekeeper in Cyprus and Bosnia, a paratrooper, a top-ranked sniper, and an army pioneer -- an elite commando qualification. Short was also a triathlete, running marathons and competing in military ironman competitions. "He was a true professional and he really put a lot into being the best soldier he could," says his brother Mitchell. Jun 28, 2007 Cpl. Robbie Christopher Beerenfenger 29 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment OttawaCpl. Robbie Christopher Beerenfenger 29 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Ottawa 1 Cpl. Robbie Christopher Beerenfenger 29 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Ottawa Cpl. Robbie Christopher Beerenfenger 29 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Ottawa, Canada Killed when the lead vehicle of his patrol struck an explosive device while on patrol near Camp Julien, the main Canadian camp in southwest Kabul, Afghanistan, on October 2, 2003 When John Beerenfenger heard that his only grandson had been killed yesterday in Afghanistan, he said a silent prayer. Then wept for hours. His grandson wouldn't approve, he thought to himself. Even though Cpl. Robbie Beerenfenger's wife had just given birth to their fourth child, he didn't think twice when he got the call to serve in Kabul. He believed in this mission and his sense of duty drowned out any worries he had about leaving his wife, Tina, and their children behind at CFB Petawawa. "Everyone in the family is devastated. We're still in tears," the elder Beerenfenger said from his home in Carleton Place, near Ottawa. Jun 28, 2007 Cpl. Robbie Christopher Beerenfenger 29 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment OttawaCpl. Robbie Christopher Beerenfenger 29 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Ottawa Ulogy 1 Cpl. Robbie Christopher Beerenfenger 29 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Ottawa (Oct. 2, 2003) When John Beerenfenger heard that his only grandson had been killed yesterday in Afghanistan, he said a silent prayer. Then wept for hours. His grandson wouldn't approve, he thought to himself. Even though Cpl. Robbie Beerenfenger's wife had just given birth to their fourth child, he didn't think twice when he got the call to serve in Kabul. He believed in this mission and his sense of duty drowned out any worries he had about leaving his wife, Tina, and their children behind at CFB Petawawa. "Everyone in the family is devastated. We're still in tears," the elder Beerenfenger said from his home in Carleton Place, near Ottawa. That sadness echoed across the country as Canada mourned the deaths of Beerenfenger, 29, and Sgt. Robert Short, 42, killed when their jeep was blown up by a land mine or unexploded shell while on routine patrol in the foothills southwest of Kabul. Three other Canadians Master Cpl. Jason Hamilton, Cpl. Cameron Laidlaw and Cpl. Thomas Stirling were in a jeep following closely behind the lead vehicle and are recovering from "non-life threatening" injuries in the massive explosion. All the soldiers were members of Para Company, 3rd Battalion, of the Royal Canadian Regiment, based in Petawawa. In spite of the tragedy, the federal government vowed the soldiers' deaths would not weaken its commitment to the international peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan or lessen the resolve of the nearly 2,000 soldiers still serving there. Defence Minister John McCallum said the Canadians, part of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Kabul, will not be deterred. "Let me be clear on one thing," a sombre-looking McCallum declared at an Ottawa news conference. "The mission in Afghanistan is fundamental to Canada's security. Even though it is not immediately evident, when our soldiers patrol the streets of Kabul, they are also keeping the streets of Canada safe." Prime Minister Jean Chr?tien expressed his condolences. "I was deeply saddened to learn that brave Canadian soldiers had been killed and wounded in the line of duty in Afghanistan," he said. "Canada has, resolutely and without hesitation, joined all civilized nations in the international war on terrorism. The news today is a painful reminder that defending our values and doing our duty can come with a very high price." The blast happened at 1:25 p.m. local time on a route Canadian engineers had swept for landmines on Wednesday, according to Maj.-Gen. Andrew Leslie, commander of Canadian forces in Afghanistan. The soldiers were travelling in Iltis vehicles, which provided almost no protection against the huge explosion. Leslie said the incident was under investigation. It was not yet clear whether the explosion was caused by something buried that surfaced through erosion or if it was a deliberate attack "planted by those who wished to kill ISAF soldiers." "The explosion caused a very big hole," Leslie said. "Every indication is that it was triggered by the vehicle either striking, driving over or being adjacent to the device." Leslie said the troops were using the unarmoured vehicles because larger carriers cannot navigate Kabul's narrow, twisting streets. At Camp Juli en, where nearly 2,000 Canadian soldiers are stationed, the mood was sombre. "Sometimes there is a price to pay for trying to help people. They died doing their duty," Leslie told the soldiers. The incident marked the first casualties suffered by Canada since Ottawa sent troops to join the 5,500-strong peacekeeping force in August. But it came at a time of rising violence there. The Taliban, ousted in late 2001 by a U.S.-led coalition for providing refuge to Al Qaeda terrorists led by Osama bin Laden, is stepping up attacks on peacekeepers and Afghan government officials. Leslie said patrols aimed at keeping order in Kabul had resumed and must continue. "The Taliban and Al Qaeda want us to retreat to our camps or run away," Leslie said. "And neither, of course, is an option for our soldiers." For soldiers at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa, news of the deaths of their comrades came as a shock, the Star's Bruce Campion-Smith reports. Pte. Andrea Smart was among the soldiers summoned to the base cafeteria to be told the news. "It was pretty upsetting," said Smart, whose fianc? Cpl. Ani Nehme is among those serving in Kabul. "Do you have any idea what its like waiting, not knowing?"       Jun 28, 2007 Fmaily statement of Cpl. Robbie Christopher BeerenfengerFmaily statement of Cpl. Robbie Christopher Beerenfenger 1 Tina Beerenfenger described her husband as her best friend and a good provider. She said he was a loyal husband and a wonderful father to their two sons and baby daughter. Mrs. Tina Beerenfenger receives the Canadian flag that was draped over the coffin of her husband, Cpl Robbie Beerenfenger, from Brigadier-General Ivan Fenton the Commander Land Force Western Area (LFWA). "Everyone in the family is devastated. We're still in tears," the elder Beerenfenger said from his home in Carleton Place, near Ottawa.   No other information or photos are available at this time.   Jun 28, 2007 Cpl. Ainsworth Dyer of the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia's Light Infantry of EdmontonCpl. Ainsworth Dyer of the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia's Light Infantry of Edmonton 1 Cpl. Ainsworth Dyer of the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia's Light Infantry of Edmonton Corporal Ainsworth Dyer was born in Montréal, Que., on July 29, 1977 and resided in Toronto, Ont. He enrolled with the 48th Highlanders of Canada as an Infantryman in February 1996 and transferred to the Regular Force in October 1997 died April 17, 2002 in Afghanistan. After completing Battle School, Cpl Dyer was posted to 3 PPCLI in the spring of 1998, where he served as a Rifleman and deployed with 3 PPCLI on Operation PALLADIUM in 2000. Cpl. Ainsworth Dyer, who would have celebrated his 25th birthday in July, was remembered yesterday as a devoted brother and son whose death has left a gaping hole in the lives of his loved ones.   Dyer's sister Suzette Wright, 31, said it was difficult not to feel angry about the circumstance of her brother's death. "He should never have died the way he died. If he had died fighting (the enemy) we could have grieved a different way," Wright said.     Jun 28, 2007 Cpl. Ainsworth Dyer eulogyCpl. Ainsworth Dyer eulogy 1 Cpl. Ainsworth Dyer (April 17, 2002) He was a brave soldier with a strong sense of duty. He was the exuberant young man with the ready smile. He was a kid from Regent Park who made good. But most of all, Cpl. Ainsworth Dyer, who would have celebrated his 25th birthday in July, was remembered yesterday as a devoted brother and son whose death has left a gaping hole in the lives of his loved ones. "This tragedy has pierced our hearts and shattered our souls," Carolyn Dyer told the 400 mourners who packed the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on Broadview Ave. to bid a final farewell to her older brother. "Ainsworth was able to do more than make you laugh, he was able to make your heart dance." As his grieving sister spoke, about 150 of Dyer's comrades in full military regalia looked on. They included members from the two units in which he served, the 3rd Battalion of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry based in Edmonton and Toronto's 48th Highlanders out of Moss Park Armoury. Another 100 soldiers stood at attention in the church parking lot, paying their last respects to their fallen colleague. About 200 people stood in a park across the street from the church, some waving small Canadian flags as they listened over loud speakers to the soldier's eEulogy. "I don't know the family, but I had to come and show my support," said Helen Giraudel of Scarborough. "Why did this have to happen?" Dyer's family, friends and colleagues celebrated his exemplary, but short, life and mourned for his lost hopes and dreams; the engineering degree he hoped to pursue while continuing to serve in the military; the beautiful fiancee, Jocelyn Van Sloten, he planned to marry and start a family with. "We are all saddened. It's hard to comprehend why this took place," the church's bishop, Stephen Brown, told mourners. "Ainsworth was a brave brave man who loved his country dearly. He loved his fellowman. He loved freedom and democracy." Dyer's sister Suzette Wright, 31, said it was difficult not to feel angry about the circumstance of her brother's death. "He should never have died the way he died. If he had died fighting (the enemy) we could have grieved a different way," Wright said. Dyer, along with three other Canadian soldiers, was killed when a U.S. pilot mistakenly dropped a bomb on them during a live ammunition training exercise. A U.S. military official was among the mourners yesterday. Dyer's comrades tried to find some solace in his passing. "He's traded in his wings for a bigger set," said Cpl. Yan Berube, who serve with Dyer in Afghanistan and had the painful task of escorting his body back to Canada. "The biggest honour I could ever have was to bring my friend home," Berube told the mourners, who included Governor-General Adrienne Clarkson, retired Gen. Lewis McKenzie, Premier Ernie Eves, Mayor Mel Lastman and Police Chief Julian Fantino. Dyer moved to Regent Park in Toronto with his father, Paul, as a young teenager after his parents split up and his mother remained in Montreal with his other siblings. Yesterday, his mother, Agatha Dawkins, mourned the son she said she was separated from by geography, but not by emotion. "I loved him very much. I knew he loved me," his mother said. "I didn't know how I would get the strength to hold on through this day, but when I see how much he was honoured, how much he was respected, I'm very, very proud of him." Many spoke of the special bond Dyer had with his father. He was "always his father's baby boy," Christopher Chaggares, a member of the Dyers' church, told the mourners. "Ainsworth towered over his father, but he always looked up to him." Ryan Norman, a Mormon missionary, first met the Dyers about six years ago when the father and son got involved in the church. "He loved his father so much," Norman said, recounting that he received a phone call from Dyer just before he left for Afghanistan. "He asked me to take care of his father." Paul Dyer solemnly followed his son's flag-draped casket as it was carried by pall bearers from Dyer's Edmonton unit. Dyer's beret was presented to his father at the grave site after Dyer was buried with full military honours at the Toronto Necropolis Cemetery. White doves were released into the sky and a lone bugler played the "Last Post" before the rifle shots of an honour guard crackled through the air. Dyer's fellow soldiers formed a procession and in pairs gave one last salute to their fallen comrade. "He was a standout person," said retired Sgt. Oswald Reece, who trained Dyer as a young recruit. "He was always ready to step up to the plate. He was the perfect soldier."     Jun 28, 2007 Statement of the family of Cpl. Ainsworth DyerStatement of the family of Cpl. Ainsworth Dyer 1 Statement of the family of Cpl. Ainsworth Dyer Cpl. Ainsworth Dyer of the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia's Light Infantry of Edmonton Carolyn Dyer "No matter what the situation, Ainsworth was able to do much more than make you laugh," his sister Carolyn said, holding back her tears. "He was able to make your heart dance. "I could never be more honoured that he is my brother. I could never be more proud that he is my hero." (Carolyn Dyer) Dyer's sister Suzette Wright, 31, said it was difficult not to feel angry about the circumstance of her brother's death. "He should never have died the way he died. If he had died fighting (the enemy) we could have grieved a different way," Wright said. "I loved him very much. I knew he loved me," his mother said. "I didn't know how I would get the strength to hold on through this day, but when I see how much he was honoured, how much he was respected, I'm very, very proud of him." Dyer's family, friends and colleagues celebrated his exemplary, but short, life and mourned for his lost hopes and dreams; the engineering degree he hoped to pursue while continuing to serve in the military; the beautiful fiancee, Jocelyn Van Sloten, he planned to marry and start a family with.     (Ainsworth Dyer and fiancée Jocelyn Van Sloten) There are no further pictures or statements available. Jun 28, 2007 Sergeant Marc D. LégerSergeant Marc D. Léger 1 Sergeant Marc D. Léger Marc Léger Sergeant Marc D. Léger (March 26 1973-April 17 2002) was a Canadian soldier killed in Afghanistan when two U.S. planes dropped an unauthorized laser-guided bomb on the 3rd Battalion of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. The infantry was participating in a training exercise which involved firing anti-tank and machine-gun rounds. Léger was originally from Lancaster, Ontario. He was 29 and had served in the Canadian Army for 9 years when he died. His widow, Marley Léger, created a memorial fund in his name to help with restoration in Bosnia, where her husband had served on a peace keeping mission in 2000. On May 10 2003, she opened a restored community centre in the Vrbica village in Livno Valley there which was rebuilt using money from the fund and the Canadian International Development Agency.   Jun 28, 2007 Sgt. Marc Leger eulogySgt. Marc Leger eulogy 1 Sgt. Marc Leger (April 17, 2002) CBC News -- LANCASTER, ONT - In a small town in eastern Ontario Wednesday, about 400 people crowded into a church for the funeral of Sgt. Marc Leger, while hundreds of others listened outside in specially set up tents. A sea of red marked the back of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, where several RCMP officers paid tribute to Leger. Soldiers dressed in black were dispersed throughout the crowd. Family members stood with tears in their eyes as a choir sang in French and English. "My dearest Marc, we were so young when we met, but as young as we were, our love was so strong from the very beginning," said Leger's wife Marly. "I am so very proud of the man you have become, and I am so very proud to be Mrs. Marc Leger." Leger, 29, from Lancaster, Ont., was one of four Canadian paratroopers killed in Afghanistan. But he had also gone on peacekeeping missions, where he was known for his great compassion for Bosnian refugees. One of his missions was in the remote Livno Valley. Even though it was beyond his mandate, he scrounged for food and building supplies to help locals get back on their feet. The people of Livno Valley saw him as their hero. Twice they elected him as their mayor. When he refused the position, they called him "King Marco." Before he died, Leger established a trust fund to keep aid moving to the Livno Valley. So many people came to pay tribute to Leger, that some believed the whole town of Lancaster was there to remember the fallen soldier. OTTAWA, Apr. 22 - He arrived in Bosnia as a sergeant. He left it as a king. At least that?s what the Serbs of Livno Valley called Sgt. Marc Leger. Their ?King Marco was a humble Canadian whose boundless empathy and dogged determination helped them start to rebuild their homes and lives in 2000. The Livno Serbs? world was shattered in the summer of 1995 by the U.S.-sponsored ethnic cleansing, carried out by the Croat army under the code name ?Oluja? (?Storm? - see Item 6 of this TiM Bulletin). Now Sgt. Leger is back home in his native Canada. He arrived this weekend - in a casket. He was one of the four Canadian soldiers whose lives were snuffed out Apr. 18 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, by ?friendly fire? (an oxymoron - i.e., by the not-so-smart American missiles). The President, of course, apologized to the government and the people of Canada. Sgt. Leger may be gone, but the legend of ?King Marco? lives on. And no longer only through memories of his young widow in Edmonton, or of the Serbs in Livno. ?The King Is Dead. Long Live the King!? - is how his commanding officer, Major Shane Schreiber, finished a moving tribute to this 37-year old, written in Kandahar the day after his death. The letter, carried by the Canadian Press newswire on Apr. 20, has now been published by news media right across our northern neighbor?s vast land. Now the whole country knows what a great son Canada has had in Sgt. Leger. As Major Schreiber summed it up in his letter: ?What I find incredible is that Sgt. Leger was not all that different from every other trooper in my company. What I find even more surprising is how an institution as publicly maligned and neglected as the Canadian army can continue to consistently attract and retain guys like Marc Leger. As historian Jack Granatstein has said of another Canadian army at another time, it is probably a better organization than the people of Canada know or deserve. Marc Leger, and his fellow soldiers are, as the Prime Minister has already said, "the best face of Canada." He was a goddamned hero, and we should all take our lead from his spirit and his actions.? Amen!     Jun 28, 2007 Statement from the family of Sgt. Marc LegerStatement from the family of Sgt. Marc Leger 1 Statement from the family of Sgt. Marc Leger National Silver Cross Mother named for 2005 Mrs. Claire Léger of Stittsville, Ontario has been selected by The Royal Canadian Legion as the 2005 Silver (Memorial) Cross Mother. She is the mother of the late army Sergeant Marc Léger. Sgt. Léger was killed in a friendly fire incident at Tarnak Farm in Afghanistan while serving as a member of the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia?s Canadian Light Infantry in Afghanistan in 2002. Mrs. Léger will lay a wreath at the National War Memorial during the annual 11 November National Remembrance Day Ceremony on behalf of all Canadian mothers who have lost sons or daughters in the military or Merchant Navy services of the nation. The ceremony is organized and conducted by the Legion on behalf of the Government of Canada and in memory of all Canadians who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of freedom and peace. Mrs. Léger is also expected to attend a number of other events marking the Year of the Veteran in Canada and will be accompanied by her husband Richard. Mrs. Claire Léger The National Silver (Memorial) Cross Mother for 2005 is Mrs. Claire Léger of Stittsville, Ontario . The National Silver Cross Mother is chosen annually by The Royal Canadian Legion to represent the mothers of Canada at the National Remembrance Day Ceremony in Ottawa on 11 November. As the Silver Cross Mother she will lay a wreath at the base of the National War Memorial on behalf of all mothers who lost children in the military and Merchant Navy services of the nation. In this special Year of the Veteran it is expected that she and her husband Richard will also be invited to participate in other events as well. Mrs. Léger is the mother of the late Sergeant Marc Léger who died from friendly fire while on duty with the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia?s Canadian Light Infantry (3 PPCLI) in Afghanistan in 2002. Mrs. Léger (née Levac) was born in Alexandria, Ontario. She is a high school graduate and is currently employed in the child care sector. She and her husband Richard had three children, their late son Marc Daniel and his sister and brother Sofie Alice and Albert Michel. The one-time residents of Saint Raphael, Lancaster, Orleans and Peterborough, Ontario now reside in Stittsville. Sergeant Marc Daniel Léger Sergeant Marc Léger was born in Cornwall, Ontario on 26 March, 1973 and was the eldest of three children born to Claire and Richard Léger. He enrolled in the Primary Reserve of the Canadian Forces in March 1991 as a member of the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders. The Glengarry High School of Alexandria graduate subsequently transferred to the Regular Force in February 1993 and became a member of the Princess Patricia?s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI). Following the completion of the PPCLI Battle School he was posted to the Regiment?s First Battalion where he served as a rifleman. He was posted to the Third Battalion in 1996 and served with the unit for three tours in the former Yugoslavia (Bosnia-Herzegovina). He was promoted Acting Sergeant in January 2002. In February 2002 he deployed to Afghanistan with the 3 PPCLI Battle Group as part of Operation Apollo, Canada?s commitment to the international campaign against terrorism. He was parachute qualified and was awarded the South West Asia Medal and the United States Bronze Star posthumously. Sergeant Léger received a Deputy Chief of Defence Staff Commendation for demonstrating initiative and compassion in dealing with displaced persons and returnees in the Livno Valley in Bosnia-Herzegovina. He had also served as a volunteer firefighter with the Lancaster Joint Fire Department and assisted with the Habitat for Humanity project. He was married to Marley Léger (nee McIntyre) of Edmonton, Alberta. No other photos or statements available. Jun 28, 2007 Pte. Richard Green, A Company 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light InfantryPte. Richard Green, A Company 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry 1 Pte. Richard Green, A Company 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry GREEN, Pte. Richard Anthony "Ricky" - 21, Mill Cove, stationed in Edmonton, was killed Wednesday, April 17, 2002, near the southern Afghan city of Kandahar. Pte. Green was serving with A Company 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. Pte. Green was the son of David Green, Winnipeg and Doreen (Arthur) Coolen, Deep Cove. Ricky graduated from Forrest Heights Community High School in Chester Grant in 1998. Shortly after, he entered the Canadian Armed Forces Recruit Training Program in St. Jean, Que. On successful completion of Recruit Training, Ricky was posted to the Princess Patricia Battle School, Ricky was then sent to the Regiment of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. Ricky's dream was to become a paratrooper and after passing numerous demanding qualifications, he was placed on a Canadian Armed Forces Paratrooper Course. Due to his self-determination and drive, Ricky became a proud serving member of the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Jump Company. Prior to his mission in Afghanistan, Ricky spent six months in Bosnia in the role of a Canadian Peacekeeper. Ricky remained close to all his childhood and school friends while serving in the military. He enjoyed numerous sports, but loved both baseball and soccer. He competed in many baseball tournaments while residing in his hometown. Ricky was an avid card player who enjoyed teaching the finer arts of cribbage. He liked action movies and, like all young people his age, could spend hours watching them. Ricky's cheerful disposition and good natured ways will be sadly missed by all. Besides his parents, he is survived by his fiancé, Miranda Boutilier, Birchy Head; paternal grandmother, Joyce Clooney, Bridgewater; paternal grandfather, William Green, Liverpool; maternal grandmother, Elva Young, Mill Cove; half-brothers, David (Jessica), Christopher (Carrie), British Columbia; three stepbrothers; one stepsister; many uncles, aunts and cousins. Ricky is also mourned by his special friends and mentors, Michael "Herb" and Donna McDonald, Fox Point. Visitation will be 2-4, 7-9 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday in Ronald A. Walker Funeral Home, Hubbards. Funeral 11 a.m. Thursday in St. Luke's Anglican Church, Hubbards, Rev. Mark Pretty officiating, assisted by Padre Jack Barrett. Burial to follow in St. James Anglican Church Cemetery, Fox Point. Reception to follow in Hubbards Fire Department, Hubbards. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Canadian Cancer Society in memory of Ricky's Aunt Wanda.   Jun 28, 2007 Pte. Richard Green eulogyPte. Richard Green eulogy 1 Pte. Richard Green (Aptil 17, 2002) Friends and family pay tribute to Pte. Richard Green Last Updated Thu, 25 Apr 2002 16:15:13 EDT HUBBARDS, N.S. - Friends and family packed into a tiny 117-year-old church Thursday in Hubbards, N.S., to say a final farewell to Pte. Richard Green, 21. He was the youngest of the four soldiers killed in Afghanistan. Pte. Richard Green's coffin draped with the Canadian flag Bright sunlight shone onto the flag-draped casket as a choir member sang I'll Fly Away in honour of Green, a paratrooper with the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. About 180 people filled the main floor of St. Luke's Anglican Church, another 100 listened to the service through speakers in the basement. Some 150 mourners who couldn't get inside stood in silence across the street. "Ricky was the kind of person who was happiest living on the edge of life, doing things that were filled with excitement," Padre Jack Barrett said. "It wasn't enough to stay in Hubbards. "Ricky loved what he was doing and the life he had chosen. Ricky died living life to its fullest." Green's mother left the church, her arm around Green's 17-year-old fiancée, Miranda Boutilier. On Boutilier's hand was a three-diamond engagement ring, delivered to her Sunday by one of Green's close friends. The coffin is carried into the cemetery Among those at the service were Premier John Hamm and several military and political dignitaries. Green was remembered by friends and family as a quiet redhead, who loved being a paratrooper. The only child was close to his family. He recently wrote his grandmother to reassure her he was OK in Afghanistan. Green joined the army in 1998 after graduating from high school. He went overseas in February.   Paratrooper gives final salute to fallen comrade 'Have a good one, Airborne' is buddy's last command Apr. 26, 2002. 03:51 PM   HUBBARDS, N.S. - Just before a Canadian army paratrooper sails out the open door of a plane into the rushing wind of freefall, another soldier taps his shoulder from behind in a gesture of good luck for the journey to come. Yesterday, in a church packed with mourners, Pte. Simon Hughes knocked hard on the casket of his buddy, Pte. Richard Green, and then, in a voice hoarse with emotion, barked a final command: "Have a good one, Airborne!" More than 500 people came to this picturesque village along Nova Scotia's South Shore yesterday for the last burial of four Canadian soldiers killed April 17 by "friendly fire" when a U.S. plane dropped a 500-pound bomb on a night-time training exercise near Kandahar Air Base in Afghanistan. They filled 150-year-old St. Luke's Anglican Church more than an hour before the service began, standing nose-to-nose in a basement hall, and toe-to-toe in a choir closet. Almost 300 people waited outside to pay their respects to the boy who grew up in Mill Cove, just down the road. There were cousins and aunts and scores of friends from high school. There were dignitaries, and the Canadian army's top brass. And there were people who never knew him at all. "I just wanted to pay my respects to a fallen comrade," said Percy Grant, who drove across the province to attend the funeral. Inside the church, Padre Jack Barrett remembered Green as "one of Hubbards' finest citizens and now a hero to many Canadians." He said the 22-year-old paratrooper "laid down his life in pursuit of justice, freedom and peace," but also warned that no amount of pride or honour in his life will take away the pain of his death. Green, known as "Ricky" to his friends, was remembered yesterday as a man who liked to live life on the edge, a quiet, soft-spoken soldier who was "wicked at pool" and who relentlessly pursued his dream of being a paratrooper. Hughes remembered how proud Green was the day he qualified for paratrooper school, how hard the test was and how Green never hesitated, never even stopped to catch his breath. Michael MacDonald was a home-town mentor to Green who helped train the teen for military service. He remembered visiting Green at his base, how the young soldier sailed out of the sky on a parachute's wings, then sauntered over to his mentor with a grin, stuffing the chute under his arm. "Just another day at the office," Green said to MacDonald joyfully. "Ricky died living life to the fullest," Barrett told mourners. "He loved what he was doing." Green was only a young teen when he settled on a career in the army. From that moment on, he began preparing to enter the service, running kilometres along the twisting road that follows the shore between Hubbards and his home. Mourners retraced the route yesterday as they followed his coffin to a small cemetery in Fox Point, where he was laid to rest. With red-winged blackbirds singing from bare treetops and a bugler sounding Reveille, mourners took turns covering his coffin in flowers, notes and personal mementos. Green's 17-year-old fiancee, Miranda Boutilier, left a note and a red rose on his coffin, then fell to her knees in tears. Green was one of four members of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry who died in Afghanistan. Yesterday, 47 members of the Edmonton-based group helped give their comrade a full military funeral, standing at sharp attention as his coffin entered and left the church, and firing a three-rifle volley beside the grave. Green was the fourth soldier buried this week. Funeral services were held earlier for Cpl. Ainsworth Dyer in Toronto, Pte. Nathan Smith in Dartmouth, N.S., and Cpl. Marc Leger in Lancaster, Ont.     Jun 28, 2007 Pte. Richard Green Family StatementPte. Richard Green Family Statement 1 No Statements from the Green family are available at this time. GREEN, Pte. Richard Anthony "Ricky" No other information or photos are available at this time. Jun 28, 2007 Pte. Nathan Smith of the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia Light InfantryPte. Nathan Smith of the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia Light Infantry 1 Pte. Nathan Smith of the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia Light Infantry   (April 17 2002)   Four Canadians killed by U.S. friendly fire in Afghanistan were honoured by their American fellow soldiers of 187th Infantry Regiment. Pte. Nathan Smith Age 27 of Porter's Lake, Nova Scotia. Graduated nine years ago from Eastern Shore District High School. Joined Armed Forces in 1998. Private Nathan Smith's family had a private service for him 24 22h00 Apr 02 CBC NW - PETER MANSBRIDGE: The family of Private Nathan Smith opted for a private service closed to the public and the media. Outside, dozens of people gathered near the church to lend their support. Private Smith had given up a career as a commercial diver to join the military. He was twenty-six year sold and was engaged to be married this summer.   Jun 28, 2007 Pte. Nathan Lloyd Smith EulogyPte. Nathan Lloyd Smith Eulogy 1 Pte.Nathan Lloyd Smith (April 17 2002) April 21, 2002 Page: A1 Section:News Edition:MET Length:553 Friends made a solemn pact Pte. Michael Frank, his eyes swollen and red-rimmed from crying, talked about the special pact he and his best friend, Nathan Smith, made before shipping out to Kandahar. "We didn't tell our wives about it, but if anything happened to Nathan I would bring him home, and he would do the same for me," Frank said, waiting while the hearse carrying his buddy was stopped briefly outside the Toronto morgue. "So that's why I'm here now. You bring your own home. It's not exactly the greatest of times." The 24-year-old native of Barrie, Ont., was one of five "escorts" who flew home from Afghanistan with the bodies of their four fallen comrades, Pte. Smith, 27, and Pte. Richard Green, 22, Cpl. Ainsworth Dyer, 25, and Sgt. Marc Leger, 29. The bodies and five escorts - Frank, Pte. Simon Hughes, Cpl. Kent Schmidt and Jan Rube, and Sgt. Ken Dunn - arrived at CFB Trenton yesterday morning aboard a gunmetal-gray Canadian Forces Airbus. Following a ceremony at the base, the funeral cortege - four hearses, two limousines and a military police car - travelled to Toronto where they were joined by five Toronto police cruisers for the trip up Bay St. to the coroner's building on Grosvenor St. Frank said everyone in Smith's platoon knew of the pact between the two friends, and afterwards they asked him to "bring him home." Still wearing his green battle fatigues, his army boots caked in mud, Frank talked about the grief he felt when he learned his long-time friend had been killed. The two friends had been making plans to finish off the basement of Frank's home, north of Toronto, and then fill it with memorabilia from their military experiences. Frank smiled briefly when he explained that although he and his friend used the term wife, both were referring to each other's fiancees. "I can't even tell you the time when I found out," he continued. "It was like one in the morning Zulu time. When I found out I was just sick. It made me ill. You don't know what to say. You don't know how to react." Frank and Hughes, an escort for his friend, Green, emerged briefly from the hearses that were parked in a laneway outside the morgue, waiting their turns to drive the remains into an underground landing at the coroner's building. Both men, wearing black armbands, expressed their thanks to all the support and sympathy they have received from fellow Canadians since their friends were killed. "It has been really special," Frank said. "Just excellent," added Hughes, 32. "And we appreciate it very much." During the past 17 hours, during the flight from Afghanistan and the two-hour road trip to Toronto from Trenton, Frank said his mind has been filled with thoughts about what he will say to Smith's family, and his friend's fiancee, Jodi. "I've been having a hard time, because we were friends in the military and in our civilian lives," Frank said. "Your first instinct is, 'I've lost my friend' and I wonder how his fiancee is doing. Then I thought about what I would say to the families, both his and Jodi's. "A million things go through your head. I thought about why it happened. You just wish it wasn't them. You wish it never happened." OYSTER POND - Oyster Pond added a fresh name to its cenotaph Wednesday in a ceremony nearly one year after Pte. Nathan Smith died in Afghanistan. Most of the inscriptions on this small Eastern Shore community's honour roll harken back to the conflicts fought by men who could have been the age of Smith's grandfathers, or even great-grandfathers. A bagpiper played a melancholy tune yesterday as people in the large crowd dabbed away tears for the 26-year-old. Smith, of nearby Ostrea Lake, who died last April 17 in friendly fire that killed four Canadian soldiers, including two Nova Scotians, and wounded eight more during a live-fire exercise near their Kandahar base. A flood of emotions come back,his father, Lloyd Smith, said after the ceremony. But it's also a great honour for our son to be among such distinguished people. I think every man on that plaque deserves our undying loyalty, because they paid the ultimate sacrifice. Many of the young soldier's relatives and friends attended the event, held a stone's throw from two schools Nathan Smith attended as a boy. He was a friend to everybody, his father said. I don't know if he ever had an enemy in this world, and I'm sure he won't have any in the next. Lloyd Smith said he has shed many tears in the past two weeks watching the war in Iraq unfold. I look at it, obviously, with a new set of eyes because of what happened to our son,he said. But I can tell you my heart goes out to each and every one of those family members on both sides of that conflict who lost a loved one. Because war is not nice, and it takes away the best, the youngest and the brightest. Nathan Smith   Jun 28, 2007 Family statement from Pte. Nathan Lloyd SmithFamily statement from Pte. Nathan Lloyd Smith 1 Family statement from Pte. Nathan Lloyd Smith Silver Cross Mother proud of son Nathan's accomplishments (edited text from THE MAIL STAR, NOV. 10, 2003) Tatamagouche - A mother's memories of a little boy playing with toy soldiers and running through woods pretending to evade the enemy flash through Charlotte Smith's mind. "He wanted to be a soldier from the time he was small," Canada's 2003 Silver Cross Mother said of her late son, Pte. Nathan Smith. "He loved it." Ms. Smith, who still has those toy soldiers, will be thinking about her son and his military accomplishments on Nov. 11 at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, where she will lay a wreath on behalf of mothers who have lost sons and daughters in military or merchant navy service. "It'll be an emotional day," she said before leaving for Ontario with her husband Lloyd, Pte. Smith's father. "I just hope I don't have to do any speeches," said the quiet and thoughtful woman, who doesn't relish being in the limelight but has talked openly about her son's life and death. Ms. Smith's thoughts sometimes wander to other mothers and how they coped decades ago when news from foreign countries was sporadic and parents waited weeks and sometimes months for word about their children. In contrast, she knew within hours that her 26-year-old son had been killed in Afghanistan in April 2002. Three other soldiers from his unit, the 3rd Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry of Edmonton, also died at the same time. The four were killed when an American F-16 pilot dropped a 250-kilogram bomb on the soldiers despite orders to wait until a check could be done to see if coalition troops were in the area. "It never dawned on me anything would ever happen to him," said Ms. Smith, who so often got caught up in her son's infectious enthusiasm for life and his military career. "Sometimes I still think he's just away," she said, sitting in her Tatamagouche home where every day is Remembrance Day. Walls are covered with framed photographs and citations documenting Pte. Smith's all-too-short military career. The family has an outdoor memorial of flags, plaques and benches where people can sit and pay their respects. Her Silver Cross is among her most prized possessions. "This means a lot to me," she said, holding the small medal that bears Nathan's name and tag number on the back. "He loved it ... the military. He accomplished everything he wanted to do." Ms. Smith was Nova Scotia's Silver Cross Mother last year. The Smiths, who moved to Tatamagouche in 1999, left Nova Scotia on Sunday and will return home on Wednesday. The couple raised Nathan and their daughter, in Ostrea Lake and Porters Lake. ******************** Nathan was the only son of Lloyd & Charlotte (Williams) Smith. He grew up in Ostrea Lake, Nova Scotia, graduating from Eastern Shore District High in 1993. His hobbies were running, scuba diving and reading anything about the military. He held several jobs after high school and went into the army in 1998. He joined the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry in 1998, moving to Edmonton for the posting. He joined their unit's crack parachute company after completing basic training. He had been in Kandahar six months, & planned to marry his longtime girlfriend, Jodie May Carter upon his return to Canada.   No other information or photos are available at this time. Jun 28, 2007 1  %FLASH% Orillia Legion Hall Red Friday Rally 1/22/2007 #F0F0F0 #FFFFFF #000000 #0000FF #800080 #FF0000 .jpg You must enable Javascript to view this content.