Statement

Media Advisory

Fallen Soldier Returning Home

MA 07-048 - December 31, 2007

OTTAWA, Ont. - Our fallen soldier, Gunner Jonathan Dion, a member of 5e régiment d'artillerie légère du Canada, based in Valcartier, Quebec, is scheduled to return home to Canada.

Where: 8 Wing Trenton, Canadian Forces Base Trenton, Ontario.
When: Wednesday, January 2, 2:00 p.m.
What: Media are invited to view the arrival; however no interviews will be given.

Present to pay their respects will be the Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence and other dignitaries.

Gunner Dion was killed December 30, 2007 when the armoured vehicle he was traveling in struck a suspected improvised-explosive device.

 

The Dion Family Wishes To Share This Message

DM 07.013 - December 31, 2007

GATINEAU, Qc - The family of private Jonathan Dion killed in service in Afghanistan on December the 30th 2007, wishes to make public the following declaration:

It is never easy for parents to lose a child. We are devastated by the death of Jonathan who, with dignity, gave up his life serving his country with honour and pride alongside his brothers in arms in Afghanistan. We are extremely proud of our son and of what he accomplished during his life including his career in the Canadian Armed Forces. It will be his distinctive smile and his joie de vivre which will remain in our minds as we think of him. He loved being a soldier and loved being in the company of brothers and sisters in arms.



Jonathan had found his rightful place in the Canadian Forces. He was maturing rapidly and showed that he was living life to the fullest and was developing his full potential. He was an example to all of his family and he was a great brother. Since he passionately believed in his mission in Afghanistan we supported him when he volunteered for this mission. Quite recently he was telling us he would like to return should there be a second tour.

Jonathan lived the major part of his life in the city of Gatineau. He loved his city, his small part of the country, and his neighbourhood. He wanted more than anything else to make a difference in the world around him. He died doing what he loved best, to be a soldier and serve his country.

- 30 -

The Dion family wishes that the Medias respect their privacy during this period of deep mourning. They are not presently available for press interviews. Information concerning the repatriation, funeral service and the participation of the Medias will be made known later when the details will be known.

News Release

Canadian Soldier Killed - Four Others Wounded in Afghanistan

CEFCOM/COMFEC NR–07.047 - December 30, 2007

OTTAWA - At approximately 9:10 a.m. local time (in Kandahar) today, one Canadian soldier was killed when the Armoured Vehicle he was in struck a suspected Improvised Explosive Device. Four other Canadian soldiers were also injured.

The incident occurred during a routine patrol, approximately 20 km West of Kandahar city, in the Zharey District. Helicopters were used to evacuate the soldiers to the Multinational Medical Unit at Kandahar Airfield. The wounded soldiers are in stable condition and have contacted their families.

The identity of the deceased soldier is Gunner Jonathan Dion. Gunner Dion was 27 years old and a member of 5 Régiment d'Artillerie légère du Canada, based in Valcartier, Québec.

The thoughts and prayers of the men and women of the Canadian Forces go out to the family and friends of the Gunner Dion.

 

 

 

2007 © Copyright Red Fridays Foundation of Canada ® . All rights reserved. Read Legal Policy and Privacy Policy.