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.