God Bless Master Corporal Erin Doyle - Monday, August 11th, 2008

It is with sadness to announce the news of another fallen soldier today.

Aug. 11, 2008 - A Canadian soldier was killed today and another was injured in the Panjwayi District at about 5:30 am Kandahar time. The soldiers were protecting their combat outpost at the time of the incident when insurgents attacked them with rocket propelled grenades and small arms fire.The fallen soldier is Master Corporal Erin Doyle of the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based in Edmonton, Alberta, and attached to the 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Battle Group.Both casualties were evacuated by helicopter to the Multinational Medical Unit at Kandahar Airfield. The injured soldier is in good condition and stable. This is difficult and emotional for the families, friends and colleagues of MCpl Doyle killed in today's incident.
My prayers are with his family and friends both here and overseas during this difficult time. He will always be remembered.

Statement by the Minister of National Defence The Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, issued the following statement today on the death of a Canadian soldier in Afghanistan:"It is with great sorrow that I learned of the death of Master Corporal Erin Doyle, who was killed late yesterday in Afghanistan. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this very emotional time.I would also like to wish a quick recovery to a second Canadian soldier injured in the same incident.The two soldiers were bravely protecting their combat outpost in the Panjwayi District of Afghanistan, when they came under attack by insurgents with rocket propelled grenades and small arms fire.The vital contribution of the Canadian Forces to the United Nations-mandated, NATO-led mission are making a difference in Afghanistan. Master Corporal Doyle gave his life in support of our efforts to bring security to a country that has seen decades of war. His sacrifice will not be forgotten and this event will not deter us from continuing to help Afghans rebuild their country.Master Corporal Doyle was a true professional and dedicated Canadian soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan. He will be remembered with respect and gratitude."

REPATRIATION TO CANADA - They travel their final journey back to Canada
Our fallen soldiers, Master Corporal Joshua Brian Roberts, 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (2 PPCLI), based out of Shilo, Manitoba and Master Corporal Erin Doyle, 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (2 PPCLI), based out of Edmonton, Alberta are scheduled to return home to Canada tomorrow.

Where: 8 Wing Trenton, Canadian Forces Base Trenton, Ontario.
When: Wednesday, August 13, 2:00 p.m.

Present to pay their respects will be the Governor General, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Minister of National Defence, The Honourable Peter MacKay, Chief of Defence, General W.J. Natynczyk and other dignitaries.

Join hundreds of others along the overpasses on Wednesday in honouring our fallen soldiers and their families as they travel along the 401 between Trenton and Toronto along our Highway of Heroes.