Bless Our Fallen Soldiers

I shall continue posting throughout this article.

“Where can I go from your spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even then your right hand will guide me your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, ‘Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me, even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day for darkness is as light to you.” ~Psalm 139
As they prepared for their return to Canada today, September 03, 2008 I share the sad news with you that 3 of our Brave Canadian Soldiers were killed and 5 were injured today after an insurgent attack on their armoured vehicle while they were conducting a security patrol in Zharey district at approximately 9:30 a.m., Kandahar time, on September 3, 2008. The fallen soldiers are: Corporal Andrew Paul Grenon, Corporal Michael James Alexander Seggie, and Private Chadwick James Horn. All three soldiers were infantrymen with the Second Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry based in Shilo, Manitoba.The injured soldiers were evacuated by helicopter to the Multi-National Medical Facility at Kandahar Airfield. One soldier is in critical condition, one is in serious, but stable condition, two are in good condition, and one has been treated and returned to duty. (The identities of the injured soldiers are not released.)

"The brave soldiers killed today were coming to the end of their tour and it saddens me to think of their loved ones awaiting their return later this month," Brig. Gen. Denis Thompson said.
He released few details about the attack in Kandahar province, except to say the soldiers were not killed by an improvised explosive device, but by a rare direct attack at about 9:30 a.m. local time.
Thompson did say, however, that the soldiers fire back with small arms and other weapons.
Of the five soldiers wounded in the attack, one is in critical condition, one is in serious but stable condition, two are considered to be in good condition and one has been treated and released, Thompson said.
He had kind words to say for each of the soldiers.
Seggie "often made himself the brunt of jokes just to get a laugh out of his section," Thompson said. "He was a great communicator and had learned several Pashtun phrases in order to work better with the local population.
Seggie was from Winnipeg and his family issued a statement Wednesday saying, "We love Mike very much and we are proud of all that he has accomplished. Mike was very proud of his service and believed in what he was doing."
"Mike loved life and lived it to the fullest, there was never a dull moment when Mike was around. He enjoyed driving his 1968 Baraccuda and showing it off any time he had the chance.
"He was the best son/brother/uncle anyone could have ever asked for."
Known to his friends as "Drew" or "G," the 23-year-old Grenon was on his second tour of duty in Afghanistan.
"He brought confidence to those around him and inspired the first-tour guys, making them feel safe," Thompson said.
Seggie "often made himself the brunt of jokes just to get a laugh out of his section," Thompson said. "He was a great communicator and had learned several Pashtun phrases in order to work better with the local population.
The 21-year-old, who was considered "cool under fire" came from a long line of "proud Princess Patricias" as both his father and uncle served with the battalion.
Horn, 21, had "unlimited potential and was admired by his peers," Thompson said.
"Many in his company saw him as the best LAV gunner," Thompson said, referring to the light armoured vehicle used by Canadians. "His ability to act under fire saved many lives during the tour."

Bless our Fallen Soldiers, and their families and friends both here and in Afghanistan .. and protect and watch over our injured, giving them strength for a strong recovery. ~ Military Mom

'I am proud of the way he died.': Theresa Charbonneau, Cpl. Andrew Grenon's mom

Corporal Andrew Paul Grenon was killed on 3 September 08 after an insurgent attack on his armoured vehicle while conducting a security patrol in Zharey district at approximately 9:30 a.m., Kandahar time. Corporal Grenon was an infantryman with the Second Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry based in Shilo, Manitoba.

"You can only do so many practices without playing a game," "This is our turn to play the game. Let's drop the puck. Let's throw the ball. Let's start it up. It's kickoff time, baby." -

~A.Grenon before going to war

Le Caporal Andrew Paul Grenon a été tué le 3 septembre 2008 lors d’une attaque menée par des insurgés contre son véhicule blindé pendant qu’il effectuait une patrouille de sécurité dans le district de Zharey à environ 9 h 30, heure de Kandahar. Le Caporal Grenon était un fantassin au sein du 2e Bataillon, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry basé à Shilo, au Manitoba.

"Why We Fight"

Written by Cpl. Andrew Grenon

"I've often asked myself why we are here. Why my government actually agreed to send troops to this God-forsaken place.
"There are no natural resources. No oil, gold, or silver. Just people.
"People who have been at war for the last 40 plus years. People who want nothing more than their children to be safe. People who will do anything for money; even give their own life.
"I look into the eyes of these people. I see hate, destruction and depression. I see love, warmth, kindness and appreciation.
"Why do we fight? For in this country, there are monsters. Monsters we could easily fight on a different battlefield, at a different time. Monsters that could easily take the fight to us.
"Surrounding these mud walls and huts is a country in turmoil. A country that is unable to rebuild itself. A country that cannot guarantee a bright future for its youth.
"Why do we fight? Because, if we don't fight today, on THIS battlefield, then our children will be forced to face these monsters on our own battlefield.
"I fight because I'm a soldier.
"I fight because I'm ordered.
"I fight, so my children won't have to."

(Grenon had written this poem during his 2006 tour of duty in Afghanistan)

Thank you D.B. for sending it onto me.

The city of Windsor has ordered flags at half-mast and will create a book of condolences for the family. Staff at St. Joseph's high school reacted with shock and sadness Wednesday, when they learned their former student had been killed in Afghanistan.
Principal Mike Seguin said Cpl. Andrew Grenon displayed his leadership abilities early on. Seguin said staff and students said prayers Wednesday for Grenon, and a special prayer service is scheduled at the school Sept. 12.
The news on the second day of school was made even more poignant by the fact Grenon's 14-year-old brother has just started Grade 9 at St. Joseph's. Counsellors will be available for students, said Seguin. "Certainly, we're going to honour his life here. He was a real leader," Seguin said. "He paid the ultimate sacrifice."

Corporal Michael James Alexander Seggie was killed on 3 September 08 when an unknown explosion detonated near his armoured vehicle while conducting a security patrol in Zharey district at approximately 9:30 a.m., Kandahar time. Corporal Seggie was an infantryman with the Second Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry based in Shilo, Manitoba.

Le Caporal Michael James Alexander Seggie a été tué le 3 septembre 2008 lors d’une attaque menée par des insurgés contre son véhicule blindé pendant qu’il effectuait une patrouille de sécurité dans le district de Zharey à environ 9 h 30, heure de Kandahar. Le Caporal Seggie était un fantassin au sein du 2e Bataillon, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry basé à Shilo, au Manitoba.

"For those I love I will sacrifice."

Private Chadwick James Horn was killed on 3 September 08 after an insurgent attack on his armoured vehicle while conducting a security patrol in Zharey district at approximately 9:30 a.m., Kandahar time. Private Horn was an infantryman with the Second Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry based in Shilo, Manitoba.

Le Soldat Chadwick James Horn a été tué le 3 septembre 2008 lors d’une attaque menée par des insurgés contre son véhicule blindé pendant qu’il effectuait une patrouille de sécurité dans le district de Zharey à environ 9 h 30, heure de Kandahar. Le Soldat Horn était un fantassin au sein du 2e Bataillon, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry basé à Shilo, au Manitoba.

Ramp Ceremony - Kandahar, Afghanistan - "They are coming home."
September 4th, 2008

"We are the Dead.

Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved,

and now we lie

In Flanders fields."

As thousands of soldiers began shuffling off the tarmac at Kandahar Airfield following an evening ramp ceremony for three fallen Canadians, Pte. Glen Kirkland slowly rolled up to the belly of the Hercules transport plane and carefully pulled himself out of his wheelchair.
Walking up the 45 degree incline into the cargo bay where the caskets of 23-year-old Cpl. Andrew Grenon, Cpl. Mike Seggie, 21, and Pte. Chad Horn, 21, sat wrapped in Canadian flags appeared to be a challenge for the injured soldier, but missing out on a final farewell clearly wasn't an option.
Kirkland and four others were injured in the assault and likely owe their lives to many of the 24 teary-eyed pall bearers who carried the caskets and who are typically drawn from the platoons of the fallen.


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Repatriation into Canada at CFB Trenton, ON - They Come Home into the Arms of Their Families and Friends

Saturday, September 6th, 2008 at 6 p.m. at CFB Trenton.

The grief was audible at CFB Trenton Saturday night as three families, united by their losses, gathered for the return of three young men killed in an ambush in Afghanistan.

More than 100 family members of Pte. Chad Horn and Cpls. Andrew Grenon and Mike Seggie lined the tarmac for the repatriation ceremony. Loud sobs could be heard from where they stood as first of the flag-draped caskets was lowered from the military aircraft.
The families took turns placing individual roses, some red, some yellow like the “Support Our Troops” ribbons that adorn many cars on the caskets carrying the remains of their sons and brothers.

The parents of Corporal Michael Seggie - Jim Seggie and his wife Shirley, right - along with other family members view the hearst carrying the casket of the soldier during a ceremony Saturday in Trenton, Ont (Photo credit: Canadian Press)

Colonel in Chief of Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, as well as fellow soldiers.
In an unusual scene for a repatriation ceremony, troops returning from Afghanistan, some of whom would have fought alongside the fallen soldiers, shared the plane with their remains. The 108 soldiers, based in Edmonton and Shilo, Man., stood in tribute to Cpl. Seggie, Pte. Horn and Cpl. Grenon for the ceremony, then were welcomed home by Mr. MacKay and Ms. Jean, after serving about seven or eight months in Afghanistan. They were to head west to their home bases later Saturday night.

Grief cried out as Cpl Grenon was lowered onto the tarmac at CFB Trenton.

Photo Credit: Pete Fisher

Family members cried, looking as though they might have collapsed to the ground if not for the both physical and emotional support provided by the rest of the family. Young children, visibly stricken by grief, clutched teddy bears and were comforted by others.
The families were joined on the tarmac by dignitaries including Gov. Gen. Michaëlle Jean, Defence Minister Peter MacKay, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Walter Natynczyk and former governor general Adrienne Clarkson, Colonel in Chief of the soldiers' regiment, the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry.


Honouring our soldiers and families were hundreds of people standing on many of the overpasses over the 401 between Glen Miller Road in Trenton and the Don Valley Pkwy Toronto. "We wear red in support and wave a flag to show the families how much we care for them during their difficult time. It's moment that will stay with you forever."

Our Condolences
Place your condolences for our soldiers families and friends in the Comments section below and I will repost them here:
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My husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, and I are dismayed by the tragic news of the death of Corporal Andrew Paul Grenon, Corporal Michael James Alexander Seggie, and Private Chadwick James Horn of the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, based in Shilo, Manitoba. All three, along with five of their comrades, were on patrol in their vehicle when they came under attack. We are deeply saddened that once again, such grief weighs heavily on the greater military family and on all of Canada.
This tragedy reminds us of how dangerous the conditions are and the relentless aggression that our military men and women face while on this mission. In spite of the recent attacks, Cpl Grenon, Cpl Seggie, Pte Horn and their comrades demonstrated outstanding professionalism and loyalty. Always ready to serve, they fully understood how vital their support is to the humanitarian efforts in the communities of Kandahar province, where insecurity and violence are daily realities.
From the very bottom of my heart and on behalf of all Canadians, I offer my sincerest condolences to the family, friends and comrades in arms of Cpl Grenon, Cpl Seggie, and Pte Horn. We know that your sorrow is inconsolable, and we wanted to reassure you that their courageous and invaluable contribution will never be forgotten. We also wish the five wounded soldiers a full recovery, and extend our full gratitude to our troops stationed in Afghanistan, whose sense of duty remains as steadfast as ever.

Michaëlle Jean

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"Family and friends have been giving the family extremely good support. We are all very proud of Andrew and I’d like to thank all the people sending in kind comments to the Windsor Star website under the article about my brother and the two other brave men who died in the same attack. It helps a lot. I remind you to keep praying for our forces and for world peace. I’ll always remember the ‘heroes’ work’ you did for our country. Family members often call me Andrew by accident and I’m honored to be called your name. We’ll always remember you, Andrew."

Matthew

Andrew Grenon's 14 year old brother

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It is very difficult to know what to say at this time. We would first like to extend our sincere condolences to the families of Andrew’s fallen comrades and to the families of those soldiers who were injured in this outrageous attack. Please know that we will pray for their speedy recovery.
As difficult as this is to accept, what makes it easier is knowing that Andrew was happy and content as a soldier in the PPCLI, that he firmly believed in Canada’s mission in Afghanistan, and that he saw the good that was being done there.
Andrew sent home the following poem in November 2006, when he was half-way done his first tour in Afghanistan. It says it all.
Why We Fight
I’ve often asked myself why we are here.
Why my government actually agreed to send troops to this God-forsaken place.
There are no natural resources.
No oil, gold, or silver.
Just people.
People who have been at war for the last 40 plus years.
People who want nothing more than their children to be safe.
People who will do anything for money; even give their own life.
I look into the eyes of these people.
I see hate, destruction and depression.
I see love, warmth, kindness and appreciation.
Why do we fight?
For in this country, there are monsters.
Monsters we could easily fight on a different battlefield, at a different time.
Monsters that could easily take the fight to us.
Surrounding these mud walls and huts is a country in turmoil.
A country that is unable to rebuild itself.
A country that cannot guarantee a bright future for its youth.
Why do we fight?
Because, if we don’t fight today, on THIS battlefield,
then our children will be forced to face these monsters on our own battlefield.
I fight because I’m a soldier.
I fight because I’m ordered.
I fight, so my children won’t have to.
By: Andrew Grenon

Windsor Mayor Eddie Francis called to offer his condolences and advised us that the flags on city properties will be flown at half-mast in honour of Andrew. This protocol is extremely comforting to us. Please know how much this means to our family at this time.

Family of Cpl Andrew Grenon