A mother of a son who has served in Afghanistan in 2 rotations - standing proudly behind him and supporting all the troops. I am here to hold a hand of, or lend a shoulder to other Military parents, families, wives and friends- as I too am a "Military Mom"- at home.
It is already 2009 in Afghanistan and I'd like to take the opportunity to wish all the soldiers serving overseas, out in the fields, in KAF, sleeping in the desert preparing for tasks at hand and all their families a Happy New Year. Godspeed Troops.
I'm so very proud of your bravery and thank you from the bottom of my heart.
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Keeping you close in thought and prayer,
Thinking of you and wishing you the strenth and courage.
I salute and honour soldiers and families everywhere.
It is with deepened sadness that I post the following article. I am in shock as are the many soldiers in their company. Their deaths have affected people on both sides of the world. As well, my heart cries with a family member of one of the soldiers. She had read this blog and communicated with me during "our" deployments. I can't imagine what she is going through. My prayers are with them.As well - to the soldiers - remain focused and stay strong. We are proud of you and we grieve with you.
Two Canadian soldiers killed and four injured in Afghanistan Two Canadian soldiers, as well as one member of the Afghan National Police and one Afghan interpreter were killed on December 27, 2008, when an explosive device detonated in their vicinity in the Panjwayi District. Four other Canadian soldiers and one Afghan interpreter were injured in the incident, which occurred at approximately 12:15 p.m. local time, approximately 25 kilometres west of Kandahar City. The soldiers were conducting security operations in the area when the explosion occurred. Killed in action was Warrant Officer Gaétan Roberge, from the 2nd Battalion, The Irish Regiment of Canada. He was serving as a member of the Police Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team. Also killed in action was Sergeant Gregory John Kruse, from 2 Combat Engineer Regiment, Canadian Forces Base Petawawa. He was serving as a member of 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group. Members of Task Force Kandahar are committed to improving security and increasing development in Kandahar Province. I think of the family and friends here as well as military families - comrades of our fallen soldiers currently serving in Afghanistan during this sad time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ramp Ceremony - Kandahar- Saying Goodbye Tears stream down a pallbearer's face during a ramp ceremony Sunday at Kandahar Airfield for Warrant Officer Gaétan Roberge and Sgt. Gregory John Kruse, who were killed by a roadside bomb.Photo Credit: CBC
Canadian troops bade farewell to two more comrades Sunday in Canada's military mission in Afghanistan. In a ramp ceremony at Kandahar Airfield, the flag-draped coffins bearing the bodies of Warrant Officer Gaétan Roberge and Sgt. Gregory John Kruse began the trip home. The two Canadians, acting as mentors for Afghan police, were killed by a roadside bomb Saturday on a security patrol in Panjwai district, west of Kandahar city. An Afghan police officer and an interpreter also died.
Soldiers salute during the ramp ceremony Sunday
On Sunday, both men were remembered as dedicated, professional soldiers who loved their jobs. Roberge, a member of the Royal 22nd Regiment, had just returned from leave the day before his death, and had immediately insisted on rejoining his crew in the work of mentoring and training the Afghan National Police force. Capt. Shane Gapp, Roberge's platoon commander, described Roberge as an exceptionally strong man, who once ate eight portions of military rations and could lift a truck. "He was quick to laugh, quick to love, and always did the best that he could," Gapp said. Roberge was also a man of strong faith "who didn't hesitate in demanding communion or a prayer of support whenever he felt the need," said Padre Michel Dion. Dion offered condolences to Roberge's wife, Joanne, and his four children. "Je me souviens," he said. Kruse - an engineer section commander with 24 Field Squadron, 2 Combat Engineer Regiment - was a quiet and gentle man who loved being a sapper and who took pride in his work. "He cared about his soldiers above just about everything else and the only thing he cared second to his soldiers was absolute success in everything he (did) as a soldier," said Maj. Matthew Sandy, commanding officer of 24 Field Squadron. Kruse also worked with the squadron's quick-reaction force, responding to dangerous calls involving IEDs. That's what he was doing when he and other members of the quick-reaction force, came out to examine a homemade bomb discovered by Roberge and his team of Afghan police officers. Military officials said it wasn't yet clear whether it was that bomb that caused the explosion, or if another had been planted in the area. The matter remains under investigation. Sandy said many soldiers owe their lives to the work Kruse did in Afghanistan. "As an engineer, he gets people to where they want to go and once they are there, he makes sure they are safe to do their jobs. That's what he does," Sandy said. At their home base in Petawawa, Ont. the soldiers were remembered Sunday. "It is always difficult to receive the news that our comrades have fallen, but it is especially difficult at this time of year," said Col. Dean Milner, commander of the 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group at CFB Petawawa. At the ramp ceremony, Padre Dion read from an e-mail written shortly before Christmas by Kruse's wife, Jill. "Thank you to all the soldiers who continue to make sacrifices for us to enjoy the life that we have here in Canada. Christmas has finally come and our soldier isn't home and for over 2,700 families their soldiers won't be home either and for some families they won't have their soldiers sit at their table for Christmas dinner again. Please keep praying for the troops who are deployed, the families who support them and the families whose soldiers have fallen," the e-mail stated. Kruse was also the father of three girls, including daughter Kari and twins Victoria and Megan. "This past year has been a very difficult one. It is coming to an end under a cloud of grief and terrible sadness for these families cruelly struck by loss, for our soldiers, for Canada, for Afghanistan and for the entire world," Governor General Michaelle Jean said Sunday. "We recognize the tremendous courage of these women and men who have chosen to serve with the Canadian Forces and who are prepared to make incredible sacrifices, facing every peril to help people in danger and aid them in their desire to achieve freedom and security." Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff praised the soldiers as dedicated to their country. "The deaths of Warrant Officer Gaetan Roberge and Sgt. Gregory John Kruse remind us of the daily risks and sacrifices the men and women of our Canadian Forces make in service of our country," Ignatieff said in a statement Sunday. "We are grateful for their dedication to Canada and to building a safe and secure Afghanistan."
Repatriation - Our Three Soldiers are Coming Home
Sgt. Kruse and WO Roberge will arrive home tentatively on Tuesday, December 30th, 2008 at CFB Trenton, ON at 2:00 pm. Their repatriation has coincided with the delay of the repatriation of Pte. Freeman. All three soldiers will arrive on the tarmac in Trenton on Tuesday.
Please join others on the overpasses of the highway of heroes. (Hwy 401 between Trenton and Toronto). The entourage is expected to pass through Northumberland between 3:00 and 3:30 p.m. and then continue through Durham Region betweeen 3:30 and 4:15 p.m. Wave a flag or wear red - let the families know they are not alone as we grieve by their sides.
As God welcomes Sgt. Kruse with open arms, please bless Sgt. Kruse for his bravery and hard work during his deployment overseas. Our thoughts, hearts and prayers are with his wife Jill and his daughters as they travel a difficult journey ahead. God Bless the soldiers who have served with Sgt. Kruse both here and in Afghanistan. Our hearts are with you as you grieve your comrade's loss. Godspeed.
Chimo Sgt. Kruse - you are well loved and respected.
You will always be remembered. Sergeant Gregory John Kruse was amongst two Canadian soldiers, as well as one member of the Afghan National Police and one Afghan interpreter that were killed on 27 December 2008, when an explosive device detonated in their vicinity in the Panjwayi District. Sergeant Gregory John Kruse was from 2 Combat Engineer Regiment, Canadian Forces Base Petawawa. He was serving as a member of 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group.
Joint Task Force Afghanistan (JTF-Afg) is the Canadian Forces (CF) contribution to the international effort in Afghanistan. Its operations focus on working with Afghan authorities to improve security, governance and economic development in Afghanistan. JTF-Afg comprises more than 2,750 CF members. Most of them serve at Kandahar Airfield or Camp Nathan Smith, the home of the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Kandahar City. CF members also work at various military headquarters and support bases in southwest Asia, and with civilian organizations in Afghanistan.
Le sergent Gregory John Kruse est l’un de deux soldats canadiens en plus d’un membre de la police nationale afghane et d’un interprète afghan qui ont été tués aujourd’hui, le 27 décembre 2008, lorsqu’ils ont été victime d’une explosion. L’incident est survenu dans le district de Panjwayi. Le sergent Gregory John Kruse était membre du 2 Combat Engineer Regiment de la Base des Forces canadiennes de Petawawa. Il servait au sein du 3e Bataillon du groupe tactique The Royal Canadian Regiment. La Force opérationnelle interarmées en Afghanistan (JTF-Afg) est la contribution des Forces canadiennes à l’effort international en Afghanistan. Ses opérations portent sur la collaboration avec les autorités afghanes afin d’améliorer la sécurité, la gouvernance et le développement économique en Afghanistan. La JTF-Afg se compose de plus de 2 750 membres des FC. La plupart d’entre eux servent à l’aérodrome de Kandahar ou au Camp Nathan Smith, foyer de l’Équipe provinciale de reconstruction à Kandahar City. Les membres des FC travaillent aussi dans divers quartiers généraux militaires et bases de soutien dans le sud-ouest asiatique et avec des organisations civiles en Afghanistan.
Photo Credit: A commrade of our fallen soldier
Condolences
If you'd like to post condolences to the Kruse family, please enter them in the comments section and I'll transfer them below.
“We mourn the loss of Canadian Forces member, Sergeant Gregory John Kruse, who died yesterday while conducting security operations in Afghanistan when an improvised explosive device detonated near them. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and comrades during this difficult time and with the four other CF members who were injured in the same explosion. I wish them a swift recovery. Canada will not be deterred from executing this UN-sanctioned, NATO-led mission, though it is a challenging one. The Taliban cannot be allowed to once again plunge Afghanistan into a state of repression and fear. Sergeant Kruse was a brave soldier, and his selfless efforts to help improve the lives of the Afghan people will not be forgotten.” ~ Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence
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"My prayers are lifted for this hero and the family who loves him so." ~ Airman Mom
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"Bless this family for the sacrifice they have made for the people of Afghanistan." ~ SusanE.
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"Still reeling from the shock of yesterday’s announcement, we have received further heart-wrenching, painful news today, again from Afghanistan. It was with great sorrow that we learned that Sergeant Gregory John Kruse, from 2 Combat Engineer Regiment based in Petawawa was killed when an explosive device was detonated while they were conducting security operations in the Panjwayi District. One member of the Afghan National Police and one Afghan interpreter were also killed. Four Canadian soldiers and one Afghan interpreter were wounded. This past year has been a very difficult one. It is coming to an end under a cloud of grief and terrible sadness for these families cruelly struck by loss, for our soldiers, for Canada, for Afghanistan and for the entire world. We recognize the tremendous courage of these women and men who have chosen to serve with the Canadian Forces and who are prepared to make incredible sacrifices, facing every peril to help people in danger and aid them in their desire to achieve freedom and security. To the families, friends and loved ones of this fallen soldier, we offer our sincerest condolences as we mourn this tragedy with them." ~ Michaëlle Jean
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God Bless you both. I am retired US Navy with 2 tours in Afghanistan under my belt so I am aware of the trials that occur there. My heart felt condolences to both families and please know that these to heros as well as those who have gone before them will long be remembered.
~ Gene DeenerHospital Corpsman Chief Petty Officer, US Navy Retired
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Rest in Peace Sgt. Kruse, thank you for going abroad to protect our country. This ultimate sacrifice will not be forgotten. Bless you and your family. ~R.C.M.P. Officer Oromocto, N.B.
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May God be with you and your family Jill.Although i didn't know Greg I will never forget him
and his sacrifice for our country.If theres anything i can do to help you and the girls dont hesitate to call me. ~Bill C
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My heartfelt condolences to the family of Sgt. Gregory Kruse. May his mother, brothers, wife and daughters find serenity and peace in the New Year. I'll be keeping you all in my thoughts. ~Margaret Ann Buckley
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I was deeply saddened to hear of Sergent Gregory Kruse's death, he was a childhood friend of mine. I had lost contact with him after I left school as I moved away, but the words that I would have used to describe him in youth were "Loyal and Honourable" and I believe those same words would certainly have applied to him in his military service.My best wishes go to his family.Rest in peace old friend. ~Roger Spackman
Warrant Officer Gaétan Roberge was amongst two Canadian soldiers, (Sgt. Gregory Kruse), as well as one member of the Afghan National Police and one Afghan interpreter that were killed on 27 December 2008, when an explosive device detonated in their vicinity in the Panjwayi District. 4 other Canadian Soldiers were wounded. Warrant Officer Gaétan Roberge, from the 2nd Battalion, The Irish Regiment of Canada. He was serving as a member of the Police Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team. My heart and prayers go out to the families and friends of WO Roberge both here and in Afghanistan. My prayers are with the family and friends both here and in Afghanistan. He will never be forgotten.
If you would like to leave condolences for the family of WO Roberge, please post them in the comment section and then I shall transfer them below.
Condolences
"Still reeling from the shock of yesterday’s announcement, we have received further heart-wrenching, painful news today, again from Afghanistan. It was with great sorrow that we learned that Warrant Officer Gaétan Roberge, from the 2nd Battalion, The Irish Regiment of Canada and Sergeant Gregory John Kruse, from 2 Combat Engineer Regiment based in Petawawa were killed when an explosive device was detonated while they were conducting security operations in the Panjwayi District. One member of the Afghan National Police and one Afghan interpreter were also killed. Four Canadian soldiers and one Afghan interpreter were wounded. This past year has been a very difficult one. It is coming to an end under a cloud of grief and terrible sadness for these families cruelly struck by loss, for our soldiers, for Canada, for Afghanistan and for the entire world. We recognize the tremendous courage of these women and men who have chosen to serve with the Canadian Forces and who are prepared to make incredible sacrifices, facing every peril to help people in danger and aid them in their desire to achieve freedom and security. To the families, friends and loved ones of these fallen soldiers, we offer our sincerest condolences as we mourn this tragedy with them." Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada
“We mourn the loss of two Canadian Forces members, Warrant Officer Gaétan Roberge and Sergeant Gregory John Kruse, who died yesterday while conducting security operations in Afghanistan when an improvised explosive device detonated near them. My thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends and comrades during this difficult time, and with the four other CF members who were injured in the same explosion. I wish them a swift recovery. Canada will not be deterred from executing this UN-sanctioned, NATO-led mission, though it is a challenging one. The Taliban cannot be allowed to once again plunge Afghanistan into a state of repression and fear. Warrant Officer Roberge and Sergeant Kruse were brave soldiers, and their selfless efforts to help improve the lives of the Afghan people will not be forgotten.” ~ Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence
God Bless you both. I am retired US Navy with 2 tours in Afghanistan under my belt so I am aware of the trials that occur there. My heart felt condolences to both families and please know that these to heros as well as those who have gone before them will long be remembered.
Gene Deener Hospital Corpsman Chief Petty Officer, US Navy Retired
Canadian Soldier, Private Michael Freeman, Killed in Afghanistan
It is with heavy heart that I post the following entry. Our Canadian soldier was killed and three others were injured when their armoured vehicle was struck by an explosion in Zharey District about 12:45 p.m. Kandahar time, December 26, 2008. The fallen soldier is Private Michael Freeman of 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment based at CFB Petawawa. My thoughts and prayers go out to family and friends of our fallen soldier as well to his family and friends who served alongside Private Freeman in Afghanistan. The dedication and sacrifice of soldiers like Private Michael Freeman has helped make a difference in the lives of countless Afghan citizens. You will never be forgotten.
I'd like to wish our soldiers serving throughout the world a Merry Christmas. Through all the hardships, the dust, the gains through your work, know that we are proud of you and stand behind you here. Godspeed, God Bless and safe mission.
To the families of soldiers, as I walk through the stores, I hear the song "I'll be Home for Christmas" I usually well up inside. I was so proud knowing that I didn't let it "get to me" this time.. I conquered the Christmas muzak! Well, on Christmas Eve, I had finished purchasing my groceries to get the family through the next couple of days and proceeded walking through the snow drifts to my car when I heard a young man laughing and joking with his Dad. I looked at them and then down at my bags fluttering in my cart.. and it hit me... my son won't be home for Christmas. I cried as I loaded my car with the chocolates, the dinners.. that he would love so much. And I prayed. For his safety and for all our soldiers so bravely serving our country. To families of soldiers, as this may be a difficult season to travel through, let the love ring in your hearts and warmth in your homes as you too continue burning the homefires.
To my son: I love you. Merry Christmas! I'm so proud of you. Love, Mom oxox
Cherish His Christmas
Christmas brings such a time of love, Each tender heart holds so much of Unselfishness thrives, trust is strong, The purpose to give, send love along A time of pleasantries, patience too, Good wishes to all, all feelings true Thankfulness follows each fine deed; Gifts from our God, never from greed Great the rewards that joy does bring; Like the beauty in hearing angels sing We pray for our loved, each so dear; Especially those who can’t be near Many leave home to bravely serve; All freedoms we have, they preserve Do pray for our troops, as we should; And their families too, if you would Give thanks to our Lord, His only Son; And cherish His Christmas, everyone. ~ Roger J. Robicheau
Canadian soldiers outside Kandahar Air Field in southern Afghanistan faced a rowdy crowd of local civilians Wednesday but the encounter had a happy outcome. Dozens of Afghan children walked away from the meeting with soldiers carrying stuffed toys, new clothes and other Christmas gifts from Canada's Armed Forces. Two military trucks pulled up just outside the main base at the airfield and soldiers were immediately surrounded by boys and girls of all ages. Troops handed down purple, white and lime-green teddy bears, bars of soap, sweaters and scarves. Despite the bright winter sunshine, the warm clothing is essential, according to Canadian troops involved in the exercise. "It gets cold around here at night this time of year," said Cpl. Lisa Parianos, adding with a smile, " We tried to get it out in an orderly fashion but didn't work out so well." Parianos was one of several Canadian Forces soldiers giving away the toys and clothing. In charge was Chief Warrant Officer Mike Hayes, who said the decision to give away surplus school supplies and toys was made earlier this week. "We knew we had a lot of [leftover] stuff and we knew this was a good time to hand them out, so we brought them out on Christmas Eve," said Hayes, who serves as a liaison between the military and local people. He said in 32 years of military service he was spending his first Christmas away from his family in Canada. Parianos told CBC's David Common that the giveaway was an attempt to add some holiday spirit to life in Kandahar. "It doesn't feel like Christmas here," she said. "We don't have anything Christmas-like here, so we're trying to make it feel that way by giving gifts to people." Afghan women watched the gift distribution from the balconies of bombed-out apartment buildings, some exhorting their children to get closer to the action around the two Canadian military vehicles. Some called for young girls who'd missed out as boys jostled around the trucks to be given their share of the booty. This is the seventh Christmas that Canadian forces have been in Afghanistan, with this country's soldiers involved in the U.S. led coalition in the country since October 2001. In 2005, Canada joined the NATO mission to Afghanistan and deployed its forces in Kandahar province. About 2,500 troops are involved in the Afghan deployment.
KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Afghanistan - Santa Claus touched down at Kandahar Air Field Wednesday and spread some Christmas cheer to some of the 2,500 Canadian soldiers stationed in Afghanistan. Troops on the base enjoyed a festive celebration and in addition to receiving treats from the man in the red suit, they were entertained by Canadian comedian Mike Macdonald and Ottawa singer Kathleen Edwards. "I'm very honoured to have been asked to come here," Edwards told the crowd of soldiers. "I've had a most incredible time." The troops, some donning Santa hats and other festive accessories along with their uniforms, enjoyed the festivities. "The last couple of days have been busy for us," said Capt. John Pilon."The next few hours we'll relax." The party provided some laughs and a few hours of revelry but it's hard to be away from home for Christmas, one soldier said. "It sucks," said Master Cpl. Tom Dillon. "It's one of those things you do for your country." Earlier in the day, Canadian soldiers handed out gifts to Afghan children near the base. An anxious crowd of local Afghans crowded around two military trucks and received toys, school supplies, stuffed animals, clothing, hats, scarves and toiletries. "It gets cold around here at night this time of year," said Cpl. Lisa Tarianos, one of the soldiers involved in the exercise. "We thought we could try and get out there in an orderly fashion but it didn't work so well," she said with a smile. She also spoke about the difficulty of being so far away from Canada at Christmas. "It doesn't feel like Christmas," she said. "We don't have anything Christmas-like here, so we were trying to do something that felt good. We were trying to make it feel like Christmas by giving and doing what we can." Chief Warrant Officer Mike Hayes, who was in charge of the gift delivery, said it was his first Christmas away from home in his 32-year career. He said the Afghan children were excited to receive the gifts. "The children were just loving it," he said. "We just happen to pick Christmas Eve," he said. "We knew we had a lot of supplies, we thought it was a good time for us to do it, so we brought them out today on Christmas Eve."
Saturday, December 20, 2008
As Christmas gets closer, the Canadian North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) Region has put the finishing touches on plans to track and escort Santa Claus when he visits Canada by naming four CF-18 fighter pilots as his official escorts. Major Kirk Soroka and Captain Dan Walters of 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta., and Captain Benoit Bouchard and Captain Matthew Maurice of 3 Wing Bagotville, Quebec, will take on the responsibility of welcoming Santa when he arrives in Canada on his annual Christmas Eve journey, and escorting him safely through Canadian airspace.Special NORAD SantaCams, positioned around the world, will take photos and video of Santa and his sleigh as he journeys around the world. The SantaCams instantly download the photo and video imagery so that it may be viewed by children worldwide on the NORAD Tracks Santa website, www.noradsanta.org, on December 24. All of this information will be available in English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish and Chinese.In coordination with the North Pole, NORAD has been informed that Santa intends to begin his journey at 6 a.m. EST, on Dec. 24. The Canadian Air Defence Sector Operations Centre at 22 Wing in North Bay, Ontario, will alert NORAD when their radars detect Santa approaching North America. Two CF-18 Hornet fighter jets from 3 Wing will welcome Santa as he enters Canadian airspace off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. As Santa flies across Canada from east to west, two CF-18 Hornets from 4 Wing will escort him out of Canadian airspace and turn over escort duties to the Continental U.S. NORAD Region so that he may continue his Yuletide trip.Starting on December 24, children can also receive updates on Santa's Christmas Eve journey by calling the traditional "NORAD Tracks Santa" telephone hotline at 1-877-HI NORAD, or by emailing NORAD. Last year, the NORAD Tracks Santa website received 10,660,838 unique visitors from 212 countries and territories around the world. On Christmas Eve alone, 1,012 "Santa Trackers" answered 94,743 telephone calls and answered 10,326 emails.NORAD is a bi-national United States and Canadian organization, charged with the missions of aerospace warning and aerospace control for North America. The year 2008 marks the 50th anniversary of NORAD, which is celebrating a half-century of Canadians and Americans working shoulder-to-shoulder in defence of North America. NORAD performs its mission 365 days-per-year, but on Christmas Eve, NORAD performs an additional mission - tracking Santa around the world.
Join me in praying for the families, friends and comrades of our fallen soldiers: Cpl. Thomas Hamilton, Pte. Justin Jones, and Pte. John Curwin.
Cpl. Thomas James Hamilton Age: 26 Home Town: Truro, Nova Scotia Unit: 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Deceased: December 13, 2008 Incident: Improvised explosive device, Arghandab district, Afghanistan.
Corporal Thomas James Hamilton was killed as a result of an improvised explosive device attack on an armoured vehicle during a patrol in the Arghandab District. The incident occurred approximately 14 kilometers west of Kandahar City at about 9:00 a.m., Kandahar time, on 13 December 2008. Corporal Hamilton was from 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment from CFB Gagetown, New Brunswick, and served as a member of the Force Protection Company of the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team.
Private John Michael Roy Curwin was killed as a result of an improvised explosive device attack on an armoured vehicle during a patrol in the Arghandab District. The incident occurred approximately 14 kilometers west of Kandahar City at about 9:00 a.m., Kandahar time, on 13 December 2008.Private John Michael Roy Curwin was from 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment from CFB Gagetown, New Brunswick, and served as a member of the Force Protection Company of the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team
Pte. Justin Peter Jones Age: 21 Home Town: Baie Verte, Newfoundland Unit: 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Deceased: December 13, 2008 Incident: Improvised explosive device, Arghandab district, Afghanistan. Pte. John Michael Roy Curwin Age: 26 Home Town: Mount Uniacke, Nova Scotia Unit: 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Deceased: December 13, 2008 Incident: Improvised explosive device, Arghandab district, Afghanistan.
Private Justin Peter Jones was killed as a result of an improvised explosive device attack on an armoured vehicle during a patrol in the Arghandab District. The incident occurred approximately 14 kilometers west of Kandahar City at about 9:00 a.m., Kandahar time, on 13 December 2008. Private Justin Peter Jones was from 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment from CFB Gagetown, New Brunswick, and served as a member of the Force Protection Company of the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team. Joint Task Force Afghanistan (JTF-Afg) is the Canadian Forces (CF) contribution to the international effort in Afghanistan. Its operations focus on working with Afghan authorities to improve security, governance and economic development in Afghanistan. Le Soldat Justin Peter Jones a été tué suite à une attaque à l’engin explosif improvisé contre un véhicule blindé au cours d’une patrouille dans le district d’Arghandab. L’incident s’est produit à environ 14 kilomètres à l’ouest de Kandahar City, vers 9 h 00, heure de Kandahar, le 13 décembre 2008. Le Soldat Justin Peter Jones appartenait au 2e Bataillon, The Royal Canadian Regiment, de la BFC Gagetown, Nouveau-Brunswick, et servait à titre de membre de la Compagnie de protection de la force pour l’Équipe provinciale de reconstruction de Kandahar. La Force opérationnelle interarmées en Afghanistan (JTF-Afg) est la contribution des Forces canadiennes à l’effort international en Afghanistan. Ses opérations portent sur le travail avec les autorités afghanes pour améliorer la sécurité, la gouvernance et le développement économique en Afghanistan.
Ramp Ceremony - Afghanistan December 14th 2008
Pallbearers gently place the remains of one of the three fallen soldiers onto the deck of the awaiting Hercules aircraft during a ramp ceremony at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. Corporal Thomas James Hamilton, Private John Michael Roy Curwin, and Private Justin Peter Jones were from 2nd Batallion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, based in Gagetown, New Brunswick. The Three soldiers were killed in action on Saturday 13 Dec 08 after their Armoured Vehicle was struck by an Improvised Explosive Device(IED) in Arghandab District, Afghanistan
Repatriation Ceremony - December 16, 2008
Soldiers carefully carry the bodies of 3 fallen soldiers from the plane at CFB Trenton.
The families of Canadian Forces Personnel serving overseas will be receiving Christmas trees thanks to a generous donation from the Canadian Christmas Tree Growers Association.
(see personal note below)
“Nothing sustains the morale of our brave men and women in uniform more than the knowledge that the people back home appreciate the often difficult and dangerous work they do for us,” said Prime Minister Stephen Harper who participated in the ‘Trees for Troops’ event. “This is a genuinely kind gesture of support for our military families that says thank you for the sacrifices you and your loved ones make on behalf of our country.
Under the ‘Trees for Troops’ program, approximately 1,500 military families are accepting the offer of a free Christmas tree. Trees are handed out at Canadian Forces Bases throughout Canada, including Petawawa where 400 local families received trees.Prime Minister Harper also announced that the Government of Canada would make it easier for overseas Canadian Forces personnel to call home over the holidays. Each member of the Canadian forces would receive a phone card worth 35 minutes of extra international phone time.“The Christmas season is a difficult time for our troops and their families,” said the Prime Minister. “Every little thing we do counts. I would urge all Canadians to do what they can to support the military families who will be spending Christmas apart from their loved ones. Something as simple as a card, a cup of Christmas cheer, or an invitation to dinner will go a long way to easing their loneliness and expressing our gratitude for all they and their families do.”
On a personal note..I think this is a wonderful endeavour. However, I never received a Christmas tree, nor was I phoned to see if our family would like to receive one. I am wondering which families of soldiers benefitted from this program? It sure is difficult when some families are left out. It's not fair and I know we're not the only ones feeling this way. Harper, I guess no one thought to thank nor acknowledge some of the families..that are left out of the program? We are still families of soldiers who as well work diligently for and serving our country. Our sons and daughters as well as us "made sacrifices for our country". We should not be forgotten! (grumble, grumble) God bless us everyone.. (only certain ones?)
Today I pray, as with fellow Canadian, for the families of our 3 fine Canadian soldiers who were died December 5, 2008 at 9 am today as they travel a difficult journey ahead. My thoughts and prayers also go to their military familes (the troops who trained with them and those who served alongside them during their rotation in Afghanistan)
I first heard of this news after being contacted by a reporter this early afternoon.
Three Canadian Soldiers Killed in Afghanistan Three Canadian soldiers were killed as a result of an improvised explosive device attack on their armoured vehicle during a joint patrol with Afghan National Army soldiers in the Arghandab District. The incident occurred approximately 15 kilometres west of Kandahar City at about 9:00 a.m., Kandahar time on 5 December 2008.The Canadian soldiers were participating in a vehicle patrol with their Afghan colleagues when their vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device. The three soldiers were killed instantly by the explosion.Killed in action were Corporal Mark Robert McLaren and Private Demetrios Diplaros. The primary next of kin for all three soldiers have been notified; however, the third name will not be released at this time at the request of the family.
In an unrelated incident, earlier on the same day, two Canadian soldiers were seriously injured when an improvised explosive device detonated in the vicinity of a joint Canadian - Afghan foot patrol in Zharey District. The incident occurred at approximately 8:00 a.m., Kandahar time, approximately 30 kilometres west of Kandahar City.
A cordon was quickly established and the soldiers were evacuated by helicopter to the Multi-national Medical Facility at Kandahar Airfield where one soldier is reported to be in serious condition and the other is reported to be in fair condition. The names of the injured soldiers will not be released.
Today Canada lost three fine soldiers. They served Canada in an effort to bring peace and security to the people of Afghanistan. God Bless.
Pte Diplaros
Pte Diplaros was a member of the 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, from Canadian Forces Base Petawawa, Ontario. He was deployed in Afghanistan with Task Force Kandahar’s Operational Mentor and Liaison Team.
Cpl McLaren
Cpl McLaren was a member of the 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, from Canadian Forces Base Petawawa, Ontario. He was deployed in Afghanistan with Task Force Kandahar’s Operational Mentor and Liaison Team
With a son having completed a second rotation in Afghanistan, I stand proudly supporting our troops. I am here to hold the hand of fellow Military Moms and Dads,sisters and brothers, husbands and wives, and friends..
Here .. as I too am a Military Mom.
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Operational Stress Injury Social Support Program (OSISS) OSISS is a national DND peer support network to help those suffering from operational stress injuries as a direct result of military service. This program, supported by VAC, is available to Canadian Forces (CF) members, Veterans, and their family members. For confidential peer support call 1-800-883-6094 or visit the OSISS Web site at www.osiss.ca.
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Start sending in your Tim Hortons Certificates today! Here's a reminder about a great opportunity to help give our troops a taste of ho...
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The Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) is an international think tank founded in 2002. CIGI's main purpose is to address international governance challenges through world-class research. CIGI strives to identify and generate ideas for global change by studying, advising and networking with scholars, practitioners and governments on the character and desired reforms to multilateral governance issues. Through conferences, workshops, publications, public events and technology, CIGI aims to raise capacity to effect change in public policy both in Canada and around the world.
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