God Bless Sgt. Gregory Kruse - Sunday, December 27th, 2008

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

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