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.
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
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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 Deener
Hospital Corpsman Chief Petty Officer, US Navy Retired.
Our sincerest condolences to the Roberge family. We were very sadened to hear of the tragic news from our dear friend Mrs. F. Roberge of Aylmer, Québec.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of WO Gaétan Roberge.
Kim, François, Lila Nesbitt and Yvan, Solange, Geneviève Desrochers
My deepest condolences to the families of WO Gaetan Roberge and SGT Gregory John Kruse. As proud Canadians, my wife Faith and I are saddened with each media report announcing the ultimate sacrifice another Canadian Soldier has made on behalf of our coutry. Each time, we quietly pause, fighting back that lump in the throat feeling, wishing our thoughts of deep regret and appreciation to each of those brave souls.
Living in Whitby Ontario, we have experienced a number of repatriation calvalcades while driving along the 401 - "The Highway Of Heroes" - as our fallen soldiers make their way back home. Every patriot Canadian should experience the outpouring of support demonstrated along EACH AND EVERY overpass along Highway 401 - flags draped over the railings, people lined up shoulder-to-shoulder, Fire Police EMF vehicles & personnel saluting - all waiting to express their collective heart felt appreciation when the repatriation calvalcade passes underneath. Faith and I stood on an overpass, tearfully acknowldeging the brave souls who passed under us on their way home.
Recently, something was different while watching an acknowledgement for our fallen heroes last saturday during Don Cherry's "Coaches Corner" on Hockey Night In Canada. Kudo's to Don on how he uses his exposure to provide such heartfelt support to our Canadin Troops. The difference this time was - a familiar face - Gaetan Roberge. There was that lump in the throat feeling again - this time heavier.
Growing up in the Sudbury area, Gaetan and I worked together at Golden Pizza in Val Caron when we were teenagers. To this day, I fondly look back to reminice about the good times working with the fun people at Golded Pizza! Gaetan was so key to the fun we had every night. Memories of the two of us tossing & spinning our pizza dough back and forth like a tandem juggling show - while our customers watched - still make me smile today. I hadn't spoken to Gaetan after I left Sudbury to attend college in Toronto, but I will miss his fun spirit - a spirit that I hope all those who got to know him, were able to tuck away a bit of happiness that he showed each and every day.
My only regret as I write this post - is that I missed the announcement of Gaetan's travels along the Highway Of Heroes - because, had I known - I would have been the proudest Whitby resident standing on an overpass to salute a good friend, and a great Canadian. Heck, I might have even brought some pizza dough to spin in the air in his honour as he drove by. Be well Gaetan - as your old friend, I salute the sacrifice you made while helping to ensure a better life for all Canadians - you will be missed.
Condolences to the Roberge family who have to endure the gamut of feelings brought on by the loss of someone dear to them.
Three things cumulated today that brought me to more deeply consider this war and it's consequences to so many families.
On Jan.1/10 my husband and I watched the video, "Hotel Rwanda". It brought to mind, some similarities to the present conflict in Afghanistan. I found myself seeing a perspective that had me so appreciating our soldiers' mission and the passion that must have led many to pursue this dangerous career.
This movie, in combination with reading, today, the heart-stirring letter of memorium that a relative of mine, Jamie Parker wrote, and the fact that WO Gaetan Roberge was from the Sudbury area, brought this war "home" to me.
All the soldiers and those dear souls that have perished during this conflict, no doubt, have very high standing in the heavenly realms.
Thank you for serving, Mr. Roberge, and God Bless you.
EJK
Gaetan,
I'm sorry I hadn't kept in touch. When I saw your name on the Afghan Repatriation Monument this evening I was shocked and saddened.
There is a special place in heaven for good people like you, old friend.
Rest in peace.
My deepest sympathies to your family. May they never forget your smile.
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