God Bless WO Brown, Cpl. Fortin and Cpl O'Quinn ~Tuesday, March 3, 2009

This morning I was awaken at 5:30 with tugging and a frantic voice.. "Wake up. three soldiers were killed. It's on the news." In distress, I flung the blankets and quickly found my Blackberry. Finding out that the soldiers' names were released, my thoughts quickly turned to their families. Still not knowing who they were I paced. Before long the little phone vibrated. The information was posted. It is now with sadness I share the information with you. With this I say a prayer for our Fallen - our brave, their families and friends here and in Afghanistan and to our injured.
To our fallen:-You have not died in vain- you have touched the hearts of the many people of Afghanistan in honour. You are a hero to all of Canada. To the families -these are diffucult days ahead. Be supportive toward one another. Honour them by reflecting on the very precious moments you each shared together. Share those moments with all that come to honour them, for they have touched many hearts. Never ever forgotten the ulitmate scarifice ever not today or all the tomorrow's. . I pray that the Lord hold you in the palm of his hand and give you his peace through your difficult journey ahead.

March 4, 2009
Three Canadian Forces Personnel Killed and Two Injured in Afghanistan
Three Canadian Forces personnel were killed and two were injured when an improvised explosive device detonated near an armoured vehicle during a patrol in the Arghandab District. The incident occurred northwest of Kandahar City at around 5:40 p.m., Kandahar time, on 3

Bless WO Dennis Raymond Brown, Cpl. Kenneth Chad O'Quinn, and Cpl. Dany Olivier Fortin

3 March, 2009.
Killed in action were Warrant Officer Dennis Raymond Brown, from The Lincoln and Welland Regiment, Corporal Dany Olivier Fortin, from 425 Tactical Fighter Squadron at 3 Wing Bagotville, and Corporal Kenneth Chad O'Quinn, from 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group Headquarters and Signals Squadron.
Vance described Brown, a reservist with the Lincoln and Welland Regiment, as someone who "always had an infectious smile on his face, no matter what the challenge." The Niagara-area native leaves behind a wife and four children. In civilian life, he served as a police special constable. Fortin, an air force member based in Bagotville, Que., who's middle name was Olivier, was known to his comrades as Danny-O. He was an ardent fan of the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League.Vance said O'Quinn was "a proud, dedicated soldier, who had a bright future ahead of him." Known to his friend by his middle name, Chad, O'Quinn "believed he could accomplish anything in his life and everyone had the same faith in him," the general added
The soldiers were part of a quick reaction team that responded to a report of roadside bomb in the district, which is often used as a transit point for Taliban fighters coming down from the mountains towards the city.
"As they were returning from a call to clear an IED found on the road, their armoured vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb," said Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance, the commander of Canadian troops in Afghanistan.
The Canadian military, with the addition of surveillance helicopters and unmanned drones, have stepped up patrols looking for roadside bombs, which have accounted for more than half the deaths.
In the last three years, the Canadian battle group has only fought two major engagements in the Arghandab district, a lush farm valley that's divided by a river and isolated from the city by ridge of mountains.
Known as the northern gateway to Kandahar city, Taliban forces tried to take over the Arghandab in the fall of 2007 following the death of Mullah Naquib, a powerful tribal leader.
They were beaten back by Canadian troops.
And following last summer's attack on Sarpoza prison, hundreds of freed Taliban militants fled into the leafy growth and twisted laneways of the region, resulting in several pitched battles.

The injured CF personnel were evacuated by helicopter to the Role 3 Multi-National Medical Facility at Kandahar Airfield. They are in good and fair condition, and their names will not be released.

We Learn About the Fallen and Grieve with Their Families: The wife of one of the three latest Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan said Wednesday she and her husband spoke often about the possibility he might die in the line of duty.
Mishelle Brown, the wife of Warrant Officer Dennis Brown, called her husband a hero and her "powerhouse."
Brown said her husband was a realist, and many times they discussed with their four children what they would do in the event of his death.
"I was expecting this," she said. "I was prepared for it. Dennis and I talked about it often."
Brown said she spoke with her husband for more than an hour the day he died from an roadside bomb blast in the Arghandab district.
"I never took Dennis for granted - not even for a second," she said.
Brown was a reservist with the Lincoln and Welland Regiment in southern Ontario who served as a police special constable in civilian life.
"He chose to go on this tour, and he fought really hard to get time off from his job with Niagara Regional Police to do it, and I supported him every step of the way - and I still do," his wife said.
"When I asked him why he wanted to go on this tour, Dennis said, 'If we don't get them in their backyard, they're sure to get us in ours.' "

Cpl. Kenneth O'Quinn. who was based at CFB Petawawa, On., was born in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, N.L., and spent his childhood there, the provincial government said in a release.
"Our deepest sympathies and prayers go out to the families and friends of these three valiant men," said Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams.
"Personally, and on behalf of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, I extend condolences to the family of Cpl. O'Quinn. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones and those of his comrades."
29 Year old Cpl. Dany Fortin, an air force member based in Bagotville, Que.Fortin, had been in Afghanistan since last September and was set to return in April.
"He took to heart his job as a soldier," Lt.-Col. Paul Prevost told a news conference at CFB Bagotville, about 200 kilometres north of Quebec City.
"In Bagotville, as in Afghanistan, he was one of those whose leadership contributed to motivating his peers."
Prevost said he had met Fortin's mother and that his death was proving very difficult for her.
"But she was very proud of her son," he said. "Dany was doing what he had dreamed of doing."
Fortin was originally from Baie-Comeau, Que.
Brown called her husband her "dream come true."
"Nobody can take that away from me," she said. "No roadside bomb can take that away from me. It can take away my future with him but it can't take away my past."

Ramp Ceremony in Kandahar -They are brothers of the military. They trained together, travelled together, worked together, and come home together. They come home to their loved ones.

Padres and hundreds of ISAF soldiers line the ramp at Kandahar airfield showing their respects to their fallen comrades, their brothers. Photo credit: Combat Camera

Pallbearers carry their fellow comrades to the plane awaiting to take them home. Photo Credit: Combat Camera

Repatriation -They Are Home - CFB Trenton

Friends and family members of three Canadian soldiers who died this week in Afghanistan gathered together on a windy airfield Friday to attend a repatriation ceremony to bid farewell to their fallen loved ones. Warrant Officer Dennis Brown, Cpl. Dany Fortin, and Cpl. Kenneth O'Quinn were killed by a roadside bomb blast while patrolling near Kandahar city on Tuesday.Their bodies were brought to Canadian Forces Base Trenton on Friday. Strong winds blew on the airfield as dozens of family and friends hugged each other, sharing in their grief, many holding roses to their chests as they watched the ceremony. The three flag-draped coffins were carried by soldiers from the Hercules transport plane to waiting family members as bagpipes played.Brown's widow, Mishelle Brown, who spoke to the media earlier this week about how her husband was a "hero to his kids,"appeared strong on the tarmac but stumbled and broke down when her husband's coffin emerged. She was accompanied by her four children, who approached their father's coffin, also crying. Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) members were present for the repatriation ceremony on the tarmac at CFB Trenton on Friday afternoon, out of respect for Brown, who served as a special constable with the police service. Brown joined the NRPS in 2001 and was assigned to its court services unit. He continued to serve with the police service until taking a leave of absence to serve in Afghanistan last fall. Defence Minister Peter MacKay and Vice Admiral Denis Rouleau, vice chief of defence staff, were also scheduled to be on hand for the repatriation ceremony at CFP Trenton. After the repatriation ceremony, a convoy will carry the fallen soldiers' bodies to Toronto along the Highway of Heroes -- the stretch of highway between Trenton and Toronto. Two NRPS cruisers were scheduled to follow the procession to Toronto. Give them strength during their difficult journey ahead.

Mishelle Brown and her children watch as the flag draped casket of her husband Warrant Officer Dennis Brown is repatriated at CFB Trenton on Friday afternoon. Photo Credit: Pete Fisher

Children of Warrant Officer Dennis Brown approach the flag draped casket that, moments before his body was placed in a hearse at CFB Trenton. Photo Credit: Pete Fisher

The bodies of our fallen soldiers prepare to travel along the Highway of Heroes. Photo Credit: Combat Camera

Jenna Brown, age 12, daughter of fallen soldier Warrant Officer Dennis Brown looks out the limosine window waiting for the procession to start along the Hgihway of Heroes after the repatraition at CFB Trenton. Photo Credit: Pete Fisher

Note: Requests for support for WO Brown from MP Rick Dykstra in St Catharines about the funeral service for WO Dennis Brown on Saturday, March 14th at 2 pm.

Warrant Officer Dennis Brown - Ways to show support
In order to show support to the family of Warrant Officer Dennis Brown, who died in Afghanistan on March 3rd, we asking people to wear, wave or display yellow ribbons. We have lapel ribbons here at the constituency office, free of charge for people to stop by and pick up. If you have a tree in your yard, tie a yellow ribbon around it, or tie one to your car antenna. This show of support means a great deal to Dennis’ widow, Mishelle Brown and also to the members of the Lincoln and Welland Regiment. Mishelle is hoping to see lots of red as the motorcade arrives in St. Catharines. Let's show the Red Fridays colours for Mishelle.
Books of condolence will be available this week at 68 Church St. and the Robert S. K. Welch courthouse at 59 Church St. The public is invited to sign the book, which will be presented to his family.
A trust fund has been set up for the Brown Family through Meridian Credit Union, Ridley Square Plaza, 111 Fourth Ave, St. Catharines, ON, L2S3P5. Phone: 905 688.6563905.688.6563. Account # 3631959. Cheques may be made payable to "The Lincoln and Welland Regiment ITF Dennis Brown Family". Mail cheques directly to branch, or to the Lincoln Welland Regiment at 81 Lake Street, St. Catharines ON, L2R5X3.

Words of Condolence (if you wish to leave words of condolence, please post them in the comments section and I will transfer them below. Kindest Regards, M.M.)

• May the men and women who serve be blessed.I think of all the fallen and especially those who died today. May their souls rest in peace knowing they have done their part in showing the people of Afghanistan that Canada does care for their plight.My thoughts and blessings to the family and friends, may they find peace in knowing that Canadians value their sacrifice. ~SusanE.
  
• "Blessed are the peacemakers", comes to mind as I read about the three Fallen Canadians. Prayers go to the families and other loved ones. Please know that the rest of our country mourns with you. ~Ed Tokarchik
  
• Heart breaking for the soldiers families...both civilian and military. They will not be forgotten. ~Anonymous


• "To the family and friends of Warrant Officer Dennis Raymond Brown, Corporal Dany Olivier Fortin, and Corporal Kenneth Chad O'Quinn, who died yesterday in Afghanistan, I offer my deepest condolences. Our entire country stands behind you in these most difficult and trying times. I also hope for a full and quick recovery for the two other Canadian soldiers injured in the attack.These soldiers served valiantly alongside their comrades while helping to build a stable Afghanistan. Our Canadian Forces members in Afghanistan face an enemy that will go to any length to undermine progress in building a democratic and self-sustaining society. The courage demonstrated by these soldiers speaks volumes to their dedication to Canada and to creating a better country for the Afghan people. The commitment of our service men and women to this goal is not diminished by these attacks. Their participation in the United Nations-mandated mission is a true reflection of Canadian values: helping those in need and defending the interests of Afghan citizens.We are making a difference and the Government of Canada stands proudly with the Canadian Forces as they strive to protect Canadians, our interests and our values. This is a tragic loss for the Canadian Forces and all of Canada. Let us never forget Warrant Officer Brown, Corporal Fortin and Corporal O'Quinn, whose sacrifices served to make life better for others.” ~ Prime Minister Stephen Harper


• Jean-Daniel Lafond and I were deeply saddened to learn that the explosion of an improvised explosive device, 10 km away from Kandahar, took the lives of three Canadian soldiers and seriously injured two of their comrades during their mission in Afghanistan.
  Despite great personal risk, Warrant Officer Dennis Raymond Brown, from The Lincoln and Welland Regiment, Corporal Dany Olivier Fortin, from 425 Tactical Fighter Squadron at 3 Wing Bagotville, and Corporal Kenneth Chad OQuinn, from 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group Headquarters and Signals Squadron, joined forces with the Afghan people, who continue to be terrorized by a merciless violence. Our soldiers know better than anyone else that peace can never be taken for granted, that it must be built. With amazing courage, generosity and conviction they responded to the call of duty in an effort to bring peace to a country mired in conflict. It cost them their lives. They deserve our utmost respect.
  To all those who are mourning today—their parents, their families, colleagues and friends—we offer our most sincere condolences. May they know they are not alone. May they know that Canadians, from across the country, share in their sadness and their loss.
  Our thoughts are also with the injured soldiers who survived these attacks and with their loved ones, for whom the shock is equally deep. We are grateful for the vital role you play during this time of adversity, and send our hopes for a quick recovery.
  Michaëlle Jean


• "We grieve the loss of Warrant Officer Dennis Raymond Brown, Corporal Danny Olivier Fortin and Corporal Kenneth Chad O'Quinn, who died yesterday in Afghanistan. These brave soldiers were killed when the vehicle in which they were riding stuck an IED while on patrol near Kandahar City. I want to take to opportunity to wish a speedy recovery to the two soldiers who were injured in the same explosion.
  My heartfelt sympathies and thoughts are with the families and loved ones of Warrant Officer Brown, Corporal Fortin, and Corporal O'Quinn, who should be proud of the selfless sacrifice made by these brave soldiers. This is a tragic loss for Canada and for the Canadian Forces - but it was not in vain. Afghans are re-establishing themselves and their communities, and their lives are improving.
  These brave Canadian soldiers gave their lives helping to create the secure conditions needed for reconstruction efforts - building schools, hospitals and roads - to be successful in Afghanistan
  I join with Canadians and the Government of Canada in supporting our troops and those of our allies, who are helping create a better future for the Afghan people. We will honour the sacrifice of these brave soldiers by continuing our efforts to build a safe and secure Afghanistan." ~Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence


• May Almighty God bless these fine heroes and bring comfort to the families who love them so. ~AM


• Rest in peace men and know we will remember you. From a former airwoman with a son in the Lincoln and Welland Regiment. ~Penny Davis