Air Force and Navy Returns Home

Maj. Yves LeBlanc, a CP-140 Aurora pilot, holds his two-year-old son Jeremy after returning from Operation Mobile, Canada's military contribution to the crisis in Libya, in Greenwood, N.S. on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011.

Canadian Forces members are returning to Canada after a successful operation in the skies over Libya and the Central Mediterranean. Canada took a leading role in the UN-mandated, NATO-led Operation to protect the people of Libya from the former Gaddafi regime while also imposing an arms embargo and a no-fly zone."Canada once again punched above its weight as part of an international coalition. The men and women of the Canadian Forces confirmed their leadership position at NATO and the role they can play in successful international operations," said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence. (Photo Credit: Cpl Marc-André Gaudreault)

"I am extremely proud of the men and women of the Royal Canadian Air Force and Royal Canadian Navy whose contribution was, without a doubt, instrumental in the protection of civilians from the violence of the Gaddafi regime."Canada responded rapidly and strongly after the passage of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1973 of March 17, 2011. In less than 24 hours, CF-18s were airborne from 3 Wing Bagotville enroute to their operating base in Trapani, Italy, along with strategic air-to-air refuelling support from 8 Wing Trenton's Polaris aircraft. 8 Wing's CC-177 Globemasters followed immediately with all personnel and equipment needed to quickly establish an effective operational capability."Throughout this deployment, our airmen and airwomen demonstrated their outstanding skills and agility in successfully conducting air-to-air integrated operations with our NATO Allies, flying side-by-side conducting surveillance and bombing missions, providing air refueling to coalition aircraft, and patrolling the shore of Libya," said Lieutenant-General Andre Deschamps, the Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force. "Their professionalism and dedication played a significant role in the protection of innocent civilians against an oppressive regime, and it is with pleasure that we welcome them home after a job well-done."The deployment of Canadian assets to the region, including a frigate, CF-188 Hornet fighters, CC-150 Polaris in-flight refuelling tankers, CC-130 Hercules tankers, and CP-140 Aurora maritime patrol aircraft - gave Canada and the Canadian Forces the flexibility and capability to respond to the ongoing crisis in the region by providing critical aviation support to coalition efforts.The CF-18 aircraft conducted 946 sorties, making up ten percent of NATO strike sorties. Over the course of their sorties, Canada's fighters dropped 696 bombs of various types.The two CC-150T and one CC-130T aircraft deployed flew 389 air-to-air refueling sorties. They dispensed a total of 18,535,572 lbs of fuel to aircraft from six nations involved in Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR - France, Italy, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Qatar.The two CP-140 aircraft deployed on Operation MOBILE flew 181 sorties off the coast of Libya and over land. They conducted Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) sorties, as well as strike coordination and armed reconnaissance-coordinator sorties that provided critical information and helped the NATO effort to protect civilians.

*As directed by the Government of Canada, Operation MOBILE (Canada's military response to the crisis in Libya) has ceased operations and commenced mission closure activities as of 1 November, 2011.*http://www.comfec-cefcom.forces.gc.ca/pa-ap/ops/mobile/index-eng.asp

Warriors' Day Parade

If you've never been to Warrior' Day, I highly recommend going. Last year was my first chance to attend the CNE during Warriors' Day. It was highly invigorating. There were many displays to view for both adults and children. Many of our Veterans were in attendance- all to thank with sincerest gratitude. The Musical Salute in the evening is phenominal - bringing tears to the eyes as they had commemorated our troops serving overseas. Be sure to mark it on your calendar. See you at the EX.

The 88th Warriors' Day Parade will be held on Saturday, August 22nd, 2009 at 10:30am at the Canadian National Exhibition, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. For more information, click here. or go to: http://www.warriorsdayparade.ca/

The 2009 parade is dedicated to the Centennial of the Cadet Instructors Cadre (CIC). Today more than 7500 CIC officers supervise 59000 cadets in 1156 corps and squadrons across Canada. The CIC is one of the most diversified and active components of the Canadian Forces whose goal is to ensure that cadets benefit from the best training possible and that they develop their skills to the fullest. The Warriors' Day Parade is proud to mark this significant anniversary.

Established in 1921, The Warriors' Day Parade takes place in August of each year during the opening weekend of The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The longest-running, annual parade of its' type, The Warriors' Day Parade is an important Canadian tradition and a very significant event for our Veterans, our brave men and women who currently serve in Canada's military, their families and the general public.

Complete your 2009 Warriors Day experience by attending the Canadian Forces Musical Salute.

CANADIAN FORCES MUSICAL SALUTE

Free with CNE admission
THANKING THE CANADIAN PUBLIC FOR THEIR SUPPORT
PARTICIPANTS:
The Central Band of the Canadian Forces combined with
The First Canadian Air Division Band
The Air Command Pipes and Drums
The Ceremonial Guard Band and the Drill Team
438 Squadron Fanfare
The Combined Bands of The Toronto Garrison
The National Band of the Naval Reserve
…and other special guests
FEATURED PERFORMANCE:
Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture (using our own military's militia)

Friday, August 21 and Saturday August 22, 2009
Gates Open at 7:00 pm
BMO Field – Exhibition Place, Toronto

FOR VETERANS AND FAMILIES:
Veterans and their families may apply for complimentary CNE tickets by completing the Family Ticket Application Form and mailing it to the Ticket Chairman no later than 7th August 2009.

Click here for application form

Free parking in CNE parking lots on Warriors' Day for Veterans. Vehicle must have an official Canadian or U.S.A. Veteran's license plate to qualify.

COMPLIMENTARY BUS & TRAIN TRANSPORTATION for Veterans and Families click here for info

Canada Takes Part in the 500th Open Skies Treaty Flight

Canadian Forces personnel participated in a historic flight with Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg over Bosnia-Herzegovina on 20 August 2008 aboard a Belgian aircraft, which undertook the 500th observation mission conducted under the Open Skies Treaty, which promotes openness and transparency among its signatories."The participative role that we are fulfilling during this particular mission and others like it, not only allows us to actively contribute to the mission, but also re-enforces Canada's support for the Open Skies Treaty as a multi-lateral, cooperative endeavor" said Major John Nowak, mission team leader.The treaty formally entered-into-force January 2002 and is designed to enhance trust, confidence and collective understanding by providing all participating states with the means through which to obtain information on military or other activities of interest or concern to them. Open Skies is one of the most wide-ranging international treaty mechanisms established to date designed to foster openness and transparency of military forces and their activities.Canada is an active participant in the international proliferation security regime and is a signatory to several treaties dedicated to the elimination, reduction and control of weapons of mass destruction and conventional arms. The Open Skies Treaty illustrates Canada's commitment to developing greater openness and trust amongst states and lowering the potential for conflict.

205 Canadian Forces Members Visit Vimy Ridge

The contingent of some 205 Canadian Forces (CF) personnel participating in this year's Nijmegen Marches visited the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France on July 13 to hold a memorial ceremony with support from the Royal Canadian Legion.

On April 9, 1917, the Canadian Corps accomplished a task the French and British armies had tried and failed to do since 1914: it broke through the heavy German defences to capture and secure Vimy Ridge. In 1922, France designated about one square kilometre of the battlefield as Canadian territory as a free gift in perpetuity to the Canadian people. The Vimy Monument was built on this site and inscribed the names of the 11,285 Canadian soldiers who died in France but have no known graves. The monument was recently refurbished and, on the 90th anniversary of the battle it was rededicated by Queen Elizabeth II.As well as the Vimy Monument, the Canadian National Vimy Memorial includes a small museum, an area of preserved trenches and tunnels, and cemeteries containing the graves of soldiers killed in the battle. In 1997, the Vimy Memorial was designated as a National Historic Site, one of only two outside Canada.

The Internationale Vierdaagse Afstandsmarsen Nijmegen (International Four Days' Marches Nijmegen, or Nijmegen Marches) is a prestigious Dutch marching event in which Canadian military contingents have participated every year since 1952. This year, from July 15 to July 18 inclusive, a contingent of about 205 CF members will take part in the Nijmegen Marches with more than 44,000 people, both civilian and military, from over 50 nations. The marchers' itinerary usually includes a visit to Vimy on the way to Nijmegen.

• For information on Canadian Forces participation in the Nijmegen Marches, click here.
• Additional information on the Vimy Memorial can be found on Veterans Affairs Canada website
• For further information, visit the official website of the International Four Days Marches Nijmegen

Boots on the Ground in Nijmegen, Netherlands

A contingent of about 205 Canadian Forces (CF) personnel leaves Canada July 11th for Nijmegen, Netherlands, to take part in the International Four Days Marches Nijmegen, a prestigious Dutch marching event Canadian military contingents have participated in every year since 1952. During the four days of the Nijmegen Marches, which take place this year from July 15 to July 18, all military participants must walk 160 km while carrying a standard military rucksack weighing at least 10 kg."The Nijmegen Marches is an excellent fitness activity and endurance test that builds morale and develops core military values, including leadership and teamwork, in all participants," said Brigadier-General Raymond Romses, the commanding officer of the Canadian Defence Liaison Staff in London, U.K., and the senior member of the CF contingent. "Our participation to the Nijmegen marches highlights Canada's close connection to the Netherlands. Even now soldiers from both nations are working to stabilize Afghanistan," he added.The CF contingent includes Regular Force members and Reservists of all ranks and occupations from across the country. Canadian soldiers, sailors and air personnel consider it an honour and privilege to be selected for the gruelling four-day event. During the months of training required for selection, candidates build physical and mental stamina by marching, on average, 700 km with their rucksacks.CF participation in the Nijmegen Marches includes tributes to Canadians who lost their lives in battle during the First and Second World Wars.

Photo taken during 2005 March.

On the way to Nijmegen, the CF contingent will visit the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France to hold a memorial ceremony in cooperation with the Royal Canadian Legion. During their stay in the Nijmegen area, the CF marchers will visit Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery, where more than 2,300 Canadian soldiers and airmen who died to liberate the Netherlands in 1944 and 1945 are buried.

The Nijmegen Marches is also the world's largest walking event, attracting thousands of civilian participants as well as hundreds of other military teams. More than 44,000 marchers from at least 50 nations are expected to participate this year.

Visit the official website with maps of the International Four Days Marches Nijmegen at: http://www.4daagse.nl/index.asp?taal=en&pagina=homepagina&interactivepage

The Flag Parade for the first time will be on Sunday evening of July 13th, 2008.

During the march (July 15 - 18th) you will be able to view live streaming video by clicking here

Goodluck Troops... all the Best!

1,000 Inmates Escape From Afghan Prison After Blast

Canadian Troops Search Kandahar After Massive Jail Break

Jailbreak frees over 1000 Prisoners ( including some 350 Taliban militants) into Kandahar's Streets - a lot of hard work undone.

Canadian soldiers joined allied and Afghan national security forces in a sweeping door-to-door urban hunt for hundreds of escaped prisoners Friday after the Taliban staged a daring mass breakout at Kandahar City's Sarposa Prison.
A suicide bomber drove to the prison's main entrance and detonated his vehicle Friday around 9:30 p.m. local time.
The massive explosion, heard across the Afghanistan's second-largest city, destroyed the gate and a police checkpoint, burying guards under rubble and killing scores.
Witnesses said as many as 30 motorcycles then raced forward, carrying armed men firing rocket-propelled grenades, machine guns and AK-47s. A second hole was blasted in a rear wall of the prison, the largest such facility in southern Afghanistan.
During the ensuing 20-minute battle inside the prison and in the city's west side, hundreds of prisoners were able to flee.
Wali Karzai, president of Kandahar's provincial council and the brother of President Hamid Karzai, told local reporters a short time later that all the inmates had fled. Late into the night, however, it remained unclear exactly how many escaped from the prison, which houses almost 1,200 inmates, including about 400 Taliban militants.
Some prison officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, estimated that as many as 800 prisoners managed to escape, while an unknown number were killed in a gun battle between police and Taliban fighters inside the jail.
"I think scores of others are caught up inside," one prison official told Reuters.
The blast caused an unknown number of casualties among the guards, prison director Abdul Qadir told Reuters.
"They (Taliban) used a truck to blow the gate open and all of the guards (at the gate) have been killed and are under rubble," he said by telephone. As he spoke, bursts of gunfire could be heard in the background.
A Taliban spokesman said the group was claiming responsibility.
Rockets were also fired at nearby Camp Nathan Smith, home of the Canadian-led Provincial Reconstruction Team, but witnesses said they fell far short.
Members of a Canadian Forces company protecting the team were among hundreds of security forces who responded to the daring attack, which came just days after Kandahar province's police chief, Brig.-Gen. Sayed Agha Saqib, told reporters here that the security situation in the city was good.
"We believe that the situation is under control," Joint Task Force Afghanistan spokesman Maj. Jay Janzen told reporters at Kandahar Airfield several hours after the brazen attack.
A security cordon had been established and a massive overnight search operation was launched in the city.
Canadian military sources could not initially confirm witness reports that Canadian tanks were rolling through the city.
The Canadian military's Janzen said International Security Assistance Force troops had helped establish a "security perimeter" in the area as the search continues for the many fugitives.
The stunningly successful attack comes at a time when Taliban insurgent activity is flaring up in Afghanistan's volatile south, where most of Canada's 2,500 troops in the country are deployed.
"We believe things are improving," said Janzen. "We're working hard with our Afghan allies to bring stability to the region."
The U.S. military has handed over an unspecified number of suspected Taliban fighters to Afghan custody under a program agreed to last year to transfer all Afghan prisoners from U.S. detention.
The U.S. military has arrested thousands of suspected Taliban and al-Qaida militants since invading Afghanistan in 2001 to help topple the Taliban government.
Last month, some 200 Taliban suspects being held at Sarposa, some of them without trial for more than two years, staged a week-long hunger strike before a parliamentary delegation promised their cases would be reviewed.
The number of al-Qaida-backed Taliban attacks has increased since 2006 and the prison raid ranks as one of the biggest.
The militants tried to assassinate President Hamid Karzai in April when he was attending a military parade near the presidential palace in Kabul. They are active mostly in southern and eastern areas near the border with Pakistan.
Canada, through the Provincial Reconstruction Team, is currently involved in the physical restoration of the mud-walled Sarposa and the training of its guards.
Friday's attack came a day after international donors in Paris pledged more than $20 billion for Afghanistan's development and security projects.
The resurgence of Taliban comes despite the presence of more than 60,000 foreign troops, including 2,500 Canadian troops, under the command of NATO and the U.S. military, as well as more than 150,000 government forces.
Liberal Senator Colin Kenny, chair of the Senate's defence committee, said the prison break raises disturbing questions about the conduct of coalition troops in Afghanistan.
He questioned how Canadian or other troops with the International Security Assistance Force failed to detect, with night-vision equipment, the after-dark movements of the attackers.
Kenny, whose committee recently returned from Kandahar, said the attack clearly shows there are not enough soldiers in southern Afghanistan.
His committee released a report this week, calling for an additional 4,000 NATO troops in the southern region.
Also on Friday, U.S. Defence Secretary Robert Gates pressed fellow alliance defence ministers to contribute more troops to Afghanistan, but failed to get firm commitments.

What are your thoughts on this? ....

• Do you think the guards were involved?


• Will we be able to capture the insurgents including Taliban escapees?


• Should the insurgents have been kept in a prison in the same country where they are still fighting or should they have been transported out of country after capture?


• Should we go into Pakistan to re-capture fled prisoners?

Let me know how you feel. (you can post comments anonymously if you wish)

Exercise Southern Bear Ends Successfully

February 28, 2008
Camp Dona Ana, Fort Bliss, Texas

Today, after almost a month in desert-like training at Fort Bliss, Texas, Exercise Southern Bear has officially ended. The approximately 3,000 soldiers who took part in the exercise will soon be heading back to Canada.
During this month long exercise soldiers conducted Combat Team attacks, convoy training, IED training and specific training pertaining to their tasks in Afghanistan.
“I am very pleased with everything that we accomplished during our short time here,” said Colonel Dean Milner, Commander of 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (2 CMBG). “The exceptional facilities at Fort Bliss allowed us to train in an environment that is similar to Afghanistan.”
The completion of the exercise marks another major milestone on the road to Afghanistan that began last August for many of the soldiers from Petawawa’s 2 CMBG. Aside from the Joint Task Force Afghanistan Headquarters that is scheduled to depart at the end of April, most of the soldiers training for the deployment will leave for Afghanistan during September.
“This exercise allowed us to bring together all of the Task Force elements that will deploy to Afghanistan. It helped us prepare them for the next major training event in Wainwright, Alberta during May called Exercise Maple Guardian.” added Colonel Milner. “We have done everything to make sure that the soldiers are prepared for success at Wainwright and later on in Afghanistan.”

The training at Fort Bliss was necessary to replicate the terrain in and around Kandahar Province, where these soldiers will be operating once they deploy to Afghanistan. The Task Force 3-08 Battle Group, the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team, the Observer Mentor Liaison Team, the National Support Element and Joint Task Force Afghanistan Headquarters all took part in the exercise.

Congratulations to our troops! HUA! Look out.. here we come!

COMPOSITION OF JOINT TASK FORCE AFGHANISTAN (JTF AFG)

Publication request from DND: "To show respect to the majority of the military personnel currently deployed in Afghanistan, who work in collaboration, but are not part of the Royal 22e Regiment, we want to specify this fact and have asked for media's cooperation regarding the diffusion of complete and fair information."

Below, I have listed information (Composition of this rotation's Battlegroup - JTF AFG) as attained from 5e Group-Brigade Mecanise du Canada (5 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group)

Rotation 4, deployed in summer 2007, comprises nearly 2,500 CF members from all Army professions and the medical and legal branches of the Canadian Forces. The complexity of Canada’s commitment in Afghanistan requires that representatives from all CF occupations be involved. The in-depth knowledge that all CF members have of their respective fields contributes immensely to furthering the mission of the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan.
Although most of these men and women are from Valcartier, there are also many from other regions of Quebec, such as Outaouais, Rimouski, Trois Rivières, Montreal, Sherbrooke and the Saguenay, as well as from the rest of Canada (see list below).
Here is a list of the CF units participating in JTF AFG.
FROM QUEBEC (approximately 2,330 CF members)

Land Force Quebec Area – Joint Task Force (East)
· 4 Intelligence Company – Montreal
· Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) – Montreal

5 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (Regular Force)
· 5e Régiment d’artillerie légère du Canada – Valcartier
· 12e Régiment blindé du Canada – Valcartier
· 5 Combat Engineer Regiment – Valcartier
· Headquarters and Signals Squadron – Valcartier· 1 Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment – Valcartier
· 2 Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment – Valcartier· 3 Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment – Valcartier
· 5 Field Ambulance – Valcartier

5 Area Support Group (Regular Force)

Web site: www.fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unit%C3%A9_de_soutien_de_secteur_Valcartier (Non-Official)
· 5 Canadian Service Battalion – Valcartier
Transport and Movement Company
Supply Company
Maintenance Company
Service Company
Operations Centre
· Personnel Support Services – Valcartier, Montreal and Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu
· Signals Branch – Valcartier, Montreal and Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu
· Garrison Military Police Platoon – Valcartier

· Engineer Branch – Valcartier, Montreal and Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu

· Public Affairs – Valcartier
· Coopérative régionale de développement – Valcartier, Montreal and Saint Jean sur Richelieu

35 Canadian Brigade Group (Reserve Force)

· 12e Régiment blindé du Canada – Trois-Rivières
· 62 Field Artillery Regiment – Shawinigan
· 6 Field Artillery Regiment –Lévis
· 55 Canadian Service Battalion – Quebec City
· Fusiliers de Sherbrooke – Sherbrooke
· Fusiliers du Saint-Laurent – Rimouski, Matane, Rivière-du-Loup· Régiment de la Chaudière – Lévis, Beauceville, Lac-Mégantic
· Régiment du Saguenay – Chicoutimi

· Voltigeurs de Québec – Quebec City
· Sherbrooke Hussars – Sherbrooke

· 10 Field Engineer Squadron – Quebec City

34 Canadian Brigade Group (Reserve Force)

· Fusiliers du Mont-Royal – Montreal
· Régiment de Hull – Hull
· Régiment de Maisonneuve – Montreal
· 34 Field Engineer Regiment – Westmount
· 4 Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment – Laval
· 6 Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment – Saint-Hyacinthe
· 51 Service Battalion – Montreal
· 2 Field Artillery Regiment – Montreal
· 9 Field Engineer Squadron – Rouyn-Noranda
· Royal Montreal Regiment – Montreal

· Canadian Grenadier Guards – Montreal
· Royal Canadian Hussars – Montreal
· Royal Highland Regiment of Canada (Black Watch) – Montreal

Communication Reserve (Reserve Force)
· 712 Communication Squadron – Montreal
· 713 Communication Regiment – Beauport
· 714 Communication Squadron – Sherbrooke

FROM OTHER PROVINCES (approximately 170 CF members)
(Regular Force)
· 1 Service Battalion – Halifax
· 1 Combat Engineer Regiment – Edmonton
· 1 Royal Canadian Horse Artillery – Shilo
· 119 Air Defence Battery – Gagetown
· 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group Headquarters and Signal Squadron – Petawawa
· 2 Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry – Edmonton
· 2 Service Battalion – Petawawa· 210 Work Shop, Air Defence Artillery School – Gagetown
· 26 Service Battalion – North Bay
· 30 Military Police Company – Shearwater
· 8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise’s) – Gagetown
· The British Columbia Dragoons – Kelowna
· The King’s Own Calgary Regiment – Calgary
· The Ontario Regiment – Brampton
Communication Reserve (Reserve Force)
· 705 Communication Squadron – Hamilton

· 709 Communication Regiment – Toronto

· 734 Communication Squadron – Regina
· 749 Communication Squadron – Red Deer
· 772 Electronic Warfare Squadron – Kingston

COMPOSITION OF JTF AFG IN BRIEF

Reg Force and Reserve Force (2,500):

· 2,200 Regular Force members
· 300 Reserve Force members (12%)

Provinces:
· 2,330 CF members from Quebec
· 170 CF members from other provinces (7%)

August 23 - Bless Our Fallen Soldiers

Two Canadian soldiers, and one Afghan interpreter were killed at approximately 6:19 p.m. Kandahar time today when their Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV III) struck a suspected mine approximately 50 kms West of Kandahar City. One Canadian soldier and two Canadian journalists were also injured at the time of the explosion and have been evacuated by helicopter to the Multinational Hospital at Kandahar Airfield.The incident occurred during Operation EAGLE EYE, a joint Afghan National Security Force (ANSF) and ISAF operation aimed at further stabilizing the District of Zharey. Members of the 3e Bataillon du Royal 22e Regiment and ANSF advanced to secure the western region of Zharey, where insurgents have been most active, to strengthen security conditions so that meetings can be held with local elders and authorities to support the delivery of reconstruction projects.The names of the casualties are being withheld pending next of kin notification

Update:
The identity of one of the two Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan today is as follows:- Master Corporal Christian Duchesne, 5e Ambulance de campagne, based out of Valcartier, Quebec.Family members of the soldiers have been notified. At their request, the name of the remaining soldier is being temporarily withheld.

Bless our soldiers and their family and friends, here and in Afghanistan.

Statement from Minister of National Defence:

The Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, issued the following statement today on the deaths of two Canadian soldiers and an Afghan interpreter, and the wounding of one soldier and two members of the media:"I am deeply saddened by the loss of two Canadian soldiers who died today in Afghanistan. I would like to extend my condolences to the families and loved ones of Master Corporal Christian Duchesne and of the remaining soldier, whose name is being temporarily withheld at the request of the family. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this time of great sorrow. I also wish a speedy recovery to the soldier injured in this incident.These soldiers were participating in a joint operation to further stabilize an area west of Kandahar City with the aim to strengthen security conditions so that meetings can be held with local elders and authorities to facilitate reconstruction projects. These soldiers were helping to bring back hope to a population that has seen much hardship and turmoil. Their actions have brought hope to this oppressed people.My sympathies also go to the two members of the media injured in today's attack, and to their families. Our condolences also go to the family of the Afghan interpreter who lost his life in the incident.Let us never forget these brave soldiers, whose self-sacrifice served to make life better for others."Master Corporal Christian Duchesne was a member of 5e Ambulance de campagn, Royal 22e Regiment, based out of Valcartier, Quebec.

What a Sad Day

What a sad day... I am shaking as I hear the news. This is the start of a difficult journey for many military families and friends here and overseas. I know many families close their eyes, bow their heads and wait. God Bless. I stand here beside you - reaching out my hand.

You will be missed

By ones never met

You are our HEROES

We will never forget.

~Godspeed.

Military Mom.

.

Six Canadian Soldiers Killed in Afghanistan

July 4, 2007- Six Canadian soldiers and one Afghan interpreter were killed at approximately 10:55 a.m. Kandahar time today when their vehicle struck a suspected improvised explosive device approximately 20 km south-west of Kandahar City. The names of the casualties are being withheld pending the notification of families.The incident occurred while the soldiers were returning from conducting joint operations with the Afghan National Army. This joint operation was dubbed Operation LUGER and is indicative of the ever-increasing capability of Afghan National Security forces. Operation LUGER was an Afghan led operation to enhance security in the Panjwayii district that saw Canadian Forces troops play a supporting role to their Afghan counterparts. The operation was completed without incident, and the attack occurred as the patrol returned to a nearby forward operating base. Afghan National Army forces have made great progress in increasing their level of professionalism and operational capability and regularly work in close cooperation with Canadian Forces personnel who stand alongside them in the field, and mentor them as they develop a cohesive and professional military force.The members of Joint Task Force Afghanistan are deeply saddened by the loss of these brave individuals as they worked side by side with their Afghan counterparts to bring security and stability to southern Afghanistan.The identities and home units of the deceased will only be released when next-of-kin notification is complete, and in accordance with the family's wishes.

Minister of National Defence - Funeral Reimbersments

May 29, 2007

Statement by the Minister of National Defence

OTTAWA, ONTARIO-- The Honourable Gordon O'Connor, Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement:"Canada's New Government has been unwavering in our commitment to supporting all members of the Canadian Forces and their families. It is therefore with considerable distress that I note recent media reports regarding families of deceased Canadian Forces members who may not have received full reimbursement for normal funeral and burial expenses. If confirmed, this would indicate that my direction was not followed and I can assure that this will be dealt with accordingly and corrected as soon as possible.I cannot imagine the pain a family feels after losing a loved one who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.I want to reiterate that any family eligible for support for funeral expenses shall receive the appropriate reimbursement.I have directed Defence officials to contact military families who lost a loved one, to ensure that these families received all of the support to which they are entitled. It is unfortunate this is required.Our Government stands behind our service members and their families. We will give them what they need and deserve. The guidelines regarding funeral and burial benefits for CF members put in place in 1999 are being corrected and updated to reflect current realities."

Canadian Memorial Park Dedicated in Bosnia

Left to right, Major-General Stuart Beare, Commander Land Force Training Doctrine, Mr. Hamdija Lipovaca, Mayor of Bihac, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Canadian Ambassador to Bosnia-Herzigovina Mr. David Hutchings symbolically plant a maple tree in Bihac's newly dedicated Canadian Memorial Park. The park is dedicated to the many Canadian peacekeepers who have served in Bosnia-Herzegovina since 1992. Between 1992 and 2007, more than 40,000 Canadians served in the Balkan countries; twenty-three of them lost their lives there. Major-General Beare served in Bosnia for several years and was in command of the Canadian, British and Dutch Multi-National Brigade (North-West) September 2003 to September 2004.

May 5, 2007
Bosnian Park Dedicated To Canadian Forces

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(May 5, 2007) - In recognition of the significant contribution the Canadian Forces (CF) have made to help bring peace and security in the Bihac region of Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Mayor of Bihac, Mr. Hamdija Lipovaca, announced the dedication of a local park, Canadian Memorial Park, during a ceremony held in Bihac earlier today.With this dedication, Canadian Memorial Park will serve as a permanent reminder of the sacrifices made by members of the CF, especially those who were wounded or killed while serving as part of peace-support operations in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Since 1992, more than 40,000 CF members have served in the Balkan region, of which 23 Canadians lost their lives in the service of peace."The men and women of the Canadian Forces have left a very positive impression of Canada upon the people of Bihac," said Mayor Lipovaca. "It is fitting then that this park dedication serve as a lasting memory of Canada's devotion to helping the people of Bihac return to a peaceful way of life," he added."Our soldiers, sailors and Air Force personnel have formed deep-rooted bonds of friendship with the people of Bihac they have had the privilege of meeting and working with over the past decade and a half," said Major-General Stuart Beare, who attended the ceremony as the senior Canadian military representative. "We in the Canadian Forces, as well as all Canadians, share a great sense of pride knowing vital infrastructure has been re-built and there is now burgeoning prosperity evident with busy shops, crowded cafes and bustling streets," he added.Canadian Memorial Park is located along the Una River, which runs through the town of Bihac. This specific site was chosen for its peaceful setting and popularity as a destination for both the local population and tourists.