Three Canadian soldiers were killed and one soldier injured after an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle, while on patrol, on Highway 1 in Zharey District at approximately 10:30 a.m., Kandahar time, on August 20, 2008.
Bless them all... our fallen soldiers are:
Sergeant Shawn Eades,
Corporal Dustin Roy Robert Joseph Wasden, and
Sapper Stephan John Stock.
"He is a man [and now woman] of all work of the army and the public: astronomer, geologist, surveyor, draftsman, artist, architect, traveler, explorer, antiquary, mechanic, diver, soldier and sailor; ready to do anything or go anywhere; in short, he is a sapper."
~Capt T.W.J. Connolly, Royal Engineer Historian (1815-1885)
The fallen soldiers are combat engineers with
12 Field Squadron,
1 Combat Engineer Regiment from Edmonton, Alberta, and attached to the 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Battle Group.
Per protocol, the injured soldier is not named by the CF.
The four soldiers were evacuated to Kandahar Air Field's Role 3 Multi-National Medical Facility. Sadly, three soldiers were confirmed dead by medical authorities. The injured soldier is in serious but stable condition.
Heart and Prayers go out to the families and friends here and in Afghanistan of our fallen soldiers during their difficult journey ahead. My heart cries with you. ~m.m.Ramp Ceremony - Kandahar - Thousands of Military Personnel Line Up to Honour their Fellow Comrades
Canadian soldiers bid a final farewell to three comrades killed in battle in Afghanistan Friday.
Thousands of military personnel lined the tarmac at Kandahar Airfield for a solemn ramp ceremony.
This time it was the flag-draped caskets of combat engineers Sapper Stephan Stock, Cpl. Dustin Wasden and Sgt. Shawn Eades that were carried onto a transport plane to begin the long journey home.
Combat engineers have always been known to take on the most dangerous jobs, to rise above any challenge, and to glory in the most difficult tasks, Battle Group Chaplain Captain Darren Persaud told military personnel gathered on the runway.
"Sgt. Shawn Eades, Cpl. Dustin Wasden, and Sapper Stephan Stock exemplify these values, and were willing to sacrifice their lives to clear the road ahead for the people of Afghanistan," said Capt. Persaud.
The three slain soldiers, all with 12 Field Squadron,
1 Combat Engineer Regiment based out of Edmonton, were on patrol in Zhari district at about 10:30 a.m. local time Wednesday when a roadside bomb exploded near their armoured vehicle.
Sgt. Eades, who leaves behind his wife Lisa, and daughters Breanna and Niya, was well loved by the engineer Corps and the entire Battle group, said the chaplain.
"His dedication to his soldiers and his mission was second to none. This was his third tour in Afghanistan, and his reputation for succeeding at any task, no matter how difficult, was well known."
Cpl. Dustin Wasden, who leaves his wife Shannon and daughter Michaela, always seemed destined to be an engineer, said Capt. Persaud.
"The Engineer Corps held a special place in his heart. He loved to fix things and help anyone complete their task. His work made him happy, and his enthusiasm was infectious to all those around him."
Sapper Stephan Stock, whose body is returning home to his parents, Leona and David, was a pillar of strength for his friends and family, the chaplain said.
"His commitment to what was right and just inspired all those that had the privilege of knowing him. He let his friends and family know his desire to serve in this mission, may that be a comfort to all who mourn him."
Capt. Bret Parlee of 1 Combat Engineer Regiment knew all three men and said they were outstanding young soldiers and very motivated individuals.
"Cpl. Wasden is a Saskatchewan boy like myself, grew up on a farm. We always shared stories of the Sasktachewan Roughriders and farm work. He liked to tell stories, entertain his fellow soldiers," Parlee said.
The deaths will only strengthen the mission's resolve, Parlee added.
"Everyone that is here understands what our job is, the risk associated with it, and we prepare ourselves mentally for these eventualities and it makes you stronger."
Thompson said the Taliban has not been successful in weakening the military's determination.
"Our soldiers believe in this mission. They know what this is all about," he said.
Combat engineers clear paths and roadways of mines so infantry and support convoys and Afghan civilians alike can safely move through the area.
Many of the highly trained engineers have faced multiple roadside bomb attacks and booby traps.
Eades and his unit were part of a recently completed operation in Maywand district, further west from the site of Wednesday's attack. Its aim was to disrupt militants who use the district as a transit point on the way from Pakistan and as a resupply hub.
REPATRIATION TO CANADA - Our Soldiers Return Home
Our fallen soldiers, Sergeant Shawn Allen Eades, 33, Corporal Dustin Roy Robert Joseph Wasden, 25, and Sapper Stephan J. Stock, 25, all combat engineers with 12 Field Squadron, 1 Combat Engineer Regiment from Edmonton, Alberta are scheduled to return home to Canada tomorrow.
8 Wing, Canadian Forces Base Trenton, Ontario.
When: Saturday, August 23, 6:00 p.m.
Present to pay their respects will be Her Excellency The Governor General of Canada, The Right Honourable Michaelle Jean, Minister of National Defence, The Honourable Peter MacKay, Chief of Defence Staff, General Walt Natynczyk and other dignitaries.
Their Journey Home - Repatriation at CFB TrentonSergeant Shawn Eades, Sapper Stephan Stock and Corporal Dustin Wasden arrived by plane on the tarmac at Canadian Forces Base Trenton at 6 p.m. Saturday, where their families waited to escort their caskets to Toronto along the stretch of Highway 401 renamed the Highway of Heroes.
John Williams, mayor of Quinte West, estimated there were around 500 people lining the streets of Trenton. They were joined by media, who were not permitted on the tarmac for the ceremony at the request of the family.
From Highway 2, which runs through the base, the two young daughters of Hamilton-born Sergeant Shawn Eades could be seen in pink dresses at the front of his family members as they made their way to the tarmac to meet the caskets.
Eades’ wife Lisa Schamehorn, his brother David Eades, mother Beverly McGraw, Schamehorn’s parents, an aunt and uncle and a half-sister were present.
Governor General Michaelle Jean, Defence Minister Peter MacKay and Chief of Defence Staff General Walter Natynczyk were also on hand.
At least 60 motorcycles from the Canadian Army Veteran Motorcycle Unit, made up mostly of former military men, lined the south side of the highway – one of their larger turnouts according to First CAV President Roger Levert.
Williams, who has been to nearly 50 repatriation ceremonies during his two years in office said he had not yet seen such a turnout and noted that while it’s tragic no matter how few or how many killed, three is a considerable number to lose at once.
The hearst carrying Eades’ casket was the first of the three to leave the base in the cavalcade, as he was the highest ranking of the three officers.
People came to Trenton and to the many overpasses and along the 401E (Highway of Heroes) to show their support for the families.
People came from everywhere and stood proudly holding Canadian flags, there to honour our fallen soldiers and we wept with the families as the courtage passed under the Cobourg overpass.
As the sun slowly hid behind the horizon, the traffic slowed to nothing. There was a stillness where horns once sounded. People pulled their vehicles onto the shoulders on both sides of the 401. Soon we could see, the line of lights... our fallen soldiers had come home.
Bless our soldiers, our heroes.
Funeral Service for Sergeant Shawn Eades
Where: Beechwood Cemetery, 280 Beechwood Ave, Ottawa, ON
When: Thursday, Aug. 28 at 10:15 a.m.
The funeral service will begin at 10:30 a.m.
Following the service, Sgt. Eades' interment will take place on the National Military Cemetery grounds at Beechwood Cemetery.
Sgt. Eades' funeral and interment are open to Sgt. Eades' family, military personnel, friends of the family, and the media. A reception will take place following the interment. (the reception is closed to themedia.)
Bless the families and friends of Sgt Eades, Sapper Stock and Cpl Wasden. Our thoughts and prayers are with you - and we are here for you.MILITARY FUNERAL FOR SAPPER STEPHAN STOCK
CFB SUFFIELD – The funeral of Sapper Stephan Stock, who was killed on operations in
Afghanistan, will be held on Saturday, August 30th at 1 p.m., at the Patterson Armoury located at 20 Cuyler Road SE, Medicine Hat.
Sapper Stock was a member of the Edmonton-based 1 Combat Engineer Regiment, serving withthe Second Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry Battle Group in Afghanistan.
The public are welcome to pay their respects to Sapper Stock and his family by lining the funeral procession route. The funeral procession will travel on South Railway Street from Pattison Funeral Home up Scholten Hill to Carry Drive and onto Cuyler Road. The funeral procession should leave Pattison Funeral Home at approximately 12:45 p.m. Limited outdoor seating will be available to the general public.
Condolences (If you post them in the comment section, I'll copy them here for you):From the Family of Sergeant Shawn Eades: My husband Shawn was a proud and dedicated soldier. He was a strongleader who was highly respected by those around him. He died doing what he loved – being asoldier. Shawn was on his third mission in Afghanistan. He believed in what he was doing andhe knew he was making a difference for the people there.Shawn has worn a uniform almost his whole life. He joined Cadets at 12, then he served in theReserve Force and he joined the Regular Force when he turned 18. As dedicated as Shawn wasto his job, he was even more dedicated to his family. He always had strong family values and itwas difficult for him to be away, but he always knew that his family would receive great carefrom his extended family and from the military’s services.Our daughters Breanna, 7 and Niya, 4 were the pride of Shawn’s life. We love him and we will miss him.Lisa Schamehorn
FROM THE FAMILY OF SAPPER STOCK
“We would like to send our condolences to the other families and friends of Stephan’s
colleagues. Our hearts go out to you. We thank all fellow Canadians, our closest friends,
the Canadian Military the Military Family Resource Centre for all their support, wishes
and prayers during this difficult time.
Stephan was loved by so many people, his circle of friends stretch from coast to coast and
his family both here and in Ireland. He was loved deeply by his family and shared a
special bond with his younger brother, Bryan whom is truly honoured to say that Stephan
was his brother.
Stephan believed in Canada’s mission. He died proud and brave doing what he felt was
right. He enjoyed the challenge and the personal endeavours that the military provided
him along with the camaraderie of his fellow engineers.
He wanted his friends to have no fear for him because he had no fear of the mission in
Afghanistan. We truly believe that if he came home safe that he would request to return
for another tour.”
David, Leona and Bryan Stock
FROM THE FAMILY OF CORPORAL WASDEN
“Dustin (Dusty, Wazzy and Goose - ref big red moustache) Wasden was a dedicated soldier's
soldier who was also a caring family man, a loving husband and a wonderful father.
He loved being a soldier in the Canadian Forces, but he loved being an Engineer even more. He was very proud to be an Engineer and proud of the people he served with, and strongly believed in his contribution to the mission in Afghanistan. His passion for his work was endless.
Dustin could not wait to wear and show-off that tanned desert uniform. Like a child awaiting
Christmas, he even initiated a countdown as he got closer to going overseas to serve his country.
Once in theatre, he had not yet completed his first tour that he was already looking forward to his next one. In fact, he was thrilled about going back.
Very proud of his Saskatchewanese roots, Dustin's trademark was certainly his ability to tell
stories; that always made his comrades laugh. Famous for being the "talker" of the group, his
incredible knowledge of music and lyrics never ceased to amaze. Dustin was a great person to
know, he had many friends and was respected by everyone.
He was a generous spirit and this was born out by his love of Shoe Day where soldiers distributed shoes and other gifts to children in Afghanistan. He insisted many times: "Are we not here for the kids? Is that not why we are here?" Dustin was there for the kids and hoped one day his work would make a difference.
There are no words to express how much Dustin will be missed by the family, his friends and the people who loved him and had the privilege to have known him in this life. Dustin's beautiful spirit and enduring memory will forever remain in our hearts.”
The Family of Dustin Wasden
As we continue to mourn and deplore the recent loss of generous and courageous Canadians, members of the military and civilians, who had gone to Afghanistan to give the very best of themselves, we find ourselves once again cruelly faced with the tragic deaths of Sergeant Shawn Eades, Corporal Dustin Wasden and Sapper Stephan Stock, who had also been serving in Afghanistan. All threes soldiers were combat engineers with 12 Field Squadron, 1 Combat Engineer Regiment based out of Edmonton, Albert and attached to the Second Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Battle Group.
Their vehicle exploded when it struck yet another of those deadly improvised explosive devices. A fourth solider in the same convoy was also seriously wounded.
These constant attacks and devastating violence have no other purpose than to sabotage the tireless efforts and aid that our soldiers and humanitarian workers are bringing to the Afghan people.
The situation is serious. The mission, complex and dangerous. But every effort must be made to ensure that life triumphs over the forces of destruction that are undermining the present and future of this proud people who, even in the most difficult moments, continue to hope for better days and to believe in the importance of international solidarity to build the peace and re-establish the stability that are so vital to human development in the region.
Sergeant Eades, Corporal Wasden and Sapper Stock made the ultimate sacrifice in an effort to make that dream a reality and to combat terror. Their actions deserve our utmost respect and recognition.
It is our hope that the families, friends and comrades of Sergeant Eades, Corporal Wasden and Sapper Stock know that we share their pain, that they are not alone, and that I, my husband Jean-Daniel Lafond and our entire country stand with them during this painful and sorrowful time.
Michaelle Jean Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada
"We have all been deeply saddened to hear of the deaths of Sergeant Shawn Eades, Corporal Dustin Wasden and Sapper Stephan Stock, who died while serving Canada in Afghanistan. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their loved ones at this time of loss.
I would also like to wish a prompt and full recovery to another Canadian soldier injured in the same incident.
These soldiers were on patrol in Zharey District when the vehicle they were traveling in struck an improvised explosive device.
Canada and our NATO allies are making a profound difference in the lives of the Afghan people. The efforts of these three soldiers, and all Canadian Forces members deployed in Afghanistan, help bring security to a country devastated by decades of turmoil. Despite this tragic event, we remain undeterred in our mission to help Afghans rebuild their country.
We will remember Sergeant Eades, Corporal Wasden and Sapper Stock as truly dedicated Canadian soldiers who served their country with professionalism and courage. "The Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay,Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency"Today, all of Canada mourns the deaths of three brave soldiers killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan. These soldiers made an important contribution to international efforts in Afghanistan aimed at creating the conditions necessary for reconstruction and development efforts to flourish in a country ravaged by decades of war and despotism."Prime MinisterStephen HarperCondolence Messages/Cards Can also be sent to:Family of (insert name)
C/O. Capt S. Harris
Adjutant 1 Combat Engineer Regiment
PO Box 10500 Station Forces
Edmonton, AB T5J 4J5
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