Bless Cpl. Steve Martin ~December 18, 2010

It is with heavy hearts that today that we learn that a Canadian soldier has died on Saturday. Our Canadian Forces member was killed yesterday, December 18th, 2010 at approximately 12:30 p.m. local time, after an improvised explosive device detonated while on operations in the Panjwa'i district of Kandahar Province.
Killed in action was Corporal Steve Martin, serving with 1st Battalion, Royal 22e Regiment Battle Group, based at CFB Valcartier, Quebec.
Our thoughts are with the families and friends of our fallen soldier during this difficult time. We will not forget the sacrifice of Cpl Martin.
Cpl. Steve Martin, 24, died while on a foot patrol near a major road construction project that NATO is pushing into the restive Panjwaii district of Kandahar.
Martin was just two days short of his 25th birthday when he died.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the fallen soldier during this difficult time," Brig.-Gen. Dean Milner, commander of Canadian troops in Afghanistan, told reporters at Kandahar Air Field. "We will not forget the sacrifice of this soldier as we continue to bring security and hope to the people of Kandahar province."

Martin was patrolling near a road that NATO forces are carving into the horn of Panjwaii when he was killed by an improvised explosive device, or IED, early Saturday afternoon local time.

The road is a key element of an offensive by Canadian, U.S. and Afghan forces into the horn of Panjwaii, an area that until recently was dominated by the Taliban and used as a staging point for attacks into nearby Kandahar City, the provincial capital.

Although most insurgents fled the area before an initial assault by coalition troops, several cells of Taliban fighters have continued to operate in the region.

They have mounted harassing attacks against the armoured vehicles and construction equipment building the gravel thoroughfare into the region, sprinkling the path ahead of the troops with IEDs.

Gov. Gen. David Johnston offered his deepest sympathies to Martin's loved ones, saying that his death brought home the weight of his new responsibilities as commander-in-chief of Canada's Armed Forces.

"Cpl. Martin displayed an admirable sense of duty to Canada, bringing great pride to his unit and to the Forces as a whole," Johnston wrote.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued a written statement extending his deepest sympathies to Martin's family and friends on behalf of all Canadians.

"Cpl. Martin was a brave Canadian who made the ultimate sacrifice while proudly serving his country," the statement said.

"Thanks to Canadian Forces members like him, we continue to make real progress in Afghanistan, rebuilding the country and contributing to the peace and security of its people."

Saturday's attack shattered a period of relative calm in the Panjwaii district, where most of Canada's troops are based.

Although the onset of winter has meant a decline in attacks, the Canadian battle group in Kandahar has still had several of its soldiers wounded.

The Department of National Defence, however, does not release information on wounded soldiers and military spokesmen would not say if anyone else was wounded in the bombing that claimed Martin's life.

The bombing that killed Martin came amid a wave of attacks by Taliban gunmen and suicide bombers across Afghanistan.

Earlier Saturday, a suicide bomber attacked the vehicle of an Afghan district chief in the Canadian area of operations. A car packed with explosives tried to ram a vehicle carrying District Governor Hamdullah Nazik. The bomber missed his target and plowed into bystanders, killing two people, including a child, and wounding 11 others. Nazik was unharmed. more...

Repatriation Ceremonies - Fellow comrades say goodbye to Cpl Steve Martin as he commences his journey home to his family.

Our Fallen Soldier Returns Home
Corporal Steve Martin of the 3rd Battalion Royal 22e Regiment, based at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Valcartier, Quebec, returned home to Canada.

The repatriation ceremony for the latest Canadian soldier to be killed in Afghanistan, Corporal Steve Martin, originally scheduled for Tuesday had been delayed to Wednesday at 2 p.m. at CFB Trenton due to severe winter weather in Europe.

Where: 8 Wing, CFB Trenton, Ontario.
When: Wednesday, December 22, 2010 at 2 p.m.

Present to pay their respects were His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada; The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence; Mr. Habibullah Qaderi, the Consul General of Afghanistan (Toronto); and other dignitaries.
As this is a solemn and formal occasion, all attending were requested to dress appropriately.

God Bless Pte. Alexandre Peloquin - June 08th, 2009

Our hearts are heavy as we learn of the news that Private Alexandre Péloquin was killed on June 8, 2009. Our thoughts and prayers turn to his family and friends- his comrades both here and in Afghanistan. Thank you Pte Peloquin - you shall always be remembered.

Private Alexandre Péloquin

A Canadian soldier was killed when an explosive device detonated during a foot patrol in the Panjwai District. The incident took place in an area south-west of Kandahar City at around 09:20 a.m., Kandahar time, June 8, 2009.Killed in action was Private Alexandre Peloquin from the 3e Bataillon, Royal 22e Regiment based at Canadian Forces Base Valcartier near Quebec City. He was serving as a member of the 2e Bataillon, Royal 22e Regiment Battle Group. The soldier was evacuated by helicopter to the Multi-National Medical Facility at the Kandahar Airfield.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of our fallen comrade during this very difficult time. While our ultimate goal remains to leave Afghanistan to Afghans, in a country that is better governed, more peaceful, and more secure; let's not consider the tragic death of our soldiers as a failure of our mission as this is precisely what our enemy is counting on. Our collective efforts here are making a noticeable difference in helping Afghans reclaim their lives from oppression and despicable living conditions.

Le soldat Alexandre Péloquin a été tué lorsqu’un engin explosif a explosé pendant une patrouille à pied dans le district de Panjwai. L’incident a eu lieu dans une région au sud-ouest de Kandahar City vers 09 h 20, heure de Kandahar, le 08 juin 2009. Le soldat Alexandre Péloquin du 3e Bataillon, Royal 22e Régiment basé à la Base des Forces canadiennes Valcartier près de Québec. Il servait à titre de membre du groupement tactique du 2e Bataillon, Royal 22e Régiment.

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He is Coming Home - The Ramp Ceremony in Kandahar

"He was great soldier," Lt. Col. Jocelyn Paul, the commander of Peloquin's battle group, told reporters before the ceremony, "someone everyone liked. He was a strong man, tall. Someone who left a mark on everyone."It's a very tough day."
Private Alexandre Péloquin was remembered Tuesday night as a courageous and inspirational soldier. "God of love, we thank you for the life of Private Alexandre Peloquin," Padre Normand Cholette said Tuesday night at an emotional ramp ceremony at Kandahar Airfield. "We pray for his family, and may they know that we hold them in prayer at these difficult times. May we bring the same inspiration and energy to the mission as he did, so that we may honour his memory and the ultimate sacrifice that he has made for the peace and the well-being of this country."
Cholette, the chaplain of the 22nd Royal Regiment with which Peloquin was serving, delivered the prayer before Pte. Peloquin was boarded on the final flight home.
More than 2,000 mourners stood at attention on the tarmac during the sombre ceremony, when the only sound was the drone of the Hercules plane that sat waiting to begin the journey to Canada.
Members of Peloquin's battalion climbed aboard the plane after his flag-draped casket was loaded to pay their last respects to a friend and fellow soldier.

He is Home - Repatriation in Trenton, ON



Our fallen soldier, Private Alexandre Péloquin, from the 3e Bataillon, Royal 22e Régiment based at Canadian Forces Base Valcartier near Quebec City, returns home to Canada on Thursday, June 11, 2009 at 2:00 pm at 8 Wing, Canadian Forces Base Trenton, Ontario.
Present to pay their respects were Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, Mr. Laurie Hawn, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence, Chief of the Defence Staff, General Walt Natynczyk and other dignitaries.




WORDS OF CONDOLENCE
If you wish to leave words of condolence for Pte. Peloquin, please enter them in the comment section and I will transfer them below.

My husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, and I have just learned the sad news of the death of Private Alexandre Peloquin, a member of the 2e Bataillon, Royal 22e Regiment. He was on patrol in an area southwest of Kandahar, Afghanistan, when he was killed by an explosive device. The increasingly sophisticated bombs of the insurgents are becoming more and more deadly.We salute Private Alexandre Peloquin's courage and sense of duty, which he demonstrated throughout this difficult and dangerous mission, knowing as he did the importance of re-establishing security and hope in an ideal of justice in Afghanistan.
Our hearts go out to his family, loved ones and Canadian Forces comrades as they mourn this terrible loss. May they take comfort in knowing that Canadians are with them in thought and extend to them their deepest sympathies.
Michaelle Jean

Mon mari Jean-Daniel Lafond et moi venons d'apprendre la triste nouvelle du décès du soldat Alexandre Péloquin, un membre du 2e bataillon, du Royal 22e Régiment. Il participait à une patrouille au sud-ouest de Kandahar, en Afghanistan, et a été tué par un engin explosif. Les bombes de plus en plus sophistiquées des insurgés se font toujours plus meurtrières.Nous saluons le courage et le sens du devoir dont le soldat Alexandre Péloquin a fait preuve dans le cadre de cette mission difficile et périlleuse, convaincu qu'il était de l'importance de rétablir la sécurité et l'espoir en un idéal de justice en Afghanistan.Nous sommes de tout coeur avec sa famille, ses proches et ses camarades des Forces canadiennes aujourd'hui inconsolables. Qu'ils sachent que les Canadiennes et les Canadiens sont avec eux en pensée et leur expriment leurs plus sincères condoléances.
Michaëlle Jean

I extend my heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Private Alexandre Peloquin, who was killed today when an explosive device detonated during a foot patrol in the Panjwai District.Pte Peloquin was a brave Canadian who deserves the gratitude and respect of his nation. He served valiantly, and represents Canadian values and traditions in the finest sense.He gave his life to provide hope to Afghans for a better future and to protect Canadian national interests and the values of freedom, democracy respect for human rights and the rule of law. This UN-sanctioned, NATO-led mission is a challenging one and Canada and the world community will not be swayed from this noble cause.The sacrifice Pte Peloquin made in honour of Canada and the Canadian people will not be forgotten. Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence

Dear Jacques & Monique, I was so sorry to hear about your son, Alexandre. I live in Scotland now, but still miss all the Brownsburg people and I remember so well your friendship with my brother, Alan. You will be in my thoughts and prayers, especially on Saturday. Mary Vowles Duncan

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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Warrant Officer Gaétan Roberge - December 27th, 2008

Our Fallen Soldier Warrant Officer Gaétan Roberge

Warrant Officer Gaétan Roberge was amongst two Canadian soldiers, (Sgt. Gregory Kruse), 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. 4 other Canadian Soldiers were wounded.
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.

Condolences

"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 Warrant Officer Gaétan Roberge, from the 2nd Battalion, The Irish Regiment of Canada and Sergeant Gregory John Kruse, from 2 Combat Engineer Regiment based in Petawawa were 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 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

Breakfast in Afghanistan

Breakfast - in Afghanistan

Canadian Soldiers on Patrol in Afghanistan
A Company Soldiers explain morning routine while on armoured patrol in the Panjwayi desert

Donkey Mascot Enjoying Better Life with Canadian Engineers
Saturday, November 25, 2006

Now THAT'S a care package! :)

Apparently it's providing great morale for the troops.

A Canadian soldier strokes Tina, officially known as Regulator-1, in the Kandahar province of Afghanistan, Wednesday.

As Reported by Bill Graveland Canadian Press

PANJWAII, Afghanistan (CP) - A little white donkey has become the apple of the eye . . . for Canadian engineers in Panjwaii. Excuse the clumsy attempt at rhyming but Tina, officially known as Regulator-1 in military jargon, has troops here at this remote Canadian camp wrapped around her delicate little finger - make that hoof.
Tina was purportedly purchased from a local farmer who had beaten her, to help carry supplies such as sandbags to the top of a mountain where an observation post is being built. But her workload has been non-existent, and now Tina has received some interesting news.
"She is pregnant," confirmed medic Cpl. Shannon Fretter of Springhill, N.S.
"The veterinarians in KAF (Kandahar Air Field) pretty much gave us the pregnancy stuff and one of the master corporals has been giving her some examinations and apparently she is pregnant."
Of course being in a "delicate condition" means her workload will have to be lessened.
"She never worked anyway," scoffed Fretter. "They put one sandbag on her just to make it look good. That's what she was for, but we baby her."
Tina is so popular that personnel out in the field regularly inquire as to the welfare of Regulator-1 on the radio.
For troops looking for anything to boost their morale, the little white donkey, who has less than a congenial disposition, is just what the doctor ordered.
"She has a good life right now," said Sapper (Pte.) Jeff Quesnelle, 24, from Perkinsfield, Ont.
"Just having an animal around ups morale. It's something you can give love to and we don't expect anything in return. It's like having our pets back at home here with us."
"Even though it's a donkey and doesn't resemble a dog or a cat at all," he added, "it's something you can love."
Tina is being royally spoiled by troops at the base and was being fed Pop-Tarts during the interviews.
"She's not too happy this morning, but she was happy yesterday," worried Cpl. Jason Dunnett, 24, of Oshawa, Ont.
"But everybody takes care of her and feeds her. She's more of a pet now than anything. She has a pen, we feed her hay and apples and oranges and I think we've given her a few Pop-Tarts obviously," he chuckled.
Some of the engineers maintain Tina is still a working member of the unit, but the truth is out there.
"We'd feel kind of bad if we started using her for things like sandbags and stuff like that. That's what we originally were going to do, but I think we took too much of a liking to her," he said.
Of course if Tina does deliver a healthy baby jack or jenny, his/her regimental name is already laid out for her.
"When the baby's born it's Regulator-1 Alpha," said Fretter.
See story in entirety