Funeral for Trooper Darryl Caswell

Family members, from left: mother Darlene Cushman, sister Jolene Cushman, stepfather Chris Walsh, brother Logan, 12, saluting, stepmother Christine Caswell and father Paul Caswell watch as the coffin of Trooper Caswell is carried from the hearse outside of Trinity United Church in Bowmanville Wednesday afternoon.

June 20, 2007 1500hr

Hundreds of people with Canadian flags and yellow ribbons pinned to their chests gathered outside a small, red-brick church in Bowmanville, Ont., on Wednesday, to pay their respects to fallen soldier Trooper Darryl Caswell. As his casket entered Bowmanville United Church for the funeral service, Trooper Darryl Caswell’s brother Logan, 12, saluted. Trooper Caswell, 25, was killed in Afghanistan on Logan’s birthday, June 11.

Caswell died last Wednesday while riding in the lead vehicle in what the Canadian Forces call a combat logistics patrol, a dangerous mission that involves restocking forward operating bases and soldiers in the field with everything from ammunition and equipment to rations and water.
The convoy was headed to the district of Khakriz in northwestern Kandahar province when it struck an improvised explosive device about 40 kilometres north of the city of Kandahar.
Yellow bows hung from lamp posts and trees along the town's main streets, flags flew at half-mast and signs in the windows of local shops expressed condolences to the family of Caswell, who died last week in an explosion.
His military funeral was held Wednesday afternoon in community where he was born and attended high school, a town of 30,000 residents, 75 kilometres east of Toronto.
A poster reading "Remember Darryl" sat in the window of Ken Harker's almost 10-year-old music store.
"I did it to let (his family) know my thoughts are with them ... that they're not forgotten," he said, shortly before the funeral procession passed on the street.
Inside the Trinity United Church, Caswell's mother, Darlene Cushman, thanked the community for their support.
"You'll never know what it means to me," she said.
She said she would be sending her son's fellow troops in Afghanistan cases of Crystal Light packages to flavour their bottles of water. The eight boxes she sent her son the last time were gone in an hour, she said.
He would have wanted his military family taken care of, she said. More people watched a live telecast of the service in adjoining rooms. A crowd of more than 100 stood across the street. A war veteran in a motorized scooter had come from a nursing home around the block, and high school students had trickled over after classes.

Shortly after 3 p.m., a piper led Caswell's flag-draped coffin into the church, where Lafave said the soldier was baptized. Caswell's hat, a single medal on a black pillow, and a knife, rested atop the casket. Cushman clutched a tan-coloured quilt as Lafave led the mourners in singing "Amazing Grace.'' She made it through a few strains before tears doubled her shaking body over.

"A mother can never prepare for this,'' Caswell's mother, Darlene Cushman, said as she eulogized her 25-year-old son during his funeral service Wednesday, her voice choked with emotion and barely audible.
Then, gesturing to his coffin below, she said, "half my heart is lying below me.''
Some people wiped their eyes as Caswell's flag-draped coffin was carried out of the church to the sound of bagpipes. As the hearse drove away, down a street flanked by soldiers, veterans and police officers, community members applauded and filled the road behind the vehicle.
"Whether you agree or don't agree with the war, it goes beyond that," Ximena Davidson said of her presence. She sat in the shade with her nine-month-old daughter.
"It goes beyond that when it's an individual," her neighbour, Jill Doswell, 52, added.
Mourners faced dozens of photos of Caswell as a small boy, as a graduate, as a soldier. There were pictures of his motorcycle and shots from his recent vacation in Australia, hugging a Koala bear.
"All of the ribbons, all of the people, it's amazing how supportive the whole town has been," said Kayla Myers, who flew back to her hometown from Australia for her friend's funeral.
Cpl. Darren Hann, 23, who went to high school with Caswell said the town's response has been "overwhelming."
"I've always been proud (to be a soldier) but it lifts the morale," he said.
When a police cruiser drove by with a sticker of a yellow ribbon on its bumper, Hann said: "It's great to see that. (People) may be against the war but at least back up the soldiers who are defending your country."
During the service, Caswell's stepmother, Christine Caswell, asked the congregation to "remember all of the other soldiers who have served this great country, Canada, in our time of need."
"Three more families (are) going through what we are going through," she said, referring to the three Canadians killed in Afghanistan on Wednesday, bringing the total of Canadians who have died in Afghanistan since 2002 to 60.
"Our thoughts are with them."
She invited everyone to stand and face the soldiers in the church and hall.
"Thank you for your sacrifices ... We are so proud."

In November, Darryl Caswell's belongings arrived home, including his diary. The 25-year-old soldier, who got to Afghanistan in late January 2007, writes about his frustrations and his appreciation for Afghanistan. He describes how one of his best friends was killed and how he watched his body being loaded into a helicopter. He writes that he does not know how he will deal with people back home "who waste their time and walk circles in the dark, not knowing how well off they are just being born a Canadian."He writes that he would come to Afghanistan again, but only for the children."These people have been kicked … so many times by countries, it's no wonder they have trust issues," he wrote. "If Canada pulls out, all will be lost once more."In May, his name was added to the top of the granite pillar. His entry reads simply "Afghanistan," a few inches above his name.

Message from Governor General

Jun 20, 2007 21:31 ET

Message from her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaelle Jean,

Governor General of Canada, on the Death of Three Canadian Soldiers

"While in Yukon on our official visit, my husband Jean-Daniel Lafond and I were grieved to learn of the deaths of three Canadian soldiers, when their vehicle struck an explosive device near Kandahar City, Afghanistan.The loss of Sergeant Christos Karigiannis, Corporal Stephen Frederick Bouzane and Private Joel Vincent Wiebe deeply saddens us. All three were members of the Third Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. They served this country with honour and distinction. We owe them our greatest respect.This tragic accident reminds us of the danger our Canadian Forces face every day in Afghanistan. They nonetheless remain committed to bringing peace and security to this country devastated by decades of chaos.All Canadians join me in offering sincerest condolences to the family, friends and comrades of these courageous men."

Michaelle Jean

Toronto Taking Yellow Ribbons off Fire Trucks, Ambulances

Tuesday, June 19, 2007 Ottawa Citizen
Despite complaints the move is an insult to Canadian soldiers, Toronto's mayor is backing plans to remove "Support our Troops" decals from fire trucks and ambulances, saying they could be construed as a city endorsement of the war in Afghanistan.
Mayor David Miller said Tuesday the decals will be removed beginning in September, a year after they were first added to the back of about 170 fire trucks and 175 ambulances.
"The program was always scheduled to last for a year," said Miller. "It will be wrapped up this fall."
But Katherine Hodgson-McMahon, executive director of the Toronto Military Family Resource Centre, called the decision "a bit of a slap in the face," for the families of Canadian soldiers.
Miller said the ribbons were controversial as the city had "received a number of calls from people who were concerned about the city expressing an opinion on the war."
Hodgson-McMahon said the ribbons are an important symbol to people with family members serving in Afghanistan.
"You can support the troops without supporting the mission," she said. "It is all about bringing your soldiers home safely. Family members tell me that when they are driving on the road and see a yellow ribbon, they say yay, someone believes in my kid.'"
Frances Nunziata, a Toronto councillor, has asked council to vote as early as Wednesday to keep the decals until the end of Canada's deployment to Afghanistan. "Leave the ribbons on. I think it's the worst thing our city has ever done," she said.
If Nunziata's motion wins the two-thirds vote necessary to make it to the council floor, it could drag Canada's largest city into a debate on the war.
There are no officially approved decals of any kind on fire vehicles in Vancouver or Calgary.
Halifax, has approved an official diversity logo and one supporting muscular dystrophy research, which are affixed to its fire trucks.
Ottawa, however, has yellow "Support Our Troops" ribbons on the back of its fire trucks. The decals were slapped on last year and have remained on Ottawa fire vehicles without complaint, city spokesman Barre Campbell said.
Bob Butt, a spokesman for the Royal Canadian Legion, said it is up to a municipality to decide what to put on its vehicles. "It's their decision."

Note: The Toronto Fire department has supported our troops overseas. Recently, they donated $3000 in Tim Hortons Gift Certificates to our troops. A big HUA for Toronto's fire department!

Let your voice be heard. Send your opinion regarding removal of "Support Our Troops" to the mayor of Toronto:

By E-mail: mailto:mayor_miller@toronto.ca
or
By Mail:

Mayor David Miller, Toronto City Hall,
2nd Floor,
100 Queen St. West,
Toronto ON M5H 2N2

Al Queda-Taliban Graduation Ceremony

I fretted about posting this entry. I don't like to give Taliban my time or space. However, After watching this on ABC News, I can say one thing - I'm confident in our Canada's Security teams. ...and...I still think the "Mothers' Battlegroup" with all stresses could take them on.. right moms? :)

Intelligence officials are pouring over a Talibans' "Grad" video to authenticate the video showing hundreds of celebrating trainees "graduating" prior to departing on suicide bombing missions in Canada, the U.S. and Europe.
If confirmed, security analysts will be tasked with advising governments on what the video represents:
A legitimate warning of coming attacks, which jihadists are required to issue under Islamic law? A strategic deception to draw away western security resources from genuine terror plots? Or propaganda to stoke public fear and boost the morale of supporters?

Already clear is that the Taliban recently merged its propaganda and field operations with the global al-Qaeda terror network and wants to move its war outside Afghanistan and onto a global scale.
"As we have a counter-terrorism coalition, they have a jihadist coalition," said Martin Rudner, director of the Canadian Centre of Intelligence and Security Studies at Carleton University. "That's worrisome because we know they're sharing tradecraft. We know they're sharing networking." He said the video should "be taken very seriously."
What's more, recent arrests, including that of a Canadian, and news reports from Pakistan, suggest increased militant training for suspected suicide bombing missions, possibly involving westerners striking targets in North America and Europe.
Shot by an invited Pakistani journalist June 9 somewhere in the Afghan-Pakistan border region and broadcast late Monday by ABC News, the footage shows a large group of about 300 masked men, including some boys appearing as young as 12, attending a "graduation ceremony" before apparently being dispatched by al-Qaeda and Afghanistan's Taliban movement on suicide missions to Canada, the United States, Britain and Germany.

Pictured here: Mansoor Dadullah

Mansoor Dadullah, brother of the former Taliban commander Mullah Dadullah, who was killed last month, is seen attending the ceremony. He addresses the seated recruits as guards with rocket launchers stand by.
"These Americans, Canadians, British and Germans come here to Afghanistan from faraway places. Why shouldn't we go after them?" he said, referring to countries with forces patrolling Afghanistan since the Taliban were ousted in 2001.
"Praise be to God that the enthusiasm of these people is so strong that the people are going by crowds to martyrdom and to sacrifice themselves."
One photo taken from the video and posted on the ABC News website shows a group of more than a dozen masked figures purportedly assigned to attack Canadian targets. Other photos show "brigades" tasked with assaults against the United States, Britain and Germany.
Newsweek magazine in December reported al-Qaeda was operating training camps in Pakistan's North Waziristan border region with Afghanistan with the help of foreign militants and schooling recruits, including westerners, in suicide bombing and for missions in Britain or the United States.
ABC News also reports that Pakistani officials picked up three foreign militants last week -- two of whom held German passports.

Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day yesterday characterized the video as a "PR move on behalf of a terror organization.
"While we're not immune from threats and no system is 100-per-cent perfect, we feel confident that people coming from a group like that would be detected," he said. "Their capability is limited, because there is a lot of internal intelligence that points out who certain individuals are and they do have a limited ability to travel and get through our border systems."
His comments appear to dismiss the possibility some of the trainee bombers in the video could, if genuine, be Canadians who could easily return home.
The Canadian Security Intelligence Service said yesterday it is taking the threat seriously. "This is single source information at this point," cautioned CSIS spokeswoman Barbara Campion. "Everyone's going to ask, 'Is it disinformation, is it real?' So we're making every effort to corroborate or discount it using independent information. Our job is to advise government and they want to know."

Canadian Citizens Raise $1 Million in Support of Our Troops

A big HUA to supporters!! If you need to purchase Support Our Troops merchandise (military sanctioned),it's available through: www.cfpsa.com/supportourtroops or Sears outlets or RCAF or Families of Soliders in Afghanistan email: focsia@hotmail.com June 18, 2007 During the past year, Canadian citizens, through buying the Canadian Forces Personnel Support Agency's (CFPSA) official "Support Our Troops" (SOT) t-shirts, caps, car magnets and other merchandise, have raised $1 million in support of the Canadian military community. These profits will be distributed in their entirety to Bases, Wings, and Units across Canada and will be used for morale and welfare programs for Canadian Forces (CF) members and their families. This could include, for example, family events, site-specific funding of Canadian Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) programs, or innovative activities that benefit CF members and their families. Canadians have contributed to this remarkable accomplishment by purchasing official CF-sanctioned Support Our Troops merchandise online at the CFPSA website (www.cfpsa.com/supportourtroops), at various CF outreach events and, for authorized patrons, at Canadian Forces Exchange System (CANEX) outlets located at Bases, Wings and Units nationwide. CANEX is a division of CFPSA and their SOT merchandise is one of the many ways that Canadians can demonstrate their support. Other options, including donating to various military funds, are listed on the CFPSA website. CANEX routinely reinvests a portion of its profits directly back to bases, wings, and units. "This year, CANEX contributes over $4 million to the CF community," says Gerry Mahon, president of CANEX. "One million dollars from the Support Our Troops merchandise sales, and over $3 million generated from regular operations. These funds will be used for local morale and welfare programs at Bases across the nation." CFPSA develops and delivers morale and welfare programs, activities and services to members of the CF and their families, in Canada and overseas. These activities include sports and recreation, health and fitness, family services, retail operations, financial services and, mess management. In addition, the CFPSA deploys approximately 60 civilian personnel per six-month rotation to Afghanistan to conduct morale and welfare programs.

Ribbons Support the Troops

Poll results from CNews June 18, 2007

Do you think troop support ribbons should be banned on government property?

Yes - Ribbons support the war. 7%
No - Ribbons support the troops. 54%
Why debate this when Canadians are dying? 39%

Total Votes for this Question: 1978
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Note: June 20th .. while looking at this survey today, I couldn't help but notice a story that was published. The soldier named in this article was one of our three fallen soldiers today. Here's an excerpt from it:

Afghanistan calling
In the national interest, we're trying to send our beloved cover girl to the frontlines
By MICHAEL FRISCOLANTI -- Maclean's

Toronto's Kinga Ilyes is "the best pinup in our collection," according to Canadian troops serving in Afghanistan. It was one of those rare letters to the editor, the kind that gets passed around the newsroom before appearing in the magazine. Sgt. Chris Karigiannis, a Canadian soldier stationed in Afghanistan, just wanted to let us know that he loves Maclean's - especially the "extremely attractive young lady" featured on the cover of the this year's University Student Issue.
....most of us in agreement that she is the best pin-up in our collection. Who would have thought that our most impressive female photo would come from Maclean's?"
The anonymous cover girl, 24-year-old Kinga Ilyes, was understandably flattered. So flattered, in fact, that she would love to travel to Kandahar and thank her adoring troops in person. "That would be amazing," says the University of Western graduate, who now manages an Abercrombie & Fitch in downtown Toronto. "It would be absolutely the coolest thing I've ever done."

After being named the hottest thing in the Afghan desert, Kinga is eager to return the favour. "I'd like to say hello to the troops and thank them for all their efforts," she says respectfully. "We all appreciate your work over there. Your bravery and courage are more than most of us will ever do for our country in a lifetime." And to Sgt. Chris and his platoon she adds: "I wish you safety and hope to see you home soon." The same goes for us. (from McLeans)

Unfortunately it will not be possible for Kinga to meet the author of this letter to the editor-our brave soldier. Rest in peace Chris.

A wish for Fathers Here and Overseas

I would like to wish all the fathers - serving in Afghanistan and those waiting back home while their sons are serving overseas and in Canada a Happy Father's Day.
Thinking of you, Military Mom.

Photo by: Master Cpl Darrell Priede

How Can I Touch You When You're Far Away?

How can I touch you when you're far away?
A poem is not as salient as a kiss.
Poems but poorly presences convey,
Perhaps because of all that words must miss.
Yet write I must because you are not here,
Father farther from my eyes than heart,
A face more frequent than it might appear,
Tempered by the tyrannies of art.
How might I be with you in ways that are
Equal to the passion of my yearning,
Reaching for a grace beyond the bar
'Ere there's any word of your returning.
So may the time between us quickly pass,
Days of longing that long cannot last,
A time when but through words we may embrace,
Yet know that soon we will be face to face.

By Dimitri Shostakovich

Trooper Caswell Arrives at CFB Trenton June 15, 2007

Stepmother Christine Caswell (right) of Trooper Darryl Caswell holds picture of him as she is comforted by a unidentified family member during a repatriation ceremony at CFB Trenton, Ont. Friday.

CFB TRENTON, Ont. - A military aircraft carrying the body of Trooper Darryl Caswell returned to Canadian soil Friday night.

Grieving family members and military officials gathered on the tarmac at CFB Trenton as the plane landed. Caswell, 25, died Monday while riding in a combat patrol vehicle that hit a roadside bomb about 40 kilometres north of Kandahar.

He was scheduled to return home in just six weeks.

Caswell was deployed with the Reconnaissance Squadron from the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment battle group.

~Bless our soldier and his family and friends.~

Funeral:
Trooper Darryl Caswell, who was killed in Afghanistan on June 11, 2007, will be remembered by family, friends and his regiment at a military funeral service in Bowmanville, Ontario.

Where:       Trinity United Church, 116 Church St, Bowmanville


When:        Wednesday, June 20, 3 p.m.


Officiating: The Reverend Joe Lafave, Incumbent,
            Trinity United Captain Lee Lambert,
      Padre, Royal Canadian Dragoons


Visitation:  Northcutt Elliott Funeral Home,
            53 Division St N, Bowmanville
            Tuesday, June 19, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.


Interment:   Thursday, June 21, 3 p.m.
         National Military Cemetery
         of the Canadian Forces
        (Beechwood),Ottawa

There Are Never Enough Flags

This news story caught my eye and I thought I'd share it with you. It's from our ever supportive media reporter Joe Warmington. His views have consistently been pro-troop support. As Joe says, let's "do our part to let the troops know there is still strong support over here on the homefront!"

There are Never Enough Flags

Our soldiers deserve to be welcomed home by thousands of grateful Canadians

By JOE WARMINGTON
http://torontosun.canoe.ca/News/Canada/2007/06/16/4265147-sun.html

WHITBY -- Another dead soldier, another flag-draped coffin and another reminder of why we need to support them wholeheartedly.

We actually don't do enough to say thank you.

It would be nice if every time one of our soldiers came home in a coffin there would be hundreds of thousands of people lined up along the road to pay their respects.

There are some people who do come out to CFB Trenton to do that. It is quite a scene.

But a few dozen people does not cut it. We all know, practically, it's impossible for there to be more. There is a baseball game to get to or a movie. Perhaps dinner with friends -- all the kinds of great things we get to do because of the kind of people like Trooper Darryl Caswell, 25, of Bowmanville.

He does not get to do that anymore. His wonderful family don't get to enjoy his laugh.

It was close, though. He was to be home in 41 days.

Who knows how things would have turned out for him. Who knows how many Afghanistan citizens' lives are better because of him.

In any town in Canada you will find the names on monuments of others who made the same sacrifice but in other wars. They had better do that one day for all of our men and women who have died in Afghanistan.

Freedom has never been free. Caswell and the other 57 military personnel and one diplomat have paid the ultimate price.

While several hundred flag waving Canadians gathered here at the Durham regional building yesterday for a pro-troops rally, Durham's own Caswell was in the air on the way home from Trenton in a flag-draped casket.

His name was not mentioned here. There was a decision to not have a moment of silence for him or any of the other soldiers.

"There will be other events for that," one organizer said. "We wanted to keep it up."

Well-meaning, but I would not be doing my job if I didn't say it's my belief when it comes to the troops and rallies, you always acknowledge the dead.

They are always there anyway. Look for the clues.

It happened when 12-year-old Kyle Meulemeesder was meeting with some Afghanistan campaign veterans who he had been writing letters to.

They picked him up for a photo.

"Get him a Canadian flag," someone says.

He holds up the miniature flag, and it occurs to me something unusual is going on with it.

If you look closely at this photo you will see that the flag had shimmied down the little wooden staff and was standing at half-mast.

Nothing respects those who have perished in battle better.

Whether you believe in symbols or not, the flag finding itself that way was highly appropriate. The message was loud and clear for me.

Strange things sometimes happen when you are dealing with those who die in war.

The people of Durham showed a lot of class trying to do their part to let the troops know there is still strong support over here on the homefront.

So many towns and cities have held a Red Friday. Keep doing it. Meanwhile Darryl Caswell is Canada's latest hero to return from war.

He was hoping to come home to buy a house and find a wife. He gave his life for his country instead.

In our thanks we pray there will not be another one.

On Patrol

Photo by: Cpl Dan Pop 14 June 2007 Kandahar Province, Afghanistan Members of the Force Protection Company and Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) from the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team (KPRT) conducted patrols into areas of the Panjwayi District to evaluate the progress of on-going projects in the region. The Force Protection Company, made up of members from the Royal 22ieme Regiment based out of Valcartier, Quebec, is tasked with providing security, defence, protection, and escort duties to the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team as they go about their various duties and tasks. The KPRT consists of Canadian Forces members, a civilian police contingent led by the RCMP, Correctional Services Canada, representatives of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and the Canadian International Development Agency. The KPRT conducts coordinated interdepartmental operations to promote good governance, assists the Government of Afghanistan in extending its authority in the province of Kandahar, and facilitates the development of a stable, secure and self-sustaining environment for the people of Afghanistan.

Trooper Caswell's Ramp Ceremony June 14, 2007

14 June 2007 Kandahar, Afghanistan The Joint Task Force salutes as the body of fallen soldier Trooper Darryl James Caswell, carried by his comrades is slowly marched through the ranks and to the waiting C130 Hercules Transport plane. Trooper Caswell was a member of the Royal Canadian Dragoons Reconnaissance Squadron from CFB Petawawa and was part of the 2nd Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment Battle group of Joint Task Force Afghanistan. He's on his way home.

Soldiers in CFB Petawawa Pay Tribute to Cpl Matthew McCully

Despite the heat, over 500 people gathered at the 1 RCR Drill Hall at CFB Petawawa to pay tribute to their fallen friend, Corporal Matthew McCully on June 12th, 2007. Family members,

friends, soldiers, retired veterans, and honourary guests filled the room to celebrate the life and
mourn the loss of their friend and hero. Corporal McCully, from 2 CMBG Headquarters and Signal Squadron was killed by an improvised explosive device during a patrol in Afghanistan on May 25,2007.
Colonel Thompson and Major Lambert off e r e d reassurance that Matthew did not die in vain. “What he did in Afghanistan, what ALL Canadians are doing out there, it is making a difference. It is making the world and Canada a safer place and is helping improve the lives of Afghan people…”
Major Lambert talked about Corporal McCully as a soldier who wanted to make a difference, and who wanted to serve in Afghanistan. He praised Corporal McCully’s courage and dedication,
and then spoke to the mourners, “I look around this room and I see soldiers of all ages, all trades, who felt exactly the same way Matthew did. He would be proud of you; and so am I”.

Following the Commanders’ words, some of Corporal McCully’s peers and friends spoke to his family and friends. “He immediately gained the respect of soldiers above and below his rank,” said Private Steven Hitchie. “He would complete any task without needing much time to prepare”, referring to Corporal McCully’s commendable placement in the Ironman; deciding that morning that he was going to compete.
Corporal Erik Muise described Matthew as being a commendable human being, compassionate,
generous and loyal. He talked about Matthew’s ability as a morale booster and of his reputation as a prankster, telling one particular story while on course in Kingston which brought laughter throughout the room. He closed with a passage that brought him to tears;

“Death left a heartache that no one can heal,

love left with memories that no one can steal,

I will remember you”.

Our Fallen Soldier - Trooper Darryl Caswell

It is with deepest sadness, we learn today that one of our Canadian Soldiers has fallen to a roadside bomb in Afghanistan. We grieve and our hearts are heavy for the family and friends of soldier Trooper Darryl Caswell . Our hearts go out to the family - both here and in Afghanistan, their section and friends of our two wounded soldiers and our fallen soldier.

God Bless.

-

~Trooper Darryl Caswell~

To view or sign the guestbook for Trooper Caswell's family, click here:

http://www.legacy.com/GB/GuestbookEntry.aspx?&PersonID=89008051

Received: June 11, 2007 11:12 pm (Canada)
Canadian Soldier Killed, Two Injured by Roadside Bomb in Afghanistan
A Canadian soldier was killed today when a roadside bomb detonated near the vehicle he was travelling in, about 40 km north of Kandahar City. The incident occurred at approximately 6:25 p.m. Kandahar time (10:05 a.m. EST). Two Canadian soldiers suffered non-life threatening injuries from the blast. They have been evacuated by helicopter to the Canadian-led multinational hospital at Kandahar Airfield for further treatment and are expected to return to duty soon.

Killed was Trooper Darryl Caswell of The Royal Canadian Dragoons (RCD), based at Petawawa, Ont. Trooper Caswell was deployed in the south of Afghanistan with the RCD Reconnaissance Squadron as part of the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment (2RCR) Battle Group.

Trooper Caswell was part of a Combat Logistics Patrol (CLP) convoy, conducting a resupply mission for Canadian troops based at a forward operating base in Kahkrez when the incident occurred. The convoy was operating in support of the ongoing security efforts conducted jointly by the Afghan national security forces and International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) soldiers in the northern region of Kandahar province. Family members of the deceased and injured soldiers have been notified.

Our priority at this time is to ensure that our wounded soldiers receive the best possible medical care and that the remains of Trooper Caswell are repatriated to Canada in the most dignified and respectful manner. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of our wounded and fallen soldiers.

Our Fallen Soldier

Canadian Soldier Dies in Afghanistan
(www.canada.com)
SHAHWALI KOT, Afghanistan — A Canadian soldier spearheading a convoy into the newest hotspot of Taliban activity was killed Monday night when a powerful mine ripped through his armoured car.
Trooper Darryl Caswell, 25, was driving the convoy's lead vehicle, a Coyote, as it hit the bomb en route to a remote NATO base in Kandahar province's Shahwali Kot district.
Two other crew members were hurt, including one who suffered inhalation burns in his throat, and were taken by helicopter back to the Canadian-led emergency hospital at Kandahar Airfield.
The medical evacuation occurred in the midst of the desert as night fell and troops spread out on a lonely rural highway to secure the area.
"They're cowards," the commander of another vehicle in the resupply convoy said of those who planted the mine.
"I have no respect for them or their way of life. We'll see what happens. But I suspect there will be some payback."
He said he saw two blasts, one after the other, from his Bison troop transport about seven vehicles behind the Coyote.
Col. Mike Cessford, deputy commander of the Canadian mission here, voiced his condolences to Trooper Caswell's family, and said bombing was typical of insurgents who are avoiding direct combat with NATO troops when possible.
"It is a tactical weakness," he said.
Moments after the explosion, soldiers spotted two Afghan men near the side of the road observing the wreckage, before disappearing into the barren landscape of mountain and sand.
Intelligence officers later intercepted cell phone communication among suspected Taliban making plans for an ambush of the convoy.
Other crew members from the Coyote, which has the nickname Ghostrider painted on its side, appeared badly shaken by the incident. "I just have no energy any more," murmured the commander as he struggled to climb into another vehicle.
A quick-reaction security force arrived and surveyed the scene, and army engineers ensured there were no other explosives nearby. Then, six hours after the blast, the convoy of about 12 vehicles headed back the way it came.
The trucks and armoured cars arrived at a remote Canadian base, also in Shahwali Kot, at about 4 a.m. Tuesday. The convoy had left Kandahar Airfield, the huge NATO base, at noon Monday, never reaching its final destination.
The wreckage of the Coyote was towed along with the convoy. The front wheels and undercarriage on the driver's side were completely blown off, and the tires on the other side badly mangled.
Trooper Caswell's flak vest was still inside the driver's mangled cockpit.Much of the rest of the vehicle seemed to be intact, though.
"They're chickensh—," said a soldier as he looked over the wreckage. "It's bullsh— when you have to play by the rules and they don't. I'm f—ing sick of it."
The convoy was supplying food, water, spare parts and other goods to the Hotel Company base and other "austere forward-operating bases," further north, where U.S. infantry and Canadian artillery units are based.
They returned to the area, largely abandoned by NATO for about a year, in the last several weeks and have encountered significant Taliban activity.

Monday June 11th

WOW! I noticed the weather report from Afghanistan for 4:39 pm (Afghan time). Our troops are withstanding temperatures of

43 degrees celsius!!

Reminder: to send Wet Ones, disposable wet cloths, Pampers wipes, etc in your care packages! These help to a) refresh them out in the battlefields and b) provide them with comfort and sanitation until they return to base for a long anticipated shower.

Canadian Employers Honoured for Supporting Canadian Forces Reservists

June 09-07

John Craig Eaton, National Chair of the Canadian Forces Liaison Council (CFLC) and Lieutenant-General Walter Natynczyk, the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, presented national, provincial and special awards to 17 Canadian employers and educational institutions in recognition of their exceptional support to members of the Reserve Force. The ceremony took place today at the National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa.
Award recipients have provided exceptional support to reservists, granting time off without penalty from their civilian occupation to participate in military training and operations. Some award winners' support went even further to include assistance to reservists' families while the reservist was overseas.
Mr. Eaton praised the award recipients' efforts, stating they are "mission-critical" actions that directly impact Canada's ability to fulfill its role on the world stage: "Every year, more and more reservists are being asked to volunteer to serve on overseas operations. Without their employer's or educator's support, they simply could not serve - and that could make a huge impact on the success of our missions.
The industry leaders here today recognize how crucial their support is for both the reservists and Canada as a whole."Most members of the Reserve Force serve part-time in the Canadian Forces, usually evenings and weekends, but they also serve full-time for defined periods, especially overseas on operational deployments.
Reserve Force members have participated in missions in Afghanistan, Haiti, Bosnia, the Middle East and Africa. At home, they have helped their fellow citizens in times of trouble, for example, during floods in Manitoba and Quebec, the ice storm in eastern Canada, and forest fires in British Columbia. Naval reservists also serve operationally year-round on Canada's 10 maritime coastal defence vessels.
Lt.-Gen. Natynczyk says that the Reserve Force will continue to play a vital role in Canada's defence: "The CF is a cohesive, dedicated team of personnel able to respond quickly and professionally when called upon. The willingness of Canadian employers to grant Reservists time to train and prepare enables the team to remain 'fighting fit', and allows us to send a seamless force wherever it's needed. We applaud these employers for their steadfast support of the Canadian Forces."

The recipients of the 2007 CFLC Supportive Employer Awards are:

Most Supportive Employer in Canada: Bell Aliant
Nominated by: Warrant Officer Peter Sinnott, 728 (St John's) Communication Squadron, St John's, NL

Support to Canadian Forces Operations - International: Vancouver Police Department
Nominated by: Major Harjit Sajjan, The British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught's Own), Vancouver, BC

Support to Canadian Forces Operations - Domestic: Vanoostrum Farm Equipment Ltd.
Nominated by: Corporal Gary Maddison,The West Nova Scotia Regiment, Kentville,NS

Special Award for Support to the Reserve Force: Retail Wholesale and Department Store Union Nominated by: Master Corporal Robert Sloan, 4 Wing (Cold Lake), Cold Lake, AB

Support to Student Reservists: Universite du Quebec a Trois-Rivieres
Nominated by: Lieutenant(Navy) Caroline Lupien, Navire canadien de Sa Majeste Radisson, Trois-Rivieres, QC

Special Award for Support to the Reserve Force: London International Airport
Nominated by: Lieutenant Colonel Gerald Holden, CFLC, Ottawa

Special Award for Support to the Reserve Force: The Government of Nova Scotia
Nominated by: CFLC Nova Scotia Provincial Awards Committee

Most Supportive Employer, British Columbia: Lewkowich Geotechnical Engineering Ltd.
Nominated by: Captain Iain Stewart, 748 (Nanaimo) Communication Squadron, Nanaimo, BC

Most Supportive Employer, Alberta: Ideaca Knowledge Services Ltd.
Nominated by: Major Chris Coupal, 746 (Calgary) Communications Squadron, Calgary, AB

Most Supportive Employer, Saskatchewan: Saskatoon Co-operative Association
Nominated by: Corporal Ciara Phelps, 737 (Saskatoon) Communications Squadron, Saskatoon, SK

Most Supportive Employer, Manitoba: Simplot Canada II
Nominated by: Master Bombardier W. Adam Pankratz, 13th Field Battery, 26 Field Artillery Regiment (RCA), Portage La Prairie, MB

Most Supportive Employer, Ontario: WestJet
Nominated by: Captain Edie Tomaso, Canadian Special Operations Forces Command Headquarters, Ottawa

Most Supportive Employer, Quebec : Cooperative des techniciens ambulanciers du Quebec
Nominated by : Captain Yannick Sevigny, 55e Ambulance de Campagne, Quebec, QC

Most Supportive Employer, New Brunswick: City of Moncton - Moncton Fire Department
Nominated by: Captain Stephen Woodworth, 8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise's), Moncton, NB

Most Supportive Employer, Nova Scotia: Chignecto-Central Regional School Board
Nominated by: Master Corporal Ron Lalonde, 723 (Halifax) Communications Squadron, Halifax, NS

Most Supportive Employer, Prince Edward Island:PEI Area Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Conservation and Protection
Nominated by: Captain T. Kent MacRae, The Prince Edward Island Regiment (RCAC),Charlottetown, PE

Most Supportive Employer, Newfoundland and Labrador: Bell Aliant
Nominated by: Warrant Officer Peter Sinnott, 728 (St John's) Communication Squadron, St John's, NL

"A BIG HUA TO ALL EMPLOYERS WHO SHOW SUPPORT TO OUR MEMBERS OF THE RESERVE FORCE !!"

Repatriation of Master Cpl. Darrell Priede in Trenton

Thank you and bless you Master Corporal Priede for all you have done -you will never be forgotten - your legacy will live on forever. To his family and friends: please know that many share in the grief for Darrell - our fallen hero. Hold tight to your memories as they cannot be taken from you. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
With sincere sympathy-Military Mom

He's Home

CFB Trenton, Ont. - As the flag-covered coffin of Master Cpl. Darrell Priede descended from a transport plane Monday, a handful of military photographers could be seen with their cameras poised, documenting the final journey home of one of their own.
Under picture-perfect blue skies at this eastern Ontario military base, members of Priede's grieving family stood huddled together alongside members of Canada's military brass, including Chief of Defense Staff Gen. Rick Hillier and Minister of National Defence Gordon O'Connor.
The 30-year-old military photographer, who was based at CFB Gagetown, N.B., died last Wednesday when the helicopter he was flying was shot down in the volatile Helmand province in Afghanistan. He was photographing coalition forces trying to wrest control of a strategic valley from insurgents to pave the way for reconstruction.

As the eight pallbearers loaded the casket, Priede's wife Angela, who was standing nearby surrounded by family and friends, wiped away tears. Holding a red rose, she was the first to approach to say her final goodbye to her husband, who had been in Afghanistan for less than six weeks.
She leaned into the hearse for more than five minutes, leaning on her husband's coffin and crying inconsolably as her family circled around her, patting her on the back and embracing her.
Priede's mother, Roxanne, wiped away tears as she tightly embraced Angela and took her turn to say her goodbye.
Earlier this week, she said her son had volunteered to go to Afghanistan and was eager to document images of Canada's mission there. She also said he had believed he had one of the safest jobs in the country.
This was the second time Priede had been out photographing a combat mission.
On a number of military websites and blogs, those who knew Priede left messages for his family on Monday and remembered the soldier who was known among his colleagues for his photography and his desire to be among the soldiers.

Priede was born in Burlington, Ont., and raised in British Columbia.
He died along with five Americans and a Briton when the CH-47 Chinook they were flying in was apparently shot down west of Kandahar.
Priede was doing his job as a photographer for the Reginal Command South, which oversees multinational efforts in each of the five southern Afghan provinces.
He was killed during Operation Lastay Kulang, part of the offensive against the Taliban.

____________________________________________________

From left, Dalton Drew of Cobourg and Samantha and Alex Mackey of Grafton stood on the Ontario Street bridge, Cobourg bridge Monday evening to honour Master Corporal Darrell Jason Priede, Canada's fifty-sixth armed forces fatality in Afghanistan.

Honouring our Fallen Soldier
The procession of vehicles bearing Master Corporal Priede departed CFB Trenton around 5:15 p.m., passing through Cobourg just before 6 p.m. A Cobourg Fire Department truck and an estimated 35-45 people, many waving Canadian flags, were on the Cobourg bridge. As the gathering waited, there was a constant salute of horns, flashing lights and waves from vehicles passing below the bridge. In Northumberland County, people stand vigil on bridges spanning Highway 401 to honour the fallen military personnel and their families.

Further West on Hwy 401..
Police, fire, and ambulance crews paid tribute to fallen Canadian soldier Master Cpl. Darrell Priede yesterday by lining up on highway overpasses along Hwy. 401 and the Don Valley Parkway as his body was escorted by motorcade from CFB Trenton into the city yesterday to the coroner's office on Grosvenor St.
"We appreciate our people in uniform in Afghanistan and other places -- we appreciate the sacrifice they make and whenever possible we try to pay tribute to them whenever we can," said Toronto Police Sgt. Brian Bowman, who led the Toronto contingent of the motorcade.
Durham emergency crews also turned out as the motorcade passed through that region.
OPP vehicles lead the motorcade until Whites Rd. in Pickering when Toronto police took over, Bowman said.
"We're just typical Canadians trying to pay tribute in whatever way we can," Bowman said.

To leave a message or sign the memorial guest book for Master Cpl Priede, click here:

Or Click on the following link:
http://www.legacy.com/GB/GuestbookView.aspx?PersonId=88513105

Photo by MCpl Darrell Priede - his legacy lives on:

Sergeant Jason Mcdonald, with the Force Protection Company out of Camp Nathan Smith (CNS), provides forward security while climbing a hill to a new guard tower point during a visit to Afghan National Police (ANP) Substation 7 in Kandahar City.

Photo by: MCpl Darrell Priede (God bless you)

Hockey Night in Canada House

Canadian Forces Personnel watch an early-morning Ottawa Senators playoff game on the widescreen TV at Canada House, Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan.

Canada House functions as a sort of community centre, and features a small retail outlet, TV lounge, welfare telephones and internet, and book and video libraries.

Photo credit: MCpl Kevin Paul

Fallen Soldier Master Cpl Darrell Priede to Arrive at CFB Trenton Monday

The body of a fallen Canadian military photographer returns home to Canada on Monday from Afghanistan. A Hercules transport plane bearing the casket of Master Cpl. Darrell Jason Priede is due to arrive at Canadian Forces Base Trenton in eastern Ontario at 6 p.m.


Priede, 30, who was based at Gagetown, N.B., died last Wednesday when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter he was riding in was apparently shot down while he was documenting a U.S. airstrike against the Taliban in the volatile Helmand province. Also killed were six others aboard — five American soldiers and Cpl. Mike Gilyeat, a British military photographer working with Priede. Priede and Gilyeat had been in Afghanistan for less than six weeks and it was the second time Priede was out photographing a combat mission.


Priede was the second Canadian soldier to die in the war-torn country less than a week. Master Cpl. Matthew McCully was killed five days earlier when he stepped on an explosive device.


Some dignitaries will be on hand for the sombre arrival ceremony. ‘‘We expect that the Minister of National Defence will likely be there as well as Gen. (Rick) Hillier, our chief of defence staff. Master Cpl. Priede will also have his family on hand as well to greet him upon his return to our country,’’ said Capt. Nicole Meszaros, a spokeswoman for CFB Trenton. Meszaros said the family is allowing the media to cover the arrival ceremony. ‘‘The family has consented to have the media on the tarmac,’’ said Meszaros. The military cameraman was born in Burlington, Ont., and grew up around Grand Forks, British Columbia.


He was married and lived with his wife, Angela, near CFB Gagetown. He joined the military as a gunner in 1996, and later served as a peacekeeper in Bosnia. From her home in Grand Forks, B.C., Roxanne Priede said her son volunteered to go to Afghanistan and was eager to capture images of Canada’s mission there. She said her son really wanted to do something that would show more of what the military stood for. Priede was working as photographer for the Regional Command South, which oversees multinational efforts in each of the five southern Afghan provinces. He was killed during Operation Lastay Kulang, part of NATO’s International Security Assistance Force offensive against the Taliban in Helmand province.

Master Corporal Darrell Priede - Ramp Ceremony

Pallbearers carry the body of Master-Corporal Darrell Jason Priede into the waiting C130 Hercules transport plane for his journey home.

Master Corporal Darrell Priede is coming home

Master Cpl. Darrell Priede saw the work of international troops in Afghanistan through the lens of a camera, never far behind fellow soldiers when they're fighting insurgents or helping civilians.
But on Friday night, the task of documenting one of the harshest realities for soldiers in this dusty country fell to others as hundreds of coalition troops lined the tarmac at Kandahar Airfield to pay tribute to the Canadian military photographer before his body began the long journey home.
It was the second time in less than a week that the skirl of bagpipes floated through the hot, dry air of Afghanistan; the second time eight soldiers strained under the emotion and weight of their fallen comrade, chanting "in, out, in, out" to time the steps they took to ease the coffin into the belly of the Hercules transport plane.
Master Cpl. Matthew McCully's remains completed the journey earlier this week; he stepped on a landmine a week ago.
Priede, 30, died Wednesday when the helicopter he was riding in was apparently shot down. Also killed were six others aboard -- five American soldiers and Cpl. Mike Gilyeat, a British military photographer working with Priede.
The two photographers were part of the public affairs unit of Regional Command South, the command centre for coalition activity in the southern provinces of Afghanistan.
A close-knit group, the unit was reeling from the shock of losing Priede and Gilyeat during a U.S. offensive against the Taliban in Helmand province.
"My best memory will be the fact that whenever he was back in the office ... didn't matter what the task was around the office, he'd always be up for it," said Lt.-Col. Mike Smith.
"But you could tell he wasn't where he wanted to be. He wanted to be out with soldiers capturing what they do."
Priede had an infectious enthusiasm and sense of humour, Smith said.
Losing two of the 12 people working in the public affairs wing of Regional Command South was doubly tragic, Smith said.
"They wanted to be able to tell the story of who we are," he said. "What we do, but also why we do it, so wherever soldiers were in this theatre they wanted to be there capturing what they do and bringing that back to the people at home."
Priede and Gilyeat had been in the country for less than six weeks. Though they worked as part of an international team, good-natured competition flickered.
"Darrell was probably always getting that slightly better image," Smith recalled, explaining that Gilyeat didn't have as much photojournalism experience as Priede.
"But he was bringing him on and the banter between them and that friendly competitiveness was great."
Priede and Gilyeat had been photographing a U.S.-led attack against insurgents in a valley where coalition forces have been trying to clear Taliban resistance in order to proceed with a major reconstruction project on the Kajaki dam.
It was the second time Priede was out photographing a combat mission.
"He was good at capturing the nature of the campaign here," said Smith. "He understood soldiers by being one but equally there are a number of images of the Afghans here, showing the people, showing the beautiful country."
Priede had volunteered for the photographer's job with Regional Command South, coming from his home base in Gagetown, N.B. for a six-month tour of duty.
He entered the military as a gunner in 1996, and later served as a peacekeeper in Bosnia. He wore the Air Force blue beret in the photo released with news of his death.
Maj. Malcolm Berry, the military chaplain, said on the tarmac that soldiers hope Afghanistan will one day be at peace.
"Darrell, you have fought the good fight, which is making a difference," he said, eulogizing the soldier with St. Paul's final words.
"It was a good fight for him, and it is a good fight for us because it was about wanting good things for the people of Afghanistan."

To sign the guest book for Master Corporal Darrell Priede, click on the link below:

http://www.legacy.com/GB/GuestbookEntry.aspx?&PersonID=88513105

ATT Keeps US Soldiers Connected with Loved Ones

AT&T ASSISTS TEENAGERS WITH "CELL PHONES FOR SOLDIERS CAMPAIGN"

Steve Hodges, AT&T's Regional President for the Northeast

in New York with co-founders of Cell Phones for Soldiers,

Brittany and Robbie Bergquist.

Two teenagers 16 YEAR OLD Britanny Bergquist and her 15 year old brother Robbie from Massachusetts have enlisted the help of AT&T with their national Cell Phones for Soldiers program. It uses funds from recycled cell phones to buy prepaid phone cards for active duty military members – to help connect them with their families.
The non-profit initiative was established in 2004 to help U.S. military members serving overseas stay connected with their families.

Through generous donations and the recycling of used cell phones from drop-off sites across the country, Cell Phones for Soldiers has already raised more than $1 million and distributed more than 75 thousand phone cards to soldiers overseas.

U.S. soldiers receive free calling coupons

compliments of AT&T

U.S. soldiers connect with loved ones at home

In support of these young visionaries – and the many military families they support – AT&T has donated 10,000 prepaid phone cards to the nonprofit organization, so they can send more cards to military members.
Additionally, AT&T will offer select store locations across the country as drop-off sites to help recycle used cell phones for the program by summer of 2007.
By July 4th all AT&T wireless stores nationwide will be collecting phones for recycling. The initial rollout began today in the Northeast starting in Boston, New York, Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia.
A long-standing mission of AT&T is helping connect military families.

" A great big HUA goes out to

Brittany and Robbie Bergquist and AT&T

for bringing troops and families together! "

What a great cause! Donate all your old cell phones and

help our soldiers connect with families.

For further information: AT&T assists soldiers and Cell Phones for Soldiers

Military Mom would also like to send a personal thank you to Laura Knapp.

Tim Hortons for Our Troops

Here's a great opportunity to help give our troops a taste of home.. Tim Hortons!
Starting on Canada Day, July 1st until July 31st, send in your Tim Horton's Gift certificates! (If you want to start sending them now you can, if you've already purchased them. ) I have listed the address below. (They would truly enjoy that early morning taste of coffee or tea.. or a refreshing ice cap. on a hot day when in KAF.)

BUT WAIT...BEFORE MAILING THEM....The Tim Hortons for Our Troops group is also asking that you write an individual message to our troops on the back of each certificate if you would like to, or even just your name and location just to simply let them know that we are thinking about them back home.

(what an awesome idea!)

How to get them to our troops you ask?? ...
You can either:

1) Drop the certificates off at your local Military Resource family center with contact name: Susan Tom c/o Tim Hortons For Our Troops written on the envelope they will all be forwarded to the correct location. orrrrrrr.....

2) Mail the certificates to the official address:

MILITARY FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER
C/O Susan Tom - Tim Hortons for the troops
5 Yukon Lane
Toronto, ON
M3k 0A1

For information, email: Tom.S@forces.gc.ca or timhortonsforourtroops@gmail.com

Thank you Susan Tom and "Tim Hortons for Our Troops" group

Check out their new website: http://coffee4ourtroops.com

Canada..Let's give our soldiers a taste of home!

Corporal Matthew McCully at Rest

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Cpl Matthew McCully's family and friends both here and in Afghanistan. Our hearts ache and we grieve with you.

God Bless you Matthew and thank you for all you have done for your country

and the people of Afghanistan. You will always be remembered.

Cpl. Kyle Powell (centre) walks solemly from the church following his comrade's funeral.

Powell was with Orangeville's Cpl. Matthew McCully when he died in Afghanistan last week.

About 1000 people attended a funeral service for the "polite, courteous, respectful and loving" Corporal Matthew J. McCully of Canadian Forces' 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group. Thursday, May 31, 2007 at 11:00 am at Tweedsmuir Memorial Presbyterian Church. , 6 John St, Orangeville. Speakers were set up outside the church so an overflow crowd in a legion parking lot across the road could hear the service.

Matthew died while serving his country in Afghanistan, on Friday, May 25, 2007 in his 26th year. To his family - mother and dad Valerie McGrady and Ron McCully, step-dad Neal Weise, sister and brother Shannon and Daniel, little nephew Joshua, step brothers Joseph, Bailey and Jordan, and grandparents John Perozick and the late Robert and Karen McCully, he was remembered as the outdoorsy, red-haired boy. He loved fishing, hiking and camping.

Eight members of McCully's squadron carried his casket into the church, escorted by Cpl. Kyle Powell, who was in the field with McCully when his life was taken and brought his remains home.

To his fellow soldiers, he was remembered as responsible and dutiful.
These family groups: both friends and relatives, and military family in Matthew McCully’s life came together yesterday for the funeral of the communications specialist who died in Afghanistan last Friday. He was killed when a landmine exploded.

Those in attendance, both inside and outside the church, heard stories of how McCully would spend hours making sure his combat uniform was just right for inspection and how, as a child, he was eager to share the knowledge he learned as a member of the Scouts.

“He was one of those kids you just trusted,” his aunt Brenda Freer said in the eulogy.
"He was a fun-loving young man, who had a little smirk and a twinkle in his eye.... Matthew joined Boy Scouts and he would try to teach his siblings and cousins what he had learned about surviving in the wilderness. He was a natural teacher -- extremely patient for his years.
When I found out he was training soldiers in the Afghan army, I knew he'd be awesome at it.

Matthew was trilingual. He spoke English, a little French and army," she said. "On behalf of our family, I want you soldiers to know we will continue to think of you, support you and pray for you."

"It was a long journey from Orangeville to Afghanistan for Cpl. Matthew McCully, and it was a long journey back home" Mjr. Doug Friesen said during yesterday's funeral service for the fallen soldier. "Along the way, Cpl. Matthew McCully had some amazing adventures. He saw some very interesting places and he made some wonderful friends," commented the chaplain from CFB Petawawa, where McCully was based. "Matthew spent part of his precious life walking with the people of Afghanistan on their long journey to a better life."

As stories of McCully's life were shared, many in the pews sniffled and tried to hold back tears -- wiping them away in virtual silence. "We come together today as one; one community, one family, one nation in mourning," commented Rev. Harvey Self, who officiated the service with Friesen. "We come to honour one of our own, here in Matthew's home town of Orangeville. To honour a brother in arms, a son, brother and nephew."

“He had the ability to bring out the best as a soldier and a friend,” said Corporal Sandy Gauthier, from the Second Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group in Petawawa, who also eulogized McCully. He told of how McCully would take car keys away from friends who were going out for a night of drinking and carousing. And always made sure his uniform was neat and presentable, Gauthier said.

"Matthew gave this country the ultimate sacrifice anybody could give.... What Matt was doing was what he believed was best for his country and family," Cpl. Gauthier said in his eulogy. Gauthier served with McCully and was a close friend outside of their duties. "He was a brother to all of us. There are two types of people in the military; those who need the military and those who the military needs. Matt was what the Canadian Forces needed," Gauthier said. "He will be missed and never forgotten. Welcome home brother."

Following the service, family, friends and military representatives laid the soldier to rest during a private ceremony at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Orangeville. A gathering for the public was hosted by the Royal Canadian Legion, across the street from where the funeral service took place.

As expressions of sympathy, donations to Scouts Canada would be appreciated by the family.

http://www.scouts.ca/inside.asp?cmPageID=359

To send condolences to Matthew McCully's family, simply click the button below :

A tree will be planted in memory of Matthew in the Dods & McNair Memorial Forest at the Island Lake Conservation Area, Orangeville. A dedication service will be held on Sunday, September 9th, 2007 at 2:30 p.m.

Red Shirt Walk/Run, Traffic Delay

DND/Public Service Advisory


Military and civilian staff of the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Forces will partake in a 5 km Red Shirt Walk/Run on 1 June 2007, from 1:00 to 2:30 pm.Traffic may be delayed as the procession makes its way from National Defence Headquarters at the Laurier Bridge, along Colonel By Drive over the Pretoria Bridge and returning via Queen Elizabeth Driveway to Wellington Street, finishing on Parliament Hill.As a courtesy, the NAC has agreed to the use of their thruway to Wellington Street.