Celebrate Earth Hour
Wherever you are in the world, don't forget to turn out your lights at 8:30 pm for one hour on Saturday, March 27th
It's our earth. See it in a whole new light. Let's light a candle for a soldier.
To make your own virtual lantern click here.
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It is with sadness that today we learn about the death of Cpl. Darren James Fitzpatrick at the University of Alberta Hospital Saturday as a result of wounds he sustained in Afghanistan on March 6.
God Bless Cpl. Darren James Fitzpatrick
Cpl. Darren James Fitzpatrick passed away late Saturday afternoon surrounded by his family. May strength come to his family and friends as they travel a difficult journey ahead. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Condolences
Always in Our Hearts
It is with sadness that today I announce that one Canadian soldier was killed and four were injured in a training accident on a range located approximately 4 km northeast of Kandahar City. The accident took place at about 5:00 p.m., Kandahar time, on 12 February 2010.
Bless Cpl Joshua Caleb Baker
Killed in the accident was Corporal Joshua Caleb Baker, a member of The Loyal Edmonton Regiment (4th Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry), from Edmonton, Alberta, and serving with the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team.
Brigadier General Daniel Menard said Baker had a laugh that lightened any situation.
"Joshua had a laugh rumoured to cure cancer," he said. "No matter where you were or how down you got, his laugh would find your ears and bring a smile to your face."
Baker, from Edmonton, was "an extremely positive, passionate" person, Menard said.
"He had a deep love for his family and worried constantly about them."
In offering his condolences to Baker's family, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Baker "served valiantly in order to build a better future for Afghanistan."
This accident is non-battle related and an investigation by the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service (CFNIS) is under way to determine the circumstances.
The four injured soldiers were evacuated by helicopter to the Role 3 Multi-National Medical Facility at the Kandahar Airfield. They are reported to be in stable condition and their names will not be released.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of our fallen comrade at this sad time. The commitment and sacrifice of our soldier and his loved ones will always be remembered.
Ramp Ceremony in Afghanistan
Comrades of Cpl. Joshua Caleb Baker said goodbye in a sombre ramp ceremony on Saturday.
Padre Maj. Shaun Yaskiw led the service to honour the 24-year-old Edmonton-based soldier, described as “mentally tough, physically robust and (having) a personality that made him a natural leader.”
A bagpipe played as the soldiers paid their respects to their fallen comrade. Baker's casket was loaded on a plane for the return to Canada, home to his family.
Condolences
If you wish to leave condolences, please enter them into the comment section and I will transfer them here. With Regards, m.m.
Rest in Peace, Cpl. Baker.
My prayers for all who love this fine young Canadian.
Brat
Thank you so much for your heartfelt words. They mean the world to us, Josh's family. He really was a wonderful young man and we concur with you, our lose is deep but our hearts are grateful. We would not trade our sorrow for having known Josh. He left us better because of how truly genuine he was. Genuine in his faith, love for his family, love for his colleagues and friends. He was easy to love, a likeable guy. We will truly miss Josh. Canada will miss Josh.
Margie Krause
I happened to be on the Royal Canadian Legion website to look into the Remembrance Day Poster contest information as my 10 year old son came in 2nd place with his poster. I saw the special section for soldiers lost in Afghanistan this year and read each one. Josh's caught my attention and I had to look into finding out more about him. As I read the statements about him, the immensity of his loss resonated with me. As a mother of 2 boys, I cannot imagine the strength it takes to have your son deliberately put himself in harm's way to protect the beliefs in freedom and respect Canada has. I am humbled by you and at the same time, pray I never have to experience the loss you have.
Susan Mladenovich, Whitby Ontario
My heart bleeds for you and your family. After a full year has gone by, I have to share this with you...On the day that your son Joshua was killed in Afghanistan, my husband Keith, was watching the news when he saw the information going across the bottom of the TV screen; "A Canadian soldier was killed today in Afghanistan. Corporal Joshua..." He almost died with fright seeing the name "Corporal Joshua..." on the screen, because, you see, our son "Corporal Joshua Collins" was also on the front lines of Afghanistan, serving in the SAME PRT, at the same time, as your son. For a split second, Keith thought that it was our son Joshua that was killed, until he saw the name "Baker"instead of "Collins" on the screen. He was filled with instant relief which was replaced by instant grief for you and your son Joshua. He came upstairs to tell me what had happened and we were both beside ourselves with grief. As I watched it later on, on the TV, your sons name going across the screen, it broke my heart. All we could think about is that there is a family out there that had just lost their son and it could have easily been ours. Keith and I are both retired from the Canadian Forces and served our Country for many long years. Keith is the president of "Kemmel Ridge" Canadian Army Veteran Motorcycle Unit (CAV) here in Placentia, NL and he just recently found out what the CAV means to you. Our son Joshua, who is now a Master Corporal, knew your son, though, not well. He too was affected deeply by the day that Joshua was killed. Our thoughts and our prayers are always with you. God Bless you and give you the strength to carry on. "MAY JOSHUA'S SUPREME SACRIFICE NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!" REST IN PEACE JOSHUA!!!! xoxoxoxox
Keith & Karyn Collins
Placentia, NL
"We grieve the loss of Corporal Joshua Caleb Baker who died yesterday in Afghanistan. This brave soldier died as a result of a training accident. I want to take this opportunity to wish a speedy recovery to the four soldiers who were injured in the same incident.
My heartfelt sympathies and thoughts are with the family and loved ones of Cpl Baker, who should be proud of this professional, dedicated soldier. This is a tragic loss for Canada and for the Canadian Forces.
Cpl Baker gave his life helping to create the secure conditions needed to re-establish Afghanistan and carry out reconstruction efforts such as the building of schools, hospitals and roads. We will honour this sacrifice by continuing our efforts to bring freedom, democracy and respect for human rights and the rule of law to Afghanistan.
Canada’s participation in this United Nations-mandated NATO-led mission is a true reflection of the Canadian values of helping those in need and defending the interests of those who can’t yet defend themselves.
His sacrifice will inspire those who give of themselves to create a vibrant, safe and democratic Afghanistan.” - Peter MacKay
An accident in Afghanistan has taken the life of Corporal Joshua Caleb Baker, a member of The Loyal Edmonton Regiment (4th Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry), based in Edmonton, Alberta, and wounded four of his comrades. My husband Jean-Daniel Lafond and I are deeply saddened by this loss, as are all Canadians.
Faithful to the values of caring and solidarity that our country holds so dear, Corporal Baker volunteered to support the mission in Afghanistan that Canada is carrying out alongside other NATO member countries. Together with his brothers and sisters in arms, he was prepared to take on a difficult and dangerous environment.
Corporal Baker served bravely and generously to support Afghans’ hopes for security, justice and a better life. He merits our wholehearted admiration.
Our sincerest condolences go to his family, friends and colleagues. May they take comfort in knowing that we share their pain and that they are not alone.
We also offer our wishes for a speedy recovery to those who were wounded. Our thoughts are with them in these difficult times.~Michaëlle Jean, Governor General
The Canadian Forces Reserves
Members of the Reserves are Military personnel. They train hard to be able to work alongside members of the Regular Force. They develop the skills that enable them to make a meaningful contribution to the team. It's tough and it requires commitment. Expectations are high. Army Reserve members are part of a team where they must depend on each other. They all have to perform their duties, no matter the weather, the time of day or night. On weekends they participate in field exercises, aimed at honing their skills. They need to be sharp if, at some point, they volunteer for a UN tour. Militia members regularly serve on UN missions working beside Regular Force soldiers. They have to be competent at their job. They are the Army.
The following article was brought to my attention. I can't begin to tell you how I feel. These are soldiers who have dedicated their time and themselves, working at jobs or going to school and yet making a commitment to the military. On Tuesday, Christie Blatchford wrote on the current budget-cuts of the Reserve Force and the attempt to slash 5,000 full-time reserve jobs. Some soldiers have already been cut back from working 4 times a month+ to one 3 hour evening. Let me know how you feel.
ONLY THING CANADA'S RESERVISTS NEED CUT IS SOME SLACK
Even in the wake of recent deaths, budgets to train and recruit our part-time soldiers are being slashed .
CHRISTIE BLATCHFORD
From Tuesday's Globe and Mail
January 18, 2010 at 7:32 PM EST
Sergeant George Miok, Sergeant Kirk Taylor and Corporal Zachery McCormack – three of the young soldiers who were killed, along with Private Garrett Chidley and Canadian journalist Michelle Lang, in a massive roadside bomb late last year – have all been laid to rest. What these three had in common, which has received remarkably little notice – they were all reservists, or part-time soldiers. Sgt. Miok, who was also a teacher, was a member of 41 Combat Engineer Regiment, a reserve unit based in Edmonton; Sgt. Taylor's home unit was the 84 Independent Field Battery in Yarmouth, N.S., and Corp. McCormack was an “Eddie,” a member of the Loyal Edmonton Regiment, a storied infantry unit.
I didn't know any of them but experience tells me they would have been as fiercely proud of their real units as Pte. Chidley was of being a member of the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry.
In Afghanistan, reservists are usually attached as individuals to the battle group, and when they are killed overseas, their reserve identities are usually subsumed by the larger regiment – officially referred to, if at all, only obliquely, as in, “based in Yarmouth” or “from Edmonton.”
Yet throughout Canada's involvement in Afghanistan, reservists have been there.
They have given lives and limbs, just as the regulars have. Every roto to
Kandahar has had at least 300 reservists (out of a total of about 2,500 soldiers) and some as many as 500-plus. They do the same jobs and take the same risks as their full-time counterparts and, once deployed, are also paid the same and receive the same benefits. Some of them have to take unpaid leave from civilian jobs, or put promising careers on the shelf, for the privilege of going.
Yet traditionally, when budget push comes to shove, the reserves take a harder hit than the regular force – chiefly because, where in the regular force wages come from a separate envelope of funds, in the militia it's all of a single piece, so when you cut reserve dollars you're cutting training, bullets, travel, pay and people. Thus, what purports to be suffering dispersed equally in fact isn't.
It's happening again, and was even as those three young men were buried this month. According to what Brigadier-General John Collin, the commander of Joint Task Force Central Area (it means Ontario), has been saying at town hall meetings across the province, the army is looking to chop 5,000 reservists. The cuts are completely at odds with the government's stated position that both the regular army and the reserves are to grow as part of the Canada First defence strategy, and raise the question: If Ottawa has been giving the army the money to grow, what the heck has the army been doing with it?
The key cuts are being made to what are called “Class B” contracts, those reservists who hold full-time jobs, many in training positions.
As Lieutenant-Colonel (retired) Blair McGregor told me recently in a furious note, “reserve units are being stripped of the full-time support staff that is so desperately needed to train the part-time soldiers we rely on.” Lt.-Col. McGregor was until 2008 the Commanding Officer of the Seaforth Highlanders in Vancouver, home unit of Captain Trevor Greene, who was axed in the head and nearly killed while serving in Afghanistan in 2006.
But the cuts aren't stopping there, and they appear to be deeper than first quietly announced in November. According to Lt.-Col. McGregor, John Selkirk of Reserves 2000 (a group formed
to fight for the militia) and others contacted by The Globe and Mail, contracts for Afghanistan-deploying reservists have been cut by a month, reservists who have put civilian lives on hold are having theirs cancelled at the last minute and training budgets are being slashed, with training in some units cut to a half-night a week.
The cuts are also being applied to recruiting, with the next recruit classes in some units cut by more than half. As Mr. Selkirk, the former honorary colonel of the Brockville Rifles, says, “That's the difference between growing and probably shrinking.” And reserve units, once shrunk, are then vulnerable to government pressure to amalgamate with other units.
“I haven't seen it this bad since the late 1980s, '90s,” says one noncommissioned officer at an Ontario reserve unit; this, remember, was the period that former chief of the defence staff Rick Hillier described as “the decade of darkness.”
As Lt.-Col. McGregor says, “The militia regiments that have stood the test of time … are being threatened with starvation in order to make ends meet. Without a force generator like the reserve regiments, our Canadian Forces will be very hard-pressed to make the contribution that is required.…we know from the historic record that there is always another emergency around the corner.” (He wrote that before the earthquake flattened Haiti, a country with which
Canada has strong ties. If the army wasn't overstretched before, it will be now.)
The truth is that the reserves and its citizen soldiers have always been unappreciated by the bureaucracy at the Department of National Defence and sometimes by government. To Lt.-Col. McGregor, the reserves should function for the regular army as the junior leagues do for the National Hockey League. Yet Canada is one of the few countries in the world where the army reserves are smaller than the regular army. This makes no sense, he says. “There should likely be a 2:1 or 3:1 reserves to regular force ratio. “A further truth about the reserve army is that you can't rip it apart and then easily or quickly rebuild it later when you need it. As in the hockey analogy, each hockey team in any league has a first, second and third line and each team has
leadership in the form of a coach, manager, captain and several assistant captains.
“And soldiers,” he says, “like to belong to cohesive and proud organizations and in Canada these are called regiments. They are the ‘teams' on which soldiers exist.” In the national game, anyone who doesn't perform is swiftly fired.
Canada's soldiers, reservists included, have performed beyond expectations. Would that the same could be said of those who make these maddening and shabby decisions.
Killed in action was Sergeant Kirk Taylor a member of 84 Independent Field Battery, Royal Canadian Artillery, based in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia and serving with the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team.
Killed in action was Corporal Zachery McCormack a member of the Loyal Edmonton Regiment, 4th Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based in Edmonton, Alberta and serving with the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team.
Killed in action was Private Garrett William Chidley a member of the 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based in Shilo, Manitoba and serving with the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team.
The names of the soldiers were not released till this time, as notification of next-of-kin was ongoing.
All of the injured personnel were evacuated to the Role 3 Multi-National Medical Facility at Kandahar Airfield. They are undergoing medical examination and treatment, and their names will not be released.
Michelle Lang - Canada's Reporter
Shown here, Calgary Herald reporter Michelle Lang, 34, collects a season's greeting from a Canadian soldier at Kandahar Airfield in this Dec. 12, 2009, photo. Lang was killed by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan Dec. 30, 2009, while covering the war for the Canwest News Service. Photo credit: Colin Perkel, The Canadian Press
It was Lang's first assignment in Afghanistan. She arrived in the country on Dec. 11 and was due to return to Calgary on Jan. 22. News of her death left a pall of shock and grief over the Herald newsroom.
"Michelle was an incredible person, and outstanding journalist," said Lorne Motley, Herald editor-in-chief. "She was kind-hearted, warm and always willing to give her all.
"When it came to journalism, Michelle was at the top of her craft . . . Her loss leaves a great hole in our family of journalists, whether they work at the Herald, Canwest or elsewhere.
"This is a devastating day, and our thoughts are with her family, her fiance and friends. We all knew, and loved, her."
Friend and Herald colleague Gwendolyn Richards said work was important to Lang, but nothing meant more to her than family and friends.
Richards recalled how, in the days before leaving for Afghanistan and busy planning for the trip, Lang threw together an impromptu birthday dinner for Richards to mark the day.
"She was very sweet and thoughtful," she said. "She made sloppy joes . . . and she felt bad that they weren't better. She wanted it to be a great birthday."
Lang was recently engaged and planned to marry this summer.
Provincial reconstruction team — or PRTs — are groups of civilians, government specialists and others who venture into the countryside with military escorts as they attempt to rebuild roads, dams, schools, hospitals and other elements of Afghanistan's battered physical, social, medical and political infrastructure.
"We are all devastated by the loss of Michelle and our thoughts right now are with her family and her fiance," said Scott Anderson, editor-in-chief of Canwest News Service. "Journalists need to — and do — put themselves at risk every day to report first-hand on important stories like Afghanistan. But that doesn't make this any easier."
Taliban Claims Responsibility Taliban Claims Attack That Killed 5 Canadians In Afghanistan The Wall Street Journal
The Taliban on Thursday claimed responsibility for a bomb attack in southern Afghanistan that killed five Canadians--four soldiers and a woman journalist.
"This work is done by us," Yusuf Ahmadi, a purported Taliban spokesman, said from an undisclosed location when asked about the incident. In my opinion, he should not hide like a chicken and let the CF deal with him! I know other Mothers who would like to deal with him also. So sickening. ~m.m.
The five Canadians were killed Tuesday when a roadside bomb exploded beneath their armored vehicle in the southeastern militant stronghold of Kandahar province.
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Condolences
If you would like to leave condolences, please enter them in the comment section and I shall transfer them below.
Alternately, if you would like to leave condolences for Michelle, they can be placed below or by clicking on this LINK
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We have once again been hit with devastating news and cannot imagine a worse ending to the year. Four of our Canadian soldiers and Michelle Lang, a journalist with the Calgary Herald, were killed when their armoured vehicle hit an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan. Four more soldiers and an official member of Canada's civilian personnel were also injured in this attack.
This new tragedy, like all those before it, is shocking. It reminds us of the underhanded, blind, daily violence facing our Canadian soldiers, journalists and humanitarian workers in Afghanistan, who are working alongside the local population already hard hit by decades of terror.
Our thoughts are with the families, the loved ones and the colleagues of the deceased. We also wish the injured a prompt recovery. Michaëlle Jean Governor General of Canada
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My sincere condolences to those who have lost their loved ones today. ~Anonymous
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President Karzai shares the grief and extends prayers and deepest condolences to families and friends of the victims and to the people of the United States and Canada and emphasizes that, “Your sons and daughters have lost their lives for protecting the Afghan people and the humanity against the threat of terrorism. Afghans will never forget your sacrifices.” The President also offers heartfelt condolences to the families and to the Canadian media community on the death of Michelle Lang, the Canadian journalist, who was among those killed in Kandahar.
"Your children sacrificed their lives for the people of Afghanistan and the threat of terrorism. The Afghans will not forget your sacrifice." ~ Hamid Karzai
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May God comfort those with a broken heart. ~ Airman Mom
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There are no words to express my sadness. They will not be forgotten. ~ Anonymous
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Ramp Ceremony -Saying Goodbye in Afghanistan
Repatriation - They are Coming Home - 10,000 miles
Wear red, bring a flag, bring a wave - let's let the families know we support them as they travel this difficult path with their loved ones along the Highway of Heroes (Hwy 401 westbound from Trenton to Toronto) Please go to the overpasses. Please be safe. As well, prepare for fluctuations in times and dress warmly.The repatriation of our soldiers is scheduled for Sunday, January 3rd, 2010.
The plane carrying our fallen soldiers and reporter is expected to land at Canadian Forces Base Trenton at 2 p.m. with the ceremony completion at approximately 2:45 p.m. It's expected to reach Cobourg around 3:15 p.m. and Whitby around 3:45 p.m. These times quite possibly may vary.
Update: Times are APPROXIMATE
After each flag-draped casket is carried off the plane and into a waiting hearse, the convoy will travel west along Hwy. 401 towards Toronto likely between 3:15 and 3:30 p.m.
The procession of five hearses followed by cars carrying the grieving families should come south down the Don Valley Parkway around 4:30 p.m. -- depending on traffic and weather -- before exiting onto Bloor St. and into the downtown. (the procession passed the Victoria Park Avenue Overpass at approximate 5:45 p.m.)
Toronto Police said the repatriation will move from Bloor St. across to Sherbourne St., go south to Wellesley St., west to Bay St. and then south to Grovesnor St. before turning into the coroner's office just before Yonge St.
It's estimated the convoy will make the last turn, at the Corner of the Courageous, outside the coroner's office at Yonge and Grenville Sts. around 5:15 p.m
A recommendation is that people dress for the weather as there may be delays in time frame.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2010/01/03/repatriation-trenton.html#
On the Overpass - Heroes and Families in Our Hearts
It is five hours later and I am still shivering while I write this.
The wind blew with a bitterness while waiting with many others, soldiers, families of soldiers, friends, people - many people who drove distances on the icy roads to be here on the overpass on the Victoria Park Avenue overpass in Toronto on Sunday evening. The coldness quickly stung my fingers as I shiveringly held my camera. This was nothing compared to the pain the families must be enduring today. I had arrived at 4:30 p.m. with others holding Canadian and Support Our Troops flags of all sizes. They fluttered effortlessly in the wind. Ambulances and police cars parked at the side of the road with their blue and red lights flashing, announcing our presence on the overpass. Cars and trucks honked their many horns and flashed their headlights in support of our soldiers and in compassion for the families - letting us know that they were sharing the pain. With road conditions, traffic was slow and conjested. Not a minute would pass without the empathetic honking and the flash from passengers taking pictures from below.
Looking ahead, I saw the traffic in the middle lanes stop. No one. The highway was empty. Then coming around the bend were many flashing random blue and red lights - the police escort. "Here they come", a gentleman from Cambridge whispered beside me. It was quiet, very quiet except the siren. Following behind where the hearses - 5 long hearses glaring in the evening light. Canadian flags covering their caskets could be seen through their windows. They are home. I tried to take pictures, but my new camera lens wasn't cooperating - no, it wasn't my lens, it was the tears - the tears blurred my vision. They came easily, stinging my cheeks as they fell. Closely, behind the hearses where the families with Canadian and Support Flags flying out the passengers' windows. My heart hurt - I hope they see our support, our empathy, our love. The silence was broken with clapping, people on the overpass were clapping slowly and loudly with their gloves and mitts on as the soldiers and families came near. Then there was a flurry of many more police cruisers following behind as they made their final drive on the 401 - our Highway of Heroes. The clapping then stopped and people slowly turned and started walking away, heads hung low, some holding each other, some weeping, everyone quiet, but we all travelled the same path - the pathway of sympathy. Bless our soldiers, our reporter, their families, comrades, co-workers and friends here and in Afghanistan. Always in our memories and in our hearts. ~m.m.
(To the soldiers that shared a coffee with the Family support board members, the mom (me) and friend, I'd like to thank you. Please drop me a note at my email address militarymomathome@hotmail.com )
KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN — A period of relative post-fighting season calm was shattered Wednesday when a Canadian soldier on foot patrol in the volatile Panjwaii district of southern Afghanistan was killed.
Lt. Andrew Richard Nuttall, along with an Afghan soldier, died when an improved explosive device detonated in the town of Nakhoney, the military said early Thursday. An interpreter was seriously injured.
Nuttall, 30, of Prince Rupert, B.C., belonged to the 1st Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry based in Edmonton.
“Andrew came to Afghanistan because he honestly thought he could make a difference to the people of Afghanistan,” said Brig.-Gen. Daniel Menard, commander of coalition forces in Kandahar province.
“He wanted to lead from the front and set the example, attributes he passionately displayed every time he was in front of his platoon.”
Menard described Nuttall as generous, someone who always had a smile on his face and “greeted everyone he met with enthusiasm and goodwill.”
The death was the first in almost two months, when Sapper Steven Marshall was killed, and the first since Menard took over as top commander in Kandahar province.
Marshall died Oct. 30 in a similar incident, in what has been a record year for IED attacks in Afghanistan.
Since April 2007, 66 of the 89 Canadian deaths in Afghanistan have been the result of improvised explosive devices
With the relative quiet of the post-summer ebb in violence, Canadian soldiers, reinforced by hundreds of fresh American troops, have been attempting to establish secure areas in and around Kandahar city.
The aim, according to Menard, is to establish a “ring of stability” around the bustling city before the uptick in fighting traditionally begins in the spring, the phenomenon known as “fighting season.”
Nakhoney, about 25 kilometres southwest of Kandahar City, one part of what was dubbed the Panjwaii triangle, has been an area in which Canadian forces have frequently encountered problems.
In July, for example, Canadian and Afghan soldiers uncovered four factories used by the Taliban to make improvised explosive devices. They also seized suicide-bomber vests, large quantities of explosive materials as well as weapons.
One soldier, Pte. Sebastien Courcy was killed during the operation when he stepped on an explosive.
Menard recently cited Nakhoney as an example where the reinforced Canadian forces were having an impact in providing security for local Afghans.
At the time of his death, Nuttall was searching for Taliban transit routes, Menard said.
“His patrol was part of our efforts to protect the people of the village from insurgents.”
Nuttall is survived by his mother Jane and father Richard.
Under Menard's new strategy, soldiers are moving out of their relatively safe operating bases to move into platoon houses in the community.
Video Credit: ErikH06
Slain Victoria Soldier Remembered for Passion, Leadership as Journey Home Begins
Written by Michelle Lang , (Canada's fallen Reporter in Afghanistan)
Calgary Herald: Thursday, December 24, 2009
KANDAHAR AIRFIELD , Afghanistan — Lt. Andrew Richard Nuttall, the 134th Canadian soldier to fall in Afghanistan, began his journey home to Canada following a sombre Christmas Eve ramp ceremony.
Thousands of NATO soldiers gathered Thursday at this airfield in southern Afghanistan to honour the 30-year-old army officer who died Wednesday when a homemade bomb detonated as he led a foot patrol in the dangerous Panjwaii district southwest of Kandahar City.
Before Nuttall's flag-draped casket was loaded onto a plane, Lt.-Col. Jerry Walsh remembered him as a popular and well-respected young leader who was operating in one of the most difficult areas of Afghanistan.
"Andrew had an infectious personality and always had a smile on his face, attributes which the soldiers under his command appreciated when times were tough," said Walsh, Nuttall's commanding officer.
Nuttall, who was originally from Prince Rupert, B.C., and grew up on the west coast of Vancouver Island, was serving with the Edmonton-based 1st Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry.
He was killed Wednesday afternoon while Canadian soldiers were on routine foot patrol near the village of Nakhonay, looking for insurgent "transit routes." The village was a Taliban supply point until November, when Canadian Forces mounted an operation to secure and hold the area.
Nuttall's platoon was living near the village — part of a new Canadian counter-insurgency strategy to develop closer relationships with the Afghan population.
In recent weeks, Walsh said many locals have told Canadian soldiers where insurgents were planting bombs in the area.
"We've had countless locals come and show us where improvised explosive devices were located," he said. "We are having great success in that regard, so this has come as a bit of a surprise to us."
Brig.-Gen. Daniel Menard, Canada's top soldier in Afghanistan, said Thursday the patrol was "part of our efforts to protect the people of the village from insurgents."
"Andrew came to Afghanistan because he honestly believed that he could make a difference to the people of Afghanistan, and he demonstrated that every time he went on patrol," said Menard.
An Afghan soldier, who has not been identified, also died in the blast. An interpreter was injured in the incident.
Nuttall's death marks the end of a month-and-a-half-long period of relative calm for Canadian troops in Afghanistan.
A Canadian Forces soldier hasn't died since October 30 when Sapper Steven Marshall, an Edmonton-based combat engineer, was killed by a landmine in the Panjwaii district.
On Thursday, Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean said in a statement Nuttall's death comes at a difficult time of year, as Canadians celebrate the holiday season.
"It is a harsh reminder of the enormous sacrifices our soldiers and their loved ones have agreed to make so that stability and security can be re-established in a dangerous region of the world," she said.
B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell also issued a statement, offering his condolences to the soldier's family. "We are thankful for the courage, bravery and dedication he demonstrated in service to his country and to his fellow Canadians," Campbell said.
"During this season of family and togetherness, the loss of this brave soldier is a reminder of the sacrifices made by the dedicated men and women who work to safeguard our freedoms."
Nuttall is the son of a prominent Victoria doctor and nurse, Richard and Ethel Jane Nuttall, who have helped establish medical clinics in developing countries.
Those who knew him described Nuttall as a "superb athlete" who enjoyed cold-water surfing, teaching and working as a disc jockey.
"Andrew shared a passion for many things," said Padre Steve Defer, speaking at the ramp ceremony.
"He loved the outdoors and he loved to surf. The waves at Tofino on Vancouver Island will never be the same."
CONDOLENCES
If you would like to leave a message of condolence, enter it in the comment section and I shall transfer it below.
"I would like to express my profound condolences to the families and friends of Lieutenant Andrew Richard Nuttall, who died as the result of an improvised explosive device detonating near his patrol. Our thoughts are with the family of the Afghan National Army soldier who was killed and the ISAF interpreter who was injured during the same tragic incident. Lieutenant Andrew Richard Nuttall was an extraordinary Canadian who will always deserve recognition and respect of his ultimate sacrifice for this nation." ~Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence
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Once again, the entire country is in mourning. Lieutenant Andrew Richard Nuttall from the 1st Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based in Edmonton, Alberta, was killed when an anti-personnel mine exploded. A soldier from the Afghan National Army also died and an Afghan interpreter was injured. My husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, and I are deeply saddened. This death comes at the end of a particularly difficult year and as we begin the holiday season, an important time for families.
It is a harsh reminder of the enormous sacrifices our soldiers and their loved ones have agreed to make so that stability and security can be re-established in a dangerous region of the world and to help people who have been deprived of their most fundamental rights, distressed by years of violence and oppression.
It is a harsh reminder that, day and night, despite successive attacks and the loss of their comrades, our soldiers continue to take enormous risks, and to work in and patrol mined areas of Afghanistan in the name of justice and freedom.
We will never forget Lieutenant Nuttall, his courage, his generous spirit, his sense of duty and dedication, or the ultimate sacrifice he made. At this extremely difficult time, our thoughts are with his family, his loved ones and his comrades. Our thoughts are also with all Canadian military personnel deployed abroad, far away from their families. ~Michaelle Jean
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It breaks my heart but I am so incredibly thankful that there are young men and women willing to put their lives on the line to serve our country like this. I am not involved in the military myself - have no family or friends in the Forces - but feel a swelling of pride and grief and gratitude every time I read about one of our soldiers being lost in Afghanistan. Love and hugs to this brave man's family during what will no doubt be an excruciating Christmas season.~S
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What heart-breaking news today, and in this season a jarring reminder of sacrifice, hope and the ultimate gift a human being can bestow on the rest of us. My deepest condolences to Lt. Nutall's family, friends and military colleagues. I will take what comfort I can in the knowledge that his work on this earth is done, his contribution exceeds that which most of us can even contemplate, he has gone to a better place and we are all forever in his debt. Let's carry this brave man and all his fallen colleagues in our hearts forever. Love and respect always. ~Jordana Mars
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As a mother of a soldier currently in Afghanistan I am heartbroken to hear of his death. He was truly a hero and our thoughts and prayers got out to his family and friends. I can't imagine what they are going through, especially at this time of the year. Never to be forgotten... Anonymous
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It is simply heartbreaking for all of us who pray daily for our young men and women serving.... Canada's loses a beloved son at the time we are celebrating the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.... I was looking at his photo collection and reading his blogs and it's like he's our son as well. What a beautiful young soul and he will be terribly missed. My heart and prayers go out to his family, friends and community. Andrew has the sweetest smile.... and his whole face lights up... it truly hurts deeply to lose a Canadian son. Peace of Christ ~ Old momma Nova.
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December 03, 2009 Valcartier, Québec
The team of torchbearers at the beginning of the relay. Valcartier Garrison is one of the 10 Canadian Forces bases to have the honour of being selected to welcome the Olympic torch. The team of 20 Olympic torchbearers from Valcartier Garrison reprsents National Defence's multidisciplinary character well. The team, which is composed of Canadian Forces members and civilians from a variety of units and occupations, will carry the Olympic flame for one kilometre.
Corporal (Cpl) S. Huppé of 35th Brigade Group Headquarters passes the olympic torch and gives a high five to Cpl D. Beaulieu of 35th Brigade Group Headquarters.
We remember the brave soldiers who have diligently served for and protected our country - protected us and went when where we did not go. We remember.
We think of the families of the soldiers who are currently serving, families of fallen soldiers, and families of soldiers preparing to deploy. We remember.
We think of our soldiers who have courageously served Canada and helped the people of Afghanistan. We remember.
We remember and honour those soldiers who have given their lives serving Canada and helping the people of Afghanistan. We think of their families. We think of them.
We remember.
We Remember Always and Forever.
I'd like to thank Canada Post and the Canadian Forces for conjunctively bringing families and friends closer to their families and friends closer through the holiday season through this service. I know there are many families through Canada who have shown deep appreciation for this service. All the best to you for a warm holiday.Canada Post will continue program of free delivery to deployed troops
Oct. 26, 2009
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