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Bombing Targets Canadian Troops - 18 Sep 06

All of our soldiers are brave. As a Family, as a Band Of Brothers, we all feel the loss.
 
One of my sappers was among the injured.  Apparently, he's been through the worst of it, coming out of surgery in stable condition.  I understand that he's going to have some rough days coming up, but at least has the chance of a full recovery.


When I got the notification, it definitely put things in perspective at the day job...

 
Another ID'd

Another of the four Canadians killed in a suicide bombing in Afghanistan on Monday has been identified, with his mother saying her son was "very much a soldier."

    Pte. David Byers was killed when a suicide bomber attacked his patrol in Afghanistan. (DND/Canadian Press) Pte. David Byers was killed when a suicide bomber attacked his patrol in Afghanistan. (DND/Canadian Press)

Leona Arnold made the comment about her 32-year-old son, Cpl. Glen Arnold, on Tuesday from her home in McKerrow, Ont. She said she would not comment further until after his funeral.

http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2006/09/19/uncle-soldier.html

 
The remaining names have been released by DND.
RIP and godspeed my friends.
Names of Remaining Deceased Soldiers Released
CEFCOM NR–06.025 - September 19, 2006

OTTAWA – The remaining three Canadian soldiers killed in the suicide attack that occurred on September 18 in Afghanistan are:

Corporal Glen Arnold from 2 Field Ambulance based in Petawawa, Ontario;

Corporal Shane Keating of 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, based in Shilo, Manitoba; and

Corporal Keith Morley, of 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry.

Private David Byers, also of 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry was the fourth soldier killed in the attack.

The four soldiers were killed, and a number of others injured, when a suicide bomber, travelling on a bicycle, detonated his bomb near Canadian troops on foot patrol in the Panjwayi district, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan.

The attack occurred at approximately 9:30 a.m. Kandahar time, about 30 km west of Kandahar City. A number of civilians, including children, were also injured in the attack.
 
My heart goes out to the family and friends of these brave souls. What a horribly sad day, especially for those in Shilo. And unfortunately again for Petawawa.

2 VP, Second to None.  :cdn:
 
http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2006/09/19/uncle-soldier.html
Defence names 3 more slain Canadian soldiers

National Defence identified the other two soldiers as Cpl. Shane Keating and Cpl. Keith Morley. Their home towns have not yet been released.

Byers, Keating and Morley were with the second battalion of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based in Shilo, Man.
 
National Defence: Names of Remaining Deceased Soldiers Released
 
OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(CCNMatthews - Sept. 19, 2006) - The remaining three Canadian soldiers killed in the suicide attack that occurred on September 18 in Afghanistan are:

Corporal Glen Arnold from 2 Field Ambulance based in Petawawa, Ontario;

Corporal Shane Keating of 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based in Shilo, Manitoba; and

Corporal Keith Morley, of 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry.

Private David Byers, also of 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry was the fourth soldier killed in the attack.

The four soldiers were killed, and a number of others injured, when a suicide bomber, travelling on a bicycle, detonated his bomb near Canadian troops on foot patrol in the Panjwayi district, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan.

The attack occurred at approximately 9:30 a.m. Kandahar time, about 30 km west of Kandahar City. A number of civilians, including children, were also injured in the attack.

 
My condolences to the families of Cpl. Shane Keating,Cpl. Keith Morley,Cpl. Glen Arnold and Pte. David Byers. I pray for a speedy recovery for those injured in this attack. :salute:
 
http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/newsroom/view_news_e.asp?id=2071

Statement
Private David Byers Family Issues Statement
September 20, 2006

On Monday, September 18, 2006 while serving in Afghanistan, our beloved son, Private David Robert James Byers, heroically paid the ultimate sacrifice for his country. David’s sacrifice was also paid by three of his comrades in this fateful event. David was a true soldier, loved by his family and his extended family in the military. The family respectfully requests privacy in this time of grief.

Parents: John and Jane Byers
Brothers: Nathan and Alan Byers
Fiance: Chantal Roy and Family Members

- 30 -

Note to editors: For media queries, please contact Captain Scott Spurr, CFB Public Affairs Officer at (613) 687-5511, extension 6721.

 
Taken from: http://www.cbc.ca/story/world/national/2006/09/20/soldiers-canada.html

Hundreds of NATO troops stood solemnly Wednesday at Kandahar airfield as the caskets of four Canadian soldiers were loaded, one by one, onto a military airplane for their return home.

Canadian soldiers held a private ceremony aboard the Hercules to say goodbye to their comrades. (CBC) With bagpipes playing in the background, pallbearers slowly carried the flag-draped caskets of Pte. David Byers, Cpl. Glen Arnold, Cpl. Shane Keating and Cpl. Keith Morley onto an awaiting C-130 Hercules airplane.

The soldiers were killed when a suicide bomber on a bicycle set off an explosive device near troops west of Kandahar. The troops were on foot when the attack occurred.

Canadian troopmates of the four soldiers held a private service on the ramp of the aircraft. They streamed past the four coffins in a final farewell.

Among them was an injured soldier wearing bandages who limped through the line. Several others comforted each other with hugs.

Thirty-six Canadian soldiers and one diplomat have been killed since Ottawa first sent troops to Afghanistan in early 2002. Canada currently has more than 2,000 troops in Afghanistan.

With files from the Canadian Press

Rampceremony.jpg
 
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20060921.wsoldier0921/BNStory/National/home

Fallen soldier's family backs mission
TERRY WEBER

Globe and Mail Update

The family of one of four Canadian soldiers killed in a suicide attack in Afghanistan this week said Thursday they continue to support Canada's mission in the war-torn country despite the sacrifice paid by their son.

Speaking with reporters during an emotional news conference in Saskatoon, Judith Budd – whose son, Corporal Shane Keating, was among the four killed Monday – said she spoke with her son this summer before his departure overseas about the mission and why it was important for Canada to play a role.

“He said, ‘We have to do this, Mom, we have to go there. It's not just us. The world wants us to go there. The Afghan people need us and they want us to be there,'” she said, tearfully recalling the conversation.

“[He said] ‘If we don't do this, this terror and this atrocity is not going to end. We're making a difference. It's working. It's slow. You can't look on a daily basis. It has to be a long term.'”

Asked about the current debate in Canada over the mission, both Ms. Budd and Mickey Keating, Cpl. Keating's uncle, said the family continues to support the mission.

“Everyone has an opinion, and our family certainly supports the troops in Afghanistan and wish them to stay,” Mr. Keating said. “It is not time for Canada to pull out.”

The comments came as Prime Minister Stephen Harper made his first address before the United Nations, calling for the world to stand behind Canada and the role it is playing in Afghanistan.

“This is the United Nations' strongest mission and therefore our greatest test,” Mr. Harper said.

“Our collective will and credibility are being judged. We cannot afford the fail.”

Cpl. Keating and three other soldiers were killed Monday while on a foot patrol about 30 kilometres west of Kandahar.

They died when a suicide bomber travelling on a bicycle detonated a bomb near Canadian troops conducting a foot patrol in Panjwayi district. A number of other soldiers and civilians – including children – were also injured in the blast.

Reports suggested the attack took place as the soldiers walked along a dirt road after handing out toys, biscuits, balls and school supplies to local children.

The others killed were Corporal Keith Morley, Private David Byers and Corporal Glen Arnold.

Ms. Budd told reporters her son acknowledged the risks during their talk this summer, but urged his mother to look at the bigger picture.

“He said, ‘Most of us will come home and you can't just look at the individuals. Most of us will come home and the one's who don't will have made a difference and it's worth it.'”

She said Cpl. Keating knew his family feared for him, but he also knew that he had to stand by his commitment to the mission.

“I have to say, nothing, nothing is worth losing a son but everything is worth a man actually being will to take that risk and to die for what he believes in,” she said, her voice shaking with emotion.

 
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