Corporal Arnal Killed by Roadside Bomb in Afghanistan: 19 Jul 08

[Edward Campbell]

Reproduced under the Fair Dealing provisions (§29) of the Copyright Act from CTV News:

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080719/soldier_killed_080719/20080719?hub=TopStories

Canadian soldier killed by roadside bomb in Afghanistan

Updated Sat. Jul. 19 2008 7:50 AM ET

The Canadian Press

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan -- A Canadian soldier has been killed by roadside bomb in Afghanistan.

Cpl. James Hayward Arnal was struck by an explosion late Friday during a night patrol in Panjwaii district near Kandahar city.

Canada's top soldier in Afghanistan lauded him as a fearless fighter who had left a lucrative career in information technology to join the army.

"Clearly, he was a dedicated soldier with a very promising career ahead of him," said Brig.-Gen. Denis Thompson, Canada's commander in Afghanistan.

Arnal, based out of CFB Shilo, Man., was the 88th Canadian soldier killed in the Afghan mission, and the first in two weeks.

After paying tribute to his corporal, Thompson appeared to address suggestions that the Canadian government and military have been sugar-coating the difficult realities of the Afghan mission.

He bluntly described the situation as difficult.

"Of course, soldiers are also not afraid to talk about the challenges faced here in Afghanistan," Thompson said.

"Let there be no doubt -- we do have our work cut out for us."

"This insurgency is not going to be defeated in the short term, which is why our focus is on winning the trust of the Afghan people, and building up local government and security institutions."

He said the military is determined to carry on with the mission -- and is convinced it will succeed.

Another Canadian soldier sustained injuries in the blast but was said to be in good condition and was expected to return to duty.

Suicide attacks, roadside bombs and coalition casualties have significantly increased in each of the last three years.

But the number of Afghan children going to school and the national economy has also been growing.

In a reminder of the security risk Saturday, a suicide bomber blew himself up just several hundred metres away from the main coalition base in Kandahar.

The bomber was spotted by an Afghan policeman on the main road to Kandahar Airfield, tried running away, and detonated himself with nobody close by.

One policeman and one young boy were injured, while the bomber's body was ripped to pieces by the force of the blast.

 

[Mike Baker]

Damnit! I hate reading this. :'(



RIP Cpl. Arnal 


-Deadpan

 

[Mike Baker]

 

[missing1]

Sincerest condolences to Cpl. Arnals'  family - my prayers are with you.

David & Nancee Payne

 

[The Bread Guy]

Sad - condolences to family, colleagues and friends...... 

CF Statement:  "Yesterday, a Canadian soldier was killed just before midnight Kandahar time. The soldier was killed by an Improvised Explosive Device while on a foot patrol in Panjwayi District.

The fallen soldier is Corporal James (Jim) Hayward Arnal of the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, based in Shilo, Manitoba.

First aid was administered to Corporal Arnal immediately following the incident. He was evacuated by helicopter to Kandahar Air Field’s Role 3 Multi-National Medical Facility, but sadly was pronounced dead upon arrival.

All members of Task Force Kandahar are thinking of the family and friends of our fallen comrade during this time of sorrow. The dedication and sacrifice of soldiers like Corporal Arnal are helping to make a difference in the lives of countless Afghan citizens.

We will continue with our mission as we remember the life of Corporal Arnal. We remain committed to improving security and stability in Kandahar Province and working together with local Afghans to achieve peace and prosperity for their country.

-30- "

 

[R933ex]

RIP Cpl. 

 

[manhole]

Condolences to the family and friends.........

 

[military granny]

My deepest condolences to Cpl. Arnal's family and comrades. 

 

[3VP Highlander]

RIP

 

[stryte]

RIP Cpl. Arnal 

 

[karl28]

RIP

 

[Nfld Sapper]

Condolences to Cpl. Arnal's family and Regimental family.

to saint peter he will tell: "Just another soldier reporting, sir"

 

[vonGarvin]

Condolences to the family, and a speedy recovery to the wounded.  Keep the faith, and fight the good fight! 

 

[fire_guy686]

Rest Easy Cpl Arnal.

Thoughts and Prayers with his family as well with the injured soldier.

 

[eechoss]

Rest in Peace

 

[Eye In The Sky]

I haven't the words.

 

[1feral1]

Another one who has given his today for our tomorrow.

 

[observor 69]

So sad to see the loss of another fine human being.

Condolences to those who loved him and are left behind.

 

[The Bread Guy]

Governor General/Commander-in-Chief's message:  "The terrible news of the death of Corporal James (Jim) Hayward Arnal, an infanteer serving with the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Battle Group, is another cruel blow to all of us, wherever we may be.  Like his comrades, Corporal Arnal always faced the dangers of this mission with courage and with the deep conviction he was helping humanity, assisting in the reconstruction of Afghanistan and leading the mission on to success. We all commend his commitment, his sacrifices, and the hopes and benefits that his presence made possible.  My husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, and I share the sorrow of Corporal Arnal's family and the distress of his fellow soldiers and we offer them our most sincere condolences. All Canadians join with us in honouring his memory. May his unwavering courage, our esteem and our thoughts ease your sorrow."

Prime Minister's message:  "My sympathies are with the family, friends and loved ones of Corporal Arnal, who died in Afghanistan on July 18.  Corporal Arnal will be remembered for the dedication and bravery of his service to our country. He was an outstanding Canadian and we mourn his loss.  We also pray for the full and speedy recovery of the other soldier injured in this incident.  The two soldiers were injured when an improvised explosive device detonated near their foot patrol in Panjwayi District. They were evacuated but, sadly, Corporal Arnal later died from his injuries.  It is with much pride that we stand by our Canadian Forces members. Together with our allies they are helping ensure that the Afghan people can rebuild their country. This United Nations-mandated mission is a challenging one, but we remain steadfast in our resolve to help the people of Afghanistan.“ 

Minister of National Defence's message:  “On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Corporal James (Jim) Hayward Arnal who died yesterday in Afghanistan. I also wish a quick recovery to the other soldier injured in this incident.  Just before midnight, on July 18, 2008, an improvised explosive device detonated near their foot patrol in Panjwayi District.  The United Nations-mandated mission in Afghanistan is a challenging one, but these challenges will not deter us from helping Afghans reclaim their lives and build a free and democratic society.  Corporal Arnal was a brave soldier. Canada will remain forever grateful for his service, and we are saddened by his loss.”

 

[Cdn Blackshirt]

My sincerest condolences to Corporal Arnal's family, friends and loved ones.


Matthew.