Cpl. Hamilton, Pte. Curwin and Pte. Jones - 2 RCR - 13 Dec 2008
- Thread starter ENGINEERS WIFE
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I served with Cpl Hamilton in Kabul in 2003, and again in Haiti in 2004. GREAT soldier: he will be missed by his comrades, but mostly by his family.
RIP to all the fallen
EDIT: Get well to the wounded, and may God comfort those left behind...
RIP to all the fallen
EDIT: Get well to the wounded, and may God comfort those left behind...
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RIP Troops. 
Pro Patria
Pro Patria
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RIP Soldiers
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Thank you Be with God
Be with God
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Executive Council
December 14, 2008
Premier Expresses Condolences to Family of Newfoundland and Labrador Soldier
The Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today expressed his very deep sadness over the most recent loss of life of Canadian Forces soldiers in Afghanistan. One of the three soldiers tragically killed this weekend was from Newfoundland and Labrador, Pte. Justin Peter Jones.
"Words cannot express our sorrow for this tragic loss, especially for the families and friends of those who have sacrificed their lives in selfless service to others," said Premier Williams. "We will never forget the ultimate price that our sons and daughters continue to pay to secure peace and freedom at home and around the world. Our deepest sympathies and prayers go to the colleagues and loved ones of these brave individuals. I want to express personally and on behalf of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians my condolences to the family of Pte. Jones. His bravery, dedication and commitment to peace will be his legacy and will never be forgotten."
Flags at Confederation Building will be flown at half staff to honour Pte. Jones. He will also always be remembered through the bronze plaque honouring all Canadians who serve in the Afghanistan conflict. On behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Premier Williams unveiled the plague at the National War Memorial earlier this year, as a memorial in the province to honour soldiers who served and sacrificed their lives in the Afghanistan mission.
- 30 -
Media contact:
Elizabeth Matthews
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca
Roger Scaplen
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
709-729-4304, 727-0991
rogerscaplen@gov.nl.ca
2008 12 14 11:05 a.m.
December 14, 2008
Premier Expresses Condolences to Family of Newfoundland and Labrador Soldier
The Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today expressed his very deep sadness over the most recent loss of life of Canadian Forces soldiers in Afghanistan. One of the three soldiers tragically killed this weekend was from Newfoundland and Labrador, Pte. Justin Peter Jones.
"Words cannot express our sorrow for this tragic loss, especially for the families and friends of those who have sacrificed their lives in selfless service to others," said Premier Williams. "We will never forget the ultimate price that our sons and daughters continue to pay to secure peace and freedom at home and around the world. Our deepest sympathies and prayers go to the colleagues and loved ones of these brave individuals. I want to express personally and on behalf of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians my condolences to the family of Pte. Jones. His bravery, dedication and commitment to peace will be his legacy and will never be forgotten."
Flags at Confederation Building will be flown at half staff to honour Pte. Jones. He will also always be remembered through the bronze plaque honouring all Canadians who serve in the Afghanistan conflict. On behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Premier Williams unveiled the plague at the National War Memorial earlier this year, as a memorial in the province to honour soldiers who served and sacrificed their lives in the Afghanistan mission.
- 30 -
Media contact:
Elizabeth Matthews
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca
Roger Scaplen
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
709-729-4304, 727-0991
rogerscaplen@gov.nl.ca
2008 12 14 11:05 a.m.
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Bodies of three slain soldiers on their way home
Updated Sun. Dec. 14 2008 2:27 PM ET
CTV.ca News Staff
The bodies of three Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan this weekend are headed home after a solemn ceremony Sunday evening at Kandahar Airfield.
Comrades carried the bodies of Cpl. Thomas James Hamilton, Pte. John Michael Roy Curwin and Pte. Justin Peter Jones onto a military plane bound for CFB Trenton.
The soldiers were killed around 9 a.m. Saturday local time, after their armoured vehicle struck an improvised explosive device on a highway west of Kandahar City.
All three were with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, RCR based in Gagetown, New Brunswick. A fourth soldier was injured in the blast and is in fair condition at the base's military hospital.
The ceremony was attended by fewer soldiers than usual as a security measure in the wake of numerous rocket attacks that hit the base earlier in the day.
Brig.-Gen. Denis Thompson, commander of Task Force Kandahar, told reporters that if the rockets were meant to intimidate Canadians into not conducting the ramp ceremony, the strategy didn't work.
"If that was their intent they clearly failed," Thompson said. "We still held the ceremony, we still sent our brothers home with the dignity that they deserved."
After the ceremony, Lt. Col. Dana Woodworth, commanding officer of the Provincial Reconstruction Team, offered his condolences to the families of the soldiers and praised them as "fine Canadians and courageous men."
The slain soldiers were members of the Quick Reaction Force, or QRF, a team of soldiers that are usually called out to emergency situations within Kandahar City or just outside city limits, Globe and Mail reporter Graeme told CTV Newsnet on Sunday morning.
The soldiers were responding to a call that a bomb was being planted along the highway that runs from Kandahar city to the border of Helmand province.
"So they were going out essentially to protect their colleagues, who drive convoys on that road on a regular basis and rely on that stretch of highway as a safe passage out to other
Canadian and American bases further out from Kandahar city," Smith said.
Hamilton, or "Hammy," was on his third tour of duty in Afghanistan and had a young daughter, named Annabella. He had previously served in Haiti.
On Sunday, Hamilton's mother, Cindy Higgins, released a statement about her son, who was born in Truro, N.S., and grew up in Upper Musquodoboit.
"Thomas was a kind and loving man who loved to tease, he enjoyed fishing, who strongly believed in the mission and volunteered for his third tour in Afghanistan," she said.
Curwin was described as a "family man," who had three children and considered his wife, Laura Mae, his best friend.
Jones, or "Jonesy" as he was called, of Baie Verte, N.L., was known for his kindness and his love of the guitar, Thompson said.
Early Sunday, Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued a statement offering his "deepest sympathies" to the families and wishing a quick recovery to the injured soldier.
"This tragic incident demonstrates the considerable risk faced by the exceptional men and women of the Canadian Forces as they work to promote freedom, security and democracy in Afghanistan."
Defence Minister Peter MacKay said the fallen soldiers had died "helping to ensure a brighter future for the Afghan people."
IEDs have become the weapon of choice for Taliban insurgents, and more than half of the Canadian soldiers who have died in Afghanistan have been killed by such devices.
"At the end of the day, you can't build a vehicle big enough to defend against every IED that's out there," Thompson said on Sunday after the ramp ceremony had finished.
"There isn't really a technical solution. The solution is to get at the IED network, to get at the people that plant these bombs, to get at the terrorists that are behind this. And the way to do that is to win over the population."
With files from The Canadian Press
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20081214/afghanistan_ramp_081214/20081214?hub=TopStories
Updated Sun. Dec. 14 2008 2:27 PM ET
CTV.ca News Staff
The bodies of three Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan this weekend are headed home after a solemn ceremony Sunday evening at Kandahar Airfield.
Comrades carried the bodies of Cpl. Thomas James Hamilton, Pte. John Michael Roy Curwin and Pte. Justin Peter Jones onto a military plane bound for CFB Trenton.
The soldiers were killed around 9 a.m. Saturday local time, after their armoured vehicle struck an improvised explosive device on a highway west of Kandahar City.
All three were with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, RCR based in Gagetown, New Brunswick. A fourth soldier was injured in the blast and is in fair condition at the base's military hospital.
The ceremony was attended by fewer soldiers than usual as a security measure in the wake of numerous rocket attacks that hit the base earlier in the day.
Brig.-Gen. Denis Thompson, commander of Task Force Kandahar, told reporters that if the rockets were meant to intimidate Canadians into not conducting the ramp ceremony, the strategy didn't work.
"If that was their intent they clearly failed," Thompson said. "We still held the ceremony, we still sent our brothers home with the dignity that they deserved."
After the ceremony, Lt. Col. Dana Woodworth, commanding officer of the Provincial Reconstruction Team, offered his condolences to the families of the soldiers and praised them as "fine Canadians and courageous men."
The slain soldiers were members of the Quick Reaction Force, or QRF, a team of soldiers that are usually called out to emergency situations within Kandahar City or just outside city limits, Globe and Mail reporter Graeme told CTV Newsnet on Sunday morning.
The soldiers were responding to a call that a bomb was being planted along the highway that runs from Kandahar city to the border of Helmand province.
"So they were going out essentially to protect their colleagues, who drive convoys on that road on a regular basis and rely on that stretch of highway as a safe passage out to other
Canadian and American bases further out from Kandahar city," Smith said.
Hamilton, or "Hammy," was on his third tour of duty in Afghanistan and had a young daughter, named Annabella. He had previously served in Haiti.
On Sunday, Hamilton's mother, Cindy Higgins, released a statement about her son, who was born in Truro, N.S., and grew up in Upper Musquodoboit.
"Thomas was a kind and loving man who loved to tease, he enjoyed fishing, who strongly believed in the mission and volunteered for his third tour in Afghanistan," she said.
Curwin was described as a "family man," who had three children and considered his wife, Laura Mae, his best friend.
Jones, or "Jonesy" as he was called, of Baie Verte, N.L., was known for his kindness and his love of the guitar, Thompson said.
Early Sunday, Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued a statement offering his "deepest sympathies" to the families and wishing a quick recovery to the injured soldier.
"This tragic incident demonstrates the considerable risk faced by the exceptional men and women of the Canadian Forces as they work to promote freedom, security and democracy in Afghanistan."
Defence Minister Peter MacKay said the fallen soldiers had died "helping to ensure a brighter future for the Afghan people."
IEDs have become the weapon of choice for Taliban insurgents, and more than half of the Canadian soldiers who have died in Afghanistan have been killed by such devices.
"At the end of the day, you can't build a vehicle big enough to defend against every IED that's out there," Thompson said on Sunday after the ramp ceremony had finished.
"There isn't really a technical solution. The solution is to get at the IED network, to get at the people that plant these bombs, to get at the terrorists that are behind this. And the way to do that is to win over the population."
With files from The Canadian Press
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20081214/afghanistan_ramp_081214/20081214?hub=TopStories
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rest in peace.
My condolences to the families and friends
My condolences to the families and friends
- Reaction score
- 79
- Points
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I guess Combat Camera should go back to SQ, never knew the C6 GPMG was a rifle ;D
And yes Mortarman if and when OP HALO gets a medal it is a shame that his will be posthumously.
OldSolduer
Army.ca Relic
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RIP my brothers. You have done your duty.
Now we WILL do ours...
Now we WILL do ours...
- Reaction score
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Statement
Statement by the Minister of National Defence on the Death of three Canadian Soldiers in Afghanistan
December 14, 2008
OTTAWA - The Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, issued the following statement today on the death of three Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan:
"It is with deep sorrow I learned of the deaths of Corporal Thomas James Hamilton, Private John Michael Roy Curwin, and Private Justin Peter Jones today in Afghanistan. Our thoughts and prayers are with their loved ones as they deal with this tragic loss. I also wish a quick recovery to the other soldier injured in this incident.
The vital contribution of the Canadian Forces to the United Nations-mandated, NATO-led mission is making a difference in Afghanistan. While challenges remain, Canada is steadfast in its support of the international mission to help Afghans reclaim their country by building a more democratic, free and safe society.
The bravery and dedication demonstrated on a daily basis by the men and women of the Canadian Forces while making Afghanistan a better place to live are a testament to the values respected and revered by all Canadians.
Canada will remain eternally grateful for the sacrifices made by Corporal Hamilton, Private Curwin and Private Jones. They will not be forgotten.”
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These soldiers were all from 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment based at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown, New Brunswick, and served as members of the Force Protection Company of the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team.
Statement by the Minister of National Defence on the Death of three Canadian Soldiers in Afghanistan
December 14, 2008
OTTAWA - The Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, issued the following statement today on the death of three Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan:
"It is with deep sorrow I learned of the deaths of Corporal Thomas James Hamilton, Private John Michael Roy Curwin, and Private Justin Peter Jones today in Afghanistan. Our thoughts and prayers are with their loved ones as they deal with this tragic loss. I also wish a quick recovery to the other soldier injured in this incident.
The vital contribution of the Canadian Forces to the United Nations-mandated, NATO-led mission is making a difference in Afghanistan. While challenges remain, Canada is steadfast in its support of the international mission to help Afghans reclaim their country by building a more democratic, free and safe society.
The bravery and dedication demonstrated on a daily basis by the men and women of the Canadian Forces while making Afghanistan a better place to live are a testament to the values respected and revered by all Canadians.
Canada will remain eternally grateful for the sacrifices made by Corporal Hamilton, Private Curwin and Private Jones. They will not be forgotten.”
-30-
These soldiers were all from 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment based at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown, New Brunswick, and served as members of the Force Protection Company of the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team.
- Reaction score
- 79
- Points
- 680
'Sweetheart' of a soldier mourned in Newfoundland town
Last Updated: Monday, December 15, 2008 | 8:10 AM NT CBC News
Preparations for a Christmas carol service at a church in a small Newfoundland town took on a sombre note this weekend, as neighbours prepared to mourn the loss of a soldier killed in Afghanistan.
Pte. Justin Peter Jones was one of three Canadians killed Saturday when a roadside bomb exploded west of Kandahar.
In his hometown of Baie Verte, a town of about 1,500 on Newfoundland's northeast coast, Jones was remembered fondly by friends and neighbours.
"Justin was a sweetheart," said Madeline Drover, who said she knew Jones, 21, all of his life.
"He was a wonderful human being, and he was a young man [who] was very dedicated to what he chose to do with his life."
The only son of Anthony and Rowena Jones, who have travelled to Trenton, Ont., to meet their son's body when it arrives back in Canada, Jones was known as a trustworthy citizen who even at a young age volunteered in community organizations, including service groups and the local volunteer fire department.
"He believed in putting other people first, and he proved that in the life he led," Drover said.
"He was such a joy to everybody who knew him.… He believed so much in what he did and the good he was doing over in Afghanistan."
Monica Green, who grew up with Jones, said many people in the town considered him like a brother.
"He was just an amazing person. You couldn't ask for any better," said Green, who recalled how Jones founded a community youth group.
"Most people think, well, that's crazy what you're doing. But Justin loved what he was doing."
Green said Jones's death has had a profound effect on Baie Verte.
"I didn't understand the word 'war' until Justin had died," she said. "I was just shocked. He's 21 — he can't die. He's just so young. [There were] so many things in his life that he succeeded in. That's the kind of person that he is."
Jones and Cpl. Thomas James Hamilton and Pte. John Michael Roy Curwin were killed while they were serving near Kandahar.
Their bodies were loaded onto a plane Sunday that is expected to arrive at Canadian Forces Base Trenton on Tuesday.
Last Updated: Monday, December 15, 2008 | 8:10 AM NT CBC News
Preparations for a Christmas carol service at a church in a small Newfoundland town took on a sombre note this weekend, as neighbours prepared to mourn the loss of a soldier killed in Afghanistan.
Pte. Justin Peter Jones was one of three Canadians killed Saturday when a roadside bomb exploded west of Kandahar.
In his hometown of Baie Verte, a town of about 1,500 on Newfoundland's northeast coast, Jones was remembered fondly by friends and neighbours.
"Justin was a sweetheart," said Madeline Drover, who said she knew Jones, 21, all of his life.
"He was a wonderful human being, and he was a young man [who] was very dedicated to what he chose to do with his life."
The only son of Anthony and Rowena Jones, who have travelled to Trenton, Ont., to meet their son's body when it arrives back in Canada, Jones was known as a trustworthy citizen who even at a young age volunteered in community organizations, including service groups and the local volunteer fire department.
"He believed in putting other people first, and he proved that in the life he led," Drover said.
"He was such a joy to everybody who knew him.… He believed so much in what he did and the good he was doing over in Afghanistan."
Monica Green, who grew up with Jones, said many people in the town considered him like a brother.
"He was just an amazing person. You couldn't ask for any better," said Green, who recalled how Jones founded a community youth group.
"Most people think, well, that's crazy what you're doing. But Justin loved what he was doing."
Green said Jones's death has had a profound effect on Baie Verte.
"I didn't understand the word 'war' until Justin had died," she said. "I was just shocked. He's 21 — he can't die. He's just so young. [There were] so many things in his life that he succeeded in. That's the kind of person that he is."
Jones and Cpl. Thomas James Hamilton and Pte. John Michael Roy Curwin were killed while they were serving near Kandahar.
Their bodies were loaded onto a plane Sunday that is expected to arrive at Canadian Forces Base Trenton on Tuesday.
- Reaction score
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At ease soldiers, your day is done
Rest in peace Corporal Thomas James Hamilton, Private John Michael Roy Curwin, and Private Justin Peter Jones
My condolences to the family, friends & comrades of the fallen
At the going down of the sun,
and in the morn,
We will remember them!
CHIMO!
Rest in peace Corporal Thomas James Hamilton, Private John Michael Roy Curwin, and Private Justin Peter Jones
My condolences to the family, friends & comrades of the fallen
At the going down of the sun,
and in the morn,
We will remember them!
CHIMO!
medicineman
Army.ca Legend
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Mortarman Rockpainter said:I served with Cpl Hamilton in Kabul in 2003, and again in Haiti in 2004. GREAT soldier: he will be missed by his comrades, but mostly by his family.
RIP to all the fallen
EDIT: Get well to the wounded, and may God comfort those left behind...
Ditto - used to play paintball with him too.
RIP Hammy et al.
MM
- Reaction score
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Media Advisory
Our Fallen Soldiers Returns Home
LFCA MA 08-019 - December 15, 2008
OTTAWA – Our fallen soldiers, Corporal Thomas James Hamilton, Private John Michael Roy Curwin, and Private Justin Peter Jones, all from 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment based at CFB Gagetown, New Brunswick, will return home to Canada on Tuesday, December 16, 2008.
Where: 8 Wing, Canadian Forces Base Trenton, Ontario.
When: Tuesday, December 16, 2008 at 12:00 p.m.
What: At the wishes of the families, media will be permitted on the tarmac.
Present to pay their respects will be Her Excellency The Governor General of Canada, the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Peter MacKay, Chief of Defence Staff, General Walt Natynczyk and other dignitaries.
The three soldiers, members of the Force Protection Company of the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team, were killed and one other soldier was injured when an improvised explosive device detonated near an armoured vehicle during a patrol in the Arghandab District. The incident occurred approximately 14 kilometers west of Kandahar City at about 9:00 a.m., Kandahar time, on 13 December 2008..
-30-
Note to Editors/News Directors:
Interested media may contact Captain Mark Peebles, 8 Wing/CFB Trenton Public Affairs Officer, who can be reached at (613) 392-2811, ext. 2041, or at: peebles.m@forces.gc.ca
For general queries, please contact the Media Liaison Office at (866) 377-0811, or on weekends 613-792-2973. For flight information, please contact the Air Passenger Terminal at 1-800-487-1186.
Our Fallen Soldiers Returns Home
LFCA MA 08-019 - December 15, 2008
OTTAWA – Our fallen soldiers, Corporal Thomas James Hamilton, Private John Michael Roy Curwin, and Private Justin Peter Jones, all from 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment based at CFB Gagetown, New Brunswick, will return home to Canada on Tuesday, December 16, 2008.
Where: 8 Wing, Canadian Forces Base Trenton, Ontario.
When: Tuesday, December 16, 2008 at 12:00 p.m.
What: At the wishes of the families, media will be permitted on the tarmac.
Present to pay their respects will be Her Excellency The Governor General of Canada, the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Peter MacKay, Chief of Defence Staff, General Walt Natynczyk and other dignitaries.
The three soldiers, members of the Force Protection Company of the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team, were killed and one other soldier was injured when an improvised explosive device detonated near an armoured vehicle during a patrol in the Arghandab District. The incident occurred approximately 14 kilometers west of Kandahar City at about 9:00 a.m., Kandahar time, on 13 December 2008..
-30-
Note to Editors/News Directors:
Interested media may contact Captain Mark Peebles, 8 Wing/CFB Trenton Public Affairs Officer, who can be reached at (613) 392-2811, ext. 2041, or at: peebles.m@forces.gc.ca
For general queries, please contact the Media Liaison Office at (866) 377-0811, or on weekends 613-792-2973. For flight information, please contact the Air Passenger Terminal at 1-800-487-1186.
midget-boyd91
Sr. Member
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My sister is quite good friends with the Curwin's and is taking this very hard. She asked me to post on her behalf her deepest condolences. For all three.
I echo her.
Midget, and Leicia
I echo her.
Midget, and Leicia
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