3 Canadian Soldiers Killed in Attack
From left to right: Pte. Chadwick James Horn, Cpl. Michael James Alexander Seggie and Cpl. Andrew Paul Grenon. The deaths of the three Canadian soldiers come less than two weeks after three other soldiers were killed by a roadside bomb in the volatile Zhari district.
Five others wounded one critically. I am certain our prayers go out to all of these young men both the wounded and the three who have paid the ultimate price. May their families and loved ones know that Canada is saddened at the loss of these young soldiers.
The brave soldiers killed today were coming to the end of their tour, Brig.-Gen. Denis Thompson told reporters in Kandahar. It saddens me to think of their loved ones, who were expecting them to return home later this month.
Cpl. Andrew Grenon, Cpl. Mike Seggie and Pte. Chad Horn were killed in the Zhari district of Afghanistan's southern Kandahar province.
Thompson said when the insurgents attacked the soldiers at about 9:30 a.m., the Canadians returned fire. Even the wounded soldiers pulled themselves out of the armoured vehicle and started firing back.
The eight soldiers were rushed out of the area, and three were pronounced dead at the Kandahar Airfield.
Thompson praises skills of 3 dead
Thompson said the three dead were all members of 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry battle group, based in Shilo, Man.
Andrew, Mike and Chad gave their all in support of the mission, Thompson said. We will honour their memory by remaining steadfast in our efforts to help the people of Afghanistan.
He said Grenon, 23, was on his second tour in Afghanistan and had been wounded in a previous battle. Grenon brought confidence to those around him and inspired the first tour guys, making them feel safe, Thompson said.
Seggie, 21, came from a family of Patricias, as both his father and uncle served with the regiment, Thompson said. He said Seggie, who was cool under fire, had a great attitude and would often make himself the butt of a joke just to get a laugh out of his comrades.
Thompson said Seggie had learned several Pashtun phrases in order to communicate better with the local population in Afghanistan.
Horn was a professional, hard-working soldier, Thompson said. At 21, he had unlimited potential and was admired by his peers. Thompson said Horn was considered the best gunner in the company and was credited with saving the lives of many of his comrades during his time in Afghanistan because of his ability to act under fire.
This is a very sad day for our task force as we reflect on the lives of our brothers in arms, Thompson said. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the soldiers killed or injured in this attack.
Thompson said one of the injured soldiers is in critical condition and another in serious, but stable condition. Two are in good condition, and one has been treated and released from medical care.
The three deaths come exactly two weeks after three other soldiers were killed by a roadside bomb in the same volatile Zhari district.
With the latest deaths, the number of Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan has risen to 96. Canada launched its Afghan mission in February 2002, and about 2,500 Canadian soldiers are now serving in the war-torn country, most of them in the volatile south.
In my earlier Blog I spoke of Ramadan and the policy in Pakistan of ceasing attacks during Ramadan. Well this certainly proves that the insurgents are not true believers in Islam but rather murderous gangsters of the lowest species on earth.
The Taliban are insidious by their very nature they kill their own civilians, they use women and children as shields, so intimidation is what they deal in daily,
As a canadian and as a former soldier my heart bleeds everytime I hear of the death of another of Canada's young people. These young men gave their all for the freedom of people they had probably never heard of while in school. Yet they continue to go forth and do Canada Proud. God bless them one and all. Condolences to their families, loved ones friends and their brothers in arms.
On another matter at home in Canada, I am pleased to pass this link on to all readers concerning the Soldier On Programme this is very important to our wounded heroes.
Good Day to all once again; Just received the link from the Canadian Paralympic Committee Wish Good Luck to a Canadian Paralympian. Pass the link on to your friends and lets make sure Steve gets the most messages. http://www.paralympic.ca/page?a=2152lang=en-CA
Nil Sine Labore
Robby
