Two Canadian soldiers have died in Afghanistan after a bomb exploded west of Kandahar city. An Afghan policeman and interpreter were also killed in the blast.
The soldiers had been conducting security operations in the volatile Panjwaii district, where Canadian troops have repeatedly fought against Taliban gunmen.
The military has identified the slain soldiers as:
Sgt. Greg John Kruse from the 24 Field Squadron, 2 Combat Engineer Regiment based in Petawawa, Ont. He was serving as a member of 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment battle group
Warrant Officer Gaeten Joseph Roberge, a member of the Royal 22nd Regiment who was serving with the Irish Regiment of Canada in Sudbury, Ont. He was serving in Afghanistan to help train the country's national police force.
All our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of these fine men. They have not died in vain, but rather as heroes of Canada and the beliefs of most Canadians.
This information with regard to Jill Kruse was sent to me by my oldest friend from the start of our days as Boy Soldiers in 1960 Bruce Bellamy another retired Vet Thanks Bruce for this column.
Sgt Kruse's wife is a Sun Columnist in Ottawa here is her story..She is a fine representative of the Invisible army
By Jill KrusecheckCookie();
As the wife of a military man going on 12 years now, deployment is certainly not a new concept. My combat engineer has served twice in Bosnia and once in Africa. But no matter what's gone on before, nothing can prepare my three little girls or me for this one. Prepare him, yes. He's getting plenty of prep for the Ghan. Each month-long training session further equips him for the mission ahead, but brings us closer to the moment I dread: That final send-off. And yet, I sometimes find myself half wishing he was already on the mission so we can all just get it over with.
These are the random thoughts and fears of one Canadian military wife facing her duty here at home. Keepers of the home fires, they call us. Before I digress, I want to state I do support this mission and the soldiers who are risking their lives for it. I believe most military spouses go through at least some of the emotional turmoil I am experiencing. I just have a forum to express it.
My first thought was: This is not what I signed up for. But I can't think like that. Not without some guilt. I've had lots of conversations with my soldier and others to know that this is what he signed up for, and by marrying him then, well, that's just what you accept going in.
But when we said I do back in June 1996, there was no 9/11, no war in Iraq, no terrorists in Afghanistan. His comrades were not coming home in boxes on a regular basis. I was cautiously optimistic that he wouldn't have to face real combat. After all, he's a peacekeeper.
Then 9/11 happened. It changed everything.
I understand my soldier's need to do what he's trained for. I know I would be suffering if I were always in training to be a writer, always forgoing the ultimate pleasure of being published. This is what he suffers, waiting, day after day, year after year, for his moment to shine. I get that.
But, this time it's different. On this tour, he faces real danger. Real conflict. Real roadside bombs and deadly suicide attacks -- daily.
He and other military friends and spouses are eager to reassure me that his training will protect him. I really want to believe that. But, damn, it's hard. How can his training protect him from crazy suicide bombers and hidden IE devices? It's not the insurgents killing our soldiers. It's this (expletive) Taliban form of Russian roulette!
As a mom and a woman who's facing the real possibility of losing the man I love and our future as a family in this almighty battle for freedom and justice, I really struggle with letting him go. But I know I have to accept it. I have to believe it's for a good cause. Otherwise, I am doomed before his tour even begins. I remind myself that these poor people deserve to live in peace; their children deserve to have what my children have. These women deserve to pursue their dreams. What if it were me? Wouldn't I want his help? Of course. I just want somebody else to do it.
A voice in my selfish heart calls out; the one who's absolutely terrified to lose him. The voice is screaming NO! I don't want to think about the importance of the mission or the needs of the Afghan people. Forgetting for a moment the absolute horror of 9/11, I just want him home, safe with us.
Then I remind myself of the stats in our favour; of how fortunate we've been so far. Thousands of our soldiers have served and survived this mission two and three times. I speak daily with a friend whose husband is on his third tour. Her positive attitude and cheerful disposition inspires me to accept what's coming and face it with strong resolve, with genuine courage. My soldier has that in spades.
So, this is what I must do. I have to believe in his training, accept the altruistic goal of the mission, and have faith God will protect him and bring him home alive. Because, in the end, what it all comes down to is that as his wife he needs my support more than anything.
So here it is. Sgt. Gregory Kruse, you are the bravest person I know. Period. You are our hero. May God guide and protect you in your service and help me find the courage to support you despite my fears and my desire to pretend Afghanistan and countries like it do not exist.
-->
Nil Sine labore
Robby
