Two Canadian soldiers and another from the NATO coalition in Afghanistan died Monday in a helicopter crash !
Master Cpl. Patrice Audet Cpl. Martin Joannette
It has been an extremely difficult week here in Kandahar, Canadian commander Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance said early Tuesday. We all are feeling a great sense of loss.
The crash occurred at about 1:50 p.m. local time at an American forward operating base in Zabul province, about 80 kilometres northeast of Kandahar city, and was not related to insurgent activity, the military said.
Cpl. Martin Joannette died in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan that was not the result enemy fire, but may have been caused by mechanical failure or human error. (DND)The Zabul base is outside Canada's main sphere of operations, but the crew was apparently on a transport mission.
Three other Canadian soldiers, whose names weren't disclosed in keeping with military policy, were injured. Two of them have already returned to work while the third one was in stable condition at the hospital at the Kandahar Airfield.The home country of the third coalition soldier was not identified.
Vance described Audet as a charismatic man who always knew the right words to put a smile on someone's face and as a big man with a gentle heart.
Joannette had a heart of gold and a remarkable generosity, Vance said. He was a proud and devoted infantryman who excelled in adversity.
Cela a t une semaine absolument terrible pour le Canada et des Canadiens. Hearfelt le plus profond sympaties et les condolances aux aims des hommes a tu. En servant le Canada et l'OTAN.
This has been an absolutely terrible week for Canada and Canadians. Deepest hearfelt sympaties and condolences to the loved ones of the men killed. While serving Canada and NATO.
Griffon overflying Kandahar.
Nil Sine Labore
Robby
