Yet another Canadian has given his life in order to bring Freedom and Democracy to the people of Afghanistan. May he Rest In Peace and may his loved ones gain strength for the Lord during this grievous time.
FILE--Canadian Trooper Larry Rudd is shown in a military handout photo. Trooper Rudd, 26, was killed by an improvised explosive device at 12:30 p.m. local time Monday near the village of Salavat, about 20 kilometres southwest of Kandahar city. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Department of National DefenceFILE--Canadian Trooper Larry Rudd is shown in a military handout photo. Trooper Rudd, 26, was killed by an improvised explosive device at 12:30 p.m. local time Monday near the village of Salavat, about 20 kilometres southwest of Kandahar city. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Department of National DefenceFILE--
Trooper Larry Rudd is the latest Canadian soldier to be killed in Afghanistan.
Rudd, 26, died Monday while on a resupply patrol to deliver supplies and equipment to Canadian soldiers near the village of Salavat, about 20 kilometres southwest of Kandahar City. He was killed by an improvised explosive device.
A native of Brantford, Ont., Rudd was with the Royal Canadian Dragoons based at CFB Petawawa in Ontario.
Rudd was a go-to soldier who always put the needs of his family, friends and fellow soldiers before his own, said Col. Simon Hetherington, Deputy Commander of Task Force Kandahar.
Rudd never complained, regardless of the hardships he and his crew endured, and was mature well beyond his rank and experience, demonstrating enormous potential, Hetherington added.
He was dynamic and motivated; generous and outgoing, Hetherington said. And despite his intimidating size, he was considered the Gentle Giant within his squadron, within the armoured corps and certainly within his regiment.
Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean also saluted Rudds bravery: It is with the utmost respect that we honour his contributions and that of his fellow members of the Royal Canadian Dragoons, always ready to serve their country and give their all in response to the call of duty and for freedom. Read more: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/Canadian+trooper+killed+Afghanistan/3065442/story.html#ixzz0ot8E1XqR
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued a statement offering condolences to Rudd's loved ones.
We are deeply saddened by your loss. Please be reassured by knowing that the country stands behind you in these most trying times, Harper said.
The commitment and sacrifice demonstrated by the brave men and women of the Canadian Forces is a great source of pride to all Canadians. We are eternally grateful for the sacrifices made by Trooper Rudd. He will not be forgotten.
Defence Minister Peter MacKay called Rudd's death a tragic loss for the Canadian Forces and all of Canada.
May Trooper Rudd rest in peace his duty done, as his brothers prepare for his repatriation home to the arms of his Loved ones.
Family gathered on Monday evening at the home of Trooper Rudds mother, Helen Zuidema. Bill Zuidema said his sister and other family members were still reeling from getting the news earlier that day, and couldnt talk.
Historically The Royal Canadian Dragoons lost another trooper by the name of Trooper Earl Rudd, a casualty of the Second World War. Killed in action 3 Sept 1944.
Nil Sine Labore
Robby
