CANADIAN CONVOY IN AFGHANISTAN

Canadian convoy travels through 'Ambush Alley'

Updated Sat. Oct. 28 2006 11:32 PM ET
Paul Workman, South Asia Bureau Chief, CTV News

AFGHANISTAN -- The ramp comes up and we're locked inside a Canadian Forces "Bison," an armored vehicle that's uncomfortable, dark and as the day moves forward, increasingly warm. Sweatingly warm. There is one tiny window out the back but you really can't see anything. You're wearing a helmet and a heavy flak jacket, and in spite of it all, the ride makes you feel sleepy.

Perhaps it's the tension. You're in a Canadian military convoy moving down the highway toward Kandahar City and there's more than a chance of being hit by a roadside bomb, or a suicide attack. It could be a yellow and white Corolla taxi, it could be a truck packed with explosives, or it could be a motorcycle with a bomb hidden under the driver's clothes. The soldiers in the convoy have seen it all, or at least been warned to expect it all.

Sgt. Guindo says 'We don't go outside saying we're going to get hit today, but we know it's a very good possibility.'

Sergeant Abdoul Guindo is commander of the convoy and he's in the lead vehicle, a heavily armored beetle of a thing called an RG31. He's sitting up high, there's a gunner directly behind, and at least it has windows. Very thick, bullet proof windows. The soldiers with him are constantly scanning the road for strange behavior, certain kinds of vehicles they've been told to watch for. Certain kinds of vehicles with only a driver and no passengers, often the mark of a suicide "martyr." The convoy hogs the middle of the highway, forcing cars on to the shoulder. Nothing is allowed to pass. Often they fire warning shots at vehicles that come too fast or too close.

"We don't go outside saying we're going to get hit today," says Sgt Guindo, "but we know it's a very good possibility."

They travel the same roads, go to the same places,

and it's often impossible to avoid the danger and congestion of downtown Kandahar.

And he knows better than most. There have been "incidents" involving 15 of the convoys he's commanded, with nobody killed and only two soldiers wounded. Yes, 15. "We have our own little things that we look for, but the enemy is not by any means stupid. They're technically a chameleon, so he's constantly changing."

Some days are more tense than others, when there have been specific warnings, but the truth is, every time these supply trucks and armored vehicles leave the safety of their compounds, they become a target for the Taliban. They travel the same roads, go to the same places, and it's often impossible to avoid the danger and congestion of downtown Kandahar, or the stretch of road father west known as "Ambush Alley." Convoy duty is usually the mundane part of military life. Not in southern Afghanistan.

"I don't know if I'd call it nerve-wracking. It's just something that has to be done," says Guindo. "We fully expect it's not 'if' but 'when' it's going to happen, but you put that in the back of your mind, keep it there in a safe place and do your job."

Master Corporal John Russell says 'Every time I leave the main base camp, I get the butterflies. Every time.'

The commander of our Bison is Master Corporal John Russell. He stands in the hatch during the entire journey, exposed from the chest up. That's his job. His head is always scanning the street, there's a machine gun mounted to his left, and he telephones his family every time he comes home safely from a convoy. It's a gut-wrenching experience that leaves him mentally exhausted. And then he does it again.

"Every time I leave the main base camp," he says, "I get the butterflies. Every time."
About half an hour out of the camp we enter the outskirts of Kandahar. That's when the tension really begins to mount and the likelihood of an attack becomes much greater. The streets are crowded, and the convoy is forced to slow down and tighten its formation so that a suicide bomber has little chance of breaking in. But of course they do. John Russell has been on four convoys that were hit.

"My heart rate goes about triple the speed with all the adrenalin rush," he says. "The first thing that comes to mind, 'was it my vehicle?' because you don't really know, and then 'is everybody alright?' That's what you want to know, and after that, everything falls into place."

Patrol Base Wilson, safe behind its concrete blast walls, razor-wire fence and gun towers.

We make it through Kandahar, then spread out and driver faster, down "Ambush Alley," finally turning in at Patrol Base Wilson, safe behind its concrete blast walls, razor-wire fence and gun towers. The soldiers believe the Eid-al-Fitr holiday at the end of Ramadan has perhaps offered them a break from the constant threat of attack. But they know it will start again.
"An uneventful day," says Sergeant Guindo, "is a good day."

He's a reserve soldier, and in real life studies economics at the University of Ottawa. In fact, all of the soldiers in his unit come from the reserves. For the next hour or two, they lounge in the shade, grab a bite of rations, waiting to load up for the return journey.

For the next hour or two, soldiers lounge in the shade, grab a bite of rations, and wait to load up for the return journey.

"Kandahar is very, very, very congested," says Guindo. "You have to be vigilant at all times." He has friends in the Battle Group, soldiers on the front-line, who wouldn't touch the job he's doing. They call his convoys "invitations" for suicide bombers.

"We're not on the front lines," he says, "but we do go to very, very hectic places." That's surely an understatement. "Some of the loads, all of the loads we deliver are vital. It has to be done."
So, back they go through "Ambush Alley," over the bridge that's been a favorite spot for roadside bombs and then once again, into the chaos of downtown Kandahar. Past the place where Canadian diplomat Glynn Berry was killed in a suicide attack.

They drive back over the bridge that's been a favorite spot for roadside bombs.

Past more craters and ruts in the pavement that mark other fatal ambushes. "This is creepy," says Guindo to his driver. They roar through the city, constantly honking the horn, forcing traffic out of their way, followed by thousands of turning Afghan heads. And finally, up ahead are the city's famous double arches and once you're past them, it usually means safety.

The convoy passes through. It's been an uneventful day, as Sgt Guindo says. And that's good.

INTERESTING STATS ABOUT AFGHANISTAN

Afghanistan, by the numbers
Last Updated November 6, 2006
CBC News

Canadian troops in Afghanistan

There are currently three Canadian Forces operations in Afghanistan.
The largest is Operation Athena with 2,286 troops. This is Canada's contribution to NATO's International Security Assistance Force. According to the Canadian Forces, this operation includes:
* A battle group of 970 in Kandahar.
* 200 CF members with the Multi-National Brigade Headquarters and Signal Squadron in Kandahar.

* 300 CF members with the National Command Element in Kandahar.
* 300 CF members in the National Support Element in Kandahar.
* 250 CF members with the Theatre Support Element in southwest Asia.
* 70 Health Service Support personnel at the Multinational Medical Unit at Kandahar airfield.
* The Provincial Reconstruction Team in Kandahar of approximately 220 military and civilian personnel.

The two other CF operations in Afghanistan are:

* Operation Archer, 35 soldiers involved in training and in the transition of security responsibilities to the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police as part of Canada's contribution to the U.S.-led Operation Enduring Freedom.

* Operation Argus, 15 members of the CF called the Strategic Advisory Team, which works with the Afghan government to develop national strategies.
According to Esprit de Corps magazine, an estimated 200 members of the secretive Joint Task Force Two were expected to conduct special forces operations in Afghanistan in 2006.
The number of Canadian soldiers who have served in Afghanistan is approaching 10,000.
As of October 2006, 42 Canadian soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan.

Cost of Canada's mission

The military costs for the mission in Afghanistan reached $1.8 billion in May 2006, or about $1.45 million per day of the mission. The costs are projected to exceed $3 billion by 2009.
Canada's spending for development in Afghanistan up to May 2006 was $466 million. By 2011, it is expected to reach $1 billion.

Tim Hortons in Afghanistan

Establishing a Tim Hortons location in Kandahar has cost about $1.1 million for the first 12 months, according to the Department of National Defence.
The Kandahar location serves more than 1,000 cups of coffee a day to more than 7,000 personnel from Canada and other countries.

Other countries involved in ISAF

According to the International Security Assistance Force, there are 31,000 troops from 37 nations involved in the mission.
The contributions of nations other than Canada to the ISAF:

Country & Troops

Albania 30
Australia 200
Austria 5
Azerbaijan 20
Belgium 300
Bulgaria 150
Croatia 120
Czech Republic 100
Denmark 320
Estonia 90
Finland 100
France 1,000
Macedonia 120
Germany 2,750
Greece 180
Hungary 200
Iceland 15
Ireland 10
Italy 1,800
Latvia 35
Lithuania 135
Luxembourg 10
Netherlands 2,100
New Zealand 100
Norway 350
Poland 10
Portugal 180
Romania 750
Slovakia 60
Slovenia 50
Spain 625
Sweden 350
Switzerland 5
Turkey 475
United Kingdom 5,200
United States 11,250

Troop numbers are based on broad contribution and do not reflect the exact numbers on the ground at any one time.

Local forces in Afghanistan

* Number of members of the Afghan National Police: 55,000.
* Number of members of the Afghan National Army: 30,000.
* Pay given to the ANA: $4 a day.
* Pay given to part-time fighters for the Taliban: between $12 and $14 a day.

A SAD GOODBYE TO A FATHER AND SOLDIER

RSM Robert Girouard - KIA -

probably the first RSM to be killed in action since WWII.

This is the poem that was written by his 20 yr old daughter and read during his Memorial Service at CFB Petawawa 6th December, 2006.

"Dear Daddy,
I did not believe them,
When they told me you were gone.
It did not feel real.
It felt so, so wrong.
God took you away from us,
Without seeming to care.
Your family needs you Daddy
It does not seem fair.
We are not revengeful,
We are not even cross.
We just feel so sad
Because your presence has been lost
Yes, you will be with us,
Yes, your memories remain.
It just doesn't seem worth it,
Not seeing you march off that plane.
We'll miss you forever,
But you will miss so much.
How can we live without you?
Without your support, your love, your touch?
We need you Daddy.
We are not ready to go on.
Even though you taught us well,
We are not that brave, not that strong.
You were a soldier, lover, Father and friend.
We are so proud of everything you do.
We will try to live just like you,
To your memory we will be true.
Its just so hard to believe that you are gone You can't be gone for good. You had been our rock for so long, That our family has been unglued.
Don't feel bad for us.
Think of us with pride.
We'll be ok without you,
We may just have a really hard time.
Think of us, wherever you may be.
We will think of you with love.
We'll remember that you are free,
And you died for all of us."

Pro Patria

CHRISTMAS IS CANCELLED

DON'T WORRY KIDDIES...HE WILL HAVE HIS ELVES DELIVER THE TOYS. HE IS ONLY DOING HIS PART BECAUSE HE RESIDES IN CANADA HE ONLY THOUGHT THAT HE SHOULD BE WITH THOSE WHO REALLY NEED HIM.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TROOPS!!!

QW - Marine Corps Come-back

Marine Corp's General Reinwald was interviewed on the radio the other day and you have to read his reply to the lady who interviewed him concerning guns and children. Regardless of how you feel about gun laws you gotta love this!!!! This is one of the best comeback lines of all time. It is a portion of National Public Radio (NPR) interview between a female broadcaster and US Marine Corps General Reinwald who was about to sponsor a Boy Scout Troopvisiting his military installation.

FEMALE INTERVIEWER: So, General Reinwald, what things are you going to teach these young boys when they visit your base?

GENERAL REINWALD: We're going to teach them climbing, canoeing, archery, and shooting.

FEMALE INTERVIEWER: Shooting! That's a bit irresponsible, isn't it?

GENERAL REINWALD: I don't see why, they'll be properly supervised on the rifle range.

FEMALE INTERVIEWER: Don't you admit that this is a terribly dangerous activity to be teaching children?

GENERAL REINWALD: I don't see how. We will be teaching them proper rifle discipline before they even touch a firearm.

FEMALE INTERVIEWER: But you're equipping them to become violent killers.

GENERAL REINWALD: Well, Ma'am, you're equipped to be a prostitute, but you're not one, are you?

The radio went silent and the interview ended.

You gotta love the Marines!

A TRIBUTE TO CANADA

...it took someone in England to put it into words...

an article from the "Sunday Telegraph"

From today's UK wires:

SALUTE TO A BRAVE AND MODEST NATION

- Kevin Myers, The Sunday Telegraph

LONDON - Until the deaths last week of four Canadian soldiers accidentally killed by a U.S. warplane in Afghanistan, probably almost no one outside their home country had been aware that Canadian troops were deployed in the region. And as always, Canada will now bury its dead, just as the rest of the world as always will forget its sacrifice, just as it always forgets nearly everything Canada ever does.

It seems that Canada's historic mission is to come to the selfless aid both of its friends and of complete strangers, and then, once the crisis is over, to be well and truly ignored. Canada is
the perpetual wallflower that stands on the edge of the hall, waiting for someone to come and ask her for a dance. A fire breaks out, she risks life and limb to rescue her fellow dance-goers, and suffers serious injuries. But when the hall is repaired and the dancing resumes, there is Canada, the wallflower still, while those she once helped glamorously cavort across the floor, blithely neglecting her yet again.

That is the price Canada pays for sharing the North American continent with the United States, and for being a selfless friend of Britain in two global conflicts. For much of the 20th century,
Canada was torn in two different directions: It seemed to be a part of the old world, yet had an address in the new one, and that divided identity ensured that it never fully got the gratitude it deserved.

Yet its purely voluntary contribution to the cause of freedom in two world wars was perhaps the greatest of any democracy. Almost 10% of Canada's entire population of seven million people served in the armed forces during the First World War, and nearly 60,000 died. The great Allied victories of 1918 were spearheaded by Canadian troops, perhaps the most capable soldiers in the entire British order of battle.

Canada was repaid for its enormous sacrifice by downright neglect, its unique contribution to victory being absorbed into the popular Memory as somehow or other the work of the "British."
The Second World War provided a re-run. The Canadian navy began the war with a half dozen vessels, and ended up policing nearly half of the Atlantic against U-boat attack. More than 120 Canadian warships participated in the Normandy landings, during which 15,000 Canadian
soldiers went ashore on D-Day alone. Canada finished the war with the third-largest navy and the fourth-largest air force in the world.

The world thanked Canada with the same sublime indifference as it had the previous time. Canadian participation in the war was acknowledged in film only if it was necessary to give an
American actor a part in a campaign in which the United States had clearly not participated - a touching scrupulousness which, of course, Hollywood has since abandoned, as it has any notion of a separate Canadian identity.

So it is a general rule that actors and filmmakers arriving in Hollywood keep their nationality - unless, that is, they are Canadian. Thus Mary Pickford, Walter Huston, Donald Sutherland, Michael J. Fox, William Shatner, Norman Jewison, David Cronenberg, Alex Trebek, Art Linkletter and Dan Aykroyd have in the popular perception become American, and Christopher Plummer, British. It is as if, in the very act of becoming famous, a Canadian ceases to be Canadian, unless she is Margaret Atwood, who is as unshakably Canadian as a moose, or Celine
Dion, for whom Canada has proved quite unable to find any takers.

Moreover, Canada is every bit as querulously alert to the achievements of its sons and daughters as the rest of the world is completely unaware of them. The Canadians proudly say of themselves - and are unheard by anyone else - that 1% of the world's population has provided 10% of the world's peacekeeping forces. Canadian soldiers in the past half century have been the greatest peacekeepers on Earth - in 39 missions on UN mandates, and six on non-UN peacekeeping duties, from Vietnam to East Timor, from Sinai to Bosnia.

Yet the only foreign engagement that has entered the popular on-Canadian imagination was the sorry affair in Somalia, in which out-of-control paratroopers murdered two Somali infiltrators.
Their regiment was then disbanded in disgrace - a uniquely Canadian act of self-abasement for which, naturally, the Canadians received no international credit.

So who today in the United States knows about the stoic and selfless friendship its northern neighbour has given it in Afghanistan? Rather like Cyrano de Bergerac, Canada repeatedly does
honourable things for honourable motives, but instead of being thanked for it, it remains something of a figure of fun.

It is the Canadian way, for which Canadians should be proud, yet such honour comes at a high cost. This week, four more grieving Canadian families knew that cost all too tragically well.

Pro Patria, Kevin

BOH

QW - War.....Civil?

"How is it possible to have a civil .......... war?"

- George Carlin

A CHRITMAS STORY: THE SOLDIER & SANTA

Soldier Of Honour

'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMA S, HE LIVED ALL ALONE, IN A ONE
BEDROOM HOUSE MADE OF PLASTER AND STONE.

I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE, AND TO SEE JUST
WHO IN THIS HOME DID LIVE.

I LOOKED ALL ABOUT, A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE, NO TINSEL, NO
PRESENTS, NOT EVEN A TREE.

NO STOCKING BY MANTLE, JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND, ON THE WALL HUNG
PICTURES OF FAR DISTANT LANDS.

WITH MEDALS AND BADGES, AWARDS OF ALL KINDS, A SOBER THOUGHT CAME
THROUGH MY MIND.

FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT, IT WAS DARK AND DREARY, I FOUND THE
HOME OF A SOLDIER, ONCE I COULD SEE CLEARLY.

THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING, SILENT, ALONE, CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR IN
THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME.

THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE, THE ROOM IN SUCH DISORDER, NOT HOW I
PICTURED A CANADIAN SOLDIER.

WAS THIS THE HERO OF WHOM I'D JUST READ?
CURLED UP ON A PONCHO, THE FLOOR FOR A BED?
I REALIZED THE FAMILIES THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT, OWED THEIR LIVES TO
THESE SOLDIERS WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT.

SOON ROUND THE WORLD, THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY, AND GROWNUPS WOULD
CELEBRATE A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY.

THEY ALL ENJOYED FREEDOM EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR, BECAUSE OF THE
SOLDIERS, LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE.

I COULDN'T HELP WONDER HOW MANY LAY ALONE, ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE
IN A & nbsp; LAND FAR FROM HOME.

THE VERY THOUGHT BROUGHT A TEAR TO MY EYE, I DROPPED TO MY KNEES AND
STARTED TO CRY.

THE SOLDIER AWAKENED AND I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE, "SANTA DON'T CRY,
THIS LIFE IS MY CHOICE I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM, I DON'T ASK FOR MORE, MY
LIFE IS MY GOD, MY COUNTRY, MY CORPS."

THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER AND DRIFTED TO SLEEP, I COULDN'T CONTROL IT,
I CONTINUED TO WEEP.

I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS, SO SILENT AND STILL AND WE BOTH SHIVERED
FROM THE COLD NIGHT'S CHILL.

I DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE ON THAT COLD, DARK, NIGHT, THIS GUARDIAN OF
HONOR SO WILLING TO FIGHT.

THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER, WITH A VO ICE SOFT AND PURE,
WHISPERED, "CARRY ON SANTA, IT'S CHRISTMAS DAY, ALL IS SECURE."

AUTHOR UNKNOW

CANADIAN service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities. Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us. Please, do your small part to plant this small seed.

A RETIRED SOLDIER SAYS...

'Canadians have not earned the right to share our grief'

National Post Thursday, April 27, 2006

As a retired member of the Canadian Armed Forces, I'm disturbed by the media frenzy and the artificial public outcry over the government's decision to restrict the media from CFB Trenton for the arrival of Canadian war dead.

I fully support this decision, and I am ashamed of my fellow Canadians. For the past dozen years, when the Liberals were decimating the Canadian military, there was no public outcry. There was no media frenzy. You did not care. Canadians have -- due to their self-centred, insatiable demand for social programs -- wilfully neglected the men and the women of the Canadian Forces and allowed the federal government, under the Liberals, to gut the Canadian military. And now the media and other pundits wish to share in the grief of the military families for their fallen ones?

Where were the public outcry and the media frenzy over the government's obvious agenda to emasculate the Canadian Forces? There was no outcry when the air force was arbitrarily cut due to lack of resources; no outcry that the army, cut to the bone, is now unable to survive on a modern high-tech battlefield; and there has been not been a word over the decimation of the once-proud Canadian navy.

In short, there has been no outcry that the Canadian Forces cannot fulfill its mission to defend Canada.The Canadian media -- and Canadians -- have not earned the right to share our grief. Shame on the Canadian media, and shame on Canadians.

Ian Parker, Carleton Place, Ont.

A PRAYER FOR THE SOLDIERS

Prayer request ..............
According to the weather reports, it is my understanding that it is 122 degrees in Afghanistan right now -- and the low will be 111! Our troops need our prayers for strength, endurance, and safety. If it be God's will, give these men and women the strength they need to prevail. I am sorry, but I am not breaking this one.....Let us pray. payer chain for our> Military..please don't break it...Please send this on ater a short prayer. Pray for our soldiers...

Prayer

"Lord, please hold our troops in your loving hands.

Protect them as they protect us.

Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they

perform for us in our time of need. Amen."

Prayer Request: When you receive this, please stop for a moment and say a prayer for our troops around the world. There is nothing attached. Just send this to all the people you know.

Do not let it stop with you, please. Of all the gifts you could give a Canadian Soldier, Sailor, Airman, deployed in harm's way,

Prayer is the very best one.

THIS WAS PAST TO ME VIA E-MAIL. SEND IT ALONG IF YOU WISH

AFGHAN RESCUE

This pilot sure earned his pay....

No were esle to land to get the wounded out this pilot improvised and overcame.

SUPPORT FOR THE CANADIAN SOLDIER

Your alarm clock goes off , you hit the snooze and sleep for another 10 minutes.
He stays up for days on end.

You take a warm shower to help you wake up.
He goes days or weeks without running water.

You complain of a "headache", and call in sick.
He gets shot at as others are hit, and keeps moving forward.

You put on your anti war/don't support the troops shirt, and go meet up with your friends. He still fights for your right to wear that shirt.

You make sure you're cell phone is in your pocket.
He clutches the cross hanging on his chain next to his dog tags.

You talk trash about your "buddies" that aren't with you.
He knows he may not see some of his buddies again.

You walk down the beach, staring at all the pretty girls/hot guys. He walks the streets, searching for insurgents and terrorists.

You complain about how hot it is.
He wears his heavy gear, not daring to take off his helmet to wipe his brow.

You go out to lunch, and complain because the restaurant got your order wrong.
He doesn't get to eat today.

Your maid makes your bed and washes your clothes.
He wears the same things for weeks, but makes sure his weapons are clean.

You go to the mall and get your hair redone.
He doesn't have time to brush his teeth today.

You're angry because your class ran 5 minutes over.
He's told he will be held over an extra 2 months.

You call your girlfriend/boyfriend and set a date for tonight. He waits for the mail to see if there is a letter from home.

You hug and kiss your girlfriend/boyfriend, like you do everyday.
He holds his letter close and smells his love's perfume.

You roll your eyes as a baby cries.
He gets a letter with pictures of his new child, and wonders if they'll ever meet.

You criticize your government, and say that war never solves anything.
He sees the innocent tortured and killed by their own people and remembers why he is fighting.

You hear the jokes about the war, and make fun of men like him.
He hears the gunfire, bombs and screams of the wounded.

You see only what the media wants you to see.
He sees the broken bodies lying around him.

You are asked to go to the store by your parents. You don't.
He does exactly what he is told.

You stay at home and watch TV.
He takes whatever time he is given to call, write home, sleep, and eat.

You crawl into your soft bed, with down pillows, and get comfortable.
He crawls under a tank for shade and a 5 minute nap, only to be woken by gunfire.

You sit there and judge him, saying the world is probably a worse place because of men like him. If only there were more men like him!

If you support your troops, send this to everyone you know.
If it gets to another veteran who hasn't received it yet, it will bring back memories.
Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you, Jesus Christ and the Canadian Soldier. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom

THOUGHTS FROM A SOLDIER TO JACK LAYTON

Ole Jack Layton ~ Thoughts From A Soldier

Dear Jack Layton,

You sit there in your quiet home, no fear is in your heart,

You sleep soundly certain that it won't be blown apart.

Your children they can go to school and play out in the park,

They've never seen a bomb explode, heard air raids in the dark.

They've never seen dead bodies piled up on the street,

Your wife, she won't be beaten, treated like a piece of meat.

You are free to form opinions, read any news print you can see,

You enjoy your rights and privileges in this country wide and free.

The reason you can live like that is because I fight your wars,

I fight and push the enemy back, I keep them off our shores.

I am here and you are there pretending you know best.

Well Ole Jack now listen close while I get this off my chest.

You have the right to criticize, you have the right to complain

You don't have the right to drag me down in a stupid political game.

The thing about your rights Ole Jack, the part you can't comprehend

Is you work in the very system, the democracy I defend.

I stand on fences around the world protecting those that need it,

It is not for you to determine Jack whether or not it's worth it.

Ask the people in Afghanistan if they want me to stay,

Women and children depend on me - you say just walk away.

I don't need your changing policy, trying hard to not lose face,

What I need is you behind me, helping protect this place.

You know its hard to do this when I think I'm all alone.

I hear stories of young punks pissing on memorial stones.

I read the papers over here and they tell me what is said.

Canadians are losing faith I can't get it through my head.

You say that it is hopeless, it really brings me down
Don't tell my mother we're losing, don't spread that rumour around.

I'm doing good, were winning here but no-one will believe
Because we are way over here where no one there can see.

Women here can work you see, children starting school.
We built a working government, we've broken Taliban rule.

We are so close to winning this, it's not too far away
History will show that we were in the right to stay.

When that brilliant day arrives, victory you'll claim is ours
You'll forget you said to run away - forget you are a coward.

On that day just thank me for my courage and my trouble,
Find another place that needs help, and send me on the double.

written by Josh Forbes Calgary Alberta

A WOUNDED SOLDIER'S VIEW

It has been 2 month and 2 days since I deployed to Afghanistan, with 8 Platoon, Charles Company, 1 RCR. I was honored, as a reservist augmentee, to be attached to such a great group of probably the best soldiers our country has to offer.

In the three short weeks I was in Afghanistan, I learned more about commitment to my military family than most soldiers learn in a life time. It seemed both unfortunate and amazing that it took battle and blood shed to forge such a strong bond.

It has been 1 month and 12 days since I was wounded and pulled from the battlefield. When I was in the hospital in KAF, I had hoped that I would stay in Afghanistan to recover. Why would I want to stay in such a horrible place that almost claimed my life? I didn’t want to leave my family.

Germany and Toronto (hospitals) were a blur of Morphine, Demerol, Fentanyl, IV lines, wound packing’s, shrapnel removal surgeries, catheters, bad food, and good care. I think back on it and it seems dizzying. But when I close my eyes, only 2 images flash and they take me back to where I’m supposed to be.

I see Panjwayi; the fields of pot. Rockets and bullets. The smell of burning and the heat. Then all I see are the bodies of soldiers I helped carry to the CCP. Two covered by body bags (WO. Richard Nolan, Sgt. Shane Stachnik) and two on stretchers; my platoon warrant (WO Frank Mellish), and a soldier I new only casually from living in the shacks in Petawawa (Pte.Will Cushley)

While at the CCP I find out that a very close friend (from my reserve home unit) had been wounded by shrapnel from Taliban RPGs. His sections LAV had been left on the battlefield. For a long while, I didn’t know how badly he was wounded. (He’s still over there, thus no names) I’ll never forget the feeling; the sense and fear of loss.

I will never forget those who were lost that day.

I try to think of the good times I was privileged enough to have with my Platoon. WO. Mellish made me the unofficial piper of 8 Platoon, (shortly there after; Coy piper) and I played reveille as per his request (and everyone else’s distain) anytime I was able.

In dreams I still hear him shouting “Piper!!! Black Bear!!”… The last tune I played on my pipes… at panjwayi. (I still don’t have them back)

When I close my eyes, I also see the morning after Panjwayi. Sparks, smoke, fire… then the burp of the main gun of the A-10. I remember the feeling of panic as I crawled for my Weapon and PPE, thinking we were under attack. I can still feel the burning on my legs and back, the shock of thinking my legs were gone.

I can see the faces of the injured… the twice wounded soldiers of Charles. I see the face of the soldier who saved my life by applying tourniquets to my legs and stopping the bleeding from my back and arm… (He will remain nameless for now)

From then, everything’s a blur until I’m back in KAF. I remember asking if everyone was ‘ok’... Reaching from my gurney to other wounded soldiers walking by, trying to peace together what had happened… more confusion. I asked again and again…Pte. Mark Graham. An inspirational man whom I only really started to get to know shortly before deploying, a brother in our family of warriors, was dead. My heart sank even more.

Our CSM (who was also wounded) came over to me and asked if I was going to be able to play the pipes for the ramp ceremony the following day. I held up my right hand, which was numb, and looked at my fingers. The tips of 2 of them looked like they had been chewed up in a blender. I felt tears run down my face. Not because I thought I’d never play again, but because I couldn’t play for my departed brothers the next day… I would have given both of my hands and more for their lives.

I had hoped to attend the ramp ceremony the next day, even if I couldn’t play, but I couldn’t move my legs and they couldn’t put me in a wheel chair because of the shrapnel in my back. I was sedated that day, and came to on the plane to Germany.

I couldn’t attend any of the funerals of my fallen family, and I feel no closure.

It has been a month and 12 days since I lost my brothers in Panjwayi and it might as well have been yesterday.

When I close my eyes at night I not only see the ones who have paid the ultimate price, but also the ones who are still there… and I feel as though I am betraying them.

My life seems to be dragging me on. My fiancé and I are planning our wedding and future. My family and I get together often. I’ve been able to socialize with my friends… and yet each thing I do here makes me feel guilty, because I shouldn’t be here to enjoy this.

I wake up every day and plan and plot. I think of only one thing; how can I get back to my family… How can I get back to Afghanistan? My wounds are almost healed. Only 3 holes left and they’re almost closed. I can walk pretty well now, but I need to run.

My family and friends don’t understand. They don’t want me to go back. My fiancé has threatened to end our relationship if I chose to return… and yet this doesn’t dissuade me. I have to get back to my boys. I have to get back and do my part no matter the cost to me. I love my family here in Canada, but no one’s shooting at them.

Every time I see more soldiers killed over there a piece of me dies, and I feel the urge to return grow stronger. And each day I enjoy in my freedom here, I feel as though I have betrayed their memory. I need to finish my job over there. I need to go back.

I can only think of the families of those who have died, and I can only say this, and hope it provides some solace: A warrior’s sword is made from the finest steel, forged by hammer and anvil to create and edge, baptized in hot coals and flame for strength, then quenched in cold water to harden it.

Our brotherhood of Warriors, the finest of men, has been forged by Battle; Baptized by fire and Quenched by tears…

We became and will always be a fraternity of blood with a bond stronger than death.

Pro Patria

I hate to rant, but I need to vent. It’s been a hard road, and I know there are a few others here who have seen it and may or may not feel the same (HoM).

This is a post taken from http://www.army.ca/ of Injured Canadian Solider from the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry who served with the 1RCR

ONE AIRFORCE OPINION: Responce to "A Wounded Slodier's View"

People ask me Why would you want to leave the Air Force and Volunteer to go to Afghanistan. This Canadian Warrior says it well,

"Every time I see more soldiers killed over there a piece of me dies, and I feel the urge to return grow stronger. And each day I enjoy in my freedom here, I feel as though I have betrayed their memory. I need to finish my job over there. I need to go back."

Every time I see more killed or injured over there a piece of me hurts, Why should they go ....and not me......Why should they suffer, and not me .....because I'm in the Air Force and that's not my job?? I am a Soldier First......In this time that the CF is crying for Troops and requires more numbers for Relief. Whether Canadian's need to be there or not, those are not my decisions, it is not my place to comment. There are Canadian Soldiers there, and they need me, and others like me. They need the chance to finish their tours and come home and be with their families, they need the chance to come home and sit and do nothing, right now they don't have that chance as once this tour ends they know that in 6 - 9 months training begins again, and again over they go. But if Guys like me volunteer, then somebody, maybe just one person or one Section, one Platoon....Won't have to.

To all those who are serving now and don't agree with me....Why did you join? For a pay check? If our Veterans of WWI WW2 and Korea signed up just for a pay check we wouldn't have the freedom we have today. Now I understand that this is a different type of war but then we are still the same team, the Canadian Forces. Whether this war will stop Terrorism I can't say? Will it bring a new way of life for the Afghan People Hopefully....But What is Freedom? What does Freedom mean to you? Canada is a Free Country Right? Are our Soldiers Free right now to do what they want? Can they sit at home as I am right now without fear of being shot at? I am Canadian Soldier what allows me that freedom and not them? That's where freedom starts with me. I am Volunteering my freedom so that another Canadian Soldier that is having his freedom jepordized right now can have his back in Canada. I will pick up the Fight For Freedom of Terrorism, I will assist in the efforts of Freedom for the Afghan people. But When I get deployed to Afghanistan I will have won the battle on Freedom for at least 1 of my brothers in arms. He will have his family and his freedom returned in Canada.

Ubique

Once a Gunner Always a Gunner!

This is a post taken from http://www.army.ca/ of Injured Canadian Solider from the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry who served with the 1RCR

Gunner, I salute you.

SUICIDE (COWARD BOMBER) KILLS 2 MORE IN AFGHANISTAN

Two Canadian soldiers were killed in southern Afghanistan on Monday when a suicide car bomber attacked a convoy of military vehicles on the outskirts of Kandahar city, NATO officials said.

The Department of National Defence has not officially released the soldiers' names, but one of the men has been identified in reports as Sgt. Major Bob Girouard, 46, originally from Bathurst, N.B. The other soldier has not been named, but both were based in Petawawa, Ont.
Girouard, married with three children, had joined the militia in Bathurst when he was 17 and then moved on to the army.

He spent 29 years in the infantry and was stationed in Germany, Kosovo, Bosnia, Afghanistan and also served with NATO in various European countries.

He was based in Petawawa and had just been home for four weeks where he and his family had the opportunity to celebrate Christmas when he was home.

He returned to Afghanistan on Nov. 22 for what was to be his last posting overseas. He was scheduled to leave Afghanistan on Feb. 28.

Last Updated: Monday, November 27, 2006 11:47 AM ET
CBC News

LEST WE FORGET - In Flanders Fields

IN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.


Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)

QW - the Truth About Bravery

"Bravery is being the only one who knows you're afraid."

- Col. David H. Hackworth

2 CANADIAN SOLDIERS KILLED IN AFGANI AMBUSH

Two Canadian soldiers were killed in southern Afghanistan on Saturday after militants ambushed them with rocket-propelled grenades and gunfire.

Two soldiers were also wounded Saturday afternoon in the battle in Kandahar province, Canadian military officials said. The soldiers are in stable condition and their injuries are not considered life-threatening.

'The Taliban don't like roads because roads mean progress,' said Brig.-Gen. David Fraser. 'Whatever they destroy, we will rebuild.'(CBC)The soldiers were working on a road that would offer safer passage from the volatile Panjwaii district to Kandahar when they were attacked. The road, Highway 1, is often referred to by Canadian soldiers as "Ambush Alley."

"The operational report we're getting is that it was a single rocket-propelled grenade that hit one of our strongpoints," said Col. Fred Lewis, the deputy commander of Canadian troops in Afghanistan.

The soldiers' identities and hometowns were not released.


'Whatever they destroy, we will rebuild'

The deaths of the soldiers brings the number of Canadian military fatalities in Afghanistan to 42.
The attack occurred in the same area around the road where several Canadian soldiers have been killed in recent weeks. Taliban militants have been stepping up attacks in the country's south, particularly in Kandahar and Helmand provinces.

"The Taliban don't like roads because roads mean progress," said Brig.-Gen. David Fraser, the Canadian and NATO commander in southern Afghanistan, in a news conference at Kandahar airbase Saturday after the attack.

"That progress will be challenged every day by that organization called the Taliban, who wants to take it down. Whatever they destroy, we will rebuild."

Canada has more than 2,000 troops in the Kandahar area who are working with NATO to fight Taliban forces.

The latest deaths came on the same day as more than 300 mourners gathered in Newfoundland at a funeral for Sgt. Craig Gillam.

Gillam and another Canadian soldier, Cpl. Robert Mitchell, were killed on Oct. 3 in a similar attack just west of Kandahar City.

Last Updated: Saturday, October 14, 2006 9:41 PM ET
CBC News

QW - The Shape

"It is war that shapes peace, and armament that shapes war."

-Fuller

40th CANADIAN TO BE LOST: while Afghan troop restrictions draw fire from O'Connor

Canada's defence minister has urged some NATO allies to do more in volatile areas of Afghanistan, saying they put too many restrictions on their troops — sometimes even banning nighttime missions.

A day after Canada lost its 40th soldier on the mission, Gordon O'Connor told CBC Newsworld on Sunday that the country, Britain and the United States are currently bearing most of the burden in dangerous southern Afghanistan.

Trooper Mark Andrew Wilson, a father of two from London, Ont., was killed in Afghanistan on Saturday.(DND/CP)

O'Connor said Poland recently agreed to contribute 1,000 troops to NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), but said other countries should be contributing more.

"There are larger NATO countries that have put a whole lot of restrictions on their forces. They will not move geographically from the north or from the west. Some of them will not even allow their forces to go out at night," O'Connor told the CBC.

"We want these restrictions taken off their forces so that they can be deployed by the ISAF commander anywhere in Afghanistan."

Pressed by the CBC's Carole MacNeil, who suggested he was referring to France and Germany, O'Connor said: "There's more than them," and then mentioned Italy and Spain.

He also said if there were two more battle groups from NATO countries, "then we can keep the Taliban suppressed."

He said he is lobbying for the additional forces, has asked Afghanistan to move more soldiers and police to the volatile south where Canadian soldiers are regularly fighting the Taliban, and wants Pakistan to close the border so militants cannot move back and forth.

Soldier mourned

O'Connor's plea for help came as troops mourned the death of Trooper Mark Andrew Wilson, who was killed by a roadside bomb on Saturday the Panjwaii district west of Kandahar. Thirteen Canadian soldiers have died in the volatile district since Sept. 1.

Wilson, a father of two from London, Ont., was part of the Dragoons reconnaissance team and was based in Canadian Forces Base Petawawa in northeastern Ontario.

He was killed as he rode inside a Nyala armoured truck, described by the Department of National Defence as a blast-resistant vehicle. It was the first time a Canadian soldier travelling in a Nyala has been killed in Afghanistan.

Canada, which now has more than 2,000 troops in Afghanistan and is leading NATO's forces in the south, has lost 40 soldiers and one diplomat since it began the mission in early 2002; 33 of the casualties occurred this year.

War at a 'tipping point': NATO chief

Elsewhere, NATO's top commander in Afghanistan warned Sunday that the war is "at a tipping point" and more troops are needed to defeat resurgent Taliban militants.

Gen. David Richards, a British officer who commands NATO's 32,000 troops in Afghanistan, warned in an interview with the Associated Press that Afghans could switch their allegiance to the Taliban if daily life doesn't visibly improve during the next six months. "If we collectively … do not exploit this winter to start achieving concrete and visible improvement," then some 70 per cent of Afghans could switch sides, Richards said.

Afghanistan is going through its worst bout of violence since an American-led invasion removed the former Taliban regime from power in late 2001, after the al-Qaeda attacks on the United Strates.

Last Updated: Sunday, October 8, 2006 3:22 PM ET
CBC News

BODIES OF CANADIAN SOLDIERS COME HOME

The bodies of two Canadian soldiers killed in a firefight in Afghanistan returned to CFB Trenton on Friday evening, the second repatriation ceremony at the base this week.

The flag-draped coffins of Sgt. Craig Paul Gillam and Cpl. Robert Thomas James Mitchell were carried by soldiers to the hearses.

The body of Cpl. Robert Mitchell arrives at CFB Trenton.

Gillam and Mitchell were killed Tuesday after insurgents attacked while they provided security to a construction project in the Panjwaii area, where Taliban fighters had been cleared from just weeks earlier. Five other soldiers were wounded in the attack.

The pair belonged to the Royal Canadian Dragoons, based in Petawawa, Ont. Both had just recently arrived in Afghanistan.

Gillam, 40, was a native of South Branch, N.L.

Family members of Sgt. Craig Paul Gillam approach the casket after arriving at CFB Trenton.

Although he had been with the military for two decades, he was on his first tour of duty. It was also his first time working away from his wife Maureen and two teenage children.
Gillam's commander, Maj. Andrew Lussie, told reporters Thursday that Gillam was able to return fire, and by doing so, probably prevented more deaths.

Mitchell, 32, is survived by his wife Leanne Hess and their three young children, aged five, three and two.

He grew up in Owen Sound, Ont., and had his first military posting with the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry in Edmonton before returning to Ontario.

Military officials led by Chief of Defence Staff General Rick Hillier attended the ceremony.
Their deaths came just hours before Pte. Josh Klukie, killed last Friday in Afghanistan, was returned to CFB Trenton.

Since 2002, 39 Canadian soldiers and one diplomat have been killed in Afghanistan.

Last Updated: Friday, October 6, 2006 11:15 PM ET
CBC News

HILLIER TO LOOK AT POLICY OF CUTTING SOLDIERS' DANDGER PAY

The head of Canada's military said Friday he's going to do something about the current practice of taking away the danger pay of wounded soldiers.

Gen. Rick Hillier said he heard about the problem last week, and has some "big-brained people" working on the issue.

Gen. Rick Hillier promises to look after wounded soldiers, who are now losing their danger pay. (Les Perreaux/Canadian Press)The effects of the policy are being felt keenly now that Canada has soldiers getting wounded on a regular basis in Afghanistan.

"We're going to look after them," Hillier told reporters during a press conference at Canadian Forces College in Toronto.

Hillier said the military won't change the rules as they stand on danger pay, but said there will be no financial penalty suffered by Canadian soldiers pulled out after being wounded.
Defence Minister Gordon O'Connor also said his top staff will look into the matter.

"I've asked the senior military staff and department staff to look at how we treat wounded soldiers from a compensation point of view and they're moving quickly to look at that challenge," O'Connor said Friday

Injured soldier told in Germany

Trooper Jeffrey Hunter got the news his danger pay was being stopped shortly after he arrived at a military hospital in Germany, where he's on painkillers for a shattered leg.

Hunter, 23, was seriously wounded on Tuesday in a Taliban attack in Afghanistan that killed two other Canadian soldiers. He faces months of rehabilitation.

Under current military rules, if soldiers are injured and moved from Afghanistan, they lose their tax-free danger pay of $2,100 a month.

Military officials told the Toronto Star that the Department of Defence has the option of extending a soldier's danger pay for an extra 25 days. The military usually exercises that option to extend the benefit.

Hunter's father, Bill Hunter of Aurora, Ont., is angry and upset.

"They said they'd pay up to 25 days after leaving Afghanistan. Is the prime minister telling me I can sit my son down in 25 days and say, 'Listen, son, you're no longer in danger.' I don't think so."

It is not known when Hunter will return to Canada for further treatment.

Last Updated: Friday, October 6, 2006 12:01 PM ET
CBC News

QW - Caesar, Shakespeare & War

"Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war!"

- Shakespeare.

SEARGEANT'S HEROIC ACTION HELPED TO SAVE OTHERS

Sgt. Craig Paul Gillam and Cpl. Robert Thomas James Mitchell were killed during an attack by insurgents armed with rocket-propelled grenades and assault rifles outside Kandahar City earlier this week.

They had been providing security for road construction about 20 kilometres west of Kandahar when they came under attack.

"(Gillam) was able to shout and warn the others about this and then in about 30 seconds the other units were also attacked. Craig Gillam was able to shoot back, however he was killed in the firing," CTV's Paul Workman reported from Afghanistan on Thursday.

Gillam was the only soldier who had opportunity to shoot back when insurgents tried to sneak up on the observation post to set up an ambush, Maj. Andrew Lussier, Gillam and Mitchell's commander, told the Canadian Press.

Seconds later, the insurgents attacked two other two posts.

Because of Gillam's heroism, the insurgents were forced to retreat, Lussier said after a ramp ceremony at Kandahar Airfield.

"His actions, I'm certain, saved the lives of the remainder of the patrol," said Lussier, leader of a surveillance and reconnaissance squadron of the Royal Canadian Dragoons.

Five out of eight soldiers in the observation post were wounded in Tuesday's attack.

About 1,500 soldiers, most of them Canadian, lined the runway just after sunrise to bid farewell to the two soldiers Thursday morning. Pallbearers carried the flag-draped caskets to an aircraft for the flight to Canada from the Kandahar base.

With 12 Canadians killed between Sept. 3 and Oct. 3, other attacks this week had set troops' nerves on edge, but those were thwarted without casualties.

The area has seen renewed fighting since an operation to take back the same Panjwaii area in September, which officials say have killed hundreds of insurgents. Seven Canadians have died trying to secure the area.

Gillam, who was from South Branch, N.L., and Mitchell, who grew up in Owen Sound, Ont., were both with the Royal Canadian Dragoons, based in Petawawa, Ont.

Gillam was about a month away from a visit home to Petawawa, where he planned to spend time with his wife Maureen and two teenage children.

His aunt, who with his grandparents helped raise him, told the Canadian Press they spoke last Sunday.

He told her that he wanted to leave the Canadian Forces if he was to be sent back to Afghanistan for a second time, she said.

"He didn't want to go," Rita Gillam said through tears as family members gathered at her home. "He wanted to come home."

Gillam recalled how the 20-year Forces veteran came home to South Branch, N.L. every summer and Christmas with his 13-year-old daughter and 15-year-old son to help the family prepare for the area's sometimes harsh winters.

He would haul wood and do repairs to the house near the farm he worked for his grandparents.
"He was like that all his life, even when he was a kid," she said.

"He was a very hard worker and was really devoted to his family."

Reached at her home in Petawawa, Mitchell's grieving widow Leeanne said she and her three children -- ages five, three and two -- were coping with the tragedy.

"Not so bad," she told CP when asked how she was doing.

But she declined further comment.

"I'll be releasing a statement later on and that will give all the information that I'm ready to give out."

Gillam and Mitchell are the 38th and 39th Canadian soldiers to die in Afghanistan since 2002.

06/10/2006 12:07:30 AM

2 CANADIAN SOLDIERS INJURED; by roadside bomb

Canadian soldiers were attacked by Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan for the third day in a row on Wednesday, but only two were slightly injured when a roadside bomb hit an armoured vehicle.

Two soldiers injured in the roadside bombing were taken to a forward base for medical treatment but will likely return to duty quickly, a Canadian military official said.

Also Wednesday, several rocket-propelled grenades were fired at a Canadian camp.

The attacks come a day after two Canadian soldiers, Sgt. Craig Paul Gillam and Cpl. Robert Thomas James Mitchell, were killed and five other soldiers injured.

They were providing security for a road construction project 20 kilometres west of Kandahar City when they were attacked at about 4:50 p.m. on Tuesday.

Gillam was born in Stephenville Crossing, N.L., while Mitchell was born in Owen Sound, Ont. The Afghan mission had been the first deployment for both men, who left for Kandhar in August.

The latest attacks also occurred west of Kandahar City. The region was considered to be Taliban hotbed before Canadian troops led a NATO operation to clear insurgents out of the area. NATO officials said the operation, dubbed Medusa, killed hundreds of insurgents.

Mark Laity, spokesperson for NATO in Kabul, told CBC News early Wednesday that the area where the most recent attacks have occurred is still very dangerous for NATO soldiers, although it is safer after Operation Medusa.

He said the Taliban have resorted to their usual tactics involving improvised explosive devices, hit-and-run attacks, sneaking in under the cover of darkness to launch attacks, and disguising themselves as civilians so that they can detonate bombs without warning.

"This is, I'm afraid, a marathon, not a sprint. This is hard to stop," he said early Wednesday. "Without doubt, this is a dangerous area. It's safer but still dangerous. It requires good competent soldiering."

Last Updated: Wednesday, October 4, 2006 2:29 PM ET
CBC News

ANOTHER 2 CANADIANS KILLED IN AFGAN ATTACK IN LESS THAN A WEEK

Two Canadians were killed and five other soldiers injured in southern Afghanistan, military officials said Tuesday.

The soldiers were involved in a road construction project 20 kilometres west of Kandahar at about 4:50 p.m. when they came under attack from a handful of insurgents armed with rocket-propelled grenades and assault rifles.

Sgt. Craig Paul Gillam, a member of the Royal Canadian Dragoons, was killed Tuesday in Afghanistan. (Courtesy of DND)

Canadian military officials identified the dead as Sgt. Craig Paul Gillam and Cpl. Robert Thomas James Mitchell, both members of the Royal Canadian Dragoons based in Petawawa, Ont.

Gillam was a native of South Branch, a small community in the Codroy Valley on Newfoundland's west coast.

Mitchell lived in the Niagara Falls area, but grew up partly in Owen Sound, Ont. His parents still live there.

Cpl. Robert Thomas James Mitchell, a member of the Royal Canadian Dragoons, was killed Tuesday in Afghanistan. (Courtesy of DND)

"They were members of the surveillance troop … a reconnaissance squadron," said Col. Fred Lewis, deputy commander of the Canadian contingent in Kandahar. "They were conducting vehicle checkpoints and observation posts at the time."
Two of the injured are in serious but stable condition. All were evacuated to Kandahar airfield, the main coalition base.

"Almost immediately other forces responded to it, treated and medevaced the casualties, and carried on with the operation," said Lt.-Col. Omer Lavoie, the ground-level commander of Canada's fighting force.

The attack occurred in the Panjwaii district, which had largely been cleared of Taliban insurgents in recent weeks as part of Operation Medusa.

"The last thing that the Taliban want is success in the final phase of Op Medusa," said Lewis, referring to the reconstruction effort.

"That is the phase that will sway the inhabitants one way or the other in terms of whether they want to support their own government or the Taliban," he added.

Canada has more than 2,000 troops in Afghanistan, most operating in Kandahar province.
With the latest deaths, 39 Canadian soldiers and one diplomat have been killed since the mission started four years ago.

In an incident earlier Tuesday, Canadian troops escaped injury after a suicide bomber on a motorcycle attacked near Kandahar city.

Last Updated: Wednesday, October 4, 2006 5:22 AM ET
CBC News

MILITARY IDENTIFIES CANADIAN SOLDIER - killed in Afghan blast

Canadian military officials released on Saturday the identity of a soldier from Thunder Bay, Ont., who was killed while on foot patrol west of Kandahar.

Pte. Josh Klukie, a member of the 1st Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment, which is based at CFB Petawawa near Ottawa, died Friday after triggering what may have been an improvised explosive device (IED) on a road in Afghanistan's Panjwaii district.

Private Josh Klukie, a member of 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, was killed on Sept. 29, 2006 in Afghanistan. (Department of National Defence)Military officials have not released his age. His remains have been flown to Kandahar airfield.

A woman at the home of Klukie's mother in Thunder Bay told the Canadian Press on Saturday that the family had no comment.

Capt. Jim Davis of Thunder Bay's Lake Superior Scottish Regiment said a public affairs officer from Winnipeg was en route to Klukie's hometown. Davis said officials were trying to organize a news conference where a family representative would likely speak to the media.

PM offers condolences

Prime Minister Stephen Harper expressed his condolences Saturday to Klukie's family and friends.

"Canadians will not forget the dedication and courage he demonstrated," Harper said in a statement. "We are proud of him, and humbled by his willingness to serve Canada."

The military said one other soldier, Cpl. James Miller, of Hamilton, became deaf in his left ear and suffered a possible concussion in the incident.

Col. Fred Lewis said the soldiers were on patrol on a combat road created by a bulldozer for Operation Medusa, the large-scale offensive aimed at driving Taliban fighters from their strongholds in southern Afghanistan.

Device planted in road

He said an IED or a landmine planted in the road and one of the soldiers triggered it.
"The use of IEDs by insurgents indicates their callous lack of regard for people in the region," Lewis said. "It could have just as easily been a bunch of children playing in the area."
Lewis said it appeared unlikely the device had been set off by remote control.

The news came the same day funerals were scheduled for three of four Canadian soldiers killed earlier this month. They died when a suicide bomber on a bicycle detonated a device near the Canadians, who were on foot patrol.

Speaking from Kabul, NATO spokesman Mark Laity told CBC Newsworld soldiers know it is dangerous to get out of the armoured vehicles, but believe it is necessary if they want to win the "hearts and minds" of Afghans.

"These are soldiers. They understand they have to take these risks," he said.

Last Updated: Saturday, September 30, 2006 5:45 PM ET
CBC News

Qw - Cold Warriors

"In space, all warriors are cold warriors."

– Gen Chang – Star Trek: The Undiscovered Country

ALL 4 SOLDIERS IDENTIFIED: 'We will commit ourselves to their memory'

Officials have identified three more Canadian soldiers who were killed with a colleague in Afghanistan, as one of the grieving mothers described her son Tuesday as "very much a soldier."

Cpl. Glen Arnold, one of four Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan on Monday, was married and had four children. (Sgt. Ron Hartlen/DND/CP)

Pte. David Byers, 22, was identified after a suicide bomber attacked the soldiers in Kandahar on Monday. On Tuesday, the Department of National Defence said the attack also killed Cpl. Glen Arnold, reportedly based in Canadian Forces Base Petawawa, northwest of Ottawa; and Cpl. Shane Keating of Saskatoon and Cpl. Keith Morley, based at CFB Shilo in Manitoba.

Leona Arnold, who spoke from her home in McKerrow, Ont., said her 32-year-old son was "very much a soldier." She said she would not comment further until after his funeral.

The corporal was married and had four children another relative said earlier in the day. Arnold's parents live only a few kilometres from the home of Byers.

Byers, Keating and Morley were with the second battalion of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based in Shilo.

"All three of these men were proud citizens and exceptional examples of the men and women who serve this country, both at home and abroad," said Maj. Stephen Joudrey, acting commanding officer for 2PPCLI at CFB Shilo, on Tuesday.

"They were highly regarded friends and comrades. We will commit ourselves to their memory, and never forget they fell in the service to their country while trying to make the world a better place."

Joudrey said Keating worked as one of his subordinates, describing him as a "very pleasant, a very honest person."

"His peers have said that he was a sergeant in a corporal's body. He was far more mature than his age and his experience would tell you," Joudrey added.

The three Shilo-based soldiers were single, and their families did not live on the base, Joudrey said. They had been in Afghanistan since the end of July and in operations since the beginning of August.

Joudrey said the military is still discussing repatriation of the soldiers' bodies to Canada. As well, the base will hold a memorial service for the three men at a later date.

"For the 2nd Battalion, our efforts now focus on returning Shane, Keith and David to their families with dignity and honour," he said. "They have earned this, and they deserve this. This is our task."

Joudrey said he cannot confirm or deny reports that the men were handing out candy to local children when the attack occured, only saying that they were "conducting patrols in and around with the local population."

'Really good kid' among the victims

Cpl. Shane Keating, along with slain colleagues Pte. David Byers and Cpl. Keith Morley, was with the second battalion of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based in Shilo, Man. (Sgt. Ron Hartlen/DND/CP)

Late Monday, Byers's uncle said the family is grieving the loss of a "good kid."

Ian McKay described his nephew as a dedicated soldier, and said the news of his death has left his family overwhelmed with grief in the northern Ontario town of Espanola, west of Sudbury.
"I can't think straight," McKay told the Canadian Press by telephone from his home. "David was a really good kid. He was far too young to die."

McKay said Byers knew the dangers he faced when he was deployed to Afghanistan.
"That's what he went in for. He was prepared for it," he said.

Neighbours said Byers is survived by his parents and two brothers.

Bicyclist bomber got past security perimeter

Cpl. Keith Morley also died, while a number of Canadian troops and Afghan civilians were injured by the suicide bomber. (Sgt. Ron Hartlen/DND/CP)

The four soldiers were killed when a suicide bomber on a bicycle set off an explosive device near troops west of Kandahar. The troops were on foot when the attack occurred.
Canadian military officials told CBC News on Tuesday that there was a security perimeter around the area where the soldiers were mingling with Afghan civilians, but the bomber managed to get past it.

The soldiers who survived said the attacker was much older than the typical suicide bomber in Afghanistan. According to the military's profile of suicide bombers, they apparently tend to be younger men.

A ramp ceremony, in which the bodies of the four soldiers will be loaded onto a Canadian military transport plane for the journey home, is scheduled for Wednesday.

A number of Canadian soldiers were injured in Monday's attack, as well as dozens of Afghan civilians. The Canadian military said 10 of the injured soldiers were to be airlifted to Landsthul, Germany, for medical treatment.

With the latest deaths, 36 Canadian soldiers and one diplomat have been killed since Ottawa began the mission in early 2002. Canada currently has more than 2,000 troops in Afghanistan.

Last Updated Tue, 19 Sep 2006 16:41:09 EDT
CBC News

SUICIDE BOMBER KILLS 4 CANADIAN SOLDIERS, while they were giving out candy

Four Canadian soldiers were killed by a suicide bomber on a bicycle in southern Afghanistan on Monday while the troops were conducting a security patrol, according to the Canadian military.

One of the soldiers has been identified as Pte. David Byers of 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based in Shilo, Man.

Family members of the three other soldiers who were killed requested that military officials not release their names at this time. The names of soldiers wounded in Monday's attack also haven't been made public.

"Plans are being made to medevac 10 Canadian soldiers who were injured in today's suicide attack to Landsthul, Germany, for further medical treatment," a National Defence release said. "Pending medical assessments, several other soldiers may also be sent to Germany. None of the soldiers have life-threatening injuries."

The bombing injured 27 civilians, including children, according to a statement by NATO. The Taliban has claimed responsibility. The attack occurred at 9:30 a.m. local time, about 30 kilometres west of Kandahar City.

Fraser said the suicide bomber rode his bicycle into a group of soldiers and civilians and detonated the explosive device. The military believes the device was attached to the bicycle.
In the opening session of the House of Commons today, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said the soldiers were handing out candy to children when the bomb exploded.

Fraser said the wounded soldiers were in stable condition and were initially taken by helicopter to military medical facilities in the region, including the Canadian-led multinational hospital at Kandahar airfield.

Two Afghan children injured in the attack were taken to the Canadian Provincial Reconstruction Team's camp in Kandahar City for treatment.

37 Canadians killed since 2002

With the latest deaths, 36 Canadian soldiers and one diplomat have been killed since the Canadian mission to the country began in 2002.

"The Taliban is a bunch of cowards," Fraser told reporters in Kandahar. "The Taliban continue to attack this country. They continue to attack the people. They attacked children today. That's about as cowardly as you can get." Fraser said the troops had been on patrol and were helping Afghan forces to provide a secure environment so that people could return to their homes after a military operation in the area.

The two-week NATO-led operation, known as Operation Medusa, displaced people living west of Kandahar. The bombing occurred in the Panjwaii district of Kandahar province, where the operation against the Taliban ended Sunday.

"This is our main effort right now," Fraser said, "helping the people get back to a normal life, and today, the Taliban attacked that."

Officials said two other bombings in Afghanistan on Monday killed a total of 13 Afghans. The other bombings occurred in Kabul and in the western part of the country.

Reconstruction is 'the overarching goal'

The Department of National Defence in Ottawa condemned the bicycle bombing, saying: "Cowardly Taliban attacks like this are an attempt to undermine Canadian and international efforts to help the Afghan people achieve peace and security."

"Reconstruction of Afghanistan, the overarching goal of Canada and of the international community, is inhibited by insurgency," the department said in a statement. "The Taliban have proven time and time again that they are opposed to the reconstruction of Afghanistan and the improvement of conditions for all Afghans."

NATO spokesman Mark Laity told CBC News earlier that officials were trying to determine the exact number of soldiers and civilians wounded in the first attack, but when suicide bombings occur, sometimes injured Afghan people make their own way to hospital and the exact casualty count is not clear.

"It's a fairly chaotic scene," he said. "We are not yet certain how many civilians were involved. At the moment, the number seems small."

NATO has said its troops killed more than 500 insurgents in the operation and called it a success, even though violence continues in the south.

"After the success of the Operation Medusa, where we pushed the Taliban out of a large area, we are trying to set up the conditions for non-combat rebuilding and reconstruction. So this was not a combat scene," Laity said.

'They are not defeated'

He said the Taliban remain a threat to the region. "They are not defeated. They suffered a significant defeat but they are still there and they are still active."

Canada has more than 2,000 soldiers in Afghanistan, mostly in the Kandahar region. On Friday, the Harper government announced that it was increasing the country's troop commitment to 2,500.

Qari Yousaf Ahmadi, who claims to be a spokesman for Taliban affairs in southern Afghanistan, told the Associated Press that Monday's bomber was an Afghan from Kandahar named Mullah Qudrat Ullah.

Ahmadi, whose ties to the Taliban are not known, said militants will continue attacking U.S., NATO and other coalition forces.

Fraser said Canadian troops will continue their humanitarian efforts, which will include handing out food, tarps and tractors to displaced people in southern Afghanistan.

Last Updated Mon, 18 Sep 2006 09:27:42 EDT
CBC News

QW - Wars Purpose

"The purpose of all war is peace."

- Saint Augustine, 354-430

OPERATION MEDUSA A 'SIGNIFICANT' SUCCESS: NATO

A top NATO general says the alliance's massive, two-week-long anti-Taliban offensive in southern Afghanistan has been "successfully completed."

Lieut.-Gen. David Richards, head of the 20,000 NATO-led force, hailed Operation Medusa in the insurgent stronghold of southern Afghanistan as a "significant success.''

Reconstruction and development efforts will soon begin in three southern areas, said Richards, after insurgents were forced to abandon their positions.

Operation Medusa was launched on Sept. 2 with the aim of clearing out Taliban fighters from a farming district near Kandahar.

NATO said hundreds of militants were killed and many were forced out of the district as a result of that operation.

"This has been a significant success and clearly shows the capability that Afghan, NATO and coalition forces have when they operate together," Richards told a news conference in London.

Convoy attacked

NATO's announcement comes on the same day three Canadian soldiers were slightly wounded and an Afghan civilian was killed when a suicide bomber attacked a military convoy in southern Afghanistan.

The bomber, who also died in the blast, plowed his vehicle packed with explosives into the Canadian convoy west of Kandahar city.

At least eight other civilians were also wounded in the attack. NATO is not releasing the identities of the injured soldiers.

A Canadian military vehicle was slightly damaged in the attack and the bomber's vehicle was destroyed, a reporter with the Associated Press said.

Canada has about 2,200 troops in southern Afghanistan. But that number is about to get higher as Canada prepares to send an additional 450 soldiers and up to 15 tanks to assist in the mission.

"First of all, we want to make sure they're well prepared, well trained and ready to go off to Afghanistan before we send them. So many of the soldiers won't go until later on this fall," Gen. Rick Hillier, chief of defence staff, said Sunday on CTV's Question Period.

"While we're sending those soldiers in, we're reducing the force in place now because we're handing over command of region south, on or about (the first of )November. . . . That means we'll top out at about 2,500 soldiers all together."

Canadians are 'stretched'

With the infusion of troops, Canadians will make up well over 10 per cent of the NATO contingent in Afghanistan.

NATO's top commander last week renewed an appeal for allies to urgently provide up to 2,500 troops for the battle with the relentless insurgents in southern Afghanistan.
Hillier said today that Canadians serving in the region are "stretched" in their resources, yet maintained that the military can "sustain this mission."

He conceded, however, that "one of the things we have to do is use our people -- all the men and women in uniform, air land and sea -- much better."

"In the past decade, I believe that we've done 100 percent of our deployed operations probably using not more than 45 to 50 per cent of the people in uniform. Now what we're going to do is use them all.

"There are many jobs, many tasks and many parts of the mission that don't have to be done by soldiers trained in combat operations."

One way Hillier said this would be accomplished is to address the often-heard complaint that there are too many people fighting the war from behind "desks."

"We're taking people from all those desks right across Canadian forces, out of every headquarters, out of every structured organization, and we're going to use them to sustain the operation," said Hillier, adding that troops will be rotated more efficiently.

"We'll use every single man and woman across the Canadian forces to the extent that we possibly can, better than we've done before, to sustain that mission and still keep the men and women in the forces healthy."

17/09/2006 1:44:57 PM

A SOLDIER'S LIFE - SGT R. STORRING

* Here are some interesting articles by a sergeant who is a signals operator with the CF *

Sgt. Russell Storring

- A Soldier's Life -

Russell Storring is a Sergeant with the Canadian Army, and has been a signals operator for the 15 years he has been in the military. He recently returned from his second tour of duty in Afghanistan, having served there previously in 2003, and with the UN in Rwanda in 1994. His columns give a first-person account from the field and the life of a soldier.

FEATURE COLUMN:September 13, 2006 We have to stay in Afghanistan"Staying the course is the only option. It is what the Afghans need, it is what Canada and the world needs, and it is what our fallen need to ensure their sacrifice was not in vain."

COLUMNS BY SGT. RUSSELL STORRING:
August 18, 2006A new unit, a different pace
July 5, 2006Canada dishonoured
June 19, 2006Preparing to leave Petawawa
May 1, 2006The move that wasn't
March 23, 2006Suck it up and wait
February 14, 2006Canadian soldiers and the cartoon controversy
February 8, 2006A certain pride
December 23, 2005Home again
December 14, 2005Our last days in Kabul
November 17, 2005A convoy to Kandahar
November 11, 2005Remembrance
October 17, 2005A different Afghanistan
August 9, 2005A surprise oasis
August 2, 2005Kabul revisited
July 18, 2005The final weeks
May 30, 2005Return to Kabul
January 26, 2005Memories and a look ahead
November 5, 200486 years for a pardon
August 19, 2004Summer changes
May 18, 2004A Routine of Sorts
April 20, 2004The past and the future
March 19, 2004Daily Life
February 23, 2004Reintegration
February 2, 2004Homecoming
January 15, 2004Leaving Afghanistan
December 30, 2003Christmas in Afghanistan
December 12, 2003Driving to Kabul
December 8, 2003CANCON Show in Kabul
December 2, 2003November Leave
November 10, 2003We'll lay a wreath and remember
October 29, 2003The return to normal
October 7, 2003My first thoughts: 'Who are they?'
September 23, 2003I'll be back on Halloween
September 2, 2003Kindergarten begins and Daddy’s in Afghanistan
August 18, 2003A Soldier's Story: Sleepless in Afghanistan
July 24, 2003A soldier father goes to Afghanistan

THE THIRD WORLD WAR

“In the year of the new century and nine months,
From the sky will come a great King of Terror…
The sky will burn at forty-five degrees.
Fire approaches the great new city…”
“In the city of York there will be a great collapse,
Two twin brothers torn apart by chaos
While the fortress falls the great leader will succumb…
Third big war will begin when the big city is burning”

*

*

- NOSTRADAMUS

*
On September 11th the world changed.

So has War changed.

COMMEMORATION TO THE HEROES OF 9-11

There are many qutoes that could sum up this day but the best two maybe are, "A shot hear around the world" or Franklin D. Roosevelt's speech the day after the attack on Pearl Harbour may suit better,"Yesterday, [September 11, 2002 was] a date which will live in infamy".

8:45 a.m. (all times are EDT): A hijacked passenger jet, American Airlines Flight 11 out of Boston, Massachusetts, crashes into the north tower of the World Trade Center, tearing a gaping hole in the building and setting it afire.

9:03 a.m.: A second hijacked airliner, United Airlines Flight 175 from Boston, crashes into the south tower of the World Trade Center and explodes. Both buildings are burning.

9:43 a.m.: American Airlines Flight 77 crashes into the Pentagon, sending up a huge plume of smoke. Evacuation begins immediately.

11:18 a.m.: American Airlines reports it has lost two aircraft. American Flight 11, a Boeing 767 flying from Boston to Los Angeles, had 81 passengers and 11 crew aboard. Flight 77, a Boeing 757 en route from Washington's Dulles International Airport to Los Angeles, had 58 passengers and six crew members aboard. Flight 11 slammed into the north tower of the World Trade Center. Flight 77 hit the Pentagon.

11:26 a.m.: United Airlines reports that United Flight 93, en route from Newark, New Jersey, to San Francisco, California, has crashed in Pennsylvania. The airline also says that it is "deeply concerned" about United Flight 175.

11:59 a.m.: United Airlines confirms that Flight 175, from Boston to Los Angeles, has crashed with 56 passengers and nine crew members aboard. It hit the World Trade Center's south tower.

On that day the world sat in awe staring at the unimaginable images displayed on their television screens. Some pondered what was ahead. Some worried, while others cried for those who were dead or dying. But today we should stop for a minute to commemerate those who gave their lives attempting to save others. They weren't soldiers but were police officers, fire fighters, nurses and doctors. So, today as you pass by one of these professionals stop and shake their hands or just smile at them and wish them a good day becasue without these people to help our day to day lives our country(s) would not be as great a place to live as they are. So, take the time to thank them for what they do for us because the ones that are gone we cannot thank .