&
AT LEAST SOME CANADIANS ARE BEHIND THE TROOPS.
Monday, September 11, 2006
Sunday, September 10, 2006
QW - World War IV
"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones"
CAVEMEN
by Frank Frazetta
- Albert Einstein
Wounded Canadian soldiers return home
Several Canadian soldiers injured this week in Afghanistan arrived in Ottawa Friday evening.
CBC News
CBC News
Cpl. Derick Lewis of the Royal Canadian Regiment
arrives at the Ottawa International Airport on Friday.
A Canadian Forces Airbus transported the 11 Canadian soldiers, who either sustained injuries from battle with the Taliban or during a friendly-fire incident. They were scheduled to be taken to the Civic Hospital in Ottawa.
The soldiers had been recuperating at a U.S. military hospital in Landstuhl, Germany.
The long-term prognosis for Pte. Michael Spence, wounded in the friendly fire incident on Monday "is not yet clear," his parents said Friday.
Spence, of Russell, Ont., "has moved his fingers and toes and has even attempted to speak to the doctors," Rick and Christina Spence said in a statement.
"We are very optimistic at this point, however we do realize that Michael has a long road of recovery ahead of him and it is not yet clear what the long-term prognosis is for our son. We can only hope and pray that he continues to recover well. He is young and very strong, and that will bode well for him."
Spence was among the seven Canadians badly wounded when U.S. aircraft mistakenly attacked them in the early morning as they readied to assault a Taliban stronghold near Kandahar. Pte. Mark Anthony Graham was killed in the attack.
Spence was placed in a medically induced coma with a serious head wound on Tuesday and had surgery earlier this week. On Wednesday, his neurosurgeon said Spence was improving.
Two of the approximately 30 soldiers injured recalled the incident for CBC's Carolyn Dunn in Kandahar on Friday.
"It was a light show," said one soldier, Francois. "I mean, you see that thing firing on the ground, it's gonna take some stuff out."
"It's terrifying," another, Jordan, added. "I'm mad. I'm disappointed. It's just part of war, I guess. People make mistakes."
Canadian commanders have said all but five of the wounded are expected to return to duty.
According to the Department of National Defence, the 10 returning to Canada (other than Spence) are:
- Cpl. Bruce Moncur.
- Cpl. Montgomery MacDonald.
- Cpl. Ryan Pagnacco.
- Cpl. Derick Lewis.
- Sgt. Kym Cousineau.
- Maj. Matthew Sprague.
- Master Cpl. Gary Mitchell.
- Pte. Walter Cummings.
- Capt. Michelle Mendes.
- Cpl. Matthew Belear.
08/09/2006 12:37:56 PM
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
AN AFGAN ODYSSEY; by Cpl. Brian Sanders
A Soldier's Diary from Afghanistan
Part 1: A perfectly designed ambush / July 2006
At home on leave, I had stopped by my local Legion, where an old war veteran asked me about my role in Afghanistan. Then he put his arm around me and told me that now we could share Remembrance Day together, every time the flag is lowered at Parliament.
I remained puzzled by his comments until just a couple weeks ago. Remembrance Day has a new meaning for me now.
Three guys in Ambulance - L-R Sanders, Creelman & Toezer
Every day in Afghanistan starts the same way, and this day had seemed no different. At 9 a.m. I received a warning order for what my superiors were calling "the Big Op," but to me it seemed just another operation, this one three days in the Panjwaii district.
The armoured ambulance I drive rolls at the rear, at least a kilometre away from the action, and normally the only time we go forward is after the fight to clean up and transport the wounded.
Packing for three days is easy: six pairs of socks, six pairs of boxers and two sets of combat fatigues, but also included is some mac 'n' cheese sent by a good friend of mine, an MP3 player, a crossword book, and the New Testament, sent by Josiah, the nine-year-old son of a friend.
As with every operation, I need to make sure this 13-tonne ambulance remains in top order. Oil levels are checked, grease nipples lubed, 48 hours of rations packed, and as much water stored as the vehicle can hold. After that, weapons are oiled and loaded. An ambulance is not meant as a fighting vehicle, but under enemy contact, we need to be as deadly as required.
The medic in the back of the ambulance is Cpl. Toezer, an ex-infantryman who re-enroled as a medic. He has taught me everything from how to insert IVs to dressing an amputation.
After Toezer finished preparing his end of the ambulance, we were greeted by our crew commander Cpl. Creelman. He's another outstanding soldier, a former combat engineer who re-enroled as a medic five years ago. He commands the vehicle and is responsible for the care of casualties from the time they are injured until they are removed via helicopter. Combined, the three of us with over 30 years of combat trade experience make up the most experienced ambulance crew in Afghanistan.
Secondary orders revealed we would not be leaving until 8 p.m. that night under the cover of darkness, providing time to relax and prepare ourselves. I walked over to the Burger King for my traditional pre-operation dinner, and three Whoppers later enjoyed a short nap. But before long I was standing ready by my ambulance. The compound was filled with three companies of vehicles, about 60 vehicles. After a quick radio check it was time to roll.
The trip to Panjwaii took about two hours, one of the quietest drives I've experienced here. The moon was full and cast an odd silhouette from our vehicles, which were driving in blackout mode without lights. The road changed from paved to gravel and then eventually faded into a wadi, or a dried-up riverbed.
A perfectly designed ambush
A couple of kilometres before our staging area, the radio broke silence. Air reconnaissance reported women and children leaving the area we were to occupy, a clear sign Taliban were in the area and prepared to fight. Even before the warning was completed all hell broke loose.
The light-armoured vehicle just in front of us flashed in silhouette as a rocket-propelled grenade exploded directly ahead. A perfectly designed ambush unfolded, a fury of bullets raining down on our column of vehicles, the sky filled with tracer rounds. A flood of contact reports came over the radio. The enemy, dug in, gave us everything they had.
Our vehicles returned machine-gun fire while soldiers armed with C7 rifles returned shots from the air sentry hatches in the vehicles. The turrets of our light-armoured vehicles, mounted with 25 mm Chain guns, engaged Taliban in bunkers that circled us.
The initial contact lasted about two hours and produced some of the most intense fighting any of us had seen. The sound of bullets whizzing past my head was almost comforting, as I knew they weren't too close. Then the bullets starting cracking, a sound that means they're just missing.
No sooner had I lowered my seat to use the periscopes than bullets began striking our vehicle. I reached for my camera and mounted it outside my hatch to videotape the chaos, thinking it would serve later to remind me of how safe we are in Canada.
It's hard to explain the feelings that passed through me at this time. It was unreal, but 12 years of training and field exercises in Canada designed to prepare me for this day were having their proper effect.
Shortly after the enemy fled into the neighbouring village, reports of injured starting coming in, which meant it was our time to get busy. The only injured were the enemy, proving the value of our armoured vehicles once again. Regardless of which side the injured were fighting on, our job as medics is to sustain life.
In this case the injured enemy was on the other side of a mud wall and could not be easily moved because of seven bullet wounds. Without a second thought, I drove straight through the three-metre wall and came to a rest beside the injured combatant, whose perilous condition suddenly made this fight seem very real.
Toezer jumped out of the back and began to bandage bleeding wounds, but shortly after determined his patient had a collapsed lung. He pulled out a huge needle, fingered down the rib cage and then in a single motion jabbed him with the needle. It was shocking to see, and I asked him what the heck he had just done.
"Ever see the movie Three Kings? Toezer asked, and then I remembered its graphic description of how to treat a collapsed lung. The movies are not always just Hollywood tricks.
A few minutes passed before the injured man was put on a stretcher and moved to the back of the ambulance. A helicopter was ordered and we drove to the landing site.
By this time the first light from a rising sun had begun to show on the horizon, and our battlefield revealed itself. Not even five minutes into the evacuation, the radio was jammed again with contact reports. Above the roar of the vehicle we heard gunshots and explosions. My foot slammed the accelerator to speed delivery of our casualty so we could return to provide assistance.
More casualties: Priority one
Ten minutes passed before we returned to the fight, halting this time near a school destroyed by the Taliban inside the abandoned village. I sat with my head poking out of the driver's hole, listening to the fight 500 metres away, when rounds started coming in at us. More cracking of bullets before I reminded myself to drop my seat and take cover.
Seconds later the radio called for a medical evacuation, which required driving through the firefight to the opposite side of the village to grab our casualties. This time there were four of them, all coalition forces. Over the intercom Creelman instructed me to follow the armoured vehicle in front of us, which would provide our fire support.
Evacuation helicopter
We entered what seemed like a video game come to life — rounds flying everywhere, Apache helicopters firing rockets, and A-10 fighter jets dropping munitions — but this was an experience beyond any simulation. Once through the firefight, and behind the protection of a mud wall, we arrived on the company Sgt. Maj. with the first batch of casualties — some shrapnel wounds, and one Afghan national army soldier (one of the good guys) with a bullet through his neck. How lucky was this guy — the bullet went in and out without hitting anything vital. He was conscious and breathing.
Again the helicopter was ordered and we returned through the firefight to the landing site. By this time the adrenalin was wearing off and fatigue setting in, but I shook it off, just in time to hear we had more casualties — a priority one this time. That's never good, and Toezer prepared for the worst. After driving back through the battle, we arrived at the casualty collection point, but found nobody there yet. Over the radio we were told the casualty was not breathing and had no pulse. They had stopped trying to resuscitate the soldier.
An eerie feeling filled the air as we waited to receive the casualty. Creelman asked if I knew how to get back to the landing site without his guidance. I nodded, and he said he would be in the back with Toezer trying to bring our friend back to life. After what seemed a long wait, our casualty arrived and we were off.
Minutes later we were at the landing site where the helicopter was waiting. I dropped the ramp and jumped out of the ambulance to assist. Creelman and Toezer were working non-stop with CPR and mouth-to-mouth. Within seconds, our fallen comrade was on the bird and whisked away.
Rest in peace my friend, you will be remembered always. I will pay tribute to you every Nov. 11.
Part 2: Here's a straw. Suck it up
Twenty hours had passed since the initial contact, and the sounds of bullets had faded to a familiar background noise. We moved into a staging area 100 metres behind a targeted area, a building where two insurgents refused to give up. We fired artillery, RPGs, 25 mm rounds and even Apache Hellfire rockets into this building, and still they continued to fight. The radio informed us that next they would be dropping something big.
Two more casualties were radioed in, and again we drove to pick up two injured soldiers. "Doc!" one of them screamed, "Are they all right?" Puzzled, we loaded him on a stretcher. "Are they still there?" he yelled again.
Mac and cheese before taking a nap
"What are you talking about?" Toezer asked, and then the casualty exposed his crotch, where he had a small shrapnel wound, but one that missed his children-maker by millimetres. Toezer ensured him everything was intact.
The laughter from our much-relieved casualty was broken by the deafening crack of a 2,000-pound bomb destroying the enemy bunker. Soldiers cleared the area and found a reinforced tunnel inside the building. We took off to the landing site and transferred our casualties.
The battle finally subsided after 34 hours of fighting. We pulled into a wheat field and set up a small medical station to deal with minor ailments. The companies rolled through our resupply point before they headed off to a staging area to replenish supplies and eat. We saw about 20 patients, most of them just dehydrated or with minor shrapnel wounds requiring a bandage — and a straw. When I asked Creelman what the straw was for, he laughed.
"Suck it up and carry on."
Wake-up call
It was now time for some personal maintenance. Mac 'n' cheese and a good read kept me company until I fell asleep on the ground. A few hours later I was woken to provide sentry duty for an hour. When you train in Canada, the enemy is just our guys playing a part. There's no threat of bullets, just embarrassment if they sneak by you. But in Afghanistan the fear of being shot keeps your eyes open better then any cup of Tim Hortons coffee.
As the sun peeked over the horizon, our company moved to a staging area north of Panjwaii, 48 hours into the operation. The enemy was defeated and the local population had reclaimed their village. Creelman left for orders, Toezer filled out a resupply request and I refuelled the vehicle.
An hour later Creelman returned. "I don't know how to tell you this, guys, but we are not going back. The British to the north have been receiving a lot of contacts, and they don't have the resources to resupply. We are going to be out here for a lot longer then we thought. Relax for the next six hours, and then we are pushing about five hours north."
It was a good thing I'd packed for another couple of days. I reached into the ambulance and grabbed our satellite phone. The best thing about our army is that they supply a phone so you can call home and talk to friends. As you are talking, you can close your eyes and imagine yourself sitting on your couch at home, talking on the phone. For a minute, it takes you away from the arid lands of Afghanistan.
I curled up beside the front tire of my ambulance and looked at the stars. Every minute or two, you could spot a falling star, which to anyone else would be spectacular. Here I flinched, waiting for a big boom. If 10 seconds passed without a boom, I knew it was just a star. Finally I caught a little sleep.
Part 1: A perfectly designed ambush / July 2006
At home on leave, I had stopped by my local Legion, where an old war veteran asked me about my role in Afghanistan. Then he put his arm around me and told me that now we could share Remembrance Day together, every time the flag is lowered at Parliament.
I remained puzzled by his comments until just a couple weeks ago. Remembrance Day has a new meaning for me now.
Three guys in Ambulance - L-R Sanders, Creelman & Toezer
Every day in Afghanistan starts the same way, and this day had seemed no different. At 9 a.m. I received a warning order for what my superiors were calling "the Big Op," but to me it seemed just another operation, this one three days in the Panjwaii district.
The armoured ambulance I drive rolls at the rear, at least a kilometre away from the action, and normally the only time we go forward is after the fight to clean up and transport the wounded.
Packing for three days is easy: six pairs of socks, six pairs of boxers and two sets of combat fatigues, but also included is some mac 'n' cheese sent by a good friend of mine, an MP3 player, a crossword book, and the New Testament, sent by Josiah, the nine-year-old son of a friend.
As with every operation, I need to make sure this 13-tonne ambulance remains in top order. Oil levels are checked, grease nipples lubed, 48 hours of rations packed, and as much water stored as the vehicle can hold. After that, weapons are oiled and loaded. An ambulance is not meant as a fighting vehicle, but under enemy contact, we need to be as deadly as required.
The medic in the back of the ambulance is Cpl. Toezer, an ex-infantryman who re-enroled as a medic. He has taught me everything from how to insert IVs to dressing an amputation.
After Toezer finished preparing his end of the ambulance, we were greeted by our crew commander Cpl. Creelman. He's another outstanding soldier, a former combat engineer who re-enroled as a medic five years ago. He commands the vehicle and is responsible for the care of casualties from the time they are injured until they are removed via helicopter. Combined, the three of us with over 30 years of combat trade experience make up the most experienced ambulance crew in Afghanistan.
Secondary orders revealed we would not be leaving until 8 p.m. that night under the cover of darkness, providing time to relax and prepare ourselves. I walked over to the Burger King for my traditional pre-operation dinner, and three Whoppers later enjoyed a short nap. But before long I was standing ready by my ambulance. The compound was filled with three companies of vehicles, about 60 vehicles. After a quick radio check it was time to roll.
The trip to Panjwaii took about two hours, one of the quietest drives I've experienced here. The moon was full and cast an odd silhouette from our vehicles, which were driving in blackout mode without lights. The road changed from paved to gravel and then eventually faded into a wadi, or a dried-up riverbed.
A perfectly designed ambush
A couple of kilometres before our staging area, the radio broke silence. Air reconnaissance reported women and children leaving the area we were to occupy, a clear sign Taliban were in the area and prepared to fight. Even before the warning was completed all hell broke loose.
Bloodied stretcher
The light-armoured vehicle just in front of us flashed in silhouette as a rocket-propelled grenade exploded directly ahead. A perfectly designed ambush unfolded, a fury of bullets raining down on our column of vehicles, the sky filled with tracer rounds. A flood of contact reports came over the radio. The enemy, dug in, gave us everything they had.
Our vehicles returned machine-gun fire while soldiers armed with C7 rifles returned shots from the air sentry hatches in the vehicles. The turrets of our light-armoured vehicles, mounted with 25 mm Chain guns, engaged Taliban in bunkers that circled us.
The initial contact lasted about two hours and produced some of the most intense fighting any of us had seen. The sound of bullets whizzing past my head was almost comforting, as I knew they weren't too close. Then the bullets starting cracking, a sound that means they're just missing.
No sooner had I lowered my seat to use the periscopes than bullets began striking our vehicle. I reached for my camera and mounted it outside my hatch to videotape the chaos, thinking it would serve later to remind me of how safe we are in Canada.
It's hard to explain the feelings that passed through me at this time. It was unreal, but 12 years of training and field exercises in Canada designed to prepare me for this day were having their proper effect.
Shortly after the enemy fled into the neighbouring village, reports of injured starting coming in, which meant it was our time to get busy. The only injured were the enemy, proving the value of our armoured vehicles once again. Regardless of which side the injured were fighting on, our job as medics is to sustain life.
In this case the injured enemy was on the other side of a mud wall and could not be easily moved because of seven bullet wounds. Without a second thought, I drove straight through the three-metre wall and came to a rest beside the injured combatant, whose perilous condition suddenly made this fight seem very real.
Toezer jumped out of the back and began to bandage bleeding wounds, but shortly after determined his patient had a collapsed lung. He pulled out a huge needle, fingered down the rib cage and then in a single motion jabbed him with the needle. It was shocking to see, and I asked him what the heck he had just done.
"Ever see the movie Three Kings? Toezer asked, and then I remembered its graphic description of how to treat a collapsed lung. The movies are not always just Hollywood tricks.
A few minutes passed before the injured man was put on a stretcher and moved to the back of the ambulance. A helicopter was ordered and we drove to the landing site.
By this time the first light from a rising sun had begun to show on the horizon, and our battlefield revealed itself. Not even five minutes into the evacuation, the radio was jammed again with contact reports. Above the roar of the vehicle we heard gunshots and explosions. My foot slammed the accelerator to speed delivery of our casualty so we could return to provide assistance.
More casualties: Priority one
Ten minutes passed before we returned to the fight, halting this time near a school destroyed by the Taliban inside the abandoned village. I sat with my head poking out of the driver's hole, listening to the fight 500 metres away, when rounds started coming in at us. More cracking of bullets before I reminded myself to drop my seat and take cover.
Seconds later the radio called for a medical evacuation, which required driving through the firefight to the opposite side of the village to grab our casualties. This time there were four of them, all coalition forces. Over the intercom Creelman instructed me to follow the armoured vehicle in front of us, which would provide our fire support.
Evacuation helicopter
We entered what seemed like a video game come to life — rounds flying everywhere, Apache helicopters firing rockets, and A-10 fighter jets dropping munitions — but this was an experience beyond any simulation. Once through the firefight, and behind the protection of a mud wall, we arrived on the company Sgt. Maj. with the first batch of casualties — some shrapnel wounds, and one Afghan national army soldier (one of the good guys) with a bullet through his neck. How lucky was this guy — the bullet went in and out without hitting anything vital. He was conscious and breathing.
Again the helicopter was ordered and we returned through the firefight to the landing site. By this time the adrenalin was wearing off and fatigue setting in, but I shook it off, just in time to hear we had more casualties — a priority one this time. That's never good, and Toezer prepared for the worst. After driving back through the battle, we arrived at the casualty collection point, but found nobody there yet. Over the radio we were told the casualty was not breathing and had no pulse. They had stopped trying to resuscitate the soldier.
An eerie feeling filled the air as we waited to receive the casualty. Creelman asked if I knew how to get back to the landing site without his guidance. I nodded, and he said he would be in the back with Toezer trying to bring our friend back to life. After what seemed a long wait, our casualty arrived and we were off.
Minutes later we were at the landing site where the helicopter was waiting. I dropped the ramp and jumped out of the ambulance to assist. Creelman and Toezer were working non-stop with CPR and mouth-to-mouth. Within seconds, our fallen comrade was on the bird and whisked away.
Rest in peace my friend, you will be remembered always. I will pay tribute to you every Nov. 11.
Part 2: Here's a straw. Suck it up
Twenty hours had passed since the initial contact, and the sounds of bullets had faded to a familiar background noise. We moved into a staging area 100 metres behind a targeted area, a building where two insurgents refused to give up. We fired artillery, RPGs, 25 mm rounds and even Apache Hellfire rockets into this building, and still they continued to fight. The radio informed us that next they would be dropping something big.
Two more casualties were radioed in, and again we drove to pick up two injured soldiers. "Doc!" one of them screamed, "Are they all right?" Puzzled, we loaded him on a stretcher. "Are they still there?" he yelled again.
Mac and cheese before taking a nap
"What are you talking about?" Toezer asked, and then the casualty exposed his crotch, where he had a small shrapnel wound, but one that missed his children-maker by millimetres. Toezer ensured him everything was intact.
The laughter from our much-relieved casualty was broken by the deafening crack of a 2,000-pound bomb destroying the enemy bunker. Soldiers cleared the area and found a reinforced tunnel inside the building. We took off to the landing site and transferred our casualties.
The battle finally subsided after 34 hours of fighting. We pulled into a wheat field and set up a small medical station to deal with minor ailments. The companies rolled through our resupply point before they headed off to a staging area to replenish supplies and eat. We saw about 20 patients, most of them just dehydrated or with minor shrapnel wounds requiring a bandage — and a straw. When I asked Creelman what the straw was for, he laughed.
"Suck it up and carry on."
Wake-up call
It was now time for some personal maintenance. Mac 'n' cheese and a good read kept me company until I fell asleep on the ground. A few hours later I was woken to provide sentry duty for an hour. When you train in Canada, the enemy is just our guys playing a part. There's no threat of bullets, just embarrassment if they sneak by you. But in Afghanistan the fear of being shot keeps your eyes open better then any cup of Tim Hortons coffee.
As the sun peeked over the horizon, our company moved to a staging area north of Panjwaii, 48 hours into the operation. The enemy was defeated and the local population had reclaimed their village. Creelman left for orders, Toezer filled out a resupply request and I refuelled the vehicle.
An hour later Creelman returned. "I don't know how to tell you this, guys, but we are not going back. The British to the north have been receiving a lot of contacts, and they don't have the resources to resupply. We are going to be out here for a lot longer then we thought. Relax for the next six hours, and then we are pushing about five hours north."
It was a good thing I'd packed for another couple of days. I reached into the ambulance and grabbed our satellite phone. The best thing about our army is that they supply a phone so you can call home and talk to friends. As you are talking, you can close your eyes and imagine yourself sitting on your couch at home, talking on the phone. For a minute, it takes you away from the arid lands of Afghanistan.
I curled up beside the front tire of my ambulance and looked at the stars. Every minute or two, you could spot a falling star, which to anyone else would be spectacular. Here I flinched, waiting for a big boom. If 10 seconds passed without a boom, I knew it was just a star. Finally I caught a little sleep.
MILITARY OFFICIALS IDENTIFY THIRD CANADIAN KILLED ON WEEKEND
Canadian military officials have released the name of the third soldier killed during a massive anti-Taliban operation in Afghanistan on the weekend.
Sgt. Shane Stachnik of 2 Combat Engineer Regiment, based at CFB Petawawa, Ont., was one of four Canadians killed Sunday during a fierce battle with Taliban fighters in southern Afghanistan, officials said on Monday. His age and hometown were not released.
The names of two other soldiers who died were made public on Sunday, while the family of the fourth soldier has asked that the name be withheld.
Warrant Officer Frank Robert Mellish and Warrant Officer Richard Francis Nolan were both members of the 1st Batallion, Royal Canadian Regiment, based in Petawawa.
Mellish, who grew up on Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia, was married with two young children.
Nolan was from Newfoundland and leaves behind his common-law partner Kelly, also a soldier in Afghanistan, along with three school-aged sons and teenaged stepdaughter.
Six other members of the Canadian military were wounded in Sunday's ground assault.
Base struggles to cope with losses
As CFB Petawawa struggled to cope with the loss of three members of its community, they learned of another Canadian death on Monday — the fifth in less than 24 hours.
A Canadian soldier was killed when two U.S. jets mistakenly fired on a Canadian platoon during the same anti-Taliban battle, Operation Medusa. The soldier has not been identified.
Soldiers from Petawawa make up the bulk of the roughly 2,300 Canadians serving in Afghanistan.
Joseph Johns, a chaplain at CFB Petawawa, said soldiers who go to Afghanistan know the dangers they face.
"Since 9/11, those of us who wear the uniform understand that we have a very special responsibility to the country and to the endeavours of our government, especially with regard to maintaining freedom in the world," said Johns.
"That comes with a price."
Last Updated Mon, 04 Sep 2006 20:51:55 EDT
CBC News
Sgt. Shane Stachnik of 2 Combat Engineer Regiment, based at CFB Petawawa, Ont., was one of four Canadians killed Sunday during a fierce battle with Taliban fighters in southern Afghanistan, officials said on Monday. His age and hometown were not released.
The names of two other soldiers who died were made public on Sunday, while the family of the fourth soldier has asked that the name be withheld.
Warrant Officer Frank Robert Mellish and Warrant Officer Richard Francis Nolan were both members of the 1st Batallion, Royal Canadian Regiment, based in Petawawa.
Mellish, who grew up on Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia, was married with two young children.
Nolan was from Newfoundland and leaves behind his common-law partner Kelly, also a soldier in Afghanistan, along with three school-aged sons and teenaged stepdaughter.
Six other members of the Canadian military were wounded in Sunday's ground assault.
Base struggles to cope with losses
As CFB Petawawa struggled to cope with the loss of three members of its community, they learned of another Canadian death on Monday — the fifth in less than 24 hours.
A Canadian soldier was killed when two U.S. jets mistakenly fired on a Canadian platoon during the same anti-Taliban battle, Operation Medusa. The soldier has not been identified.
Soldiers from Petawawa make up the bulk of the roughly 2,300 Canadians serving in Afghanistan.
Joseph Johns, a chaplain at CFB Petawawa, said soldiers who go to Afghanistan know the dangers they face.
"Since 9/11, those of us who wear the uniform understand that we have a very special responsibility to the country and to the endeavours of our government, especially with regard to maintaining freedom in the world," said Johns.
"That comes with a price."
Last Updated Mon, 04 Sep 2006 20:51:55 EDT
CBC News
NOLAN; Remembered as dedicated Soldier & Father
Flags at the Newfoundland and Labrador legislature are flying at half-mast Tuesday, to honour a Newfoundland soldier killed in battle in Afghanistan.
Warrant Officer Richard Nolan was one of four Canadians killed in combat on Sunday.
Warrant Officer Richard Francis Nolan was killed in Afghanistan on Sunday. (Courtesy DND)He and his common-law partner, who is also serving in Afghanistan, were based at CFB Petawawa in Ontario, where Nolan's mother cared for the couple's four children.
Sarah Proulx, Nolan's next-door neighbour in Petawawa, described him as a dedicated soldier and father, and said the community is in shock.
"I'm still numb. I can't believe that it happened," Proulx told CBC News.
"Rick's been only gone a month. We talked many times about them going over, and they said, 'That's our job. We're soldiers.'"
Nolan was killed while Canadians were battling Taliban fighters during a major offensive aimed at taking control of two dangerous districts in southern Afghanistan. Also killed were Warrant Officer Frank Robert Mellish, Sgt. Shane Stachnik and an unidentified fourth soldier.
Padre Joseph Johns said the atmosphere at the base has been sombre since residents learned of the deaths.
"When events like this occur, it happens to us as a family and we respond to it as a family," Johns said.
"We mourn, we grieve, but we also carry on with the task at hand of caring for each other."
Johns said the base will prepare Tuesday for the repatriation ceremony for the soldiers' remains.
Last Updated: Tuesday, September 5, 2006 7:18 AM NT
CBC News
Warrant Officer Richard Nolan was one of four Canadians killed in combat on Sunday.
Warrant Officer Richard Francis Nolan was killed in Afghanistan on Sunday. (Courtesy DND)He and his common-law partner, who is also serving in Afghanistan, were based at CFB Petawawa in Ontario, where Nolan's mother cared for the couple's four children.
Sarah Proulx, Nolan's next-door neighbour in Petawawa, described him as a dedicated soldier and father, and said the community is in shock.
"I'm still numb. I can't believe that it happened," Proulx told CBC News.
"Rick's been only gone a month. We talked many times about them going over, and they said, 'That's our job. We're soldiers.'"
Nolan was killed while Canadians were battling Taliban fighters during a major offensive aimed at taking control of two dangerous districts in southern Afghanistan. Also killed were Warrant Officer Frank Robert Mellish, Sgt. Shane Stachnik and an unidentified fourth soldier.
Padre Joseph Johns said the atmosphere at the base has been sombre since residents learned of the deaths.
"When events like this occur, it happens to us as a family and we respond to it as a family," Johns said.
"We mourn, we grieve, but we also carry on with the task at hand of caring for each other."
Johns said the base will prepare Tuesday for the repatriation ceremony for the soldiers' remains.
Last Updated: Tuesday, September 5, 2006 7:18 AM NT
CBC News
CANADIAN TROOPS HONOUR FALLEN SOLDIERSIN CEREMONY
Canadian soldiers said goodbye on Tuesday to five comrades killed on Sunday and Monday while taking part in a major offensive in southern Afghanistan.
About Canadian 800 soldiers gathered at Kandahar airfield and a piper played as five flag-draped coffins were carried onto a C-130 Hercules airplane. Some of the pallbearers were crying.
Sgt. Shane Stachnik, Warrant Officer Frank Mellish and Warrant Officer Richard Nolan and an as-yet-unidentified soldier were killed on Sunday during fighting with Taliban insurgents in the Panjwaii district of Kandahar province.
Pte. Mark Graham died on Monday when two U.S. aircraft mistakenly fired on a Canadian platoon during the operation.
All of the identified soldiers were based at CFB Petawawa.
The Canadians are taking part in a major operation aimed at taking control of two dangerous districts west of Kandahar City.
The plane carrying the coffins is expected to arrive at CFB Trenton in eastern Ontario late Wednesday.
Lieut. Grant McDonald, a platoon commander, told the Canadian Press that the deaths of the two warrant officers will affect the troops because warrant officers provide stability, but he said the soldiers are eager to return to the fight against the Taliban.
"The warrant officer is basically like a grandfather to the platoon," he said. "He provides advice and a lot of stability to the platoon and he's someone who the troops look towards as a strong leader."
After the ceremony, Canadian soldiers did return to the fight to clear the Taliban from their strongholds.
"No one wants to sit and wait for anything," McDonald said. "We'd rather get out there and take the fight to the enemy and give them our two cents."
Thirty-one Canadian soldiers have died since Canada first sent troops to Afghanistan in early 2002. Canada has about 2,200 soldiers stationed in Afghanistan, mainly in Kandahar.
In addition to fighting the Taliban insurgency, Canadians are helping to rebuild the country which was left in ruins after decades of war.
The five deaths during the most recent fighting, known as Operation Medusa, are the most sustained by Canada within 24 hours since early 2002.
Last Updated Tue, 05 Sep 2006 07:09:52 EDT
CBC News
About Canadian 800 soldiers gathered at Kandahar airfield and a piper played as five flag-draped coffins were carried onto a C-130 Hercules airplane. Some of the pallbearers were crying.
Sgt. Shane Stachnik, Warrant Officer Frank Mellish and Warrant Officer Richard Nolan and an as-yet-unidentified soldier were killed on Sunday during fighting with Taliban insurgents in the Panjwaii district of Kandahar province.
Pte. Mark Graham died on Monday when two U.S. aircraft mistakenly fired on a Canadian platoon during the operation.
All of the identified soldiers were based at CFB Petawawa.
The Canadians are taking part in a major operation aimed at taking control of two dangerous districts west of Kandahar City.
The plane carrying the coffins is expected to arrive at CFB Trenton in eastern Ontario late Wednesday.
Lieut. Grant McDonald, a platoon commander, told the Canadian Press that the deaths of the two warrant officers will affect the troops because warrant officers provide stability, but he said the soldiers are eager to return to the fight against the Taliban.
"The warrant officer is basically like a grandfather to the platoon," he said. "He provides advice and a lot of stability to the platoon and he's someone who the troops look towards as a strong leader."
After the ceremony, Canadian soldiers did return to the fight to clear the Taliban from their strongholds.
"No one wants to sit and wait for anything," McDonald said. "We'd rather get out there and take the fight to the enemy and give them our two cents."
Thirty-one Canadian soldiers have died since Canada first sent troops to Afghanistan in early 2002. Canada has about 2,200 soldiers stationed in Afghanistan, mainly in Kandahar.
In addition to fighting the Taliban insurgency, Canadians are helping to rebuild the country which was left in ruins after decades of war.
The five deaths during the most recent fighting, known as Operation Medusa, are the most sustained by Canada within 24 hours since early 2002.
Last Updated Tue, 05 Sep 2006 07:09:52 EDT
CBC News
CANADIAN KILLED BY FRIENDLY FIRE IN AFGANISTAN
Two U.S. warplanes accidentally strafed their own NATO forces in southern Afghanistan on Monday, killing one Canadian soldier and wounding more than 30 others.
CTV.ca News Staff
CTV.ca News Staff
Private Mark Anthony Graham,
a member of 1st Battalion,
The Royal Canadian Regiment, based in Petawawa, Ontario
The soldier has been identified as Pte. Mark Anthony Graham, a member of 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, based in eastern Ontario's CFB Petawawa.
The friendly fire incident occurred around 5:30 a.m. when soldiers trying to seize a Taliban stronghold along the Arghandab River requested air support.
NATO said in a statement that the International Security Assistance Force provided the support but "regrettably engaged friendly forces during a strafing run, using cannons." It later identified the planes as U.S. A-10 Thunderbolts.
NATO spokesman Maj. Scott Lundy said five of the more than 30 wounded soldiers were seriously injured and evacuated out of Afghanistan for medical treatment.
"It was a scene of absolute chaos this morning at the airport near the hospital. We were there as helicopter after helicopter ferried in the wounded," CTV's Matt McClure reported from Kandahar.
Brig.-Gen. David Fraser, the Canadian in charge of NATO forces in southern Afghanistan, said Operation Medusa will continue despite the casualties.
"This has been a tough hit, but Canadians are continuing the fight," he said in a statement released Monday.
CTV News has learned that the United States will launch its own probe into the incident, in addition to a NATO investigation currently underway.
"There has not been any official reaction from the United States government, but CTV News has learned Ambassador David Wilkins -- the U.S. ambassador in Canada -- phoned Prime Minister Stephen Harper first thing this morning," CTV's David Akin told Newsnet.
Wilkins expressed the regret of the U.S. government over the tragedy, and also indicated the government would launch its own investigation.
In Afghanistan, Fraser told reporters that friendly fire incidents are always a risk that soldiers must face.
"We do have procedures, we do have communications, we do have training and tactics and techniques and procedures to mitigate the risk but we can't reduce those risks to zero,'' he said in a news conference at Kandahar Airfield.
"The Canadian forces and the rest of armed forces of the world and the international community wouldn't be here if it wasn't dangerous.''
Monday's friendly fire incident was the second such incident since Canadians began operations in Afghanistan more than four years ago.
Four soldiers were killed and eight others wounded in April 2002 when an American F-16 fighter mistakenly bombed Canadians on pre-dawn training exercise.
The friendly fire death comes just one day after another four Canadian soldiers were killed and six wounded during Operation Medusa, a mission aimed at purging militants from the Taliban stronghold of the Panjwaii district west of Kandahar.
Two of the dead were identified Sunday as Warrant Officer Frank Mellish and Warrant Officer Richard Nolan, both of 1st Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment, based at CFB Petawawa, Ont.
The third was identified Monday as Sgt. Shane Stachnik of 2 Combat Engineer Regiment based in Petawawa.
The name of the fourth was still being withheld at the request of the family.
Mellish was born in the small Nova Scotia town of Truro. The town lost another soldier just last month -- Cpl. Christopher Reid, killed during a battle with insurgents on Aug. 3.
"It's quite a shock," said Truro Mayor Bill Mills. "When I first heard the story this morning ... I had no idea that one of those gentlemen was from our area."
The battle continues
The past two days' deaths occurred as part of Operation Medusa, aimed at purging Taliban insurgents from the dangerous Panjwaii area, the site of intense fighting in recent weeks.
Taliban insurgents put up a stiff fight, using small arms and rocket propelled grenades to defend their positions.
Despite the casualties, NATO officials are maintaining that the offensive has been a success, estimating that 200 Taliban militants had been killed and 80 seized.
But a Taliban leader in south and southeastern Afghanistan rejected those claims as propaganda.
"They are saying that they have killed 200 Taliban but they did not kill even 10," Mullah Dadullah told the Associated Press in a satellite phone call from an undisclosed location.
Dadullah also warned that his fighters would "target" journalists who reported "wrong information."
The latest fatalities came as NDP Leader Jack Layton repeated his call for ending the Afghanistan mission in February 2007.
"Young people have stepped forward to put their lives on the line, fulfilling a mission that they were asked to fulfill," Layton told reporters in Toronto.
"What we as Canadians need to do is consider whether this is indeed the right mission for Canada going forward. Our view is that it is the wrong mission."
Prime Minister Stephen Harper did not address the possibility of a troop withdrawal in a statement on Sunday, in which he offered his condolences to the friends and families of those killed.
"We are proud of these soldiers' contribution to bring stability and hope to the people of Afghanistan," said Harper.
"These soldiers lost their lives in the service of their country. Canada is grateful for that service, and saddened by this loss."
05/09/2006 5:53:26 AM
Monday, September 04, 2006
FRANK MELLISH & RICK NOLAN
My condolences go out to Frank & Rick's friends and family. Frank & Rick were a good men and excellent soldiers...they will be greatly missed.
I have known Frank for a very long time. We first really got to know each other when we served together in Crotia in 94-95 in Recce Platoon.
At the time we refered to him as the most photographed solider in NATO. His previous tour in Africa resulted in a slue of photos of him while on patrol, which were constantly turing up in military and civilian publications a like. But I didn't expect to see these types of pictures of Frank.
As for Rick I had not known him for as long. We had done our Small Arms Instructor course together and he struck me as level-head, knowledgeable individual. We never became friends but we would always stop to chat when we happened to bump into each other.
As my Ex-unit headed over to Afganistan I dreaded what was in store for the ones that I had worked with for so long.
I have known Frank for a very long time. We first really got to know each other when we served together in Crotia in 94-95 in Recce Platoon.
At the time we refered to him as the most photographed solider in NATO. His previous tour in Africa resulted in a slue of photos of him while on patrol, which were constantly turing up in military and civilian publications a like. But I didn't expect to see these types of pictures of Frank.
Here is Frank Mellish on the cover of a military mag
when he was on patrol in Africa in 1993.
If it appears that Frank is a little disgusted, well he told me later that he was pissed. The camera man that was along for the patrol was getting on his nerves because he was continually taking pictures of him becoming a distraction and a burden.
As for Rick I had not known him for as long. We had done our Small Arms Instructor course together and he struck me as level-head, knowledgeable individual. We never became friends but we would always stop to chat when we happened to bump into each other.
As my Ex-unit headed over to Afganistan I dreaded what was in store for the ones that I had worked with for so long.
4 CANADIANS KILLED; 9 injured in Afghan battle
Four Canadian soldiers have been killed and nine others wounded, one seriously, during a ground assault on an insurgent position as part of a major NATO offensive in southern Afghanistan.
Warrant Officer Frank Robert Mellish, left,
Brig.-Gen. David Fraser, the Canadian Forces general who commands the NATO forces in southern Afghanistan, said Sunday that the Canadians died during an air and ground offensive against the Taliban that started in southern Kandahar province a day earlier.
Two of the soldiers have been identified as Warrant Officer Frank Robert Mellish and Warrant Officer Richard Francis Nolan, both members with the 1st Batallion, Royal Canadian Regiment, based in Petawawa, Ont., the Department of National Defence said in a release Sunday.
The military did not say how old they were and would not say when the names of the other soldiers would be released. All of their families have been notified. The families of two soldiers requested that their names not be released at this time, the DND said.
"Let's just have our hopes and prayers with people who are grieving tonight," Fraser said at a news conference in the city of Kandahar.
"They were moving into a position," Fraser said, explaining how the Canadians were killed. "They came under insurgent attacks and during these attacks they succumbed to injuries from the insurgents."
Gordon O'Connor, minister of National Defence, said in a statement that nine others were wounded. Fraser also said one Canadian soldier had been seriously wounded, but the other wounded soldiers are all expected to return to their duties within days.
Fighting was continuing late into Sunday night as U.S. jets and helicopters bombed and strafed suspected Taliban positions, the Canadian Press reported.
Neighbour recalls soldier's 'genuine soul'
A neighbour of Nolan in Petawawa described him as a committed soldier with a "genuine soul" who took the most pleasure in spending hours playing outside with his three school-aged sons and teenaged stepdaughter.
"I'd be out working in my garden, and I would hear him with his children ... just giving them perfect guidance," Sarah Jane Proulx told the Canadian Press Sunday.
Nolan's children are being cared for by his mother who came from his home province of Newfoundland to look after the kids while their parents were overseas, she said.
Both Nolan and his common-law partner Kelly were serving six-month stints in Afghanistan, but were not posted to the same part of the country.
'Serious damage' as 200 Taliban killed
Canada has more than 2,200 troops in NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). In Operation Medusa, which is being led by the Canadians, most of the force's combat units have been fighting alongside troops from Afghanistan, the U.S. and Britain.
The NATO operation aims to drive Taliban militants from their strongholds in the Zhari and Panjwaii districts near the city of Kandahar.
"We will continue operations here. Despite these losses, Operation Medusa will continue," Fraser said. "ISAF is determined to remove the Taliban threat from this region. We're making good progress."
In the first two days of the NATO offensive, 200 Taliban militants were killed and 80 others captured, Fraser said. An additional 180 insurgents were seen fleeing the region.
"This operation, which is continuing on tomorrow, has inflicted severe damage to the Taliban capability," Fraser said.
Soldiers 'surprised' at Taliban resistance
The Canadians moved in with light armoured vehicles in the early morning after NATO forces had pounded enemy positions for more than 24 hours with helicopter gunships, artillery and bombs.
Taliban insurgents put up a stiff fight, using small arms and rocket-propelled grenades to hit back at the Canadians, who later returned to their own stronghold.
Some soldiers expressed surprise at how stubbornly Taliban fighters had defended their ground, near a river valley that cuts a green ribbon through this desert area west of Kandahar city. Others noted NATO commanders had given everyone, including the enemy, a few days of advance notice before starting Operation Medusa in Panjwaii district.
"Truthfully, I was surprised by the resistance they put up," said Maj. Geoff Abthorpe, commander of Bravo Company of Task Force Kandahar and a member of the Royal Canadian Regiment.
"We came at them with what I perceived to be a pretty heavy fist."
The latest deaths bring to 31 the total number of Canadian soldiers killed since the mission in Afghanistan began in 2002.
The last time the Canadian Forces suffered as many deaths in one day was Aug. 3 when two roadside bombings and a hail of rocket-propelled grenades killed four Canadians and injured 10. Most of those casualties occurred near the village of Pashmul within Panjwaii district.
Latest deaths spark calls to end mission
Prime Minister Stephen Harper expressed his condolences on Sunday to the family and friends of the soldiers, and paid tribute to their colleagues who continue their dangerous mission.
"While deeply saddened by this loss, I hope the families may find some solace in the knowledge that they do not grieve alone and that Canada will not forget the heroism of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice," Harper said in a statement released Sunday afternoon.
"They will be sorely missed by their comrades in Afghanistan who carry on with our mission there, serving our country with tremendous professionalism, skill and determination."
NDP Leader Jack Layton, during a news conference in Toronto on Sunday, reiterated his call to get Canadian soldiers out of Afghanistan.
"This is the wrong mission for Canada. It's not balanced. It doesn't represent the equilibrium between humanitarian aid, reconstruction and comprehensive peace process that Canadians would want to see," he said.
Last Updated Sun, 03 Sep 2006 23:02:17 EDT
CBC News
Warrant Officer Frank Robert Mellish, left,
and Warrant Officer Richard Francis Nolan.
Brig.-Gen. David Fraser, the Canadian Forces general who commands the NATO forces in southern Afghanistan, said Sunday that the Canadians died during an air and ground offensive against the Taliban that started in southern Kandahar province a day earlier.
Two of the soldiers have been identified as Warrant Officer Frank Robert Mellish and Warrant Officer Richard Francis Nolan, both members with the 1st Batallion, Royal Canadian Regiment, based in Petawawa, Ont., the Department of National Defence said in a release Sunday.
The military did not say how old they were and would not say when the names of the other soldiers would be released. All of their families have been notified. The families of two soldiers requested that their names not be released at this time, the DND said.
"Let's just have our hopes and prayers with people who are grieving tonight," Fraser said at a news conference in the city of Kandahar.
"They were moving into a position," Fraser said, explaining how the Canadians were killed. "They came under insurgent attacks and during these attacks they succumbed to injuries from the insurgents."
Gordon O'Connor, minister of National Defence, said in a statement that nine others were wounded. Fraser also said one Canadian soldier had been seriously wounded, but the other wounded soldiers are all expected to return to their duties within days.
Fighting was continuing late into Sunday night as U.S. jets and helicopters bombed and strafed suspected Taliban positions, the Canadian Press reported.
Neighbour recalls soldier's 'genuine soul'
A neighbour of Nolan in Petawawa described him as a committed soldier with a "genuine soul" who took the most pleasure in spending hours playing outside with his three school-aged sons and teenaged stepdaughter.
"I'd be out working in my garden, and I would hear him with his children ... just giving them perfect guidance," Sarah Jane Proulx told the Canadian Press Sunday.
Nolan's children are being cared for by his mother who came from his home province of Newfoundland to look after the kids while their parents were overseas, she said.
Both Nolan and his common-law partner Kelly were serving six-month stints in Afghanistan, but were not posted to the same part of the country.
'Serious damage' as 200 Taliban killed
Canada has more than 2,200 troops in NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). In Operation Medusa, which is being led by the Canadians, most of the force's combat units have been fighting alongside troops from Afghanistan, the U.S. and Britain.
The NATO operation aims to drive Taliban militants from their strongholds in the Zhari and Panjwaii districts near the city of Kandahar.
"We will continue operations here. Despite these losses, Operation Medusa will continue," Fraser said. "ISAF is determined to remove the Taliban threat from this region. We're making good progress."
In the first two days of the NATO offensive, 200 Taliban militants were killed and 80 others captured, Fraser said. An additional 180 insurgents were seen fleeing the region.
"This operation, which is continuing on tomorrow, has inflicted severe damage to the Taliban capability," Fraser said.
Soldiers 'surprised' at Taliban resistance
The Canadians moved in with light armoured vehicles in the early morning after NATO forces had pounded enemy positions for more than 24 hours with helicopter gunships, artillery and bombs.
Taliban insurgents put up a stiff fight, using small arms and rocket-propelled grenades to hit back at the Canadians, who later returned to their own stronghold.
Some soldiers expressed surprise at how stubbornly Taliban fighters had defended their ground, near a river valley that cuts a green ribbon through this desert area west of Kandahar city. Others noted NATO commanders had given everyone, including the enemy, a few days of advance notice before starting Operation Medusa in Panjwaii district.
"Truthfully, I was surprised by the resistance they put up," said Maj. Geoff Abthorpe, commander of Bravo Company of Task Force Kandahar and a member of the Royal Canadian Regiment.
"We came at them with what I perceived to be a pretty heavy fist."
The latest deaths bring to 31 the total number of Canadian soldiers killed since the mission in Afghanistan began in 2002.
The last time the Canadian Forces suffered as many deaths in one day was Aug. 3 when two roadside bombings and a hail of rocket-propelled grenades killed four Canadians and injured 10. Most of those casualties occurred near the village of Pashmul within Panjwaii district.
Latest deaths spark calls to end mission
Prime Minister Stephen Harper expressed his condolences on Sunday to the family and friends of the soldiers, and paid tribute to their colleagues who continue their dangerous mission.
"While deeply saddened by this loss, I hope the families may find some solace in the knowledge that they do not grieve alone and that Canada will not forget the heroism of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice," Harper said in a statement released Sunday afternoon.
"They will be sorely missed by their comrades in Afghanistan who carry on with our mission there, serving our country with tremendous professionalism, skill and determination."
NDP Leader Jack Layton, during a news conference in Toronto on Sunday, reiterated his call to get Canadian soldiers out of Afghanistan.
"This is the wrong mission for Canada. It's not balanced. It doesn't represent the equilibrium between humanitarian aid, reconstruction and comprehensive peace process that Canadians would want to see," he said.
Last Updated Sun, 03 Sep 2006 23:02:17 EDT
CBC News
MORE FROM MSN: 4 CANADIANS DEAD
Four Canadian soldiers were killed and six wounded during a major NATO offensive in the volatile district of southern Afghanistan on Sunday.
Brig. Gen. David Fraser speaks at a news conference
announcing the deaths of four Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan.
"I am saddened to announce that four Canadian soldiers were killed during today's operations and a number of others were wounded" in the Panjwaii district, west of Kandahar, said Canadian Brig.-Gen. David Fraser at a news conference.
"All but one of the wounded is expected to return to their duties within the next few days."
Fraser offered his condolences to the families of the victims, but only two of the fallen soldiers have been identified: Both are members of 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, based in CFB Petawawa in eastern Ontario.
They had been in the Canadian Forces for more than fifteen years and were veterans of several overseas missions. They also leave behind a spouse and children -- Nolan had three sons and one stepdaughter.
"I can tell you first and foremost that Frank and Rick were dedicated fathers to young boys, and I think that is what should define them -- that there core family values were extremely strong," said Maj. Peter Scott.
An official with NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said the soldiers died when they were hit by enemy fire in fighting in Panjwaii district, west of the city of Kandahar.
Of the six wounded soldiers, two reportedly suffered light enough injuries for them to stay on in the combat area.
Fraser said that despite the deaths, the operation was a success.
According to ISAF, "more than 200 Taliban fighters have been killed since the beginning of operation Medusa early Saturday morning" in the Panjwaii district, said Fraser.
Further, he said more than 80 suspected Taliban fighters have been captured by the Afghan national police, and "an additional 180 insurgents were seen fleeing the district."
The major air and ground offensive -- dubbed Operation Medusa -- includes Canadian, British and American troops fighting alongside Afghan forces in Kandahar province.
The goal is to take control of the Taliban stronghold of Panjwaii, which covers an area roughly between 20 and 40 kilometres west of Kandahar city -- an area where Canadian troops have suffered casualties before, during heavy battles with Taliban insurgents in which at least six Canadians have died and 32 wounded.
"Despite these losses, Operation Medusa will continue,'' Fraser said. "ISAF is determined to remove the Taliban threat from this region."
Col. Fred Lewis, commander of the Canadian contingent, said he expected his troops to encounter fierce resistance from Taliban guerrillas during this mission.
"I think we're talking in the neighbourhood of hundreds" of fighters, said Lewis on Saturday. "Certainly not thousands, not tens. Might they just fade away? If they're smart, they will."
NATO said there were no reports of civilian casualties, despite the heavy bombardment in the area. However, Afghan defence officials said earlier that an uncertain number of civilians are dead after two days of fighting in the region.
A NATO statement said forces had gained ground during the operation, which was continuing Sunday.
McClure, the only reporter embedded with Canadian troops during the mission on Saturday, said commanders appeared confident during the heavy offensive.
"In the back of their minds, though, I think they knew that this was not going to be easy," said McClure.
The Taliban fighters "were well dug in, in their defensive positions in those vineyards, in the mud wall compounds and the verdant valley -- one of the rare bits of greenery you find here in Afghanistan -- and that it might come to tough house-to-house fighting, which Canadians have been trained to handle but haven't seen a lot of up until this recent tour."
He added: "As one soldier we're told said on the ground this morning shortly after the incident: 'We had our nose bloodied today."
03/09/2006 11:29:40 PM
Sunday, September 03, 2006
QW - A Private Little War
"War isn't a good life, but it's life."
**
– James T. Kirk from "A Private Little War"
Saturday, September 02, 2006
CANADIAN TROOPS LAUNCH OFFENSIVE; into Taliban hotbed
Canadian forces launched their latest offensive into a Taliban hotbed west of Kandahar, while there are reports a NATO plane crashed in Afghanistan, killing 14 British troops.
Canadian combat units, along with other NATO and Afghan forces, moved into the area about 30 kilometres west of Kandahar.
"It's in an area where Canadian troops have taken casualties," said CTV's Matt McClure on Saturday from Kandahar, ". . . and where they've also been involved in heavy battles trying to take this territory early this year."
No casualties have been reported so far in the mission, dubbed Operation Medusa.
Canadian battle group commander, Col. Omer Lavoie, told CTV News that his soldiers have gained the upper hand against the militants despite meeting some resistance.
"We were ambushed en route about four o'clock in the morning. But my platoon . . . dealt with the ambush, engaged and destroyed the enemy, and for the rest of it we moved in here with no resistance," said Lavoie.
"We certainly own the dominating ground now in Panjwai district."
Pro-government forces then proceeded to move into the district, backed by artillery and air support as they prepared to move across the Arghandab River into Pashmul area -- known as the heart of the Taliban stronghold.
The commander of the Canadian contingent said fierce fighting is expected with Taliban guerrillas in this latest mission.
"I think we're talking in the neighbourhood of hundreds" of fighters, said Col. Fred Lewis. "Certainly not thousands, not tens. Might they just fade away? If they're smart, they will."
At least six Canadians have died and 32 were wounded in dozens of bomb attacks, ambushes and pitched battles in the area, according to reports compiled by The Canadian Press.
The area was the scene of a major operation at the start of the summer, known as the Battle of Panjwai. Commanders then claimed to have broken the back of the insurgency there, but coalition troops withdrew and the Taliban took over again.
"This time, the Brigadier General David Fraser said it's going to be different, and that they're going to hold this area," said McClure.
"Either Canadian forces and/or Afghan forces are going to be there, they say, in numbers so that the Taliban can't move in."
Lewis said, however, that the bulk of Canadian troops will eventually again withdraw.
"I don't think it will be Canadians" securing the area after Operation Medusa," Lewis said. "I think it will be Afghan led."
02/09/2006 1:19:52 PM
Canadian combat units, along with other NATO and Afghan forces, moved into the area about 30 kilometres west of Kandahar.
"It's in an area where Canadian troops have taken casualties," said CTV's Matt McClure on Saturday from Kandahar, ". . . and where they've also been involved in heavy battles trying to take this territory early this year."
No casualties have been reported so far in the mission, dubbed Operation Medusa.
Canadian battle group commander, Col. Omer Lavoie, told CTV News that his soldiers have gained the upper hand against the militants despite meeting some resistance.
"We were ambushed en route about four o'clock in the morning. But my platoon . . . dealt with the ambush, engaged and destroyed the enemy, and for the rest of it we moved in here with no resistance," said Lavoie.
"We certainly own the dominating ground now in Panjwai district."
Pro-government forces then proceeded to move into the district, backed by artillery and air support as they prepared to move across the Arghandab River into Pashmul area -- known as the heart of the Taliban stronghold.
The commander of the Canadian contingent said fierce fighting is expected with Taliban guerrillas in this latest mission.
"I think we're talking in the neighbourhood of hundreds" of fighters, said Col. Fred Lewis. "Certainly not thousands, not tens. Might they just fade away? If they're smart, they will."
At least six Canadians have died and 32 were wounded in dozens of bomb attacks, ambushes and pitched battles in the area, according to reports compiled by The Canadian Press.
The area was the scene of a major operation at the start of the summer, known as the Battle of Panjwai. Commanders then claimed to have broken the back of the insurgency there, but coalition troops withdrew and the Taliban took over again.
"This time, the Brigadier General David Fraser said it's going to be different, and that they're going to hold this area," said McClure.
"Either Canadian forces and/or Afghan forces are going to be there, they say, in numbers so that the Taliban can't move in."
Lewis said, however, that the bulk of Canadian troops will eventually again withdraw.
"I don't think it will be Canadians" securing the area after Operation Medusa," Lewis said. "I think it will be Afghan led."
02/09/2006 1:19:52 PM
Friday, September 01, 2006
FROM AN AMERICAN: "Thanks, Canada"
On April 22, 2006 four Canadian soldiers were killed in Afghanistan by a roadside bomb.Respects and heartfelt sadness go to the families of those heroes who stand alongside the U.S.in the Long War half a world away. While we focus on the war in Iraq, the fighting continues inAfghanistan where side-by-side the U.S. and one of its most loyal allies, Canada, engage there-emergence of the Taliban.
Canada is like a close uncle who constantly argues, badgers, and complains about what you aredoing, but when help is truly needed, you can't keep him away: he's right there alongside you.We have a unique relationship with Canada. We have different political positions on manyissues, but our unique friendship has weathered world wars, global crises, and theever-so-often neighborhood disagreement.
Canada has been with us since the beginning of the Global War on Terrorism. In February 2006,without fanfare Canada, leading a multinational force combating growing Taliban insurgency,increased troop strength in Afghanistan to 2,300. With the American military stretched thinagainst rising instability in both Iraq and Afghanistan, an ally that increases its troopstrength is inspiring and deserves our respect.
Katrina was another example of our close family-like relationship. Katrina struck the GulfCoast on August 29, 2005. Two days later, the Vancouver Urban Search and Rescue Team rushedfrom British Columbia, Canada to Saint Bernard Parish, Louisiana. In this Parish of 68,000Americans, the first responders were Canadians. Overall, within the devastated Gulf Coast area,it appears Canada was the first responder outside of local efforts. They worked 18-hour days,going door-to-door alongside Louisiana State Troopers, rescuing 119-Americans.
While FEMA ramped up to surge into the catastrophe; while the administration and Louisianafought for the politically correct way to respond; Canadian aid was already at work.
The Canadian Forces Joint Task Group 306 consisting of the warships HMCS Athabaskan, HMCSToronto, NSMC Ville de Quebec, and CCGC William Alexander sailed to the Gulf Coast to deliverhumanitarian supplies. They stayed, working alongside U.S. Navy and Mexican warships, toprovide aid to Katrina victims.
Katrina was not an anomaly of our close relationship. When Hurricane Ivan devastated Pensacola,Florida in October 2004 Canadian humanitarian help was there also. Canadian power trucks roamedthe streets and countryside helping restore electricity where Americans had a unique experienceof running into workmen who only spoke French.
Canada took a lot of undeserved flak for failing to leap into Operation Iraqi Freedom when ouradministration sent us galloping across the desert. But Canada remains one of our staunchestallies in the war. When United States military forces were fighting up the highways inOperation Iraqi Freedom, Canada quietly increased troop numbers in Afghanistan and continuedNaval operations with U.S. warships in the Persian Gulf.
I was at the Pentagon on 9/11, stationed on the Joint Staff. During the early hours after theattack, the United States closed its air space and ordered every aircraft within our borders toland immediately at the nearest airfield. Canada immediately stood up an Operations SupportPost.
With civil aviation grounded, aircraft destined for the United States were forced elsewhere.Most landed in Canada. Re-routed travelers and flight crews were hosted at Canadian Forcesfacilities in Goose Bay, Gander, and Stephenville, Newfoundland; Halifax, Shearwater, andAldershot, Novia Scotia; Winnipeg, Manitoba; and, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.
Canada rapidly mobilized its forces. Within hours, the Canadian Navy was on alert with shipspreparing to cast off immediately for any U.S. port to help victims of the 9/11 attacks.Canada's Disaster Assistance Response Team prepared to deploy from Trenton, Ontario. Canadadispersed CF-18 fighter aircraft to strategic locations throughout Canada. No politics. Nonegotiating. No questions. They were just there. Canada would have fought any adversary thatapproached the United States that day.
Canada has been such an integral partner with the United States in the Global War on Terrorismthat on December 7, 2004 when President Bush awarded the Presidential Unit Citation toCommander Joint Force South for combat success in Afghanistan, he was also recognizing thesecretive Canadian Joint Task Force 2 commando counter-terrorism unit.
The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded 30 Bronze Star medals for heroism in combat toCanadian Forces personnel. Some of those 30 died in action. Many of the others were wounded.These Canadians earned this American medal for heroism fighting alongside Americans. When werecall our own dead heroes, we must remember that these warriors gave their lives not only forCanada, but also for the United States.
Canada is more than a neighbor. It is a close family member with the gumption to disagree withits brother to the south but always there when disaster strikes and America needs help. Forthat, I salute you, Canada, and extend my respect for the sacrifices given by members of theCanadian Forces.
David Meadows April 27, 2006
Article from Military.Com USA
Canada is like a close uncle who constantly argues, badgers, and complains about what you aredoing, but when help is truly needed, you can't keep him away: he's right there alongside you.We have a unique relationship with Canada. We have different political positions on manyissues, but our unique friendship has weathered world wars, global crises, and theever-so-often neighborhood disagreement.
Canada has been with us since the beginning of the Global War on Terrorism. In February 2006,without fanfare Canada, leading a multinational force combating growing Taliban insurgency,increased troop strength in Afghanistan to 2,300. With the American military stretched thinagainst rising instability in both Iraq and Afghanistan, an ally that increases its troopstrength is inspiring and deserves our respect.
Katrina was another example of our close family-like relationship. Katrina struck the GulfCoast on August 29, 2005. Two days later, the Vancouver Urban Search and Rescue Team rushedfrom British Columbia, Canada to Saint Bernard Parish, Louisiana. In this Parish of 68,000Americans, the first responders were Canadians. Overall, within the devastated Gulf Coast area,it appears Canada was the first responder outside of local efforts. They worked 18-hour days,going door-to-door alongside Louisiana State Troopers, rescuing 119-Americans.
While FEMA ramped up to surge into the catastrophe; while the administration and Louisianafought for the politically correct way to respond; Canadian aid was already at work.
The Canadian Forces Joint Task Group 306 consisting of the warships HMCS Athabaskan, HMCSToronto, NSMC Ville de Quebec, and CCGC William Alexander sailed to the Gulf Coast to deliverhumanitarian supplies. They stayed, working alongside U.S. Navy and Mexican warships, toprovide aid to Katrina victims.
Katrina was not an anomaly of our close relationship. When Hurricane Ivan devastated Pensacola,Florida in October 2004 Canadian humanitarian help was there also. Canadian power trucks roamedthe streets and countryside helping restore electricity where Americans had a unique experienceof running into workmen who only spoke French.
Canada took a lot of undeserved flak for failing to leap into Operation Iraqi Freedom when ouradministration sent us galloping across the desert. But Canada remains one of our staunchestallies in the war. When United States military forces were fighting up the highways inOperation Iraqi Freedom, Canada quietly increased troop numbers in Afghanistan and continuedNaval operations with U.S. warships in the Persian Gulf.
I was at the Pentagon on 9/11, stationed on the Joint Staff. During the early hours after theattack, the United States closed its air space and ordered every aircraft within our borders toland immediately at the nearest airfield. Canada immediately stood up an Operations SupportPost.
With civil aviation grounded, aircraft destined for the United States were forced elsewhere.Most landed in Canada. Re-routed travelers and flight crews were hosted at Canadian Forcesfacilities in Goose Bay, Gander, and Stephenville, Newfoundland; Halifax, Shearwater, andAldershot, Novia Scotia; Winnipeg, Manitoba; and, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.
Canada rapidly mobilized its forces. Within hours, the Canadian Navy was on alert with shipspreparing to cast off immediately for any U.S. port to help victims of the 9/11 attacks.Canada's Disaster Assistance Response Team prepared to deploy from Trenton, Ontario. Canadadispersed CF-18 fighter aircraft to strategic locations throughout Canada. No politics. Nonegotiating. No questions. They were just there. Canada would have fought any adversary thatapproached the United States that day.
Canada has been such an integral partner with the United States in the Global War on Terrorismthat on December 7, 2004 when President Bush awarded the Presidential Unit Citation toCommander Joint Force South for combat success in Afghanistan, he was also recognizing thesecretive Canadian Joint Task Force 2 commando counter-terrorism unit.
The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded 30 Bronze Star medals for heroism in combat toCanadian Forces personnel. Some of those 30 died in action. Many of the others were wounded.These Canadians earned this American medal for heroism fighting alongside Americans. When werecall our own dead heroes, we must remember that these warriors gave their lives not only forCanada, but also for the United States.
Canada is more than a neighbor. It is a close family member with the gumption to disagree withits brother to the south but always there when disaster strikes and America needs help. Forthat, I salute you, Canada, and extend my respect for the sacrifices given by members of theCanadian Forces.
David Meadows April 27, 2006
Article from Military.Com USA
Thursday, August 31, 2006
PROUD TO BE A SOLDIER!!! From the daughter of a Soldier..
Last week I was in Trenton, Ontario. attending a conference. While I was in the airport, returning home, I heardseveral people behind me beginning to clap and cheer. I immediately turnedaround and witnessed one of the greatest act's of patriotism I have ever seen. Moving thru the terminal was a group of soldiers in their camo's, as they began heading to their gate everyone (well almost everyone) was abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering.
When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and cheered for it hit me. I'm not alone. I'm not the only red blooded Canadian who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families. Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we can go to school, work and home without fear or reprisal.
Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our service men and women a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old ran up to one of the male soldiers. He kneeled down and said "hi," the little girl then she asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her. The young soldier, he didn't look any older than maybe 22 himself, said he would try and what did she want to give to her daddy. Then suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek.
The mother of the little girl, who said her daughters name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Corporal and had been in Afghanistan for 11 months now. As the mom was explaining how much her daughter, Courtney, missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up. When this temporarily single mom was done explaining the situation, all of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second. Then one of the other servicemen pulled out a military looking walkie-talkie. They started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it. After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to Courtney, bent down and said this to her, "I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you." He then hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished by saying "your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and he is coming home very soon."
The mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young soldier stood to his feet he saluted Courtney and her mom. I was standing no more than 6 feet away from this entire event unfolded. As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed their applause. As I stood there applauding and looked around, their were very few dry eyes, including my own. That young soldier in one last act of selflessness, turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek.
We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and their sacrifices. At the end of the day, it's good to be an Canadian.
When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and cheered for it hit me. I'm not alone. I'm not the only red blooded Canadian who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families. Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we can go to school, work and home without fear or reprisal.
Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our service men and women a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old ran up to one of the male soldiers. He kneeled down and said "hi," the little girl then she asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her. The young soldier, he didn't look any older than maybe 22 himself, said he would try and what did she want to give to her daddy. Then suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek.
The mother of the little girl, who said her daughters name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Corporal and had been in Afghanistan for 11 months now. As the mom was explaining how much her daughter, Courtney, missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up. When this temporarily single mom was done explaining the situation, all of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second. Then one of the other servicemen pulled out a military looking walkie-talkie. They started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it. After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to Courtney, bent down and said this to her, "I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you." He then hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished by saying "your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and he is coming home very soon."
The mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young soldier stood to his feet he saluted Courtney and her mom. I was standing no more than 6 feet away from this entire event unfolded. As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed their applause. As I stood there applauding and looked around, their were very few dry eyes, including my own. That young soldier in one last act of selflessness, turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek.
We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and their sacrifices. At the end of the day, it's good to be an Canadian.
- Just keeping you "in the loop" so you'll know what's going on in case this takes off.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
AFGAN MISSION NOT DETERRING RECRUITMENT
The dangers of Canada's mission in Afghanistan have not discouraged people from signing up for the Canadian Forces, the military says.
A spokeswoman for the Canadian Forces told CBC News it looks like the military will meet its recruitment target of adding more than 12,000 people by next spring.
General Rick Hillier, chief of defence staff, has made recruiting a top priority. Recruiters are trying to shed the stodgy image of the Canadian Forces as they try to sign up more people, especially visible minorities and women.
Recent polls suggest public support for the mission has been waning. But despite media stories about Canadian casualties - in August alone, seven soldiers were killed - the military says recruitment has been boosted by all the news coverage of the Afghanistan mission.
Ben Marr, 24, said those stories haven't deterred him from signing up.
"Probably the biggest fear I'd have is being maimed. I mean, nobody likes to come back with no legs or missing arm. But I think it's worth it. Fighting for something that's worthwhile is worth it to me," he said in an interview at a Toronto recruitment centre.
David Marskell, a 22-year-old university student from Toronto, said he's been mulling a career in the military for a few years. Now he is serious about joining.
'I thought I could help out'
"No offence to the military, but in the late '90s, the budget and that was sort of in a sad state.
"And the fact that the government is upping the budget a little bit and they're getting some new equipment is appealing to me."
Born in Afghanistan, Tahmasib Homam, who came to Canada five years ago, said he wants to go back home wearing a uniform and a Maple Leaf.
"Right now, I see that the Canadian army is doing a lot over there and it's something very important and people need that. So I thought I could help out."
Major John St. Dennis, who is in charge of recruitment in the Toronto area, said the Canadian Forces are able to offer a career unlike any other.
"It's a little out of the ordinary, it's not part of their normal run of the day routine and they're looking for the challenge that we offer - the physical challenge, the mental challenge and the opportunities."
29/08/2006 11:46:24 AM MSN TODAY
A spokeswoman for the Canadian Forces told CBC News it looks like the military will meet its recruitment target of adding more than 12,000 people by next spring.
General Rick Hillier, chief of defence staff, has made recruiting a top priority. Recruiters are trying to shed the stodgy image of the Canadian Forces as they try to sign up more people, especially visible minorities and women.
Recent polls suggest public support for the mission has been waning. But despite media stories about Canadian casualties - in August alone, seven soldiers were killed - the military says recruitment has been boosted by all the news coverage of the Afghanistan mission.
Ben Marr, 24, said those stories haven't deterred him from signing up.
"Probably the biggest fear I'd have is being maimed. I mean, nobody likes to come back with no legs or missing arm. But I think it's worth it. Fighting for something that's worthwhile is worth it to me," he said in an interview at a Toronto recruitment centre.
David Marskell, a 22-year-old university student from Toronto, said he's been mulling a career in the military for a few years. Now he is serious about joining.
'I thought I could help out'
"No offence to the military, but in the late '90s, the budget and that was sort of in a sad state.
"And the fact that the government is upping the budget a little bit and they're getting some new equipment is appealing to me."
Born in Afghanistan, Tahmasib Homam, who came to Canada five years ago, said he wants to go back home wearing a uniform and a Maple Leaf.
"Right now, I see that the Canadian army is doing a lot over there and it's something very important and people need that. So I thought I could help out."
Major John St. Dennis, who is in charge of recruitment in the Toronto area, said the Canadian Forces are able to offer a career unlike any other.
"It's a little out of the ordinary, it's not part of their normal run of the day routine and they're looking for the challenge that we offer - the physical challenge, the mental challenge and the opportunities."
29/08/2006 11:46:24 AM MSN TODAY
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
CANADIAN SOLDIER - BRAUN - KILLED; 3 wounded by suicide attack in Afghanistan
Sorry about this one being late....
Cpl. David Braun was killed in suicide attack in Kandahar. (CP handout photo - DND)
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (CP) - Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan are preparing for a potential backlash after shooting dead a 10-year-old Afghan boy and injuring a teenager Tuesday.
The shooting took place after a Canadian soldier was killed and three others injured in a suicide attack in Kandahar City. Cpl. David Braun, based at CFB Shilo, Man., died when a Canadian resupply convoy was struck by a vehicle packed with explosives. The names of the three injured soldiers, who were listed in good condition, were not released.
One civilian - a young girl - was also killed by the blast, along with the attacker.
Approximately two hours after the attack, two Afghan youths were fired on by a Canadian soldier when their motorcycle breached a security perimeter around the bombing site.
A single bullet passed through the 17-year-old driver, striking and killing his 10-year-old passenger, Canadian military officials said.
The teenaged driver ran from the scene but later returned to the Canadians for medical help and was airlifted to the military hospital at Kandahar Air Field.
The Canadian who fired the shot may have believed the motorcycle was carrying a secondary explosive device, said Col. Fred Lewis, deputy commander of the Canadian contingent of NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).
"Clearly, the soldier thought they were (a threat)," Lewis said.
"The soldier went through the standard escalation of the rules of engagement, giving verbal and visual warnings."
Military officials could not confirm whether a warning shot had been fired.
The dead soldier was the eighth Canadian to be killed in southern Afghanistan this month and the 27th to die since Canada deployed ground forces to the country in early 2002.
It took nearly 15 hours from the time of the suicide attack for military officials to confirm publicly a Canadian had died.
Part of the reason for the delay was the 12 hours it took to locate and notify Braun's next of kin, said a Canadian Forces spokesman.
As well, the Prime Minister's Office in Ottawa insists on being informed in advance whenever a Canadian soldier is killed in action. The military spokesman couldn't say whether going through PMO channels had further delayed the announcement.
A Canadian LAV-3 light armoured vehicle burned for hours after the massive explosion.
Another, lesser-armoured G-Wagon utility vehicle was also destroyed.
Afghan police said the suicide attacker plowed his car into the Canadian convoy.
The initial explosion, described by witnesses as enormous, could be heard across Kandahar.
Thick plumes of black smoke billowed from the wrecked vehicles.
Every few seconds after the initial attack, there were more explosions, from bullets, grenades and other armaments that were cooking off in the intense heat.
Fire from the attack also damaged small shops in area.
A purported Taliban spokesman claimed responsibility for the attack.
The shooting of the Afghan teenager and boy riding the motorcycle is being investigated by the military's National Investigation Service.
The incident is sure to be used by the Taliban as propaganda to persuade more young Afghans, angry at foreign soldiers being on their soil, to join their cause.
"I suspect they'll try," said Lewis, who added he's concerned about a potential backlash from the community for the fatal shooting incident.
"I would be concerned about it and I think we need to pass the right message to the Afghan people," he said.
"The message is that we're here to help them and we certainly would never want to hurt them."
Afghan journalists also report being fired upon by the Canadians when they tried to capture video and pictures of the bombing site.
Lewis couldn't confirm it but said it was possible shots were also fired at the journalists.
The suicide attack took place just outside Camp Nathan Smith, the base that's home to Canada's provincial reconstruction team in Kandahar.
Most of Canada's 2,200 troops on the mission to Afghanistan are based at Kandahar Air Field, a much larger military base on the outskirts of the city.
An earlier attack late Monday on a treacherous highway in southern Afghanistan left two Canadian soldiers injured, one seriously.
"The incident of last night was an ambush," said Lt.-Col. Ian Hope, the outgoing commander of Canada's battle group in Kandahar.
The patrol was struck at around 9:30 p.m. local time while driving on Kandahar's infamous Highway One, in an area known by Canadian soldiers as ambush alley.
"There have been dozens of ambushes on that highway in the past two or three months," said Hope.
"There were dozens last year as well."
The two Canadians were hurt when their patrol came under small-arms fire about 20 kilometres west of Kandahar.
One of the injured, Cpl. Jesse Melnyck based at CFB Petawawa in Eastern Ontario, was listed in stable, non-critical condition in Kandahar before being flown to a military hospital in Landstuhl, Germany for further treatment.
The other soldier was in hospital at Kandahar Air Field, and was in good condition. His name was not released.
The patrol was on its way back to Kandahar Airfield from the Zhari District centre, very near where Canadian and Afghan government soldiers fought intense battles with Taliban forces over the weekend in the volatile Panjawaii District, west of Kandahar.
Afghan government officials said 72 Taliban were killed in a massive ground, air and artillery assault.
NATO called the battles, which began late Saturday and ended in the early morning hours Sunday, a "big blow" to the Taliban, eliminating up to 10 per cent of their estimated numbers in southern Afghanistan.
Another potential ambush was averted in Helmand province, west of Kandahar.
British troops watched as the insurgents moved into position and got set to launch an assault in the province's Now Zad district, NATO said.
"Alert ISAF troops from the British paras identified the insurgents manoeuvring into an attack position and initiated an overwhelming response using high explosive ammunition," the alliance said in a statement.
There were no NATO or civilian casualties.
NATO's International Security Assistance Force has been expanding its reach into Helmand recently, where soldiers have inflicted "significant defeats" against insurgent forces in the province, said a NATO statement.
Hope predicted further ambushes along Kandahar's Highway One are inevitable but said Canadian soldiers are well equipped to take the hits.
"In most of the ambushes, we actually do very well," said Hope.
"We're in armoured vehicles and we have 25-millimetre cannons and machine-guns. We're actually able to turn in and fire at an enemy who we can see at night but who can't see us."
As well, Taliban insurgents would take more casualties than NATO forces in the area, based on past experience, he added.
"We've inflicted, conservatively, 50 casualties on these enemy ambush groups since April."
Most of Canada's soldiers currently in Afghanistan are newly arrived in Kandahar within the last few weeks, mainly from CFB Petawawa in eastern Ontario as well as CFB Shilo.
They have replaced an almost equal number who are in the process of returning to Canada, mainly out of CFB Edmonton.
00:38:23 EDT Aug 23, 2006
Canadian Press: TERRY PEDWELL
Cpl. David Braun was killed in suicide attack in Kandahar
Cpl. David Braun was killed in suicide attack in Kandahar. (CP handout photo - DND)
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (CP) - Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan are preparing for a potential backlash after shooting dead a 10-year-old Afghan boy and injuring a teenager Tuesday.
The shooting took place after a Canadian soldier was killed and three others injured in a suicide attack in Kandahar City. Cpl. David Braun, based at CFB Shilo, Man., died when a Canadian resupply convoy was struck by a vehicle packed with explosives. The names of the three injured soldiers, who were listed in good condition, were not released.
One civilian - a young girl - was also killed by the blast, along with the attacker.
Approximately two hours after the attack, two Afghan youths were fired on by a Canadian soldier when their motorcycle breached a security perimeter around the bombing site.
A single bullet passed through the 17-year-old driver, striking and killing his 10-year-old passenger, Canadian military officials said.
The teenaged driver ran from the scene but later returned to the Canadians for medical help and was airlifted to the military hospital at Kandahar Air Field.
The Canadian who fired the shot may have believed the motorcycle was carrying a secondary explosive device, said Col. Fred Lewis, deputy commander of the Canadian contingent of NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).
"Clearly, the soldier thought they were (a threat)," Lewis said.
"The soldier went through the standard escalation of the rules of engagement, giving verbal and visual warnings."
Military officials could not confirm whether a warning shot had been fired.
The dead soldier was the eighth Canadian to be killed in southern Afghanistan this month and the 27th to die since Canada deployed ground forces to the country in early 2002.
It took nearly 15 hours from the time of the suicide attack for military officials to confirm publicly a Canadian had died.
Part of the reason for the delay was the 12 hours it took to locate and notify Braun's next of kin, said a Canadian Forces spokesman.
As well, the Prime Minister's Office in Ottawa insists on being informed in advance whenever a Canadian soldier is killed in action. The military spokesman couldn't say whether going through PMO channels had further delayed the announcement.
A Canadian LAV-3 light armoured vehicle burned for hours after the massive explosion.
Another, lesser-armoured G-Wagon utility vehicle was also destroyed.
Afghan police said the suicide attacker plowed his car into the Canadian convoy.
The initial explosion, described by witnesses as enormous, could be heard across Kandahar.
Thick plumes of black smoke billowed from the wrecked vehicles.
Every few seconds after the initial attack, there were more explosions, from bullets, grenades and other armaments that were cooking off in the intense heat.
Fire from the attack also damaged small shops in area.
A purported Taliban spokesman claimed responsibility for the attack.
The shooting of the Afghan teenager and boy riding the motorcycle is being investigated by the military's National Investigation Service.
The incident is sure to be used by the Taliban as propaganda to persuade more young Afghans, angry at foreign soldiers being on their soil, to join their cause.
"I suspect they'll try," said Lewis, who added he's concerned about a potential backlash from the community for the fatal shooting incident.
"I would be concerned about it and I think we need to pass the right message to the Afghan people," he said.
"The message is that we're here to help them and we certainly would never want to hurt them."
Afghan journalists also report being fired upon by the Canadians when they tried to capture video and pictures of the bombing site.
Lewis couldn't confirm it but said it was possible shots were also fired at the journalists.
The suicide attack took place just outside Camp Nathan Smith, the base that's home to Canada's provincial reconstruction team in Kandahar.
Most of Canada's 2,200 troops on the mission to Afghanistan are based at Kandahar Air Field, a much larger military base on the outskirts of the city.
An earlier attack late Monday on a treacherous highway in southern Afghanistan left two Canadian soldiers injured, one seriously.
"The incident of last night was an ambush," said Lt.-Col. Ian Hope, the outgoing commander of Canada's battle group in Kandahar.
The patrol was struck at around 9:30 p.m. local time while driving on Kandahar's infamous Highway One, in an area known by Canadian soldiers as ambush alley.
"There have been dozens of ambushes on that highway in the past two or three months," said Hope.
"There were dozens last year as well."
The two Canadians were hurt when their patrol came under small-arms fire about 20 kilometres west of Kandahar.
One of the injured, Cpl. Jesse Melnyck based at CFB Petawawa in Eastern Ontario, was listed in stable, non-critical condition in Kandahar before being flown to a military hospital in Landstuhl, Germany for further treatment.
The other soldier was in hospital at Kandahar Air Field, and was in good condition. His name was not released.
The patrol was on its way back to Kandahar Airfield from the Zhari District centre, very near where Canadian and Afghan government soldiers fought intense battles with Taliban forces over the weekend in the volatile Panjawaii District, west of Kandahar.
Afghan government officials said 72 Taliban were killed in a massive ground, air and artillery assault.
NATO called the battles, which began late Saturday and ended in the early morning hours Sunday, a "big blow" to the Taliban, eliminating up to 10 per cent of their estimated numbers in southern Afghanistan.
Another potential ambush was averted in Helmand province, west of Kandahar.
British troops watched as the insurgents moved into position and got set to launch an assault in the province's Now Zad district, NATO said.
"Alert ISAF troops from the British paras identified the insurgents manoeuvring into an attack position and initiated an overwhelming response using high explosive ammunition," the alliance said in a statement.
There were no NATO or civilian casualties.
NATO's International Security Assistance Force has been expanding its reach into Helmand recently, where soldiers have inflicted "significant defeats" against insurgent forces in the province, said a NATO statement.
Hope predicted further ambushes along Kandahar's Highway One are inevitable but said Canadian soldiers are well equipped to take the hits.
"In most of the ambushes, we actually do very well," said Hope.
"We're in armoured vehicles and we have 25-millimetre cannons and machine-guns. We're actually able to turn in and fire at an enemy who we can see at night but who can't see us."
As well, Taliban insurgents would take more casualties than NATO forces in the area, based on past experience, he added.
"We've inflicted, conservatively, 50 casualties on these enemy ambush groups since April."
Most of Canada's soldiers currently in Afghanistan are newly arrived in Kandahar within the last few weeks, mainly from CFB Petawawa in eastern Ontario as well as CFB Shilo.
They have replaced an almost equal number who are in the process of returning to Canada, mainly out of CFB Edmonton.
00:38:23 EDT Aug 23, 2006
Canadian Press: TERRY PEDWELL
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Sunday, August 13, 2006
"WE HAVE TO CLOSE RANKS," NATO says as Canada mourns fallen soldier
The Canadian military identified Cpl. Andrew James Eykelenboom as the soldier who was killed in a suicide bombing in southern Afghanistan on Friday.
Cpl. Andrew James Eykelenboom was killed Friday
Eykelenboom, who was with the 1st Field Ambulance based in Edmonton, was travelling in a NATO convoy when a pickup truck packed with explosives detonated.
The attack happened as Eykelenboom travelled in an armoured G-Wagon light utility vehicle as part of a resupply convoy heading north from the district of Spin Boldak to Kandahar Air Field, said Col. Tom Putt, deputy commander of Task Force Afghanistan.
"We deeply regret the loss of a fine and dedicated soldier who died serving his country," he said.
"Our sympathy goes out to his family in this time of grief."
Spin Boldak is approximately 100 kilometres southeast of Kandahar near the border with Pakistan. The attack occurred at approximately 3:30 p.m. Kandahar time.
A Taliban spokesman claimed responsibility for the attack.
'Nothing changes'
Putt was resolute when addressing reporters about the attack and the soldier's death.
"Nothing changes," Putt said. "We have to close ranks and get on with this and figure a way around this.
"We have to acknowledge the fact that the Taliban have largely been reduced to suicide bombings and IED [improvised explosive device] attacks because they cannot defeat the coalition with direct action, which is what they claimed they were going to do."
Eykelenboom was the sixth Canadian killed in attacks in Afghanistan in the past nine days. Another soldier also died this past week in an accidental shooting.
Twenty-six Canadian soldiers have been killed since Canada began its mission in Afghanistan in April 2002.
Last Updated Sat, 12 Aug 2006 15:17:05 EDT
CBC News
Cpl. Andrew James Eykelenboom was killed Friday
in a suicide attack about 100 kilometres south of Kandahar.
Eykelenboom, who was with the 1st Field Ambulance based in Edmonton, was travelling in a NATO convoy when a pickup truck packed with explosives detonated.
The attack happened as Eykelenboom travelled in an armoured G-Wagon light utility vehicle as part of a resupply convoy heading north from the district of Spin Boldak to Kandahar Air Field, said Col. Tom Putt, deputy commander of Task Force Afghanistan.
"We deeply regret the loss of a fine and dedicated soldier who died serving his country," he said.
"Our sympathy goes out to his family in this time of grief."
Spin Boldak is approximately 100 kilometres southeast of Kandahar near the border with Pakistan. The attack occurred at approximately 3:30 p.m. Kandahar time.
A Taliban spokesman claimed responsibility for the attack.
'Nothing changes'
Putt was resolute when addressing reporters about the attack and the soldier's death.
"Nothing changes," Putt said. "We have to close ranks and get on with this and figure a way around this.
"We have to acknowledge the fact that the Taliban have largely been reduced to suicide bombings and IED [improvised explosive device] attacks because they cannot defeat the coalition with direct action, which is what they claimed they were going to do."
Eykelenboom was the sixth Canadian killed in attacks in Afghanistan in the past nine days. Another soldier also died this past week in an accidental shooting.
Twenty-six Canadian soldiers have been killed since Canada began its mission in Afghanistan in April 2002.
Last Updated Sat, 12 Aug 2006 15:17:05 EDT
CBC News
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