Canadian soldier killed trying to defuse bomb

It was a sad loss for Canada's military as another Canadian soldier was killed in Afghanistan, as a result of an explosion of an improvised explosive device. This is the second Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan in a week.

CTV News Channel: Eric Margolis, military affairs analyst

The European forces currently in Afghanistan are suffering fewer losses by confining many of their troops to bases, stopping aggressive patrolling, and keeping a low profile.

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CTV.ca News Staff

Date: Sun. Jun. 14 2009 10:36 PM ET

A Canadian soldier was killed in Afghanistan Sunday when one of two roadside bombs he was trying to defuse exploded.

Cpl. Martin Dube, 35, was the second Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan in a week.

The explosion also killed an Afghan police officer and gravely injured a local interpreter.

Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance described Dube as "energetic" and as someone who believed in the Afghan mission. He said the combat engineer was always willing to help anyone in need.

"The IED that Martin was dismantling could have killed an entire family, as it was deliberately aimed at passing traffic," Vance, the senior Canadian solider in Kandahar, said.

"His actions, his sacrifice, saved the lives of innocents."

Dube was from 5e Regiment du Genie de Combat based at CFB Valcartier near Quebec City.

The explosion occurred just after noon in the Panjwaii district, which is about 20 kilometres southwest of Kandahar city.

Last Monday, Pte. Alexandre Peloquin died in the same district when he stepped on an explosive device.

Dube was the 120th Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper expressed his condolences in a statement Sunday offering "deepest sympathies to the families and friends of Cpl. Dube."

"We are eternally grateful for his sacrifice for this country, while helping to ensure a brighter future for the Afghan people. We are all saddened by this loss," Harper said.

"The bravery and dedication of the exceptional men and women of the Canadian Forces is demonstrated on a daily basis. Their tireless work to make Afghanistan a better place to live are testaments to Canada's most respected and revered values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law."

Vance, seemingly addressing civilians back in Canada, said that grief over the soldier's death would not get in the way of the mission.

"The loss of a soldier is not an indication of failure, nor cause for hopelessness -- Martin Dube knew that, and so should you," Vance said.

"We are determined to succeed so that Afghan lives improve; but our enemies are equally determined to challenge and prevent Afghanistan from flourishing as the nation it so wants to be."

Dube is survived by his girlfriend, Julie, his parents, Marie-Paule and Roger and his brother Vincent.

The interpreter was flown to Kandahar Airfield Hospital. His condition is not known.

With files from The Canadian Press

Comments are now closed for this story

John and Linda Ormiston
said
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Tonight i will watch outside and check out the sky, as another lovely star has joined our universe, i dont know you sir, and i didnt know you, but your shine with definately rein over the world forever, as your heart was trying to save the lives of others, bless you sir, my sympathy to your family, i too am a military sister, my brothers both have and are in. My youngest brother did a tour in bosnia saw some hard stuff there. and my other brother is waiting for his deployment overseas, so i too am scared for him,, but he told me someone has to rid this world of this terrorism, and it might as well be us..and to all you ppcli guys my heart is with you too, may my creator and your god watch over all and keep all of you safe. Well done Corporal. thank you so much for your work.

MCpl, Petawawa, on
said
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RIP Brother beaver. My condolences to the family.

B. Kelley, Ontario
said
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We toss the word "hero" around much too loosely at times. A true hero is a person who knows that he may die but does what needs to be done for the good of others in spite of that risk. Professional sports figures, celebrities and even politicians are often called heroes but their accomplishments don't even come close to the true heroes like Martin Dube and the other fine Canadians who have given their lives for this cause. Rest in eternal peace Corporal knowing that you did your job well. Canada salutes you.

JC
said
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Sorry to hear about the tragedy.

Why was the army wanting to defuse the bomb?

Can't we just set it off from a distance instead? It makes much more sense to send in a robot to do that... municiple police forces do that... why not the army?

Robert Fenton Caledonia
said
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Merci de votre service au Canada et au peuple de l'Afghanistan
Thank you for your service to CANADA and to the poelp of Afghanistan.
My condolences to those you have left behind.
NavyBob

Jonah
said
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"We should not grieve that such men died, but rather rejoice that such men lived."

General George Patton

At the rising of the sun and at its going down
We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and the chill of winter
We remember them.
At the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring
We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of summer
We remember them.
At the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of autumn
We remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends
We remember them.

As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.

When we are weary and in need of strength
We remember them.
When we are lost and sick at heart
We remember them.
When we have joy we crave to share
We remember them.
When we have decisions that are difficult to make
We remember them.
When we have achievements that are based on theirs
We remember them.

As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.

Maj Log
said
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This is not political but a time to say "Rest in Peace". Thank you for the ultimate sacrifice. My condolences to your girlfriend, your parents and brother.

Guns
said
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And at the setting of the sun, you will be remembered

RIP

Quine West
said
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R I P

please come home ALIVE
said
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Enough already, this war will never end, they said by the end of 2010 or 2011, it will never end we are going to stay in Afghanistan way longer then the government intended, we should not be there at all and every time I hear another soldier died it breaks my heart to see, it just makes no sense, let them come home ALIVE and not go through this hard ship of laying these soldiers to rest.

Willard
said
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Unfortunately, while Canadian soldiers are loosing their lives the people in the Afghanistan government are reaping millions from the sale of drugs and skimming off aid money received from other parts of the world.

Robert
said
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120th reason we should never have gone there. Before you starting insulting me know that I faithfully served my country for 22 years. Doesn't mean I have to agree with the war.

Joe G
said
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"Good people sleep peacefully in their beds at night, only because there are brave men and women that stand ready to do violence on their behalf."

RIP

Nukeman
said
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RIP Sorry to his family and girlfriend.

But this war is pointless, and everyone who dies, it's all for nothing. This war will still be going long after we have all died. It's a civil war.

Darlene
said
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Another one of our HERO'S has paid the ultimate price for our freedoms and helping others become free.
My heart just aches for the families and friends of these very very brave men and women. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. May God bless the family of this brave soldier.
Rest in peace.

J. Kruse
said
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RIP Soldier. My condolences to your family, girlfriend, comrades and friends. We feel your loss because we've lost our own. Please accept our hugs and prayers during this most difficult time.

Jill Kruse and family
Widow of Sgt. Greg Kruse 2CER
Roto 6, Afghanistan
KIA Dec. 27/08

PROUD Army MOM !! ... x
said
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Totally Gut Wrenching every time!! Will be as always on the bridge paying our respects to family and loved ones ... Can not begin to imagine your pain but hope you know how much your sons sacrifice is apprecited!! To all of your proud men and women in uniform our thoughts are with you all each and every day .. and our hearts filled with thanks for the sacrifice you all make ... Proud to be Canadian and REAL proud to be an Army MOM !! ... x hugs to all you guys out there!!!!

Proud to be Canadian
said
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To Cpl. Dube's family and all who knew him my deepest condolences. To all other commenters please show respect and keep your political opinions to yourselves. Canada has lost a brave son who proudly served and made the supreme sacrifice so that others might live free.

ex-RAF
said
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To Cpl Dube we say 'Thank you from the bottom of our hearts." You lived a brave and courageous life and you died a hero in the best cause known to man - freedom and decency.

To Cpl Dube's partents and girl friend, we offer our most heartfelt prayers and condolences as you start the long grieving process. Be proud through your grief, you have every reason to be so.

To his brothers and sisters-in-arms we also offer our sincere sadness at your loss. May you ever carry the torch that our older brothers passed to you.
We Will Remember Them.

Combat engineer
said
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Martin, est un des soldat les plus proffesionel que j'ai jamais connu. Je vais toujours me rappeler de toi.

Leslie
said
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Thankyou and may god bless you and your family. Your service to us and your country will never be forgotten.

Sherry Katrina
said
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RIP buddy - that being said - to Sean ON - not all IEDs are defused with robotics all the time from the U.S. Some of the bombs have to be done by Engineers - Cdn, U.S., British etc and it is done by those who have been specially trained for this. Sometimes however the worse happens - even with the best in place. And sometimes these things have to be done by hand only -by different countries, not just Canada!

Jerry
said
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This war is Canada's Vietnam, RIP.

Michael belanger
said
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My utmost respect and silent condolences to Cpl Dube's family and friends.

It is heroic and selfless individuals like Dube and the many that are listed in memorials who allow my proud maple leaf to fly strong in the wind; always honored, always missed... never forgotten.

Rest in peace, sir.

Skot
said
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EOD PRAYER

Lord of power and might,
whose mercy is everlasting,
guard and guide those who
place their lives in the balance
to ensure the safety of those nearby.

Look with favor upon those with
the prowess and skill to disarm
explosive devices, render them safe,
and remove from others the threat of harm.

Bless those who have been set apart
by this hazardous duty, and give support to
their families and loved ones
who wait through each tense call.

Receive into eternal rest those
who have given their lives
and bring healing to those who mourn.
Grant that in the EOD Family
there may be unity of spirit
for the well being of all.
To your glory with grateful hearts
we thank you loving God.

Amen

MOE
said
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Martin.. As you know I never say this but for you I will.

CHIMO.. My friend CHIMO

RIP Martin RIP

Sean Berkshire , Richmond Hill ON
For your understanding. This is the first IEDD Operator we have Lost doing his Job...

Ex Black Watch
said
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My heartfelt condolences to his family. Another brave Canadian paying the ultimate price to help bring freedom to others...

Fellow Soldier
said
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Let us all bow our heads in prayer for the family of our latest fallen comrade....

"With the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them."

Lesley
said
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God bless...thank you

Brenda price
said
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My thought and prayers go out to the family and loved ones of Cpl. Matin Dube.

You are a hero to every Canadian here in Canada and all around the world. You will never be forgotten.

David in NB
said
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RIP Cpl. This proves once again that the engineers are in the most dangerous job in the world. And for that, they should all be saluted.

Derek from Ottawa
said
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With a heavy heart, my condolences to Cpl Dube's family, friends and Regiment.
Rest in peace my brother in arms.
Ubique

Rob
said
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I just have to say that I am very sorry for the loss of Corp. Martin... and I am very proud and thankful for the work the troops are doing in Afghanistan!

Ian
said
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Corporal Dube you are a hero and I am sure all Canadians are thinking of you today and our sincerest sympathies to your Mother, Father, Brother and Girlfriend. You made a HUGE difference to the every day life of the Afghanistan people and I am sure they are much better off due to your unselfish willingness to undertake such a dangerous task. You have done your time and done Canada proud. Rest In Peace soldier.

Chuk739
said
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God bless, Stand Easy friend.

JB in Ontario
said
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I hope this Canadian Soldier is remembered as a lifesaver. His contribution to the Afghan Mission, should never be trivialized.

D. Lord
said
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always the good guys who die. God bless, thank you!. Condolences to the family and friends. RIP Corporal.

Brad
said
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A direct response to Sean Berkshire

I am a combat engineer in the Canadian Forces and I can tell you Sean that you are totally wrong. Combat Engineers from this country have dismantled and/or dealt with thousands of IEDs. And our allies, the United States, have taken a great deal of casualties in both Iraq and Afghanistan dealing with IEDs.

We do know the circumstances how the device was detonated or what Cpl Dube's exact actions were on the day of his death. However, I can tell you there are protocols in place to deal with IEDs in Afghanistan that we aren't allowed to share with the general public. It is obvious to me that you are trying to get some political points by taking about something you do not know enough about.

To Cpl Martin Dube: Rest in Peace fellow Sapper, and Chimo!!

Raj
said
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God bless you and your family. Thank you for all you did. We love you.

sapper
said
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As a recently retired combat engineer with two tours in Afghanistan, I am saddened by the loss of a brother. In saying that, we all know the risks of going over there.

As for the uneducated comment above about robots and the loss of life.

WE do have Robots, some of the finest in the world, some situations the robot can't be used. If you haven't served in the military or been a combat engineer specificly, maybe you should keep your uneducated comments to your self. There are other ways of honouring this fine young man then trying to slam the government over everything that happens.

Keep up the good work boys and girls. I think of you all everyday I get to wake up in this beautiful country of ours. It is safe and secure thanks to those of you who choose to serve.

Thank you

Sarge
said
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REPATRIATION ROW

We Will Never Forget
Your Ultimate Sacrifice
Stand Down Soldier
You Are Now
Homeward Bound

RIP

Justin
said
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To Sean Berkshire:
Before you blame government bodies and military leaders, take some time to do a quick bit of research. You will find we do have robots, and you will also find Americans have died defusing bombs in Iraq and Afghanistan.

There is a need sometimes to go in and defuse a bomb with human hands. sometimes robots can't get inside the culverts or they don't have the proper dexterity, besides, we don't know the full story as their was two bombs.

Now is not the time to point fingers and blame. Now is the time to remember this man's sacrifice.

Chimo

Mike W
said
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Condolences to the families of Cpl. Dube and the police officer.

Hopefully the interpreter recovers.

soldiers mom in N.L
said
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Another hero leaves us today Thank-you for the work you have done and for giving the ultimate sacrifice--your life. You will not be forgotten. R.I.P.

Sean Berkshire , Richmond Hill ON
said
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Since when do we let our combat engineers dismantle planted bombs in this way? The Americans face IEDs on a daily basis in Iraq and they never have casualties in this way. That's because they use robotics to diffuse bombs from a distance. Why doesn't the Canadian government provide the necessary tools for our military personnel to do their job.

I see this as a loss that was totally avoidable. Shame on the government and the body responsible for overseeing this mismanaged war. We keep boasting about stimulus this and stimulus that. Where is the stimulus for our military. How about we equip them properly? How about that for a priority?
Im Outraged!

Chris in Ontariariari-Oh!
said
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Geez,you know you feel so helpless and so much at a loss when we hear of these soldiers' deaths. It is very touching to hear how much they wished to contribute and the hopes they had to the betterment of a struggling people half a continent away.

These people not only make us very proud but help to enlighten us on the wishes for the betterment of humanity we all feel as Canadians would someday exist. There is a difficult struggle that can not only be met by good will but by strong determination and force. Keep up the struggle to maintain the light.

Capt. (Retd) J.B.
said
0 0