Ramp ceremony for soldiers killed in chopper crash

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Ramp ceremony for soldiers killed in chopper crash

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CTV News Video

CTV News: Craig Oliver on the helicopter crash

An investigation into the death of two Canadian soldiers is raising questions about whether the type of helicopter involved was being pushed beyond its capabilities.

Canada AM: CP's Colin Perkel from Kandahar on the crash that kills two Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan

Two Canadians and a British soldier are dead after a helicopter crashed during takeoff at a forward operating base in Afghanistan. It is not believed to be the result of enemy activity.

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CTV.ca News Staff

Date: Tue. Jul. 7 2009 8:37 PM ET

The bodies of two Canadian soldiers were loaded on a plane Tuesday at Kandahar Airfield during a sombre ramp ceremony.

Hundreds of soldiers stood solemnly as their comrades' remains were loaded aboard a military transport plane, for the journey home.

The soldiers died when their Griffon helicopter crashed shortly after takeoff on Monday. They were identified as Master Cpl. Pat Audet, 38, and Cpl. Martin Joannette, 25. Both were based in Valcartier, Que.

A British soldier was also killed in the crash, while three other Canadian troops were injured.

"It's painful to realize how precious and fragile human life is," Padre Martine Belanger said during the ceremony.

"We are dismayed; we cry for our loss. With courage, we say goodbye."

Audet served with the 430 Tactical Helicopter Squadron. He is survived by his wife Katherine, and his parents.

"Master Cpl. Audet -- Pat to his friends and family -- was a man with a contagious sense of humour, and had a great way with people," Belanger said.

"A big man with an imposing stature, he wouldn't have hurt a fly."

Joannette served with the 3e Bataillon, Royal 22e Regiment. He is survived by his wife, Marie-Eve.

"Cpl. Joannette was a guy with a heart of gold," Belanger said.

"He had an immense generosity and an exceptional team spirit; he had an ability to raise the morale of his comrades."

Defence Minister Peter MacKay issued a statement Tuesday in which he paid tribute to the two soldiers and offered his condolences to their families.

"These courageous servicemen gave their lives to secure a brighter future for Afghan families and protect the values of freedom, democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law," MacKay said. "Canada's collaboration and determination to contribute to this UN-sanctioned, NATO-led mission will not waiver."

The two soldiers' commanding officer, Lt. Col. Marc Bigaouette, said Canadians should be proud of them.

"It is with sadness today that we all get together and we bring them their last flight -- that's going to be their flight home," Bigaouette said.

"They can leave Afghanistan with their head up."

Crash under investigation

While a Taliban spokesperson claimed Tuesday that insurgents had shot down the helicopter, Canadian military officials disputed this, saying the soldiers' deaths were not the result of enemy fire.

Colin Perkel, a reporter with the Canadian Press, said enemy action has been ruled out, leaving two main possible causes for the crash that caused their deaths.

"Canadian military authorities are telling us that this was not the result of enemy fire or enemy activity, so that basically leaves open the possibility that it was either human error or mechanical failure -- at this point we don't know," Perkel told CTV's Canada AM from Kandahar.

Military officials say the helicopter crashed at a U.S. forward operating base northeast of Kandahar where the bulk of Canadian troops are based.

"What we know is this crash happened yesterday at the forward operating base near Zabul, that's about 80 kilometres northeast of Kandahar. It's an American base, and the chopper was apparently taking off when it crashed," Perkel said.

A flight-safety investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash, said Canadian commander Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance.

Griffon helicopters are used mainly to transport troops, and are part of the Canadian Helicopter Force Afghanistan. They have been used by the Canadian military since the start of this year.

The majority of Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan have died from improvised explosive devices, buried along Kandahar's dangerous roads. Because of that, helicopters are considered a much safer method of transportation.

"With the arrival of the Griffon and Chinook helicopters in our area of operations, (Audet and Joannette) played a valuable role in reducing exposures to IEDs, and by providing aviation support to combat operations," said Vance.

In total, 124 Canadians have now died since the Afghanistan mission began in 2001. On Saturday, a ramp ceremony was held for Cpl. Nick Bulger, who the day before was killed by an IED.

On Monday, soldiers gathered in tribute to Master Cpl. Charles-Philippe Michaud, who died in Quebec City on Saturday of injuries he sustained last month when he stepped on a land mine.

Comments are now closed for this story

stop reading the headlines olny or making stuff up
said

hey george garner know your facts fool the herion is up 90% it was about 20% befor the us/can got there.on a side note how the hell dose a country under miliary rule have the drugs trade go up 70% maybe there is money in there after all?

An FE for Life....DN078
said

RIP Pat...you will not be forgotten. You always brought a smile or laugh when someone needed it. It was an honour and privilege to have known and worked with you and to call you friend. My heartfelt condolences to all families affected by this tragedy.

JR
said

My thoughts are with the familys of these Brave Men.
My thumb is down to the News Media for makilng the MJ Memorial, etc the Lead story on the news. Our Soldier are the ones who are really doing something for World Peace..put the importance where it should be.

Georgina, Yellowknife NT
said

My condolences to the families of the fallen, your sorrow falls deep within Canadian hearts. Rest in Peace commrades.

CF Member
said

Rest in Peace to our fellow brothers in arms, my condolences to the families of the fallen and their regiments.

just one remark to those who view this mission with discontent. All i have to say is as a member preparing to go over seas, i would have to say we as soldiers are far more informed about this conflict then the vast majority of canadians, and i don't think it is because we are told much more about what is goin on then the rest of canadians, i think it is simply a desire to know.

At this moment there are probably thousands of canadians surfing the net looking for stories about MJ's funeral then care to maybe learn something about a conflict in which 124 of there brave countrymen have died (which CTV tells us after every story they print). Because as soldiers we desire to know, we seek information from a vast variety of sources, which i'm sorry to say doesn't include the large canadian media giants. And its because of this informative perspective i think soldiers believe in the mission in afghanistan and are willing to put there lives on the line.

Im so sick and tired of reading these ignorant comments of people who have no idea and don't care to find out for themselves. Although i guess people who are fed ignorance tend to be ignorant.

Have some respect folks.

Jim
said

The Griffons are junk and have not saved lives.

Here's the numbers from before and after the Griffons arrived in Afghanistan:

2008 01 01 - 2008 07 07
11 KIA

2009 01 01 - present
18 KIA

bren
said

SKUNK...just so you know the Canadian Military has some of th best equipment serving in afghanistan, thanks to PM Harper. We must also remember that Air India was done on Canadian soil, and that 18 people were arrested for terrorism in TO. That is why our troops are there, nmevermind the fact that our allies have all been attacked, and that there were many Canadians killed in 9/11 as well.

Mac
said

Now here are two heros !
... along with the many before them over the years...
their work is the music in our lives because they are making my life and those around the world a better place ...

our thoughts and prayers go the the families left behind.

Jacky Tar
said

Rest in peace, gentlemen. You've stood your watches. We will carry on.

To those who are whining about how Afghanistan's a hole, and when we leave things will go back to the way they were, women denied education, etc. - well, that's why we're there; to effect a change, to stand up for their rights, and try help them help themselves. Pulling out won't accomplish that. So if you want conditions for the average Afghan to improve, including rights and education for Afghan women, support the mission. Or else sit down and shut up. Support requires more than a yellow ribbon on your SUV.

"Ready Aye Ready"
19 years in.

Capt Usher
said

Thank you and God Bless you and your families. Stand down soldiers your job is done, others will continue the fight.

TDT
said

Thank you CTV for removing the thumbs up/down part of these responses.

Jacky Tar
said

skunk wrote:
"If it's not the enemy killing our soldiers, it's our own crappy equipment. Sad and avoidable. "

Then write to your MP, the PM, the defense minister and tell them you want to see the CF's budget increased so they can buy new gear. Talk is cheap.

Sick of the Whining
said

Kevin and Paul from Saskatoon - You are so right! Too bad the rest of the country isn't as intelligent as you. This a place for condolences not political garbage - if you have nothing good to say, have the sense to keep your mouth shut.

military brat
said

To :Anonymous Captain" and "31 years" - right on the money both of you. I do not now nor have I ever supported this war, however, I totally and completely support our troops in all they do and wherever they go.

Mitch Lauzon
said

Pat Audet. You will be missed but not forgotten our friend and neighbour. Rest in peace. To our troops thank you, to the families of our troops thank you.
Mitch in Frankford, Ontario

Richard L. Provencher
said

Jeffery, I feel really sad for you if you do not know what we are doing in Afghanistan. It's to help a country establish itself after being under the Taliban with their harsh styles of government, where girls were treated worse than the animals. It's about using our armed forces to protect civilians who wish to live in peace. It is about bringing a style of democracy and way of living so that they do not have to depend on drugs to survive economically, and if we succeed, then perhaps many of our Canadian youth may not be sucked into the drug culture, since much of the drug trade presently comes from Afghanistan. Jeffrey, my father donated four years of his life in WW 11 to fight for our freedom, the same one you and I enjoy. And he had to go to Europe to fight the enemy. Yes, soldiers die in battle, fighting for what is right. It's also sad that ten times the military casualties we now have there will take place on our Canadian highways this year alone because of drunk drivers.

Amanda
said

Commenting in response to Jeffrey:

What does anything that you have posted have to do with these two soldiers dying? Are you so selfish that you think we should put ourselves before the rest of the world? Learn to read. We aren't following the policy of the United State. In fact US soldiers are coming in AFTER us to give us some much needed relief.

If it weren't for soldiers being soldiers we would not have the freedom we so gladly enjoy. Also, if it weren't for our soldiers, the people in places like Afghanistan may never know what it feels like to be free. They aren't over there for what they "have got or will get" out of it. If you are so concerned for the well-being of our country, get off of your computer and try actually doing something about it.

Pip
said

To those who serve our nation, or who have served; my heartfelt thanks.

To those who would use a forum such as this for political ends: write your MP instead. If you want to make a difference, though, find some way to serve this nation istead of your own vanity.

To those who have never "seen the elephant": on behalf of those who have and in memory of those who gave all, you must like Siegfried Sassoon ". . . Swear by the slain of the war that you'll never forget."

Robert Grimes
said

Ex Royal Welch Fusilier.

God bless the families, friends and comrads of these brave soldiers.

Thank you all who are currently serving in harms way.

To those of you who disagree with the mission, take it up with your politicians and be thankful for it is by the past services of men and women like these that you have the freedom to express your oppinion.
RBG Fergus, Ontario,

Retired Soldier in Kingston, ON
said

To the grieving: my sincere condolences on your untimely loss!

To the Officers, Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen/women serving in Afghanistan and the Persian Gulf:

In comparison to the garden-variety Canadian critics and "arm-chair generals" inhabiting this blog, you are all ""giants"" walking among mere lilliputians!

Be Proud, be Strong, be Brave!! ...Pro Patria!

Cathy H. B.C.
said

My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of our fallen soldiers. I stand in awe of the sacrifice they make in the name of peace and freedom.

When the Nazis came for the communists,
I remained silent;
I was not a communist.

When they locked up the social democrats,
I remained silent;
I was not a social democrat.

When they came for the trade unionists,
I did not speak out;
I was not a trade unionist.

When they came for the Jews,
I remained silent;
I wasn't a Jew.

When they came for me,
there was no one left to speak out.

franky
said

Thank you for our freedom, I will never forget. I enjoy all my freedoms because of the people willing to fight to protect it, past and present, be it here or in other countries, and I no longer listen to the nay-sayers. I admin the Facebook HOH group and I have heard in person from many soldiers and family, and they all support this mission, that's enough for me to support it too. We will leave when our part is done, and not before. We are Canadian after all, we do not run and hide.

As the Poem "Monsters in the Dark" written by a fallen soldier so succinctly puts it.

Thank you all, Condolences to family, friends and Comrades, We will never forget.

George Garner: the Armchair Visionary
said

I think the post by George Garner says it all. What happens if we weren't there. "Reverts back to being run by Warlords harvesting drugs" Now just where do you think those drugs will be sold and who will they be sold to?? "Women pulled out of schools to be maids & baby incubators" And where do you think those refugees are going to head when they've had enough and need to escape their own country?

I think that says why we ARE there. The country will revert no doubt, but the effects will be felt here, in Canada if we do. I feel very honored to work along side MCpl Pat Audet doing the same job as him for the same purpose: So our kids won't have to at home. Think about that George before you disrespect every service person in the Armed Forces when you say "we are wasting our lives". RIP Pat, Martin you did us proud and the honor is ours.

MAL of TO
said

These are the folks that deserve an internationally televised tribute... but then they would probably decline it if it was possible to ask them.

Earl McLean Amherstview on.ca.
said

Pat Audet will be missed. I have known Pat Audet for 10 years. I met him through scuba diving In Trenton On. He is my instructor and close friend. He would say "if there is a heaven on earth, It was in the water 100 feet down"
Pat we will look for your bubbles when we dive !

Doug BC
said

Condolances to the friends and families of these brave men.And sincere thanks to all who serve on our behalf.

A special thanks for the post by "Anonymous Captain from Gagetown,NB".When one of our own falls in the line of duty,it's difficult to remember the reason for the mission.And it's certainly not easy for anyone in a position of authority,to always be sure he/she is not asking to much of those who volunteered to serve on our behalf.

Sadly,I am the first male in many generations of my family that didn't serve in Canada's military.Cutbacks and downsizing interrupted my plans to do so.But I can assure everyone who is open mined enough to listen,that my late father never once regretted serving in Europe during WWII.Taking part in the liberation of the Netherlands was one of his proudest achievements.To many people who post very negative comments about our military,albeit with their safety in mind,simply do not understand that there are men and women who truly believe that there are some things worth fighting for.I am eternally grateful for all of them,and for what they have frely given to this country.

I would urge ALL Canadians to support the recently announced idea that the children of fallen soldiers be entitled to educations in the Canadian university of their choice.In fact,I would apply that to all the children of those who served us so well,and selflessly.
God bless each and every one of you.Words alone cannot express the pride,the respect,and the love this entire family feels for every member who serves.
PRO PATRIA !

Anne
said

Way to go KEVIN, Thank you for telling it the way it is.
The rest of you complainers.
Too bad you could not be as brave as our troops, Stand up and SUPPORT OUR TROOPS. and quit whinning about it.
God Bless all of our troops and from most of us THANK YOU

proud to serve
said

You can thank the Liberal Government in the past for the equipement shortfalls that the current military has now. They made huge deep cuts that are taking a long time to recover from.
We are a resilient force though, we take what we have and do the best with it. Griffons are a good aircraft, not the best, but quite capable non the less. Accidents and errors happen with aircraft, and they have very unfortunate results when they do.
To those that say this is a waste of time being there, most of us volunteer to go over and help the afghany people build a better life for themselves. It's what we in uniform do, and are very proud to do it.
Someone above said support for war or soldiers is vastly different, and it is. All we ask is your support of us as we put ourselves in harms way to make life better for other persons of the human race. We are lucky here, I think they deserve a little of that luck as well.
21 years served, many more to go.

Jeffery
said

Welcome home!Our best guys!

Michael and Danita Curwin
said

My Support is with our soldiers who are still there and the ones we lost.They give their time and fight for our freedom there so as to make it better here.I lost my son last Dec 13 2008 and I am very proud of what he fought for and what he gave his life for we miss him and love him and are very proud of him. Michael and Danita Curwin

SharonH
said

I have known MCpl Audet personally for 10 years and he is an absolutely wonderful person who will be missed by all those who loved him.

RIP Shrek!

philoldgoalie
said

My heart goes out the families. The Griffin should never be operating in such a climate. It is for intensive purposes a useless helicopter (I speak from 1st hand experience). The old twin huey was a far superior machine in hot climates.

Adam in Ottawa
said

There is a distinction between "supporting the war" and "supporting our troops" despite what some posters here would have us believe. It does not diminish the bravery of our troops at all when someone states that they don't agree with this war! The simple fact is that this war is an impossible war to win. We will continue to lose brave men and women until they leave, and 2 months after they're gone it will be like they were never there. I heard one analyst call this "Canada's Vietnam". However, most returning Vietnam vets were treated poorly (booed, spit on etc...)and I am certain that we will not do this to our veterans!

Canada's mil spending cut with end of Cold War.
said

US troops are dying . . . and the US does half the world's military spending.

Equipment is not the problem.

War is the problem.

R NS
said

RIP my Brothers in arms.

We are trying to make the light Griffon do the work of an Apache Gunship, this is what the other Countries use as a overwatch for troop transports....Our Boys are Brave, and ingenious, but if we don't equip them properly, don't send them into harm's way.

Prayers to the Families and Friends, all Canadians are at your side today.

GHW
said

Our troops are the best. They do their job and sometimes sacrifice everything. Thank you for your excellent service.

I used to think that this war was big mistake because I couldn’t see any possible positive outcome. This was mostly because Bush, Cheney and the self-serving neo-con republicans were running it. People like Cheney are self-righteous; they see the world in black and white, my way or the highway. Now that the US has an intelligent peace loving statesman with a good vision for the world there is a chance this war could be turned into something positive. Let’s see this thing through and see where it leads us. Keep up the great work troops, we love you.

BESS
said

As horrible as this accident is for the families, I am greatful they weren't transporting troups at the time.

B.C. Observer
said

To JJF Could not say it better than you did!

Jennifer from Toronto
said

My cousin was killed in Afghanistan while trying to dismantle an IED. In speaking to his fellow engineers and 'brothers' at CFB Petawa, I heard first hand how dedicated they are to the mission and how important it is for them to fight for freedom. You would think having lost many comrads and friends would change that. Not so. They told me, this is our job and we want to do it, and compared it to being a doctor but never getting to practice medicine. They choose to go. My cousin wouldn't have had it any other way. He died doing exactly what he wanted to do - serve Canada.

The very least we can do is support our troops and acknowledge their bravery in risking their lives to make Afghanistan a safer place. They are making a difference, let's not take that away from them.

My heart felt wishes go out to the families who have lost loved ones. Time does heal most of the wounds.

Golf Company Grunt
said

>>>
skunk
If it's not the enemy killing our soldiers, it's our own crappy equipment. Sad and avoidable.<<<

And you know this because you spent how many years in the military?

'Pro Patria'

JJF
said

Sad to see a lot of brain-washed people in this country.

This conflict in Afganistan is doing nothing to keep us 'safer' here in Canada. There is no reason to be there. What an unbelievable waste of resources, contributing to death and suffering.

My condolences for these young men who have died, but this conflict is not noble.

Jerry M.
said

The Taliban and Al-Qaeda running amok armed with nuclear weapons is definitely not the solution to this quagmire. My most sincere thanks to all who have, had and will sacrifice so much to make the world a better place.

CraigW
said

Why are our men dying for the U.S. when they are doing nothing to try to put an end to terrorism other than killing and creating even more hate for the west and more terrorists?

Bob Fenton Caledonia
said

Rest In Peace. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. Your mission is an important one, your service is valuable, your loss saddens all those who respect what the Canadian Forces do every day whether in combat roles or not.
Navy Bob

Engineer
said

I would like to comment on the comments and personal story left by "Mark". What a nice way of portraying this CF member to the public. More stories and anecdotes such as this should be portrayed rather than the leftist remarks made by people who really have no idea what the mission is about or why we are there. Thanks again Mark, your comments are real and most appropriate for this forum!

Tony
said

Having worked with MCpl Audet, it truely is a loss to not only the CF but to all Canadians. I am very proud to have served beside him.

The Griffon is a reliable airframe and is one I would trust my life on. Although it is limited in most roles in Afghanistan it is still an airframe that can continue to do the job well. It is not ideal but we as a CF community adapt and overcome.

Per Ardua Ad Astra

Paul from Saskatoon
said

To those using this site at this time to bash the mission that these brave men were on: please save your bitterness for another time. My son is serving in Afghanistan right now and I can assure you that the vast majority of soldiers there believe in the cause, believe that they are making great progress, and believe in the geopolitical importance of their task.

By disparaging the mission on these pages, at this time, you besmirch the memory of these two brave men because you attack by your words their very deeds as their deeds are the mission. Sadly, you represent perfectly though, the utter selfishness of many in our society, a society that is the most decadent in human history. It is these rough and ready men who toil to turn a lost land into something truly civilized that stand between barbarism and your luxuries and excess. The least you could do is remember them here without your self-interested whining spoiling the tributes.

Proud Canadian
said

I would like to send my thoughts out to the families of these two soldiers. Living with a member of your family is not easy, having to deal with my Brother and Boyfriend gone one after the other is not a good feeling. I am glad they are home safe, and I only wish that every person soldier or not came home the same way. We Canadians think of others and that is the Canadian way, I wish that others were the same. We help because we care, not because thats what the US wants us to do. Simply...the US want us to stay longer than 2011 but our government has said that is it and is sticking by there word!!

Thank you to our men and women lost, we will always remember you.

Pro Patria

Chris in Kingston
said

If everyone is set on blaming someone or something for these deaths, look straight at the Liberal governments of the 90s. We use a 25 year lifecycle for our equipment because of their cutbacks. Most people don't keep homes for that long.

Rest in peace, troops!

marlene-Peterborough ont
said

Have a heart guy's we lost two great soldier today.Think of the family and there lost.Mysympathies to the families. SUPPORT THE TROOPS and be glad you live in a great country

Kevin
said

RIP Brothers. I would like to say thank you. To the readers and writers I would like to say dont talk about what you dont know. Plenty of people think that it is not our choice to go over there. You couldnt be any farther from the truth. We are given the option to serve our country and we take it. We do not hesitate, we react. Whenever people attack and insult us by saying "pull them out" or "they had no choice to be there." It hurts. It hurts more then losing a friend over there. It shows that people in our own messed up country dont support us. Sometime opinions and thoughts should be left to yourself. I have not left a comment on here in a long time, I usually read about 5 comments until I get sick and disgusted, its always the same stuff over and over. Pull them out now. Its not up to you, its up to us! We are the soldiers that join the military and we are the soldiers that fight the fight! We know full well what we are getting into! RIP

Sarah Paige
said

My heartfelt condolences to the families of these brave men. May they rest in peace.

31 Years in Uniform
said

Glad to see the All Jackson Network, sorry, CTV "NEWS" Channel has its priorities straight ... NOT.

Thankfully those who pay their respects along the Highway of Heroes have their priorities in the right order.

Nice to know that when I head over for my 3rd tour next year, CTV and other media outlets will ensure that Cdns are fully informed on the most trivial of events.

CDN Commoner
said

My heart goes out to these brave soldiers and families. They are the heroes that will never be forgotten. Canada doesn't deserve them.

I've been very adamant in supporting this war, however looking back here in what's happening to Canada, I'd say we pull our troops out of Afghanistan. Our government isn't doing enough to combat terrorism at home. We are being flooded with people who are immigrating into Canada, however are not adjusting to our way of living. If this current government keeps it up, women will be wearing Burqa's.

My two cents for the day.

dano
said

well put George

Mark
said

I knew Martin Joannette only briefly
but can say that he was a great guy. He worked as storesman on my dismounted platoon commander's course. On night 1 of the course, he and his buddies pretended to be officers took us out running in the middle of the night. We thought that was just the begining of the our night so we slept the remainder of the night on top of our sheets in my PT gear and sneakers. The staff found out about this and tried to get us to sell them out. We respected their nerve and thought that it was pretty funny so we never. There was little sleep or food on that course but Joannette who was responsible for resupplying us with Ammo after our attacks, always gave us extra "ammo" cans which turned out to be Granola Bars etc. He was a really nice guy. To the families, I am really sorry for your loss, I am sure that all lost were great Canadians and men. God Speed. Pro Patria

George Garner
said

Now I stand with our troops and I feel for their families and what they have to endure. But I feel we are wasting the life’s of are sons and daughters. When everybody pulls out this backwoods hell hole, it will revert back to being run by the Warlords, harvesting drugs, the women pulled out of the schools and put back into homes to be maids and baby incubators. We need to get our troops out of there, and the sooner the better.

Anonymous Captain from Gagetown, NB
said

Very sad news. I would like to extend the heartfelt condolences to the family from the Gagetown military community.

I would just like to reply to a few comments above mine, most notably that Canada is following US policy: I don't think we are following anybody, but we are doing our contribution to making the world a better place. THAT is the Canadian way.

Canadians are and have always been the worlds greatest peacekeepers, with 1% of the worlds population providing over 10% of it's peacekeeping forces.

"All that is necessary for evil to triumph if for good men to do nothing" - Edmund Burke

We are those good men. Security at home starts with security abroad.

Pro patria.

Pierre
said

The article should say how many were on board the helicopter and how seriously injured the other crew members are. The pilot should have an idea of what happened.

skunk
said

If it's not the enemy killing our soldiers, it's our own crappy equipment. Sad and avoidable.

LAC
said

2011 will not arrive soon enough. We need out of there. So sad for yet another two soldiers lost.

Jeffery
said

"Freedom is not free",but I think we have paid too much in Afghanistan.I have been wondering what the hell we and our government want by following the military policy of US. We have too many problems to solve in our own large territory,including unemployment rate sustainly keeping high,the prevention from the swine flu especially in reserved areas ,the settlement of the new immigrants, the bankrapcy of some plants or companies in some industry,etc. Personally,I think we have lost a lot compared to what we have got or will get.

Soldier Back Home
said

These were brave men doing their duty for their country. It is a sad day for us. I recently returned from Afghanistan, which we all know is a dangerous place. What we do is dangerous, and simply getting from one place to another can be treacherous. This incident proves that roadside bombs are not the only hazard for our troops. My sympathies to the families of our fallen comrades.

Cpl in Ottawa
said

Thank you for your brave service. Rest in peace, and know that you have seen the end of war. To their families, I am so sorry for your loss, you have my prayers.

Darryl - Ottawa
said

I worked with MCpl Audet in Trenton, this is truely a loss to not only the CF but to all Canadians. He will be missed and I am very proud to have served beside him.
To the families of both men, I am so sorry for your loss, you have my prayers and condolences.
To their fellow soldiers, don't let their loss and those before them, deter you in your mission, but let it provide you with the strength and resolve to soldier on!

Per Ardua Ad Astra
et
Je me souviens

Samantha McLean
said

Pat was a close friend of the family, practically family...we will miss you, may you rest in peace. To both families, my condolences to this tragic day. They went over soldiers and now come back our heros. RIP.