Niccolo and Donkey
09-03-2008, 09:02 PM
Three Canadian soldiers killed in Taliban attack (http://www.thestar.com/News/World/article/489889)
CP
September 3, 2008
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – Three young Canadian soldiers killed early today in southern Afghanistan had just about finished their tour and were preparing to head home when they became embroiled in a fatal ambush, military officials said today.
Cpl. Andrew Grenon, Cpl. Mike Seggie and Pte. Chad Horn, all members of the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry based in Shilo, Man., died in an insurgent attack on their vehicle while conducting a security patrol in the volatile Zhari district.
"It was not an improvised explosive device; it was a direct attack," said Brig.-Gen. Denis Thompson, the Canadian task force commander in Afghanistan.
Thompson would not elaborate on the nature of the attack, which happened around 9:30 a.m. He did, however, say that the soldiers returned fire with both small arms and other weapons.
Known to his friends as "Drew" or simply "G," the 23-year-old Grenon was admired for his experience – this was Grenon's second tour of duty in Afghanistan.
"He brought confidence to those around him and inspired the first-tour guys, making them feel safe," Thompson said.
Thompson said Seggie came from a long line of "proud Princess Patricia's" as both his father and uncle served with the battalion. Considered "cool under fire," the self-deprecating 21-year-old always sought to make his peers laugh, Thompson said.
Horn, 21, was described as a "very professional and hardworking" young soldier with "unlimited potential."
"Many in his company saw him as the best LAV gunner," Thompson said, referring to the light armoured vehicle used by Canadians. ``His ability to act under fire saved many lives during the tour."
Five other soldiers were wounded in the attack. One remains in critical condition, another in serious condition, two in good condition and the last soldier was treated and returned to duty, officials said.
"I've been to the hospital and I've spoken to some of those wounded soldiers and even the wounded, once they evacuated the vehicle, returned fire," he said.
Like many of the 2,500 Canadian troops operating in Kandahar, the three killed were nearing the end of their six-month tour and were preparing to return to Canada.
"The brave soldiers killed today were coming to the end of their tour," Thompson said.
"It saddens me to think of their loved ones who were expecting them to return home this month."
The latest deaths bring to 96 the number of Canadian soldiers killed since Canada's mission to Afghanistan began in 2002. A Canadian diplomat also died in the country.
"This is a very sad day for our task force as we reflect on the lives of our brothers in arms," Thompson said.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the soldiers killed or injured by this attack."
CP
September 3, 2008
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – Three young Canadian soldiers killed early today in southern Afghanistan had just about finished their tour and were preparing to head home when they became embroiled in a fatal ambush, military officials said today.
Cpl. Andrew Grenon, Cpl. Mike Seggie and Pte. Chad Horn, all members of the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry based in Shilo, Man., died in an insurgent attack on their vehicle while conducting a security patrol in the volatile Zhari district.
"It was not an improvised explosive device; it was a direct attack," said Brig.-Gen. Denis Thompson, the Canadian task force commander in Afghanistan.
Thompson would not elaborate on the nature of the attack, which happened around 9:30 a.m. He did, however, say that the soldiers returned fire with both small arms and other weapons.
Known to his friends as "Drew" or simply "G," the 23-year-old Grenon was admired for his experience – this was Grenon's second tour of duty in Afghanistan.
"He brought confidence to those around him and inspired the first-tour guys, making them feel safe," Thompson said.
Thompson said Seggie came from a long line of "proud Princess Patricia's" as both his father and uncle served with the battalion. Considered "cool under fire," the self-deprecating 21-year-old always sought to make his peers laugh, Thompson said.
Horn, 21, was described as a "very professional and hardworking" young soldier with "unlimited potential."
"Many in his company saw him as the best LAV gunner," Thompson said, referring to the light armoured vehicle used by Canadians. ``His ability to act under fire saved many lives during the tour."
Five other soldiers were wounded in the attack. One remains in critical condition, another in serious condition, two in good condition and the last soldier was treated and returned to duty, officials said.
"I've been to the hospital and I've spoken to some of those wounded soldiers and even the wounded, once they evacuated the vehicle, returned fire," he said.
Like many of the 2,500 Canadian troops operating in Kandahar, the three killed were nearing the end of their six-month tour and were preparing to return to Canada.
"The brave soldiers killed today were coming to the end of their tour," Thompson said.
"It saddens me to think of their loved ones who were expecting them to return home this month."
The latest deaths bring to 96 the number of Canadian soldiers killed since Canada's mission to Afghanistan began in 2002. A Canadian diplomat also died in the country.
"This is a very sad day for our task force as we reflect on the lives of our brothers in arms," Thompson said.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the soldiers killed or injured by this attack."