Body of Canadian soldier killed in Afghanistan begins journey home
Last Updated: Sunday, February 1, 2009 | 12:24 PM ET
CBC News
More than 2,000 soldiers attended a ramp ceremony Sunday on the tarmac of Kandahar Airfield to honour the 108th Canadian solider to be killed in Afghanistan since Canada's mission began in 2002.
Sapper Sean David Greenfield, pictured in this undated photo, was killed Saturday when his armoured vehicle struck a roadside bomb in the volatile Zhari district west of Kandahar city. (DND) Sapper Sean Greenfield, 25, died Saturday after his armoured vehicle hit a roadside bomb about 40 kilometres west of Kandahar City in Zhari district.
He was a member of 24 Field Engineer Squadron, 2 Combat Engineer Regiment based out of Petawawa, Ont., serving with the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment battle group.
Before comrades placed his flag-draped casket aboard a military aircraft for the final journey home, Padre Roy Laudenorio described Greenfield as a dependable combat engineer and diver.
"He was passionate in his love of music, playing the guitar and singing. His friendliness, his generous big smile, and his contagious positive disposition towards work will be greatly missed by his friends and section members," the padre said. Greenfield was killed during an operation to find the same kind of improvised explosive device that took his life, said Brig.-Gen. Denis Thompson, commander of Canadian and NATO forces in Kandahar.
Thompson said the multinational operation is necessary to help make the countryside safer for Canadian and international troops.
The general described Greenfield as an exceptionally fit soldier who recently completed a combat diver's course and aspired to join Canada's elite JTF2 special forces team.
Gov. Gen. Michaëlle Jean said she and her husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, were overwhelmed when they heard that another Canadian Forces soldier had been killed.
"Attacks like these are ongoing and violence continues to rage in Afghanistan. The bravery and determination with which Canadian soldiers conduct their work and face terror on a daily basis is truly astounding," she said.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued a statement offering his condolences.
"The Canadian mission in Afghanistan is a difficult one, but the Canadian forces are making a difference in the lives of the Afghan people by maintaining security and stability that will allow the country to rebuild and look to the future," Harper said.
Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff said he wanted to extend his "deepest sympathies to the loved ones of Sapper Greenfield and to the entire armed forces family."
"Canadians owe a tremendous debt to the men and women of our Canadian Forces for their courage and sacrifice for our country," Ignatieff said. "Our thoughts are with them on this difficult day."
Eleven Canadian soldiers have been killed since December by roadside bombs in Afghanistan. Greenfield was the second Canadian soldier to be killed in an explosion this year.