news Canadian soldier's death marks grim beginning for Van Doos

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Canadian soldier's death marks grim beginning for Van Doos


39 minutes ago


By Patrice Bergeron, The Canadian Press

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - Canada's storied Van Doos bade a solemn farewell to an energetic young soldier Tuesday who "loved to smile," but whose death two weeks into her first tour of duty served as a grim beginning to the legendary Quebec regiment's latest stint in Afghanistan.
Trooper Karine Blais, 21, was killed and four other Canadian soldiers were wounded Monday when their armoured vehicle was struck by a roadside bomb blast in the district of Shah Wali Kot, north of Kandahar.
About 1,000 soldiers from various NATO countries gathered on the tarmac at Kandahar Airfield to bear witness as Blais's casket was loaded aboard a waiting military transport, a solitary bagpiper trailing behind the slow, solemn procession.
"We will remember Karine as a woman who loved to smile, who was full of energy and who was very friendly to everyone around her," Padre Martine Belanger, a Catholic lay chaplain, said during the ceremony.
Blais was madly in love with her partner, Hugo, whom she called "Kermit," Belanger said.
On the ground in Kandahar just two weeks, Blais was serving with the 2nd Battalion of the Royal 22nd Regiment, also known as the Van Doos, but was a member of the 12th Armoured Regiment of Canada. Both are based at CFB Valcartier, Que.
Her death came a day before the Royal 22nd took the reins from the 3rd Royal Canadian Regiment of Petawawa, Ont., as the primary battle group in southern Afghanistan.
Van Doos battle group commander Lt.-Col. Jocelyn Paul described Blais as an exceptional soldier who showed remarkable courage.
"Karine Blais was an energetic young woman who was appreciated by her brothers in arms," Paul said following a handover ceremony earlier in the day - an event normally infused with lots of military rigour, but one that on this day was tinged with obvious sadness.
"Personnel have been prepared to face these challenges and obviously there's always a time to grieve. Today, we're thinking about her, but obviously tomorrow we will continue with the mission."
A statement released by her family Tuesday said she often asked her mother if she was proud of her.
"To answer your question, yes, we are always proud of you, despite the sadness that has enveloped us," the statement said.
"In our eyes, you were a soldier who displayed dynamic leadership and who was dedicated to your regiment. You loved your job in the military and you were very proud of yourself .... You are our ray of sunshine and you will always be in our hearts. Your sense of humour and your vivacity will remain forever in our memories."
Paul said the bomb exploded on a secondary road that had recently been patrolled. Helicopters airlifted the four wounded soldiers to a military hospital at Kandahar Airfield despite a fierce sandstorm that pounded the area.
Two of the soldiers were treated in hospital and released, but the other two were still in hospital late Tuesday. "They're doing OK but their injuries are serious," Paul said. Their names have not been released.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance, the commander of Canadian troops in Afghanistan, said the tragedy served as a reminder of the mission's ever-present risks.
"You must be on guard at all times," said Vance, who earlier in the day was effusive in his praise for Blais and her enthusiasm for the mission.
"She was an energetic soldier who gave 100 per cent to every challenge she faced using a unique sense of humour, based on her honesty," he said. "Frank and direct, she demonstrated the qualities of a future leader who was respected by all members of her squadron."
He said Blais, who grew up in the eastern Quebec town of Les Mechins, is survived by her mother Josee, grandmother Laurette and brother Billy.
"This young woman's life did not go to waste; she believed in her role in Afghanistan and her dedication to the overall mission is beyond commendable," Vance said.
Blais is the second female soldier from Canada to be killed as part of the Afghan mission. Capt. Nicola Goddard of the 1st Regiment of the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, was killed in a grenade attack in May 2006.
The last 15 years have seen women take on a far greater role in the Canadian Forces, said Paul.
"Right now you can see women serving in every type of environment," he said. "They are here standing shoulder to shoulder with all the men of the whole battle group. Everybody's part of the team - whatever your gender, whatever your first language, whatever the colour of your skin."
Her death marks the first Canadian loss since March 20, when Master Cpl. Scott Vernelli, Cpl. Tyler Crooks, Trooper Jack Bouthillier and Trooper Corey Hayes died in two separate explosions.
A total of 117 Canadian soldiers have died as part of the Afghan mission since it began in 2002.
Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean said in a statement posted on her website that she was "deeply saddened" by Blais's death, and also cited the assassination in Kandahar city earlier this week of politician and prominent women's rights activist Sitara Achakzai.
"Trooper Blais and Sitara Achakzai shared a dream of creating a more just and equitable world and bringing desperately needed peace to Afghanistan," Jean said.
"The soldier and the parliamentarian both knew how important it is for women and men of goodwill to join forces to achieve this end."
Prime Minister Stephen Harper also expressed his condolences to Blais's family and loved ones, and praised her honourable service to Canada.
"Canadians can rest assured that their brave men and women in uniform are resilient, and will persevere," Harper said. "This is a tragic loss for the Canadian Forces and all of Canada. Canadians will be forever grateful for Trooper Blais's sacrifice."