Heroes fall once more...

Great sadness overwhelms me once again for the second time in a week. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of Private Simon Longtin from the Van Doos (3e Bataillon du Royal 22e Régiment, based in Valcartier, Québec) who was killed in Afghanistan on the 19th after the vehicle he was traveling in struck an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). And we also mourn the loss of Master Corporal Christian Duchesne member of the 5e Ambulance de campagne, based in Valcartier, Québec and of Master Warrant Officer Mario Mercier, from the 2e Bataillon, Royal 22e Régiment, also based in Valcartier, Québec. Both were killed on August 22nd when the vehicle they were in is thought to have struck a suspected mine. MWO Mercier had been in the Canadian military for over 20 years. This is a monumental loss for the Valcartier base. May their comrades find the courage and resolve to carry on and may the families and friends find solace in knowing their sons, husbands, fathers, friends died as heroes. An Afghan interpreter was also among the victims. A third soldier was injured in yesterday’s incident, along with photojournalist Charles Dubois from Radio-Canada who will be transferred to a base in Germany to undergo further treatment after an operation to his leg. The deaths of MCpl Duchesne and MWO Mercier came as the body of Pte Longtin was being welcomed home. Lest we forget… I love you all more than my luggage! Hugs, smooches and gropes!