RIP Brave Canadians

The four soldiers who died yesterday were identified today. Again I offer my deepest sympathies to the families and friends of these brave Canadians.



Brig.-Gen. Daniel Menard -- Commander of Task Force Kandahar -- took time Thursday to offer heartfelt words about each of the victims.

Sgt. Miok, based in Edmonton, was remembered as a "dedicated" officer that was well-liked by his troops. "The welfare of his soldiers came first, and they knew they could turn to him for advice and guidance."

Sgt. Taylor, based in Yarmouth, N.S., was known as "Sgt. Morale" because of his sense of humour and calm demeanour.

"He enjoyed a challenge and though he didn't seek the spotlight, he would take the difficult jobs without complaint," said Brig.-Gen. Menard, adding Sgt. Taylor was passionate about his job mentoring trouble youth back home in Canada.

"He brought the same enthusiasm with him to Afghanistan."

Cpl. McCormack, based in Edmonton, was recalled as a team player that was passionate about his family and looking forward to soon marrying his finance.

"He was a very caring individual who always lent a helping hand to others," Brig.-Gen. Menard said. "He always had a way of raising morale by making the rest of the section laugh."

Pte. Chidley, based in Shilo, Man., but from Cambridge, Ont., could always take his friends and fellow soldiers at video games. "He was a great driver, the one you wanted for difficult tasks."

Pte. Chidley loved to talk about his family, Brig.-Gen. Menard said, especially time spent with his father, Cam.

Cam wrote about his son on Facebook Thursday. "My Ex-wife Sian and I have lost our son Garrett in Afghanistan yesterday. God help us and please watch over our daughter Devon, and our son Joe."

Though new to Kandahar, Brig.-Gen. Menard also said Ms. Lang "touched many of us" through her sensitivity and ability to connect with people.

"Michelle . . . was a young, dynamic reporter who strove to excel at her job," he said. "(She) was passionate about life and inspired those around her."

Lang, 34, was just two weeks into her first stint in Afghanistan and was the first Canadian journalist to die there since the Canadian military mission began in 2002.

Wednesday was an especially bloody day in Afghanistan. In addition to the attack on the Canadians, eight American civilian workers died in a suicide bomb attack on a U.S. military base close to the border with Pakistan, officials said.

The Taliban have claimed responsibility for both attacks. "This work is done by us," Yusuf Ahmadi, a spokesman for the Islamist insurgent group told AFP.

Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai issued a statement of condolence Thursday.

"The Afghan's will not forget your sacrifice," Mr. Karzai said in statement reported by Canadian Press. "Your children sacrificed their lives for the people of Afghanistan and the threat of terrorism," Mr. Karzai said.

Defence Minister Peter MacKay said all Canadians share in the loss.

"Today I stand with all Canadians as we mourn the loss of four brave and selfless Canadian soldiers and one Canadian journalist who died after the vehicle they were riding struck an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) while on patrol in an area south of Kandahar," Mr. MacKay said.

"I extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Sgt. George Miok, Sgt. Kirk Taylor, Cpl. Zachery McCormack, and Pte. Garrett William Chidley who were killed yesterday while working to bring peace and security to the people of Afghanistan. My thoughts are also with the loved ones of Michelle Lang who was also killed while bravely risking her life to report on the important work Canadians are undertaking."

Prime Minister Stephen Harper's spokesman had issued a statement Wednesday.

"Four brave soldiers paid the ultimate price while courageously serving their country in Kandahar. They perished seeking to help the Afghans build a better future for themselves while working tirelessly to advance Canadian values. Their sacrifice will not be forgotten," said a statement Wednesday night from Dimitri Soudas.

"Also fallen is a brave reporter, Michelle Lang, who lost her life reporting on the invaluable work being done by Canadian soldiers, aid workers and diplomats in Afghanistan. Her unforeseen and tragic death will be felt in Calgary and in communities across Canada.