Two Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – Canada’s death toll in Afghanistan has hit another tragic milestone with the death of two soldiers Saturday west of Kandahar city.

Master Cpl. Kristal Giesebrecht, 34, and Pte. Andrew Miller, 21, were attached to a unit that was on its way to deal with a mine that had been found in the doorway of a home when the vehicle they were in detonated an improvised explosive device.

Giesebrecht and Miller were both medical technicians attached to the 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group.

The incident occurred at 11 a.m. local time about 20 kilometres southwest of Kandahar City.

“Although we cannot say for certain that these medical personnel were targeted deliberately, it is for certain that the threat to Afghans stemming from the influence of out of area fighters at this time of year is very serious,” said Brig.-Gen Jonathan Vance, the commander of Task Force Kandahar.

The latest death brings to 150 the number of Canadian Forces members to die as part of the Afghanistan mission since it began in 2002.

“Medical Technicians are indispensable to the work being done by Canadian and Afghan soldiers. They participate in every Canadian Forces patrol and operation,” said Vance.

“It is because of their dedicated and skilful work, often under fire, that many Canadian, Coalition, and Afghan soldiers and civilians are alive today.”

A third soldier was injured in the blast and airlifted to the Role 3 Hospital at Kandahar Airfield where he is listed in stable condition.

Giesebrecht becomes the third Canadian woman to be killed in a combat situation.

Trooper Karine Blais of Les Mechins, Quebec was hit by a roadside bomb blast in a district north of Kandahar in April, 2009. The 21-year-old was serving with the 2nd Battalion of the Royal 22e Regiment (also known as the Van Doos) but was a member of the 12e Regiment blinde du Canada. Both regiments are based at CFB Valcartier, Que.

The first was Capt. Nicola Goddard of 1st Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, who died May 17, 2006, in a grenade attack in the Panjwaii district west of Kandahar city.

Vance said Giesebrecht was born in Wallaceburg, Ontario and was a member of 1 Canadian Field Hospital, based at CFB Petawawa.

He said she was married and a fit, dedicated and fun-loving medical technician serving on her second tour in Afghanistan.

“She was a mentor and an inspiration for her fellow medical technicians. Kristal loved life to the fullest. She was a wonderful friend, always opening her heart to everyone in need,” Vance said.

“Kristal prided herself on her health and fitness, although she always felt the solution to any problem could be found in a box of chocolates.”

Pte Andrew Miller was born in Sudbury, Ontario. A member of 2 Field Ambulance, based at CFB Petawawa, he was serving on his first overseas deployment.

Vance said Miller will be remembered as someone who would give his fellow soldiers the shirt off his back and was always the first to volunteer.

“Andrew was very confident in both his soldier and clinical skills. He wanted nothing more than to be part of the Health Services Unit for ROTO 9, in Afghanistan, so that he could put his skills to the test,” he said.

“Called Caillou by his friends – everyone acknowledged the resemblance as soon as they met him.”

In statements issued Saturday, Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Gov. Gen Michaelle Jean both paid tribute to the soldiers.

The two soldiers “served bravely while helping to build a stable Afghanistan,” Harper said as he provided condolences to their families.

“Canada stands behind you in these most difficult and trying times,” Harper said. “This is a tragic loss for the Canadian Forces and all of Canada.”

“We recognize the valour, heroism, courage and undeniable generosity of heart of this man and woman,” Jean said in a statement. “They have sacrificed everything and given their all.”

The two soldiers are the second and third Canadian deaths in Afghanistan in a week.

Sgt. James MacNeil, 28, was killed by an IED on June 20th while on a foot patrol near the village of Nakhonay.

“It may seem to you that we are simply victims here – I assure you we are not. We take casualties, and we hurt, and such is the nature of war, but your soldiers, soldiers like Kristal Geisebrecht and Andrew Miller stand as guardians between a terrible threat and the innocents who cannot protect themselves,” Vance said.

“I am proud and grateful that our young men and women have the kind of soldierly courage to turn a bad day for themselves into a better future for those who need their help.”

IEDs have been the single biggest cause of death among Canadian troops in Afghanistan.

Ten out of the 12 Canadian deaths this year were the result of an IED blast. In all, 91 of the 150 Canadian fatalities in the eight-year-old Afghan mission came about from IEDs – which include roadside bombs and some other type of explosives, according to the Department of Defence.

Two civilians – diplomat Glyn Berry and journalist Michelle Lang – have also been killed in Canada’s mission to Afghanistan.

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