We Remember Them. Their Courage Inspires Us

At this time of year that is normally filled with joy, we take time to remember those latest casualties of Taliban cruelty in Afghanistan. Their deaths are not in vain. Their sacrifices are remembered and their courage and dedication is an inspiration to those who continue to work, fight and report in this troubled part of the world. Four soldiers and a journalist died in an explosion this week south of Kandahar City..

In Macleans, a heartfelt tribute to Canwest journalist Michelle Lang:

Her smile could transform her into a beautiful, mischievous kid; yet she was a tough reporter. With no journalism degree, she had worked her way up from a small weekly newspaper, through Regina, and on to the strut of Calgary and a true, big-city daily. In Canada’s newspaper industry, prone to cronyism, it’s a climb few accomplish. Michelle did it through determination, a devotion to the facts and a pronounced distaste for guf...

I recall, walking down 8th Ave. in downtown Calgary once a few years ago, coming across Michelle and her parents, in from Vancouver, and how proud she was of them when she introduced them. Above all her other accomplishments, how much fun she was, it’s that moment I remember now.

The Canadian soldiers who were killed in this latest attack, as reported in the National Post:

Sgt. George Miok, 28

Sgt. Kirk Taylor

Cpl. Zachery McCormack, 21

Pte. Garrett William Chidley, 21

Five others were wounded, including four soldiers and a Canadian civilian worker.

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.