Names released of five killed in Afghanistan

NEWS RELEASES

DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENSE

OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA

**************************** Four Canadian soldiers and one Canadian reporter killed and five injured in an IED strike

OTTAWA - Four Canadian soldiers and one Canadian reporter embedded with Joint Task Force Afghanistan (JTF-Afg) were killed, while four other Canadian soldiers and one Canadian civilian official were injured in an IED incident in Kandahar province, on Wednesday December 30, 2009.

The incident occurred 4 km south of Kandahar City at approximately 4 p.m., Kandahar time, Wednesday afternoon as a result of an improvised explosive device attack on an armoured vehicle during a patrol.

Killed in action was Sergeant George Miok, a member of 41 Combat Engineer Regiment, based in Edmonton, Alberta and serving with the Kandahar provincial reconstruction team.

Killed in action was Sergeant Kirk Taylor, a member of 84 Independent Field Battery, Royal Canadian Artillery, based in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia and serving with the Kandahar provincial reconstruction team.

Killed in action was Corporal Zachery McCormack (shown) a member of the Loyal Edmonton Regiment, 4th Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based in Edmonton, Alberta and serving with the Kandahar provincial reconstruction team.

Killed in action was Private Garrett William Chidley, a member of the 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based in Shilo, Manitoba and serving with the Kandahar provincial reconstruction team.

Michelle Lang, a Canwest journalist from Calgary, embedded with the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan was killed in the same incident.

Four Canadian soldiers and one Canadian civilian official were also seriously wounded in the incident.

All of the injured were evacuated by helicopter to the multi-national medical facility at Kandahar Airfield.

The injured soldiers and civilian are reported to be in stable condition.

Members of Task Force Kandahar are committed to improving security and increasing development in Kandahar Province.

Our thoughts are with the loved ones of our fallen comrades and our prayers go out to the family and friends of our fallen civilian reporter during this sad time, but we are determined to continue working with our Afghan and international partners towards a better future for the people of Afghanistan.

**************************** Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement on the deaths of four Canadian soldiers and one Canadian journalist in Afghanistan:

“It is with very heavy hearts that we learned that five Canadians were killed when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle, south of Kandahar City. On behalf of all Canadians, I offer my deepest sympathies to the families and friends of Sergeant George Miok, Sergeant Kirk Taylor, Corporal Zackery McCormack, and Private Garrett Chidley. 

“These four brave soldiers lost their lives seeking to help Afghans build a better future for themselves. They represent the best Canada has to offer and they perished in a far away land, working tirelessly to advance Canadian values. We owe them a debt we can never repay.

“I also offer my most sincere condolences to the loved ones of journalist Michelle Lang, who courageously risked her life reporting from one of the world’s most dangerous countries. She lost her life reporting on the invaluable work being done by Canadian soldiers, aid workers and diplomats in Afghanistan. Ms. Lang was from my hometown and I know her unforeseen and tragic death is being felt in Calgary and in communities across Canada. 

“Our prayers also go to the families and friends of those Canadians injured in this appalling act.

“The brave men and women of Canada’s military face danger every day in their ongoing commitment to seeing Afghanistan flourish and stand on its own. Members of the embedded Canadian media also risk their lives to bring that story home to us.

“The five men and women who perished are true Canadian heroes. Canadians will never forget their dedication and sacrifice.”

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