Sudbury soldier dies near Kandahar

NEWS RELEASE

DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENCE

************************* Two Canadian soldiers killed by improvised explosive device OTTAWA, ONTARIO - (June 26, 2010) - Two Canadian soldiers were killed when the vehicle they were travelling in as part of a convoy struck an improvised explosive device.

The incident occurred approximately 20 kilometres southwest of Kandahar City, in the Panjwa'i District at approximately 11 a.m. Kandahar time on June 26.

Killed in action was Master Corporal Kristal Giesebrecht from 1 Canadian Field Hospital, based in Petawawa, Ontario.

She was serving in Afghanistan with the Task Force Kandahar Health Services Unit.

Photo of Master Corporal Giesebrecht

Killed in action was [Sudbury's] Private Andrew Miller from 2 Field Ambulance, based in Petawawa, Ontario.

He was serving in Afghanistan with the Task Force Kandahar health services unit.

Our thoughts are with the families and friends of our fallen soldiers during this difficult time.

We will not forget the sacrifice of these soldiers as we continue to bring security and hope to the people of Kandahar Province.

Canada in partnership with Afghan National Security Forces, the Afghan government and ISAF remain committed to improving the security situation in order to set the conditions for reconstruction and development in the region.

Together, Afghan National Security Forces and Joint Task Force Afghanistan continue to maintain the initiative in Kandahar Province.

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