A Canadian soldier killed late Sunday while on a routine foot patrol in Afghanistan's turbulent Panjwaii District has been identified.
Sgt. Jason Boyes of 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based in Shilo, Man., was killed after he stepped on an explosive device.
The 32-year-old was born in Napanee, Ont. (earlier reports had him from Lynn Lake, Man.). He is the first Canadian to be killed while on foot patrol in nearly a year.
"We are devastated by this news. Jason loved his job, he loved the military, and his fellow soldiers loved him back. His world was his daughter, Mackenzie, his wife, Alison, his dogs and his family," Boyes' family said in a statement distributed by the military.
"This was his third tour in Afghanistan. We have always, and still do, support this mission."
A 'warrior'
"He was a committed warrior, a leader through and through,'' said Lt.-Col. Dave Corbould, commander of the Patricias battle group.
"He was someone we can all emulate. He represented the warrior spirit 100 per cent.''
Regimental Sgt. Maj. Brian Semenko said he had a number of conversations with Boyes about the Afghan mission over the last few years.
"He was really dedicated to the idea of serving overseas,'' Semenko said. "He felt the best way to serve was to do it overseas. His idea was not to give candy to children, but to kill insurgents.''
Prime Minister Stephen Harper released a statement today expressing his condolences for Boyes' family.
"Sgt. Boyes was an exceptionally brave soldier who deserves the support and gratitude of all Canadians," Harper's statement said. "He made the ultimate sacrifice for his country and the people of Afghanistan."
"The Government of Canada is extremely proud of the contribution our Canadian Forces members are making in Afghanistan. The mission is a difficult one, but we are committed to bringing security and stability to this war-torn country so that future generations may enjoy the benefits of a peaceful and democratic society."
Killed on foot
Oliver Moore, a reporter with The Globe and Mail, told CTV's Canada AM on Monday that the soldiers were in an area known as Zangabad, which is about 35 kilometres southwest of Kandahar city.
"Roadside bombs or Improvised Explosive Devices are certainly the biggest killer of Canadian soldiers here in Afghanistan," said Moore. "But for this to happen to a dismounted soldier -- a soldier on a foot patrol -- is quite rare and hasn't happened in about 10 months."
Boyes triggered the explosive device at about 8:20 p.m. He was rushed to hospital but died from his injuries.
"We have lost a brother and a fine soldier," Brig.-Gen. Guy Laroche said at a news conference in Kandahar Airfield.
"He answered the call of duty one last time in Afghanistan. We will honour his memory, his dedication, and his desire to make a difference in a country that has lost hope that one day its children will grow up to know the real sense of the words 'peace' and 'freedom.'"
Laroche said Boyes was part of the recent contingent that arrived in Afghanistan in the last few weeks.
Including Sunday's death, Canada has lost 81 military personnel in Afghanistan since 2002, along with one diplomat and a civilian aid worker. The majority of slain soldiers have died from Improvised Explosive Devices.
NATO allies like the United States transport many of their troops by helicopter, because it's considered a safer alternative to travelling across lands infested with bombs.
Laroche said foot patrols enable soldiers to closely monitor the security situation and interact with local communities.
Defence Minister Peter MacKay has said he's working with the U.S. to acquire six battlefield helicopters for operations in Afghanistan.
Last Thursday, Parliament voted 198-77 to extend the Afghan mission until December 2011, on the condition that NATO provides Canada with an additional 1,000 soldiers.
Danish, Czech soldiers killed
In another incident in southern Afghanistan, two Danish soldiers and one Czech soldier, along with three Afghan civilians, were killed in a suicide car bombing, officials said.
A bomber attacked a convoy from the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) near the village of Girishk in the southern province of Helmand.
With files from The Canadian Press
