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."