http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/newsroom/view_news_e.asp?id=2151
Statement
Statement by the Minister of National Defence on the Deaths of Chief Warrant Officer Robert Girouard and Corporal Albert Storm
NR-06.086 - November 28, 2006
OTTAWA – The Honourable Gordon O'Connor, Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement today on the deaths of Chief Warrant Officer Robert Girouard and Corporal Albert Storm:
“Two professional, dedicated Canadian soldiers, Chief Warrant Officer Robert Girouard and Corporal Albert Storm, made the ultimate sacrifice yesterday in Afghanistan. Our hearts and thoughts go out to their families and friends during this difficult time.
Chief Warrant Officer Girouard and Corporal Storm were killed when their armoured vehicle was attacked by a suicide bomber as they traveled on the highway to the Panjwayi area of Afghanistan. Chief Warrant Officer Girouard was a very senior Non-Commissioned Officer and a proven leader. Corporal Storm was a brave, dedicated and professional soldier. Both served valiantly against an enemy that uses arbitrary attacks to thwart any progress for the Afghan people to achieve their freedom and stability.
There are risks involved in this selfless work. However, the sacrifice of these soldiers will not be forgotten and this event will not deter us from helping Afghans reclaim their lives and build a free and democratic society.”
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Chief Warrant Officer Robert Girouard and Corporal Albert Storm were both members of 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, based in Petawawa, Ontario.
http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/lf/English/6_1_1.asp?id=1522
OTTAWA, Ontario ― Two Canadian soldiers were killed on November 27 when their Bison light armoured vehicle was attacked by a suicide bomber driving a car laden with explosives. The incident occurred on Highway 4 between Kandahar Airfield and Kandahar City.
The Taliban have claimed responsibility. In addition to the two Canadian deaths, one Afghan civilian was also killed in the blast.
Killed in the attack were Chief Warrant Officer Robert Girouard, the Regimental Sergeant Major of the 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group, and Corporal Albert Storm, also of 1 RCR Battle Group. The 1 RCR is based in Petawawa, Ontario.
CWO Bobby Girouard, 46, was from Bathurst, New Brunswick, and a 29-year military veteran. He was married and the father of three.
Cpl Storm, 36, was a native of Fort Erie, Ontario, and a decorated soldier who had served in trouble spots around the globe. He was the father of two and was just three years from retirement.
"On behalf of all Canadians, I wish to extend my sincere condolences to the families and friends of Chief Warrant Officer Robert Girouard and Corporal Albert Storm. I also share the sadness of their colleagues in the Canadian Forces who are grieving the loss of two of their own, but who remain determined to meet all dangers head-on to make sure that justice and freedom will prevail, " stated Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada in a message released today.
In addition to one Canadian diplomat, the death toll among Canadian killed in Afghanistan since 2002 now stands at 45. This year alone, thirty-six Canadians troops have been killed in that country. The last Canadian fatalities occurred on October 14.
Canadian troops in Afghanistan are serving alongside soldiers and civilians from 36 countries under the NATO-led, UN-mandated International Security Assistance Force. A key part of Canada's 'whole of government' assistance to Afghanistan is helping to establish the security necessary to promote development.