The RCR Association Message Board
Home Help Search Login Register
Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.
Did you miss your activation email?
May 16, 2008, 05:29:17 AM

Login with username, password and session length
24606 Posts in 3701 Topics by 595 Members
Latest Member: Frank Mio
Visit The Connecting File at http://thercr.ca.

The RCR Education Fund for Children of Fallen Soldiers - INFORMATION - DONATE NOW

13 Nov 2007 - I have restored permissions for unregistered guests to post to the forums, for the convenience of those Royal Canadians who wish to post but choose not to register. If we are again bombarded with spam, I will shut down that optiona again on a temporary basis.  Thank you for your patience. - Regt Adjt
+  The RCR Association Message Board
|-+  Member Announcements
| |-+  Departed Comrades (Moderator: Regt Adjt)
| | |-+  Private Josh Klukie. 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment.
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic. « previous next »
Pages: [1] Go Down Reply Print
Author Topic: Private Josh Klukie. 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment.  (Read 1012 times)
Mike Blais
SSM (NATO Bar), CPSM, UN-Cyp, CD
Ultimate 2000+ Member
****************************************
Offline Offline

Gender: Male
Posts: 3095


A ROYAL CANADIAN "NEVER PASSES A FAULT"


Private Josh Klukie. 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment.
« on: September 30, 2006, 11:19:21 AM »
Reply with quote



A sad day for all Royal Canadians. Private Josh Klukie died yesterday in Southern Afghanistan when he stepped on an insurgent's explosive booby trap in the Panjwaii district west of Kandahar City. He died in the service of The Regiment and his nation. His sacrifice will not be forgotten. Rest in peace, Josh. Rest in peace. 

« Last Edit: September 30, 2006, 11:30:17 AM by Mike Blais » Report to moderator   Logged

1RCR  1977-79  Depot (Italy PL), B Coy, Mortars, Pioneers, D Coy (CFB London)
3RCR  1979-82  M Coy, Pipes & Drums, Sigs, Mortars. (CFB Baden-Soellingen)
1RCR  1982-88  Mortars. Dukes, Cyprus-Welfare NCO 84-85, Injured, WO&Sgts Mess, (CFB London)
1988-92 Med-remuster to HELL/ 35 DU, CFB Baden
1992 Medical release. God Bless you all! 

Pro Patria
ranrad
Ron [Andy] Andrews
Ultimate 2000+ Member
****************************************
Offline Offline

Gender: Male
Posts: 2023



Re: Pte. Josh Klukie. 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment.
« Reply #1 on: September 30, 2006, 11:28:34 AM »
Reply with quote

Aye, and thanks for the info Mike, may i pass on my condolences to his family and friends and thank him for his dedication and duty to all mankind, may you rest in the peace you so richly deserve, we will remember you, ranrad
Report to moderator   Logged

RCAF,CAF, converted RCR?,1RCR 74-77 CD: SSM (Nato);CPSM,;UN-Cyp.; UN- Golan
Mike Blais
SSM (NATO Bar), CPSM, UN-Cyp, CD
Ultimate 2000+ Member
****************************************
Offline Offline

Gender: Male
Posts: 3095


A ROYAL CANADIAN "NEVER PASSES A FAULT"


Re: Private Josh Klukie. 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment.
« Reply #2 on: September 30, 2006, 03:04:48 PM »
Reply with quote

More info...

Military identifies Canadian soldier killed in Afghan blast

Canadian military officials released on Saturday the identity of a soldier from Thunder Bay, Ont., who was killed while on foot patrol west of Kandahar.

Pte. Josh Klukie, a member of the 1st Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment, which is based at CFB Petawawa near Ottawa, died Friday after triggering what may have been an improvised explosive device (IED) on a road in Afghanistan's Panjwaii district.

    Private Josh Klukie, a member of 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, was killed on Sept. 29, 2006 in Afghanistan.
    Private Josh Klukie, a member of 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, was killed on Sept. 29, 2006 in Afghanistan.
    (Department of National Defence)

Military officials have not released his age. His remains have been flown to Kandahar airfield.

A woman at the home of Klukie's parents in Thunder Bay told the Canadian Press on Saturday that the family had no comment.

Capt. Jim Davis of Thunder Bay's Lake Superior Scottish Regiment said a public affairs officer from Winnipeg was en route to Klukie's hometown. Davis said officials were trying to organize a news conference where a family representative would likely speak to the media.

PM offers condolences

Prime Minister Stephen Harper expressed his condolences Saturday to Klukie's family and friends.

"Canadians will not forget the dedication and courage he demonstrated," Harper said in a statement. "We are proud of him, and humbled by his willingness to serve Canada."

The military said one other soldier, Cpl. James Miller, of Hamilton, became deaf in his left ear and suffered a possible concussion in the incident.

Col. Fred Lewis said the soldiers were on patrol on a combat road created by a bulldozer for Operation Medusa, the large-scale offensive aimed at driving Taliban fighters from their strongholds in southern Afghanistan.

Device planted in road

He said an IED or a landmine planted in the road and one of the soldiers triggered it.

"The use of IEDs by insurgents indicates their callous lack of regard for people in the region," Lewis said. "It could have just as easily been a bunch of children playing in the area."

Lewis said it appeared unlikely the device had been set off by remote control.

The news came the same day funerals were scheduled for three of four Canadian soldiers killed earlier this month. They died when a suicide bomber on a bicycle detonated a device near the Canadians, who were on foot patrol.

Speaking from Kabul, NATO spokesman Mark Laity told CBC Newsworld soldiers know it is dangerous to get out of the armoured vehicles, but believe it is necessary if they want to win the "hearts and minds" of Afghans.

"These are soldiers. They understand they have to take these risks," he said.

More than 2,000 Canadians are serving in Afghanistan's volatile southern region. With the latest death, 37 Canadian soldiers and one diplomat have been killed since the mission started four years ago.
Report to moderator   Logged

1RCR  1977-79  Depot (Italy PL), B Coy, Mortars, Pioneers, D Coy (CFB London)
3RCR  1979-82  M Coy, Pipes & Drums, Sigs, Mortars. (CFB Baden-Soellingen)
1RCR  1982-88  Mortars. Dukes, Cyprus-Welfare NCO 84-85, Injured, WO&Sgts Mess, (CFB London)
1988-92 Med-remuster to HELL/ 35 DU, CFB Baden
1992 Medical release. God Bless you all! 

Pro Patria
Mike Blais
SSM (NATO Bar), CPSM, UN-Cyp, CD
Ultimate 2000+ Member
****************************************
Offline Offline

Gender: Male
Posts: 3095


A ROYAL CANADIAN "NEVER PASSES A FAULT"


Re: Private Josh Klukie. 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment.
« Reply #3 on: September 30, 2006, 04:31:22 PM »
Reply with quote

Message from Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaelle Jean Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada on the death of Private Josh Klukie

    OTTAWA, Sept. 30 /CNW Telbec/ - "My husband, Jean Daniel Lafond, and I,
were extremely troubled by the tragic death Friday of Private Josh Klukie of
the 1st Battalion of The Royal Canadian Regiment, in the district of Panjwayi,
province of Kandahar.
    Today we honour his memory and his commitment to freedom, justice and
peace. We offer our sincerest condolences to his family, friends and fellow
soldiers. May they know how deeply Canadians share their grief and recognize
the courage and willingness on the part of the soldiers deployed to
Afghanistan to do everything they can to support a people in the fight against
terror.
    Our thoughts are also with the soldier who was slightly injured in the
same incident."

« Last Edit: September 30, 2006, 04:36:09 PM by Mike Blais » Report to moderator   Logged

1RCR  1977-79  Depot (Italy PL), B Coy, Mortars, Pioneers, D Coy (CFB London)
3RCR  1979-82  M Coy, Pipes & Drums, Sigs, Mortars. (CFB Baden-Soellingen)
1RCR  1982-88  Mortars. Dukes, Cyprus-Welfare NCO 84-85, Injured, WO&Sgts Mess, (CFB London)
1988-92 Med-remuster to HELL/ 35 DU, CFB Baden
1992 Medical release. God Bless you all! 

Pro Patria
Mike Blais
SSM (NATO Bar), CPSM, UN-Cyp, CD
Ultimate 2000+ Member
****************************************
Offline Offline

Gender: Male
Posts: 3095


A ROYAL CANADIAN "NEVER PASSES A FAULT"


Re: Private Josh Klukie. 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment.
« Reply #4 on: September 30, 2006, 04:32:51 PM »
Reply with quote


OFFICE OF THE
PRIME MINISTER

****************************
Statement by the Prime Minister on the death of Private Josh Klukie

September 30, 2006
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement on the death of Private Josh Klukie.

"On behalf of all Canadians, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Private Klukie, who was killed yesterday while on a patrol in southern Afghanistan," Prime Minister Harper said.

"I commend Private Klukie's commitment and bravery in serving his country," the Prime Minister said.

"He gave his life so that the Afghan people could experience the same freedoms and civil rights that we in Canada cherish and value."

"Canadians will not forget the dedication and courage he demonstrated."

"We are proud of him, and humbled by his willingness to serve Canada."

"Everyday the men and women of the Canadian Forces demonstrate an unwavering commitment to ensuring freedom, and the democratic values that define our country, are enjoyed throughout the world."

"We stand united in pride and support for all their efforts to help Afghanistan become a stable and self-sufficient state."

« Last Edit: September 30, 2006, 04:36:50 PM by Mike Blais » Report to moderator   Logged

1RCR  1977-79  Depot (Italy PL), B Coy, Mortars, Pioneers, D Coy (CFB London)
3RCR  1979-82  M Coy, Pipes & Drums, Sigs, Mortars. (CFB Baden-Soellingen)
1RCR  1982-88  Mortars. Dukes, Cyprus-Welfare NCO 84-85, Injured, WO&Sgts Mess, (CFB London)
1988-92 Med-remuster to HELL/ 35 DU, CFB Baden
1992 Medical release. God Bless you all! 

Pro Patria
Mike Blais
SSM (NATO Bar), CPSM, UN-Cyp, CD
Ultimate 2000+ Member
****************************************
Offline Offline

Gender: Male
Posts: 3095


A ROYAL CANADIAN "NEVER PASSES A FAULT"


Re: Private Josh Klukie. 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment.
« Reply #5 on: September 30, 2006, 04:37:15 PM »
Reply with quote


DND: Statement by the Minister of National Defence on the Death of Private Josh Klukie

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(CCNMatthews - Sept. 30, 2006) - The Honourable Gordon O'Connor, Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement today on the death of Private Josh Klukie:

"On behalf of the Defence family and our brave men and women in uniform I extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Private Josh Klukie.

This brave soldier gave his life providing hope for a brighter future, free from hardship and struggle, to the people of Afghanistan.

Canada is in Afghanistan helping to stabilize and reconstruct the country. Private Klukie gave his life so that the Afghan people have the means to build a better future for themselves and their communities.

Canadians stand united in pride and gratitude behind our Canadian Forces. We honour Private Klukie's courage and commitment. His sacrifice will not be forgotten."

Private Josh Klukie was a member of 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, based in Petawawa, Ontario, and died from the blast of an Improvised Explosive Device.
Report to moderator   Logged

1RCR  1977-79  Depot (Italy PL), B Coy, Mortars, Pioneers, D Coy (CFB London)
3RCR  1979-82  M Coy, Pipes & Drums, Sigs, Mortars. (CFB Baden-Soellingen)
1RCR  1982-88  Mortars. Dukes, Cyprus-Welfare NCO 84-85, Injured, WO&Sgts Mess, (CFB London)
1988-92 Med-remuster to HELL/ 35 DU, CFB Baden
1992 Medical release. God Bless you all! 

Pro Patria
jim thomson
CD,UN Cyprus, Peacekeeping, Police Exemplary Medal City of Calgary Police Medal
Hero Member
*****
Offline Offline

Gender: Male
Posts: 83


Pro Patria

jimthoms@telusplanet.net
Re: Private Josh Klukie. 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment.
« Reply #6 on: September 30, 2006, 04:49:53 PM »
Reply with quote

My condolences and prayers to family and friends. Pte. Klukie made the ultimate sacrifice. RIP
Report to moderator   Logged

Pro Patria

Jim
Zinger
Hero Member
*****
Offline Offline

Gender: Male
Posts: 52


Pro Patria

zzinger@hotmail.com
Re: Private Josh Klukie. 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment.
« Reply #7 on: September 30, 2006, 08:02:43 PM »
Reply with quote

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Alan
Report to moderator   Logged

Alan Gretsinger

1987-1988 2RCR H Coy
1988-1992 3RCR M Coy and Mortars
Jim Hickson
CWO H.J. Hickson, MMM, CD. (Retd)
Ultimate 2000+ Member
****************************************
Offline Offline

Gender: Male
Posts: 5185


Pro Patria


Re: Private Josh Klukie. 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment.
« Reply #8 on: September 30, 2006, 08:08:37 PM »
Reply with quote

All of my thoughts and prayers go to his loved ones. Pte Klukie rest in peace and Pro Patria.

Jim
Report to moderator   Logged

1961-Depot San Lenorado
1962-1st Bn RCR Ex Gagetown
1962-JR NCO Course Grad 19 Oct
1962-1965 Germany B-C-D-A Coy (Revecated Nov 64)
1965-1967 Sigs Pl Cyprus Prom CPL 'til xmas and C of Drums
1967-1973 Cpl, MCpl, Sgt, Sigs, D Coy
1973-1977 CFOCS Chilliwack Prom WO
1977-1982 UEO, Sigs, Pl WO RECCE, CSM B&A Coy,
1982-1984 SIT School
1984-1988 Career Manager (Prom CWO 1986)
1988-1990 RSM 1RCR
1991-1995 CWO Adm(Per) - C Of S
1995-1999 Base CWO Wainwright
1999-Retired
Gerry Connors
Veteran 500+ Member
**********
Offline Offline

Gender: Male
Posts: 539


(Optional) Your Text here.


WWW
Re: Private Josh Klukie. 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment.
« Reply #9 on: September 30, 2006, 11:07:34 PM »
Reply with quote

Thoughts & prayers to him and his family; my condelences; RIP Soldier

Pro Patria
Report to moderator   Logged

1RCR Duke's Coy '82 - '87; Cyprus '84 / '85
LOTPed medic 1988; CFH Halifax '88 - '90
119 AD Bty medic, CFB Chatham '90 - '95
2RCR medic '95 - '00; SFOR Bosnia, 2RCR Roto 4 '99;
42 Hlth Svc Gagetown '00 - '02
CFRC Gagetown / Fredericton '02 - '06; 'retired' Aug '06
HMCS Jolliet, Sept-Iles QC, medical staff / 'tiffy' (reserves)
Mike Blais
SSM (NATO Bar), CPSM, UN-Cyp, CD
Ultimate 2000+ Member
****************************************
Offline Offline

Gender: Male
Posts: 3095


A ROYAL CANADIAN "NEVER PASSES A FAULT"


Re: Private Josh Klukie. 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment.
« Reply #10 on: October 01, 2006, 07:19:24 AM »
Reply with quote

Friends proud of slain soldier

Alexandra Zabjek and Sarah McGinnis, CanWest News Service; Ottawa Citizen; Calgary Herald
Published: Sunday, October 01, 2006

OTTAWA -- The 10th Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan last month was a young private from Thunder Bay, Ont., who the military on Saturday identified as Pte. Josh Klukie.

On Friday, Klukie was on foot patrol when he stepped on an anti-tank mine buried beneath the sand in the Panjwaii District, an area the Canadian forces have found littered with explosive devices. His death raises the toll for Canadian military deaths to 37 since troops arrived in Afghanistan in 2002.

Klukie was a member of the First Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment, based in Petawawa.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Saturday extended his condolences to Klukie's family, and issued a statement saying that, "Canadians will not forget the dedication and courage he demonstrated. We are proud of him, and humbled by his willingness to serve Canada."

Klukie's immediate family in Thunder Bay declined to comment on the soldier's death Saturday, but Capt. Jim Davis, a military spokesman, said the Klukie family would organize a press conference next week.

Davis said Klukie was not married.

Donna Klukie, whose husband was a cousin of the soldier's late father, said Klukie was the youngest of three children and was in his early 20s.

A friend in Thunder Bay left a special message to Klukie on a Department of National Defence last month. Greg Eby, whose son was friends with Klukie, wrote: "Just wanted to say "Hi" to all the Canadian men and women in Afghanistan. My family and I are all tremendously proud of you, what you are doing, and what you stand for. All of you are deserving of the highest respect and admiration," he wrote.

"I'd like to say hi especially to Josh Klukie from Thunder Bay. You guys and gals and your families are in my prayers every day."

Meanwhile, a special rally in support of the troops unfolded in Calgary Saturday.

About 250 people gathered at Calgary City Hall to observe a moment of silence for Canada's fallen soldiers and pray for the safe return of all the men and women serving in Afghanistan.

Keith Stirling's son, Cpl. T.J. Stirling, is in currently in Afghanistan on his second tour of duty there.

"They feel they've got a job to do," Keith Stirling said. "They need people here to support them and what they're doing, not bash them."

The flurry of flag-draped coffins returning to Canada is re-igniting calls to end the dangerous deployment.

But the Afghan mission is about more than providing humanitarian support to the Afghan people, Conservative MP Jason Kenney told the red-clad, flag-waving crowd.

"If we pull out... we'll be handing Afghanistan back to terrorists and extremists who want to not only oppress the people of that country, but use it as a breeding ground for future terrorist attacks. That would be totally irresponsible," he said.

Pte. Ryan Preston, a 22-year-old turret gunner and rifleman with the Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry, returned from Afghanistan last month.

He said his thoughts are always of his comrades still serving in Afghanistan.

"I have a lot of my guys over there. It's still emotional," he said. "My mind is still over there. If I could be there with them, I would."

Ottawa Citizen and Calgary Herald
Report to moderator   Logged

1RCR  1977-79  Depot (Italy PL), B Coy, Mortars, Pioneers, D Coy (CFB London)
3RCR  1979-82  M Coy, Pipes & Drums, Sigs, Mortars. (CFB Baden-Soellingen)
1RCR  1982-88  Mortars. Dukes, Cyprus-Welfare NCO 84-85, Injured, WO&Sgts Mess, (CFB London)
1988-92 Med-remuster to HELL/ 35 DU, CFB Baden
1992 Medical release. God Bless you all! 

Pro Patria
Mike Blais
SSM (NATO Bar), CPSM, UN-Cyp, CD
Ultimate 2000+ Member
****************************************
Offline Offline

Gender: Male
Posts: 3095


A ROYAL CANADIAN "NEVER PASSES A FAULT"


Re: Private Josh Klukie. 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment.
« Reply #11 on: October 01, 2006, 07:26:19 AM »
Reply with quote

Josh is on his way home, boys.

Remains Of Pte. Josh Klukie On Their Way Home
Sunday October 1, 2006
Pte. Josh Klukie's remains began their journey home Sunday after his fellow soldiers said a tearful goodbye to their fallen comrade in Afghanistan.

The 23-year-old Thunder Bay native stepped on an insurgent's explosive device while on foot patrol in Panjwaii district west of Kandahar City Friday.

He was a member of Bravo Company of the First Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment and on Sunday his troopmates vowed to make a pilgrimage to his northern Ontario hometown.

Klukie's death marked a grim end to what was the deadliest month for the Canadian Forces in decades. Klukie was the 10th soldier to lose his life in September and the 37th since 2002.

He was killed on the same day that funerals were held for three of his comrades, Cpl. Shane Keating, Cpl. Keith Morley and Pte. David Byers, who were the victims of a suicide attack on Sept. 18. The fourth soldier killed in that blast, Cpl. Glen Arnold, was laid to rest earlier in the week.

On Saturday Prime Minister Stephen Harper offered his condolences to Klukie's family and friends.

"I commend Pte. Klukie's commitment and bravery in serving his country," Harper said. "He gave his life so that the Afghan people could experience the same freedoms and civil rights that we in Canada cherish and value.
 
"Canadians will not forget the dedication and courage he demonstrated. We are proud of him, and humbled by his willingness to serve Canada."

Governor General Michaelle Jean also expressed her deep regret over the loss of Pte. Klukie.

"We offer our sincerest condolences to his family, friends and fellow soldiers. May they know how deeply Canadians share their grief and recognize the courage and willingness on the part of the soldiers deployed to Afghanistan to do everything they can to support a people in the fight against terror," she said in a statement.

Another soldier was also wounded in the blast. Cpl. James Miller of Hamilton suffered deafness in his left ear and a possible concussion.

Hundreds of people gathered at Yonge-Dundas Square Friday and a crowd gathered at Calgary's city hall Saturday to stand behind Canadian troops.
Report to moderator   Logged

1RCR  1977-79  Depot (Italy PL), B Coy, Mortars, Pioneers, D Coy (CFB London)
3RCR  1979-82  M Coy, Pipes & Drums, Sigs, Mortars. (CFB Baden-Soellingen)
1RCR  1982-88  Mortars. Dukes, Cyprus-Welfare NCO 84-85, Injured, WO&Sgts Mess, (CFB London)
1988-92 Med-remuster to HELL/ 35 DU, CFB Baden
1992 Medical release. God Bless you all! 

Pro Patria
Mike Blais
SSM (NATO Bar), CPSM, UN-Cyp, CD
Ultimate 2000+ Member
****************************************
Offline Offline

Gender: Male
Posts: 3095


A ROYAL CANADIAN "NEVER PASSES A FAULT"


Re: Private Josh Klukie. 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment.
« Reply #12 on: October 01, 2006, 08:05:38 AM »
Reply with quote

Statement by the Honourable Bill Graham, Leader of the Opposition, on the death of Private Josh Klukie
September 30, 2006

On behalf of the Liberal Party of Canada and our Parliamentary caucus, I would like to express my deepest sadness and regret at the news of another Canadian soldier killed in an explosion in Afghanistan on September 29, 2006.

We send our deepest sympathies to the family, friends and comrades of Private Josh Klukie as they cope with this terrible tragedy.

Today’s loss demonstrates the real challenges that are faced by the men and women of our Canadian Forces every day as part of this mission. I speak not only for our caucus, but for all Canadians when I say we are grateful for the contribution to a peaceful and secure world the men and women of the Canadian forces make every day.

The Liberal Party, like all Canadians, remains steadfast in our support for the women and men of the Canadian Forces stationed in Afghanistan as they work toward the noble goal of bringing peace and stability to this troubled region.
Report to moderator   Logged

1RCR  1977-79  Depot (Italy PL), B Coy, Mortars, Pioneers, D Coy (CFB London)
3RCR  1979-82  M Coy, Pipes & Drums, Sigs, Mortars. (CFB Baden-Soellingen)
1RCR  1982-88  Mortars. Dukes, Cyprus-Welfare NCO 84-85, Injured, WO&Sgts Mess, (CFB London)
1988-92 Med-remuster to HELL/ 35 DU, CFB Baden
1992 Medical release. God Bless you all! 

Pro Patria
ranrad
Ron [Andy] Andrews
Ultimate 2000+ Member
****************************************
Offline Offline

Gender: Male
Posts: 2023



Re: Private Josh Klukie. 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment.
« Reply #13 on: October 01, 2006, 12:24:00 PM »
Reply with quote

Hi Mike, very nice to see this from the Liberals, now if we coukd only see the same from Jack and Co. They have to soon deal with the reality  of our world today; it is dangerous , and is so because of small numbers of fanatics who are determined to use lame excuses to kill people, even their own people.The Islamic world too is not fooled by these lunatics, hopefully all Cdns , ALLCDNS will soon realize what really is going on and get behind our people over there , fully. It seems that ,most do now, they know that our future as a free and democratic world is being threatened even as it was before in our history.I ask , i pray that God will bless and keep safe all those putting themselves on the line for all of us... i think as i believe that He will, because He sees all, and understands this test of humanity....thanks again Mike ,ranrad   
Report to moderator   Logged

RCAF,CAF, converted RCR?,1RCR 74-77 CD: SSM (Nato);CPSM,;UN-Cyp.; UN- Golan
Mike Blais
SSM (NATO Bar), CPSM, UN-Cyp, CD
Ultimate 2000+ Member
****************************************
Offline Offline

Gender: Male
Posts: 3095


A ROYAL CANADIAN "NEVER PASSES A FAULT"


Re: Private Josh Klukie. 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment.
« Reply #14 on: October 01, 2006, 12:59:58 PM »
Reply with quote

Remains of promising Pte. Josh Klukie begin journey home to Canada

LES PERREAUX

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (CP) - Josh Klukie wore the single chevron of a private in Canada's infantry, but he inspired reverent tones Sunday from the captains and corporals who led him.

Klukie, 23, died Friday when he stepped on a powerful explosive booby trap - an anti-tank mine packed with other explosives and a hair-trigger.

Klukie was destined for military greatness, his platoon mates testified Sunday, minutes after sending his remains on the voyage back to Canada.

"It's easy to be good at this job but it's extremely rare that guys are great at it," said Cpl. Mike Blois of Exeter, Ont.

"He was that rare guy who is very great at this job."

Klukie's unit of the First Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment, was on patrol Friday in the Panjwaii area where Canadians won a fierce battle against Taliban insurgents earlier this month.

The patrol by Alpha section, Four platoon, moved onto a dusty road. Several soldiers passed over the hidden trap before Klukie set it off.

Insurgents tampered with the mine so even a light footstep would trigger it instead of the weight of an armoured vehicle.

Klukie was thrown several metres, with pieces of his equipment flying in all directions.

Blois found his friend with the help of an American medic. Klukie was alive but clearly in shock.

"He was breathing, his eyes were moving, he recognized me as soon as I got there," Blois said. "He looked right at me but he couldn't talk."

Blois and the medic applied tourniquets to Klukie's bleeding limbs.

"I was looking at him, trying to encourage him, but there wasn't anything I could do," Blois said.

After a few minutes, Klukie stopped breathing and his heart stopped. Blois tried to resuscitate him.

"I started getting on his heart. I think I broke ever rib in his body," Blois said. "He didn't suffer, he didn't feel anything, he wasn't crying in pain. He was just there, and in shock."

Klukie was among the fittest soldiers in his platoon and a sensitive soul, who was usually the first to recognize when someone was troubled.

"He was a paramedic before he joined the army," said Pte. Wes Whitfield of Markham, Ont.

"I guess it was just in his nature to pick up on things like that."

Klukie studied Afghanistan and took careful notes on what he learned. He was as likely to pick up a history book as the men's magazines popular with soldiers.

"I think 1RCR (the battalion) was just a stepping stone for him," said Whitfield, who started his military career with Klukie three years ago and became his fire team partner on missions. "A lot of us feel he had a lot of potential to go to (special forces) in the future."

One commander said Klukie was destined to do great things.

"He was the one-in-a-hundred who had a very good future and wanted to do it for life," said Capt. Piers Pappin, the head of Klukie's Four Platoon.

Pappin said Klukie had doubts about his military career going into the Afghanistan mission. Klukie wasn't sure how he would handle deaths and injuries to his friends.

September's Operation Medusa, where Canadians scored a conclusive victory over the Taliban, changed that. Four soldiers were killed and more than 40 injured, but Klukie decided he could handle the suffering around him.

"A week ago, he came to me and started the paperwork for re-enlistment and he told me this is what he wanted to do for the rest of his life," Pappin said.

"It was good for me to hear, because he was one of those soldiers who was going places, for sure."

Pappin said most of his platoon will likely make a pilgrimage to Thunder Bay, Ont., to visit Klukie's family and grave when their tour of duty ends.

Klukie is the 37th Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan since 2002.
Report to moderator   Logged

1RCR  1977-79  Depot (Italy PL), B Coy, Mortars, Pioneers, D Coy (CFB London)
3RCR  1979-82  M Coy, Pipes & Drums, Sigs, Mortars. (CFB Baden-Soellingen)
1RCR  1982-88  Mortars. Dukes, Cyprus-Welfare NCO 84-85, Injured, WO&Sgts Mess, (CFB London)
1988-92 Med-remuster to HELL/ 35 DU, CFB Baden
1992 Medical release. God Bless you all! 

Pro Patria
Mike Blais
SSM (NATO Bar), CPSM, UN-Cyp, CD
Ultimate 2000+ Member
****************************************
Offline Offline

Gender: Male
Posts: 3095


A ROYAL CANADIAN "NEVER PASSES A FAULT"


Re: Private Josh Klukie. 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment.
« Reply #15 on: October 02, 2006, 02:00:27 PM »
Reply with quote

Hometown report...


Soldier comes home
Tb News Source
Web Posted: 10/2/2006 4:01:02 PM
     

A Thunder Bay-born soldier is on his final journey home.

The comrades of 23-year old Private Josh Klukie, carried his flag draped casket onto a plane at the Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan Sunday.

Klukie was killed during a routine foot patrol in the Panjwaii district, west of Kandahar city on Friday, when he stepped on a booby trap, triggering an explosive device.

Meanwhile in Thunder Bay, local residents are paying respect to the fallen soldier. A condolence book is currently set up at city hall for community members wishing to pay their respects. City officials say the book will be available all week in the foyer, and will then be delivered to the Klukie family.

The young private was serving in the first battalion, for the Royal Canadian Regiment based in CFB Petawawa.

Klukie, a Shuniah resident, was a graduate of Hillcrest High School, and enlisted in the army in 2004.
Report to moderator   Logged

1RCR  1977-79  Depot (Italy PL), B Coy, Mortars, Pioneers, D Coy (CFB London)
3RCR  1979-82  M Coy, Pipes & Drums, Sigs, Mortars. (CFB Baden-Soellingen)
1RCR  1982-88  Mortars. Dukes, Cyprus-Welfare NCO 84-85, Injured, WO&Sgts Mess, (CFB London)
1988-92 Med-remuster to HELL/ 35 DU, CFB Baden
1992 Medical release. God Bless you all! 

Pro Patria
Mike Blais
SSM (NATO Bar), CPSM, UN-Cyp, CD
Ultimate 2000+ Member
*******