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Regt Adjt
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Cpl Albert Storm and CWO Robert Girouard
« on: November 28, 2006, 04:42:08 AM »

It has been the families wishes that the names of those who died yesterday not be released until the official announcement.  Even though one name has been leaked to certain members of the media, who have chosen to go against the known wishes of the immediate family, it remains to us to respect those wishes in honour of our fallen.

Names can be posted here after they have been formally released by the families and DND.

Pro Patria

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Re: The latest deaths
« Reply #1 on: November 28, 2006, 07:27:49 AM »

With the news of Bobby Girouard's death now official I would like to extend my condolences to his family. I served with Bobby in Germany in the early '80s when he was but a rookie. I remember him as a quiet, honest, hard-working soldier who never shirked his duty. I mourn his death as I am sure many others in the regiment do.

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Re: The latest deaths
« Reply #2 on: November 28, 2006, 08:01:15 AM »

Bob & I were in the same Recce Det. for nearly 3 years in Winnipeg & Germany. He was a good family man, soldier, mentor and friend. I hope to make the trek from Philadelphia to Petawawa for the funeral.  Pro Patria
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Re: The latest deaths
« Reply #3 on: November 28, 2006, 08:04:28 AM »

Reproduced from cbc.ca: http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2006/11/28/soldier-injured.html

Canadian military names 2 soldiers killed in Afghanistan
Last Updated: Tuesday, November 28, 2006 | 10:50 AM ET
CBC News





The two Canadian soldiers killed on Monday in a suicide bomb attack in southern Afghanistan are Cpl. Albert Storm and Chief Warrant Officer Robert Girouard, the Canadian military says.

Their identities were released the same day a similar attack, also in the volatile province of Kandahar, was reported to have injured another Canadian soldier.

Storm and Girouard were based at CFB Petawawa, Ont., and were members of the 1st Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group. Girouard, a regimental sergeant-major, was originally from Bathurst, N.B.

Storm and Girouard died when a suicide car bomber drove his vehicle into a convoy of military vehicles on the outskirts of Kandahar in the Panjwaii district early Monday and detonated explosives. They were travelling in a Bison, an eight-wheeled armoured vehicle.

The Panjwaii is considered a Taliban stronghold and has been the scene of fierce fighting between NATO soldiers and Taliban militants in recent months.

In Tuesday's afternoon attack by a suicide bomber, the Canadian soldier — whose name wasn't released — suffered minor injuries while also travelling in a Bison, just south of the Arghandab River.

Lt.-Cmdr. Kris Phillips of the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan said that bomb attack failed and was "completely ineffective." The soldier received flash burns.

Forty-four Canadian soldiers have now died in Afghanistan since troops arrived in April 2002. Canada has more than 2,000 soldiers in the troubled country, with the majority stationed in Kandahar.
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Re: Cpl Albert Storm and CWO Robert Girouard
« Reply #4 on: November 28, 2006, 08:10:28 AM »

I will start a thread for both of our fallen comerades in order that personal condolences can be made on a individual basis.

Military IDs Canadian troops killed in Afghanistan

Updated Tue. Nov. 28 2006 11:02 AM ET

CTV.ca News Staff

Two Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan have been identified; meanwhile, a separate suicide attack on Tuesday slightly injured another soldier.

Chief Warrant Officer Robert Girouard and Cpl. Albert Storm have been named as the soldiers killed in a suicide bomb attack near Kandahar. Both soldiers were members of the 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group, based in Petawawa, Ont.

Girouard was from Bathurst, N.B, and Storm was a native of Fort Erie, Ont.

The soldiers' identities have been released amidst news of another suicide attack against Canadians on Tuesday.

The attack occurred near a Canadian convoy in Panjwaii as a patrol made its way back to the main base, confirmed CTV's Steve Chao in Afghanistan.

One soldier was injured receiving flash burns but his condition is not considered serious.

Lt. Cmdr. Kris Phillips called the attack "completely ineffective."

The vehicle was the same Bison Armoured Carrier that was targeted in Monday's attack that killed Girouard and Storm.

The soldiers on Monday had been helping with reconstruction projects outside Kandahar where heavy clashes had taken place over the past several months.

Chao said the suicide bomber pulled alongside the Canadian convoy in a vehicle and detonated his explosives. The bomber was reported to have been driving a small minivan.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Stephen Harper expressed his condolences in a statement.

"The resolve and courage demonstrated by Chief Warrant Officer Girouard and Cpl. Storm represent Canadian values and beliefs in the finest tradition," said Harper. "They will be missed by the Canadian Forces family, and their loss is also Canada's loss."

Harper is in Latvia Tuesday for a NATO summit where he is expected to seek more support for Canadian troops in Afghanistan.

Also Tuesday, Phillips said Canadian and Afghan troops were involved in the fatal shooting of a civilian in the Panjwaii district.

The man was on foot and ignored orders, including warning shots, to stop as he approached a position taken by Canadian and Afghan troops.

It is unknown if he was shot by Canadian or Afghan fire.

Recent calm is broken

Kandahar province has been relatively calm recently aside from some sporadic fighting.

"There has been talk for a while of a relative peace, and a hope that peace would last through the winter," Chao said Monday. "This obviously has not happened."

"It's also becoming more clear the Taliban is using suicide bombers as a main key tactic to attack NATO forces down here and instill a sense of fear in Kandahar City."

Brig.-Gen. Grant said the most common type of attack by insurgents is either small arms, or rocket-propelled grenades.

So the fact they're resorting to suicide bombings "shows they are desperate right now and they are trying to send a message."

"The professionalism, though, of NATO forces and the Canadians in particular will make sure they carry on with their mission here. We are not deterred by this attack," he added.

For Canada, there had been no fatalities since Sgt. Darcy Tedford and Pte. Blake Williamson died in an ambush west of Kandahar City on Oct. 14.

There are about 2,500 Canadian troops serving in Afghanistan. Including Monday's deaths, 44 have died since 2002, plus one diplomat.
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Re: Cpl Albert Storm and CWO Robert Girouard
« Reply #5 on: November 28, 2006, 08:20:06 AM »

My condolences to The familys and friends of these 2 men.

Rest in Peace

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Re: Cpl Albert Storm and CWO Robert Girouard
« Reply #6 on: November 28, 2006, 08:31:24 AM »

I was shocked and deeply saddened when I heard the news of the death of CWO Girouard and Cpl Storm. I  knew Mr. Girouard in the mid-nineties when Bobby was CQ of 'Jumping Jay' 2RCR with Merle Longaphie, BJ was the CSM and I was the coy medic (spent a lot of time hanging around CQ stores with the rest of the coy HQ pers).  Cry

My deepest heartfelt condolences to CWO Giraourd and Cpl Storm's families. The Regimental Family has lost two exceptional Soldiors.
Pro Patria Troops and thank you for your sacrfice; You shall not be forgotten. RIP
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Re: Cpl Albert Storm and CWO Robert Girouard
« Reply #7 on: November 28, 2006, 08:31:52 AM »

 My very sincere regards to both famiilys  in the loss of TWO EXCELLENT SOLDIERS  in Afghanistan. They will be sadly missed both their home as well as their regimental families.

PRO PATRIA.
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Re: Cpl Albert Storm and CWO Robert Girouard
« Reply #8 on: November 28, 2006, 08:36:09 AM »

My sincere thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Girouard family.I served with Bobby in Recce PL in Germany in the late 80s.Bobby had a calm effective approach to leadership and was a solid soldier,friend and mentor to all around him.I mourn this great loss.

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Re: Cpl Albert Storm and CWO Robert Girouard
« Reply #9 on: November 28, 2006, 11:09:02 AM »

Our sincere condolenses to both families. Thank you so much to all our soldiers for protecting us.
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Re: Cpl Albert Storm and CWO Robert Girouard
« Reply #10 on: November 28, 2006, 11:28:16 AM »

My sincere condolences thoughts and pryers go out to all the immediate families and friends as well as their Regimantal family. Both these soldiers gave their ultimate for their comrades and country trying to bring decency to others, no man can give more, may you both rest in peace at the hand of God, ranrad
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Re: Cpl Albert Storm and CWO Robert Girouard
« Reply #11 on: November 28, 2006, 12:06:42 PM »

My heart felt condolences to the families of both Soldiers. Pro Patria.

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Re: Cpl Albert Storm and CWO Robert Girouard
« Reply #12 on: November 28, 2006, 02:39:40 PM »

Deepest condolences to the families and Regimental Brothers. R.I.P.
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Re: Cpl Albert Storm and CWO Robert Girouard
« Reply #13 on: November 28, 2006, 04:07:20 PM »

To the families of CWO Girouard and Cpl. Storm, my wife Yvonne and myself  send you are deepest regards & condolences
for the loss of your loved ones. Our prayers and thoughts are with you in your hour of need.
Our prayers are also with the Regimental Family who lost two more brothers in the cause of trying to
bring peace to Afghanistan. R.I.P.
Bob Woodward
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Re: Cpl Albert Storm and CWO Robert Girouard
« Reply #14 on: November 28, 2006, 04:57:20 PM »

RIP brothers,my deepest condolences to the families.
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Re: Cpl Albert Storm and CWO Robert Girouard
« Reply #15 on: November 28, 2006, 05:18:46 PM »

Our Deepest Sympathy to The familes

R I P

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Re: Cpl Albert Storm and CWO Robert Girouard
« Reply #16 on: November 28, 2006, 05:39:42 PM »

Deepest condolences to CWO, Girouard and Cpl Storm familes (RIP).  Will shall remember.  Our prayers are with you at this time.
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Re: Cpl Albert Storm and CWO Robert Girouard
« Reply #17 on: November 28, 2006, 06:53:55 PM »

My sincere and deepest condolences to the family of Cpl Storm.  Pro Patria
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Re: Cpl Albert Storm and CWO Robert Girouard
« Reply #18 on: November 28, 2006, 11:02:28 PM »

from Al Edgett and Family-
Our deepest condolances to Jackie and her Family.
Bobby will be remembered always in my heart. I had the privledge of soldiering with Bobby in Gagetown,Petawawa,Winnipeg and Germany. He was a fine soldier who always led by example, and who constantly looked after the welfare of his soldiers. I mourn with you all with the loss of our friend and his driver Cpl Storm, My condolances to his family.
Pro Patria
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Re: Cpl Albert Storm and CWO Robert Girouard
« Reply #19 on: November 29, 2006, 07:40:47 AM »

Barbara and I  send our deepest condolances to both the families involved. I served with RSM Girouard in 2RCR and always had the greatest respect for Bobby.

Mike McKinnon
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Re: Cpl Albert Storm and CWO Robert Girouard
« Reply #20 on: November 29, 2006, 01:10:05 PM »

My Deepest Condolences to the families of these two brave men that sacrificed there life for this country.RIP Brothers

Pro Patria Randy Watts
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Re: Cpl Albert Storm and CWO Robert Girouard
« Reply #21 on: November 29, 2006, 08:13:53 PM »

My deepest sympathy goes out to the family of Cpl Albert Storm and CWO Robert Girouard.Even though I did not know either of these men,they are two of our Regimental Family and they will be sadly missed.    PRO PATRIA
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Re: Cpl Albert Storm and CWO Robert Girouard
« Reply #22 on: November 30, 2006, 06:12:05 AM »

Bodies of killed Canadian soldiers returning home

Updated Thu. Nov. 30 2006 8:29 AM ET

CTV.ca News Staff

The bodies of two Canadian soldiers killed in a suicide attack last Monday are on their way home from Afghanistan.

Hundreds of Canadian, U.S., Dutch and British soldiers attended the ramp ceremony at Kandahar Airfield to pay tribute to Chief Warrant Officer Robert Girouard and Cpl. Albert Storm.

The flag of the Royal Canadian Regiment fluttered in the breeze as the two victims were loaded into the belly of a C-130 Hercules. A lone bagpiper played a mournful tune in the background.

Both men were killed in a suicide car bombing attack on their Bison armoured personnel carrier near Kadahar.

A number of soldiers reflected on the impact that the men had on their lives.

Having served with Storm in Kosovo, Cpl. Victor Thibault, 38, of Digby, N.S., spoke to The Canadian Press about his feelings of sadness.

"It's very hard for me to do it but I know my colleague, my friend and soldier, is going home to a restful place,'' said Thibault.

"He's done what he had to do and I believe that's good... He was a good friend. I will miss him," he said.

Both soldiers were members of the 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group, based in Petawawa, Ont.

Storm was a native of Fort Erie, Ont. and Girouard was from Bathurst, N.B.

Cpl. William Guse, a medic, spoke earlier in the week about his memories of Girouard from battle school.

"He had a definite hand in shaping me as a soldier and a man. I can honestly say that,'' said Guse, who was born in Victoria.

"I'm a better soldier for him having been my platoon warrant in battle school.''

For Canada, there had been no fatalities since Sgt. Darcy Tedford and Pte. Blake Williamson died in an ambush west of Kandahar City on Oct. 14.

There are about 2,500 Canadian troops serving in Afghanistan. Including Monday's deaths, 44 have died since 2002, plus one diplomat.
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Re: Cpl Albert Storm and CWO Robert Girouard
« Reply #23 on: November 30, 2006, 08:29:16 AM »

Message from Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada on the occasion of the death of two Canadian soldiers


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 28, 2006

"I was deeply saddened to learn, from Ghana where I am currently conducting a State visit, of the death of two of our soldiers in Afghanistan. Chief Warrant Officer Robert Girouard and Corporal Albert Storm were the victims of a car bomb suicide attack while they were driving in an armoured vehicle, south of Kandahar.

I have the deepest respect for the commitment of the members of our Forces who are deploying major efforts to counter oppression and to ensure that women, children and men can thrive in a safe environment.

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."
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Re: Cpl Albert Storm and CWO Robert Girouard
« Reply #24 on: November 30, 2006, 08:30:08 AM »

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.”

-30-

Chief Warrant Officer Robert Girouard and Corporal Albert Storm were both members of 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, based in Petawawa, Ontario.
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Re: Cpl Albert Storm and CWO Robert Girouard
« Reply #25 on: November 30, 2006, 08:35:54 AM »

A fitting tribute.


November 30, 2006
Cdn commander mourns 'best friend'
By BILL GRAVELAND

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (CP) - It's rare when a commanding officer of a battle group allows himself to show emotion.

Lt.-Col. Omer Lavoie, 40, of Marathon, Ont., is responsible for 1,200 soldiers in the Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group in Afghanistan. He's also mourning the death of Chief Warrant Officer Bobby Girouard, 46, of Bathurst, N.B., his battalion's regimental sergeant major, who along with Cpl. Albert Storm of Fort Erie, Ont, were killed by a suicide bomber Monday.

"(Girouard) is my best friend in the battle group. I am like everyone else and still human so there is a degree there of anger that has to be dealt with," said Lavoie who served with Girouard for about 18 months.

"He's the senior non-commissioned officer. He is the man the soldiers aspire to be like," Lavoie said of his "right-hand man."

Lavoie, who described himself as "battle-hardened," said the attack by a Taliban suicide bomber wasn't an attempt to provoke the Canadians into doing something foolhardy.

"Pure and simple terrorism. They pick a target clearly without regard to civilian casualties, and this was an area where there were a lot of civilians with a market right across the road," said Lavoie.

"I don't think they're smart enough or caring enough to do that-it was just an act of terrorism."

The two victims were sent home following an emotional ramp ceremony at Kandahar Airfield on Thursday. It's something soldiers dread but wouldn't miss for the world - a chance to say goodbye to fallen comrades.

The flag-draped coffins of Girouard and Storm were brought across the tarmac at Kandahar Airfield in a makeshift hearse, a light armoured vehicle in the dawn's early light.

The weather is cold here now in the desert with winter fast approaching. Rows of soldiers wearing the uniforms of Canadian, American, Dutch and British soldiers saluted and stood at rapt attention as the latest two victims of the war in this country were loaded into the belly of a C-130 Hercules on their way home as a lone bagpiper played a mournful tune.

"It's very hard for me to do it but I know my colleague, my friend and soldier is going home to a restful place," said Cpl. Victor Thibault, 38, of Digby, N.S., a friend of Storm.

"He's done what he had to do and I believe that's good. I want them to carry on with their lives," he said.

The two soldiers were in a Bison, an eight-wheeled armoured personnel carrier, when a civilian vehicle drove alongside and detonated explosives. The Bison had left the Kandahar Airfield base just minutes earlier.

It was the first deadly strike against the Canadians in six weeks, shattering a period of relative calm that many had hoped would continue. Both men were from the Royal Canadian Regiment, based in Petawawa, Ont.

Lavoie said this incident has strengthened the resolve of Canadian troops.

He addressed his troops privately before the ceremony Thursday morning.

"I told them, we never really lost the RSM (regimental sergeant major). His courage, professionalism and fighting spirit - he's instilled them in my soldiers and that's still with them."

Cpl. William Guse, a medic, said earlier this week he remembered Girouard from when he was in battle school.

"He had a definite hand in shaping me as a soldier and a man. I can honestly say that," said Guse, a Victoria native. "I'm a better soldier for him having been my platoon warrant in battle school."

Thibault said Storm was good-natured, a hard-worker and strong as an ox. The two men also served together in Kosovo.

"He was a good all-around guy," said Thibault. "He was an exceptional soldier. He was always there and was that person that took a normal driving job and turned it into an art."
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