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M/Cpl Vernelli, Cpl Tyler Crooks, Trooper Bouthillier,Trooper Hayes- RIP

Four Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan
Updated Fri. Mar. 20 2009 5:34 PM ET


CTV.ca News Staff

Four Canadian soldiers were killed and another eight injured in Afghanistan Friday in two separate improvised explosive attacks.


The dead have been identified as: Master Cpl. Scott Vernelli, 28,  Cpl. Tyler Crooks, 24,  Trooper Jack Bouthillier, 20, and  Trooper Corey Joseph Hayes, 22.


Vernelli and Crooks died in an early morning blast at about 6:45 a.m. local time while on foot patrol in the Zhari district west of Kandahar. Another five Canadian soldiers were injured in that attack and a local interpreter was killed.


Bouthillier and Hayes were killed about two hours later when their vehicle was struck by a roadside bomb attack in the Shah Wali Kot district, about 20 kilometres northeast of Kandahar city. Three other Canadians were injured.


All the deaths occurred as the Canadians were taking part in a major operation attacking Taliban command centres and supply lines.


All the wounded soldiers were evacuated by helicopter and are listed in stable condition.


Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance, the commander of Canadian troops in Afghanistan, urged Canadians in a statement to not consider the deaths a failure of any particular person or the mission.


"Success in war is costly. We are determined to succeed so that Afghan lives improve, but the insurgents are equally determined to challenge and prevent Afghanistan from flourishing as the nation it so wants to be. Remember, the deaths of these superb Canadians occurred as Canadian Forces were bringing safety to those in peril. Today, they succeeded," he said.


Vance added that the soldiers died protecting the Afghan people.


All of the soldiers were based out of CFB Petawawa.


Vernelli was described as an experienced and well-respected soldier. He is survived by his spouse and six-month-old daughter.


Crooks was described as a keen soldier, an excellent athlete and "would do anything for you without even being asked."


Both Vernelli and Crooks were of November Company, 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment.


Bouthillier was known for his sense of humour, Vance said, and practiced martial arts.


Hayes was a "proud and dedicated soldier . . . who stood up for what was right," Vance said.


Both Bouthillier and Hayes were of the Royal Canadian Dragoons.


The deaths bring the total number of Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan to 116.




 
4 Canadian soldiers killed, 8 injured in Kandahar roadside attacks
Last Updated: Friday, March 20, 2009 | 5:43 PM ET
CBC News


soldiers-killed-cp-6441336.jpg

Master Cpl. Scott Vernelli (right) and another soldier set up a defensive position during an assault on a Taliban command centre in Zhari District Afghanistan on March 7, 2009. Vernelli was one of four Canadian soldiers killed Friday in two separate bombings outside of Kandahar city. (Murray Brewster/Canadian Press)

Four Canadian soldiers were killed and eight others injured in two separate bombings outside Kandahar City on Friday, military officials said.

Master Cpl. Scott Vernelli and Cpl. Tyler Crooks died when an improvised explosive device blew up near their patrol in the Zhari district, about 40 kilometres west of Kandahar. The incident happened about 6:45 a.m. local time, said Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance during a news conference in Kandahar.

Trooper Jack Bouthillier and Trooper Corey Joseph Hayes were killed when their vehicle struck a roadside bomb around 8:45 a.m. local time in the Shah Wali Kot district, a region about 20 km northwest of the city that's seeing an increase in Taliban activity.

All of the injured soldiers are in stable condition in Kandahar and were able to call their families, said Vance, the commander of Canadian troops in Afghanistan.

"Please do not think of these incidents as a failure on the part of any person or the mission itself," said Vance.

"These wonderful Canadian men were, at the moment of their deaths, engaged directly in the continuing work to keep the insurgency sufficiently at bay to ensure safety for the population and to preserve our ability to meet the objectives of the Afghans, the international community, and the government of Canada," he said.

"And those objectives are intended to meet the needs of a desperate afghan population. Success in war is costly."

Canadian military fatalities now up to 116
Vance described Vernelli, 28 and married with a six-month-old daughter, as "an enthusiastic and dedicated father."

"He was a terrific athlete, very funny, and ironically enough always able to joke at the worst of times."

Crooks, 24, was a keen and motivated soldier who "loved dirt-biking and was a Texas Hold 'em card shark," Vance said.

"He's remembered by his friends as the kind of guy who would do anything for you without even being asked."

Vance said Bouthillier, 20, was a joker who always had everyone laughing. "His enthusiasm and his unswerving duty for work inspired other soldiers."

Hayes, 22, "was a proud and dedicated soldier who always put his friends and family before himself," Vance said.

"His friends remember him not only as a friend and a comrade-in-arms, but a brother who Inspired them to stand up in the face of danger and do what was right."

The latest deaths bring the number of Canadian military fatalities in Afghanistan to 116 since Canada's combat mission there began in 2002. One diplomat and two aid workers have also been killed.

There are 2,830 Canadian troops serving at Kandahar Airfield and Camp Nathan Smith, the home of the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Kandahar city.

With files from the Canadian Press
 
My thoughts and prayers to the families and Regiments involved.
PRO PATRIA.
 
Such sad news to wake up to here on a sunny Saturday tropical autumn morning.

I am lost for words.

OWDU
 
R.I.P. Heroes. Thoughts and prayers are with the 4 soldiers, their family, friends and colleagues.  :salute: :yellow:
 
      Yet another sad day when four more brave Canadians have lost lives in service to there country .  RIP soldiers you're sacrifice  will not be forgotten  :yellow:
 
An unnamed terp working for the CF was also killed in one of the blasts.
 
The OCinnead family's thoughts and prayers are with these four soldiers, their wounded comrades and the friends and families left behind. God Bless you!

Paddy
 
Four Canadian soldiers killed and eight injured in two IED strikes
CEFCOM NR 09.007 - March 20, 2009


OTTAWA – Four Canadian soldiers were killed and eight were injured in two separate IED incidents in Kandahar province.

At approximately 6:45 a.m., Kandahar time, 20 March 2009, two Canadian soldiers were killed and five others were injured when an improvised explosive device detonated in the vicinity of a dismounted patrol in Zhari District, west of Kandahar City.

At approximately 8:45 a.m., Kandahar time, 20 March 2009, two more Canadian soldiers were killed and three others were injured when their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device in Shah Wali Khot district, north-east of Kandahar city.

In the first IED incident, killed in action was Master Corporal Scott Francis Vernelli, from November Company, 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group. Master Corporal Vernelli is a member of the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment based at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa.

Also in the first IED incident, killed in action was Corporal Tyler Crooks, from November Company, 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group. Corporal Tyler Crooks is a member of the 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment based at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa.

In the second IED attack, killed in action was Trooper Jack Bouthillier, from the Reconnaissance Squadron, 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group. Trooper Bouthillier is a member of The Royal Canadian Dragoons based at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa.

Also in the second IED attack, killed in action was Trooper Corey Joseph Hayes from the Reconnaissance Squadron, 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group. Trooper Hayes is a member of The Royal Canadian Dragoons based at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa.

The Injured soldiers were evacuated by helicopter to the Role 3 Multi-National Medical Facility at Kandahar Airfield. They are all reported to be in good condition, and their names will not be released.

All members of Task Force Kandahar are thinking of the family and friends of our fallen comrades during this sad time.  We will not forget their sacrifice as we continue to bring security and hope to the people of Kandahar Province.

-30-

Note to Editors:

Photographs of Master Corporal Scott Francis Vernelli, Corporal Tyler Crooks, Trooper Jack Bouthillier, and Trooper Corey Joseph Hayes will be available on the Combat Camera website (search under last name) at www.combatcamera.ca
 
It's a pill that keeps getting harder to swallow... :cdn: 4 more of Canada's finest :salute:
 
Message from Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, on the deaths of Master Corporal Scott Francis Vernelli, Corporal Tyler Crooks, Trooper Jack Bouthillier, and Trooper Corey Joseph Hayes
March 20, 2009



OTTAWA—My husband Jean-Daniel Lafond and I are sorry and deeply saddened to learn that four members of the Canadian Forces and the Afghan interpreter accompanying them were killed, and eight of their comrades in arms wounded under tragic circumstances in Afghanistan. Master Corporal Scott Francis Vernelli, member of the 3rd Battalion, and Corporal Tyler Crooks, member of the 1st Battalion, were from The Royal Canadian Regiment. Troopers Jack Bouthillier and Corey Joseph Hayes were both from The Royal Canadian Dragoons.

The violence that our troops face in Afghanistan is staggering and a cruel reminder of the risks they face during the perilous operations of this demanding and dangerous mission. We recognize the immense courage of those women and men who have chosen to serve in the Forces and who are willing to make any sacrifice to bring security to a population in danger. For this, they have our utmost respect.

Our sincerest condolences go out to the families and friends who are mourning the loss of their loved ones, and I offer my deepest sympathies to their comrades in arms. Our thoughts are also with the wounded soldiers, to whom we wish a speedy recovery, and to their families and friends, who are concerned for their well‑being.

To all members of the Canadian Forces who are continuing the mission in Afghanistan by giving the very best of themselves, we would like to express our profound gratitude. Know that you are not alone in your grief and remain uppermost in our thoughts.

Michaëlle Jean

-30-

Media Information:
Lucie Caron
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-993-8158
www.gg.ca
www.citizenvoices.gg.ca
 
Statement by the Minister of National Defence on the death of four Canadian soldiers
NR–09.019 - March 20, 2009


OTTAWA - The Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, issued the following statement today on the deaths of four Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan:

"It is with utmost sorrow that I extend my condolences, and those of all Canadians, to the friends, families, and colleagues of Master Corporal Scott Francis Vernelli, Corporal Tyler Crooks, Trooper Jack Bouthillier, and Trooper Corey Joseph Hayes, who were killed today in two separate IED attacks in Afghanistan. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of grief.

These brave soldiers were participating in a joint operation in Kandahar province during the time of the incidents.

My sympathies also go to the eight other brave soldiers who were injured in the same attacks. We are thinking of you and your families during this difficult time. Our condolences also go to the family of the Afghan interpreter who lost his life in one of the incidents.

These dedicated soldiers were doing their part to ensure that Afghanistan will one day achieve and maintain peace and stability. Their loss was not in vain and Canada and the Canadian Forces are committed to this UN-sanctioned, NATO-led mission.

The Canadian Forces family and Canadians everywhere will remain forever grateful for their sacrifice.

-30-

Master Corporal Vernelli is a member of the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment and Corporal Tyler Crooks is a member of the 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment based at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa. Trooper Bouthillier and Trooper Hayes are members of The Royal Canadian Dragoons based at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa.
 
F**k, f**k, f**k and f**k.....

Condolences to those who loved and worked with the fallen, and hopes for a full and speedy recovery to the injured.  :salute:
 
Photos below

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada
20 March 2009

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement today on the deaths of four Canadian soldiers:

“It was with profound sorrow that I learned of the deaths of Master Corporal Scott Francis Vernelli, Trooper Jack Bouthillier, Corporal Tyler Crooks, and Trooper Corey Joseph Hayes, who died in two separate attacks today in Afghanistan.  Our thoughts and prayers are with their loved ones as they deal with this tragic loss. I join with all Canadians in wishing a prompt and full recovery to the other eight soldiers injured in these incidents.  My thoughts are also with family of the Afghan interpreter who lost his life in one of the attacks.

“The sacrifices being made to help stabilize southern Afghanistan are not in vain. I am proud of our military men and women, their supporting families, and all those Canadians who have served their country in this vital mission.

“The commitment to make Afghanistan a better place to live, demonstrated on a daily basis by the brave men and women of the Canadian Forces, is a testament to the values respected and revered by all Canadians.

“Canadians, and the Government of Canada, stand proudly in support of our Canadian Forces members as they strive to bring safety and stability back to Afghanistan.  Master Corporal Vernelli, Trooper Bouthillier, Corporal Crooks, and Trooper Hayes’ sacrifice will not be forgotten.”

MCpl Scott Vernelli
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Corporal Tyler Crooks
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Trooper Jack Bouthillier
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Trooper Corey Joseph Hayes
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