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2008, Dec 5, Private Demetrios Diplaros, 3RCR, Afghanistan

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« on: April 29, 2009, 08:16:26 am »



Private Demetrios Diplaros was killed in an attack by improvised explosive device during a joint patrol with Afghan National Army soldiers in the Arghandab District west of Kandahar City. Demetrios Diplaros joined the Canadian Forces three years ago and proudly followed in the footsteps of his father who served in the Greek military. From Scarborough, Private Diplaros was only 24 years old.

                             
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1977-1RCR  Italy PL, B Coy, Mortars
                   Pioneers, Delta Coy
                   CFB London

1979-3RCR  M Coy 12C,  Sigs, Pipes&Drums
                   Mortars
                   CFB Baden WG

1982 1RCR  Mortars 51B, Dukes, BBC (Cyp)
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2008            President. Niagara Branch
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« Reply #1 on: April 30, 2009, 09:19:35 pm »


Military dad's worst fear come true

By JOE WARMINGTON, SUN MEDIA

Last Updated: 6th December 2008, 5:20am

When he was a little boy Demetrios Diplaros was curious about his father’s military service to his home country of Greece.

So Anargyos Diplaros was not all that surprised when he heard of his son’s decision to join the military of his home country.

“He was born in Canada,” he said.

And he wanted to do his part.

“I didn’t agree with it actually,” said his dad, who they call Jerry. But he understood. He was just doing what he himself had done as a young man. Serve.

He knew there was a chance his 24-year-old son could be killed in Afghanistan.

“I was not in favour of him going,” Anargyos Diplaros said. “I was always worried about him but he always woud tell me ‘dad, don’t worry, we have lots of protection’.”

Now that it has happened, although “I am in pain” he does not have any regrets.

“I wished him all the best and prayed to God and for all of the other Canadian kids,” he said bravely last night. “May they rest in peace.”

Killed near Kandahar with him 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment brothers Warrant Officer Robert John Wilson and Corporal Mark Robert McLaren.

Their deaths now make it 100 Canadian military personal killed in action there.

“I am very proud of my son for what he did, serving his country,” said his dad. “And I am proud of the other two kids who served with him too.”

His girlfriend Brittany Obront said her boyfriend believed in the mission.

“He always said if we weren’t there it would be really bad for those people,” said Brittany.

Tributes are pouring in for the three.

“Today, all of Canada mourns the deaths of three brave soldiers killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan,” said Prime Minister Stephen Harper. “On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to offer my most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Warrant Officer Robert John Wilson, Corporal Mark Robert McLaren, and Private Demetrios Diplaros who lost their lives today serving their country. I also extend my wishes for the prompt recovery of two Canadian soldiers wounded in a separate attack today in Kandahar Province.”

Brig.-Gen. Denis Thompson, the commander of Canadian forces in Afghanistan, said “Canada lost three fine soldiers today, (and) two more were seriously injured. Already there is talk of numbers and milestones, but it is my hope that the focus remains on the lives and the sacrifices of these brave soldiers as they serve Canada in the effort to bring peace and stability to Afghanistan.”

Large crowds of mourners are expected along the Highway of Heroes when they return home.

“It’s a devastating day for Canada when we lose our brave men and women but Canada can and must be proud of their sacrifice, front line duty and the fact that they stood up and wanted to serve and fight for Canadian values, said Justin Van Dette, Co-Chair of Toronto’s 2006 Red Rally. “Democracy, human right and freedom of speech are the core principles that our armed forces represents everyday when they are abroad and we need to stand by them every step of the way.”
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                   Pioneers, Delta Coy
                   CFB London

1979-3RCR  M Coy 12C,  Sigs, Pipes&Drums
                   Mortars
                   CFB Baden WG

1982 1RCR  Mortars 51B, Dukes, BBC (Cyp)
                   Mortars, WO-Sgts Mess,
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2008            President. Niagara Branch
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« Reply #2 on: April 30, 2009, 09:23:23 pm »



 
Message from Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, on the deaths of Warrant Officer Robert John Wilson, Corporal Mark Robert McLaren and Private Demetrios Diplaros

December 5, 2008

OTTAWA—My husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, and I were deeply saddened to hear of the tragic incident in Afghanistan that claimed the lives of three soldiers, Warrant Officer Robert John Wilson, Corporal Mark Robert McLaren and Private Demetrios Diplaros. All soldiers were from the 1st Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment, stationed in Petawawa, Ontario. 

Conducting themselves with honour, dignity and tremendous courage, these members of the Canadian Forces tirelessly gave their all as members of Task Force Kandahar’s Operational Mentor and Liaison Team. They held firm to their belief that they were making a valuable contribution to bringing the hope of peace, security, justice and a better future to the Afghan people, who have suffered through years of hostilities. I carry in my heart all of the women and men who risk their lives to serve our country and to help so many troubled communities around the world.

Our thoughts and sympathies are with the families, friends and comrades who are mourning the tragic loss of WO Wilson, Cpl McLaren and Pte Diplaros. May they find solace in knowing that Canadians will never forget the sacrifices they made, nor the importance of all they have accomplished.


Michaëlle Jean
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1977-1RCR  Italy PL, B Coy, Mortars
                   Pioneers, Delta Coy
                   CFB London

1979-3RCR  M Coy 12C,  Sigs, Pipes&Drums
                   Mortars
                   CFB Baden WG

1982 1RCR  Mortars 51B, Dukes, BBC (Cyp)
                   Mortars, WO-Sgts Mess,
                   CFB London

2008            President. Niagara Branch
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« Reply #3 on: April 30, 2009, 09:23:43 pm »



Statement by the Minister of National Defence on the death of three Canadian soldier

NR–08.087 - December 5, 2008

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

"It is with deep sadness that I learned of the deaths of Warrant Officer Robert John Wilson, Corporal Mark Robert McLaren and Private Demetrios Diplaros. These brave soldiers were attacked while conducting road sweeps with the Afghan National Army as part of our efforts to train and mentor these developing troops through the Operational Mentor and Liaison Team.

Today, Canada lost three fine soldiers. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends in their time of grief. Through their work as mentors for the Afghan National Army, these brave men were doing their part to ensure that Afghanistan will develop its own capacity to achieve and maintain peace and stability.

The sacrifices being made to help stabilize southern Afghanistan are tragic. We salute our military men and women, their families, and all those Canadians who have served their country in this tremendously important mission.

In grieving our losses, Canada remains determined that the courage and sacrifice of these individuals will continue to make a real difference for Afghans and for our own security. We have been called to serve in this nation at the request of its democratically elected government, under a mandate from the United Nations.

Canadians, and the Government of Canada, stand proudly in support our Canadian Forces members as they strive to bring safety and stability back to Afghanistan.
Their sacrifices will not be forgotten.”

Warrant Officer Wilson, Corporal McLaren and Private Diplaros were from 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment from Canadian Forces Base Petawawa, Ontario and served as members of Task Force Kandahar’s Operational Mentor and Liaison Team in Afghanistan.
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1977-1RCR  Italy PL, B Coy, Mortars
                   Pioneers, Delta Coy
                   CFB London

1979-3RCR  M Coy 12C,  Sigs, Pipes&Drums
                   Mortars
                   CFB Baden WG

1982 1RCR  Mortars 51B, Dukes, BBC (Cyp)
                   Mortars, WO-Sgts Mess,
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« Reply #4 on: April 30, 2009, 09:25:29 pm »

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1979-3RCR  M Coy 12C,  Sigs, Pipes&Drums
                   Mortars
                   CFB Baden WG

1982 1RCR  Mortars 51B, Dukes, BBC (Cyp)
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« Reply #5 on: April 30, 2009, 09:27:00 pm »

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                   Mortars
                   CFB Baden WG

1982 1RCR  Mortars 51B, Dukes, BBC (Cyp)
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« Reply #6 on: April 30, 2009, 09:30:14 pm »

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1979-3RCR  M Coy 12C,  Sigs, Pipes&Drums
                   Mortars
                   CFB Baden WG

1982 1RCR  Mortars 51B, Dukes, BBC (Cyp)
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« Reply #7 on: April 30, 2009, 09:34:01 pm »




DEMETRIOS DIPLAROS Private 1st Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment Dukes Coy, 2 Platoon Tragically while serving his country in Afghanistan on Friday, December 5, 2008. Demetrios Diplaros, in his 25th year, loving son of Kathleen and Kevin Smith of Stouffville. Dear brother of Martha (Mrs. Matthew Ruccia); Joanne Diplaros, Julia, Patricia and Natasha Smith. Lovingly remembered by his many aunts, uncles, cousins, niece, nephew and numerous friends. He will be sadly missed by his father Anargyros ''Jerry'' Diplaros, his grandmother Martha Diplarou and family and ''the love of his life'' Brittany Obront. The family will receive friends at the SCARBOROUGH FUNERAL CENTRE, 2966 Eglinton Avenue East (west of Bellamy Road) on Thursday (today) from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. The Funeral will be held on Friday, December 12, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. at METAMORPHOSIS TOU SOTIROS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH, 40 Donlands Avenue (north of Danforth Avenue). Interment with full Military Honours in the family plot at Resthaven Memorial Gardens, Scarborough . If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Military Families Fund, c/o Canadian Forces Personnel Support Agency, 4210 Labelle Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K2. Our Son, Demetrios did not die in vain. He will be remembered forever in our hearts.
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1977-1RCR  Italy PL, B Coy, Mortars
                   Pioneers, Delta Coy
                   CFB London

1979-3RCR  M Coy 12C,  Sigs, Pipes&Drums
                   Mortars
                   CFB Baden WG

1982 1RCR  Mortars 51B, Dukes, BBC (Cyp)
                   Mortars, WO-Sgts Mess,
                   CFB London

2008            President. Niagara Branch
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« Reply #8 on: April 30, 2009, 09:34:24 pm »

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                   CFB London

1979-3RCR  M Coy 12C,  Sigs, Pipes&Drums
                   Mortars
                   CFB Baden WG

1982 1RCR  Mortars 51B, Dukes, BBC (Cyp)
                   Mortars, WO-Sgts Mess,
                   CFB London

2008            President. Niagara Branch
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« Reply #9 on: April 30, 2009, 09:37:29 pm »

Hundreds gather to mourn Pte. Demetrios Diplaros, killed in Afghanistan
December 12nd 2008,

Inside and out, there was grief.

Within the walls of the stuccoed Greek Orthodox church, more than 400 friends and relatives bid their final farewells Friday to 25-year-old Pte. Demetrios Diplaros, one of three Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan last week. Scores more stood outside, shivering in the swirling snow, to pay their last respects.

The infantryman, who was on his first tour of duty, died Dec. 5 when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device. The blast also killed Cpl. Mark McLaren, 23, of Peterborough, Ont., and Warrant Officer Robert Wilson, 27.

The three deaths raised Canada's military death toll for the Afghanistan mission to 100.

"There's nothing bad you can say about him, he was just the top of his class in everything," said Diplaros's friend Tony Konstantopoulos, 24, just before the funeral procession arrived.
The two used to crack jokes all through class in high school, he said, before suddenly choking up.

"He never gave up, no matter what. Every time we played hockey in the gym - win or lose - he'd always do his best, no matter what."
During the traditional service, which was closed to the media, mourners lit tall candles and listened to a church leader tell the congregation that now is not the time to question whether Canadians should be in Afghanistan, said family friend Themis Drakos.

"We must honour the sacrifice that all of our soldiers are making to protect our country and the ideals our country stands for," Drakos said.

Afterwards, a 12-member guard of honour stood at attention and saluted as the soldier's casket - bearing his white regimental belt, beret and bayonet atop a Canadian flag - was carried from Metamorphosis Tou Greek Orthodox Church.

Outside, a group of children stood quietly on the steps of their nearby school waving miniature Canadian flags.
A dozen members of the leather-vested Canadian Army Veteran Motorcycle Unit lined up in a row adjacent to the hearse.
Frederiki Alkis, who attended Diplaros's church, described him as a beautiful young man who was full of life.

"He served our country, and we're proud of it," she said. "We have pain, but we're still proud."

Shehan Liyanage, 27, who knew Diplaros through a friend, remembered a "friendly guy, easy to talk to, always a joker."
After the crowds had dispersed, Brig.-Gen. John Collin described Diplaros as an "incredibly competent and capable soldier."
A funeral for McLaren is planned for Saturday in Peterborough, while the service for Wilson will be held Monday at CFB Petawawa.
The three, all members of the 1st Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment based in Petawawa, were working directly with the Afghan National Army to improve its capabilities, Collin said, stressing that such work will eventually enable Canadians to withdraw from the mission.

"If anybody was contributing in Afghanistan, they certainly were," he said.

Under the circumstances, Diplaros's family is holding up well, Collin added.

"They understood what he was doing and they accept that he was doing exactly what he wanted to do."
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1977-1RCR  Italy PL, B Coy, Mortars
                   Pioneers, Delta Coy
                   CFB London

1979-3RCR  M Coy 12C,  Sigs, Pipes&Drums
                   Mortars
                   CFB Baden WG

1982 1RCR  Mortars 51B, Dukes, BBC (Cyp)
                   Mortars, WO-Sgts Mess,
                   CFB London

2008            President. Niagara Branch
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