2008, Dec 26, Private Michael Bruce Freeman, 3RCR, Afghanistan

[Mike Blais CD]

Private Michael Freeman was killed and three other soldiers were injured when their armoured vehicle was struck by an explosion in Zharey District about 12:45 p.m. Kandahar time, December 26, 2008. Private Freeman had been on his first tour of Afghanistan. Known as “Chewie” to his peers – he was described as a well-liked member of his platoon. Private Freeman was an avid golfer who loved the game so much that he created his own driving range on the forward-operating base where he was stationed.

[Mike Blais CD]

Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Ottawa, Ontario– One Canadian soldier was killed and three others were injured when their armoured vehicle was struck by an explosion in Zharey District about 12:45 p.m. Kandahar time, December 26, 2008.   
The fallen soldier is Private Michael Freeman of 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment based at CFB Petawawa.

The injured soldiers were evacuated by helicopter to the Role 3 Multi-National Medical Facility at Kandahar Airfield where all the soldiers are reported to be in good condition.

Message from Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, on the death of Private Michael Bruce Freeman

December 25, 2008

OTTAWA—The year is drawing to a close on a sad note. We have just learned that another of our soldiers, Private Michael Bruce Freeman, was killed by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan, and that three of his comrades were injured.

Our thoughts turn to the parents, family and friends of Private Michael Bruce Freeman. The loss of their loved one is beyond measure. Our thoughts are also with the wounded soldiers, to whom we wish a full recovery. We know how fraught with worry their friends and families must be today.

May they take some comfort from the support of our entire country, and may they know how deeply we value their commitment to protecting and helping to rebuild Afghanistan alongside its citizens. Our soldiers carry out their duties selflessly and with great determination, risking their lives to do so. Over the past few days, they have been distributing much-needed supplies to families, particularly to children, in the Kandahar region. Their generosity only heightens our feeling of utter helplessness when we lose one of them. All Canadians are saddened by this tragedy.

To the members of the Canadian Forces who are continuing their mission in Afghanistan by giving the very best of themselves, and who are grappling with this most recent incident, we offer our encouragement and profound gratitude.
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