Message #676

[Mike Blais CD]

Our regimental brother, William Mackenzie will be attending and any RCR's in the TO area are invited to join him on the bridge.

Time 1515 hrs, Nelson St. and 401 Bridge.


Body of Canadian soldier arrives home Sunday

Updated Sun. Apr. 26 2009 7:19 AM ET

The Canadian Press

TRENTON, Ont. -- The body of the latest Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan is due to arrive this afternoon at CFB Trenton in eastern Ontario.

The body of Maj. Michelle Mendes, a 30-year-old intelligence officer based in Ottawa, was found Thursday in her quarters at the Kandahar base.

The military says her death is under investigation, adding enemy action has been ruled out.

Mendes is the 118th Canadian soldier, and third Canadian female soldier, to die in the Afghan mission, which began in 2002.

Among the dignitaries who will be on hand for the repatriation ceremony will be Defence Minister Peter MacKay and the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Walt Natynczyk.

As per custom, the body will be driven along the Highway of Heroes -- the 170-kilometre stretch of Highway 401 from Trenton to Toronto