In Memoriam

[Grace]

ITALY

15 October 2009

1st Cpl. Maj. Rosario Ponziano, 25, of the IV reggimento paracadutisti (4th Parachute Regiment).

Killed when his armored personnel carrier overturned while traveling between Shindad and Herat in western Afghanistan.

[Daisy and Delilah]

Today, I had a gripping, spirited, discussion with some of my friends about this war. Just as I thought, many of them knew there were alot of deaths but very few knew how many. It eventually turned into a room full of people ready to break into tears. So so so sad.

[Grace]

16 October 2009

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sgt. Christopher M. Rudzinski, 28, of Rantoul, Ill., died Oct. 16 near Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to 293rd Military Police Company, 385th Military Police Battalion, 16th Military Police Brigade (Airborne), Fort Stewart, Ga.

[Grace]

16 October 2009

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died Oct. 16 in Wardak province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their vehicle with an improvised explosive device. The soldiers were assigned to the 143rd Infantry Detachment, Austin, Texas.

Killed were:

Staff Sgt. Chris N. Staats, 32, of Fredericksburg, Texas.
Spc. Anthony G. Green, 28, of Matthews, N.C.

[Grace]

Sacrifice Medal to recognize all service-related deaths

NR–09.092 - October 19, 2009

OTTAWA - The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, today announced new criteria for the Sacrifice Medal. First announced in August 2008 by the Governor General as a formal recognition to those who are killed or wounded by hostile action, the eligibility criteria have been expanded to recognize all service-related deaths. This change will ensure that all service-related deaths after October 7, 2001, are recognized and treated equitably.

“The Government of Canada is committed to honouring and recognizing the valued contribution of our Canadian Forces members,” said Minister MacKay. “We hope this announcement will be warmly received by the families of those who sacrificed their lives while serving Canada.”

The criteria remain unchanged for those wounded as a direct result of hostile action requiring recorded treatment by a medical officer. Members of an allied force working as an integral part of the Canadian Forces (CF), such as exchange personnel, and civilian employees working under the authority of the CF will continue to receive the medal as per the previous criteria. This aspect of the Medal therefore remains linked with the old Wound Stripe which it replaced. The eligibility date and the design of the medal remain unchanged.

Her Majesty The Queen approved the creation of the Sacrifice Medal to provide formal recognition to those who are killed or wounded by hostile action. Following the original announcement in August 2008, the Minister of National Defence asked the Chief of the Defence Staff to conduct a review of the existing criteria and make recommendations to the appropriate government committee.

The inaugural presentation of the Sacrifice Medal is planned at Rideau Hall later this year.

[Grace]

15 October 2009

The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died Oct. 15 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their vehicle with an improvised explosive device. They were assigned to the 569th Mobility Augmentation Company, 4th Engineer Battalion, Fort Carson, Colo.

Killed were:

Staff Sgt. Glen H. Stivison, Jr., 34, of Blairsville, Pa.;

Spc. Jesus O. Flores, Jr., 28, of La Mirada, Calif.;

Spc. Daniel C. Lawson, 33, of Deerfield Beach, Fla.; and

Pfc. Brandon M. Styer, 19, of Lancaster, Pa.

[Grace]

17 October 2009

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Spc. Michael A. Dahl Jr., 23, of Moreno Valley, Calif., died Oct. 17 in Argahndab, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.