Corporal Steve Martin killed by IED

It is with sad but appreciative hearts that we bring you the latest update concerning our brave men and women fighting in Afghanistan.

Corporal Steve Martin, of the 3R22eR Battlegroup, Parachute Company, was killed by an IED while on a foot patrol near a road construction site in the Panjwaii District. Martin is the 154th Canadian soldier (military hero) killed in the campaign overall but is the first to fall in battle in approximately four months.

24 year old Martin, a dedicated soldier, was in his second tour of duty with time served in both Afghanistan and Haiti.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the fallen soldier during this difficult time," Brig-Gen. Dean Milner, Commander of Task Force Kandahar, said "We will not forget the sacrifice of this soldier as we continue to bring security and hope to the people of Kandahar province."

The holidays will be especially hard for those close to Martin both because of the upcoming Christmas holidays and because Corporal Martin's birthday was a mere two days away at the time of his death, today (Monday, Dec. 20) would have been his 25th.

We at Canadian Heroes would like to express our condolences to the friends and family of Corporal Steve Martin and also our heartfelt thanks. His heroic sacrifice is truly appreciated and admired.

Defence Minister Peter MacKay released a statement to the public addressing our country's most recent loss, and, more importantly to Martin's family.

"I would like to express my deepest and most sincere condolences to the families and friends of Cpl. Steve Martin. The UN-sanctioned, NATO-led mission to Afghanistan remains a challenging one, but the Canadian Forces continues to serve and sacrifice, alongside our international partners, in order to help the Afghan people achieve security and stability following decades of conflict," MacKay said.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Governor General David Johnston also released statements expressing thanks and condolences.

Martin, a native of St.-Cyrille-de-Wendover, approximately 10 kilometers northeast of Drummondville Quebec, was the youngest of three brothers. Corporal Steve Martin's contribution and sacrifice will not be forgotten. He is truly a Canadian Hero.