Thursday, December 30, 2010

Canadian Heroes at the World Junior Championships

So far the World Junior Championship in Buffalo has been a resounding success, for both the Canadian Junior Team and for Canadian Heroes.

To date we have put approximately 120 people into seats at HSBC Arena to watch our Juniors strive for Gold. Each one of our guests earned their spot at the games with enlistment and service in our armed forces, or by letting a cherished family member go and fight for our country. Not so simple a task as every family involved knows.

We at Canadian Heroes have been proud to show our support of our brave men and women, and our Juniors, by bringing them together in Buffalo.

One such guest of Canadian Heroes is Steve Gardiner, an accomplished Reservist, who just returned from his second tour of duty in Afghanistan on Dec. 22. Just in time for Christmas.

During his first tour Gardiner was in charge of resupplying the Forward Operating Bases and subsequently saw his responsibility increase in his second tour where he moved both troops and supplies to the front lines or FOBs.

So far Steve has seen Canada vs. Russia and Canada vs. Norway on the 26th and 29th respectively. He intends on joining us on New Years as well for the game against Sweden along with his two sons and his father Sam.

“I’m overwhelmed by the kindness of (Canadian Heroes),” said Gardiner.

Steve has taken it upon himself to continue to serve in whatever way he can. He will be putting on a presentation for the students of the Burlington Christian Academy on Jan. 10th showing children the positive effects of our presence in Afghanistan such as school construction and infrastructure improvements. In addition Mr. Gardiner has pledged his volunteer services to Canadian Heroes and our sister sites, such as City of Waterfalls, in their future endeavors.

Many members of the Canadian Forces are still fighting for our country in Afghanistan and our forces as a whole will be involved in combat until 2014 when Canada will switch its role in the mission from combative to supportive.

“I’m impressed how much (Canadian Heroes) is looking after the families of the soldiers,” added Gardiner. “We are humbled by the gestures.”

We at Canadian Heroes are very much humbled by people like Steve Gardiner.

As far as Steve is concerned the commitment shouldn’t stop now.

“It’s our job to assist with the program. We’re there until 2014,” said Gardiner.

“The job is not done yet. Our troops from this area may be home but we still have troops there. Whatever we can do to support them we should do,” he finished.

The hockey has been a nice distraction for those returnees.

So far our World Junior Team has done our troops proud by going 3 – 0 after the first three games. On the 26th Canada defeated arch rival Russia on the strength of three third period goals. Through the first two frames the action was back and forth with the score tied three to three going into the final stanza. The collective nail biting of the Canadian fans in attendance was evident with the crowd’s silence. Thankfully our hockey team pushed ahead, not daring to disappoint the sell out crowd, and winning by a final score of 6 – 3.

The second game, played against the Czech team, was a much more physical affair with a player from either side being ejected from the game. Both players will miss at least one game as their match penalties dictate. The final score was 7 – 2 for Canada.

Yesterday was the biggest win this year for Canada with a landslide 10 – 1 victory. Norway fought valiantly but was unable to stop to Canadian players from making history. Brayden Schenn scored four goals in the game tying him for the record of most goals in one contest by a Canadian. Canadian defenseman Tyler Ellis also made the record books becoming the highest scoring d-man all time for the Canucks.

We can’t even begin to thank all those who have fought for our country but we’ll continue to do what we can to show how much we appreciate the good fight. Until next time.


View photos from the tournament:


Canada Vs. Russia: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=345302&id=190791324553

Canada Vs. Norway: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=345751&id=190791324553

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Today we bid farewell...


Family & friends have gathered in St-Cyrille-De-Wendover, Que to bid farewell to Cpl. Steve Martin. On Dec. 20th 2 days shy of his 25th birthday Cpl. Martin was killed by an IED while on a foot patrol near a road construction site in the Panjwaii District. 24 year old Martin, a dedicated soldier, was in his second tour of duty with time served in both Afghanistan and Haiti. On Dec. 22 Corporal Steve Martin returned to Canadian soil yesterday after being delayed 24 hours due to weather conditions. Martin was greeted as a true hero by more than a hundred Canadians who stood side by side in respectful silence as he was brought down Grenville St. in Toronto. Lise Charron has been in Que. with the Canadian Heroes car, visiting both the service and funeral for Cpl. Martin. My deepest condolences go to Cpl. Steve Martin friends and family, especially after this tragedy has occurred during the holiday season. Say a prayer today if you can, for a true Canadian Hero…rest in peace…

WEB:

http://www.canadianheroes.com/

FACEBOOK:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Canadian-Heroes/190791324553?ref=search&sid=502048340.3100986941..1

TWITTER:

http://twitter.com/canadianheroes

Thursday, December 23, 2010

The end of the repatriation ceremony for Corporal Martin

Corporal Martins Escort walks the line and thanks everyone video #1

The arrival of the motorcade at Corporal Steve Martins Repatriation

Corporal Steve Martin Repatriated

Corporal Steve Martin returned to Canadian soil yesterday, (Dec. 22,) after being delayed 24 hours due to weather conditions. The procession for Cpl. Martin began at CFB Trenton at approximately 2:00 pm. making the two and a half hour trip down the Highway of Heroes that ended in Toronto.

Martin was greeted as a true hero by more than a hundred Canadians who stood side by side in respectful silence as he was brought down Grenville St. in Toronto. An honor guard contingent of the same size mirrored the opposite side of the street.

Habibullah Qaderi, the consul-general of Afghanistan, and Defence Minister Peter MacKay were also in attendance to greet Martin’s family and to pay their respects in person. David Johnston, Governor-General of Canada, attended his first repatriation ceremony since he officially started his duties in October.

Cpl. Martin was killed on Dec.18 by an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) while on duty. His death represents the 154th member of Canada’s Armed Forces to loose their life in the Afghan campaign.

Corporal Steve Martin’s sacrifice will not be forgotten.


For a full gallery of images from the repatriation click the link below.


http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=341555&id=190791324553

Corporal Steve Martin Repatriation at Coroners Office Dec 22 2010 Video #1

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Repatriation Ceremony for Corporal Steve Martin held today

*UPDATE THE REPAT CEREMONY HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL TOMORROW*

Corporal Steve Martin of St.-Cyrille-de-Wendover, Quebec, fell in battle on Dec. 18, in Canada's ongoing mission in Afghanistan. Later today his body will be repatriated.

The procession is scheduled to begin at 2pm in CFB Trenton, Ontario. Cpl. Martin's body will be taken down the Highway of Heroes and led into Toronto.

Martin was killed only two days before his 25th birthday, which would have come on Monday, making his death that much more tragic.

Many of us from CanadianHeroes.com will be attending the ceremony. We will be there to show our support for our troops, the mission, and to chronicle the event, but more importantly we will be there to pay our respects. We urge those of you that have the time and the means to do so to show your support. Our heroes are out there fighting for us, so it's up to us to honor and remember our heroes when they fall. See you out there.

Monday, December 20, 2010

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.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Trooper Jack Bouthillier transport tribute accident




After loosing his son, Trooper Jack Bouthillier, to the war in Afghanistan in March of 2009, Raynald Bouthillier decided to remember his son Jack in a unique way. Raynald had his son’s face painted larger than life on one of the big rigs from his transport company’s fleet. Jack’s face was part of a mural that wrapped all the way around the cab along with a list of fallen soldiers names displayed along the back.

It is with great regret that we inform you that this mobile monument to our fallen heroes, and to Jack, ended up in the ditch on the side of the highway near Moonbeam, Ontario earlier this week. The rig was totaled beyond repair but fortunately, according to early reports, the driver sustained only minor injuries, leaving the accident largely unscathed. Our hearts go out the Bouthillier family and all those affected by the crash.

We’ll keep you posted on any developments on this unfortunate story as they occur. Be safe and happy holidays.


Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Dunnville legion

After the Caledonia Santa Claus Parade we stopped by the Dunnville Legion for an impromptu visit. The members loved the car and were very thankful for it and for stopping by to show them
Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.

Getting ready for the Thorold Santa Claus Parade

The new Canadian Heroes Car and military vehicles lined up and ready to go
Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.

Canadian Heroes Car and City of Waterfalls car at Thorold Santa Claus Parade

This was last weekend just 1 of 4 parades that we did on the same day!!!
Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.