It is with great sadness and much regret that we bring you the news of another fallen Canadian Hero in the Afghan mission.
Cpl. Yannick Scherrer, 24, was on foot patrol with Afghan forces 15 kilometres southwest of Kandahar City when he was hit with an improvised explosive device at noon on Sunday.
Cpl. Scherrer is the 155th Canadian Soldier to fall in the Afghan mission overall but the first in 2011. Canada had not suffered a combat loss for more than three months until Sunday.
Scherrer was based out of CFB Valcartier, Quebec. He was posted with the 1st battalion, Royal 22nd regiment, also known as the Van Doos.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Cpl. Sherrer’s family and to the soldiers and friends who served alongside him,” said Brig.-Dean Milner, in a statement read at Kandahar Airfield.
“Canadians can be proud of the progress our soldiers have accomplished for the people of Kandahar,” Milner added.
“More work remains to be done. We will honour Yannick’s sacrifice by maintaining our resolve and continuing the fight to make Afghanistan a safer and self-sustaining country.”
The Canadian Forces are slated to pull out of the Afghan mission in 2011. Canada has been involved in a military role since 2002 marking 9 years in combat.
Canadian Heroes would like to express our condolences to the Scherrer family in this difficult time. We ask those that can to lend support in whatever way they are able. Our thoughts will be with you.
Keep watching here for updates as they come in.
