TORONTO [Peter Paul Media] — A Canadian soldier on patrol in Afghanistan’s deadly Panjwaii district was killed Saturday after stepping on an improvised explosive device. The incident took place around 2:00 p.m. local time about 15 kilometres southwest of Kandahar City, the Department of Defence said in a statement.
The soldier was identified as 44-year-old John Wayne Faught from the 1st Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry Division based in Edmonton, Alberta.
“At a time when our soldiers are being deployed on an emergency basis to assist a Haitian population devastated by a horrible earthquake, a new and deadly attack in Afghanistan serves as a brutal reminder of the risks our troops face wherever duty calls,” Governor General Michaëlle Jean said in a statement.
“Let us come together in our hearts and in our minds and show the utmost respect as we pay tribute to Sergeant Faught’s rare contribution and the ultimate sacrifice that he and his family, friends, comrades and loved ones have made,” she added.
“On behalf of the Defence family, I extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Sergeant John Wayne Faught,” said Defence Minister Peter MacKay in a statement. “Sergeant Faught’s sacrifice will not be forgotten and this event will not deter us from continuing to help Afghans rebuild their country.”
Faught is the 139th Canadian soldier killed in action since the mission began in 2002 and the first death of 2010. His remains will arrive at Toronto’s coroner’s office in the next few days for an autopsy, which is standard for troops who die in Afghanistan.
Peter Paul Media 