Ontario soldier killed in Afghanistan dies on birthday; another had young daughter
By THE CANADIAN PRESS
SAULT STE. MARIE, Ont. — The father of one of four Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan on Friday said his son was intent on helping the Afghan people achieve freedom and democracy and did his family proud.
Master Cpl. Scott Vernelli, 28, of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., and Cpl. Tyler Crooks, 24, of Port Colborne, Ont., were killed by an improvised explosive device while on foot patrol in the Zhari district. Both soldiers were members of November Company, 3rd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group, based in Petawawa, Ont.
Hours later, troopers Jack Bouthillier and Corey Joseph Hayes, both of the Royal Canadian Dragoons, were killed in a roadside bomb blast in the Shah Wali Kot district northeast of the city.
Vernelli’s father Chuck said he and other family members are “really proud” of his son, who is survived by his wife Marcie and six-month-old daughter Olivia.
“Scott was proud to serve his country. It was an ambition he looked at with great pride and respect,” he said.
“He always knew the danger but he also knew what it meant to the people he was helping.
“His main reason (to be in Afghanistan) was to help them achieve freedom and democracy.”
Vernelli’s wife Marcie said in a statement her husband’s passion for family and his friends “was an inspiration to all who were lucky to be in his life.”
“His friends will hold him close in their hearts forever and they will never forget his sarcastic but genuine sense of humour; his impeccable sense of style and his perfectly coiffed hair,” she said.
“Although his death is tragic, Scotty would want his family, friends and community to continue supporting his fellow soldiers and to celebrate his life.”
Crooks was killed on his 24th birthday, and Port Colborne Mayor Vance Badawey said it’s a tragic loss for the community.
Badawey, a friend of the Crooks family, said the soldier was “a young man who put his community and his country above himself.”
“To lose a young man like this, on his 24th birthday, is hard to take,” Badawey said.
Capt. Andrew Hennessy, a public affairs officer with the military, knew both Vernelli and Crooks personally and said it’s always difficult for soldiers to lose their comrades.
“Everybody handles the loss of a soldier — whether they knew them or not — in their own way, I try to remember who they were as a person, what I knew of them and make sure I talk about them,” Hennessy said.
“It’s really difficult to hear (when soldiers die) but we all have a job to do...and they all believed in their job, just like the guys who are here back in Canada who have been before or are going.”
“We’re all part of a bigger family and it’s tough but we have a job to do and we all understand that and it’s something that unites us for a sense of purpose.”
The Afghan ambassador to Ottawa, Omar Samad, told CTV Newsnet that Canada’s military mission is essential, even if public support for it is waning.
“If (people) know what the consequences might be if we don’t turn this around, then maybe you’ll have a better understanding (of its importance) and maybe the support will continue, that’s my wish,” he said.
“But it’s, of course, very difficult when tragedy strikes to overcome the emotions.”
In a statement, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said his thoughts are with the family and friends of the soldiers who died.
“The sacrifices being made to help stabilize southern Afghanistan are not in vain. I am proud of our military men and women, their supporting families and all those Canadians who have served their country in this vital mission,” Harper said.
Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff also passed along his condolences in a statement.
“The loss of these four brave men while serving in the line of duty reminds us of the dangerous work undertaken by all of the men and women in our Armed Forces,” he said.
“Their dedication has earned them the respect and admiration of all Canadians who recognize the sacrifices they make each day in order to bring safety and security to the people of Afghanistan.”
The four deaths Friday bring to 116 the number of Canadian soldiers who have died as part of the Afghan mission since it began in 2002.
(Sault Star, St. Catharines Standard)
March 20, 2009
Statement from Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff on the deaths of four Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan
Today, I join all Canadians in mourning the tragic loss of four soldiers killed in Afghanistan.
Master Corporal Scott Francis Vernelli, 28, and Corporal Tyler Crooks, 24, were members of November Company, 3rd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment. Both lost their lives in an explosion just west of Kandahar that also injured five of their fellow soldiers.
Trooper Jack Bouthillier, 20, and Trooper Corey Joseph Hayes, 22, belonged to the Royal Canadian Dragoons. They were killed by a roadside bomb while travelling in a vehicle northwest of Kandahar. Three other soldiers were also injured in that same explosion.
The loss of these four brave men while serving in the line of duty reminds us of the dangerous work undertaken by all of the men and women in our Armed Forces. Their dedication has earned them the respect and admiration of all Canadians who recognize the sacrifices they make each day in order to bring safety and security to the people of Afghanistan. This is a difficult mission, but our Canadian Forces continue to represent the very best of Canada by leading this mission with strength and compassion.
On behalf of the Liberal Party of Canada and our parliamentary caucus, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and comrades of these four young soldiers. Their courage will not be forgotten. We also offer our thoughts and best wishes for a quick recovery to each of the soldiers injured in these attacks.
