Shilo soldier one of 4 killed in Afghanistan

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 31/12/2009 (6096 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

One of the Canadian soldiers killed in Wednesday’s attack in Afghanistan was Pte. Garrett William Chidley, based out of Shilo.

The Department of National Defence confirmed the identities of the soldiers this morning.

Chidley’s father, Cam, also had a short message posted on his Facebook site. "My ex-wife Sian and I have lost our son Garrett in Afghanistan yesterday. God help us and please watch over our daughter Devon, and our son Joe."

Chidley was just 21 and was raised in Langley, B.C.  This was his first mission to Afghanistan.

Pte. Chidley of the 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, Sgt. George Miok, 28,  and Cpl. Zachery McCormack, 21, both of Edmonton, and Sgt. Kirk Taylor, 28, of Yarmouth, N.S., were killed in the blast four kilometres south of Kandahar City.

Base personnel in Shilo will be issuing a statement about Chidley’s death to media later today.

Four other Canadian soldiers and one Canadian civilian official were also injured. They are in stable condition at the Multi-National Medical Facility at Kandahar Airfield.

Today, Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued a statement on the tragic incident:

"On behalf of all Canadians, I offer my deepest sympathies to the families and friends of Sergeant George Miok, Sergeant Kirk Taylor, Corporal Zackery McCormack, and Private Garrett Chidley.

"These four brave soldiers lost their lives seeking to help Afghans build a better future for themselves. They represent the best Canada has to offer and they perished in a far away land, working tirelessly to advance Canadian values. We owe them a debt we can never repay.

“I also offer my most sincere condolences to the loved ones of journalist Michelle Lang, who courageously risked her life reporting from one of the world’s most dangerous countries. She lost her life reporting on the invaluable work being done by Canadian soldiers, aid workers and diplomats in Afghanistan. Ms. Lang was from my hometown and I know her unforeseen and tragic death is being felt in Calgary and in communities across Canada.”

Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff also made a statement today:

“This tragic event reminds us of the considerable sacrifices Canadians make every day in the pursuit of peace and security in this war-torn region. Their service exemplifies the very best in courage and selflessness, and their deaths will not be forgotten as our mission to build a safe and secure country for the people of Afghanistan continues.”

In Edmonton, the father of one of four soldiers Wednesday is asking for time to grieve before making a statement about his 21-year-old son.

Robin McCormack, the father of Cpl. Zachary McCormack, says the family simply isn’t ready to talk about the loss.

Brig.-Gen. Daniel Menard described each soldier as enthusiastic and passionate.

The deaths bring to 138 the number of soldiers killed in the mission.  

– with files from Canadian Press