I just attended my fourth "ramp ceremony" since my arrival here in Afghanistan. Cpl. Pinksen is the 152nd Canadian to loose his life trying to make Afghanistan, Canada and the world a safer place.
At the ceremony tonight, the General spoke about how Brian wanted to be here and how much it meant to him to be part of the Infantry. Brian had said many times how the infantry was the backbone of the army. The worse the conditions, the more Brian liked it and the more he felt the need to participate.
He was severely injured while patrolling a small village as he walked down a narrow alley. They had to be out on foot, as the alley was too narrow for the armoured vehicles. The villagers needed protection and Brian was part of the team answering the call for help. An IED exploded causing injuries which ended his life several days later and stole him from his family and friends back home. He was only 21 years old...who knows what else he may have accomplished had his life not been cut so short.
My heart goes out to his parents in Newfoundland. I simply cannot imagine the grief they must feeling right now.
Stand Easy Corporal...you've done your job and earned your rest. Our job is to remember your's and all others who have given their all.
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