 Sgt. Martin Goudreault (DND photo)
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SUDBURY - A Sudbury-born Canadian soldier was killed Sunday after an improvised explosive device detonated during a foot patrol, about 15 kilometres southwest of Kandahar City, in the Panjwayi District.
Sgt. Martin Goudreault, a member of the 1 Combat Engineer Regiment based in Edmonton, is dead.
He was serving in Afghanistan as a member of the 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group.
Goudreault was born in Sudbury, but his family moved to Red Deer, Alta., when he was young.
The family later moved to New Liskeard, where Goudreault's parents still live. Goudreault did his cadet training with the Red Deer and New Liskeard army cadets.
He graduated high school in New Liskeard and joined the military, becoming a combat engineer responsible for bridge building and demolition. Goudreault, a 15-year veteran of the Canadian forces, was on his fifth overseas deployment; his third tour of Afghanistan.
Goudreault was not married and had no children, but was uncle to the children of his two younger sisters in Edmonton.
In a statement Monday morning, Minister of National Defence Peter MacKay extended his sympathy to Goudreault's friends, family and fellow soldiers.
"Sergeant Martin Goudreault served to help build a safe and stable future for Afghans, and he did so with honor and pride. This tragic loss is another example of the daily risks faced by the men and women of the Canadian Forces," the statement said.
"Sergeant Martin Goudreault's sacrifice will not be forgotten and it will not deter us from continuing to help Afghans rebuild their country."
In a statement, Sudbury MP Glenn Thibeault and Nickel Belt MP Claude Gravelle pointed out Goudreault died on Canadian Forces Day, which is also remembered as D-Day.
"Fellow soldiers describe him as a model soldier and one who was driven by a deep desire to help and serve others," they said. "In the service of his country, he paid the ultimate price and will be remembered with respect and gratitude."
He is the 147th member of the Canadian military to die since the Afghan mission began in 2002.
editorial@thesudburystar.com
