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Calgary Police Sgt Andrew Harnett, a 12 year veteran and ex-Military Calgary Police Service. Killed in the line of duty New Years Eve We shall remember him. Lest We Forget

Today we remember and celebrate the lives of Warrant Officer Gaetan Joseph Roberge and Sergeant Gregory John Kruse who were tragically killed on this day 12 yea...rs ago while proudly serving our country in Afghanistan. On December 27th, 2008, W.O. Roberge and Sgt. Kruse were killed when an improvised explosive device was detonated while they were conducting security operations in the Panjwaii District, approximately 25 kilometres west of Kandahar City. Warrant Officer Roberge was a member of the Royal 22nd Regiment who was serving with the Irish Regiment of Canada in Sudbury, Ont. He was part of the Canadian team mentoring Afghanistan's fledgling national police force. Sergeant Kruse was from 24 Field Squadron, 2 Combat Engineer Regiment based in Petawawa, Ont. He was serving as a member of 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment battle group. Gaetan "Gates" Roberge, 45, husband of Joanne (Beauvais) Roberge. Loving father of Natasha and Francis Roberge, step-father to Dayna and Kyle. Cherished son of Guy and Claudette (Dupuis) Roberge. Dear brother of Chantal (husband Ronald Haines). Loving uncle to Jonathan, Michelle, Félix, Samuel, Darian and Shelby. Roberge's death marks the first time the 2nd Battalion of the Irish Regiment of Canada, based out of Sudbury, has lost a solider in combat since the Second World War. This was Gaetan's first tour of duty in Afghanistan. Gaetan enrolled in the Canadian Forces in July 1981, and upon the completion of his basic training was posted to the Royal 22 Regiment, the Vandoos. He served with them and the Canadian Airborne Regiment. His previous tours included Germany and Bosnia. "He was someone who cared about the soldiers and really looked after their welfare. He could have a gruff exterior, but he had a nice personality underneath. He was really respected as a non-commissioned officer by his fellow soldiers, said Rob Hobbs, deputy commanding officer of the Irish Regiment. In his eulogy, Padre Michel Dion described Roberge as "being kind of like Kentucky Fried Chicken: Crispy on the outside, soft and juicy on the inside." Roberge was also said to be a deeply religious man who wasn't shy about practising his faith. His platoon commander, Capt. Shane Gapp, said he was quick to laugh and worked hard at his job. "His men loved him. He loved his men. You could count on him at any point in time to do anything." Sgt. Greg Kruse, 40, beloved husband of Jill Kruse, loving father of Kari, Victoria and Meghan. Dear son of Penelope Kruse of New Westminster BC and the late Christian Alfred (Teddy) Kruse. Greg is also survived by his brothers Christian Kruse and Timothy Kruse. Below is a piece written by Greg's wife Jill following his death; 'Greg Kruse was a proud Canadian. He was a dedicated soldier, award-winning and decorated, who was grateful for the many opportunities he enjoyed with the military. He spent most of his military career at CF Base Gagetown in New Brunswick, before being posted to CFB Petawawa in Ontario in 2007. He was awarded the Canadian Forces’ Decoration, the Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal, and the Special Service Medal. Greg was born in New Brunswick but grew up in Gaspé, QC, where he often returned to enjoy his summer holidays at the beach with family and friends. A fun-loving and even-tempered youngster, Greg liked building and often questioned those around him about how things worked. He was curious and loved learning. His interests included experiencing nature in all seasons, history and geography. He enjoyed playing basketball in high school and his teammates called him Hawk. Greg also appreciated art and architecture. He wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. He volunteered with New Brunswick Ground Search and Rescue where he helped with many searches including one where he helped locate a missing child. Greg felt the best way for him to make a difference was to join the military. He joined the Canadian Forces as a Combat Engineer in 1989. His military work in Canada involved assisting with many disasters, including the ice storm in Quebec, the Red River flood in Winnipeg and the Oka crisis in Quebec. Tours of duty took him to Croatia, Bosnia, East Africa and Afghanistan. In Afghanistan he served as a Section Commander with 24 Field Squadron, 2 Combat Engineer Regiment. Greg was a respected leader, often called upon to listen and give advice. He shared his vast knowledge with everyone around the world, as required. He planned ahead for his career, which rewarded him with professional success. In his personal life, Greg’s thoughtfulness was apparent in his planning and occasional surprises. He was a kind and gentle man who always attended to his family’s security and wellbeing. A devoted husband and father, Greg’s greatest joy was spending time with his wife Jill and their three daughters. Weekends were family time, and he and his family often took the time to do things together like biking through the park, visiting friends and relatives, or exploring a trail in the woods. Greg also loved to socialize with friends and loved food. Comrades on mission would have to look no further than the kitchen to find him charming goodies out of the cook. He was known for his sweet tooth; some of his favourites were chocolate chip cookies, brownies and steamed chocolate pudding. Greg was a good cook and enjoyed preparing delicious holiday meals and desserts for his family. Standing at 6’3, Greg was a tall, strong man, a dedicated and confident hero. He was committed, even in the face of danger. Soldiers, friends, and family alike counted on him as a loyal and honourable member of their team. Greg left a great legacy for his family, his comrades, the Canadian people, and the world. He will be missed by all who knew him and had their lives enriched because of knowing him.' "Sgt. Kruse was an absolutely first-rate, phenomenal soldier. He cared about his soldiers above just about anything else," said Maj. Matthew Sandy, who served with Kruse. 'At the going down of the sun and in the morning. We will remember them.'

We will Remember Them

If you have a Combat Veteran in your family and you don’t like/understand their moods and behavior around the holidays; please consider these six things: 1.) Yo...ur combat veteran has served in countries where people are blessed to receive a tattered pair of shoes or have clean water to drink; he/she no longer lives the first world illusion and no longer cares that if you buy one play station you can get a second one for fifty percent off. In fact, they find it hard to appreciate any of the gluttonous commercialism and overindulgence that permeates American holidays. Standing watch, boring as it was, had so much more purpose than going to the mall. 2.) Your Combat Veteran is thankful for the most basic things; not thankful for mega-sales and million dollar parades. They are thankful to be alive; thankful to have survived both the wars far away and the wars they struggle with inside. 3.) Your Combat Veteran is thankful that it wasn't them that got killed, or wishes that it was them that got killed instead, or is torn painfully between the two. Either way, their celebrations are forever complicated by guilt and loss over those that died. Some of the most thankful times in their life (lucky to be alive) were some of the scariest. Their feelings of thanks and celebration often conjure memories that are equally painful. 4.) Your Combat Veteran is not like you anymore. At some point, for some period of time, their entire life boiled down to just three simple things: when will I eat, when will I sleep, and who will I have to kill or who will try to kill me today? They are not like you anymore. 5.) Your Combat Veteran does not need a guilt-trip or a lecture; they already feel detached in their grief while others so easily embrace the joy of the season. They need understanding and space; empathy not sympathy. 6.) Your Combat Veteran does love his/her family and is thankful for the many blessings in their lifeand they are thankful for you.

Today’s #ThrowbackThursday provides an opportunity for us to remember and honour Canadian peacekeepers. On 10 December 1988, the Nobel Peace Prize was collectiv...ely awarded to United Nations peacekeepers. http://ow.ly/46TY50CGKdC Peacekeeping is based on having a force of impartial troops present in a regional conflict to help reduce tensions and improve the chances of a peaceful outcome. A peacekeeper's job is demanding work and involves many tasks. Peacekeepers may monitor cease-fires, patrol buffer zones and mediate between clashing groups. They also clear land mines, investigate war crimes, protect refugees and provide humanitarian aid. We are proud our country has had a long association with these kinds of efforts. Pictured are two Canadian United Nations peacekeepers on patrol in Cyprus in April 1988. Photo: Department of National Defence See more