End of Canada's Afghanistan War

[undercoverbrother]

I don't really want this to turn into a debate about the right or wrongs of the war.

I just want to acknowledge the end of the misson and those that did not come back. The military did its job and did it well.

There were 158 soldiers that died, and more than 2000 injured.

There were also 5 non-military Canadian deaths on the ground.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada'...fghanistan_War



Rest In Peace.

[CaptainCrunch]

Very much so, I'm glad to see everyone coming home and I mourn for the ones that lost their lives or were grievously injured in carrying out their duties.

The military carried out its duty with professionalism and valour and because of that we can feel fortunate that the casualties were as light as they were. This could have been far worse.

While the achievements in terms of making Afghanistan fell short of expectations, there were many positive strides in terms of woman's educations and infrastructure. I have hopes that it won't go for naught, but don't have a lot of faith in the Afghan government.

[JonDuke]

Originally Posted by undercoverbrother

I don't really want this to turn into a debate about the right or wrongs of the war.

I just want to acknowledge the end of the misson and those that did not come back. The military did its job and did it well.

There were 158 soldiers that died, and more than 2000 injured.

There were also 5 civilian deaths on the ground.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada'...fghanistan_War

Rest In Peace.

I think they're missing a few zeros to the right of that 5?
That number seems unrealistically and extremely low.

[FlamesAddiction]

They did a great job, not just with security, but with the humanitarian side of things. I'm glad to see things come to an end.

Now hopefully the politicians don't screw up the post-war as they so often do.

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by JonDuke

I think they're missing a few zeros to the right of that 5?
That number seems unrealistically and extremely low.

Sorry, maybe it reads better now?

There were 5 non-military Canadian deaths.

[cDnStealth]

Originally Posted by JonDuke

I think they're missing a few zeros to the right of that 5?
That number seems unrealistically and extremely low.

5 Canadian civilian deaths.

[Zarley]

Originally Posted by JonDuke

I think they're missing a few zeros to the right of that 5?
That number seems unrealistically and extremely low.

I think that's Canadian civilians only.

EDIT: See above.

[Flabbibulin]

Originally Posted by JonDuke

I think they're missing a few zeros to the right of that 5?
That number seems unrealistically and extremely low.

There were 5 Canadian civilians killed in this conflict. The Wikipedia link gives the exact names and details.

I suspect you are inferring that more than 5 total civilians were killed?

edit- bah, beaten three times.

[JonDuke]

Yeah...makes way more sense now.

[Huntingwhale]

My cousin was stationed there a couple years ago and I'd like to think he had a positive impact on what was going on over there. Thank to him and all of his colleagues for their services.

[Schraderbrau]

Thanks to our military personnel who put their lives on the line to improve life for not just us but people everywhere. Their service is a debt that can never be properly repaid.

[Hemi-Cuda]

I remember in the beginning of the campaign the Canadian forces were quite a mess. Wearing jungle camo in the desert, not having any equipment they needed, complete lack of leadership. But by the end not only had their image completely changed at home and made me feel proud to be Canadian, but they've received high praise from around the world and turned the Canadian military from laughing stock to highly respected. Forget whether the invasion was/wasn't justified and what kind of lasting impact it had, it's nice to see our forces finally getting the attention and funding they deserve after the last few decades of neglect

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by Hemi-Cuda

I remember in the beginning of the campaign the Canadian forces were quite a mess. Wearing jungle camo in the desert, not having any equipment they needed, complete lack of leadership. But by the end not only had their image completely changed at home and made me feel proud to be Canadian, but they've received high praise from around the world and turned the Canadian military from laughing stock to highly respected. Forget whether the invasion was/wasn't justified and what kind of lasting impact it had, it's nice to see our forces finally getting the attention and funding they deserve after the last few decades of neglect

It was very nice to see the changing of public opinion and appreciation of the military while in Afghanistan. Prior to that the military, wrongly, was looked down on my the Canadain Public.

[MillerTime GFG]

My older brother did two tours in Afghanistan and is among the 2000 that was injured, when he was involved in the friendly-fire incident in the early 2000's when the American fighter jet strafed the Canadian soldiers. It was a close friend of his who died. I will never forget those times, but hope some day he will be able to.

I'm thankful for his service as well as the thousands of other Canadians who served.

[CaptainCrunch]

Originally Posted by undercoverbrother

It was very nice to see the changing of public opinion and appreciation of the military while in Afghanistan. Prior to that the military, wrongly, was looked down on my the Canadain Public.

Not just the public. The Canadian government had little respect for the men in woman in uniform, with Jean Chretien, Trudeau and Clarke in particular deciding that Soldiers were nothing more then knuckle dragging morons who were a waste of any tax payers dollars but were willing to send them into danger when it was politically expedient.

Even Brian Mulroney who came to office with promises to modernize the forces ultimately lied to every man and woman in uniform.

while I have a great deal of respect for Harper and what he's attempting to do he hasn't done enough to address pay issues and veteran care.

Every Prime Minister going back to King has tossed knives.