Canadian Forces Lose 151st
Member in Afghanistan
by C. L. Cook
Canadian state broadcaster, the Canadian Broadcast Corporation (CBC) report today of another fatal casualty in Afghanistan. Sapper Brian Collier was killed in an improvised explosive device (IED) attack. Collier was on foot patrol near the village of Nakhonay, Panjwaii District.
Canadian soldier Sapper Brian Collier, shown in an
undated military photo, was killed by a bomb in Afghanistan on Tuesday.
He was a member of the 1 Combat Engineer Regiment based at CFB Edmonton.
(DND)
The Toronto native was a member of the 1 Combat Engineer Regiment, and was serving with the 1st Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment, CFB Edmonton. Brian Collier was 24 years old.
Brigadier General Jon Vance said of Collier;
"He fought hard to overcome his injury in order to get back to doing his
job with his comrades [...] Always quick to smile, Brian had an easygoing nature and a great sense
of humour."
Collier, who was on his first deployment to Afghanistan, had suffered an injury in another IED attack.
The office of Canada's prime minister, Stephen Harper released a statement commending Brian Collier's service and expressing condolences to his family.
"Every day, their dedication and work protect our interests and values here at home and around the world. Sapper Collier's sacrifice will not be forgotten," read the statement.
Brian Collier is the 155th Canadian killed in Afghanistan since the nation's military involvement there began in 2001. 151 Canadian Forces members, two aid workers, a journalist, and one diplomat have all died there.
