Wounded in Afghanistan :

152nd Canadian Forces Member Dies in Germany

by C. L. Cook

Corporal Brian Pinksen died Monday from wounds sustained by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) last week near Kandahar. The 21 year old Newfoundlander was with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Newfoundland Regiment, attached to the 1st Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group.

 

Corporal Brian Pinksen - photo DND

 

Cpl. Pinksen was airlifted to the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, an American military hospital in Germany, but succumbed to his injuries.

 

Corporal Pinksen is the 152nd Canadian Forces (CF) member killed in Afghanistan since Canada's initial involvement in the country in 2001. 

 

A CF news release expressed condolences to Cpl. Pinksen's family, saying;

 

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of our fallen comrade during this very difficult time."

 

Canadian prime minister, Stephen Harper's office too released a statement, that read in part;

 

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time of loss. Cpl. Pinksen served Canada valiantly and deserves the gratitude and respect of his nation."

Four other Canadians have also died in Afghanistan: two aid workers, one journalist, and a Canadian diplomat.