Afghan war claims Quebecer, 20
By CRAIG PEARSON and MARIANNE WHITE, Canwest News ServiceJune 9, 2009
A 20-year-old Canadian soldier was killed yesterday morning on a foot patrol when an explosive device detonated in a hotbed of insurgency southwest of Kandahar City.

Pte. Alexandre Péloquin, based at Canadian Forces Base Valcartier, arrived in Afghanistan for his first tour of duty only six weeks ago.

Family members said the soldier's parents are devastated by the loss of their only son.

"It's terrible," said his aunt Ruth Péloquin from Brownsburg-Chatham, a small town in the Laurentians where the young soldier was raised. "Everyone is extremely saddened."

She said Péloquin called his mother two days before his death to thank her for letting him follow his dream of joining the Forces and going to Afghanistan.

"He told her he was all proud of what he was doing there, and now he's gone," the aunt added.

Guy Péloquin, Alexandre's godfather, said the family supported him, but had mixed feelings about the mission.

"We didn't totally agree with him going there, but he had the desire to go," he said, noting the family is shattered by the news.

Péloquin is survived by his mother, Monique, and his father, Jacques.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of our fallen comrade during this very difficult time," said Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance, commander of Canadian troops in Kandahar.

"While our ultimate goal remains to leave Afghanistan to Afghans, in a country that is better governed, more peaceful, and more secure, let's not consider the tragic death of our soldiers as a failure of our mission, as this is precisely what our enemy is counting on.

"Our collective efforts here are making a noticeable difference in helping Afghans reclaim their lives from oppression and deplorable living conditions."

Péloquin was a member of the 3rd battalion of the Quebec-based Royal 22nd Regiment Battle Group and joined the Forces in October 2007.

He had been serving as a member of the 2nd battalion of that regiment during a six-day operation to find and neutralize improvised explosive devices, also known as IEDs, in the volatile Panjwaii District.

"The battle group was involved in six days of magnificent work," Vance said in a prepared statement. "They removed material for hundreds of IEDs. Fifteen IEDs were taken out of circulation today. The local population is extremely happy and wants us to continue. Pte. Péloquin was part of a successful operation, and he contributed to that success today."

No one else was hurt in the blast, which occurred around 9:20 a.m., Kandahar time.

"Pélo, as named by his friends, was a strong man, remarkably fit and very courageous," Vance said.

"Right from the beginning of his career, his friends and instructors recognized in this young and courageous man the qualities of a good soldier.

"His family and friends should be very proud of him - and so should all Canadians, for he represented the very best of Canada."

Federal leaders also offered their condolences to Péloquin's family and friends in written statements.

"It is with the utmost sorrow that I extend my condolences, and those of all Canadians, to the family and friends of Pte. Alexandre Péloquin," Prime Minister Stephen Harper said.

Gov. Gen. Michaëlle Jean saluted his courage and "sense of duty."

"Our hearts go out to his family, loved ones and Canadian Forces comrades as they mourn this terrible loss," she said.

Quebec Premier Jean Charest also paid tribute to the courage of Péloquin and his comrades. About 1,600 Quebec soldiers are serving in Afghanistan.

Péloquin's death brings to 119 the number of Canadian fatalities in Afghanistan since Canada joined military operations there in February 2002.

He is the first Canadian to die in Afghanistan since Maj. Michelle Mendes, 30, was found dead in her room at Kandahar Airfield on April 24, from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

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