CFB Shilo Base Commander Lieutenant-Colonel David Cronk and Regimental Sergeant Major Chief Warrant Officer Eric LeClair unveil the rededicated memorial monument on Nov. 8 remembering CAF members who served and died in Afghanistan. (Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag.)

K-J Millar
Shilo Stag Media

CFB Shilo remembered with honour Canadian Armed Forces members who lost their lives in Afghanistan, with a rededication of the Base memorial monument on Nov. 8.

More than 40,000 Canadians served in Afghanistan, including “brave men and wome from Canadian Forces Base Shilo,” during 2001 to 2014 said Base Commander Lieutenant-Colonel David Cronk.

“These soldiers became an integral part of Canada’s mission, bringing dedication and resilience to one of the world’s most dangerous regions, Kandahar Province.”

Regimental Sergeant Major, Chief Warrant Officer Eric LeClair said the memorial plaque on the monument had aged from exposure to the weather elements.

He said when he first saw it seventeen months ago, after just arriving on Base for his new posting, he knew it needed attention and actioned the repairs.

“Today, we gather to rededicate our Afghan memorial and to remember Canada’s involvement in Afghanistan, a mission that spanned over a decade and required extraordinary courage and sacrifice,” LCol Cronk said during his ceremonial address.

The Base Commander said members of 1 RCHA and 2 PPCLI took on some of the most difficult and perilous tasks, working to restore stability, train Afghan security forces, and build critical infrastructure, often facing intense danger.

“This mission came at a heavy cost.”

“One hundred and sixty-two Canadian lives were lost, including members from Shilo, leaving families, friends, and communities forever changed. Those who returned often carry invisible scars, a reminder of the personal toll of this mission. The soldiers of Shilo exemplified bravery, but they also bore the weight of that courage.”

“Their service embodied the highest ideals of duty and sacrifice, as they stood in defence of Afghan civilians and sought to create a better future for the region …”

“We owe it to these men and women to remember their sacrifices. The legacy of the soldiers from Shilo and all who served in Afghanistan calls on us to honour their courage, not just today but always.”

During the memorial commemoration, RSM CWO LeClair reflected on his experience in Afghanistan, where the combined efforts of infantry, armour, artillery, engineers, CSS enablers, and US comrades were “crucial” in securing key terrain.

He stressed the importance of leadership in Combat, stating that it is the ultimate reason for a soldier’s existence and can be highly costly.

“…Combat has a way of bridging the gaps between units. When the call to serve sounded, soldiers from diverse backgrounds and specialties came together, united by its common purpose – that was to close with and destroy the enemy. In Afghanistan, our enemies were a significant force, but the true story lies in the unifying effort of our combined arms team …” LeClair said.

“[Each soldier contributed] their unit expertise. The shared struggles, sacrifices and triumphs created a lifelong connection. A sense of brotherhood and sisterhood in combat left its mark, teaching many of us the unity of strength.”

“We honour our fellow soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice. Their memory inspires us to continue serving, to continue fighting for our flag, our values and the soldier to your left and to your right,” CWO LeClair said.

PHOTO GALLERY:

CFB Shilo Regimental Sergeant Major Chief Warrant Officer Eric LeClair said, each soldier in Afghanistan shared struggles, sacrifices and triumphs creating lifelong connections. “A sense of brotherhood and sisterhood in combat left its mark, teaching many of us the unity of strength,” he said at the memorial monument rededication ceremony on Nov. 8. (Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag.)