Sgt. Martin Goudreault 35, was killed Sunday after an improvised explosive device detonated during a foot patrol, about 15 kilometres southwest of Kandahar City, in the Panjwayi District.

“Killed in action was Sergeant Martin Goudreault from 1 Combat Engineer Regiment, based in Edmonton, Alberta, and was serving in Afghanistan as a member of the 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group,” DND said.

“All members of Task Force Afghanistan are thinking of the family and friends of the fallen soldier during this difficult time. We will not forget this soldier’s sacrifice as we continue to bring security and hope to the people of Kandahar Province,” said a statement.

Defence Minister Peter MacKay said: ““On behalf of the Defence family, I extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Sergeant Martin Goudreault, who was killed by an improvised explosive device while investigating a suspected weapons cache.”

On his third tour of Afghanistan, “Sergeant Martin Goudreault served to help build a safe and stable future for Afghans, and he did so with honour and pride. This tragic loss is another example of the daily risks faced by the men and women of the Canadian Forces.”

The Sudbury, Ont., native is the 147th member of the Canadian military to die since the Afghan mission began in 2002, the first Canadian death since May 24, when Trooper Larry Rudd died, also when an improvised explosive device detonated in the Panjawaii district.

There’s no word yet from the Canadian Department of National Defence when the repatriation of Sergeant Martin Goudreault will take place.

We at Oye! Times humbly pay our respect to Sergeant Martin Goudreault's family and the loved ones he left behind.

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