Canadian Master Corporal Kristal Giesebrecht dies fighting the enemy in Afghanistan

Monday, 28 June 2010 10:16

Written by Alan Rogers

Master Corporal Kristal Giesebrecht, 34, was attached to a unit that was on its way to deal with a mine that had been found in the doorway of a home when the vehicle she was in detonated an improvised explosive device.

Master Cpl. Giesebrecht was a medical technician attached to the 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group.

The incident occurred at 11 a.m. about 20 kilometres southwest of Kandahar City.

“Although we cannot say for certain that these medical personnel were targeted deliberately, it is for certain that the threat to Afghans stemming from the influence of out of area fighters at this time of year is very serious,” said Brigadier-General Jonathan Vance, the commander of Task Force Kandahar.

“Medical technicians are indispensible to the work being done by Canadian and Afghan soldiers. They participate in every Canadian Forces patrol and operation,” Brig.-Gen. Vance said.

“It is because of their dedicated and skilful work, often under fire, that many Canadian, coalition, and Afghan soldiers and civilians are alive today.”

Master Cpl. Giesebrecht is the third Canadian woman to be killed in a combat situation.

“Kristal loved life to the fullest. She was a wonderful friend, always opening her heart to everyone in need.”— Brigadier-General Jonathan Vance

Brig.-Gen. Vance said Master Cpl. Giesebrecht was born in Wallaceburg, Ont., and was a member of 1 Canadian Field Hospital, based at CFB Petawawa.

He said she was married and a fit, dedicated and fun-loving medical technician serving on her second tour in Afghanistan.

“She was a mentor and an inspiration for her fellow medical technicians. Kristal loved life to the fullest. She was a wonderful friend, always opening her heart to everyone in need,” Brig.-Gen. Vance said.

“Kristal prided herself on her health and fitness, although she always felt the solution to any problem could be found in a box of chocolates.”

As of today, Canada has lost 149 soldiers in the war in Afghanistan since 2002.

We at Oye! Times humbly pay our respect to Master Corporal Kristal Giesebrecht's family and the loved ones she left behind.

Please leave a comment or condolences for our fallen soldier.