Canadian soldier killed by improvised explosive device

Department of National Defence
News Release

************************

OTTAWA – A Canadian Forces member was killed by a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device while transiting through Kabul as a passenger on an International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) vehicle. The incident took place at approximately 11:30 a.m. (Kandahar time) on October 29, 2011. The incident has resulted in casualties to ISAF personnel.

Killed on operation was Master Corporal Byron Greff from the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, based in Edmonton, Alberta. He was serving as a mentor and trainer on Operation Attention, the Canadian Forces contribution to the NATO Training Mission in Afghanistan. His role was to advise Afghan National Army trainers who provide recruit training to Afghan soldiers.

The Canadian Contribution to the Training Mission-Afghanistan (CCTM-A) includes more than 900 Canadian Forces men and women who, with some 4500 other partners from 33 other nations in NTM-A, are enabling the growth, professionalization, and capacity building of the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police.

At this sad time, our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of our fallen Canadian comrade. Our primary focus at this time is to provide the best possible support to Master Corporal Greff's family and his colleagues.

Master Corporal Greff, his teammates, and the contingent of more than 900 Canadians serving with him in and around Kabul are there to provide training, leader development and capacity building. By the end of 2014, this training to the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police will provide security for Afghans who will ultimately take on this responsibility on their own.

Master Corporal Greff is a great Canadian soldier who was serving selflessly toward this mission. His teammates, CCTM-A, and the Canadian Forces remain committed to this mission to achieve peace, stability and security by Afghans for Afghans.

******

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement today on the death of Master Corporal Byron Garth Greff:

"On behalf of Canadians and of the Government of Canada, I would like to offer my most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Byron Garth Greff, who died while serving in Afghanistan.

Master Corporal Greff paid the ultimate price serving his country. His life and death serves as an example of the bravery and outstanding dedication of Canadian Armed Forces members on this mission.

Canada and its allies in this UN-sanctioned, NATO-led mission are helping the people of Afghanistan rebuild and redevelop their country after decades of war and turmoil.

The Government of Canada is particularly proud of the incredible work being performed by our Canadian Armed Forces members in Afghanistan. We are committed to supporting them as they forge ahead towards the international goal of creating a lawful, democratic and self-sufficient Afghanistan."

************************