Most of what comes out of Afghanistan is the crap about corruption, inefficiency and the failure to dislodge the Taliban..

but buried in all that is some real gusty effort by a few who deserve to have their stories told to a much bigger audience..

Here's a small token of appreciation..too bad it didn't get the media coverage all the bad stuff gets.

Captain Nichola Goddard 26 - KIA.. posthumous Meritorious Service Medal
Private Kevin Dallaire 22 - KIA Mentioned in Despatches

a few among many who fell..
but, they were in good company..
Sgt. Patrick Tower was awarded the Star of Military Valour - the very first recipiant of this medal." Sgt. Tower is recognized for valiant actions taken on Aug. 3, 2006, in the Pashmul region of Afghanistan. Following an enemy strike against outlying friendly positions that resulted in numerous casualties, Sgt. Tower assembled the platoon medic and a third soldier and led them across 150 metres of open terrain, under heavy enemy fire, to render assistance. On learning that the acting platoon commander had perished. Sgt. Tower assumed command and led the successful extraction of the force under comntinuous small arms fire and rocket-propelled-grenade fire. Sgt. Tower's courage and devotion to duty contributed directly to the survival of the remaining platoon members. "

Sgt. Michael Denine, Medal of Military Valour " On May 17, while sustaining concentrated RPG, machine gun and small arms fire, the main cannon and the machine gun on his light armoured vehicle malfunctioned. Under intense enemy fire, he recognized the immediate need to suppress the enemy fire and exited the air sentry hatch to man the pintle-mounted machine gun. Completely exposed to enemy fire, he laid down a high volume of suppressive fire, forcing the enemy to withdraw. Sgt. Denine's valiant action ensured mission success and likely saved the lives of his crew.

Master- Corporal Colin Fitzgerald, Medal of Military Valour ' outstanding selfless and valiant actions carried out on May 24, 2006 during an on-going enemy ambush involving intense and accurate enemy fire.
MC Fitzgerald repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire by entering and re-entering a burning platoon vehicle and successfully driving it off the roadway, permitting the remaining vehicles trapped in the enemy zone to break free. MC Fitzgerald's courageous and completely selfless actions were instrumental top his platoons successful egress and undoubtedly contributed to saving the lives of his fellow platoon members.

Private Jason Lamont a medic MMV July 13.. " an element of the reconnaisance platoon came under heavy enemy fire from a compound located in Helmond Province, and was isolated from the rest of the platoon. During the firefight, another soldier was shot while attempting to withdraw back to the firing line and was unable to continue. without regard for his personal safety,Pte. Lamont, under concentrated enemy fire and witrh no organized suppression by friendly forces, sprinted through open terrain to administer first aid. His actions demonstrated tremendous courage, selflessness and devotion to duty.

On the day that Sgt. Tower earned his medal, four Canadian soldiers were killed in that action. according to reporters on the scene, the battle was nightmarish and horific. Sgt. Tower was not only courageous but remained calm enough to take care of his troops in ways great and small and was sufficiently devoted that once having lead his men to safety he was ready to go back out into the thick of the danger. As he told CO Ian Hope and RSM Randy Northrup [who were both awarded Meritorious Service Crosses ] that he was " Good To Go, Sir "

The SMV and MMV have a wonderful understated phrase I love: The awards are given for acts of valour, self-sacrifice and devotion to duty " IN THE PRESENCE OF THE ENEMY "..

Well done boys and girl...

Well done indeed!

Courage under fire. An exceptional job. My hat is off to those fine Soldiers. Well done, gents.
Rest easy, men.
Know the line was held.

Awe inspiring acts by those men. If only everyone saw it.

Thank you Canadian Military and families.