Links to previously expressed sentiments on Sgt. Stachnik's passing below story - shared in accordance with the "fair dealing" provisions,
Section 29, of the
Copyright Act.
Alberta woman to stand for soldiers' mothers on Nov. 11
Don Retson, edmontonjournal.com, 7 Nov 08
Article link
A northern Alberta woman who lost her son to the war in Afghanistan has been named this year's
Silver Cross Mother (links to VAC fact sheet on National Silver Cross Mother).
Avril Dianna Stachnik of Waskatenau will lay a wreath at the base of the National War Memorial on Remembrance Day on behalf of all mothers who lost children in military service to their country.
Her son,
Sgt. Shane Hank Stachnik (links to VAC Canadian Virtual War Memorial entry), also of Waskatenau, was killed in Afghanistan on Sept. 3, 2006, while taking part in Operation Medusa. He was ambushed while leading his section during a ground offensive against the Taliban in southern Afghanistan.
Besides his parents, Avril and Hank, he left behind his common-law spouse, Darcy Mitton, and two children, Elliot and Samnantha, ages 10 and 12. He was engaged to be married upon his return from his second tour of duty in Afghanistan.
The National Silver Cross Mother is chosen annually by The Royal Canadian Legion to represent the mothers of Canada at the National Remembrance Day Ceremony in Ottawa on Nov. 11.
Waskatenau is about 100 kilometres northeast of Edmonton.
dretson@thejournal.canwest.com
Avril Stachnik of Waskatenau, Alberta is introduced as the 2008 Memorial (Silver) Cross Mother during a news conference at the Beechwood National Military Cemetery in Ottawa.
Previous Army.ca condolences, thoughts, prayers & memories shared:
http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/49754.0/all.html
http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/49679.0/all.html