Slain soldier was committed to mission
OTTAWA — The father of Cpl. Anthony Boneca, the Canadian soldier killed in a fierce battle near Kandahar Sunday, defended Tuesday his son’s commitment to the mission and his ability to carry it out.
"Recent media reports state that my son may not have been prepared. His conversations with my family and me indicated he was well aware of the dangers around him and was committed to the test he had taken on," said Antonio Boneca, in a statement released through the Department of National Defense. "There is no question about the extent of his military training. I know he was well prepared for what he was sent to do."
Friends of Boneca however, have given a different account of the 21-year-old’s experience in Afghanistan. Dylan Bulloch, a friend from the soldier’s hometown of Thunder Bay, Ont., said Boneca confided to him in a recent telephone conversation that he was dissatisfied with the mission, that he was overworked, his morale was down and that he was not alone among his fellow soldiers in his confusion over Canada’s role in the war-torn country.
"He was saying he was overworked. He’s one of these people that are able to bounce back full of energy. And hearing him saying he was tired and his morale was down was a complete shock," Bulloch said.
In his last e-mails to friends and family, Boneca said he couldn’t wait to come home and likened the conditions in Afghanistan to living in "hell." In the family’s statement, Antonio Boneca acknowledged his son, who joined the reserves after graduating high school and was on his second tour of duty in Afghanistan, found the job challenging but that he loved being in the Canadian Forces.
"He said it was difficult to cope with the weather, the sand, and the situation the young children endured. He was proud to make a difference in their lives and said he wished these children could live like we do in Canada," said the statement. "My son volunteered to go to Afghanistan. Anthony knew what he was getting into. He loved being in the army and my wife, Shirley, and I supported our son whole-heartedly. In all my conversations with my son, there was never any mention of him not being well enough or fit enough to carry out his military duties."
The statement also addressed the issue of troop morale by saying, "Anthony knew he was part of a group that stuck together to do what they were sent to do."
Boneca was due to return home in about three weeks and according to his uncle William Babe, the young man had vowed never to return. The soldier’s grieving father said in his statement that his son’s enthusiasm for coming home to his family and girlfriend was only natural.
"Certainly, Anthony wanted to come home, but I ask what soldier wouldn't in that situation?"
Boneca has been described by his friends, family and fellow soldiers as a generous, intelligent, athletic and loyal person who will be missed greatly by the tight-knit neighbourhood where he grew up.
The 17th soldier to die in Afghanistan since 2002, Boneca’s remains will arrive at Canadian Forces Base Trenton Wednesday evening. Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean, Minister of Defence Gordon O’Connor and Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Rick Hillier are expected to attend the repatriation ceremony. The media will be allowed at the ceremony to take photos, but the family will not grant interviews.
© CanWest News Service 2006
