APRIL 10, 2007 - 12:30 ET
Family Statement: Statement from the Family of Corporal Brent Poland
TORONTO, ONTARIO--(CCNMatthews - April 10, 2007) - Brent was our dear son, brother, uncle, nephew and cousin.
Brent graduated with a History degree from York University and a Media Arts degree from Ryerson University.
In his thirties, Brent chose to follow his heart and his passion. He enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces where he volunteered for a career as an infantry soldier.
He thrived in his chosen field, and was excited about taking part in this deployment to Afghanistan. He believed in this mission and he would not for a moment want his death to be the cause of any wavering will or political opportunism concerning the worthiness of the mission of Afghanistan.
He told us before he left that he saw this tour as his chance to help in the effort to bring peace and stability for the people of Afghanistan. He was inspired by the thought that his efforts might help to ensure that little girls had the chance to go to school and women might be given an opportunity to thrive in an environment free of brutal oppression.
Brent was a good, strong and loving man. He was a proud soldier and proud Canadian. Our family is devastated by his death, but take comfort knowing that he died doing what he wanted to do, in an honourable cause and in the service of country.
We are so very proud of Brent's service and willingness to endure adversity to accomplish the goals of his heart. He is in every sense our hero and he will always be.
The family would also like to thank all of our dear friends and family who have given us such tremendous support in these early days of our grief.
Note to the editors: The Department of National Defence is publishing this statement at the request of the family.
I spent part of tonite at Brent's visitation. It was moving and eerie experience. I recognized his last name as his brother is a prominent local reservist. Brent however we never heard about until he died. I went to honour him and remind myself of the personal costs of war. Its easy to be in favour of something when you do not face up to the costs.
