The bodies of two Petawawa-based medics killed in a bomb blast in Afghanistan will return to Canadian soil on Tuesday.
The military aircraft carrying the remains of Master Cpl. Kristal Giesebrecht, 34, and Pte. Andrew Miller, 21, is scheduled to land at CFB Trenton mid-afternoon.
Giesebrecht was on her second tour to Afghanistan and leaves behind her husband and stepson. She is the first female medic killed in Afghanistan.
Miller, who is originally from Sudbury, was on his first tour of duty.
The two were responding to an emergency in Kandahar City when their armoured vehicle hit a roadside bomb on Saturday.
"We all share the loss of this fantastic young woman who loved her family and loved serving her country. Our focus is now on supporting the Giesebrecht family and all members of the unit," said Lt.-Col. Richard Poirier.
Giesebrecht, who was remembered for her smile and dedication, belongs to an extended family that is well-known in the Ottawa Valley.
"A great family, a local family, an old family that have been tremendous supporters of our community," said Petawawa Mayor Bob Sweet.
Although Miller was new to CFB Petawawa, he left a lasting impression on his 2nd field ambulance unit.
"I spoke with his family (Saturday) night and it's plain to see that his personality from home came through at work as well. He was always one for laughing or jokes. It didn't matter if he was trouble or not, you just couldn't help but laugh or smile at him," said Maj. Erin Savage.
CFB Petawawa has lost three soldiers in less than one week. Sgt. James Macneil was killed on June 21.
Since 2002, 150 Canadian soldiers have died while serving in Afghanistan.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Karen Soloman
