Scott Vernelli returns to Canada tomorrow

MEDIA ADVISORY

DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENCE

************************* Our fallen soldiers return home OTTAWA, ONTARIO -(March 22, 2009) - Our fallen soldiers, Master Corporal Scott Francis Vernelli and Corporal Tyler Crooks, of The 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, based at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa and Trooper Corey Joseph Hayes and Trooper Jack Bouthillier of the Royal Canadian Dragoons based at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa, will return home to Canada on Monday, March 23, 2009.

Where: 8 Wing, Canadian Forces Base Trenton, Ontario.

When: Monday, March 23, 2009 at 2 p.m.

What: At the wishes of the families, media will be permitted on the tarmac.

Present to pay their respects will be Her Excellency The Governor General of Canada, The Right Honourable Michaelle Jean, Minister of National Defence, The Honourable Peter MacKay, Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, Vice-Admiral Denis Rouleau and other dignitaries.

Master Corporal Vernelli and Corporal Crooks were killed and five other soldiers were injured when an improvised explosive device detonated in the vicinity of a dismounted patrol in Zhari District, west of Kandahar City at approximately 6:45 a.m. Kandahar time on March 20, 2009.

One local national interpreter was killed and one was injured in this attack.

Trooper Hayes and Trooper Bouthillier were killed and three other soldiers were injured when their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device in Shah Wali Khot District, north-east of Kandahar City at approximately 8:45 a.m. Kandahar time on March 20.

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