Monday, 12 Feb 2007

Valentine’s day isn’t for everyone

One of my former NCOs was killed in Afghanistan not too long ago. Bobby Girouard, the Regimental Sargent Major of 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, was one of the casualties when the armoured vehicles of the CO’s tactical command post were attacked by the enemy.

I remember Bobby Girouard as one of the most unflappable men I have ever met. We were in J Company, 2 RCR, together, I a newly commissioned officer commanding a platoon, he the company quartermaster. He always had a smile in his eyes, even when he was frowning at you (and given that I was a young subaltern, that was quite a bit, of course!). Others always told me that my time in command of a Platoon would be some of the best years of my life, and Warrant Officer Girouard (as he was then) was a big part of the reason why that was certainly true for me. As is the grand tradition in the British regimental system, the NCOs are more than just the backbone of the army — they are the ones who teach and grow their new young officers into seasoned commanders. It is no surprise to me that he was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer. I was privileged to know him.

As Valentine’s day approaches and we are all inundated with thoughts of love, passion, and chocolate, it’s easy to forget that there are many who have lost loved ones and for whom this day must be the purest form of torture. My condolences to Jackie at what must, I’m sure, be an insane time. He will be missed.

AfC

bobby-girourard, posted by Andrew Cowie in personal/remembrance at 2007-02-12T07:41:45Z

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