01/16/2024
Today we remember and honour Sergeant John Faught, who was killed fourteen years ago today while proudly serving our country in Afghanistan.
On January 16th, 2010, Sergeant John Wayne Faught, aged 44, a member of the 1st Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based at CFB Edmonton, Alberta, was killed after stepping on an improvised explosive device while conducting a joint foot patrol in the Panjwai District, approximately 15 kilometres southwest of Kandahar City. He was the first Canadian casualty in the war torn country in 2010.
Sergeant Faught, a section commander with Delta Company, 1 Princess Patricia’s, was leading a joint foot patrol in the village of Nakhoney with a unit from the Afghan National Army when he stepped on an improvised explosive device. Sgt. Faught was killed instantly in the explosion, no other injuries were reported. The incident occurred at around 2 p.m. local time.
At Kandahar Air Field, more than a thousand people - most of them military personnel - attended the ramp ceremony in honour of Sgt. Faught.
The career soldier was saluted for his dedication, bravery and efforts to protect those under his command, at any cost.
"He was a leader who led from the front and always put the needs of his soldiers above his own," Padre Dennis Newhook said, leading a sombre prayer.
"He was known for his methodical and deliberate approach to soldiering, ensuring that the safety of his troops was paramount. Many of his younger section looked to him as a father figure. Sgt. Faught knew his troops and his troops knew him," Padre Newhook continued.
Padre Newhook prayed that the ideals to which Sgt. Faught dedicated his life would be remembered by his fellow soldiers.
"He loved life and he loved the army, but he loved being with his soldiers the most," the chaplain said.
"Sgt. Faught died as he lived, leading and protecting his soldiers."
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement on the death in Afghanistan of Sergeant John Wayne Faught:
"It is with great sorrow that I extend my condolences, and those of all Canadians, to the family and friends of Sergeant John Wayne Faught, who died today in Afghanistan. He was killed by an improvised explosive device while on a joint Afghan National Army-Canadian Battle Group dismounted security patrol in the Panjwayi District.
"I join with Canadians, who stand proudly with our men and women of the Canadian Forces as they courageously risk their lives every day to bring peace and security to the people of Afghanistan.
"The courage demonstrated by Sergeant Faught speaks volumes of his dedication to our country and to this mission. Canada will remain steadfast, and Taliban attacks will not deter our efforts to help Afghanistan achieve peace and stability.
"Sergeant Faught was helping to bring back hope to a population that has seen much hardship and turmoil. He gave his life not only to protect Canadians and our national interests, but also to provide hope to Afghans for a better future.
"The sacrifice Sergeant John Wayne Faught made in the name of Canada and the Canadian people will not be forgotten."
🍁
Sergeant John Wayne Faught was born on April 20th, 1965 in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. He joined the military on May 29th, 1990, and upon completion of Battle School in Wainwright, Alberta, he was posted to 2 PPCLI in December of 1990.
Sgt. Faught served in all three of the Regiment's battalions and he even served with E Company (TOW) as part of the Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadian). Sgt. Faught was a seasoned soldier, he deployed to Croatia, twice to Bosnia, and three times to Afghanistan. His current deployment was as a Section Commander in 11 Platoon, Delta Company of the Task Force 3-09 Battle Group.
Sgt. Faught was very much the father figure of his section. His soldiers fondly referred to him as "Toast" because he was "hard and crusty". Sgt. Faught was a career soldier and he took immense pride in taking care of and mentoring the soldiers in his section.
A career soldier, "his life revolved around the army," said Brigadier-General Daniel Ménard, commander of Task Force Kandahar. "He could always be counted on to tell it like it is when asked for his opinion."
"For some, he was a brother, for others, a father. He protected them and looked out for them, very much as a father would. He was a very conscientious and thorough section commander who always put the needs of his soldiers above his own. To all he was an exceptional soldier," said Ménard.
Faught’s family said they are very proud of his service in Afghanistan. "It was something he was committed to. He believed in Canadians being there. He always wanted to help everybody but himself. He would give you the shirt off his back. He was a good man.”
Faught believed in the profession of arms and was an inspiration to all who soldiered with him. The Regiment has not only lost a great leader, we have lost a great friend and a true character. He had planned to serve two more years before retiring from the military.
John Wayne Faught, beloved son of Donna and Dan Crosson, and the late Wayne Faught (Joan Parizeau). Brother of Shawna Faught. Stepbrother of Chad Crosson, Craig Crosson (Mardi) and Joanne Brock (Bob). Special friend to Darla Bruneau and her children Cassandra, Larissa and Amanda. John had many dear family and friends who will fondly remember him.
–Compiled by Mr. Sean Wilson.
🇨🇦 FIRST IN THE FIELD 🇨🇦
"Courage is rightly esteemed the first of human qualities, because it is the quality that guarantees all others." –Winston Churchill
"Greater love hath no man than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends." –John 15:13
🇨🇦 LEST WE FORGET 🇨🇦
