The Town of Saint-Lazare would like to salute 3 soldiers from Saint-Lazare currently in Afghanistan, Corporal Chris Stafford, Corporal Dan Heron and Corporal Adrian Lévesque, of the Royal Montreal Regiment, Westmount, Quebec. They proudly represent their country and their regiment but they also are the pride of their city. In fact, in December, the corporal Adrian Lévesque have made a request to get flag of the city of Saint-Lazare in order to wave it in Kandahar and feel closer to home. The mayor was happy to grant his request.

Here is a brief overview of the men military career.

Corporal Chris Stafford (National Support Element "NSE"):
My name is Cpl. Chris Stafford, of the Royal Montreal Regiment, Canadian light infantry. I was born in Montreal in May of 1981 and spent the first 20 or so years of my life living Saddlebrooke, a development in the town of St-Lazare. I am currently serving overseas, in Kandahar province and am attached to NSE (National Support Element). I am a member of the small Force Protection Platoon charged with defense and security. In short our main purpose is convoy protection. Our platoon, plans, leads, provides security and delivers people and material wherever is needed. We are a dedicated crew and take seriously the responsibility of completing our missions and keeping our convoys and personnel under our charge safe and alive. We are among the soldiers of Task Force 03-10, the final group of combat soldiers from Canada in Afghanistan.

Corporal Dan Heron (National Support Element "NSE"):
My name is Cpl Dan Heron. I'm 20 years old and I've spent most of my life in Saddlebrook. I joined the Royal Montreal Regiment at 17, which has a proud tradition of encouraging and supporting its members who chose to go overseas. There are currently 10 Royal Montreal Regiment members in Afghanistan filling many different roles within Task Force Kandahar. In the short time we've been here we and our loved ones have benefitted tremendously from our home unit and our community's support. I am currently part of the National Support Element's Force Protection Platoon. This job has given me the great opportunity to see many different parts of Canada's challenging area of operations as we escort troops and equipment across the province. It's definitely a challenging and rewarding opportunity to be part of such a huge international effort to bring security to the people of Afghanistan.

Corporal Adrian Levesque (Stabilization A "STAB A"):
I am a reservist from the Royal Montreal Regiment; I have been in the Army for 3 1/2 years. I am attached to the Royal 22nd Regiment "Vandoos" Task Force Based out of Valcartier, Quebec. I am currently serving with the Stabilization A "Stab A" unit, Formerly named the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team "KPRT" (still performing the same duties and tasks). We Provide Transport and security to Many Non Government Organizations and many Canadian and American Members of Government (These people include Corrections Canada agents, RCMP, Municipal and Provincial Police from across Canada and members of the Canadian Government aiding and assisting the Afghan Government.) and many elements within the Canadian Forces as they focus their efforts towards the reconstruction and stabilization efforts in the Afghanistan and especially in Kandahar Province. The Task Force took part in a predeployement training which lasted a little over 6 months, before being deployed in early November. Our mission is to last until mid to late July. Having only been here for a short month I have seen the great efforts Canada has made to help this country in need.

Upon their return, the city will wave the flag at the Town hall to thank the dedication of these young men and to salute their courage and devotion of the corporals.