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Executive Council
August 30, 2010

Premier Expresses Condolences to Family of Corporal Brian Pinksen

The Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, said, "Words cannot express the profound grief of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians as we learned of the death of Corporal Brian Pinksen of Corner Brook, who succumbed to injuries he sustained while serving his country in Afghanistan."

With his family by his side, Corporal Pinksen passed away on Monday at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. He had been moved to Germany after sustaining severe injuries in Afghanistan on August 22 when an improvised explosive device detonated during a routine patrol in the Panjwa'i District, southwest of Kandahar City. A member of the Corner Brook-based 2nd Battalion, The Royal Newfoundland Regiment, Corporal Pinksen was serving in Afghanistan with the 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group.

"Corporal Pinksen was only 21, just starting out on his life's journey; yet even in the short time he was with us, he has left a powerful legacy of service that has impacted people across Canada and halfway around the world," said Premier Williams. "Corporal Pinksen was serving with his whole heart because he loved what he was doing and was absolutely convinced he was making a real difference — and indeed he was. How humbled we are by the inspiring example he has set and the enormous sacrifice he has made to bring freedom to strangers and security to the people of our own country."

"My heart goes out to Corporal Pinksen's family, his fellow soldiers and his many friends, and I assure them that the thoughts and prayers of hundreds of thousands of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are embracing all of them at this time of terrible sorrow. Brian was a true hero, and he will never be forgotten," said Premier Williams.

Flags at Confederation Building are being flown at half staff to honour Corporal Pinksen.

Media contacts:

Elizabeth Matthews
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca
Andrea Nolan
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
709-729-4304, 727-0991
andreanolan@gov.nl.ca

2010 08 30                                                     8:50 p.m.


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