This evening, a dignified transfer of remains ceremony for Bombardier Patrick Labrie took place at MacDonald-Cartier International Airport in Ottawa, Ontario, as our fallen soldier arrived home.
Bombardier Labrie died as a result of injuries sustained during parachute training as part of Exercise SWIFT RESPONSE 19 in Cheshnegirovo, Bulgaria on June 17, 2019.
Family members of Bombardier Patrick Labrie, along with his brothers and sisters in arms were present to pay their respects during a dignified and honourable ceremony in Ottawa. During this difficult time, the Canadian Armed Forces' priority is caring for the bereaved family and respecting their needs and wishes.
Funeral arrangements for Bombardier Patrick Labrie have not yet been confirmed and will be communicated at a later date.
"Today is a hard day for the 2nd Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery (2 RCHA). We are grieving the sudden loss of one of our own - Bombardier Patrick Labrie - who was tragically killed while participating in Exercise SWIFT RESPONSE 19. Our thoughts are with Patrick's family and friends who are no doubt struggling with the loss of such a fine young soldier. 2 RCHA is a family and as a family, we mourn together."
Lieutenant-Colonel Dan Matheson, Commanding Officer of 2nd Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery
Quick facts
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Bombardier Patrick Labrie, from Buckingham, Quebec, enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces in August 2013, as an artillery soldier and served the majority of his service with the 2nd Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery based in Petawawa, Ontario.
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Bombardier Patrick Labrie was deployed to eastern Europe in 2018 as part of the Canadian-led multinational NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group Latvia with the 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment.
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The 2nd Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery (2 RCHA) is part of 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group based in Petawawa, Ontario. 2 RCHA has operated and trained throughout the world and across the spectrum of operations, including: humanitarian relief in Turkey, Honduras, Haiti, and Pakistan; peacekeeping in Cyprus and Bosnia; and war-fighting in Korea and Afghanistan.
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Exercise SWIFT RESPONSE 19 is a United States-led multinational airborne field training exercise in Bulgaria, Croatia and Romania enabling the U.S. military and other NATO Allies to advance airborne interoperability.
