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www.oakvillebeaver.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, July 9, 2010 · 2 Oakville soldier recognized for heroism in Afghanistan n By David Lea OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Warrant Officer Rene Kiens An Oakville soldier has been recognized for the role he played in beating back a Taliban ambush on May 6, 2008. In June of this year Governor General Michaelle Jean announced that Master Warrant Officer Rene Kiens, 44, a graduate of Queen Elizabeth Park High School, was among six soldiers being mentioned in dispatches for specific achievements that have brought honour to the Canadian Forces and to Canada. To be mentioned in dispatches is described as a national honour created to recognize members of the Canadian Forces, on active service, for valiant conduct, devotion to duty or other distinguished service. Recipients of this honour receive a bronze oak leaf on the appropriate campaign or service medal ribbon. For Kiens, the distinguished service he was recognized for dates back to his first tour of duty in Afghanistan in 2008. On May 6 of that year, Kiens was on patrol with the Canadian Forces Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team in Zhari District when insurgents ambushed him and his fellow soldiers. A citation, supplied by the Canadian Forces, describes Kiens' actions that day. "Master Warrant Officer Kiens immediately moved with a group of soldiers to a flanking position and neutralized the initial threat," reads the citation. "Upon hearing that the remainder of the patrol had taken casualties, he pushed through fierce resistance into the area of heaviest fire to repel the enemy and extract the casualties. Master Warrant Officer Kiens' courageous leadership and unflinching composure inspired the soldiers to persevere throughout this deadly ambush." While some people might brag about being recognized for such heroism Joe Kiens, Kiens' father, said he only found out from his son's wife Anna that Kiens was receiving this honour. "It's amazing and I have such respect for what he did," said Joe. "He got his men out I really respect that." Joe said Kiens had been fascinated with the military ever since the family took a trip to Arnhem in the Netherlands when Kiens was only seven years old. The area had seen intense fighting during the Second World War and Joe said this made an impression on Kiens. Shortly thereafter Kiens joined the Oakville Air Cadets and eventually joining the Canadian Forces Reserves at 17 and the regular forces at 19. Kiens has seen multiple deployments during his career with the military, including two tours of duty in the Balkins, a tour in Sierra Leone, a tour in Somalia and two tours in Afghanistan. Kiens is currently stationed in Edmonton, Alberta. Joe described Kiens as the type of person who always sticks up for his men. As a result, those Kiens works with think the world of him, Joe said. "He didn't pull rank," said Joe. "He's one of the guys, but still gets respect from them." Joe said his son has also served as a parachute instructor, completing HALO (high altitude low oxygen) jumps at 32,000 feet, and has trained with various elite forces, such as the British SAS (Special Air Service) and American Navy Seals. In his spare time, Joe said, his son enjoys music, camping and spending time with his wife Anna, who is also in the military, and two children Logan, 13, and Gabrielle 11. EXPERIENCE THE HALTON VACUUM DIFFERENCE POWER PERFORMER 600 air watts of cleaning power Strong enough for most homes Electric Powerhead and hose kit Complete set of attachments BIG BEAM SUMMER SALE Bonus $ only 699 99 RECEIVE ALL 3 ITEMS FREE WITH PURCHASE OF BIG BEAM SUMMER SALE PACKAGE! WHILE QUANTITIES LAST Hose Cover $50 value · 500 air watts · Powerful enough for most homes · Electric Powerhead and hose · Complete set of attachments Great Value Performer $ only Save $500 OFF M.S.R.P . $1200.00 269 499 99 Save on Powerhead & Hose Sets from $ 99 Model #0020E Accessories on Sale ITEM SALE SAVE M.S.R.P. Dust Mop Head $50 value Model #0020E Garage Kit $50 value Model #BU200 BEAM Electric Package #012268 Save $270 OFF M.S.R.P. $770.00 Model #SC275 Mop Head Garage Kit Vac Pan Combo Tool Hose Cover $49.99 $39.99 $39.99 $24.99 $42.99 $10.00 $10.00 0 $10.00 0 $5.00 $10 $10.00 . $59.99 $49.99 $49.99 $29.99 $52.99 SALES · SERVICE · SELECTION · QUALITY BRANDS · INSTALLATION 905-257-6145 ND DU Mon.-Fri.10-5:30 Sat. 10-3, Sun. Closed RR Voted Best Vacuum Store D. Since 1999 UP PE R M Beside Scotia Bank AF AL GA ID DL E Oakville's healthy home headquarters! Trafalgar Ridge Shopping Plaza 2379 Trafalgar Road (in the Winners/HomeSense pla ) aza) DU ND AS ST .E ST .W . TR AS RD .E N .