Auld gets Christmas gift in Afghanistan By David Lea OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF A Canadian soldier who is currently on his third tour of duty in Afghanistan has been awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. Maj. Fraser Auld, whose parents Doug and Donna Auld, live in Oakville, wrote home Christmas Day informing them he had received the honour. He said the medal came as a complete surprise to him. "Needless to say, Donna and I were thrilled with the news Christmas morning when we opened his e-mail," said his father Doug. "We are very proud of Fraser and his accomplishments in his chosen profession." Auld is currently serving a 13-month tour in Afghanistan, which will end in June. Doug said Auld is the executive assistant to Gen. J.R. Ferron, the man responsible for all the NATO training activity in Afghanistan. "Fraser works seven days a week. Mostly 12 hour days with Sunday mornings off," he said. "As he says, `It is a war zone and you do what is required.' Not an easy task, but he thrives on it." Auld served as a staff officer and lead tactical planner to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) during a previous 10-month deployment to Kandahar in 2008/2009. Auld served as second-in-command to a reconnaissance squadron during his first deployment to Kabul in 2005. This is not the first time Auld has been established in Kandahar's Zhari District. Dubbed Southern Vulture, the November 2009 operation lasted a week and involved Canadian and British soldiers, Afghan security forces and British helicopters. The operation ended with the seizure of several hundred pounds of explosives, a motorcycle that had been rigged with explosives, mines, drugs, weapons and ammunition. Several militants were also killed during the attack. In a lesser-known operation, Auld provided security and transportation to a group of civilians on a fact-finding mission to Spin Boldak, an Afghan city near the Pakistani border. Auld said the mission was important because the Afghan border is unregulated and uncontrolled with anyone and anything crossing at will. The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal was created to mark the 2012 celebrations of the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II accession to the throne. The medal is a way for Canada to honour the Queen for her service to the country while at the same time honouring significant contributions and achievements made by Canadians. 9 · Friday, January 11, 2013 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com Maj. Fraser Auld WOOD N' FLOOR We install all kinds of wood and laminate floors We will beat every written quote! We are licensed, insured serving Oakville residents since 1990 recognized for his service as he received the Chief of Defence Staff Commendation in 2010 from Canada's then Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Walter Natynczyk for his accomplishments during the 2008/2009 deployment. These accomplishments included a counter insurgency operation that targeted a number of IED (Improvised Explosive Device) factories 4.125" x 2.4837" "Refinish Your Wood Floor, Stairs and Railings Like New" W Call KAZ 905-338-1881 | www.woodnfloor.ca VISIt our wedneSdAy, open House on February 6 At HSC, I Am enCourAged to try new tHIngS. Outdoor Education provides pro opportunities for students to challenge challenge themselves. themselv In order to be a successful leader, you must have a team that is willing to work with you. - Nancy Rocca, Student Life Coordinator Hillfield Strathallan College is an independent day school for students from M2 and PK to Grade 12. Visit us at www.hsc.on.ca. We are accessible and affordable. Call Scott Barton 905-389-1367