Wednesday, October 3, 2012

** Texas Army special forces medic killed in Afghanistan;2,000th US military casualty

** Former Manitoba paramedic to run for leadership of Liberal Party of Canada?

UNITED STATES NEWS

** A decorated US combat medic from Texas was killed in Afghanistan Friday, making him the 2,000th US military casualty in that country. The Fayetteville Observer (April Dudash/October 1) said Sgt. 1st Class Riley Gene Stephens, 39, of Tolar died during a small arms fire skirmish in Wardak Province. According to the newspaper, Stephens was a medical sergeant with the 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Force Group (Airborne) based out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He was on his fifth deployment with the group and was to shortly be assigned to Fort Wainwright, Alaska’s 17th Infantry Regiment. A recipient of the Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device, he had also been given two other Bronze Star medals, a Purple Heart and various other commendations. He leaves behind a wife and three children. Funeral services are pending.

CANADA NEWS

** A former Manitoba paramedic from Oakbank has announced his intention to run for the leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada. The party’s website said Shane Geschiere, who is married and a father of two, is also a full time university student. According to his profile, the 32-year-old apparently worked EMS in his community for 7 years. Noting his lack of political experience as a p;is, Geschiere’s posts on the site indicate his pet interests to be education, daycare, pensions and Canada’s international profile. His bid for the top Liberal position comes at a time when the son of Pierre Trudeau has also tossed his hat into the ring, as has economist Jonathon Mousley. The leadership campaign officially begins November 13.