| MS.
JONES: |
I rise in this House today to join many of my colleagues
who have paid tribute to the young people serving their
country in war-torn regions of the world. I am pleased
to pay tribute today to Corporal Darren Butt who
returned from Kandahar, Afghanistan, last month and was
in his hometown of Pinware last week where he received a
hero’s welcome.
Mr. Speaker, Corporal Darren Butt has just finished
up a ten-month stint in Afghanistan, where he served
close-quarter protection for Major-General Marc Lessard.
Mr. Butt joined the army in 2003 and underwent basic
training in CFB Esquimalt, British Columbia. He then
attended battle school in Meaford, Ontario, at the Land
Force Central Area Training Centre. He has been based in
Petawawa with his family since that time.
Mr. Speaker, Corporal Butt was welcomed home to
Pinware by a group of family and friends to great music
and wonderful food. Mayor Neal Pike as well as Mayor
Agnes Pike from the neighbouring community of West St.
Modeste were on hand for the celebration. Corporal Butt
was accompanied by his fiancée, Melissa Rumbolt and
their two children Chloe and Cody.
Mr. Speaker, Mr. Butt spoke recently to the local
newspaper of witnessing significant changes in
Afghanistan during his time there, and was very proud
that he was able to play a part in this. He stated,
"It’s a privilege to step into a country where
they’re underprivileged, and actually see development
as in roads and schools, hospitals, and to see the look
on their faces when you drive through and they’re
happy to see you coming because you make a difference.
Their life is a bit happier from me being there."
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members of this House to join
with me in honouring Corporal Darren Butt and the many
other Canadian Forces members from this Province who are
so bravely representing our country for the benefit of
all of us.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. |
