I rise today to recognize and
congratulate Corporal Kirk Keeping of Port aux Basques,
on being awarded the Chief of the Defence Staff
Commendation.
On May 16, 2008, Corporal Keeping, while on joint
Canadian and Afghan patrol, was attacked by a suicide
bomber in Zhari District, Afghanistan. After helping
extract the casualties, he immediately took charge of
their treatment by supervising fellow soldiers as they
provided first aid and helped establish on-scene
security with the aim of preventing a second attack.
Corporal Keeping’s decisive actions and skilled
treatment saved the life of a seriously wounded Afghan
soldier. This was Kirk’s second tour of duty at
Afghanistan.
Corporal Keeping received the Chief of the Defence
Staff Commendation at Gander in December of 2010.
Corporal Keeping is the son of Melvin and Faye
Keeping of Port aux Basques. Kirk is currently stationed
at Gander.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members of this House to join
with me in extending thanks to Corporal Keeping on his
service to our country and congratulations on being
awarded the Chief of the Defence Staff Commendation. All
the best to Kirk Keeping and his family.
