Corporal Andrew Grenon
Corporal Andrew Grenon
Corporal Andrew Paul Grenon was born in Windsor, Ontario 19 January 1985. He graduated from St Joseph’s High School in 2002 and joined the Canadian Forces in 2004. He was posted to 2 PPCLI upon completion of his Basic Infantry Qualification course in 2004. This was Corporal Grenon's second tour of duty in Afghanistan.
He is described by his peers as having a Warrior’s heart, a brave soldier who absolutely believed in the Afghanistan mission, and who died doing what he loved - helping the people of Afghanistan. Corporal Grenon was a proud and dedicated soldier who was highly respected by his commanders and the soldiers he served with. He received the Canadian Expeditionary Force Commander’s (CEFCOM) Commendation in Afghanistan.
Corporal Grenon died on active service near the village of Pashmul in Zharey District, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan on 3 September 2008 while with the Second Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry Battle Group. Corporal Grenon and two other soldiers were killed during a firefight with insurgents when their vehicle was struck by an anti-armour weapon. Five other soldiers were wounded in the engagement.
He will be missed by his mom Theresa Charbonneau and stepdad Matthew, his father Paul Grenon and stepmom Cecile, his brother Matthew Charbonneau, his girlfriend Krista Sierens, and his family and friends.
Personal Statement
Why we Fight
By Andrew Grenon
I’ve often asked myself why we are here. Why my government actually agreed to send troops to this God-forsaken place.
There are no natural resources. No oil, gold, or silver. Just people.
People who have been at war for the last 40 plus years. People who want nothing more than their children to be safe. People who will do anything for money; even give their own life.
I look into the eyes of these people. I see hate, destruction, and depression. I see love, warmth, kindness and appreciation. Why do we fight?
For in this country, there are monsters. Monsters we could easily fight on a different battlefield, at a different time. Monsters that could easily take the fight to us.
Surrounding these mud walls and huts is a country in turmoil. A country, that is unable to rebuild itself. A country that cannot guarantee a bright future for its youth. Why do we fight?
Because, if we don’t fight today, on THIS battlefield, then our children will be forced to face these monsters on our own battlefield.
I fight because I am a soldier. I fight because I am ordered. I fight, so my children won’t have to.