Amid turmoil in Afghanistan, family of fallen Canadian soldier remembers his service
Global News
During the first 11 days of November, Leona Stock can take her memories to a special spot for her son Stephan. His name is written on a white cross in Calgary's Field of Crosses.
Every single day, she remembers.
But during the first 11 days of November, Leona Stock can take those memories to a special spot for her son Stephan. His name is written on a white cross adorned with his picture, a Canadian flag and a poppy in Calgary’s Field of Crosses.
It was at a high school career day where Stephan first learned about a possible future with the Canadian Armed Forces and took on training a short time later to become a combat engineer.
“He was hooked,” Leona recounted.
Stephan hugged his mom, dad and brother goodbye in February 2008 when he was deployed to Afghanistan. He was 24 years old.
Six months later, he was killed in the line of duty.
“He was killed Aug. 20, 2008,” Leona explained as tears filled her eyes. “They hit an IED (improvised explosive device.) Three of them didn’t make it.
Leona and her husband were able to go to Afghanistan for Remembrance Day in 2009.