Sgt Gregory John Kruse, CD
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We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Gregory John Kruse, CD, a Combat Engineer from 2 Combat Engineer Regiment based in Petawawa, ON. Sergeant Kruse was on his third overseas tour of duty when he was killed in Afghanistan on 27 December 2008 when an explosive device was detonated while he was conducting security operations in the Panjwayi District.
Originally from Gaspé, QC, his family considered New Brunswick home as he had been stationed at CFB Gagetown for most of his career. Born in 1968 in Campbellton, NB, Gregory joined the Canadian Forces in 1989 and completed his recruit training at the Canadian Forces Recruit School. Upon completion of his basic military engineer training at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering (CFSME) Canadian forces Base Chilliwack, he was posted to 4 Engineer Support Regiment (4 ESR) CFB Gagetown, NB.
Sergeant Kruse's tour of duty with 4 ESR lasted for 11 years where he progressed to the rank of Master Corporal. During this time he deployed with elements of 4 ESR on three occasions. The first, in 1994, was a two-month surge to Croatia in support of 1 Combat Engineer Regiment to undertake mine clearance operations. Sgt Kruse also deployed in 1999 for a six-month mission to Bosnia in support of OP PALLADIUM and in 2001 to Eritrea with Task Force East Africa where he was employed as a Water Supply Detachment Commander.
In 2002 Sgt Kruse was posted to CFSME for a five-year period as a Conventional Munitions, Mine Warfare and Demolition Instructor and eventually became the Second-in-Command of the Demolitions Cell. He was posted to 2 Combat Engineer Regiment in 2007 where he was employed as a Section Commander with 4 Troop, 24 Field Squadron. Sgt Kruse deployed to Afghanistan in August 2008.
Funeral and Memorial Service will be held at CFB Petawawa RC Chapel (St Francis of Assisi) on 5 January 2008 at 1100 hrs. Dress is Service Dress with Medals. Reception to follow in RC Chapel Annex. Interment will be at Beechwood National Military Cemetery, Ottawa on 6 January at 1400 hrs. Dress is Service Dress with Medals.{khFeb2018}