Slain soldier was 'well-prepared,' father says
The father of a 21-year-old reservist killed in Afghanistan is rejecting reports that his son was misled and ill-prepared for his mission.
In a written statement issued by the defence department, Antonio Boneca said his son Anthony "knew what he was getting into" when he volunteered to go to Afghanistan.
"He loved being in the Army and my wife, Shirley and I, supported our son whole-heartedly," wrote Antonio Boneca, who is from Thunder Bay, Ont.
"In all my conversations with my son, there was never any mention of him not being well enough or fit enough to carry out his military duties."
"Recent media reports state that my son may not have been prepared. His conversations with my family and me indicated he was well aware of the dangers around him and was committed to the test he had taken on. "
Anthony Boneca was killed Sunday morning as international and Afghan soldiers moved into a region west of Kandahar City.
An uncle of Anthony said his nephew was disillusioned with the army. Also, the father of Boneca's girlfriend said Boneca felt misled by the military and wasn't properly trained for his missions. He said he wanted out so badly that he even considered pretending to be suicidal to get discharged.
Antonio Boneca said his son acknowledged it was difficult to cope with the "weather, the sand, and the situation the young children endured."
But he wrote that his son was "proud to make a difference in their lives and said he wished these children could live like we do in Canada."
"Certainly, Anthony wanted to come home, but I ask what soldier wouldn't in that situation? There is no question about the extent of his military training. I know he was well prepared for what he was sent to do."
Boneca's body is expected to be returned to Canada on Thursday around 7 p.m. Media will have some access to the repatriation ceremony. The Conservatives had initially banned media coverage of repatriation ceremonies but later reversed their decision, saying it is now up to the family to decide.