As another group of Edmonton-based soldiers make their way to Afghanistan, one soldier who had to give up his career in the military after losing both of his legs in a suicide bombing, says the mission is still worth fighting for.
"When I had to hand in my uniform and hand in all my equipment that was a tough day, that was difficult because I will never be a solider again," said Master Corporal Paul Franklin.
Franklin quit the military last month and now focuses his time on speaking engagements. Despite losing both of his legs, the ten-year veteran of the Canadian Forces says he whole-heartedly believes in the mission in Afghanistan.
"That's one of the reasons I do these speeches," said Franklin. "I think it's important to tell those stories because I actually believe in it. I believe in the Afghan people."
Franklin's words come as a major encouragement to soldiers currently in Afghanistan and to the 120 Edmonton-based soldiers who were deployed Sunday.
"That gives us a real boost," said Col. Jerome Walsh. "We've lost a number of very brave and courageous soldiers."
On Sunday NATO forces lost even more; eight American soldiers were killed in a day-long fight with the Taliban, one of the bloodiest battles since the mission began.
Andy Knight, Chair of the University of Alberta Political Science Department believes there will continue to be a large number of casualties if the military doesn't shift to a humanitarian focus soon.
"This war, I've been saying for a long time, is an unwinnable war using military strategy," said Knight.
However, sentiments like Knight's are difficult for a man who sacrificed his legs to hear. Franklin believes fighting will one day come to an end, giving way for the reconstruction of Afghanistan.
"I helped protect other peoples' lives as my friends helped protect other lives and my friends helped save my life," he said. "That's the piece I always think about."
Franklin officially retires from the Canadian Forces in November.
With files from Scott Roberts
