#WarriorWednesday: Honoring Pte Jess Larochelle

Attention Battalion! Fall in and brace yourselves for an epic tale of valour, grit, and indomitable spirit this #WarriorWednesday. We spotlight Private Jess Larochelle of the 1st Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group.

The date? October 14, 2006. The place? Pashmul, Afghanistan. Pte Larochelle at his observation post when the devil in the form of an enemy rocket razed it. Alone, and with injuries that would have seen lesser men down and out and with the relentless enemy fire encroaching, he didn't waver. His fierce determination to provide covering fire safeguarded the otherwise vulnerable flank of his company's position.

The initial ambush took two of our brave and wounded three. But, thanks to Larochelle's tenacity, the rest of the company could stand their ground, repelling a horde of over 20 insurgents. Because of him, many in his company lived to tell the tale.

Since that fateful day, our vets and active CAF members have tirelessly championed for Jess to receive the VC. Their voices have been joined by 30K others, pleading for recognition. Yet, our government's ears remain frustratingly and disappointingly closed.

The winds of time and health took Jess from us on August 31, 2023. But heroes like him…They never truly die. They live on, inspiring and reminding us of the lengths humans go to protect their brethren.

Lift your heads high, Battalion, and remember Private Jess Larochelle - the very embodiment of sacrifice, courage, and honour.

RSM Riggs, over and out