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Nov-11-2007 07:26printcomments

Soldier's Wife Tells Her Side of the Story

The wife of a Canadian infantry soldier is producing a CD/DVD to benefit troops there.

Mandi and Dwayne in Ottawa
Mandi and Dwayne in Ottawa

(OTTAWA, Canada) - The wife of a Canadian soldier who served recently in Afghanistan has created a video that tells the story of her husband's deployment or "rotation" through her eyes; one of great concern and immense pride.

Mandi Kostiuk-Hein's husband is Canadian Army Corporal Dwayne Hein. Many Americans may not realize the severe toll the war in Afghanistan has taken on both the Canadian and British military forces.

Hein says this video is a Canadian first, "As it tells both sides of the story you have the family side of how we endured a tour and the soldier's side of how he felt about his tour in Afghanistan.

She says during her husband's tour of duty in Afghanistan from January 1st through August 1st, a picture began to take form that changed the way they see the war there.

"Canadians started waking up to the fact of what was going on in Afghanistan as we lost more Canadian Soldiers. 18 brave Canadian soldiers were lost during my husband's first combat tour."

She says that her family is preparing now for Dwayne's next combat tour in Afghanistan. As a volunteer infantry soldier, and once again the months of waiting will begin as they nervously monitor news reports while her husband once again, lives beyond the wire in in forward operating base.

Cpl Hein, wife Mandi Kostiuk-Hein, and
General Rick Hillier at the CDS Military
Family Fund Gala Night in Ottawa held
November 3rd at the War Museum

To cope with this, Mandi has prepared this video and a number of songs that celebrate the Canadian soldier while mourning the losses of those who did not return to their families.

"This is all a part of a bigger picture where there will soon be a CD/DVD combo called Salute Our Heroes that will be sold in Wal-Mart and Costco stores across Canada."

She says the proceeds will make a difference. "50% of money raised from the sale of the CD/DVD combo will be donated to 3 charities the CDS MFF and the Sapper Mike McTeague Wounded Warriors Fund and also Boomer's Legacy"

The video below is a narrative story by Mandi with a poem she wrote back when her Canadian Soldier was serving during Operation Orion in Afghanistan in 2006.

"I end the story with my husband's last email to me before boarding a plane to come home after he finished he combat tour. My husband is due to go back to Afghanistan again in January '08 a mission he VOLUNTEERED to do."

Video




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Vic November 11, 2007 5:22 pm (Pacific time)

I was raised by my stepfather , who was a preacher. I have read the Bible several times from front to cover and I have also read six different translations of the Bible, the Wesley version ,to the Greek Orthodox to the "Living Bible". Nowhere in any of those Bibles (NEW Testament)did I read anything which would justify killing, bombing and terrorizing anyone for any reason. I did read a lot of verses like " Thou shalt not kill" 'Those that live by the sword will die by the sword" ,and other "left wing" ideas like "Love your enemies and pray for those who spitefully use you"....Or how about "If My Kingdom were of this world, my servants would fight, but my Kingdom is not of this world"..And then there is that whole "turn the other cheek" thing. Face it..there is NO WAY someone can be a Christian and be a soldier, warmonger, or war cheerleader. It just is not possible, and if anyone thinks they can , they need to read their Bible. All this being said...I do not ascribe to any religion now, but try to live my life by the Golden Rule. As to how I am helping the fight against terrorism , I feel that I am by working to bring down a government that has lied to us , sold us out , and taken advantage of our service men and women and is at this moment , terrorizing millions of people who never did anything to us.If you claim to be a Christian, for God's sake, act like it !! I am not without sin , but I have never invaded anyones country, fired a shot at anyone , or spent time learning how to kill my fellow man. It is sad that in our country (and evidently in Canada also) that someone who signs up to be a professional killer is labelled a hero and those who work for peace and dialogue are reviled and ridiculed. Christian nation my ass... I appreciate the message from Mrs Hein..you have my best wishes also, and I wish that strong nations would stop invading and bullying weak ones , and you and your husband could live your lives and be happy together. Like I said, Afghanistan has never attacked or invaded Canada..how do your Christian beliefs reconcile that fact? Dont feel sorry for me, I do not have to convolute my faith to justify anything that I do. And I think at this time in our history, anger such as mine is not only justified, but necessary.


Dwayne Hein's wife November 11, 2007 10:05 am (Pacific time)

Dear Sir, May I ask what have you done for you country? I would be most interested in learning how you are helping the world and it's fight against terrorism! Sir you are also freely able to give your opinion because of brave men like my husband and the other 10's of thousand soldier's who also bravely serve their country. But as the bible points out sir He who cast the first stone let him be without sin! Dear sir are you without sin that you so freely cast out such a huge stone and name this soldier a mercenary, killer and a thief. and lastly sir I also question your "Christan views" I would guess you are the fanatic one here. If you write what you did to get a negitive reaction you sir have failed. I stronly and deeply feel sorry for you and I will pray for you to find some comfort and less anger in your life so that you may live happily. I wish you nothing but the best Vic!

Editor's note: I saw a wish for the retraction of a comment earlier today from a person who visits us regularly named Vic. Vic expressed his desire to have a comment he had posted earlier stricken because he believed it may have been seen as insensitive

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