Tragedy in Upper Big Tracadie

A troubled veteran, fighting P-T-S-D, apparently killed his daughter, wife and mother then turned the gun on himself in Upper Big Tracadie, Nova Scotia.

33 year old Lionel Desmond shot himself after shooting 31 year old Shanna Desmond, their 10 year old daughter Aaliyah and his 52 year old mother Brenda Desmond.

Desmond was a retired corporal who served with the Second Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment at CFB Gagetown. He did a tour in Afghanistan as a sniper, according to a neighbour, and returned with P-T-S-D.

Renewed call for more medical help for Vets

Canada’s military Ombudsman Gary Walbourne is urging Pttawa to do more for soldiers who have to leave the armed forces for medical reasons. Walbourne recommended last fall that the federal government ensure injured personnel have all the necessary benefits in place before they leave the military. This issue is now taking on added urgency because of the tragedy in Upper Big Tracadie.