In August 2015, the Sarnia First Hussars Association began the process of procuring a monument to honour those lost in combat during the Afghanistan Mission. The LAV’s were used extensively in Afghanistan by the Canadian Armed Forces for assault, mobility and protection – they were the “workhorse” of the Canadian Forces’ effort in Kandahar Province. The Sarnia First Hussar’s were able to obtain LAV III, hull number 77, and the vehicle’s 30 mm cannon was replaced with a fixed metal piece, and the engine, electronics and other equipment were removed.
The Sarnia First Hussars Association, along with the Royal Canadian Legion, Sarnia Branch 62, and the City of Sarnia, set up the 1st Hussars Association Afghanistan Monument Committee to raise funds for the project, under the direction of Honorary Colonel Barry A. Hogan. Led by the First Hussars Association, funds were received from the Kiwanis of the Seaway, Sarnia Legion Branch 62, the Sarnia Saints Rugby Club, the Royal Canadian Regiment, the Labourer’s International Union of North America, Local 1089, and from private citizens for the $65,000 project.
On October 30, 2016, a dedication ceremony took place unveiling the Sarnia-Lambton Afghanistan Monument in the southeast corner of Veterans Park in the presence of military personnel, dignitaries and six Silver Cross families – including those of two Sarnia/Lambton Afghanistan fallen. Military personnel included members of the 4th battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment, the 1st Hussars, the 31st brigade and the Royal Highland Fusiliers, including Lt-Col. Mark Poland – brother of Brent Poland. Three bronze plaques are part of the memorial: one plaque is dedicated to Private William Cushley and Corporal Brent Poland, both of Sarnia/Lambton who died in action while serving in Afghanistan; a second plaque is dedicated to the 40,000 men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces deployed to Afghanistan, and the 159 who lost their lives, between 2001 and 2014; and the third plaque is dedicated to the 86 members of the First Hussars deployed in Afghanistan.
