The husband of the Canadian soldier killed in Afghanistan says his wife understood the risks of her job but wanted to serve her country and help out in less fortunate parts of the world.
Jason Beam, husband of Capt. Nichola Goddard, said his wife was a very competent soldier. (CBC)
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Capt. Nichola Goddard, 26, was killed Wednesday during a battle with the Taliban outside of Kandahar. The Calgary native lived in Shilo, Man., with her husband, Jason Beam.
Speaking to CBC News on Thursday, Beam said Goddard was a "very competent soldier" who loved what she did.
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Beam said they discussed the possibility of something happening to her during the deployment and that she understood the risks.
"She was very eager and ready to go to Afghanistan. She had trained for eight years to do the job she was doing," he said.
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Goddard was more concerned she would make a mistake that could injure her colleagues, he said.
Beam says his wife was one of a small number of Canadian women on the front lines in combat zones around the world. Britain and the United States don't allow women in that role.
"She definitely turned a lot of heads while she was over there," he said. "She just wanted to be perceived as just one of the soldiers."
Beam said his wife first became interested in a military career during high school, later attending Royal Military College in Kingston, Ont.
Goddard enjoyed the teamwork, physical fitness and sense of pride of being in the military.
Soldiers "want to try to make a difference in the world, to improve things for other areas of the world," he said.
Military support 'outstanding'
Captain Nichola Goddard was stationed with the1st Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery in Shilo, Man. (Canadian Press)
Beam said the news of his wife's death didn't sink in at first.
"I woke up today to hear it all over the TV, the newspaper ... it's finally starting to hit home," he said.
Beam said the Canadian military has provided "outstanding" support and that friends and family have been helping him cope.
"The phone has been ringing non-stop," he said.
Beam said he learned of the news shortly after arranging details of a mortgage. Goddard was due to come home for two weeks leave in June and the couple were planning to purchase a home in Wainright, Alta., her next posting.
Beam said he supports Canada's military role in Afghanistan, and was pleased that Parliament voted Wednesday to extend the mission until 2009.
"I think it's good. We've got our foot in the door now to make a difference," he said.