Local Soldier Recognized

A Fort Frances area soldier currently on duty in Afghanistan is being hailed a hero.

Sergeant Russell Gregoirie was recently awarded the Medal of Military Valour for his actions in June 2008 in which he helped lead a group of soldiers to safety while under heavy fire.

His girlfriend Angela Halvorson says she's proud of his accomplishments.

"I think what he does over there is amazing," says Halvorson. "For them to recognize him for his efforts and the fact that he had to go above and beyond to do what he did is pretty amazing.

Halvorson says Gregoirie is now part of a troop providing security to a reconstruction team helping to rebuild war-torn areas of the country.

He's to receive his medal at a ceremony to be held at a later date.