Kay Kennedy’s son Pte. Kevin Kennedy was just 20 years old when he lost his life after a roadside bomb in Afghanistan destroyed his convoy in 2007.
The St. Lawrence native — who now lives in St. Vincent’s — learned late last week that her son Michael was arrested by Iraqi Kurdish authorities in Northern Iraq.
The 32-year-old served in the Canadian Forces for 13 years before leaving the military in March.
RELATED STORY:
The effects of war
According to The National Post, Kennedy was one of hundreds of volunteers who have spent the past six months working alongside Kurdish Forces in the fight against ISIL.
The Southern Gazette contacted Kay Kennedy, but she declined the request for an interview.
She told The National Post her son felt it was time to return to Newfoundland, and he had told her he would be home for Christmas.
Kennedy said she learned of the arrest from a Kurdish friend of her son’s.
“All I know is he’s been arrested and he’s in Erbil,” she stated.
She added that the friend was unsure of the reason for the arrest.
Bonavista-Burin-Trinity MP and Minister of Public Services and Procurement Judy Foote said the Government of Canada is taking steps to resolve the issue.
“We’re focused on getting Michael home — (we’re) working really hard to make sure that happens,” Foote told The Southern Gazette on Monday, noting there is limited information available.
“The embassy officials on the ground in Iraq have been in touch with him, they visited him and he is in good health,” she said.
Foote added that she has been in continuous contact with Kay Kennedy regarding Michael.
When asked if a timeframe was in place for Michael’s release Foote said, “We’re working very hard to get him home as quick as possible.”
