Mr. and Mrs. Bouthillier are the parents of a Canadian soldier, Trooper Jack Bouthillier, who was killed instantly in Afghanistan when his armoured vehicle struck an improvised explosive in March of 2009. Mr. Bouthillier, who owns a trucking company, had one of his trucks customized to pay tribute to his son and all Canadian fallen soldiers. Trooper Bouthillier's face, name, and date of death are largely displayed on the side of the sleeper berth of the truck. On the back of the berth are the names of Canada's other soldiers who have lost their lives in Afghanistan. This tribute has become very powerful, as the truck makes its way throughout Ontario and Quebec. The Bouthillier truck has been well received by media outlets in Ontario and Quebec and has caught the attention of the Canadian military. Despite the tragic loss of their only son, the Bouthilliers continue to be very accommodating when approached about having the truck involved in commemorative events including a Veterans' Week event in Pembroke, Ontario and a ceremony at CFB Petawawa to bid farewell to troops leaving for Afghanistan. In November 2009, the Bouthilliers took part in the official unveiling of a war monument in Hearst, Ontario, dedicated to local Second World War and Afghanistan soldiers who lost their lives. Trooper Bouthillier's name is now engraved on the monument as a permanent reminder of his sacrifice.