Tributes paid to Wirral soldier shot dead in Afghanistan TRIBUTES have been paid to a member of the Territorial Army from Wirral who was killed while on duty in Afghanistan.
Corporal Steven Boote from Birkenhead died at Blue 25, a police checkpoint in the Nad-e'Ali District of Helmand Province.
Corporal Boote, 22, of the Royal Military Police, was among five shot dead by an Afghan policeman on Tuesday, sparking fears the Taleban had infiltrated the police.Known as Steven or Booty to his family, friends and colleagues, Corporal Boote, was a soldier in the Territorial Army and a member of the Manchester Detachment of 116 Provost Company, Royal Military Police. He was attached to 160 Provost Company for his deployment on Operation Herrick 11.
Paying tribute his family said: "Our son Steven was a wonderful, genuine young man.
"He would light up a room with a single smile and left a lasting impression on all he met. A son and friend who can never be replaced, but never be removed from our hearts. An only child but never alone, who through family and friends led a full and happy life.
"Emma, his partner, was the love of his life and his soul mate. We couldn't stop him doing what he believed in, and he did believe he was doing his bit for his country.
"Steven, we are all so proud of you and you will always be our hero. Look after Nan and Granddad. Goodnight our son, our friend, our life."
Corporal Boote's girlfriend Emma Murray said: "Your cheeky smile would fill everyone with happiness. Steven I love you so much. You are my rock, my refuge and I will love and miss you more than words can say.
"Your caring nature and gentle ways will never be forgotten. All my love, my heart and soul, I will see you in my dreams."
Born in December 1986, he joined the Territorial Army in early 2006, joining 107 Field Squadron Royal Engineers (Volunteers) in Birkenhead.
Shortly afterwards he transferred to the Royal Military Police and on completion of his basic training joined 116 Provost Company. He completed his police training and was promoted to Lance Corporal in 2007.
A security team leader at a local Tesco store, Corporal Boote had aspirations to join the civilian police.
His long-term girlfriend Emma was a constant topic of conversation, along with his mum Margaret and dad Anthony whom he was very attached to.
One of his main passions in life was motorbikes, which he and his dad spent many hours restoring and building, as well as riding them together. Steven was a strong character with a good sense of humour and enjoyed being round his friends, colleagues and always up for a laugh. His final request was for his family and friends to be brave as he was and remember Help for Heroes.
Lieutenant Colonel Debbie Poneskis, his Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Debbie Poneskis (Commanding Officer 4th Battalion Royal Military Police) said: "Corporal Boote was very proud to be a Territorial Soldier, second only to his pride in being a Military Policeman.
"He worked tirelessly to ensure he was at the top of his game and showed steadfast resilience and determination in gaining a much sought after place on Operation Herrick 11 with his regular counterparts.
"Although relatively new to the Territorial Army and the Military Police, Corporal Boote was a popular member of both 116 Provost Company and 160 Provost Company alike.
He was accepted readily by his colleagues, largely down to his professionalism and enthusiasm.
"Corporal Boote spoke at length of his long term partner, Emma, and his parents, Tony and Margaret, with whom he was very close. His other passion in life was motorbikes, spending many an hour with his Dad restoring and building them as well as hitting the open road.
"Corporal Boote was a strong character with a good sense of humour and enjoyed being round his friends and having a laugh.
"It was an absolute pleasure to promote him to full Corporal at the end of an exercise earlier this year, he utterly deserved it and the smile on his face will be my enduring image of him.
"The Regiment is stunned at the untimely loss of Corporal Boote. It is a much poorer place without him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his parents and his girlfriend at this difficult time; we share in their grief."
Second Lieutenant Richard Evans said: "Corporal Boote served with 160 Provost Company as a Territorial Army soldier from 116 Provost Company.
"He was a keen, hardworking individual who fully embraced the ethos of the Royal Military Police and Military life.
"He immersed himself fully in all he did, and did so with a sense of humour and alacrity. Corporal Boote is a shining example to Service Police.
"He was a grafter, dedicated soldier, and a good friend to many within the Regiment. Never one to complain, Corporal Boote accepted all responsibilities bestowed on him, and eagerly tackled every challenge he came across.
"He was a tough individual who made a great and lasting impression on those who served with him. He will be sorely missed."
THE GLOBE
R.I.P
