stand silent for a minute- another brave soldier lost

[digger]

Sergeant Brett Robert WOOD - 24-5-11

VALE,


DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Tuesday, May 24, 2011 » 08:59am

The Defence Force has confirmed the death of an Australian commando during an incident in Afghanistan overnight.

Sergeant Brett Wood, 32, was a decorated soldier and was serving his third deployment to Afghanistan.

The 32-year-old was killed and two other diggers were wounded by an improvised explosive device.

Defence Minister Stephen Smith and Defence chief Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston made the announcement in Canberra this morning.

They say Sergeant Wood's wife and family have been notified.

"He was a magnificent soldier," Air Chief Marshal Houston said of Sergeant Wood, who also served tours in Bougainville, East Timor and Iraq.

He says the Sergeant was highly professional, dedicated and "an exceptionally nice guy".

"He was an inspirational leader and a highly resected and popular member of his unit," he said.

Mr Smith says it is a very sad day for the nation and a tragedy for Sergeant Wood's family.

In a separate incident, three Australian soldiers were wounded in a gunfight with insurgents.

Sergeant Wood's death brings to 25 the total number of Australians killed while serving in Afghanistan - 24 with the Australian Defence Force and one with British armed forces.

Thirteen Australians have been killed in the past 12 months.

Air Chief Marshal Houston says further details of the incidents cannot be released at this time because operations are ongoing.

Australian forces have been active in Afghanistan in various roles since the war's inception in 2001, with 1,550 personnel currently deployed.

A total of 174 Australian soldiers have been injured.

Appears Sgt WOOD died as a result of injuries sustained in IED attack. 2 others are seriously injured. 3 others were injured in a seperate firefight and hopefully will be released from hospital today.


Sunset Vigil

The news is spread far and wide
Another comrade has sadly died
A sunset vigil upon the sand
As a soldier leaves this foreign land

We stand alone, and yet as one
In the fading light of a setting sun
We've all gathered to say goodbye
To our fallen comrade who's set to fly

The eulogy's read about their life
Sometimes with words from pals or wife
We all know when the CO's done
What kind of soldier they'd become

The padre then calls us all to pray
The bugler has Last Post to play
The cannon roars and belches flame
We will recall, with pride, their name

A minute's silence stood in place
As tears roll down the hardest face
Deafening silence fills the air
With each of us in personal prayer

Reveille sounds and the parade is done
The hero remembered, forgotten by none
They leave to start the journey back to rest in our home soil
In a coffin draped in the flag of AUSTRALIA, the nation for which they toiled.

He stands now amongst the ranks of our other heroes passed
from the Boer war to Afghanistan, their legacy of honour lasts

Our nation has lost another faithful son,
Never ever forget any of their names, not a one.
Cry loud, weep long - another hero we all should hail
at sunset cry their names out loud, remember and honour them, VALE!
<<<apologies to Staff Sergeant Andrew McFarlane , British Territorial Army for altering his poem>>>

[Jukebox]

I can not say enough about these guys and girls who serve in the armed forces.
I can walk freely and speak my mine because of them and others before them.
My thoughts go out to the families of all who have lost someone.
To all the Vets on this list I say THANK YOU and so does my family.
Have a beer on me.
And if I ever have the honour to meet you I'll buy the beer.:)

Jukebox

[Basil135]

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.


Stand at ease, soldier. Your work is done.

Many thanks from a grateful nation.

RIP

[Bearman]

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.


Stand at ease, soldier. Your work is done.

Many thanks from a grateful nation.

RIP

We owe these fine soldiers heaps. May he rest in peace.

[digger]

On the day after the body of slain soldier, Sgt Brett Wood was brought back home...

Vale.

Two Australian soldiers killed
Tuesday, May 31, 2011 » 08:19am



Two Australian soldiers have been killed in separate incidents in Afghanistan.

Their deaths bring to 26 the number of diggers to die in Afghanistan since operations began in 2001. (**27 IF YOU INCLUDE THE 1 AUSTRALIAN KILLED FIGHTING WITH UK FORCES**)

The incidents on Monday coincided with the arrival home of the body of Sergeant Brett Wood who was killed in Afghanistan more than a week ago in a bomb blast which also injured two other soldiers.

Defence force chief Angus Houston said it was 'a very bad day' for the Australian Defence Force.

'It was with immense sorrow that I am here this morning to announce the death of two Australian soldiers in Afghanistan in two separate incidents overnight,' he told reporters in Canberra on Tuesday.

The first soldier was killed when he was shot by an Afghan National Army soldier while both were on guard duty on Monday evening.

The second soldier, an army lieutenant, died when a Chinook helicopter crashed a few hours after the first incident.

The other five Australian soldiers in the helicopter were evacuated from the crash site and taken to hospital in Kandhar in a satisfactory condition.


In Flanders’ Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders’ Fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders’ Fields.

Oh! You who sleep in Flanders’ fields,
Sleep sweet – to rise anew;
We caught the torch you threw;
And holding high we kept
The faith with those who died.
We cherish, too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valour led.
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies,
But lends a lustre to the red
Of the flower that blooms above the dead
In Flanders’ Fields.

And now the torch and poppy red
Wear in honour of our dead
Fear not that ye have died for naught
We’ve learned the lesson that ye taught
In Flanders’ Fields.


LEST WE FORGET

[DENLEE]

I thought I must have heard the news wrong at first - an ANA soldier. Its just incomprehensible.

Fear not that ye have died for naught
We’ve learned the lesson that ye taught

I'm not sure we are learning any more.

[MEANZ06]

its Memorial Day today here in the USA..

YouTube - &#x202a;Soldier homecoming surprise mix&#x202c;&rlm;

[digger]

Tuesday, May 31, 2011 » 06:40pm

Lance Corporal Andrew Jones and Lt. Marcus Case have been named as the latest diggers to die in Afghanistan.

Defence has named the latest diggers to die in Afghanistan as Lance Corporal Andrew Jones and Lieutenant Marcus Case.

Lance Corporal Andrew Gordon Jones, 25, was shot dead by a member of the Afghan National Army while Lieutenant Marcus Sean Case, 27, died in a helicopter crash in the war-torn nation on Monday.

Lance Corporal Jones was born in Melbourne and was on his first deployment to Afghanistan after serving in East Timor.

'Lance Corporal Jones was a loyal, reliable and trustworthy soldier who was dedicated to serving his country,' Defence said in a statement.

'He was a team player who loved his job. He had a quiet personality but enjoyed a joke with his mates.'

Lance Corporal Jones' family includes his parents, two younger siblings and girlfriend.

Lieutenant Case was also born in Melbourne and on his first deployment to Afghanistan and was in the country as a pilot of an unmanned surveillance plane.

He had previously served in East Timor and Malaysia as part of the co-operative defence relationship with Kuala Lumpur.

'Lieutenant Case was keen and motivated, and was excelling as a pilot,' Defence said.

'Lieutenant Case lived life to the fullest, taking every opportunity that was given to him and making the most of it. He was always the go-to-man who was able to get the job done.'

'Lieutenant Case leaves behind his parents and five siblings. He was the youngest of six children,' Defence said.

'His family is receiving support from Defence.'

The bodies of both men will begin the journey back to Australia and in the coming days will be farewelled by their colleagues in Afghanistan in a ramp ceremony.

[digger]

VALE - Sergeant Todd Langley, 4/7/2011
Another brave soul lost, another family group and mates devestated.

Tuesday, July 05, 2011 » 09:21am

An Australian soldier has died in Afghanistan, bringing to 28 the number of diggers killed in the conflict since 2001.

The announcement today was made by the defence force's new chief, General David Hurley, who took over the role on Monday.

Sergeant Todd Langley, 35, was serving with a special operations task group in southern Afghanistan when he was killed on Monday morning local time.

He died on the battlefield. Sergeant Langley was from the Sydney-based 2nd Commando regiment.

He died from a gun shot wound to the head during an engagement with insurgents in southern Afghanistan on Monday morning.

A second soldier was wounded and is in a serious condition. General Hurley described Sgt Langley as a exceptionally experienced and decorated soldier, and a devoted family man.

Sgt Langley was on his fifth deployment to Afghanistan and had undertaken two deployments to East Timor.

His army mates had described him as a 'true leader,' General Hurley said.

'He was a brave and professional soldier who never took a backward step and, despite their grief, his comrades say he will continue to inspire them,' General Hurley told reporters in Canberra.




The Fallen Soldier.

Don't weep for me
O' Land wide and free
it was my time to fall
'Twas for my country's call
'Twas for the land that I loved,
That I gave my all
And for the land that I loved,
I did freely give
And in her freedom
And her courage
I'll continue forever to live






(apologies to Patricia Krull whose poem I adapted)

[Treads]

Lest We Forget :(

[Basil135]

Many thanks from a grateful nation.


RIP

[beefy]

at the going down of the sun and in the morning with will remember them. lest we forget.

[Ralph1Malph]

"Greater love has no one than this,
than to lay down his life for his friends."
~John 15:13~

[digger]

Body of digger returning home
Sunday, July 10, 2011 » 05:07am

The body of fallen Australian soldier Sergeant Todd Langley is returning home from Afghanistan.

Australian Commando Sgt Todd Langley was farewelled by colleagues and friends at a memorial service and ramp ceremony in Afghanistan on Friday.

After the memorial service, Sgt Langley's casket was led through an honour guard of soldiers, the Australian Department of Defence said in a statement on Saturday.

The casket was then placed into a waiting C130 aircraft to begin the long journey to Australia.

'Sergeant Langley will return to his family and friends in Australia over the coming days,' a statement by the department said.

The 35-year-old was killed in action on July 4, during a Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) and Afghan National Security Forces operation targeting insurgents in Helmand Province.

He was the 28th Australian soldier killed while serving in Afghanistan since 2001.

Colleagues and friends at the service, which was held at Multi National Base Tarin Kot, said Sgt Langley was a natural leader.

Commanding Officer of the SOTG, Lieutenant Colonel G (who cannot be identified for security reasons) said he was brave and humble.

'He fought with bravery, distinction and valour,' Colonel G said.

'He fought in the knowledge that he was making a real difference for the people of Afghanistan,' he said.

'Todd never sought praise, preferring instead to let his actions do the talking.'

'For many of us, time seemed to stand still at that dreadful moment when we learned of his death.

'For all who have come to know and love him, especially family and friends, his passing will be difficult to reconcile.'

Air Commodore John Oddie, the acting commander of Australia's military contribution to the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, said Sgt Langley will remain an inspiration.

'Todd will now occupy a special part in our nation's history. The years will come to pass, but one thing is for certain, he will never be forgotten,' Air Commodore Oddie said.

'As we return to operations, Todd's legacy will serve to inspire us all, he always led from the front.

'His mates will now step up, follow his example and honour his sacrifice.'

Sgt Langley was honoured in a ceremony within the SOTG compound, surrounded by colleagues from the 2nd Commando Regiment, the Special Air Service Regiment, the Incident Response Regiment (IRR), other ADF representatives and members from Coalition Task Forces.

[digger]

A 26-year-old Australian soldier killed by a roadside bomb while on an early morning patrol in Afghanistan has been identified as Private Matthew Lambert.

Private Lambert was a member of the Mentoring Task Force - Three and was from the 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (2RAR) based in Townsville, North Queensland.

He was the eighth soldier to die this year and the 29th of the decade-long war.

The Defence department said Private Lambert, who was married, was born in Kogarah, NSW, and enlisted in the 9th Battalion, Royal Queensland Regiment in August 2005, transferring to the Australian Regular Army in February 2007. he was posted to 2RAR in Townsville.

He was described as a well-respected soldier who excelled in any task he was assigned, and was looking forward to serving his country in Afghanistan.

Private Lambert has been awarded the following honours and awards: Australian Active Service Medal with clasp International Coalition Against Terror, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Australian Service Medal with clasp Timor - Leste, Australian Defence Medal and the Timor – Leste Solidarity Medal.

The chief of the Defence Force, David Hurley, said last night that Private Lambert was patrolling in Oruzgan province with Afghan soldiers at 2.30am when what is believed to be an improvised explosive device went off.

He was evacuated to the main Australian base at Tarin Kowt but died shortly afterwards.

The incident took place in a district called Khas Uruzgan, which is about 85 kilometres from Tarin Kowt and one of the most violent districts in the province.

Another coalition soldier was wounded at the same time, but General Hurley would not disclose his nationality.

The dead soldier was stationed at a base called Anaconda, which was a United States special forces base.

General Hurley said the Australian soldier was a ''respected member'' of the Townsville-based 2nd Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment who was on his first deployment to Afghanistan but had served previously in East Timor.

''The soldier's colleagues described him as a man who excelled at any tasks he was assigned and a soldier who was proud to serve his country,'' General Hurley said.

''On behalf of the Australian Defence Force I offer the soldier's family and friends my deepest sympathy.''

The Defence Minister, Stephen Smith, said that while the death was tragic he believed Australian forces were making progress in Afghanistan and that they were on track to hand control of the province over to Afghan security forces by 2014.

''We believe what we are doing in Afghanistan is in our national security interests and also in the international community's interests, helping to stare down, as it does, international terrorism,'' Mr Smith said.

The last Australian soldier to die was Sergeant Todd Langley, a decorated member of the Sydney-based 2nd Commando Regiment, who was killed early last month in a firefight with insurgents while uncovering a weapons cache.

Private Lambert, 26, becomes eighth Digger to die this year (http://www.smh.com.au/national/private-lambert-26-becomes-eighth-digger-to-die-this-year-20110823-1j7ud.html)

Read more: Private Lambert, 26, becomes eighth Digger to die this year (http://www.smh.com.au/national/private-lambert-26-becomes-eighth-digger-to-die-this-year-20110823-1j7ud.html#ixzz1VpDWgJFx)


Stand again and be silent, another brave man has died for us and our beliefs,
stand tall, stand proud, repeat his name out loud.
mourn and console his family and friends.

Mourn his loss, but honour his sacrifice

Gone to stand in the company of the brave soldiers who preceeded him

Lest We Forget

[cewilson]

RIP mate

[Sleepy]

Lest We Forget

[bob10]

Rest in Peace, Mate.

Each death is tragic, with far reaching consequences for many people in the community, but, if I may, I would like to relate an experience I had in 2009, during a TIP course run by the DVA for future Welfare Officers in the DVA system. One lecturer, a very experienced man in the field of Veterans Welfare, stated that at that point in time, it was calculated at least 80% of Servicemen employed in the various war zones had problems coping with their experiences, which could have serious implications in the years to come.Even when they all come home, it won't be over for them, or their families. LEST WE FORGET Bob

[Barefoot Dave]

* Salutes*
* Rests*

G'Day All.
A Good mate produced the attached study on better Debrief options.
Comments from present and Serving Members are appreciated. PM for privacy and minimal thread hijack.
Dave