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Sad news in today....
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http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,25804332-421,00.html
THE Australian soldier killed by an explosive device in Afghanistan was 22-year-old Benjamin Ranaudo, who joined the army three years ago.
He was on his first deployment to Afghanistan, although he had previously served in East Timor.
A second Australian digger was seriously wounded in the explosion, along with three Afghan civilians, including an eight year-old boy, defence says.
The chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, paid tribute this afternoon to Mr Ranaudo as a "professional soldier who served enthusiastically and with distinction".
"His career record speaks to a young man, very well trained, with an extraordinary array of completed courses.
"Benjamin was clearly dedicated to his career as a soldier and committed to the profession of arms.
"He died ensuring that terrorist groups do not have Afghanistan as a base from which they can plan and mount attacks," Air Chief Marshal Houston said.
Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie, extended his condolences to the family and friends of Private Ranaudo.
"Our hearts go out to Benjamin’s family during this very sad time. I hope the knowledge that they are in the thoughts and prayers of so many Australians will be a source of comfort for them," he said.
"Private Ranaudo died while serving his nation and his sacrifice will never be forgotten.
This loss is felt heavily by the wider Defence Community, and particularly by members of the Australian Army," said Lieutenant General Gillespie.
The second soldier suffered life-threatening wounds remains in a serious condition but is expected to live.
The exact nature of those wounds is not known
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Another Digger, who was a man, and answered the call for Australia.
OWDU
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http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,25804332-421,00.html
THE Australian soldier killed by an explosive device in Afghanistan was 22-year-old Benjamin Ranaudo, who joined the army three years ago.
He was on his first deployment to Afghanistan, although he had previously served in East Timor.
A second Australian digger was seriously wounded in the explosion, along with three Afghan civilians, including an eight year-old boy, defence says.
The chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, paid tribute this afternoon to Mr Ranaudo as a "professional soldier who served enthusiastically and with distinction".
"His career record speaks to a young man, very well trained, with an extraordinary array of completed courses.
"Benjamin was clearly dedicated to his career as a soldier and committed to the profession of arms.
"He died ensuring that terrorist groups do not have Afghanistan as a base from which they can plan and mount attacks," Air Chief Marshal Houston said.
Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie, extended his condolences to the family and friends of Private Ranaudo.
"Our hearts go out to Benjamin’s family during this very sad time. I hope the knowledge that they are in the thoughts and prayers of so many Australians will be a source of comfort for them," he said.
"Private Ranaudo died while serving his nation and his sacrifice will never be forgotten.
This loss is felt heavily by the wider Defence Community, and particularly by members of the Australian Army," said Lieutenant General Gillespie.
The second soldier suffered life-threatening wounds remains in a serious condition but is expected to live.
The exact nature of those wounds is not known
--------------------------
Another Digger, who was a man, and answered the call for Australia.
OWDU
