Defence News
Wife pays tribute to fallen soldier
10 September 2010
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The life of Lance Corporal Jared MacKinney has been celebrated in a moving military funeral at Ashgrove Baptist Church in Brisbane.
Lance Corporal MacKinney, 28, a member of the 6th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment was killed in Afghanistan on August 24 in a three-hour firefight with Taliban insurgents which has became known as the Battle of Derapet.
Brigadier Paul McLachlan, Commander of the Brisbane-based 7th Brigade, told the packed church that Lance Corporal MacKinney died fighting alongside his section, honouring his responsibilities to his men, leading them from the front and protecting them in battle.
"All who knew 'Crash' well would expect nothing less of him, they know he could never let his mates down.
"He was a soldier's soldier and despite the imminent dangers, wild horses could not have turned him into a spectator on this day," Brigadier McLachlan said.
The soldier left behind wife Beckie who is expecting the couple's second child, three-year-old daughter Annabell and a very large extended family.
Mrs MacKinney said in a statement that she had reached the 'deepest depths of despair' over the last few weeks, especially given the impending birth.
"The long journey without Jared has begun for Annabell and me, and soon also little Noah Jared who is due to come into the world in a fortnight," she said.
"Noah will never get to meet his father but he will come to know him for the incredible man he was through our love and memories.
"So many people have helped our families through the dark times of the last few days, people we know and also many people we have never met, who wanted to help ease our pain."
Lance Corporal MacKinney was a career soldier, having joined the Army in 2002 and in the same year successfully completed his recruit training. In 2003 he successfully completed his infantry training prior to being posted to the 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment. He was on his third deployment to the Middle East when he was killed in action.
Mrs MacKinney explained that her husband's mates in Afghanistan, and their supreme efforts should not be forgotten.
"To Jared's mates in Afghanistan and back home – we were all very proud of Jared and the work he loved doing. I want to thank you for your caring and the incredible messages of support and I know Jared would want me to tell you that we are very proud of you and fully support you in the job you are doing for us all."
Kelly Tindal read a message from her partner, Corporal Adam Marsh, who is still serving in Afghanistan. In it Adam said that Jared was one of the best infantry soldiers he had ever served with.
"I've never felt so much pain in my life knowing I'll never see him again."
In an emotional eulogy Lance Corporal Craig Gresham told Jared "rest now, mate, you've done your work here and we’ll never ever forget you."