'Total loyalty'

"Andrew was a wonderful, private and unassuming person. He was a loving husband, and was so much looking forward to being a father. He had a great if wicked sense of humour, and total loyalty to his immediate and extended family, his friends, his workmates and his country.

Andrew lived his life to the full and passionately loved his job. He did, and experienced more, in this short time that he had than most other people would in a lifetime.

It is with heartfelt appreciation that Lisa and I express our gratitude to family and friends for their overwhelming love, support and courage in these such devastating circumstances.

We would also like to express our gratitude to the Defence Force personnel who have assisted us through this period. But I also ask that the media please respect our privacy and that of the immediate family at this terrible time."

A statement by Kylie Russell, read on her behalf at a press conference in Canberra by Brig Gary Bornholt, PACC.