Heartfelt gratitude

On behalf of myself, my family and our friends, I am writing to ask you to pass on our heartfelt gratitude to the following people via your newspaper:

• Yourselves at the paper for your sensitive coverage of Cpl Jason Sturgess' death, memorial service and funeral;

• Maj G. Rasmussen and Ms M Luck at DCO Toowoomba as well as Maj Bevan at DCO Townsville;

• The Padre and his assistants for their wonderful service for Jason;

• Maj Gen PJ Cosgrove for his warm personal condolences;

• Adm Barrie for his support and attendance;

• 2/14LHR(QMI) at Enoggera for the use of their facilities and their generous support. They went out of their way to provide the youngest members of our family and friends with a sensitive explanation of Jason's work with APCs;

• All those Defence members and their families who sent cards, flowers, emails, letters, photos and phone calls offering condolence, sympathy and good wishes. Your generosity to us is overwhelming.

• Those defence force members and friends who travelled from all over Australia to be a part of the celebration of Jason's life;

• For all those of B Sqn, 3/4 Cav Regt, who showed such warmth, respect, pride and compassion in Jason.

You helped us pick up and shoulder a burden that we thought unbearable. Your support, sharing and encouragement helped us through.

You are fine men and we are more than proud to have been able to meet and speak with so many of you.

In particular, special thanks to WO2 Wayne Preedy for whom no task was too large or complex.

Thankyou for your time and patience.

Thanks to all who have contributed to making us even more aware of what a full, valued and loved life Jason lived.

Jason died doing what he loved best in the company of trusted colleagues and friends. We all as a family send our thoughts and care to those of Jason's unit, B Sqn, 3/4 Cav, now in Timor.

Y. Sturgess
Coominya, Qld