Private Benjamin Ranaudo Returns Home

Private Benjamin Ranaudo Returns Home

Family, colleagues and dignitaries gathered today at Avalon Airport, Victoria, for the return to Australia of Private Benjamin Ranaudo, who was tragically killed on active service in Afghanistan last week.

Soldiers from Ben’s regiment, Townsville based 1st Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, formed a bearer party to receive and carry the casket from the C-17 Globemaster aircraft to his family.

The solemn repatriation ceremony was the family’s first opportunity to pay their respects to Benjamin since his death in Afghanistan last week.

The Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon. John Faulkner; Shadow Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Bob Baldwin MP; Acting Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant General David Hurley; Acting Chief of Army, Major General Paul Symon; and Commander 3rd Brigade, Brigadier Stuart Smith, were in attendance.

Acting Chief of the Defence Force, Lieutenant General David Hurley expressed his condolences to Private Ranaudo’s family, friends and colleagues.

“Ben will not be forgotten. He gave his life to ensure the security of others and we will be forever grateful for his selflessness,” Lieutenant General Hurley said.

Acting Chief of Army, Major General Paul Symon, spoke of Private Ranaudo’s qualities as a soldier.

“Private Ranaudo’s career exemplified dedication and enthusiasm and he served his country with distinction. We are all proud of Ben and the service he gave to his country. He has made the ultimate sacrifice and we will sorely miss him.”

Media Note: The family continues to request that the media respects their privacy as they grieve their loss and lay Benjamin to rest.

Vision of today’s ceremony will be made available to Melbourne Metropolitan networks via ABC Melbourne. Please ring Captain Doug McGuire on 0458 414 736 to confirm arrangements and approximate timings.

Images will be made available at approximately 12:30pm from the Defence website at www.defence.gov.au/media/download/.

ENDS

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