Post by lighthorseman on Jul 4, 2011 20:04:22 GMT -5
A decorated Australian soldier on his fifth deployment to Afghanistan has been killed in a firefight with insurgents in which another digger was seriously wounded.
Sergeant Todd Langley, 35, from the Sydney-based 2nd Commando regiment, died from a gun shot wound to the head during the battle in southern Afghanistan on Monday.
He is the 28th Australian soldier to die in action in Afghanistan since 2001, and the seventh this year.
The defence force's new chief, General David Hurley, who took over the role on Monday, said another soldier was wounded in the engagement and was provided with combat first aid at the scene.
He was airlifted to a medical facility in Tarin Kowt and then transferred to a hospital in Kandahar for further treatment.
"From there he has contacted his family," General Hurley said, adding the soldier was in a serious but stable condition.
He described Sgt Langley as an exceptionally experienced and decorated soldier, and a devoted family man.
"He was a brave and professional soldier who never took a backward step and, despite their grief, his comrades say he will continue to inspire them," General Hurley told reporters in Canberra.
General Hurley said he had extended his deepest sympathy to Sgt Langley's family.
"There are difficult days ahead for them and for us," he said.news.ninemsn.com.au/national/8269050/digger-killed-in-afghanistan
Sergeant Todd Langley, 35, from the Sydney-based 2nd Commando regiment, died from a gun shot wound to the head during the battle in southern Afghanistan on Monday.
He is the 28th Australian soldier to die in action in Afghanistan since 2001, and the seventh this year.
The defence force's new chief, General David Hurley, who took over the role on Monday, said another soldier was wounded in the engagement and was provided with combat first aid at the scene.
He was airlifted to a medical facility in Tarin Kowt and then transferred to a hospital in Kandahar for further treatment.
"From there he has contacted his family," General Hurley said, adding the soldier was in a serious but stable condition.
He described Sgt Langley as an exceptionally experienced and decorated soldier, and a devoted family man.
"He was a brave and professional soldier who never took a backward step and, despite their grief, his comrades say he will continue to inspire them," General Hurley told reporters in Canberra.
General Hurley said he had extended his deepest sympathy to Sgt Langley's family.
"There are difficult days ahead for them and for us," he said.news.ninemsn.com.au/national/8269050/digger-killed-in-afghanistan
For fuck's sake Afghanistan, be on notice, I'm begining to take this personally!
