Lance Corporal Jared Mackinney was killed last month in a gun battle with Taliban insurgents in Oruzgan province, and is today being farewelled at a military funeral at a Brisbane church.
The late 28-year-old's wife Beckie Mackinney who's due to give birth to their second child in two weeks, has paid tribute to her husband in a statement released before the service.
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She says unborn Noah Jared will never get to meet his father but will come to know him for the incredible man he was through love and memories.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Opposition Leader Tony Abbottand defence chief Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston are among those gathered for the funeral at the Ashgrove Baptist Church.
The heavily pregnant widow of the latest soldier to be killed in Afghanistan has said his unborn son Noah
will know what an incredible dad he had.
Lance Corporal Jared MacKinney, 28, was killed in late August, during an intense three-hour battle with Taliban insurgents in the western part of Afghanistan's Oruzgan province.
LCpl MacKinney's wife Beckie MacKinney, who is due to give birth to their second child in two weeks, paid tribute to her husband in a statement released before the service.
"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'll come to know him for the incredible man he was through our love and memories.
"We have reached the deepest depths of despair since we were told of Jared's death but we have also been helped and comforted by the support and extraordinary generosity of spirit of old friends, new friends and strangers who cared."
She also paid tribute to her husband's mates in Afghanistan and at home.
"I want to thank you for your caring and incredible messages of support," she said.
"I know Jared wants me to tell you that we are very proud of you and support you in the job that you are doing."
Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Opposition Leader Tony Abbott and defence chief Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston are among those gathered for the military funeral for LCpl MacKinney at the Ashgrove Baptist Church.
LCpl MacKinney's casket was carried, in heavy rain, from the church through an honour guard drawn from his unit, the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR).
