Hundreds of soldiers and officials have attended a service in an aircraft hanger in Tarin Kowt for the two Australian soldiers killed in Afghanistan on Monday.
The bodies of Brisbane-based Sappers Jacob Moerland and Darren Smith will be flown to the United Arab Emirates before being sent back to Australia this weekend.
ABC journalist Chris Masters, who attended the service, said a soldier read out a message from Mr Smith's son Mason.
"Probably the most moving part of the ceremony was when (the soldier) gave the last word to two-and-a-half-years-old Mason, who'd sent across a message with a `lest we forget' insignia, and the words "to my daddy, Mason," Masters told ABC Television.
The ceremony was held in intense heat in an aircraft hangar, with 50 degree temperatures outside.
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"There was a lot of sweat, but sweat mingled with tears ... this has cut very, very deeply into this tight-knit unit," Masters said.
Another soldier spoke of his good mate, Sapper Moerland, known as Snowy.
The bodies of the two soldiers are due to be taken to a base in Dubai for a second ceremony, later on Wednesday evening Australian time. They will then be flown home to Australia.
The Defence Department will release information and images of the ceremonies on Thursday morning.
