DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6265 3343, Fax: 02 62656946
MSPA 223/09
Sunday, 19 July 2009
PERSONAL DETAILS OF SOLDIER KILLED IN AFGHANISTAN
Private Benjamin Renaudo was killed by an anti-personnel explosive device in
Afghanistan yesterday.
Private Renaudo was a member of the Townsville based 1st Battalion, the Royal
Australian Regiment. He was a member of the Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force
in Afghanistan and was killed while on operations north of Tarin Kowt early Saturday
morning, Afghanistan time.
Private Renaudo was 22 years old and leaves behind a loving family who are currently
receiving support from Defence representatives.
The family has requested their privacy be respected during this difficult time. They will
not be conducting any media interviews.
Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, earlier today extended his
deepest condolences to the family and friends of Private Ranaudo.
“Our hearts go out to Benjamin’s family during this very sad time. We will do everything
we can to support them as they deal with their terrible loss.”
“Private Benjamin Ranaudo was a professional soldier who served enthusiastically and
with distinction. His career record speaks to a young man, very well trained, with an
extraordinary array of completed courses. Benjamin was clearly dedicated to his career as
a soldier and committed to the profession of arms. He died ensuring that terrorist groups
do not have Afghanistan as a base from which they can plan and mount attacks,” said Air
Chief Marshal Houston.
Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie, extended his condolences to the family
and friends of Private Ranaudo.
“Our hearts go out to Benjamin’s family during this very sad time. I hope the knowledge
that they are in the thoughts and prayers of so many Australians will be a source of
comfort for them.
“Private Renaudo died while serving his nation and his sacrifice will never be forgotten.
This loss is felt heavily by the wider Defence Community, and particularly by members
of the Australian Army,” said Lieutenant General Gillespie.
Media Note:
The family has requested their privacy be respected. They will not be conducting any
media interviews.
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
