DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999, Fax: 02 6265 1545
MSPA 251/10
Thursday, 24 June 2010
Statement from Mr Ray and Mrs Pam Palmer
The following statement is being released at the request of Ray and Pam Palmer, the
parents of Private Scott Palmer, who was tragically killed on operational service with
the Special Operations Task Group in Afghanistan, on Monday, 21 June 2010.
We are on the eve of receiving our son, Scott, home from Afghanistan where he had
been on operational duty in the service of the nation when he died. Scott was a proud
and devoted soldier
who loved serving with his mates of the 2nd Commando
Regiment, and previously with 5th/7th
Royal Australian Regiment. Serving in the
Army and being a Commando had been his long held dream. True to his nature, he
lived his dream with distinction.
While our grieving has just begun, we lovingly remember the man whom Scott was: a
devoted son and brother to his family; a best friend to his father, Ray, and his brother,
Adam; always loyal to his mates. His connection to the University Pirates Rugby Club
characterised how dearly he valued his mates, maintaining great friends from that club
long after he had moved on. To us all Scott was a larrikin who made us laugh, he had
mischief in his smile, love in his heart, and was completely generous regardless of
circumstance.
We have been overwhelmed by the expressions of support from the Katherine
community, his mates in the Army, his friends from the Pirates and loyal friends from
around the country. As you have kept us in your hearts, you are in ours. Your
thoughts and wishes steel us with the knowledge that we do not bear the burden of
this grief alone.
We would like to thank the Australian Defence Force for their efforts to support us
during this traumatic time. We would like to personally thank the Chief of Army,
Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie, Special Operations Commander Australia, Major
General Tim McOwan, Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus
Houston, for his reassuring words and being gracious with his time. We would also
thank the 2nd Commando Regiment and the Defence Community Organisation for all
of the support they have given us during our time of need. We appreciate the effort
that all parties are making, including members of the media, to respect our privacy
during this time.
Our beloved son is coming home. He can now rest in peace.
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: (02) 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
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