Fallen soldier honoured as hero

The partner of an Australian commando killed in Afghanistan has described him as her
guardian angel.
In an emotional tribute read to mourners at the funeral of Private Ben Chuck in
north Queensland, partner Tess Crane spoke of her love for the popular north
Queensland boy turned elite soldier.
"He was my protector, my shield and my guardian angel and I know he's still looking
after me," she said.
"Yes he died a hero, but he was my hero the moment I saw his face."
Julia Gillard, attending her first military funeral as prime minister, Opposition
Leader Tony Abbott and Queensland Premier Anna Bligh were among hundreds who
gathered on the banks of Lake Tinaroo, near Private Chuck's hometown of Yungaburra,
for the service.
Defence force Chief Angus Houston and other senior military brass were also present.
Private Chuck, 27, was given full military honours, including a three-shot rifle
salute and a guard of honour, formed by members of his unit, the 2nd Commando
Regiment.
The Last Post and the national anthem were played during the service while his
coffin, draped in the Australian flag, departed the service to the sombre sound of
Amazing Grace, played on bagpipes.
Many of the commando's former comrades flew in from Afghanistan for the service,
with his closest mates serving as pallbearers.
A civilian friend of Private Chuck flew a helicopter overhead at one point, stopping
just metres from mourners in a sign of respect and a reflection of the soldier's
love of the aircraft.
Private Chuck was one of three soldiers killed in a helicopter crash in the Afghan
province of Kandahar on June 21.
Their bodies were repatriated to Sydney on the weekend and honoured with a military
ceremony at the RAAF base.