Two more Diggers die in Afghanistan

Two Australian soldiers killed in Afghanistan were loving family men who were
passionate about the army, their families say.
News that two more diggers had died in the conflict in Afghanistan was broken to the
public just hours after polling booths opened to elect the federal government.
Private Grant Kirby, 35, a father of two, and 21-year-old Private Tomas Dale were
killed on Friday afternoon Australian time.
They were hit by an explosive device while on a mission in a Bushmaster vehicle.
Two other Australian soldiers were wounded, but their injuries are not
life-threatening.
Private Kirby's father Gary said in a statement his son was nicknamed "Dad" by the
men in his unit because of his age.
Despite setbacks from shin splints, he had persisted in trying to join the army.
"In fact, after suffering shin splints in his first attempt to join, he stuck with
it and successfully tried again," he said.
Mr Kirby said the family was incredibly proud of Grant and would need time to come
to terms with his loss.
Private Kirby's ex-wife Edwina said the soldier was a dedicated father to Isabella,
10, and Madeline, eight.
Private Dale's father David said his son loved the army.
"It was all he wanted to do from an early age," he said in a statement.
"He knew the risk from going overseas but he was willing to take that risk for the
cause he believed in.
"Tomas would want his colleagues to keep fighting the cause and hope they come home
safely. His mates meant everything to him."
The deaths come one week after SAS Trooper Jason Brown was killed in a firefight in
Afghanistan. His funeral has not yet been held.
A total of 20 Australian soldiers have died in Afghanistan, nine of them since June
this year.
Political leaders broke off their last-minute campaigning on Saturday morning to
express sympathy over the deaths.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard said it was a "big burden for the nation to bear".
"As the nation bears the weight of this burden, many Australians will ask themselves
is this mission worthwhile," she told reporters at the Richmond Air Force Base in
Sydney's northwest.
Ms Gillard said her answer was yes, because Afghanistan had been a safe haven for
terrorists who had killed Australians in the Bali bombings and the September 11
attacks in New York.
"We need to see the mission through."
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott said the mission in Afghanistan was "dangerous but
necessary".
"It's an important mission and the coalition fully supports that mission," he told
reporters in Sydney.
"It's important that Australia sees that mission through."
Greens leader Bob Brown said he wanted to see the troops come home.
"I hope that by the next election day, our troops will be safely home in this
country," he told reporters in Hobart.
Senator Brown called for a debate in the new parliament about the continuing
presence of soldiers in Afghanistan.
The Acting Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant General David Hurley, said it was the
first tour of duty in Afghanistan for both men. Private Kirby had also served in
Iraq and East Timor.
The two soldiers were killed in action in the Baluchi Valley. They were standing
near their Bushmaster vehicle when an explosive device was activated.
Both men were from the Brisbane-based 6th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment and
members of the First Mentoring Task Force.