Hundreds of family, friends and fellow Commandos have commemorated the life of Sergeant Todd Langley in a moving funeral service today at Sydney’s Woronora Cemetery.
Thirty-five-year old Sergeant Langley was killed in action during a partnered Special Operations Task Group and Afghan National Security Forces clearing operation in southern Afghanistan on 4 July 2011.
Commanding Officer of the 2nd Commando Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel C, said Todd was a highly respected soldier who would be missed.
“On behalf of a deeply saddened and deeply proud regiment and a forever grateful nation, we thank you for all you have given,” LTCOL C said in his eulogy.
“He never stepped back from a challenge. He always sought to protect his mates. He always supported his family. He gave up his tomorrow so those in need could have a today.”
Another soldier from the regiment said, “Todd you’re an outstanding leader of men, you led from the front. Your boys from this and every deployment will always remember standing proudly beside you.”
Guests at today’s funeral service included the Hon Julia Gillard MP, Prime Minister; the Hon Stephen Smith MP, Minister for Defence; the Hon Tony Abbott MP, Leader of the Opposition; Craig Kelly, Federal Member for Hughes; the Hon Barry O’Farrell MLA, Premier of New South Wales; General David Hurley AC, DSC, Chief of the Defence Force; Lieutenant General David Morrison AO, Chief of Army; and, Major General Gus Gilmore AM DSC, Special Operations Commander Australia.
Sergeant Langley was a highly experienced Special Forces soldier. He served five times in Afghanistan (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011) and twice in East Timor (2001 and 2003). He also served as a member of the 2nd Commando Regiment’s Tactical Assault Group (East) counter terrorism force.
| Picture by ADF |
He loved being in the Army and was a soldier’s soldier. He loved being a Commando and this showed how passionate and dedicated he was in all that he did.
I will miss him every day for the rest of my life. I and our family, fully supported Todd’s chosen career of being a soldier.
Todd was also an amazing family man, he was the love of my life, and we will miss him forever.
As a family, we have had many shared moments that took our breath away. We will miss and cherish Todd’s memory and he will live on forever in our hearts. I know he will always be watching over us to keep us safe.
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take; it is measured by the moments that take our breath away.
We thank family, friends, the military community and the Nation in general for their condolences and amazing show of support to me and my family. The Langley family will always be grateful.
Todd will always be a true hero in our hearts.
We ask that you respect our families’ privacy and allow us to grieve the loss of a very special brave man.