Members of the Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) and ISAF Partners farewelled Corporal Cameron Baird of the 2nd Commando Regiment in a solemn Service of Remembrance and Ramp Ceremony at Multi National Base – Tarin Kot today.
Corporal Baird was killed in action on 22 June 2013 during an engagement with insurgents. He is remembered by his mates and the Task Group as a modest yet inspirational leader and a true, modern day warrior.
Commanding Officer SOTG Lieutenant Colonel J (who cannot be named for operational reasons) described Corporal Baird as a professional and disciplined soldier who exemplified all that was a Commando.
“Cam, you were a soldier of the highest order, one never to shy from battle,” Lieutenant Colonel J said.
“Rest in peace fine soldier and rest in the knowledge that we will honour you through our pledge to continue the mission here in Afghanistan.”
Tributes to Corporal Baird by his patrol and Commanding Officer Major P described him as a mentor and role model.
“Cam Baird is and will always be one of the most inspiring leaders of men within the 2nd Commando Regiment. There isn’t one of us who wouldn’t follow Cam into any combat situation,” Major P said.
“Although Cam has left us in person, he will forever be a part of this company. His moral, physical and mental standards provide a guiding light for each of us to follow. He will never be forgotten.”
Australians, Afghan Partner Units, Americans, Slovaks, and Defence civilian colleagues formed an honour guard to pay final tribute to Corporal Baird as he was led to a waiting Royal Australian Air Force C-130 Hercules to begin his journey home.
Imagery is available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/S20130491
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