Family Statement on behalf of Peter and Cate Diddams

The following statement is released at the request of Peter and Cate Diddams, the parents of Sergeant Blaine Diddams, who was tragically killed on operational service with the Special Operations Task Group in Afghanistan, on Monday 2 July 2012.

Today we lay to rest our eldest son Blaine, who died doing what he loved, what he believed in, in the company of those with whom he shared a special bond.

To Blaine he couldn’t imagine doing anything else, he was living his dream and living it with pride and distinction.

Whilst we are devastated at his loss, we lovingly remember the man who was absolutely focused and driven to be the best he could be in everything he pursued, yet always with that wonderful sense of humour, boundless enthusiasm and perspective that will be sorely missed.

Blaine was totally devoted to his wife and children, to his extended family, and unreservedly dedicated to his mates and to his country.

Blaine’s brothers and sisters all looked up to him as their hero long before he became a national hero.

As parents we are so very proud of Blaine; proud of what he stood for; proud of what he had achieved; proud of who he was.

Our grief has been tempered by the overwhelming expressions of sympathy and support we have received, and we are steeled to face the difficult days ahead by the knowledge that we do not grieve alone.

We would like to thank the Australian Defence Force for their efforts in supporting us through this traumatic time, and in particular the regimental family of the Special Air Service Regiment – the military family Blaine loved so much, and whose support has been unstinting.

Finally we ask that out of respect for Blaine and in recognition of the ultimate sacrifice he has made for his country, you grant his family and friends complete privacy as we all come to terms with his loss.

The family will not be issuing further statements or conducting interviews at this time.