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.
Media note:
Imagery from today’s funeral is available at http://images.defence.gov.au/fotoweb/Grid.fwx?archiveId=5003&search=11120161
