The funeral service for Sapper Jordan Penpraze was held today at the Mornington Racing Club, Victoria.
The military funeral was attended by hundreds of family, friends and colleagues who came together to support Jordan’s parents and partner and to farewell their good friend.
Commanding Officer of the School of Military Engineering, Lieutenant Colonel Allan Hollink, said the Army had said good-bye to one of its newest soldiers.
“When Jordan enlisted into the Army, he not only commenced a new career, but he became part of the Army family. This is a close family, with strong bonds, and while Jordan will remain in our hearts and prayers, his parents and partner will remain part of our family and you will always be welcome with us, at the home of the sapper,” he said.
The moving ceremony included an audio-visual tribute from his family and Army colleagues.
Chaplain Michael Pocklington, speaking on behalf of the Penpraze family, said: “We are incredibly proud of Jordan and what he and his mates achieved in such a short time. All Jordan wanted to be was a sapper. He knew the dangers of the job and he overcame many obstacles to attain that dream. Jordan’s motto was ‘do what you want to do and be what you want to be’. He lived by this motto and we would like his Army mates to continue in their careers, to stay safe, to be what you want to be.”
A private cremation service will be held during the week.
Imagery from Sapper Penpraze’s funeral will be available from Wednesday 24 October at: http://images.defence.gov.au/12131498
Media contact:
Defence Media Operations: 02 6127 1999
Issued by Ministerial and Executive Coordination and Communication,
Department of Defence,
Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999 Fax: 02 6265 6946
