Thanks Tomcat and for the follow-up::::::July 21, 2009 THE family of Private Benjamin Ranaudo, the latest Australian to be killed in Afghanistan, has pleaded that his death, like that of the other 10 Diggers killed in the conflict, not be in vain. Private Ranaudo today began his long journey home after a moving ceremony at the Australian base at Tarin Kowt in Oruzgan province. Soldiers from the 2nd Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force (MRTF) and coalition forces, including the Afghan National Army, lined the road to the runway at Tarin Kowt base where an aircraft was waiting to carry him home. Private Ranaudo, 22, was killed in an insurgent bomb blast on Saturday, the 11th Australian soldier to die in Afghanistan since 2002. His family described him as a proud soldier who believed in what he did. "He was a son, a brother, a comrade, a life partner," the family said in a statement. "His smile could light up the darkest of days. Ben touched the lives of so many with his warm heart. His strong spirit carried his family and friends through his absence and it will carry them through their loss. "Please let's not let Benjamin's death, and the death of the other 10 soldiers, be in vain." MRTF commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Peter Connolly said Private Ranaudo would be sorely missed. He said his death was a reminder Australian soldiers had a demanding job, adding that the cowardly attack, which also wounded civilians, would only strengthen their resolve. "Many people are hurting right now as we grieve the loss of this exceptional soldier. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends at this difficult time," he told soldiers gathered for the ramp ceremony. "The thing about the attack is that it was completely indiscriminate. To me, that is an act of complete cowardice." Private Ranaudo was killed by an improvised explosive device (IED) several hours after his unit occupied a security position during an operation in the Baluchi Valley. The mission was designed to disrupt a known insurgent bomb-making facility which had been responsible for attacks on coalition forces. MRTF Regimental Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Darren Murch, described Private Ranaudo as a fine soldier. "He was a highly skilled infantryman and always put his mates first. He was a pleasure to be around and displayed the true qualities of the Australian soldier," he said.