Geezah
04-24-2006, 09:36 AM
JAKE Kovco was one of Australia’s most highly trained and respected snipers.
The 25-year-old father of two was yesterday named as Australia’s first fatal casualty in the Iraq conflict — dying from an accidental shot to the head while cleaning a 9mm Browning automatic pistol on Friday afternoon.
He died in a US Army combat surgical hospital where he was surrounded by his mates, who draped his body in an Australian flag and with a paratrooper’s beret on his chest as they said the Lord’s Prayer.
Pte Kovco, who is survived by wife Shelley and two children, Tyrie and Alana, was born in Melbourne and grew up in Victoria.
He enlisted in the Australian Regular Army in March, 2002, fulfilling a life-long ambition.
After successfully completing the recruit training course, he was selected for Infantry Corps and posted to the School of Infantry, Singleton, in May, 2002.
Following his infantry basic training he was selected for service in the elite 3rd Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR), Australia’s only parachute infantry battalion.
At 3RAR he served in a range of positions as a rifleman and heavy weapons operator, but after intensive specialist training he became a sniper.
Last month, he was deployed to Iraq as a member of the 110-strong, Baghdad-based security detachment protecting Australian officials — a much sought-after role in the Australian Defence Force.
The ADF said yesterday that during his time in Baghdad, Pte Kovco showed a high level of devotion to duty and professionalism.
“He was a valued member of his team and is sorely missed, not only for his skills and professionalism, but also as a mate and comrade in arms,” the Australian Defence Force said.
Pte Kovco’s body is expected to be returned to Australia, accompanied by his platoon sergeant, in the next few days.
Army chief Lt-Gen Peter Leahy has launched an inquiry into the death, which will also be investigated by a coroner.
Army officials are also expected to draft recommendations on how to prevent such accidents.
Link (http://www.bordermail.com.au/news/bm/national/190983.html)
RIP.........
The 25-year-old father of two was yesterday named as Australia’s first fatal casualty in the Iraq conflict — dying from an accidental shot to the head while cleaning a 9mm Browning automatic pistol on Friday afternoon.
He died in a US Army combat surgical hospital where he was surrounded by his mates, who draped his body in an Australian flag and with a paratrooper’s beret on his chest as they said the Lord’s Prayer.
Pte Kovco, who is survived by wife Shelley and two children, Tyrie and Alana, was born in Melbourne and grew up in Victoria.
He enlisted in the Australian Regular Army in March, 2002, fulfilling a life-long ambition.
After successfully completing the recruit training course, he was selected for Infantry Corps and posted to the School of Infantry, Singleton, in May, 2002.
Following his infantry basic training he was selected for service in the elite 3rd Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR), Australia’s only parachute infantry battalion.
At 3RAR he served in a range of positions as a rifleman and heavy weapons operator, but after intensive specialist training he became a sniper.
Last month, he was deployed to Iraq as a member of the 110-strong, Baghdad-based security detachment protecting Australian officials — a much sought-after role in the Australian Defence Force.
The ADF said yesterday that during his time in Baghdad, Pte Kovco showed a high level of devotion to duty and professionalism.
“He was a valued member of his team and is sorely missed, not only for his skills and professionalism, but also as a mate and comrade in arms,” the Australian Defence Force said.
Pte Kovco’s body is expected to be returned to Australia, accompanied by his platoon sergeant, in the next few days.
Army chief Lt-Gen Peter Leahy has launched an inquiry into the death, which will also be investigated by a coroner.
Army officials are also expected to draft recommendations on how to prevent such accidents.
Link (http://www.bordermail.com.au/news/bm/national/190983.html)
RIP.........