R.I.P another Afghanistan casualty 16/12/08

Subject: R.I.P another Afghanistan casualty 16/12/08 16/12/2008, 12:32

Copied from the ""This is Plymouth" Website.

"A BRITISH soldier from Plymouth-based 29 Commando Royal Artillery was killed by enemy fire in Afghanistan yesterday afternoon.
The soldier was at a Forward Operating Base in the Gereshk area of Helmand Province when he was wounded.
He received immediate medical treatment and was taken by helicopter to the ISAF military hospital at Kandahar, but subsequently died of his wounds.
His next of kin have been informed. Contrary to earlier reports he is not expected to be named today.
The soldier is the 133rd British serviceman to die in Afghanistan since the start of operations in October 2001.Commander Paula Rowe, the spokeswoman for Task Force Helmand, said: “The death of this soldier is another hard blow to everyone at Task Force Helmand.
“Our loss is nothing though compared to that of his family and friends, and our thoughts and prayers are with them at this dreadful time”.
The death came only three days after four Royal Marines died in two separate explosions in the Sangin area of Helmand".

R.I.P mate see you in the regroup in the sky

"THE FAMILY of a Plymouth commando killed on the frontline of the war in Afghanistan have described him as a selfless "hero".
Lieutenant Aaron Lewis, of the Citadel-based 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, was killed in action on Monday when the gun position he was commanding came under attack.
Tributes from fellow military officers, and members of the public, have been pouring into The Herald ever since.
Last night four bunches of flowers were left at the gates of the Citadel, a note attached to one read simply: "Sorrow in 29 Cdo".
His family today led those tributes hailing the efforts of their son and stating his loss will always be a painful memory."Aaron was a beloved son, brother, boyfriend and uncle and the feeling of loss will never leave us," the family said.
"But our proud memories of him will live on forever.
"Aaron will rest peacefully knowing that he was helping others and saving lives so that other families will not have to go through what we, as a family, are at this time.
"Aaron constantly achieved everything that he set out to do and in joining the Army, committed everything he had to a cause that he truly believed in.
"We are so proud of Aaron as a person and an officer and he knew how much his family loved him even though we couldn't be there to help when he needed us most.
"His loss will always be a painful memory but, in time, we will celebrate his strengths and that he will be remembered as a hero."
The family said they also hoped people would take note of his death.
"We only hope that people will recognise the selfless act that our soldiers undertake to protect our country, so that future generations don't have to suffer," the statement added.
Lt Lewis – who was serving with 29 Cdo's F Troop of 79 Commando Battery – died on Monday, less than two weeks after he celebrated his 26th birthday in Afghanistan.
At the time of the attack which led to his death, he was on a major operation and based in a Forward Operating Base near Gereshk in Central Helmand.
He was flown to hospital in Kandahar but died shortly after arrival.
Lt Lewis' death came just days after four Royal Marines died in two separate explosions in the Sangin area of Helmand.
He is the fifth Plymouth-based commando to die since Stonehouse-based 3 Commando Brigade deployed in September.
Lieutenant Colonel Neil Wilson, Commanding Officer of 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, led the military tributes to Lt Lewis.
"From the moment he arrived in 29 Commando Regiment it was apparent that Aaron was someone very special," he said.
"We were all immediately struck by his maturity, professionalism and determination, the latter point being proven as he fulfilled a personal ambition of passing the Commando Course, despite suffering a bad knee injury.
"He frequently brought calmness to difficult situations, reassuring people by his presence and showing cheerfulness in adversity – a true Commando trait.
"He led his men from the front, his passion and vigour constantly on display, with the welfare of his soldiers always at the forefront of his mind; he genuinely cared for them.
"He was a lively mess character and if there was something going on there, he was usually at the centre of it.
"Always ready and willing to assist anyone who needed it, he quickly became popular with his witty conversation and engaging banter.
"He will be greatly missed by us all and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very difficult time."
Lieutenant Aaron Lewis was born in Essex.
A 2:1 Graduate of Sports and Exercise Science from Loughborough University, he looked to satisfy his thirst for adventure and a physical challenge by joining the Army.
He passed out of the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst in April 2007.
After completing the Royal Artillery Young Officers' Course he was posted to 29 Commando Regiment in Plymouth.
Despite suffering a knee injury he showed incredible determination to pass the arduous All Arms Commando Course in June 2008.
He deployed with his gun troop to Afghanistan in October this year.
Major Rob Alsworth, a Battery Commander with 79 Battery, said: "He was the young officer we all wished we could be, combining dedicated professionalism with an infectious thirst for fun and adventure.
"He threw himself into his career and loved commanding soldiers."
John Hutton, Secretary of State for Defence, said: "Lieutenant Aaron Lewis was highly regarded by his peers and superiors and he was clearly a selfless and committed member of 29 Commando with a promising career ahead of him.
"His loss will be felt keenly by all his colleagues in 29 Commando, and most of all by his family.
"My thoughts and sympathy will be with them all during this terrible time."
A barmaid at The Navy Inn, the Barbican pub which is a favourite of many soldiers based at 29 Cdo, said the news would be devastating for the "tight-knit" regiment.
"It sends shivers down my spine," said the barmaid who did not wish to be named.
"I don't know him myself but it's so sad; especially because he's so young.
"I've got two children in the forces and it just sends a chill right down me - it doesn't bear thinking about.
"They all come in here, and we have a couple of photos on the wall over there of lads who have died. It's terrible."
Lt Lewis is the 133rd British serviceman to die in Afghanistan since operations began in October 2001.
A spokeswoman for UK Task Force Helmand, described Lt Lewis' death as being "another hard blow" to everyone at Task Force Helmand".