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Government House, Canberra Admiralty House, Sydney
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Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia
THE TRAGIC DEATH OF LANCE CORPORAL JASON MARKS
28 April 2008
A Message
from
His Excellency Major General Michael Jeffery, AC CVO MC (Retd)
Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia
Marlena and I were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Lance Corporal Jason Marks whilst serving on active duty in Afghanistan, and the wounding of several of his comrades.
Last week I spent four days visiting our men and women deployed in the Middle East area of operations. I was privileged to spend my last ANZAC Day as Commander-in-Chief at a Dawn Service with the Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) and Reconstruction Task Force in Afghanistan.
To hear of the death of Lance Corporal Marks from the SOTG, just three days later, is deeply saddening.
The work and achievements of our men and women serving in the region are impressive. In inhospitable and dangerous conditions they serve with professionalism and compassion.
Lance Corporal Marks served with distinction and made a great contribution to our nation, not only in the special forces, in the 4th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment but previously in the Royal Australian Army Medical Corps.
On behalf of all Australians I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife, family and comrades on the tragic loss of a husband, father and fine soldier.
Furthermore, I send my best wishes for a speedy recovery to our four wounded soldiers. The thoughts and prayers of all Australians are with you today.
29 April 2008
A Message
from
Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO
Administrator of the Commonwealth
Like all Australians, I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Lance Corporal Jason Marks during an engagement in Afghanistan on Sunday evening April 27, 2008.
I was also very concerned to learn that four of his fellow soldiers were wounded, and I wish them a speedy and full recovery.
This encounter, in a dangerous region of the world, highlights the great courage and commitment of our nation’s servicemen and women to the ideals of peace and freedom.
The Governor-General who is currently travelling overseas on a State Visit to Israel has provided a personal message of sympathy to the family of Lance Corporal Marks.
I join with Major General Jeffery in extending my thoughts of condolence and care to Mrs Cassandra Marks, to Connor and Ella, in this great loss of a beloved husband and father.
