Farewell to Lieutenant Marcus Case

Farewell to Lieutenant Marcus Case

A funeral service with up to thousand family, friends and fellow soldiers commemorated the life of Lieutenant Marcus Case today at St Bedes Church, Balwyn, Victoria.

Twenty-seven year old Lieutenant Case was killed in action during operations in Afghanistan on 30 May 2011. Lieutenant Case was deployed to Afghanistan as a Heron Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operator. Lieutenant Case’s colleagues from 6th Aviation Regiment were present to pay their respects as the coffin was marched into the Church.

Lieutenant Case’s family remembered a brother and son who lived life to the fullest and would always be planning his next adventure.

Lieutenant Case’s brother, Chris Case, reflected on how his brother wanted to make a difference and was a man who would take every opportunity in life.

“He knew his greatest weapon and shield was his mind,” said Chris Case.

“We are thankful he was born into our family.”

Commander 16 Aviation Brigade, Brigadier Greg Lawler paid tribute to the young pilot.

“Marcus’ desire to fly was strong. He didn’t sit back and just go with the flow, rather he would jump at any chance to fly even when he was suppose to be on leave or on course,” said Brigadier Greg Lawler.

“Marcus was inquisitive, interested and keen to continue developing as a pilot.

“Marcus will be remembered as a fierce friend, who was unconditionally loyal to his mates and always backed them up.”

After the Church ceremony, Lieutenant Case was laid to rest at a private burial service.

Lieutenant Case has been awarded the Australian Service Medal with Clasp Timor-Leste, Australian Defence Medal, Australian Active Service Medal with ICAT Clasp, Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the NATO ISAF Medal.

Lieutenant Case is survived by his parents and five siblings. He is remembered as one who lived life to the fullest, taking every opportunity that was given to him and making the most of it.

The Hon Julia Gillard MP, Prime Minister; the Hon Warren Snowdon MP, Acting Minister for Defence; the Hon Tony Abbott MP, Leader of the Opposition; the Hon Stuart Robert MP, Shadow Minister for Defence Science and Personnel; the Hon Ted Baillieu, Premier of Victoria; Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston AC AFC, Chief of the Defence Force; Stephen Merchant, Acting Secretary for Defence; Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie AC DSC CSM, Chief of Army; and local dignitaries attended the funeral.

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