Private Matthew Lambert returns to Queensland
The soldiers of Mentoring Task Force – Three have quietly farewelled their mate, Private Matthew Lambert, from Uruzgan Province in Afghanistan after he was killed in an explosion on Monday morning 22 August 2011.
In a simple ceremony at Multi-National Base Tarin Kot, his mates gave their fallen colleague a fitting farewell.
The Commanding Officer of MTF-3, Lieutenant Colonel Chris Smith said Private Lambert was a highly professional and disciplined soldier.
“As his Commanding Officer, Private Matthew Lambert never failed to impress me with his drive, personal philosophy and professionalism. The words which best describe Private Lambert are courageous, fit, strong, and disciplined.
“As we farewell Matthew, our thoughts are with his family and his partner at this time,” Lieutenant Colonel Smith said.
The Commander of Australian Defence Force personnel deployed to the Middle East, Major General Angus Campbell said Private Lambert was known as a physically and mentally tough soldier.
“Private Lambert had forged an impressive reputation as decisive, dependable, focused on the mission, and ever protective of his mates. He was known for his even temperament and as a quiet performer but whose efforts did not go unnoticed.
“He was the quintessential soldier, a highly trained specialist who was admired and respected.
“His loss will not be deeply felt just because of what he did – but because of who he was. Private Lambert represents the best aspects of the Australian Army and our Defence Force,” Major General Campbell said.
Private Lambert will be repatriated through RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland and will be buried with full military honours.
He is survived by his partner Ellesse, mother Vicki and her partner Gregg, father Chris and his wife Amanda, and his sister Jess.
Matthew was a son both his parents Vicki and Chris were extremely proud of. He had just bought his first home in Townsville and he loved to take his treasured motorbike for long rides with friends around the area.
He was loved very much by all his family and friends and made an impact on anyone who was part of his life.
“He was an inspiration, and for a man there is no greater gift than to have a son like him,” said Chris, Matt's father.
“He was an extraordinary young man with everything, including incredible physical and mental agility. Matt had a great enthusiasm for living life, generously sharing his time, thoughts and ideas and inspiring us all by walking the talk.”
Matt believed the world could be made a far better place and he had a very positive outlook on life. He always encouraged and motivated others.
“He was very adventurous and an inspiration to all who met him,” said Vicki, his mother. “Matt was an extremely focused person who really wanted to help make the lives of other people better.”
Ellesse, said that he was the love of her life, everything she had ever wanted in a partner and no one could ever replace him.
“He was the most special man in my life and we had planned our whole life together. Matty made me a better person, he is my best friend and I will always love him. Matty always protected me and was the best part of my life, he was my everything.”
Matt and his sister Jess were inseparable. He was her best friend and the big brother who always looked after and protected her. They shared a unique sense of humour and Matt sent his love to Jess in his last message.
We’re spending time together as a family trying to come to terms with Matt's loss.
We would like to thank all of our friends and Matt’s mates for their support, and ask that our privacy be respected and we be given time to grieve.
Note: The family has asked that their privacy be respected – they will not be undertaking any media interviews
Stumble It!
