Operation Ranaudo
In late December to early January, the state of Victoria experienced above average temperatures causing bushfires around the state.
Disaster Relief Australia will supervise and lead community volunteers in bushfire recovery tasks. Our Strike Teams will deploy into the region to conduct site preparation tasks, including chainsaw work, to ready the Area of Operation (AO) for community volunteer activities.
The story behind the name
Private BJ (Benjamin) Ranaudo
Private Benjamin Ranaudo was born in Melbourne 13 April 1987 and educated at St Joseph’s College. He enlisted into the Australian Regular Army on the 19th of May 2006. After completing his Recruit and Initial Employment Training, Private Ranaudo was posted to the 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment. During his service with 1 RAR, Private Ranaudo deployed to East Timor as part of Operation Astute, and to Afghanistan as part of Operation Slipper.
Private Ranaudo was a member of the Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force in Afghanistan and was killed by an anti-personnel explosive device on 18 July 2009. while on operations in the Baluchi Valley north of Tarin Kot.
Then Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, described Ben’s service: “Private Benjamin Ranaudo was a professional soldier who served enthusiastically and with distinction. His career record speaks to a young man, very well trained, with an extraordinary array of completed courses. Benjamin was clearly dedicated to his career as a soldier and committed to the profession of arms.”
Private Ranaudo was 22 years old and left behind a loving family.
Lest we forget.
Get involved
Planning for upcoming operational deployments is now underway. If you are keen to participate or find out more, express your interest today.