Unborn son 'won't forget soldier dad'

The pregnant widow of the latest Australian soldier to be killed in Afghanistan has vowed his unborn son will know what an incredible man his father was.

Lance Corporal Jared MacKinney, 28, was killed in late August during an intense three-hour battle with Taliban insurgents in the western part of Afghanistan's Oruzgan province.

His wife Beckie MacKinney, who is due to give birth to their second child in two weeks, paid tribute to her husband in a statement released before his funeral service on Friday.

"The long journey without Jared has begun for Annabell and me and soon also little Noah Jared, who is due to come into the world in a fortnight," she said.

"Noah will never get to meet his father, but he'll come to know him for the incredible man he was through our love and memories.

"We have reached the deepest depths of despair since we were told of Jared's death, but we have also been helped and comforted by the support and extraordinary generosity of spirit of old friends, new friends and strangers who cared."

She also thanked her husband's mates in Afghanistan and at home.

"I want to thank you for your caring and incredible messages of support," she said.

"I know Jared wants me to tell you that we are very proud of you and support you in the job that you are doing."

LCpl MacKinney's father-in-law, David Smallbone, said he couldn't have wished for a better son-in-law.

"He was a wonderful loving husband and a very hands-on dad," Mr Smallbone said.

"His motto was happy wife, happy life.

"We love you, mate, and we'll never forget you."

Brigadier Paul McLachlan, commander of the 7th Brigade, said LCpl MacKinney could have run for mayor of Gallipoli Barracks at Enoggera and won in a canter.

"We've lost a remarkable soldier and an honourable Australian," he said at the service.

"We will miss him. We will never forget you, Jared MacKinney."

Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Opposition Leader Tony Abbott and defence chief Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston were among those who gathered for the military funeral of LCpl MacKinney at the Ashgrove Baptist Church.

LCpl MacKinney's casket was carried in heavy rain from the church through an honour guard drawn from his unit, the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR).

At the conclusion of the service soldiers fired three blank volleys.