Zero 79 Foundation

30/08/2026

Today we remember two exceptional Australian warriors - LCPL Mervyn McDonald and PTE Nathanael Galagher.

On 30 August 2012, Merv and Nate, members of the elite Alpha Commando Company, 2nd Commando Regiment, made the ultimate sacrifice while serving Australia during operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

They served with courage, humility and unwavering commitment, answering the call to serve and living the 2CDO REGT motto “Without Warning.”

Today is a reminder that behind every uniform is a son, a brother, a mate, a leader and a person deeply loved. Their loss continues to be felt by their families, friends and fellow Commandos, who carry their memory and honour their lives.

Today, we remember them with gratitude, respect and heartfelt love for all those who continue to carry their loss.

Rest easy.

Lest We Forget. 🇦🇺

26/08/2026

Today we pause to remember and honour the life and service of WO2 Michael Craig CSM, 2 Commando Regiment.

Michael was a respected Commando who lost his battle with brain cancer on the 26 August 2017.

In honouring his legacy, the Zero79 Foundation is proud to have had Michael’s wife Caroline, son James and brother-in-law Wes attend the Na Koa Regatta in Hawaii this month.

Lest we Forget

17/08/2026

Congratulations Peita de Boer and Matt! A big thank you also to Manteena and Zeroed for your continued support of the Zero79 Foundation and our community.

A journey to remember. An achievement to be proud of.

After 10 demanding days, Manteena Director Peita de Boer and her son have officially completed the Kokoda Trek, an incredible achievement that called for resilience, determination and the willingness to keep moving forward when things got tough.

For those who know and work alongside Peita, this achievement will come as no surprise. The commitment, perseverance and strength she brought to the Kokoda Trek are the same qualities she brings to Manteena every day: leading with determination, supporting those around her and seeing challenges through.

The journey also carries special meaning through Manteena and Zeroed's support of the Zero 79 Foundation and the important work they do with veterans and families of the fallen.

Congratulations Peita and Matt on an achievement you’ll carry with you for a lifetime. Welcome home, you guys did it! 👏

16/07/2026

On this day, 16 July 2014, we remember SGT Gary Francis of the 2nd Commando Regiment, who tragically lost his life during a training exercise on Mount Cook in New Zealand.

Aged 44, Gary, a former Royal Marine, was leading a group of Commandos on a two-week Mountain and Cold Weather Operations exercise when he fell 40 metres into a crevasse on the Grant Plateau.

Today, we honour Gary’s life, his dedication to service, and the sacrifice he made. His legacy endures through his family, his mates, and the many people whose lives he touched.

We stand alongside Gary’s family and the Commando community as they continue to honour his memory.

Lest We Forget.

15/07/2026

Today, we pause to remember the life and service of SGT Ian Turner, who died by su***de on 15 July 2017 after living with the invisible wounds of combat-related PTSD.

Turns was a highly capable, experienced and deeply respected Special Forces Operator within the 2nd Commando Regiment, serving on deployments to both Afghanistan and Iraq.

His courage and commitment in service left a lasting impact on those who served alongside him.

His passing is a powerful reminder that the effects of service do not end when the uniform comes off. Many Special Forces Operators and veterans continue to carry the unseen burden of their experiences long after their military service has ended.

Today, we honour Ian’s life, his service and his sacrifice. His legacy lives on through his family, his mates and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

We stand with Ian’s family and the Commando community as they continue to carry his memory.

Lest We Forget.

04/07/2026

Today we pause to remember and honour the life and service of SGT Todd Langley.

SGT Langley was an exemplary Commando, warrior and leader and when KIA on the 4 July 2011 in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, he was doing what he always did - leading from the front, bringing out the best in others, never taking a backward step.

Universally respected as a soldier’s soldier, it was Todd’s role as a husband, father, son, and brother that defined him just as strongly.

He reminds us what service really means and what kind of person chooses to bear its weight quietly, completely, and with love.

Lest we Forget

01/07/2026

Today we pause to remember and honour the life and service of LCPL Todd Chidgey.

Todd died in a non-combat related incident in Afghanistan on 1 July 2014.

Described by his fellow warriors of the 2nd Commando Regiment as “a brilliant bloke to know and work with who was loyal to the core and would do anything for his mates”.

Todd’s legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew him.

We honour him and stand with his family and the Commando community who continue to feel his absence.

Lest we Forget.

22/06/2026

Today, we honour Corporal Cameron Baird VC MG. A warrior, a leader and a mate whose courage continues to shape the Commando community.

Cameron’s actions on 22nd June 2013 reflect the very best of Australia’s Special Forces; unwavering commitment, selflessness in the face of danger and an unbreakable dedication to his team. His legacy lives on through the hearts of those who served with him, his family who carry his story and the community that continues to stand in his honour.

At Zero79 Foundation, we are committed to supporting Operators, veterans and families who uphold the same spirit Cameron embodied: service, sacrifice and mateship.

We remember Cameron. We honour his legacy and stand with the entire Commando community.

Lest we Forget

21/06/2026

Today we pause to remember and honour members of the 2nd Commando Unit PTE Scott Palmer, PTE Benjamin Chuck and PTE Timothy Aplin who were tragically killed in Afghanistan on 21st June 2010 in the line of duty on their way to a mission not far from the Australian base at Tarin Kowt.

These brave soldiers served with the highest standards, courage and the upmost commitment reminding us of the dedication and sacrifices made by those who wear the uniform.

Our thoughts and prayers are with their families today as we honour their life, legacy and service.

May we never forget the commitment they made to each other and the greater good.

Lest We Forget

11/06/2026

The Zero79 Foundation is proud to partner with to strengthen our mission of supporting current and former 079 Operators and the families of our fallen. Together, we stand with Australia’s Commando community, today, tomorrow, and always.

Grounded in shared purpose, impact, and values, this partnership brings together Bendigo Bank’s deep community commitment and our dedication to those who serve, enabling meaningful support where it matters most.

Stronger together.