In the early hours of June 21st, 2010, high in the mountains of Kandahar Province, an American Blackhawk helicopter, flying low and fast and carrying Sierra One Sniper Team of 2 Commando Regiment, crashed, taking lives of three Australian Commandos and a member of the flight crew. All others on board were injured, some seriously. These brave and committed ‘band of brothers’ were once again being inserted deep into enemy territory in defence of freedom and liberty. 
Our son, brother, partner, friend, colleague and mate was amongst those who did not survive.
Commando Private Benjamin Chuck was on his third deployment in Afghanistan and in the past had returned safely from these highly dangerous sorties engaging the enemy in this harsh and hostile land. The lives of many changed forever that dark and fateful night.
Ben had always searched horizons above and beyond the view of the crowd, never really conforming to the normal expectations, never feeling the need to be anybody other than the person he felt most comfortable being…himself.
Ben’s life was filled with fun and adventure. He made the choice early on to embrace all life had to offer, commit himself to his goals and strive to be the best person he could be.
“Benny we are so grateful for the privilege of sharing the glory of your 27 years. You had the courage to be yourself, the determination to make a difference and the strength to carry it out. You enriched and inspired all who knew you. Having known you has been an honour, you have left our world a better but lonelier place. Rest in peace Ben, your job is done. We are all so proud of you and shall forever bask in the warmth of your smile and the joyful sound of your laughter.”
– Gordon, Ben’s Father
Benjamin Adam Chuck was born in Atherton, Far North Queensland on June 18th, 1983. His parents Gordon and Susan Chuck and brother Jason warmly welcomed his arrival, soon to be followed by sister Tiffany.
“I love you son, beyond words that cannot even begin to tell you how much. I hold you and your happiness within my heart each and every day. If I were given the chance to be anything I wanted to become, there is nothing I would rather be than your mother, and there is no one I would rather have as my son”
– Susan, Ben’s Mum.
A quiet, gentle boy, Ben loved the outdoors, the creatures that inhabited it, and was fascinated by the wonders of nature.
“The time spent with my brother will be forever cherished and his memory eternally etched in my soul. We shared a mutual love of the outdoors, animals and adventure.”
– Tiffany, Ben’s Sister
We had a pretty blissful childhood, not unlike a ‘Boys Own’ tale. Picture scruffy kids riding bikes, cricket in the back yard, water fights and playing soldier. In hindsight, it was almost inevitable Benny would find his calling in the outdoors.”
– Elder brother Jason
“Benny was two years my junior, yet there was never any possibility that he would spend his life in a shadow”
– Jason
Although never a brilliant scholar, Ben was popular amongst his classmates, an enthusiastic contributor to school activities, in particular, sailing, where his talents led him to represent Australia in the 1995 International Cadet World Championships, he was placed 9th overall.
The Headmaster and Board of The Hutchins School, Hobart, honoured Bens memory in the creation of ‘The Ben Chuck Good Man Award’, a mark of respect for the ‘good man’ he was and as a tribute to his selfless commitment to his fellowman and ultimate sacrifice for the Nation. This award is voted on by year 12 students, and presented to their peer who has, through their life at the school, demonstrated compassion for their fellows, courage, integrity, honesty of purpose a belief in oneself and control and discipline over their deeds and actions. All the traits that would contribute to the ultimate compliment,…..to be widely regarded as a ‘Good Man’.
On completion of his schooling, Ben was employed by the Cairns Crocodile Farm, where he learnt to manage risk as a crocodile catcher in the Northern Territory and led him to demonstrate his skills as a presenter at the Crocodile Attack Show at Hartley Creek Wildlife Park, a popular tourist attraction north of Cairns.
Ben was an extraordinary person and an outstanding human being. He was a much respected and highly valued employee. His more experienced colleagues were amazed at Ben’s crocodile handling ability and his judgement in dangerous situations.”
– Angela Freeman owner Hartley’s Creek Crocodile Adventures
“Ben’s love of animals was legendary. His understanding of reptiles was almost telepathic and to watch him playing with with 4 meter crocodiles made you think he could have been another Steve Irwin if he so desired”
– Brother Jason
He took up Muay Thai and his increased fitness levels and agility were soon evident when he won his two public bouts at Cairns Ringside.
“I could not remember one negative moment we had in the gym, everything I asked him to do, he did and never once questioned me. That was why he was successful at everything he put his mind to. If my son grows up to have half the qualities that Ben had, I will be a happy man. I am absolutely honoured to have been a part of his life….your son was a wonderful person.”
– Dan Rush, Muay Thai Instructor, Cairns
Ben never lost sight of his ultimate goal, to become a licensed helicopter pilot, and was fully aware of the financial commitment this involved. One day Ben came home a little despondent and unsure where his life was heading.
“Well Dad,” he said, “I get paid $15 an hour to entertain the tourists feeding and enticing crocodiles, something that has inherent dangers and requires a unique sense of judgment. Surely I can put myself to better use than this with a more stable long-term future ?”
“ I am sure you can son”, I replied, “In a perfect world, given every choice, what comes into your mind above all others?”
“Easy Dad,” Ben said, “I want to learn to fly helicopters.”
“OK, first we need to find a way of financing your dream.” Was my response.
A couple of days after that fateful conversation an advertisement in The Australian newspaper caught Ben’s eye….
”If you think you have what it takes….come and see us….we’ll tell you !”
It was a message from the Australian Defence Force, appealing to the adventurous few who had aspirations to join a direct intake to the Special Forces Commando Regiment.
After completing basic medical checks and recruitment interviews, Ben was enlisted as a member of the Direct Intake on 11th May 2004.
Thus joining his career with his two grandfathers who as Squadron Leader Bob Maguire and Major Harry Chuck served with the Australian Forces during World War 2.
Ben loved being in the Special Forces and his letters home were testament to the satisfaction he gained from the intensive training, the skills he was learning, and the mates he was making.
“I knew Ben Chuck as a true gentleman. He was a real professional, an amazing friend, and a down-to-earth Australian. He was made for this job….Chucky’s physicality and mental strength showed in his courage under fire. I witnessed his bravery first hand on several occasions….it was truly an honour to have served alongside him. 
Chucky had an incredible love of life, he never wasted a day. He was always out enjoying every moment whether it was kite surfing, mountain biking, or fulfilling his dream of becoming a chopper pilot….but never did he stop being the down-to-earth, laid-back guy that made him so good to be around.
- Private R
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