Wednesday 25 May 2011 16.16 BST
- Article history
The Ministry of Defence has paid tribute to a British soldier killed in a bomb blast in Afghanistan, describing him as a "phenomenal, irreplaceable" individual who had already been selected for promotion and was "very much a star" of the future.
Colour Serjeant Kevin Fortuna, 36, from A Company, 1st Battalion The Rifles, died on Monday while on patrol in the Saidabad Kalay area of the Nahr-e Saraj (south) district of Helmand province. He leaves behind his wife Nia, mother Sue and brother Kris.
His family said: "Kevin was a true professional who loved his job and lived life to the full. He gave 19 loyal years to the army and will be sadly missed by his wife, mother, family and friends."
Fortuna was deployed to Afghanistan last month in command of a multiple of 12 Riflemen, the MoD said. It revealed he had been leading a patrol to disrupt enemy forces when he was killed by an improvised explosive device.
"He cared for those he commanded passionately and had prepared his men and himself flawlessly for this deployment," the MoD said. "He will be very sorely missed by every man in the battle group."
Lieutenant Colonel James de Labilliere, commanding officer, 1st Battalion, The Rifles said: "Colour Serjeant Fortuna was an utterly professional commander, Rifleman and a man of irreproachable integrity. His presence strengthened the battalion and the loss with his passing will be acute.
"He was remarkable for many reasons, not least his complete and unwavering commitment to his Riflemen and their care.
"He was restless until he had achieved the very best for them and encouraged them to be restless until they achieved the very best for themselves.
"He was a master tactician and a soldier of great experience. He was to be a company serjeant major in just three months time."
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