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BRISBANE - The family of an Australian soldier killed in Afghanistan has paid tribute to the father of two.
Trooper David Pearce, 41, died as a result of a roadside bomb attack in Afghanistan yesterday.
The Brisbane-based soldier was posted to the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment in October 2006 and was serving with the Reconstruction Task Force when he died.
In a statement released through the defence department, his family said Trooper Pearce had spent "18 wonderful years with his wife and had two beautiful daughters aged 11 and 6 years, who were the love and centre of his life".
Trooper Pearce spent three years with the army reserve, including a tour of the Solomon Islands, before joining the regular army aged 39.
"With his life experience, outgoing personality and ability to relate to people of all ages, he was a popular and respected member of his unit," his family said.
"He was a patriotic Australian and loved his work with the army, particularly the comradeship he developed with his mates."
- AAP
