The last chalk of the current rotation Sinai peacekeepers from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces left yesterday morning.

Among the 54 soldiers, who will be away for a year with the Multinational Force and Observers is Private Wainitilu Moimoi of Vatuwaqa, Suva.

Bound for his first tour of duty, Private Moimoi’s mother, Lanieta Vasu stood the proudest as she bid farewell to her 25-year-old son.

“I am so happy that my son is taking up the responsibility. My husband is also a soldier and he has been to many missions as well,” she said.

“I told my son to pray all the time because it is the first time for him to go and he will be away for a year.”

Ms Vasu’s daughter, Rusila, was also there to farewell her brother, and boyfriend, Private Romisiwani Qilosevoro.

Private Qilosevoro is also on his first trip to Sinai and has been in the military for a year.

“One year away will be hard but it is a good thing that now we have technology that makes communication easier,” she said.

“I wish them luck in this one year and hopefully they live their life through God’s hand as I stand strong for them.”

Faiva Vitudua from Lautoka came to farewell her husband, Josefa Vitudua, who has been on many duties, but this will be his first mission to Sinai.

“It is hard when he goes away so we have to really cope without him, with my three children; the youngest is closest to him,” she said.

“I wish him the very best and hope that he comes back in one piece as my daughter did not want him to go.”

Standing among the families Litea Koroisa, who was in tears seeing her son, Esea Ragila, 20, leaving her.

“This is his first year in the military and his first tour of duty so this is the first time he will be away from us for so long,” she said.

Before the 54 soldiers left they were briefed by the RFMF’s Land Force Commander, Colonel Sitiveni Qiliho.

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