It was an emotional moment for retired army Sergeant Maikeli Masi when he welcomed his son, peacekeeper Private Ravuama Tagutuvanavosa, on Friday at Nadi International Airport.

Private Tagutuvanavosa, was one of the 98 members of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces contingent who returned after peacekeeping duties under the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF).

The contingent served in the Golan Heights between Israel and Syria for a year.

“My son has made us proud because I was in the RFMF for 30 years before I retired. It is a blessing to see him continuing my work, it will make him a stronger person,” Mr Masi said.

“For the first time today we have changed positions, it is usually him at this end waiting for my return, this time I am waiting for him,” he said.

“We were always worried about him especially when it was his first tour of duty.

“Well,  all parents would have sleepless nights knowing that their sons are serving in a place where anything can happen in just a split of a second.

“I was once in my son’s shoes so I know what it is like to be in a war torn country, we will always pray for God’s guidance over his life.

“Our families are so happy to see him back safely and well, I am so humbled with God’s protection, it  is never an easy task to be far away from home and have a lot of dangerous movements around you.

“I am more than happy; it is just a different feeling to see your own son doing the same thing you used to do, and bringing pride to our country.

“We had been communicating with him regularly through Facebook and electronic mail.”

43-year-old, Taraivosa Baleisuva  was in tears when she received her son, Private Pomani Vuki on the same evening.

The mother of four from Nakodu in Koro, Lomaiviti, said it was a joyous moment for her family to see their son Private Pomani safe back into the country.

His father, 48-year-old, Jone Pomani said that his son had made their family proud.

Private Pomani is the first in his family to serve under Republic of the Fiji Military Forces peacekeeping.

“We are so proud of our son for what he has done for the nation, being true to the role bestowed upon him. Any parent will be worried about their son when they are serving in a war torn country but it was through divine intervention that kept him safe.

“We always pray for him during our family devotion for God to keep him safe, we just want to give back the glory and honour to him for protecting our son.”