Republic of the Fiji Military Forces Lance Corporal Navitalai Delaiverata will be accorded a special welcoming party by his family at his home in Nasilai Village in Nakelo.

The 55-year-old who is also retiring was among the 30 military personnel, who arrived at the Nadi International Airport on Wednesday after serving one year tour of duty in Sinai under the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO).

This was part of the regular rotation of Fijian peacekeepers serving in the troubled Egyptian Sinai.

“I am happy to be back at home and to see my family in good health. It has been an honour to serve for the RFMF under MFO in Sinai and something that I will cherish forever,” Lance Corporal Delaiverata said.

“I’ve reached 55 years so I am expected to retire soon from the force. The plan now is just to spend quality time with my children and grandchildren.”

He has seven children and six grandchildren.

His niece, 30-year-old, Mele Laqekoro, was with relatives to welcome her uncle.

Republic of the Fiji Military Forces personnel arrive at Nadi International Airport on 9 April 2018 . PHOTO: ARIETA VAKASUKAWAQA

She said: “We are so excited to see him and it was an emotional moment for us, his niece and nephews, to see him back safely. The whole village is waiting for his arrival in Nasilai where he will be accorded a special welcoming party and it’s going to be massive,” she said.

“We have always treated Lance Corporal Delaiverata like our own father because he is loving and kind to all his nieces and nephews.

“His children and grandchildren are all waiting at the village preparing a big feast for his arrival,” she added.

Meanwhile, another 30-strong contingent of military personnel left our shores on Wednesday for Sinai to serve under MFO for a one year tour of duty.

Edited by Percy Kean

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