She was a mother first to the staff of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) and an officer later.

This was how Major Hiagi Ieli described the late Lieutenant-Colonel Laisani Kinikini Vulakouvaki.

At 18, she had made the ultimate sacrifice to join the RFMF.

She was one of the seven women who were the first to join the male-dominated institution.

It was no easy feat.

Major Ieli said the late Lieutenant-Colonel Vulakouvaki was blessed with an influential, humble, and strong character until her passing.

“She was a role model within the servicewomen in the RFMF,” Major Ieli said.

“As a mother, she was always willing to provide mentoring, counselling and guidance to all who needed it,” he said.

“A mother figure to all and knew each one of us and our families.”

He said she saw the good in everyone and would help if someone was facing personal problems.

“She would pick up on it and help out in whatever way she could,” Major Ieli said.

“Her trademark was her heart, she gave without ever wanting anything in return.

Major Ieli said she will be missed for the genuinely humble person that she was, a great listener and one who was never too busy to cheer one up.

Lieutenant-Colonel Vulakouvaki was laid to rest yesterday at the Nasinu cemetery following a funeral service at her Bayview Heights home yesterday.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama was also present at the burial.

She is survived by her husband, Lorima Sautu Senior, their nine children and grandchildren.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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