More than 60 soldiers will return home after spending two months away from their families.

They were the frontline for the rehabilitation of the Northern Division after Tropical Cyclone Yasa.

Republic of Fiji Military Forces Commander Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto attended a thanksgiving service for the RFMF personnel at Naulumatua House in Nabouwalu on Wednesday.

Speaking to the soldiers, Commander Naupoto thanked them for their hard work.

He said while swearing an oath to serve in the military, they were giving the best part of their life to the service.

He added that it was their families who had to sacrifice to go without a husband, father, son, brother during the festive season and the start of school.

Commander Naupoto advised the RFMF personnel as they go home to spend time with families before being assigned for the next assignment.

Meanwhile, Warrant Officer Company Sergeant Major Ilaijia Yalibau was emotional during the farewell and was looking forward to return to his family.

He said that he had been to rehabilitation works before but has never seen such devastation brought by TC Yasa.

WO/CSM Yalibau said while his job was to look into the welfare of the soldiers and the logistics, he was glad that hard work had paid off.

The father-of-six children from Natokalau, Kabara, Lau said the first thing he would do when he reaches home was to say a thanksgiving prayer to God for his protection and provisions.

He thanked the vanua of Cakaunitabua for it’s hospitality and apologised for actions that might have been offending to the communities.

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