Second-Lieutenant Amaraki Dedicates Military Success To Late Grandmother

Second-Lieutenant, Ratu Orisi Amaraki, of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) successfully completed an in­tense 18 months military training course at the Royal Military Col­lege in Duntroon, Canberra, Aus­tralia.

The institution is one of the world’s finest military schools in training personnel to reach one’s full leadership potential and mili­tary skill sets.

“I am forever thankful to the RFMF for giving me this once in a lifetime opportunity because if it wasn’t for their confidence and trust in me, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” Second-Lieutenant Am­araki said.

He thanked God for His provision and protection over his life along with his family’s continued prayers and support.

“The first couple of weeks was not easy because I had to adjust to the weather conditions and training, but I overcame that knowing I was doing this for my family and my country,” he said.

The 21-year-old said the hardest part about studying away from home was when he received news of the passing of his maternal grandmother who had played a huge role in his life.

“There were times when I felt like giving up but I reminded myself of how my grandmother, Tai Una, would have wanted me to keep striving and to make her proud,” he said.

“I dedicate this achievement to her, to my parents and my entire family for their endless support and in believing in me.”

With the COVID-19 travel restric­tions, Second-Lieutenant Amaraki only wished his parents would have been present at the awards ceremo­ny.

“Even though my parents could not be present because of the pan­demic; I am thankful to my families in Australia who always took time to come out and visit me,” he said.

Second-Lieutenant Amaraki hails from Valeni, Savusavu with mater­nal links to Vitogo Village, in Lau­toka.