Soldier Talk Of Sacrifices In Iraq

Private Mereula Kunaulu only wished her mother was alive to witness her arrival back home from peacekeeping duties.

This first tour of duty, under the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq, since she joined the RFMF was an eye opener for the mother of two.

Her mother died after a short illness and it was the funeral she was selected for the tour of duty with the Republic of Fiji Miltary Forces contingent bound for Iraq.

She was one of the 82 peacekeepers who arrived in the country on Monday night.

Private Mereula is originally from Navula, in Navosa Province has endured numerous challenges to reach her career.

Her dad Emosi Novo, 64, was proud to see their family members dressed up in purple kalavata to receive his daughter.

“I am proud of her achievement, I only wished if her mother was alive to witness how far she has gone in life,” Mr Novo said.

Another soldier returning from dutuies was RFMF Staff Sergeant Vuata Naresia, who is committed to kicking off a family-sustainable project.

The Narewa, Nadi native who has maternal links to Nakorosule, Naitasiri was among the four senior personnel on TOD.

“I have something in mind about this project which I will kick-start soon,” he said.

The father of two children joined RFMF in 2009 after high school.

“This was my third tour of duty and second time for Iraq as the first was to Iraq (2012 – 2013), then Lebanon (2014 -2018),” he said.

His wife Alena Gukibau said she thanked the RFMF leadership for their trust in her husband to be part of the senior team to assist in the rebuilding of wartorn countries in the Middle East.

“It is great to see him in one piece, indeed my prayers were with him and his comrades,” she said.

Feedback:  mereleki.nai@fijisun.com.fj