UN-deployed Fijian soldier reflects on family and coming home after year in Iraq

Lasarusa Nukutabu, 29, was among 165 soldiers and officers who returned home safely after a year-long deployment with the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI).

He hails from Gau in Lomaiviti, with maternal ties to Nabitu, Tokatoka in Tailevu.

Their safe return was officially commemorated today during a formal ceremony marking the homecoming of the First Battalion, Fiji Infantry Regiment, held at Albert Parkin Suva.

While the occasion was formal in nature, it was deeply emotional for the soldiers and their families.

For many, including Mr Nukutabu, it was the first time in a year that they were finally able to embrace their loved ones.

For Mr Nukutabu, the past year can be summed up in three simple truths: one year away, one mission served, and one safe return home.

After spending a year overseas, he returned carrying quiet pride, deep gratitude, and a renewed appreciation for peace and life.

Standing on home soil once again, he said the feeling was impossible to fully describe.

“There are no words to fully explain the feeling of coming back home,” he said. “I’m just grateful to be here.”

The year-long deployment tested him in many ways, but the hardest challenge was being separated from his family.

“Being away from family for a year was the hardest part,” he shared. “Home is where your strength really comes from.”

That distance forced him to rely on discipline and inner strength while serving far from the comfort and familiarity of Fiji.

Adapting to a different culture and way of life was another challenge during the mission.

“The culture was different, the lifestyle was different,” he said. “But adapting was part of the mission.”

Unlike Fiji’s peaceful environment, his posting was in a combat zone divided into green and red zones.

As the Officer Commanding of Alpha Company, Mr Nukutabu lived in the green zone but often led patrols and supply runs into the red zone.

“Fiji is peaceful,” he said. “Where we were stationed, danger was always close.”

Now back home and reunited with his family, Mr Nukutabu reflects with humility.

The mission is complete, and the safe return is a moment he says he will never take for granted.