New British Army Support Officer Welcomed
The new British Army support officer Major Daren Dangerfield from London for the Royal British Legion (Fiji Branch) Welfare Centre was welcomed in Suva yesterday. Former British Army soldier Derek Derenalagi acknowledged his arrival. Major Dangerfield was accorded a traditional welcome ceremony.
Major Dangerfield’s role as a support officer includes providing support to Fijian soldiers in the British Army and their families, supporting British Veterans in Fiji and assisting Fijians interested in joining the British Army. Mr Derenalagi said that it was important to have a British Welfare Officer in Fiji as a means of having a point of contact back to the London Office. He said many had returned and resided in Fiji and there would be a time in the future where they would need a bit of help and support depending on the issues they face.
“But to be in Fiji from the British Forces it shows that it is important to connect all ex-military officers back to England,” he said.
Mr Derenalagi who lost both legs in 2007 during his duty with the British in Afghanistan, stayed on with the army and joined the Paralympic team to the World Championship in 2012.
He has since then had the support of the British Army and continues to be active by being a motivational speaker with his wife in various events.
“My wife has been by side supporting me, she is my rock and she has been pushing me to do what we are doing today,” he added.