Dau, 22,Departs on Christmas day For First Tour Of Duty
This is the first time she is going on a United Nations Assistance Mission to Iraq or any mission for that matter.
Republic of Fiji Military Forces Private Elani Dau, celebrated Christmas Day in the air alongside her 25-member team that departed for peacekeeping duties in Iraq.
Originally from Nataleira, Dawasamu, Tailevu, she is a secondyear student at the Fiji National University in Tamavua pursuing her Diploma in Public Health.
The 22-year-old said she joined the army because: “I wanted to serve my country and also to expose myself to the challenges in this career.”
This is the first time she is going on a United Nations Assistance Mission to Iraq or any mission for that matter.
“I joined the army in 2015 while I was a university student. I opted for this career since it will assist me achieve my goal.
“This is the first time I will be away from my family during Christmas, but I will sacrifice that.”
Her father, Anisi Dau, 57, a former Police Inspector, who retired in 2015, said: “We are happy she chose the disciplined forces and also this career will assist her to achieve her goals.”
Two female personnel, Lance Corporal Filomena Vularogoyawa and Staff Sergeant Mereoni Bale, are departing on their third tour of duty.
RFMF Peacekeeping Support Operations director and military adviser Lieutenant-Colonel Pacolo Luveni farewelled the personnel at the Delta Coy base in Nadi on Monday.
“You are the children of God. You have volunteered to work with the RFMF in this tour operation,” he said.
“Though it was not of choice to depart on Christmas Day and not celebrating with your loved ones, but to simply achieve your mission for the next 12 months.”
The 25-member team had sixmonths training at Black Rock Camp in Nadi prior to their mission. Edited by Ranoba Baoa