Vasemaca Garnett has been honored with the General Service Medal for his service in Iraq, a recognition he received two months ago. This medal is awarded to members of the Fijian military and often marks a year of service in overseas operations, alongside the UNAMI medal given by the United Nations for contributions in Iraq.
Vasemaca is part of the local military force, among 135 personnel who have been deployed to Iraq over the past year. He shared that he was not overly concerned about receiving the medal, emphasizing instead his commitment to his duties and the importance of the work he does.
He expressed pride in receiving the medal, feeling it validates his efforts and sacrifices. Despite the distance from Fiji, he finds strength in the support from his family during his service, which gives him an added sense of purpose.
Through his service, Vasemaca highlights the need for resilience and dedication, particularly for women in the military. He acknowledges the challenges faced, including being away from family, and encourages young women to embrace difficulties while striving for excellence in their work.
In total, 20 women also deployed in Iraq received the same medal, showcasing the increasing participation of women in military roles.
This recognition not only honors individual soldiers but also serves to inspire others within the military community to persevere and pursue excellence in their service.
Overall, Garnett’s experience can serve as a beacon of hope and motivation for those considering a career in the armed forces, demonstrating the value of commitment and the potential for recognition in challenging roles.
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