Private Temalesi Tinai recently returned home from her first tour of duty with the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), a significant chapter in her military career. After more than a year away, she was welcomed back to her family in Nabouva Village, Tailevu, with a heart full of joy and relief.
Having joined the military in 2015 as a member of the Army’s Territorial Force, Private Tinai reflected on the emotional journey of her deployment. She embraced her two children tightly, savoring the reunion after leaving them behind to fulfill her duty. Tears of happiness marked their emotional embrace as she expressed profound gratitude to her husband for supporting their family during her absence.
“This was a life-changing experience for me,” said the 33-year-old mother. “I learned a lot during this tour and owe a great deal of thanks to my family for holding everything together while I was away.”
Facing the unique challenges of a woman in uniform, Private Tinai had to cope with the difficulty of leaving her daughter when she was just 18 months old. During the welcoming ceremony, she encountered the heartbreaking reality that her daughter seemed indifferent at first, highlighting the emotional toll that long separations take on military families.
“As a mother, I feel a responsibility to be with my children, but when duty calls, we must answer,” she shared. “Our role is to contribute to peacekeeping, which requires understanding the situations people face in conflict zones.”
Private Tinai emphasized the optimism Fijians bring to their roles in war-torn nations like Iraq. “We are happy people, and we aim to instill a sense of hope in every situation,” she noted.
Now back in the comfort of her home, she expresses her gratitude for her safe return. “Seeing my family again is a blessing, and I thank God for keeping me safe throughout my time in the Middle East,” she remarked.
With her deployment behind her, Private Tinai is eager to rebuild her bond with her children and cherish the moments that they can now share together. Her experience not only highlights the sacrifices made by military personnel but also serves as a testament to the resilience of families who support them during challenging times.
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