James Danford’s return home from Iraq marked not just the end of another peacekeeping mission, but a pivotal moment in his life: the first time he would meet his son. Hailing from Namosi, Danford joined the Republic of Fiji Military Forces in 2011 and was deployed this year as part of Fiji’s contingent for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI). This deployment was his second mission, having previously served in the Golan Heights.
When he left for Iraq in January, Danford faced the emotional weight of being away from his pregnant wife and their 11-month-old daughter. The challenges of separation from loved ones loomed large, yet he found solace in making phone calls home. “Work was challenging, but calling home was a breather for me; it gave me relief,” he said.
Finally meeting his son, who is now 10 months old, was a deeply emotional experience for Danford. “When I left, my wife was pregnant. This is the first time for me to see my son,” he expressed, highlighting the significance of their reunion.
His wife, Maria Golea, emphasized the importance of faith and support from family during their months apart. “We always trusted God with our lives, and we had strong support from our families,” she remarked.
The Danford family’s reunion coincides with the Republic of Fiji Military Forces’ marking of the return of its personnel from Iraq, bringing an end to more than two decades of service in Baghdad. This transition not only represents personal reunions but also signifies a new chapter for the military and the families involved. The hopeful return of these service members emphasizes the importance of community and resilience in the face of challenges.
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