Miles away from their families and homes, our troops with the 2nd Battalion Fiji Infantry Regiment (2FIR) serving with the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) in Sinai, Egypt celebrated our 49th year of Independence with medals presentations for those on their first MFO tour of duty. Having served six months of their yearlong deployment, the soldiers qualified to receive their MFO medals on commemoration of Fijiโs 49th year of independence. More than 60 Fiji contingent personnel was on their first tour of duty.
A highlight of the event was the traditional farewell ceremony to the Force Commander Australian Army Officer Major General Simon Stuart whose three-year term ends in December. Earlier in the day he was the Chief Guest for the medals parade where he was joined by the Chief of Staff US Colonel Robert Duchaine and Commanding Officer US Southern Battalion Lieutenant Colonel David Santos awarding medals to the recipients. Since their redeployment from MFO El Gorah Base in the Northern Peninsula of Sinai in 2016, the Fijian soldiers had been under the tactical command of US Southern Battalion.
In his address to the Fiji Day medals parade, the Force Commander MG Stuart said that it was a great privilege for all of the MFO family to be able to join 2FIR on Fiji Day. โItโs a special significance I think to receive your MFO medals for service here in our mission on Fiji Day and great credit to all of you on parade today that you have put together and executed such and impressive parade. Wear your medals with pride, thank you for your service and please make sure that you thank your families for their service and their sacrifice, for they are part of this story and they are part of your service too.โ
โIn summary, youโre a respected and vital part of the MFO team and we are very proud as your multinational partners to serve alongside with you Fijians being a strong, loyal and consistent contributor to this mission since its inception,โ concluded the Force Commander.
US South Batt Commander and Fijian Contingent tactical commander Lieutenant Colonel Santos said that it was an honor and humbling to be given the opportunity to pin the medals on these great soldiers. โWe work hand in hand with FijiCon soldiers and they are nothing but true professionals.โ He added that as far as way ahead, US Batt will continue to strengthen and enhance the bond and the service to one mission and one goal and that is to maintain peace here in the Sinai.
