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The Commander Republic of Fiji Military Forces Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto, entourage of Senior Officers, Officers and Service personnel lay to rest the body of 25215 Major Ratu Sevanaia Naulumatua Rayawa at the chiefly burial ground of the Vanua o Noco, at the chiefly village of Nabudrau, Rewa on Friday 30 December 2016.
Major Rayawa had ascended to the position of Senior Pastor as member of the Assemblies of God (AOG). He had been ministering a small AOG church on the outskirts of Nausori town before he was called to rest. His ‘Home Going Service’ was held at the Calvary Temple in Samabula before his body was taken for burial.
Relatives, friends, members of his congregation at Nausori, as well as members of the Force were in numbers to attend the funeral service of the late Major Rayawa.
RFMF Director Force Development, Lieutenant Colonel Maika Baleinaloto while reading the eulogy of Maj Rayawa and speaking on behalf of the Force praised the long exemplary life of service, commitment and dedication to the call of duty not only to his nation of the late Senior Officer but to the Vanua o Noco and to the AOG Church in Fiji.
“Major Rayawa enlisted into the RFMF in 1985 and began his military career as a Force Instructor with the RFMF Force Training Group in Nasinu,” Lt Col Baleinaloto said.
Lt Col Baleinaloto mentioned that Maj Rayawa had served thirty one years of his life within the force by the time he had passed on.
“Major Rayawa was a gentleman that looked over the welfare of the men and women of the RFMF as Chief Staff Officer Welfare. He encouraged self development and education as he led by example having graduated from the University of the South Pacific with a Post Graduate Diploma and Masters of Arts in Diplomacy and International Affairs,” Lt Col Baleinaloto said.
The Director Force Development Lt Col Baleinaloto praised and thanked the vanua Bure o Noco for a talented son with exemplary good character, humble spirit and great heart.
Major Rayawa was decorated with a UNIFL medal for his service in Lebanon, a UNIKOM medal for his service in Kuwait, a UNTAET medal for his service in East Timor, a General Service Medal and a Republic of Fiji Medal.
He is survived by his wife, a son and a daughter.
