A 24‑year‑old Fijian woman who is currently serving under the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force in Golan Heights, Syria has received the UN’s Force Commander’s Commendation Award.
Private Maria Bogi was among 10 soldiers and the only female who recently received the award.
Private Bogi says a woman can do anything as long as she puts her heart and soul into it.
The award is only given to soldiers with actions that are considered well above the call of duty and significantly improves the performance of the Mission.
She says she did not expect to hear her name called out among the other men and she was truly honoured to receive it.
The 24‑year‑old wis from Kanakana, Tunuloa, Cakaudrove in Vanua Levu.
Bogi says when she was enlisted to become a soldier she did not imagine that one day she would be receiving such an award and she acknowledges her family for their support back home.
The Fijian soldiers of Fiji Battalion Six in Syria were also acknowledged for their hard work during their medal presentation officiated by UNDOF Force Commander Major‑General Shivaram Kharel.
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