BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY 2

When the Bantul earthquake struck in 2006, Lieutenant-Colonel (LTC) (NS) Nelson Chua was part of the team deployed to Jakarta to provide humanitarian aid.

As Chief Anaesthetist with the Naval Ship Hospital, he worked in one of the district hospitals to treat the injured civilians. The condition of the hospitals might have been less than ideal but the experience was no less fulfilling.

"We made do with what we could. It was no longer just about going back for In-Camp Training (ICT)... we were actually treating patients," said the 51-year-old.

The senior consultant in the department of Anaesthesiology at Tan Tock Seng Hospital has also taken part in several medical missions together with the Indonesian Navy during his ICT, treating patients with problems like cataracts and hernia.

LTC (NS) Chua was among the 180 outgoing Key Appointment Holders, ROVERS and Volunteers whose contributions to National Service (NS) were recognised at an appreciation dinner held at Temasek Club on 2 Mar.

ROVERS are Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) who serve beyond their NS training cycle, which they have completed, but have not reached their statutory age ceiling.

Volunteers are NSmen who serve beyond their statutory age ceiling.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chief of Army Major-General (MG) Melvyn Ong expressed his gratitude to the recipients who had served the nation beyond the call of duty.

Calling them an inspiration and urging them to share their experiences with others, he said: "The next generation must continue to keep Singapore safe. This can only be done with your support. Thank you for being (a role model) that others look up to."

MG Ong also thanked the spouses and employers for their support for the NSmen.

Captain (CPT) (NS) Mohamed Hardi Bin Md Ismail has his wife, Sabriah, to thank for her unconditional support whenever he goes for his ICT.

As a Situational Test (SITEST) assessor team leader with the Defence Psychology Department, he would wake up at 5am to report at Pulau Tekong and would only be back at 7pm in the evening. During his ICT, Mdm Sabriah would get their two children ready for school, ferry them to and from school, and do the household chores.

"She even sends me to, and picks me up from, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) ferry terminal, and we live in the West!" said the 45-year-old, who is a Deputy Director with the Government Technology Agency.

For 3rd Warrant Officer (WO) (NS) Sng Tuan Beng, the bond he forged with his ICT mates was what kept him going all these years.

The 40-year-old Regimental Sergeant Major from the Combat Engineers formation explained that he really treasured the camaraderie formed over the years, and looked forward to sharing his experiences with his three-year-old son when the latter comes of age.

"I will tell him to make the most of his time in NS... He may not enjoy it, while going through it, but these are the times when you form the most lasting friendships," said Defence Science and Technology Agency engineer.

When asked what advice he would give to the NSmen who were thinking of volunteering, Major (MAJ) (NS) Foo Kia Gie said to think of it as protecting your family.

"It was when I started a family that I felt a greater need to serve because I wanted to protect both my country and my family. Singapore is a small country and national defence is our duty. If we don't protect it, who else will?" said the Deputy Commander of 165 Squadron.

The 55-year-old general manager of a manufacturing firm added that he thoroughly enjoyed his ICT as it allowed him to meet people from all walks of life.

The dinner was also attended by senior SAF commanders, families and employers of the NSmen.