GOING THE EXTRA YEARS FOR NS

There have been many memorable moments for Colonel (COL) (VOL) Cheam Hing Lee during his 35 years of service in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). Perhaps the most significant one was in 1990. Then a battalion commander, the 54-year-old recalled that his company commander did not have a good impression of him initially.

One night, a fire broke out when the unit was conducting live firing. "When (the company commander) discovered how I worked together with the men to put out the fire, he felt that he had misunderstood my character and ability. From then on, I got his support," said the former Commander of 29th Singapore Infantry Brigade with a smile.

What motivated him to go the extra mile after his Operationally-Ready National Service (ORNS) stint? COL (VOL) Cheam, who has never deferred from In-Camp Training (ICT), explained: "I felt like I could still continue to add value... (and) pass on my knowledge, skills, vision and convictions (to the next generation)."

Volunteering has not always been a bed of roses, and sometimes meant missing birthdays, wedding anniversaries and promotions. But COL (VOL) Cheam, a managing director at Rhodium Resources Pte Ltd, said: "It can be painful, but there is no question that it was (a price) worth paying because of the immense satisfaction I enjoyed."

He was one of 142 NS Key Appointment Holders (KAHs), ROVERS (Reservists on Voluntary Extended Reserve Scheme) and Volunteers whose contributions were recognised at an appreciation dinner held at SAFRA Toa Payoh on 31 Jan.

ROVERS are Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) who serve beyond the call of duty but are still within their statutory age ceilings (40 years old for NS Warrant Officers and Specialists and 50 years old for NS Officers) under the Enlistment Act. Volunteers are NSmen who serve beyond their statutory age ceilings.

Paying tribute at the ceremony to the critical role these NS leaders play in national security, Guest of Honour Chief of Army Major-General (MG) Ravinder Singh said at the ceremony: "Our NSmen recognise the need for personal sacrifice in NS, and often place the requirements of service above their own We will continue to strengthen and improve the institution of NS to be a positive life experience for our sons and future generations."

He also thanked the families and employers of the NSmen for their strong and stable support: "The peace of mind that comes from knowing that your loved ones are fully behind you and that your employers are understanding and encouraging of your service allows each one of you to focus on leading, serving and contributing to our nation."

A marine consultant at Fairbridge Marine Private Limited, Major (MAJ) (VOL) Subramaniam Panjacharam, who served as Commanding Officer of one of the Navy's Civil Resource ships, was grateful for his colleagues' support. "When I'm away for ICT for two or three weeks, it's a big sacrifice for the company but they just say 'go ahead, no worries'," said the 55-year-old.

2nd Warrant Officer (2WO) (VOL) Ahmad Nazlie Bin Mohamed Johari first stayed on as Regimental Sergeant Major of 62nd Combat Service Support Battalion because his replacement had yet to be found. "I also wanted to teach the new guy the SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures); the handover should be seamless," added the 43-year-old who was a ROVER for five years before embarking on another three years of voluntary service.

Another source of motivation for his extended service was his 86-year-old father, who served as a soldier with the British Army in the 1940s. Said the Senior Broadcast Operation Executive at MediaCorp News: "My father told me that defence is one of the most important things. He was a teenager when the war happened in Singapore and having gone through all that, he thinks it is an important thing for sons of Singapore to serve the country well."