SERVING THE NATION WITH GUSTO AND A "NO PROBLEM" ATTITUDE

"There are no problems, only challenges and opportunities," said Major (MAJ) Hamarian, when asked about his guiding mantra during his 21-year-long career in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

With this positive mindset, it is no wonder the Deputy Commander Army Logistics Training Institute and Training Development Branch Head, constantly excels in his duties.

Even when he was sent to Nanjing, China, in 2004, as the Logistics Chairman of the Show Committee for the National Day Parade, he carried out his tasks with distinction, although he was in a foreign land where people spoke in an unfamiliar language.

"Being Singaporean, I could speak some simple Mandarin phrases, like mei you wen ti (no problem) and bu ke neng (impossible), while we were discussing specifications, so the locals were a little surprised and wondered if I really understood them!" said MAJ Hamarian, who told cyberpioneer he had yi dian dian (a little) knowledge of the language.

"Those were good memories, being in a foreign land, the responsibilities of doing things for your country. I still think about it every National Day!"

In recognition of his commitment and good performance, MAJ Hamarian was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel, along with 452 other officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force who were promoted to the next higher rank, at the annual SAF Officers' Promotion Ceremony on 26 Jun.

The officers promoted included regulars and Operationally-Ready National Servicemen.

"I see the promotion as recognition of my contributions to the SAF, so the feeling is always good," said MAJ Hamarian, who gave credit to his pillar of support through the years - his wife, Mdm Marliana Abdullah.

They met 18 years ago when she was a non-uniformed officer in Pasir Laba Camp and she is well aware of the demands of his job.

"It helps me understand that he cannot be around 24 hours. I have to be independent and be the 'Daddy' as well, when he is overseas," said Mdm Marliana.

It was especially tough two years ago when MAJ Hamarian was posted to India for a period of six months. It coincided with the time that their eldest daughter, Tiara, was going through her PSLE examinations and school selections.

"I knew the girls (Tiara and younger daughter Elia) were going to be a bit upset. Even for me, sometimes the six months felt like forever! But we know it is his job and so we support him, wherever he has to go," added Mdm Marliana.

She was a picture of pride as she witnessed MAJ Hamarian receiving his certificate of promotion from Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant-General Desmond Kuek.

Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean was also at the ceremony to present certificates of promotion to officers promoted to the ranks of Colonel and above.

Heading the list of promotees was Chief of Navy, Rear-Admiral (RADM) Chew Men Leong, who was promoted to the rank of Rear-Admiral (two stars). Joining him were six Colonels who were promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General.

All promotions take effect from 1 Jul.