EVERY soldier has a story to tell. And Warrant Officer Apolosi Nafonowale Boleanamate (pictured) is no exception.
Forty-three years ago, Mr Boleanamate almost lost his life but as he described the experience in his own words, his survival of that incident was, and still remains to him, a miracle.
The 62-year-old Natawa villager from Yasawa said the trauma of the incident continued to haunt him today.
In fact, he said it had worsened over the years.
"It was 1966, just four years after I joined the army. I was on a peacekeeping tour in Lebanon and that day, a large number of civilians came to take shelter at our camp site as we continued to carry out our duties," he said.
In the seconds that followed, the camp site was attacked and bombed by Israeli enemies, leaving about 200 civilians dead, 150 wounded including two Fijian soldiers.
"I was shocked as I stood and watched people running in fear of their lives and lifeless bodies lay strewn around the camp site.
"Later, I realised I had blood trickling out of my ears and nose and the pain of the bomb's impact finally settled on my body. I realised we who survived the incident were nothing short of a miracle that day," he said.
But the near-death experience did not deter the warrant officer from participating in further peacekeeping duties.
So much so that he went on 13 peacekeeping tours to Lebanon and twice to Sinai.
The father-of-five and grandfather of 16 said he would still be an active member of peacekeeping duties if not for the retirement age policy.
"After that incident I was told to get some counselling to help me deal with the trauma but there was no such counselling available in Fiji. I was told the experience would haunt me more as I grow older and I realise it's true."
Today, sudden and loud noises instantly bring flashbacks of that horrific day to Mr Boleanamate's mind.
"I can't stand the sight of blood and loud and sudden noises affect my concentration. There are also sleepless nights.
"Even then, I try to live as normal as possible. I would encourage people to live a disciplined life and work together to achieve greater things."
