I would like to share some thoughts about the recent passing on of a very close friend and mentor, late 1WO Fatipah Anthonysamy.
The help rendered by the SCDF really touched my heart during the period of his wake, as he was a close friend and mentor to me over the past 23 years. When I joined the army at the age of 14, 1WO Fatipah Anthonysamy was there to guide me and lead me. He was just like a second father to me in the army. I recall a time when I was involved in an out-field exercise which coincided with my 18th birthday. 1WO Fatipah Anthonysamy personally bought a small cake for me and surprised me in the jungle. Although the conditions in the jungle were far from what it would have been in a restaurant back home, it was the thought that really counted. The effort that really touched me, and of course, the character of this great man that really shone through.
Though he was a superior, he never bossed us around, but taught us in a firm but reasonable way. This brought about the strong bond between the men and him. He served the army for many years, rising to become a RSM before being transferred to the SCDF.
In my 23 years serving the nation, I never once doubted the credibility and never once wavered in my respect for this great man. And never have I seen a military funeral conducted with such efficiency and respect for the servicemen that have been called from this earth.
Also, in my 23 years of service, even though I have seen off for myself numerous servicemen of different ranks who have passed on either in the line of duty or due to acts-of-God. However, never have I seen that much sincere effort being put into reducing the burden of the family of the deceased. Never have I seen genuine concern being shown upon the relatives and loved ones. Especially not for lower-ranking servicemen.
Being a Wing Sergeant Major myself, with all due respect, I can only hope that the other leaders of the other branches of the SAF would indeed look upon this as a fantastic example of paying the final respects and homage to these men who have so selflessly dedicated years of their lives to serving our Singapore. Surely ensuring that their final journey is one that is smooth flowing and grand would show the people whom he had left behind that indeed, his services rendered to the nation were well appreciated and were recognized?
This in the long run, would allow people’s attitudes towards how the SAF treats its servicemen to turn for the better as well. In the past few years, there have been more than a couple of major accidents involving servicemen of all levels. While many branches of the SAF stress greatly on the core value of Care for Soldiers, I personally feel that not enough is being done to show that we really care for our soldiers. We ought to care for them not only when they’re under our wings in service but also when they have moved on to other avenues of life.
Thank you for your kind attention.
With warmest regards,
1WO Saravarnan
