Joseva Vatubua was part of an operation to assault enemy positions in Afghanistan. He was killed when an improvised bomb in the wall of a compound exploded. Private Vatubua was known as Big Joe, a friendly giant with a playful sense of humor. With more than 2,000 Fijian soldiers serving in the British Army, Vatubua was the 11th to have lost his life in Iraq or Afghanistan. His commanding officer in The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, Lt-Colonel Adam Griffiths paid him tributes by saying he was a hugely loved man who will be always missed and never forgotten. “He was colossal – he dominated the front row and dwarfed his machine gun and delivered fiery, martial passion in abundance. But most of the time he was understated, calm and simply kind." Lt-Colonel Andrew Harrison said.
I think it is really important to praise and honor the soldiers who dedicated their lives to fight for their country, especially when soldiers die in combat. To let the other soldiers and grieving family know that the work of the lost one is appreciated. It is important for them to know their loved one did not die in vain. Next to the tribute, I also noticed that only eleven men have lost their lives in Afghanistan and Iraq. One way to look at it is: every men lost is one too many, but another is: when war will take on and when more soldiers will die, will every soldier get the same tribute? When the 500th soldier will die, does he get as much honor and praise as the first? Personally, I agree with both ways. It does not look like this war is soon to come to an end and how many men have to die before other measures are being taken. I believe there is always an alternative for war. It’s just too bad the most powerful men in the world don’t see that.
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