FALLEN Guardsman Apete Serukalou Tuisavura was remembered yesterday as an inspirational character that could raise morale and do all required of him with a smile.
Warrant Officer Lee Scholes of the Welsh Guards, who had served with Guardsman Tuisavura said the man from Nauluvatu in Nakelo was unafraid of hard work.
"He was part of 1st Battalion and he was a character who got on with all the hard work and he did it with a smile," WO Scholes said.
"He was one of those inspirational characters that could raise the morale of soldiers in the unit he was serving with."
WO Scholes said he had been shocked to hear of the death of Guardsman Tuisavura and was devastated with the manner in which he had been killed.
However he said he felt that there were differences being made in Afghanistan and he felt Fijian soldiers like Guardsman Tuisavura were a part of this.
Company Commander Number 2 Company 1st Battalion Welsh Guards Major Julian Salusbury, said Guardsman Tuisavura had been a quiet, hard working and willing soldier.
"He looked forward to deployment to Afghanistan in the challenging Police Advisory role.
"His kind, friendly and relaxed approach ensured an immediate rapport with the Afghan police," Major Salusbury said.
"Determined to tackle any task given to him, he had steely determination and was an absolutely reliable and key member of his Police Advisory team."
Major Salusbury said Guardsman Tuisavura's death had hit his company hard however they were determined more than ever to defeat the enemy.
Guardsman Tuisavura was tragically killed in Afghanistan earlier this month.
He leaves behind his mother, father, four brothers and three sisters.
He was 29.