From SAFVC volunteers
Jeevita Ravidran
I think about the sacrifices that many men and women have had to make with their families so that many more families in Singapore live safe. I cannot replace that, but I can work alongside them in support.
I grew up seeing my mum polish her shoes with kiwi till they were pristine and shiny every Sunday morning, to prepare for work in the Republic of Singapore Air Force the next day. For 22 years, she wore her crisp uniform every morning, and my dad would fetch her to work on some days, alighting outside the fenced gates of the airbase. I could only imagine what she did at work and it was only when I was older, that I realised the importance of her role as an Air Material Specialist.
My dad also served with the Guards Formation and he would share his jungle stories from Ranger Course and how it was like jumping out of a plane. From their experiences, I developed a special interest in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the immense efforts that they go through to ensure that we are protected and safe.
Serving the nation with the SAF seems to run in the family! Currently, my brother is an Army regular and my husband is with the Navy, on board RSS Valour as a Weapon Control Specialist. As my husband’s work takes him away from home time to time, people would ask me, “Don't you feel lonely when he isn't around?” My answer will always be that he is doing something worthy for the country and the least I could do is to support him and be by his side every step of the way.
From being a Chemist to a Safety Officer over the last 10 years of my career, a part of me always felt that I have never contributed enough for my country. One morning, my brother told me about volunteering in the SAF Volunteer Corps (SAFVC) and without a second thought, I applied that very day.
Why do I volunteer? I think about the sacrifices that many men and women have had to make with their families so that many more families in Singapore live safe. I cannot replace that, but I can work alongside them in support. I am sure that there are many Singaporeans like me who want to show our support for our soldiers in one way or the other. It can be as simple as a home-cooked meal for a loved one who returned from training or contributing in the SAFVC.
Today, here I am, having completed my training and ready to be deployed as a SAFVC Volunteer (Naval Safety Engineer) alongside other Navy personnel like my husband. Our family dinners are now filled with much laughter as we exchange our SAF stories.
Background information
Jeevita Ravidran
Environmental Health and Safety Engineer
Pratt and Whitney
Singapore Citizen
SAFVC role: Naval Safety Engineer