Mrs Vandita Pande

When my husband decided to join the SAF Volunteer Corps (SAFVC) and shared with me why he was motivated to apply, I supported him as we both felt it was the right thing to do. He has since completed his Basic Training in June 2015 and I am very proud that he was able to finish the course. We attended the Beret Presentation Parade, a day after his Basic Training ended, and found out that the SAFVC Volunteers had been rehearsing the whole day to make the ceremony a success.

It was a long day for them, but as I witnessed the moment the beret was presented to him, I felt it was a personal accomplishment for him, and I am happy that he can serve Singapore in a meaningful way. He has also set an example for our boys, who will serve National Service in future.

My major concern, when he was enlisted, was whether he would be able to handle the training, partly due to his age. I was also unsure if I could get in touch with him when needed whilst he was undergoing training. However, these fears were put to rest during the briefing session held for volunteers' families on the first day of enlistment, where the trainers addressed the concerns raised.

Finally, I would like to encourage all spouses to lend support to their better-half in his/her effort to join SAFVC. I feel that as a family member, we are always worried about the well-being of our loved ones, but from my personal experience, the training was safe and professionally conducted and we were adequately informed along the way.

Background information

Mrs Vandita Pande
Venkata Satya Ramakrishna Maruvada's Wife