Vasiti Fuli was given recognition for her work with ex-servicemen over the past 30 years when she received the 50th independence anniversary medal yesterday.
The Viwa, Tailevu, resident celebrates her 65th birthday on October 24.
She said being awarded the medal was an early birthday present.
Ms Fuli was among 31 recipients who received the medal at the State House in Suva.
She was one of the nine women recipients who were honoured by President Jioji Konrote.
“This is the best birthday present,” Ms Fuli said.
“I was so privileged to have worked with veterans of World War II, they were so humble and I did not face a lot of problems working with them.
“I look after the ex-servicemen’s aftercare fund, their monthly allowances which are paid to them by way of a grant from Government.
“We also look after retired correction and police officers who went for peacekeeping duties.”
In 1995, she also received a similar medal during Fiji’s 25th independence anniversary.
