FROM a small boat crossing the Rewa River to wearing the uniform of the United States Army, Setareki Dakuiboca’s journey is a reminder that humble beginnings do not have to limit how far a person can go.
The former divisional planning officer North celebrated his US Army graduation on October 15, marking a milestone that once seemed beyond the imagination of a young boy growing up in Lokia Village, Rewa.
” I am still that village boy from Rewa,” he said.
“The only difference is that life has taken me further than I ever imagined,” he said.
For almost 12 years, crossing the Rewa River by boat was part of Mr Dakuiboca’s daily journey to school, first at Naililili Primary School and later at Rewa Secondary School.
Those early mornings and daily struggles helped shape the man he would become, teaching him humility, hard work, respect and the importance of faith.
“I did not grow up with everything, but I grew up believing that God had a purpose for my life,” he said.
His journey into the workforce began at Flour Mills of Fiji before he moved to the Fiji Elections Office and later the civil service, where he dedicated years to serving his country. His work took him to Labasa and other parts of Vanua Levu, where he spent approximately seven years working with communities and government stakeholders.
Among his lasting memories was visiting Dawara Village in Wailevu, Cakaudrove, following the devastation caused by a cyclone in 2020.
The experience reinforced his understanding that service was not measured by a job title, but by the difference made in the lives of others.
“True service is not about position, recognition, or status,” he said.
” It is about making a difference in the lives of others,” he said.
Along the way, Mr Dakuiboca pursued higher education and earned a master’s degree, another achievement he attributed to God’s grace.
However, the decision to leave Fiji and begin a new life in the United States brought its own sacrifices.
Leaving behind relatives, friends and the familiar places that had shaped his life was never easy, but he believed the opportunity was part of a greater plan.
Joining the US Army introduced him to demanding training, exhausting days and moments that tested his strength and determination.
Through it all, he held on to his faith.
“There were difficult days, exhausting training sessions, and moments when I had to remind myself why I started. But through every challenge, my faith in God remained my source of strength.”
Behind his achievement was also the unwavering support of his wife, Mere Nariu, and their two children.
He described his family as his greatest motivation, acknowledging the love, patience and sacrifices that helped him persevere when the journey became difficult.
“This achievement belongs to our family.”
Mr Dakuiboca also thanked Talatala Waisake Ratubalavu and his family, the Rabuka family in California, Global Mission Church and Labasa Miracle Church for their prayers, encouragement and support. Looking back, he said his childhood had taught him humility, the civil service had taught him the meaning of service, and the army had strengthened his discipline, courage and willingness to sacrifice.
To young people growing up in villages with dreams of a better future, his message is simple.
“Never allow your circumstances to determine your destination. “Your beginning does not define your ending.”
For Mr Dakuiboca, the journey from Lokia Village to Labasa, and from the Fiji Civil Service to the US Army, is more than a career achievement.
It is a story of a young boy who dared to dream, a family that stood beside him, and a faith that carried him through uncertainty.
As he looks towards the next chapter of his life, he remains grateful for the road that brought him here.
“I started my journey crossing the Rewa River in a small boat to attend school. Today, I stand proudly in the uniform of the United States Army.”
Above all, he gives glory to God, holding firmly to the words of Philippians 4:13.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Setareki and his graduation cohorts. Picture:SUPPLIED
Dakuiboca(left) and a few of his colleagues in the US Army. Picture: SUPPLIED
Setareki Dakuiboca in uniform. Picture: SUPPLIED
