A tribute to...

I saw a rainbow today.
This morning.
The skies over Tekong never looked more peaceful and serene.
That was exactly an hour before I hear of the news.
It was to be the sudden calm before a storm.

You were only 20.
You were a good friend, role player and a hardworking platoon mate.
With your friendly and approachable character,
You were indeed a close friend to everyone in the platoon,
Or even more so to some others like myself.

You have personally encouraged me constantly throughout the course,
Taught me what it takes to do better in my ippt,
And saw me through all the setbacks that I faced.
Always kept the spirit of the platoon up when we kept complaing,
Or moaning of all the S*** that we were going through.

With the memories of our fond chiong suah days still so fresh in our minds,
It is indeed difficult to forget those moments when we trained as a platoon,
Ran up and down mountains,
Proned side by side,
And lastly finished our last attack mission together as a breeching team.

Then came the much awaited R&R,
As we cruised down the streets of Taiwan as if we owned it,
Those happy moments spent exploring attractions together,
Eating together, shopping together,
Will definitely be sorely missed.

No words can describe the loss we feel,
Not just for what you have done with or for us,
But instead for the friendship that we have forged,
Over much joyous and despairing moments,
Throughout the highly eventful 11 weeks spent together.

We have lost,
A good friend,
A confidant,
A platoon moral booster,
A section joker,
A determined soldier,
A valuable team member,
Lastly, a unique member of the closed knit family.

But you are more than that.

On behalf of the gallant men of the 32nd Advanced Section Leader's Course,
Especially Echo Company Platoon 4,
We will miss you.