Capt completes contract

By HELEN TARAWA
CAPTAIN Eric Hawek, from Karkar, Madang, has completed his two-year contract as Aide de Camp (ADC) – French for “assistant” – to Governor-General Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae.
Capt Hawek, a soldier with the infantry battalion unit at Taurama Barracks in Port Moresby, handed over the responsibility to Capt Ivor Nateleo at a dedication service yesterday.
The ADC is an army captain or police inspector chosen by the organisation to look after the governor-general.
Capt Hawek took up his role on Nov 21, 2018, and his term ended last Nov 21.
“It’s a very privileged posting, there’s a lot of work involved, especially in terms of protocol,” he said.
“The governor-general conducts ceremonies so we always accompany him to whichever ceremony he performs, whether medal presentations or having functions with diplomatic communities, meeting with Government officials which is quite challenging but we’ve learned a lot of things out of it.
“Coming from an army background where we concentrate on military but having worked here, it has opened up our perspective on how the Government operates, the diplomatic community and the non-government organisations.
“I have learned a lot of things from this job so it is a privileged posting.”
Capt Hawek, who is married with one child, has been posted to Lombrum Naval base in Manus which he will be taking up shortly.
“I’m walking out of here happy because I’ve learned a lot,” he said.
“I’ve been exposed to a lot of work outside of the military and I’ve learn how Government House works and other key Government arms such as the National Executive Council.”
Capt Hawek said dealing with civil organisations had helped him be a better officer.
“When I go out there, it’s going to be easy for me with this experience I have gained,” he said.
“This institution is a most prestigious one, the highest office in the land and not everybody comes in here, especially army and police officers those who are selected and we are honoured to serve.”