Goina joins dad defence force

By ARMSTRONG SAIYAMA
GRACE Goina was gracefully born into a military family background and she wants to be like her father.
Her father, Col Mark Goina, is the chief of personnel with the PNG Defence Force (PNGDF) at the Murray Barracks headquarters in Port Moresby.
Hence, Grace, 24, had a dream to be in army uniform.
“As a small girl, I always wanted to be in the uniform,” Grace said.
“I was fortunate as I applied last year, and was accepted to join PNGDF.”
Hailing from Central and Northern parentage, Grace attended the University of Papua New Guinea, graduating last year with a degree in the medical laboratory sciences.
She was commissioned on Monday to the rank of lieutenant by the PNGDF commander Brigadier-General Francis Agwi.
“I’m posted as a laboratory scientific officer to the Taurama Health Centre,” Grace said.
Col Goina, who pinned the Defence Force badge on Grace’s uniform, was indeed proud to see his daughter join the force to serve the nation like him.