Retired army nurse honoured for long service

By AILEEN KWARAGU
AS a nurse in the PNG army, Chimbu man Kombukun Kaman did everything he could to help sick and wounded soldiers over more than 30 years.
“During my days in the army, I spent most of my time in operation centers assisting soldiers during their operations with medical supplies. My duty as a medical officer made me learn a lot of things especially in the army and I will never forget that.”
Kombukun, 83, is from Dawage, Kerowagi in Chimbu.
He has seven children, four of whom he adopted. His wife Moro died some years ago, leaving with their children and grandchildren. Son Barter Kaman is now an officer with the military police.
He recently was awarded the Cross of Medical Service (CMS) medal at Government House in recognition for more than three decades of service as a qualified nurse in the defence force. He retired in 1999.
He attended the Lutheran High School at Asaroka in Goroka, Eastern Highlands in 1952 before moving to Bena in 1956 to complete his education at the then Rinteba Area School.
He wanted to be a dentist after school so he went to Madang to take up a course on dentistry at the Lutheran-run hospital. But when the hospital had to close, he switched to the Nursing School at the Yagaum Hospital run by the Lutheran Health Services.
He later moved to the Modilon hospital to complete his nursing course. But when that hospital closed too, he was moved to the Papuan Medical College, now the Port Moresby General Hospital, where he completed his studies.

“ My duty as a medical officer has made me learn a lot of things especially in the army and I will never forget that.”

“In those days, things didn’t really work out for me. But I was eager to complete my education and I never gave up. I moved from place to place and it was very challenging.”
Kombukun joined the military in 1965 after he qualified nurse. He was asked to by military medical officers at the Port Moresby hospital.
In 1966, Kombukan attending military training at the Goldie depot. He was then posted to the Moem Barracks in Wewak before returning to the Taurama Barracks in Port Moresby.
Kombukun thanked those who had recommended him for the medal, admitting that he was always committed and dedicated to his job.
Kombukun had also received other awards for his long service as a public servant.
After he retired, he continued to live at the Taurama barracks while waiting for his retirement entitlements.
“Someday I plan to go back home but that will depend on my entitlements that the Government owes not only me but many of my colleagues.”
He believes he deserves something more than medals as a fair and just reward for his service to the nation.