Sergeant Janice Dorado Arocena, 1979 - 2010
(Philippines)
Sergeant Janice Dorado Arocena, a national of the Philippines, was deployed to?the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) as part of the 10th Philippine Peacekeeping Contingent, where she served as a clerk in the Central Registry Office directly under the supervision of MINUSTAH¡¯s Chief of Staff.
Janice joined the Philippine Air Force at the encouragement of a friend whom she met through a government-run workforce training programme.
Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force Lieutenant General Oscar Rabena said, ¡°For me, Sgt. Janice Arocena will forever be an epitome of a strong, courageous and professional soldier, ready to serve even at the cost of being far from her loved ones. She displayed a high degree of professionalism and service that makes the Philippine Air Force proud of her.¡±
A former colleague said, ¡°Every member of the 10th Philippine Peacekeeping Contingent admired her because of her attitude. She was very sympathetic and understanding. She smiled all the time and put everyone else in a good mood.¡±
A colleague in Haiti described her as very friendly, adding ¡°she always entertained people with her sweet smile during conversation.¡±
In a newspaper interview, Janice¡¯s father reflected on her bravery remarking that she ¡°might have inherited the quality from her grandfather, who was also once a military man.¡±
Her father also remembered her loving nature, saying that she would ¡°call and send text messages. She would ask us how we were doing and tell us to take care of ourselves.¡±
Janice is survived by her parents, her six brothers and sisters and her longtime boyfriend Bryan Luquia.