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.