Lieutenant Colonel Velmoore Kagena, Commanding Officer (CO) of the Engineer Battalion, has rejoined his troops on the National Unity Walk from Madang to Lae and will resume the walk starting on Day 6 of the journey. Major Alex Hengene, the Operations Officer, has been walking with the team from the beginning and is expected to complete the full distance. Their presence has boosted morale among the group. One of the toughest stretches so far was the 28-kilometre climb from Tapo Mountain to Usino Junction. The team completed the challenging route in just seven hours, with many saying prayer and teamwork helped them through. A female soldier is also walking with the team, serving as both participant and medic. She has been providing first aid using limited supplies. As they pass through communities, the soldiers are speaking to locals and visiting schools to spread messages about national unity ahead of Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary. They’re also encouraging young people to focus on education and respect their families and teachers. Today, the group is expected to arrive at Waterise. From there, they will walk the remaining 150 kilometres along the Highlands Highway back to Lae.