Major Ivan M. Consiglio, AFM, writes:

When I first met Twanny Farrugia in 1992, we were both newbies in a brand new work assignment at the MIA's security control room, part of 1 Regiment AFM's Airport Security Company. Twanny was a junior NCO with 16 years' experience at the Safi Barracks' 3 Regiment, I was a young lieutenant from an infantry unit at Lister Barracks.

Little did I know at the time of Twanny's passion - pyrotechnics. His previous stint of duty with the AFM's Ammunition and Explosives' Company at Mosta Fort, under the leadership of Major (later Colonel) Albert Camilleri, was surely a formative period for him.

Years later, Twanny's sober character was key for him to rejoin Col. Camilleri when 2 (Composite) Regiment headquarters needed vital administration staff. His unwavering personal standards and his leadership saw him earn some four promotions, landing him at the headship of the RHQ's orderly room as its Chief Clerk, running a tight, well-gelled crew with a tough, yet fair, hand.

Until October 2006, when the unit was disbanded, I became closer to Twanny, not only as Adjutant and Officer-Commanding, but also as he delved into IT, learning to correspond with many other pyrotechnic enthusiasts overseas. His hands-on experience, reliability and awareness also saw him frequently appointed as a court expert when firework factory incidents occurred.

Now that he has joined the Lord's legion, he will watch over us, terrestrial troops, down here. Thank you, Chief, for being you. Your hard work and dedication will not be forgotten. We will miss you. Rest in peace.