Liberation struggle stalwart, Retired Colonel Andreas Shitilitha Ashikudhike, was buried at the Omugulugwombashe Memorial Shrine.
The late Ashikudhike, who died aged 71, was conferred a military funeral by the Chief of the Defence Force, Air Marshal Martin Kambulu Pinehas.
Ohalumele village-born Retired Colonel Ashikudhike left for exile in 1974. He received his first basic military training as a PLAN combatant in 1975 at Kasapa in Angola, alongside other combatants such as Mwadhina Hangapo Veiko and many others.
After training at Kasapa, the late Colonel Shitilitha was among the first group of PLAN combatants deployed in Southern Angola's Cunene Province, where he was engaged in military operations in the operational fronts, including the establishment of the North Western Front under the command of the late Mawila and now retired Colonel Hayuumba Haikola in 1976.
The late Colonel Shitilitha participated in several military operations against the apartheid South African colonial forces.
Some of the major battles he participated in include:
The Battle of Etalaleko in the Omusati Region; he participated as a commander in the Battle of Oluvango; he was involved in the Fierce Battle at Okalongo under the command of Lieutenant General Martin Shali; and he was later entrusted as a commander to conduct political mobilisation inside the country and carried out the Anamulenge Operation in 1977.
The late Colonel was, after independence, inducted into the Namibian Defence Force as an army officer at the rank of captain at 262 Battalion, where he served from 1990 to 1996.
Colonel Shitilitha rose through the ranks, serving in different positions until he became a colonel and chief of staff at Army Intelligence, until his retirement in 2015.
Chief of the Defence Force Air Marshal Martin Kambulu Pinehas' speech was read on his behalf.
"Colonel (Rtd) Shitilitha is decorated with numerous military accolades, such as the Army Pioneers service medal, the Army 10 years service medal, the NDF 10 years service medal, the NDF 20 years service medal, and the NDF commendation certificates for his dedication to the Namibian Defence Force and Namibia at large since the years of the liberation struggle. He also served as a member of the National Vetting Committee of the Veterans Board."
The late Colonel (Rtd) Shitilitha was described by the family as a pillar of strength, a beacon of hope and a teacher who never ceased to teach and nurture.
"Colonel Ashikudhike was my comrade, my advisor and my mentor. My husband has taught me to be resilient and self-reliant such that I can now even look after the cattle. My husband despised laziness. "You were a beautiful blossoming flower in our house, calm and filled with joy all over your face, my beloved husband."
He leaves behind his wife, Dr Maria Nandjembo, and 4 children.