Georgetown: Command of one of the main bases of the Guyana Defence Force, Base Camp Stephenson BC(S) on March 18, 2015 changed hands from Colonel Wilbert Lee to Lieutenant Colonel Terry Benn.
Lee, who has served the Force for 36 years, officially retires on July 22, 2015.
Addressing his farewell parade held yesterday at the Hard Square at BC(S),Col Lee recollected how he enlisted without the full knowledge of his parents back in 1979 as a Private soldier and then moved on to successfully complete the Standard Officers Course #14. He noted that the changes to his rank are indicative of his growth and development in the army during his tenure.
Lee told those gathered that he was raised in poverty but with a mother who stood to seek refuge and embraced a brighter future for him and his siblings.
“My mother ensured that our poverty did not become a matter of public ridicule by any act of dishonesty or lawlessness but instead she taught us the value of hard work,thrift, dedication and that godliness with contentment is great gain nd the fact that a good education was the escape hatch from poverty and decadence. Thanks to my mother, I escaped,” he stated.
As he continued his very moving speech, Lee said his mother was unwavering in her support even when he was not successful and she encouraged the scholastic achievements he later attained with thenumerous opportunities that were provided by the Guyana Defence Force
Listing and thanking every service member who has been critical throughout his career, Lee emphasised that all their input as well as the challenges he has overcome, exemplified and inculcated the attributes that were necessary for his professional development in his formative years.
Colonel Terry Benn, who has already taken up his new appointment as Base Commander is the former Officer Commanding of the Training Corps.
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