– establishes Veterans Affairs arm
The Guyana Defence Force (GDF), as part of the observances of its 45th anniversary, yesterday honoured the sacrifices of those who served the force over the years by laying wreaths at the Veterans’ Monument, Base Camp Ayanganna. Wreaths were laid by Army Chief-of-Staff Commodore Gary Best on behalf of the GDF, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) Randy Storm on behalf of The Guyana Veterans Foundation; Derrick Meredith for the Ex- GDF Association; Johnny Douglas for the Ex- Soldiers Benevolence Association;  and Edgar Washington for the Guyana Legion.
Commodore Best said that the GDF considers it its duty to honour those who served and who, through that service, helped assure the territorial integrity of the country. He pointed out that Veterans’ Day for the Army is more than just one day when veterans are given a meal, since the service offered to the Force did not end when they took off their uniforms, and neither did the Force’s obligation to serve them.
Best noted that because the GDF understands that work must be done year round to adequately cater to their needs, a Veterans Affairs Office has been commissioned at Base Camp Ayanganna, to cater to those needs. He said too that the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bharrat Jagdeo has committed $40M to continue the construction of the Veterans Home in the Joint Services Scheme.
President of the Guyana Legion, Colonel (Ret’d) Carl Morgan, had earlier said that the home is expected to be completed in the first quarter of the New Year.
Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) Storm explained that the home is intended to be a place where ex-soldiers meet, have free meals, medical service and legal advice as needed by fellow veterans who are now practicing attorneys and who have committed to assist in this way.
Walls of Emblems of the GDF have been set up under the guidance of Colonel (Ret’d) Carl Morgan, displaying all the emblems of the Force past and present.  (GINA)