COMMAND of one of the main bases of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Base Camp Stephenson BC(S) on Wednesday,March 18 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.

Addressing his farewell parade held at the Hard Square at BC(S),Col Lee recollected enlisting 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 Number 14.

According to a release, he noted that the changes to his rank were 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 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 and 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 the numerous opportunities that were provided by the GDF.

Listing and thanking every service member who has been critical throughout his career, Lee emphasised that all their inputs 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 Commanding Officer of the Training Corps.