Talking about making Belize proud, Garth Bowman, a Belizean American from the Stann Creek District, is soaring to new heights. He’s just graduated from the elite United States Coast Guard Officer Candidate School, and now he’s off to California to begin an exciting new chapter in service and leadership. But Garth’s story isn’t just about personal achievement, it’s a powerful reminder to young people back home that big dreams are within reach.
Garth Bowman, Commissioned Officer
“Well, I started my journey on April twenty first to the United States Coast Guard Officer Candidate School. I was one of ninety-five graduates today. The acceptance rates in the new Officer Candidate School for the United States Coast Guard is about ten to twelve percent, so part of it is the twelve percent that made it and graduated. I did eleven years in the United States Navy. I decided to transfer over to the Coast Guard, where I probably did eleven more before I retired. So going to the military was the right choice in the beginning. And I’ve gotten more and more family oriented. It’s just doing something where I can feel accomplished in my job and also feel like I can be the best person I can for my family. What’s next for me is I’m going to California, Alameda. To go there, I’m going to go to a ship. Once I go to that ship, I am going to be a deck watch officer. Essentially, I’ll be driving the ship and also be in charge of a division and leading people on the port ship. I highly recommend joining the military. Going to the military will forever change your life. It will grow you into a person that you will be proud of and your entire family will be proud of. Once you get to that point where you are in the military, your college education will be free.”
Bryon Bowman, Father
“Very very proud he graduated eleven years ago from the navy that was special now he is into the coast guard and like he said its his passion it was his way of molding himself into who he wants to be and we are very proud.”