Coast Guard Salutes Dads in Uniform with Special Appreciation Luncheon

Belize’s maritime guardians took time off the frontlines today to celebrate something just as important as national security, fatherhood. At Coast Guard Headquarters, uniforms gave way to warm smiles and shared moments as the organization honored the men balancing duty at sea with dedication at home. The Father’s Day Appreciation Luncheon shined a spotlight on the sacrifices these fathers make, both for country and family. News Five’s Shane Williams has the story.

 

Shane Williams, Reporting

The Belize Coast Guard put fatherhood front and center today. At Coast Guard Headquarters, roughly one hundred and fifty officers and staff came together for a special luncheon celebrating the men who serve their country while staying committed at home. It’s a heartfelt nod to the fathers in uniform who juggle duty at sea with raising families on shore, and the Coast Guard is making sure their efforts don’t go unnoticed. The event offered a chance for fathers across the organization to step away from their daily responsibilities and enjoy an afternoon of recognition, fellowship, and camaraderie.

 

Rear Admiral Gregory Soberanis, Commandant, Belize Coast Guard

“The sacrifice that we make as military personnel is significant. It’s great. The time spent away from home, away from your family, there are key moments that you miss at times where the regular citizen can enjoy an eight to five job more or less. That’s not our timeframe. We are always on the go because of the mandate that we have. So you find that many of our or all of our fathers really spend a lot of time away from home. And so it’s those moments, those family moments, whether it’s a graduation whether it’s a birthday or a family gathering, we can’t always be there.”

 

Yet despite those demands, many continue to play an active role in the lives of their children and families. Organizers say the luncheon is a small gesture aimed at acknowledging the important role fathers play both within the Coast Guard and in their homes.

 

Rigoberto Rivas, Chief Petty Officer

“To be recognized as a father is a great pleasure for me because it’s a big responsibility. And apart from that, it’s a pleasure, to be a father. I am pleasure to be a father of five and a husband, a lovely wife. And apart from that, like I said, as a leader as well, it’s a pleasure for me to be here standing after twenty-five years of service. To my wife back home and my lovely kids, I lo- I love you all. And keep doing what you’re doing.”

 

As fathers engaged in friendly competition, shared stories, laughter, and words of encouragement, today’s gathering highlighted the Coast Guard’s commitment to recognizing the people behind the uniforms and the families who support them every step of the way.

 

Rear Admiral Gregory Soberanis

“Fathers today, we honor them, we highlight their commitment to duty. We highlight their selfless service, and we also highlight what they bring to the table when it comes to the execution of operations for the safety, security, and naval defense for the country of Belize.”

 

Shane Williams for News Five.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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