Rear Admiral John Borland Honored After Retirement

It’s the end of an era for Belize’s military. After nearly four decades of dedicated service, Rear Admiral John Borland, Belize’s longest-serving military officer, has officially retired as Chief of Defense Staff. Not only was he the first to ever hold that title, but he also leaves behind a legacy as the highest-ranking officer in the country’s military history. Though he stepped down back in March, today he was honored in a big way, with the prestigious Legion of Merit, a rare recognition awarded to foreign nationals for exceptional military service. News Five’s Britney Gordon has more on this historic moment and the man behind the uniform.

 

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Rear Admiral John Borland, Belize’s longest serving and highest-ranking military officer, has officially retired after thirty-eight years of service. Known for bold decisions, including firing warning shots during a 2001 riot in Orange Walk, Borland has played a key role in shaping the country’s modern military. He led the Belize Coast Guard before becoming the first-ever Chief of Defense Staff, a role created just for him. Although he quietly retired in March, the Coast Guard surprised him today with a special ceremony to honor his decades of dedication.

 

Rear Admiral John Borland, Former Chief of Defense Staff

“ I left my home this morning. I had two missions to do one up at the Coast Guard here and one up at the BDF, and there certainly weren’t anything that happened here. Just know as you witness in the ceremony, so definitely a surprise, but a good one.”

 

 

 

 

Over the course of his military career, Rear Admiral John Borland trained both at home and abroad sharpening his skills across the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia. He climbed the ranks to become a Major and earned a reputation as one of the most trusted and respected officers, especially when things got tough. And while he’s never been one to seek the spotlight, Borland admits he’s genuinely touched by the recognition he’s received.

 

 

 

 

Rear Admiral John Borland

“It means it means a lot. It means that someone or some people recognize the relevance, the significance, and the importance of what I’ve done for my country. For me it was just another job. I was just doing my job, doing what was required, meeting the requirement, fulfilling a mission, fighting onto the objective. That’s what I do. I don’t need special recognition. I don’t need accolades. I don’t need praises. I keep moving every day.”

 

 

It’s one of the highest honors a foreign military officer can receive, and now, Rear Admiral John Borland has joined that elite group. He’s been awarded the prestigious Legion of Merit, a rare recognition given by the United States for outstanding service. Rear Admiral Elton Bennett shares more on what this award means and why Borland earned it.

 

Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, Commandant, Belize Coast Guard

“They had that observation of his leadership ability, his dedication to national effort in nation building to maritime security and defense. So they recognized that and they wanted to bestow upon him the highest level of recognition that they could have done. And they went for the Legion of Merit Award, which puts him in a high class of Military officers and diplomats and politicians across the world.”

 

 

Borland may be retired from active service, but his work is not done. According to Minister of Defense, Oscar Mira, Borland has now assumed the post of National Security Director, where he will act as an advisor to the National Security Council.

 

Oscar Mira, Minister of Defense

“He’s not done yet. If you notice he’s now transitioned to the National Security Director. So his contribution signified so much for Belize. And it was just fitting for us to honor him today. As was rightly said, the first chief of the defense staff, it was an office that he established, and he had to start it from scratch. And he has done a tremendous job. Job.”

 

Borland steps away from the post confident that the Belize Coast Guard is in good hands and will continue to defend and protect the Belize of Belize.

 

Rear Admiral John

“A lot of people keep saying that, you are a great leader, you’re a good leader. And I always told them, I always said my job was to take care of the team, to build that team, to take care of the team, and to make sure whoever my successor is better than I was or as I am or will ever be.”

 

The selection process for a new Chief of Defense staff is still underway but Borland believes that his successor will do their part in keeping Belize safe. Britney Gordon for News Five.