After committing almost four decades of invaluable service to the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, a retirement luncheon was hosted for Commander Cheryl Bethel on Friday August 12, in the Officer’s Wardroom, HMBS CORAL HARBOUR.Attended by Commander Defence Force, Commodore Dr. Raymond King, Deputy Commander Defence Force, Captain Shonedel Pinder, Captain Stephen Russell, Director of the National Emergency Management Agency, (NEMA), past and present members of the Officers Corp, this event was a fitting tribute to Commander Bethel, who has served as member of the organization since 1985. Commodore King, in his address, reflected on the impact Commander Bethel made on his life, by becoming a valuable resource to which he could tap into, especially in preparation for his officer candidacy. He considered her mentorship a great asset to the organization, which she offered unselfishly and to which he will always be grateful.Numerous individuals were given the opportunity to express a heartfelt thank you. This included the Base Executive Officer, Commander Origin Deleveaux, who briefly highlighted the contributions Commander Bethel made during her career, and equating retirement to the transitioning phase of her life. As one of the pioneering members in the short history of the organization, Commander Bethel has stood shoulder to shoulder with her comrades, by achieving many firsts throughout her career. After enlisting as a member of the first female entry on October 28, 1985, she was drafted to the Engineering Department. Alongwith Retired Lieutenant Commander Gaye Bykowski, they were the first females to become commissioned officers, after successfully completing officer training, at the Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) in 1987. Throughout a stellar career, she has served in numerous billets. She was the first female technician in Radio. First female Assistant Training Officer, first female Training Officer and first female Base First Lieutenant. Additionally, she has broken the brass ceiling, becoming the first Female Commander.In her closing remarks, Commander Bethel alluded to the challenges she encountered as a female entering a male dominated career force. However, through determination and resiliency, her efforts were not in vain, as she helped to pave the way for many females, who have continued to ascend through the ranks and rates. Her passion for helping others discover their fullest potential, grew after observing the wasted talents of many. In making a difference, she organized the BGCSE classes for Math and English within the RBDF Training Department. From its inception, these classes have been beneficial to both men and women in the organization, allowing them to become qualified for training both locally and abroad. Accompanied by family members, Commander Bethel was showered with gifts of appreciation, after which, the floor was opened for remarks. Within every remark there was some commonality; Commander Bethel was stern yet possessed a motherly love. Her quest for knowledge and pursuit to accomplish more was highly admirable. Demonstrating an unwavering faith, she transitions into a new chapter of life and looks forward to retirement and enjoying time with family and loved ones. Her fortitude has afforded her the ability to enjoy life to its fullest, and she continues to pour into others by tutoring in Math and English.It is no doubt that Commander Bethel has left an indelible mark on the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and her name will forever be inscribed in history. The Commander Defence Force, Commodore Raymond King and the entire Defence Force express their heartfelt thanks to Commander Cheryl Bethel for her selfless service and contributions to the organization. BRAVO ZULU!!(RBDF Photos by Petty Officer Tancia Russell)
