By David Spunt Reporter
News 3 On Your Side
The commandant of the Western Hemisphere Institute For Security Cooperation, or WHINSEC, has announced his retirement.News 3 On Your Side
Email to a Friend
Stumble It!Colonel Gilberto Perez is the second commandant of WHINSEC since it opened its doors in 2001.
News Three caught up with Colonel Perez today in his office at WHINSEC. He said his last day will be July 29th.
Since he came to WHINSEC in March 2004, he has overseen thousands of students from all over the western hemisphere.
“The joy of coming here every morning and meeting some of the wonderful people I've served with. Certainly that void will be there from now on and i will miss it very much and it will be very emotional,” he said.
As for a replacement, Colonel Perez says he is leaving WHINSEC in good hands. His long time friend, Colonel Felix Santiago will take over.
Santiago is currently working in El Salvador for the U.S. ambassador as part of the United States Security Assistance Office.
Perez says he expects Santiago to make the move into WHINSEC by the end of June, in order for a smooth transition when Perez leaves a month later.