AFTER nearly 40 years of service in the defence force, Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) of the Department of Defence Main Ordnance Subdepot Durban, based in Jacobs, Master Warrant Officer (MW/O) José Ribas bid a fond farewell to service on Wednesday, 29 July.
MW/O Ribas served at the Durban base from 1991, becoming RSM in 1999, after having joined the defence force in 1979 in Grootfontein at age 24.
At a ceremony at the base, among peers, friends and family, he was congratulated on his long service and affable personality.
“He is more than an RSM to us, he is also a friend. He is an exceptional and unforgettable person,” said, acting Officer Commanding, Major D Denis of MW/O Ribas – a sentiment repeated by all at the event.
The 60-year-old new retiree said his future is awaiting him. “I look forward to it and I thank everyone for making my time in the defence force a good time. I have learned much from you, the people I have worked with and am grateful to my wife, who has supported me all these years,” he said.
MW/O Ribas is married to Anchén, who also serves in the army and they have three children, Steve (36), Thalia (21) and Chantell (17). The youngest Ribas child, Chantell gave a tearful speech at the ceremony, as she congratulated and honoured her father and thanked those who served with him.
Born in Portugal on 1 July, 1955, MW/O Ribas has served much of his life in the defence force and while moving up in rank, he completed numerous courses and received a number of medals, including, among others, the Military Merit medal, Pro Patria medal and 30 Year good service medal.
