After a rewarding and satisfying career spanning parts of five decades and 8 U.S. Presidents, Port Director, Supervisor, Passenger Service Manager, Inspector and Customs Patrol Officer Larry Sherman announces his retirement, effective July 3, 2010.

Serving 36+ years in 3 countries, at seaports, land borders, airports, and preclearance stations, he will be moving to Africa in August 2010 to begin the next chapter of his life.

Since 2002, Sherman began fulfilling a life long passion by spending his annual leave days in the African countries of Namibia and Angola where he co-founded a non-profit charitable organization named OPEN HANDS TO AFRICA. Their mission statement is to provide SEEDs of Hope (Spiritual, Educational & Economic Development) to the poorest of poor in Namibia and Angola. Extensively traveling the remote regions of these countries, Sherman has embedded himself in the lives of the indigenous folks by living and working in their villages. There he provides micro-business loans, livestock plus animal husbandry techniques, agricultural seed projects, medical & eye care, as well as educational opportunities to help people help themselves by offering a helping hand rather than a hand out.

A roast, celebration, or sigh of relief for his departure will be held in the International Departure Lounge at the Orlando Sanford International Airport at 1900 (7 PM) on Thursday July 1, 2010. Those of you who wish to attend are welcome and those who care to send an email can do so to Mr. Sherman directly (larry.sherman@dhs.gov) or in care of CBP Officers Lee Pugh (lee.j.pugh@dhs.gov) or Jamie Schiefer (jamie.c.schiefer@dhs.gov). Please RSVP to Officers Pugh or Schiefer if you plan on attending. (407-322-6019 Ext. 0).