"Come to Haiti."

My first “trip” to Haiti occurred in 1994, courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard. Two Port Security Units were deployed in support of Operation Uphold Democracy, one in Cap Haitian, the other in Port au Prince. This was the first time I had heard of the Tonton Macoute, the “special operations” personal police force of dictator Francois Duvalier (Papa Doc), and later of his son, Jean-Claude Duvalier (Baby Doc). I could not imagine a world where I could not voice my opinion, yet political dissenters during these regimes met with brutal, torturous retaliation with often fatal results. The international community hoped to restore the democratically elected Jean-Bertrand Aristide to his office of President of Haiti. New to these types of deployments, I was just relieved to return home, although our stay had been brief.

In 2003, I deployed with Port Security Unit 309 to Kuwait. Paul Cormier, assigned to the PSU at Port au Prince in 1994, was also serving in Kuwait. After their unit had returned home in 1994, Paul went back to Haiti, helping the village and the fishermen he had met during deployment. He has given countless of hours and financial support to this village, inspiring others to help, even building a school. He is the founder and president of The Soleil Foundation (www.SoleilFoundation.org). Quite often, you can find Paul in Haiti. Though I had heard of his work in Haiti, I did not meet him until we deployed to Kuwait. Before we returned home from the 2003 deployment, I asked Paul how I could help his organization, how could I help a child in Haiti. I asked how much it would be to send a child to school. His response? He invited me to visit Bossier, see Haiti and meet the children for myself. Well, that’s extreme…. so… I went to Haiti.

Three weeks after returning from Kuwait, I flew to Haiti. We stayed in Port au Prince the first night, at the Hotel Oloffson, then we traveled to Leogane, where a bed and breakfast served as our home base. Each of these are adventures in their own right. While we could travel from Port au Prince to Leogane by automobile, the route to the village of Bossier was not as readily accessible. We rode motorcycles to the village, traveling along dirt paths and through forests, past the occasional hut or single room… partially constructed buildings. Finally, I arrived at the village of Bossier; I met Paul’s sons and the residents of the village. I also met the pastor, the teachers, and the children… (my time there was brief this visit) and I promised to return. While the sheer beauty of the island is truly motivation enough, Haiti is so much more. The warmth of the people I met, the smiles of the children… hard to describe, impossible to forget. In 2004, I traveled again to Haiti. This journey I was able to stay at the house Paul had built in Bossier and spend more time with the village residents and their children. From them, and from Paul, I learned more of the language, Haitian Creole, and a little more about the day to day struggles they faced. Unfortunately, life would make its demands in other areas, and in the coming years, my involvement would be limited, sporadic, and too often non-existent. I would not return to Bossier, Haiti for another 14 years.

The Soleil Foundation, however, with Paul Cormier at the helm, stayed the course and continued efforts in the village. Paul has led Soleil Foundation in building a school in 2011, the establishment of a medical and dental clinic facility, when health care professionals are available in the village. With the assistance of a group of volunteers, The Soleil Foundation provided two levels of Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) classes for a select group of residents in Bossier. This training proved crucial when these students were asked to assist in triaging over 1000 injured people in three different villages, during the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake.

Helping young entrepreneurs establish enterprises, such as the Solo Bar Beach, or access training in different fields continues to help the village grow. Paul’s efforts have continued over twenty-five years… a quarter of a century working with and helping to build this community.

Several years ago, and with the wonders of social networking, an old friend from Bossier reached out to me. I had also been in contact, though infrequently, with Paul over the years. In 2018 I finally returned to Bossier, Haiti. The children I met in 2004 are grown now, some with children of their own, while others have moved away. The Pastor is still there, along with a new pastor, Pastor Aguerson, who was one of the children I met so many years ago. I was surprised how many people remembered me after all these years. The children still smile and sing songs. They try to teach me how to count in Kreyol. They are very patient with me. I promised not to wait 14 years to come back again.

The Soleil Foundation continues to make strides in helping develop this tropical haven nestled in the Caribbean. Though Haiti has struggled politically, as well as at the hands of Mother Nature, and was devastated by an earthquake from which full recovery has yet to be made, this little country has a fearless heart beating, relentlessly towards a brighter future. So much has been accomplished, yet so much remains to be done. Haiti Inspires Inc., a 501c3 nonprofit organization, was formed in support of The Soleil Foundation. We hope to assist with additional needs of the village of Bossier and nearby communities. Some of the continuing goals include contributions and support for basic quality of life... food, water and shelter. We have provided a few scholarships for continuing adult education, and hope to create more scholarship opportunities, and expand existing financial resources for medical expenses.

The beauty of the island and the culture, though breath-taking and rich in history and heritage, cannot compare to the radiant smiles of child and adult alike, with deeply rooted faith, determination and resilience that truly inspires.