This afternoon in Corozal Town, a full military funeral was held for BDF Major Adran Ramirez. 

He's one of the 2 pilots manning the helicopter that was providing air support for the BDF and police teams which intercepted that fully-loaded narco-jet that was intercepted last Thursday morning.

The BDF's U1H1 Helicopter that Ramirez and his crew members were in went down in the Western Lagoon - but no one realised they were gone until 16 hours later, and the helicopter with the four bodies were found the following day. 

Major Adran Ramirez was the third soldier laid to rest this week, and 7News was there for the ceremony. Daniel Ortiz reports:

The church in Corozal Town simply did not have enough space to accommodate all Belizeans showed up to the funeral of Major Adran Ramirez.

The 36-year-old served his country as a BDF soldier for just ever 12 years, and in that time, his drive to become a pilot for the Military allowed him to attend prestigious aviation schools outside of Belize.

But, his excellence in his professional life wasn't what earned him the respect of his peers, his superiors and his loved ones.

They say that it was his selflessness, and benevolence on behalf of all those he counted family.

Tareek Young - Brother of the Deceased
"He was big physically and in personality. Everything he did was big. His hugs were the tightest; his hi-fives, potentially arm-breaking; his laugh the loudest; and his smile the biggest, taking up his entire face. He wanted to be a pilot. He wanted to fly for as long as he could remember. The day he got his wings was a crowning achievement for him, a testament to his work ethic and his personal philosophy. He loved his wings, and he wore them with the utmost pride. The other love he discovered was in service to his country, his beloved BDF, and his Airwing family. He was a champion for his comrades, advocating for training opportunities for young men. Many have told us that he is personally responsible for them being where they are because he believed in them, and pushed them to want and achieve more."

Cpt. Usher - BDF Airwing
"He always stressed on personal and organizational development. He'd always tell me, Brother Ush, we're a family, and you guys are the future of the unit. So, pay attention, so that when the time comes for me to pass the torch, you guys are ready."

Tareek Young
"His children were his world, and he worked hard to be the fun dad while being strict in developing the life skills they would need to excel. He would tell me, It's all about them, bruv.' To his children and to us who called him family, he was like a superhero. He was even built like one. I would tease him when he was still a captain, that he was like our Captain American - or Captain Ramerica - our Superman, our invincible hero, yet he was never in denial about the dangers of the job. He held the safety and protection of his men to the highest standard. He said, “If I should die while flying, then I would have died doing what I loved.'"

Lt. Col. Brandon Garcia - BDF
"Pilots share a core value, personified by example though, service above self. Major Adran Claude "50 Cal" Ramirez's life epitomized that core value. The presence of members from the Ministry of National Security, members from the various security forces, family, [and] friends are here to acknowledge your sacrifice. As a serving member of this Belize Defence Force, we risk our lives time and time again. We give everything to ensure that this nation maintains its sovereignty."

And for this outpouring of support from the Belizeans he gave his life to help protect, his family is grateful.

Tareek Young
"The family would like to thank everyone who sent a text, who called, if they showed up at any of the memorials, and just said kind words. We are supremely grateful for all the condolences. Knowing the amount of love, knowing the impact his life had on so many people, it is truly a comfort that we find in this very difficult time. These men left families. These men died serving their nation, and we should be supremely proud of all of these heroes because that's what they were."

The last funeral for Major Radford Baizar will be held tomorrow at St John's cathedral in Belize City.