NMMI President Receives Highest Honor from the Military Police of Rondônia
New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI) is honored to announce that President/Superintendent BG McBurnette has been awarded the Royal Fort of Prince of Beira Medal, the highest distinction conferred by the Military Police of Rondônia, Brazil.
Established in 1978, the medal predates the creation of the State of Rondônia and is reserved for individuals and institutions that have provided distinguished service to the Military Police and the people of the state. The award is named after the historic Royal Fort of Prince of Beira, an 18th-century Portuguese fortification located on the banks of the Guaporé River near present-day Costa Marques, along the Brazilian-Bolivian border. The fort remains one of Rondônia’s most important historical symbols and represents the protection of the territory and its citizens. Although the medal was redesigned in recent years, it continues to preserve its historical identity and significance as the Military Police of Rondônia’s most prestigious award.
The honor was presented in recognition of NMMI’s educational and cultural exchange partnership with the Military Police Schools (CTPM) of Rondônia. Through this collaboration, NMMI has provided valuable academic, leadership, and cultural opportunities for students, strengthened international understanding and promoted educational excellence. NMMI is deeply grateful for this recognition and proud of the strong relationship it has developed with the Military Police of Rondônia and its educational institutions.
For the Fall 2026 semester, NMMI has welcomed 30 high school cadets from the State of Rondônia, Brazil. These cadets were accompanied for their arrival to campus by the Secretary of Education, Mr. Massud Jorge Brada Neto, COL Glauber Souto, LTC Lucas Nogueira, MAJ Diego Mendonça, and representatives of the Department of Education, Ms. Daniele Brasil, Ms. Tainá Santos, and Ms. Samara. During their visit, the delegation met with BG McBurnette and Tier 1 leadership, toured the Institute, and strengthened an important international relationship.
The delegation and Tier 1 leadership additionally participated in a special gift exchange ceremony that symbolized the growing partnership and mutual respect between both institutions. The exchange provided an opportunity to celebrate the strong cultural and educational ties being developed through international collaboration and shared values of leadership, service, and academic excellence. The exchange of gifts served as a meaningful reminder of the friendship and goodwill shared between NMMI and the people of Rondônia, fostering connections that will continue to benefit future generations of students and leaders.
