YONGSAN GARRISON, South Korea — Military community members gathered here Friday to bid farewell to the U.S. Forces Korea engineer who’s worked transformation issues for the last five years.

Army Col. Daniel Wilson called the turnout at his retirement ceremony overwhelming. He was joined by his wife, Una, their 16-year-old son, Conor, and 14-year-old daughter, Maeve. Several general officers, including USFK commander Gen. B.B. Bell, were on hand.

Wilson’s work was key in the realignment of U.S. Forces on the Korean peninsula, from the closure of decades-old bases along the demilitarized zone to planning a massive hub at an expanded Camp Humphreys.

It was an “honor to work with the joint team and to try to make things a little bit better,” Wilson said of his service in South Korea.

Bell called Wilson one of the key figures in the transitioning U.S.-South Korean alliance, someone who was able “find a way ahead” and who performed superbly in “every single tough engagement.”

Bell presented Wilson with a Distinguished Service Medal, a letter of appreciation from President Bush and his retirement certificates. Bell also thanked Una for her service and presented her with an Outstanding Civilian Service Medal and Army Chief of Staff certificate of appreciation.

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