Yongsan ready, Yongsan strong Col. J. Scott Peterson assumes command of U.S. Army Garrison Yong

USAG YONGSAN -- The guidon for United States Army Garrison Yongsan was handed to a new commander at a change-of-command ceremony held June 24 at Yongsan garrison, Collier Community Fitness Center.

Soldiers, service members and families came from all over despite the rainy weather to support the ceremonial passing of the USAG Yongsan guidon from outgoing Commander Col. Maria P. Eoff to incoming Commander Col. J. Scott Peterson.

Installation Management Command Pacific Region Director Dr. Christine T. Altendorf hosted the ceremony. "For those of you who know her, you know that Maria is a work horse and an energetic leaders who gives her all," she said, wishing the outgoing commander the best in her next assignment.

Also in attendance was Lt. Gen. Thomas S. Vandal, commanding general of Eighth Army. Vandal began his remarks with a complimentary overview of Eoff's achievements as garrison commander and her positive attitude. Vandal also welcomed Peterson, assuring the audience that the garrison was in new, capable hands.

Peterson came to Yongsan from U.S. Army Japan, where he served as the executive officer to USAJ and I Corps (Forward) Commanding General at Camp Zama. He was in Korea previously as the Assistant Chief of Staff of G9, Eighth U.S. Army, and then again as the Eighth Army Commanding General's executive officer in 2011. "I want to begin first by saying how absolutely blessed we are -- both my family and I -- to not only be back in Korea, but to be able to join the IMCOM Pacific team and be given the opportunity to lead the Area II community. It is a true honor," he said.

There were two formations at the ceremony: one was composed of the Soldiers of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, and the other was composed of civilians -- U.S. and Korean National -- led by Chief of Plans and Operations, Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization, and Security, Matthew Barden.

"It was an honor and privilege to participate in the USAG Yongsan COC ceremony," Barden said. It was Col. Eoff's vision to have civilians represented in the formation, and this was also supported by Col. Peterson. "Having both Soldiers and civilians represented on the field speaks to the diversity of the garrison workforce and further emphasizes to our community that we are one team," said Barden.

Closing the ceremony, Peterson pledged to provide outstanding programs and support to all service-members and their families here as well as the combined U.S. and Korean workforce, while also "maintaining strong, unbreakable relationships with our Korean hosts and neighbors -- and do so to ensure the total force is always ready, always prepared and effectively enabled to restructure and relocate in accordance with transformation."