Air traffic controller at Humphreys recognized with Order of Saint Michael

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea – Before an audience of his peers and family, Pak To-yong, an air traffic control specialist at Desiderio Army Airfield, U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys, was presented the Honorable Order of Saint Michael Bronze Award April 9.

Pak served as an air traffic control specialist for 48 years, beginning with his service in the Republic of Korea Air Force, and is now one of the longest-serving air traffic controllers in the profession’s history, said Lt. Col. Billy Blue, commander, 602nd Aviation Support Battalion, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, and president of the Army Aviation Association of America Morning Calm Chapter.

Blue presented Pak, a Korean national employee at USAG Humphreys, with the Bronze Saint Michael medallion followed by remarks from Pak.

“This means the world to me. I was not expecting this at all,” said Pak. The award ceremony was organized by his aviation peers and colleagues as a surprise to him.

He then spoke more about his deep connection to his role as an air traffic controller, whether he would retire soon, and most important to him – concern for his aviation peers.

“My greatest wish for all of you is to stay safe out there,” said Pak.

Pak’s career has remained incident and hazard free while he was on watch. With his past accomplishments and experience he provided on-the-job training to more than 800 air traffic controllers over the years, said Martin Kovacs, air traffic control supervisor at Desiderio Army Airfield.

“Controllers past and present, around the world and those who have retired, know Pak as an icon of this location,” said Kovacs. “He has provided service to the skies enabling aviators to defend our two nations – Korea and the U.S. – and returned those aviators home to their families.”

Pak served eight years in the Republic of Korea Air Force and worked at the Daegu Air Route Traffic Control Center and the Daegu Approach Control. Later he would be the first Korean Air Force service member to be rated in the U.S. Air Force radar approach facility at Osan Air Base.

Pak then went on to serve as a civilian at the U.S. Army’s Camp Walker air traffic control tower in Waegwan for seven years from 1983 to 1990, and then moved to his current location at Camp Humphreys.

The Order of Saint Michael was established in 1990 as a joint venture between the Army Aviation Association of America and the U.S. Army Aviation Center. The image of Saint Michael defeating the dragon exemplifies the bravery and gallantry associated with aviation Soldiers, according to the association’s website. The Order of Saint Michael is intended to recognize individuals who have contributed significantly to the promotion of U.S. Army Aviation.