YONGSAN GARRISON, South Korea - Eighth Army bid farewell to Deputy Commander Maj. Gen. Eldon P. Regua who retired from the U.S. Army after 36 years of steadfast service to his country.
Lt. Gen. John D. Johnson, commanding general of Eighth Army, attended the retirement ceremony held here at the Eighth Army Headquarters.
Johnson talked about he impact Regua had on Eighth Army and his lengthy and successful career.
"We were given the mission to form a combined joint task force and to become a Field Army," said Johnson. "We had a bunch of responsibilities that we had to have the right kind of personality, the right kind of experience to take that on and allow us to continue to excel. He has taken that mission and developed it in ways that have made a huge difference for us here in Eight Army."
In addition to his certificate of retirement, Regua received the Distinguished Service Medal, a certificate of achievement signed by the President of the United States and his wife Cirella received a certificate of appreciation signed by U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond Odierno.
During his farewell speech, Regua thanked all those present and commented on how Eighth Army will live on in his memory.
"Wherever I go, whenever I get the opportunity back home in the states everyone will know who Eighth Army is, because I will brag about you, all your great work and the great mission you have here," said Regua.
Saying that there is no good speech without a few tips on leadership, Regua shared his thoughts on leadership for all those present.
"Train your soldiers and love your families," advised Regua. "Take your job seriously but don't take yourself seriously. Training is everything, and everything is training -- continue to train hard, Eighth Army, and I know you will."
Regua served as deputy commanding general and chief of staff for Eighth Army.
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