YONGSAN GARRISON, Republic of Korea - In a salute to military Retirees, U.S. Army Garrison-Yongsan hosted its annual Retiree Appreciation Day Nov. 14 at the Main Post Club.

Approximately 200 area Retirees, some coming from neighboring USAG-Red Cloud, participated in this year's event, which included dental services, medical exams, immunizations, blood pressure and cholesterol checks, and over-the-counter medication.

Retirees and their Family members were treated to a complementary lunch and Korean cultural dance presentation, while gifts and prizes were provided by the Army and Air Force Exchange Service, Defense Commissary Agency, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Noncommissioned Officers Association, and other support agencies.

The Veterans Administration, American Red Cross, 65th Medical Brigade, and Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation will also provided support.

Guest speaker, 8th U.S. Army Deputy Commanding General Lt. Gen. Rob Williamson, thanked the Retirees and their Families for their dedication.

"We appreciate our Retirees for not just the service they have given to our nation, but also the service many of them continue to give to our community. These men and women have given at least 20 years of their life, sometimes in austere conditions, to their country."

Williamson added that if it were not for the service, freedom and liberty on the Korean peninsula would not have been possible.

That is especially true of retired Command Sgt. Maj. Alfred Braswell, who was recognized as the Retiree Icon of the Year.

Braswell, who has served as a Seoul American High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps instructor for the past 29 years, was wounded by communist forces in March 1951 on a hilltop north of Uijeongbu.

Garrison Commander Col. Dave Hall said that Retirees are an important part of the Yongsan Army Family.

"You have played a vital role in making USAG-Yongsan a Community of Excellence, both with your service in the past and your ongoing service in the present. We are committed to honoring your service through quality Garrison services."

Many agreed that the event genuinely showed the Garrison's gratitude to the Retiree community.

"The Retiree Appreciation Day overall was excellent. Being a retired Soldier, I enjoyed the day," said Camp Casey Transition Specialist Donald Wong.

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