Lt. Gen. Michael A. Bills, Commander of U.S. Eighth Army Who Began Military Service in Pyeongtaek, Becomes Honorary Citizen

[Suwon Ilbo=Seo Dong-young, Base Correspondent] Pyeongtaek City presented an honorary citizen plaque to Lt. Gen. Michael A. Bills, Commander of the U.S. Eighth Army.

On the 26th, the city held a ceremony at the City Hall Comprehensive Situation Room with approximately 30 attendees including the Commander and Mrs. Bills, and city government officials, presenting the honorary citizen plaque to Lt. Gen. Bills.

General Bills stated, "I remember Camp Humphreys, my first duty station 42 years ago when it was a small helicopter base, and the kind people of Pyeongtaek. I am honored to become a member of the proud city of Pyeongtaek, which has grown into a metropolis of 5 million. I will make further efforts to ensure that citizens and the U.S. Forces Korea continue to grow together in a mutually beneficial relationship as members of the local community and good neighbors."

Pyeongtaek Mayor Jung Jang-seon said, "I understand that Lt. Gen. Bills, who began his military service in Pyeongtaek in 1977, plans to finish it here as well. Following his father, a Korean War veteran, Lt. Gen. Bills has forged meaningful ties with Korea over two generations and greatly contributed to harmony with the local community and strengthening Korea-U.S. relations. We welcome and congratulate General Bills on becoming a citizen of Pyeongtaek."

Commander Bills took office as Commander of the U.S. Eighth Army in January of last year. Since then, he has co-hosted the 'Korea-U.S. Harmony Festival' to create a venue for harmony between citizens and U.S. Forces Korea. He has also actively supported the city's efforts to attract the 'Pyeongtaek American Corner,' greatly contributing to the U.S. Department of State's approval for its establishment, and has taken the lead in promoting friendly cooperation between Korea and the United States and realizing values of mutual prosperity.