Mayor, Gunsan City officials recognize outgoing leadership

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Stephen Collier
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Just like a good neighbor who gives a send off to those moving away from their neighborhood, Gunsan City mayor Moon, Dong Shin and other leaders recognized current 8th Fighter Wing leadership May 10 for their commitment to the community. 

The evening dinner, hosted by members of the Korean American Friendship Council, gave way to praises and warm handshakes between the mayor, city officials and Col. Jeff "Wolf" Lofgren, 8th FW commander. There, Colonel Lofgren was named an honorary citizen of this western Korea community for his "contribution to the development of Gunsan." 

The dinner was held to mark the end of the 2006-2007 Wolf Pack class of leadership. Each commander here is scheduled to change command of their respective groups to new leadership, slated for mid-May through the summer. 

Also in attendance were 8th FW group commanders to included: Col. Jon "Viper" Norman, 8th Operations Group; Col. Mona Lisa "Falcon" Tucker, 8th Mission Support Group; Col. Joseph "Phoenix" Swillum, 8th Maintenance Group; and Col. Joe "Hawk" Ortega, Jr., 8th Medical Group. 

Over a toast, Mayor Moon stated that on behalf of the 300,000 Gunsan City citizens, the city adopts him as an honorary citizen. 

  "This is a farewell gathering for Wolf Pack leadership, especially for Colonel Lofgren as the wing commander of the Wolf Pack," Mayor Moon said. "He has been a strong supporter of the base and city as a team and [we will] continue to maintain strong relations." 

  In response, Colonel Lofgren bowed to the mayor, thanking him for his continued support of the Wolf Pack through simple and difficult times.