Col. William “Bill” Lukens retired from the Army on June 1.

Named a distinguished military graduate, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Adjutant General’s Corps in 1982 when he graduated from Rider College in Lawrenceville, N.J.

During his 30-year career, Lukens spent 12 years overseas and five years at Fort Stewart. He was the assistant chief of staff for personnel (G1) for the 3rd Infantry Division and participated in the liberation of Iraq in March and April 2003.

His final assignment was as the G1 for the 7th Signal Command (Theater) at Fort Gordon.

Lukens is married to the former Connie Rogers of Hinesville. Their son, Phillip, is an Army captain stationed in Hawaii. Col. Lukens is the son-in-law of former Liberty County Tax Commissioner John Henry Rogers and Doris Rogers of Colonels Island.

Brig. Gen. LaWarren Patterson, commanding general of the 7th Signal Command (Theater) awarded the colonel a Legion of Merit and Connie Lukens the commander’s award for public service during a recent retirement ceremony in their honor at Fort Gordon.