33rd IBCT deputy commander to retire

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Photo provided by U.S. Army Col. Daniel J. Fuhr.

SPRINGFIELD, IL (05/30/2014)(readMedia)-- URBANA, Ill. – Col. Daniel J. Fuhr of Park Ridge, Illinois, deputy commander for the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (33rd IBCT), will retire May 31 with more than 32 years of military service.

Fuhr, originally from Princeton, Illinois, enlisted Sept. 11, 1981. After spending nearly a year enlisted, Fuhr joined the Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Northern Illinois University. Throughout his career he served as an armor and infantry officer. Among the various commands he held throughout his career, Fuhr served as the battalion commander for the 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment on its tour in Afghanistan from 2008 to 2009.

One thing Fuhr said he enjoyed about the military was the challenges not found elsewhere.

"There's a mix of physical, interpersonal and mental challenges, and that mix is not available in many other places," said Fuhr. "It also provides you with some experiences that are very maturing."

Fuhr said he will miss associating with a lot of like-mind professionals with the same values.

"We have a common set of values of selfless service and that's not so common elsewhere," he said.

Upon retiring, Fuhr said he is looking forward to spending time with his wife and two teenage children.

"It'll be nice to have some weekends back," Fuhr said. "It will be an opportunity to bring a new phase to my relationship with my family that I have been diverted from these past 30 years."