Chaplain (Col.) Gregory K. Williamson, a native of Walters, son of the late Dee and Harold Williamson, of Glenville, who is now serving in Seoul, South Korea, has accepted a call to serve a three-year term as the chief mission officer of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.

Williamson plans to begin serving in his new post in January 2012, when his military obligation is fulfilled.

Williamson was appointed to the position by LCMS President Rev. Matthew C. Harrison after consultation with the Boards for National and International Mission, as well as unanimous concurrence by the LCMS Board of Directors.

Williamson is a 1980 graduate of Concordia College (now University), Portland, Ore., and a 1983 graduate of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. He was commissioned in the Army in 1982 and served as a reserve chaplain and civilian pastor until receiving a call to active duty in 1986.

He and his wife, Jacqueline, have two sons.