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From My Service in Korea, I learned…

Mark Campbell, Chaplain, Lt Col USAF (Ret)

From my service in Korea, I learned that a nation’s deep commitment to high standards allows it to flourish.

When I landed at Kimpo Airport in June 1998 it was the first time I had set foot anywhere in Asia.  Sadly, I had misplaced a book I was reading and gave up all hope of ever finding it, only to be approached by two very young security personnel who were holding my book and asking if it were mine.  What an amazing introduction to the respect, kindness, and determination of the Korean people!

During my year at Kunsan Air Base many relationships were formed with Korean people who worked on the base, and in particular with a young officer of the ROKAF who also was assigned to the base.  With these friendships I learned about the high value Korean people place on family, respect for others, social customs, the delicious food, and the amazing industriousness of the people (for example:  shopkeepers seemed to live at their shops, always working; and young students were seen after dark returning from after school courses).

Once I read some of the history and visited Korean museums, I began to realize that in many respects South Korea is a modern-day David boldly standing up to Goliaths of our time.  This nation, through its hard work, innovation, and orderliness excels in showing the world what can be done.

Some of the highlights of my year in South Korea include:

• A flight in a F-16 fighter jet
• Deep conversations with many Korean people and visiting Korean homes/restaurants
• Developing a profound respect for the perseverance and resilience of Korean people
• Learning a little Korean language (on a solo visit to Seoul ordering a simple meal in Korean from a small restaurant! Yay!)
• Invited to assist in leading worship in various Korean churches
• Seeing God work in the lives of US GIs and in the lives of our host nation individuals

In my work as a chaplain, I visited several Korean churches and came away challenged by the devotion to prayer, energy in worship, and joy–even through very trying times–experienced by the people I met.

During my year in Korea without my family, my wife (also a USAF officer and nurse) bravely continued to care for our four children, keep the home, and fully served in her active-duty assignment (sometimes working nights)—this allowed me to serve unaccompanied that year in Korea.

Someday I hope to visit again the Land of the Morning Calm.  As I have regaled my family with stories of my year in Korea without them, it would be very fulfilling to share the experience of this modern-day David.

What did you learn from serving in Korea? Let us know –

Sharing your experiences from serving in Korea can be a powerful way to connect with others who have had similar experiences. By sharing your story, you may be able to help others who are currently serving in Korea or who are preparing to do so. You can share insights about the culture, the people, and the challenges you faced while serving. Your story can also help to shed light on the sacrifices that service members and their families make in order to protect our freedoms. So, if you have a story to share, we encourage you to take the time to put it down in writing and send it to KDVA.MyServiceInKorea@gmail.com along with any photos that help to tell your story.

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