FROM MY SERVICE IN KOREA, I LEARNED… Tony Williams
March 2002-08 (1-43 ADA & 35TH ADA)
January 2014-18 ( 8TH Army G6)
I served in the active US Army for over 22 years. Over 9 of these years were in the Republic of Korea. I learned leadership lessons at all echelon. I arrived as a PFC and left as a SSG during my first tour and served as a SFC during my second tour.
My first tour introduced me to Korean culture and all of its beauty. I fell in love with the food and extensive history of the nation. I visited many national landmarks, learned to make a few dishes, and began to understand how each soldier has a role to play in how America is perceived. Making friends, as I taught English and emersed into the Korean social life, allowed me to change negative stereotypes by demonstrating Army values in action.
My second tour was at a more senior level. For the first year and a half, I served as the VTC Team NCOIC for the CG and as the NETOPS NCOIC, overseeing the security and infrastructure stability of our network nationwide for the second year and a half. This gave me the opportunity to work with KATUSAs more and interact with the ROKA more. This type of leadership requires the development of people skills and diplomacy.
The scene of teamwork developed over these years has placed Korea in a special place in my heart. There were several events that occurred during my tours to test the resolve of the US-Korea relationship. We always came out of the situations closer than we entered. I have very beautiful memories of Korea and have visited a few times between my tours and plan to return in the future.
Tony T. Williams, Ed.S., MHA, BA
CW2, LASG
Team Member, Region 7
4th Area Command
[MSG (R), U.S. Army]
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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