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From My Service in Korea, I Learned – James R. Kinney

As an enlisted Air Force Chinese linguist trained at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center in Monterey, California, I served sixteen years on four tours of duty to Osan Air Base, Korea from 1976 to 1998.  Regrettably, as a 19-year-old E-3 during the first part of my first tour, I was quite reckless and irresponsible.  I did not properly capitalize on the great opportunities afforded to me.  This fact continues to be a great regret for me.  However, given a second chance by my Air Force mates and a patient front-line supervisor, I was able to thrive during the final months of that first tour.

Throughout that first tour I worked alongside a group of dedicated Korean civilian professionals who displayed the hard work and dedication of the Korean people.  Their drive and level of expertise was inspiring.  Additionally, while escorting Korean laborers working outdoors inside our fenced Restricted Area, I observed their ingenuity and problem-solving skills coupled with their physical strength and mental acumen in the harshest winter and summer conditions.

On a personal note, during the final months of that tour, I fell in love with my Korean soulmate after being introduced to her by some of my fellow linguist mates.  Many visits to her in Myongdong in Seoul and eventually her family in Mukdong in Seoul and a marriage proposal later, we were married at the military chapel at Osan Air Base.  We remained married until her passing in 2023.

During the other three tours to the same Air Force squadron at Osan Air Base, my wife and I toured throughout Korea on Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) tours.  As a history buff, my wife taught me so much about 5,000-year Korean history over those many years.  During those years I became very close to every member of her family, and I learned that her mother, father, and older brother had all been evacuated from Hungnam, North Korea to Pohang, South Korea when the US Marines were evacuated by the US Navy during the Korean War.  Her family’s story of those years and all of the years after relocating to and settling in Taegu was both amazing and inspiring.

The highlight of my military duties over those two decades of service in Korea was my brief work as one of two USAF Chinese translators during the ROK-US negotiations during the resolution of the situation concerning the hijacking of a People’s Republic of China Civil Aviation Administration of China  (PRC CAAC) Hawker Siddeley Trident 2E aircraft (REGNR B-296) from the PRC to Camp Page, Chunchon, Korea on 5 May 1983.  It was such a relief to know that we were able to help ensure the safety of Chinese civilian passengers on the aircraft that was on the ground at Camp Page that afternoon and evening in May 1983.

Finally, working alongside Korean civilian linguists and analysts continue to serve as an inspiration to me.  Through the years and after forging friendships at work, at unit picnics, combined unit sports days, and a fantastic Combat Dining In, I was left with tremendous admiration and respect for the Korean people which remains with me to this day.  There isn’t a day that goes by that I do not reflect back on those years and those experiences in Korea working alongside the Korean people.  I remain grateful for all of those experiences and friendships in Korea.

Sincerely,

James R. Kinney, CMSgt, USAF (Retired)

UNQUOTE

Hawker Siddeley Trident 2E

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.

Your contribution may be just what someone needs to hear in order to feel connected and supported.