From My Service in Korea, I Learned – COL Kee Jeong
It doesn’t come up often, but I can still remember the few times my aunts (now in their 80s) spoke about the war. They would describe watching bridges collapse along the Han River as they fled south, away from the fighting. I imagine them then – young and probably clutching what little they could carry. Maybe it was food, maybe clothing, maybe something small that reminded them of a life that once was.
American soldiers often mentioned in those stories, not as abstractions but as real people. Their presence, their sacrifice, must have left a lasting mark. As I am preparing to leave Korea at the end of my tour, I find myself reflecting on their stories, and what they mean to me now.
The ROK & US Alliance is frequently described in diplomatic or strategic terms. We talk about it as a cornerstone of regional stability, or a bulwark against aggression. All of that is true. But there’s more, something human – a personal connection.
I sense that connection is deeper with Korean Americans that serve this great nation. We are both witness and participant in this Alliance. We carry the legacy of one homeland while serving the defense of another. We are, in a way, a living bridge – connecting a nation born from the fire of war with a nation defined by opportunity, hope, and freedom.
Korea is not the same as it was when I last served here over a decade ago. The region has changed too – some of it for the better, much of it more uncertain. Competition with China and Russia is intensifying. The gap with North Korea continues to grow. The strategic environment in Northeast Asia has become more complex, more volatile, more unpredictable.
Still, I believe the Alliance is up to the challenge. Not only because we’re ready, but we are more committed – we cover each other’s blind spots. That’s not to minimize the challenges ahead. The threats are real, and the stakes are certainly high.
As a career intelligence professional, I’ve spent much of my time looking at maps – analyzing, planning, preparing. And from a map’s perspective, the center offers flexibility, speed, and advantage.
When you look at a map of this region/Northeast Asia – any direction/any scale, there is only one true center: the Korean Peninsula.
No piece of ground is more relevant, no land more significant.
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.