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This year, 2026, marks the 50th anniversary of my arrival in Korea.

In 1975, “Join the Army—See the World!” was the Army’s recruitment slogan. As the patriotic daughter of a retired Army colonel—and with the last name of Sargeant—I was determined to join the Army and serve my country.

Having already completed three years of German study, I felt confident that I would receive orders to study German at the Defense Language Institute (DLI) in Monterey, California. At least, that’s what the recruiter led me to believe.

After finishing Basic Training and receiving my orders, I was in complete shock to learn that I had been assigned to study the Korean language at DLI instead. I had never even met a Korean and knew absolutely nothing about the country or its culture.

But in God’s perfect plan, I ended up loving the Korean language and eagerly arrived at my first permanent duty station, Camp Humphreys (332nd ASA Operations—later INSCOM), in 1976.

I loved my job intercepting and tracking North Korean military communications, but the magnitude of its importance truly struck home when the Axe Murder Incident at the DMZ occurred in August 1976, just a few months after I arrived. It was then that I fully realized the critical role Intelligence missions played in supporting the collaboration between U.S. and Republic of Korea forces to help preserve South Korea’s freedom from the threat of communism.

Besides my official duties, volunteering at the Camp Humphreys-sponsored orphanage became one of my most memorable monthly activities. It brought joy not only to the children but also to the soldiers who gave up their day to invest in the lives of those young people.

As I explored Korea during my free time, I made it my mission to learn about the culture and meet people. Venturing beyond the gates of Camp Humphreys and taking buses to nearby cities, I experienced firsthand the warmth, kindness, and generosity of the Korean people. Everyone I met was eager to help whenever I needed it.

Before long, I began attending a Korean church in Anjeong-ri and joined the choir. My entire experience in Korea broadened my worldview in the most positive way. Despite my initial hesitation when I first received my orders, I truly felt honored to serve in my military assignment there.

After my Army discharge, I married and started a family. Yet I never stopped wanting to give back to the Korean people in a meaningful way.

Throughout the years, my 여보 (Yobo) and I have hosted many Korean students who came to California to improve their English language skills and experience American life. As a family, we did our best to help them experience our culture and family traditions, just as so many Korean families had done for me during my time in Korea.

When we lived in Garden Grove, California, I became involved with the city’s Sister City organization. As a board member, I helped arrange sightseeing tours and other activities for students visiting from Anyang, Korea—our sister city.

My husband and I also faithfully attend the annual National Liberation Day celebration at the Korean Friendship Bell in Palos Verdes, California, every August 15—which also happens to be my birthday! We enjoy watching KBS’s weekly music program Golden Oldies (가요무대) and listening to 가요시대 on Radio Korea each weekend.

Yes, I will never forget Korea.

Had I never joined the Army, I would have missed the experience of a lifetime—the opportunity to immerse myself in Korea’s wonderful culture, enjoy its incredible food, and develop lasting friendships with the Korean people whom I have grown to love so deeply.

For all of this, I am truly thankful and profoundly blessed.