From My Service in Korea, I learned…

It was spring of 1967 I was 20 and getting off a plane at Kimpo International Airport in Korea. Riding in the back of a duce and a half through the Seoul area we saw a country and capital city emerging from the ravages of war.  The NCO in charge reminded us the war was not over, the end was still being negotiated at Panmunjom and “incidents” still occurred in the DMZ.

My new home was Camp JEB Stuart B Troop, 4^th Squadron, 7^th Cavalry on the south end of Freedom Bridge. (Pic #1&1A) We were the reaction force in support of troops on the DMZ.  North Korean infiltration was active with ambushes and bombings.  We lived in Quonset huts with shower and bathroom facilities about a 100-yard walk away.  If you were ever stationed on the DMZ one thing you would never forget were the winters and the bone chilling cold when the winds came out of Mongolia.

At JEB my job was troop supply and in the field at either Guard Post Jane or Beyerl I was ground surveillance radar operator.  I had no knowledge of how to do either, I was the new guy and told to learn it. The road to the GPs went by a locomotive that was destroyed in the 50s, I never liked going by it. There were continuously incidents in the DMZ, 2 killed when their jeep hit a mine and 2 more when their Quonset hut was bombed. (Pic 7&8) We also had a bounty placed on us, $800 for every one killed.

January 68 saw the hi-jacking of the USS Pueblo and 31 NK commandos coming within yards of the Blue House, the U.S. lost men in both incidents.   Life lessons learned was look for the “old man” they would share and teach the way it really was, if you would listen.  Plan, execute and adjust to meet the situations faced.  Be a mentor to those you work with as their success is also yours.

In spring of 68 I left for home and back to college.  Carried with me were memories of the Korean people;  they were happy, industrious and seemed able to solve any problems through creative thinking; they were rebuilding their country.  Little did I know I would return.

In the early 80s I was offered two jobs one in the U.S. and the other as a civilian at Osan Air Base, Korea.  We let our 3 sons decide where to go and they all wanted to go to Korea.  We arrived at Osan AB on 1 April 1983.  Things had changed, families were now living on Army and Air Force bases and in the surrounding communities.   Many of the Army bases north of Seoul had disappeared or had been turned over to the ROK.  JEB Stuart was gone it was now just a barren lot close to Freedom Bridge.  The budding changes I had seen in 68 had now taken hold and Korea was expanding into a modern country with high rise buildings and interstate highways stretching from Seoul to Pusan.  The ROK army was now taking over patrolling the Military Demarcation Line. There was an ironic change in one of my jobs, instead of drawing arms and proceeding past the old locomotive to the GPs I was now organizing bus tours across Freedom Bridge to Panmunjom for military, civilians and their families.  I was also in charge of Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader visits to AF locations to include helicopter flights to remote sites. Seoul and North Korea also announced they would host the Olympics in 1988.  Korea was on the move and names like Hyundai, Kia and Samsung would become familiar names in the U.S. In 1986 we departed Korea.  I did not realize it then but I had become the “old man” I first found out about at JEB Stuart.

In 2022 I learned of the Korean Defense Veterans Association (KDVA) and the Revisit Korea program.   I was fortunate enough to be selected and was able to bring my Osan AB Youth Center Director along.  We were both amazed at the changes from the late 80s to the present.  Through the times spanning my Korea visitations the growth and modernization has taken leaps forward bringing the Republic of Korea to be an economic leader in the western Pacific.  One thing remained the same but a little different.  In 2006 my old friend the locomotive moved across the ImJin River to ImJin Gak Park for all to see.  The young lady in the picture is An Sol who made a great presentation at KDVA in 2022.

The lessons learned at JEB Stuart lasted through out my career as a civilian whether it be at the Pentagon in charge of the Air Force Survivor Assistance Program or as the civilian deputy at Shaw AFB, S.C.

The growth of the Republic of Korea may best be illustrated by a line in the dirt, 38 degrees north, and a picture from above. Through the years of dynamic changes the only thing I saw not changing is the friendliness of the Korean people.

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.

READ MORE STORIES HERE.

From My Service in Korea, I learned…

John Loghry

As a young kid, this was the very first time I had ever been out of the US. It was a big shock to me, but also very enlightening. I learned a lot about Korea and the Korean people. The more I learned about them, the more I realized how similar we are.

The scariest thing that happened while I was there was the “Paul Bunyon campaign.” My barracks were right next to the helipad at 2nd S&T Battalion Camp Casey, Korea. I heard the helicopters and other commotion all night for a few days. We all thought for sure we were going to war, especially after we went to DEFCON3. That eventually calmed down but was always in the back of my mind.

I was fortunate enough to get overnight passes pretty often and stayed off-post with my Korean girlfriend. One of the best things she ever did for me was to teach me some of the old Korean songs/ballads. One of the famous ones I remembered was something like shang hi co hecta la. Trust me when I say, I can still sing that song through its entirety. Another song was very popular when I was there in 1976. It was a love song titled “Sarang Hae”. I still love that song. And yes, I still can sing every word to that song too. I and another GI from 2nd S&T would rent bicycles from the local pawnshop and ride down through the village of Tongducheon / TDC singing these 2 songs. The Koreans would freak out, especially the older ones. I remember it all, just as if it were yesterday, but it’s been 47 years for me.

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.

READ MORE STORIES HERE.

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.

READ MORE STORIES HERE.

From My Service in Korea, I learned…

Jim Collins

I was privileged to serve in 2ID/Korea for my first assignment in the Army, 1977-78, and my first Aviation assignment in 1980. Korea made a great impression on me…as a Soldier, a Lieutenant, and a leader. My experiences shaped my military and later civilian career and as a volunteer in retirement.

I was assigned to 2ID/Korea as a new Armor 2LT in early 1977. During my officer training to be a tank platoon leader at Ft Knox, nary a word was said to any of us headed to Korea about what to expect, other than it would be cold. I arrived and was shocked to find I would be assigned to an Infantry unit, not with tanks, but with jeeps. When I reported, I then discovered that 1/3 of my platoon were KATUSAs. I had no training or idea what a KATUSA was or how I would communicate with them. Thankfully, I was blessed with a great group of Soldiers who trained ME how to be a LT and Platoon Leader and demanded that I treat, and ensure all of my Soldiers were treated respectfully. This was essential as soon, as we were deployed to the DMZ for two month-long rotations, conducting armed reconnaissance missions that demanded the utmost in skills and reliance upon each other. These brave and patriotic young Soldiers were truly the best teachers I could ever asked for!

In 1980, after completing flight school, I was reassigned to 2ID/Korea as an Aeroscout Pilot and Unit Trainer, with the mission of flying the Buffer Zone and South Boundary fence, from the vicinity Chorwon, along the Imjin River and out to the Western Islands. Additionally, I trained our unit pilots to fly the P73 Seoul transition around Seoul. It was a challenge to fly both the DMZ and Seoul transition due to intense security to prevent any inadvertent overflights. To see Korea from 1000 feet every day..from the mountains along the DMZ to Freedom Bridge and the Imjin and out to the Sea was an awe inspiring joy and challenge.

I later returned to Korea for a month, in 1996 as part of the III (US) Corps Staff planning team. We were challenged to update and plan the Defense Plan for 8th Army, and then brief GEN Luck at 8A, MG Tommy Franks at 2ID, and our Allies at FROKA and TROKA. To accomplish this task, we traveled by vehicle and helicopter and were amazed at how Korea had changed from primarily agricultural to a mega city-state in just 15 years.

Prior to the 2023 Revisit Program, I was able to return to Seoul in February 2020 as a Volunteer StemCells courier for time: matters, a German organization that arranges courier support worldwide for StemCells for leukemia patients. Imagine my luck, on just my second mission, to fly into Incheon, take the subway to Dap-Simni-Dong, and in the middle of a snowstorm….find my way to the Hanyang University Hospital, for pickup and then delivery to Hackensack University Hospital in New Jersey. I have completed 60 total StemCells missions worldwide, but being able to navigate to Hanyang University was my most enjoyable and challenging mission!

In summary, my service in Korea was a significant personal, educational, and life work experience… learned to live and work with a patriotic and hard working team of US and Korean Soldiers, dedicated to the defense of the ROK. I consider both of my years in Korea to be my foundation for life! Thank you for the opportunity to share!

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.

READ MORE STORIES HERE.