kdva1

KUSAF and KDVA’s Work Matters

December 30, 2024 Announcement

한미동맹재단과 주한미군전우회의 숭고한 사명

KUSAF and KDVA’s Work Matters

2025 년 새해 복 많이 받으시고 건승하시길 기원합니다.

Happy New Year 2025 & we wish you great success.

참전용사와 복무장병, 그리고 그 후원자들은 한국과 미국 국민들이 더 나은 삶을 영위할 수 있도록 중요한 역할을 해왔습니다. 이러한 이유로 한미동맹재단과 주한미군전우회는 참전용사와 복무장병을 지원하기 위해 노력하고 있습니다.

Why do Veterans and their supporters matter? Veterans and their supporters matter because they helped make life better for Koreans and Americans … that is what the Korea-US Alliance Foundation (KUSAF) and the Korea Defense Veterans Association (KDVA) believe and work to support.

참전용사, 복무장병, 후원자들의 노력으로 대한민국과 미국은 역동적이고 필수적인 동맹을 구축했습니다. 한미동맹은 전 세계적으로 중요한 한반도의 안정성을 유지하며, 이 안정성은 양국이 서로 보완하고 상호 지원하는 관계를 통해 사회적 번영을 도모하고 있습니다.

The work of Veterans and supporters has built a vibrant and essential Alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea. This Alliance maintains stability in one of the most important areas of the world for Koreans and Americans. This stability enables the Alliance to thrive in many facets of our combined societies that are increasingly intertwined and mutually supportive and beneficial.

한미동맹재단과 주한미군전우회가 진행하는 모든 동맹 사업은 한미동맹재단이 주도하는 모금 활동에 의해 지원받고 있습니다. 전우회는 이러한 재단의 역할에 큰 감사의 뜻을 표합니다.

The work of KUSAF and KDVA is built on KUSAF’s central role in raising funds for both organizations – and KDVA is very thankful for KUSAF. KUSAF engages Korean companies and Korean citizens who are eager to show their appreciation for the Veterans who saved their country during the Korean War and continue to defend Korea today.

주한미군전우회는 2024 년에 회원 수 34,000 명, 소셜 미디어 팔로워 105,000 명을 돌파하며 기록적인 성장을 이루었습니다. 한미 양국 국민들이 전우회에 가입하고 팔로우함으로써 동맹과 참전용사, 복무장병들에 대한 지지를 표하고, 동맹에 대한 이해를 넓히며, 우정을 나누고, 개인의 경험을 공유하여 강력한 동맹을 구축하고 있습니다. 2024 년에 플로리다와 캘리포니아에 새로운 챕터를 창립한 것에 대해 깊이 감사하며, 2025년에는 미국 전역에 2~4개의 추가 챕터를 창립할 예정입니다. 또한 주한미군 장병들을 위한 챕터를 추가로 창립하여 28,500 명의 주한미군 장병들에게도 혜택을 확대할 계획입니다.

KDVA had another year of record growth in 2024, topping 34,000 members and 105,000 social media followers. These Americans and Koreans join and follow KDVA to show their support, to gain insights about the Alliance and our Veterans, to gather for friendship, and to share their individual stories and experiences that collectively continue to build our strong Alliance. And KDVA is very thankful that in 2024 we were able to open two more KDVA Chapters in Florida and California. We will open two to four more chapters in 2025 to help our members and supporters connect all over the United States. KDVA will also open chapters in Korea on U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) installations to better support the 28,500 U.S. Service Members in Korea.

2024 년 한미동맹재단은 전우회와 국가보훈부와 협력하여 한미동맹 컨퍼런스 및 포럼을 개최함으로써 한미동맹의 중요성을 널리 알리고 참전용사 및 복무장병들의 헌신을 되새기는 기회를 마련하였습니다. 재단은 동맹을 위해 헌신한 기업과 개인에게 한미동맹대상과 아너스상을 수여했으며, 유엔 및 주한미군 복무장병의 방한 초청 사업과 미래 세대를 위한 안보 및 동맹 교육도 진행하였습니다. 2025 년에는 정전 후 한국에서 전사한 주한미군 장병들을 기리는 추모비 건립을 추진할 예정입니다.

In 2024, KUSAF, in cooperation with MPVA and KDVA, hosted the Alliance and Veterans Conference, thereby promoting the importance of the Alliance and reaffirming the dedication of Veterans. KUSAF awarded the Alliance Grand Award and Honors to businesses and individuals who have dedicated themselves to the alliance, and supported the Korea revisit program for UNC and USFK Veterans, as well as security and alliance education for future generations. In 2025, the Foundation plans to pursue the construction of a memorial for U.S. Forces Korea service members who were killed in action in Korea after the armistice.

한미동맹재단과 주한미군전우회의 활동은 평화로운 시기는 물론 도전적인 시기에도 중요합니다. 한국이 겪고 있는 어려움 속에서도 전우회는 한국 국민이 강력한 민주주의를 향해 나아갈 수 있도록 지원할 것입니다. 한미동맹재단과 주한미군전우회는 지도자, 후원자, 회원들의 참여와 지원 덕분에 350 만 한국전 한미 참전용사와 주한미군 복무장병들의 헌신을 기억하고 예우할 수 있었습니다. 2025 년에도 전우회에 가입하여 복무장병들을 지원해 주시면 감사하겠습니다.

What we do matters during good times and times of challenges. During these challenging times in Korea, KDVA stands with the Korean people as they navigate and chart their course for a stronger democracy. And KUSAF and KDVA are thankful that our leaders, donors, and members stand together to ensure the sacrifices and contributions of the 3.5 million ROK & U.S. Korean War Veterans and 3.5 million ROK & U.S. Korea Defense Veterans are remembered, cherished, and paid forward. Please consider making your own contributions by joining KDVA in 2025 (kdva.vet).

“함께 해요 한미동맹”

“Together for the ROK-U.S. Alliance!”

임호영
예비역 육군 대장 한미동맹재단 회장

Leem, Ho Young
General, ROK Army (Retired) President, KUSAF

커티스

스카파로티 예비역 육군 대장 주한미군전우회 회장

Curtis M. Scaparrotti

General, U.S. Army (Retired) President, KDVA

KUSAF and KDVA 2025 Message

Welcome KDVA 2025 Interns!

December 13, 2024 Announcement

KDVA IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE OUR 2025 INTERNS!

The KDVA Interns will have opportunities to learn more about the ROK-U.S. Alliance and its diverse topics, gain invaluable professional experience, develop skills, make professional contacts, and make contributions to the ROK-U.S. Alliance. They will be involved in diverse research and activity projects to include:

Researching ROK-U.S. Alliance topics.
Writing Alliance articles for the KDVA quarterly journal, webpage, newsletter, Facebook, and X.
Serving as Research Assistants to team with a senior KDVA leader and write articles for KDVA platforms, news articles, and think tank publications.
Collaborating with academic institutions and young professional organizations to research joint projects.
Supporting events in Seoul and DC.
Supporting social media efforts.

We look forward to their efforts! “Together for the ROK-U.S. Alliance.”

KDVA’s Museum and Memorial Mobile Tour App Now Features the Military Women’s Memorial

November 25, 2024 Announcement

The Military Women’s Memorial is the leading memorial and education center honoring the commitment, contributions and experiences of Servicewoman.

The Korea Defense Veterans Association Museum and Memorial App offers a valuable opportunity to bridge language barriers and ensure that all onsite or virtual visitors can fully engage with the exhibits and panels.

By providing translations into Korean, the app enhances accessibility and inclusivity, allowing Korean-speaking visitors to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the museum’s historical significance and the ROK-U.S. Alliance.

Check out our mobile app or visit one of the Memorials today!

KDVA APP

AVAILABLE KDVA MUSEUM & MEMORIAL TOURS –

The MacArthur Memorial

The MacArthur Memorial was founded in 1964 as a museum and library dedicated to the life and times of General of the Army Douglas MacArthur.

Norfolk, Virginia, USA

VIEW TOUR –>

The Military Women’s Memorial

The Military Women’s Memorial is a one-of-a-kind tribute to America’s Servicewomen, past and present. The Memorial features an education center, interactive exhibits, and a world-class collection of military women’s stories.

Arlington, Virginia, USA

VIEW TOUR –>

From My Service in Korea, I Learned – Richard Hernandez

November 13, 2024 From My Service in Korea

From My Service in Korea, I learned… Richard Hernandez

I deployed to Korea as an 18 year old Army medic and was assigned to 2/72 Armor, 2nd Infantry Division, August 1967 to September 1968. I received my orders to Korea right out of medic training at Fort Sam Houston TX. It was a surprise. We all thought we were going to Vietnam. I didn’t even know we still had troops in Korea.

I thought I had been given a reprieve from combat. On the day I arrived in Korea, 12 Aug 1967, the Stars and Stripes headline was “N. Koreans kill 3 GI’s.” That was a wake-up call. I remember an old, grizzled SGT at the reception center informing us to be very careful during our 13 month tour, because “you can get killed just as dead in Korea as in Vietnam.”

When I arrived in Korea I was young and inexperienced in the ways of the world, the knowledge and skills needed to be a soldier, and the responsibility that was to be placed on me as a medic. I quickly learned that my fellow soldiers expected me to be there when they were sick, injured, or wounded. They expected me to be knowledgeable and skillful at all times. It was an enormous responsibility, and taught me that I had the strength of character to meet any challenge. Those 13 months in Korea turned out to be the most important and defining months of my life. People laugh when I say this, but I arrived in Korea an 18 year old boy, and left Korea a 19 year old man.

In the field, I was assigned as the company medic for A Company. My “ambulance” was an M113 Armored Personnel Carrier. It was painted camouflage, but had big red crosses on a white background on both sides. The first time I saw that I thought, “boy…what a great target.” I had an antenna flag made that said, “REMEMBER THE GENEVA CONVENTION, THOU SHALL NOT KILL.” It was a tongue-in-cheek reminder to the North Koreans to not fire on the medics. In garrison, I was the battalion pharmacy tech. I managed and dispensed the medications that our battalion surgeon would prescribe during sick call. I also had the combination to the safe where we kept our morphine and extra ammo.

We had two KATUSA medics in my unit, CPL Kim and CPL OH. They were not only excellent medics, they also were personable and were always available to help us GI’s understand their culture. In the field, I was often paired with one of our KATUSAs and that helped lower my anxiety and stress levels, especially on combat ops. We also supported a local orphanage and CPL Kim and CPL OH were instrumental helping us provide the best medical care.

Those of us who have served in Korea know how volatile the border can be. January 1968 was a particularly challenging time for South Korean and US forces. The attempted assassination of President Park Chung Hee at the Blue House, followed by the capture of the USS Pueblo, brought us close to full out war. The Blue House Raid failed, but the raiding party, composed of 31 North Korean infiltrators, attempted to escape back to North Korea. They met a coordinated response by South Korean and US military. My unit was used as a blocking force and on 26 Jan 1968, engaged in a firefight with at least one of the infiltrators. One of our troopers was KIA in the action. I was the closest medic, but by the time I could get to him he had died. All I could do was pronounce him dead and evac his remains to 2nd Medical Bn. His name was PVT Salvador Mojica. He had been in-country no more than 1 week. Like me, he was Hispanic and from Los Angeles. He was 18 years old. I had turned 19 four days before. His death on that day 56 years ago, has stayed with me. I had not met him because I was in the field. However, I truly believe that based on our similar backgrounds, we would have been buddies. I remember him every January 26.

Starting April 1968 the area north of the Imjin River became a Hostile Fire Area and Hostile Fire Pay was authorized. My unit was at Camp Beard which was south of the Imjin, but our area of operation included north of the river. I made hostile fire pay several times before the end of my tour. My next duty station was Letterman Army Hospital, Presidio of San Francisco. When I reported to Personnel, the Personnel Specialist sat me down and went through my 201 file. At one point he stopped, looked up at me, and said, “You’re one lucky SOB.” He explained that since I had made Hostile Fire Pay in Korea, that counted as a combat tour. I wouldn’t be sent to Vietnam unless I volunteered. It was a tough decision. I could spend my last 16 months in the Army in San Francisco, or volunteer for Vietnam. Took me a split second to decide.

After the Army I spent 20 years in the Navy Reserve. Summer 1988 I was assigned as the Navy’s representative to the Joint Medical Regulating Office Korea (JMRO-K) at Osan Air Base for Ulchi Focus Lens. I was again assigned to JMRO-K March 1989 for Team Spirit. On 20 March 1989 a US Marine Corps helicopter crashed near Pohang killing 22 Marines and injuring 15. Most of the injured Marines were sent to the 121st Evac in Seoul. At the time, my civilian profession was registered respiratory therapist and so I was sent TDY from Osan to the 121st Evac to help care for the Marines in the Intensive Care Unit. I stayed for 3 days until the Army Burn Specialist Team arrived from Fort Sam Houston and relieved us. I was honored to be in a position to help. It was a humbling experience.

Last year (2023) I was selected for the Return to Korea Program. It was an eye-opening experience seeing modern Korea compared to my past visits in the 1960’s and 1980’s. The visit culminated for me the last day when I was in the hotel elevator on my way to breakfast. A couple got on with a young child. The gentleman looked at my name badge and looked me in the eye and said, “you are hero.” He went on to say that because of me he and his family could live in freedom. I almost lost it. It helped me realize that the time and effort I contributed to the defense of South Korea will be one of my life’s greatest accomplishments.

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.

KDVA and KUSAF Honor American Veterans on U.S. Veterans Day

November 11, 2024 Announcement

November 11, 2024

2024년 11월 11 일

KDVA and KUSAF Honor American Veterans on U.S. Veterans Day

한미동맹재단과 주한미군전우회, 미 제대군인의 날에 참전용사 및 복무장병을 기리며

For U.S. Veterans Day on November 11, 2024, the Korea Defense Veterans Association (KDVA) and the Korea-US Alliance Foundation (KUSAF) sincerely thank over 1.8 million American Veterans who fought in the Korean War from 1950 to 1953, and since 1953, the 3.3 million American Veterans who defended, and continue to defend, South Korea and American interests. Because of our shared experiences and relationships, we are proud to be “Together for the ROK-U.S. Alliance”!

2024 년 11 월 11 일 미국 제대군인의 날을 맞아, 한미동맹재단과 주한미군전우회는 1950 년부터 1953 년까지 한국전쟁에 참전한 180 만 명 이상의 미국 참전용사들과 1953 년 이후 한국을 지키며 한미 양국의 국익을 수호해 온 330만 명 이상의 미국 복무장병들께 깊은 감사를 드립니다. 우리의 공유된 경험과 굳건한 결속 덕분에 우리는 “함께하는 한미동맹”에 깊은 자부심을 느낍니다.

Americans created the Veterans Day National Holiday to remember and honor our Veterans who served around the world to protect the American way of life. This is a special day set aside so that Americans can remember and honor our Veterans who fought for our freedom and continue to provide protection around the world, especially in Korea.

미국 국민들은 전 세계에서 미국 국민들의 생명과 자유를 지키기 위해 헌신한 참전용사 및 복무장병들을 기리기 위해 제대군인의 날을 국경일로 제정했습니다. 이 날은 미국 국민들이 전 세계에서 자유를 위해 싸운 모든 참전용사 및 복무장병들을 기억하고 감사하는 날이며, 특히 주한미군 복무장병들의 희생과 헌신을 특별히 기리는 날이기도 합니다.

For our Veterans who served in Korea, there is added meaning to serving on a foreign land … Korea Veterans proudly say that their service in Korea was worth it because Korea has risen to be one of the great countries in the world and one of America’s most important allies … only 70 years after the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement in 1953. This is the sentiment shared by 25 Korea Defense Veterans and their companions who participated in KDVA’s annual Korea Revisit Program on October 27-31, 2024. These participants were very thankful that the ROK Government and Korean people remembered and honored them. They have returned to their hometowns as “Korea Revisit Ambassadors” to share their experiences and service in Korea that helped Korea become a world leader in so many fields.

주한미군 복무장병들은 1953년 한국 정전 협정이 체결된 지 불과 70년 만에 한국이 미국의 가장 중요한 동맹국이자 세계에서 가장 위대한 국가로 성장한 것에 대해, 한국에서의 복무가 매우 가치 있었다고자부심을느낍니다.이는2024년10월27일부터31일까지실시된전우회의한국재방문 행사에 참여한 25 명의 주한미군 복무장병과 가족들이 전한 소감입니다. 참가자들은 대한민국 정부와 한국 국민들이 자신들을 기억하고 존중해 준 것에 깊은 감사를 표했습니다. 또한, 한국이 여러 분야에서 세계적인 리더가 되는 데 기여한 자신들의 경험을 알리기 위해 “한국 재방문 명예 대사”로서 고향으로 돌아갔습니다.

Please consider making a tradition of remembering and honoring American Veterans this day. Start a conversation with family and friends about what Veterans have done for America, thank a neighbor who served, volunteer at a VA hospital, and support Veterans on this and every day. Please also consider visiting a memorial dedicated to Korean War Veterans by using this KDVA link, https://kdva.vet/korean-war-memorials/.

이제 미국 참전용사 및 복무장병들을 기억하고 기리는 전통을 함께 만들어 나갑시다. 제대군인들이 미국을 위해 헌신한 이야기를 가족과 친구들에게 나누고, 복무장병 이웃에게 감사의 마음을 전하며, 보훈 병원에서 봉사하는 등 우리의 일상 속에서 이들을 응원하고 존중해 주시기 바랍니다. 또한, 주한미군전우회 링크를 통해 한국전쟁 참전용사 기념비를 방문해 보시기를 권합니다. https://kdva.vet/korean-war-memorials/

Together for the ROK-U.S. Alliance”

“함께 해요 한미동맹”

Curtis M. Scaparrotti
General, U.S. Army (Retired)
President, Korea Defense Veterans Association

커티스 스카파로티 예비역 육군 대장 주한미군전우회 회장

Leem, Ho Young
General, ROK Army (Retired)
President, Korea-US Alliance Foundation

임호영
예비역 육군 대장 한미동맹재단 회장

Press Release_KDVA and KUSAF for 2024 U.S. Veterans Day

KDVA Congratulates the U.S. 7th Air Force’s Founding on November 1, 1940

October 31, 2024 Announcement

KDVA Congratulates the U.S. 7th Air Force’s Founding on November 1, 1940

November 1, 2024

On the 84th anniversary of its founding, the Korea Defense Veterans Association (KDVA) proudly honors the U.S. 7th Air Force and its generations of Service Members and civilians. Established on November 1, 1940, as the Hawaiian Air Force, 7th Air Force has evolved through World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, ultimately anchoring itself at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, as a vital component of the ROK-U.S. Alliance.

Today, under the leadership of Lieutenant General David Iverson and Chief Master Sergeant Jeremiah Ross, 7th Air Force remains “ready to fight tonight” — a force poised to deliver precise, intense, and overwhelming airpower. Its mission to deter aggression, defend the Republic of Korea, and defeat any threat to our Alliance embodies the strength of the ROK-U.S. Alliance and reflects the enduring words of a former 7th Air Force Commander, Major General Clarence L. Tinker, who said, “The Air Force will be the controlling factor in all wars.”

KDVA is honored to support and recognize the men and women of 7th Air Force who uphold this duty and extend our deepest respect to those who have come before them, especially the Veterans of the Korean War. Their unity with the ROK Air Force represents one of the world’s strongest examples of combined airpower, committed to providing a secure and peaceful future for Americans and Koreans alike.

KDVA extends its heartfelt congratulations to 7th Air Force and its entire community of Service Members, government civilians, and their families on their 84th anniversary. Together, we celebrate a legacy of strength, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication.

“Together for the ROK-U.S. Alliance!”

Curtis M. Scaparrotti
General, U.S. Army (Retired)
President, Korea Defense Veterans Association

Download Statement: 7AF Message

KDVA Reaches 30,000 Members!

October 25, 2024 Announcement

Thank you everyone for getting KDVA to 30,000 members!!

주한미군전우회(KDVA)의 회원 수가 30,000명을 넘어섰음을 알려드리며, 모든 분들께 감사의 마음을 전합니다!!

The continuing increase in KDVA membership means that more people are joining together with other Veterans, government civilians, families, college students, and supporters who care about the ROK-U.S. Alliance and our Veterans.

주한미군전우회 회원 수의 지속적인 증가는 한미동맹과 참전용사들을 위해 함께 힘써주시는 참전용사, 제대군인, 공무원, 가족, 대학생, 후원자들이 늘어나고 있음을 보여줍니다.

KDVA is proud of our members and thankful for our growth. And we are very optimistic about our future because we have over 5.1 million U.S. Veterans and millions of ROK Veterans who have served together in South Korea. Their service across seven decades saved South Korea during the Korean War, changed Korea’s history into the 10th largest economy in the world, and made a difference for American lives with high-tech products, Korean food, and Korean entertainment.

KDVA는 회원 여러분께 감사의 말을 전하며, 이러한 성장에 자부심을 느낍니다. 그리고 우리에게는 한국에서 함께 복무했던 500만 명 이상의 미국 참전용사 및 제대군인과 수백만 명의 대한민국 참전용사 및 제대군인들이 있기에, 우리의 미래에 대해 매우 긍정적입니다. 이들은 70년에 걸친 헌신적인 복무로 한국을 지켜냈고, 한국을 세계 10대 경제 대국으로 발전시켰으며, 첨단 제품, 한국 음식, 한국 엔터테인먼트를 통해 미국인들의 삶에 큰 변화를 가져왔습니다.

Please consider sharing your experience being a KDVA member with your family, friends, and colleagues … for example, KDVA’s on-site or online events, free AUSA membership benefits and discounts, KDVA Chapters, KDVA Campus Clubs, Korea Revisit Program, KDVA Internship Program, and KDVA Quarterly Journal.

가족, 친구, 동료들에게 주한미군전우회 회원으로서의 경험을 공유해 주시기 바랍니다. 예를 들어 KDVA의 오프라인 및 온라인 행사, AUSA 무료 회원 혜택 및 할인, KDVA 지부, 대학 교내 KDVA 동아리, 한국 재방문 프로그램, KDVA 인턴십 프로그램, KDVA 분기별 저널 등을 소개해 주시면 좋겠습니다.

KDVA membership and events are FREE(!) thanks to our very generous donors through our fundraiser, the Korea-US Alliance Foundation (KUSAF). KDVA would also like to thank the ROK Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs (MPVA) for their great sponsorship of the Korea Revisit Program and KDVA Reunion.

KDVA 회원 가입과 행사 참여는 한미동맹재단(KUSAF)의 후원금에 힘입어 무료(!)로 제공됩니다. 주한미군전우회는 한국 재방문 프로그램과 주한미군전우회 리유니언을 적극적으로 후원해주신 대한민국 국가보훈부에 감사의 말을 전합니다.

We look forward to working together towards our next 10,000 members … and beyond!

다음 10,000명의 새로운 회원을 맞이하고 그 다음으로 나아가기 위해 우리 모두 함께 노력하겠습니다!

From My Service in Korea, I Learned – Ray Butler

October 18, 2024 From My Service in Korea

From My Service in Korea, I learned… Ray Butler

After graduating from OSUT at Fort Knox, Kentucky, I received orders to go to the 2nd Infantry Division, C Company, 2/72 Armor, with a reporting date of December 19, 1983. The only thing I knew about South Korea was from my high school history class and watching MASH* on TV. I thought I was going to Germany, like most of the tankers. I still remember that long flight, sitting in Anchorage, Alaska, watching them de-ice the plane and the giant polar bear on display. When we landed in Korea, the overwhelming smell hit me as I deboarded the plane. The crazy ride in the U.S. Army van took us to Camp Casey’s Turtle Farm.

I had only been in the country a few days when the first alarms (alerts) went off, and we scrambled to the motor pool. I was assigned to C-6-A in the loader’s position, which meant I had to grab my gas mask, my weapon (a .45 caliber 1911 pistol), the M-3 Grease Gun, and the extra barrel for the .50 caliber (M2). President Reagan was in the country and was going to Hill Top Corridor. Our First Sergeant asked for volunteers who were at least 6 feet tall for a detail to the DMZ. I was volunteered and reported to Battalion HQ. I had the honor of meeting the President along with a whole bunch of us.

That Christmas Eve, we went on alert and did the normal things we had done during past alerts, except this time we went to the AHHA and picked up small arms ammunition before moving out. Needless to say, I was pretty scared that we might be going to war, but we ended up standing down and returning to Camp Casey. I got to participate in Team Spirit, and during that time, I gained a deeper appreciation for being an American. I can still remember the children begging for food, and I would give them C-Rations, which highlighted the harsh living conditions.

Our captain took us to a bathhouse, and I remember watching a family: the wife undressed her children and then herself before washing all of them. Our commander told us to quit staring, reminding us that their culture is not like ours.

I was lucky to get assigned to special duty as a lifeguard at Camp Casey Pool. I still remember going to Camp Red Cloud for training, where the pool water temperature was in the forties (brr!). Several candidates fell out or just quit. That summer of 1984, we experienced severe monsoons that flooded Camp Casey, and the lifeguards went out on rescues.

I returned to my unit in early fall and started transitioning from M48A5 tanks to M60A5 with TTS. We went out to the range to get qualified, and they had us deplete the old ammunition. It seemed like we were out there for days, and it was a blast.

In early November, we had our Table 7 gunnery, and we convoyed out to the range. On November 11th, they were putting a range crew together, and they assigned my loader (who had just finished guard duty earlier). I volunteered to go instead. There were eight of us on the range detail that morning—five Army and two KOTUSA—heading out on the Dulce and Half.

On our second stop, I remember looking at the lineup as the tanks were pulling up when suddenly, a large explosion blew me off my feet, landing about 10 meters from where I was standing. There was dead quiet for a few seconds, and then screams erupted, with one person running downrange. One of my buddies, whom I was assigned to C-6-A with, was lying next to me, crying for his mom and saying, “I can’t breathe.” Frankie died shortly after his pleas. Six of us sustained injuries ranging from minor to critical, and that day, I witnessed true heroes running around trying to save lives while injured themselves. I was airlifted to the 8th Army Hospital, where I received great care. After three weeks, I was medivaced to Travis AFB.

I met some wonderful people during my time in Korea, had great experiences with my brothers, and got to see the beautiful land of Korea.

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.

Call for Articles

October 17, 2024 Call For Action

KDVA’s ROK-U.S. Alliance Journal articles are due by November 5, 2024.

The digital journal features stories and articles by KDVA members and supporters of the ROK-U.S. Alliance. It allows our members and supporters a way to voice their expertise and opinions that add to discussions about the Alliance.

The journal will go to our members, our partner organizations, potential sponsors, Alliance experts in the ROK and U.S. governments, and U.S. and ROK think tanks.

Submission Guidelines:

Articles can be submitted in English and Korean.
Topic areas are:
- Korean War and Korea Defense Veterans
- Security and Strategy
- Korean and American Culture
- Serving in Korea
- ROK – U.S. Alliance
Articles should be less than 1,500 words, 1,000 words if submitting photos for your article.
If your article is longer, please indicate what parts you would like us to publish and provide a link or contact info where our readers can get the full article or story.
If providing photos, please provide photo captions and photo credits. Photos should be sent in separate attachments and be in jpg. or png. format.

Please send any questions or articles to kdva.journal@gmail.com by November 5. If your articles are selected for publication, we will contact you for further steps.

Check out KDVA’s latest ROK – U.S. Alliance Journals – Click here.

KDVA Celebrates 1st 100K Followers!

October 3, 2024 Announcement

THANK YOU KDVA MEMBERS & SUPPORTERS!

KDVA Has Reached 100,000 Social Media Followers!

This milestone reflects the growing community of individuals who support and honor the sacrifices made by U.S. and ROK Veterans in Korea … you are part of this important community, and we are very thankful!

KDVA will continue to provide valuable resources, foster camaraderie, and advocate for our Veterans and the ROK-U.S. Alliance – all for free.

As we move forward, we look to further expand our reach and impact, ensuring that the legacy and contributions of ROK and U.S. Veterans and the ROK-U.S. Alliance are recognized and celebrated worldwide.

So, please join us! We are growing fast with over 29,000 members. If you are one of the 100,000 followers who have not joined KDVA, here is an invitation. You follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and/or LinkedIn … so please take 2-3 minutes to become a KDVA Regular or Associate Member. www.kdva.vet.members

The Military Women’s Memorial is the leading memorial and education center honoring the commitment, contributions and experiences of Servicewoman.

What did you learn from serving in Korea? Let us know –

What did you learn from serving in Korea? Let us know –

KDVA’s ROK-U.S. Alliance Journal articles are due by November 5, 2024.

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