Announcement

Congratulations to the 2023 KDVA & KUSAF U.S. Honorees

Congratulations to the 2023 KDVA & KUSAF U.S. Honorees

CPT Tyler Williams

HONORS CATEGORY:

U.S. Service Member

CPT Tyler Williams was born in Temple, Texas not far from the Army base of Fort Hood. CPT Williams is the son of Brenda and David Williams. From an early age CPT Williams wanted to be a military man…

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Mr. Rick Bogusky

HONORS CATEGORY:

U.S. Veteran

Rick Bogusky had a 24-year US Army career as a Field Artillery Officer and Korea FAO, serving 6 tours in Korea at all echelons of command and staff, and with close integration with the frontline ROK Army units….

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Mr. Mathew Lee

HONORS CATEGORY:

U.S. Civilian

Matthew is a multi-lingual published author and speaker including Global Public Procurement Conference. He has a Master of Science, Electrical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, and a Goldman Sachs…

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JOIN US AT THE KDVA & KUSAF HONORS BANQUET

Honorees will be honored at the KDVA & KUSAF Honors Banquet on October 7, 2023 during the 2023 KDVA Reunion and Alliance & Veterans Conference, October 6 – 8, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Please join us at the Honors Banquet and Reunion – both are free for KDVA members, their guests, and anyone interested in Korea and our Veterans.

ROK Honorees in the same categories will be honored at the “ROK-U.S. Alliance & Veterans Conference” in Seoul, ROK on October 13, 2023.  We will announce ROK Honorees soon. Learn More

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KUSAF and KDVA Welcome the ROK-U.S.-Japan Summit

2023년 8월 16일

August 16, 2023

한미동맹재단과 주한미군전우회는 한미일 정상회담 개최를 환영한다.

KUSAF (Korea-US Alliance Foundation) and KDVA (Korea Defense Veterans Association) Welcome the ROK-U.S.-Japan Summit

한미동맹재단과 주한미군전우회는 윤석열 대한민국 대통령, 조 바이든 미합중국 대통령, 기시다 후미오 일본 총리가 미국 메릴랜드 주 캠프 데이비드에서 8월 18일 개최하는 역 사적인 3국 정상회담을 환영하고 지지한다.
KUSAF and KDVA welcome and support the historic trilateral summit between ROK President Yun Suk-yeol, U.S. President Joe Biden, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to be held on August 18 at Camp David, Maryland, USA.

한미일 3국의 이번 정상회담은 작년 11월 캄보디아 한미일 정상회담과 올해 3, 5월의 한일 정상회담, 4월의 한미 정상회담 등을 통해 구축된 신뢰의 결과로서, 한반도를 포함 한 급변하는 세계 정세속에서 한반도 및 동북아 안보와 번영을 보장하는 역사적인 이정 표가 될 것이다.

The trilateral summit is a result of the trust built through the ROK-U.S.-Japan summit in Cambodia last November, the ROK-Japan summit in March and May this year, and the ROK-U.S. summit in April, and will be a historic milestone in ensuring the security and prosperity of the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia in a rapidly changing global environment.

사상 처음으로 미 대통령 별장에서 3국 정상회담을 개최함으로써, 한미일 3국의 개인적, 국가적 신뢰는 물론, 자유민주주의, 인권, 법치의 공유된 가치를 더욱 공고히 하는 계기 가 될 것으로 확신한다.
By hosting the trilateral summit at the U.S. President’s country residence for the first time, we are confident that it will further strengthen the personal and national trust of the three countries, as well as the shared values of liberal democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

재단과 전우회는 이번 회담이 북한의 핵미사일 도발을 억제하고 북한 비핵화 방안을 모 색하며 자유롭고 개방된 인도태평양을 구축함으로써, 한반도, 동북아, 전 세계의 안보와 번영을 위한 새로운 비전을 보여주기를 기대한다. 아울러 러시아의 우크라이나 침공은 자유민주주의와 국제 평화에 대한 도전임을 분명히 하고 한미일 3국의 진전된 조치를 기대한다.

KUSAF and KDVA hope that the summit will demonstrate a new vision for security and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula, Northeast Asia, and the world by deterring North Korea’s nuclear and missile provocations, exploring ways to denuclearize North Korea, and building a free and open Indo-Pacific. We also reiterate that Russia’s aggression in Ukraine is a challenge to liberal democracy and international peace, and look forward to progressive action by the three countries.

한미동맹재단과 주한미군전우회는 한미일 안보 협력의 새로운 출발점이 될 이번 3 국 정상회담을 다시 한번 환영하며, 인도 태평양지역을 넘어선 전 지구촌에서 안보와 평화의 연대를 확산하는 활동을 지원할 것이다.

KUSAF and KDVA once again welcome the trilateral summit as a new starting point for security cooperation between the ROK, U.S., and Japan, and will support efforts to spread the solidarity of security and peace around the world as well as the Indo-Pacific Region.

함께해요 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

Download: 8.18 Trilateral Summit Joint Message_2023.08.15

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Announcing KDVA’s 2023 Impact Scholarship Recipients

KDVA is very proud to announce the selection of 10 Americans and Koreans for the 2023 KDVA Impact Scholarship.  KDVA sincerely thanks everyone who applied – the decision was very difficult to narrow down to only 10 recipients.  We are thankful to the KDVA Senior Enlisted Council for serving as the Selection Committee for this year’s scholarship.

The KDVA Impact Scholarship Program provides scholarships to KDVA members and their spouses, children, grandchildren (including stepchildren) in the amount of $5,000 each to help them attain their educational goals so they can continue contributing to the ROK-U.S. Alliance and supporting our Veterans.

We look forward to supporting them in their studies and efforts to start KDVA Campus Clubs!

 

To learn more about the KDVA’s 2023 Impact Scholarship, visit www.kdva.vet/scholarships.

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KDVA’s 2022-2023 theme is “We Are the Alliance.”  

KDVA’s 2022-2023 theme is “We Are the Alliance.”  Koreans and Americans who built and support the Alliance … are the Alliance.  So KDVA will devote more programs and activities to enhance the KDVA Membership Experience, through the “We Are the Alliance” Campaign which will include the following:

  • Improving membership application.
  • Improving membership portal.
  • Preparing to conduct surveys to seek your feedback.
  • Raising more awareness about Veterans.
  • Coordinating the Korea Revisit Program for Defense Veterans.
  • Opening more Local Chapters.
  • Opening virtual Common Interest Groups.
  • Telling more stories about Veterans.
  • Preparing for our first KDVA Reunion in the U.S.
  • Honoring the Alliance by sponsoring the annual “U.S.-ROK Alliance Day” on Oct. 1st.
  • Honoring KDVA Members at our annual Honors Gala.

Join KDVA to add your voice and influence to our mission of enhancing the ROK-U.S. Alliance and supporting our Veterans:  https://kdva.vet/join-kdva/.

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Congratulations on Eighth Army Founding Day, June 10, 2023

 

Congratulations on Eighth Army Founding Day, June 10, 2023

On June 10, 1944, Eighth Army was founded under the command of Lieutenant General Robert Eichelberger during World War II.  Today, under the command of Lieutenant General Willard Burleson, Eighth Army stands as America’s ground force in Korea.  The Korea Defense Veterans Association is very thankful for the professionalism and service of this great force, and we stand with each Soldier in support of the ROK-U.S. Alliance.

Millions of U.S. Army Soldiers and KATUSAs (Korean Augmentation to the U.S. Army) have rotated into their formations all across South Korea during the Korean War, served on patrols in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), and fought against North Korean attacks and provocations.  Each Veteran of the Eighth Army knows the hardships, the realistic training, camaraderie, and life-long memories of serving in the “Land of the Morning Calm.”  Most will say that serving in Korea was worth it because of the great country that these Veterans helped build and protect.

Americans can thank Eighth Army Veterans for helping to build a more secure and better life for Americans directly because of the “Pacific Victors” in Korea.  So, KDVA asks its members and supporters to please take a few minutes on June 10th to remember our Soldiers who serve professionally and selflessly in a vital country. Please also consider joining our cause for the Alliance and our Veterans as we continue working “Together for the ROK-U.S. Alliance” (https://kdva.vet/join-kdva/).

 

Curtis M. Scaparrotti

General, U.S. Army (Retired)

Chairman & President

Korea Defense Veterans Association

 

Pdf – KDVA Congratulatory Message for 8A Founding

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KDVA 1st Time Annual Member Portal Raffle – Update your profile for a chance to win a $100.00 Amazon Gift Card!!

 

KDVA 1st Time Annual Member Portal Raffle – Update your profile for a chance to win a $100.00 Amazon Gift Card!!

Login to the KDVA Member Portal and update your KDVA membership profile. You have until Saturday, July 1, 2023 to update your profile for a chance to win.

Please ensure we have the most up-to-date contact information in your member profile. This helps keep our member directory accurate and makes it easier for members to connect with other members.

6 KDVA MEMBERS WILL WIN A $100.00 AMAZON GIFT CARD. 

MEMBER PORTAL LOGIN

CAN’T LOG IN TO THE KDVA MEMBER PORTAL? Your KDVA member username is the email address you used when you signed up. If this is your first time logging in to the member portal, please try resetting your password. For any questions, please email us at contact@kdva.vet.

WHAT IS THE KDVA MEMBER PORTAL? Through this portal, members can:

  • Manage their personal membership profile and information.
  • Search the Member Directory and connect with other members as well as service members you served with in Korea.
  • Join or create a Common Interest Group (“Circles”) with other members who share your interests, like being stationed at the same camp, currently living in the same area, or served in Korea during the same time.
  • Engage in meaningful conversations, network, and share stories and pictures of your time in Korea. It’s like Facebook but without all the spam and ads!
  • Register for KDVA events & webinars.

Not a member of KDVA Yet?

Sign Up Today! There is no cost to join KDVA.

KDVA is the only professional organization whose sole purpose is to enhance, support and advocate for the ROK-U.S. Alliance.

To learn more about KDVA membership benefits or to register to become a KDVA member, click here.

The use of Amazon gift cards does not mean or imply any endorsement of Amazon or a partnership with Amazon.

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KUSAF and KDVA Joint Message for “U.S.-ROK Alliance Memorial Week 2023”

2023년 5월 29일

May 29, 2023

KUSAF and KDVA Joint Message for “U.S.-ROK Alliance Memorial Week 2023”

한미동맹재단과 주한미군전우회의 “2023 한미동맹 추모 주간” 공동메시지

Each time a service member dies in service to his or her country, it tears a hole in a family forever. A son or daughter, sister or brother, husband or wife, is lost to their loved ones.

군인이 국가를 위해 복무하다 우리의 곁을 떠나게 되면, 사랑하는 자녀, 형제자매, 배우자를 잃게 되어 한 가정에 영원한 상처를 남깁니다.

Some solace, though quite small, comes when that service member is remembered on occasions such as Memorial Day. Names are spoken, graves visited, memories shared. The loss is experienced all over again by those who knew the fallen, and the impact of that deceased family member or friend on the living is absorbed by younger generations who will, hopefully, continue to honor their sacrifice. At the same time, their deeds and sacrifices are honored not only by those who knew them, but by all freedom-loving people wise enough to understand that if the honored dead had not stood ready to perish, we might be living very different lives now.

현충일에 고인의 이름을 호명하고 현충원을 방문하며 추억을 공유하는 등 군 장병들을 기억하는 노력은 작은 것 같지만 큰 위로가 됩니다. 고인을 아는 사람들은 다시 한번 그들을 마음속에 되새길 것입니다. 또한 가족과 친구들은 고인의 희생을 젊은 세대가 계속해서 존중하고 이어가길 희망할 것입니다. 고인들의 업적과 희생은 지인들 뿐만 아니라 자유를 사랑하는 모든 사람들로부터 존경받을 것입니다. 고인들의 희생이 없었다면 우리는 지금과는 전혀 다른 삶을 살고 있을지도 모릅니다.

For members of the Korea-US Alliance Foundation and Korea Defense Veterans Association, we know too well of the brave sacrifice of Korean and American military members, who came together in a common cause to defend Korea. In the seven decades since the start of the Korean War in 1950, over 130,000 ROK and 36,000 U.S. service members have been killed in action in Korea.

한미동맹재단과 주한미군전우회는 대한민국 방어라는 공동의 목표를 함께 한 한국과 미국 군인들의 용감한희생을너무나잘알고있습니다.1950년한국전쟁발발이후70년동안한국군13만여명과 미군 3 만 6 천여 명이 한국에서 전사했습니다.

As the U.S.-ROK Alliance moves beyond 70 years into the future, it is even more meaningful that today marks the start of “U.S.-ROK Alliance Memorial Week” which is bookended by the U.S. Memorial Day on May 29, 2023, and the ROK Memorial Day on June 6, 2023. KDVA and KUSAF have marked this week to ask Americans and Koreans to visit Veterans’ graves in a local cemetery, attend a Memorial Day ceremony, or read an article or a chapter of a book that describes an individual tale of sacrifice while serving in Korea.

한미동맹이 70년을 넘어 미래로 나아가는 시점에서, 2023년 5월 29일 미국 현충일과 6월 6일 대한민국 현충일로 이어지는 ‘한미동맹 추모 주간’의 시작을 알리는 것은 특별한 의미가 있습니다. 주한미군전우회와 한미동맹재단은 추모 주간을 맞아 한국과 미국 국민들이 지역의 현충원을 방문하여 참전용사를 추모하거나 현충일 기념식에 참석하고, 한국에서 복무하는 동안 희생한 장병들의 이야기나 기사를 읽어 볼 것을 당부합니다.

On ROK Memorial Day at 10:00 a.m., Koreans pause to reflect on the heroes who saved their nation. As we have done in past years, KDVA asks its members and supporters to also pause at 3:00 p.m. EDT on U.S. Memorial Day to have a moment of appreciation for U.S. Korean War Veterans and Korea Defense Veterans who died while serving in Korea. (The time of 3:00 p.m. EDT will allow this observance to occur during daytime hours across six time zones.) Your act of remembrance will keep alive the spirit of those who died fighting for freedom.

대한민국은 현충일 오전 10 시에 잠시 멈춰 서서 조국을 구한 영웅들을 추모합니다. 지난 몇 년 동안 그랬던 것처럼, 주한미군전우회는 회원들과 후원자들에게도 미국 현충일 오후 3 시에 잠시 멈춰 서서 한국에서 복무 중 사망한 미국의 한국전 참전용사와 주한미군 복무장병들에게 감사하는 시간을 갖도록 당부합니다. (미국 동부 하절기 시간 오후 3시를 기준으로 6개 시간대에 걸쳐 낮 시간대에 추모 행사를 진행할 수 있습니다.) 여러분의 추모는 자유를 위해 싸우다 돌아가신 분들의 정신을 계속해서 살아있게 만들 것입니다.

함께해요 한미동맹! “Together for the ROK-U.S. Alliance”

커티스 스카파로티예비역 육군 대장

주한미군전우회 회장

Curtis M. Scaparrotti

General, U.S. Army (Retired) President

KDVA

임호영

대한민국 육군대장 (예비역)

한미동맹재단 회장

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

KUSAF

Statement: KUSAF and KDVA Joint Message for Alliance Memorial Week 2023

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U.S. Military Spouse Appreciation Day: Home is Where the Heart is

“U.S. Military Spouse Appreciation Day:

Home is Where the Heart is” 

May 12, 2023

“Home is where the heart is” are beloved words that have special meaning for military families. American Service Members for generations have found comfort and purpose in thinking about their spouses when deployed to faraway lands. Military spouses of Korean War Veterans and Korea Defense Veterans found themselves needing to be strong and take on the responsibilities of both parents: caring for children, managing the household, and providing support to the Service Member.

On “U.S. Military Spouse Appreciation Day” on May 12, 2023, the Korea Defense Veterans Association would like to say thank you to the spouses of so many of our 1.8 million Korean War Veterans and 3.3 million Korea Defense Veterans. Service Members would not have been able to fight the Korean War and continue defending South Korea without the immeasurably strong support of their loved ones. KDVA honors our spouses for their response to the call of duty.

So, from this day forward, let us remember to thank our spouses as much as we thank our Service Members. Because “home is where the heart is” is better when spouses are holding down the fort until they can be reunited with their Service Members.

Thank you, U.S. Military Spouses – for all you do!

Sincerely,

Curtis M. Scaparrotti
General, U.S. Army (Retired)

Chairman & President
Korea Defense Veterans Association


Download Letter: KDVA Message for U.S. Military Spouse Appreciation Day 2023_20230510

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Announcing the KDVA Impact Scholarship Program

On the 6th anniversary of the founding of the Korea Defense Veterans Association, the Association whose mission is to support the ROK-U.S. Alliance and our Veterans is very proud to announce the KDVA Impact Scholarship Program for 2023.

KDVA recognizes the importance of education, and the role it plays in personal, professional, and economic fulfillment.

The KDVA Impact Scholarship Program provides scholarships to KDVA members and their spouses, children, grandchildren (including stepchildren) to help them attain their educational goals so they can continue contributing to the ROK-U.S. Alliance and supporting our Veterans. Scholarships are awarded only for coursework from accredited, tertiary institutions (colleges and trade schools).

Ten scholarships will be awarded in the amount of $5,000 each.

Eligibility

  1. Applicant must be a member of KDVA or the spouse, child, or grandchild (including stepchild) of a KDVA member.  Applicant can also be an Associate Member.
  2. Applicant must be accepted into an accredited college, university, or trade school.
  3. Applicant must be a high school graduate with a minimum of a 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) (3.0 on 4.0 scale) in high school or college to apply.

Scholarship Application – due June 30, 2023

Application materials include the application form (includes a written statement of need and essay), official transcript(s), proof of matriculation at a designated accredited academic institution, and list of extracurricular activities (includes leadership and community service).  The essay question is “How would you start and run a KDVA Campus Club at your school?”  Application packages must be submitted no later than June 30, 2023. If you have questions, please contact us at scholarship.kdva@gmail.com.

Selection

KDVA will inform scholarship recipients by July 26, 2023.

The funds will be sent to the academic institution for documented expenses and must be used between August 2023 and July 2024. These funds may not be used for prior academic expenses.

If selected, KDVA Scholarship recipients will provide: a) a photograph and a statement for use in KDVA publications, newsletter, website, social media, and marketing materials, etc. and b) follow-up information and feedback as to how the KDVA scholarship assisted in their education for use in KDVA research and marketing.

KDVA will announce “KDVA Founding Month” other activities throughout May, so please join KDVA in celebrating our founding and the work that Korea Veterans do! 

Application
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10 Free KDVA Golf Entries for the MOAA Golf Charities Classic!

Another Great Benefit of KDVA Membership!

KDVA members can play for free in the MOAA Golf Charities Classic at TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm, a championship course in Potomac, Md., on May 22, 2023.  KDVA appreciates the chance to support this important charity event.

The first 10 KDVA members who sign up 10 new members (Regular or Associate) can play for free!  Please inform your 10 family or friends to add your name under the referral question on the KDVA membership application. Please email us at contact@kdva.vet with your list of names as well. Registration ends on May 11, 2023. JOIN KDVA

KDVA will inform you once we have confirmed the 10 new members under your name.

For the past 18 years, MOAA’s golf tournament has supported the MOAA Scholarship Fund, a vital resource for students of military families. For the second year, the event will also support TMF, which assists everyone in the uniformed services and veteran communities, regardless of rank, service branch, or time served. TMF provides support in five areas: crisis relief, career transition, professional education outreach, military spouse professional development, and community outreach grants. Established in 2022, TMF’s Crisis Relief Fund provides emergency financial grants for military and veteran families who have endured a natural disaster or other crisis situation.

Korean Air is donating two free business-class roundtrip airfares to Korea, valued at $15,000, to be given away as a prize at the event.

KDVA Membership Applications


EVENT INFORMATION:

Date: May 22, 2023
10000 Oaklyn Drive, Potomac, Maryland 20854
Tentative Schedule: 
7:30 AM – Registration, Continental Breakfast, Putting Contest
9 AM – Shotgun Start
1:30 PM – Lunch, Refreshments, Awards
3:15 PM – Winners Announced
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