Announcement

KDVA Founding Month in May 2024

May 3, 2024

2024년 5월 KDVA 창설의 달

2024년 5월 3일

주한미군전우회(KDVA)는 한미동맹과 참전용사들을 지원하기 위해 굳건히 서 있는 우리 단체를 물심양면으로 지원해 주신 회원, 기부자, 후원자 여러분께 감사드립니다.  2017년 창립 이후 매년 5월, KDVA는 창립의 달을 기념하며 한국전쟁 중에는 물론 1953년 7월 27일 체결된 정전협정 이후에도 한국전쟁과 한국의 안보에 공헌한 회원들을 조명하는 활동을 꾸준히 수행해 왔습니다.

Each KDVA member has an important story about their service and experiences working in Korea.  During the annual KDVA Korea Revisit Program in 2023, one of our participants from Florida was visiting the War Memorial of Korea along with the 99 others in his group.  A Korean father and his children approached Larry Tressler and asked him if he was an American GI.  Larry was a little confused why a Korean man would approach him.  But, he said that he was.  The Korean father thanked him for saving his country and allowing his children to live in freedom.  Larry was stunned.  He didn’t understand what was really happening.  But, he regrouped and took off his hat … and with both hands … he bowed his head and gave it to the Korean man.  Now, it was the Korean father’s turn to be surprised.  And all he could do was say thank you and cry.  They stood there, held each other’s shoulders, looked at each other, and cried. This touching story shows why our Veterans matter to Koreans, why Korea matters to Americans, and why KDVA must continue to reach our Veterans. You can see the video at:   https://youtu.be/WhVGcdO6HVA?si=yLRU0qfpRYAbx5Et

KDVA 회원들은 저마다 한국에서의 복무와 경험에 대한 각별한 이야기를 가지고 있습니다.  2023년 연례 KDVA 한국 재방문 프로그램 기간 중, 플로리다에서 온 한 참가자가 다른 99명의 참가자들과 함께 한국전쟁기념관을 방문하던 중 있던 일입니다. 이야기의 당사자인 래리 트레슬러(Larry Tressler)에게 한 한국인 남성이 가족들과 다가와 미군 참전용사인지 물었습니다.  래리는 낯선 한국인 남성이 왜 자신에게 다가왔는지 조금 의아했지만, 자신이 참전용사였다고 대답했습니다. 그는 자신의 조국을 구해주고 자녀들이 자유를 누리며 살 수 있게 해줘서 고맙다고 말했습니다. 래리는 그 말에 깜짝 놀랐으며, 무슨 일이 벌어지고 있는지 잠시 이해하지 못했습니다.  하지만 이내 모자를 벗어 양손에 잡고, 고개 숙여 인사를 한 뒤 자신의 모자를 건네었습니다. 한국인 남성은 놀라 래리를 쳐다보고는 이내 울면서 감사하다고 전하였습니다. 그들은 서로의 어깨에 손을 마주 얹으며 감사의 눈물을 흘렸습니다. 이 감동적인 이야기는 미군 참전용사들이 한국인에게 중요한 이유, 한국이 미국인에게 중요한 이유, 그리고 KDVA가 계속하여 참전용사들에게 다가가야 하는 이유를 보여줍니다. 관련 영상은 아래의 링크에서 시청하실 수 있습니다: https://youtu.be/WhVGcdO6HVA?si=yLRU0qfpRYAbx5Et

In this picture at the Korea Veterans Lunch during the ROK State Visit in April 2023, General (Ret.) Curtis Scaparrotti (KDVA Chairman/President and former Commander in Korea) presented a letter of appreciation to ROK President Yoon, Suk Yeol on behalf of the 5.1 million U.S. Korean War Veterans and Korea Defense Veterans.  Standing with them are several Korea Defense Veterans including Admiral Lisa Franchetti (now Chief of Naval Operations), General Charles Brown (now Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff), General Paul LaCamera (current Commander of United Nations Command, ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command, U.S. Forces Korea), and General (Ret.) John Tilelli (former CINC, UNC/CFC/USFK).  President Yoon’s State Visit reinforced the importance of the ROK-U.S. Alliance, and it brought Koreans and Americans together to show how much Veterans are appreciated.

사진에는 2023년 4월 미국 국빈 방문 중 열린 한국전쟁 참전용사 오찬에서 커티스 스캐파로티 예비역 대장(전

주한미군 사령관, 현 KDVA 회장 및 이사장)이 510만 미국인 한국전쟁 참전용사와 한국 복무 예비역들을 대표해 윤석열 대한민국 대통령에게 감사장을 전달하는 모습이 담겨 있습니다. 이 자리에는 리사 프란체티 제독(현 해군작전사령관), 찰스 브라운 대장(현 합참의장), 폴 라카메라 대장(현 유엔군, 연합사, 주한미군 사령관), 존 틸럴리 예비역 대장(전 유엔군, 연합사, 주한미군 총사령관) 등 여러 한국 복무 예비역들도 함께했습니다.  윤석열 대통령의 국빈 방문은 한미동맹의 중요성을 재확인하고, 한국인과 미국인이 함께 참전용사들에게 감사의 마음을 전하는 계기가 되었습니다.

KDVA would like to say a very special thank you to the Korea-US Alliance Foundation (KUSAF) which stood up at the same as KDVA to be the fundraising organization for KDVA.  It is due to KUSAF’s great work in Korea that KDVA can offer all its activities and programs for free – including KDVA membership.  So, please consider taking two to three minutes to apply at www.KDVA.vet

KDVA는 KDVA의 기금 모금 기관으로서 KDVA와 같은 시기에 출범한 한미동맹재단(KUSAF)에 특별한 감사의 말씀을 전합니다. 회원 가입을 포함한 KDVA의 국내외 활동과 프로그램에 비용 부담 없이 참가할 수 있는 것은 KUSAF가 한국에서 훌륭히 제 역할을 수행한 덕분입니다. KDVA 가입과 활동 참가 모두 무료이므로, 다음 사이트에서 잠시 귀중한 시간을 내어 KDVA와 함께해 주시기를 바랍니다 www.KDVA.vet

“Together for the ROK-U.S. Alliance”

“한미동맹을 위해 함께”

The Korea Defense Veterans Association (KDVA) and Association of the United States Army (AUSA) are excited to announce a new partnership and free AUSA Digital Membership for ALL KDVA members!

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release

March 28, 2024

Contact: Amanda Williams  amanda.williams@norfolk.gov   

MacArthur Memorial and KDVA Partner on Korean Translation Project

NORFOLK, Va – The MacArthur Memorial and the Korea Defense Veterans Association (KDVA) are proud to partner to provide Korean language translation for the MacArthur Memorial’s permanent Korean War exhibit. This project increases accessibility for Korean visitors and is also available virtually for those unable to travel to the MacArthur Memorial.

Museum visitors can scan a QR code in the Korean War exhibit to access Korean translations of the exhibit panels and captions. Virtual visitors can view this gallery guide on the MacArthur Memorial’s website at https://www.macarthurmemorial.org/592/Gallery-Guides. The MacArthur Memorial is committed to the preservation and presentation of Korean War history and is grateful for KDVA’s partnership on this project.

KDVA is honored to fund and provide Korean translation of the MacArthur Memorial’s Korean War Gallery so that Korean speakers can understand the role that General Douglas MacArthur, as United Nations Commander, played in defending South Korea from North Korea’s invasion in 1950.

This is the start of “KDVA’s Museum and Memorial Korean Translation Project” that provides Korean translation to memorials and museums with galleries and displays about Korea Veterans. The webapp for this project is on the KDVA webpage at www.kdva.vet/kdva-museum-translation-project/.

About 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. The Memorial also honors and tells the stories of the millions of men and women who served with General MacArthur in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. Today the Memorial is an internationally recognized center for the study of military history, leadership, and diplomacy. The City of Norfolk operates the Memorial in close partnership with the nonprofit General Douglas MacArthur Foundation. The museum serves 100,000+ people annually and is open free of charge. For more information, please visit www.macarthurmemorial.org.

Korea Defense Veterans Association (KDVA): The Korea Defense Veterans Association is a U.S. nonprofit organization that enhances the ROK-U.S. Alliance and supports the people who built this great Alliance with multi-generational programs including the annual Korea Revisit Program, annual General Paik Sun-yup Webinar, KDVA Internship Program, and educational conferences and webinars.  Since its founding in 2017, KDVA has grown to over 13,000 members (and over 86,000 social media followers) with local chapters in South Korea, Hawaii, and Georgia as well as 22 virtual Common Interest Groups.  KDVA is thankful for its 32 partners in four countries (on four continents) who meet quarterly in the KDVA Networking Forum to support Korea programs and activities. KDVA membership and events are free, so please join us at www.kdva.vet.

PRESS RELEASE MM KDVA ->

MORE MEMORIAL AND MUSEUM TRANSLATIONS ->

Amanda Williams, MacArthur Memorial Director (left), and Steve Lee, Senior Vice President of Operations, KDVA (right) at the MacArthur Memorial.

January 26, 2024

On January 26, 2024, the Republic of Korea (ROK) posthumously presented General Douglas MacArthur with the ROK Order of Military Merit, First Class during a special ceremony at the MacArthur Memorial in Norfolk, Virginia. The distinguished award is equivalent to the U.S. Medal of Honor and is Korea’s highest honor bestowed for military valor.

During the ceremony, a statement by Arthur MacArthur IV was read:

“On behalf of the General Douglas MacArthur Foundation and the MacArthur Memorial, please accept my thanks for the issue of the Order of Military Merit, First Class, to my father. The award is a testament to my father’s legacy and an honor that forever binds him to the people of Korea. Again, I thank you for honoring my father and I accept the Order of Military Merit, First Class, on his behalf.”

It was a fitting day and venue for the ceremony. As highlighted during the event, the day also commemorated General MacArthur’s 144th birthday. Additionally, this year marks the 60th anniversary of the MacArthur Memorial. Since 1964, the Memorial has paid tribute and honored the millions of men and women who served with General MacArthur in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. During that time, the Memorial has evolved into a premier historical center and international beacon of education and scholarship.

For members of the Korea Defense Veterans Association (KDVA), General MacArthur’s leadership and contributions as the first Commander of the United Nations Command are remembered and honored as a strong foundation for the ROK-U.S. Alliance.

General (Ret.) Curtis Scaparrotti, 29^th Commander of the United Nations Command and current KDVA Chairman and President, commented on the significance of the ceremony and KDVA’s partnership with the MacArthur Memorial stating, “When I was the Commander of the United Nations Command in Korea, I was honored to follow in the footsteps of the first UNC Commander, General MacArthur, who made a lasting and historic impact in Korea. I think today’s ceremony embodies General MacArthur’s vision for the Memorial:  to preserve the memory of the past while always keeping an eye on the future. I am proud that KDVA’s initiatives with the Memorial will advance General MacArthur’s vision by educating generations of visitors about the ROK-U.S. Alliance and honoring all Veterans who defended South Korea during the Korean War.”

General Curtis Scaparrotti

Commander of the United Nations Command, 2013-2016

KDVA’s Steve Lee and Earlene Hollerith attended the ceremony. Steve Lee stated, “KDVA was honored to be a part of this ceremony.  I was very moved to learn that ROK President Syngman Rhee promised a special medal to General MacArthur for saving the Korean people, and today that promised was fulfilled.”

KDVA VP, Earlene Hollerith, and KDVA Senior VP, Steve Lee, standing next to General Douglas MacArthur’s ROK Order of Military Merit, First Order at the MacArthur Memorial in Norfolk, VA on January 26, 2024.

Over the past year, KDVA and the MacArthur Memorial have been working on a special project to create Korean translations for the Memorial’s Korea exhibits. The partnership with the MacArthur Memorial marks one of several important initiatives KDVA is pursuing in 2024. During this coming year, KDVA plans to open several U.S. chapters as well as KDVA Campus Clubs in the United States and Korea. We are grateful for every donor, member, and supporter that enable our efforts for the Alliance and our Veterans.

KDVA is a 501c(3) non-political, non-profit organization registered in Virginia. KDVA was formed to enhance the ROK-U.S. Alliance and support the people who built and serve the Alliance.

Please join KDVA for FREE – anyone interested in Korea and Veterans are welcome!

Visit us at http://www.kdva.vet, and follow us on Facebook (@kdva.us) and Twitter (@KDVAvets).

Please support the MacArthur Memorial at www.macarthurmemorial.org.

KDVA Welcomes New KDVA Membership Coordinator

January 24, 2024

Please join the Korea Defense Veterans Association (KDVA) in welcoming our new Membership Coordinator, Mr. Kevin L. Miller.

“With the continued growth of KDVA membership, we needed to bring on a person who could help us better support our current members and find ways to further grow KDVA,” said KDVA Chairman and President, General (Ret.) Curtis Scaparrotti.  “Kevin Miller has been a great KDVA supporter for several years, and we are thankful that he has joined our team.  We are looking forward to Kevin’s ideas for reaching the 5.1 million Americans who have served in Korea and the millions of Koreans they served with over the past seven decades.  KDVA’s growth in reaching our 1^st 10,000 members in 2023 was a significant milestone, but we have so much work ahead of us, including opening two to three more KDVA local chapters in the United States in 2024.  Kevin is the right leader, right Veteran, and right person to help us get there.”

Kevin L. Miller said, “I am honored and excited to join the KDVA Headquarters Staff in the position of Membership Coordinator.  My service on the DMZ over three decades ago introduced me to the importance of the ROK-U.S. Alliance and the vital role both nations have played in providing security on the peninsula.  I look forward to supporting our existing members and increasing our overall membership as we come together to share our experiences, participate in KDVA programs, and continue our service in support of the Alliance.”

Mr. Kevin L. Miller served in the Republic of Korea with 1^st Battalion, 506^th Infantry at Camp Greaves.  Additional assignments included Fort Polk, LA and with the 82^nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, NC.  He has served as President and Chairman of the Georgia Veterans Day Association since 2010.  Kevin was selected to participate in the KDVA Revisit Korea Program in 2021 and has served as the President of the KDVA Georgia Chapter since 2022.

Please see his complete biography at https://kdva.vet/leadership/.

KDVA is a 501C(3) non-profit organization registered in Virginia. KDVA is non-political, non-partisan, and does not support or endorse any political views.  KDVA was formed to enhance the ROK-U.S. Alliance and support the people who built and serve the Alliance.

Consider joining KDVA for FREE – anyone interested in Korea and Veterans are welcome!

Visit us at http://www.kdva.vet, and follow us on Facebook (@kdva.us) and Twitter (@KDVAvets).

Press Release_Kevin L Miller_New KDVA Membership Coordinator_20240124

KDVA Korea Chapter President Named ROK Ambassador to Saudi Arabia

January 12, 2024

The Korea Defense Veterans Association (KDVA) congratulates KDVA Korea Chapter President, General (Ret.) Choi, Byung-Hyuk, for his appointment as the ROK Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. Ambassador Choi has been a very important and influential voice for the ROK-U.S. Alliance as a former Deputy Commander of the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command and KDVA’s leader in Korea.

KDVA Chairman and President, General (Ret.) Curtis M. Scaparrotti, stated, “We are very proud and excited for Ambassador Choi as the ROK Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. He is a respected and key Alliance leader, and I am honored to have worked with him.  We are thankful for his leadership of the KDVA Korea Chapter and their outsized contributions to KDVA’s record increase in membership in 2023.  We wish Godspeed to Ambassador Choi and look forward to opportunities to work with him.”

Ambassador Choi said, “I am truly honored to represent the Republic of Korea in Saudia Arabia. Thank you to General Scaparrotti for his leadership, the Korea Chapter Team for their hard work and excellence, and to KDVA for making the ROK-U.S. Alliance stronger and better.  KDVA has done tremendous work to enhance the strong bonds of friendship between Koreans and Americans.  I look forward to carrying on this spirit of friendship and relationships in my new role in Saudi Arabia.”

Please join us in welcoming Lieutenant General (Ret.) Yoon, Eui-Chul as the new President of the KDVA Korea Chapter. General Yoon is a former ROK Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Crisis Management Secretary at the National Security Office, and Commander of the 28th Infantry Division. General Yoon is a graduate of the Korea Military Academy, has a Master of Science in International Relations from Korea University, and studied at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI).

General Scaparrotti welcomed and congratulated General Yoon, “We are so thankful to have such a caring and distinguished leader like General Yoon as the new President of our Korea Chapter. He will continue the hard work of his predecessors that raised KDVA from a start-up to a recognized leader for the Alliance and our Veterans.  With General Yoon’s leadership, KDVA will continue to work hard to reach the millions of Koreans and Americans who served in Korea or who are interested in the work that KDVA does for the great ROK-U.S. Alliance.”

General Yoon said, “I am very thankful to take on this important role as President of the KDVA Korea Chapter. It is a privilege to work with General Scaparrotti and the KDVA Korea Chapter Team. I look forward to this honorable work by doing our part in Korea to enhance the ROK-U.S. Alliance and support our Veterans who continue to defend the Republic of Korea.  2024 will be a great year, and I encourage everyone to consider joining KDVA!”

Please learn more about General Yoon, Eui-Chul at https://kdva.vet/leadership/.

KDVA is a 501C(3) non-profit organization registered in Virginia. KDVA is non-political, non-partisan, and does not support or endorse any political views.  KDVA was formed to enhance the ROK-U.S. Alliance and support the people who built and serve the Alliance.

Consider joining KDVA for FREE – anyone interested in Korea and Veterans are welcome!

Visit us at http://www.kdva.vet, and follow us on Facebook (@kdva.us) and Twitter (@KDVAvets).

KR Chapter President Transition_Press Release_20240112_Dual Language

Download: KUSAF and KDVA 2024 Message

The KDVA SEC is visiting Korea as part of KDVA’s new “CFC Senior Enlisted Advisors Forum” which encompasses several events throughout Korea with Enlisted Members of CFC and U.S. Forces Korea. 

KDVA Senior Enlisted Council Members participating this year are:

• CSM (Ret.) Steven Payton
• CSM (Ret.) Lee, Gil Ho
• CSM (Ret.) Mario Terranes
• CSM (Ret.) Diahann White

KDVA is very thankful that CFC and USFK have provided this opportunity to better understand KDVA and our members’ mission to support the ROK-U.S. Alliance, our Veterans, and the Commands in Korea.

Included in this Forum is the first “KDVA SEC-CFC  Leader Development Session” hosted by KDVA, led by CFC, and attended by over 100 Senior and Junior NCOs from CFC, and also UNC and USFK. The two-hour session allowed all parties to discuss topics that ranged from opportunities, challenges, rewards, and uniqueness of leading on the Korean Peninsula. The session allowed the KDVA SEC to offer information on KDVA’s mission, purpose, and vision related to advocating for the ROK-U.S. Alliance and our Veterans. We are very thankful for the leadership of Command Sergeant Major of UNC/CFC/USFK, CSM Jack Love, in attending and supporting this special event.

Their schedule includes:

• Combined Fleet Activities Chinhae Base Interactions that included Leader Development with ROK and U.S. Navy Command Master Chiefs.  The group was honored to meet and pay respects to two Korean War Veterans.

• PT with ROK and U.S. Service Members.
• USO-Korea’s 50th Annual USO Six Star Salute Gala on November 30.  KDVA is proud to once again sponsor USO-Korea’s Leadership Lunch that recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of our emerging leaders of U.S. Forces Korea (USFK)  and brings the military, diplomatic, and business communities together in support of the USO mission.
• Breakfast with 7^th Air Force senior enlisted leaders and Chiefs on December 1.
• Visits to the Joint Security Area in the DMZ, Camp Humphreys, and Camp Casey/Hovey on December 1.

Please be on the lookout for updates and other activities between KDVA and CFC, USFK, and UNC. 

Check out CFC’s post –