From My Service in Korea

From My Service in Korea, I Learned – Tracey Huff

March 24, 2025 From My Service in Korea

From My Service in Korea, I learned… Tracey Huff

I served in Korea from December 2002 to January 2004. What I learned from serving my country on the Korean peninsula was adaptability and how to work in a high-stakes, fast-paced environment.

I was the Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of Operations at the Pacific Air Force Security Forces Air Base Defense Regional Training Center, better known as “Commando Warrior” at Osan Air Base. I was so happy to have been able to secure a position there and I looked forward to what it entailed. Cultural awareness and adaptability was something that struck me first off! Living and working in Korea exposed me to a different culture, customs, and even some language barriers. Of course, working within the security arena of Korea, strategic readiness was a part of my daily job. Korea is a unique duty station due to its proximity to North Korea. I was able to train in high-alert scenarios, reinforcing the importance of being always mission-ready. During theater wide exercises I learned how to understand global military strategy while working in the Headquarters, 7th Air Force Intelligence Cell. My time in Korea gave me a deeper understanding of the U.S. military’s role in global security and the importance of allied cooperation in maintaining stability.

Working with a team of instructors continued to show me that teamwork and camaraderie was instrumental to success. Further instructing Pacific Air Force Security Forces personnel was something I wanted to continue, after my time as an Instructor Supervisor at the U.S. Air Force Security Forces Academy. Serving in Korea meant working closely with both U.S. and Korean forces. I formed strong bonds with fellow Defenders and learned how to operate in a multinational setting. While in Korea, I was also able to volunteer at a local orphanage and myself, and my team, deployed to support potato farmers after a hurricane struck the peninsula.

All in all, I learned so much from my time in Korea. For my one year of service there, I was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, showcasing my team’s volunteerism and dedication to duty to help protect the people of the Republic of Korea. I owe them everything during this special time in my life and I feel so proud of my service to the people 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.

From My Service in Korea, I Learned – Eric Rodley

March 12, 2025 From My Service in Korea

From My Service in Korea, I learned… Eric Rodley

I was born and raised in California, in the Bay Area. My family moved to Oregon during my freshman year of high school after my father retired from AT&T. I enlisted in the U.S. Army infantry on August 29, 1989. At that time, Ft. Benning was the place to be for basic training as an infantry soldier, it was the home of the infantry. After graduating from basic training and advanced infantry training (AIT) in December of 1989, I took one month of leave. I flew from Portland, Oregon to Seattle, Washington, then to Seoul, Korea on January 14th, 1990.

About one week after arriving in Seoul, I can’t remember how many of us, but about a bus load of us were sent up north to Camp Casey. I was at the “turtle farm” for about two weeks when I was assigned to Charlie Company, 2/503 Infantry, 2nd platoon, Camp Hovey. Camp Hovey was a smaller Army base behind Camp Casey. When I arrived at my assigned unit, the unit was preparing for its rotation on the DMZ, I had arrived at just the right time. Our unit prepared by conducting mock combat patrols during the day and night. One particular night we had to lie in a mock ambush for two hours as if we were on the DMZ, it was so cold. I remember thinking to myself how exciting it was, but how miserable it was at the same time. Once on the DMZ, our platoon’s first phase was the patrol phase. We spent 30 days conducting day recon patrols, then night ambush patrols. One memory I have is the constant sound of North Korean and South Korean propaganda. At that time, the DMZ had very large speakers spread out all over different areas from both the North and South. The speakers were used for each side the blast their propaganda towards each other. I remember one day patrol where we were taking a patrol break, and the North Koreans played their national anthem 75 times in a row. This was driving us crazy but that was the point, the propaganda was meant to annoy and harass each other. The South Koreans played a lot of American music, this too was meant to annoy the North Koreans. Funny story is when I came back to the United States, if I heard a radio playing in the background somewhere, I would always think it was propaganda music, kind of funny.

My time spent in Korea was sort of unique. With 2/503 I did my three-month DMZ rotation from February 1990 to May 1990. At that time, the U.S Army started a reduction in force in Korea. The 2/503 was deactivated around June of 1990 so about a handful of us were sent to 5/20 Infantry (Mechanized) who relieved 2/503 on the DMZ. I was assigned to Charlie Company, 5/20 Infantry when 5/20 was starting their guard post phase. Each unit rotates through three assignments on the DMZ. Each phase on the DMZ is one month, patrol phase, guard post phase, and quick reaction force (QRF) phase. After my rotation with 5/20 on the DMZ we returned to Camp Casey in August. In December of 1990, I was given orders for Ft. Carson, Colorado, but the orders were rescinded due to the first Gulf War in August of 1990. Everyone stationed in Korea after January 1990 was involuntarily extended for an additional year due to the first Gulf war. I stayed with 5/20 Infantry until August 1991 when 5/20 Infantry received the Bradley fighting vehicles. Due to this restructuring, a group of us were given new orders for Alpha Company 1/503 Infantry on Camp Howze.

During my time in Korea, I visited many temples and had the opportunity to witness several traditional Korean weddings. These ceremonies were fascinating, showcasing the deep-rooted culture and pride of the Korean people. It was clear to me that they held a strong respect for their heritage. One of the most striking experiences was seeing the older generation still working in the rice paddies. I watched as elderly men and women carried their farming tools and equipment on their backs, yet they walked just as swiftly as we soldiers did while carrying 50 or 60 pounds of gear. I also had the privilege of speaking with many older Koreans who expressed their gratitude for the U.S. military’s role in keeping their country safe. When I was in Korea in 1990, many of them still remembered the war—some had fought in it, while others had lived through it as children. I often sat in restaurants just outside the base, listening to their stories. I believe they appreciated that a young soldier like me took an interest in their experiences and the history of their country. I found it all truly fascinating.

I have so many memories of Korea, and I wish I could write them all down. I spent eight years in the Army, but out of all the places I was stationed, Korea was my favorite assignment. My time there wasn’t perfect, but it was the best experience I had as a young soldier. I’ve told my family many times that if my only military service had been the two years I spent in Korea, I would have been completely satisfied. I had always wanted to experience an overseas assignment, and choosing Korea was one of the best decisions I made. The U.S. Army no longer patrols the DMZ; after the Cold War ended in 1993, we handed that responsibility over to the South Korean Army. Still, I feel honored to have been part of such a historic mission. In all, my time in Korea was from January 1990 to January 1992. I was honored to take part in a historic assignment at the DMZ, protecting freedom’s frontier along the southern boundary of the Korean Peninsula.

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 – Peter Thompson

February 27, 2025 From My Service in Korea

From My Service in Korea, I learned… Peter Thompson

I enlisted in the Army in April 1958 and did basic training at Fort Dix, NJ. After basic training, I spent 8 weeks at Fort Gordon, GA, attending MP school. At the end of this training, all but one man was sent to Korea. We flew from Augusta, GA, to Seattle, WA, where we spent most of a week waiting for a troop ship to take us to Korea. The ship stopped in Kodiak, AK, to drop off some families and then on to Yokohama, Japan to drop off more passengers and give us a few hours of shore time. Then it was on to the port of Inchon and debarkation. We were trucked up to ASCOM city to await assignment. After a few days about 24 of us were sent to Hq & Hq Company, US Army Port Inchon. This facility was based on Wolmido Island which is off the coast of Inchon harbor.

At that time this facility was responsible for moving all the troops and material in and out of the country. Since, at that time, the Inchon harbor was undeveloped and tidal elevation changes could reach 30 feet, all troop and material movement was handled by various watercraft and barges operated by members of this company. Military Police assigned to this unit would be doing guard duty at various locations around the port. Since this island is offshore and the predominant weather in the winter comes down from the north, the temperatures get very cold. Doing duty outside in this weather just standing around was not something to look forward to.

When we arrived on the island the personnel sergeant called me in and asked if I would be willing to take the job of the post mail clerk. Since this would be an inside job I jumped at the chance. This job consisted of going to the main post office on shore twice a day, collecting the bags of mail for our units, and returning to the island to sort and distribute it at mail call. In addition to this, I also had other duties which included

assisting the training sergeant during Saturday training sessions. The company commander had a specially prepared Jeep for his transportation, and I had the job of driving him to his various duties. One of these was to go to Seoul on payday to exchange script dollars for Korean won to pay the indigenous help on the base.

I would put on my M1911 45 caliber pistol, the commander would get the money bag with the cash, and off we would go. After a stop at the officer’s club for lunch, we would go to the exchange. The money that would fill a small satchel on the way up would fill two duffel bags on the way back. In 1958 and 1959 Korea was a proud country but it had seen the ravages of war. Many people had little or nothing. The roads, what few of them there were, were still torn up from war. There were no private automobiles, and the only businesses were small shops selling necessities. I had the opportunity to return to Korea in 1983, just 24 years after I had left. I was amazed to see the transformation. There were superhighways filled with cars. Beautiful buildings and hotels filled the city, and it was obvious the people were prospering. I was taken aback to be thanked as a representative of a country that had assisted them in creating a modern, prosperous society. My service in Korea is a part of my life that I am most proud of.

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 – Sawvel Family

February 14, 2025 From My Service in Korea

From My Service in Korea, I learned… Dr. USA SFC (Ret) William Sawvel & USAF Sgt Ronald Sawvel

Walking down the dark hallway towards the TA50 storage room, I felt like I was in an episode of The Twilight Zone as a homogenously bouncing glow peeked out from under the door crack of every other soldier’s room. From the nearly synchronous noise of reporter dialogue, I realized we were all watching the same thing – two commercial jets had just crashed into the World Trade Center buildings within twenty minutes of each other. In South Korea, it was 11 pm on September 11th, 2001, and half of our soldiers were still enjoying the night out in town while the other half of us stayed in. The purpose for gathering my equipment while I had no idea what would happen next. I knew it wasn’t good when the first aircraft hit, I briefly wondered, “Now, what idiot was flying that plane?” It was as I watched the second plane collide on live television that I instantaneously knew… we were going to war.

Serving in the Second Infantry Division under the command of Major General Russel L. Honoré (aka “The Ragin’ Cajun”) – a famously animated leader who seemed to enjoy torturing us with regular 3 AM sirens to respond to an imaginary Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) surprise invasion – I was thoroughly convinced staff duty would be beating on our doors at any moment. Except, this time, the threat would be real. While that alarm never came, the last several months of my time in South Korea included my unit moving up along the Imjin River and pulling guard alongside our Republic of Korea (ROK) Army counterparts, in the event North Korean leader Kim Jong Il decided he would take advantage of our distraction. I realized that even developing conflicts thousands of miles away had a global impact on, not just the United States, but our partner nations. I also realized just how much of a dedicated ally South Korea was.

I remember hearing stories as a child about how my grandfather, already a WWII veteran and then a flight engineer for a major airline, helped to transport ROK Army soldiers (and their family members) from South Korea into Vietnam to fight alongside American counterparts. At 320,000 the Republic of Korea sent the largest contingent of any U.S. ally in the war. While deployed to Afghanistan in 2013, I often walked past a tiny ROK compound situated along the outer perimeter of Bagram Airfield – near what later became the site of an intense firefight against breaching Taliban fighters. We recently heard that ten thousand soldiers of the number one enemy of South Korea joined in the fight in Ukraine alongside one of our own largest opponents, the Russian Federation.

In 2021, Admiral Philip S. Davidson, commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), testified before the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee that the People’s Republic of China (PRC) intended to invade Taiwan by 2027. If ADM (Ret) Davidson’s testimony was accurate, the threat to South Korea is irrefutable. In vicinity alone, North Korea, an ally of China, is the only country by land separating the PRC from ROK. During the 20th century, DPRK assisted the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in the Chinese Civil War; and China reciprocated by sending 260,000 of its own soldiers in to reinforce the North Koreans in the Korean War.

From a U.S. perspective, South Korea (and Japan) sit close enough to the Bering Sea and Arctic, an extremely important strategic region, that Chinese and Russian vessels heading towards or leaving the Northern Sea Route are likely to come near the peninsula, if not stop at Busan (South Korea’s largest port and a major global logistics hub). Chinese military and commercial vessels (who regularly impede on sovereign territorial waters) leaving ports in Dalian, Shandong, and even Shanghai are likely to be seen by South Korea before leaving the Yellow and East China Seas.

As far as the largest elephant in the room, China and North Korea both pose a nuclear threat to the United States, as well as South Korea and Japan. Should China invade Taiwan, and should the U.S. and its allies become involved, both South Korea and Japan would be perfectly positioned to give early warning and rapid logistical support. However, there must always be give and take.

During the 2024 ROK-US Alliance Conference, I listened with intense concentration as General (Ret) Leem, Ho-Young eloquently and accurately mentioned that the U.S. must realize that South Korea has needs and expectations of its own, which cannot go ignored. While rapidly developing technology has made it easier for mortal enemies to achieve global reach, there are just four kilometers of concertina wire and landmines that separate North and South Korea and, according to RAND Corporation’s Arroyo Center, there are nearly six thousand North Korean artillery systems within range of heavy population centers that could kill more than ten thousand civilians within an hour. The people of South Korea are in constant threat of attack with hardly any warning. Yet, they have never ceased to be a staunch ally of a nation over five thousand miles away (to the continental U.S.) on the other side of the Pacific.

Taking into consideration the Department of Defense’s model on the instruments of national power (Diplomatic, Information, Military, and Economic – DIME), we simply cannot afford to ignore the needs of South Korea, in addition to our own, and the extreme advantage of having them as an ally in realizing strategic effects against China.

Generally speaking, we are culturally dissimilar; we come from different backgrounds and experiences; our immediate needs and expectations may differ; and our ideas for achieving victory might be distinct. However, our reliance on each other is undeniable. With today’s adversaries simultaneously threatening our individual homelands, we must expand and reinforce the alliance and collaboration between our two nations.

Dr. USA SFC (Ret) William Sawvel with His Father, USAF Sgt Ronald Sawvel (Panmunjom JSA, 2024)

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 – 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.

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.

From My Service in Korea, I Learned – Robin Hill

October 2, 2024 From My Service in Korea

From My Service in Korea, I learned… Robin Hill

In August of 1989, I was promoted to Captain in the Air Force Nurse Corps. Two months later, I found myself settling into my first overseas tour at Osan Air Base. I had the option to live on base but chose to live in nearby Songtan City to immerse myself in a culture very different from my own. The Koreans with whom I worked in the hospital, as well as my landlord, were very nice and hospitable. Their gratitude for our countries’ partnership was evident. We had frequent base-wide readiness exercises that routinely ended with Lee Greenwood’s song, “Proud to Be an American.” When my gas mask came off and that song played over the loud speakers, I was truly honored to be serving my country and to have a part in protecting the ROK from their most challenging threats. My biggest adjustment, however, was recognizing our cultural differences. Some mannerisms that seemed rude to me were not so when I removed my cultural biases. I gained a new perspective that has carried me throughout my life.

Never thinking I would return to the ROK, 14 years later (2004) I was surprised to learn that I would be assigned to Kunsan Air Base as a squadron commander. I was shocked to see how much Korea had advanced economically. Although much had changed, the people had not—still so friendly and hospitable. I also enjoyed a camaraderie that was unmatched at any other base. It was one of my favorite of 14 assignments in my 30-year career.

I was introduced to KDVA in 2023 and applied for “Revisit Korea.” I was honored to have been selected for the absolute top-notch program to return to the “Land of the Morning Calm.” The invitation was also extended to my husband. He experienced first-hand many Koreans who expressed their thanks and indebtedness to our country for supporting and protecting their country. Additionally, he gained an appreciation for the amazing people and beautiful country that have had a very special place in my heart for many years.

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 – Rocky Burkhardt

September 25, 2024 From My Service in Korea

From My Service in Korea, I learned… Rocky Burkhardt

When I received orders to go to South Korea in 1967, I thought it would be like going to jail for 13 months, I was very wrong. As it turned out, it was the best 13 months of my life! When I arrived in South Korea, I was stationed at the 2^nd Infantry Division Headquarters in Bongilchon, South Korea. Bongilchon was a small village with many of the people working in the fields or rice paddies. There were no paved roads, no full time electricity and the paths through the village were just mud. The people in the village were hard working, very friendly and very resourceful. There was nothing that went to waste, any and all scraps were saved or sold. Empty pop cans were welded together and used for pipes. Even empty pens and what we would call junk were sold to junk collectors who would go through the village clanging big scissors, nothing went to waste. The people had learned how to live and sustain themselves through very difficult circumstances. From the villagers, I learned to be creative, resourceful and not to let anything go to waste. I knew that the people of that village and the people of all of South Korea would have a great future because of their creativity, ingenuity, resourefullness and drive.

Also, within the village, I came to know several of the children who lived in the village with their parents. I was impressed with how creative and instinctively smart they were. The children loved to do artwork and their drawings and paintings were very creative. I made friends with one 10 year old boy, whose drawings showed great knowledge of space exploration, way beyond what any 10 year old would normally know. Meeting those young creative South Korean children, I knew that South Korea would have a great future with great leaders.

The people of the village had a strong connection to their cultural heritage and would participate in their cultural activities. They would board busses headed to cultural shrines and events. They appreciated their culture, heritage and their arts and crafts. This led me to appreciate their culture and my own culture as well. I loved to see their art, as it was totally different than the art in America. This opened mymind to a greater understanding and appreciation that different cultures of the world have much to offer.

From my visit to South Korea, I learned many values that helped me to become a better person and soldier. From my service in Korea, I received the Army Commendation Medal.

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 – Ricky James

September 19, 2024 From My Service in Korea

From My Service in Korea, I learned… Ricky James

567 Medical Ambulance, 43 RD MASH, Uijonbu, Korea

I arrived in Korea in early September 1969 after completing basic training and AIT at Ft. Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas. I flew from Jackson, Mississippi to Ft. Folk, Louisiana. Ft. Polk was a rude awakening, but Ft. Sam Houston was even worse! I had registered as a “Conscientious Objector” so I never carried a weapon, but I sure remember being shot at with those 50 calls shooting 4 feet over your head. I was in the slot to go to Vietnam but because of some ankle injuries I was put in another slot and got orders for Korea.

For a country boy who had never traveled further than Texas, landing at Kimpo and seeing all those camouflaged jets and anti-aircraft guns was a scary place to be. After processing, I was sent to 567 Medical Ambulance as a medic and ambulance driver. I had to get a Korean driver’s license and had to learn my way around the area. I was sent around Christmas to the 2nd platoon at 44 MASH for a few months! Early 1970, the CO called me in and told me he was sending me TDY to 335 Maintenance / 2/71 Hawk Missile unit as their Medic (Doc) which I did until late October of 1970.

I made daily runs up to 2nd Division clinic which was Camp Howze. I made courier runs right before I came home and instructed new drivers where to go! The speed limit was a whopping 25 miles per hour! My time with the Maintenance unit and Hawk unit was the best part of my tour! I pretty much worked for myself! The CO had instructed me that he only wanted to see me on payday! Even though I only had rank as a Spec 4, being the only medic (Doc) provided me with the clout of an officer.

I was able to meet some American Missionaries who were from Louisiana and spent some weekends with them so it was a great benefit to be able to see them. Because I never took any leave, the CO called me in and told me he was extending my tour for 30 days, to which I inquired why. He asked me if I would like to get out of service 5 or 6 months earlier, I replied “Sure, that sounded good to me”. I departed Korea on November 7, 1970, and arrived at Ft. Lewis for out-processing. I then flew to Jackson, Mississippi to await the arrival of my folks and my future wife. I had an Army buddy in Korea who was from Louisiana and now lives in Mississippi about 1 1/2 hours from me and we have stayed in contact all these years.

I have had a couple of opportunities to travel back to Korea but have not been able to do so. Memories of Korea are still with me, the harsh cold of winter and the monsoon rains that never seemed to end. There were at least 150 incursions by North Korea that always kept us on alert. Most all, the bases that I went to are gone or have been turned over to South Korea. Ricky James, Florence, Mississippi

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 – Ben Tiseo

September 11, 2024 From My Service in Korea

From My Service in Korea, I learned… Ben Tiseo

Learning Not To Panic

I was stationed in Korea from Nov 1966 to Dec 1967 during a period referred as the “Second Korean War” (defined from 1966 to 1970) because of all the hostile interactions with North Korean (NK) Infiltrators. By example, in May 1967, NK Infiltrators breached the wire around the 23^rd Infantry Regiment at Camp Walley, planted explosives, and killed several 2ID Warriors and injured many more.

It was a hot summer day in 1967 when I was ordered to take a patrol of about a dozen men to search an area adjacent to the DMZ for sighted NK Infiltrators.

I was stationed at Camp Pelham, which was about two miles from the Imjin River, which was another two miles south of the DMZ. We arrived in the morning and just before we jumped off the truck and started our patrol we turned our heads towards an explosion in the DMZ. That was an interesting introduction to a very dangerous place.

We were selected because we were a close base to the. The area we were to explore was about a square mile, by my best guess, and abutted the south wire and DMZ.

I remember walking through rice paddies, elephant grass, and wooded areas looking for the NK Infiltrators. After several hours of walking, we came to a clearing. We were the standard 5 yards apart for patrolling as we came to the end of the clearing and into a line of trees. The wooded area was about 100 yards deep and, as I was about 10 yards from the end of the tree line, I noticed the back of a triangular sign attached to a string of barbed wire. Instantly I knew that meant we were in a mine field. At that time, I found out how quickly the mind can process information.

The moment I saw the triangular sign shape I knew, because of my training, that I was looking at the back side of a painted warning that a mine field was beyond the wire and that we were not to enter. At that same instant I also knew what we had to do to get out safely. I ordered my men to halt and stated that we were in a mine field, to pivot 180 degrees on one toe, and to step exactly in their footprints back out. As we retreated to the start of the tree line I looked to my left and noticed a roll of barbed wire. I examined the wire and noticed it was cut and rolled to this location to allow our patrol to enter the mine field. This was the NK Infiltrators at their best, welcoming us to their country.

After we examined the wire, we continued for the rest of the day looking for our welcoming party so we could give them our own welcome. No luck, they got away.

To this day, I can still see every blade of bent grass in my footprints.

The lesson I learned was, Do not panic or you die. After that experience I adopted a new approach to life, “Don’t panic until the bullet penetrates the skin.”

Sergeant Benedetto Tiseo

2ID Korea – HQ, 6/37 Arty 1966 – 1967

2IDA National President 2023 – 2025

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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