KDVA & KUSAF Honors recognize outstanding members for their contributions to the ROK-U.S. Alliance and to inspire making a difference for the Alliance’s future through the KDVA & KUSAF Honors.
DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO SHOULD BE NOMINATED FOR THE KDVA AND KUSAF HONORS?
- ROK Veteran Honoree.
- U.S. Veteran Honoree.
- ROK Service Member Honoree.
- U.S. Service Member Honoree.
- ROK Civilian Honoree.
- U.S. Civilian Honoree.
Criteria for Honoree Nominees:
- Nominee must be a KDVA regular or associate member.
- Nominator can be anyone.
- It is expected that a nominee is a person of sound character and must have been discharged honorably.
- Nominee’s list of accomplishments or support for the ROK-U.S. Alliance.
Submission Guidelines:
- Please list Nominee’s volunteer efforts.
- Please share a short biography (less than 250 words) that highlights nominee’s background.
- Please share a short statement (less than 250 words) about the nominee’s qualities including: selfless service, passion for the Alliance and Veterans, and how the nominee might use this Honor to contribute further to the Alliance.
- Submitted in Korean or English.
2025 KDVA & KUSAF U.S. Honorees
Master Gunnery Sergeant Veronica Soto
HONORS CATEGORY:
U.S. Service Member
Master Gunnery Sergeant Veronica Soto is a dedicated professional with a distinguished record of service in support of the Republic of Korea–United States Alliance…
Master Gunnery Sergeant Veronica Soto
Col. (Ret.) Jeff Wiltse
HONORS CATEGORY:
U.S. Veteran
A native of Seattle, Washington, Mr. Wiltse was commissioned into the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant, Armor, in June 1983, as the Distinguished Military Graduate of the University of Washington Reserve Officer Training Program…
Col. (Ret.) Jeff Wiltse
Mr. Insung Shim
HONORS CATEGORY:
U.S. Civilian
Sergeant Shim is a model of integrity, leadership, and service…
Mr. Insung Shim
2024 KDVA & KUSAF U.S. Honorees
Major General Richard Appelhans
HONORS CATEGORY:
U.S. Service Member
Rick is currently serving as the Commanding General, U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence and Fort Huachuca. Prior to this position, he served as the USFK J2 and CFC Deputy C2…
Major General Richard Appelhans
Mr. John Sagan
HONORS CATEGORY:
U.S. Veteran
John Paul Sagan was born 12-17-1931 along with his twin sister, to immigrants of Poland…
Mr. John Sagan
Mr. Philip Mok
HONORS CATEGORY:
U.S. Civilian
Phil Yong Soo Mok was born in Baltimore, Maryland to parents James Jinsu & Christine Eunjoo Mok, both Korean Americans who came to the U.S. at an early age to pursue the American Dream…
Mr. Philip Mok
2024 KDVA & KUSAF ROK Honorees
Chief Petty Officer Park, Junhyeong
HONORS CATEGORY:
ROK Service Member
Chief Petty Officer Park enlisted in the Navy as a non-commissioned officer in the 258th class on January 2, 2018…
CPO Park, Junhyeong
Mr. KIM Taeup
HONORS CATEGORY:
ROK Veteran
Army BG(R) Kim Taeup contributed greatly to the ROK-U.S. alliance. During his 33-year military service, he spent more than 15 years working with the U.S. Army and U.N. forces…
Mr. KIM Taeup
Mr. Choi Kyoo-ok
HONORS CATEGORY:
ROK Civilian
Chairman Choi Kyoo-ok is making significant contributions to the enhancement of ROK-U.S. alliance through Osstem Implant. …
Mr. Choi Kyoo-ok
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…
CPT TYLER WILLIAMS
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….
MR. RICK BOGUSKY
Mr. Matthew 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…
MR. MATTHEW LEE
