“
Dear KDVA Members, Friends, and Supporters,
I am truly honored to step into the role of KDVA
Chairman and President. As I begin this new chapter,
I do so with great respect for the legacy of leadership
that has brought KDVA to where it stands today,
especially the dedicated service of General (Ret.)
Mike Scaparrotti. I thank him for his leadership and
friendship, and I am grateful that he will continue
to serve KDVA as a trusted Advisor.
KDVA is a unique and powerful organization. We are
a community bound by shared experiences and a common
mission: to honor those who have served in Korea and
to enhance the enduring ROK-U.S. Alliance. From my
time as Commander of United Nations Command, Combined
Forces Command, and U.S. Forces Korea, I saw firsthand
the strength of this Alliance.
I’ve walked along the DMZ, stood shoulder to shoulder
with Korean and American troops, and witnessed the
extraordinary commitment of Veterans who defended
freedom and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
Today, our mission is as important as ever. The KDVA
Strategic Plan for 2025–2029 outlines an ambitious
roadmap to grow our membership, deepen our engagement,
and expand our impact. We will build stronger
connections among our 46,000 members and more than
116,000 social media followers. We will amplify the
voices of Veterans and ensure the next generation
understands the vital role they played — and continue
to play — in defending peace and democracy.
I look forward to working alongside our new Vice
Chairman, LTG (Ret.) Mike Bills, our Board of
Directors, Advisors, dedicated staff, and tireless
volunteers. Together, we will expand KDVA’s reach,
foster new partnerships, and deliver programs that
reflect the honor and pride of our service.
To our members and supporters: this is your
Association. Your service, stories, and support make
KDVA what it is. I invite each of you to stay engaged,
bring in new members, and share your experiences.
If you haven’t already, please connect with us online,
attend an event, or join a chapter or campus club.
As we move forward, we do so united by purpose,
driven by service, and committed to building an
even stronger ROK-U.S. Alliance.
“Together for the ROK-U.S. Alliance,”
Robert B. “Abe” Abrams
General, U.S. Army (Ret.)
Chairman & President
Korea Defense Veterans Association (KDVA)