SEOUL - Eighth Army participated in the appointment ceremony for the 3rd Korea-U.S. Goodwill Ambassadors at the Korea World Trade Center in Gangnam District, July 8.

Newly selected by the Korea-U.S. Economic Council of Korea International Trade Association (KITA), the Ambassadors are composed of 19 Korean university students whose mission is to contribute to enhancing friendship between U.S. and Korea.

Col. Andrew C. Mutter, Chief of Public Affairs, was invited to the ceremony to be a guest speaker on behalf of Eighth Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Bernard S. Champoux.

During his speech, Mutter delivered a message of encouragement to the Ambassadors, thanking them for ensuring the two countries' continued prosperity.

"Try to find ways that we can improve this great alliance between the United States of America and the Republic of Korea," Mutter said. "The alliance demonstrates our committed and shared values…Eighth Army is proud to serve here and maintain the legacy of generations of the American Soldiers who defended and fought for freedom in Korea."

Rachel HeeJun Joo, who made a visit to U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan in January as one of the 2nd Ambassadors, showed her appreciation of Eighth Army.

"We still talk about how it helped us learn about the alliance and correct some misunderstanding about American troops here in Korea. Thanks again for letting us have this wonderful opportunity," said Joo.

Following great success with the previous Ambassadors, the new Ambassadors were expected to carry out their mission fruitfully, according to Mr. Moo-Han Kim, Executive Managing Director at KITA.

"Based on diverse experience and studies, Ambassadors could understand the roles of U.S. Embassy Korea, American Chamber of Commerce Korea, and United States Forces Korea, and convey accurate information about U.S.," Kim said.

KITA appoints the Ambassadors twice a year to involve them in both on and off line activities for promoting better understanding of the relations between U.S. and Korea.