Yongsan hosts Area II Retiree Appreciation Day

By U.S. ArmyNovember 30, 2014

Yongsan hosts Area II Retiree Appreciation Day
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Command Sgt. Maj. Hodgkins, Garrison Command Sergeant Major, thanks 10th grade student Austin Maxwell and other members of the Seoul American High School JROTC color guard, who signaled the beginning of the Retiree Appreciation Day with the presentin... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Yongsan hosts Area II Retiree Appreciation Day
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

YONGSAN GARRISON, Republic of Korea --

"Freedom is not free." It has never been free. The freedom we benefit from in this nation cannot be taken for granted. USAG Yongsan did not disregard of the toll that the veterans have paid by celebrating the Annual Retiree Appreciation Day at the Dragon Hill Lodge, Nov 15th.

The event kicked off with the presenting of colors from the ROTC color guards. With a warm opening remark of Col. Maria P. Eoff, garrison commander of U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan, the official schedule of the day has begun.

"On behalf of the Garrison Command Group and all the soldiers who are currently serving, we thank you for what you have done." Col. Eoff said. "We thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your spirit that helped develop freedom and democracy in this land."

The retiree appreciation ceremony then proceeded onto a Town Hall, where Col. Eoff gave briefings and answered questions with the guest speaker on the YRP, or Yongsan Relocation Plan. The discussion on the shutdown and a relocation plan of the Garrison of high strategic importance has been ongoing for several years. It has now developed into a detailed plan of moving the USAG Yongsan to Garrison Humphreys in the next five to ten years.

As the day went on, the retirees were greeted by several vendors and sponsors who were willingly giving out great items and proposing interesting services prepared especially for those who served. From the Veteran's Administration to the free flu vaccinations and medical care, many booths have provided free gifts and outstanding offers that return at least a small amount of the sacrifice the veterans has given us.

USAG Yongsan has also prepared a massive luncheon in its greatest cuisine buffet, Najia Ballroom at the Dragon Hill Lodge, a satisfactory meal for the retirees. The day concluded with a certification of appreciation to special veterans. For those who have paid the toll for the freedom that we rejoice, the Garrison and its command group has truly shown its gratefulness.