USAG YONGSAN -- Area II Korean Augmentation to the U.S. Army (KATUSA) and U.S. Soldiers joined together in U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan from April 18 to 22, to participate in several festivities including sports, cultural events and entertainment shows during the annual KATUSA - U.S. Friendship Week. The week not only provided opportunities of friendly competition between Soldiers and their units, but also served to recognize the strength and depth of the alliance developed between the Republic of Korea and the U.S.
"The KATUSA -- U.S. Friendship Week is about the bond we share with our Korean brothers in arms," said Lt. Gen. Vandal, Commanding General, Eighth Army, during the opening ceremony. "I'm extremely grateful for our KATUSA Soldiers and their commitment to excellence while serving, for they are an invaluable part of this team."
According to Eighth Army, the annual recognition of KATUSA Soldiers as an essential part of the alliance started in 1979, making this year the 39th celebration. However, the KATUSA program itself started in 1950 during the midst of the Korean War in order to provide tactical support to the U.S. and R.O.K. forces fighting side by side. As United States Forces Korea (USFK) Soldiers were not familiar with Korea's terrain, language and culture, the original KATUSA Soldiers acted as the connecting links in combined strategies carried out by the two nations. Ever since then, KATUSA Soldiers have become more integrated into USFK units stationed throughout the peninsula.
"Unlike any other foreign nation, we allow [KATUSA Soldiers] to hold leadership positions and lead, mentor, and train both R.O.K. and U.S. Soldiers," said Vandal.
Currently, there are 3,378 KATUSA Soldiers in Eighth Army, comprising about one-seventh of USFK. From this number, eight were recognized for their exemplary service with the Gen. Paik Sun Yup award, which was given by the retired Korean War hero himself during the opening ceremony.
Even on a daily basis, KATUSA Soldiers establish their presence in their respective units and still help U.S. Soldiers get accustomed to many aspects of the Korean culture that is encountered away from home.
"All the KATUSAs in my unit are incredibly friendly and have made my experience in Korea great so far," said Pfc. Raekwon Reed from Eighth Army, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Headquarters and Headquarters Brigade. "As much as we're here to help them, to support their country, they are a great help to us as well. KATUSA -- U.S. Friendship week really brings us and the KATUSA Soldiers together, allowing us to enjoy these events as one."
This perspective about the alliance is also reciprocated by the KATUSA Soldiers.
"As a Soldier of the R.O.K. Army serving within a U.S. Army garrison, I feel that there is a lot to learn from our U.S. counterparts," said Pfc. Kwak Dong Ryun, a member of the ROKA Support Group. "Whether it's an officer, a non-commissioned officer, or an enlisted Soldier, the level of professionalism that is shown in the U.S. Army transcends rank, and I think there is always a lot to learn from that aspect."
The slogan for this year's KATUSA -- U.S. Friendship week, "ROK -- US Alliance -- Stronger than ever!" became more apparent during the KATUSA Parent's Dinner, which was hosted in Area II for the first time. Parents of KATUSAs, some of whom had traveled from the southern tip of the peninsula just for the occasion, had the opportunity to share dinner with the U.S. Soldiers who received this year's "Best Friend" title with their sons.
"In Korea, sharing a meal together is considered considerably significant," said Lt. Col. Koo Bon Heon, the Area II ROKA Support Group Commander. "Sharing a meal signifies that the people recognize one another as families. In that sense, tonight we have gone beyond nation-level relations and have come together as families sharing affection."
As the week of recreational and cultural activities reached its end, the original intent was not only fulfilled, but spoke on deeper levels to everyone who took part in the events.
"No other nation in this world would trust the safety of their sons to a foreign army, and we are proud of this honor," concluded Vandal. "[The KATUSA-US Friendship Week] is about recognizing and honoring the special bond that our predecessors have forged, and showing that our bond will continue to withstand the test of time in the future."
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