Camp Casey and Kolsandong celebrate Arbor Day

By Pfc. Jamal WalkerApril 10, 2009

Casey and Kolsandong celebrate Arbor Day
Lt. Col. Donald Meisler, USAG-Casey garrison commander, Command Sgt. Maj. Nidal Saeed, USAG-Casey Command Sgt. Maj. (second from left), Pae Tong Su, USAG-Casey community relations officer (middle), Raymond Myers, USAG-Casey acting deputy garrison com... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

CASEY GARRISON - Members of the chain of command from USAG-Casey assisted residents of Kolsandong Village in planting an apricot tree in observance of Arbor Day at Kolsandong Village, April 2. The event was to display the friendship and support from Soldiers and community members on USAG-Casey and to continue to build that relationship with neighboring locals.

"This tree symbolizes the relationship between USAG-Casey and the Kolsandong villagers," said Pae Tong Su, USAG-Casey community relations officer. "As this tree grows, it will foster and strengthen our friendship."

The event began with a reflection period in which the participants observed the growth of a pine tree placed on the same plot of ground for last year's Arbor Day ceremony.

Lt. Col. Donald Meisler, USAG-Casey commander, spoke to the Kolsandong villagers, about the importance of the event and what it means to both the Korean and American people.

Meisler explained how important it is to promote friendship and harmony between USAG-Casey and Kolsandong Village.

Shovels were handed out to the Kolsandong villagers, Meisler, Pae, Command Sgt. Maj. Nidal Saeed, USAG-Casey Command Sgt. Maj., and Ray Myers, USAG-Casey acting deputy commander, to plant the tree.

After the tree was planted and watered, participants gathered around it and shared refreshments.

"This represents more than just planting a tree. We are planting a seed and the root for a tree to grow like our friendship has grown for 55 years," said Meisler, with his last words in Hangul "we go together."

Kolsandong Village is an area where a small number of Korean locals reside. Because Kolsandong is situated in the middle of Casey garrison, villagers must have access to get to their homes.

Garrison command made a partnership with the village, which allows villagers access to the post so they may come and go as they need.