Hanbuk University students tour Casey

By Pfc. Choi JinMay 5, 2010

Hanbuk University students tour Casey
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

CASEY GARRISON South Korea - Department of Social Welfare students of Hanbuk University, the only university in Dongducheon, arrived at the main gate of Casey Garrison April 27 at the invitation of the Community Relations Office of the Second Infantry Division to take a tour. The division gave the invitation to promote friendship between the U.S. Army and the Dongducheon community.

Despite inclement weather, the students showed a lot of interest in their neighbor.

"This tour is a result of the exchange of friendship between the U.S. Army and the community." said Lee Bok-hee, director of the city volunteer center and instructor at the university.

The 50 or so students became excited while being checked in for their post pass and were eager to look around on post. After checking in, they had lunch in the Gateway Club with Lt. Col. Richard Fromm, Casey Garrison commander.

At first they looked confused with the difference in the style of food, and table manners, but they settled in and enjoyed their lunch.

"I am really happy you are here, and also, it is a good experience for me," Fromm said as he welcomed the students while they had their meal. During lunch students began asking questions about the Army and 2ID.

The tour continued with a visit to the Close Combat Tactical Trainer.

There was a briefing about the origin and development of the 2ID by Capt. Joseph Hong, 210th Fires Brigade, which helped students understand how the 2ID came to be.

"I was impressed with the history of the division and all of its achievements." said Park A-reum, sophomore.

After the briefing, they used the simulator for rifles and tanks in virtual action.

"I was discharged by military service as a sergeant and tank driver for the Republic of Korea army a few months ago," said Jang Young-min, sophomore. "I used to drive a tank and use combat equipment when I was in the army, but I am amazed at the new technology, and I'm experiencing it for the first time."

"I have changed my mind after this tour, because the U.S. Army has been deployed in Korea with high-tech weapons for a long time, and it does deter war," said Noh Yeon-taek, sophomore.

Female students who had not shown interest in rifles and tanks seemed interested in using the simulator.

"Honestly, as a female student, I didn't have any interest in the Army and didn't expect to find much interest during this tour before it started, but it was interesting to drive tanks and shoot rifles," said Choi Jin-joo, sophomore.

"It's difficult to get a pass to come on post, but I have had a wonderful time and would like to come back someday," said Lee Seung-hee, another female student.

The tour of Casey Garrison was worth the time for both the Army and the students, because it gave us both a positive impression of each other and those kinds of experiences are very important, Fromm said.