SOCKOR invites children to Yongsan for holiday

By Pfc. Park Young-ho, Eighth Army Public AffairsMay 9, 2011

SOCKOR invites children to Yongsan for holiday
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

YONGSAN GARRISON, South Korea - Special Operations Command-Korea invited children to Yongsan Garrison May 5 to celebrate Children's Day.

As a part of SOCKIDS, one of the SOCKOR's Good Neighbor Programs, about 25 children from the Virgin Mary, Sky Home and Yedalm Orphanage home were invited to Yongsan Garrison.

Col. Daren A. Sears, SOCKOR deputy commander, welcomed the children on behalf of Brig. Gen. Neil H.Tolley, commanding general of SOCKOR.

"You being here makes our day much brighter," said Sears.

Lt.Cmdr No Soon-tae of SOCKOR, led the event where the children enjoyed burgers, chili dogs, pizza and treats prepared for them.

Sport activities included jumping on a trampoline and playing softball and badminton.

Late, the children also got presents from donors to celebrate the day.

Julia Kim and Chung Jin-kyoo of People-to-People International Hanyang Charter were the primary sponsor for this event.

Joe Terry, president of Noncommissioned Officers Association also presented a check to purchase a new air conditioning unit for the Yedalm Orphanage.

Lee Eung-kyong, director of Phoenix Organization, donated educational books and food for the event.

Groove Magazine, Korea Exchange Bank and What the Book Bookstore will donate English books.

Park Kwang-shin, CEO of Bo-sung Engineering, and Shin Yim-bum, CEO of UNITOA, donated three million won to the SOCKIDS program.

SOCKOR's Good Neighbor Program is intended to strengthen the ROK-U.S. Alliance.

Their Good Neighbor Programs sponsor three orphanages, as a part of SOCKIDS, and a debate club at Suwon Women's University.

Children's Day in South Korea is much like Christmas Day in the western world. Children of all ages are celebrated and the entire community is involved in the festivities. Children get pampered with gifts, family fun and their favorite foods.

Typically, families celebrate by going to parks, museums, amusement parks, zoos or the movies.

Sears, the SOCKOR deputy commander, said, "I think this shows how strong ROK-U.S. Alliance is and how close we are to the Korean people to have an event like this. To celebrate one of Korea's holidays with them means a lot."

"Back to the post where I once served as an augmentee to the United States Army, I feel refreshed and hope the kids enjoy this day," said Chung from People-to-People International.

Related Links:

Eighth Army Web site