Every year Eighth Army Protocol volunteers to take a day to improve and/or support the local community.

"It's a great opportunity for our military and civilian team to get out and strengthen our ties with the folks whom we work with closely coordinating Eighth Army engagements, said Monika Tanedo, Eighth Army Protocol chief. "I offer the opportunity to each of my team to come up with an idea to do something meaningful."

This year, Staff Sgt. Jon Williams, Eighth Army Protocol NCOIC, came up with the idea to clean up the road area leading to the Dongchangri gate this past week.

Along with Williams, the Protocol team consisted of civilians Kim, Tae Song; Yim, Son Hui; and Sarah Cha; and Korean military augmentees Sgt. Yang, Won Je and Pvt. Jang, Jun Hyuk. All came together and trimmed trees alongside the road, swept up debris and cut bushes to create a clear walkway leading up to the gate.

"As Protocol, I try and train my staff attention to detail in everything they do," said Tanedo. "Staff Sgt. Williams' idea was to clean up the area leading to the post to provide a 'first good impression' of USAG Humphreys; highlighting attention to detail. After coordinating with the Mayor of Pyeongtaek's office and his Environmental Department, they gave us approval to proceed with the cleanup."

Tanedo added several Korean passersby thanked them and commented that it was an overdue project and appreciated their volunteering.

"That was what was rewarding, to know the local community appreciated the effort," she said. "I'm proud of our team, because it brings our staff closer as we work together, not separately, executing every event and task as a family effort."

In the past, Eighth Army Protocol has supported the Namsan Orphanage collecting and delivering needed items for the children, joined the Good Neighbor Organizations to deliver heating coal to the elderly in Seoul and joined up with the KUMGOK Foundation to pick up trash during Earth Day.