SUWON AIR BASE, South Korea - Eighth Army Commander Lt. Gen. John D. Johnson paid a special visit to the Soldiers, leaders and families of 6th Battalion, 52nd Air Defense Artillery, 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade here June 22.
During his visit, Johnson observed Patriot air defense gunnery training and toured the U.S. Army supply support area at Suwon Air Base.
He also stopped by the Community Activity Center, Soldiers barracks and newly-built mini commissary to see first-hand the living standards and MWR opportunities available for the Soldiers at Suwon.
Before his departure, Johnson held a luncheon with the unit command teams and the family readiness group leaders, including a question and answer session to address any ongoing issues.
High on his agenda was tour normalization, command sponsorship and the Camp Carroll Task Force.
The Eighth Army commander also reminded the leaders to start planning and executing risk reduction measures as Korea’s monsoon season approaches.
Johnson took the time to thank the Air Defense Soldiers and their families for the “level of dedication and sacrifice” they made in accomplishing a “very special and critical mission of defending against enemy tactical ballistic missiles.”
“Your mission [air defense] is very important to the U.S.-ROK Alliance because it establishes the basis of the local nationals confidence in our ability the protect the peninsula.”
Brittney Tinkey, one of the FRG leaders attended in the luncheon, thought the Q & A session was “informative as well as great experience for all the participants.”
“He [Johnson] was honest and respectful with all of his answers,” said Tinkey. “And I believe we all walked away with a strong sense of hope for the future and the continued improvement of the Army lifestyle.”
Perhaps the most memorable moment during the Eighth Army commander’s visit was when Johnson took the time to recognize a few distinguished Soldiers in the Iron Horse Battalion who have performed well above and beyond their assigned duties here in Korea.
One of the Soldiers being recognized was Spc. Wesley Himbricks, assigned to Headquarters Battery, 6-52nd Air Defense Artillery Battalion. The communication specialist received the coveted Eighth Army commander’s coin, along with a personal congratulation from the three-star general.
Himbricks, a native of Washington D.C., expressed that he was “extremely excited and happy about meeting the general.”
“It [receiving recognition from Eighth Army commander] was a rewarding experience and I felt that my hard work has paid off,” said Himbricks.
Suwon Air Base is the home of the 6-52nd Air Defense Artillery Battalion and a unique combined base operated solely by the Republic of Korea Air Force.
This was Johnson’s first visit to Suwon Air Base since taking over as the Eighth Army commander.
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