Commander's Corner: Welcome Ulchi Freedom Guardian participants

By Col. Dave Hall (USAG-Yongsan)August 12, 2008

USAG-Yongsan Commander Col. Dave Hall
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Next week, U.S. Forces Korea kicks off an annual training event that will bring more than 1,000 exercise participants to U.S. Army Garrison-Yongsan. Let me be the first to welcome our visitors.

The Garrison is proud to be your host during this important training opportunity.

For the entire community, safety always needs to be Job No. 1; however, with additional Yongsan visitors we need to pay especially close attention to safety.

You need to be aware of the additional traffic, people working night shifts, drivers who may not be as familiar with our traffic patterns. Bottom line: We need to look out for each other.

USFK officials published <a href="http://www.usfk.mil/usfk/contents/2349_001.pdf">a policy letter</a> that forbids alcohol consumption by Servicemembers assigned to or attached to the command for the exercise.

The policy letter states alcohol consumption is "strictly forbidden" from Aug. 18-22.

Additionally, alcoholic beverages will be prohibited at Command Posts, Life Support Areas, Exercise Control Centers, the Walker Center and all training ranges and facilities.

Check with exercise coordinators for up to-the-minute policies about uniforms and weapons. But security and accountability should be your goal.

Yongsan is a super community -- and I'm not just saying that because I am the garrison commander. Earlier this year, <a href="http://www.army.mil/-news/2008/05/08/9051-yongsan-claims-750k-acoe-prize/">we accepted a $750,000 prize</a> for our third place victory in the Department of the Army Communities of Excellence competition. That's third place out of 179 Army installations worldwide.

I hope you get the opportunity to visit the sights and scenes of Seoul while you're here. Before heading home, I highly recommend that you tour this ancient city.

Korea has a rich history. Within a few miles of Yongsan Garrison you will find museums, palaces, shopping markets and hundreds of quality restaurants.

So, on behalf of the 25,000 Americans that make up our great community, welcome and stay safe!

Related Links:

U.S. Army Garrison-Yongsan Flickr Site

U.S. Army Garrison-Yongsan Official Site