Area III ROKA Support Group changes command

By Sgt 1st Class Vincent Abril, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade PAOJanuary 9, 2014

Area III ROKA Support Group changes command
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Eighth United States Army Republic of Korea Support Group Commander, Col. Lee Suk-jae, oversees a change of command between Area III Republic of Korea Army Support Group commanders, Maj. Hong Soon-keun (outgoing) and Maj. Park Seung-gon (incoming), D... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Area III ROKA Support Group changes command
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Korean Augmentation to the United States Army Soldiers, assigned to Area III, salute during a change of command ceremony Dec. 23, at Camp Humphreys. Maj. Park Seung-gon took over for Maj. Hong Soon-keun as the new Area III Republic of Korea Army Supp... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

CAMP HUMPHREYS -- Area III Republic of Korea Army Support Group commander, Maj. Hong Soon-keun, relinquished command to incoming commander, Maj. Park Seung-gon, in the MP Hill Fitness Center, here, Dec. 23.

Hong, a native of Seoul, provided leadership and direction to all Korean Augmentations to the United States Army Soldiers assigned to Area III for the past year. His reputation, working to enhance support to U.S. commanders and the local community, earned him praise by the Eighth United States Army ROKA Support Group Commander, Col. Lee Suk-jae, during the change of command ceremony.

"Maj. Hong has maintained strong combat support readiness ensuring the successful operation of the combined forces through continuous liaison work with the Eighth United States Army," said Lee. "He also planned and supported various ROK-U.S. friendship events and formulated a detailed wartime KATUSA management plan."

Lee also praised Hong for establishing positive relationships with the local community by providing English classes to children of low-income and multi-cultural families and starting various programs for the disabled and senior citizens who live alone.

While Hong earned a positive reputation as the Area III ROKA Support Group commander, he is perhaps better known for his service as the 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade's ROKA Support Group commander during his tenure from July 2011- Nov. 2012. Known as a motivated commander, Hong never hesitated to include U.S. Soldiers in KATUSA training, such as his regular quarterly ruck marches. His contributions to the effectiveness of teamwork between U.S. and KATUSA Soldiers were well received by senior leaders within the brigade.

"Major Hong was such a great guy to work with and I feel he represents the true meaning of 'we go together,'" said 1st Sgt. Mark A. Bedwell, assigned to Company B, 4th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Aviation Regiment. "His leadership and dedication to the KATUSA's and U.S. Soldiers is a key component to the continued strengthening of our Alliance and I will certainly never forget what he has done for 2nd CAB and Camp Humphreys."

During his drive to ensure the Alliance remains strong, Hong placed a strong emphasis on reaching out to U.S. Soldiers, while conditioning and mentoring the KATUSA's under his direction, by instilling pride and a sense of purpose in them.

"KATUSA's, you are the representatives of a 75-year ROK-U.S. combined force," said Hong, during his final remarks at the ceremony. "The rapidly changing situation in north Korea is threatening the safety of our nation and there could be a provocation at any unexpected moment. In such a reality, KATUSA's become more important as they show the unity of the ROK-U.S. Allied Forces. KATUSA's should engrave the true meaning of their existence and place the ROK-U.S. Alliance in your hearts to further strengthen this combined force."

Park, a native of Jeonju, takes over for Hong and has vowed to dedicate himself to the mission he inherited.

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