SEOUL, South Korea (Jan. 24, 2014) -- The Eighth Army deputy commander for sustainment said the Reserve Officers' Training Corps program molds the future leaders who will defend freedom on the Korean Peninsula.

At a ceremony attended by more than 800 South Korean business leaders, assembly members and military officials Jan. 23, Eighth Army Deputy Commanding General for Sustainment Brig. Gen. Chris R. Gentry thanked the Republic of Korea Army ROTC Association for supporting the U.S.-South Korea Alliance.

Gentry spoke at the 17th inauguration ceremony for the Republic of Korea ROTC Association where Chairman Choi Hun-kyu turned over the association presidency to incoming Chairman Choi Yong-do.

"The [Republic of Korea]-U.S. Alliance has become a strong, capable and modern alliance deeply rooted in a tradition of mutual respect and shared sacrifice," said Gentry. "Our nations and our alliance are stronger because of our partnership with you."

At the inauguration ceremony, the Republic of Korea ROTC Association presented Gentry with an award, making him the first U.S. Army officer to receive an award from the association.

A native of Franklin, Tenn., Gentry previously met with Republic of Korea ROTC Association members and cadets during a luncheon on Yongsan Garrison, in December 2013. At the luncheon, Eighth Army leaders talked with Republic of Korea cadets who were getting ready to take part in an Army ROTC exchange program at Texas A&M University.

"The best part of my job is spending time together with the leaders that defend our two nations," said Gentry during the luncheon in December. "Having been an ROTC cadet myself, I fully appreciate the great service that ROTC graduates provide when they became military officers."

"Army ROTC is one of the best leadership courses in any country," said Gentry.