YONGSAN GARRISON, Republic of Korea - Garrison officials held Korean National Police Appreciation Day Aug. 25, treating 86 KNP officers to a tour of the installation and other activities to thank them for their Good Neighbor partnership.
The garrison invites a group of KNP officers to the installation four times a year to show its appreciation for their work protecting the Yongsan community, said David McNally, U.S. Army Garrison-Yongsan spokesman. Since October 2007, nearly 300 Korean police officers have participated in these appreciation events.
"We have a great partnership with the Korean National Police," McNally said. "They always provide additional security for our access control points, our gates to the installation. We cannot thank them enough for everything they do."
U.S. Army Garrison-Yongsan Commander Col. Dave Hall officially showed the garrison's appreciation for their outstanding service during his remarks to the group.
"I want you to know how much we appreciate everything you do, every day, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year," Hall said. "No matter what the weather is like, you are always on guard outside our gates, always alert."
Hall presented certificates of appreciation to three KNP officers and one official for distinguished service. He said they are an important part of the community and thanked them for making difference in keeping the safety of the community.
The officers toured the installation by bus, learning about the community that they help protect and the history of the garrison. They also enjoyed a typical dining facility meal at the Three Kingdom's Inn and watched the action movie "Wanted" at the Yongsan cinema, complete with popcorns and drinks.
"Now I know much about what I have been protecting," said Police Officer Pfc. Lee Jae-yeub. "I even met a middle school friend who is now a KATUSA (Korean Augmentee to the U.S. Army) Soldier. It was a great experience."
For Sgt. Cha Yong-suk, it was his second tour. "This time was even better than before. The guides kindly told us about the history about the garrison, and I even visited a place that once used to be a prison used by Japanese (during the occupation)."
The KNP Appreciation Day is part of the U.S. Forces Korea Good Neighbor Program, designed to strengthen relationships between local and military communities throughout Korea.
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