DONGDUCHEON, South Korea - For more than half a century, Soldiers from the U.S. Army's 2nd Infantry Division have lived alongside the residents of Dongducheon, a small city near the Soyosan Moutains, just below the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea.
While it has long been a strategic location in the deterrence of North Korean aggression, Dongducheon has also been a rich and vibrant community that shares its well-being with American neighbors.
In reciprocation for all they offer, members of the 210th Field Artillery Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, actively participate in several community outreach programs throughout the year, to include the Korean and American English Village program.
The program, which is coordinated through the Donducheon Volunteer Center, pairs U.S. Soldiers with local community members to improve and instill confidence in their conversational English skills.
Earlier this week the English Village hosted their annual opening ceremony at the DVC to officially commence the year-long course and to recognize two Soldiers for their dedication in helping community members learn the English language.
Korean Army Cpl. Song, Gun Woo, a public affairs specialist and Korean Augment to the U.S. Army with Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 210th FA Bde., 2nd ID, and Pfc. Brent A. Francis, an air defense artillery crewmember assigned to Company E, 6th Battalion, 52nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, which falls under 6th Battalion, 37th Field Artillery Regiment, 210th FA Bde., 2nd ID, were both presented with volunteer awards Feb. 3 from the Dongducheon mayor, Oh, Sea Chang.
"It's definitely been a great experience," said Francis, a Miami, Florida native. "When I first started, my goal wasn't about awards or anything. Sometimes [that] creates an ulterior motive and stuff like this has to be done from the kindness of your heart."
For Francis, Korea isn't just his first duty assignment; it also marks his first time traveling outside the United States. His positive immersion into the Korean culture was heavily influenced by volunteering in the community, something he says all Soldiers should consider doing.
"This is a great way to show Soldiers how caring people really are, by learning their culture from the locals themselves," he said. "Doing this will definitely make your experience [in Korea] better."
With an increasing number of Soldiers moving from Camp Casey into Dongducheon, more multi-cultural families are emerging in the community, said Mayor Oh, through a translator.
The fusion of Korean and American cultures offers both sides an opportunity to share one another's language; something the English Village provides every Tuesday and Thursday night.
"These English classes are a wonderful opportunity for our Soldiers who want to serve in more ways and to get to know the people of Dongducheon better," said Lt. Col. Timothy D. Labahn, deputy commanding officer for the 210th FA Bde. "Together, we are all part of the strongest alliance in the world, and we renew that alliance each time our Soldiers enter the Dongducheon Volunteer Center."
"Along with events like kimchi making and the upcoming Sincheon river cleanup, our work together brings us closer to our neighbors and gives us a sense of belonging."
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