SEOUL, Republic of Korea (February 6, 2105) -- The Republic of Korea-U.S. Alliance Friendship Association (RUAFA) honored Eighth Army Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Bernard S. Champoux, by conferring him with a Korean name February 6 at the ROK Ministry of National Defense in Seoul.
During the ceremony, RUAFA Chairwoman Woo, Hyun-Eyu bestowed Champoux with the Korean name Choi, Bo-Hee and presented him with a hanging scroll with his new name in Korean out of respect for his efforts to maintain peace on the peninsula.
"Today, we host this Naming Ceremony for (General Champoux's) endeavors to protect the Korean Peninsula in one accord," said Woo. "We hope (he) has great effort in maintaining peace of the peninsula and our Alliance will continue to grow stronger."
For Champoux, who addressed the audience following Woo's brief remarks, it was clearly an honor to receive a Korean name.
"Tonight is a great example of the support your organization provides to Eighth Army," said Champoux. "Naming ceremonies are an important part of Korea's dynamic cultural heritage and to be conferred with a Korean name is something I will cherish for the rest of my life."
Champoux received the last name of Choi as symbol of the area where his father served during the Korean War.
"That you chose the last name Choi in honor of the Cheolwon area where my father, Cpt. Francis Champoux, served as a company commander during the Korean War adds even more meaning to tonight's ceremony," added Champoux. "Serving here as part of the Alliance was one of the proudest moments in his (Francis Champoux's) life."
"To be able to carry on, not only Eighth Army's legacy, but also my families legacy of service here in Korea has made this tour of duty particularly special to me and one of the highlights of my military career."
RUAFA has bestowed Korean names on other American leaders over the years in efforts to strengthen the Alliance and bring Korea and the U.S. closer together. As the ceremony closed it was clear that Champoux was humbled to be added to that list.
"To be among the list of distinguished American leaders who have received a Korean name that includes President Barack Obama, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, General Curtis Scaparrotti and General Walton Walker is extremely humbling," Champoux said.
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