YONGSAN, South Korea. (Jan. 23, 2017) - Every year, the KATUSA Veterans Association recognizes Korean augmentees to the U.S. Army both past and present. This year, the association recognized the awardees during a ceremony at U.S Army Garrison Yongsan, Jan. 23.
"The KVA was established in 2007 and helped bring together and recognize those Korean citizens who had done so much to support the United States Army over the year," said Eighth Army Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Thomas S. Vandal. "Both KATUSAs and KVA have done amazing things for the U.S. Army and the Republic of Korea."
This year, the KVA recognizes five KATUSAs who have been nominated by their units as having demonstrated exceptional leadership and potential. Each of the following Soldiers were presented the best KATUSA award:
Sgt. Joon-Woo Park,1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division (rotational), 2nd Infantry Division/ ROK-U.S. Combined Division.
Sgt. Keun-Soo Lim, Special Troops Battalion, United States Forces Korea.
Sgt. Dae-Hyun Park, 719th Military Intelligence Battalion, 501st Military Intelligence Brigade.
Sgt. Chul-Woong Choi, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command.
Cpl. Jae-Young Choi, 19th Human Resources Company, 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command.
"It was a great honor to win this award, and I am proud of my time as a KATUSA." said Lim.
After the KATUSAs received their awards, Eighth Army recognized Hae-Sung Kim, a former KATUSA, who is now an executive advisor of Shinsegae Group and vice chairman of KVA, with the Eighth Army Distinguished Former KATUSA Award. The award was created in memory of former KATUSA Staff Sgt. Sang-Won Kim for his service and commitment to his country, and it recognized KATUSA veterans who continue to serve and contribute to Korean society.
"Being a part of the KATUSA program was only a 27 month-long experience, but it has played a crucial role in my life and career for the past 30 years," said Kim. "I will continue to seek ways to contribute to the stronger relationship between U.S. and South Korea."
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