CASEY GARRISON - More than 1,000 Soldiers, Civilians and Family members filled Schoonover Bowl April 23 to experience Korean Augmentation to the United States Army - U.S. Soldier Friendship Week. The event featured sporting events, both traditional Korean and western types, plus artistic performances from drumming to Korean dance.
Two martial arts demonstrations began the action packed day that ended with the Seoul Women's University cheerleaders. KATUSAs joined with U.S. Soldiers in every unit level competition to compete for 21 trophies from 7 different events.
"To the many Families and friends of our KATUSA soldiers in attendance today, I thank you for your support and attendance," said Brig. Gen. Walter M. Golden Jr. 2nd Infantry Division assistant division commander for maneuver, during his opening remarks. "As a KATUSA soldier, your sons and brothers continue an honorable and distinguished legacy of service in the Republic of Korea. As they have for more than 60 years, today's KATUSA soldiers serve with the same dedication, courage, and self determination their forefathers displayed in combat and during our continued defense of freedom. I am proud of them and I know you are too."
The first sporting event of the morning was the 4 x 400 relay race, which was run on the Schoonover Bowl track. Heavy Brigade Combat Team, Brigade Special Troops Battalion (Geronimo) placed first ahead of 210 Fires Brigade (Tomahawk) who finished second. Division Special Troops Battalion (ROCK) finished third.
Tug of War was the next event and 1HBCT, BSTB (Gachi Gapshida) finished first ahead of DSTB (ROCK) finishing second. 1HBCT, 4/7 Cavalry (Geronimo) finished third.
Kimajun followed next with 210 Fires Brigade (Taeguki) finishing first ahead of 1HBCT, 4/7 Cavalry finishing second. DSTB (Warrior) finished third.
The final sporting event of the day was the soccer playoffs. DSTB (Warrior) finished first ahead of DSTB (Rock) finishing second. 210 Fires Brigade (Tomahawk) finished third.
Overall trophies were given to the two units accruing the most points for winning the most events. 1HBCT finished first with 81 points and took the first place trophy and the KATUSA U.S. Friendship Week banner. DSTB with 73 points finished second and was awarded the second place trophy. 210 Fires Brigade finished third with 60 points.
No trophy was awarded for third place.
The festivities began with a splendid and action packed Tae Kwon Do performance from the 2nd Infantry Division Tae Kwon Do team showing precision moves performed at a quick pace.
Following their performance was the always amazing Republic of Korea Special Forces Tae Kwon Do team, 9th Special Forces Brigade (aka Ghost), showing precision combat techniques laced with amazing showmanship.
Performances by the Republic of Korea Ministry of National Defense Honor Guard and the Seoul Women's University Cheerleaders gave variety and color being placed between the afternoon's sporting events.
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