2ID celebrates KATUSA/U.S. Soldier Friendship Week 2018

By Spc. Sarah Williams, 2ID/RUCD Public AffairsMay 14, 2018

2ID celebrates KATUSA/U.S. Soldier Friendship Week 2018
The 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division held a division run this morning to kick off this year's annual celebration of the KATUSA/U.S. Soldier Friendship Week at Camp Casey, May 14. (U.S. Army Photo by Spc. Sarah Williams, 2ID/RUCD Publi... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

CAMP CASEY, Republic of Korea -- Korean Augmentee to the United States Army (KATUSA)/U.S. Soldier Friendship Week (KUSFW) brings KATUSAs and U.S. Soldiers within the 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division together for a week of competition and cultural exchanges.

The "Warrior Division" hosts KUSFW at Camp Casey from May 14-18 to celebrate the bond between U.S. Soldiers and their ROK counterparts.

Maj. Gen. D. Scott McKean, 2ID/RUCD commanding general kicked off KUSFW with a Division run.

"Our KATUSAs serve faithfully inside of our ranks, and I think it's important to take time to recognize them this week," said McKean. "We should really admire the dedication, the professionalism that KATUSAs provide."

2ID/RUCD teams will compete in a variety of traditional American and Korean sports competitions to strengthen the alliance and teamwork.

Warrior Division competitors will participate in sports such as basketball, soccer, relay races, and tug of war and in Korean traditional sports such as ssireum wrestling, the traditional national sport of Korea, and Jok Ku (foot volleyball).

KATUAs and U.S. Soldiers will also participate in cultural exchange events such as Jegi (hacky sack), Tuho (large sticks thrown into pots) and Korean traditional brush writing.

"I am delighted to have events like this because I really enjoy playing sports like soccer. As a KATUSA Soldier, I am lucky to get an opportunity to play sports with U.S. Soldiers that I work aside with. I hope the best through the end of the week," said Cpl. Lee, Jae Hyung, an administrative clerk with 2ID/RUCD Headquarters Support Company.

The KATUSA program started in 1950, a 67-year alliance, which began as an informal agreement, uniting the Republic of Korea and U.S. forces to defend against northern aggression during the Korean War.

"Initially just an agreement between General MacArthur and President Syngman Rhee, since that time the KATUSAs have continued to serve honorably amongst our ranks," said McKean. "From all of us to all of you, thank you for your continued service -- both to your nation and to ours."

For more imagery from this week, check out the following links:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/2id/

https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/2ID