CAMP RED CLOUD, Republic of Korea -- As the stole was laid upon the chaplain's shoulders, he humbly accepted the spiritual and religious obligation to the Soldiers and family members of the unique combined division.
Maj. Gen. D. Scott McKean, commanding general, 2nd Infantry Division ROK-U.S. Combined Division presided over the transfer of 2ID/RUCD command chaplain responsibility from outgoing Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Moon H. Kim, to incoming Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Hyeonjoong Kim during the Change of Stole Ceremony at the Warrior Chapel June 21.
Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Moon Kim, a native of Seoul, was recognized for his two-year ministry with the Warrior Division, providing programs across the division like Strong Bonds, ASIST training, resiliency training and alliance-strengthening events to name a few. Moon Kim is not going far as he takes over as the U.S. Army Garrison Camp Humphreys command chaplain.
In departing remarks, Chaplain Moon Kim described his 14-year journey, starting as a battalion chaplain at Camp Casey in 2002 and returning as the Warrior Chaplain at Camp Red Cloud in 2016, a very rewarding one.
"I believe God has orchestrated this journey and pledged me here, which in itself motivated me to serve the lord and Warriors," said Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Moon H. Kim, outgoing 2ID/RUCD command chaplain.
Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Hyeonjoong Kim, originally from Seoul, humbly accepted the unique responsibility of becoming Warrior Division's command chaplain, citing that it is the last remaining permanently forward-stationed division in the U.S. Army.
Hyeonjoong Kim highlighted the history of chaplains assigned to the division charged to nurture the living, care for the wounded and honor the fallen.
"Forty-six chaplains have served the Soldiers and family members of the 'Indianhead' Division since 1969," Hyeonjoong Kim said. "I am humbled and honored to be the 47th, the third of Korean-American descent," said Hyeonjoong Kim.
As he thanked the outgoing command chaplain for a job well done and welcomed the new command chaplain, Maj. Gen. D. Scott McKean, commanding general, 2ID/RUCD, identified a unique characteristic of chaplains that isn't learned in school- sacrifice.
McKean cited Korean War Medal of Honor recipient Chaplain (Capt.) Emil J. Kapaun who moved fearlessly under direct enemy fire and provided reassurance to the outnumbered Soldiers during the Battle of Unsan Nov. 2, 1950.
"He stayed behind to care for the wounded and became a prisoner of war himself and while in captivity he continued to provide faith and inspiration to those Soldiers and gave his own food to the wounded and dying," said McKean. "That is just one of many examples of how chaplains in our ministry continue our march forward to victory."
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