Good Neighbor event brings Korean children to family park

By Sgt. Lee Min-hwi (USAG-Yongsan)May 12, 2009

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/usag-yongsan/3524056807/" title="Good Neighbor youth putt-putt visit May 2009 by usag.yongsan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3557/3524056807_d536849b56_m.jpg" width="240" height="159" align="right" hspace="10" alt="Good Neighbor youth putt-putt visit May 2009" /></a><strong>YONGSAN GARRISON, Republic of Korea</strong> - The American Society of Military Comptrollers-Korea Chapter hosted children from an Incheon orphanage for a Good Neighbor event at Yongsan's Family Fun Park May 9.

Twenty children from Zion Orphanage played a round of mini-golf at the putt-putt course and enjoyed hot dogs and hamburgers at Commiskey's Restaurant.

"The AMSC sponsors two Good Neighbor events each year. This putt-putt golf event is one that we put on in spring, and the other is bowling during the Christmas season," said Zalma Jordan-Little, vice-president of publicity of AMSC-Korea Chapter. "Having children of my own, I know how important it is to make sure that kids have fun. It is something we also enjoy."

"This event allows the children to have the unique experience of meeting and talking to Americans and playing something they don't have much chance to do," said Sonni Howards, budget analyst of U.S. Forces Korea Resource Management. "The children really enjoy coming here."

Kim Han-wul, a guidance counselor from the orphanage, thanked the AMSC for preparing the program. "They got all excited because they now know how much fun it is to visit the Yongsan Garrison. I really appreciate this invitation, and seeing the smiles on their faces gives me great pleasure."

USA Girls Scouts Overseas Seoul donated 16 boxes of cookies for this event. Children got on the bus with their hands full of cookies and other gifts.

"This is my second visit, and every time I come, there are always many things to have fun with," said 13-year-old Kim Su-rah. "I could play golf with my friends, and there were many Americans in the park, too. I wish that I could come here again."

Follow USAG-Yongsan on <a href="http://twitter.com/USAGYongsan">Twitter</a>, and become a fan on <a href="http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/USAG-Yongsan/32158407071">Facebook!</a>

Related Links:

USAG-Yongsan Official Site