Army air defender reconnects with Swedish roots

By Capt. Jeremy Tennent, 6-52nd Air Defense Artillery Battalion, 35th ADA Public AffairsAugust 30, 2011

Army air defender reconnects with Swedish roots
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea - The hot and muggy climate of a Korean summer is a long way from Sweden, but 2nd Lt. Richard Erikkson found a small piece of his own past here to visit him.

Delta Battery, 6th Battalion, 52nd Air Defense Artillery played host to the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission Aug. 19, including delegates from Sweden.

Erikkson was born in the town of Vastoros, Sweden, and immigrated to the United States at the age of eight. However, he still has family in Sweden and visits from time to time.

Erikkson joined the Army in 2010 and only recently arrived in the "Iron Horse" Battalion.

Being able to greet the foreign military officers in their own language with a hearty, "Välkommen till Osan!" came as a surprise to the foreign officers.

Exchanging pleasantries, the Swedish natives shook hands with their fellow officer and wished him good luck in his military career.

The visitors included Lt. Col. Per Sandgren, Maj. Allan Blucher and Maj. Peter Noren.

"It was a real pleasure being able to connect with my past," said Erikkson. "I still love Sweden, even though I am an American citizen now."

The NNSC is a group of observers charged with ensuring that the rules of the Korean War Armistice Agreement are followed by both sides.

Related Links:

Eighth Army Web site