YONGSAN GARRISON, Republic of Korea -- "You know, after parents, it's the educators, teachers, administrators and staff who have the biggest influence on our children," U.S. Forces Korea Commander Gen. James D. Thurman said, at the sixth annual Department of Defense Dependent Schools Awards and Recognition Ceremony, April 6. "That's a fact, and we can never lose sight of it."
Thurman recounted how the three most influential people in his life were his father, his scout master, and his high school football coach. According to Thurman, these people had the biggest impact in developing his values in serving the country and teaching him about becoming a good citizen. He thus emphasized the significance that each of the roles, filled by the 66 DoDDS Korea staff members being recognized that day, had.
"What you do every day is so important - it's the most important thing we've got going on here on the peninsula, outside of defending this place," Thurman said.
In the midst of an uncertain period, Thurman explained that it was especially important that the people who strongly influenced future generations were doing a good job in educating the younger members of the Community. Thurman commended DoDDS Korea staff members for the great job they were doing, conveying his appreciation for their excellent skills. And so, as an expression of gratitude, Thurman presented each of the 66 DoDDS Korea staff members with Scrolls of Appreciation, on behalf of USFK.
The staff members being recognized included a range of positions such as teachers, counselors, secretaries, technicians, librarians and administrators. Among the various positions, 16 of the staff members were recognized for serving DoDDS for over 20 years. Some of the honorees had dedicated four decades of their life to service.
Laurel Eisinger, Principal of Daegu American School, who had served DoDDS for 30 years, said that she had worked through multiple positions within DoDDs including the district level, area level and administrative level. Having invested a significant amount of time in the profession, Eisinger confidently said, "I believe right from the bottom of my heart that effective educators help children to be the successful leaders of tomorrow."
When asked about whether this conviction was what had drawn her into the profession, Eisinger honestly explained that she had simply selected a career that women typically chose during that time. After being in the profession and meeting many other teachers, however, she said, "I don't think there's an educator that doesn't take this job whose goal isn't to make a difference."
While Eisinger was convinced that effective educators were crucial for impacting future generations, she also strongly stated that it was not their sole responsibility. Eisinger emphasized that it was a task that was conducted by the whole Community, rather than just one component.
"It's critical to have strong educational leaders, strong teachers, but just as important are the parents and the Community," Eisinger said. "We are being honored today as educators but I want to say and express my thanks to the Military Community, to the parents, and to the Community in general because we really work in collaboration with each other; it's the village that raises the child, it's the village that makes the difference."
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