Yongsan looks forward to New Year

By Pfc. Lim Hong Seo (IMCOM)January 22, 2013

Yongsan looks forward to New Year
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Willing, command sergeant major for U.S Army Garrison Yongsan, left, and Col. Michael E. Masley, garrison commander for U.S Army Garrison Yongsan, greet guests during the New Year's Reception, Jan. 17. (U.S Army photo by Pfc.... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Yongsan looks forward for a thriving new year
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Yongsan looks forward for a thriving new year
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

YONGSAN GARRISON, Republic of Korea -- U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan hosted a New Year's Reception to thanks its Good Neighbors over the past year and to plan for a flourishing new year here, Jan. 17.

Over the past year, USAG Yongsan accomplished a great number of initiatives, including coal briquette delivery to low-income families, KATUSA-U.S Friendship week, planting trees along with Yongsan-gu government officials, and enjoying the Itaewon Global Village with community members.

Yongsan took this opportunity to thank its Good Neighbors, who made the success possible.

"It's a pleasure for us to get together today to renew our friendship and cooperation, to farewell the past and look into the future," said Col. Michael E. Masley, garrison commander for U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan. "On behalf of U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of you for your presence and sincere gratitude for your great efforts in promoting democracy and prosperity here in Korea as well as support to U.S Forces Korea and Yongsan."

Many guests were in attendance, including Park Keun, South Korea's former Ambassador to the United Nations; Kim Sung Soo, Vice Mayor of Yongsan-gu; Han Chul Soo, president of Korea America Friendship Society;, Maj. Gen. Chun In-bum, C-3 deputy commander for the Combined Forces Command, and Yang Chang Kyoo, president of People to People, New Seoul Chapter.

Yang expressed his commitment to a positive ROK-U.S. relationship.

"Regarding the alliance between ROK and U.S, I can say with confidence that the past year was a great success," he said. "I am proud and pleased with the fact that the events PTP planned and hosted have strengthened the ROK-U.S. relationship in a positive way. I can certainly say I will keep supporting, hoping for an even more successful year"

Masley brought up Chinese Zodiac during his speech, explaining the meaning and presenting the direction Yongsan community should follow for the new year.

"This year is the year of Black Snake," Masley said. "Let this be a year of us all offering plenty of powerful opportunities to be embraced and to take advantage of all the good fortune that snakes are known for. Let this new year pave the path for re-birth, new beginning and transformation. Thank you for your support, patriotism, and commitment to the greatest alliance in the world, the ROK-U.S Alliance."

Members of the Republic of Korea's Ministry of National Defense Orchestra and Soprano Han Kyung mi performed for guests.

Related Links:

IMCOM News on Army.mil

USAG Yongsan on Facebook

USAG Yongsan on Flickr

Installation Management Command

USAG Yongsan on Twitter

USAG Yongsan on YouTube

U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan Homepage