Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Carlos Davis | Pfc. Andrae Hill, from Tifton, Ga., a health care specialist assigned to 6th...... read more read more
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CAMP CASEY, South Korea – Soldiers and citizens showcased the partnership as one community living Katchi Kapshida.
Soldiers from 210th Fires Brigade and citizens of Dongducheon, South Korea, played in a good neighbor soccer game June 8 on Camp Casey.
“By playing sports with the citizens of Dongducheon, this event provides a chance for everyone to meet and understand each other,” said Kim Tok-ki, an editor and sports writer for Sports of Korea.
According to Capt. Robert Auletta, from Massapequa, N.Y., the commander of A Battery, 1st Battalion, 38th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, an event like this nature allows soldiers and civilians a chance to share their culture and erase the bad image which some citizens might have of American soldiers.
“It allows us to interact with the citizens of Dongducheon and enjoy a friendly game of soccer and get to know one another and grow as a community,” said Auletta.
Soldiers and civilians, alike, understand the importance of having a good relationship with each other.
Kim stated it is hard for everyone to get along, but the majority of the citizens here in Korea enjoy the American soldiers.
“The Korean people are very nice,” added Pfc. Matthew Burian, a multiple launch rocket system crew member from Wayne, N.J., who is also assigned to A Battery. “A lot of the civilians approach my friends and I and thank us for being here,” he said.
Events like this can help the two cultures better understand one another.
“We had some trouble in the past, but this type of event allows us to show that we are not all bad people. We make mistakes sometimes but we are here for a good reason and not to cause trouble.”
Something as simple as a soccer game enhances the relationship between U.S. soldiers and Korean citizens and ends with hopes of a stronger future together.
“I hope U.S. soldiers and the citizens of Dongducheon continue to work together more in the future and continue to build on their relationship,” said Kim.
Overall, the two teams weren’t concerned about the final score; however, the game was competitive.
“At the end of the day, it really doesn’t matter who wins this game,” said Auletta. “It’s nice that we are able to do something together other than work or train.”
After the match, the two teams, along with military and civilian spectators, gathered around picnic tables to share a traditional barbecue meal and friendly conversation.
By the end of the event, new friendships were created and old ones were rekindled, strengthening the alliance and building trust within the two cultures.
| Date Taken: | 07.15.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 07.15.2013 03:59 |
| Story ID: | 110193 |
| Location: | 26, KR |
| Hometown: | MASSAPEQUA, NY, US |
| Hometown: | WAYNE, NJ, US |
| Web Views: | 155 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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