Photo By Sgt. Dong-weon Kim | Team 19, Korean Augmentation to the U.S. Army and U.S. Soldiers, take a group photo...... read more read more
CAMP WALKER, South Korea - The 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, “Team 19," along with other units from Area IV, participated in the 38th annual KATUSA (Korean Augmentation to the U.S. Army) Friendship Week, celebrating 64 years of the growing bond between U.S. and KATUSA soldiers, here, April 14-18.
The week, hosted by the Republic of Korea Army Support Group, kicked off with an opening ceremony with the presentation of the colors by U.S. Army Garrison - Daegu, martial arts and drill team performances by the ROK’s 2nd Operations Command to strengthen cultural relationships between Soldiers and KATUSA’s.
“KATUSA Friendship Week is important for U.S. counterparts to understand the Korean tradition, through sporting events and cultural exchanges, Soldiers from the two countries can grow stronger partnerships,” said Sgt. Ahn Hee-chang, 19th ESC senior KATUSA.
Team 19 competed in numerous sporting events, including softball, soccer, dodge ball, tug-of-war, basketball and a relay race. Among the high-spirited games that were played against other units, Team 19’s tug-of-war team made it to the finals.
After a close tug-of-war match, Team 19 was awarded the silver medals for winning the second place against the 498th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 501st Sustainment Brigade.
Later, Camp Carroll Theater held a KATUSA talent, where Soldiers executed their best performances. Loud cheers and applause rang throughout the theater as they performed the latest Korean pop music and dance routines.
On the last day, cultural tours held across Camp Walker gained interest of Soldiers, families and university students who came here to participate and were introduced to Korean culture that included traditional fan and mask making, long established Korean games, that existed hundreds of years ago, and ate popular Korean foods like kimbab, hottuck and rice cakes.
Team 19 KATUSAs held a culture booth and drew conventional Korean plants such as bamboos and cherry blossoms, and inscribed names of friends on small fans.
Soldiers were exposed to an open environment to build friendships with their battle buddies outside the office by engaging in outdoor activities.
“This week was beneficial to me because I learned more about the KATUSAs and became much closer with them,” said Pvt. Eric Russ, 19th ESC staff judge advocate paralegal specialist.
KATUSA Friendship Week officially ended after a closing ceremony with remarks from Col. Jim M. Bradford, USAG-D commander, Lt. Col. Koo Seong-joon, Area IV RSG commander and representatives of the KATUSA Veterans Association.
“The KATUSA program represents solidarity and friendship, which has bolstered an alliance that is stronger than it has ever been and resulted in a proud heritage of former KATUSAs,” said Bradford. “I hope you all had a wonderful week and remember, you are all part of the same great team – proud, skilled, tough, and ready to fight tonight.”
Team 19’s biggest strength is the diverse force that encompasses our Soldiers, government civilians, Korean nationals and the KATUSAs. The 64-year alliance will set the stage to continue a prosperous Republic of Korea.
| Date Taken: | 04.23.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 04.22.2014 22:41 |
| Story ID: | 127141 |
| Location: | CAMP WALKER, 27, KR |
| Web Views: | 309 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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