YANGJU, South Korea – One of the most rewarding experiences a person can have is being able to help others. Sometimes, it can be something simple as talking to kids in your own language.
Soldiers from G Battery, 1st Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 210th Field Artillery Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, did just that on June 3, in Yangju, South Korea, as part of an ongoing program geared towards teaching English to Korean students in local area schools.
These Soldiers, both Korean Augmentation to the U.S. Army Soldiers and U.S. Soldiers, went to Sangpae Elementary School and Dongducheon Middle School to share their culture and teach English.
“It’s a new experience,” said Pfc. Seth Regis, a power generation equipment repairer assigned to G Battery, 1st Battalion, 15th FA Regiment, 210th FA Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division. “I’ve never taught anyone to speak English before – it’s all very good.”
For Sangpae Elementary School, history goes back a long way with the battalion. In 2005, the school became the sister school to the battalion and interactions have been going on ever since.
“These kids usually do not get the chance to experience foreign cultures,” said Ko Jin-seon, one of the faculty members in charge of the program at the school. “But it really helps to have U.S. Soldiers come here and spend time together.”
This teaching and volunteer experience not only helps those that are learning English, but the Soldiers teaching it as well.
For Spc. Andy Issar, a power generation equipment repairer assigned to G Battery, it was a chance to get familiar with the Korean culture.
“I got to interact more with the culture, going outside the base,” said Issar, a native of Covina, Calif. “Miles away, I am able to see more in-depth the Korean culture, and how they live.”
According to Regis, these sorts of interactions and relationships with the local community reflect on them, too.
“It helps us get out there and influence the community in a good way,” said Regis. “Sometimes Soldiers that do bad things reflects on us negatively, but this helps people realize that we are out here to do good things.”
Ko, from Sangpae Elementary, also talked about how their hard work is being appreciated.
“On behalf of the school, I would like to show my gratitude towards the Soldiers,” said Ko. “We all are very thankful for their time and services to the local community.”