Farewell to KATUSA

Courtesy Photo | KATUSAs celebrate their accomplishment at the end of the ETS ceremony July 20 on Camp Humphreys, South Korea.  

PYEONGTAEK CITY, 41, SOUTH KOREA

07.20.2015

Story by Chung Il Kim 

2nd Combat Aviation Brigade

PYEONGTAEK CITY, South Korea - Hurray!

With an exhilarated cheer, a Soldier flew into the air. Again, dozens of Soldiers around him tossed him shoulder-high into the air, a Korean way to celebrate.

For Korean Augmentation to the U.S. Army (KATUSA) Soldiers, the last day of their 21 months of military service is marked with an Expiration Term of Service (ETS) ceremony.

The ETS ceremony for the AREA III KATUSAs was held July 22 inside the post theater on Camp Humphreys, South Korea. More than 50 KATUSAs in the 2nd Infantry Division finished their service in the military, and six of those soldiers were from the 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade.

Following the tradition of wearing the Republic of Korea Army (ROKA) uniform on the ETS day, the KATUSAs put on the green and black patterned uniform that they first received during the ROK Army basic training.

The Soldiers took their seats and listened to formal remarks from the ROKA Maj. Mun Soo Gil, the Area III Republic of Korea Army Support Group commander.

Maj. Gil pointed out the bravery and sacrifice each KATUSA made the last 21 months for the nation.

“Thank you for following my orders. I wish you good luck,” he said short and strong.

When the speech was done, each KATUSA Soldier went up to the stage as his name was called. They received certificates recognizing their military service and exchanged farewells and hugs with both the U.S. and ROK senior leaders. At the end of the ceremony, all of the KATUSAs and senior leaders got up on the theater stage to take a photo and threw their green ROKA beret into the air to celebrate the end of their 21 months of service.

Sgt. Soo Hwan Jung, a supply specialist from the Headquarters and the Headquarters Company, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, was one of the Soldiers who successfully completed his service. His face expressed mixed feeling of relief and sadness.

“I still cannot believe that it is over. Time flies,” said Jung. “I thought I would only be happy, but knowing that I won’t be able to see my fellow KATUSAs anymore makes me sad.”

During Jung’s time of service, he dealt with all the supplies that the brigade’s Soldiers required. Jung supervised duties involving request, storage, issue, accountability, and expendable supplies and equipment. Jung issued and received small arms. He also performed preventive maintenance on weapons.

As a KATUSA now leaving the military, he advised new KATUSAs who are joining the team to take advantage of the resources and free time available here at Camp Humphreys.
“Unlike the regular ROK Army, KATUSAs have more resources such as a private room, nice gyms, and the privilege of having free time during the weekends,” said Jung. “21 months may sound really long, but it won’t be too long to achieve something. Set a goal, be determined, and push yourself. Then, you will be a very different person, a better person, by the time of your ETS.”

• Date Taken: 07.20.2015
• Date Posted: 07.23.2015 03:45
• Story ID: 170842
• Location: PYEONGTAEK CITY, 41, KR