Asian heritage motivates medic

Photo By Sgt. Nicholas Holmes | Spc. Angela Kim, a health care specialist and unit armorer with, Headquarter and Headquarter Company, 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. “If I could tell my younger self something, it would be not to take too long planning and being afraid of something new, because I have really found something that is right for me.”  

FORT STEWART, GA, UNITED STATES

05.02.2016

Story by Spc. Nicholas Holmes 

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs

FORT STEWART, Ga. – In the United States, the month of May is recognized as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. During this month we take time to recognize the contributions of people from both Asian and Pacific Islander descent.

Army leadership values the honorable service of Asian American and Pacific Islander Soldiers who make immeasurable contributions and sacrifices to strengthen our Army to meet mission requirements and win the Nation's wars.

Spc. Angela Kim, a health care specialist and unit armorer with, Headquarter and Headquarter Company, 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division is a first generation American born to Korean parents.

Kim and her two younger sisters grew up in the suburb of Farmington Hills, Michigan, where they were raised with traditional Korean heritage. Margining her Korean heritage with American culture was challenging according to Kim.

“I think it is kind of difficult for first generation Americans,” Kim said. “You almost have to create a new culture in a way by incorporating the two cultures together.”

When Kim expressed interest in enlisting to the Army, the differences between her American ideals conflicted with her mother’s traditional ideals of an appropriate career choice for a female.

“My mom was heavily against me joining the Army because, in her experience, Korean women just don’t do that. It is something only for men,” Kim said. “I wanted to prove to her that I was capable of doing this and how well suited I am for this career.”

When reflecting on her time leading to enlistment, Kim said. “If I could tell my younger self something, it would be not to take too long planning and being afraid of something new, because I have really found something that is right for me.”

In August of 2013 Kim enlisted in the Army, attending basic combat training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and advanced individual training, or AIT, at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

“After I graduated from AIT my mother was very proud of me,” Kim said. “Now that she sees how well I am doing in this field, she encourages me to push myself further in my career.”

Kim was stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia, following her training, where her hard work and dedication has been noticed by peers and leadership.

“Kim has been a true asset to the company,” said Sgt. Heather Blackwell, equal opportunity leader with HHC. “She has the drive and strength to excel at any task and will only become a greater asset as her career continues.”

“She is a very hard worker, always aims to meet or exceed the standard,” said Spc. Rickie Geiger, a health care specialist with HHC, 9th BEB. “She is always very genuine and looks out for her fellow Soldiers.”

According to Kim her Korean culture has taught her to always work hard and be willing to do what is necessary to achieve her goals.

“What is great about the Army is that we have the opportunity to achieve so much professionally,” Kim said. “I am excited to transition into special operations civil affairs in my future.”

Kim is dedicated to, and excited about, becoming a strong leader in the Army.

“As a leader I will continue to set the [Army] standard to my Soldiers and peers,” Kim concluded. “My mom always told me that you are like a mirror’s image, so if my reflection is the standard then that is all that will be seen.”

• Date Taken: 05.02.2016
• Date Posted: 05.02.2016 17:03
• Story ID: 197079
• Location: FORT STEWART, GA, US