Warrior Division cuts ribbon for Korean PUC

Photo By Staff Sgt. Courtney Smith | (Center Left) Maj. Gen. Theodore “Ted” D. Martin, 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined division commander and (Center Right) Byung Yong Ahn, Uijeonbu City mayor cut the commemorative ribbon on Camp Red Cloud, South Korea 14 Nov. They are joined by the 2ID/RUCD and Uijeongbu key leaders.  

SOUTH KOREA

11.14.2016

Story by Sgt. Courtney Smith 

2nd Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade

CAMP RED CLOUD, South Korea – 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division and Uijeongbu City key leaders gathered for a ribbon cutting ceremony and monument unveiling here, Nov. 14. Both events were to commemorate the 2ID/RUCD’s most recent Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation.
The “Warrior Division” was awarded its seventh PUC, October, for successfully merging Republic of Korea forces and U.S. Soldiers to become the Army’s only combined division.
The ribbon cutting ceremony symbolized the unified cutting away of differences and the unity that all Soldiers, ROK Army, and Uijeongbu City citizens share.
“This is a significant event in our history and it will live with me forever,” said Maj. Gen. Theodore “Ted” D. Martin, 2ID/RUCD commander. “We formally recognize that our success stems from the combined division, the ROK-U.S. Alliance, and the specialty partnership with Uijeongbu city.”
Throughout history Soldiers have built a strong bond with the South Korean citizens by supporting the peninsula’s borders.
“Today’s events have significant meaning, for the last sixty four years the United Stated of America has continuously provided support for the Republic of Korea, reinforcing national security,” said Byung Yong Ahn, Uijeonbu City mayor.
The planning and execution of the division stood out amongst various units and was awarded because of its seamless conversion.
“The competition for the PUC was fierce and the entire peninsula strived for this great award,” said Martin. “Without their [ROKA and the local community] support and great working relationship we couldn’t bring the combined division to life.”
The presence of American forces has invoked admiration and dedication in the hearts and minds of the citizens living in Area I.
“Uijeongbu City and the Republic of Korea will always be thankful for the presence of [U.S. Forces Korea],” remarked Ahn. “We will always be loyal to the Soldiers of 2ID for effort and dedication.”
Ahn continued with, “With the preparations to move south after calling this place home for over sixty years, the city of Uijeongbu plans on constructing a monument in the Warrior Divisions’ honor.”
The Combined Division has and will continue to serve the Republic of Korea and Uijeongbu honorably while simultaneously promoting the “Fight Tonight” spirt.
“I propose a toast to the ROK-U.S. Alliance,” said Martin. “Katchi katpshida.”
Immediately following the room responded with “We Go Together.”

• Date Taken: 11.14.2016
• Date Posted: 11.17.2016 20:10
• Story ID: 215060
• Location: KR