Warrior Chapel decommissioned during solemn ceremony

Photo By Sgt. Raquel Birk | CAMP RED CLOUD, Republic of Korea – The Camp Red Cloud community, together with members from U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan, USAG Camp Humphreys, and 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division, pose in front of the Warrior Chapel signifying the final closing of the chapel doors following the decommissioning ceremony Oct. 21. The functions and community services of the Warrior Chapel have relocated to U.S. Army Garrison Camp Humphreys to continue serving the community members as it has for the past 66 years. The 2ID/RUCD is in the process of returning Camp Red Cloud to the Korean government as a part of the transformation plan. (U.S. Army photo by KATUSA Pfc. Park, Seung Ho, 2ID/RUCD Public Affairs)  

UIJEONGBU, SOUTH KOREA

10.21.2018

Story by Sgt. Raquel Birk 

2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division

CAMP RED CLOUD, Republic of Korea – Following the Korean War in 1953, chaplains transformed the tent version of the chapel to a stone brick edifice the Warrior community bid farewell to today.

The Camp Red Cloud community, together with members from U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan, U.S. Army Garrison Camp Humphreys, and 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division, decommissioned the Warrior Chapel with honor during a ceremony, signifying the final closing of the chapel doors Oct. 21.

Since its origin in 1952, when Camp Red Cloud was known as Camp Jackson, the chapel provided a sanctuary where thousands of Soldiers, civilians and family members received spiritual guidance through worship services.

In opening remarks, Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Kim, Moon, Seoul native, and U.S. Army Garrison Camp Humphreys command chaplain, recalled serving the Warrior Division in 2016 as 2ID/RUCD command chaplain and remains optimistic.

“Warrior Chapel is not really closing, but moving to Camp Humphreys,” said Kim, Moon. “I’m kind of excited in a way, because most of the Soldiers will go to Humphreys and I will continue to serve them there.”

Chaplain (Capt.) Steve Love, Edwardsville, Illinois native, and Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 2ID/RUCD spiritual leader, spoke of his feelings about the Warrior Chapel closing its doors.

“The Warrior Chapel served military members and their families for more than 66 years, and will continue serving the 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division community from its new home on Camp Humphreys,” said Love. “Camp Humphreys has four chapels, including the Warrior Chapel, with a large variety of services in support of the spiritual wellness of its diverse community.”

Love’s comments were followed by U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan Command Sgt. Maj. Donald R. Robertson, a native of Monroe, Georgia, who highlighted the volunteers who devoted countless hours of service to the community.

Amongst those recognized was Mr. Kim, Ki Ye, a native of North Korea, who at age 19, escaped during the Korean War by ship with the help of a U.S. Soldier who persuaded ROK Soldiers not to leave Kim behind because he would surely die. Mr. Kim, Ki dedicated 32 years of volunteer service to the Warrior Chapel as an organist.

“If the American Soldier had not helped me, I wouldn’t have freedom today,” said Mr. Kim, Ki. “I sincerely appreciate the U.S. Soldiers, sacrificing themselves for our country, and volunteering at the Warrior Chapel was a way to show gratitude.”

The newly relocated Warrior Chapel is building 6800 on Camp Humphreys. In keeping with 2ID/RUCD tradition, it offers the finest spiritual services. Meanwhile, 2ID/RUCD is in the process of returning Camp Red Cloud to the Korean government as a part of the transformation plan.

For more imagery and video of the decommissioning ceremony, visit https://www.flickr.com/photos/2id/albums/72157702477079834 and
https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/2ID.

• Date Taken: 10.21.2018
• Date Posted: 10.22.2018 01:35
• Story ID: 297189
• Location: UIJEONGBU, KR