2ID/RUCD revisit former neighbors up north

Courtesy Photo | POCHEON, Republic of Korea – Ms. Choi, Myung-Sook (first person from the right), chairperson, Yami Senior Community Center, shares her past experience with the 2nd Infantry Division as a local resident during 2ID/RUCD’s visit, Feb. 13. The division was there in support of the U.S. Forces Korea Good Neighbor Program which aims to promote friendship, trust and mutual understanding between USFK service members and the Republic of Korea citizens through volunteer service and activities. (U.S. Army photo by KATUSA Cpl. Park, Seung Ho, 2ID/RUCD Public Affairs)  

PYEONGTAEK, SOUTH KOREA

02.13.2019

Story by Sgt. Raquel Birk 

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

POCHEON, Republic of Korea – Even though Warriors moved more than 60 miles south to their new home in Pyeongtaek, the distance has not stopped them from visiting former neighbors.

Soldiers from 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division revisited their former hometown friends near the Demilitarized Zone at both Yangmun and Yami Senior Community Centers, Feb. 13, in hopes of continuing their existing bond.

“It feels so nice to figure out that the 2nd Infantry Division did not forget us,” said Mr. Park, Sung-Chun, chairperson, Yangmun Senior Community Center. “Last time they visited us, they said they are going to come again so we were expecting their visit, but did not know it was going to be this early. We are so glad to meet them again and so grateful they also brought these treats with them that everyone in the center can enjoy.”

Members of the 2ID/RUCD Civil Affairs team and the division chaplain brought several gifts including chocolates, drinks, bread, and nonperishable goods. These gifts were given to pay respect to elderly members of the community.

Warrior Division ambassadors received a warm welcome to Yami Senior Community Center, which treated them to lunch.

“We felt so gracious to have a surprise visit from them,” said Ms. Choi, Myung-Sook, chairperson, Yami Senior Community Center. “This kind of visit provides us with opportunities to have a natural and informal conversation with each other so that we get to talk and solve each other’s concerns. I hope we could have more talks and visits like this in the future.”

Since 2002, the Good Neighbor Program has strived to promote friendship, trust and mutual understanding between USFK service members and Republic of Korea citizens through volunteer service and activities.

“We appreciate our good neighbors in Area I, so we like to drive over, meet with them and tell them how much we appreciate them and also listen to any concerns that they have,” said Lt. Col. David W. Pinkston, assistant chief of staff, 2ID/RUCD Civil Affairs, Bentonville, Arizona native. “We used to live in Area I, so although we moved, they are still our good neighbors and we don’t want to lose them as friends.”

Through revisiting their former neighbors, Warriors learned the true meaning of keeping in touch.

• Date Taken: 02.13.2019
• Date Posted: 02.14.2019 05:41
• Story ID: 310662
• Location: PYEONGTAEK, KR