ETS ceremony honors KATUSA military service

Photo By Ki Yong Kwon | U.S. Army Lt. Col. Karen A. Baker, the commander of the 498th Combat Sustainment and Support Battalion, delivers a speech during a Korean Augmentation to the U.S. Army (KATUSA) Expiration of Term of Service March 12, 2019 at Camp Carroll, Waegwan, Republic of Korea. The KATUSA program is unique to the U.S. Army, in that the system within the ROK-U.S. Alliance allows Republic of Korea soldiers to serve in the U.S. Army Chain of Command. (U.S. Army hoto by Korean Augmentation to the U.S. Army Cpl. Kim, Tae Gun)  

WAEGWAN, 47, SOUTH KOREA

03.12.2019

Story by Ki Yong Kwon 

U.S. Army Materiel Support Command - Korea

The Area IV Community of Camp Carroll celebrated the military service of Korean Augmentation to the U.S. Army (KATUSA) Soldiers during an Expiration of Term of Service (ETS) Ceremony March 12, 2019 at Camp Carroll’s Multi-Purpose Theater, Waegwan, Republic of Korea.

The ceremony honored 21 KATUSAs from the U.S. Army Materiel Support Command – Korea, the 2nd Infantry Division, and the 94th Military Police Battalion as they finished their service safely and successfully.

As each Soldier came up to the stage, attendees filled the theater with exhilarated cheers. The honorees received Republic of Korea Army Letters of Commendation and Certificates of Appreciation by the U.S. Army. The Soldiers had successfully fulfilled their 21 months of service.

Many fellow KATUSAs, U.S. Soldiers and senior leaders attended the ceremony to celebrate the momentous occasion, some of whom offered words of gratitude and encouragement.

“Thank you for your service and wish you good luck for the future career,” said Republic of Korea Army Lt. Col. Lee, Jae Seong, who is the Area IV ROKA Support Group Commander.

Lee also pointed out the importance of a strong ROK-U.S. Alliance.

“We (ROK-US) have been together to keep our country safe,” said Lee. “We are the strongest Alliance in the world. As one, I am confident we can break through challenges and obstacles.”

The KATUSA program is unique to the U.S. Army, in that the system within the ROK-U.S. Alliance allows Republic of Korea soldiers to serve in the U.S. Army Chain of Command.

U.S. Army Col. Eric L. Jackson, the commander of the U.S. Army Materiel Support Command – Korea, shared a moment of celebration, passing his warm wishes to one of the KATUSA graduates, Sgt. Lee, Sang Jun, who was a Transportation Management Coordinator for the USAMSC-K.

“Your service alongside U.S. Army Soldiers has played a remarkable role. It reflects the unbreakable bond that unites our two nations,” said Jackson. “I strongly encourage you to connect with KATUSA alumni because many are in significant roles in the society.”

Lt. Col. Karen A. Baker, the Commander of the 498th Combat Sustainment and Support Battalion, began her speech with big congratulations, speaking in Korean.

“Chu-Kah-Ham-Ni-Da!,” said Baker, (translated in English as Congratulations.) “to all the ETSing KATUSAs!”

She emphasized the great history of the KATUSA program which was initiated in 1950.

“In July of 1950, the KATUSA program enabled the quick integration and synchronization of U.S. Forces with South Korean forces on the Korean Peninsula. The KATUSAs provide the vital link between U.S. Soldiers and understanding the Korean language, culture, and terrain,” said Baker.

Baker closed her remarks with a piece of advice to the young KATUSA graduates.

“The key to happiness and success in life, is to focus all your energy on achieving your dreams, listen to your gut instinct, and never accept defeat,” Baker said.

• Date Taken: 03.12.2019
• Date Posted: 03.19.2019 20:09
• Story ID: 314926
• Location: WAEGWAN, 47, KR