Photo By Maj. Daniel Parker | Pfc. Rhee, Jun-seo, 6th Battalion, 37th Field Artillery Regiment, 210th Field...... read more read more
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CAMP HUMPHREYS, Republic of Korea – Korean Augmentation to the U. S. Army and U.S. Soldiers spent a week immersed in friendly competition and cultural exchanges to strengthen camaraderie within the combined force at Camp Casey and Camp Humphreys, April 29-May 3.
The 2nd Infantry Division/ ROK-U.S. Combined Division, hosted the 2019 KATUSA/U.S. Soldier Friendship Week to honor the bond the ROK-U.S. Alliance forged in battle and to recognize KATUSA contributions to the U.S. Army.
Brig. Gen. Stephen Maranian, deputy commanding general for maneuver, 2ID/RUCD, presided over the opening ceremony.
“2019 marks the 69th year of the KATUSA program which was established to augment the U.S. Army with Korean Army Soldiers to increase the combined defense capability on the peninsula,” said the Boston, Massachusetts native.
In June 1950, former South Korean President, Synghman Rhee and Gen. Douglas MacArthur established the KATUSA program to improve synchronization and interoperability during the Korean War.
“And since 1950, KATUSAs and American Soldiers have stood shoulder to shoulder to do just that. So, to all participants, enjoy this week of spirited and friendly competition.”
Maranian ended his remarks with a resounding “Second to None,” which signaled the official beginning of KUSFW 2019.
During the week, KATUSAs and U.S. Soldiers competed in a variety of traditional American and Korean sports to include basketball, soccer, relay races, tug of war, Korean-belt wrestling and Jok Ku (foot volleyball).
“I liked playing with the KATUSAs,” said Pvt. Harley Leatherman,
Taylorville, Illinois native and motor transport operator, Alpha Battery, 6th Battalion, 37th field Artillery Regiment. “They’re very energetic, enthusiastic sportsmen.”
American Soldiers also participated in cultural exchange events such as Jegi (hacky sack), Tuho (large sticks thrown into pots) and Korean traditional brush writing to gain a better understanding of our Korean brethren.
“It was super fun seeing all the (KATUSA) reactions when we were playing the game,” said Sgt. Makenzie Garcia, A Battery, 6-37 FAR and native of York, Pennsylvania. “Just seeing them enjoy themselves was literally the best part for me.”
The KATUSAs enjoyed teaching their U.S. counterparts more about Korean customs and traditions throughout the week.
“It was very meaningful to see American Soldiers take part in our culture,” said Pfc. Jeong, Jinkyu, KATUSA, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade. “I enjoyed watching them participate in our games.”
The week-long event concluded with an awards ceremony to announce the winners and a performance by the 1st Republic of Korea Army Corps taekwondo team.
The KUSFW 2019 offered the Warrior Division a chance to reflect on the ROK-U.S. history, the enduring Alliance and gain a better understanding of our diverse relationship.
“I noticed how everyone showed genuine support for the KATUSAs,” said Garcia. “It made me realize how hard they work for us and how much effort they put into everything they do for us. We’re completely grateful for them.”
| Date Taken: | 05.03.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 05.12.2019 21:37 |
| Story ID: | 322150 |
| Location: | KR |
| Web Views: | 255 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, KATUSA Friendship Week: 2ID/RUCD celebrates ROK-U.S. Alliance, by SSG Diandra Harrell, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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