US special operations helps provide for South Korean orphanage

Photo By Capt. Kimberly Chatto | U.S. Special Operations Command-Korea’s Chaplain, U.S. Army Major Jesse McCullough(left) and Command Psychologist Dr. Richard Sohn(far right) visited a local social welfare facility on March 17, 2022 to donate home appliances and food items.  

PYEONGTAEK, 41, SOUTH KOREA

03.17.2022

Courtesy Story

Special Operations Command Korea

by Mr. Sheen, Hyonho

PYEONGTAEK, South Korea – U.S. Special Operations Command-Korea supported Tongpang Rehabilitation Center for Children as part of U.S. Forces Korea’s Good Neighbor Program.

Tongpang Rehabilitation Center for Children (TRCC) is home to 56 physically challenged children within the age groups of 4 to 19 who have no guardians or whose guardians are classified within local district parameters as falling under the poverty line. Although TRCC is run by operating expenses paid by the government as well as donations from various organizations, running the facility can often exceed budgetary allowances and donations.

“We the caregivers do our best to provide these children with what they need, but we only have so much,” said TRCC assistant director Ara Kim. “There are times when we find ourselves in financially difficult situations, primarily when big expenditures need to be made. One common financial issue that arises unexpectedly are medical and maintenance issues. The reason we reached out to SOCKOR was because of our washer and dryer malfunctioning and we desperately needed a replacement as clean clothes are vital to run a huge family.”

When the news reached SOCKOR Chaplain McCullough and command psychologist Dr. Richard Sohn they decided to reach out to SOCKOR to see if people would be interested in helping. Over twenty members of SOCKOR contributed financial donations on a wide spectrum. The donations from the Special Operations community assisted in raising over double the initial goal of a thousand dollars. TRCC now has access to a high quality dryer, vacuum cleaners, 330 pounds of rice, 175 sandwiches, and 275 containers of milk.

“The quality dryer and vacuum cleaners were crucial electrical appliances we could not afford,” said Kim. “We are so grateful. This quick provision from SOCKOR will be very much appreciated.”

TRCC staff provides training and life skills to children in the program including those who are aging out, such as basic chores like laundry. Having working appliances not only helps maintain a functioning program and facility, but helps in their children’s programming.

“Before this gift, if the weather was not favorable we had to dry the wet clothes inside a room packed with up to 15 kids,” said Kim. “Our old cheaply-made vacuum cleaners were not strong enough and were on the brink [of malfunctioning]. I and all the staff here at TRCC thank the members of SOCKOR who stepped up and helped make our lives much easier!”

When people think of special operations they often have a mindset of training and exercises, but a large part of SOF includes humanitarian aid and assistance. As members of the community, helping those in need falls into the core characteristics of what makes special operations unique and it is no different at SOCKOR.

“When people ask what it’s like working in SOF,” said McCullough, “I tell them what makes it special is that people really are the priority. These gifts to TRCC epitomized that. Together, this team effort will impact more than fifty children with special needs living at TRCC. Thanks again for your generosity, it is truly a pleasure working with you and being a part of this team.”

CONCILIO PROVEHO, Move Forward and Together.

• Date Taken: 03.17.2022
• Date Posted: 03.24.2022 19:08
• Story ID: 417049
• Location: PYEONGTAEK, 41, KR