Yongsan stands together against child abuse

U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan
Story by Pfc. Young Ho Jung

Date: 04.07.2014
Posted: 04.13.2014 23:35
News ID: 125737
Yongsan stands together against child abuse

YONGSAN GARRISON, Republic of Korea – Brig. Gen. Chris R. Gentry, deputy commanding general of sustainment for 8th Army, signed a child abuse prevention proclamation at the School Age Center here, April 7.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Prevention is not a one-month assignment. It goes on every day of every year. Gentry expressed his thoughts on the importance of child abuse prevention.

“The issue of child abuse is one of the most difficult and heart rendering situations and probably the most emotional situation for the parents and the victim,” Gentry said. “I have the utmost respect for the people who are involved in this particular problem, since it is not an easy situation to deal with. I am really glad to see people gathered here as a mean to support child abuse prevention.”

The event went on with a performance held by the children of School Age Center, singing songs of the Army, Navy, Coastguard, Air force, Marine corps and Michael Jackson’s "Heal the World." A cake cutting ceremony was followed by the signing of the Child Abuse Prevention Proclamation, finalizing the event.

The proclamations that were signed by the general and Col. Michael Masley, garrison commander of U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan, will be displayed at the garrison headquarters, ACS, SAC, CDC and each of the community’s schools. The posters will serve as a reminder to promote healthy relationships and to keep the children safe.

“I hope that from our efforts here today, there will be a renewed sense to identify it, prevent it and act on it,” Gentry said. “I wish this signing of the proclamation will act as some sort of an ignition to make our community build more acknowledgements on child abuse prevention.”