The Morning Calm Korea Weekly - May 29, 2009
The Morning Calm Korea Weekly - May 29, 2009
The Morning Calm Korea Weekly - May 29, 2009
com/imcomkorea
Good Neighbors
May 29, 2009 • Volume 7, Issue 32 Published for those serving in the Republic of Korea http://imcom.korea.army.mil
ABOVE: The Boyer Family poses for a photo with two Korean students
at the 2009 Good Neighbor English Camp graduation barbecue, May 23
at Camp Coiner on USAG-Yongsan. The Camp is an annual Korean youth
outreach program to promote understanding and appreciation of USFK
and American Culture. Left to right: Vincent Boyer; Seoul American
Elementary School K-5 Art Teacher, Karry Boyer; Min Jung La and Seon
Yeob, both from Taegu; Maj. Del Boyer, Bravo Company Commander,
602nd ASB; Cassi Boyer. RIGHT: Volunteers and students enjoy
friendship and camaraderie during the GNEC graduation barbecue, May
23. Left to right: Park, Inyoung, GNEC volunteer and senior at Ehwa
Women’s University; Seoul American High School juniors, Youngmin
Suh; TaeHyun Kim; Shane Yingling. More about the GNEC is available
at www.usfk.mil — U.S. Army photo by Debbie Hong
Page 2
Region News P02 Sights and Sounds P02
USAG-Red Cloud P05 Movie Schedule P14
Retiree Corner:
Income tax advice for retirees in Korea
By Jack Terwiel retiree, then she is a non-resident alien. This applies if she
Military Retiree Assistance Office has a green card but has not been back to the U.S. in more
than a year, or if she doesn’t have a green card. As a non-
Submitting to
I had a retiree visit my office for assistance in filing his 2007 resident alien her Social Security is taxed at about 25%. It is
The Morning Calm Weekly tax return. To ensure I was aware of his complete tax situation, I automatically withheld from her Social Security benefits and
Send Letters to the Editor, guest commentaries, asked him to provide me with his 2006 tax return. When I saw is non-refundable. If the retiree files a joint return and claims
story submissions and other items: it, I was amazed to see his deduction. He had listed his military any part of the wife’s withheld tax for refund, they could
[email protected].
retired pay on IRS Form 2555, claiming it as ‘foreign-earned be liable in later IRS reviews to repay the withheld tax with
For all submitted items include a point of con- income.’ This retiree’s problem is that his military retired pay is interest and penalty.
tact name and telephone number. All items are not foreign-earned income. It’s a pension payment paid by the The correct way to complete the joint return is to calculate
subject to editing for content and to insure they U.S. government. The only income that can be claimed on the the total amount of tax owed and any refund due. If the refund
conform with DoD guidelines.
Form 2555 is pay from a civilian employer. Employees of the includes any part of the tax on the wife’s Social Security, then
IMCOM-K Public Affairs U.S. government may not use the Form 2555. the difference must be included as additional tax. This might
and the Morning Calm Weekly staff are located There’s another situation that retirees may not be aware of be done by entering it on Form 1040, line 58. Just be sure
in IMCOM-K HQ, Yongsan Garrison Main Post. and that involves Social Security being paid to a Korean wife. If the total tax being paid is at least equal to her withheld tax to
For information, call 738-4068.
the wife is a Korean citizen, and if her husband is a non-SOFA avoid later problems.
MAY 22, 2009 NEWS NEWS • PAGE 3
http://imcom.korea.army.mil
MP Blotter
The following entries were excerpted from
the military police blotters. These entries
may be incomplete and do not imply guilt
or innocence.
writing,” Silverstein said. U.S. Soldiers perished and were left in unmarked
Castro, who deployed three times to Iraq graves,” Silverstein said. “In the aftermath of
most recently for 14 months with the 3rd battles civilians often hastily buried remains
Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, wherever they found them in an attempt to
compared his new experiences with JPAC to the prevent diseases. The stalemate around the 38th
lessons learned in Iraq. parallel included continuous back-and-forth
“There is a lot of similarities here, like dealing battles such that UN [United Nations] forces
with local officials here is like dealing with the often did not control the battlefield at the end of
sheiks in Iraq. You can apply a lot of the same the day. Because of this remains might be hastily
skills here.” buried or left in place.”
The JPAC missions in South Korea have “The vast majority are ground losses,”
much easier logistics compared to other countries Silverstein said. “There are a couple of reasons
JPAC operates in, Silverstein said. This stems that there are so many MIAs. The speed and
from the excellent working relationship between chaos of the initial invasion of the south and
the ROK and the U.S. scattered resistance of U.S. forces meant that
“Because of the long history of cooperative the battlefield was dynamic and many were lost
endeavors, the SOFA [Status of Forces without the supporting benefit of a cohesive unit
Agreement], and the U.N. and U.S. presence, organization.
operations usually receive the highest level After excavating the burial sites, the JPAC
of cooperation and minimal bureaucratic or team will conduct recovery operations on a
political obstructions,” Silverstein said. “With plane crash.
many of the other countries we work in, it is “With an aircraft you often know that you
the opposite, we are overcoming a long period have the right spot because the wreckage leaves
of distrust, working hard to build political and a clear signature whereas an alleged burial is
professional bridges that are already in place in usually an uncorrelated site and often based on
the ROK. aged memories of a time and landscape that
At the burial site the team searched for has changed dramatically,” Silverstein said. “In
remains of U.S. Soldiers who died during a other words, the alleged burial may or may not
MIA march across the border of North and be where indicated and, if it is there, the remains
South Korea. may or may not be related to a U.S. loss.
“The truth is we don’t know,” Silverstein “On the other side, buried remains tend
said when asked if the recovery site had been to be better preserved, even articulated, maybe
correlated to a particular event such as the march with equipment and ID [identification tags]
of U.S. POWs to North Korea from the south media whereas remains from an aircraft can be
during the war. highly fragmented, burned, and scattered over a
“The site was identified during a search along large area making the recovery operation itself
a POW march route from Hwacheon to North a challenging and time-consuming operation,”
Korea,” Silverstein said. “A farmer identified Silverstein added.
an area where he had encountered remains “It has more to do with the nature of the
and a subsequent limited excavation recovered sites,” Silverstein said. “Most of our losses in SEA
human remains. The site has not been positively [southeast Asia] tend to be high speed aircraft
correlated to a U.S. MIA loss site at this time. losses that, as discussed above, require much more
Our witness suggested there are three to five extensive field operations.”
people at the site.” Note: JPAC is conducting recovery operations
“DPRK methods of handling prisoners often in the South Korea provinces of Kangwon and
included long marches north during which many Kyongsang from May 10 – June 18.
Nam, Young Keun, USAG-RC firefighter (left), Jeon Young Ho, USAG-RC fire crew chief (center), and You Sung Hoon, USAG-RC firefighter (right), put out vehicle fires as a part of National
Disaster Emergency Rescue Training. The training took place at Daejin University May 11 to improve response times and capabilities for national disasters. For more photos from USAG-Red
Cloud visit the IMCOM Korea flickr photostream at www.flickr.com/photos/imcomkorea— U.S. Army photo by Pvt. Kim, Taehoon
Transportation 101
Learn to use the mass transportation
system in Seoul. Dress for the weather
and bring Korean won for lunch and
transportation. Each participant receives
a free T-Money Card. The next class is
9 a.m.-2 p.m. June 17 in building S4106,
Room 124. For information, call 738-7505.
M
ay is Asian-Pacific American of Honor and an unprecedented eight
Heritage Month, a time Presidential Unit Citations. It’s quite an
to honor citizens of our inspiring story.
country whose families Here at Yongsan, we are in a unique
went to America from halfway around situation in which we can witness and
the world and became integral members experience Korean culture right outside our
of American society. gates. For example, the first weekend in May,
The origins of this month began in 1978 Seoul had one of its biggest cultural events of
when President Carter proclaimed the first the year. The Lotus Lantern Festival was an
10 days of May as Asian Pacific Heritage extravaganza of thousands of glowing lanterns
Week. In May 1990, President George and endless lines of festive displays and floats
H.W. Bush expanded it to a month-long held to mark the birthday of Buddha. It
commemoration and renamed it Asian- was a chance for us to learn about Korea’s
Pacific American ancient Buddhist
Heritage Month. heritage. If you
T h i s y e a r ’s didn’t make it,
theme, “Lighting “Come out Saturday, May mark it on your
the Past, Present
a n d Fu t u r e ,” 30 to the Yongsan Asian- calendar for next
year, along with
acknowledges
the many nations
Pacific American Heritage taking advantage
of the many
and ethnicities
that Asian-
Month Festival.” other cultural
experiences a tour
Pacific Americans Col. Dave Hall to Korea offers.
represent and D u r i n g
their roles in USAG-Yongsan Commander this month,
society that have we proudly
helped strengthen celebrate Asian-
American fellowship, encourage prosperity Pacific Americans, one of the fastest
and enliven spirit. growing ethnic groups in the United
The United States, it has often been States, for their remarkable role in our
noted, is a nation composed almost Nation’s development. More than 15
entirely of descendants of immigrants. We million Americans claim Asian or Pacific
call ourselves Americans, but at the same ancestry. They make our culture more
time, we are proud of our roots - proud of vibrant, and America is a better place
where our parents, our grandparents and for that.
our great grandparents came from. Come out Saturday, May 30 to the
Our Nation’s rich cultural diversity Yongsan Asian-Pacific American Heritage
reflects our Constitution’s core vision of Festival. The 65th Medical Brigade is
freedom and justice for all. Throughout hosting the event at the parking lot across
our history, Asian-Pacific Americans have from Collier Field House and Field No.
made great contributions to America’s 12 . The festival will feature cultural tents
heritage and prosperity. and foods, entertainment and games
Moreover, Asian-Pacific Americans for children. For information, call 737-
in the U.S. military have been engaged 3110.
in a very real and dangerous service During the festival, we will celebrate
to combat terrorism, and especially to Asian and Pacific Islanders here in Yongsan
protect new, fragile democracies that with Soldiers, families and civilians of
are emerging in Afghanistan and Iraq. Korean, Chinese, Philippines, Guam
Asian-Pacific Americans have made lasting and Samoan culture. If you attend, you’ll
contributions to America’s wartime efforts enjoy food samplings, dancing, music,
since World War II. singing, martial arts demonstrations, face
One of the most famous is the 442nd painting and other activities for kids and
Regimental Combat Team, the “Go for adults, along with displays of Asian-Pacific
Broke” outfit of Japanese-Americans Islander products.
who fought valiantly in Europe during One highlight of the festival will be
World War II. It was the most decorated food sampling of traditional foods, such
unit for its size and length of service. In as pancit, lumpia, adobo (chicken, pork,
total, 14,000 men served with the unit, shrimp), and bibingka (cassava, sweet
earning 9,486 Purple Hearts, 21 Medals rice). See you there!
MAY 22, 2009 NEWS IMCOM-K • PAGE 13
http://imcom.korea.army.mil
2nd ID Warriors form ‘living insignia’ for 2nd time in division history
By Master Sgt. Michael Pintagro
2nd Infantry Division Public Affairs
May 22 - 28
HOVEY Adventureland Monsters vs. Aliens Angels and Demons No Show Fast & Furious 2009 No Show
Terminator Salvation:
(R) 7 p.m. (PG) 7 p.m. (PG13) 7 p.m. (PG-13) 7 p.m.
The Future Begins
730-5412 (PG-13) 7 p.m.
Night at the Museum: Night at the Museum: Terminator Salvation: Terminator Salvation: Terminator Salvation: Terminator Salvation:
OSAN Battle of the Smithsonian Battle of the Smithsonian The Future Begins The Future Begins The Future Begins The Future Begins High School Graduation
784-4930 (PG) 6:30 / 9 p.m. (PG) 1 / 3:30 / 6 / 8:30 p.m. (PG-13) 1 / 3:30 / 6 / 8:30 p.m. (PG-13) 7 p.m. (PG-13) 7 p.m. (PG-13) 7 p.m. Ceremony
Star Trek
RED CLOUD (PG-13) 7 p.m. Fast & Furious 2009 Adventureland Monsters vs. Aliens Race to Witch Mountain
No Show Angels and Demons
Friday the 13th (PG-13) 7 p.m. (R) 7 p.m. (PG) 7 p.m. (PG) 7 p.m. (PG13) 7 p.m.
732-6620 (R) 9 p.m.
Area I Worship Schedule Area II Worship Schedule Area III Worship Schedule Area IV Worship Schedule
Protestant Services Protestant Services Protestant Services Protestant Services
Collective Collective Sunday 0930 Brian Allgood Hospital Collective Collective Protestant
Sunday 1000 Stone Chapel Sunday 1030 K-16 Chapel Sunday 1100 Super Gym Sunday 1000 Camp Carroll
Sunday 1000 Stanley Chapel Sunday 1100 Hannam Village Chapel 1100 Suwon Air Base Chapel 1030 Camp Walker
Sunday 1030 West Casey Chapel 1100 Camp Eagle Chapel Church of Christ 1700 Camp
Sunday 1100 Warrior Chapel Liturgical Sunday 0800 Memorial Chapel Gospel 1300 Super Gym Walker
Sunday 1100 Crusader Chapel Contemporary Sunday 0930 South Post Chapel Contemporary 1700 Super Gospel 1215 Camp Walker
Sunday 1100 Hovey Chapel Traditional Sunday 1100 South Post Chapel Gym 1300 Camp Carroll
Gospel 1100 Memorial Chapel, Casey Gospel Sunday 1230 South Post Chapel KATUSA Contemporary
Sunday 1100 Casey Memorial Chapel Mision Pentecostal Hispana Tuesday 1900 Super Gym Friday 1900 Camp Walker
1100 Camp Stanley Chapel Sunday 1430 South Post Chapel Korean Korean
Korean Sunday 0910 Hannam Village Chapel Wednesday 1930 Super Gym Tuesday 1900 Camp Carroll
Stanley Chapel Wednesday 1830 Camp Walker
COGIC United Pentecostal Catholic Services
Sunday 1230 CRC Warrior Chapel Sunday 1330 Memorial Chapel Mass Catholic Services
KATUSA Daily 1145 Annex 2 Chapel Mass
Sunday 1930 CRC Warrior Chapel KATUSA Tuesday 1830 Memorial Chapel Sunday 0930 Super Gym Sunday 0900 Camp Walker
Sunday 1300 Jackson Auditorium 1700 Camp Eagle Chapel 1130 Camp Carroll
Tuesday 1900 Camp Stanley Chapel Seventh-Day Adventist 1700 Suwon Air Base Chapel Saturday 1700 Camp Walker
Tuesday 1840 Casey Stone Chapel Saturday 0930 Brian Allgood Hospital Jewish
Tuesday 1800 Camp Castle Chapel
Every 2nd Friday 1830 Annex 2 Chapel Jewish Worship Service
Tuesday 1830 Casey Memorial Chapel Early Morning Service Every Friday at 1900 - Camp Walker Chapel, Classroom #1
Tuesday 1830 Camp Hovey Chapel (Korean) Mon-Sat 0510 South Post Chapel For information, contact Corey Ringer at [email protected], or
Thursday 1830 West Casey Chapel
call 753-3909
Episcopal Sunday 1000 Memorial Chapel
Catholic Services/Mass
Sunday 1130 Camp Stanley Chapel Catholic Services
Sunday 0900 CRC Warrior Chapel
Sunday 1215 West Casey Chapel Catholic Mass Saturday 1700 Memorial Chapel
The Command Chaplain’s Office is here to perform, provide, or coordinate total religious support to the United
Sunday 0930 Camp Hovey Chapel Sunday 0800 South Post Chapel Nations Command, U.S. Forces Korea and Eighth U.S. Army Servicemembers, their families and authorized
Sunday 1130 Memorial Chapel civilians across the full spectrum of operations from armistice to war.
Later Day Saints Mon/Thur/Fri 1205 Memorial Chapel
Sunday 1400 West Casey Chapel Tues/Wed 1205 Brian Allgood Hospital
1st Sat. 0900 Memorial Chapel Visit the U.S. Forces Korea Religious Support site at:
Jewish www.usfk.mil/org/FKCH/Index.html?/org/FKCH/Contents/mission.htm
Friday 1830 West Casey Chapel Jewish for helpful links and information.
Friday 1900 South Post Chapel
Chaplain (Lt. Col.) David B. Crary: Chaplain (Maj.) Klon K. Kitchen, Jr.: 2ID Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Richard Spencer: Chaplain (Maj.) Eddie Kinley:
[email protected], 738-3009 [email protected], 753-7274 [email protected], 732-7998 [email protected], 764-5455
Chaplain (Maj.) Adolph G. DuBose: Chaplain (Maj.) James E. O’Neal: Red Cloud Chaplain (Maj.) Fredrick Garcia: Chaplain (Maj.) Edward Martin:
[email protected], 738-4043 [email protected] , 753-7276 [email protected], 732-6169 [email protected], 765-8004
Chaplain (Maj.) Leo Mora Jr.: Chaplain (Capt.) Anthony Flores: Red Cloud Chaplain (Capt.) Mario Rosario:
[email protected], 736-3018 [email protected], [email protected],
753-7042 732-6169
No Endorsement Implied
No Endorsement Implied
IMCOM-K • PAGE 16
http://imcom.korea.army.mil FEATURE THE MORNING CALM
Staff Sgt. Christophe Paul holds up the original 1925 Living Insignia photo as he towers over the 2009 formation to mark the historic event — U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Chirstophe Paul
“We’ll have Soldiers from every the division engineer shop. “It feels pretty the patch design and adjusting for the slope than the 2nd ID.’”
significant division hub,” he said before good to be part of an event like this that of the angle from 35 feet,” Nuclo said. “This is a time in the history of the
the event. “They’re coming from (camps) hopefully will last another 84 years.” “For all our technological advantages division when the camaraderie and esprit
Hovey, Casey, Camp Red Cloud, The ceremony recreated an event I’m not sure what we did was a lot different de corps have never been higher,” Anastasia
Humphrey and K-16.” conducted 84 years ago at Fort Sam from what they did in 1925,” he added said. “In my 21 years of service I’ve never
Participants expressed enthusiasm for Houston, Texas, which served as division with a smile. “That was a generation of been part of an organization with such a
the opportunity to play a unique role in headquarters during the period between Americans that built a lot of amazing spirit of brotherhood, so this was an ideal
division history. the World Wars. things.” time to take the picture.”
“When I first got to Korea they took us “It’s the first time this has been Organizers and observers described the Nuclo drew an historical parallel
to the 2nd ID Museum and showed us the accomplished since 1925,” said William M. present as an ideal time for the division to between the generations of Warriors
original patch picture and said if we were Alexander, the 2nd ID museum director recreate the insignia. pictured in the past and present living
here long enough we might get a chance and division historian. Organizational “Service on the Korean Peninsula insignia photographs.
to recreate it,” said Pfc. Isaac Buckman pride, heritage and esprit de corps, the is so important a part of the division’s “The older guys in that picture would
of Company F, 333rd Target Acquisition retired Army colonel added, motivated heritage it’s only appropriate they do this have served in World War I, and most of
Battery, 210th Fires Brigade. “I thought both “living insignia” ceremonies. on the peninsula,” Alexander said. “The the younger guys would serve later in World
that was really cool, and it’s great that I “Living insignia” formations, Alexander division suffered the highest number and War II,” Nuclo said of the 1925 photo.
really had an opportunity to do it.” noted, “were widely popular during the proportion of casualties during the war and “So you had a unique moment when most
“This will go down in history and ‘20s – that was probably the high point of its members received the highest number of of the participants served in one of the two
will always be remembered,” added Pvt. their popularity. Maj. Gen. Morgan had awards. Over half of the division’s service greatest wars of their era. Now our Soldiers
Jeremiah Heard of Battery E, 143rd Air the vision to do this again.” has been in Korea. It’s due to that Korean are either on their way from or eventually
Defense Artillery, 210th Fires Brigade. Alexander said he plans to display the War legacy Gen. Douglas MacArthur said, going to Iraq or Afghanistan – the two wars
Other Soldiers, he predicted, “will love it new living insignia photo alongside the ‘No division I’ve ever commanded is better of our era.”
and they will wish they could do it just the 1925 image in the museum foyer.
same way that we did.” Event organizers confronted daunting
Event organizers seemed equally engineering, mechanical and logistical
inspired by their achievement and relieved challenges. Conducting a 5,000-
it came off without a hitch. Soldier formation, with all its inherent
“This was a deliberate operation like transportation and scheduling difficulties,
everything else we do in this division,” said represents a significant feat in itself. Event
Lt. Col. Michael Anastasia, the division and unit leaders worked tirelessly to ensure
G-3 (operations officer) and the primary consistency in uniform and precision in
figure in the planning and execution of the placement.
living insignia. “The event was meticulously Division engineers faced a particularly
planned and executed precisely according daunting task: determining and
to that plan.” implementing the proper configuration
“Everything went very well,” said Lt. and dimensions. This required engineers
Col. Leroy Sharpe, the division engineer. to establish models projecting the likely
“We knew it was going to rain and we appearance of the Soldiers from a vantage
planned for it. I’m glad it all came together point 35 feet high and to the front of the
so well. It was an honor and privilege to be formation, and arranging 5,000 Warriors
Warriors from the 2nd Infantry Division form the middle of the “Indianhead” May 21 at Indianhead Stage
part of history today.” in accordance with that vision. Field on Camp Casey, Korea. To see all of the photos from this event visit flickr at: flickr.com/imcomkorea
“I think it went very well,” added Sgt. “We used computer models – there are or the 2ID web site: www-2id.korea.army.mil — U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Christophe D. Paul,
1st Class Kyle Roberts, the NCOIC of mathematical equations we used based on 41st Signal Battalion/Visual Information Support Center
MAY 29, 2009 AREA III USAG-H • PAGE 21
http://imcom.korea.army.mil
3-2 ADA NCO’s give, take best of their tour home to U.S.
Patriot systems specialist Sgt. Manuel
By Ken Hall Soliz said though he was anxious to be
USAG-Humphreys Public Affairs promoted, he wanted to get as much
training and experience as he could before
HUMPHREYS GARRISON — The moving up in rank.
3rd Battalion, 2nd Air Defense Artillery “I was pinned sergeant downrange and
cased its colors during a relief-in-place I was fortunate to have completed what I
ceremony at Suwon Air Base May 22, needed in my promotion package while
completing a busy yet productive year in deployed,” Soliz said. “I took my time to
Republic of Korea. make sure I learned the whole aspect of what
The 6th Battalion 52nd ADA (Iron it means to be an NCO. As a specialist, you
Horse), from Fort Sill, Okla. replaced have the opportunity to hold the duty of an
3-2 ADA, (Eagles Dare) and assumed NCO and you get an idea of what the grey
responsibility for air defense coverage of the areas are and how to work more efficiently.
northern part of the Korean peninsula. Downrange, I served with NCOs that I
As 3-2 ADA’s tour wound down, the knew I wanted to be like and I’m glad I
Soldiers and leaders reflected on their time achieved that experience to help me promote
in Korea. Soldiers said they were dedicated to sergeant.”
to using their time in Korea not only to Sgt. Robert Veloz, also a Patriot systems
provide air defense support for the peninsula specialist, said as a result of high participation
but for personal and professional growth. in the I am Strong: Better Opportunity for
Prior to 3-2’s deployment to South Korea Single Soldiers program, 6-52 ADA Soldiers
in May 2008, battalion commander Lt. Col. (left to right) 3-2 ADA battalion Soldiers Sgt. Penny Pabon, Sgt. Manuel Soliz, Sgt. Robert Veloz who will relieve them will have more quality
Carolyn Birchfield, and Command Sgt. and 3-2 ADA Bn 1st Sergeant Prentiss Hall. — U.S. Army photo by Ken Hall of life opportunities.
Maj. Bryan Pinkney told their Soldiers to to NCOs who guided her during her career proficient air and missile defense battalion “There’s going to be a bigger music room
set personal and professional goals and get as well as the NCOs and Soldiers she serves in the force. I hope our Soldiers will take and more video games,” said Veloz. “The
involved in as many activities as possible to with every day. back an appreciation of our great alliance types of activities that were available were
give them the chance to see Korea, meet new “NCOs tend not to seek recognition with South Korea.” good when we arrived here last year but
friends and help make the year away from for themselves, but confer it onto their One of the first sergeants assigned to the now they’ll be even better and that’s what
their families go by faster. Soldiers,” she said. “Everyone can read our Eagles Dare battalion, 1st Sgt. Prentiss Hall, we’ve been able to accomplish here. We’ve
Eagles Dare Battalion NCOs heeded news articles and grasp the hard work and has served more than 22 years in the Army had to make some sacrifices during barracks
the advice and led their Soldiers into dedication we all have accomplished here.” and is optimistic about the future of the renovations but now the 6-52 and future
every community opportunity they could While 3-2 NCOs led their Soldiers to NCO Corps. But, he said, NCOs who’ve Soldiers will have nice rooms to live in and
participate in on and off post. winning performances across all intramural been in the Army 20 years or more need to if we don’t take care of our future Soldiers
“Some people don’t know what’s available sporting events during the past year– take young NCOs aside and show them the – who will?”
to them,” said Sgt. Penny Pabon, chemical, dominating the Commanders Cup point things that make NCOs who they are. “Our BOSS program has been an
biological, radiological and nuclear specialist, race along the way–they always kept their “We’re going through a war that’s being integral part of the morale of our Battalion
3-2 ADA. “But the vigorous efforts put forth mission with coalition partner South Korea fought on many fronts right now and there’s and we all enjoyed being a part of their
by our Army NCO Corps is expected of us in sight. turmoil in the Army,” Hall said. “I’ve seen activities,” said Birchfield. “Command
and during the Year of the NCO, junior “Our Soldiers became better at their the Warrior Leader Course cut down to Sergeant Major Pinkney and I are incredibly
enlisted Soldiers will see stories about craft, be it our core competency of air and two weeks and I think we need to do an proud our Soldiers involvement in all of
what NCOs do, learn from them and set missile defense or all the support required azimuth check as a corps and get back to our community relations programs. Our
new goals for themselves. If we don’t take to sustain the Battalion at its wartime our core values as to what makes us NCOs. Soldiers have given their time and in return
advantage of extracurricular opportunities, locations,” said Birchfield. “The mission We’re the only Army in the world that gives have received so much ... friendships that
they’ll go away.” we performed was incredibly important for its NCOs as much power as we have but will last a lifetime. I hope the Koreans will
Pabon achieved battalion Soldier of the the security of the peninsula and because there’s a reason we’re the best Army in the remember our battalion for us truly wanting
Quarter honors and attributes her success of our year here, we have become the most world – it’s our NCOs.” to be a part of their community.”
6-52 ADA battalion takes over air defense role at Suwon Air Base
By Sgt. Scott Smith to Korea to take over the Air Defense mission.
35th ADA Brigade Command Group With emotions running high, it was a proud yet somber
moment for Lt. Col. Carolyn Birchfield, 3-2 ADA Battalion
HUMPHREYS GARRISON — 3rd Battalion, 2nd Air commander.
Defense Artillery transferred authority for its missions to “For our battalion and me personally, one of the hardest
6th Battalion, 52nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment during good-byes will be to our host nation,” she said.
a brief ceremony at Suwon Air Base, May 22. Birchfield has led the battalion for the past year during
American military personnel and Korean officials what she calls a “very successful” year. She welcomed 6-52
attended the ceremony as both battalions stood ready to serve ADA and added “…you can’t ask for a better place to spend
their next mission. 3-2 is headed back to Ft. Bliss, Texas, the next year of duty.”
then to Fort. Sill, Okla. where it will join the 31st ADA
Brigade. 6-52, once under 31st ADA Brigade, will now be
a permanent part of the 35th ADA Brigade. “For our battalion and me per-
In his remarks during the ceremony Lt. Gen. Joseph
Fill, Eighth U.S. Army commanding general, said that 3-2 sonally, one of the hardest good-
ADA Soldiers made great new friends and established strong
relationships while in Korea and provided the best air defense byes will be to our host nation.”
support for the peninsula.
Col. James Dickinson, 35th ADA Brigade commander, - Lt. Col. Carolyn Birchfield
emphasized during his remarks that the air defense mission
is arguably one of the most important in the theatre and one
on the most complex. During his remarks, Lt. Col. Robert Kelley, 6-52 ADA Lt. Col. Robert Kelly, 6th Battalion 52nd Air Defense
Both battalions worked long and hard over the past couple commander said “it’s fitting for 6-52 ADA to be chosen for Artillery commander and 6-52 ADA Command Sergeant
of months to prepare for this moment. 3-2 ADA prepared a rotation to Korea because of their rich past tradition here, Major Timothy Hockenberry uncase the colors of the “Iron
for its move back to the U.S. while 6-52 ADA spent the past with eight campaign streamers – it’s almost as if this was a Horses” during a relief-in-place ceremony at Suwon Air
nine months at Fort Sill certifying and preparing to deploy homecoming of the battalion colors.” Base, May 22. — U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Scott Smith
USAG-H • PAGE 22
http://imcom.korea.army.mil AREA III THE MORNING CALM
Sgt. Lora Kelly, (left) and Korean Augmentee to the U.S. Army Cpl. Park, Jae-yong, (right) both with Headquarters and
Headquarters Company, USAG-Humphreys competed in the 2009 IMCOM-Korea Noncommissioned officer, Soldier
and KATUSA Best Warrior Competiton at Camp Casey, May 18-22. Download high-resolution photos at www.flickr.com/
MAY 29, 2009 AREA IV USAG-D • PAGE 25
http://imcom.korea.army.mil