The Morning Calm Korea Weekly - Feb. 4_2005

The Peninsulawide News Publication

P UBLISHED F OR T HOSE S ERVING

Volume 3, Issue 16

IN THE

R EPUBLIC

OF

K OREA

304th trains in ‘Frozen Joseon’

8th U.S. Army Basketball Championship

Lunar New YYear ear The Morning Calm Weekly will not publish Feb. 11 in observance of Lunar New Year. The next issue will be Feb. 18

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Feb. 4, 2005

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AIP extended, guidelines more ‘user friendly’ By Staff Sgt. Mark Porter Korea Region Public Affairs

Soldiers who missed their opportunity to join the Assignment Incentive Pay program now have another chance to extend their tours in Korea and take home a little extra money. The program, introduced as a one-year test program March 12, 2004, has been approved for extension and will continue through December 2006. AIP was created as a way for the Army to cut down on Change of Station costs and to improve stability in Korea by keeping qualified Soldiers here longer. “This program was a (U.S. Forces Korea) ‘Assignment of Choice’ initiative intended to improve quality of life for Soldiers by providing an opportunity to have a say in their assignment process, while providing a great source of stability and reduction of turbulence in the force across the theaters,” said Chief

See AIP AIP, Page 4

SPC. STEPHANIE PEARSON

ROK stars

Rock band Papa Roach plays to a packed house Saturday at the Camp Casey Carey Physical Fitness Center. More than 2,000 Warriors enjoyed the free concert. For related story, see Page 5.

176th Finance Battalion practices wartime mission By Maj. Omuso George 176th Finance Battalion

The 176th Finance Battalion practiced one of its least known but potentially most important missions Jan. 27, when

COURTESY PHOTO

Spc. Christina Thompson, C Det. 176th, provides security to the Camp Henry Community Bank.

the unit conducted the first multi-area Bank Takedown Exercise. While the exercise name makes it sound like a plan to rob banks, in reality the goal was the exact opposite as 176th FB personnel practiced the steps they would take to secure monies during a time of conflict. “One of our critical wartime tasks is to secure all of the cash and negotiable instruments at the various Community Bank branches and ATMs across the peninsula, when given the order to execute”, said 1st Lt. Dawn Smalls, 176th FB disbursing officer. “This training exercise provided us an excellent opportunity to work with Community Bank to train on this important task. “In addition, we were able to execute the event simultaneously at bank branches across the peninsula, adding more realism to the event,” Smalls said. In preparation for the exercise, the 176 th FB coordinated closely with Community Bank so that the finance Soldiers would gain hands-on experience

at the actual bank branches. The exercise began during the early morning hours of Jan. 27 with an alert, weapons draw and convoy, as the finance detachments dispatched Finance Support Teams to multiple bank branch locations to secure all funds and equipment. The FSTs quickly and successfully secured their specific bank branches and identified the locations of all 68 ATM’s in Areas II – IV. At the bank branches, the FSTs inventoried all bank equipment and furniture, and accurately accounted for over $21 million in funds. For many of the finance Soldiers, the exercise was their first exercise of this kind, as this responsibility is unique to the finance battalions in Korea. “I work with cash daily, but this is the first time I’ve handled this amount of money,” said Pfc. Michael Espinoza, finance clerk for the 176th Finance Bn. Pfc. Varita Quincy agreed. “This training gave us a chance to train on

something that we don’t do everyday, and is important for us to know during wartime,” Quincy said. The battalion also used the training event to practice other critical Soldier skills, such as driver training, convoy operations and reaction to ambush. The battalion also captured some lessons learned that will improve the event in the future. “We are committed to maintaining a close partnership with Community Bank in order to provide the best finance support possible here in Korea,” said Smalls. “The 176 th Finance Battalion is also committed to training its Soldiers to perform their wartime mission of finance support throughout the Korean Peninsula.” (Editor ’s Note: 176th Finance Battalion is headquartered in Yongsan Garrison with finance detachments at Camp Humphreys in Area III and Camp Henry in Area IV, For a story on Area III’s participation in the Bank Takedown Exercise, see Page 21.)

Commentary

4, 2005 2 Feb. http://ima.korea.army.mil/morningcalmweekly

Command policies support readiness

MP Blotter The following entries were excerpted from the past several weeks military police blotters. These entries may be incomplete and do not determine the guilt or innocence of any person. ! The military police disclosed that two Soldiers were involved in a verbal altercation, which turned physical, when the first Soldier struck the second Soldier in the right eye with a closed fist. Upon arrival of the military police the second Soldier was transported to a local medical facility where he was treated by the on-duty physician for a swollen right eye and further transported to the MP station where he was further processed and released. The first Soldier was later apprehended by the military police, who detected a strong odor of alcohol emitting from him. The Soldier was administered a series of field sobriety tests, which he passed, but he admitted to have been consuming alcohol. He was administered a command-directed blood alcohol test, with results pending. He was further processed and released to his unit. He later returned to the MP station where he was advised of his legal rights, which he waived, rendering a written sworn statement admitting to the offense. This is an alcohol-related incident. ! The military police were notified of an unlawful entry and simple assault. Investigation disclosed that a civilian gained unauthorized access through the main gate of a military installation by walking along side of a truck that was entering post. The individual was later observed walking around post unescorted and was detained by two Soldiers. When questioned by the Soldiers the individual became belligerent and began kicking and striking them. When military police arrived the individual became combative and kicked one of the MPs in the stomach area. The individual was apprehended and transported to the Korean National Police station. Further investigation revealed that he has a history of mental illness and is a patient of a mental hospital. The KNP released, transported and admitted the individual to a mental hospital. The KNP are not charging the individual with unlawful entry or simple assault. ! The military police were notified of a loss of government ID card through neglect, larceny of private property, larceny of private funds and larceny of government property. Investigation disclosed that an unknown civilian taxi driver drove a Soldier to the main gate of a military installation where the Soldier exited the taxi and left his camera lens, wallet containing his military ID card, credit card and 100,000 won in10,000 won denominations on the back seat of the taxi unsecured and unattended. The taxi driver then reached over and closed the taxi door and drove away with the items, and without the Soldier rendering payment for the taxi fare. The Soldier reported to the MP station where he rendered a written sworn statement attesting to the incident.

Commander’s Corner Gen. Leon LaPorte U.S. Forces Korea

R

eadiness is the cornerstone of our mission here in Korea. USFK has a mission of deterrence and, if necessary, to fight and win. In order to be a credible deterrent force, we must be well-trained, fit to fight and maintain high standards of readiness. Servicemembers, and those in direct support of them, must maintain a “fight tonight” mentality. Our supporting team – civilians, contractors and family members – must also maintain a level of preparedness. In USFK we call these two groups our “Team of Teams” and our team’s number one priority is readiness. USFK’s command policies are all designed to maximize readiness and enhance safety, protection and the well-being of our entire USFK family. Our policies are shaped by a number of factors. First among them is the commanders’ responsibility for the readiness of the command to “fight tonight” and the force protection and safety of all USFK personnel. We absolutely encourage all USFK personnel to get out to sample and enjoy Korean culture. We want people to have a positive experience during their time here in the Republic of Korea. However, we must also strike a balance between maintaining readiness, protecting the force, enhancing safety, while preserving our quality of life. Another factor that shapes policy decisions is the fact that all Americans are ambassadors of the United States. I am proud of a great number of you who have established close ties with our Korean hosts. Our actions directly influence how Korean citizens view Americans, so we should all strive to be good neighbors. There are many opportunities in which USFK personnel can meet and assist our Korean neighbors. Thousands of

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USFK personnel regularly volunteer to tutor Korean children in English, assist in orphanages, or offer humanitarian support such as harvesting rice. As ambassadors and good neighbors we should do all we can to avoid accidents and confrontations. We recently reviewed and adjusted our command policies on curfews, offlimits areas, alcohol consumption, Privately Owned Vehicle ownership and the prevention of sexual assault, prostitution and human trafficking. This was dictated by multiple factors including readiness concerns, incidents of indiscipline and changing force protection conditions. It is important for everyone to be aware of and understand these policy decisions. All changes in our command policies are done in a deliberate and thoughtful manner, with input from all senior leaders within USFK. I will continue to seek feedback and review policies to ensure they are comprehensive, consistent and fair. All leaders and supervisors are responsible to ensure their subordinates understand and comply with the command policies and we all need to remain flexible to changing situations and requirements. The American public places a high degree of confidence and trust in our military-civilian team and expects the leadership to ensure the safety and protection of all personnel within their command. Our policies are designed to do so. I intend to use this column as a means to discuss these policies to improve understanding and

Send Letters to the Editor, story submissions and other items to [email protected]. Items may also be mailed to: Installation Management Agency-Korea Region Office c/o Public Affairs Office Unit #15742 APO AP 96205-5742 Submissions should include all pertinent information, as well as a point of contact name and telephone number. For information, call 738-3355. All submitted material will be edited for content and to conform to Associated Press guidelines. For information on submitting to the Morning Calm Weekly, call 738-3355.

Installation Management Agency-Korea Region Dir ector/P ublisher Director/P ector/Publisher Public Affairs Officer Editor

Area I

Commander Public Affairs Officer CI Officer Staff Writer

Area II

Commander Public Affairs Officer Editor Staff Writer Staff Writer

Col. Jeffery T. Christiansen Margaret Banish-Donaldson David McNally Spc. Stephanie Pearson Col. Timothy K. McNulty Alex Harrington Sgt. Andrew Kosterman Cpl. Park Jin-woo Pfc. Park Yung-kwi

compliance. A well-informed team is a better-prepared team. As our understanding improves, the effectiveness of these policies will improve, increasing readiness and making this a safer place for all. The USFK Team – both those who wear the uniform and those who provide support - is the best we have ever had. I am proud of each of you and I appreciate your sacrifice and selfless service. We have a winning team of teams and we will do everything we can to ensure the readiness, protection, well-being and safety of those who serve and support this great team. (Editor’s Note: This is the first installment of a monthly column from the commander, U.S. Forces Korea. Within the column, Gen. LaPorte will discuss topics that affect servicemembers, family, civilians and contractors living and working on USFK installations.)

Morning Calm Weekly submission guidelines

Morning Calm

Published by IMA-Korea Region This Army newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. Contents of The Morning Calm Weekly are not necessarily official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, or Department of the Army. The editorial content of this weekly publication is the responsibility of the IMA-Korea Region, Public Affairs, APO AP 96205. Circulation: 12,500

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Commander Public Affairs CI Officer Staff writer

Support and Defend

Printed by Oriental Press

Printed by Oriental Press, a private firm in no way connected Brig. Gen. H.T. Landwermeyer, Jr. with the U.S. Government, under exclusive written contract with John A. Nowell the Contracting CommandStaff Sgt. Mark Porter Korea. The civilian printer is responsible for commercial Col. Michael J. Taliento Jr. advertising. The appearance of Officer Susan Barkley advertising in this publication, Steve Davis including inserts or supplements, Roger Edwards does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Army or Oriental Press of the products or services Col. Donald J. Hendrix advertised. Officer Kevin Jackson Everything advertised in this Galen Putnam publication shall be made Cpl. Oh Dong-keun available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, religion, gender, national origin,

age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the printer shall refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected. President: Charles Chong Commercial Advertising Telephone: 738-5005 Fax: (02) 790-5795 E-mail: [email protected] Mail address: Oriental Press, PSC 450, Box 758, APO AP 96206-0758

News Iraqi Election

The Morning Calm Weekly

Kyongju BOS rip BOSSS TTrip

The Better Opportunities for Single and Unaccompanied Soldiers program is offering Soldiers the opportunity to see Korea’s “museum without walls,” the city of Kyongju. As the first capital during the Shilla dynasty, there are many temples, palaces and historical sites to see there. The twoday trip is organized for President’s Day weekend at a rate of $100. The trip includes two nights lodging, round-trip airfare, sight-seeing tours and five meals. For information or to sign up, call your local Community Activities Center, BOSS representative, or 725-6070.

F aithlif t 2005

Faithlift 2005 is an interdenominational Christian women’s conference held at South Post Chapel and Dragon Hill Lodge. Women from across the penisula and Japan will come together for fellowship, teaching, and praise and worship from internationally known speakers and worship leaders. The theme this year is “Planted in God’s Peace.” The event takes place April 1-2, cost is $40. Registration tables are available at all services. Space is limited, with registration required by Feb.14. For information, email www.yongsanpwoc.com.

Union Officials Named

Local 1363 of the National Federation of Federal Employees changed officers and contacts in January. The new officials include: Union President — Arvil E. Jones, Area II, is replaced by Jeffrey L. Meadows, Area III. Union Vice President — Jimmie Walden, Area III, is replaced by Kenneth Pickler, Area II. Pickler will remain as one of the Area II stewards until a replacement is found. Union Secretary/Treasurer — Jamie L. Chapeau, Area III. All three officers are employed with the Corps of Engineers. Local NFFE stewards are: AREA I — Paul S. Anderson III (031-870-9124); AREA II —Kenneth Pickler (7217729) and Saudra McQueen; AREA III — Ronald T. Hodge (753-3729); AREA IV – Vacant,. For information on the organization, e-mail questions to [email protected].

Stars & Stripers readership forum

The publisher of Stars & Stripes will host a readership forum in Moyer Community Theatre on Yongsan’s Main Post from 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Feb. 16. Publisher Thomas Kelsch wants to hear comments from readers of Stars & Stripes to learn how his staff can improve the newspaper. The conference is open to all military ID card holders

Feb. 4, 2005

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Heightened security enables high voter turnout Army News Service BAGHDAD, Iraq — Despite several attacks on polling sites Sunday, Iraqis voted in large numbers and stood up to terrorist threats. U.S. and Coalition Soldiers stepped up presence patrols around Iraq for the election and were on hand to back up Iraqi security forces. The direct security of the poll sites, however, was left primarily to the Iraqi police and military forces. In one instance, Iraqis proved their determination to vote when a polling site in western Baghdad received small-arms fire at approximately 8 a.m. The Iraqi Army went to the location, returned fire and detained one insurgent. The Iraqi citizens continued to vote at the site. At the same time in the Babil region near Baghdad, an improvised explosive device detonated inside a primary school which was a polling site. Damage to the school included a hole in the wall and shrapnel, but there were no casualties. The polling workers moved to a nearby site to continue their work. Coalition security force operations in the Ninewa Province and the Mosul area of northern Iraq resulted in a safe election day for thousands of Iraqi voters there,

SGT. JOHN QUEEN

Iraqi Soldiers from the Iraqi Army’s 1st Brigade, 1st Mechanized Division, sit atop of their tanks on election day. The brigade is the first armored unit formed in the newly reconstituted Iraqi Army.

SGT. MATTHEW ACOSTA

A 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division Soldier provides additional security to the Iraq people during the frequent presence patrols around BaQubah, Iraq. The patrols were part of a hightened security plan during the Iraqi election. reported officials from the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, also known as the Stryker Brigade Combat Team. SBCT Soldiers detained five suspected insurgents in northern Iraq on election day. Two suspects were detained near a polling site in western Mosul by troops of the 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment. The detainees were suspected of planning attacks on voters, officials said. Other Stryker Brigade Soldiers from 2-14 Cavalry detained three individuals suspected of anti-Iraqi activities south of Mosul. The suspects were taken into custody with no injuries to MultiNational Forces. Tanks and armored personnel carriers of the Iraqi Army’s 1st Brigade, 1st Mechanized Division rumbled through the streets of central Baghdad this weekend and took up defensive positions around election polling sites. Activated late last year, this brigade is the first armor unit formed in the newly reconstituted Iraqi army. “The unit has been training since November,” said United States Marine Corps Lt. Col. David Flynn, the senior military adviser to the brigade. “It

became combat operational in January while serving with 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment.” During that time the unit was used to help in palm grove clearing and traffic control operations in the 2-7 Cav. sector. Being the only armor unit in the Iraqi Army, the Soldiers have been training specifically for their role in the elections, Flynn said. “They understand the importance of it,” he added. “They know that this is the first real test they’re taking for the independence of their country.” As part of their training, the brigade performed numerous gunnery exercises at Butler range in eastern Iraq. “The gunners were very accurate to about 1,800 meters,” Flynn said. The vehicles used by the brigade are Soviet-built T-55 tanks and armored personnel carriers that came from a unit of the old Iraqi Army that served on the border with Iran. “The vehicles sat up on the Iranian border for a couple of years,” Flynn said. “They were then refurbished by a civilian contractor and given back to the Iraqi army.” (Editor’s note: Information compiled from three news releases by units in Iraq.)

Estate Claim Notices

A summary court martial officer has been appointed to oversee the personal effects of Sgt. 1st Class Edward A. Moore, who died Jan. 16. He was the NCOIC of the Casey-Hovey Range Control Center. Anyone owing debt to, or claiming debt against, the estate should contact Maj. Jeffery Watson at 723-6856 or [email protected].

Morning Calm W eekly Weekly Submissions

To submit an item to News & Notes in The Morning Calm Weekly, e-mail the item to [email protected].

U.S. ARMY PHOTO

Civilian vehicle traffic in the Iraqi capital was banned during the national elections, Jan. 30, but hundreds of residents of the Al Monsour district in western Baghdad walk along the freeway to get to their polling sites.

Feb. 4, 2005

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The Morning Calm Weekly

Preparation saves time, money at tax center By Capt. Diara Z. Andrews Camp Casey Tax Center

Tax centers are located all around Korea, ready to assist servicemembers, eligible dependents and DOD civilians with preparing their taxes. Locations include Camp Casey, Camp Stanley, Camp Red Cloud, Yongsan Garrison, Osan Air Force Base, Camp Humphreys and Camp Henry. The list of documents taxpayers should bring to their tax center appointment include: ! W-2 Form from each employer (Download military W-2s from MyPay). ! Copies of the social security cards of the taxpayer, their spouse and dependents ! Voided check or deposit slip. ! 1099-INT – This form is issued from a financial service provider if an individual has income from something that earns interest, i.e. a savings account, a redeemed savings bond, a CD. ! 1099-DIV – This form is issued from a corporation, partnership, or trust. It reflects payments made to the taxpayer. ! Form 8332 – This form allows a non-custodial parent to claim an exemption for a child when the parents are divorced or separated. This form can be obtained at www.irs.gov. It must be signed by the custodial parent. ! Divorce decree and SSN of ex-

AIP Warrant Officer 2 Marc Garduno, chief, Strength Actions Branch, 8th Personnel Command. Garduno, who is enrolled in the program, said that since its introduction AIP has been a definite success. “During the first nine months of the AIP program, over $57 million in permanent Change of Station costs have been avoided, at a program cost of $35 million; saving the Army $22 million.” As of Feb. 1, 8,825 Soldiers voluntarily extended their tours under the program.. “The monetary benefits were obviously a factor but the bigger advantage to AIP is the stability it offers my family,” said Lt. Col. Bruce Stephens, Headquarters and Headquarters Company 501st Military Intelligence Brigade, who is in Korea on an accompanied, two-year tour and extended for two additional years. “AIP lets us stay where we are comfortable and saves us the trouble and uncertainty of moving again after just two years.” The popular response to the program and the cost savings associated with it, were major factors in AIP’s extension past the original cutoff date. In addition to extending the program, Garduno said other changes have been made since its inception to make it more “user friendly.” He said original guidelines had different sign-up windows for one- or two-year extensions. Also, Soldiers already receiving certain pay incentives were not eligible for the program. “If Soldiers

spouse if a taxpayer pays court-ordered alimony ! Legal separation agreement (courtissued separation agreement) if the tax filer pays separate maintenance and the SSN of the person receiving the payments ! 1098 – This form is issued for home mortgage interest and points. ! HUD-1 – This is issued when a person purchases a home. If a taxpayer purchased a home in 2004, they must bring in this form. It contains information regarding the initial mortgage payment. ! Tuition and fees statements for the taxpayer, spouse and dependents. ! 1099-G – This form is multipurpose. It is issued when a taxpayer receives unemployment income. Also, it is issued when a taxpayer itemized deductions and received a state or local refund. ! Last year’s tax return (While not a requirement to visit the tax center, having last year’s tax return assists in the preparation of the current tax return.) ! Power of Attorney if filing jointly or for an absent spouse – A person may obtain a power of attorney form from the local legal assistance office or the IRS Web site at www.irs.gov, Form 2848. For assistance, contact the nearest tax center.

from Page 1 wanted to sign up for one additional year of AIP they would have to make that decision within the first 30 days in country or be forced to wait until they reached the sixth month for the next opportunity and then only be allowed to sign up for two years instead of one,” Garduno said. To make the program available to more Soldiers, the short sign-up window has been opened wide. AIP is now available to Soldiers from the day they arrive in Korea until 90 days before their DEROS or until they receive Army reassignment instructions. Also, under the revised AIP program, if Soldiers are already serving on a tour with an incentive, they may sign up for AIP and have the action approved, but will start to draw AIP money once the “with incentive tour” is complete. Sgt. Semiko Powell, 8th PERSCOM, said initial reaction to the extended signup period has been very good. “The first day of the new sign up, we had over 100 people submit for AIP,” she said. “Normally we get about 100 in a week, so this shows a lot of people are happy for a second chance to get in the program.” For every Soldier that elects the AIP option, the Army not only saves the cost of two PCS moves, but aids the Soldier and their unit. “The program promotes unit readiness while providing stability and predictability for Korea, the Army and the Soldier,” Garduno said.

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Feb. 4, 2005

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Papa Roach rocks Warrior Countr Countryy By Spc. Stephanie Pearson Area I Public Affairs

PHOTOS

BY

SPC. STEPHANIE PEARSON

The Soldiers respond enthusiatically to the Papa Roach performance Saturday night. The band said they were impressed with the Soldiers they met on the tour.

Frontman Jacoby Shaddix takes the hype down a notch to sing a ballad from their new album, “Getting Away with Murder.”

Bassist Tobin Esperance pumps up the crowd during an encore performance of the hit “Last Resort.”

Guitar player Jerry Horton entertains the troops with his rock ‘n’ roll riffs.The Camp Casey show was the band’s fourth stop on their Jan. 27 Feb. 1 peninsula tour.

SPC. ROBERT HAYNES

Papa Roach Bassist Tobin Esperance performs at the Saturday concert on Camp Casey.

CAMP CASEY — Triple-platinum selling rock band Papa Roach took the stage Saturday in an unprecedented Morale, Welfare and Recreation concert at the Carey Physical Fitness Center. The band played for about 2,000 Soldiers at the show, which was the fourth stop on a week-long tour of U.S. military installations across the nation. This was Papa Roach’s first military tour since the group formed. Band members Jacoby Shaddix, Jerry Horton, Dave Buckner and Tobin Esperance have been together for 12 years. “We got done touring in the states and went home for the holidays,” said Shaddix, lead singer of the California-based band. “Then we got the call from MWR, asking if we wanted to come here and do a military tour.” The guys said they were more than happy to bring their music to the troops. “We know what it’s like to be gone from home for a long time, and how good it feels to get a little vibe from home,” Shaddix explained. “We knew the troops would appreciate it.” David Buckner, drummer, agreed. “It’s good to show some support for these guys making sacrifices,” he said. “Some might have to make the ultimate sacrifice.” The band called the Camp Casey show one of the best they’ve done here, saying the crowd’s enthusiasm was catching. “They’re excited to be here and we’re excited to be here for them,” Buckner said. “It’s been cool – the vibe is really great,” Shaddix said. “Everyone seems to really appreciate us, “I’ve seen and it’s a different level of appreciation. Not them twice very many current rock before, but this acts come over and do was better than this.” The Soldiers agreed. the other two “I didn’t believe it shows.” when I first heard they —Sgt. Michael Pool were coming,” said Sgt. Michael Pool, Battery A, 1st Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment. “I didn’t think they’d come up here and play for us. I’ve seen them twice before, but this was better than the other two shows – I appreciated it a lot more. We needed a break from the work we do. Also, it was a smaller crowd so there was better interaction with the crowd.” Troops got the chance to meet with the band a few hours before the show at the 1st Battalion, 72nd Armor Regiment motor pool, where the group got to ride in tanks and mingle with fans. “The tank ride was nice,” Shaddix said. “Those things are insane.” Shaddix said he didn’t know what to expect when he came here, but it’s been a great experience. “It’s a very humbling experience,” he said. “Just joining the service is a brave step. To see all these people so far away from home; I could never do it.”

See Roach Roach, Page 8

Area I

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The Morning Calm Weekly

2ID band gives local concert Super Bowl Parties The following establishments will host Super Bowl parties Monday: !Camp Casey’s Primo’s Club, 7 a.m.: Free coffee and hot chocolate, breakfast pizza at 50 cents per slice and prizes. !Camp Casey’s Community Activity Center, 6:30 a.m.: Six-ball pool tournament, games and refreshments; ! Camp Red Cloud’s Mitchell’s Club, 7 a.m.: All-you-can-eat buffet, contests and prizes; !Camp Red Cloud Community Activities Center, 7 a.m.: Free refreshments and prizes; !Camp Stanley Community Activities Center, 7 a.m.: Free refreshments and prizes.

Comedy Show The Morale, Welfare and Recreation show “Comedy ROK’s with MWR,” featuring comedians Tommy Davison and David Alan Grier, will perform throughout Warrior Country on the following dates: !Feb. 24 - Camp Stanley’s Reggie’s Club, 7 p.m. !Feb. 25. - Camp Hovey’s Borderline Café, 7 p.m. !Feb. 26 - Camp Essayons’ Stalker Club, 8 p.m.

Tax Center Schedules !The Camp Casey Tax Center in Bldg. 1876 is open 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday – Wednesday and Friday; 1 – 7 p.m. Thursday and 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday. !The Camp Stanley Tax Office will open Tuesday in the Community Activity Center, and will be open 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; 1 – 7 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday.

AAFES Facility Closures Most Area I AAFES facilities will be operating on holiday schedules during the Lunar New Year holiday Tuesday through Thursday. Check local facilities for hours and closings.

Upcoming Concerts Norah Jones will perform at the Conference and Exhibition Center in Seoul March 5. The community activities centers on camps Red Cloud and Stanley have tickets for sale for this event; ticket price includes round-trip transportation provided by the CAC. Tickets are limited; contact the CAC for prices and availability.

Valentine’s Candy-grams The Camp Red Cloud Better Opportunities for Single and Unaccompanied Soldiers is selling Valentine’s Day candy-grams now through Tuesday. The cost is $6 and includes a box of chocolates and a card. Candy -grams will be delivered around CRC Feb. 14. Contact your local BOSS representative to purchase one.

Counseling Instructor Sought Army Career Alumni Program is accepting resumes for a counselor position at Camp Mobile available in February. Applicants require a master’s degree. For information, call 730-4044.

Swim Instructors Needed The director of community activities is looking for volunteer swim instructors. If interested, call 732-6869.

By Pfc. Giancarlo Casem 2nd Infantry Division Public Affairs

UIJEONGBU — The 2nd Infantry Division Warrior Band performed Jan. 21 for an important audience, not for generals or political dignitaries, but for local Korean kindergarten children and their parents. “We played for entertainment and for exposure of the U.S. Army to the audience as the musical ambassadors,”said Chief Warrant Officer William Brazier, 2nd ID band commander. “The principal of the Yedam School was also familiar with a previous 2ID band commander and once again requested the band perform for her students.” More importantly, the concert directly strengthens the 8th U.S. Army Good Neighbor program by being part of the Uijeongbu community, Brazier said. Gen. Leon J. LaPorte, commanding general of U.S. Forces Korea, Combined Forces Command, United Nations Command, started the Good

Neighbor program in 2003. LaPorte’s goal was to strengthen relations between the Republic of Korea and the United States. The program allows members of the U.S. military to more directly interact with local communities. “It is a vital part of the 2ID band’s community relations mission, incorporated into the band mission statement,” Brazier said. Band Soldiers said they enjoyed the opportunity to perform for the children. “It’s nice to perform for our neighbors in Uijeongbu,” said Sgt. 1st Class Troy Hunt, 2ID bandsman. “The more positive interaction we have with our host nation, the better.” Hunt stressed the value of the performance. “It is important that we continue to reach out to our local community,” he said. “Music is such a great community relations tool.” The band performs for the local communities as often as once a month, Brazier said. “We play as often as requested,” he

said. “We are always looking for more ways and opportunities to extend goodwill and to share our music with the gracious hosts and people of the ROK.” The Warrior band performs songs which rouse ovations from the audience, Brazier said. “One of the key connections to our audiences by the 2ID band is the number of Korean selections we have to offer them to enjoy,” he said. “They always react favorably and with enthusiasm when they hear a U.S. Army band play their music. The band’s Korean theme song is ‘Hand in Hand,’ written for the 1988 Seoul Olympics.” Performing for an audience made up of guests from the local community not only strengthens the bond between the U.S. and ROK, but also is beneficial for Soldiers, Hunt said. “It can only be a win-win situation for all concerned,” he said. “There were so many smiles and warm wishes from our Soldiers and our audience alike.” E-mail [email protected]

Soldiers gather for traditional dining-in By Spc. Chris Stephens

“Gen. Higgins is someone you know who really cares about taking care of Soldiers,” Feil said. “It’s the thing CAMP CASEY - With all of the changes the Army has that is the most important to him.” After Higgins spoke and the formal part of the evening gone through in its 228-year history, one thing has remained was concluded, it was on to the entertainment portion of constant, the dining-in. For the newly formed 1st Headquarters Brigade Combat the evening. But, dining-in isn’t like any other dinner function. Team, also known as a brigade unit of action, Saturday Games, toasts and other happenings are the order of the provided an opportunity to perform this military tradition for day. One game challenged one first sergeant from each the first time together. unit to post in front of the head table to compete and see “Dining-in is one of many traditions that hold units who could stuff five crackers down their throat the together,” said Lt. Col. Mark Bliese, 1st HBCT executive fastest. officer. “It’s a chance for us to bring all of the members of “There are no words to describe seeing first sergeants our team together for a good time.” After a meet and greet, the formal portion of the dining-in stuff crackers in their mouth,” said Lt. Col. Paul began with a bang of the gavel by mess president and 1st Greenhouse, commander, 1st Battalion, 15th Field Artillery HBCT Commander, Col. Michael Feil. Toasts and the Regiment. “All you can do is sit back, enjoy the show invocation were next, followed by the testing of the meal by and laugh.” “We’re a makeup of a lot of different job fields,” Bliese Maj. Andrew Horvath, otherwise known as ‘Mr. Vice.’ After said. “We’ve got armor and infantry Soldiers in Task the OK was given by Mr. Vice, members of the mess were Forces 1-72, 2-72 and 2-9, along with various support allowed to consume the meal. The highlight of the evening for the mess was guest speaker, Soldiers.” The unit enables greater capacity for rapid packaging, Maj. Gen. George A. Higgins, 2nd Infantry Division and responsive and sustained employment to support commanding general. combatant commanders. They also enhance the expeditionary and campaign qualities of Army forces by better enabling joint/coalition operations. The transition to BUAs also increases the brigade-equivalent forces available to meet both enduring and emerging mission requirements. “We’re going through so many changes right now with the Army, it’s important for leaders of units to get together,” said Greenhouse. “That’s the whole reason for dining-in. It’s a time to be in a relaxed environment and enjoy the camaraderie you have with your fellow leader.” “Overall, this is a great evening for all Soldiers in 1st HBCT,” Bliese said. “It’s a great time to be part of this S .C S great unit.” Command Sgt. Maj. James Lucero, Maj. Gen. George A. Higgins, Command Sgt. Maj. James Williams and Col. Michael Feil prepare to slice the cake Jan. 29 at a dining-in. E-mail [email protected] 2nd Infantry Division Public Affairs

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Area I 7 Bridge builders battle foul weather Feb. 4, 2005

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By Pfc. Giancarlo Casem Area I Public Affairs

PHOTOS

BY

PFC.GIANCARLO CASEM

Warriors brave the icy temperatures and snowfall to build a temporary span across the Han River.

SEOUL — Snow, wind and fog proved to be no match for Warrior Country’s bridge-building specialists as they worked relentlessly to span the Han River Saturday. The 50th Multi-role Bridge Company Soldiers trained in cooperation with the Republic of Korea Army. “We have coalition training between 50th MRB and 312th ROK Engineer battalion,” said Capt. David Stewart, 50th MRB company commander. “The plan was to execute bridging operations on the Han River in conjunction with airlift operations with CH-47 helicopter assets.” Although the snow, wind and poor visibility forced the airlift missions to be cancelled, the “Pirates,” as the engineers call themselves, adapted to the situation and continued training. “The weather did cancel these airlift operations, but we have practiced and are trained to be very flexible,” Stewart said. “We changed our mission to launching our rafts and bays from the shore.” The weather showed how real-world situations can alter missions. “It’s just another way we need to just practice and be flexible,” he said. “The mission could change

Soldiers from the 50th Multi-role Bridge Company span the Han River Saturday. anytime and you never know what the conditions are going to be, so we need to be prepared to execute our mission no matter what the conditions.” Some Soldiers were disappointed the airlift missions were cancelled, said Staff Sgt. Alexander Campillo, 50th MRB airlift noncommissioned officer. “It would have been a lot of the Soldier’s first time working with that,” Campillo said. “Other than that, training has been going pretty well. We’re still learning a lot today and we still have a lot to go over.”

CRC falls short in comeback effort, 88-85 By Spc. Chris Stephens 2nd Infantry Division Public Affairs

CAMP RED CLOUD — With two minutes left in the game, CRC forward Andre Boler delivered a reverse lay-up to complete a comeback, tying the score at 81 against Camp Casey Jan. 28. However, the Casey team pulled together the last two minutes to clinch the victory 88-85 in the 2nd Infantry Division Post Basketball League. “When they came back and tied the score, we knew we had to hunker down on defense,” said Terrell Moorer, Casey forward. The Casey team came out of the gate firing on all cylinders, starting the game on a 24-10 run. Another factor in the

early score differential was the CRC team missing open threes. “They were open shots, we just didn’t hit them,” said Jonathan Stanford, CRC forward. “The rock just wasn’t kind to us early in the game.” But, the score wouldn’t stay like that for long. With the Casey team continuing to hit their shots, the CRC team began faking the outside shot and drove the ball inside. With a strong inside presence, CRC was able to get some easy hoops. “They kept thinking we were going to take the three, and that’s when we started putting the ball inside for the easy buckets,” Stanford said. The Casey team kept up their attack

Above: Casey’s Delveto Johns faces off with CRC player Andre Boler.

PHOTOS

BY

SPC. CHRIS STEPHENS

Casey player Michael Douglas takes it to the hoop Jan. 28.

Left: Forwards Jonathan Stanford and Marcus Coleman go for the ball.

on offense and by the end of the first half, had a 46-36 lead. In the second half the Casey team came out a little more relaxed than they should have been, and the CRC team promptly took advantage of it. “That hurt us at the outset of the second half,” Moorer said. “We should’ve just continued to play our game and not worry about what they were doing. That’s how they were able to come back.” The CRC team tied the game at 69. Casey responded with a seven-point run that put them in control of the game. But, the CRC team didn’t quit, fighting for every loose ball and rebound and cleaning up their own misses on the glass. “We weren’t going to quit,” Stanford said. “And, they knew that. “We came back from every deficit the whole night, so this time wasn’t going to be any different.” With the score tied at 81, the Casey team put themselves in front for good behind clutch shooting from forward Carl Moses and guard Marcus Reed. Leading scorers for the CRC team were Stanford with 21 points and 12 rebounds, and Boler with 18 points. The Casey team was led by Moorer with 24 points, Reed with 21 points and Moses with 17 points. With the win, the Casey team took sole position of the top spot in the standings. “We’re not concerned about records,” Moorer said. “On any given night, any team can beat the other. So, you have to bring it each night and take it game by game.”

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Battalion wins Maintenance Excellence Award 2nd Inf. Div. Public Affairs

CAMP STANLEY — The 6th Battalion, 37th Field Artillery Regiment recently won the 8th U.S. Army’s Award for maintenance excellence. The program is designed to recognize units that have in place a maintenance program that not only meets the Army Standard, but exceeds it. “This program is a big deal because along with all the other training that a unit has to do in a year, they still have to prepare a maintenance plan for review and inspection,” said Chief Warrant Officer Robert Allen, battalion maintenance technician. As part of the competition, the battalion was put through several onsite and packet inspections. “As a member of the best maintenance program for the heavy division on the peninsula, I’m very proud of all our hard work and dedication to mission accomplishment,” said Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Cremeans Jr., senior maintenance supervisor. “We strived everyday to go above the standard and the norm to achieve excellence in our maintenance program.” But, maintenance doesn’t just go for the NCOs or leaders of the battalion. “From the lowest private, to the battalion commander, maintenance has a high priority and supports the

See Award ward, Page 8

4, 2005 http://ima.korea.army.mil/morningcalmweekly 8 Feb.

Roach

Area I

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from Page 5

SPC. ROBERT HAYNES

Lead singer Jacoby Shaddix looks down during the Camp Casey PapaRoach concert Saturday.

Bridge Training is paramount for the Pirates as they conduct field exercises almost every month. “Training is very important,” said Spc. Jeremy Barnett, 50th MRB Co. “If we are not able to do our job effectively and in a good amount of time, it could cost people their lives. It could cause the mission to not go as it should.” Barnett was the pin-man for a boat crew during the exercise. He had the responsibility of jumping onto a piece of the bridge and connecting the ramps. “It was my first time being a ‘pin man’ connecting the ramps,” he said. “I just made sure I didn’t mess up and did my best.” Barnett said he enjoys his job. “My favorite part of the job is putting the bridge together,” he said. “I like doing the work, I like running around and getting the mission done. The hardest part is sleep, being out in the field, you don’t get as much sleep, but it all pays off when we get the mission done.” The 50th MRB take as much as they

Award mission being accomplished,” Cremeans said. To prepare for the competition, units had to submit a Unit Maintenance Plan based on data gathered during fiscal 2004. “During the competition, the unit learned what the Army standard is for maintenance,” Allen said. “The program not only improves your maintenance program, but it improves unit cohesion and morale, and instills the will to win.” Allen said that the unit now has a very high standard to maintain. “When you get all of your programs in place and you win a MACOM award, you have to improve and sustain unit maintenance, and recognize outstanding unit accomplishments and initiatives,” he said.

This tour was different from a stateside tour, Shaddix said, in that not everyone who came to see them was a Papa Roach fan. “People who would not normally come see us showed up, because it’s free and they have nothing better to do,” he said. “But we’ve got a new album, ‘Getting Away with Murder,’ that’s in stores now, and we had Soldiers out there singing along. So we know we’ve got some true fans here.” Morale, Welfare and Recreation officials said the cost of the concert was worth it. “It absolutely was tremendous to see that many Soldiers having a great time,” said Denise James, Area I MWR director. “We’ve heard so many comments, the Soldiers are still excited.” “I’m so glad we came,” Shaddix said.

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from Page 7 can to go out into the field, said Pvt. Justin Harris, 50th MRB Co. “We can’t really train on post,” he said. “The only thing we can do in the rear is take care of our equipment. It gets the adrenaline going, everybody moves a lot faster.” Stewart said it was a unique experience. “Working with the ROK Soldiers is excellent training,” Stewart said. “It is some of the best training we do and it’s a great opportunity for the U.S. Soldiers to learn from the ROK soldiers. So, that in the event of war, we’re prepared to work together.” The training exercise afforded the Pirates a chance to work in tandem with their ROK counterparts from the 312th Engineer Battalion. “We need to know how each other works and also gives us a chance to learn each other’s culture,” Stewart said. “It’s been a tremendous opportunity and we’ll continue to train and work on our skills.” E-mail [email protected]

from Page 7 Cremeans said now the unit needs to remember what got them to where they are. “We know what got us here,” he said. “Now, we can not ever let that slide. We have to continue to improve our training techniques for battalion personnel on a daily basis.” Cremeans also applauded the great job the junior Soldiers in the unit did. “They performed a lot of hard work and did a lot of preparation for the competition,” he said. They came in here day in and day out, and worked within the guidance and direction provided by their leadership. They executed the tasks beyond the set standard, thus ensuring the 6-37 Field Artillery is ready for any mission, anytime – anywhere.”

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Pfc. Kim Hak-soo, a Korean Augmentation to the U.S. Army Soldier with Company A, 304th Signal Battalion, takes up a firing position near the Han River at Chungham Jan. 19 as part of a training exercise. The exercise was conducted to prepare Soldiers for the Reception, Staging and Onward Movement 2005 exercise.

304th trains in ‘Frozen Joseon Joseon’’ By Sgt. Andrew Kosterman Area II Public Affairs

NEAR CHUNGJU – Soldiers from companies A and B, 304th Signal Battalion, got a chance to train Jan. 18 – Thursday near Chungju in a dried-riverbed area of the Han River. The scenarios Soldiers encountered were expected by many who participated, but the frigid temperatures that GIs faced during the Korean War helped these modern-day troopers understand how the title, “Frozen Joseon,” came to be. “It’s cold out here,” Co. A’s Staff Sgt. Timothy Mose said to his troops as they took up positions in a trench in sub-zero degree temperatures. “You got to keep moving. Move your toes, wiggle your legs, keep the blood flowing.” And move the troops did. According to Capt. Edward Lynch, the goal of the exercise was threefold: ! practice NBC drills, ! become proficient at convoy operations, and ! set up a signal site with communications within 24 hours. “We have a tough task out here,” Lynch said. “Anytime you conduct training, you’re going to face

challenges. The biggest challenge for the troops coming out here the first time was the cold.” Lynch and fellow troopers were able to overcome the challenge with help from a few heaters and vehicles, shared in rare intervals. But overcoming the cold was just a part of the training. The Signal troops had a mission to accomplish. Despite getting off to a slow start on the convoy to Tactical Assembly Area Tom, or TAA Tom, the Soldiers worked vigorously to get back on schedule. It was a good thing they did too. The Army’s Chief Information Officer, Lt. Gen. Steven Boutelle stopped by to visit the Soldiers in the field on a short-notice trip. “We were ready for him,” Lynch said. “He got a chance to see us performing our war-time mission.” The temperatures eventually rose above the freezing mark, and the troops were able to end their training with more than they thought. “We didn’t know it was going to be so cold,” Mose said. “But it’s good for these guys to get used to it.”

Signal Soldiers set up a tent at the beginning of the exercise near Chungham.

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PHOTOS

BY

SGT. ANDREW KOSTERMAN

Spc. Jermaine Favor, a 304th Signal Battalion cook, serves hot breakfast during the training exercise.

Spc. Kyle Johnson, mans his firing position during a “stand to” drill early Jan. 19, after a fresh dusting of snow.

Area II

4, 2005 10 Feb. http://ima.korea.army.mil/morningcalmweekly

The Morning Calm Weekly

Yongsan collects aid for victims Commander’s Hotline

Area II residents who have questions or comments for the Area II commander can voice them by emailing [email protected] or by calling 738-5017

Traveling By Bus In Seoul

Those confused by the Seoul City Bus system can log on to http://english.seoul.go.kr to find out information on bus routes and fares. Other information is available.

Annual Red And White Ball

The Delta Sigma Theta sorority is hosting its annual Red and White Scholarship Ball 7:30 p.m. - 1 a.m. Feb. 12 at the Dragon Hill Lodge in the Naija Ballroom. Tickets at $25. Dress is formal. Call (02)3474-2992 or e-mail [email protected] for information.

Bring YYour our FFamily amily TTo o Korea

Bring your family to Korea for a visit with USO Reunion in Korea program. The USO will organize flights, hotels, tours and more. The next Reunion in Korea program dates are April 18-21. The application deadline for these dates is Feb. 26. For information, call the USO at Camp Kim at DSN 724-7781, 724-3301 or visit www.uso.org/ korea.

Area II Black Histor y Month Commemoration Ceremony

The commander of Area II Support Activity, will host the Area II Black History Month Commemoration Ceremony at the Naija Ballroom, Dragon Hill Lodge 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Feb. 16. Free education and entertainment. Everyone is invited. For information call 738-5950 or 7385900.

R a c quetball TTournament ournament

Active-duty military personnel within Area II interested in participating in the Area II Men’s and Women’s Racquetball Tournament Feb. 19-21 must register at Collier Field House by Feb. 13. Top finishers in selected age groups will compete in the 8th U.S. Army Racquetball Tournament March 2-5 at Camp Hialeah. For information, call 738-8608.

Bataan Memorial Qualifier

The 8th U.S. Army Bataan Memorial Death March will be Feb. 19 at Camp Casey’s Hanson Field House. Registration for the 13.1-mile road march is 6 - 8:15 a.m., Course briefing is at 8:30 a.m. and the race begins at 8:45 a.m. The event is open to active-duty servicemembers assigned to 8th U.S. Army installations. Those who qualify will be included in the 8th U.S. Army team that will participate in the Bataan Memorial Marathon Road March at White Sands Missile Range, N.M. For information, call DSN 730-2322.

Free Ssirum Wrestling Tickets Available

The Korea Ssirum Organization is offering free tickets to U.S. Forces Korea servicemembers to observe its annual Lunar New Year Wrestling competition, held Wednesday thru Feb. 11. Ssirum is a traditional form of wrestling in which two players hold on to a satba (a cloth sash tied around the waist) try to use their strength and various techniques to wrestle each other to the ground. For information, call 738-5212.

By Pfc. Seo Ki Chul Area II Public Affairs

YONGSAN – The congregations in Area II have been taking up donations during services every weekend to aid tsunami victims. About 2,500 members of congregations, including children, students and family members, donated money for the charitable purpose at worship ceremonies at Yongsan South Post, Memorial and Hannam Village chapels. “The chapel congregations in Area II responded immediately to the needs of the tsunami victims” said Area II Staff Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Thomas Drake. Dec. 26, 2004, a 9.0-magnitude earthquake, near the west coast of Northern Sumatra of Indonesia, triggered a tsunami. The series of waves caused massive damage to coastal areas of Sri Lanka, India and even the east coast of Africa. According to statistics compiled from recent news releases, more than 220,000 people lost their life because of the disaster. And now, thousands of tsunami survivors are still threatened by infectious disease, thirst and starvation. As soon as the disaster occurred, the United States and many other countries began aiding those affected, by sending medical teams and provisions. The catastrophic human loss d e e p l y a ff e c t e d t h e Yo n g s a n community and there was an immediate and overwhelming desire to help in whatever way possible. “We asked many nongovernmental organizations to

JO2 SETH C. PETERSON

Sailors assigned to USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and members of the Royal Australian Army unload boxes of relief supplies Jan . 27 from an SH-60B Seahawk helicopter near Banda Ache, Sumatra. Area II chapels recently have been collecting money to aid in the tsunami disaster. determine the best way to help the tsunami victims out,” said Drake. “The NGOs said because of the language barriers and transportation system, it is hard to transport goods and things. Also, there is a possibility that cultural differences might cause certain objects to be discarded. So, we decided to send money to provide immediate assistance as this will also help them to restore their local economies, stimulating growth more effectively.” The two organizations, which take up designated offerings, are Wo r l d Vi s i o n I n t e r n a t i o n a l a n d Catholic Relief Society. “We know that nothing can take away the grief of those affected by tragedy,” Drake said. We also know that the community of faith has had

a history of rising to meet great challenges and of providing hope to suffering peoples.” So, on the weekends of Jan 8-9 and Jan 15-16, the congregations took up a designed offering in the Area II worship services. “In an act of worship, we thus far have raised $43,534.82 for the tsunami victims,” Drake said. “It is the largest single designated offering ever for our Area II congregations.” Besides this donation, the congregations have prayed for those heartbroken at the victim’s death. The Collective Protestant Gospel Congregation meeting at noon Sunday at the South Post Chapel will take up one more offering for the victims. E-mail [email protected]

Scheduled power outages on South Post Area II Public Affairs YONGSAN — There will be a power outage on 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 12, affecting South Post housing, Seoul Element a r y S c h o o l , M orale, Welfare and Recreation facilities, to include Army and Air Force Exchange Services. The power outage will affect Area II residents living in Itaewon Acres and Eagle Grove (4600 and 7200 series, see map). Facilities not affected are Main Post, Dragon Hill Lodge, 121st General Hospital and Defense Commissary Agency. For information, call Department of Public Works’ Utility Division at 724-4207.

Area II

The Morning Calm Weekly

Feb. 4, 2005

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11

Employee recieves 50-year award

SEO KI-CHUL

Ku Cha-yun works at the Yongsan Legal Office. Ku has worked with the U.S. Army since the Korean War.

Area II Public Affairs LaPorte added that in his 35 years of service, YONGSAN — Amidst the bombs dropping and he has never met someone like Ku. “His service demonstrates unparalleled the rapid Chinese and North Korean advancements, Korean refugees of all ages and genders were dedication, and inspiration; and is deserving of fleeing south. Many left behind all that they knew far more than today’s presentation,” LaPorte and loved, taking with them nothing but the clothes said. For the last 13 years, Ku has been the glue on their backs. They ran in droves, hoping to that binds the U.S. Army Legal Assistance escape the starvation, chaos and confusion. One of refugees, who made his escape on a Office, in Yongsan, said Capt. Laura Wells. “He assists individuals with immigration, Visa fishing boat, was 14-year-old Ku Cha-yun. Leaving behind his mother and brother, he found and passport questions, and acts as the main point of contact refuge onboard a fishing for Solatium/ boat bound for Incheon. “His service demonstrates C o n d o l e n c e At the time, young unparalleled dedication and P a y m e n t men seeking steady employment began inspiration, and is deserving of far P r o g r a m , b u t most importantly, working for the U.S. more than today’s presentation.” M r. K u a s s i s t s Army. Ku managed to hundreds of get a job working at the —Gen .Leon J. LaPorte clients each year Ammunition Supply in getting married Depot in Sihung, where he worked as a translator and was trained in b y h e l p i n g t h e m c o m p l e t e t h e n e c e s s a r y handling explosives. That was 52 years ago. documents,” Wells said. “Last year alone, Mr. Today, that brave industrious young man is still Ku helped over 400 military couples fulfill their dream of getting married.” working for the United States. Ku thanked the United States for their Dec. 16, Ku was recognized for his 50 faithful years of government service by Gen. Leon J. assistance during the Korean War, and their LaPorte, commander of U.S. Forces Korea and existence here during the last 50-plus years. He also asserts that if it were not for the U.S. the United Nations Command. “Any service to the nation is always recognized government, he would not have his education, and commendable,” LaPorte said. “Twenty years his job, nor his beautiful family. “It has never been better than it is today,” Ku of service is a signal of special dedication, 30 years of service is celebrated as a lifetime achievement. said. “This is the most professional group of But there is no real precedent for 50 years of service.” Soldiers I have ever worked with or for.”

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Feb. 4, 2005

12 http://ima.korea.army.mil/morningcalmweekly Community News R ed Cross Communication Ser vice Available

The Yongsan American Red Cross would like to remind servicemembers and families in the Yongsan area of a communication service available to them. The Red Cross sends messages to the U.S. Armed Forces stationed everywhere in the world. The ARC communication service helps keep military personnel in touch with their families following the death or serious illness of a family member or other important events, such as the birth of a child. The information or verification in the message assists the servicemember’s commanding officer with making a decision regarding emergency leave. For information about this service, log on to http://www.redcross.org.

W-2 Forms Available on MyPay

Those who want to receive their W-2 forms faster should log on to http://mypay.dfas.mil to print out an electronic version of the W-2. The electronic W-2 is an IRS-approved method and can be used to file personal 2004 income taxes.

“Land of the Morning Calm” Chapter 169 Scholarship Program

Every year ACFEA awards $1000 scholarships to deserving high school seniors who plan to study communications or sciences in college. This year the goal is to award 10 scholarships to high school seniors. For application information, call Carolyn Cooper at 010-3132-3466 or email [email protected]. Applications were sent to Osan, Taegu and Seoul American High Schools Monday. The application submission deadline is March 31.

Area II

The Morning Calm Weekly

Valor 6: Be aware during Lunar New Year By Col. Timothy K. McNulty

to be vigilant of during this period. With any holiday comes celebrations, and with many YONGSAN — Tuesday through Thursday, the celebrations comes an increase in the consumption Republic of Korea will officially observe the Lunar of alcohol. This increase in alcohol consumption will New Year’s holiday. About 30 million travelers will be on the roadways during this holiday period increase the number of intoxicated drivers on the and motorists must expect extremely heavy traffic roadways. The Department of Defense loses more Soldiers and civilians in motorized-vehicle and long delays. Unfortunately in 2003, there were 1,443 accidents than any other accidental cause. Among accidental deaths of Soldiers not reported traffic accidents with serious injuries, 42 fatalities and 3,003 total injuries during this deployed in 2004, 79 percent were killed in automobile accidents. three-day period on So far, 75 percent of the Korean peninsula. This is important In 2003, there were 1,443 accidental deaths in to note because the reported traffic accidents with fiscal 2005 were in ersonally owned increase in traffic will serious injuries, 42 fatalities and pvehicles. actually begin 3,003 total injuries during this Knowing these S a t u r d a y, and three-day period on the Korean f a c t s i n a d v a n c e continue through Feb. peninsula. allows us to alter our 13. This is because travel plans and most Korean employees can take just two or three days of reduce the risk of being involved in an accident. vacation time and receive nine days away from All personnel should minimize non-critical, out work. As a result, the actual accident injury and of-area vehicle travel. When it is necessary to fatalities for the entire holiday period could be as travel, the trip must be thoroughly analyzed, hazards identified and steps taken to reduce or much as three times those mentioned above. Interestingly, you will find traffic in the larger eliminate those hazards. This type of risk cities to be eerily light during this period, as most management works. I encourage all Soldiers, civilians and family people will be traveling to meet family, often in the countryside, to celebrate this Korean national members to go out and experience Korea during this wonderful time. holiday. I ask that when doing this every individual keep Travel time on the expressways and highways safety at the forefront of their mind and keep your will take as much as three times longer than tour in Korea a time of creating joyous memories normal travel times. The heavy traffic is not the only hazard we need and not one overtaken by sadness and tragedy. Area II Support Activity Commander

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13

USFK Soldiers excel at Army’s Stars of T omorrow Tomorrow By Tim Hipps Army News Service

FORT BELVOIR, Va. – Sgt. Geno Nash parlayed perseverance and a penchant for Usher into best-of-show honors in the Army’s 2005 Stars of Tomorrow entertainment contest Jan. 23. Nash, whose medley of Usher tunes also earned him first place in the male vocal solo category, was joined in the winner’s circle by two Soldiers assigned to U.S. Forces Korea. The contest, named for Margaret “Skippy” Lynn, is held annually at Fort Belvoir, Va. “He’s like my mentor right now,” Nash said of R&B artist Usher Raymond, whose fifth album – Confessions – has surpassed 11 million in sales. “I watch his stage performance and how he performs. He’s in my vocal range and his music, everybody loves it.” An automatic berth in the U.S. Army Soldier Show’s live auditions is one of the perks for winning best of show in Stars of Tomorrow. Nash, however, is scheduled to report for duty in Iraq soon and will miss his second shot at joining the Army’s marquee entertainment troupe. “Third time’s the charm maybe,” said Nash, 22, a military policeman from Canton, Ohio, stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. “I’ll be back again.” Stars of Tomorrow producer Victor Hurtado doubles as artistic director for the U.S. Army Soldier Show. He expects to work more with Nash upon Nash’s

return from the desert. “Geno Nash has been in my workshop for the last two years,” Hurtado said. “It’s really nice to see his progress and see him using some of the things that he’s learned in some of those few minutes that he’s spent with us. To see him come here and really connect with the audience, that’s what it’s all about.” Hurtado has promised Nash a spot in the ensuing Soldier Show live auditions following completion of his overseas tour. “I’m accomplishing what I want to do, slowly but surely,” Nash said. “When you win and hear people in the audience say ‘you could be big one day’ or ‘you put on a good show’ or ‘I look forward to seeing you in the future,’ I’m like, ‘Yeah.’” “Yeah” is one of Usher’s songs that helped Nash earn $6,000 for Fort Hood’s Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers program or another Morale, Welfare and Recreation program. Spc. David Linson II of Camp Carroll, South Korea, played a saxophone rendition of Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together” to win the instrumental solo category. He earned $4,000 for his installation’s BOSS or MWR program by finishing second in best of show. “Musicians in contests like this usually don’t place in the overall sector; they just compete in their own category,” said Linson, 20, who served

as drum major for the Sherman (Texas) High School marching band. “But this time I placed overall and that’s great.” Linson also plays the violin, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, and guitar. He can sing, too. “I love doing anything I can with music,” said Linson. He said he is inspired by Earth, Wind & Fire, Al Green, Marvin Gaye and the Commodores. “Music is my love.” Baton twirler Spc. Allison Carpenter of Camp Humphreys, South Korea, won the specialty solo category and took third place in best of show with a dazzling display of knife juggling. “I don’t sharpen them,” she said of the 2 ½-foot-long knives made of wood and metal. “They’re not too sharp but they will break skin.” Carpenter, who helped the Penn State University Touch of Blue majorettes win four national championships, serves on the BOSS council at Camp Humphreys, which earned $2,000 for her performance. “I never ever thought that I would be flown to Virginia from Korea to twirl in the Army,” said Carpenter, 24, a counterintelligence agent from Altoona, Pa. “There are some very, very talented people here. I’m honored that the judges actually think that I belong in a group with them.” “It’s about talent,” Hurtado said. “And the highest form of talent, I

TIM HIPPS

Spc. David Linson of Camp Carroll, Korea, plays a saxophone rendition of Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together” to win the instrumental solo category of the 2005 Margaret “Skippy” Lynn Stars of Tomorrow contest Jan. 23 at Fort Belvoir, Va. He also finished runner-up in the best-of-show category. think, is being able to connect without saying anything.” “It was just nice to come together and participate in something like this,” Carpenter added. “It was a great experience.”

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Movies

Feb. 4, 2005

14 http://ima.korea.army.mil/morningcalmweekly

The Morning Calm Weekly

Feb. 4-10

Blade: Trinity

Blade: Trinity

Coach Carter

Coach Carter

Saw

Ray

Ocean’s Twelve

Bridget Jones: Edge of Reason Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow

Ray

Woman Though Art Loosed

No Show

Woman Though Art Loosed

The Incredibles

Coach Carter

Racing Stripes

Racing Stripes

Ocean’s Twelve

No Show

No Show

No Show

Coach Carter

Coach Carter

Coach Carter

Blade: Trinity

Blade: Trinity

Ocean’s Twelve

Ocean’s Twelve

Racing Stripes

The Incredibles

Woman Though Art Loosed

No Show

No Show

No Show

No Show

Ocean’s Twelve

Coach Carter

Ocean’s Twelve

The Incredibles

Coach Carter

After the Sunset

Fight of the Phoenix

Phantom of the Opera

Phantom of the Opera

Blade: Trinity

No Show

Blade: Trinity

Ocean’s Twelve

Ocean’s Twelve

Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason Six weeks after the events in Bridget Jones’s Diary, erstwhile London singleton Bridget Jones is still happily dating humanrights lawyer Mark Darcy. But eventually she starts to notice his flaws and begins wondering if he isn’t interested in his new coworker. Bridget’s love life is further complicated when her former boss and flame Daniel Cleaver arrives on the scene, having landed a job at Bridget’s TV station. R a t e d

Racing

Stripes In the middle of a raging thunderstorm, a traveling circus accidentally leaves behind some very precious cargo, a baby zebra. The gangly little foal is rescued by horse farmer Nolan Walsh and brought to his Kentucky farm. The farm borders the Turfway Racetrack, where thoroughbreds compete for the Kentucky Crown. From the first moment Stripes lays eyes on the track, he’s hooked. He knows he can compete. What he doesn’t know is that he’s not exactly a horse. Rated PG

The Incredibles A dysfunctional family of famous superheroes, led by the retired and overweight Mr. Incredible is placed in a quiet suburb by the Witness Protection Program in order to protect them from their arch nemesis. But their peaceful existence is hardly that, with family disagreements sprouting up even during fights with the bad guys. And when the world is threatened, Mr. Incredible must go back to work to save the planet. Rated PG

Coach Carter Coach Ken Carter, who oversees the direction of Richmond High School’s basketball program in Calfornia, found himself in the center of controversy when he locked out his entire varsity basketball team in order to motivate and push them to improve their grades. He was even prepared to cancel his entire season after 15 of his players failed to live up to the classroom standards they agreed to in a contract they had signed earlier in the semester. Rated PG-13

Saw

No Show

After the Sunset

After the Sunset

Are We There Yet?

Are We There Yet?

Are We There Yet?

Coach Carter

Woman Though Art Loosed

Blade: Trinity

Phantom of the Opera — A disfigured musical genius haunts the catacombs beneath the Paris Opera, waging a reign of terror over its occupants. When he falls in love with the lovely Christine, the Phantom devotes himself to creating a new star for the Opera, exerting a strange sense of control over the young soprano as he nurtures her talents. He wants Christine for his own, but she falls in love with another. Feeling betrayed, the Phantom decides to imprison her in his lair. Rated PG-13

Blade: T rinity Trinity Realizing they may never be able to defeat the vampire hunter known as Blade the Dayhunter, the vampires set Blade up to appear like a psychopathic serial killer. The plan is successful, with the FBI soon on his tail, Blade’s ability to hunt vampires is limited severely. To take on the threat of this most powerful vampire, Blade accepts the help of a team of human vampire hunters called the Nightstalkers. Rated R

No Show

No Show

No Show

Blade: Trinity

Blade: Trinity

Ocean’s Twelve

Ocean’s Twelve

The Grudge

Blade: Trinity

Saw

No Show

Are We There Yet?

Blade: Trinity

Ocean’s Twelve

Ocean’s Twelve

No Show

Are We There Yet?

Closer

Are We There Yet?

Are We There Yet?

Are We There Yet?

Blade: Trinity

Blade: Trinity

Blade: Trinity

Blade: Trinity

Are We There Yet?

Ocean’s Twelve

Ocean’s Twelve

National Treasure

National Treasure

The Polar Express

National Treasure

Ocean’s Twelve

Ocean’s Twelve

Ocean’s Twelve

Ladder 49

Ladder 49

The Polar Express

Ladder 49

Chaplain

The Morning Calm Weekly

Feb. 4, 2005

http://ima.korea.army.mil/morningcalmweekly

15

Moving ‘forward with support’ together By Chaplain (Capt.) Ken Carlson 194th Maintenance Battalion

This Wednesday much of the Christian community will mark the beginning of Lent with ashes on the forehead. As a Catholic I have done this all my life. As a kid I used to feel silly walking around with the ash on my head and my friends asking me why I had “dirt” smeared on me. As a young man I began to understand the deep-rooted meaning behind the ashes. Now as a Priest, I am able to bring others to understand part of the meaning behind this event, to bring people together to realize that we are all in this life together as one people with many

gifts, talents and even differences that we can celebrate. Our society has gone through many changes since Sept. 11, 2001, and we are a country at war. In many ways we hear of another kind of “war” raging back home between one group or another group, one ideology or another, one religious belief or another. It can become disturbing to listen to so many negative things coming out of the spin doctors on TV or in the newspapers who want to evoke emotions from us. It’s a matter of good versus evil, right versus wrong. One of the things that we in the Catholic tradition ask our people to do at the beginning of Lent is to pray a bit

more, to give to others just a bit more and to fast or refrain from something that would normally be part of our lives, something that reminds us of our need for God. The community is meant to come together and be strengthened through our sacrifices, to choose what is good and right; to celebrate what it is that brings us together as one people. Our time here in Korea as members of the military community can do much the same thing through our faith. It does not matter who we are or where we come from. We all can have a great time learning a new culture and an ancient history of a proud Korean people. When we go out of our way to

acknowledge the many good things that we have, we are indeed walking together in life. A good way to do this is to get involved in the many programs offered through the Chapel, Morale, Welfare and Recreation or unit events. It all goes back to how I began … we are brought here together for a common purpose: to uphold peace. Lent is a time for renewal and recollection for the Christian community but it can go far beyond a particular denominational community when we look at the values it upholds. The motto of my Battalion is “Forward with Support” and that sums it up. We move forward together with support.

Area IV W orship Services Worship Protestant Collective

Sunday 10 a.m.

Korean

7 p.m.

Camp Walker

Mass

7 p.m.

Camp Carroll

Mass

Sunday 6 p.m.

Camp Hialeah

Mass

Tuesday 6:30 p.m. Camp Carroll

Camp Walker

Apostolic

12:30 p.m. Camp Hialeah

Collective

12:45 p.m. Camp Walker 1 p.m.

Friday

Camp Carroll

10:45 a.m. Camp Hialeah 11 a.m.

Collective

Camp Carroll

Korean

Wednesday

6:15 p.m. Camp Walker

Catholic Mass

Sunday 9 a.m.

Camp Walker

Sunday

9 a.m.

Camp Hialeah

11:30 a.m. Camp Carroll Saturday 5 p.m.

Camp Walker

Area IV Chaplains Chaplain (Maj.) Richard Bendorf [email protected] or DSN 764-5455 Chaplain (Capt.) Chris Floro [email protected] or DSN 763-7395 Chaplain (Capt.) Daniel Cho [email protected] or DSN 765-8991

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Feb. 4, 2005

16 http://ima.korea.army.mil/morningcalmweekly

Feature

The Morning Calm Weekly

A wintery mountain beckons adventurors By David McNally Area I Public Affairs

UIJEONGBU — The giant rock face stands over the Uijeongbu valley calling out to the adventurous, “Climb me if you can.” A winter trek to Mount Dobong presents hardy hikers with challenging trails, frozen streams, Buddhist temples and clear mountain air. The park is a short walk from the Dobong subway stop on either Line No. 1 or 7 of the Seoul Metropolitan Subway System. A myriad of vendors sell food and drinks, as well as all kinds of hiking paraphernalia. Korean hikers seem to enjoy accessories. Many dress from head to toe with vests, hats, backpacks, boots, walking canes and even bells. After paying a small fee in Korean won at the Bukhansan National Park ticket booth, hikers follow a welldeveloped path leading to Geumdeuk Temple. This Buddhist temple is open to visitors and offers a small gift shop. Directional signs in Korean and

PHOTOS

BY

English guide visitors to the mountain’s trails. With every step it seems the temperature goes down. But keeping a good climbing pace soon makes the cold tolerable. The frozen mountain stream gurgles with the sound of moving water beneath the ice. After 90 minutes, most hikers will make it to the Korean National Police rescue station and Sokkulam Temple. At the small temple beneath the mountain’s main peak a bell keeper tolls a grand Buddhist bell every hour. The panorama of the valley is spread out before the hiker. A look south offers a view of the northern edge of Seoul. On a clear day, the vista can be spectacular. After a short rest, the cold winter air may taunt the hiker. For the adventurous, the peak is still a challenging two-hour climb. Even on weekdays, the park is full of hikers. Many Korean retirees take to the mountain trails in search of good health and long life. E-mail [email protected]

DAVID MCNALLY

Mount Dobong towers over the western side of the Uijeongbu valley. Its distinctive rock face draws hikers to its trails.

The mountain overlooks Uijeongbu and northern Seoul.

Mountain streams lie in stasis leaving tiny icicles to sparkle in the sun.

Geumdeuk Temple sits at the entrance to the Dobongsan park. It is open for visitors.

Kim Hwa-jung makes the grand bell ring every hour at this small mountain temple. A single note echos through the valley for miles.

The eaves of Sokkulam Temple dance with color against the winter sky.

Korean hikers ignore the freezing temperature and head for the mountain’s summit.

The ancient grand bell stands near the small temple beneath the mountain top.

Feb. 4, 2005 18 http://ima.korea.army.mil/morningcalmweekly

The Morning Calm Weekly

MWR Cable readies for Super Bowl By Cara Masterson IMA-Korea MWR

Warrior Invitational Wrestling

Warrior Sports will host the Warrior Invitational Wrestling competition Feb. 12 at Camp Stanley Fitness Center. This event is open to active-duty military personnel stationed on U.S. Forces Korea installations. Weigh-ins and medical exams will begin at 10 a.m. Competition starts at 1 p.m. For information, call 732-6276/6927.

Valentine’s Dinner at Reggies

Camp Stanley Reggie’s will serve Valentine Day dinner specials Feb. 12. Lobster or crab dinner (with dessert and a free glass of wine) are offered.

YAMAMA NYM Plays W arrior Countr y Warrior

Armed Forces Entertainment show, YAMAMA NYM, will visit Warrior Country in February. The group will perform an R&B show at Camp Page Community Club 8 p.m., Feb. 13; Camp Kyle’s Edeewa Club, 8 p.m., Feb. 16, and; Camp Stanley’s Reggie’s, 7 p.m., Feb. 16.

BOS alentine’s Activities BOSSS V Valentine’s

Camp Stanley Better Opportunity for Single and Unaccompanied Soldiers will host a Valentine Day dance party at Camp Stanley’s Reggie’s Feb. 12. The party will start at 9 p.m. For information, contact the local BOSS representative. Camp Red Cloud BOSS is having a Valentine’s Day Candy-Gram delivery for the Feb. 14 holiday. Soldiers and civilians wanting to send candy to their sweethearts can order the candy through BOSS Soldiers and BOSS members will deliver it. For information contact the local BOSS rep.

Comedy ROK’s

Two famous celebrity comedians will visit Warrior Country February and March, as Tommy Davidson and Joe Torry entertain at Camp Stanley Feb. 24, at Camp Essayons Feb. 26 and Camp Red Cloud March 5. Performance times and venues will be announced. For information, call 732-6819.

Sunday Bowling Tournament

Visit and enjoy the Sunday Bowling Tournament ournament, 1 p.m. every Sunday at Camp Red Cloud Bowling Center. The tournament will be a combination of Handicap, Scratch, 9-Pin No-Tap and 3–6–9. Also stay late to enjoy X-Treme Bowling from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

P ool TTournament ournament Camp Red Cloud Community Activity Center is hosting a pool tournament at 11 a.m. every Sunday. The winner will receive a coupon for dinner at Mitchell’s. For information, call 732-6246.

Trophy Shop

Visit the MWR trophy shops at camps Casey and Red Cloud for personalized gifts. Whether you are looking for trophies, plaques or gifts for friends and family back home, the local MWR Trophy Shop has everything at a great price. For information, call the Casey MWR trophy shop at 730-6278, or the CRC trophy shop at 732-7519.

YONGSAN – While Soldiers, civilians, and contractors sit back and watch the Philadelphia Eagles battle the New England Patriots for the Super Bowl XXXIX title, it’s just another way Morale, Welfare and Recreation is bringing stateside entertainment to those stationed throughout Korea. MWR Cable TV Branch Chief, Ron Buss, said his technicians have been working hard to prepare for the big day. “I can’t say enough about the dedication of our staff. With the recent AFN satellite failure and now the Super Bowl game, I’ve had them climbing poles in the cold, in the middle of the night – they know what a significant impact their jobs have on our soldiers’ quality of life and their families in Korea,” Buss said. “They take their work very seriously.” Recently the AFN satellite went down unexpectedly and Cable TV technicians were working overtime to restore service. The six, 6-man teams worked arduously re-orienting dishes and re-

COURTESY

PHOTOS

Min Myong Ki, a technician with Morale, Welfare and Recreation Cable, adjusts a satellite dish.

programming equipment. Staff worked 20 sites over a two-day period to ensure a good signal for the conference championships this past week. Super Bowl “Monday” kicks off at 8 a.m. Monday. While viewers await the start of the highly anticipated game, MWR Cable TV technicians are quietly preparing for the big event. MWR Cable TV has proactive and preventive measures to help ensure that television coverage will be enjoyed with no interruptions. On the big day, technicians will be dispatched to sites no later than 7 a.m. to perform a hands-on check at the venues where large of Yu Byung Kuk, MWR Cable techinician, checks equipment to concentrations Soldiers are expected to make sure it is working.

enjoy the game, like MWR clubs and community activity centers. The trouble desk at 738-CATV (2288) will open as early as 6 a.m. and be prepared to respond to any problems prior to kickoff. According to Buss, “Because Super Bowl Monday is so important to everyone, we’ll have our technicians standing by with cell phones for a quick response.” Some locations will be checked the night before, and then rechecked on Monday morning. “Our Korean techs totally understand the importance of this day, and are ready to go that extra mile to make sure the only tears shed are those for missed passes, not for missed coverage,” Buss said. With the exception of those viewing off post, everyone watching the Armed Forces Network on post is connected via the MWR cable system. From family housing to the community club, that means Monday there will be a lot of MWR Cable TV customers focusing on one pigskin.

No shortage of football parties on tap Monday By Mike Mooney Area III MWR

CAMP HUMPHREYS – Area III Soldiers, airmen, civilian employees and family members will have their choice of activities Super Bowl Monday, with individual parties planned for the Camp Humphreys’ Community Activities Center and the Nitewatch, Scudbusters at Suwon Air Base and the Longshot Community Activities Center, Camp Long. All four sites will show the big game on multiple screens and will have hundreds of door prizes for attendees. The Nitewatch will feature $9.95 Steak and Egg Brunch in addition to the game and prizes. The Camp Humphreys CAC will feature a $3.95 Continental Breakfast. The Longshot and Scudbusters will also have food available. “We take Super Bowl seriously,” said Area III Director of Community Activities Dave Watson. “In fact, we started gathering stuff for this year’s party the week after last year’s Super Bowl.” While each Area III party host will have items to give away, the biggest party is at the Camp Humphreys CAC where the game will be shown on the main ballroom’s 40-foot screen. “One of our more unique features is what we call our ‘chairs of honor’ that we award to Soldiers at the CAC party,” Watson said. “We have six chairs provided by Volvo Military Car Sales sitting in front of the giant screen and we draw door prize numbers

to see who gets to sit in the seats. They continue to sit in the Chairs of Honor until someone scores. Then we draw new numbers. Whoever is sitting in the Chairs of Honor at the end of the game gets to take their chair home with them.” Another set of prizes at the CAC are collector’s Budweiser Steins, which will be awarded each quarter. The CAC will also give away Dallas Cowboys, New York Jets and Green Bay Packers watches. In order to be eligible for the Budweiser Steins and NFL watches, individuals have to purchase the continental breakfast. Scores at the end of each quarter determine the stein winners, with scores throughout the game determining the winners of the team watches. Individuals who don’t purchase the breakfast can still win any of the dozens of prizes that have been provided by National Football League teams, Miller Brewing and Area III MWR. “Everyone who comes through the door gets a door prize ticket,” Watson said. “In addition, everyone gets a set of Thunder Sticks, a Football Stadium cushion and a Nerf football.” While the Humphreys CAC’s party will be the biggest party, each event will offer similar giveaways and activities. Doors at all locations open by 6:30 a.m., Monday. For information on activities, contact the individual businesses.

Page 21

Feb. 4, 2005

176th Finance tests readiness in $4 million “Bank Takedown” By Roger Edwards Area III Public Affairs

CAMP HUMPHREYS — The Camp Humphreys Community Bank was surrounded early Jan. 27 by a group of armed Soldiers from Bravo Detachment, 176th Finance Battalion. While they stood guard, other detachment members opened the vault and took authority over the more than $4 million in U.S. and Korean currency then on hand. “The same thing was happening in Areas II and IV,” said Capt. Rosalyn Reese, Bravo Detachment’s commander. “We were participating in “Bank Takedown,” an exercise giving us the opportunity to practice procedures we would actually use in the event of an emergency.” In an emergency, Army finance closes financial institutions on camps

and bases throughout the country, transferring accountability and authority over all available cash resources and property to the U.S. Army. These funds would then be used to finance U.S. operations in Korea. The exercise, which occurred over a period of three hours, is the third bank closure exercise in the last year. “One of the things I find to be so remarkable about these efforts,” said Reese, “is that the people handling all this money and responsibility are all private first class or lower in grade. You will not find that in civilian life.” The captain also said that people should not worry about their money in the event of an actual emergency. Accounts are backed by Bank of America in the United States, and by the Army.

PHOTOS BY ROGER EDWARDS

Finance personnel practice their intrusion control techniques (above) during the Jan. 27 “Bank Takedown” exercise. During the exercise (left) Bravo Detachment, 176th Finance Battalion, takes authority over the more than $4 million in U.S. and Korean currency on hand at the Community Bank

Concerned Area III Soldier Area III creates new directorate saves five-year-old girl Emergency services enhanced By Roger Edwards

Area III Public Affairs

CAMP HUMPHREYS — Area III moved closer to meeting the Installation Management Agency-directed standard garrison organization and common levels of service with the creation of the Directorate of Emergency Services Jan. 15. IMA’s goal is to ensure the delivery of high quality base operation services within the funds available to the Army. Customers will enjoy predictable levels of services tailored to unique mission, geography, or personnel needs. “Each branch of Area III’s emergency services; fire, police, medical, force protection; is a professional operation,” said acting DES Director Kevin Griess, “but each has been operating on its own. Emergency Services is now going to make sure they are good working together. “Our goal is that when a Soldier, family member, civilian employee or contractor calls for help in any emergency; then competent, qualified, professional help will be there.” The role of DES in all of this is to act as coordinator. According to Griess, DES will work to integrate training, procedures, policies and goals among the emergency

services on base, and to coordinate onbase services with those available through professionals off base. “One of the fundamental challenges we have here is language,” he said. “When a Korean national calls the police on base he is switched to a Korean speaker on desk duty as soon as he starts to speak. We have people on watch 24 hours a day to handle problems that our English-speaking Soldiers would not understand. “We want the same level of assistance available to the American community living off post whether it requires simple assistance with the language or actual dispatch of emergency responders. “We’ll have it within the next 12months.” One DES initiative to establish that level of service is working out how to find the person who needs help. “We’re going to build a database and map system that will pinpoint where each person living off-base lives,” said Griess. “We’ll be working through the housing office to build the database, and will most likely use a grid map of the base and surrounding area to guide emergency services. “I want people to know that we’re here, we’re good, we know what we’re doing and that we’re looking out for you.”

By Pfc. Lee Ki-sub Area III Public Affairs

CAMP HUMPHREYS — Pfc Kim Byung-soo, a KATUSA Soldier assigned to Area III’s 2nd Battalion, 52nd Aviation Regiment is a life saver. The life he saved is that of Kim Hyo-jin, a five-year-old girl diagnosed with leukemia. She had surgery to re-implant her own blood generation cells saved from the placenta at her birth, but Hyo-jin still needs transfusions weekly to keep the blood clotting factor working. Supply and demand for her relatively rare blood type and the costs involved in supplying her needs has been causing difficulty for the child. Kim joined the “We Are AB” blood club through the Internet and, Jan. 14, heard about Hyo-jin’s situation. He contacted Hyo-jin’s mother and headed to Seoul’s Sung-Mo Hospital Jan. 16. for compatibility tests. Kim’s blood proved to be a match for Hyo-jin’s. Three days after the tests, Hyo-jin had a crisis and required an immediate transfusion. Kim was the only match to Hyo-jin that had been found to that point and he was called on to come to the girl’s aid.

With the approval of both the Republic of Korea and U.S. Army chain of command, Kim rushed to Seoul to give blood. Now past her crisis, Hyo-jin is still undergoing treatment, and still needs her weekly transfusions. Kim has been donating blood for her and has pledged to be there for her as long as he is needed. Kim’s brother is in treatment for lymph cancer.

Pfc. Kim Byung-soo

U.S.ARMY PHOTO

Feb. 4, 2005 22 http://ima.korea.army.mil/morningcalmweekly

Area III

The Morning Calm Weekly

Food Drive for ictims Victims Tsunami V

The U.S. Air Force’s 607th Combat Communications Squadron will sponsor a food drive for tsunami victims Saturday and Sunday at the Camp Humphreys Commissary. Donations of rice and bottled water will be appreciated. For information, call Staff Sgt. Rygh at 753-7833.

USO TTours ours

Feb. 12-13: Valentine’s Spa trip, $140 Feb. 13: Yoju pottery and Shilluk temple, $21 Feb. 19: DMZ and tunnel tour, $20 Feb. 19-20: Dragon Valley ski trip, $160 Feb. 20: Korean Folk Village, $23 For information, call USO Leisure Travel at 753-6281.

Area III TTax ax Center

The Area III Tax Center is now open to serve authorized ID cardholders. Tax representatives will also visit Camp Long/Eagle and Suwon Air Base weekly. To schedule an appointment, contact your unit tax advisor or call 753-3170.

Smoking Cessation

Smoking cessation classes are held at 3 p.m. every Tuesday at the Camp Humphreys Health Clinic. Free medication and Individual and group counseling is available. For information to authorized ID cardholders, call 753-7657.

Scholarships Offered by USA Federal Credit Union

High school seniors heading for college may have a chance for a scholarship compliments of the USA Federal Credit Union. The credit union’s Martin P. Cassell Scholarship Program is accepting applications for five $1,500 scholarships. Applications must be postmarked no later than March 15. Selection will be based on the following: ! Applicant’s involvement in community activities. ! An essay discussing future personal goals and the lifelong benefits of pursuing a higher education. ! Applicant or parents must have been a USA Federal Credit Union member for one year prior to the March 15 deadline. For information, visit www.usafedcu.org or call Ronald Holcomb at 753-6203.

Hometown News Release Form Now Online

Let folks back home know about career milestones by submitting a Hometown News Release that will be published in newspapers back home. The process is now easier than ever. Area III Soldiers can now submit a Hometown News Release form online at http:// area3.korea.army.mil/pao/hometown.html. Eligible events for submitting a Hometown News Release are arrival in Korea, a promotion or reenlistment, receipt of an award or decoration and participation in major sports event or field training exercise.

PHOTOS

STEVE DAVIS

Korean unit ‘decontaminates’ U.S. Soldiers during maintenance battalion evaluation By Steve Davis Area III Public Affairs

CAMP HUMPHREYS — Soldiers from the 194th Maintenance Battalion were “decontaminated” by a Republic of Korea Army chemical company Jan. 28 during the final hours of a week-long external evaluation, or ExEval. “It was the first time we have trained with a Republic of Korea Army chemical company,” said 23rd Area Support Group Nuclear, Biological and Chemical NCO Master Sgt. Edward L. Gallagher, who helped coordinate the joint training. Gallagher said the decontamination drill was both an important part of the 194th Maintenance Battalion’s external evaluation and an opportunity to train with Republic of Korea Army, which has assumed a greater decon support role. The 194th Maintenance Battalion, part of the 23rd Area Support Group based at Camp Humphreys, consists of a headquarters and headquarters detachment, a direct support maintenance company, a supply company and two aviation intermediate maintenance companies based at Camp Humphreys and Camp Eagle. “The battalion was redeploying when it got an order to support an aviation unit nearby. About 25 Soldiers in two serials of 10 vehicles each were dispatched,” said Gallagher. “When they arrived at the designated location, the aviation unit was gone and they came under a simulated chemical attack.” The “contaminated” Soldiers then traveled to the decontamination site set up by the Republic of Korea Army’s 51st Division Chemical Company and a platoon-sized unit from the Third Republic of Korea Army. Korean soldiers guided the Americans through a series of personnel decontamination stations while simultaneously decontaminating their equipment and vehicles. “Their procedures are similar to ours,” said Gallagher. “The exercise was useful. We now understand how to improve communications, and the Korean soldiers learned what they need to do to decontaminate our Soldiers and large vehicles.”

Republic of Korea Army Soldiers help U.S. Soldiers “decontaminate” during part of the 194th Maintenance Battalion external evaluation conducted Jan. 21-28 at various field locations.

Third Republic of Korea Army Chemical Officer Col. Eun Jong-hwa, right, discusses future joint training possibilities with 23rd Area Support Group Commander Col. Gregory L. Johansen (center) and 23rd Area Support Group Republic of Korea Army Liaison Officer Capt. Jong Soon-chul, who interpreted during the exercise .

News & Notes Deadline

The deadline for submitting items for Area III News & Notes is Friday each week for publication the following Friday. News & Notes requests should include who, what, when, where, a contact name and telephone number and any relevant additional information.

BY

Soldiers from the Republic of Korea Army 51st Division Chemical Company set up an equipment decontamination site Jan. 28 at a training area near Camp Humphreys. The Korean unit played an important part in the 194th Maintenance Battalion external evaluation.

A Republic of Korea Soldier decontaminates a 194th Maintenance Battalion vehicle Jan. 28 during the battalion’s first joint chemical decontamination exercise.

Area III

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Young Straughan teaches newcomers By Roger Edwards Area III Public Affairs

CAMP HUMPHREYS — One person that newly arrived personel at Camp Humphreys should look forward to meeting is Army Community Services’ Young Straughan. She has taken it as her mission to teach anyone who wants to learn the basics about getting around in the Republic of Korea. “I teach a class about Korean culture and language,” said the Korean native, “as well as one about Korean cooking.” Straughan conducts various tours off post, and teaches Koreans in a class titled “English as a Second R E Language.” She also conducts a “Cross Cultural Young Straughan (right) shows Susan Davis some of the agri- Marriage Seminar” to assist Koreans who are marrying cultural products available in the local community on market Americans. day. The duo were touring Anjung-ri Friday. The tours she conducts serve to familiarize those OGER

DWARDS

newly arrived in Korea with the services available “on the economy.” “I like to show people how to get around in town,” she said, “so they’re not completely dependent on the resources available at Camp Humphreys and Osan.” One of her tours is a walking tour of Anjung-ri on market day that includes lunch at a Korean restaurant and a bus trip to Pyongtaek City to examine transportation alternatives found there. Another tour is a monthly shopping tour to Seoul that includes learning about local transportation and a visit to a major shopping mall in Korea’s capitol city. “I’m glad for the opportunity to help people whenever I can,” said Straughan. “I have a message for Americans assigned to Korea. While you’re here, go out, meet the people, see the country and learn about our culture. Enjoy Korea.”

Ride the bus or train

Tours help newcomers get around in Korea By Roger Edwards Area III Public Affairs

CAMP HUMPHREYS — Young Straughan’s Anjung-ri and Pyongtaek City Tour was held last Friday. The scheduled six-dependent tour group was reduced by cold weather and other demands to one dependent, Susan Davis, who has been in country only a few weeks. The tour wandered through the

market area with Straughan pointing out the different agricultural and manufactured products available. She indicated where American money could be changed for Korean, and where other services, such as tailoring, can be bought. After lunch at a local Korean restaurant, Young and her tour boarded the Number 20 bus to Pyongtaek City. Once there, Straughan led her charge to the Pyongtaek City train station.

Straughan pointed out that the arrival and destination boards in the terminal are displayed in English as well as Korean, and that trains are scheduled to depart for Seoul throughout the day. Tickets are 1,700 won and the regular train makes the trip in just over one-and-a-half hours. Tickets for express trains are a little more expensive and they make the trip in about an hour and 12 minutes. Two-blocks down the street from the

train station is the intra-city bus depot where passengers can catch the Airport Express Limousine bus every half hour starting at 5:25 a.m. until 7:55 p.m. Tickets run 9,700 won. For tour information, and information about her classes, call Straughan at 7538782., or stop by Army Community Service, Bldg. 31, and see what else they have available in addition to Young Straughan.

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Issues tackled, solutions sought at AFAP conference Annual event provides community members chance to be heard, work with command

AFAP Facts

! AFAP was the brainchild of Army spouses. ! Each AFAP success story originated as an idea that someone decided to pursue. ! The Army is the only branch of DOD that has such a program. ! Almost 500 issues have entered AFAP in its 17-year history. ! Many AFAP improvements impact quality of life for all services. ! AFAP is year-round. Issues are continually monitored and worked toward resolution at local levels, MACOMs and HQDA. (From the Army Family Action Plan Web Site)

By Galen Putnam Area IV Public Affairs

CAMP WALKER – Delegates from throughout Area IV gathered to hash out issues of concern and offer suggestions to resolve those problems at the annual Area IV Army Family Action Plan conference Jan. 28 at Soldier Memorial Chapel on Camp Walker. AFAP allows community members the opportunity to present issues of concern to the command and a chance to offer potential solutions. Issues are collected in advance through a variety of methods including drop boxes that were placed throughout the installations two months prior to the event. At the day-long conference delegates were broken into groups including Consumer Services, Housing (Relocation), Family Support, Medical/Dental, Force Support and Youth to examine the issues assigned them, offering potential solutions to the problems. A total of 56 delegates representing enlisted, officer and civilians participated. Delegates represent a crosssection of the Area IV community, coming from a variety of units. Spouses and youth added additional diversity to the panels. “This is a great chance for people to voice their opinions,” said Vicky Kingston, Area IV Army Family Team Building and Army Family Action Plan coordinator. “Participation was great this year and we made a lot of progress. It is important to prioritize community issues and come up with solutions to those problems.” About 90 percent of issues raised each year are

GALEN PUTNAM

Tricia Smith, Consumer Services Group, makes a point during the Area IV Army Family Action Plan Conference Jan. 28 at Soldiers Memorial Chapel on Camp Walker. resolved locally. Issues that are not resolved locally are elevated to the major command level. If issues can’t be resolved at the major command level, the issue is pushed further up the chain-of-command to the Department of the Army. Subject matter experts from a wide variety of organizations and directorates aided the delegates with first-hand information, as they sought to formulate potential solutions. The “working together” approach is emphasized as groups, aided by a recorder, facilitator and subject matter experts, work together to devise creative solutions. While the recorder and facilitator don’t participate directly, they are there to hasten the creative process and keep the group on track. Delegates represented all corners of Area IV including Busan, Camp Carroll and personnel from Gwangju Air Base. “I know all of you put in a lot of work here today and we truly appreciate your efforts. Thank you for the recommended solutions,” said Col. Donald J. Hendrix, Area IV commander. “It was really interesting listening to your comments. Some of the things we have heard at town hall meetings and other forums.

Anybody can bring a problem but it is a completely different adventure coming up with solutions. I guarantee you we are going to work them all. Our motto ‘making a difference’ applies to every single one of you in this room.” Participants appreciated the opportunity to contribute to the community. “I enjoyed attending. I think I brought a lot to the table since I have been exposed to AFAP at the major command and DA levels,” said Sgt. Kenneth Richardson, Area IV Better Opportunities for Single and Unaccompanied Soldiers advisor. “The process brings the top issues to the forefront but lesser issues are not ignored. It is good to be able to prioritize the issues facing the community.” Issues ranged from living conditions on Gwangju Air Base to employment opportunities for family members and off-duty Soldiers. Not all topics were “hard hitting” but more geared to improving overall quality of life. A couple examples dealt with improving movie theater offerings and making Internet service more consist from installation to installation. “All of the issues that are brought up are valuable,” Kingston said. “Obviously, some are more important than others but every topic is worth looking into. What is important to one person might not mean as much to someone else. We want to make sure that everybody’s concerns are taken care of.”

Free income tax services available at Carroll, Hialeah

B-ball Championships

CPL. OH DONG-KEUN

The Eighth U.S. Army Company-Level Basketball Championships were held Jan. 27 – Saturday at the Kelly Fitness Center on Camp Walker. A total of eight teams, the top two teams from each area, participated in the double-elimination tournament. See story, Page 26.

Area IV Public Affairs The Legal Office at Camp Carroll in building S-119 is offering tax services. Walk-in customers with simple 1040EZ and 1040 tax returns are accepted 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. Other customers are handled by appointment only 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesdays. Call the Legal Office at 765-8602 to make appointments. Tax services are also being provided by the Legal Office in the Camp Hialeah Headquarters, building T-275, by appointment only 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Appointments are scheduled after customers’ pick-up and complete a tax information sheet from the Legal Office. For information, call the Legal Office at 763-7459/3510.

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Area IV

The Morning Calm Weekly

Units vie for basketball bragging rights

Welcome Home Ceremony

The 728th Military Police Battalion is hosting a welcome home ceremony for Task Force Warfighter 11 a.m. today at Kelly Gym on Camp Walker. For information, call Capt. Sharon Lyght at 768-7907.

Boxing Smoker

The Camp Carroll Fitness Center is hosting a boxing smoker 7 p.m. Saturday. For information, call Kim Su-yop at 765-8287.

Tax Center Open

The Area IV Tax Center is now open in Bldg. 1805 on Camp Henry. For appointments, call 7686680. For information, see your unit tax advisor.

Commissaries Closed

The Area IV commissaries, including Taegu, Pusan, Camp Carroll and Chinhae will be closed Wednesday for Lunar New Year’s Day. For information, call Celine Ruiz at 764-4644.

Golf Membership Meeting A general membership meeting for the members of Evergreen Golf Club will be held 6 p.m. Feb. 13 at the Evergreen Community Club on Camp Walker. The Area IV commander will explain changes in Korea Region Office and Eighth U.S. Army rules on honorary membership and the new golf course rules. For information, call the Evergreen Community Club at 764-4060.

Kelly Fitness Center Closure

The Kelly Fitness Center on Camp Walker will be closed 1 p.m. Feb. 14 through 6 p.m. Feb. 15 and 1 p.m. Feb. 21 through 6 p.m. Feb. 22 for official military business. For information, call Laurel Baek at 768-7563.

Scholarship Available

Applications for the Scholarship for Military Children Program are available at Area IV commissaries. Completed applications are due at the commissaries by Feb. 16. For information, call Alan Esperas at 764-5310 or visit www.militaryscholar.org.

Black Histor Historyy Month Play

The Camp Walker School Age Service will host a Black History Month play for parents 4 p.m. Feb. 18. For information, call Mark Burton at 764-5072.

Information W anted Wanted

The 20th Military Police Detachment, Criminal Investigation Division, is looking for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the theft of two laptop computers from the 229th Signal Company Operations Office on Camp Carroll Jan. 18. There is a $350 reward. Contact the Camp Carroll branch office, Criminal Investigation Division at 765-8516/ 7442/7441, the 20th Military Police Detachment, Criminal Investigation Division at 768-8225/8232/ 8211 or the Camp Carroll Military Police desk at 765-8509 if you have information.

Camp W alk er Librar y Walk alker Closure

The Camp Walker library is closed until Feb. 28 for renovation. Book return and in/out processing is available at the Community Activity Center, Bldg. T-215, located next to the gas station. For information, call Pan Un-hwan at 764-4318.

527th MI Battalion wins third championship By Cpl. Oh Dong-keun Area IV Public Affairs

CAMP WALKER – A Camp Humphreys unit became a “triple crown winner” after capturing the 2005 Eighth U.S. Army Company-Level Basketball Championship, held Jan. 27 through Saturday at the Kelly Fitness Center on Camp Walker. Eight of the peninsula’s best basketball squads gathered in Area IV to determine this year’s 8th U.S. Army basketball bragging rights. After three days, Company A, 527th Military Intelligence Battalion “Warriors” came out on top, earning the rights, along with some hardware. This is the third Eighth U.S. Army championship for the unit, which also has won the EUSA tournaments in soccer and flag football last year. “It feels great,” said George Nicholson, head coach of the Warriors. “This is the third championship for us, after soccer and football. Now with the basketball, we completed the trifecta.” The championship didn’t come easy for the Warriors, as they had to fight off a fierce challenge brought by the Crusaders of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 72nd Armor Regiment from Camp Casey, who defeated the reigning champion 121st General Hospital Heat from Yongsan Garrison to reach the championship game out of the losers’ bracket. The first championship game began with both teams roaring, with the Warriors’ speed and the Crusaders’ accurate shooting from outside. However, towards the end of the first half, the Crusaders, thanks to the rebounding effort of their big men and explosive three-point shooting by Andre Garner who scored 26 points, began to pull away. Helping the Crusaders’ cause on the other side of the floor were the Warriors’ big men, as they didn’t show the same dominance they had shown throughout the tournament. The 527th, however, managed to stay in the game, not letting the opposition out of reach, helped by off-the-bench production from Owen Rickman and Isaac Cummings -- who were also part of the unit’s championship flag football team. As a result, the Warriors trailed only by six at halftime. As the second half began, the Warriors’ big men came alive with their mid-range jumpers, trying to cut into Crusaders’ lead. However, the Crusaders’ would get help from yet another sharpshooter, Rodney Jackson, who scored 16 points, keeping the lead between five and seven points until the Warriors slowly lost focus and became careless with the ball. From that point, the Crusaders mounted a gameending 17–0 run to take the game 68–48, forcing the “if” game. Both teams came out showing zone defense in game two, which didn’t do much to slow down the tempo. The

CPL. OH DONG-KEUN

James Dix, Company D, 168th Medical Battalion, Camp Walker, hangs in the air during a lay-up attempt during a game against the 4th Quartermaster Detachment from Camp Hialeah. players didn’t show any signs of fatigue from playing as many as seven games in three days, as they kept the same tempo from the previous game. The Warriors, however, missed several easy buckets inside that could have pulled them ahead, and the tight half came to end with the Warriors leading by one, 30–29. The Warriors finally found their rhythm inside as the second half unfolded, but the Crusaders weren’t going to let their hardfought chance at the championship go away that easy as they continued to attack the basket with speed before the Warriors’ defense could settle down. The score continued to seesaw until the one-minute mark, when two back-toback turnovers by the Crusaders led to four fast break points for the Warriors with 32 seconds left in the game, tipping the scale and costing Crusaders the game and the championship. The final score: 65– 62. Four Warriors scored double digits, led by 16 points from Wallace Ruffin. “I told my players before the second game to keep pushing up and down the court and stay focused,” Nicholson said. “My guys came out with a lot of heart and guts for the second game, and that’s

what made a difference.” “We played with great teamwork and hustle throughout the tournament,” said Terry Daniel, who is on temporary duty at the 527th Military Intelligence Battalion from Company A, 404th Military Intelligence Battalion, stationed at Harrogate, England. “Everybody was hurting and tired when we played the second game today, but we came through.” “It was great to see the last two teams battle for the championship until the last minute,” said Tom Corcoran, the Area IV sports director, who coordinated the event. “I believe everyone who participated and who came to support the players enjoyed the event, and Area IV and Camp Walker sports staff was happy to host it.” Other units invited to participate in the tournament were Company B, 302nd Forward Support Battalion, Camp Casey; Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 8th Personnel Command, Yongsan Garrison; Battery B, 1st Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery, Camp Humphreys; Company D, 168th Medical Battalion, Camp Walker; and 4th Quartermaster Detachment, Camp Hialeah.

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Hialeah community helps provide deaf boy with ‘gift of sound’ By Cpl. Oh Dong-keun Area IV Public Affairs

CAMP HENRY – A Korean boy who lost his hearing after being struck with an acute ear infection as an infant is recovering from a successful surgery that is expected to correct his hearing. The surgery was made possible by aid from members of the Camp Hialeah community. Five-year-old Jang Bong-sok underwent inner-ear surgery Jan. 17 at the Donga University Hospital in Busan. The boy has been living at Isaac’s House, a home for abandoned children, since his biological father brought him there in 2002. The home, currently housing 20 children, is managed by a Korean lay Catholic couple Joo Young-sook, known as Sister Catarina, and Ahn Jin-sun whose relationship with the Camp Hialeah community began a year ago as a part of the installation’s Catholic community outreach program. “Isaac’s House is one of the orphanages and foster homes that Camp Hialeah Catholic community supports,” said Anthony Gray, director, Camp Hialeah Morale, Welfare and Recreation Logistics Branch, who also serves as Catholic coordinator for the installation. “We look out for Catholic organizations in the local community that need help, and as of now we have six orphanages that we support.” According to Gray, Jang’s father, who was a day laborer, didn’t have the means to support his three children after their mother left the family and disappeared. That’s when he decided to bring his son to Isaac’s House. “Bong-sok’s father thought maybe the boy was retarded because he didn’t respond to anything,” Gray said. “He

didn’t even think that the boy may have been deaf.” Fortunately, the caretakers at the home realized that the boy was indeed not retarded, he just couldn’t hear anything. After several trips to the hospital to have Jang’s condition Jang evaluated, Ahn and Joo found out that the boy could get his hearing back through surgery. “The doctor said that Bong-sok can get his hearing back with a surgery and once he is able to hear, he will be able to speak, too,” said Joo in a pledge letter she posted on the home’s Web site. “The problem is the surgery costs too much money for us to afford; 30 million won per ear. Please help us to give Bongsok the gift of sound.” After several months of fund raising, evaluations and anxiety, the big day arrived. The surgery lasted three-and-one-half hours, a long time for a young child like Jang, but he took it very well, according to Gray. “The doctors said that the surgery was a success,” Gray said. “Bong-sok’s sprits are high; he even smiled after the surgery was done. He is complaining about his ears aching, which is not a surprise since it was a pretty complicated procedure.” Although the surgery was a success, putting money together to pay for the delicate procedure involving one of the world’s best doctors in the field, Dr. Kim Lee-suk, who teaches at Seoul National University

Medical School and works at Donga University Hospital two days a week, was not an easy task. Isaac’s House staff must take care of the children with less than $4,000 a month. The home had begun a charity drive to raise funds for Jang’s operation two years ago, but struggled to make progress. When Gray found out about the situation, he thought of ways the Camp Hialeah community could help. “Since last October, the community raised and contributed about $5,500 for Bong-sok and Isaac’s House,” Gray said. “We received donations from the attendees of different church services over several Sundays and even from people who attended the last year’s Christmas party at Pusan Pub. People at (Pusan Storage Facility) also had a fundraiser and donated more than $1,000.” “I heard about the boy and his situation from Ms. (Sue) O’Leary (management support assistant, Pusan Storage Facility) last December and brought it up at the monthly staff meeting,” said John Batchelor, deputy commander, Pusan Storage Facility. “I thought it would fit well with the spirit of Christmas. Thankfully, people were very generous and open-hearted to open their wallets.” “Bong-sok is an average little kid who is cute and energetic,” said O’Leary. “He seems to be happy despite his situation. I hope the community continues to support him until he regains his health.” When asked what he thought of the Americans at Hialeah, Bong-sok answered in sign language, “I love them.” If you would like to make a donation to assist with Bong-sok’s ongoing medical bills or to support Isaac’s House, call Gray at 011-9671-1569.

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Area IV

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DoD official emphasizes safety at Tricare conference By Gerry J. Gilmore American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON – The Defense Department wants servicemembers and civilians to concentrate on safety whether they’re on or off duty, DoD’s top personnel official said Jan 24. Each year scores of Soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guard members, as well as DoD civilians, are killed or injured by preventable accidents, David S.C. Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, told attendees here at the annual Tricare conference. For example, “we lose several hundred military persons a year in motor vehicle accidents,” Chu pointed out, noting, “that tragic record continues” during military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. DoD has been evaluating its safety policies and programs as part of its transformation efforts, Chu noted. In a May 2003 memorandum Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld stated that top organizations like DoD “do not tolerate preventable accidents.” The secretary directed Chu to lead the effort to reduce the number of mishaps and accident rates within DoD by 50 percent over the next two years. “These goals are achievable, and will directly increase our operational readiness,” Rumsfeld said in the memo, adding, “We owe no less to the men and women who defend our nation.” Meeting the secretary’s short-term safety goal requires “real process change” across the department, Chu pointed out. To facilitate that change, the Defense Safety Oversight Council was established, he noted, comprised of the undersecretaries of defense, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the undersecretaries of the military departments.

That group meets every other month, Chu observed, to provide guidance “and to monitor the accidentreduction efforts the department is undertaking.” DoD’s long-term safety goal, Chu explained, “is zero preventable mishaps.” The council’s existence, he noted, demonstrates DoD’s senior leadership “is involved in pursuing this goal.”

issue of missing or outdated safety features on tactical military vehicles. As a result, he pointed out, the Army is now retrofitting its heavy-truck fleet – including trucks used in combat theaters - with quick-release, multi-point seat belts and anti-lock brakes. “Vehicle crashes are the largest accidental killer of U.S. military personnel,” Chu asserted, noting “Vehicle crashes are the largest that in Iraq Humvees and tactical cargo trucks accidental killer of U.S. military “comprise the largest segment of accidental deaths.” Department safety experts personnel” ... in Iraq, humvees and vehicle believe that ensuring seat belt usage by tactical cargo trucks “comprise the servicemembers, controlling speed, and largest segment of accidental managing driver fatigue “can reduce these accidents,” he said. vehicle deaths.” And the leading noncombat-associated killer of David S.C. Chu, undersecretary of defense service members, Chu said, is privately operated for personnel and readiness vehicle accidents – including motorcycles. The highest risk group in this category, Chu Also, Chu said, a series of task forces have been noted, includes servicemembers 18-24 years of age. set up to address safety concerns in military aviation, Military commanders, he said, will continue to issue training, deployment operations, installation/industrial safety messages to troops “to re-emphasis the need to operations, privately operated motor vehicle safety, and exercise good judgment.” workmen’s compensation. Chu told care providers at the Tricare conference Chu said another task force examines acquisition/ that medical surveillance is a “key element” of DoD’s technology safety issues, while yet another looks at injury-reduction program. establishing a DoD-wide safety monitoring system. “We need to know where, when and why an injury A general officer or a Senior Executive Service occurs,” he explained, noting it’s important to know civilian heads each task force, he noted, which all not only the types of servicemember injuries, “but also utilize input from safety experts from across DoD the causes.” and private industry. “Important progress” has been made on the safety The acquisition/technology task force, Chu front, Chu maintained, but he noted, “We’ve got a explained, studies lessons learned to improve safety long way to go to meet the secretary’s goals.” standards for present and future military systems. Related Web site: Military Health System [http:// For example, he said, the task force examined the www.tricare.osd.mil/]

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Korean Language

The Morning Calm Weekly

Learn Korean Easily “Suhl-nahl-ae oe-di gah-sheem-nee-ggah?” “Where are you going in the Lunar New Year?”

Language Instructor

Minsook Kwon

Word of the week

‘goh-hyahng’ The phrase of the week

“I am going to my hometown.”

Jae goh-hyahng-ae gahm-nee-dah. my

hometown

- to

Conversation of the week Suhl-nahl-ae mwoe hah-sheem-nee-ggah?

Chah-ryah-ruel jee-naem-nee-dah.

Gue-ree-goh-yo?

Oe-ruen-ggae sae-bae-ruel hahm-nee-dah.

Oe-dduhn min-sohk-noh-reeruel hah-sheem-nee-ggah?

(Yout-noh-ree)-ruel hahm-nee-dah.

I am going