Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Minister of National Defense Suh Wook hosted the ‘ROK-US Alliance Remembrance and Appreciation Event’ at Camp Humphreys;
awarded the ‘Guardian of Freedom’ medal to seven USFK members who are descendants of Korean War veterans 

Minister of National Defense Suh Wook stressed the firm alliance between the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the United States (US), while hosting the ‘ROK-US Alliance Remembrance and Appreciation Event’ at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek on October 29.

The event was attended by the main officials and soldiers of the USFK. “The ROK-US alliance, forged through blood under gunfire during the Korean War, has become the foundation for the ROK’s democracy and economic growth, while maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula,” Suh said in his address, assessing that “the alliance today has grown to become a powerful and exemplary alliance embracing global cooperation beyond security.” Expressed his personal feelings, he added “The people of the ROK will forever remember and appreciate all those who devoted themselves for the development of the ROK-US alliance, as well as the Korean War veterans who fought to protect the country’s freedom and peace 70 years ago.”

The ‘ROK-US Alliance Remembrance and Appreciation Event’ is held every ten years. This year marked the first time the event was held at Camp Humphreys. As it was part of a program to mark the 70th anniversary of the Korean War, the ministry put a great deal of effort into the event. Inviting several USFK members who are descendants of the Korean War veterans to the event provided an opportunity to remember the war veterans’ dedication and sacrifice for the country, and to express appreciation to them.

Earlier the banquet, Suh awarded the ‘Guardian of Freedom’ medals produced by the ministry to seven USFK members, descendants of US　Korean War veterans who are contributing to the development of the ROK-US alliance today, while expressing his gratitude to the war veterans for their noble sacrifice and contribution.

The USFK members who received the medals from Suh include Monika Tanedo, who is a civilian worker discharged from the Air Force as Lieutenant Colonel. She is the eldest daughter of Private Florencio Tanedo, who participated in the war. She has been working in the country for 18 years, four times in total. “The ROK is my spiritual home. The ROK’s people and culture will always stay with me, as part of my life,” she said.

Another descendant, First Lieutenant Benjamin White, is a Korean-born adoptee whose grandfather is Sergeant Senior George White, who participated in the war. George White wished to adopt a Korean orphan during the war but could not make it, so his son did it instead. “I feel grateful to serve in the country where I was born. During my time here, I will do my best to promote a firm ROK-US alliance,” First Lieutenant White said.

The Guardian of Freedom medals were also awarded to Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Hobgood, whose grandfathers on both his father’s and his mother’s side had participated in the war, and to other Korean Troops veterans’ grandsons, including Air Force Major Michael Pak, civilian worker Michael Glover, Air Force Major Jill Lemieux, and Colonel Rob Montgomery.

By Su-Yeol, Maeng <guns13@dema.mil.kr >

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