GOOD NEIGHBOR

The Good Neighbor Awards recognize individuals and organizations for exceptional contributions resulting in a better quality of life for military members and/or enhancement of Korean-American relations. Individuals and organizations are recognized at the local, regional and national levels, depending on the nature of their contributions. Award nominees must be Korean individuals or organizations. They are nominated by one of the USFK component commands or a staff element of UNC/CFC/USFK headquarters. A narrative justification is submitted on behalf of each nominee, explaining their contributions to Korean-American relations.

Nominations on the national level are reviewed by a panel of senior USFK officials. This panel ranks the nominations and forwards finalists through the UNC/CFC/USFK Chief of Staff to the Commander for final selection of awardees. Awardees are honored through the Good Neighbor Dinner and Recognition Ceremony each May. This ceremony is a small token of appreciation to our Korean friends and neighbors who have generously given their time and efforts to support activities that foster good will, mutual respect and better understanding between our two great nations.

The men and women of the United States Forces Korea salute and hold their "Good Neighbors" in high esteem.

Gangnam-gu (District)

In 2002, the Eighth United States Army Commanding General, LTG Charles Campbell and the Gangnam-gu (District) Mayor Kwon signed a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance Community Relations and build a mutual understanding and friendship through cultural, educational and sports exchanges between citizens of Gangnam-gu and Soldiers and Family members of the Eighth U.S. Army. Gangnam-gu initiated various new community relations initiatives such as the annual ROK-US Friendship Marathon, ROK-US Friendship Concerts, Cultural Tours, Cultural Exchange opportunities, Home Visitations, English Camps, Temple stays, and various theatrical performance invitations for U.S. Soldiers, DA Civilians, and Family Members. Since 2002, Gangnam-gu has hosted and organized over 155 events and cultural tours to include the 2008 International Peace Marathon, International Dance Festival, International Fashion Shows, International Youth Street Festival, and cultural tours to Gyeongju City.
On 19 January 2008, Gangnam-gu and Eighth Army worked together to help the Oil Spill Disaster Clean-up. In December 2008, Gangnam-gu sponsored the Peaceful Reunification Holiday concert; the first ever held inside the Joint Security Area. Gangnam-gu also hosted the Kids English Musical Festival where the Seoul American Elementary School Choir provided the opening congratulatory performance as guest participants. For their immeasurable sponsorship and wide-spread support, Gangnam-gu is aptly awarded the 2009 Good Neighbor Organization Award.

People-to-People International-New Seoul Chapter

People-to-People International, New Seoul Chapter, is a generous civic group whose sole purpose is the betterment of bilateral relations between the United States of America and the Republic of Korea. With the drive and dedication of the current president of PTPI-New Seoul Chapter, Mr. Hwang, Moo-young, the organization financially supported many Yongsan Garrison Good Neighbor events and made a significant impact on the thousands of Americans stationed there. PTPI-New Seoul Chapter champions support of the Super Bowl festivities at the Yongsan Main Post Club.
Through generous giving, the organization provided free food and beverages to community members at this uniquely American sports celebration. The organization also coordinated donations to support the annual KATUSA-US Soldier Friendship Week, designed to bolster the friendship and working relationship between KATUSAs and American Soldiers. The organization also donated generously to the American Fourth of July celebration as well as the Yongsan Fall Festival, unit holiday parties, and even food for Korean National Police during garrison KNP appreciation events. PTPI-New Seoul Chapter is made up of about 80 Korean prominent businessmen and women who desire to promote and support the United States and Republic of Korea Alliance. Its continued dedication to the Alliance reinforces its bestowed title of Good Neighbor Organization 2009 .

GEN(R) Paik, Sun-Yup

Chairman, ROK Army Association

Good Neighbor GEN(R) Paik, Sun-Yup has dedicated his life of service to establishing the world's strongest, most mature and enduring partnerships not found anywhere in the world today-the ROK-US Alliance. He is a living legacy that helped set the foundation for the ROK-US relationship, on which the Alliance still stands strong today. He worked and fought shoulder to shoulder with the brave US and UN forces of the past to establish the democracy South Korea enjoys today. Today, GEN(R) Paik is a highly respected national war hero, leader, scholar, author, diplomat and ambassador; and he still continues to promote and foster the awareness and importance of the US presence on the Korean Peninsula.
He spent the entire Korean War on the frontlines and was a representative to the historic Armistice negotiations that ended with a cease fire. Further, he was the youngest four-star general and most highly decorated ROK Army officer of his time. Of recent note, GEN(R) Paik spearheaded raising over 1.67 million dollars, which was donated toward the completion of Ft. Benning's National Infantry Museum, Korean War Gallery. He holds regular speaking engagements with key ROK-US military, US General Officer groups, business leaders, civic groups, and future generation of Korean university students about the importance of USFK's role securing peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia. GEN(R) Paik's lifetime service to build and improve ROK-US relations and strengthen ROK-US Alliance into the future has earned him this prestigious honor of the Dr. Horace Grant Underwood Award.

Mr. Chey, Chul Won

President, M & M Corperation

Good Neighbor Mr. Chey, Chul Won personifies the friendship of the ROK-US Alliance. His proactive engagement strategy continuously helps build a stronger alliance. Mr. Chey helped to develop and promote a successful ROK-US relationship-building initiative-Young Leaders Program that has now evolved into the Executive Orientation Program. This program brought together over 1,000 influential, broad-spectrum Korean leaders to familiarize them with the roles of the United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command and the United States Forces Command. Mr. Chey has personally referred over 100 influential members of Korean society to this program.
Again, Mr. Chey brought another huge initiative alive for 600 Servicemembers who attended the inaugural Air Force Ball in Seoul. His exceptional leadership ability brought numerous influential members to raise funds to help defray the cost to the Servicemembers to a mere $10.00 per person for a 5-star gala. He also led the way to bring, yet, another initiative-the MiG Alley Chapter of the Air Force Association at Yongsan-where members are able to advocate Airpower and form an even stronger ROK-US Alliance. As the vice president of the Korean American Association, he brought countless cultural, musical, friendship tours, and other grand-scale opportunities for the benefit of USFK Servicemembers. Moreover, he wholeheartedly supports the USO, Good Neighbor English Camps, JSA Tours for Korean student groups, and many others activities that bring better understanding between ROK and US members. He is an outstanding Good Neighbor leader, visionary, and role model. He is overwhelmingly deserving of this award!

Ms. Cho, Hu Nam

President, Chuncheon Happy Wedding Hall

Good Neighbor Ms. Cho, Hu Nam has delivered an array of beneficial cultural, recreational and sporting events to our military community for more than 20 years. She has brought life changing opportunities to a small force of military and civilian personnel in the Wonju Enclave. For the past 20 years, she has made a positive impact to over 6,000 Soldiers, civilians, and family members assigned to Camps Page, Long, and Eagle. She began supporting USFK in 1990 as an Army Community Services (ACS) volunteer to teach Hangeul and Hangook-mal and acted as a tour guide for the newcomers.
She arranged for many cultural and sporting events, luncheons, dinners and city tours of both Chuncheon and Wonju areas. Ms. Cho has supported numerous USFK installation holiday events since 1990 and made her wedding hall available to US Soldiers and civilians at no cost. Ms. Cho sponsored picnics and tours for several hundred augmenting military personnel area who participated in exercises in the Wonju area. She contributed resources in support of Black History Month, the Fourth of July celebrations, Christmas celebrations, numerous fashion shows and organizational picnics each year. Ms. Cho continuously offers generous support based on her deep appreciation for American military personnel and their efforts to protect democracy and freedom in Korea. Ms. Cho is a true friend to the U.S. military and an outstanding partner in our community relations and Good Neighbor efforts. Ms. Cho deserves the highest praise and is exceptionally deserving of the 2009 United States Forces Korea Good Neighbor Award.

Mr. Hwang, Jeong Yong

Advisor, PTPI, Pyeongtaek Chapter

Good Neighbor Mr. Hwang, Jeong Yong initiated numerous activities to increase the interaction and to promote positive relations between the USFK personnel in Area III and the Korean communities in Pyeongtaek. He has always been, and continues to be a staunch supporter of the ROK-US Alliance and United States Forces Korea. During his tenure as the president of PTPI, PyeongTaek Chapter, he established partnerships between the PTPI PyeongTaek Chapter and the 2d Combat Aviation Brigade, the USAG-Humphreys, and the 35th ADA Brigade.
Mr. Hwang contributed significantly to strengthening the Alliance to promote friendship and mutual understanding between PTPI members and USFK personnel in Area III. He supported the annual ROK-US Sports Day; ski tours for Servicemembers and their families; numerous cultural tours and city tours, to include the Yeoju Ceramic Tour; ROK-US Friendship Day Ceremony; ROK-US Goodwill One Heart Festival in support of USAG-Humphreys; US-KATUSA Friendship Week; Korean War Memorial Ceremony; Korean Traditional Music Festival; Korean Rock Musician Concert; ROK-US Goodwill Softball Tournament; PyeongTaek Harbor Marathon; and countless other partnership-building events and activities. Mr. Hwang is a well-known leader in Area III and a role model for the Good Neighbor Program. His dedication and personal commitment to the United States Forces Korea and the Republic of Korea demonstrate how the unselfish acts of one individual can have a tremendously positive impact on so many. Mr. Hwang is the epitome of a true friend and a good neighbor to USFK personnel in Area III.

Dr. Kim, Choon-Won

Director, Hanmaum Blood Bank

Good Neighbor Dr. Kim, Choon-Won has been a strong advocate and supporter of the US Army and dedicated his lifework to strengthening the ROK-US Alliance for the past three decades. Since 1989 Dr. Kim continued to serve with distinction as the 65th Medical Brigade (MEDBDE) and BAACH Consultant in Pathology. Providing his valuable time, advisory and consultation services free-of-charge has earned him numerous letters and certificates of appreciation from the US Army Surgeon General, CG of the 8th US Army and previous commanders of 18th MEDCOM. In April of 2002, the United States Army Medical Department inducted Dr. Kim into the Order of Military Medical Merit, which recognized Dr. Kim's dedicated contribution and application of talent, effort and spirit to the United States Army Medical Department.
His selfless action served as a stimulus for more active and productive interchange of medical knowledge between the ROK and US. Dr. Kim also generously donated his personal collection of 89 priceless oriental medical artifacts to the US Army. These enduring gifts date as far back as the 15th Century and is a testament to his unwavering support and commitment to the Alliance between the US and the ROK. As a senior faculty member and leader, he also led and supported the MOU establishment between Han Yang University Hospital and 18th MEDCOM. Dr. Kim's example and leadership paved the way to the partnership affiliation between the 18th MEDCOM and 15 more host nation hospitals. Dr. Kim, Choon-Won has made huge footprint in strengthening the ROK-US Alliance, as a result, he is truly deserving of the distinctive 2009 Good Neighbor Award.

Mr. Lee, Hyun Ok

President, Sang Hoon Corporation

Good Neighbor Mr. Lee, Hyun Ok has led and maintained a strong relationship with United States Forces Korea for the past 20 years. Mr. Lee seeks to strengthen ROK-US relations by financially supporting and creating new programs to improve the morale of US Servicemembers, their units and their families in Korea. Mr. Lee attends various US military sponsored events such as change of command ceremonies, organizational days, friendship nights, and cultural exchange programs to demonstrate his support and commitment to the ROK-US Alliance.
Mr. Lee hosted a formal recognition program for the outgoing commanders at USAG-Yongsan, and specifically the MP Brigade, for their outstanding service and support to the Korean-American communities. He also greets new commanders with social interaction opportunities to continue good relations. After the natural disaster of Hurricane Katrina, Mr. Lee donated $5,000 to the American Red Cross to help flood victims. He has quietly supported and contributed to spouses' club community outreach projects, ROK-US Swimming Competition, Canine Competition, and KATUSA Soldier GNP activities. His is a strong advocate for the US presence in Korea where his voice echoes in the halls of government, educational institutions, personal writings, and other opportunities to speak on this subject. Mr. Lee's passion and courage have contributed significantly to the improvement of public opinion toward the ROK-US Alliance today. He is a commendable recipient of the 2009 Good Neighbor Award.

Mr. Lee, Hyun-Si

President, Korean War Veterans Association,Chilgok Chapter

Good Neighbor Mr. Lee, Hyun-Si, the president of Korean War Veterans Association, Chilgok County Chapter, has been contributing tremendously in a variety of fields to foster better relations between Koreans and Americans in the Waegwan area. He has hosted the Chilgok Veterans Association's annual Hill 303 memorial service, inviting 40 6th Ordnance Battalion Soldiers to commemorate those who paid the ultimate sacrifice at Hill 303 battle site in Waegwan during the Korean War since 2005.
Since 2003, Mr. Lee has been hosting the annual Korean American Friendship Night event, which involves around 50 attendees from the US and 80 people considered the most influential in the area from Chilgok County. Most recently he made a great contribution to establish a Korean American Friendship gathering in Chilgok County, Waegwan. Mr. Lee acquired the Chilgok County's support this event. Mr. Lee's enthusiastic support and continued reinforcement of the positive relationship between the ROK-US have further strengthened the Alliance. As the most respected person in Chilgok County, his leadership has made it possible to make the public sentiment toward the US military presence there friendly and robust. He continues to see and develop beneficial relations with US forces. Mr. Lee, Hyun-Si's strong dedication and heartfelt commitment to supporting the Area IV US military community has earned him this prestigious recognition to receive the coveted 2009 United States Forces Korea Good Neighbor Award.

Mr. Lee, Ki Dong

President, Viking Fishing Reel Company

Good Neighbor Mr. Lee, Ki Dong was personally invited by GEN LaPorte, former Commander, UNC/CFC/USFK, 2002-2006, as a charter member of the USFK Good Neighbor Program in 2003. Because he was such a long-time supporter of the US Military here in Korea, he was considered one of the few "Longtime Friends of the Command" when the formalized Distinguished Good Neighbor Program started in October 2007. Since 1993, Mr. Lee has attended practically every Honor Guard ceremony conducted by UNC/CFC/USFK. He affords hundreds of tickets to music concerts annually for the enjoyment by USFK Servicemembers and their families in Korea. Mr. Lee faithfully supports HQ USFK, HQ EUSA, HQ 7AF and USO organizations on Good Neighbor outreach efforts.
He provided free fish to stock the ponds at the Sungnam Golf Course in 1993 and the Osan Golf Course in 2008. Still today, Mr. Lee generously donates fishing equipment, worth over hundreds of dollars, as raffle drawing prizes to four different Services' Balls, the USO's Six Star Salute and the Spouses' Clubs. He was also the major contributor to the renovation of Yongsan's Chosun Gift Shop where the Armed Forces Spouses Club draws the bulk of its charitable funds. Mr. Lee currently serves as a USO Council member and he is an Honorary Commander for 7th Air Force. He is justifiably deserving of this recognition as a 2009 Good Neighbor Award Winner.

Mr. Son, Jeong Kil

President, BoKwang Textile Company

Good Neighbor Mr. Son, Jeong Kil's contribution to the ROK-US Alliance and his continued friendship has been remarkable. He played a key role in many 19th ESC Good Neighbor Program events, to include the "Soldiers for Children Program" and the "Korean American Friendship Circle" program, both of which won Department of the Army Community Relations Awards. His contributions require no explanation as he plays a key role in most Good Neighbor Program. As a Director of KAPA since 2003, he has made direct contributions to US Soldiers and family members through home visitations, factory tours, and cultural exchange opportunities. The most significant activity in support of GNP is Mr. Son's unique Home Visitation offers to Soldiers. Through Home Visitation initiatives alone, over 300 Soldiers, DA civilians and family members had the pleasure of Mr. Son's family's hospitality for the past 6 years.
He personally sponsored and provided support to temporary duty Soldiers during exercises, provided his textile products to Soldiers as gifts and donations, sponsored performances for Soldiers and the underprivileged community in Daegu, cultural tours to Busan and Uljin, English Camp, 8th Army Band Concert in Daegu, and numerous festivals and concerts. With his proactive leadership, Mr. Son has significantly enhanced Korean-American friendship and has played a critical role in greatly improving the quality of life and morale of US Soldiers in Area IV. As a royal patriot, Mr. Son truly understands and appreciates the value of ROK-US Alliance. Mr. Son's initiatives and activities form the basis of the Good Neighbor Program and true friendship.

Mr. Song, Myeong Ho

Mayor, PyeongTaek City, Gyeonggi Province

Good Neighbor Mayor Song, Myeong Ho has been a steadfast friend and ardent supporter of the Soldiers, family members, civilians, retirees and Contractors who call US Army Garrison Humphreys home. Mayor Song's vision of the ROK-US Alliance is one of friendship, support and understanding. He established a unique Korean-American Cooperation Department as part of the city's government. He assigned city officials to the ROK-US Combined Working Group to address and resolve issues related to the installation's ongoing transformation. Mayor Song generously provided traditional cultural experiences and tours, Korean-American Friendship Sports Events, Pop Song Festivals, the annual Korean-American One-Heart Festival, monthly cultural presentations for new Soldiers, spouses and civilians assigned to Humphreys and full access to PyeongTaek city parks. Department of the Army recently recognized Make a Difference Day, a Korean-American volunteer program around the PyeongTaek community with a first place award in the Special Event category of the Army Public Affairs Community Relations Awards of Excellence.
Mayor Song is keenly aware of the Yongsan Relocation Plan under the USFK Transformation initiative and has put enormous energy to accommodate and welcome the new residents to their area. Mayor Song is a role model for the Good Neighbor Program and Community Relations because of the positive relationships that he nurtures. It is not an overstatement to say that the Mayor is responsible for the excellent relations enjoyed by both USAG-Humphreys and the citizens of PyeongTaek City.

Mr. Song, Suk Keun

President, Win-Mill LLC, Korea Chairman, Second-To-None Soldier Support Group (STN-SSG)

Good Neighbor Mr. Song, Suk Keun has worked tirelessly to build a strong relationship between the ROK and US by providing numerous cultural and sporting opportunities for US Soldiers and ROK civilians. As the president of the Second-to-None Soldier Support Group (STN-SSG), he dedicated huge support to sponsor numerous friendship events, cultural exchange programs, holiday concerts and dinners, golf tournaments, home visits, and tours for US Servicemembers. His efforts enhanced the cultural awareness of 2ID personnel and increased the appreciation of young Soldiers for the Land of the Morning Calm. Mr. Song has been praised as a "guardian" of the US-Korea alliance and democracy in Korea by numerous US Army and ROKA leaders. To further Korean-American relations, Mr. Song hosted the Korean hospitality suite in Washington DC where all the Army generals and officers, who used to work in Korea, celebrated their ongoing US-Korea friendship. Mr. Song, through the STN-SSG, contributes annually in support of 2ID Warrior Readiness Center sponsorship program for newly arrived Soldiers to Korea.
Outside of 2ID, Mr. Song extends his support to the USO 6-Star Salute event every year to honor truly outstanding Soldiers across the peninsula. He remains engaged with the leaders of 2ID, EUSA, and USFK through semiannual golf tournaments and dinner events to highlight the friendship between US and South Korea. Mr. Song is a reliable and steadfast bridge between 2ID and the local community. His persistent leadership and contributions to the welfare and education of US Soldiers make him deserving of the 2009 USFK Good Neighbor Award.

Colonel Yun, Won Hui

Commander, HQ ROK Army Support Group

Good Neighbor COL Yun, Won Hui is a strong advocate for the improvement of the ROK-US Alliance as the commander of the ROK Army Support Group. His enthusiasm, energy and can-do attitude have brought much support to the enduring ROK-US Alliance. COL Yun has integrated the ROK Army Support Group's mission and vision to support the USFK Good Neighbor Program through his 3,115 KATUSA Soldiers, 46 Non-Commissioned Officers and 63 officers among 53 ROK Army Support Staff offices peninsula wide.
COL Yun supervised the materialization of 55 ROK-US military unit partnerships and 58 military to civic group partnerships. Through his network of KATUSA Soldiers and Korean professional language specialists, he is credited to hosting 81 English classes across the Korean peninsula thus far in 2009 alone. Reciprocally, he brought Korean language instruction to over 270 USFK personnel and family members by operating 37 classes with 86 volunteer instructors. His leadership enabled these two programs to make sharp improvements with 210 percent English language outreach and 185 percent Korean language outreach increases. COL Yun also extended his support to over 300 low income families to bring them an English program. Additionally, RSG hosts an annual Korean-English Speech Contest that furthers ROK-US relations through the younger generations. COL Yun distinguished himself by going above and beyond the call of duty promoting the ROK-US Alliance across the Korean Peninsula; he is truly deserving of this special recognition as a Good Neighbor.

United Nations Command Security Battalion

Joint Security Area

The United Nations Command Security Battalion ? Joint Security Area (UNCSB-JSA) works to build the alliance with their ROK Army counterparts as well as the residents of the village of Tae Song Dong (Freedom Village) as part of the Good Neighbor Program. The UNCSB-JSA has been able to bridge the gap of culture and language through teaching English, community events, and volunteering time to attend important milestones within Tae Song Dong village. One prominent program is the English program for Tae Song Dong (TSD) Elementary School. The program has been so effective that the Soldiers and teachers involved were interviewed live on EBS. Twice a week, the Soldiers of UNCSB-JSA volunteer their time to educate and expose the TSD children to the English language and the differences in cultures between Korea and the US. Many Soldiers also volunteered to escort the children of TSD to the Lotte World Theme Park in Seoul. The battalion also hosted the TSD School for a Christmas meal and gift exchange.
In addition to teaching English, the UNCSB-JSA also held many community projects. In December 2008, they helped host the first ever successful JSA Christmas Concert. The concert was attended by over 800 people on a Friday evening that proved to be the coldest of the winter season. The battalion also provided security while the farmers planted the rice crop, and some members participated in the actual planting of the rice. The UNCSB-JSA also showed their dedication and ties to the Korean community by participating in the TSD School Olympics and attending the TSD School Graduation Ceremony. Truly a remarkable and dedicated organization to the ROK-US Alliance, the UNCSB-JSA Battalion is a commendable 2009 Ambassador for the Alliance Good Neighbor Unit.

Corporal(P) Richard Anderson

498th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion

Ambassador for the Alliance Good Neighbor CPL(P) Richard Anderson has been an active supporter of the Good Neighbor Program since his arrival to Korea in September 2007. He does so by fully immersing himself into the Korean culture and getting involved with a wide variety of ROK-US community-building activities. CPL(P) Anderson is instrumental in leading the combined ROK-US Camp Carroll Chapel Orchestra, which is made up of American and Korean musicians and singers. Furthermore, he voluntarily leads Camp Carroll Chapel Sunday and mid-week worship services attended by US Soldiers, KATUSA Soldiers, civilians and their families.
On the weekends, he spends most of his free time volunteering in the local Daegu community teaching English to 25 Korean children and their parents as a part of Sungji Church's community outreach program. After the class, he serves faithfully as the only American drummer in the church's Korean worship service. He even goes out of his way to teach group guitar lessons to 15 Korean adults and students for the same community outreach program. CPL(P) Anderson also makes regular visits to the 35 children at the Yongsang Orphanage in the Daegu area. His continuous community engagement and heartfelt desire to serve reflects positively on the US Military to the local Korean community members. CPL(P) Anderson has made a huge footprint for others to follow in actively supporting the Good Neighbor Program and enhancing the ROK-US Alliance.

Captain James H. Austin

Special Operations Command Korea

Ambassador for the Alliance Good Neighbor Captain James Austin has been the mainstay of support to SOCKOR's Good Neighbor activities with Sookmyung Women's University (SMU), Virgin Mary Orphanage, Korean War Veterans of the 8240th Partisan Infantry Remembrance Ceremonies in Koje Island, and the Korean National Cemetery. His actions touched several hundred lives, among which were Korean orphan children, students, and family members. Capt Austin participated in a speaking engagement at the 10th annual plenary session of the SMU Debate Club with over 70 Korean college students in attendance. He organized a joint venture with these SMU students to host a sledding trip for Virgin Mary Orphanage children with huge success. Capt Austin set the precedence to host an American tradition of sharing Thanksgiving Day meals with SMU student groups. To date, Capt Austin expanded the tradition of sharing to exchanging Christmas and New Year dinners with SMU students.
To promote and foster goodwill activities, Capt Austin participated in four combined airborne operations with ROK-US jumpers. As a Good Neighbor English Camp volunteer host family, he went above and beyond, taking them to many of Seoul's tourist attractions on his own expense. Capt Austin created a collage of Good Neighbor photos to increase awareness and participation in Good Neighbor activities. His website photos remind SOCKOR, SMU, and Virgin Mary Orphanage families of the special memories of friendship. Captain Austin distinguished himself by his dedication coupled with unmatched passion to improving ROK-US relations.

Staff Sergeant Mitchell W. Calhoun

65th MED BDE-95th BSD

Ambassador for the Alliance Good Neighbor SSG Mitchell Calhoun epitomized ROK-US relations with his commitment and dedication to community outreach efforts in the local Daegu area community. He has actively volunteered over 200 off-duty hours to extend English outreach to Waegwan Elementary School students. Additionally, he volunteered over 100 off-duty hours of service with the Mill House for mentally and physically handicapped adults. SSG Calhoun's resourcefulness and untiring efforts raised over 3,000,000 Won to purchase an electric boiler and 45 gallons of fuel for the Mill House. He was a part of a team that successfully advocated for the Mill House to the Korean government to financially support Mill House to stay open for its 54 residents.
Furthermore, he spearheaded the coordination of the Christmas party for over 75 children, for which he recruited 50 other volunteers to team up and raise $600.00 for gifts. Finally, his selfless actions saved a Korean man's life by rendering lifesaving aid after the man had no pulse and stopped breathing during a high traffic road accident. He continued to provide aid to many life threatening wounds to keep the man in a delayed status until EMT took control. He was recognized by the Chilgok Chief of Police for his heroic and selfless actions. SSG Calhoun displayed exceptional leadership and dedication to the Korean people; he positively enhanced the ROK-US Alliance and is truly deserving of this prestigious award.

Specialist Rodenay Joseph

HHC, 304th ITSB, 1st SIG BDE2009

Ambassador for the Alliance Good Neighbor SPC Rodenay Joseph has been instrumental in steering his unit's Good Neighbor Program. Moreover, he has personally contributed and participated in many Good Neighbor activities that furthered the ROK-US relationship. SPC Joseph volunteered every week to teach English to over 20 Buoyong Elementary and Middle School students and 15 Hyoja Middle School students in the Uijeongbu area. Furthermore, he exposed his students to American culture by organizing a tour of Camp Stanley to give them a view of daily Soldier life. He coordinated for and brought in the students to every opportunity on Camp Stanley to expose them to American culture, to include events such as the Fall Festival, Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, and Halloween. SPC Joseph also took a team of ten unit volunteers to promote goodwill to the Uijeongbu City English Camp.
These activities made a lasting impression on the students as well as strengthening the ROK-US Alliance between the US Army Garrison-Red Cloud community and the large city of Uijeongbu. SPC Joseph actively participated in the Red Cloud area and 8th Army Good Neighbor soccer programs to gain more friendship contacts with the diverse Korean sports populace. These soccer matches brought Korean and American communities together to increase cultural awareness and friendship. SPC Joseph's can-do attitude coupled with his energy to nurture good relations with the Korean community is deserving of this prestigious recognition as an Ambassador for the Alliance.

Captain Trevor A. Sparks

1st Armor Battalion, 1 Heavy Brigade Combat Team

Ambassador for the Alliance Good Neighbor Captain Trevor Sparks has been a strong advocate and staunch leader in advancing First Tank's ability to positively engage with the local community in the Dongducheon area. Captain Sparks organized and invited US and KATUSA Soldiers' family members to participate in special live-fire sustainment gunneries as well as many other good neighbor activities between May and November 2008. November's event culminated with a traditional American Thanksgiving meal hosted by his unit to share a piece of American culture with the Korean community. In October 2008, CPT Sparks played an integral role in coordinating First Tank's inaugural annual cycle challenge with 60 Dongducheon citizens participating, including the mayor of Dongducheon, that drew over 200 local citizen spectators to the event. CPT Sparks energized the unit's Good Neighbor Program by taking on the Adopt-A-School program with Dongducheon Elementary School.
They have begun activities that provide friendship-building opportunities, to include installation visits for the students. In addition, CPT Sparks maintains his unit's robust relationship with the My Home Orphanage with regular monthly visits, providing general support and maintenance of its facilities. CPT Sparks also worked closely with ROK Army units from 32nd Armor Battalion, 30th Division; 101st Engineer Battalion, 26th Division; and 8th Division that increased ROK-US interoperation capability. Captain Sparks set the example as a Good Neighbor Ambassador to the local community, increasing the visibility and importance of the ROK-US Alliance.

Award Ceremony