Asia and US Partners

Living here in S. Korea, I often wonder how we are perceived here in Asia. Needless to say I was not happy about our budget politics publicity. I felt this opened up doubts regarding the inner workings of our great country, the United States of America. Apparently I am correct.

US wants Asia partners to strengthen their militaries - Pacific - Stripes

2nd Infantry Divisions 69th Birthday

The 2nd Infantry Division was formed in Bourmont France 96 years ago. It bears the Indianhead patch and while no one really knows why that image was selected, it's thought to be because the Indian was the first people of America. The distinctive unit insignia is: Second to None and the motto is: Fight Tonight.

During WWI the 2 ID earned the most Medal of Honors.

One of the most interesting points of note about the 2ID is that it is partially made of of Korean soldiers, called KATUSAs (Korean Augmentation to US Army). This program began in 1950 by agreement with South Korean President Syngman Rhee. Some 27,000 KATUSAs served with the US forces at the end of the Korean War.

Today at the birthday celebration I had the honor of meeting Mr. Kwak, Kyeong Chan. Mr. Kwak is a U.S. Bronze Medal Recipient. I believe he may be one of the few KATUSAs who has been awarded a US Bronze Star. At 70 years of age he wears his medal proudly. He participated in the Hweong Sung Battle in Kwang Won Province.

Pictured here from left to right is CSM Spano, Pvt Tyler Brown, Gen Vandal, Mr. Kwak, Mr. Kim and WO Lily. Pvt Brown holds the distinction of being the youngest member of the division while WO Lily is the most mature, although truth be known there is another soldier who holds that distinction. Mr. Kim is a KATUSA who fought in Vietnam.

Happy Birthday 2nd ID...may you have a peaceful year!

Overwhelmed

Being newly married and new to the military is overwhelming. I like to think I can do pretty much everything or at least give it my best effort. After a week of jet lag, my effort was little to none, exactly when my husband had to return stateside or TDY as the military calls it. Having him in the US and me in S. Korea definitely through me for a loop around the roller coaster.

Living on a US Military base is almost like living in small town USA. I say almost because even though everything is americanized...most of the civilians who work here are S. Korean. So I pretend I'm in small town USA, dropped right in the middle of Los Angeles.

Driving in S. Korea is my favorite because while there are rules, they are made to be broken. I'm a natural at this. You can pretty much do as you want as long as you're aggressive. It's the timid who cause the accidents. If you make a mistake you just turn on your emergency flashers as a quick apology.

Shopping in S. Korea is definitely an experience. I like to grocery shop off base. I can generally figure out most of what I'm buying although there are always surprises. Like the 'plain' yogurt that is definitely 'plain', but sweetened. You must be directed to the checkout line. Picking a line yourself is bad manners and you will get charged for bags if you do not bring your own. This is not automatic, you also have to ask for a bag, because not bringing one is stupid! My favorite thing about shopping in the grocery stores, beside how they wrap the fruit like a present is the fact that all the shopping carts are disinfected!