Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Jacob Kohrs | Command Sgt. Maj. Kenneth W. Hudgins III and Lt. Col. Nathaniel D. Crow, the command...... read more read more
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CAMP HUMPHREYS, Republic of Korea – There’s a unique program shared by the U.S. and Republic of Korea armies not found with any other U.S. allied force, and that’s the Korean Augmentation to the United States Army (KATUSA) program.
Originally, this program was meant to augment the U.S. fighting force after the outbreak of the Korean War. Today, these Soldiers, fully integrated, enhance mission capabilities and work and train with their American comrades.
Because of this, every year, Eighth Army recognizes the best KATUSA just as they recognize the best U.S. Army Soldier.
Cpl. Choi, Yun-Ho, a KATUSA with 6-9 Cavalry Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, represented 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division at the 2019 KATUSA Awards Ceremony and Dinner, Nov. 6.
“KATUSA Soldiers stand shoulder to shoulder with U.S. Soldiers in the spirit of ‘One Team, One Fight’,” said Col. Ha, Jong-Shik, Eighth Army ROKA Support Group (RSG) commander. “KATUSAs symbolize and lay the foundation of the ROK/U.S. Alliance for the past 69 years and prepare the next 69 years in their standing with the U.S. Army.”
Ha congratulated the Best KATUSAs saying that they represent the RSG and embody what every KATUSA should strive to become.
“We were hand-picked by the RSG, and I am truly honored,” said Choi. “This award really states that my leadership has seen, that as a Soldier, I am ready to defend my country, and as a KATUSA, I take great pride in maintaining the close relationship between the ROK/U.S. Alliance.”
He said the opportunities to work different types of ROK/U.S. training events and really being able to work the ‘Katchi Kapsida’ (Let’s go together) mindset were amazing.
“I was given great opportunities to help out,” said Choi. “Not just our squadron trainings but also any other trainings that I came across with other units.”
During Choi’s time as a KATUSA he was selected to be a 19D, cavalry scout. In this position, he learned many different skills that surround the concepts of reconnaissance, security and assault maneuvers. Cavalry scouts gather and relay combat and battlefield information on the enemy and the environment to help commanders have the most up-to-date intelligence to command his forces in the most informed way.
“I’m proud to be a 19D,” said Choi. “What I have done so far in the Army will leave a major impact on the legacy of my lifetime and I will never forget the experience I’ve had in the Army.”
| Date Taken: | 11.11.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 11.14.2019 20:45 |
| Story ID: | 351838 |
| Location: | CAMP HUMPHREYS, KR |
| Web Views: | 597 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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