Photo By Sgt. Dae Hyeon Choi | U.S. Special Operations Command-Korea, in coordination with their Preservation of the...... read more read more
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PYEONGTAEK, South Korea - In partnership with United States Forces Korea, U.S. Special Operations Command-Korea served a local orphanage as part of the Good Neighbor Program. The command was able to donate food, snacks, fresh fruit and approximately 1,400 pounds of rice to Jacob’s House on September 17th, 2021.
The donation was collected by the Preservation of the Force and Family, Chaplain Jesse McCullough, LTC Brian Revell, Monica Menser, and Dr. Richard Sohn. It was an opportunity for SOCKOR’s U.S. service members to learn more about the Korean national holiday, Chuseok.
Founded on May 20th, 1985, the orphanage served as an infant nursery that continues today in the care of children under the age of 3. Concern then focused on food insecurity and children orphaned through various situations. In 1989, it assisted 120 children and today serves 30 residents.
The partnership between the theater special operations command and local orphanage was developed in coordination with “The Eastern Pyeongtaek Welfare Town.” The Eastern Pyeongtaek Welfare Town is an organization that secures appropriate living accommodations and overall quality of life initiatives through supporting five social service agencies, including Jacob’s House. SOCKOR has partnered with both programs for about three years.
It has SOCKOR service members and families meeting and interacting with children in the program. “Normally [the service members and children] play on a small field and interact together,” said Kim, Ah Ra, TEPWT planner. “However, with health and safety in mind, this year SOCKOR focused more on providing goods.”
In anticipation of the donation, SOCKOR members participated in a 9.11-mile ruck march that carried the 1,400 pounds of rice that was later donated. Apart from food, donations assisted in purchasing Han-Bok, a traditional, colorful Korean garment, for every child in the program.
This was not just the act of donating but also a cultural immersion between the Korean children and U.S. service members. While many SOCKOR members are key in planning training on the peninsula, this provided a unique opportunity for them to participate in seasonal activities as part of the local community.
| Date Taken: | 10.26.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 10.26.2021 02:41 |
| Story ID: | 407984 |
| Location: | PYEONGTAEK, GYEONGGIDO [KYONGGI-DO], KR |
| Web Views: | 650 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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