A Tradition of Service Spanning Generations

Photo By Spc. Kade Bowers | U.S. Army Cpl. Andrew Bonifas poses for a photo on Camp Humphrey's September 22, 2021. Bonifas is the grandson of U.S. Army Cpt. Arthur Bonifas, who was killed by North Korean soldiers in the DMZ. (U.S. Army photo by Cpt. Osvaldo Olmos.)  

SOUTH KOREA

10.27.2021

Courtesy Story

2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division

As children we often look up to our elder family members as our role models for life. We often don’t understand what they did or how their actions impacted the world or our life in general. But sometimes, their impact is so great that it becomes part of our family history and serves as a constant reminder of our family’s contribution to society. Such is the case with U.S. Army Cpl. Andrew Bonifas, a fueler with 1st Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division ROK/U.S. Combined Division.
Cpl. Bonifas is the grandson of U.S. Army Cpt. Arthur Bonifas, who along with U.S. Army 1st Lt. Mark Barret, was murdered by North Korean soldiers on the Demilitarized Zone in what become known as the Axe Murder Incident. When asked how he felt knowing that he would come to Korea on a nine-month rotation, Bonifas said “I was looking forward to it, not many people know about what happened and I don’t brag about it either”.
Cpl. Bonifas first came to Korea in 2015 with his family to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the incident at the Demilitarized Zone. It was a very significant event for him because he got to meet Republic of Korea Army veterans who served with his grandfather. They told him and his family stories about his grandfather and what a great leader he was during his time at the Demilitarized Zone.
This was in part what fueled Cpl. Bonifas desire to join the U.S. Army and become a Soldier. His grandfather and his sacrifice has instilled in his family a tradition of service that spans generations with his mother serving the nation as an Army Nurse.
Cpl. Bonifas stated that upon returning to Fort Riley, he plans to submit his packet for Officer Candidate School and continue his tradition of service following in his grandfather's footsteps as an officer.
“I plan on commissioning with my grandfather's ribbons and ranks,” said Cpl. Bonifas.
When asked what he would like to tell his grandfather if he were still here he stated that he was proud of his grandfather and of his legacy, that he knew what had to be done and did not shy away from it. Cpl. Bonifas strives to live every day with the same hard work ethic and determination as his grandfather and to one day live up to his grandfather's legacy.

By U.S. Army Cpt. Osvaldo Olmos

• Date Taken: 10.27.2021
• Date Posted: 10.27.2021 02:52
• Story ID: 408077
• Location: KR