CAMP HUMPHREYS, SOUTH KOREA – “We call him ‘Uncle Sim’…”
Mr. Sim, Neung-Sup is a certified nursing assistant (CNA) with over half a century of successful work experience in nursing. He spent this time dedicating himself to serving U.S. troops in South Korea.
Mr. Sim joined the U.S. Army’s 121st Evacuation Hospital in Camp Market, Bupyeong, South Korea, back in 1967. After completing years of military service in the South Korean Army (ROKA), he sought a job that would help provide for his family and contribute to those serving to defend South Korea’s freedom. Mr. Sim found exactly that, working as a CNA for the primary military medical facility in U.S. Forces Korea. Throughout his time with the hospital he gained firsthand experiences and great memories serving with U.S. medical personnel and witnessed the growth of the organization.
Mr. Sim, Neung-Sup recently celebrated the finale of his 55 years of service during a retirement ceremony on Nov. 24, 2021. He worked most of his career at the Emergency Department where he experienced and contributed to the pinnacle of the U.S. Army Medical Department’s urgent care capability.
“I lived through many things and made so many memories while working in this organization… the names have changed many times…from the 121st Evacuation Hospital to the 121st General Hospital to the 121st Combat Support Hospital then to Brian Allgood Army Community Hospital in Yongsan, and now Brian D. Allgood Army Community Hospital in Camp Humphreys. However, what we do inside the hospital never changes; taking care of Soldiers and their families, which became my calling” said Sim.
“The most memorable thing throughout my career is undoubtedly the people; the Soldiers I had helped treat and care for when I worked at the Emergency Department…I am an eighty-year-old man now but somehow I still clearly remember those thankful faces leaving the hospital after being taken care of.”
Sim also went on to share thoughts and memories of countless Soldiers and staff he had worked with side-by-side for almost 55 years; those who stood by him through tough times and the leaders who gave him a sense of inclusion to the organization.
“I have worked with countless young nurses throughout my career and their passion to take care of patients reminds me of the same young man I was. I started calling them ‘young man/woman’ and they started calling me ‘Uncle Sim’” said Mr. Sim smiling.
“I had the pleasure of working with ‘Uncle Sim’ the past six months I have been here. He is always quick to offer help and has treated us all as his family. I not only admire his compassionate heart for everyone around him but also his lifetime dedication and service to this hospital” shared Capt. Dan Quizio, a registered nurse working at Medical Surgical Unit.
While attending Mr. Sim’s retirement ceremony, the Hospital command team showed their respect and sincere gratitude for his dedication to the organization which is a sterling example of the strong and enduring ROK-US partnership since the Korean War.
“Command Sergeant Major and I are truly in awe of Mr. Sim who dedicated his life to serving the Soldiers and their families of U.S. Forces in the Republic of Korea,” said Col. Huy Luu, the hospital commander.
“His service to the organization is such an inspiration to all of us and he will truly be missed by all of us.”
The command team presented a Civilian Service Commendation Medal and other awards to show appreciation to Mr. Sim during the ceremony. When asked, Uncle Sim shared his plan for life after retirement.
“I will miss seeing everyone at work every morning as they have become part of my life. I will try to enjoy small things in life and learn how to exercise” shared Sim during his retirement ceremony.
Since the Korean War in 1950, the U.S. Army has provided medical care for U.S. Forces on the Korean Peninsula. Today this historical presence is continued with the 549th Hospital Center and BDAACH. The hospital at U.S. Army Garrison Camp Humphreys began full patient services on 15 November 2019 after relocating from U.S. Army Garrison-Yongsan.
| Date Taken: | 12.20.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 12.20.2021 18:59 |
| Story ID: | 411531 |
| Location: | PYEONGTAEK, GYEONGGIDO [KYONGGI-DO], KR |
| Web Views: | 502 |
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This work, A Living Proof of U.S. Army Medical Activity-Korea’s History Retires after 55 years of service, by Inkyeong Yun, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
