January 25, 2008 • Volume 6, Issue 15
mil Published for those serving in the Republic of Korea
Inside
The Morning Calm Weekly
will not be published
Feb. 8 in obsrvance of the
Lunar New Year holiday.
Army aims to better
identify Soldiers
with brain injuries
by C. Todd Lopez
Army News Service
The Army released a report Jan. 17
that outlines how the service can better
identify and help Soldiers who have suffered
traumatic brain injuries.
The report contains some 47
recommendations to help the Army better
prevent, screen, diagnose, treat and research
traumatic brain injury, said Brig. Gen.
Donald Bradshaw, who led the task force
charged with investigating TBI.
“Our report indicates that, like our
civilian counterparts, the Army has done
well in the identifying and treatment of
severe or penetrating traumatic brain injury,
but is challenged to understand, diagnose
and treat personnel who have suffered
short-term or persistent symptoms of mild
TBI,” he said.
The task force identified opportunities
for improvement as well as best practice
guidelines.”
The general said 80 percent of those who
suffer from mild TBI, commonly known as a
concussion, recover completely. Some 10 to
20 percent of Soldiers and Marines returning
from Iraq and Afghanistan with experience
in combat, may have suffered symptoms
consistent with mild TBI.
Today, eight of the recommendations
made by the task force have already been
implemented, said Col. Judith Ruiz, Deputy
Director Rehabilitation and Reintegration,
Office of the Surgeon General.
“We have made significant progress to take
care of Soldiers and to standardize practices
across the Army medical department,” she
said.
Some of the recommendations that have
already been implemented include:
– Working with inter-agency and civilian
groups to better define TBI
– Implementing in-theater TBI screening
and documentation for all Soldiers exposed
to brain injury inducing trauma
– Adding TBI specific questions to
the various deployment-related health
assessments
– Developing a proposal on the
appropriate functions of a “TBI Center of
Excellence”
– Proposing the Defense and Veterans
Brain Injury Center as the core of the new
center of excellence
– Optimizing the positioning of clinical,
— See Brain Injuries page 2 —
http://imcom.korea.army.
Humphreys student Area IV fighters
battle for ‘Ultimate
charts path to
geography bee win Soldier’ title
Page 22 Page 25
Yongsan offers child care to inprocessing parents
See story and
photos, page 9
Jamaal Mohn and Maggie Maritch watch after children in the new child care room at the Yongsan Readiness Center. — U.S. Army Photo By
Sgt. Kim Sang-Wook
U.S. military communities donate aid to oil spill recovery efforts
coastline about 95 miles south of Seoul.
by Kenneth Fidler
Between Dec. 19 and Jan. 4, 536
USAG-Yongsan Public Affairs
volunteers from U.S. Army and U.S. Air
Force installations throughout Korea have
TAEAN, REPUBLIC OF KOREA
helped clean up the coastline, said Joe
— U.S. Army officials in Seoul delivered
Sellen, host nation specialist with the 8th
nearly $17,000 in donated aid money Jan.
U.S. Army civil affairs directorate. The most
23 to help the Korean coastal county Taean
recent was Jan. 4 when 139 volunteers from
recover from the disastrous oil spill in early
Kunsan Air Base and Camp Humphreys
December.
spent the day cleaning debris from rocks
Col. Dave Hall, U.S. Army Garrison-
Yongsan commander, led a small delegation to A U.S. military delegation from U.S. Army on the coast.
More than 3 million gallons of crude
make the presentation to Taean officials. Garrison-Yongsan presents a check Jan.
oil spilled into the waters off the Taean
“We are very, very sorry, very saddened, by 23 to Taean County vice mayor to help
coastline Dec. 7 when a crane barge collided
the tragedy that occurred here,” Hall said to aid in recovery efforts following the disas-
with an anchored crude oil carrier and
Vice Mayor Suh Duk-chul. “This (donation) trous oil spill Dec. 7. From left to right are:
punctured its oil containers.
represents us supporting you, our allies, our Command Sgt. Major Diane Foster, USAG-
“Many fisheries, farms, stores and
partners, our very good friends.” Yongsan command sergeant major; Suh
communities suffered from the damage,”
The money was collected through Duk-chul, Taean County vice mayor; Chap-
Suh explained to the group through a
voluntary chapel offerings the weekend before lain (Lt. Col.) James King, USAG-Yongsan
translator.
Christmas. USAG-Yongsan collected 14.5 installation chaplain; and Col. Dave Hall,
The region affected is a major tourist
million Won or about $15,000. Another 1.3 USAG-Yongsan commander. — U.S. Army
area, drawing 20 million visitors a year. It is
million won, or about $1,400, was donated Photo By Kenneth Fidler
also home to a national maritime park, 445
from USAG- Red Cloud in Uijeongbu.
fisheries, and one of Asia’s largest wetlands areas used by migratory
“The money that we bring, we wish we could do more, but it
birds, Suh said.
represents the care and concern of the people of our chapels,” said
The oil spill damaged 367 fisheries and closed 15 beach areas
Chaplain (Lt. Col) James King, USAG-Yongsan chaplain.
and 2,643 businesses that cater to tourists, Suh said. To date, 1.7
“We remember how not that long ago that we were suffering
million people have been involved in the clean-up efforts, mainly
after Hurricane Katrina, and the people of Korea very generously
Korean government and military organizations and thousands of
sent a lot of money to help the U.S.,” King said. “We appreciate
individual volunteers. Suh said he was optimistic. “Many public
how the Korean people have stood by us, and we’ve had the privilege
of standing by you.” beaches are already cleaned up,” he said. “Because of volunteer
This was the latest in a series of assistance operations provided efforts, we may be able to open some beaches by July,” he said. “But
by U.S. military communities in Korea since the spill along this some areas will need to be cleaned up for a long time.”
NEWS • PAGE 2
http://imcom.korea.army.mil
The Morning Calm
Published by Installation Management
Command - Korea
Commanding General/Publisher: Brig. Gen. Al Aycock
Public Affairs Officer/Editor: Edward N. Johnson
Senior Editor:Susan Silpasornprasit
USAG-RED CLOUD
Commander: Col. Larry A. Jackson
Public Affairs Officer: Margaret Banish-Donaldson
CI Officer: James F. Cunningham
USAG-YONGSAN
Commander: Col. David W. Hall
Public Affairs Officer: David McNally
CI Officer: Kenneth Fidler
Staff Writer: Sgt. Jung Jae-hoon
USAG-HUMPHREYS
Commander: Col. John E. Dumoulin Jr.
Public Affairs Officer: Bob McElroy
Writer/Editor: Andre D. Butler
CI Officer: Stacy Ouellette
USAG-DAEGU
Commander: Col. Michael P. Saulnier
Public Affairs Officer: Ronald Inman
CI Officer: Samuel G. Hudson
Staff Writer: Cpl. Na Kyung Chul
Staff Writer: Cpl. Jang Won il
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of The Morning Calm Weekly are not necessarily
official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government,
Department of Defense, or Department of the Army.
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responsibility of the IMCOM-Korea, Public Affairs, APO
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NEWS
Brain Injuries from page 1
– Centralizing the evaluation of the scientific merit, clinical
utility, and priority of new treatment strategies, devices or
interventions
– Adapting the Military Acute Concussion Evaluation overprint
as an approved Department of the Army form to document mild
TBI closest to the point of injury
Col. Ruiz said 31 additional recommendations are in progress,
four are planned, and four are in the process of being transferred
to other agencies.
For Soldiers in theater, the most common cause of brain injury is
a blast, such as from an improvised explosive device. But sometimes
such blasts do not cause visible external injuries.
“Brain injury does not have to have outside symptoms, such as
bleeding,” said Brig. Gen. Bradshaw. “It may, but doesn’t have to.
That is one of the compounding things -- folks may look totally
normal, but be dazed.”
Because some victims of an IED or other blast do not have
external injures, they may feel they have not been injured at all
– even if they did sustain a mild TBI.
“It’s hard to identify TBI when Soldiers don’t come forward and
don’t identify,” said Brig. Gen. Bradshaw. “Some of the actions that
IMCOM-K Safety Update:
Freeze out cold weather exposure with precautions, prevention tips
Exposure
Symptoms of exposure include physical and mental slowing
down; decrease in reasoning power, change in mood, slurred
speech, shivering and cramps, followed by possible collapse.
Frostbite
If subjected to intense cold, the tissue under the skin may
freeze. This is caused by the formation of tiny ice particles and
disruption of the blood supply brought on by clumps of red
blood cells that in turn block the vessels.
Where frostbite (numb white tissue) is suspected, remove
wet clothing and constricting objects (such as a ring) from the
affected part.
Apply a dry, protective cover after gently dabbing away any
moisture. Let the frostbite area warm up gradually. Do not heat
it in any way. And do not rub it.
Hypothermia
Here the victim is extremely cold all over, with puffy skin,
Word on the Street: “How can you prevent Identity Theft?”
“Never give away your ID card
“In case of losing any of the
number, social security number
items that are linked to my
or bank account number even
personal identity, I will call the
to your closest friends, and
Military Police station and
make sure you keep them in a
my supervisor.”
safe place.”
— Pfc. Lee Ji-ho
— Pfc. Lee Byung-hwa
THE MORNING CALM
have been taken (include) a very big ongoing education process for
leaders, Soldiers and family members.”
The Army launched the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder/Mild
Traumatic Brain Injury Chain Teaching program last year to help
Soldiers better identify the signs and symptoms of PTSD/MTBI and
to reinforce the collective responsibility to take care of each other.
The Army is also working to educate the civilian medical
community about mild TBI so that the Soldiers in the Reserve
components, who may not have full-time access to military
medical care, can also be identified, said Col. Jonathan Jaffin,
Deputy Commander, U.S. Army Medical Research and Material
Command.
“One of the things we are concerned with, and was one of the
points behind the whole chain teaching, was trying to get the
message out to the country, not just the active duty force, Guard
and Reserve,” he said. “(We wanted) the country, including providers
throughout the country, to be aware of mild TBI and concussions
and the long-term symptoms that some people may be having.”
Brig. Gen Bradshaw said Army leadership at all levels is
committed to the good health and wellbeing of all Soldiers, and is
now proactively addressing the issue of TBI.
“Continued research in this area can only help us more clearly
understand the medical impacts of the war and the best ways to
prevent, recognize and treat Soldiers with TBI,” he said.
which is white or blue (except for a child, who looks pink).
The heartbeat will be slow and weak. When hypothermia
occurs keep the victim in bed.
Cover victim with blankets, but keep them loose. Do not
use hot water bottles or an electric blanket. Excessive heat
may further injure the victim. If the victim is conscious, give
them warm drinks.
General Prevention
To prevent the problems caused by extreme cold, restrict the
loss of body heat from the extremities (head, feet and hands)
with dry, insulated clothing. Body heat escaping through the
head is the largest source of heat loss. Wearing a warm hat
when outside will reduse heat loss.
On long trips take along high-energy foods (chocolate,
glucose, fat) and plenty of hot beverages. Avoid drinking
alcohol, as this causes the body to lose heat, rather than
retain it.
For more information and cold weather tips, visit the
Installation Management Command-Korea Safety link on
their website at http://imcom.korea.army.mil
“When the cashier is swiping “I safeguard myself from
your credit card, they should identity theft by carrying
never do it under a counter valuables like my I.D. card on
because there are devices myself at all times and leaving
that can steal them in the same
your information. “ familiar place.”
— Matthew Mclaughlin — Cpl. Sung Bin Im
JANUARY 25, 2008 NEWS NEWS • PAGE 3
www.imcom.korea.army.mil

MP Blotter

The following entries were excerpted

from the military police blotters. These
entries may be incomplete and do not
imply guilt or innocence.

AREA I: Wrongful Use of a Controlled Substance

(Marijuana), Investigation revealed on Dec. 18,
a urinalysis was conducted by in which Subject
#1 was identified as testing positive for THC, the
active ingredient in Marijuana. At 2 p.m. Jan. 15,
Subject #1 reported to the USAG-Casey PMO,
where he was advised of his legal rights, which
he waived, rendering a written sworn statement
admitting to the offense, but denied having
knowledge of where he obtained the Marijuana.
Subject #1 was processed and released to his
unit. This is a final report.

AREA III: Traffic Accident without Injuries, Dam-

age to Government Property, Damage to Pri-
vate Property, Failure to Apply Parking Break,
Subject #1 operating a GOV, illegally parked on
an incline, exited and left the vehicle failing to
engage the parking brake, resulting in the ve-
hicle to rolling backwards and striking Victim
#1’s POV, which was legally parked and unat-
tended in a parking lot. Damages to Subject #1’s
vehicle consisted of scratches to the right rear
side. Damages to Victim #1’s vehicle consisted
of dents and scratches to the left rear fender and
tail-light. Subject #1 rendered a written sworn
statement admitting to the offense. Victim #1
rendered a written statement attesting to the of-
fense. Subject #1 was processed and released
on his own recognizance. ECOD is unknown.
This is a final report. An array of dried herbs, roots and spices brings customers from all over Korea to the peninsula’s most popular venue for purchasing traditional
herbal remedies. For additonal photos from the Seoul Medicine Market, see page 16. — U.S. Army Photo By Edward Johnson
AREA III: Driving Under the Influence of Any In-
toxicant, Failure to Obey Traffic Control Device, SIGHTS AND SOUNDS: Current events and activities
Subject #1 was observed failing to stop for a
posted stop sign at the intersection of Freedom
Rd. and Victory Rd. Upon contact MP detected
Medicine Market (Seoul) Ice Fishing Fest (Jan. 31-Feb. 3)
an odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from
Subject #1’s person. Subject #1 was adminis-
The Seoul Medicine Market is the center of herbal medicine The Ice Fishing festival is held annually at Soyangho Lake near
tered FST, which he failed. Subject #1 was ap- trade in Korea. There are more than one thousand herb Bupyeong wharf, Nam-myeon, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do. The Inje
prehended and transported to the USAG-Hum- clinics, herbal medicine shops and drugstores. The products Ice Fishing Festival at Soyangho Lake in Gangwon-do is one of
phreys PMO where he was administered a PBT are inexpensive because they are delivered directly from herb the largest wintertime events in Korea, drawing 700,000 visitors
with a result of.166% BAC. Due to the level of plantations. It is a tourist attraction for any visitors stopping every year. As part of the festival, the river ice is broken to reveal
Subject #1’s intoxication he was processed and by. The 20 stores established during the early 1960s grew into clean waters flowing through a beautiful landscape, offering
released to his supervisor. At 2:40 p.m. Jan. 12, the one thousand there today, outnumbering the size of Daegu the pleasures of fishing. The Inje Ice Fishing Festival includes
Subject #1 returned to USAG-Humphreys PMO Medicine Market with its 350 years of history. Most of the herbs attractions under four different themes: First, the Nature Zone
where he was advised of his legal rights, which
are transported to the market during late fall, which is the high includes ice fishing, a “zoo” featuring ice animal carvings, and an
he invoked. Subject #1’s USFK operator’s per-
mit was retained and his vehicle was released to
season for herbs both in terms of quality and quantity. Therefore ice playground featuring a slide made out of ice. Second is the
his supervisor. This is a final report. it is advised to purchase Korean herbal medicine from October Leports Zone, featuring a football competition played on ice and
through December. The main product sold at the market is other various leisure activities that can be enjoyed in the snow-
AREA IV: Assault Consummated by a Battery, Herb Medicine, Insam or Ginseng. The Medicine Market is covered field. The third is the Well-being Zone, where visitors
Subject #1 and persons unknown were involved open from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily. Most stores are closed on the can savor foods made from ice-fish or take part in a cooking class
in a verbal altercation which turned physical 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month, but not all stores close at specializing in Korean ice-fish cuisine. Lastly, there is the Family
when an unknown person struck Subject #1 once. For more information, visit www.tour2korea.com Zone that features an ice-fishing lesson for children. Besides
with a closed hand in the face adjacent to a these themed events there will be ‘Korea dog-sled championship’
club. Subject #1 sustained injuries consisting
Snow Sculptures (Through Feb. 3) where you can watch the passionate dogs running on ice and
of a broken cheek bone and was transported to
121st CSH by ambulance where he was treated
The Taebaek Snow Festival at Mt. Taebaeksan Provincial Park ‘car racing (rally) contest’ on snow. For more information, visit
and released for his injuries. Investigation con- in the city of Taebaek, Gangwon-do Province, is a major www.tour2korea.com
tinues by MPI. winter event in Korea. A popular attraction of the Taebaek
Snow Festival is the array of beautiful snow sculptures created Folk Village (Gyeonggi-do)
AREA IV: SJA opined there was sufficient evi- by top sculptors from Korean and around the world. There The Lunar New Year holiday week is an ideal time to take in the
dence to title Subject #1 with illegal possession are also a variety of events including magic shows, music history of the Korean Folk Village. Set in its natural environment,
of duty free goods and Subject #2 with derelic- concerts, snowman building and sledding. Near Jangseong, the Korean Folk Village allows visitors to get a feel for life in
tion of duty. This is a final report. visitors can enjoy a fabulous hands-on ice fishing experience at Korea during the late Joeeon Dynasty. Tourists can visit the
the Geumcheon fishing spot and catch a smelt, which lives in more than 260 traditional houses reminiscent of life at that time,
AREA V: Unlawful Entry, Victim #1 was asleep
and was awakened by her front door being
clean water only. The special ‘National Naked Marathon’ is also with various household goods from different regions. All these
closed. When Victim #1 turned on her light, a favorite, in which almost-bare naked contestants run over a features have been relocated and restored to provide visitors with
she discovered an unknown male wearing ci- plateau 800 meters above sea level. Try Korean folk games in a broad understanding of Korean food, clothing, and housing
vilian clothing. The unknown male removed a the snow, or savor the traditional winter food favorites. These style of the past. About twenty workshops, various handicrafts
key from his jacket pocket and stated Victim and other programs are sure to make your winter experience such as pottery, baskets, winnows, bamboo wares, wooden wares,
#1 left her key in the door. The unknown male at Mt. Taebaeksan all the more exciting and enjoyable. For paper, brass wares, knots, fans, musical instruments, iron wares
then gave the key to Victim #1 and left the room. more information, visit www.tour2korea.com or http://festival. and embroidery are practiced. For more information, visit www.
Victim #1 confirmed she indeed left her key in taebaek.go.kr/part11/home/html/snow.html(English) tour2korea.com
the door and it was the key returned to her by
the unknown male. Victim #1 stated no physi-
cal contact occurred and nothing was missing.
Investigation continues by SF.
Source: www.korea.net, www.seoulselection.com, www.hotelnet.com, http://english.tour2korea.com, www.visitseoul.net — No endorsement implied.
NEWS • PAGE 4
http://imcom.korea.army.mil
Lt. Col. Donnie L. Thomas, 94th Military Police Battalion commander, presents Gen. Paik
a badge and framed certificate with a replica Harper’s Ferry Pistol, and names him an
honorary “MP”. — U.S. Army Photo By Capt. Michael A.
Gillispie
94th Military Police battalion
hosts Distinguished Guest
Speaker for New Horizons Day
by Capt. John D. Armstrong,
94th MP BN PAO
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA— Each
year, Eighth Army mandates all units
conduct New Horizons Day training,
a one day mandatory stand down, to
train, educate, and inform Soldiers
about Eighth Army priorities and
messages in order to set the conditions
for enduring mission readiness and
success.
On Jan. 17, units from the
94th Military Police Battalion and
Heaquarters and Heaquarters Company,
Installation Management Command-
Korea, Eighth Army, conducted New
Horizons Day XII training on: 1)
Commitment to the ROK-US Alliance;
2) Be Vigilant, Be Ready, Be Safe; 3)
Fight Tonight; 4) Bridging the Cultural
Gap through Cultural Awareness; 5)
Promoting Dignity and Respect; and
6) Winter Driving.
This year’s training was especially
noteworthy as the 94th MP BN, in
coordination with the Military Police
Regimental Association, hosted retired
ROK Army Gen. Paik, Sun-yup, who
delivered a special first-hand account
of the Korean War. General Paik is a
living legend in South Korea due to his
significant contributions during and
after the Korean War.
General Paik was the foremost ROK
Army General of the Korean War. He
participated in all ten major campaigns
of the war to include the defense of,
and eventual counter-offensive out
of the Pusan Perimeter, as well as the
largest anti-guerilla/counter-insurgency
operation of the war, Operation Rat-
Killer, where he commanded an
independent corps, named Task Force
Paik, which was responsible for killing
or capturing over 25,000 North Korean
insurgents.At 33 years old, Gen. Paik
became the first South Korean to
NEWS THE MORNING CALM
PAID ADVERTISING
achieve the rank of full general (four stars).
He served twice as the ROK Army Chief of
Staff and then the Chairman of the ROK
Joint Chiefs of Staff. Under his command,
the ROK Army would grow from 10 pre-
war to 20 post-war divisions and undergo a
massive modernization program, which laid
the foundation for today’s ROK Army.
After retiring from active duty in 1960,
Gen. Paik continued to serve his country
as an ambassador to several countries to
include Taiwan, France, and Canada. He
also served as the Minister of Transportation
and played a significant role in establishing PAID ADVERTISING
the public transportation system used
throughout the ROK today. He is also the
author of several books including “From
Pusan to Panmunjom”.
Today, Gen. Paik serves as the chairman of
the Military History Compilation Institute
Advisory Committee of the Ministry of
National Defense and the 1st president of
the Association of the ROK Army.
“Foremost, I was surprised that at
89 years old, he still spoke such good
English, and secondly, his great ability to
lead the Korean Army during the Korean
War encouraged me to fulfill my military
service obligation with pride,” said Korean
Augmentation to the US Army Pfc. Kim
Minho, HHD, 94th MP BN.
“It was an honor seeing a legend
presenting the history of the Korean War,”
said SGM Nestor V. Rodriguez, S3 SGM,
94th MP BN. “It was the best New Horizons
Day training I’ve seen and this is my third
one.” said 1st Sgt. Darryl Wright, HHC,
IMCOM, Eighth Army. “An outstanding
training event,” remarked Col. Mark C.
Gardner, 501st SBDE commander, 94th
MP BN’s higher HQ.
In appreciation for his special lecture
and his support of the ROK-US Alliance,
Lt. Col. Donnie L. Thomas, 94th MP BN
commander, named Gen. Paik an honorary
“MP” and presented him with a badge, and
framed certificate with a replica Harper’s
Ferry Pistol.
JANUARY 25, 2008
Town Hall meeting at
Casey hears concerns
by Jim Cunningham
USAG-RC Public Affairs
USAG CASEY —The year’s first Town
Hall meeting got off to a quick start with the
USAG-Casey leadership fielding questions
and concerns about quality of life situations
and concerns about quality service issues
on the garrison. Lt. Col. Donald Meisler,
USAG-Casey garrison commander, opened
the Jan. 15 meeting with a briefing about
the progress of improvements being made
on and around the garrison.
“The reason we have these Town Hall
meetings is to help us support you, the
Soldier and your family,” Meisler said.
There were many questions from
individual Soldiers new to USAG-Casey
and new Family Readiness Group leaders.
Some questions were about identification
cards verses ration control cards. The answer
includes the fact Installation Management
Command-Korea has recently changed
the way it monitors ration control, which
means Soldiers and family members now
must show both cards when shopping in the
commissary and the post exchange.
There was a request for shuttle bus
transportation to and from USAG-Casey
for spouses and Soldiers who reside in the
apartments rented to them by Julie’s Realty.
Casey gets first Command Sergeant Major
by Jim Cunningham
USAG-RC Public Affairs
USAG CASEY —For the first time in its
long history, U.S. Army Garrison—Casey
acquired its first Command Sergeant Major.
Command Sergeant Major Nidal Saeed was
introduced to the leadership of USAG-
Red Cloud Dec. 18. Saeed’s outstanding
leadership abilities revealed in previous
commands brought on his appointment
as Command Sergeant Major of USAG-
Casey.
“I was operations sustainment Sergeant
Major at Fort McPherson, Ga. when I first
saw the Command Sergeant Major slot open
at Casey,” Saeed said. “I was with 3rd Army
for 14 months.”
Command Sergeant Majors are selected
by a special Sergeant Major board in the
Department of the Army, according to
Saeed. When there is an opening, the board
selects a Sergeant Major and offers the
position to him or her. If they decide not to
accept the position, then it is offered to the
next Sergeant Major on their list.
“The last time USAG-Casey updated
their Table of Distribution and Allowances,
Installation Management Command-Korea
changed the position from a 42 alpha
sergeant major position to a double o Zulu
command sergeant major position based on
the fact it became its own garrison,” Saeed
said. “It is an honor to be selected for this
position.”
When Saeed was with the 3rd Army,
he had already been selected to become a
AREA I
The question of transportation is being
worked legally and has not been resolved.
The question of housing off post that is
not suitable for Soldiers and their families
has been resolved for Soldiers by providing
housing service by Julie’s Realty. Their
guarantee is all apartments off post will
meet high standards and be made affordable
to Soldiers and their families by not
being priced more than Overseas Housing
Allowance standards.
Chandani Buccino of the Fires Brigade
Family Readiness Group brought up the idea
again of providing baby-changing stations
at the bus terminal.
“I was told we would have baby-changing
stations at the bus terminal in a few months,”
Buccino said. “Now it has been almost six
months, what has happened?”
The answer was it would be passed on,
and they were sure it was affordable and
could be done.
Many of the concerns brought before
the Town Hall had been heard before.
Concerns about clothing sizes not being the
right sizes for American women or someone
other than oriental in size. These questions
were answered by the Army and Air Force
Exchange System representative, who
explained they get their fashions months in
advance and they only get a certain number
Command Sergeant Major Nidal Saeed (right) Command Sergeant Major USAG-Casey, stands
with James Richardson, USAG-Casey deputy garrison commander, during the Casey Town
Hall meeting Jan 15 in the Hanson Field House. — U.S. Army Photo By Jim Cunningham
Command Sergeant Major, but no open
positions were available at the time.
“I had been selected on the 2004
Command Sergeant Major board,” Saeed
said. “Based on availability, there were no
positions available until last year, but last
year I was deployed with the 3rd Army to
Camp Arifjan in Kuwait, so I had to wait
for another opening to appear.”
Saeed’s last command included a great
deal of opportunity and responsibility.
“We went to places like Yemen to advise
the Yemeni Army, Qatar, and Djibouti,”
Saeed said. “Our area of responsibility in the
3rd Army was all 27 of the middle eastern
countries and the Horn of Africa.”
Upon reaching USAG-Casey, he found a
very different kind of job waiting for him.
“Battalions, brigades or higher, the
commander is authorized a Command
Lt. Col. Donald Meisler, commander USAG-Casey, addresses concerned Soldiers and fam-
ily members during USAG-Casey’s Town Hall meeting held in Hanson Field House Jan. 15.
— U.S. Army Photo By Jim Cunningham
of clothing items in each size category.
“The cycle of change here does not appear
as quick as it does in other places,” Meisler
said. “Good, bad or indifferent, this is based
on recent history. Our senior leadership has
seen that; we are getting a large influx of
resources, whether it is barracks renovation
monies that have come in, or looking at the
change in the way ahead to get better services
for Soldiers and family members.
“At the same time, this location and the
division 11 years ago were quite different.
The demographics were totally different at
the time and the structure was different.
Our demographics have completely changed
today. We are taking that in context to
Sergeant Major as part of the command
team,” Saeed said. “In Arifjan it is more of
a staff job. When you put on the wreath,
you go into the Command Sergeant Major
program, so you can no longer work in
a staff position, you have to work with a
command team.”
Saeed sees a lot of changes going on
at USAG-Casey that makes the job more
desirable to Soldiers and their families,
especially in regard to housing.
“Since Overseas Housing Allowance
is not tied to whether or not a Soldier
is serving in a command sponsored or
noncommand sponsored area, the OHA
is the same level, command sponsored or
non-command sponsored,” Saeed said.
“With that being changed, it has enabled
Soldiers to bring their families here, and
USAG-Casey is still growing in respect to
USAG-RC • PAGE 5
www.imcom.korea.army.mil
see, in the where with it all, of what we
have here, and within the policies and
procedures, and most importantly, the
resources we have, to see changes we can
make, and prioritize them.
“A good example is standing up
the housing referral office. Technically,
this is a noncommand sponsored area;
it was resourced that way. However,
Installation Management Command-
Korea has now resourced us with a
housing referral office. This will enable
us to better support the family members
and Soldiers within the geographic
location of the Casey and Red Cloud
garrison enclaves.”
families coming over.”
The exact family member numbers are
surprising because family services are seeing
more demand, according to Saeed.
“We have no idea who has brought their
family over until they need some kind of
assistance,” Saeed said. “Their BHA and
OHA are based on where their family is,
and their family happens to be here now.
Noncommand sponsored Soldiers get just
as much OHA as a command sponsored
Soldier.”
Saeed sees growing success in the support
of Soldiers living off post, but there is still
work to be done.
“We are working with Julie’s Realty.
She is actually on post,” Saeed said. “All
Soldiers at Casey go through this realtor
now and there is a guaranteed quality for the
apartments she offers. The realty company
also guarantees the rent to be no more than
the OHA rate.”
Transportation to and from post for
Soldiers renting from Julie’s Realty is not
established at this time because of legal
situations yet to be worked out.
“Transportation to and from the
apartments are being looked at legally now,”
Saeed said. “It is also a funding question. But
we are working on it now as we speak.”
Many other improvements for the
Soldier and his family are beginning to take
shape according to Saeed.
“Medical and dental benefits have
improved now because Soldiers and their
families are able to be seen at the Troop
See Saeed page 7
USAG-RC • PAGE 6
www.imcom.korea.army.mil AREA I THE MORNING CALM

News & Notes

2ID Tax Assistance Center
Free Tax Preparation
2nd Infantry Division Tax Center will be pre-
paring tax returns free of charge from Feb 5
to June 15. For more information call: 730-
3598. At Camp Casey go to Maude Hall
room 241 Tues., Wed., Fri., from 9 a.m. to
5 p.m., Thur. from 1 to 8 p.m., Sat. from 8
a.m. to noon. At USAG-Red Cloud in Free-
man Hall, go to room 122 beginning March
1 on Tues. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. At Camp
Stanley go to ADC(S) building beginning
Mar. 1 on Wed. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

ACS
Personal Financial Readiness Training
Mandatory training for all first term
soldiers E-4 and below will be the 1st
Tuesday of each month in the USAG-
Casey ACS class room. Third Tuesday of
each month in the USAG-RC Education
Center. For more information call: 730-
3107/3089/3142.

AER Scharships
Army Emergency Relief offers free money
for education. The 2008-09 Army Emer-
gency Relief Scholarship Program scholar-
ships are now available on the AER web-
site: www.aerhq.org. For more information
call: 730-3142.

Health clinic needs foreign language

speakers
USAG-RC Health clinic would like to ex- Staff Sgt. Crystal Ikegwuonu discusses her nomination as 2ID Audie Murphy Board winner with mentor Master Sgt. Anthony Clark. — U.S. Army
tend an invitation for volunteers to assist
Photo By Spc. Alun Thomas
with translation. This is an opportunity for

Ikegwuonu voted
anyone in the community including active
duty or family members to be involved in
taking care of Soldiers. Language barriers
in providing access to medical translators
has been identified as a JCAHO patient

recipient of Audie
safety goal. We are looking to compile a list
of anyone with foreign language ability (not
Korean, we have several Korean speak-
ing employees). Our goal is to provide a
phone roster of these translators who could

Murphy Board
then be called to assist with translation, in
particular, Tagolog and Japanese would be
useful but any language is a great help. For
more information call: 732-7373.

Emergency/Urget Situation Help

Get help by calling 730-5906 for USAG-
Casey Fire Station or Military Police in the
Dongducheon area. Call 732-9117 for Red
Cloud Fire Station or Military Police in the
Uijeongbu area. Call 730-4357 to get help
if contemplating suicide or if feeling de-
pressed call: 730-4303.
USAG-RC Pass and Vehicle
Registration, DEERS ID Card
New Office Location
Pass and Vehicle Registration, DEERS ID
Card office is relocating to building S-225
co-located with the USAG-RC Directorate
of Human Resources. The effective move
in date is Jan. 28.
Army Community Services
Volunteer Luncheon
The Army Community Service Volunteer
Luncheon will be held in the USAG-Casey
Warrior’s Club April 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 1
p.m. For more information, call: 730-3143.
Reggie’s Camp Stanley Closing
Reggie’s at Camp Stanley will be closed
Jan. 28. Free chili dogs will be offered in
Tommy’s lounge beginning 5 p.m.
Mitchell’s Club Closing
Mitchell’s Club on USAG-RC willbe closed
Jan. 31 to the general public. Normal oper-
ating hours will resume Feb. 1. For more
information call: 732-8189/8211.
by Spc. Alun Thomas
USAG-RC Public Affairs
USAG CASEY — Staff Sgt. Crystal
Ikegwuonu was unanimously voted to
the 2nd Infantry Division Sergeant Audie
Murphy Board, which took place Dec.5
at the USAG-Casey Digital Conference
Center.
Ikegwuonu, a medic instructor who
vied for the honor along with four other
Non commissioned Officers, said she was
nominated for the board by her supervisor,
Master Sgt. Anthony Clark, who did an
excellent job in mentoring her for the
selection.
“Sgt. Clark had been before the board
himself years earlier, so he was able to give
me some valuable insight,” Ikegwuonu
said.
In order to be eligible for the board,
named after the World War II veteran who
won the Medal Of Honor, NCOs must
score 90 or above in each physical training
test, qualify as an expert with their weapon,
and also pass a preboard screening to be
considered for the board, Ikegwuonu said.
“The board is designed for NCO’s who
outshine other NCOs,” Ikegwuonu said.
“Most of the NCOs nominated do volunteer
and community work and know all the
Army criteria and regulations.”
Ikegwuonu said of the five NCO’s
nominated, she and two others made it
through the prescreening to make it to the
final board.
“One of the most important things
to know is the Audie Murphy biography,
which is long but important to learn,”
said Ikegwuonu. “Also, you are asked a lot
of leadership based questions and given
scenarios about what you would do in
certain situations.”
Ikegwuonu said those involved were
allowed to take their NCO leaders book
while in front of the board, but noted it
has to look like the book is used everyday
and not being brought in just to impress
the board.
“If at anytime you’re not confident or
sure or answering the question the way the
board wants, they will put pressure on you
to resolve it or simply move on to the next
question,” Ikegwuonu said.
Ikegwuonu said for the most part she
managed to successfully answer most of the
board’s questions, but on occasion was stuck
for an answer.
“A lot of times they would ask me
something, and I did not have a clue what
they were talking about. It became a case of
them telling me what to do in the situation,
and if I didn’t know, I agreed with them,”
Ikegwuonu said.
Humor also played an important role
while in front of the board, Ikegwuonu
said.
Laughing at certain situations making
me feel more comfortable in front of the
board.
For her selection, Ikegwuonu received
a medal, and the Audie Murphy coin and
certificate, but said a lot of Soldiers make the
mistake of using the board for promotion
points.
“A lot of people go to get promoted, mess
up by saying, ‘I’m here to get promoted,’
which is the wrong thing to do,” Ikegwuonu
said
Clark said in order to win the board, a
candidate has to win a unanimous share of
the votes from the board.
“It can’t be 3-2 or 4-1, it has to be 5-0, or;
however, many people are being nominated,”
Clark said. “To Crystal’s credit she did just
what she was supposed to do.”
JANUARY 25, 2008
Col. Larry ‘Pepper’ Jackson, garrison com-
mander, USAG-RC, briefs the Soldiers at-
tending day 12 of New Horizons training,
Jan.17 at USAG-RC Theater. — U.S. Army
Photo By Spc. Alun Thomas
Camp Stanley DFAC wins turkey day award
Col. Larry ‘Pepper’ Jackson, garrison commander, USAG-RC presents Sgt. 1st Class. Courtlin Vinson, Dining Facility Noncomissioned Officer for USAG-Stanley, Jan 16, with the first place award
for top Thanksgiving Day DFAC to USAG-Stanley’s main DFAC. — U.S. Army Photo By Spc. Alun Thomas
Saeed
Medical Center on a routine basis,” Saeed
said. “Regardless if they are command
sponsored or not. These developments and
the fact the new Pear Blossom Cottage
will be open soon are all morale raising
improvements.”
Not only the improvements to medical
care and a new Pear Blossom Cottage, but
more improvements to living and working
conditions at USAG-Casey result in higher
morale.
“There is one Family Readiness Group
AREA I
Warriors attend New Horizons Day
By Spc. Alun Thomas
USAG-RC Public Affairs
RED CLOUD GARRISON –
Soldiers from Headquarters, Headquarters
Company and Headquarters, Headquarters
Detachments undertook New Horizons
training Jan. 17 at the USAG-RC Theater.
The training, which is held twice each
year, is mandatory for all Soldiers of both
units with featured briefings on subjects
including equal opportunity, cold weather
injuries, human trafficking and prostitution,
government travel cards, 2nd Infantry
Division history and ethics.
“This training is designed to give those
stationed here a better understanding of our
host nation,” said Lt. Gen. David Valcourt,
Eighth Army commanding general, in a
video message prepared for the training.
Valcourt said Soldiers in South Korea are
at the front end of a noteworthy transition
as South Korea prepares to take control of
its own Army in the foreseen future.
Col. Larry ‘Pepper’ Jackson, garrison
commander, USAG-RC, said it is important
for those in Korea to be vigilant, watch out
from page 5
for each battalion,” Saeed said. “We have
enough space and enough push by the
commands and cooperation with the
battalions and the brigade commanders we
will actually have a FRG in every battalion
at USAG-Casey.”
Saeed saw good changes at first sight
instead of a lot of problems when taking
command.
“A lot of Soldiers feel that much is
changing for the best,” Saeed said.
They see the new commander coming in
for each other and be good ambassadors.
“We have classes today to talk about
how to do that,” Jackson said. “It is our
responsibility to be good guests during our
time spent here.”
A video titled ‘This Is Korea’ explained
facts and details about the Republic of
Korea, including history, geography and
customs.
A n o t h e r v i d e o , ‘ W h i t e Ti g e r s’
documented the alliance between Korean
and American Soldiers during the Korean
War.
Sgt. Eun Ho Byun, senior Korean
Augmentation Troops to the United
States Army, HHC, briefed those
in attendance about the KATUSA
program following the videos, and
said the program is gradually being
reduced from 24 months to 18 months
time of service for each KATUSA.
Sgt. Maj. Marshall Downs said the
New Horizons training will help to get
HHC and HHD to refocus and pay
attention to things in 2008.
“One of our main problems has
been TMP accidents, which are on
and now they have a Command Sergeant
Major; we are having regular town hall
meetings; we have a new Community
“Every day when Soldiers come to
work they can see
improvement...”
Command Sergeant Major
Nidal Saeed, USAG-Casey
Activity Center manager, Sally Hall, she is
doing many new things at the center now,
and our calendar is filling with all kinds
USAG-RC • PAGE 7
http://imcom.korea.army.mil
the rise because of new personnel,
new drivers and adverse conditions,”
Downs said. “Leadership engagement
is vital. They have to know what they
are doing, and that’s why we have this
training.”
Jackson said the topics covered
in New Horizons are ones Soldiers
are already familiar with, but must
be reiterated to ensure a successful
2008.
“This is not the first time. We
have heard all these things before,”
Jackson said. “But we must guard our
reputation. We, as Soldiers, cannot get
away with everything like the average
Joe, so we must do the right thing.”
Jackson said he hoped people
would take away something from the
briefings which will aid them for the
duration of their stay in Korea.
“I set the command climate in
USAG-RC, and I want everybody
here today to look out for each other,”
Jackson said. “It is important we carry
ourselves with dignity and respect. ”
of activities, so we are showing a lot of
success.”Every day when Soldiers come to
work they can see improvement, but there
are things stand out to the Soldier when he
needs support.
“I think the barracks renovation is
the biggest morale booster so far,” Saeed
said. “Because that affects them on a daily
basis. All the barracks being renovated are
getting new furniture.”USAG-Casey was
not originally outfitted to support all these
Soldiers with families, but now with all
these improvements and more to come, I
would say USAG-Casey is a great place to
live and work.
 AREA II
JANUARY 25, 2008
USAG-Y • PAGE 9
http://yongsan.korea.army.mil

Child care opens at inprocessing center

New center for children of families attending newcomer orientation
by Sgt. Kim Sang-wook
USAG-Yongsan Public Affairs

YONGSAN GARRISON —
Newcomer parents with children now
have an in-house child-care option while
attending inprocessing training at the
Yongsan Readiness Center.
A child care room opened Jan. 17 to
provide free care during the last two days
of the program, when spouses attend.
The room makes the readiness center a
true “one-stop shop” for everything related
to inprocessing, said Capt. William Yun,
commander of the Yongsan Readiness
Center. “If we provide them the mandatory
training, then we should provide child
care, also,” he said.
This also culminates a yearlong project
originally directed by Gen. B.B. Bell,
U.S. Forces Korea commander, during a
community visit to Yongsan in September
2006, said Steven Carpenter, USAG-
Yongsan Human Resources Director.
“The commander’s intent was for us
to make a user-friendly, spouse-centric
program with on-site child care,” he said.
“Since spouses have to attend the last two
days of the orientation, it only makes sense
to offer child care in the same building.” Child care provider Maggie Maritch plays with 16-month-old Sam Frankel (center) and 3-year-old Jaylen Strong at the new child care room in the Yongsan Readi-
ness Center. — U.S. Army Photo By Sgt. Kim Sang-wook
Since August, the readiness center has
served as the central inprocessing location Child Development Center. Now, two about $63,000 in renovations, furniture the corner.
for Soldiers, civilian employees and their child care providers from the CDC and and supplies. Staffing the room will cost “I really feel good about it,” she said.
spouses. The weeklong newcomer program School-Age Services come to the readiness about $60,000 a year out of Morale, “I also think it is good to have enough
also gives an in-depth orientation to center to look after children and provide Welfare and Recreation funds. providers for the amount of kids they
Korea, the people and their culture. activities, snacks and other services. For Shay Frankel, mother of 16-month- have so the kids can get enough attention
Before the child care room opened, The room, which can take up to 13 old Sam, the new room gave her piece of they need.”
children were cared for at the Yongsan children 6 weeks up to fifth grade, cost mind knowing her son was just around

Yongsan community commemorates King legacy

by Pvt. Lee Min-hwi
USAG-Yongsan Public Affairs
YONGSAN GARRISON — More
than 300 hundred Yongsan community
members gathered Jan. 20 at South Post
Chapel to celebrate and honor the birth of
Martin Luther King Jr. and his impact on
civil rights in the United States.
(Top) Col. Dave Hall, USAG-Yongsan commander, lights a candle before the MLK Day ceremony at the South Post Chapel. (Above) Hundreds of Yongsan com-
munity members march from Collier Field House to the chapel Jan. 20 to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. — U.S. Army Photos By Pvt. Lee Min-hwi
Gathered from various civil,
governmental and military organizations,
they marched from Collier Field House to
South Post Chapel to begin the candlelight
vigil ceremony.
At the chapel, participants gave various
performances and presented poems to
commemorate the MLK’s life.
“We do this candlelight vigil ceremony
not only to remember the life of Martin
Luther King and how he gave his life for
better life, but also to realize that we still
have to improve the lives of those who
suffer injustice and discrimination in the
world,” explained Michelle Y. Outlaw,
the U.S. Embassy-Seoul vice counsel, one
of the coordinators. “I believe we must
continue this event to remember that there
are still many (obstacles) to overcome for
people’s rights.”
The Seoul American High School choir
sang the U.S. and Korean national anthems,
and the Seoul American Elementary School
choir sang “Go Down Moses” and “The
Dream of Martin Luther King.”
Aris Wilkins, an 11th-grader at Seoul
American High, read the most famous
speech of Martin Luther King, “I Have a
Dream.”
“I believe this candlelight vigil event is
important in that it keeps our movement
forward and to remember the teaching
of Martin Luther King Jr. that we must
love one another regardless of people’s
differences,” said Maj. Cheryl Womack,
chief of the 8th U.S. Army munitions
division.
Capt. Carmen Elston, 8th Army
engineers, added, “I think the biggest
influence of Martin Luther King Jr. is that
he taught people what counts the most is
hope, love and fellowship with everyone.”
USAG-Y • PAGE 10
http://yongsan.korea.army.mil
News & Notes
Domestic Violence Symposium
The Army Community Services Family
Advocacy Program invites the community
to attend a domestic violence symposium
7:30 a.m.-noon Feb. 7 at the Multi-Pur-
pose Training Facility. The symposium will
increase awareness of domestic abuse, its
causes and prevention. For information,
call 738-5151.
AFCEA Luncheon
The Seoul Chapter of the Armed Forces
Communications and Electronics Asso-
ciation is sponsoring a luncheon 11:30
a.m. Wednesday Jan. 30 at the Dragon
Hill Lodge Mezzanine Bridge. The buffet
is $15 and includes a drink and gratuity.
The luncheon is open to current, poten-
tial, and non-members. Send RSVP to
afcea@korea.army.mil. For information,
call 010-2382-1655.
U.S. Army Nurse Corps Ceremony
The 18th Medical Command will hold a
ceremony to commemorate the 107th An-
niversary of the U.S. Army Nurse Corps
2-4 p.m. Feb. 1 at 121st Combat Support
Hospital. For information, call 737-7428.
Prevent Freezing Pipes
During the winter months, Public Works
officials recommend keeping unoccupied
rooms heated at a minimum of 60 degrees
Fahrenheit to maintain indoor heat. In addi-
tion, allow water to slightly drip from kitchen
and bathroom faucets to keep constant
water flow. This will help prevent pipes from
freezing. For information, call 724-6693.
‘Faithlift’ Registration Ongoing
Registration is ongoing for Faithlift 2008,
an interdenominational Christian women’s
weekend March 7-8 at Yongsan Garrison.
The event, organized by the Protestant
Women of the Chapel, is limited to 300
participants. Send an e-mail to yongsan.
faithlift@gmail.com to register or visit the
PWOC Web site at www.yongsanpwoc.org.
Army Family Team Building
A three-day Army Family Team Building Lev-
el II seminar is scheduled 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb.
13-15 at the Community Services Building
To RSVP and for information, call 738-3617.
Saturday Dental Appointments
The 618th Theater Dental Command will
provide Saturday appointments 8 a.m. to
1 p.m. at USAG-Yongsan Dental Clinic #2
beginning Jan. 26. This appointment-only
service is available to Servicemembers E-7
and above and their eligible family members.
For information, call 736-4779/7096.
USO Highlights
 USO 67th Birthday Celebration: The
USO’s 67th birthday celebration is 11 a.m.
to 1 p.m. Feb. 1. Enjoy free cake and ice
cream for all participants and $1 canteen
special for all active-duty Servicemembers.
Win great raffle prizes.
 Virtues Volunteers Needed: The Virtues
English Program allows active-duty Service-
members to volunteer two Saturdays per
month teaching English. Being a volunteer
for Virtues English classes also helps satisfy
your Good Neighbor Program requirement.
For information, call Ahn Mi-Hwa.
 Pick up the USO monthly calendars at
the Main Exchange, Commissary, Dragon
Hill Lodge, and Town House. The calendar
is available on-line at the USO Web site at
www.uso.org/korea.
For information on USO programs, call 724-
7003.
AREA II
Yongsan tax center offers IRS-certified returns
by Cpl. Im Jin-min
USAG-Yongsan Public Affairs
YONGSAN GARRISON — Yongsan
Tax Center staffers finished two weeks of
tax training Jan. 17 in preparation for the
center’s opening Feb. 1.
“We had a week of training on tax law
and another week of training from IRS
instructors to learn how to take all those
theories and apply them to the real thing,”
said Capt. Hans Zeller, the tax center’s
officer in charge. “The Soldiers have attained
the information and skills with great interest
and alarming speed.”
Thirteen Soldiers and five volunteers will
prepare no-cost tax returns for the Yongsan
community. Last week, they finished an
intensive Internal Revenue Service training
program.
“This training means that community
members will go through friendly faces
to have their tax returns done – for free
– from a person who has been trained and
certified,” said Tom Cavagnero, a senior tax
specialist from IRS center in Los Angeles
who conducted the training.
He said the return involves an elaborate
process on the tax preparer’s part of gathering
information, processing it and revising it.
“The tax preparers then utilize the software
to provide checks and balances and check
calculations,” he explained. “If a return gets
rejected for any reason, it can certainly be
reworked.”
As part of the certification training,
Cavagnero provided lectures, examples of
tax laws and practice scenarios using the
IRS tax program software.
In 2007, the Yongsan Tax Center
generated more than 3,100 federal and
state income tax returns with more than
$4.2 million refunded.
Cavagnero said his top concern is to keep
tax forms error-free, but that depends on the
Clubs, Dragon Hill Lodge set for Super Bowl festivities
USAG-Yongsan Public Affairs
Yongsan will offer no shortage of events
to cheer on your favorite Super Bowl team
during early morning parties Feb. 4.
Kick off is 8 a.m., but doors open much
earlier. Each event features prize give-aways
and raffles throughout the game. The Main
Post Club is giving away a 56-inch, high-
definition television.
Following are highlights:
Navy Club
• Doors open at 6 a.m.
• NFL gear give-aways every quarter.
Safety official: good tires, safety kit key to winter driving prep
by Russell Obey
USAG-Yongsan Safety Officer
YONGSAN GARRISON — Are you
ready for winter? Get your car ready, too.
Here’s what you need to know for tire
maintenance and a look under the hood.
Prepare a winter safety kit, and remind your
family and friends of winter driving tips.
Tire Maintenance
Rain, snow and ice reduce tire traction
and compromise your control. What’s the
Pfc. Christopher Sun, a Yongsan Tax Center staff member, reviews tax forms during last week’s Internal
Revenue Service training program for tax preparers. — U.S. Army Photo By Cpl. Im Jin-min
information customers provide.
“I think the best way a customer can
prepare for doing their taxes is to bring all
the documents such as the W-2 and 1099
forms,” said Pfc. Christopher Sun, a tax
center staff member. “It will be quicker and
more efficient.”
Sgt. Michael Martinez said his main goal
as a tax preparer is to help the customer get
the full benefit of tax laws while receiving
as much a return as possible.
“I was skeptical at first, but after the
training I feel more confident and hope to
provide the best service for our customers,”
Martinez said.
• St. Louis Rams Cheerleaders perform
at half-time.
• 50 percent off breakfast and bottomless
refills on the club’s homemade root beer.
For information, call 725-7731 or visit
http://navyclub.cnic.navy.mil
Dragon Hill Lodge
• Doors open at 7 a.m.
• Watch the game in Bentley’s Pub,
Whispers Lounge, or on one of three screens
in the Naija Ballroom.
• Admission and breakfast are free.
For information, call 738-2222, Ext.
6445 or visit www.dragonhilllodge.com.
solution? Get winter tires. Winter tires dig
into loose snow and compress it into their
large tread grooves (like packing a snowball),
resulting in snow-to-snow traction.
Check your tire pressure
Tip: For every 10-degree Fahrenheit
change in temperature, your tire’s inflation
will change about one pound per square inch
(psi) (up with higher temperatures and down
with lower).
Tip: Check your tire pressure in the
morning before you drive a few miles. If you
THE MORNING CALM
Tax center opens Feb. 1
The Yongsan Tax Center begins
operations Feb. 1 at the Moyer
Community Activities Center, Room
113.
The tax center will operate the
following hours:
• 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Mondays,
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays
• 1-6 p.m. Thursdays
• 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturdays.
For information, call 723-8940.
Main Post Club
• Doors open at 5 a.m. for the first 40
people in line, who will be eligible to win a
round-trip ticket to the United States.
• Doors open to public at 6 a.m.
• St. Louis Rams Cheerleaders will
perform at 7 a.m. followed by an autograph
and photo session.
• Free admission and breakfast.
For information, call 738-5254.
K-16 Landing Zone Club
• Doors open at 6 a.m., and admission
and breakfast are free.
For information, call 741-6473.
park in an attached or heated garage, you will
“lose” pressure when you leave its warmth.
Check your tire treads and sidewalls. Look
for thin or uneven tread wear. Take a Lincoln-
head penny and insert it Lincoln-head first
into your tire tread at the most worn part of
the tire. If you see the top of Lincoln’s head,
you may need new tires. Cut or damaged
sidewalls are also weak areas that can collapse
under severe conditions.
— See Winter Driving, Page 12 —
JANUARY 25, 2008 AREA II USAG-Y • PAGE 11
http://yongsan.korea.army.mil

COMMUNITY PROFILE • FRED MOORE

Housing manager: ‘We have the most important job’

by Kenneth Fidler
USAG-Yongsan Public Affairs
Fred Moore isn’t so sure anyone would be jealous of his job. As deputy chief of the U.S.
Army Garrison-Yongsan housing office, he’s got quite a plate full. He looks after the $30
million operation and maintenance program for family housing and unaccompanied
personnel housing and $52 million in furniture. The office manages more than 1,000
houses on post and more than 3,000 off-post leases. He recently was named the top
housing officer of the year for 2006 and was awarded the Installation Management
Command’s 2006 Housing Executive of the Year Award. His nomination states he’s always
looking for ways to improve life for customers. He says the award was a team effort,
though, of the 70 people who work in housing. “This job ... we are never bored,” he said.
“There is something different every day. We have the most important job. Everyone has
to come and see us. We pretty much manage the keys to their homes. If we don’t do our
jobs, then we fail them because those folks can’t concentrate on their mission.”

The award was for 2006. That must have
been a good year.
A lot of good things happened. One
of the biggest programs was the furnished
apartment program. Housing has always had
For all government housing, we normally
spend close to $3 million a year in renovations.
We put in new roofs, new doors, new
windows, and new kitchen cabinets. Most
of these homes are over 50 years old. We Kenneth Fidler

a big deficit in furniture for unaccompanied
personnel. We could never give them good,
quality furniture. We met with realtors and
landlords and asked them to consider offering
us furnished homes. Originally it was for E-6
and below, but now it’s for anyone up to 0-6.
So, if you go off post and you’re single, you’ll
go into a furnished apartment. We’re saving
about $1 million annually in furnishings with
that. The customer gets an apartment list of
what’s available and gets to pick and choose.
Explain the leased housing on post.
We have three leased areas – Black Hawk
Village, Eagle Grove and Itaewon Acres.
That’s about 300 housing units. A Korean
contractor handles all the leased housing on
post. In 2005, we helped them establish an
office on post, giving customers direct contact
with the residents. We’ve been renovating a lot
of the leased housing since 2001. It’s grown
to almost gutting out an entire apartment.
Just having that office on post has helped out
tremendously.
What about the other housing areas?
We have 240 government-owned houses.
spend a lot of money trying to keep them
renovated. We used to lose a lot of houses
over the wintertime because of pipes freezing,
so we started replacing roofs, pipes and other
structural things.
What is out at Hannam Village?
Hannam used to have over 700 homes
but three high-rises are empty because they’ve
had a lot of maintenance problems. Right
now we have close to 300 in one high-rise
and one low-rise. The low-rise apartments
were renovated in 2002. We combined two
apartments to make them larger. Part of the
expansion there gave us the idea of expanding
here in the post, and last year we converted
some into 5-bedroom apartments for larger
families. Hannam has been challenging.
Two main issues: one is the size of the
apartments. They are small. The other is a lot
of maintenance issues. It got to a point where
we had to move people out.
What do you do to stay active?
I love sports, play golf and work out at the
Point. I’ve always been a big bowler. When I
was stationed in Japan, a friend asked me to
go golfing during a trip to Camp Zama. I
didn’t think I’d ever find myself chasing a little
ball around a golf course. I got hooked since
that day 17 years ago. Right before I retired I
got down to a 7-handicap and applied to the
San Diego Golf Academy because I wanted
to become a teaching pro. I was accepted, but
at the same time, my son joined the military.
That school was a year and a half long and
you have to be financially independent. But I
needed to help my son and son and his family.
So, maybe after I finish my second career, I’ll
try that again.
Your son follow dad’s footsteps?
My son has been in the Air Force 10 years
now. My dad’s retired Air Force, and I’m
retired Air Force; so, three generations of
military. My son is currently at Vandenberg
Air Force Base, Calif. He’s an electrician with
a Red Horse unit, the engineers that deploy all
the time. He’s been deployed five times.
Are you leaving here with fond memories
after five years?
I don’t know how to put or explain it the
best. We’ve been involved in so much, and
FRED G. MOORE
Position: Deputy director of housing since
2003
Career: 24 years on active duty in the Air
Force, retired in 1999. Overseas assign-
ments include Spain, Belgium and Japan.
While in the Air Force, worked in admin-
istration, postal operations, cryptographic
maintenance, medical logistics, and
housing. As civilian employee, managed a
mobile home park in Colorado. Managed
base housing for U.S. Coast Guard Base
Rio Bayamon in San Juan, Puerto Rico,
before moving to Yongsan. He’ll move this
summer to Fort Sill, OK, to manage the
installation’s Residential Community Initia-
tive-Privatized Housing Project.
we’ve seen a lot of great changes over five years.
It’s always gotten a little bit better. One of the
challenges is Yongsan has been on the (base
closure) list a few times in the past. When
a base shows up on the list, it usually loses
money and that has impacted the structures.
We’ve been able to work together to keep
things together, still provide a service to
customers and take care of service members,
civilians and families the best we can.

“Around Yongsan” is a place to publish your photos of commu- ganization; describe the action; name and date of event; name of
AROUND YONGSAN nity events. Send high-quality digital photos to yongsan@korea. photographer; and a contact name and phone number. Photos will
army.mil. Include the following information with each photo: iden- be published based on quality and space availability and may be
TAKE YOUR PIC tify people in the photo with first name, last name, rank, and or- posted to the Garrison web site at http://yongsan.korea.army.mil.

YONGSAN DOWNS HOVEY 69-63: A Camp Hovey player (right) tries to get around Yongsan
defense during post-on-post game play Jan. 12 at Collier Field House. Yongsan beat Camp
Hovey 69-63 and held its 12-0 undefeated record. Yongsan takes on Wonju 1 p.m. Jan. 26 at
Collier. — U.S. Army Photo By Pvt. Lee Min-hwi

DODGE BALL FRAY: Average Joes team players try to throw out opponents during a 5-on-5 dodge ball
tournament at the Trent Gymnasium Jan. 12. Yongsan’s Better Opportunities for Single and Unaccompanied
Soldiers organzied the activity. Twenty players participated, and team Top Secret won a $25 gift certificate.
The nest BOSS event is a gamer night 1-8 p.m. Jan. 26 at the Moyer Community Activities Center. Call
BOSS at 738-5466 for details.— U.S. Army Photo By Sgt. Kim Sang-wook
USAG-Y • PAGE 12
http://yongsan.korea.army.mil
Winter driving safety
W
e recently experienced our first
snows of the season. Though
we had a few minor vehicle
accidents, no one was hurt and damage
was minimal. But it serves to remind us of
practicing safe winter driving habits while
navigating slick streets.
Driving in Korea can be a difficult
challenge, and winter conditions make it
all that much tougher. Now is the time to
slow down and be extra cautious behind
the wheel. It’s also imperative that your
vehicle is in top condition. Recently in the
United States, police in a Midwestern town
found that one-fourth of all cars stopped
had condition defects such as worn tires
or broken headlights. These problems,
while perhaps minor by themselves, can
lead to serious accidents in dangerous
conditions.
Vehicle maintenance is absolutely
essential. Drivers who don’t carry out
regular checks are at much greater risk of
being involved in a collision. Pay particular
attention to tires, lights, brakes, steering
and fluid levels.
The POV inspection checklist in the
Army’s POV Toolbox (https://crc.army.
Winter Driving
Under the Hood
It takes a lot more power to start your car
when it is cold outside. Check the battery for
clean and tight connections and proper fluid
levels. Clean corrosion (a whitish powder)
from battery terminals.
Your coolant system keeps your car warm.
Check the level, acidity and concentration of
radiator fluids at least every 3,000 miles.
Tip: A mixture of 50% anti-freeze and
50% water will protect down to -40 degrees
Fahrenheit.
Inspect and replace
Inspect air filter, rubber hoses and drive
belts and replace as necessary. Also check fluid
levels for transmission, brake, differential,
power steering and window washer.
Winter Safety Kit
Prepare a winter safety kit to keep in your
car at all times. Be sure to include:
• Winter necessities such as an ice scraper;
tire chains; extra washer fluid; boots and
gloves; and sand or old newspapers for
traction.
• Emergency supplies like extra clothing
and blankets, flashlight with spare batteries,
energy bars or dried snacks, drinking water,
a battery-powered radio with spare batteries,
AREA II THE MORNING CALM
PAID ADVERTISING
mil/home) lists tires as the top item to
check. Make sure they have enough tread
left for traction. Better yet, if you don’t
have snow tires, consider getting some to
improve traction.
Even when driving with eyes peeled to
the road, both hands on the wheel and
going slower then normal, one might
still fail to recognize one of the deadliest
dangers of all winter driving -- black ice.
Black ice is clear water that has frozen on
dark roads. It usually forms below, and in
areas that are surrounded by trees. If drivers
aren’t aware of overpasses, on bridges black
ice, their vehicle could hit a patch, causing
them to lose control.
Because black ice is almost invisible,
it is difficult for drivers to recognize
these conditions and take precautionary
measures. Pavements that look dry, but
appear darker in color and clear or shiny,
should alert you to the possible presence
of black ice.
For all of us, drive at slower speeds,
anticipate stops at traffic lights and
intersections, and apply brakes sooner than
normal will help prevent loss of control
and accidents.
Continued from Page 10
a first aid kit, booster cables, safety flares, a
small shovel, and a jug of water and funnel
for radiator refills.
• Tools and “fix-it” supplies such as a
screwdriver, pliers, rubber hammer, wrench,
a can of penetrating oil, an old scarf and belt
for emergency hose repairs, and a small throw
rug and old shower curtain (for kneeling next
to your car or getting under it).
PAID ADVERTISING
Winter Driving Tips
No matter how safe your car is, winter
driving requires extra attention. Brake gently,
accelerate gently and steer gently. Remember
these tips, too:
• As every driver’s education teacher
repeats, steer into a skid.
• If you get stuck in the snow, throw sand,
old newspapers or dirt in front of and behind
the drive wheels.
• In snowy conditions, drive in lower
gears. Avoid using your overdrive feature.
• Always keep your gas tank half full.
• Slow down when conditions change.
• Remember to drive to arrive!
• Expect Delays. Traffic will move much
slower. Check the road conditions and depart
for your destination earlier.
Call DSN 738-7623 or Commercial 0505-
738-7623 for road conditions updates.
JANUARY 25, 2008 NEWS IMCOM-K • PAGE 13
http://imcom.korea.army.mil

Message...
Postal news you can use
Do not use a foreign location in your address, i.e.,
Seoul, Korea. If you do, the mail will be routed through the international mail
system and will be delayed.

 Remember it is your responsibility to in-process/out-process your unit

mail room. If you do not, your mail will be delayed and could be returned
to sender.

U.S. Forces Korea J6 to host conference

USFK J6 will host its annual Information Assurance Conference May 6-8 at the Osan Air Force Base Officers Club in Osan AB, Korea.

J/G6’s, DoD IA personnel, and other key IA personnel associated with information assurance and information systems in the USFK area
of responsibility are cordially invited to attend.

This year’s theme is “Strengthening Information Assurance Agility for the Joint War fighter”. We encourage attendees to suggest new
topics that you would like to see presented and the desired presenter.
 IMCOM-K • PAGE 14
http://imcom.korea.army.mil NEWS THE MORNING CALM

Personal credit repair is within reach

by Capt. Stacey A. Huss Ginsberg
2ID Client Legal Services
If you are having trouble getting a loan, raising the spending limit on your credit card,
or even being approved for a credit card, you may need to improve your credit.
The first step is to obtain your credit report from one or all of the three nationwide
credit reporting bureaus: Equifax, Transunion, and Experian. You are entitled to one free
credit report per year from each agency, and can order it through www.annualcreditreport.
com, or directly through the credit agencies’ websites.
If you find any errors or inaccuracies, file a written notice with the credit reporting
bureau. They will investigate the issue and provide you written results. If the results do
not change as a result of the investigation, you can include a written statement of dispute
in your file and all future credit reports.
Next, pay all your bills on time. This is one of the most important factors in a good
credit score. Late or missed payments can have a very negative impact on your credit score.
It is best to pay bills the day they arrive in the mail, or set up an online, automatic bill-pay
system to ensure your payments are never late.
Third, pay off any outstanding debts. If you cannot afford to pay the entire amount at
one time, pay the debt down as much as you can, and continue to make at least monthly
payments. If you keep a balance on your credit card, make sure this balance is low, and
always make at least the minimum monthly payment. Call your creditors to ask about
setting up a payment plan within your budget. This may or may not be successful, but
it never hurts to try.
Another way to improve your credit is to stop applying for new credit cards. Several
open applications for credit can show you to be a risky borrower, and can lower your credit
score. Too many credit cards also tend to encourage spending outside your financial means,
often leading to more late or missed payments, and further negative credit scores.
Credit repair agencies are also an option for some people. If you choose this route,
however, be careful. Make sure the agency you choose is legitimate. They should be
complying with the Credit Repair Organizations Act, 15 U.S.C. Sec. 1679 (2000). They
should provide you with a mandatory disclosure statement that spells out your rights as
a consumer.
If you are having trouble with your finances, the Army has several resources available
to assist you. Army Community Services offers a variety of financial counseling services,
including Personal Financial Management Training. As well, Military OneSource provides
financial information on budgeting, managing credit, investing, and a variety of other
useful topics.
Improving your credit is within your control – start today!

Bankruptcy: Learn
the facts before filing
by Capt. Hans Zeller
Client Legal Services
In April 2005, the Bankruptcy Abuse
Prevention and Consumer Protection Act
of 2005 became law. The Act represented
a major reform of the bankruptcy system.
One intent of the new law was to reduce the
number of persons filing for bankruptcy, in
particular Chapter 7 filings. As a result, it is
now more difficult for some individuals to
file for bankruptcy.
To file under Chapter 7, you must meet
certain eligibility requirements under a
“means test.” Under the “means test,” if your
current monthly income is less than the
median income in your state, you can file
for bankruptcy under Chapter 7. However,
if your current monthly income is above
the median income in your state, and you
can afford to pay $100 per month toward
paying off your debt, you cannot file under
Chapter 7 and must proceed under Chapter
13. Whether you can afford to pay $100 per
month (or $6,000 over a five-year period)
depends on a formula that includes your
monthly income, your expenses, and the
total amount of your debt.
Chapter 13 in turn is not available to
you if you have over $250,000 of liquidated,
unsecured debts or over $750,000 of
liquidated, secured debts.
Regardless of whether your wish to file
under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, you will
have to attend mandatory credit counseling
in a government-approved program. You
must also show proof of your income by
providing federal tax returns from the last
tax year. In every case under Chapter 7 and
Chapter 13, the court appoints a trustee.
The trustee’s role is to represent the interest
of the unsecured creditors. An unsecured
creditor is a creditor who has extended credit
but does not hold a lien on any property
to secure the payment of that credit. The
duties of the trustee include: collecting
property of the estate, invalidating certain
transfers which you may have made prior to
declaring bankruptcy, objecting to a claim
of exemption, objecting to discharge of the
debt, liquidating any nonexempt property
and distributing it to creditors with valid
claims, and making a final accounting to
the court.
The principal end goal of most
bankruptcies is the discharge, which frees
you from personal liability on almost all
debts. The discharge from debt gives you
the fresh start that bankruptcy intends to
provide. In Chapter 7 cases, discharge orders
can be entered in as little as sixty days after
the first meeting of the creditors, assuming
that no objection to discharge has been filed
by that time. In a Chapter 13 case, the court
grants a discharge after the debtor completes
payments under a confirmed plan or upon
application by the debtor for a hardship
discharge. While a discharge or reduction
of debt may sound attractive to many, filing
for bankruptcy does not come without
consequences. Filing for bankruptcy is not
free as there are court costs.
Further, because doing so is a complicated
matter, hiring an attorney is often required.
Bankruptcy information will stay on your
credit report for at least 10 years. During
that time, creditors will likely deny you
credit for buying a house, starting a business
or any other major investment. Negative
information on your credit report will
also likely prevent you from obtaining low
interest credit cards or taking out smaller
loans for items such as cars, jewelry, travel
or furniture.
Bankruptcy is a very technical and
complicated area that deserves thorough
consideration. This article is for general
informational purposes only. For further
questions about bankruptcy or other legal
issues, contact the Yongsan Legal Assistance
Office at 738-8111 to make an appointment
to talk with an attorney.

January 25-31

Today Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Casey This Christmas August Rush This Christmas First Sunday August Rush Hitman August Rush
730-7354 (PG13) 8:30 p.m. (PG) 8:30 p.m. (PG13) 7 p.m. (PG13) 7:30 p.m. (PG) 7:30 p.m. (R) 7:30 p.m. (PG) 7:30 p.m.
Henry Water Horse Water Horse Water Horse Beowulf No Show No Show No Show
768-7724 (PG) 7 p.m. (PG) 7 p.m. (PG) 7 p.m. (PG13) 7 p.m.
Humphreys Bucket List Bucket List Bucket List Gone Baby Gone Gone Baby Gone Hitman Hitman
753-7716 (PG13) 9 p.m. (PG13) 9 p.m. (PG13) 9 p.m. (R) 9 p.m. (R) 9 p.m. (R) 9 p.m. (R) 9 p.m.
Hovey Enchanted Bucket List Why Did I Get Married Beowulf Bucket List Enchanted Beowulf
730-5412 (PG) 7 p.m. (PG13) 7 p.m. (PG13) 7 p.m. (PG13) 7 p.m. (PG13) 7 p.m. (PG) 7 p.m. (PG13) 7 p.m.
Kunsan National Treasure Water Horse Hitman No Show No Show No Show Hitman
782-4987 (PG) 8:30 p.m. (PG) 8:30 p.m. (R) 8:30 p.m. (R) 6 p.m.
Osan Meet the Spartans Hitman Hitman Hitman Hitman Hitman This Christmas
784-4930 (PG13) 9:30 p.m. (R) 9:30 p.m. (R) 9:30 p.m. (R) 9:30 p.m. (R) 9:30 p.m. (R) 9:30 p.m. (PG13) 7 p.m.
Red Cloud This Christmas This Christmas Beowulf This Christmas August Rush No Show Cloverfield
732-6620 (PG13) 9 p.m. (PG13) 9 p.m. (PG) 8 p.m. (PG13) 7 p.m. (PG) 7 p.m. (UNK) 7 p.m.
Stanley Rendition Beowulf Enchanted Beowulf No Show First Sunday Enchanted
732-5565 (R) 8 p.m. (PG13) 9 p.m. (PG) 7 p.m. (PG13) 7 p.m. (PG13) 9 p.m. (PG) 7 p.m.
Meet the Spartans Meet the Spartans Meet the Spartans Hitman Hitman Hitman This Christmas
Yongsan I
(PG13) 8:30 p.m. (PG13) 8 p.m. (PG13) 8 p.m. (R) 7 p.m. (R) 7 p.m. (R) 7 p.m. (PG13) 7 p.m.
Surf’s Up Surf’s Up August Rush Lions for Lambs Lions for Lambs Lions for Lambs Mr. Woodcock
Yongsan II (PG) 6:30 p.m. (PG) 6:30 p.m. (PG) 6:30 p.m. (R) 6 p.m. (R) 6 p.m. (R) 6 p.m. (PG13) 6 p.m.
Yongsan III The Comeback The Comeback August Rush August Rush Beowulf Beowulf Martian Child
738-7389 (PG13) 6:30 p.m. (PG13) 6:30 p.m. (PG) 6:30 p.m. (PG) 6 p.m. (PG) 6 p.m. (PG) 6 p.m. (PG) 6 p.m.
IMCOM-K • PAGE 16
http://imcom.korea.army.mil FEATURE THE MORNING CALM

Looking for something new to do?

Seoul Medicine Market has the cure
More than a thousand shops line the streets of the
Seoul Medicine Market. Whether stationed in Seoul or
just passing through, this market can give U.S. Forces
Korea members an indepth look at this country’s trad-
tional culture.
Asian medicines, roots, herbs, spices, and ginseng
are items on display here. Many of the merchants
grow these products themselves. The rich smells of
raw medicinal products are one of the benefits of vis-
iting this market. Ginseng is the most popular item
on the list here. It is a local root herb believed to
promote good health.

(Clockwise from top) A woman sells dried beans in every hue at her shop in the Seoul Medicine Market; A vendor chops
fresh mushrooms for his customers; There’s no shortage of sweet treats in this local candy shop; Visitors to the market
can eat affordably on the run at one of the many “street food” vendors. — U.S. Army Photos By Edward Johnson
IMCOM-K • PAGE 18
http://imcom.korea.army.mil MWR THE MORNING CALM

St. Louis Rams Cheerleaders dance through Korea

Special to The Morning Calm Weekly The St. Louis Rams Cheerleaders visit is brought to you by Armed
Forces Entertainment and MWR. All performances are open to
The St. Louis Rams Cheerleaders will visit troops stationed in the military community and free of charge. For more information,
Korea Jan. 30 through Feb. 4. The cheerleaders will perform 4 major please contact your local MWR Entertainment Office or DSN
shows as well as complete handshake tours at remote locations. 723-3749.
The St. Louis Rams Cheerleaders are comprised of thirty-five
intelligent, talented and beautiful young women from diversified Schedule for performances in Korea:
backgrounds. In addition to the numerous full-time college students
on the squad, some are in professional fields such as nursing and Wednesday, Jan. 30
elementary education. USAG-Casey, Carey Fitness Center 7 p.m.
Although they are mostly recognized for their entertaining
Thursday, Jan. 31
performances on the sidelines, the majority of the Rams Cheerleaders’
Camp Humphreys, CAC 7 p.m.
time is spent giving back to the community. This past year, the
Cheerleaders completed more than 600 appearances in the bi-state Friday, Feb. 1
region; donating over 750 hours to charity. Although each member Yongsan Garrison, SAHS 7 p.m.
of the squad is required to complete 12 charity visits during the
year, the ladies have proven their commitment by going above and Saturday, Feb. 2
beyond that number year after year. Camp Carroll, Gym 6 p.m.
The St. Louis Rams Cheerleaders not only enjoy giving back to the St. Louis Community,
Monday, Feb. 4

!
but have traveled nationally and internationally, as well. Rams Cheerleaders have
Super Bowl Parties Various

s
traveled to Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Dominican Republic, Japan, Korea and Mexico

r
Locations
City; entertained at Military Bases in Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Texas and

e
Washington; and have set sail with a cruise line in the Caribbean.

e
The St. Louis Rams Cheerleaders have worked hard to establish a positive and

h
professional relationship with St. Louis and the surrounding communities. They are

C
committed to building and developing this bond by reaching out

e
to as many people as possible and always lending

re
a hand whenever it is needed.

Th Cardinals Cheerleaders
fly into Republic of Korea
MWR Events

2008 Eighth Army Women’s

Basketball Championships
Come watch women from throughout the peninsula
compete for title of best of the best in Korea. The event will
take place through Jan. 26 at the Camp Casey Carey Fitness
Center. For more information, contact your local sports office
or DSN 725-5064.
BOSS Winter Games
Register now to join the ski and snowboarding
fun at the BOSS Winter Games Feb 17-19 at Oak
Valley Resort. The bargain price of $99 includes
lodging, 1 night and 1 day lift tickets, rentals, and
tickets to the awards banquet and dinner. Bus
transportation will be arranged from each CAC at
an additional cost. Full payment is required at the
time of registration. Visit your local MWR CAC for
more information and to register.
Travel Specials
The Commercial Travel Office, US Airline Alliance, is
offering travel deals for military ID card holders. A 7-day
tour of Phuket includes a 4-day open water diving course,
equipment rental, 5-star hotel accommodations, and hotel
transfers. Group tours are offered to Hanoi & Halong Bay,
Cambodia & Siem Reap, Bangkok & Pattaya, and Beijing.
Also available are packages to Guam and Jeju. Be sure to
book now for travel over President’s Weekend, Easter, or
Spring Break holidays. Visit their site at www.usatraveloffice.
com <http://www.usatraveloffice.com/> for more information
and for a full itinerary.
Special to The Morning Calm Weekly Bosnia, Kuwait, Iraq, Greenland, Mexico and
Canada.
The Arizona Cardinals Cheerleaders visit is
Arizona Cardinals Cheerleaders will bring a brought to you by Armed Forces Entertainment
morale boost to the military stationed in Korea. and MWR. All performances are open to the
The team will perform three major shows as well as military community and & free of charge. For
complete handshake tours at remote locations. more information, please contact your local MWR
The Arizona Cardinals Show Team consists of Entertainment Office or DSN 723-3749.
current members of the Cheerleading squad that
perform for many events throughout the world.
The fun-filled program is guaranteed to bring
excitement and energy. The show includes an
array of dances and games that allow for audience
participation. The amazing choreography ranges
from the Beach Boys and limbo contests to Elvis
impersonations, fire dancing, and the latest in
hip hop music.
The Cardinals Show Team has traveled the
globe performing for military bases in Egypt,
Schedule for performances in Korea:
Thusday, Jan. 31 USAG-Casey
Carey Fitness Center 7 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 1 Kunsan Air Base,
Gym 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 2 Osan Air Base,
Theater 3 p.m.
January 25, 2008 AREA III USAG-H • PAGE 21
http://imcom.korea.army.mil

Humphreys opens multi-million dollar CDC

USAG Humphreys commander Col. John E. Dumoulin, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Far East District commander Col. Clarence Turner, community members, friends and contrac-
tors officially opened the Bang Jeong Hwan Child Development Center Wednesday. Named after the founder of Korean Children’s Day holiday, the center has a 303-child capacity and
features media, music and play areas, rooms for small and large group activities, sheltered outdoor activity space, a play ground, fire protection, alarm and security systems. The CDC
cost approximately $8 million to build.— U.S. Army Photos By Bob McElroy

2007 tax season gets going with area center opening

by Bob McElroy and the effect of the
USAG-H Public Affairs new Earned Income
Tax Credit (EITC)
USAG HUMPHREYS — The income guidelines.”
tax filing season officially began here The officer in charge
Wednesday with the opening of the U.S. of the Tax Center,
Army Garrison Humphreys Tax Center. Capt. Jason Moy, is
In his brief remarks before the ribbon a graduate of the U.S.
cutting, Humphreys Garrison Commander Army Judge Advocate
Col. John E. Dumoulin Jr. praised the G e n e r a l S c h o o l ’s
Tax Center staff for the valuable assistance Federal Income Tax
it provides Soldiers, Family Members, course and the VITA
Civilians and Retirees. course.
The USAG Tax Center is a full-service tax Moy noted that
center that is able to electronically file both last year more than
federal and state income taxes free of charge 1,500 people used
for all Soldiers and Family Members. the Humphreys Tax
The tax center prepares Internal Revenue Center and saved
Service Form 1040’s, and 1040EZ’s and more than $110,000
most state tax forms and can e-file most of in preparation fees.
them. The center cannot process tax returns The total amount of
for individuals who carry on an outside refunds the tax center
business unless it is day care for military processed in 2007 was
dependents. $1,966,299 he added.
Staffed by one attorney, eight Special Those interested in
Duty soldiers and five volunteers, the center using the Tax Center
is open to Soldiers and Family Members, should bring their W-
Department of the Army and Department 2 forms, any 1099’s,
of Defense Civilians and Retirees. 1098’s, or any other
All of the Soldiers and volunteer tax tax documents, their
USAG Humphreys commander Col. John E. Dumoulin Jr. (left) shared a laugh with Pvt. Eric Best, (center) a medic
advisors are graduates of the U.S. Internal own as well as Family
assigned to 1st Battalion 7th Air Defense Artillery and Capt. Jason Moy, (right) Tax Center officer in charge, before they
Revenue Service’s Volunteer Income Tax Me m b e r’s So c i a l
cut the ribbon and officially opened the Humphreys Tax Center. — U.S. Army Photo By Bob McElroy
Assistance course. Security cards, last
According to the Internal Revenue year’s tax return, any
Service website (www.irs.gov) military divorce or separation agreement paperwork, Attorney if married and filing jointly but General Power of Attorney from a JAG office
graduates of the VITA course “are trained child care provider’s identification number geographically separated. contains this information. One can also get
and equipped to address military specific (if applicable), routing and account numbers The Power of Attorney needs to give a special power of attorney or use the IRS
tax issues, such as combat zone tax benefits (e.g. a blank check), and a Power of specific authorization for filing taxes. A power of attorney form.
USAG-H • PAGE 22
www.imcom.korea.army.mil AREA III THE MORNING CALM

News & Notes

Army Nurse Corps seeks Soldiers
looking for change
Are you interested in becoming a health
care provider? Do you know of any Sol-
diers who are interested in continuing their
education? Do you want a free education
while receiving full pay and benefits? Now
there is a program in place for you or one of
your Soldiers to take advantage of. The In-
terservice Physician Assisant Program, the
AMEDD Enlisted Commissioning Program,
the Funded Nurse Education Program and
other AMEDD training opportunities are
open to officers, warrant offices and enlist-
ed Soldiers. Briefings will be conducted at
different times throughout December. For
more information contact 1st Lt. Warrentina
Berry at 011-9972-9268.

Virtues Volunteers Needed

at USO Korea
The Virtues English Program allows ac-
tive-duty Servicemembers to volunteer two
National Geographic Bee contestants: Back Row: Alexis Price, Ashley Burton, Sydney Salter, Andy Horton, Kiwan Boyd, and Leslie Riddle. Front
Saturdays per month (second and fourth-
Saturday). Being a volunteer for the Virtues
Row: Robert Sherrod, Thomas Bain, Anthony Tubon, Alexander Brink, and Hanna Santucci. Not pictured: Eric Campos.— Photos By Diane
English classes will help to satisfy your Hobler.

HAES students compete for scholarship

Good Neighbor Program requirement. For
more information, call Mi-Hwa and Minna
at 724-7781.

The Morning Calm

The Feb. 8 edition of The Morning Calm
will not be published because of Lunar New
Year. The following week, Feb. 15 editon,
will be published for the community.
USAG-H New CDC Opens
The USAG Humphreys Child Develpement
Center will offically open Jan 23 with a rib-
bon cutting ceremony starting at 11 a.m.
Humphreys Child
Developement Center
Child and Youth Services, Child Develop-
ment Center is currently looking for Pro-
gram Assistants to fill full-time, part-time,
and flex’s positions, which are willing to
support the CYS program hours, 5:15 a.m.
- 6 p.m. Salary ranges from $10 - $13.12
per hour based on education level (Child
Development Associates, completion of the
Army Youth Practicum, possession of AA
degree or higher with major emphasis on
Early Childhood Education. Visit the web-
site at http://cpol.army.mil for the job.
St. Louis Rams Cheerleaders
The cheerleading team brings the sideline
excitement front and center for a show that
really kicks. This precision cheer squad will
perform their choreographed dance moves,
kicks, turns and leaps Jan. 31, starting at
7 p.m. at the Humphreys Community Activ-
ity Center.
by Kay Roll
USAG-HAES Teacher
USAG HUMPRHREYS — Thousands
of schools around the United States and five
U.S. territories participated in a georgraphic
bee sponsored by the National Geographic
Society with one participate from United
States Army Garrison Humphreys winning
the school-level competition Jan. 14.
Thomas Bain, a sixth grader at HAES,
will now have the chance to compete for
a $25 thousand college scholarship for his
efforts.
There were ten HEAS students total that
made it to the preliminary round of the
competition. Students from the school were
given oral examinations in order to show-
case their knowledge about geography.
The competition which began in
November is the 20th annual bee held by
National Geographic.
The next step for Thomas and other
school winner’s will be a written test. National Geographic Bee winner Thomas Bain is presented with a certificate by bee sponsor,
After which, up to 100 top scores in Kay Roll, Humphreys Amercian Elementary School gifted education resource teacher.
each state will be eligible for the state
competition. as second place winner Anthony Tuban: and Alexander Brink. Alternates were Ashley
The following are names of the Eric Campos, Alexis Price, Andy Horton, Burton and Kiwan Boyd.
other USAG HAES who made it to the Robert Sherrod, Leslie Riddle, Hanna Each of the participants won prizes,
competition’s prelimary round as well Santucci, Anthony Tuban, Sydney Salter, which were donated by the PTO.

Arizona Cardinal Cheerleaders

This cheerleading team brings some desert
Humphreys community members celebrate MLK birthday with song, dance
heat to the stage for a night of high-spirited
fun. Their routines range from Elvis to Hip U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys
Hop, plus singing and lots of audience par- celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King
ticipation. The cheerleaders will be visiting Jr.’s birthday Jan. 18 with a breakfast
Suwon and Camp Eagle Feb. 1. Times to celebration at the Provider Grill. The
be announced. event featured an inspired rendition
of King’s “I Have a Dream” speech
Youth Piano Player Needed
The Missoula Children’s Theater will be
by Sgt. 1st Class Willie Grandison
coming to USAG-Humphreys in late Febru- of the USAG Humphreys Inspector
ary. MWR is seeking a youth piano player General’s office, an interpretive dance
for this musical. This will be a paid position. by Vessels of Praise and remarks by
Please call 753-8601 for more information. USAG Humphreys garrison com-
mander Col. John E. Dumoulin Jr.
Please Send Us Stories and Photos Vessels of Praise dancers shown here
To submit info for publishing in The Morn- are: Labeija Wray (right), Lois Watkins
ing Calm Weekly, USAG Humphreys com-
and Shatarius Lilly — U.S. Army
mon pages, call 754-6132, 8847 or 8598.
Or e-mail andre.butler@korea.army.mil.
Photo By Bob McElroy.
January 25, 2008 AREA III USAG-H • PAGE 23
http://imcom.korea.army.mil

American Veterans Cmdr. tours Humphreys

by Stacy A. Ouellette
USAG-H Public Affairs Office

USAG HUMPRHREYS —John “J.P.”

Brown, the American Veterans National
Foundation commander, received an inside
look at the ongoing United States Army
Garrison Humphreys transformation here,
Jan. 16.
Joined by his wife Janette, Heidi Dineen,
the national president AMVETS Ladies
Auxiliar, and Randolph Boothby, the
AMVETS Department of Massachusetts
commander.
Brown toured the installation and
received two in-depth information briefings
on the Humphreys master plan.
“Building Humphreys up the way they
are should allow families to come over here
and be with their Soldiers,” said Brown.
“In turn that will help our Soldiers, save
money and enhance their capabilities of
doing their jobs even better,” Brown said.
“Our purpose for coming was to visit
with Soldiers and let them know they are USAG Humphreys Deputy Commander David W. Frodsham briefs the National American Veterans Commander John “J.P.” Brown on the ongo-
supported. Gathering firsthand information ing transformation of the installation, Jan 16. Brown came here as part of his visit to the Republic of Korea to view the quality of life for Soldiers
helps us when talking to the Senate to and learn more about the future of forces in country. — U.S. Army Photos By Stacy A. Ouellette.
improve the quality of life for Soldiers,”
said Brown. concerned about all our Soldiers around the understanding of the family friendly “Most of them where here during the
As part of their visit, the official party ate world and appreciate everything they do for environment being built here. Korean War and have a different look at this
lunch with Humphreys Soldiers at one of us,” Brown said. The tour included a tour of This was the first trip to the Republic of country,” Brown said.
the dining facilities. This experience allowed the new family housing unit as well as Splish Korea for Brown. “I can see it through my eyes now and
the group to ask questions and better gage and Splash Aquatics Center. In the past, friends and Veterans who the economic boom that is going on here,”
the issues here face. “The military personnel The briefings provided a glimpse of served here gave their opinions of the said Brown. The group was scheduled to
here in Korea do a great job. Being away the current and future standing of USAG country. Arriving, Brown found a different visit the Demilitarized Zone after departing
from their families is a sacrifice. We are Humphreys and allowed for a better country than what he expected. Humphreys.

Range certification course available online

ROIC, RSO qualifications made easy
by Andre Butler
USAG-H Public Affairs

USAG HUMPHREYS —The range certification course is available through the

worldwide web-based Eighth United States Army Training Support Activity Korea unit
range webpage for convenience and to better support unit’s Soldiers training.
It is important for each Soldier interested to go online and review the range certification
course before taking the range certification test to be an office in charge of a range or a
range safety officer for the purpose of ensuring range safety requirements.
Once Soldiers have completed the course, there is still a requirement to present a
memorandum signed by the unit’s battalion commander verifying the authorized weapon
type. To take the ROIC and RSO written test, Soldiers will need a copy of the range
certification certificate and memorandum from the battalion commander verifying the
authorized weapon type. Soldiers should print off a copy of the certificate after completing
course. A practice test is offered after completion of online course requirements. It’s highly
recommended that Soldiers take this practice certification test. If a Soldier fails the written
test, there will be a mandatory 30-day waiting period to be eligible for retesting. Without
complying with these procedures, the range certification test will not be given for the
ROIC and RSO by the TSAK Range Control Center. A new TSAK Range webpage was
launched Jan. 2 Range safety officers and Noncommissioned officers from 4-58th Air Field Operations Battalion
NOTE : The information for this piece was provided by Yon Vanest, TSAK Acting Training assist a Soldier with the malfunction of an M1-A2 rifle during a qualification range at the USAG
Facility manager. Humphreys TSAK Range Control Center Jan 11. — U.S. Army Photos By Andre Butler.

Additional Information -- Range Certification Course

The Range Certification Course will be
completed as follows:
Soldier watch’s TSAK Range Certification
Course program and print out the
certification certificate.
Soldier brings certification certificate
along with the commander’s memorandum
from battalion commander of authorized
weapon type and systems to range control
where they will give the exam.
 Soldier receives range control specific
briefing when they take the range certification
test.
 Soldier’s information will be loaded into
RFMSS and remains active until Soldier’s
certification is no longer valid or PCS’s.
Range certification tests are available every
Friday at RCC, TSAK, USAG-Humphreys
Bldg #1463 at 9 a.m. and Wednesday at
Yongsan G-3, TD Conference Room Bldg
#2536 at 9 a.m.
To get the course online navigate to
the 8th Army Portal:https://8armynew/
OMD/trtsak/default.aspx
If you any questions related this program,
call range the USAG Humphreys Range
Control Center at 754-6374 or email
vanesty@korea.army.mil.
JANUARY 25, 2008 AREA IV USAG-D • PAGE 25
www.imcom.korea.army.mil

USFK commander spends day with Daegu

by Ronald Inman
USAG Daegu Public Affairs
USAG WALKER — Gen. Burwell B.
Bell, Commander, UNC/CFC/USFK,
recently visited USAG Daegu to talk with
the Daegu community Jan. 17, including
volunteers who helped clean up Korea’s
worst oil spill.
During a luncheon at Camp Walker’s
Evergreen Community Club, Bell answered
questions from non-command sponsored
families and Family Readiness Group
assistants and families. Lena Allen, 498th
CSSB Family Readiness Group Leader,
Camp Carroll said, “It was an honor and a
privilege to be invited to the luncheon with
General Bell. This was an opportunity to
voice opinions and concerns of how things
are going in Korea and with General Bell
fielding the questions you could ask those
questions that no one else might be able to
answer. It doesn’t get any higher than Bell in
Korea,” said Allen. Bell answered a variety of
questions, including questions on jobs, cost
of living allowance and the Army Family
Covenant. Bell took the time to personally
present everyone who attended the luncheon
with one of his personal command coins to
represent his appreciation of their support
and dedication to the military.
Bell also met with the USAG Daegu Better
Opportunities for Single Soldiers Council
to gather their thoughts on how things were
going in Korea. “This was the very first
four-star general I ever had an opportunity
to talk to one-on-one,” said USAG Daegu
BOSS Coordinator Sgt. Eboni Whitfield. “I
was glad we had the opportunity to ask the
general questions directly; this eliminates
any doubt of if he hears our concerns, and
not surprisingly, he does hear our voices
through our chain of command.” Bell
received questions from Soldiers concerning
very concerned with what was being done
to support the families, and to see how he
could assist in accomplishing that goal,”
said Marratta.
Bell also recognized 42 U.S. and
KATUSA Soldiers and Family Members
who volunteered to clean the effects of
the worst oil spill in Korea’s history, at
Taean Beach, demonstrating USFK’s firm
commitment to the country’s environment.
“I just wanted to thank you for that here
today,” Bell told the assembled volunteers,
“and let you know how appreciative I am
Sgt. Eboni Whitfield, USAG Daegu BOSS Coordinator, welcomes Gen. Burwell B. Bell before on behalf of the U.S./ROK Alliance for the
he addresses the members USAG Daegu Boss Counsel. — U.S. Army Photos By Samuel great effort you have displayed to make a
Hudson difference – one rock at a time. Frankly, for
the Good Neighbor Program, tours and that he took a tour of only the second FCC many people whose livelihoods, their jobs,
military opportunities in Daegu. Gen. Bell home in Korea, with both being in Daegu. depend on that ocean for either recreation
addressed the unaccompanied, accompanied Sabrina Tacey received her accreditation as or farming, you may have saved their entire
tours and other questions with candor and a USAG Daegu FCC provider the same day future. I think that’s something that we can
the facts. “I was glad to see that the concern as Bell’s visit. Bell conveyed his gratitude for feel good about, and when you go to bed
for us is all the way to the top commander her commitment to the Army Family with at night…you will know forever that you
in Korea,” said Whitfield. Bell also thanked a presentation to of his personal command helped your fellow men and women get
the council for their efforts in the oil spill coin. “This was an exciting visit because not through a real tough trial, and I thank you
clean-up in Taean. many people get the opportunity to meet for that.”
Bell visited a number of facilities in upclose a four-star general,” said Tacey. “I
Daegu including Daegu American School, hope people view my home and the other
the Child Development Center and the FCC provider’s home as a home away
second Family Child Care home in Korea. from home for children, and I hope other
Bell met with some of the DAS students to spouses will be encouraged to become FCC
see if their needs and wants were being met. providers because it says a lot when you are
The students raised questions concerning trusted enough to care for someone else’s
new equipment, gate security and sports child as if they were your own.”
recruitment on the collegiate level. Bell The Army Community Service Center
assured them that if he could provide them was the last facility Bell visited. Family
with the things that they wanted, then he Advocacy Prevention Program Specialist
would-and if he couldn’t, he provided an Tiana Marratta had the opportunity to brief
explanation why. One of the DAS students the General on the new Parent Support
asked Bell if he could help with getting the Program. She explained that the overall
school new wrestling mats, and when Bell purpose of the program was to network
turned to the leadership of USAG Daegu and provide advice and support so that Lena Allen, 498th CSSB Family Readiness
and said “Get them new wrestling mats,” the first-time parents would be better prepared Group Leader, receives a personal Command
student had a look of amazement. and less likely to become stressed. “Gen. Coin from General Bell for volunteering as the
Bell’s visit was also significant in the fact Bell was a very down-to-earth person and FRG Leader.

Ultimate Soldiers battle in combatives tournament

by Cpl. Jang Won-il
USAG Daegu Public Affairs
USAG CARROLL — Excitement and
tension filled the air as contestants from
the Daegu / Waegwan area gathered at
Camp Carroll’s Crown Jewel Fitness Center
compete to be crowned USAG Daegu’s
greatest fighter.
The first Annual Ultimate Soldier
Combatives Invitational, hosted and
administered by the Daegu Area Army
Combatives School, HHC 498th Combat
Sustainment Support Battalion and the
Camp Carroll Sports Program, was held
Saturday, Jan. 19 at the Crown Jewel Fitness
Center.
32 participants from various units
signed up in one of three categories;
Light-welterweight, middleweight, and
heavyweight. The Ultimate Soldier
Competition in its first edition was a total
success for the 400 plus spectators and the
29 men and three women who participated
and took a shot at becoming Daegu’s
ultimate Soldiers.
The matches were composed of three
stages. Soldiers were allowed to use
basic ground grappling techniques for
the preliminary matches and progress
to advanced rules in the semi-final and
championship rounds, where they could
implement almost all of the techniques
of Army combatives to defeat their
opponent.
The preliminary round restricted any
strikes or joint techniques. Competitors
were allowed to use basic ground techniques
to score points according to predetermined
rules. The semi-finals were conducted
according to the intermediate rules, allowing
punching of the body; kicking when both
fighters are standing; joint locks and chokes.
Here, the competitors’ method of victory
was to win by knockout, tap out, referee
stoppage, or the judges’ decision. The final
round adapted all advanced rules, forbidding
only elbow or forearm strikes, knee kicks to
the face and kicks above the waist to a fighter
who is on the ground.
As the matches went on, it was finally
down to six contenders who would fight
for the ultimate championship. First up
was the lightweight match-up between Pvt.
Brandon D. Henderson from 665th MCT,
a detachment from 25th Transportation
Battalion, and Sgt. Esail J. Burgos from F
Battery 1-44 AMD Battalion.
After a breathtaking bout, it was
Henderson who took home the first place
gold medal by tap out victory. Henderson, and ever since then it has always been in
who was a part of a combatives team back the back of my mind that if a tournament
in the U.S., said “I’ve studied Taekwondo ever came up I would definitely go get in,”
for a while back home in the states, and said Camp, who trained to prepare for the
I’ve studied Taekwondo here in Korea as tournament a week ago. He continued,
well. I’m always looking to better myself for “Winning the tournament definitely upped
martial arts so [winning this tournament] my morale because I’m able to do something
gives me more confidence.” which I had not been able to train with for
The middleweight, and heavyweight a while. But I’m hoping that it will affect
championship matches followed, in which, morale for others so that we get more people
Pvt. Michael Camp, D Battery, 1-44 AMD involved.”
Battalion and Staff Sgt. Curtis L. Toomer, According to Modesto C. Algarin, Camp
HHB 35th ADA Brigade, earned the Carroll Sports and Fitness Director, the
champion medals.
“I started doing combatives in 2003 - See Combatives Page 28 -
Staff Sgt. Curtis L. Toomer, HHB 35th ADA BDE throws a punch at Maj. Martin J. Hendrix, HHC
19th ESC during the heavyweight championship match-up. Toomer won the match and took
the first place medal. — U.S. Army Photo By Cpl. Jang Won-il
USAG-D • PAGE 26
www.imcom.korea.army.mil
News & Notes
Fee Free Bus
Effective, Jan. 7, there is a “fee
free” bus for US/Civilian personnel
providing transportation to the 121st
Combat Support Hospital in Yongsan.
Passenger priorities will be US
military or dependents with a medical
appointment, US Civilian or dependents
with a medical appointment, military or
civilian on official business and lastly,
space available for non-official travel
personnel. The medical bus schedule
is from Monday to Friday but will
not operate on US holidays. For bus
schedule and more information, call Al
Roach at 768-8755.
Burger King Photo Contest
Camp Walker’s Burger King holds a
photo contest. Bring a print of a photo
you have taken of USFK personnel
working with our local Korean
community. Camp Walker Burger King
will post the pictures and our customers
will vote to determine who presented
the best photograph. Submit your
photograph from Feb. 1 – 15 to Walker
Burger King, voting will start from Feb.
15 – Mar. 10, prizes will be awarded Mar.
15. The first prize is iPod Classic $249.00,
the second prize is HCT Mini System
$99.00 and the third prize is AAFES Gift
Card $50.00. For information, call Kurt
Brunen at 764 5171.
Praise, Fellowship, Study
The Praise, Fellowship, Study was
kicked off from Jan. 15. It continues
Tuesdays 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. at the Camp
Walker Chapel. For information, call
Robyn at 010-6696-8399.
Army Family Action Plan Conference
Army Family Action Plan Conference
will be held 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Jan. 25 at the
Camp Walker Chapel. It is a chance to
voice quality of like issues and be heard.
Fill out an issue form located with AFAP
boxes throughout the USAG Daegu
community, or e-mail wegleys@korea.
army.mil. For information, call at DSN
768-7232.
President’s Day
Basketball Tournament
There will be a President’s Day
basketball tournament from Feb. 15 – 17
at the Camp Walker Kelly Fitness Center.
The registration is until Feb. 11 and it is
open to the first eight teams to register.
All participants receive a T-shirt. For
information, call at DSN 764-4800/4225.
New Year’s Concert
The Eight Army Band led by Warrant
Officer Dewayne Kendricks will
perform a New Year’s concert 7:30
p.m. Jan. 29 at the Daegu Culture
and Arts Center. For information, call
Chong Yong-kon at DSN 768-6907.
Equipment Rental
Morale, Welfare and Recreation rents
out winter equipments. It features
Santa suits, skis, boots and poles,
snowboards and boots, fishing
equipment and dozens of other
recreational items. For information,
call MWR at DSN 764-4123.
AREA IV
Camp Carroll English Camp brings local
students and Soldiers closer together
by Cpl. Jang Won-il
USAG Daegu Public Affairs
USAG CARROLL — For most Korean
students there are many ways to occupy
their time during the long winter vacation.
Students residing in Chilgok County
however, have one more option to
consider—learning English at a nearby
U.S. Army installation.
The fourth Annual Camp Carroll
English Camp, held Jan. 14, to Jan 18
invited 48 students from middle and high
schools in Chilgok County to study English
in an interactive setting. The five-day-long
camp was filled with various activities
unique to Camp Carroll, and is one of
the major Good Neighbor programs of
USAG Daegu.
The camp was held to give local students
an opportunity to use their English
language skills in a variety of fun and
interesting situations and activities. Some
highlights of the week’s activities were:
a tour of the facilities at Camp Carroll,
learning about the Army and how Soldiers
live, trying a variety of American-style
food, games and sports and a day at Daegu
American School to experience a typical
American school day.
This year, students were allowed to try
simulated rifle shooting at the recently-
renovated Engagement Skills Trainer
training facility which was certainly one of
their favorite activities. “Trying out the EST
was a very new experience because there
is nowhere in this country other than at a
U.S. military base to try that kind of thing,”
said Um Na-young, a ninth grader from
Dongmyung Middle School who also said
she was surprised by the cultural differences
between Koreans and Americans. “Most
of all, I’ve come to recognize the different
cultures between two nations. For example
the way Americans hold doors for others was
something I had never seen in Korea before,”
said Han Ji-young, a ninth grade student
from Yakmok Middle School.
Yoo Ju-ok, a ninth grader from Seokjeon
Middle School said, “To me, seeing the
American way of living was somewhat out
of the ordinary. But I can understand them
much better now.”
(Left) Koo Sung-mo (left), an eighth grader of Soonshim Middle School and Kim Han-sol, an eighth grader of Soonshim Girl’s Middle School play
Connect Four game with Daegu Amercian School students. (Right) Park Mi-ji, an eighth grader of Booksam Middle School studies with a DAS
student in math class.
Students concentrate as the instructor explains how to operate the M16A2 rifle during the EST
training, an English Camp program, Jan. 17. — U.S. Army Photos By Cpl. Jang Won-il
Teaching students about customs and
practices typical to one culture that others
might find offensive, and thus bridging the
gap between two cultures was one of many
achievements of the camp.
Another experience which left an
everlasting impression upon the students
was when they visited the Daegu American
School to each pair up with an American
student and attend classes for a day.
“My favorite activity was visiting the
American school, because I got to see a
lot of Americans,” said Moon Da-min,
Seokjeon Middle School student. “I’ve
made some good friends but I would
have had more fun if I could understand
English better.”
In typical Korean fashion, the students
were shy and reserved the first day when
they faced foreigners, most of them for
the very first time in their lives. However
they adapted quickly, and by the end of the
camp, they seemed to feel confident talking
to foreigners.
While the instructors may have felt
awkward by the students’ initial reservations,
they nonetheless sought to stimulate
students’ participation through various
approaches such as playing word games
like Hang-man, playing Korean games in
English or even recording each students’
English self introduction on video. Sgt. 1st
Class Dexter A. Higgs, Camp Carroll TMP,
USAG Daegu, taught his group of students
about the different states in America. “I
THE MORNING CALM
think teaching students about states with a
map of the United States was a very good
idea,” said Pfc. Byun Hyun-mo, ROKA
Staff Office, USAG Daegu, who was the
assistant instructor for Higgs’ Group Four.
“He showed many photographs of where he
lived, and other parts of the country. The
students loved it, and even I got something
out of it.”
“Hospitality from the KATUSA Soldiers
and the warm welcome from U.S. Soldiers
were the main elements that made this camp
such a memorable one,” said Yang Dong-
jun, a ninth grader who had spent the week
in Group Four with Higgs and Byun. He
continued proudly, “I’ve always thought
it would be hard to make friends with
American Soldiers but now I can understand
them more, and have become much more
familiar with their culture.”
The camp was a collaborative effort
between USAG Daegu, which organized
the camp, and Chilgok County. The U.S.
Army provided the venue and U.S. Soldiers
as instructors, and Chilgok County covered
the students’ expenses, including all of
their meals at the American eateries and
a commemorative camp T-shirt. Chilgok
County was designated as a Lifelong Open
Education County by the Republic of Korea
in 2004. It receives special funding for
educational programs like the English Camp
for its citizens, according to Pak To-yong,
USAG Daegu Camp Carroll community
relations officer.
JANUARY 25, 2008
USAG Daegu remembers Martin Luther King Jr.
by Spc. Natalie E. Kapteyn
19th ESC Public Affairs
USAG WALKER - A luncheon was
held Jan. 18 at Camp Walker’s Evergreen
Community Club to commemorate the
79th anniversary of the birth of Martin
Luther King Jr. and his contributions to
American civil rights.
The program was organized by United
States Army Garrison Daegu Equal
Opportunity Advisor Master Sgt. John
Gough. Lt. Col. Charles R. Hamilton,
commander, 498th Combat Sustainment
Support Bn was the guest speaker.
“This is one of the first observance
programs of the year where we gather to
remember and celebrate the life of a man
who broke an insurmountable number of
barriers for all mankind and urged others
to act with him,” said Gough.
The dining room was filled with more
than 80 supporters, including Col. Richard
G. Hatch, deputy commander. 19th
Sustainment Command (Expeditionary),
Col Steven W. Pate, commander, Material
Support Center-Korea, Col. Michael P.
Saulnier, commander, USAG Daegu and
many other leaders and Soldiers from Area
IV.
“Martin Luther King, Jr. urged mankind
to do something good for the community
and the point of this program was not only
to commemorate what he did for the world
but also to urge others to follow his idea
and contribute something great to society,”
said Gough.
In his remarks, Hamilton shared an
AREA IV USAG-D • PAGE 27
www.imcom.korea.army.mil
experience from his childhood where his Following the program’s presentations
family did just that. “They were acting on a and speeches, Saulnier, Hamilton and other
dream,” he said referring to King’s famous members of the community commemorated
“I Have a Dream” speech. King with a cake-cutting ceremony to honor
Hamilton’s parents moved them to this great leader and those who came in
an all white neighborhood as part of the attendance to show their support. Attendees
dream to break the barriers of segregation. then shared lunch and continued the
Hamilton said he didn’t completely realize commemorative program together.
what was going on, but now realizes why “There are still many positive changes
his parents acted. occurring, even in our Army, since King’s
Gough said he wanted this program to death and we honor his legacy and our
also recognize that King was not just for the devotion to his great cause, and also our
de-segregation of races but also for positive commitment to the improvement of
change in society, laws and legislation and mankind,” said Gough.
discriminating practices in America and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., changed
around the globe. America forever through his leadership,
The Korean Augmentes to the United service and clarity of vision. His contribution
States Army knows the importance of this will be remembered throughout the globe.
great leader. Cpl. Lee, Byung Joo, equal
opportunity office, 19th ESC showed his (Above) 498th CSSB commander, Lt. Col. Charles Hamilton gives a speech as a guest speaker
during Martin Luther King Jr. commemoration ceremony Jan. 18. — U.S. Army Photos By Cpl.
support by participating in this event and
reading an excerpt of a speech given by Na Kyung-chul
Martin Luther King Jr. upon receiving a
Nobel Peace Prize. “Although I am a Korean, (Below) A group including USAG Daegu commander Col. Michael P. Saulnier (second from
right) and Lt. Col. Hamilton (right) cuts Dr. King commemoration cake.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is a very familiar
person among the great names of history.
I learned his ‘I Have a Dream’ speech in
the high school and have listened to his
other various speecher many times. After
I participated in Martin Luther King Jr.
luncheon, I learned more about him, and
I got an impression that he is great enough
to be loved by not only American but
by all the mankind,” said Lee. “Koreans
know about King and his contributions to
American society,” said Lee. “It is important
to commemorate him and his spirit not only
for Americans but for all people.”
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501st Soldiers combine training with ROK Army’s second Battalion

by Cpl. Jung Seo-jin
19th ESC Public Affairs
USAG CARROLL — Soldiers from
501st Special Troops Battalion trained for
the first time with the ROK Army Second
Battalion around Hill303, right outside
Camp Carroll, during combined tactical
training Jan. 16.
“It’s a Joint tactical infantry battle
training and the mission is to go up the
hill and engage enemy contact,” said Capt.
Darlin O. Stevens, 501st Special Troops
Battalion officer in charge. “This is our first
opportunity to get with the ROKA and
do a joint exercise. The main object is to
execute the mission and perform tactically
with the ROK.”
The training began with the two
battalions meeting at Hill303. First, the
two unit leaders, Lt. Col. Kim Seung Yeop,
Second Battalion commander and Lt. Col.
James D. Gregory, 501st Special Troops
Battalion commander, met and exchanged of our ROKA counterparts and how together as one team in the future, exercises
strategies. they operate. And ROKA gets a better can be more complex, which will only
Both ROK and U.S. leaders then had a understanding of how the U.S. Army enhance the U.S. and ROK military forces.”
short meeting on how the training would be operates. As everyone get used to working said Stevens.
conducted. Two groups of mixed U.S and
ROK Army Soldiers were formed to execute
the training.
“The two squads split with one off to
the left-hand plain, and other one off to the
right. The two squads met at the top to take
out the enemy. After a successful engagement
they came back down, reorganized and
finished the mission.” said Stevens.
On their way to the top of the hill, the
Soldiers trained as if the war had begun.
Soldiers marched in one line in a wedge
position while going up the hill. When they
found the enemy force, they fired blank
cartridges, from a prone position, and took
cover behind obstacles. Each group had
radios to keep in contact during the mission Soldiers from 501st Special Troops Battalion and second Battalion fire from a prone position,
and to relay the position of the enemy. against the enemy during the 501st STB and second Battalion of ROK Army’s combined tactical
“I think we get a better understanding training at the Hill 303 Jan. 16. — U.S. Army Photo By Cpl. Jung Seo-jin

Combatives from page 25

objects of the competition are to motivate
individual Soldiers to train and practice
their warrior tasks and drills in reacting
to man-to-man contact, provide Soldiers
an easy and proven approach to carry out
effective hand-to-hand combat in a variety
of situations and inspire units around the
Army to support their Soldiers in the arena
of combatives.
“This is just a method, a means to an
end,” said Algarin. “Soldiers are engaged in
real fights on the battlefield, life-and-death
fights. At the end of the day, who wins on
the mat isn’t really important. What’s really
important is that they’re all trained for the
real fight, and we fully support them with
competitions such as this tournament.”
“The tournament has affected me in
a number of ways,” said Toomer, who
had been training for the tournament for
the last two weeks. “But one, the Army’s
transitioning from rifles to hand-to-hand
combat. You need to be able to accept your
opponent no matter what size, shape or race
and you have to be able to handle yourself
regardless of any situation because you never
know when you might run out of bullets and
have to get physical.”
Modern Army combatives has existed
since 1995, but it didn’t become Army
doctrine until 2002. The combatives school
at Camp Carroll has been training soldiers
since early 2007. At the moment, the school
offers level one and two training. The
school is supervised by the 498th Combat
Sustainment Support Battalion, with Staff
Sgt. Stephen Martin at the helm. More
than 300 Soldiers have completed level one
combatives training in the year since the
school has been in operation.
“To tailor Army combatives for the real
world,” Algarin explained,“Staff Sgt. Martin
and his instructors bring together elements
of martial arts such as judo, boxing, muay
thai and Brazilian ju jitsu. I encourage all
Soldiers, short term or long term, to get
involved voluntarily in any type of contact
sport. Any one could very well be fighting
for their lives over in Iraq or Afghanistan,
so make this work to your advantage.
Get involved, get ready, be fit and Army
Strong.”

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