KATUSA award goes to CBS chief
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Han Yong-gil, second from right, CEO of the Christian Broadcasting System (CBS), poses with KATUSA Veterans Association Chairman Kim Jong-wook, left, Lt. Gen. Bernard Champoux, right, the commander of the Eighth U.S. Army, and Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Merritt after receiving the Staff Sgt. Kim Sang-won Distinguished Former KATUSA Award at Yongsang Garrison in Seoul, Thursday. / Courtesy of KVA
By Kang Seung-woo
Han Yong-gil, CEO of the Christian Broadcasting System (CBS), has received an award commemorating KATUSA veterans for their contribution to the ROK-U.S. alliance.
The KATUSA Veterans Association (KVA), chaired by Kim Jong-wook, held a New Year’s reception at Yongsan Garrison in Seoul, including the awards ceremony.
Ranking U.S. and Korean service personnel, including Lt. Gen. Bernard Champoux, the commander of the Eighth U.S. Army (EUSA), attended.
The Staff Sgt. Kim Sang-won Distinguished Former KATUSA Award, established last year, is presented annually to a KATUSA veteran who has distinguished himself in his career and for his contribution to Korean society and the alliance between Seoul and Washington.
Sgt. Kim served as a KATUSA with the 17th Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, during the Korean War and participated in more than 300 combat patrols, including the drive to the Amrok River in late 1950.
For his fighting spirit and unflappable courage, Kim was later awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action during one of his numerous patrols.
“Being a member of the KATUSA has helped me to build a solid foundation of integrity and respect throughout my life,” Han said after receiving the award.
“I have learned how crucial KATUSA and the friendship between the U.S. and Korea are for peace on the Korean Peninsula. I have seen how much effort the American soldiers show, in a country 6,500 miles away from their home.”
Han, 53, was assigned to the TANGO Security Force of the EUSA’s Special Troops Battalion from 1983 to 1986.
“The people who have been awarded with this honor are people who served in KATUSA and contributed in various fields to our society,” he said. “I will always remember what this award stands for, and remember to stand by it at all times.”
Champoux also gave Han credit for his efforts to advance the alliance.
“CEO Han has dedicated much of his life to making outstanding contributions to the Republic of Korea and to the alliance and has improved relations between our two nations,” the commanding general said.
“As the CEO of the Christian Broadcasting System, he instituted broadcast programming policy that helps promote our Good Neighbor efforts here through positive messages for the alliance and the Republic of Korea.”
Champoux also said Han is just one of many examples of former KATUSAs who give back to Korea and the alliance.
Separately, the KVA conferred the Plaque of Merit on Champoux and EUSA Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Merritt to recognize their contribution and dedication to KATUSA soldiers and the KVA.
“Lt. Gen. Champoux and CSM Merritt have continuously supported the welfare of KATUSA soldiers, always aware the KATUSA soldiers are one of the important combat multipliers,” said Chairman Kim. “Also, they have contributed to the KATUSA Veterans Association so that the active duty KATUSA soldiers and KATUSA veterans become one.”
KATUSA, which stands for the Korean Augmentation to the United States Army, is a military program initiated during the Korean War in August 1950 and is recognized as a clear icon of the ROK-U.S. alliance and cooperation. Some 3,600 KATUSA soldiers work alongside more than 28,000 U.S. service members in Korea.