OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea - Soldiers assigned to one of the most remote military sites in South Korea received a sweet surprise March 13 from an unlikely army of uniformed scouts.
The contingent of Girl Scouts on Osan Air Base, South Korea recently completed their cookie selling season where service members, family members and civilians, purchased boxes of cookies to be donated to military units across the peninsula.
According to one of the group leaders, Meg Lumpkin, the donations didn't happen by accident. Rather they happened because the Girl Scouts were out and about, braving the cold weather and having the courage to ask customers if they'd like to purchase a box of cookies for others.
"I'm very proud of what our girls accomplished," said Lumpkin. "It was important to us that all our military members stationed in Korea have the opportunity to experience that little taste of home that Girl Scout cookies offer. We have an amazing team of young ladies, troop leaders, and wonderful parents that support them."
The cookies arrived to Seongju via chinook, courtesy of the 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, as part of a routine flight.
Staff Sgt. L. Renee Lowery, the religious affairs specialist for 35th ADA Brigade, felt honored to be part of the team that delivered the cookies.
"The unit ministry team is responsible for assessing the morale of the unit and providing the command team with feedback," said Lowery. "Being able to help boost morale, even for a brief moment, is humbling."
Combined Task Force Defender is comprised of both U.S. and ROK units that support the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense mission for the peninsula.
According to multiple Soldiers on the receiving end, the combined team was pleasantly surprised to receive the delectable treats. While the U.S. Soldiers were familiar with their favorites solely identified by the hue of the boxes, the ROK Soldiers needed to indulge to become acquainted with the myriad of flavors.
The 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade Commander, Col. Richard W. Wright, was also on the flight.
"More than anything, I think the generosity speaks volumes about our community," said Wright. "The effort in which the Girl Scouts put forth, coupled with the selflessness of the service members and family members that purchased a box cookies for donation, underscores the closeness of the Osan family."
According to the official website, Girl Scout cookies traces its linage back more than 100 years, the cookies were made in the homes of the members and the funds were used to finance troop activities.