.jpg/alternates/LANDSCAPE_910/max1200%202.jpg)
U.S. Army Col. Edward Cho receives an honorary citizenship award at the Yongsan Art Hall commemorative event during the 31st Yongsan District Day event on Oct. 18. As a sign of the great partnership between Yongsan and the U.S. military, Mayor Park Hee-Young presents Cho with the honorary citizen award. (Photo Credit: Pfc. Bryson Walker)
CAMP CASEY, South Korea – Col. Edward Cho, the U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan-Casey commander, becomes an honorary citizen of Dongducheon city and Yongsan-gu in recognition of his strong ties to surrounding communities on Oct. 2 and 18 respectively.
During the 44th Dongducheon Citizen’s Day, Cho was recognized for his strong rapport with the local community leaders and efforts to arrange events for Soldiers and local citizens to come together to gain a familiarity of culture, trust, and a higher sense of morale.
On Sept. 28, over 4,000 South Korean citizens were welcomed onto Camp Casey during an Autumn Friendship Festival held in conjunction with Dongducheon city’s 17th Korean-American Friendship Festival. The days’ events included food, games, performances by the Eighth Army Rock Band, a ten-minute fireworks show, and more.
“I think the festival is a great experience to bring the community together. There are a great number of events on and off post that keep everyone involved and engaged. The rock band was also an amazing addition. They had an awesome performance,” said Pfc. Malakai Corley.
Mayor Park Hyung-Deok, Dongducheon mayor, presented the Certificate of Honorary Citizenship to Cho himself, signifying the strength of the bond between both communities.
“In appreciation of your friendship shown to our city, and in order to commemorate it, I have the privilege of extending, on behalf of the citizens of Dongducheon, our gratitude and conferring the title of Honorary Citizen,” said Park.
These relationships fortify the connections and presence that U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan-Casey has in the Republic of Korea. In exchanges of culture and mutual understanding, U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan-Casey continues to gain the support of surrounding communities through the many events like supporting charity and volunteer organizations.
Mayor Park Hee-Young, the mayor of Yongsan-gu, held a similar event at Yongsan Art Hall in recognition of the 31st Yongsan District Day. It was here that Cho was awarded honorary Yongsan-gu citizenship on Oct. 18.
“This award fills me with immense pride, not for myself, but for the values and sacrifices our entire unit embodies every day. I’m truly grateful for the recognition and for the opportunity to work alongside inspiring leaders like Mayor Park of Yongsan-gu and the members of the National Assembly,” said Cho.
Dongducheon and Yongsan-gu are both home to U.S. Army bases, highlighting the importance of building healthy relationships between military service members, civilians, families, and community leaders.
