“Welcome to Korea!”

It’s the first thing many U.S. military service members and their families hear as they pass through the arrival gates. Every year, thousands of U.S. soldiers and their families arrive at Camp Humphreys, the largest overseas U.S. military base located in Pyeongtaek. But before they ever meet their new unit members, they meet the Eighth Army Theater Gateway Center (TGC) team.

“Our job is to bridge the gap between landing and settling in. We’re here to make sure everyone feels supported,” 1st Lt. Kyle Gallardo, executive officer of Theater Gateway Center, said.

The TGC team guides newcomers through every step from airport pickups and a 4-day in-processing program to transportation to their duty stations across Korea. For many arrivals, it’s their first time overseas or flying to a country halfway around the world. Thanks to the TGC’s dedicated support, soldiers and families can begin their life in Korea with confidence and peace of mind.

Though the TGC is the first face most U.S. soldiers meet in Korea, not all see how much their work matters. I followed the team to see a closer look at their work and mission.

1. AIRPORT PICKUP

After more than 16 hours in the air, Staff Sgt. Isaiah Vasquez stepped onto Korean soil for the second time in a decade. “I’m excited to see how it’s changed. I missed the culture, and I’m ready to explore a lot more this time,” he said at the arrival gate of Osan Airport.

Meanwhile, Brooklyn Hollar, a military spouse, was pushing a large stroller with two toddlers in one hand and a cart packed with three huge suitcases in the other while looking for her husband.

“We actually asked to come here. I didn’t want to wait till the kids were older,” she said with a tired smile. But as she spoke more about Korea, her energy returned: “I’m so thrilled to try all the food and explore every corner. I know Korean history goes back thousands of years. I can’t wait to see it!”

For many first-time visitors like Brooklyn, Korea is the beginning of something unknown filled with curiosity, new experiences and logistical chaos. Outside of the airport, the scene was lively: suitcases tumbled off the carts, pets wriggled to escape and babies cried in strollers. Many looked exhausted and a bit lost.

The TGC team was ready to assist, stepping into help with luggage, directing families to shuttles and loading pet carriers into the vans.

Staff Sgt. Ikilya Davenport, a member of the TGC team, said they also make sure pets are comfortable and have the A/C running to cool them down as service members, their families and suitcases are loaded.

The TGC team meets arrivals at both Incheon and Osan airports. From the moment the flight touches down, the TGC team guides Army personnel and their dependents to a briefing room to explain the next steps and helps them board buses safely. Once everyone is ready, they head to Maude Hall at Camp Humphreys.

2. FIRST STOP: MAUDE HALL

By the time the shuttles pull into Maude Hall, the sky is already dark, but the day isn’t over yet for the new arrivals and the TGC team. Newcomers receive a short briefing on what to expect in the days ahead. Many TGC team members stay past midnight. If anyone has questions, the night shift team is ready to help.

As newcomers leave the briefing room, they’re warmly greeted by a member of Welcome Wagon of Korea, a volunteer organization supporting the U.S. military community, with a small gift bag filled with snacks and toiletries.

“We all know how it feels, being overseas and missing home. This is our way of saying you are not alone,” said Ella Ritchie, a Welcome Wagon volunteer.

Accompanied personnel and senior leaders return to the same bus and are taken to on or off-base lodging where they stay temporarily until their housing is arranged. Single service members are directed to the reception barracks just across the street from Maude Hall where they stay until their in-processing is completed.

Though drained by the long journey and feeling overwhelmed, newcomers can relax on their first night in Korea because of the warm support of these teams.

3. FOUR-DAY IN-PROCESSING PROGRAM

After the first day, newcomers begin a 4-day in-processing program led by the TGC team. The program provides essential knowledge and resources, designed for the U.S. military newcomers in Korea, helping them adjust to their new environment.

Over the course of a few days, participants complete mandatory sessions covering everything from United States Forces Korea (USFK) policies including SOFA guidelines to practical guidance on housing, Tricare, financial systems and on-base services. The program also includes cultural awareness briefings to help participants understand Korea deeper.

Maj. Christopher Bartenhagen from the 2nd Infantry Division emphasized that cultural understanding plays a significant role when working with an allied force. “It makes a difference when you know how to approach someone the right way. These cultural briefings help us understand how to show respect to our host nation,” Bartenhagen said.

For Pvt. Gentry who arrived in Korea just six months after joining the Army, the program was eye-opening and helped him learn more about the history and culture of his new duty station.

“This is my first time overseas, and everyone’s been really welcoming. I can’t wait to go off base and see what Korea has to offer,” Gentry added.

By the end of the program, newcomers experience a mindset reset, ready to embrace their new temporary home with confidence and respect. This matters not only for the U.S. military community but also for locals as it forges the groundwork for stronger and more respectful relationships between two.

4. LEARN ABOUT STARS AND STRIPES

Stars and Stripes Korea Area staff also joins one of the in-processing briefings to welcome newcomers, introduce the organization’s mission and share free resources available to all U.S. military community members in Korea.

During the session, Korea Area Manager Nicki Cornelus highlights key sections from the Welcome to the Pacific magazine such as basic Korean conversation phrases and public transportation to help service members see how the publication can be a perfect starting guide throughout their time in Korea.

Stars and Stripes Pacific produces a variety of publications to serve the U.S. military community in the region. All publications are free of charge and can be found at high-traffic areas on U.S. military bases across Korea including the base exchanges, gyms, bus stops and USO centers.

Here are Stars and Stripes publications you can find:

• Community newspapers featuring local news and events

• Welcome to the Pacific, a comprehensive guidebook about Korea

• Best of the Pacific, featuring the best local facilities, services and destinations on and off base

• Destination Paradise, a travel magazine spotlighting hidden gems across the Pacific

• Dandelions, interactive children’s magazine covering interesting spots across the Pacific.

5. PATCH CEREMONY

As the in-processing program almost reaches its end, the patch ceremony marks a meaningful finale, inviting each soldier into the legacy of the Eighth Army.

The ceremony started with a solemn prayer led by the chaplain. He offered thanks and seeks strength, not only for the soldiers, but also in honor of both nations: the United States and the Republic of Korea.

Then, Command Sgt. Maj. John Watkins from the 8th Army Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, delivered a message reflecting on the Eighth Army’s history from the victories in the Pacific during World War II to the critical role in defending South Korea during and after the Korean War.

“Your presence here matters,” CSM. Watkins told the troops. “The patch you receive connects you to the legacy of those who came before you—those who fought, served, and sacrificed. You are now part of that story.”

After the speech, soldiers received patches representing Eighth Army and Major Subordinate Commands like 2nd Infantry Division, 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, 1st Signal Brigade, 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, 65th Medical Brigade, 501st Military Intelligence Brigade and others.

Maj. Mack, currently on her second tour in Korea, said this was her first time participating in a patch ceremony. “I didn’t expect it to feel this meaningful. It reminded me why I serve,” Mack said.

Pfc. Diaz, on his first overseas tour, received a patch representing 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, a design that he said reminded him of a team from Call of Duty: Black Ops III.

“Before arriving, I knew Korea mattered, but learning the history made it feel much bigger,” he said, adding that although he is away from his family, including a newborn son, he’s determined to stay strong and do what he can to serve.

Troops like Diaz and Mack are not alone and members of the TGC team seek give newcomers a sense of belonging and purpose, Staff Sgt. Lee Jordan of TGC said.

The patch ceremony marks a turning point, connecting each soldier to a mission that still matters. As the ceremony ends, their mission begins.

TGC TEAM BEHIND THE SCENES

1st Lt. Gallardo, TCG executive Officer, emphasized the value of purpose: “This is about mission readiness. If we miss something, soldiers start their time in Korea already confused or behind. That’s not acceptable. So, we do our best to get it right every single day.”

To accomplish that, the Theater Gateway Center runs on a rotating system. Some work night shifts, greeting flights that land at night. Others stay at Maude Hall to deliver briefings and process paperwork for arrivals.

Pfc. Kelly Harry, a financial clerk with the TGC, called finance “the big thing” as one small mistake in pay or entitlements can create serious stress for an entire family. “Anything involving DLA, per diem or pay, I make sure it doesn’t get messed up,” Harry said.

Staff Sgt. Richard Hwang, a Korean-American soldier, leans on his background to assist newcomers: “I’m in the U.S. Army, but I can also help with Korean communication. When things get complicated, especially with local agencies, I can bridge that gap.”

Hwang also highlighted the role of KATUSA soldiers (Korean Augmentation to the U.S. Army) who support the TGC operation, adding “without them, this would slow down.”

Both Harry and Hwang noted how even a small gesture like a smile or wave from former newcomers they meet on the base months later reminds them that their work truly makes a difference. “We’re the first face of Korea to them,” Hwang said. “That’s a privilege and a responsibility.”

The patch ceremony may be the moment soldiers are officially welcomed into their new unit, but all of these only happen because of the dedication and support of every Theater Gateway team member. And for the TGC, that’s exactly where the pride comes from.

WELCOME WAGON OF KOREA

Small gestures, big impact for newcomers at Camp Humphreys

After a long journey, away from familiar support systems, arriving in a new country can be overwhelming. However, for many incoming service members and families at Camp Humphreys, the very first encounter is a warm smile and a bag filled with snacks, toiletries and welcome notes from the volunteers of the Welcome Wagon of Korea (WWoK).

WWoK is a private volunteer organization dedicated to supporting newcomers. Though volunteers work late into the night assembling the welcome kits and greeting incoming personnel, what they offer goes far beyond. For members of WWoK it’s about human connection, warmth and creating a sense of belonging for those arriving in Korea.

“I’m a mom and most of the soldiers coming here are young, just starting out,” said Ella Ritchie, a military spouse who volunteers at WWoK with her children.

“I hope one day if my kids are in a similar spot, someone will do the same for them,” Ritchie explained. “That’s why I’m here. I just wanted to be there for someone else’s child.”

The Welcome Wagon’s name traces back to a 1920s American tradition when new neighbors were welcomed with gifts delivered by horse drawn wagons. That same spirit is alive in Korea today through a team of dedicated volunteers.

Volunteer opportunities with WWoK are open to anyone in the community, including military spouses, retirees, active-duty members and even Girl Scouts working toward their service award. Lt. Col. Sabrina Gamage, a USFK J1 officer and Girl Scouts Overseas troop leader, shared how her cadets (grades 6–8) became involved in the meaningful service project.

“One of my Girl Scouts joined the Welcome Wagon first and then introduced it to the rest of Girl Scouts,” Gamage said. “The girls decided to make it the focus of their Silver Award project, which is one of the highest honors a Girl Scout Cadette can earn. They wanted it to be something that continues even after they PCS.”

Gamage added that her daughters also volunteer alongside her. She believes it’s a powerful way to teach them about empathy, leadership and giving back.

Alexis Gonzalez, Senior Vice President of WWoK, emphasized that the group is composed of military dependents who understand the challenges of moving, whether from overseas or within the U.S.

“That’s why we do this. We know how it feels.” She said. “It’s also a way for us to connect, socialize, and support each other while giving back to the community.”

She also noted that flexibility is a key part of the WWoK volunteer model: “We’re organized but very flexible. Single soldiers are welcome to volunteer with us, too. Many of them know exactly what it’s like to arrive alone.”

Since 2024, Welcome Wagon of Korea has officially become a partner organization of the Korea Defense Veterans Association (KDVA), committed to strengthening the ROK–U.S. Alliance and supporting those who serve in Korea. KDVA also serves as the group’s primary supporter.

For more information or to join, please check their FaceBook page.

Camp Humphreys