Reinforcing friendship, S. Korean firm
to fund renovation at USO headquarters
By B.R. Sargent, Seoul
bureau
SEOUL — The United Service Organizations headquarters on Camp
Kim will get a huge remodeling job, courtesy of a South Korean company’s $400,000
donation.
“There are moments in life that are never forgotten, both good
and bad,” said Kim Seung Youn, chairman of Han Wha Corp. “Sept. 11 is a day that
will live for Americans and friends forever. But out of moments of great crisis comes
opportunities. … [I]n this case, it gives us the chance to reaffirm a friendship
between two peoples who cherish their freedoms.
“Today as a Korean, I take my hat off to the 37,000 American men
and women in uniform, who are far from home on the front lines for all that you believe
in.”
During a check presentation, Army Gen. Thomas A. Schwartz, U.S.
Forces Korea commander, spoke of the alliance between the United States and South Korea.
He said at a time when “we’re hurting, we have to turn to
our friends. This alliance is the best in the world. The foundation of this alliance is
our friendship. … That’s what makes us strong.”
The USO remodeling project will boost the soldiers’ morale,
Schwartz said.
The USO supports the military family and the local community, one USO
official says.
“We want to reach out to soldiers and to Koreans to let them
know we are one family,” said Elaine Losey, USO Korea regional director. “With
your help, we can do that.”
The size of the building will not change; however, almost everything
inside will — from new furniture and countertops, marble flooring and carpeting to
new doors and upgraded light fixtures.
Engineers from the 34th Support Group will make determinations
regarding the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and electrical work, said Army Col.
Steve T. Wilberger, 34th SG commander. The HVAC work alone may cost another $200,000, he
said. Those funds will have to come from the U.S. government.
If Camp Kim is turned over to the Korean government under the Land
for Partnership Program, the United States will retain ownership of the USO headquarters.
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