Pacific briefs: U.S., South Korea discuss cost-sharing

U.S. and South Korean officials are meeting in Washington, D.C., this week to discuss how much South Korea will contribute to the cost of hosting U.S. troops.

The two countries have a Special Measures Agreement, under which South Korea pays the United States a set amount for such costs as contracts and wages for South Korean employees who work on U.S. bases. American Ambassador Jackson McDonald and Kim Byong-gi, of the South Korean Ministry of National Defense International Cooperation Office, were to finish two days of discussions on Thursday about extending the agreement when it expires at the end of 2008.

Under the current cost-sharing agreement, South Korea is providing approximately $789 million for 2007 and $810 million in 2008.

From staff reports

Red Ribbon Week to end with fun run

TORII STATION, Okinawa — The Army on Okinawa will host the final event of Red Ribbon Week — a 5K fun run — at 7 a.m. Saturday at Torii Station Beach.

The joint-service run is open to servicemembers, Department of Defense civilians and family members, according to an Army news release.

The purpose of the fun run is to show solidarity in the fight against drug abuse, the release said.

Each of the first 50 runners to sign up Saturday will receive a folding chair with carrier.

More awards and gifts will be given away after the event.

For more information, call DSN 644-4149 or e-mail Cynthia.Hannah@us.army.mil

Squadron seeks Halloween patrollers

Volunteers are needed for Operation Pumpkin Patrol on Halloween, according to a Kadena Air Base news release.

The 18th Security Forces Squadron is seeking volunteers to patrol housing areas from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Halloween.

Volunteers will help children’s safety during trick-or-treat hours, the release said.

For more information, call DSN 634-0714.