U.S. Forces Korea commander Gen. B.B. Bell, left, gives a medal to Park Byung-ho, one of eight recipients of USFK’s 2007 Good Neighbor Awards. The winners were honored at a ceremony and dinner at the Dragon Hill Lodge in Seoul. (Ashley Rowland / S&S)
SEOUL — U.S. Forces Korea recognized seven individuals and one organization Wednesday for taking steps to strengthen relations between South Koreans and the United States.
“These gentlemen do that every day and they don’t get paid one penny for it. They do this out of the goodness of their hearts to bring these two nations closer together,” U.S. Forces Korea commander Gen. B.B. Bell said before a ceremony honoring them.
The Good Neighbor Awards recognize South Koreans who have contributed to a better quality of life for U.S. servicemembers and furthered ties between the two countries.
This year’s award winners hosted programs that introduced U.S. servicemembers to Korean culture, as well as sporting events and other activities.
“What we are doing is nothing compared to what U.S. troops are doing for our country,” said award winner Kang Yu-lee. “I feel like it’s our duty to take care of these young soldiers and their families in Korea.”
The winners were given medals and plaques during a ceremony, followed by a dinner, at the Dragon Hill Lodge.
The winners and their achievements, according to the ceremony program:
