My greetings to al during this holiday season. It seems to be coming around earlier every year, but at least
we are still here and able to enjoy the festivities surrounding the holiday period. It is a busy time for all,
and we must take a little time to really appreciate and understand what the season is all about. I wish you all
a wonderful Christmas.
I have just returned from the Veterans Day program in Washington D.C. with a full appreciation for what our
nation does each year to recognize all veterans. It was my privilege and honor to represent the KWVA in placing
of wreaths at our Memorial on November 10 and at the Tomb of the Unknowns on Veterans Day.
Tom McHugh, our National Ceremonies Chairman, Color Guard Leo Ruffing, and Tim Whitmore, CID 191[VA] were
there to do the honors at our Memorial. LTC Moon Ho Kang, from the ROK Embassy, and Warren Wiedhahn, Washington
D.C. Liaison, were there with us. It was a beautiful day. A large gathering took part in the ceremony as we
heard supportive comments from the ROK Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs and participated in the “Turn
to Busan.”
To me, the Veterans Day ceremony is well done and always impressive when we gather to hear the President of
our country focus the eyes and ears of the nation on those who have served the cause of freedom. It is important
and a good thing that we take part in that ceremony.
At the request of the South Korean government, my wife and I made a second trip to Korea, along with several
other Korean War veterans, at the end of September. We were invited to be a part of the Commemoration of the
60th Anniversary of the US-ROK Alliance. Two of the veterans in the group, Colonel Victor Viera (Ret.), the
battalion commander of the forces who dealt with the DMZ “tree chopping” incident in the 1970s,and Colonel Yeong
Tae Pak (Ret.), the first Korean American to finish West Point and attain the rank of Colonel, had three
generations who have served in Korea.
It was a very diverse group, but truly symbolic of the strength and growth of this alliance over the past
sixty years. In all respects, it was a great trip, which ended with a very impressive military display on
October 1 at the Seoul Airbase on South Korea’s 65th Armed Forces Day. We were honored to have the opportunity
to represent the KWVA during this time. As you might know, they consider this alliance to be all important in
their success and security and expect and hope that it will continue long into the future.
One of the real pluses to the job of President of the KWVA is that I often receive newsletters and reports
from Chapters all across the country. I enjoy reading these newsletters and have an opportunity to get a good
feel for the activities taking place with these chapters. Of course, I am especially interested in your Tell
America programs and glad to see so many of you participating with the schools.
I received an interesting package the other day from Ken Toshiro, with Chapter #1 in Hawaii. The package
contained a book titled, “Korean War Veterans in Action,” which is the story of KWVA Hawaii Chapter # 1. It is
an excellent book, containing pictures and stories of the living and deceased members of their chapter. It has
just been published, and is available for purchase from Ken Toshiro. The members of this chapter seem to have a
very strong bond and are very proud of their service in the Korean War.
A few more brief items before I close—
I am pleased that the most recent membership report on November 8 showed that you have added a total of 937
new members to our organization this year. Recruiting Chairman Sonny Edwards is working hard to keep this going.
I know he is very proud and appreciative of what the chapters have accomplished. It is my hope that we can bring
in a few more and make it 1,000 or more that we have added before the end of the year.
I hope you have noticed the information on the KWVA website or have received the email about the “Korea
Reborn” books that are currently being distributed across the country and are to be given free to all Korean
veterans. It is a beautiful coffee-table quality book provided to us by an alliance of South Korean public and
private sectors, led by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs and the Federation of Korean Industries.
This is the same book that was given to Korean Veterans at the DOD 60th Commemoration Event in Washington DC in
July.
Many who received them were so impressed they wrote the publisher to see about getting more. I understand
they have printed an additional 240,000 for this distribution. The website information shows the point of
contact in each state. Those who want the books should contact the location shown and make arrangements to get
the number you need for chapter members.
In most places, it will require someone from the chapter to pick them up, because there is not enough money
available to ship to individual locations. It would be great if you can get enough to leave some with the school
libraries. Check the national website.
I also refer you to an article in this issue about an attempt to reunite Koreans with American Soldiers they
knew or served with during the war. The MPVA has asked us to cooperate with them in trying to find the six
soldiers mentioned here. Please let editor Art Sharp know if you have information about any of them.
Reminder—the Sept/Oct issue of The Graybeards has the “Call for Elections,” which is the call for “a few good
men” to stand up and place their name on the ballot for election to an important office to help run this
organization. I ask you to please give this your serious consideration. If you don’t want to run for an office,
then please vote when the time comes.
I hope for you all to have Happy Holidays and a Blessed New Year.
Larry Kinard, President
Korean War Veterans Association, Inc. (KWVA/US)