The Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs (MPVA) proudly sponsored the first Korea Revisit Program for Korea Defense veterans November 28 to December 4.
The Korea Defense Veterans Association (www.kdva.vet) managed the application and selection of defense veterans who served in Korea since the signing of the Armistice Agreement on July 27, 1953.
MPVA provided ten slots for U.S. Korea Defense veterans along with a companion (spouses or helpers) for each veteran. Participants were selected from among the KDVA membership.
The veterans participated in cultural events, Korean food tasting, shopping at Namdaemun Market, military base tours to Camp Humphries, Camp Casey, Camp Bonifas, Demilitarized Zone Area (DMZ), Panmunjom Joint Security Area (JSA), Osan Air Base and Paju. In addition, the veterans paid individual tributes while also placing flowers in respect and honor of U.S. and Korean veterans at the War Memorial and names of those veterans who were killed in the Korean War by states and countries on the Wall of Remembrance.
During their fun-filled, five-day tour, the Korea defense veterans attended appreciation luncheons and banquets hosted by the Korean Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs (MPVA), Korean Defense Veterans Association (K.D.V.A. ), KUSAF, Korean Veterans Association (K.V.A.) and the Ministry of Defense( MND). Veterans mingled with U.S., Korean military and dignitaries.
Many U.S. and Korean dignitaries, civilians, Korean singers, 8th Army Band, and Korean and U.S. military branches with their spouses also attended the 6th ROK-U.S. Alliance Night in Seoul, co-hosted by Defense Minister Suh Wook and U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
During the farewell dinner hosted by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs (M.P.V.A), they were treated to Korean singers in Hanboks (traditional clothing in Korea), violin presentations, Santa performing Gangnam Style and drawings for prizes.
The Korea Defense Veterans Association (K.D.V.A.) is free to join. If you are interested in a Korea Revisit Tour, please visit the website for up-to-date information.
