Full Story
Marines, Sailors forge relationships with Korean children
Submitted by: 31st MEU
Story Identification #: 200732319115
Story by Cpl. Kamran Sadaghiani, 31st MEU
POHANG, Republic of Korea (March 22, 2007) -- Smiles and laughter lit the faces of dozens of Korean children when Marines and Sailors of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit visited a children’s home and an orphanage, March 21-22.
The visits were part of a youth-oriented community relations project to foster relations among South Korean youth, according to Navy Cmdr. Alfonso Concha, the MEU chaplain. The event gathered more than 25 MEU and Camp Mujuk Detachment Marine volunteers who visited the Mo Ja Won Social Welfare Corporation, on the 21st, and the Seong Won Christian Orphanage in Kyung Ju, on the 22nd.
Concha, who helped coordinate the project, said they were carried out to give back to the Korean community and as an opportunity for both cultures to learn about each other.
“These children are rarely afforded a chance to interact with anyone outside their culture,” said Concha, a native of Philadelphia.
While visiting the children’s welfare home, the service members painted walls, interacted with the children by helping them to color pictures, sang songs and played outdoor games. The Marines and Sailors were also treated to dinner and beverages by the staff.
According to Shin Insok, the principal of the SWC, the dinner was a way for the staff to say thanks for all the support the Marines and Sailors provided to the South Korean people that build strength and goodwill between the two nations.
During their visit to the Seong Ja Won Christian Orphanage, the volunteers interacted with a group of more than 50 children. They played kickball, held races, gave piggy-back rides, played on swing sets, sang songs and even played an alphabet game where children placed individual foam letters in the correct location on a large chart. One highlight of the day was when both military service members and children gathered in a circle and did the “Hokey-Pokey” dance.
The children were quick to warm up to the unfamiliar service members and build a bond with each other, said Soon Yi Won, the orphanage principal. Although the language barrier made things a little difficult, they were able to communicate through smiles and gestures.
“Their uncommon spirit of generosity and hospitality was greatly appreciated by all,” said Won, who has been the principal for more than four years.
Sergeant Josh Wilson, the MEU administrative noncommissioned officer-in-charge, who participated in a community relations project for the first time, said this was a moving experience for him.
“I never thought these kids would be so responsive,” said Wilson, a Temecula, Calif., native. “It didn’t take long for me to grow attached to these kids. At the end of the day, I didn’t want to leave them.”
Insok, who was very appreciative, hopes for future visits.
“I hope this relationship between the (U.S.) Marines and us continues,” said Insok who has been the children’s home principal for 10 years. “We are very thankful for all your time and support with the children.”
The Marines and Sailors shared similar feelings toward the Koreans, said Lance Cpl. Godwin Olivier, a data technician with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265 (Reinforced).
“This was a great experience for me,” said Olivier, a native of Valley Stream, N.Y. “Spending time with these children gave me such a heart-warming feeling. They seemed to have so much fun. I would watch their faces light up with excitement with the attention we showed them. It’s a beautiful feeling.”
At the end of their visits, the Marines and Sailors gave the children toys and ball caps as Concha presented a plaque of appreciation to each of the organizations before parting ways.
These volunteer activities are very important for the service members and the community, said Concha. This is a chance for the service members to leave a piece of their culture behind to show the younger generation of South Koreans they are good Americans. It was a pleasure to experience their customs and traditions and learn more about them as individuals.
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