Saturday, March 13, 2010
March 18, 2010 Korea: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
To date, the pictures of Korea in this blog have mainly shown the beauty of the Anjeoung-ri and Pyeongtaek areas of Korea. Sometimes I have cropped a picture to remove parts that were unsightly and to focus on something beautiful. I will soon focus on some good things about Korea, some bad things and some things that are just plain ugly.
March 13, 2010 The US Soldiers, Their Respect for Koreans & Women at USAG Humphreys
Respect for Koreans
I am profoundly moved by the great respect that the American Soldiers and their dependents have for the Korean people. A great example of this takes place at the movie theater or all places. Mike and I go to the movies quite a bit here. The movies are cost-free for us and are reasonably current. Before each movie, the national anthem of the US is played, then the Korean national anthem. Everyone in the theater stands for the US national anthem. They stand for the Korean anthem, too. The reason for the soldiers' standing for the Korean national anthem is their respect. The soldiers stand if the come in after the US anthem, if they enter while the Korean anthem is playing, they stand in place, waiting until the anthem is finished before going to their seats. This is especially impressive because everyone stands even if there are only two or three people in the theater. They stand even though there are no Korean people in the theater. They stand because they respect the people of the Republic of Korea (aka South Korea, ROK and SK). They know that they are here to support the ROK in their desire to be free and remain free.
Respect for Women
I am also impressed by the Army's message of support and respect for women. Throughout the base, there are posters that take a strong stance against date rape and sexual assault. One poster states that sexual assault is incompatible with Army values and Warrior Ethos. Another has I.A.M. Strong where I.A.M. stands for Intervene, Act and Motivate. Some posters are titles "Army Strong". The men and women on the posters are sometimes in uniform and other times in civilian clothes. The message I get when I read the posters is that real men protect. They protect military and civilian women. This reminds me of an article that I read some time ago. I believe it was by James Dobbs from Georgia State University. The article theorized that testosterone influenced aggression, in early days of mankind, was useful in protecting the family. The channeling of aggression into behaviors that were beneficial to society may have been passed down from fathers to sons. Thus, the violence by inner city youth may be partially due to their aggression not being directed, channeled appropriately by their fathers. The fathers are often absent and others never learned how to appropriately express or channel their aggression. Now, back to the Army. They even have a video titled "Band of Brothers and Sisters".
In Korea, the Army also promotes respect for women via their campaign against Human Trafficking and Prostitution, which is linked to Human Trafficking. They educate soldiers about Human Trafficking through posters, full day training twice per year, articles in the US Korea forces newspaper and other avenues.
Support for Families
Army life has its hardships for military spouses and their children. The Army can not alleviate all of the stress. However, the Army provides a lot of support for military families. I'm sure that, at times, military families are frustrated with the Army. It is likely that sometimes the Army's support falls short of what a family needs. I am, however, very impressed with the many support services that the Army does provide to military families.
Final Thoughts on the Army
I am genuinely impressed by the soldiers I have seen in Korea. Frankly, their behavior makes me proud. Seeing the ways the Army is trying to provide support services for military families, promote respect for, and protection of, women, and their campaign against human trafficking and prostitution, made me proud of the Army and glad that my tax dollars were going to an organization like this Army. I am not being naive. I know that the Army, as with any organization, messes up terribly sometimes. I am proud of an Army that is striving for excellence in military preparedness, military operation, military conduct and support for the families that sacrifice so much for their country.
I am profoundly moved by the great respect that the American Soldiers and their dependents have for the Korean people. A great example of this takes place at the movie theater or all places. Mike and I go to the movies quite a bit here. The movies are cost-free for us and are reasonably current. Before each movie, the national anthem of the US is played, then the Korean national anthem. Everyone in the theater stands for the US national anthem. They stand for the Korean anthem, too. The reason for the soldiers' standing for the Korean national anthem is their respect. The soldiers stand if the come in after the US anthem, if they enter while the Korean anthem is playing, they stand in place, waiting until the anthem is finished before going to their seats. This is especially impressive because everyone stands even if there are only two or three people in the theater. They stand even though there are no Korean people in the theater. They stand because they respect the people of the Republic of Korea (aka South Korea, ROK and SK). They know that they are here to support the ROK in their desire to be free and remain free.
Respect for Women
I am also impressed by the Army's message of support and respect for women. Throughout the base, there are posters that take a strong stance against date rape and sexual assault. One poster states that sexual assault is incompatible with Army values and Warrior Ethos. Another has I.A.M. Strong where I.A.M. stands for Intervene, Act and Motivate. Some posters are titles "Army Strong". The men and women on the posters are sometimes in uniform and other times in civilian clothes. The message I get when I read the posters is that real men protect. They protect military and civilian women. This reminds me of an article that I read some time ago. I believe it was by James Dobbs from Georgia State University. The article theorized that testosterone influenced aggression, in early days of mankind, was useful in protecting the family. The channeling of aggression into behaviors that were beneficial to society may have been passed down from fathers to sons. Thus, the violence by inner city youth may be partially due to their aggression not being directed, channeled appropriately by their fathers. The fathers are often absent and others never learned how to appropriately express or channel their aggression. Now, back to the Army. They even have a video titled "Band of Brothers and Sisters".
In Korea, the Army also promotes respect for women via their campaign against Human Trafficking and Prostitution, which is linked to Human Trafficking. They educate soldiers about Human Trafficking through posters, full day training twice per year, articles in the US Korea forces newspaper and other avenues.
Support for Families
Army life has its hardships for military spouses and their children. The Army can not alleviate all of the stress. However, the Army provides a lot of support for military families. I'm sure that, at times, military families are frustrated with the Army. It is likely that sometimes the Army's support falls short of what a family needs. I am, however, very impressed with the many support services that the Army does provide to military families.
Final Thoughts on the Army
I am genuinely impressed by the soldiers I have seen in Korea. Frankly, their behavior makes me proud. Seeing the ways the Army is trying to provide support services for military families, promote respect for, and protection of, women, and their campaign against human trafficking and prostitution, made me proud of the Army and glad that my tax dollars were going to an organization like this Army. I am not being naive. I know that the Army, as with any organization, messes up terribly sometimes. I am proud of an Army that is striving for excellence in military preparedness, military operation, military conduct and support for the families that sacrifice so much for their country.
Monday, March 1, 2010
February 24, 2010 Giving Blood Military Style
The Armed Forces were conducting a Blood Drive at Humphreys on 2/24. If you have ever donated blood with the Red Cross, you know that they select an arm, put a blood pressure cuff on that arm and place an object in your hand for you to squeeze periodically. Only in the Military would the object be a small rubber hand grenade with the words "Don't blow it Give Blood". ;) I got a T-shirt for giving blood and they let me keep the hand grenade, too!
While I was donating blood, I learned that this blood drive would be the last they would have in Humphreys for at least a year and maybe for longer, due to budget cuts. This is a very sad state of affairs.
While I was donating blood, I learned that this blood drive would be the last they would have in Humphreys for at least a year and maybe for longer, due to budget cuts. This is a very sad state of affairs.
February 26, 2010 Strolling Through Anjeung-ri Shopping District
On Friday afternoon I decided to more thoroughly explore the shopping district of Anjeung-ri. While there, I bought some pastries at Paris Baguette to tide me over until dinner. I was surprised to see another bakery during my walk, the Venezia!
I took a picture of this alley because I liked the way it looked. I then stopped in the first business past the alley to ask for a rest room. They kindly loaned me a key and told me it was outside. It ended up being in the same alley I had already photographed. The ladies' room had a fixture on the floor, flush with the floor - pun intended ;) The room and toilet were very clean and the room had a very slight scent of bleach. The spots in the toilet are only rust spots.
February 25, 2010 Ladies' Night Out at Moti Majal Indian Restaurant in Pyeongtaek
On the 25th the chapel's PWOC, Protestant Women of the Church, had a ladies night out at the Moti Majal Indian Restaurant in Pyeongtaek. Being with this great group of women was great fun and the food was wonderful!!!!!
Unfortunately I accidentally cut my friend, Sandra, out of the first two pictures and cut someone else out of the next two pictures
: []
(Smile) I partially blame the ladies who pressured me to hurry up with the picture taking!
;)
Unfortunately I accidentally cut my friend, Sandra, out of the first two pictures and cut someone else out of the next two pictures
: []
(Smile) I partially blame the ladies who pressured me to hurry up with the picture taking!
;)
February 22, Youngsan - Polish Pottery and Hunting for Landscape Plants
On the 22nd I had a doctor appointment at Youngsan Army Base. I planned to take the 7am bus from Humphreys to Youngsan, which is in downtown Seoul. I missed the bus by a few seconds! So I decided to drive to Osan Airforce Base, where the bus stopped on its way to Youngsan, and catch it there. Michael once took me to Osan after missing the bus at Humphreys and we got there in plenty of time to catch the bus. Not so this time. I missed the bus at Osan and had to drive to Seoul. I had gotten my license a few weeks earlier but had not driven until a couple of days before the 22nd. Now I had a long trip to Youngsan in Seoul and didn't know how to get there. To the rescue came a serviceman who had missed the same bus and needed to get to Youngsan as soon as he could. He came along with me and gave me directions.
The trip was not without its mishaps. We took a couple of wrong turns but were able to get back on track pretty quickly. I also entered the wrong lane to pick up my toll ticket, the fast pass lane, and didn't get a ticket. It took us a bit of time to straighten this out when we arrived at the toll payment booth!
While in Youngsan I visited the PX to check out the Polish pottery. I was hoping it would be on a good clearance sale. I was able to pick up a few pieces for a good price, but most were only 25% off. These are pictures of what was left.
I've been looking for landscaping plants - bushes, some annual and perennial flowers, etc. since I arrived. I checked the Youngsan garden shop again but had not luck. I did, however, find this bird feeder!
The trip was not without its mishaps. We took a couple of wrong turns but were able to get back on track pretty quickly. I also entered the wrong lane to pick up my toll ticket, the fast pass lane, and didn't get a ticket. It took us a bit of time to straighten this out when we arrived at the toll payment booth!
While in Youngsan I visited the PX to check out the Polish pottery. I was hoping it would be on a good clearance sale. I was able to pick up a few pieces for a good price, but most were only 25% off. These are pictures of what was left.
I've been looking for landscaping plants - bushes, some annual and perennial flowers, etc. since I arrived. I checked the Youngsan garden shop again but had not luck. I did, however, find this bird feeder!
I successfully navigated back home from Seoul, making only a few wrong turns ;)
February 21, 2010 Junking!!!!!!
Soon after I arrived in Korea, a friend told me about Junking. As I mentioned in a prior post, there is a problem with people littering, dumping their trash on the side of the road and using empty lots to dispose of trash and household items.
There is a large empty lot at the intersection of two major roads between Anjeung-ri and Pyeongtaek. Local Korean people were dumping their trash and unwanted household goods on the lot. Americans spotted some nice furniture amongst the trash and rescued the furniture. Thus began Junking. The Americans would periodically check the lot and other places for some treasures. Eventually, people noticed what the Americans were doing and stopped dumping in the lot. The former best Junking area was now empty of junk and remained so. I kept begging my friends to take me junking in other places, but it never came to pass.
On February 21, Michael and I finally went Junking. While we were on our long walk, we spied a lacquered cabinet on the sidewalk, piled up with some trash. We decided that we would return for it after we finished our walk. Below is a picture of our find. It is inlaid with mother of pearl and is about the size of a Lane chest, the kind people might put at the foot of their bed to store blankets. It needs a little touch up, but none of the inlaid mother of pearl is missing!
There is a large empty lot at the intersection of two major roads between Anjeung-ri and Pyeongtaek. Local Korean people were dumping their trash and unwanted household goods on the lot. Americans spotted some nice furniture amongst the trash and rescued the furniture. Thus began Junking. The Americans would periodically check the lot and other places for some treasures. Eventually, people noticed what the Americans were doing and stopped dumping in the lot. The former best Junking area was now empty of junk and remained so. I kept begging my friends to take me junking in other places, but it never came to pass.
On February 21, Michael and I finally went Junking. While we were on our long walk, we spied a lacquered cabinet on the sidewalk, piled up with some trash. We decided that we would return for it after we finished our walk. Below is a picture of our find. It is inlaid with mother of pearl and is about the size of a Lane chest, the kind people might put at the foot of their bed to store blankets. It needs a little touch up, but none of the inlaid mother of pearl is missing!
February 21, A Long Walk And a Historic Site
A Long Walk Near Our House
On the 21st, we went for a very long walk near our house. Below are some pictures we took along the way. We live not too far from a river and a public park on the grounds of an ancient fort.
That's a nursery school straight ahead. We begin by traveling north.
A Nearby Village
Rice Paddies Near the Base Construction Project
Back On the Main Road We have now traveled in a semicircle and are back on the main road, the road we started on. We are a bit south of our house by now. Once we passed the rice paddies, we came up behind an apartment complex where we saw a young American girl and her dad out bike riding. I wish I had taken a picture of them!
On the 21st, we went for a very long walk near our house. Below are some pictures we took along the way. We live not too far from a river and a public park on the grounds of an ancient fort.
Leaving Our Neighborhood
That's a nursery school straight ahead. We begin by traveling north.A Farm and The River
When we took the pictures of the river, we were standing on a little clearing on the side of the road. The construction companies for the base expansion were using the lot to store drainage culverts and people had also been using the site as a place to dump trash. Trash and littering are a problem here. The communities haven't yet gotten to the place where they have enough pride in their surroundings to keep the areas litter free. I don't think there are steep fines for littering. I don't see any road crews picking up the litter, and the litter just stays where it is deposited. While we headed back to the road, we were surprised to see bee keeping hives. At first glance, I thought they were more trash, but at closer look the area around the hives was swarming with bees. I thought bees hibernated in the winter and would not be active. I was evidently mistaken. We decided to take a detour around the hives as we returned to the road.
A Nearby Village
We next walked through a nearby farming village.
These look like squirrel nests but they are actually Magpie nests!
Rice Paddies Near the Base Construction Project
In the blow picture you see a narrow road. This is a rice paddy road that gives the farmer access to the fields. People sometimes drive on the rice paddy roads. A friend of mine drove down a rice paddy road. The road got narrower and narrower. She decided to turn around and ended up with with half of her car in the rice paddy. Luckily the tow truck bill was not too costly.
Back On the Main Road
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