This week was a week of transition. I began the week inside a barracks room and ended it in an empty room, but my home for the next year.
I was excited on Sunday to truly begin my new duties as a Deputy Division Chaplain by going to visit chapel services and even being able to visit my future home, Camp Red Cloud. I visited three different chapel services on Sunday including one in the historic Memorial Chapel. This chapel building was built in 1955 by the 7th Infantry Division as they began their defense of South Korea.
Monday was spent in welcome briefings. The started with a reminder of the different time zones that our Soldiers and Families are in right now. It is amazing to think about how our Service Personnel are scattered around the world ready to defend our nation.
I was locked into briefings all day on Tuesday. One of the keys to in-processing a new duty locations is to get up to date on all of the many different briefings that we receive every year. I must laugh at this photo because nearly every Soldier in the classroom was locked onto their smart phone to text with loved one and friends or playing games. I was one of them as I took this picture for social media.
I arrived at Camp Red Cloud on Wednesday. After going to another stack of briefing that are required for Soldiers, I was able to attend my “Hail and Farewell” dinner, where I was “Hailed” or welcomed by the Chief of Staff of the Division. It took place in the “Commanding General’s Mess”, which is the last mess hall in the Army.
The next day was spent meeting other Chaplains and introducing myself to the team. After lunch, the Division Chaplain’s Office went on a visit to one of the training ranges nearby and had the opportunity to pass a Korean War Memorial, which also marked the 38th parallel.
The week was concluded with an introduction to life in Korea. My morning run took me through the city of Uijeongbu before spending the day in-processing and also included a lunch at the KATUSA Snack Bar, where I tried my first Beef Bulgogi. It was a wonderful way to end my travel to Korea and begin enjoying the culture around me.
Bertie says
If you are interested in topic: earn online by clicking device to train – you should read about Bucksflooder first