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Local orphanage visits Soldiers at Suwon

Sgt. Lionel Walker, a medic assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 6th Battalion 52nd Air Defense Artillery, gives a “high five” to a child from the House of Dreams orphanage on Suwon Air Base, Republic of Korea, during their visit to the battalion’s headquarters May 6, 2014. The 6-52 ADA is partnered with the orphanage as part of the U.S. Forces Korea Good Neighbor Program. (Photo by KATUSA Pfc. Shin, Young 6-52 ADA)

Local orphanage visits Soldiers at Suwon

Published May 8, 2014
By Staff Sgt. Heather A. Denby
35th ADA Public Affairs

OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Soldiers of 6th Battalion 52nd Air Defense Artillery welcomed roughly 70 children from the House of Dreams orphanage in Suwon to their battalion headquarters May 6 to celebrate their relationship that has blossomed over the past eight years.

"I think it's appropriate that we celebrate on this day, the day after Children's Day, and with the most beautiful weather we've had all year," said Lt. Col. Norman Spivey, 6-52 ADA commander.

In 2006, the battalion was permanently stationed in the Republic of Korea and, as part of the U.S. Forces Korea Good Neighbor Program, adopted the House of Dreams orphanage that same year.

"I remember our first visit," said Tae Yong Mun, the 6-52 ADA community relations officer. "Myself and the brigade chaplain reached out to the director who had nearly 100 children in the orphanage at the time."

The battalion and the orphanage director agreed to celebrate a handful of Korean and American holidays together to provide positive role models and companionship.

The current orphanage director says this is a mutual benefit.

"I believe the Soldiers can empathize with our children because they too are separated from loved ones," said Jung Sik Kim, House of Dreams director.

Kim said the children look forward to the events and he hopes to continue the partnership, despite the Army's high turnover rate while stationed in the ROK.

The Children's Day celebration between 6-52 ADA Soldiers and the House of Dreams children included sports activities, arts and crafts, a bounce house, static Humvee displays, hot dogs and drinks.