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694th ISS member wins MND-level award

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher
  • 7th Air Force Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Kim Chang Yol, 694th Intelligence Support Squadron technical director, was awarded the Republic of Korea's ROK-U.S. Alliance Award from the Korean Minister of National Defense during a special ceremony at Yongsan Garrison Oct. 10.

The award is for dedication and service to the Republic of Korea over the course of one's career.

To say that Kim, a former Air Force B-52 navigator from upstate New York, has had a long relationship with the ROK would be an understatement. Kim was born in Seoul and immigrated to the U.S. as a child, but after he joined the Air Force, he said he initially felt a desire to do a quick tour in Korea to experience his heritage.

Off and on, however, Kim's has spent almost 18 years of his career, both military and civilian, in Korea.

"I did not plan it that way," he said. "I left Korea for the United States when I was very young, and I always wanted to come back and enjoy a few years."

Kim said what really hooked him was the work and seeing the tangible effects of his efforts to safeguard regional stability.

"What I really liked was the mission," he said. "I thought I was doing a lot to help keep the peace on the Korean Peninsula."

During his first deployment to Korea in 1990, Kim supported the first ROK Air Force C-130 combat deployment, Operation DOVE, transporting 150 ROK medical team members and supplies during Operation DESERT STORM. As a former air crew member, Kim was able to help plan the necessary logistics and translate maps for the ROKAF crews as well as fly with them and assist with navigation.

"It was the first time the ROKAF had deployed overseas for a combat mission," he said. "During that time, they made some record logistical achievements moving supplies in and out of Kuwait. It was huge for the ROKAF C-130s."

Even when not assigned in Korea, Kim was working to support the ROK. During an assignment to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Kim was assigned to work on foreign military sales, improving the capabilities of the Korean KF-16.

"I was working with the ROKAF Acquisitions people," he said. "I felt like I was once again working the deterrence effort in Korea from Ohio by giving their F-16s more capability."

Kim's commander, Lt. Col. Enrique Oti, 694th Intelligence Support Squadron commander, said Kim serves as an example of the hard work and sacrifice of civilians and servicemembers supporting the Republic of Korea.

"I am extremely proud of Mr. Kim for the recognition he has received from the Korean Government," Oti said. "He is an outstanding example of the great civilians that work side by side with our Airmen and our Korean counterparts in defense of Korea. Mr. Kim's extensive experience in Korea has had a major positive impact on our squadron's mission, and this award is well deserved."

Kim said he was humbled to receive such a prestigious award.

"It makes all the things I've done, all the little sacrifices I've made worthwhile," he said. "I believe in what I do. I truly believe that I am contributing to the cause to keeping the peace here in Korea, having a strong alliance between the U.S. and the ROK."