KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- On July 4, heavy rains pummeled central Texas sweeping catastrophic flood waters across the region overnight. With the flooding causing at least 134 deaths, the citizens of Texas are struggling in the aftermath.
These floods not only caused widespread destruction and loss of life, but also left emotional scars on individuals like Staff Sgt. Maria Samaniego, 8th Maintenance Squadron nondestructive inspection craftsman, who personally lost a friend in the disaster.
“It’s incredibly shocking when things happen to someone close to you,” Samaniego struggled to say. “Last week was rough. This week my grieving has been up and down.”
Struggling with the loss, Samaniego found some consolation after hearing of the Korean-American Gunsan Alliance’s flood relief donation to the American Red Cross.
“When I heard about the Korean-American Gunsan Alliance and how they had raised funds for the flood relief in Texas [through the Red Cross] it made me realize just how strong our relationship is with South Korea,” said Samaniego.
Over 7,000 miles away from Texas and separated by the Pacific Ocean, KAGA recognized the need for action and arranged a donation of over 5 million Korean won for the Texas flood relief efforts at Kunsan, July 24.
KAGA are representatives of Kunsan Air Base’s Good Neighbor Program, which was instituted by U.S. Forces Korea to connect U.S. service members to their local community.
According to Carmel Comendador, American Red Cross regional program specialist, KAGA’s donation will be delivered to the American Red Cross through the Armed Forces Korea region and be used for Red Cross disaster relief operations to provide emergency resources such as food and water, mass care, shelter, clean-up and reunification efforts.
“It’s so important for the people to know that not only is [KAGA] impacting our community far away, but there are people [here at Kunsan] that have ties to those who have been affected. It’s not just our people; it’s our families,” said Samaniego. “There are not enough thank you’s to give. Every little bit helps, especially with relief operations that are going on right now. This is incredible.”
KAGA’s support during this crisis exemplifies the value of community relationships and reinforces the ROK’s mutual care and respect for U.S. citizens in the region. This community relationship goes beyond diplomacy; it is a shared commitment to stand together during times of hardship and a reminder of the strength of the alliance between the U.S. and the Republic of Korea.
“To know that citizens of Texas are being supported by a community half a world away is incredible, and I'm incredibly honored and humbled to serve a tour of duty in a country where the people are so generous to our country in a time of need,” expressed Samaniego.