ROK, U.S. militaries compete in annual sports day

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  A camaraderie spirited event, known as 'Korean-American Sports Day', squaring up U.S. forces at Kunsan versus their Republic of Korea allies took place here Nov. 2 in a continued effort to strengthen friendships and build a foundation of trust between the two nations.

"The Republic of Korea and United States have a strong treaty of peace between our great nations," said Col. Stephen Williams, 8th Fighter Wing vice commander, at the event's opening ceremonies. "Americans are proud to play a part in Korean history and we look forward to what the future has in store for us together."

The colonel was joined by the Republic of Korea Air Force's 38th Fighter Group commander, Col. Sang-Hwa Jung, and Gum-Yong Choe, the Korea Union's president. The two joined Williams in thanking everyone for their participation and expressed sincere gratitude for the friendships shared across the Wolf Pack.

"This is a great opportunity to build up strong bonds between Korea and America," Choe said.

"Such lasting friendship between our two nations is a testament to our alliance," added Jung. "During the Korean war, the U.S. fought for us. What your countrymen did those many years ago for our nation, defending the line, means so much. I'd like to thank you for your continued service today."

There were 16 separate events that occurred at various locations across the base, several of which were unique to Korea. The final scores from the day put the U.S. in first with 166 points, ROKAF in second with 49 and the Korean Union in third with 39 points.

"We won the majority of the events," said Airman 1st Class Ricardo Thenor, 8th Force Support Squadron fitness specialist. "It was pretty cool and great for the morale across base."

Thenor said he was in charge of refereeing the Tug-of-War and Volleyball events.

"My favorite part was the tug-of-war for sure," he said. "The 80th Fighter Squadron, KEU and 8th Security Forces Squadron participated with the defenders coming out on top."

"We had a good friendly competition," Thenor added. "It was a relaxed day and an opportunity to have a good time with our Korean friends."

For more information and specific event scores, contact the Wolf Pack Fitness Center at 782-4026.