US Army Garrison Humphreys

USAG Humphreys Change of Command - Camp Humphreys, South Korea - 15 June 2015 by USAG- Humphreys Via Flickr: <a href="http://www.facebook.com /usaghumphreys" rel="nofollow">Click here to learn more about Camp Humphreys</a> -U.S. Army photos by SGT Sherry S. Southerland, SPC Benjaman Pollhein, Somin Jeon and Selena Lee

If you would like to help out with the clinics or volunteer with youth sports, give them a call at  753-5612.

  Pick-N-Paint is an option offered by the Center, where people pick from ceramic items and paint them, which is available during shop hours. Prices start at $5 an hour plus the item cost. The DSN number for the Arts and Crafts Center is 753-6706.

 "Frame your life."

USAG HUMPHREYS, South Korea -- When the 304th Expeditionary Signal Battalion deploys to support exercises, it is usually the line companies that spend time in the field leaving Headquarters and Headquarters Company in place to support daily operations and provide higher command. However, in the field training exercise they conducted from 18-22 May, it was the HHC personnel and primary staff that deployed and setup operations in tents in the training area just outside USAG Humphreys. "We are the one tactical signal battalion on the peninsula," said Capt. Arturo Rodriguez, company commander, HHC. "If we had a crisis we would support the tactical signal needs for the Army network for about 60 days until reinforcements could be brought in." For the exercise, the company brought out two Joint Network Nodes and two High Capacity Line of Sight radio teams to support signal needs, as well as a Mobile Kitchen Trailer, a M1089A1 Medium Tactical Vehicle wrecker. The company also brought along a standard automotive tool set trailer that has repair equipment and parts they might need to repair their vehicles, generators, and a portable electronics repair trailer to work on electronics or signal related equipment. Sgt. Michael McDonald, a HCLOS team chief and senior transmission operator, explained that for the exercise they were using a HCLOS setup on site shooting to another HCLOS setup at their motorpool linked in to the hub on USAG Humphreys. The HCLOS, which both transmits and receives data, was used he said, because it is a very reliable platform, that can be used without concern for weather. McDonald said it also has more bandwidth than a Satellite Transportable Terminal. "The only problem is that it is line of sight, so I do have to have a clear shot. With the HCLOS setup here, Captain Rodriguez will always have his emails," said McDonald. The Soldiers were generally excited about participating in the exercise. McDonald was very passionate about the support his team provided saying, "Whenever they ask if I want to do HCLOS stuff I say, let's go for it. I love it." "The FTX has been a great learning experience for me, because I had never been on the equipment, and here it's just me so I had to figure everything out myself and it has really pushed me to learn as much as I could," said Pfc. Kelsey Anderson, Nodal Network Systems Operator-Maintainer. "So I'm really glad that we did it. It was really good training." She explained that through the JNN they provided Non-Classified Internet Protocol Router Network (NIPR), Secret Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPR), and Combined Enterprise Regional Information Exchange (CENTRIX-K) services, with voice and data- for the exercise. Pfc. Arjenis Nunez, a food service specialist, explained his role in operating the MKT. He said they were feeding about 100 Soldiers for the exercise, but can feed up to a maximum number of 800 running at full capacity. Feeding the Soldiers is an important task, he related saying, "We make sure our Soldiers can keep functioning for missions." Rodriguez said he felt that the field exercise was important to maintaining the readiness of his company. He said it allowed his Soldiers to hone in on network communication skills as well as low density, non-signal military occupational specialties, and come together and work as one team. The 1st Signal Brigade enables joint and combined command, control, communications, computers, and information management operations throughout Korea to support United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, United States Forces Korea, and Eighth Army's ability to lead, direct and maneuver available forces during armistice, crisis, or war.

American military ceremonies are rich with symbolism and heritage dating back to medieval times. These customs and deep rooted traditions are a significant part of our military's storied history and culture. In the past two months, Soldiers from several companies and battalions across the 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade 2nd Infantry Division put those traditions on display. At the peak season of Soldier transition across the Korean peninsula, these units held several change of command and responsibility ceremonies honoring their outgoing and incoming commanding officers and senior noncommissioned officers. Of all ceremonies held during this time period, Soldiers stood tall in final deference to their brigade's top leaders in two culminating ceremonies ending another chapter of the brigade's history, and beginning another. One ceremony was held to honor the outgoing senior enlisted advisor of 2nd CAB 2nd Inf. Div., Sgt. Maj. Lourdes Berrios-Powell of San Juan, Puerto Rico, June 4. On the following day, a ceremony was held to honor the outgoing Brigade commander of 2nd CAB, Col. Walter T. Rugen of Onalaska, Wis. This would mark the completion to the extensive changeover of leadership across the board in the 2nd CAB. The Commanding General of the 2nd Infantry Division, Maj. Gen. Thomas S. Vandal, a native of Rhode Island, hosted Rugen's change of command ceremony where he praised the outgoing command team and their Soldiers. "2nd CAB has worked tirelessly to help preserve peace and deter aggression on the Korean peninsula, and has been superbly led by Command Sgt. Maj. Berrios-Powell, who transferred responsibility yesterday and Col. Wally Rugen, for the past two years," said Vandal. As a rite of passage, Soldiers paraded before their leaders with staffs held high in the air as they represented the colors of their unit's proud history. They did so in honor of their departing and incoming leaders, marching in front of them for the first time to traditional ceremonial music played by the 2nd Infantry Division "Warrior" Band. Col William D. Taylor of Santa Monica, Calif. and Command Sgt. Maj. Estevan Sotorosado, a native of Aguada, Puerto Rico now form the new command team of the only U.S. Army combat aviation brigade in South Korea and are humbled at the opportunity to serve here. "I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to be a member of the 2nd brigade team, "said Sotorosado. "A team comprised of the world's best aviation Soldiers, noncommissioned officers and officers."

2014 Summer Hire Students hard at work

 The second accompanying picture depicts the entire track team as follows( top left to bottom right); Kevhan Marlbrough, Isaiah Reynolds, Mathew Keller, Joshua Finch, Anna R. Gregory, Ramecca RaSun, Imanee Smith, Sophie Campbell, Denisa Kim, John Carlos  Burger, Miguel Antonio D. Castro, Stephen J. Gayton iii, Sean A. Santana, Ajia Barnes, Andrew Von Weber, Trevor Williams, Nicole Allyson D. Castro, Michelle Flores, Kiersten R. Wilson, Timothy J. Ward, Briana Gilyard, Mauricia Hudson, Timothy Ward, Shannon Jacobson, Daiquan N. Wilson, Tyreke Slaughter, Brandon Williams. 

CAMP HUMPHREYS -- With much anticipation, the first Humphreys High School Commencement Celebration was held, June 4, where the 31-member senior class became the first to graduate from the school. The class is made up of future Armed Forces Service Members, health professionals, architects, computer scientists, engineers, scientists, criminologists, CEOs, and even three teachers. Most have plans to attend four-year universities and have already been accepted at colleges all across the United States. Prior to the 2013-14 school year, high school students from Camp Humphreys attended school at Osan American High School, on Osan Air Base, about 30 minutes away. "As a brand new school, for every event this year I have been able to preface the event with the statement 'Welcome to our first…,'" said Shelly Kennedy, HHS principal. "This occasion is the last time I can make such a statement." Kennedy told those in attendance about a tradition they have established for the school, called the "senior interview." "This gave me the chance to learn more about the students and how they viewed their high school experience," she said. "When asked what they will miss the most about Humphreys High School, naturally the majority stated they would miss their friends. They spoke of the sense of belonging they felt in this school. Many said 'We are a tight knit group of students who look out for each other, I felt like I belonged here from the very first day.'" Although the students have many fond memories to look back on, Kennedy said the most commonly shared memory "was the first day we came into this building. The seniors were the last to enter the auditorium and when they did, all of the underclassmen gave them a standing ovation. They said, 'That was when we really felt like the Class of 2014 -- that is what made us feel like seniors.'" And, not surprisingly, many felt that graduation would be their fondest memory of high school. General Curtis M. Scaparrotti, commander of United Nations Command/Combined Forces Command/United States Forces Korea, served as the guest speaker and shared a few lessons he learned since he graduated high school, attended the United States Military Academy, West Point and served more than 35 years in the U.S. Army. "As the Commander of all U.S. Forces in Korea, this is one of the most important things that I will do … talk to the young men and women -- future leaders -- of our great Nation -- the Humphreys High School Class of 2014," he said. "My job is to congratulate you and give you a little counsel for the journey into adulthood. So, here is the deal. I'll do the speaking, and I'll keep it short. You do the listening -- and listen well. And, if you stop listening before I stop speaking…. please let me know. OK?" Some of the lessons Scaparrotti imparted were: -Follow your instincts. You'll get a lot of direct advice about what you should do along the way. I've learned that I and others do best what they love -- what, in their hearts, they have an urge to do. -Continue to learn. Regardless of what you will do next … entering the work force, the military, a trade school or college, you must commit yourself to always learn and adapt. -Jot down "What you believe in." As you move through life -- and continue to question it. Be skeptical. I've got a list that I started 20 years ago. I've found that as I grow older, and hopefully a little wiser, I line some things out and add others. Some things he said he believes in are: The Golden Rule -- Treat others as you want to be treated. Fundamentals first -- Every profession or job has basic knowledge and tasks -- learn and execute them with precision -- frequently. Really, very few people do that in life and the real pros always do it. Consistent performance to standards -- In other words, be reliable, not the snapshot hero for a moment in time. TEAM -- Together Everyone Achieves More. You'll never achieve anything meaningful by yourself. -Always strive to find your limits. For the rest of your life, press on to reach a goal that is a stretch for you. You've got to be willing to take that first, scary, uncertain step. In fact, I've learned that most of us have no clue of our capabilities or our true potential. "Each of you has gifts that you are not even aware of yet … and the potential to learn and perform at levels that you can't imagine," he said. "Too many people allow others to convince them that they have reached their limit, or they couldn't reach a goal in life … or we talk ourselves out of trying due to the fear of failing. You have a great life awaiting you. Trust your instincts, continue to learn, know what you believe in, and always press to find your limit. I'm sure you'll achieve more than you ever expected. Now -- right after you have diploma in hand and this ceremony ends -- tell your proud and relieved parents and loved ones -- thank you. Remember TEAM -- you didn't get here alone." Once Scaparrotti concluded, he was presented with a thank you gift by Class President, Emily Cox. Scaparrotti was later joined on the auditorium stage by Dr. Irby Miller, superintendent of schools for Korea, Kennedy, and D.J.LaFon, the HHS assistant principal, to present diplomas and congratulate the 29 graduates in attendance. Following the graduation proclamation by Kennedy, the graduates and audience moved outside for the ceremonial tossing of the caps. "Getting the chance to graduate in Humphreys High School's auditorium will be something that I will never forget," said Angela Padua, the HHS Student Council president. "The honor to finally get to walk across the stage and get a diploma was amazing, but the actual thought of being in the first class to do so in HHS history is unbelievable. "For most of the class, they have been a part of different high schools in non-DoDEA communities," she added. "But, as one of the few that has been here in South Korea since our freshman year in Osan American High School, it has been a journey to start as an Osan Cougar and to end as a Humphreys Blackhawk our senior year. To be completely honest, I feel that my class was showered with opportunities that made us grow to be the strong people we will be as we reach the 'real world' this coming fall."

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CAMP HUMPHREYS -- In an effort to help retired, or soon to be retired, Soldiers and their spouses with questions regarding what to do when the Soldier eventually dies, the Retirement Services Office here hosted a workshop to help answer those questions, June 6, in the Humphreys Community Fitness Center. The event provided a number of different information tables to help educate retirees about their options and planning for the future. Veterans Affairs, Legal Assistance, TRICARE, Military & Family Life Consultants (MFLC) and Army Community Service were among the organizations represented. "Death is kind of one of those 'touchy' areas," said Tara Scriven, the Camp Humphreys Retirement Services officer and the organizer of the event. "Preparing for death is a very uncomfortable thing for all of us to talk about. In fact, many of us are reluctant to face the fact that we're not going to live forever." The workshop was organized to help individuals obtain the necessary information and documents needed to help them with end-of-life choices, so they can improve their quality of life in the coming years and ease any difficulty on loved ones in the future. "I was in tears of joy that this event finally came through," said Un-suk Carlton, who served as the translator for this event. "As a volunteer, I have worked with many widows and they did not know their retirement benefits. Many times, people don't ask (about benefits), because they don't know what to ask." Barbara Brown, the Financial Readiness and Army Emergency Relief manager for the garrison, said that this workshop "was a great event to allow me to keep the retirees and spouses informed about AER and explain to them who is eligible and how and where to apply. Some that I spoke with didn't know they were eligible for AER loans and were not aware of the AER Scholarship program." Charles Woods, the Retiree Council Chairperson for Camp Humphreys, said "We need to take care of our spouses and widows in the community. This workshop opened up a lot of eyes about what we need to leave for our spouses." For those who couldn't attend and would like more information about planning for the future, contact Scriven, at 753-3872.

CAMP HUMPHREYS -- An innocuous sign stealing leads to a charge for triple manslaughter and it was up to five U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys teens to argue the legitimacy of the charges. This was the scenario of the mock legal trial presented June 7 at the garrison's courtroom. Capt. Trent Kubasiak, chief of the Administrative Law Division at the Humphreys Consolidated Legal Center, developed the program on a volunteer basis because of his passion for it during high school. He had hoped to find an existing club here to get involved with and help kids to understand his profession, but discovered that one does not exist. "So, I built it from the ground up," he said. Kubasiak set an orientation date, which the Youth Center assisted in recruiting teens to sign up for. Ten teens, ages 16--19, tried out for the team April 1. After weeks of guidance and training, the five teens who progressed through the entire process conducted a mock trial based on a California fact scenario that the American Bar Association (ABA) distributes for high school mock trials. The trial itself consisted of opening statements, direct examination, cross-examination and closing arguments from both the prosecution and defense. It was up to each side to provide the best argument as to whether Chris Donovan, a Santa Elenora University student, was guilty of manslaughter. According to the ABA fact sheet, Donovan was accused of stealing a Wrong-Way Do Not Enter sign from an Interstate 110 exit ramp in California. The missing sign resulted in a newlywed couple traveling the wrong way up the exit ramp, colliding with a gas truck, igniting a massive explosion and killing the newlywed couple and the gas truck driver. The ultimate goal of the mock trial wasn't to determine guilt or innocence, but to identify the strengths and weaknesses that each individual and team, prosecution or defense, possessed in arguing the points of the case. And argue the teens did. "I saw a night and day difference in the teens' capabilities from start to finish," Kubasiak said. "What I really like is that you're not pumping them full of a bunch of useless legal knowledge they're not going to use. You're teaching them to get up in front of people, convey an idea in simple, easy-to understand language. The kids became much better communicators with much better abilities to tell you what they were thinking and tell you why they were right." Jared Barrick, Youth Services director, is incredibly pleased with the progress he saw teens at the Center make and for the effort Kubasiak put forth. "This has been one in a series of instances, in which a talented and resourceful person on the garrison has taken the initiative to allow youth to learn and grow. It's amazing what can happen when dedicated, selfless individuals devote themselves and their time to helping the youth of our community grow into more well-rounded people." Kubasiak and the Youth Center plan to establish another mock trial team in the near future.

Construction on the future United States Army Corps of Engineers Far East District headquarters building began as ground was ceremonially broken June 20 on land adjacent to U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys. The building will offer a central location for district employees to provide the day to day administrative, construction and engineering services in the Republic of Korea. "I think it's historic that we have broken ground on a brand new headquarters building that will be completed around the time the district celebrates its 60th birthday," said Col. Bryan S. Green, district engineer and commander. Brig. Gen. Kang, Chang-koo, Director General of Program Management, Ministry of Defense United States Forces Korea Relocation Office, said the teamwork between the district and MURO since the Land Partnership and Yongsan Relocation Plan agreements were signed in 2004 has been excellent. "Many challenges, big and small, lie ahead of us, but I'm not worried because we as a team are strong enough to accomplish the mission," said Kang. "Thanks to our partnership the Yongsan Relocation Plan is now [well underway]." At the ceremony a three-person shovel, used in construction in the mid- to late-20th century in Korea, symbolized the close partnership between the Far East District and its Korean partners. "One of the first pictures taken in district history in 1957 was of three Koreans from [contracting firm] Daelim [Industrial] operating a three-person shovel," said Green. Representatives from Daelim, which will build the new facility, United States Forces Korea Base Relocation Project Management Office, and Korea Land and Housing Corporation joined Green to mark the occasion and help bury a time capsule, which will be opened at the building's ribbon cutting. "We used a piece of the past to bury a guest book filled with messages to welcome the future residents of the building," said Green. The building is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2016.