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The ROK/US Marine Corps Friendship Association |  |
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Mr. Kang, Kyung Seo,
Director
#337-10 Hankangro-2GA, Yongsan-Ku, Seoul, Korea Phone: (02) 749-0928, FAX (02) 749-0415, Cell 017-337-0928
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| The Birthday of an "Original" ROK Marine | ||
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Yi Jong Ho, one of the few remaining "original" Republic of Korea (ROK) Marines celebrated his 70th birthday among friends and family at an event sponsored by the ROK-US Marine Corps Friendship Association on July 1, 2000. |
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Jim Lint, a civilian currently working in Korea was one of the presenters at the event. He sat at the head table and enjoyed the fine hospitality of the Korea Marines. Jim, a former Marine and member of the MCCIA and SMDA, also presented Coins to both Yi and the senior ROK Marine officer attending the event as is Korean custom. |
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Yi joined the ROK Marine Corps in July 1949 just a few months after the Corps was established on April 15th, 1949. He participated in the Inchon Landing and the ROKMC Operation number 5. He was awarded the Hawrang Medal, a high South Korean award. After his 15 years of active duty, he became the ROKMC boxing coach. |
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Many senior ROK Marine officers and civilian celebrities attended this special event. Retired LtGen Cho Ki Yup, former Commandant of the ROK Marine Corps and BGen Yi Haw Chul, who commanded the 6th Marine Brigade during Korean War and the Blue Dragon Brigade in Vietnam were among the flag officers attending. Noted civilians included TV talent, Mr. Im Chae Moo and Comedian, MC and President of ROK Scuba Association, Mr. Chong Dong Nam. The Commandant of the ROK Marine Corps sent a special message congratulating Mr Yi. Also in attendance for the 70th Birthday Celebration, was the famous entertainer Mr. Kim, Hung Kuk. He is also the Chairman of the Korean National Sponsorship for World Cup 2002. (Rough Translation!) This former ROKMC member is very well known and a hard charger. He is also the dream model of every Marine... Mr. Kim Hung Kuk married the Miss Korea, and I got to meet her too at the World Cup 2002 Dinner! What a charming lady. Mr. Kang Kyung Seo, Director ROK/US Marine Corps Friendship Association was Master of Ceremony for this event. |
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Mr. Kang Kyung Seo, Director ROK/US Marine Corps
Friendship Association was Master of Ceremony for this event. This
same ROK/US Marine Corps Friendship Association will also be visiting
the USA during July 2000, to include visits at HQMC and Camp Lejeune,
NC. |
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DRAFT Copy The famous entertainer Mr.. Kim, Hung Kuk, hosted and was Master of Ceremony for the World Cup 2002 Dinner. He is also the Chairman of the Korean National Sponsorship for The Soccer World Cup 2002. (Rough Translation!) This former ROKMC member is very well known and a hard charger. He is also the dream model of every Marine... Mr.. Kim Hung Kuk married the Miss Korea, and I got to meet her too at the World Cup 2002 Dinner! What a charming lady. Jim Lint also attended the as Mr.. Kim, Hung Kuk's guest for the first World Cup 2002 dinner party. Mr.. Kang Kyung Seo, Director ROK/US Marine Corps Friendship Association arranged my attendance. This fund raiser dinner cost from $200 to $9,000 per plate. Mr.. Kim, H.K. had many congressmen and over 30 entertainers in attendance. Past ROK Commandant, LTGen Chun, To Mo, 22d ROK CMC also was in attendance and was such a strong supporter of all the former Marines attending. He still has been out of the ROKMC for about five years but still looks like a Marine General. Also attending was Mr.. Hwang, Yong Cho a Gold Medal winner in the Marathon at Barcelona Olympics. (His father was also a former Marine) Comedian Lim, Ha Ryon was in attendance and got up and did some impromptu comedy. Former Marine, now Congressman Park was also in attendance. A member of the United Nations (UN) UNIAEWP presented Mr.. Kim, Hung Kuk an award for his helping children worldwide signed by UN Secretary-General: Kofi Annan. In Korea he also has a scholarship fund for kids participating in Soccer. What an interesting evening. I am really enjoying my after hours events! Photos for this event will be added to web page when when they are developed... Someone forgot his digital camera on this memorable event!
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