American Korean Friendship Society

Two Korean Americans Honored for Bridging Cultures and Serving Country

Sun, 18 May 2025 18:22:25 GMT

In a celebration marked by ceremonial precision and heartfelt tribute, the American Korean Friendship Society (AKFS) on Saturday evening honored two distinguished Americans of Korean ancestry whose careers have bridged cultures and elevated the immigrant narrative in the United States.

Sandy Springs, May 12, 2025 – In a celebration marked by ceremonial precision and heartfelt tribute, the American Korean Friendship Society (AKFS) on Saturday evening honored two distinguished Americans of Korean ancestry whose careers have bridged cultures and elevated the immigrant narrative in the United States.

Before a crowd gathered in Sandy Springs, the event commenced with the Presentation of Colors by the Youth Challenge Academy Color Guard from Fort Stewart, Georgia — a solemn display that set the tone for a night devoted to recognition and reflection.

Frank Blake, chairman of AKFS and former CEO of The Home Depot, welcomed attendees with opening remarks emphasizing the organization’s mission to honor Korean American contributions to civic life. “The New American Hero Award represents not only achievement, but the enduring strength of our shared values,” he said.

This year’s recipient of the New American Hero Award was Dr. Wendy Lee Gramm, an economist and public servant whose career in Washington has left a lasting imprint on federal regulatory policy. Dr. Gramm led the Commodity Futures Trading Commission as its chairman from 1988 to 1993, overseeing critical reforms during a pivotal era in financial regulation. Her earlier roles included Administrator for Information and Regulatory Affairs at the Office of Management and Budget and Director of the Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Economics.

“She is a trailblazer in public policy and an inspiration to many across communities,” said Sunny K. Park, President of American Korean Friendship Society, in his congratulatory remarks.

Representative Rich McCormick, who serves Georgia’s 6th Congressional District, also spoke, lauding Dr. Gramm’s “dedication to public service and unwavering commitment to democratic institutions.”

Dr. Gramm, who is married to former U.S. Senator Phil Gramm of Texas, accepted the award with modesty. The honor carries a $25,000 cash prize, which recipients designate to nonprofit organizations of their choosing through the AKFS.

In a separate tribute, the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Brigadier General Michael B. Siegl, U.S. Army, recognizing his decades of military leadership and sustained advocacy for the Korean American community.

General Siegl’s 30-year Army career spanned deployments and command roles in Afghanistan, Iraq, Korea, and at the Pentagon. As Director of Logistics and Engineering for U.S. Central Command, he orchestrated the movement and support of American forces across the Middle East and Central Asia. Beyond the battlefield, his voice has resonated in military scholarship and mentorship initiatives. His academic résumé includes degrees from Stanford and Georgetown, and a National Security Fellowship at Harvard University.

The Lifetime Achievement Award includes a $5,000 charitable grant, also designated by the honoree for donation.

The evening’s events underscored the growing recognition of Korean Americans’ contributions to the nation’s public life — both in uniform and in the civic realm. As the night concluded, the audience rose in applause, a reflection of both gratitude and pride for those who continue to strengthen the American story.

source: https://gasiantimes.com/metro-asian-news/2025/05/12/two-korean-americans-honored-for-bridging-cultures-and-serving-country/

American Korean Friendship Society Announces 2025 American Heros and AKFS Lifetime Achievement Award Winners

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 16:49:11 GMT

American Korean Friendship Society Announces

Dr. Wendy Lee Gramm for 2025 New American Heroes Award and

Brigadier General Mike Siegl for 2025 AKFS Lifetime Achievement Award

The American Korean Friendship Society (AKFS) presents the New American Hero Award (NAHA) each year to an American of Korean ancestry who has made a significant and noteworthy contribution to the United States. Immigrants from Korea and other Asian countries have contributed much to our country but they are seldom recognized as patriots. Since 2000, AKFS has recognized fifteen (15) American patriots of Korean heritage with the NAHA. The award will be presented with a prize of $25,000 cash which the awardee donates to one or more nonprofit organizations. www.USKorea,org.

The American Korean Friendship Society also recognizes Americans of Korean heritage for their volunteer work and effort for the Korean American community's advancement with the Lifetime Achievement Award each year. The recognition is to honor their contributions to the community and nation. The award will be presented with a prize of $5,000 cash which AKFS donates to one or more nonprofit organizations of the awardee’s choice.

Dr. Wendy Lee Gramm for 2025 New American Hero Award

The Board of Directors of the American Korean Friendship Society (AKFS USKorea.org) honors former Chairman of Commodity Future Trading Commission for the 2025 New American Hero Award. The Award comes with $25,000 prize that will be presented to one or more non-profit organization of the honoree's choice on May 10, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia.

Dr. Wendy Lee Gramm is the former Chairman of the Board of the Texas Public Policy Foundation and founder of the Regulatory Studies Program at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University.

She holds a B.A. degree from Wellesley College and a Ph.D. from Northwestern University, both in economics. She started her career at Texas A&M University, where she taught economics for over 8 years.

Wendy served as Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission from 1988-1993.

She was Administrator for Information and Regulatory Affairs at the Office of Management and Budget from 1985-1988 and before that the Director of the Federal Trade Commission's Bureau of Economics.

Dr. Gramm is married to former Senator Phil Gramm, and they have 2 sons and 5 grandchildren.

The American Korean Friendship Society wishes to recognize Dr. Wendy Gramm's remarkable contributions to the United States. She served the nation as an American patriot, an economist, a mentor to countless students to be better leaders, and as a leader of a government agency. As a Korean American, she enhanced the public image of Americans of Asian ancestry.

Brigadier General Mike Siegl for the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award

Brigadier General Michael B. Siegl has nearly thirty years of global logistics and leadership experience in the U.S. Army. His roles have been diverse, including serving as the Director of Logistics and Engineering for U.S. Central Command, where he facilitated and synchronized logistics and engineering operations in support of U.S. service members across the Middle East and Central Asia.

His command and staff roles have spanned leading large-scale units in wartime and peace, with assignments and deployments in the Pentagon, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Korea. He also served as the 57th Quartermaster General and Commandant, managing the Army’s largest logistics branch and contributing to the modernization of logistics systems and programs. He is a published author in military publications. His educational background includes a bachelor's degree from Stanford University, a master’s degree from Georgetown University, and a National Security Fellowship at Harvard University.

The American Korean Friendship Society is honored to recognize Brigadier General Siegl’s sacrifices and outstanding leadership in the U. S. Army. As a leader in the U. S. Army, BG Siegl and his colleagues provide Americans peace and safety each day. Additionally, he inspired and motivated all Americans of Asian ancestry to serve the U. S..

NEW AMERICAN HERO AWARD LAUREATES

Tom Kim of Knoxville, TN, who established the Free Clinic for Working Poor and has been running the clinic for over twelve years.

· Lieutenant Colonel John Oh , medical doctor and U.S. Army general surgeon, for his heroic service for his country in the war fields in Afghanistan, including risking his own life to perform an emergency surgery removing an unexploded rocket propelled grenade (RPG) protruding from a wounded soldier.

· Samuel “Sammy” Lee (1920 –2016), the first Asian American to win an Olympic Gold Medal for the United States, and the first man to back-to-back gold medals (1948 London and 1952 Helsinki) in Olympic platform diving. He practiced as a podiatrist and coached Olympics diving athletes at US Olympics Training Camps and University of Southern California. Dr. Lee had to practice diving at a beach sand grounds or a swimming pool a night before the pool water to be drained because the discriminations for minority which didn't prevent him to quit practicing.

· Jason Pak, Captain, US Army retired is West Point graduate, Captain of the U.S. Army (Ret.) and an elite Ranger, who was wounded by an improvised explosive device (IED) in Afghanistan and serves an inspiration for veterans and civilians alike by sharing his story;

· The late James Suh , (1977-2005) a U.S. Navy SEAL, who was part of a dedicated Naval Special Warfare team fighting the Taliban and volunteered to go on a mission to rescue his fellow SEAL members who were trapped by insurgent fire. He was part of one of sixteen troops killed when a MH-47 Chinook helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan.

· US. Army Colonel Young-Oak Kim (1919 – 2005), a highly decorated U.S. Army combat veteran of World War II and the Korean War and a civic leader and humanitarian. He was a member of the U.S. 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and a combat leader in Italy and France during World War II.

· Peter Meong Rhee, Chief of Acute Care Surgery and Medical Director of the Marcus Trauma Center, is an American surgeon, medical professor at Arizona State University, and military veteran. During his 24 years in the United States Navy, Rhee served as a battlefield casualty physician in Afghanistan and Iraq.

· Byung J. “BJay” Pak is U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia during an executive session. The district includes 46 counties in Georgia, the cities of Atlanta, Gainesville, Rome and Newnan, and a population of more than six million.

· Steve Stirling , a Korean-born American, who is the President/CEO of the Medicine Assistant Program (MAP) International, a Christian global health organization that provides medicines, prevents disease and promotes health in some of the world’s poorest countries. MAP International has provided more than $6 billion in medicines and health supplies to communities in need since its inception in 1954.

· Daniel D. Yoo, Major General, USMC Retired assumed command of the Marine’s elite U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC). MG Yoo has also served as Director of Operations (J3), United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). He was the highest ranking Korean American US military officer.

· Henry Cho is an American comedian of Korean ancestry famous for his unique brand of clean comedy. His work can be heard nationwide at comedy clubs, SiriusXM Radio, and the Grand Ole Opry. Henry is one of most popular American comedians, entertains Americans all over the US with clean jokes over three decades.

· Victor Cha, Dr. Cha chairs in Asian Studies in the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University, Senior Advisor at the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS), and former Director for Asian Affairs in the White House’s National Security Council.

· Jim Yong Kim , Dr. Kim is Vice Chairman and Partner at Global Infrastructure Partners, a fund that invests in infrastructure projects across several sectors around the world. He is a compassionate physician, the 17th President of Dartmouth College, the 12th President of the World Bank Group, former Director of the World Health Organization’s HIV/AIDS department, co-founder of Partner in Health.

· Ambassador Sung Kim, Ambassador Kim is an American diplomat of Korean ancestry serve the United States as the US Special Representative for North Korea Policy since 2021, and previously from 2014 to 2016. He has also served as the Acting Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs. Kim joined Hyundai Motor Group as President as he retired December 2023. Kim was Ambassador to the Philippines from 2016 to 2020. In 2020, Kim was appointed by President Donald Trump as Ambassador to Indonesia. Ambassador Kim retired in December 2023 and joined Hyundai Automobile Group as senior advisor.

AKFS Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients

Han Choi : A passionate leader for community services over two decades. Han assisted State of Georgia by Korean companies to invest in Georgia, and still out for hunt. Han’s volunteer works includes College Football Hall of Fame, Atlanta International Women's House, Georgia Center for Nonprofits, and Decatur Education Foundation.

Jay K. Eun: Mr. Eun is one of most respected Korean American leaders in Georgia. He served local Asian American community as President of the Korean American Association of Greater Atlanta for two terms and as board member and executive committee member and led the Global Business Council of Gwinnett County Chamber of Commerce. Jay Eun has served the board of American Korean Friendship Society since the year 2000.

Baik Kyu Kim: Mr. Kim has served Atlanta’s Korean American community as a volunteer and an effective leader. He is chair of the Korean Grocers Association, which he has led for the last 30-plus years. Mr. Kim led the successful fundraising drive to purchase the Atlanta Korean American Community Center in Norcross, Georgia—the largest Korean American community center in the world, outside of Korea.

Dr. Abraham Kim: Abraham Kim, Ph.D ., is the Executive Director at the Council of Korean Americans (CKA). He comes to CKA with 20 years of experience in foreign policy analyses, leadership development, and innovation consulting. Previously, Dr. Kim served as Executive Director at the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center located on the campus of the University of Montana, where he oversaw 50 staff, faculty and affiliates. During Dr. Kim’s tenure, the Center became one of the foremost U.S.-Asia policy and leadership development institutes in the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies region.

Dr. Edward Taehan Chang : Dr. Edward T. Chang is Professor of Ethnic Studies and founding Director of the Young Oak Kim Center for Korean American Studies at the University of California at Riverside. He earned his B.A. (1982) in Sociology, Ph.D. (1990) in Ethnic Studies at UC Berkeley and M.A. in Asian American Studies at UCLA.

Professor Chang has studied and been a voice of the Korean community for more than 25 years. He is a leading expert on the Los Angeles Riots, race relations between Korean and African American communities, and Korean Americans. Professor Chang lectured on the topics of Korean African American Relations and the Los Angeles civil unrest and its impact on the Korean American community at many universities around the country.

TABLE SPOSORSHIP WANTED

The award gala will be held on Friday at 6:00 p.m., May 10, 2025, at Westin Perimeter North Hotel, 7 Concourse, Sandy Springs, Georgia.

AKFS encourages table sponsors. Table sponsorships for the AKFS Award Gala are available at $25,000, $10,000, $5,000 and $2,500 levels.

All donations of a table sponsorship will be used to strengthen the US-Korea Alliance and advocate American patriotism in the Asian American community. Please contact Michael Park at mikepark78@gmail.com.

2025년 이민자 영웅상 수상자 발표

미국 전국 규모의 비영리 단체 한미우호협회는 우리들이 선택하고 이민한 새나라 미국에 혁혁한 기여를 하여 우리 한인 이민자들을 자랑스럽게 한 분들을 매년 발굴하여 그 공로를 치하 하고 이를 "이민자 영웅 상" New American Hero Award 로 표창과 포상을 하고 있습니다.

이민자들, 더욱이 아세안의 모습을 가진 이민자들은 미국에 충성도가 낮고 이웃에 기여도가 작다는 편견속에 이민 생활을 하고 있습니다. 이러한 오해는 우리와 우리들의 후세들에게 장애조건으로 부각됩니다. 우리 한인들은 비록 소수이지만 엄연히 미국의 주권 시민이며 납세 등 국민의 의무를 다하고 이웃에 기여를 하고 있기에 안타까운 현실을 가지고 있습니다.

이민자 영웅 상 수상자들의 헌신적인 봉사 기록은 한인 이민자들의 미국에 대한 기여를 고취하여 보다 많은 한인들이 이웃에 봉사하고 충성하도록 자극합니다. 우리 모두의 노력으로 한인들이 미국에서, 이방인의 이미지를 벗어나, 미국 발전에 기여하는 미국민으로 인정을 받게 됩니다. 이를 지속적으로 성공시킴으로써 우리 후세들은 미국의 명실 공한 실세로 부각될 것으로 우리는 믿고 있습니다.

한미우호협회는 2025년 이민자 영웅 상 수상자로 웬디 리 그램 전 선물 거래 위원회 위원장을 선정하였으며, 이를 자랑스럽게 생각 합니다. 그램 박사는 경제학자로서 Texas A&M 대학과, George Mason 대학에서 강의와 연구를 하였고, 미국 연방 정부의 장관급 각료로서 미국 선물 거래 위원회 회장을 역임하면서 혁혁한 공로를 세웠습니다. 웬디 그램 박사는, 전 상원의원이자 1996년 대통령 예비선거 후보로서 활약한 텍사스 출신 필 그램 상원의원은 부인으로서 지대한 공로를 쌓았습니다.

이민자 영웅 상수상자는 $25,000의 부상을 받아, 이를 자신이 지정하는 미국 비영리 단체에 기부를 하게 됩니다.

한미우호협회는 2025년 평생 업적상 수상자로 마이크 시글 미 육군 준장을 선정하였으며 이를 널리 알리고자 합니다.

마이클 시글(Michael B Siegl) 미 육군 제57대 ‘병참감이자 병참학교 교장이다. 현재 미 육군에 현역으로 있는 한국계 장성으로는 시글 장군이 유일하다.

싱가포르에서 고등학교를 졸업한 시글 장군은 스탠퍼드대에서 역사학 학사 학위를 땄으며 조지타운대에서 정책 관리 석사 학위를 취득했다. 시글 장군은 1999년 2월 헬리콥터 추락 사고로 인해 함께 탑승한 두 명의 조종사가 사망하는 일을 겪고 자기 자신만을 위하는 삶을 넘어 더 큰 목적을 향해 나아가기로 한 것으로 전해졌다.

한미우호협회는 시글 장군의 공로와 뛰어난 지도력의 영향으로 미국 육군이 더욱 발전하였으며 이로 인해서 한인들의 위상 또한 높아졌다고 확신한다.

평생업적상은 $5,000의 부상이 주어지며, 수상자가 선택한 비영리 단체에 그 부상이 전해진다.

Korean community honors Georgia’s Korean War Veterans with wreath laying ceremony

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 19:07:16 GMT

Over 75,000 Georgians fought in the Korean War and 740 Georgians were killed in action with 1040 wounded.

Norcross, July 27, 2021 – The Atlanta’s Korean community commemorate the sacrifices of U.S. War Veterans in their services during Korean War at a wreath laying ceremony early this morning at the Korean American Association of Atlanta (KAAGA) headquarters building.

The annual event organized is by Mr. Sunny Park and the American Korean Friendship Society.

Over 75,000 Georgians fought in the Korean War and 740 Georgians were killed in action with 1040 wounded. 158 soldiers are still unaccounted for, according to Georgia Department of Veterans Service.

Among the dignitaries attended and provided remarks at the ceremony including Dr. Rich McCormick, LTC (R) US Marine Corp, Emergency Rooms Physician, Jimmy Burnette, Mayor of Suwanee, General (R) Larry Ellis, Past Chairman, American Korean Friendship Society, Honorable Yoonjoo Park, Consul General of Republic of Korea, Major General Thomas Carden, Georgia Adjutant General, Sam Olen, Former Attorney General of State of Georgia and Charlie Yoon Kim, President of Korean American Association of Atlanta.

Mr. Norman Board, President of Korean War Veterans Association, provided a brief remarks and response from Korean War Veterans.

The American Korean Friendship Society is a non-profit, non-political civic organization founded in 1996 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Society is to celebrate and strengthen the unique relationship between the peoples of the Republic of Korea and the United States of America.

Dr. Abraham Kim to 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 17:50:11 GMT

Abraham Kim, Ph.D., is the Executive Director at the Council of Korean Americans (CKA). He comes to CKA with 20 years of experience in foreign policy analyses, leadership development and innovation consulting. Previously, Dr. Kim served as Executive Director at the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center located on the campus of the University of Montana, where he oversaw 50 staff, faculty and affiliates.

During Dr. Kim’s tenure, the Center became one of the foremost U.S.-Asia policy and leadership development institutes in the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies region.Prior to the Mansfield Center, Dr. Kim also served as the Vice President and Interim President of the Korea Economic Institute of America (KEI) in Washington, D.C. In addition, he also functioned as the research manager for government services and principal Asia analyst at the global political risk consulting firm, Eurasia Group.

He was a project manager and strategic planner at the Science Application International Corporation (SAIC) and a national security analyst at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, D.C.

Finally, Dr. Kim was a founding board member of CKA (2011-2013) and served as an adviser/instructor for NetKAL. Dr. Kim is a graduate of Boston University and Harvard University. He received his Ph.D. in Political Science from Columbia University.

Georgia Korean War veterans remembered at state capitol

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 22:42:09 GMT

Georgia Korean War veterans remembered at state capitol

Staff Writer: Athens Banner-Herald

The America-Korea Friendship Society hosted a commemorative observance at the Rotunda in the Georgia State Capitol Building in Atlanta on July 27.

July 27 marked the 62nd anniversary of the armistice of the Korean War, and the ceremony was to remember the 740 Georgians killed in the Korean War and to honor all Korean War Veterans who reside in Georgia. Wreaths were laid by fellow Korean War Veterans, Korean Government officials, Korean-American Association of Greater Atlanta members and the Atlanta Rotary Club.

Among attendees were Sunny Park, president of the America Korea Friendship Society; Frank Blake, retired chairman of Home Depot; Commissioner Mike Roby from the Georgia Department of Veterans Service; retired Col. Ben Malcom, a 2014 inductee into Georgia Military Veterans Hall of Fame and Korean War veteran; retired Gen. Larry Ellis, chair of the American Korea Friendship Society; Brigadier Gen. Joseph Jarrad, adjutant general in Georgia; Brigadier Gen. David Turner, commander in the South Atlantic Division, Army Corps of Engineers; and retired Col. Rick White, chairman of the Georgia Military Veterans Hall of Fame.

The Hope Johns Creek Korean American Youth Orchestra provided musical interludes.

reference: https://www.onlineathens.com/story/lifestyle/around-town/2015/08/10/georgia-korean-war-veterans-remembered-state-capitol/15486650007/

Korean War memorial dedicated for Hall veterans

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 22:39:48 GMT

Korean War memorial dedicated for Hall veterans

By Charles Phelps cphelps@gainesvilletimes.com

POSTED: October 27, 2012 11:59 p.m.

SCOTT ROGERS/The Times

The Korean War monument is unveiled Saturday morning at Rock Creek Veterans Park during a memorial service.

The Korean War Veterans of Georgia unveiled and dedicated a memorial Saturday at Rock Creek Veterans Park in Gainesville at in honor of 11 men from Hall County who died nearly 60 years ago in the war.

Though, the Korean conflict sometimes referred to as the “forgotten war,” the 11 men won’t be forgotten. Instead, their names and legacies are enshrined into Gainesville’s history forever.

The ceremony was a vision of both the Korean War Veterans of Georgia and the Korean-American Community in Georgia. The event had been months in the making.

“It was a long time coming,” said Charles Sexton, a Korean veteran, secretary and treasurer of the veterans group.

“We’re real proud of (the memorial). The first time I saw (the memorial), it almost made me cry.”

The 11 names on the wall are: Pvt. William D. Wallace, Pvt. Thomas R. Jarrard, Pvt. Howard D. O’Kelly, Pvt. Jimmy L. Shadburn, 1st Lt. Alphard Vismor, Cpl. Oscar D. Martin, Cpl. Charles D. Lipscomb, Cpl. Oliver H. McGuire, Sgt. William M. Ledford, Tech. Sgt. Bryson A. Reed and Sgt. 1st class Willie J. Watkins.

The Hall County Sheriff Honor Guard group marched in the ceremony and presented both the American and Korean flags.

The crowd was treated to music by the Hope Johns Creek Korean American Youth Orchestra, who played the national anthems of both nations.

Heyward Hosch, a member of the veterans group, spoke about the significance of the Korean War. He thanked families of the veterans, city and county officials and the Korean friends who, “made this memorial possible.”

“The men that we are here to honor today, left Hall County over 60 years ago to fight for a country that they’d never heard of, and for a people they didn’t know,” Hosch said.

The keynote speaker was Sunny K. Park, President of Good Neighbor Foundation. In July, he presented the Korean War Veterans a $14,500 check from the “Korean-American Community in Georgia” to help fund the memorial. He also helped oversee its plans.

“It is a great privilege to ...help us remember those fallen heroes and the Korean War for a long time,” Park said.

After his opening remarks, Park bowed twice to the memorial.

“This is the Korean way to pay tribute the most respectful way,” he said.

Park also presented plaques to the veterans.

A wreath was laid, followed by a 21-gun salute from the Hall County Sheriff Honor Guard.

“It was real nice, and showed the appreciation that the veterans and Korean people have of the people who came over and protected their freedom,” said Carey Sexton, grandson of Charles Sexton.

He said he hopes to see more such memorials be constructed around the state and country.

The memorial is located off Northside Drive and Academy Street in Gainesville. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is located in the same park.

SCOTT ROGERS/The Times

Sunny K. Park, President of Good Neighboring Foundation, speaks Saturday morning during the Korean War monument memorial service at Rock Creek Veterans Park. Park presented a $14,500 check from the “Korean-American community in Georgia” to the Korean War Veterans of Georgia toward the memorial during a July ceremony at the Gainesville park.

한미우호협회, 올해도 정전 71주년 헌화식 열어

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 05:32:05 GMT

총 10개 기관이 화환 전해

“한미 동맹 더욱 강화돼야”

자유민주주의를 토대로 한·미 양국의 동맹 강화를 추진하고 있는 한미우호협회(회장 박선근)가 2024 한국전(6·25) 정전협정 체결 71주년 헌화식을 26일 둘루스 소재 1818 클럽에서 진행했다.

마이클 박 한미우호협회 디렉터의 사회로 진행된 이날 행사에는 100여명이 참석했다. 한인 인사들 중에서는 박선근 회장을 비롯해 김석우 주애틀랜타대한민국 부총영사, 홍승원 미동남부한인회연합회장 등이 참석해 개회사 및 격려사를 전했다.

이외에도 래리 앨리스 전(前) 주한미군 제2보병사단 부사단장, 드웨인 윌슨 조지아주 육군 방위군 부관참모, 케빈 밀러 주한미군전우회(KDVA) 조지아 지회장, 마이클 레트 조지아 주상원의원 등이 환영사를 전했으며, 크리스 카 조지아주 법무장관은 기조연설자로 참여했다.

행사가 시작되기 전에는 대한민국 정부, 한국전 참전용사회(KWVA) 애틀랜타 챕터 및 게인즈빌 챕터, 조지아주(주상원, 주 법무장관, 부관 참모), 미동남부한인회연합회, 현대자동차, 미국위문협회(USO), 주한미군전우회, 애틀랜타 한인회 명의로 증정된 화환을 각 기관의 대표자들이 전달했다.

작년 행사까지는 참석했으나 노환으로 별세해 이날 행사에는 함께하지 못한 진 메릴 듀랜스 한국전 참전용사에 대한 묵념의 시간을 가진 박선근 회장은 개회사를 통해 “한국전 당시 8살이었던 저는 절단된 수많은 시체들이 굴러다니던 참혹한 모습을 기억한다”고 전하며 울먹였다.

또 “한국의 자유를 위해 싸워준 미군 참전용사들에게 감사함을 표하기 위해 ‘땡큐 아메리카! (THANK YOU AMERICA!)’ 문구가 적힌 전광판 광고를 전국 주요 도시에 설치했다”며 “한미우호협회의 뜻에 동참해 후원해준 현대자동차에게도 감사하다”고 말했다.

기조연설을 전한 카 조지아주 법무장관은 “한미 양국은 (국가를 위해) 희생하고 피 흘린 수많은 개인들이 있었기에 세워지고 강력해질 수 있었다”며 “한미 동맹은 한-조지아주의 긴밀한 경제 협력 등을 통해 새로운 길을 개척했다”고 전했다.

이에 미군 한국전 참전용사들을 대표해 답사를 전한 노먼 보드 KWVA 애틀랜타 지회장과 데럴 파이팅 KWVA 게인즈빌 지회장은 “한미 관계가 앞으로도 발전하기를 바란다”며 “지금까지 잊지 않고 기억해줘서 고맙다”고 말했다.

한편 본 행사 직후 모든 참석자들은 한국전쟁 당시 행방불명자(MIA)들과 전쟁 포로(POW)들을 기리고 기억하는 행사를 가졌다. 한국전쟁은 김일성의 북한 공산군이 선전포고 없이 기습 남침해 발발한 전쟁이다. 당시 김일성은 민병대를 위시한 중공군(당시 명칭 중국인민지원군)과 소련의 직간접적 도움을 받아 평화를 파괴하는 불법 침략 행위를 자행하며 수많은 행방불명자들과 전쟁 포로들을 만들었다.

reference: https://atlantachosun.com/news/404551

한국전 참전용사에게 한 어린이가 꽃다발을 전달하고 있다.

박선근 한미우호협회 회장이 26일 2024 한국전(6·25) 정전협정 체결 71주년 헌화식에서 연설하고 있다.

각 단체에서 보낸 화환이 배치돼 있다.

한국전 참전 미군의 희생과 헌신에 감사

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 05:25:15 GMT

한미우호협회 26일 헌화 및 감사오찬

"참전용사 희생 덕에 오늘 한국 이뤄"

한국전 정전협정 71주년을 맞아 한국전에 참전했다 희생된 740명의 조지아 출신 미군 참전용사를 추모하며 생존 참전용사들에게 감사를 전하는 헌화 및 오찬 행사가 열렸다.

한미우호협회(회장 박선근, 이사장 프랭크 블레이크)는 26일 한국전 기념식 및 헌화식을 둘루스 1818클럽에서 개최했으며 약 100명의 참전용사 및 가족, 내외빈들이 참여했다.

협회가 매년 열고 있는 이번 행사에서는 마이클 박씨가 사회를 맡았으며, 아틀란타 연합장로교회 어린이 합창단이 애국가와 미국국가를 불렀으며, 손정훈 연합장로교회 목사가 개회기도를 했다. 폴 김 한미우호협회 이사가 14명의 참석 참전용사 한 분 한 분을 소개했다.

이날 행사에는 애틀랜타 총영사관, 한국전 참전용사회 레이문드 데이비스 지부와 게인스빌 지부, 래리 엘리스 퇴역 4성장군, 홍승원 동남부한인회연합회장, 마이클 렛 조지아 상원 한미우호 코커스 회장, 케빈 밀러 한국주둔 재향군인회 회장, 한미우호협회 등이 참석해 740명의 조지아 출신 희생자 명단이 적힌 패널 앞에서 헌화했다.

이날 박선근 회장은 “한국전 참전용사들에게 감사하고 며칠 전 돌아가신 진 멜릴 듀런스 참전용사를 위해 다같이 묵념하자”며 “8세 때 한국전을 경험하며 전쟁의 비극을 목격했고, 1993년 다운타운에 한국전 참전기념비를 세운 이래 매년 감사 만찬을 진행해오고 있다”고 말했다. 박 회장은 “여러분의 헌신과 희생으로 자유의 의미를 깨달았으며, 우리는 어떤 것으로 감사를 표해도 충분치 않다”며 “특히 올해부터 협회의 감사 광고 대열에 동참한 현대자동차에 감사하다”고 말했다.

이어 랠리 엘리 4성 장군, 김석우 애틀랜타 부총영사, 리처드 윌슨 주방위군 사령관, 홍승원 동남부한인회연합회장, 케빈 밀러 주한미군재향군인회장, 마이클 렛 상원의원 등이 연설했다.

이날 기조연설자로는 크리스 카 조지아주 법무장관이 나섰다. 카 장관은 “참석자 여러분, 그리고 진정한 미국의 영웅들이 한국전 참전용사들에게 감사하며, 한국의 자유와 민주주의를 위해 순직한 740명의 조지아 출신 한국전 전사자들을 추모한다”고 말했다. 그는 “여러분의 희생 덕분에 한미동맹을 날로 강화되고 있고, 한국과 조지아의 경제협력은 지속적으로 확대돼 최근에는 조지아 역사상 가장 큰 프로젝트인 현대자동차 전기차 공장이 완성 단계에 와 있다”며 “조지아의 한인 커뮤니티도 다양한 문화와 경제활동으로 미국사회에 기여하고 있다”고 말했다.

이어 레이문드 데이비스 한국전참전용사회 노먼 보드 회장, 대럴 파이팅 게인스빌지부 회장 등이 연설을 했다. 또한 이날 실종 및 전쟁포로 등을 위한 추모 테이블도 마련됐다. 박요셉 기자

reference : https://higoodday.com/news/998913

26일 한국전 참전용사에게 아틀란타 연합장로교회 합창단 어린이가 꽃다발을 전달하고 있다.

노별들의 거수 경례.

박선근 회장의 환영사.

크리스 카 조지아주 법무장관의 기조연설.

실종자 및 전쟁포로를 위한 추모 제단.

American Korean Friendship Society

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 05:16:23 GMT

A Proclamation on National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, 2021

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 04:59:29 GMT

The United States and the Republic of Korea are allies with a long history of shared sacrifice. In a call to defend freedom and democracy abroad, 1.8 million Americans joined the fight to protect our Korean Peninsula allies from the communist regimes in North Korea and The People’s Republic of China. In 1953, after 3 years of violent combat and millions of casualties, an armistice was signed by representatives of the United States, The People’s Republic of China, and North Korea. The armistice made possible the exchange of prisoners of war as well as an opportunity to negotiate a peaceful settlement. Almost 70 years later, that settlement still has not been reached, and the Korean Peninsula remains divided along the 38th parallel. Yet, the Republic of Korea has grown into a thriving, vibrant country, and the enduring relationship between our two nations has flourished through decades of peace. Today, we take this opportunity to honor, remember, and pay tribute to the Korean War veterans who fought to defend those universal values and freedoms that the people of South Korea enjoy today.

American service members, along with our United Nations counterparts, fought through some of the most unforgiving terrain and weather conditions on the Korean Peninsula. Through searing summer heat, bitter winter cold, and torrential rains, our forces fought with relentless courage, resilience, and perseverance. In the mountains, valleys, and rice paddies, the battles fought and lives lost in Inchon, the Chosin Reservoir, Heartbreak Ridge, and the Pusan Perimeter, we remember their valor. Earlier this year, I had the great privilege of awarding the Medal of Honor to Colonel Ralph Puckett, Jr., USA (Ret.), a legend in the Army Ranger community, for his extraordinary selflessness and heroism during the Korean War in the Battle of Hill 205. His story, and those of all our veterans of the Korean War, remind every American the high price of freedom.

We shall never forget the service members who made the ultimate sacrifice. On the National Mall at the Korean War Memorial, a Wall of Remembrance will be established to further honor and venerate the more than 36,000 American lives lost during the war, along with more than 7,000 Korean Augmentation to the United States Army soldiers who were killed in action. As a grateful Nation, we owe it to the families of the fallen to memorialize, commemorate, and pay tribute to the heroes who have given their lives for our Nation — and to uphold and honor the democratic values for which they fought. We must also always recognize the patriotism and service of our veterans and their families and caregivers, and uphold our sacred obligation to provide the support they need when they come home.

Our commitment to protecting peace on the Korean Peninsula has endured and grown in the ensuing decades. We are immensely proud of our historic friendship and the trust we share with the Republic of Korea. The service and sacrifices of both our nations have left an indelible determination to sustain peace and promote regional stability. Training side-by-side with the Korean military, our Armed Forces abroad help keep the watch while proudly upholding the legacy of those serving before them. Our partnership remains crucial to maintaining peace and stability today, and to expanding economic growth in a critical region of the world.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim July 27, 2021, as National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day. I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities that honor and give thanks to our distinguished Korean War Veterans.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-sixth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-sixth.

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

reference : https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/07/26/a-proclamation-on-national-korean-war-veterans-armistice-day-2021/

Georgia’s Korean War Veterans Honored with Wreath-laying Ceremony

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 04:52:32 GMT

July each year since 1993, American Korean Friendship Society held Korean War Armistice Agreement Day Commemoration to remember the 740 Georgia soldiers took supreme sacrifices to save South Korean’s lives and their freedom during Korean War.

American soldiers and soldiers from 15 other nations under United Nation’s flag joined the war, fought and saved millions of Koreans lives and their freedom. However, the cost was enormous, more than 36,000 US troops killed in the War. We are saddened and forever grateful!

South Korea, once the second poorest nation on Earth in 1953, advanced as 9th largest economy of the world and one of top 10 trading partners Of the US. South Koreas’ recent economic history became a role model case to many under developed countries. It could never happen without assistance of the United States and American peoples’ generous support.

The alliance between the US and Korea is strong and strengthening each year during last 74 years. Americans should be very proud as Korean people are grateful to Americans.

We thank to all guests and dignitaries served on the program this morning. All guest speakers including Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr, Georgia Adjutant General Richard Wilson, and specially all Korean War veterans, Norman Board and Darrell “Hollywood “ Whiting, presidents of Korean War Veterans Association local chapters.

Sunny K Park

Below part is the publication by georgiatimes.com

https://gasiantimes.com/metro-asian-news/2024/07/26/georgias-korean-war-veterans-honored-with-wreath-laying-ceremony/

Duluth, July 26, 2024 – Atlanta’s Korean community commemorates the sacrifices of U.S. War Veterans in their services during the Korean War at a wreath-laying ceremony at Club 1818.

Ten sets of wreaths are presented in honor of the sacrifices of Korean War Veterans. The annual event is organized by Sunny Park and the American Korean Friendship Society.

Over 75,000 Georgians fought in the Korean War and 740 Georgians were killed in action with 1040 wounded. 158 soldiers are still unaccounted for, according to the Georgia Department of Veterans Service.

Among the dignitaries who attended and provided remarks at the ceremony including Steven Jahng, Vice President, Hyundai Motor Group, General (R) Larry Ellis, past Chairman of American Korean Friendship Society, Hon. Seok Woo Kim, Deputy Consul General, Republic of Korea, Major General Richard “DeWayne” Wilson, Adjutant general, State of Georgia, Hon. Michael Rhett, Chairman, American Korea Friendship Caucus, and Kevin Miller, President, Georgia Chapter, Korean Defence Veterans Association.

Chris Carr, Attorney General of State of Georgia delivers the keynote remark at the luncheon ceremony.

Mr. Norman Board, President of the Korean War Veterans Association, provided remarks and responses from Korean War Veterans.

Dr. Edward Chang honors for 2024 AKFS Lifetime Achievement

Sun, 24 Mar 2024 22:38:14 GMT

American Korean Friendship Society recognize Americans of Korean heritage for their volunteer works and efforts for Korean American community's advancement with Lifetime Achievement Award each year. The recognition is to appreciate their selfless contributions and encourage other members of the community to also volunteer for the community.

AKFS Board unanimously honors Dr. Edward Chang (장태한), professor, the University of California at Riverside for 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award. AKFS recognize Dr. Chang's remarkable contributions and voicing tirelessly for the Korean American community in the past nearly three decades. The Award comes with $5,000 prize from Good Neighboring Foundation which to contribute to a nonprofit organization of the Awardee's choice.

Dr. Chang is Professor of Ethnic Studies and founding Director of the Young Oak Kim Center for Korean American Studies at the University of California at Riverside. He earned his B.A. (1982) in Sociology and Ph.D. (1990) in Ethnic Studies at UC Berkeley and M.A. (1984) in Asian American Studies at UCLA.

Dr. Chang is author of eight books, seven edited volumes, and numerous articles.

Professor Chang has studied and been a voice of the Korean community for more than 25 years. He is a leading expert on the Los Angeles Riots, race relations between Korean and African American communities, and Korean Americans. Professor Chang lectured on the topics of Korean-African American Relations and the Los Angeles civil unrest and its impact on the Korean American community at many universities around the country.

한미우호협회는 2024년 평생 업적상 수상자로 장태한 (Edward Tea Chang) 캘리포니아 (Riverside) 대학교 교수를 선정 하였으며 이를 널리 알리고자 합니다.

장태한 교수는 30년이 넘는 동안 한인사회의 현실과 역사를 연구하였다, 4.29 LA 폭동을 조명 연구하고, 캘리포니아 한인들의 입장을 대변하는 등 한인사회를 위해서 방패의 역활을 자임하였다. 그의 공로로, 캘리포니아 한인사회가 미국 사회에서 모범 에트닉 그룹으로 부각 되었다. 현재 캘리포니아 대학교 리버사이드 소수인종학과(Ethnic Studies) 교수이며 김영옥 재미동포 연구소 소장이다.

인천고등학교를 졸업(1975)하고 캘리포니아 대학교 버클리(UC Berkeley)에서 박사 학위(1990)를 받았다. 11권의 저서, 7권을 편저했으며 수십 편의 논문이 있다. 가장 최근의 저서는 《파차파 캠프: 미국 최초의 한인타운》(2018), 《외로운 여정》(2016), 《미국의 흑인, 그들은 누구인가》(2012) 등이 있다.

현재 미주한인위원회의 이사이며 재외동포재단 자문위원이다. 2018년에 재외한인학회 최고 학술상을 수상하였다.

Sung Kim for 2024 New American Hero Award

Sun, 24 Mar 2024 22:35:05 GMT

AKFS presents the New American Hero Award (NAHA) each year to Americans of Korean ancestry who have made a significant and noteworthy contributions to the United States and have made the immigrant community proud. Immigrants from Korea and Asian countries are well contributed ethnic group in America but seldom recognized as patriot as actual. Since 2005, has recognized thirteen (13) American patriots of Korean heritage with the NAHA.

The Board of Directors of the American Korean Friendship Society (AKFS USKorea.org) honors former United States Ambassador Sung Yong Kim for 2024 New American Hero Award. The Award comes with $25,000 prize that will be presented to an American non-profit organization of the honoree's choice on March 15, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.

AKFS recognize Ambassador Kim's remarkable contributions made to the United States as a senior diplomat. Ambassador Kim's patriotism and passionate services for the United States enhanced the status of all Americans immigrated from Korea and Asian countries particularly.

Sung Yong Kim (김성용) is an American diplomat of Korean ancestry serve the United States as the US Special Representative for North Korea Policy since 2021, and previously from 2014 to 2016. He has also served as the acting Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs.

In 2008, Kim was appointed by President George W. Bush as the U.S. Special Envoy for the Six-party talks. He later served in the Obama and Trump administrations as the Ambassador to South Korea from 2011 to 2014 and as the Ambassador to the Philippines from 2016 to 2020. In 2020, Kim was appointed by President Donald Trump as Ambassador to Indonesia. Ambassador Kim retired November 2023 and joined Hyundai Automobile Group as senior advisor.

American Korean Friendship Society Honors 2024 New American Hero Award and Lifetime Achievement Award

Sun, 24 Mar 2024 12:55:08 GMT

AKFS honors Ambassador Sung Yong Kim with the 2024 New American Hero Award. AKFS also honors Dr. Edward T. Chang, Professor, University of California, Riverside, with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award.

Sandy Springs, March 16, 2024 – American Korean Friendship Society celebrates its 28th anniversary with presentation of 2024 New American Hero Award and Lifetime Achievement Award. The exclusive event drew participation by Korean American community and business leaders along with invited state legislators leaders.

“AKFS presents the New American hero Award each year to an American of Korean descent who has made significant and noteworthy contribution to the United States,” said Sunny K. Park, President of American Korean Friendship Society.

AKFS honors Ambassador Sung Yong Kim with the 2024 New American Hero Award. Ambassador Kim is an American diplomat who has served the country as the special representative for North Korea policy since 2021.

He has previously served as acting assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs. He recently retired from U.S. government services in December 2023 and has joined Hyundai Motor Group as a senior adviser.

Ambassador Kim has extensive diplomatic credentials and has served under four American Presidents.

He served as the U.S. Special Envoy for Six-Party Talks under President George W. Bush in 2008.

He later served in the President Obama and Trump Administrations as the ambassador to South Korea from 2011 to 2014 and as the ambassador to the Philippines from 2016 to 2020. He was appointed as Ambassador to Indonesia by President Trump in 2020.

“I am deeply honored with this award. This award also symbolizes the positive contribution of Korean Americans to this great nation,” said Ambassador Kim in his acceptance speech.

Ambassador Kim shared his $25,000 cash award with Apex for Youth, the University of Pennsylvania, and Loyola Law School.

Former Governor Nathan Deal delivers the evening's keynote speech.

Governor Deal is proud of the relationship between the state of Georgia and South Korea that he nurtured during his eight year tenure. He also visited the country every year to further establish business development.

AKFS also honors Dr. Edward T. Chang, Professor, University of California, Riverside, with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Chang is recognized for his work on behalf of Korean American community advancement.

Professor Chang has studied and been a voice for the Korean community for more than 25 years. He is a leading expert on the Los Angeles riots, race relations between Korean and African American communities, and Korean American diaspora.

The award is paired with a $5,000 cash award by Good Neighboring Foundation. Dr. Chang shared the cash award with KW Lee Center for Leadership.

Ambassador Andrew Young delivers the evening's most memorable speech. He received a standing ovation from the audience deeply touched by the humanity and philanthropy shown by the Korean volunteers in Africa.

The American Korean Friendship Society is a national 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization (81-1408283) civic organization founded in 1996 in Atlanta, Georgia. The mission of the Society is to celebrate and strengthen the unique relationship between the peoples of Republic of Korea and the United States of America.

GAT exclusive interview with Ambassador Sung Yong Kim ::

Source: https://gasiantimes.com/2024/03/17/american-korean-friendship-society-honors-2024-new-american-hero-award-and-lifetime-achievement-award/

성 김 전 주한미국대사, '이민자 영웅상' 수상

Sun, 24 Mar 2024 12:38:41 GMT

성 김 전 주한미국대사, '이민자 영웅상' 수상

이민자 영웅상, 성 김 대사, 한미우호협회, 장태한 교수

성공적 외교 이끈 공로 인정받아 한국계 최초 주한 미국대사 지내 장태한 교수 '평생 업적상' 수상

한미우호협회(회장 박선근)는 15일 조지아주 샌디 스프링스 소재 웨스틴 애틀랜타 페리미터 노스 호텔에서 성 김 전 주한미국대사에게 '2024년 이민자 영웅상'(New American Hero Award)을 수여했다.

한미우호협회는 "성 김 전 대사는 미국의 성공적 외교를 위해 밤낮으로 노력해왔다"며 "미주 한인들의 위상을 높이고, 한인들의 공직 진출에 대한 자신감을 불어넣어 줬다"고 선정 이유를 밝혔다.

성 김 고문은 한국계 출신 최초로 주한 미국 대사로 부임했으며, 한국·필리핀·인도네시아 3개국 대사, 미 국무부 대북정책특별대표 및 6자회담 수석대표 등을 지냈다. 작년 연말 공직에서 물러난 후 올해 1월 한국 법무법인 태평양에 합류해 글로벌미래전략센터를 이끌고 있다.

김 전 대사는 이날 상을 받은 뒤 "영어 한 마디도 못 하던 소년이 3개국 미국 대사가 되는 영광을 누리게 되었다"며 "차세대 한인들이 미국 정부 공직에 더 많이 도전하고, 끊임없이 새로운 시도를 두려워하지 말기를 권한다"고 밝혔다.

박선근 회장은 "김 전 대사는 미국의 성공적 외교를 위해 밤낮으로 노력하고, 미주 한인들의 위상을 높였다"고 시상 이유를 밝혔다.

이 단체는 또 장태한 UC 리버사이드 대학 교수에게 평생 업적상을 수여했다. 장 교수는 LA 폭동을 연구하고 캘리포니아 한인들의 입장을 대변하는 업적을 세웠다고 협회 측은 설명했다. 장 교수는 "미국 공립학교 교육을 통해 미국 학생들에게 아시안 이민사를 가르치고 한인 차세대의 길을 넓히자"고 말했다.

미국 내 비영리단체인 한미우호협회가 주관하는 ‘이민자 영웅상’은 한인 이민자로서 미국의 발전에 공헌하고 재미 동포의 품격을 높인 이민자들을 선정해 2000년부터 수여하고 있다.

성 김 대사는 지난 16일 둘루스 식당 청담에서 한인 차세대들을 만나 강연하기도 했으며, 15일 오후에는 미동남부한인회연합회 전,현직 회장단 연수회에 참여해 인사말을 전하기도 했다.

박요셉 기자

출처: https://higoodday.com/news/995590

성 김 대사가 14일 한미우호협회 이사진들로부터 이민자 영웅상 상패를 받고 있다.

장태한 교수가 평생 업적상을 수여받고 있다.

2024 New American Hero Award Gala Program and Gallery

Sun, 24 Mar 2024 12:26:20 GMT

American Korean Friendship Society Honors Sung Yong Kim for 2024 New American Heroes Award and Dr. Edward Chang for 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 18:08:28 GMT

The Board of Directors of the American Korean Friendship Society (AKFS) honors former United States Ambassador Sung Yong Kim for 2024 New American Hero Award. The Award comes with a $25,000 prize that will be presented to an American non-profit organization of the honoree's choice on March 15, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.

AKFS presents the New American Hero Award (NAHA) each year to Americans of Korean ancestry who have made significant and noteworthy contributions to the United States and have made the immigrant community proud. Immigrants from Korea and Asian countries are well contributed ethnic group in America but seldom recognized as patriots. Since 2005, has recognized thirteen (13) American patriots of Korean heritage with the NAHA.

AKFS recognizes Ambassador Kim's remarkable contributions to the United States as a senior diplomat. Ambassador Kim's patriotism and passionate services for the United States enhanced the status of all Americans immigrated from Korea and Asian countries particularly.

Sung Yong Kim (Korean: 김성용) is an American diplomat of Korean ancestry serving as the United States Special Representative for North Korea Policy since 2021, and previously from 2014 to 2016. He has also served as the acting Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs from January to June 2021.

In 2008, Kim was appointed by President George W. Bush as the U.S. Special Envoy for the Six-party talks. He later served in the Obama and Trump administrations as the Ambassador to South Korea from 2011 to 2014 and as the Ambassador to the Philippines from 2016 to 2020. In 2020, Kim was appointed by President Donald Trump as Ambassador to Indonesia.

Dr. Edward Chang honored for 2024 AKFS Lifetime Achievement

AKFS Board unanimously honors Dr. Edward Chang, professor at the University of California, Riverside for 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award. AKFS recognizes Dr. Chang's contributions and voicing tirelessly for the Korean American community in the past nearly three decades.

Dr. Chang is Professor of Ethnic Studies and founding Director of the Young Oak Kim Center for Korean American Studies at the University of California at Riverside. He earned his B.A. (1982) in Sociology and Ph.D. (1990) in Ethnic Studies at UC Berkeley and M.A. (1984) in Asian American Studies at UCLA. Chang is the author of eight books, seven edited volumes, and numerous articles.

Professor Chang has studied and been a voice of the Korean community for more than 25 years. He is a leading expert on the Los Angeles Riots, race relations between Korean and African American communities, and Korean Americans. Professor Chang lectured on the topics of Korean-African American Relations and the Los Angeles civil unrest and its impact on the Korean American community at many universities around the country.

The award gala will be held on Friday 6:00 PM March 15, 2024 at Westin Atlanta North Hotel. 7 Concourse, Sandy Springs, Georgia. Tickets are $500.00 per person and encouraged to purchase as a table sponsorship.

Table sponsorships for AKFS Award Gala are available at $25,000, $10,000 and $5,000 levels. All proceeds of table sponsorship and ticket sales will be used to pay for the event, prize for the awardees, strengthen the US-Korea Alliance and advocate American patriotism in the Asian American community.

The American Korean Friendship Society, Inc. (AKFS) is a non-profit (81-1408283 IRS Code 501-C-3) and non-political civic organization founded in 1996 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Society celebrates and strengthens the unique relationship between the peoples of the Republic of Korea and the United States of America. The Society created the New American Hero Award to recognize Korean American patriots. The Society presents the New American Hero Award each year at the annual banquet. The award is to recognize Americans of Korean ancestry who have made significant and noteworthy contributions to the United States and have made the immigrant community proud.

original content: https://gasiantimes.com/2024/01/22/american-korean-friendship-society-honors-sung-yong-kim-for-2024-new-american-heroes-award-and-dr-edward-chang-for-2024-lifetime-achievement-award/?fbclid=IwAR3VeFB5kx5FqdNRHj6Z0YV29GTfjJ4fZ4vn0Oh42ubYnOpJsz53BwcUZtA

Senate Resolution 355

Sat, 27 Jan 2024 18:43:24 GMT

view original: https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20232024/218431

2023 New American Hero Award Dinner. 2023년 이민자 영웅상 시상 만찬 안내. March 3, 2023, 6 PM

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 02:31:00 GMT

2023 NEW AMERICAN HERO AWARD

Date and Time: Saturday, March 3, 2023, 6 p.m.

Cherokee Town Club, 155 West Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta, Georgia

(Free valet parking is available at the main entrance)
Dress: Business Attire

2023 New American Hero Award Recipient

Jim Yong Kim, MD, Ph.D.

Dr. Kim is Vice Chairman and Partner at Global Infrastructure Partners, a fund that invests in infrastructure projects across several sectors around the world. He is a compassionate physician, the 17 ^th President of Dartmouth College, the 12 ^th President of the World Bank Group, former Director of the World Health Organization’s HIV/AIDS department,
co-founder of Partner in Health.

RSVP to Sharon Woodson at PresidentialOfficePark@gmail or 770-458-7000

Cost: Complimentary for members & invited guests. Table sponsors needed.

Since 2000, the American Korean Friendship Society (AKFS) has held an annual dinner presenting its New American Hero Award (NAHA). Awardees of the New American Hero Award are Americans of Korean ancestry who have made significant contributions to the United States, thereby serving as role models and encouraging and empowering Korean Americans to serve their communities, neighborhoods and our new country the United States of America

Laureates of the New American Hero Award Hall of Fame

Past Awardees of the Lifetime Achievement Award

Board Members and Staff

Founders

The following founding members were and are concerned citizens of both nations who value and have sought to promote the extraordinary relationship between the peoples of these two countries: founding committee chair, Marine Corps General Raymond G. Davis (Ret.), Medal of Honor recipient; Dr. James Laney, US Ambassador to the Republic of Korea; Dr. Sang-Chul Kim, former Mayor of the City of Seoul; Dr. William Chace, President, Emory University; The late U.S. Army General William Livsey (Ret.); Dr. Wan-Kyu Cho, former President, Seoul National University; and Mr. Sunny K. Park, CEO, GBM

Past Chairs

AKFS Founding Chairman (1996-2000) Dr. William Chace, President of Emory University (1994-2003); 2 ^nd AKFS Chairman (2004-2009) Dr. Wayne Clough, President, Georgia Tech (1994-2008); 3 ^rd AKFS Chairwoman (2004-2009) Dr. Betty Siegel, President, Kennesaw State University (1981-2006); 4 ^th AKFS Chairman (2009-2016) Retired General Larry Ellis, Chairman, Ellis Services & Solutions Enterprises, LLC.

American Korean Friendship Society is a nonprofit, non-political organization under IRS Code 501(c)(3)

Address: 3835 Presidential Parkway, Suite 111, Atlanta, GA 30340 www.USKorea.org

Sponsors as of this week

The Blake Family Foundation

Jim Yong Kim, MD, Ph.D. (2023)

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 00:46:00 GMT

co-founder of Partner in Health.

Dr. Victor Cha (2022)

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 03:10:00 GMT

Chair in Asian Studies in the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University, Senior Advisor at the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS), and former Director for Asian Affairs in the White House’s National Security Council.

Mr. Henry Cho (2022)

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 02:25:00 GMT

An American comedian for over three decades famous for his unique brand of clean comedy. His work can be heard nationwide at comedy clubs, SiriusXM Radio, and the Grand Ole Opry. (Mr. Cho was previously slated to receive the 2020 award, which was canceled due to the pandemic.

Mr. Baik Kyu Kim (2022)

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 01:31:00 GMT

The President of the Korean American Grocer’s Association, former President of the Korean American Association of Greater Atlanta, and successfully led the fundraising campaign to purchase and build the country’s largest Korean American Community Center.

2022 New American Hero Awards unite Korean and American culture

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 23:46:00 GMT

Around 220 guests gathered at Cherokee Town Club to honor and celebrate Korean leaders in American culture: Dr. Victor Cha, Henry Cho, and Baik Kyu Kim.

by Georgia Asian Times – June 20, 2022

By Libby Hobbs

Buckhead, June 18, 2022 – After two years, the New American Hero Award Dinner made an anticipated return on June 18, 2022. Around 220 guests gathered at Cherokee Town Club to honor and celebrate Korean leaders in American culture: Dr. Victor Cha, Henry Cho, and Baik Kyu Kim. All united to eat and celebrate what it means to be both Korean and American.

Sunny Park, President of the American Korean Friendship Society, organized the dinner and gave opening remarks. He’s been involved since its establishment in 2000 and as a member of the board, helps decide who embodies the sentiment of a New American Hero.

“American hero means whoever, as an Asian American, is a Korean American, that both contribute [to] the country and neighborhood outside of your own ethnic community significantly,” Park said.

Park saw these qualities in 2020 Hero, Cho, 2022 Hero, Dr. Cha, and 2022 recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, Kim. While winners also receive $10,000, Park recognizes this dinner as an opportunity to do much more.

The Honorable Andrew Young was keynote speaker and shared that Korea and America intersected in his life at the age of four with a broken arm. Because the injury was not treated properly, he could not fight in the Korean War and has always felt guilty for “dodging his duty to help Korea.”

However, with both Korean and White guests present in the same room, he was able to see a special unity formed.

“Together, we can find a way to make the world as happy, as prosperous, and as free as we are in this room this evening,” Young said.

Park also notes the one of a kind intersection between Korea and America and wants to make sure people know “Asian Americans are not guests or foreigners, but they are an integral part of the United States and our neighbors.”

Park believes future generations will struggle if Asian Americans continue to carry the nickname of foreigners. He says children and young people need to be taught and encouraged to volunteer because when they do this, they are the ones who will become leaders in the country.

As an example of those leaders, Cha, Cho, and Kim were all very grateful to be recognized for their achievements.

“[It feels] undeserved, [I’m] flattered, humbled beyond words,” Cho said. “I need to strive and go a little bit further outside the box and get out of my comfort zone.”

Cho is one of the few Asian Americans featured on television. He had never considered the impact of young Asian Americans seeing him and thinking they finally had someone to identify with. Cha also considered the impact he could have on young Korean Americans who want to become the next generation of “New American Heroes.”

“Really follow your heart and figure out what you believe in and stick to it. If you stick to what you believe in, you always know where you’re headed. If you don’t stick to what you believe in and you just take the flavor of the day, you don’t know where you’ll end up,” Cha advises.

A unique community was formed on Saturday as Korean War veterans, military officers, sponsors, and friends gathered to celebrate Korean American achievements. With performances of the Korean Drum Show by the Korean Culture Center and Korean folk music on the plucked string instrument, Gayageum, by Soon-Hyung Ryu, this event did more than just hand out shiny awards and eat delicious food; it proved Asian culture was something to be appreciated by all.

조지아주가 한미 우호 중심지 된다

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 02:02:00 GMT

한미우호협회 이민자 영웅상 수여…빅터 차, 헨리 조 수상

김백규 전 한인회장 평생업적상…앤드루 영 전 시장 연설

한미우호협회(회장 박선근)는 지난 18일 애틀랜타 벅헤드의 체로키타운클럽에서 2022년 및 2020년 이민자 영웅상(New American Hero Award) 시상식을 가졌다.

이날 시상식에서는 2020년 수상자인 코미디언 헨리 조와 2022년 수상자인 빅터 차 조지타운대 교수에게 각각 영웅상과 1만달러의 상금이 수여됐다. 또한 협회는 애틀랜타한인회장과 한인회관 건립위원장을 역임한 김백규 조지아한인식품협회장에게 평생 업적상을 수여하며 한인사회에 대한 공로를 치하했다.

김인구 변호사의 사회로 열린 시상식에서 프랭크 블레이크 한미우호협회 이사장(델타항공 이사회 의장)이 환영사를, 박윤주 애틀랜타 총영사가 축사를 전했다. 만찬에 앞서 실시된 평생 업적상 시상식에서 수상한 김백규 회장은 “한인사회를 위한 봉사를 인정해줘 감사하다”고 인사했다.

2022년 이민자 영웅상 수상자인 빅터 차 교수는 “지금까지 한미 우호가 워싱턴 DC의 정계를 중심으로 이뤄져 왔다면 이제부터는 한미 첨단기업이 만나는 조지아주가 새로운 중심지가 될 것”이라고 말했다.

2020년 수상자인 코미디언 헨리 조는 과학자였던 이민 1세대 아버지를 설득해 코미디언이 된 과정을 특유의 유머로 전달한 뒤 “딸이 한국어 교육을 받기 위해 한국을 방문한다”면서 “한인이 없는 도시에서 자라고 결혼해 생활했지만 한국인으로서의 뿌리를 잊은 적은 없다”고 말했다.

영웅상 시상식에 앞서 앤드루 영 전 애틀랜타 시장이 기조 연설을 통해 한국과의 인연을 소개하며 조지아주와 애틀랜타에 뿌리를 내리고 한미 우호를 위해 노력하는 지역 한인들에 찬사를 보냈다.

박선근 회장은 “이민자 영웅상은 코리안 아메리칸으로서 미국을 위해 봉사하고 헌신하는 사람들을 발굴해 그들의 공헌을 격려하기 위해 제정한 상”이라면서 “내년부터는 상금이 2만5000달러로 크게 늘어나게 된다”고 소개했다.

Atlantak 이상연 대표기자

2020 & 2022 New American Hero Award Dinner2020 & 2022년 이민자 영웅상 시상 만찬 안내. June 18, 2022 6PM.

Wed, 18 May 2022 14:32:00 GMT

INVITATION

The American Korean Friendship Society cordially invites you and a guest to

our 2022 New American Hero Award Dinner

Date and Time: Saturday, June 18, 2022, 6 p.m.

Location: Cherokee Town Club, 155 West Paces Ferry Road NW, Atlanta, GA

(Free valet parking is available at the main entrance)

Dress: Business Attire

Guest Speaker: Dr. Andrew Young, Former U.S. Ambassador to the U. N.

2022 New American Hero Award Recipient

Dr. Victor Cha

Chair in Asian Studies in School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University, Senior Advisor at the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS), former Director for Asian Affairs in the White House’s National Security Council.

2020 New American Hero Award Recipient

Mr. Henry Cho

2022 Lifetime Achievement Award

Mr. Baik Kyu Kim

Mr. Kim is the President of the Korean American Grocer’s Association, former President of the Korean American Association of Greater Atlanta, and successfully led the fundraising campaign to purchase and build the country’s largest Korean American Community Center.

RSVP to Sharon Woodson at PresidentialOfficePark@gmail or 770-458-7000

Cost: Complimentary for invited members & guest

Past Awardees of the New American Hero Award

Past Awardees of the Lifetime Achievement Award

Board Members and Staff

Staff

David H, Kang, Program Director; Jessica Ahn, Event Director; Sharon Woodson, Coordinator

Founders

In April 1996, on the eve of 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, the following founding members, concerned citizens of both the U.S. and the Republic of Korea, sought to promote the extraordinary relationship between the peoples of these two countries: founding committee chair, Marine Corps General Raymond G. Davis (Ret.), Medal of Honor recipient; Dr. James Laney, US Ambassador to the Republic of Korea; Dr. Sang-Chul Kim, former Mayor of the City of Seoul; Dr. William Chace, President, Emory University; U.S. Army General William Livsey (Ret.); Mr. John Hemby, Executive Vice President, Southern Company; Dr. Wan-Kyu Cho, former President, Seoul National University; and Mr. Sunny K. Park, CEO, General Building Maintenance, Inc.

Chair Emeritus and Past Chairs

Chair Emeritus: Dr. James Laney, former US Ambassador to Korea

Chair 1996-2000: Dr. William Chace, President, Emory University

Chair 2000-2004: Dr. Wayne Clough, President, Georgia Institute of Technology

Chair 2004-2009: Dr. Betty Siegel, President, Kennesaw State University

Chair 2009-2016: General Larry Ellis, Commanding General, U.S. Army Forces Command (Ret.)

AKFS is a nonprofit and nonpolitical organization www.USKorea.org .

Thanks to Our Sponsors

The Blake Family Foundation

$25,000 REWARD—WANTED: 2023 KOREAN AMERICAN HEROES

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 14:04:00 GMT

$25,000 Reward—Wanted: Korean American Heroes

From all over the world every day, immigrants to the United States arrive to achieve their American Dream, to make the most of the unique possibilities that the United States grants for all. For its part, the United States must work hard to maintain our country as the Land of Opportunity. To keep this system going, we desperately need immigrants who will become U.S. patriots and provide willing service for their neighbors and their new nation.

As more and more Americans of Korean ancestry serve their neighbors and the United States, the reputation of Korean Americans as an ethnic group has risen. One day—hopefully soon—the respect we’ve earned will result in our becoming an integral part of this nation. Indeed, countless numbers of patriots in the Korean American community have served their adopted nation in significant ways.

The American Korean Friendship Society (USKorea.org), an affiliate of Good Neighboring Foundation, in the last several years has recognized seven individuals with the New American Hero Award and the $25,000 that comes with it. The time has arrived again to find more Americans of Korean ancestry who have served the United States in a significant manner and made all Americans proud.

Look around you. If you identify such an individual, please nominate that person for the New American Hero Award . The objective of the award is to recognize patriotic deeds by Korean immigrants to America—to inspire and encourage all fellow citizens to make contributions that ultimately benefit and serve the needs of this nation. Submit your nomination in free format with supporting information. To avoid refutes, we excluded meritorious with pay or treatments from the nomination process.

Submit your nominations and questions to email: greaterhr@aol.com

AKFS 3835 Presidential Parkway, 200, Atlanta, GA 30340

Please share this announcement even you have no one to nominate.

한인계 미국인 영웅을 찿습니다 .

아메리칸 드림을 이루고저 세계 각처에서 날마다 미국에 이민자들이 도착 하고 있습니다. 이들은 “기회의 땅” 미국만이 주는 특성과 시스템을 활용하여 미국의 주민으로 터전을 잡아 갑니다.

한편, 미국은, 계속적으로 세계인들에게 “기회의 땅” 으로 남기 위해서 미국의 그 특성과 가치, 그리고 시스템을 유지 향상 시켜야 할 필요가 있으며, 이를 위한 이민자들의 애국을 갈망 하고 있습니다. 이렇한 미국의 기대에 봉사와 혁혁한 공로로 부응한 한인계 미국인들이 많이 있습니다. 한국계인 이분들의 공로로 인해서 코리언 아메리칸의 미국 이웃에서의 평판이 높아졌습니다. 그 보이지 않는 혜택은, 우리들과 우리들의 자녀들에게 고르게 돌아 갑니다. 우리들은, 한인들이 미국에서 충성하는 에트닉 그룹으로 주변에서 인정 받게 되면 그것이 우리들이 미국의 실세로 발전을 하게 하는 지름길이라고 알고 있습니다.

이를 한인사회에 고취 하기 위해서 좋은이웃되기운동 의 일환인 한미우호협회 (USKorea.org) 에서는, 매년 미국발전에 혁혁한 공로를 세운 한인계 미국인에게 New American Hero Award 을 수여 합니다. 함께, 기부금 25,000불이 부상으로 수여 되기도 합니다. 어려운 조건 속에서도 미국과 이웃에서 존경을 받게된 이분들의 숭고한 애국을 감사 드리고, 다른 한국계 미국인들의 미국 이웃과 미국 충성을 격려 하고저 하는 단순한 목적을 갖고 있습니다. 아래에서 보실수 있드시 우리는 이미 지난 수년간 일곱분의 한인계 영웅을 발굴하고 시상을 했습니다. 우리는 이제, 2023년도 영웅상을 받을분들을 찾고 있습니다.

주변을 돌아봐 주십시요. 한인계 미국시민으로 미국, 미국 사회에 순수한 봉사와 혁혁한 공을 세워 우리들 한인계 이민사회의 위상을 높게 올려준 인사를 아시고 계십니까? 저희 한미우호협회에 영문 추천서와 증빙 자료를 보내 주시기 바랍니다. 참고로, 논박을 예방 하기 위하여 보수 또는 대우를 받기 위해 세운 공로는 선발 대상에서 제외하고 있습니다.

추천서 보내실곳 : greaterhr@aol.com

AKFS 3835 Presidential Parkway, 200, Atlanta, GA 30340

Honoring Korean War Heroes

Sun, 26 Jul 2020 15:23:00 GMT

American Korean Friendship Society, Chairman Frank Blake, and President Sunny Park, Inviting all Korean War Veterans and Family Members to the 2019 Annual Korean War Commemoration and Wreath Laying Ceremony at 10 AM Friday 26 July 2019 at Korean American Community Center located 5900 Brook Hollow Parkway, Norcross, Georgia. A special limited edition of the silver star Korean flag polo shirt, below picture, will be presented to every Korean War Veterans attending. Please join the luncheon catered by Petite Violette after the Commemoration.

INTRODUCTION TO NEW AMERICAN HERO AWARD

Fri, 03 May 2019 16:05:00 GMT

Purpose: The American Korean Friendship Society Inc. (AKFS) is a nonprofit (81-1408283 IRS Code 501(c) (3) and nonpolitical civic organization founded in 1996 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Society’s purpose is to celebrate and strengthen the unique relationship between the peoples of the Republic of Korea and the United States of America.

New American Hero Award (NAHA ): The Society presents its New American Hero Award at its annual banquet. The award is made to Americans of Korean ancestry who have contributed in a significant and noteworthy way to the United States and who have made the immigrant community proud. Past recipients have included the following:

Board of Directors and Staff: Mr. Frank Blake, Chairman of AKFS, chairman, Delta Air Lines; General Burwell (B. B.) Bell, retired commanding general, US Forces in Korea; Mr. Don Chapman, chairman, ChapCo Investments; Judge Miles Davis, US Magistrate Court, Florida; General Larry Ellis, retired Commanding General, US Army Forces Command; Mr. Jay Eun, Chairman, Golden Stella Inc.; Mr. Paul T. Kim, Vice President, AKFS, Senior Attorney, SEC; Consul General Young-jun Kim, Consul General, Korea ( ex officio ); Mr. Bartow Morgan, Chairman/CEO, Brand Banking Company; Mr. Sam Olens, former Attorney General, Georgia; Mr. Sunny K. Park, president of AKFS, CEJ, GBM; Dr. Roger Tuttero, economist, KSU; Mr. David Kang, Treasurer; Ms. Jessica Ahn Kang, Event Director

Founders: The following founders of the American Korean Friendship Society are concerned citizens of both nations who value the unique and precious relationship between the two countries. Founding committee chair: Marine Corps General and Medal of Honor recipient Raymond G. Davis (ret.); Dr. James Laney, US ambassador to the Republic of Korea; Dr. Sang-chul Kim, former mayor of Seoul; Dr. William Chace, president, Emory University; U.S. Army General William Livsey (ret.); John Hemby, executive vice president, Southern Company; Dr. Wan-kyu Cho, former president, Seoul National University; and Sunny K. Park, CEO, GBM.

Chairpersons Emeritus:

Dr. James Laney, former US ambassador to Korea

Founding Chairman 1996–2000: Dr. William Chace, president, Emory University

Chairman, 2000–2004: Dr. Wayne Claugh, president, Georgia Tech

Chairwoman, 2004–2008: Dr. Betty Siegel, President, Kennesaw State University

Chairman, 2008–2016: General Larry Ellis, U.S. Army, retired.

New American Hero Award Honors U.S. Marine Special Operations

Fri, 25 Jan 2019 16:44:00 GMT

Sandy Springs, Jan 25, 2019 — The Korean American Friendship Society host its annual New American Hero Awards Gala at the Westin Perimeter North Atlanta Hotel. Over 200 guests including community, business, and legislative leaders attended the gala.

The Society presented a Lifetime Achievement Award to Jay K. Eun, a long-time AKFS Board member of AKFS and an active leader in the Korean American community for his dedication and selfless service to the community over the years.

The 2019 New American Hero Award was presented to Major General Daniel D. Yoo, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) for his service and contribution to the Marine Corps and the country.

The award came along with a $10,000 cash prize which Major General Yoo donated to Semper Fi Fund, a foundation dedicated to Marine Corp veterans. Accepting the donation on behalf of Semper Fi Fund is Laura Castellvi, Community Outreach of Semper Fi.

“I am proud to witness the impact of the Awards has made over the years. It recognize the sacrifices and contributions made by these hardworking individuals who never seek the limelight and continue their excellences daily,” said Frank Blake, Chairman of American Korean Friendship Society, Delta Airlines, and Grady Memorial Hospital.

Ambassador Thomas Hubbard who has served as former Ambassador to South Korea from 2001-2004 delivers the keynote address for the evening. Ambassador Hubbard, who is also the Chairman of The Korea Society, shared his insights on the recent US-North Korea Summit in Singapore and latest development in Korean affairs.

“The New American Hero Award has set a new standard in recognizing the sacrifices and contribution made by Korean American to this great country of USA. I am proud to be part of the program as it brings me joy to witness these heroes who dedicated their lives in service to the community and our great country,” said Sunny K. Park, President of the Korean American Friendship Society.

2019 New American Hero Award Dinner Celebration

Fri, 25 Jan 2019 16:15:00 GMT

6 PM Friday, 25 January 2019

American Korean Friendship Society Announces Recipients of 2019 New American Hero Award and Lifetime Achievement Award

Fri, 04 Jan 2019 18:57:00 GMT

The American Korean Friendship Society (AKFS) has announced its 2019 New American Hero Award winner.

AKFS presents the award each year to an American of Korean ancestry who has made significant and noteworthy contributions to the United States and has made his fellow Korean-Americans proud. The purpose of the award is to recognize the awardee’s patriotism for the United States, and to encourage other immigrants to follow in the awardee’s footsteps. The Award comes with a $10,000 donation to an appropriate cause or nonprofit.

This year’s honoree is the leader of the elite Marine Raiders, 2019 NAHA Award Recipient Major General Daniel Yoo, Commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, or MARSOC. Major General Daniel Yoo, former acting commander of the First Marine Division, is the highest ranking Korean-American general officer in the United States military. “2019 NAHA Selection Committee did an extraordinary job to elect a great American patriot and leader as this year’s NAHA awardee” AKFS chairman Frank Blake praised the selection of Major General Yoo.

For more information on Major General Daniel Yoo, see
https://www.marsoc.marines.mil/Leaders/Biography/Article/1599167/major-general-daniel-d-yoo/

AKFS will also recognize Mr. Jay Eun, former Chairman of the Korean-American Association of Greater Atlanta, with its Lifetime Achievement Award. Jay Eun has served as a board member, volunteer and supporter of AKFS since 2002. Jay Eun, the founder and CEO of Golden Stella, is one of most respected leaders in the Korean-American community and is well known for his selfless service to the community. See https://gasiantimes.com/gat-25-2/jay-eun .

The annual Award dinner will be held at the Westin Atlanta Perimeter North at 6:00 p.m. on January 25, 2019. Thomas Hubbard, former diplomat and U. S. Ambassador to South Korea and the Philippines, will deliver the keynote speech.

As more and more Americans of Korean ancestry serve their community and the United States, Korean-Americans are viewed as an increasingly valuable ethnic group. Indeed, countless patriots in the Korean-American community have served their adopted nation in significant ways. The American Korean Friendship Society has recognized nine individuals in the past with its New American Hero Award.

• Dr. Tom Kim of Knoxville, Tennessee, who founded the Free Clinic for Working Poor and has been operating the Clinic for over two decades.

• Lieutenant Colonel John Oh , medical doctor and U.S. Army general surgeon, for his heroic service for his country to include service in Afghanistan, where he performed emergency surgery removing an unexploded rocket propelled grenade (RPG) protruding from a wounded soldier’s body.

• Dr. Samuel “Sammy” Lee , the first Asian-American to win an Olympic Gold Medal for the United States, and the first man to win back-to-back gold medals (1948 and 1952) in Olympic platform diving.

• Jason Pak , West Point graduate, Captain of the U.S. Army (Ret.) and an elite Ranger, who was wounded by an improvised explosive device (IED) in Afghanistan and serves as an inspiration for veterans and civilians alike.

• James Suh (March 2, 1977 – June 28, 2005), U.S. Navy SEAL, who was part of a dedicated Naval Special Warfare team fighting the Taliban and volunteered to go on a mission to rescue his fellow SEAL members who were trapped by insurgent fire. He was one of 16 troops killed when an MH-47 Chinook helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan.

• US. Army Colonel Young-Oak Kim (January 29, 1919 – December 29, 2005), a highly decorated U.S. Army combat veteran of World War II and the Korean War, a civic leader and humanitarian. He was a member of the U.S. 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and a combat leader in Italy and France during World War II.

• Dr. Peter Meong Rhee , chief of acute care surgery and medical director of the Marcus Trauma Center, is an American surgeon, medical professor, and military veteran. During his 24 years in the U.S. Navy, Rhee served as a battlefield casualty physician in Afghanistan and Iraq.

• Steve Stirling , a Korean-born American, is the president/CEO of the Medicine Assistant Program (MAP) International, a Christian global health organization that provides medicine, prevents disease, and promotes health in some of the world’s poorest countries. MAP International has provided more than $6 billion in medicine and health supplies to communities in need since its inception in 1954.

• Byung J. “BJay” Pak is the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia. The district includes 46 counties in Georgia, including the cities of Atlanta, Gainesville, Rome, and Newnan. Mr. Pak had previously served as an Assistant U.S. attorney in the Northern District of Georgia and a member of the Georgia House of Representatives. BJay has been an extraordinary role model for Asian Americans.

STEVE STIRLING (2018)

Sat, 03 Feb 2018 17:18:00 GMT

Steve Stirling, a Korean-born American, is the president/CEO of the Medicine Assistance Program (MAP) International, a Christian global health organization that provides medicines, prevents disease, and promotes health in some of the world’s poorest countries. MAP International has provided more than $6 billion in medicines and health supplies to communities in need since its inception in 1954. Under Steve’s leadership, MAP is recognized for its stewardship by charity watchdogs, each year achieving the highest ratings from the Better Business Bureau, Charity Navigator, CNBC, ECFA, and Forbes magazine. Steve is a role model to immigrants as a passionate volunteer and as a corporate leader and is admired by many Americans.

Steve’s extraordinary passion as a volunteer and leader has served as an inspiration and model for Asian Americans in the field of charitable endeavors.

BYUNG J. “BJAY” PAK (2018)

Sat, 03 Feb 2018 17:11:00 GMT

Byung J. “BJay” Pak, a Korean-born American, is the U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Georgia. The district includes 46 counties in Georgia, including the cities of Atlanta, Gainesville, Rome, and Newnan, and a population of more than six million. BJay had served as an assistant U.S. attorney in the Northern District of Georgia. “Bjay brings the passion and expertise required for this role, and I have full confidence that he will make Georgians proud as he works to protect their interests and enforce the rule of law,” said U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson. BJay certainly is a role model patriot to Americans and particularly to immigrants. BJay has been an extraordinary model for Asian Americans, whether recent immigrants or lifelong US citizens, in his public and government service.

HAN CHOI (2017)

Sun, 03 Dec 2017 17:20:00 GMT

Han Choi, Lifetime Achievement Award: The late Han Choi, partner at Ballard Spahr, is being recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his leadership and passion for community services over two decades. Han assisted the State of Georgia by helping Korean companies to invest in Georgia. Han’s volunteer works include the College Football Hall of Fame, Atlanta International Women’s House, Georgia Center for Nonprofits, and Decatur Education Foundation.

YOUNG-OAK KIM (2016)

Thu, 03 Nov 2016 16:23:00 GMT

Young-Oak Kim (2016 New American Hero Award – Colonel Young-Oak Kim, US Army)

Colonel Young-Oak Kim, US Army김영옥 대령 (1919 – December 29, 2005), a highly decorated U.S. Army combat veteran of World War II and the Korean War and a civic leader and humanitarian. He was a member of the U.S. 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and a combat leader in Italy and France during World War II. He was awarded 19 medals, including the Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, two Bronze Stars, three Purple Hearts, a Bronze Medal of Military Valor, a Légion d’honneur, a Croix de guerre, and (posthumously) the Korean Taeguk Cordon of the Order of Military Merit. After his military career, Kim dedicated his life to public service and was an active founder and leader of several non-profit organizations for underserved communities throughout Southern California. He died of cancer at the age of 86. In May 2016, members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus held a press conference, organized by the Council of Korean Americans, to call on President Barack Obama to posthumously award Kim the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Mr. Sam Yoon, President, the Council of Korean Americans will receive the award as a beneficiary.

PETER RHEE (2016)

Mon, 03 Oct 2016 16:25:00 GMT

Dr. Peter Rhee 피터 리 박사,Chief of Acute Care Surgery and Medical Director of the Marcus Trauma Center, is an American surgeon, medical professor, and military veteran. During his 24 years in the United States Navy, Rhee served as a battlefield casualty physician in Afghanistan and Iraq. As of June 2016, Dr. Rhee has been Grady Memorial Hospital’s new Chief of Acute Care Surgery and Medical Director of the Marcus Trauma Center. Dr. Rhee comes to Grady from the University of Arizona where he served as Chief of Trauma, Critical Care, Burn and Emergency Surgery and was a professor of surgery. In January 2011, Rhee was the attending physician to U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona, as well as other victims of the 2011 Tucson shooting. A 1983 summa cum laude graduate of Georgia Tech with a Bachelor of Science in Health System Engineering, Rhee received his medical degree from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland.

JASON PAK (2015)

Mon, 03 Aug 2015 16:30:00 GMT

Captain Jason Pak traveled the world as an Army brat. In 2007, he received an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, graduating in May 2011 with a degree in systems engineering in 2011, proceeding to both Airborne and Ranger schools. Jason went on to field artillery school and deployed to Afghanistan in October 2012. On December 12, 2012, an IED (improvised explosive device) blast claimed both his legs and two of his fingers. Today, Jason is employed by the Boeing Company as Manager for Army Weapons Systems in Government Operations. He’s also active in sharing his story through inspirational speaking and plans to return to school. “Everybody goes through difficulties in life,” Jason says. “The only thing is that my injuries are more visible than others. I’m very fortunate for the fact I’m here today. I truly think I’ve become 10 times more mature and more thankful for what I have, and I’m never really upset by things I don’t have. I have absolutely no regrets. I’m happy it happened to me and not to one of my guys.”

JAMES SUH (2015)

Mon, 03 Aug 2015 16:27:00 GMT

Suh was part of a dedicated Naval Special Warfare team fighting the Taliban. Suh worked to help ensure al Qaeda terrorists could not train in, nor launch strikes from Afghanistan since their lethal attack on the World Trade Center in New York on September 11, 2001.James Suh was a U.S.-born citizen of Korean immigrants. He excelled in math at the University of Florida but decided to join the Navy when he graduated. He was concerned about telling his father that he wanted to be a Navy SEAL rather than pursue a more secure future in business. A friend recounted that Suh wanted to defend a country he loved so much, and that his father took the decision better than James had expected. Suh was one of 16 troops killed when a MH-47 Chinook helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan on June 28, 2005 on a daring daylight mission to reinforce an outnumbered four-man SEAL reconnaissance squad in 8,000-foot mountainous terrain.

SAMMY LEE (2013)

Wed, 03 Jul 2013 16:42:00 GMT

Sammy Lee (2013 New American Hero Award – Dr. Sammy Lee

Good Neighboring Foundation presented the New American Hero Award to Dr. Sammy Lee at America Korea Friendship Society 2013 annual banquet at Renaissance Waverly Hotel on March 2.2013.

Dr. Sammy Lee was honored with the 2013 New American Hero Award by America Korea Friendship Society (AKFS) affiliated to Good Neighboring Foundation at a banquet.

Dr. Lee who is currently 92 years old was the first Asian American to win an Olympic gold medal for the United States and the first man to win back-to-back gold medals in Olympic platform diving.

General (Retired) Larry Ellis, Chairman of AKFS, awarded the new American Hero Award along with a $10,000 cash check to Dr. Lee. The cash award will be donated by Dr. Lee to the University of Southern California fund for building a new aquatic and diving center.

In a moving speech, a former trainee of Colonel (Retired) Jim Stapleton recounts the inspiration and training given to him in diving. Col. Stapleton saluted Dr. Lee’s accomplishment and the inspiration that instilled in him as a young man.
In another surprise ceremony, AD Frazier, former COO of the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Committee, shared insights and spirit of the 1996 Games. He later presented the Korean national flag which flew at the 1996 Olympics to Sunny K. Park. President of AKFS as a gift.
“This is a wonderful gift that should belong to the Korean American community in Georgia. I want to present it to Korean American Association of Greater Atlanta for their safekeeping,” said Sunny K. Park.

In a moving acceptance speech, Dr. Lee shared stories of perseverance amidst difficulties, especially relating to racial discrimination towards him as an Asian American.
While pursuing his dream of diving, Dr. Lee faced many obstacles including a regular practice venue as non-whites were not allowed to use the public pool except one day each week before the pool was scheduled to be drained and refilled with clean water. As a result, his coach dug a pit in his backyard and filled it with sand so that he could practice by jumping into the pit.

Dr. Lee achieved his dream of winning medals at the Olympic by becoming the first non-white diving champion in the U.S. He won the gold medal in the 10m platform diving and the bronze medal in springboard diving in the 1948 games. He defended his title in the 1952 games, winning the gold medal in the 10m platform diving.
His accomplishment was not limited to the athletic fields. Dr. Lee was a student-athlete at the University of Southern California School of Medicine, where he received his M.D. in 1947. He served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps in Korea from 1053-1955, where he specialized in the diseases of the ear.
In 1953, while serving his tour of duty in Korea, he won the James E. Sullivan Award, which is awarded annually by the Amateur Athletic Union to the most outstanding amateur athlete in the United States.
Dr. Lee went on to coach Olympic divers including Pat McCormick, Bob Webster, and Greg Louganis. He is a member of the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame.
He urged young Korean Americans to embrace and be proud of their Korean heritage. He shared his personal experience where his father advise him to dream bigger and strive boldly towards his goal.

“Son. if you are not proud of the shaper of your eyes and the color of your skin, then who can respect you?’ recalls the advice given to him by his father.
Source: Georgia Asian Times (3/2/2013)

JOHN OH (2011)

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 17:18:00 GMT

John Oh (2011 New American Hero Award – LTC John Oh)
Good Neighboring Foundation presented the New American Hero Award to Lieutenant Colonel John S. Oh at America Korea Friendship Society 2011 annual banquet at Renaissance Waverly Hotel on April 16, 2011.

LTC Oh, currently the Associate Director of the Trauma Program at Landsthul Regional Medical Center flew in
from Germany in time to accept the award from the Foundation.

Lt. Colonel Oh was recognized for his heroic actions where he removed an unexploded rocket-propelled grenade from a wounded soldier. The soldier, Channing Moss, was impaled by a live RPG during Taliban ambush while on patrol at the Afghanistan/Pakistan border.
LTC Oh. a Korean immigrant who became a naturalized citizen and went to West Point, removed the live round with the help of volunteers and a member of the explosive ordinance disposal team. Moss has undergone six operations but is recovering well at home in Gainesville,
Georgia.

“I have the best job in the world. Everyday, I help save the lives of heroes who defended our country.” said LTC Oh in his acceptance speech. Oh was presented a crystal plaque and a $10,000 check where he proceeded to donate it to a non-profit organization. Wounded Warrior Project.

Channing Moss, the wounded soldier was on hand to meet and salute the New American Hero.
“I am extremely proud of LTC Oh’s exemplary devotion as an American soldier. He is a shining example as an American and an aspiring role model to our entire community.” said Sunny K. Park, Founder of Good Neighboring Foundation and president of The American Korea Friendship Society, sponsors of the evening’s award.
General James D. Thurman, Commander of the Army’s largest organization was on hand to deliver the evening’s keynote speech. General Thurman is expected to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the next Commanding General of US forces in South Korea.
“In the great tradition of partnership between U.S. and Korea people, I look forward to working with the South Korean government and military,” said General Thurman.
He later also recognizes a group of Korean War veterans attending the evening’s banquet.

The evening s banquet was also attended by a business delegation from Seongdong Gu, a county adjacent to Seoul metropolitan. The business delegation was led by Mayor J.D. Goh to visit Cobb County, where it has recently established a sister-city relationship.

<I_TC John Oh (center) hold 2011 New
American Hero Award. Mr. Sunny Park
(right). Founder and Secretary General of
Good Neighboring Campaign*

Source: Georgia Asian Times
(4/18/2011), KAmerican Post
Click HERE to watch video on 2011 New American Hero Award !!

<Press Release- 2011 New American Hero Award>

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 24, 2011
Good Neighboring Foundation. Inc.
CONTACT: Joshua Lee. 770-452-8039, Jlee@Goodneighboring.org

Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) John Oh, Medical Doctor, of the U S. Army is the 2011 New American Hero of the Year.

Good Neighboring Foundation, Inc. — a nonprofit organization based in Atlanta. GA — announced its 2011 New American Hero of the Year to recognize Dr. Oh’s heroic service to his new nation and its people, his contribution to the United States as an American of Korean ancestry, and his position as a role model for all Americans.

The Foundation’s Executive Committee unanimously selected Lieutenant Colonel John Oh to receive the award for 2011. “We are pleased to select LTC Oh for this year’s award; it, for sure, was not an easy task as there were several great nominees,” said Sunny K. Park, the Founder and Executive Director of the Good Neighboring Foundation.

Good Neighboring Foundation (GNF) stated, in granting Dr. Oh this honor, “We. on behalf of Americans of Korean ancestry, want to recognize LTC John Oh for his exemplary devotion to advancing the cause of Americans of Korean ancestry through his heroic service as an American soldier. He is a shining example as an American, and an inspiring role model to our entire community.”

GNF selects an American of Korean ancestry as needed who has made a significant contribution to the United States, and who makes the immigrant community proud. Past recipient of the New American Hero of the Year award was Dr. Tom Kim of Knoxville. TN, who founded the Free Clinic for Working Poor and who has operated the clinic for more than eleven years.

The award ceremony will be held during the America Korea Friendship Society annual event 7 PM Saturday April 16, 2011 at Renaissance Waverly Hotel, Marietta, Georgia.

Good Neighboring Foundation (GNF) activities began in 2000 with two major goals: (1) to stimulate Asian American immigrants and motivate them to become an integral part of American communities, and (2) to encourage Asian immigrants, starting with Korean Americans, to use their heritage, values and resources for the betterment of the United States. For more information, please visit www.GoodNeighboring.org

Background of the 2011 Award Recipient

On March 16, 2007, Alpha Company platoon had set out from Forward Operating Base Tillman around 8 a m. for a meeting with tribal leaders near the Pakistan border. Channing Moss,
then a private first class, was manning a Mark 19 machine gun in the turret of his up-armored Humvee when Afghan forces attacked his unit.

Tom Ki m (I efl), Awardee of the 1 st New American Hero Award in 2005 and LTCJohnOh.

Moss was turning his machine gun turret to return fire when the first of three rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) rounds to strike his vehicle exploded on the truck commander’s door. Staff Sgt.
Eric Wynn yelled at the driver to get out of the kill zone, but ‘that’s when we got hit again.” A projectile bored into Moss’s left hip at a downward angle, tearing through his lower abdomen.

The tip of the device stopped just short of breaking through the skin on Moss’s upper right thigh. Wynn, with the tip of his nose sheared off and his tom upper lip hanging loosely, radioed his lieutenant.

The attack was over in seconds. Moss was on the verge of death, impaled through the abdomen with an RPG. An aluminum rod with one tail fin protruded from the left side of his torso.

As the medical team lifted off in its Black Hawk helicopter for the 10-minute flight to the battle scene, all they knew was that urgent casualties awaited them and that the area was hot. On touchdown, flight medic Sgt. John Collier jumped out and sped toward the wounded to assess the situation. When the medics and a helicopter crew saw Moss, there was only one choice. They said. “Yeah, we gotta get this guy to the hospital.”

At the moment, everyone was focused on the new mission,” Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jorge Correa said. “I know we risked our lives to save Pfc. Moss, but there was no hesitation. I didn’t really think about it until a couple of days later, but it was like, ^Wow, we had live ordnance on the helicopter.'”

John Oh, 759th Forward Surgical Team general surgeon and a major at the time, recalled that the delicacy of the situation wasn’t truly apparent until they began cutting away Moss’s combat uniform and unraveling all the gauze bandages.

Protocol, as far as Oh knew, dictated that someone in Moss’ condition be placed in a sandbagged bunker and listed as ‘expectant,” meaning that he would be expected to die because nothing could be done for him. Despite military protocol, Oh proceeded, warning the volunteers that the surgery could cost everyone their lives. Dr. Oh then began operating to extract the ordnance from Moss’ booby-trapped body. One wrong move could kill the patient and the entire medical team.

Still conscious, Moss assumed the worst. “I didn’t know they had put anesthesia in my IV. I was blacking out, and I thought I was dying. I thought they were just going to leave me.”

Major Oh and the team decided that the device would have to be removed by pulling it through in the direction it had traveled. Oh opened up Moss so that the extent of damage to his abdomen and the path of the projectile could be assessed. The damage was extensive. Moss’s intestines had been shredded, his pelvic bone crushed, and he had lost a lot of blood. However, no major organs were disturbed.

EOD technician Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Brown began sawing off the tail fin, which protruded just above Moss’s left hip. Brown said Moss needed to remain calm and steady, but the situation was frightening, with everyone in the room wide-eyed, staring at each other. Using his scalpel for the most delicate incision of his life. Oh took the next step and cut the skin on Moss’s right thigh where the tip of the device came to rest. Then, as if delivering a ticking baby time bomb. Brown gently and steadily eased the blood-covered metal tube from Moss’ body. Breathing sighs of relief. Dr. Oh and the medical team patched up what remained of Moss’ lower abdomen so he could be airlifted.

Personal safety took a backseat that day to saving Moss. The bravery, quick thinking, and nerves of steel of Dr. Oh and the others involved enabled Pfc. Moss to attend the birth of his second daughter, Ariana, just three months later.

Moss commended the soldiers who saved his life that day. “I don’t think there has been a day in the last year and a half that I haven’t thought about them, that I haven’t prayed for them. They saved my life.”

TOM KIM (2005)

Sun, 03 Apr 2005 17:41:00 GMT

Tom Kim (2005 New American Hero Award – Dr. Tom Kim)
ln 2005 GNC awarded Dr. Tom Yoo-Keun Kim, founder of the Free Clinic of America in Knoxville. TN, New American Hero Award.

<Dr. Tom Kim, Founder of the Free Clinic of America>

Press Release- 2005 New American Hero Award

For Immediate Release September 21, 2005
Good Neighboring Campaign’s 2005 New American Hero Award Goes to Dr. Tom Yoo-Keun Kim, founder of the Free Clinic of America in Knoxville, TN.

Good Neighboring Campaign will present the New American Hero Award to Dr. Tom Kim of Knoxville, TN. Former ambassador to Korea James Laney will present the award during the annual dinner of the 2005 Korean American Forum. Marriott Hotel Century Center, Atlanta. GA at 7 PM. September 23, 2005.

Good Neighboring Campaign, a self-funding nonprofit organization based in Atlanta, GA selects an American of Korean ancestry to brighten the image of the Korean American community by active serving the local community.

Korean American Forum is an annual event to discuss the issues and have brainstorming sessions to find acceptable and practical solutions to bring Korean Americans more into U.S. society. Despite the difficulty of communicating and assimilating, the Korean Americans wants to participate in community affairs more and utilize the ethnic values and strengths of our new nation. The Forum to draw a road map for the community, set priorities, and give community members dear direction on how to proceed as an integral American ethnic group — with the focus on American — not as a group of Korean visitors to America.

“Dr. Kim served the local community in the name of Free Clinic of America for over ten years. His volunteer services stimulated other Americans of Korean ancestry to do more services in the communities. We. Korean immigrants brought so much value to this nation and we are so proud to realize that we are using it We want to recognize the invisible benefit we received from Dr. Kim’s volunteer services’’ said Sunny Park the founder and secretary-general of Good Neighboring Campaign.

The award stated in the award “We, on behalf of the Americans of Korean ancestry want to recognize Dr. Tom Kim’s exemplary devotion to advancing the cause of Americans of Korean ancestry through his patriotic volunteer service at Free Clinic of America. And. he is a shining example as an American, and an inspiring role model to our entire community.”

Dr. Tom Kim was bom 10 miles south of P yongyang in Juny Hwa, North Korea. In 1951 Kim and his family fled North Korea to South Korea where he lived until 1961. In 1961 his family left South Korea for a life in the United States. He returned to South Korea later for medical school at Severance Medical School in Seoul. In 1983 he opened a private practice in Knoxville, Tennessee where he specializes in internal medicine, hematology, and oncology. In 1993 he founded the Free Medical Clinic of America followed by the Free Briceville Medical Clinic in 2002. In 2001 Kim became the president of the Knoxville Area Korean Association. As president, he raised funds for a Korean War memorial to be built in Knoxville. On Memorial Day of 2003, the American Korean War Memorial was unveiled at the Tennessee Veterans Cemetery on Lyons View Pike. Congressman John Duncan has honored Kim for his dedication to the community, and in 2002 WBIR-TV Channel 10 awarded Kim with the National Jefferson Award for his dedication to the free clinics he has established in Knoxville.

The free clinic opens for working poor without health insurance
“It’s scary not having insurance,” said Mary Lilly.

Friday, Tenncare would have covered her visit to a doctor. Monday, that visit would have cost her $75 she simply did not have.

Behind a wall and some glass sit a group of professionals. Some are in the medical world. Others are in the legal world.
A few even work on mortgages. Right now, they are all healers, praying for the power to help a whole lot of people in
need.

“It’s our first day,” said Laura Lee. a volunteer at the Free Medical Clinic of America. “Things are frantic.” The clinic is an all-volunteer organization that takes patients via appointment. The rules are few but important.

Patients must be working and either has U S. Citizenship or the proper paperwork to be in the states. Mary Lilly is both, the first former Tenncare recipient to walk through the doors.

“It was really scary cause I know all the problems I have,” she said pulling out about 20 pill bottles. “When this runs out, I don’t know what I’m going to do.””Everybody says America is the number one nation in the world,” he said. ”1 don’t see why American individuals can’t pay attention to illness because of no insurance.”
More than 20 other doctors are volunteering their time at the clinic, which Dr. Kim hopes will convince others to help out in whatever way possible.
“It’s time to love each other and help each other,” he said. “Let’s play ball here.”
Dan Farkas , Reporter / Last updated: 8/2/2005 3:55:38 PM