United on the Rok

17/11/2023

"There are a number of service members in the U.S. Army who have a legacy of generational service. LTC Jason Luckey, Commander of 304th Expeditionary Signal Battalion-Enhanced, is one of those service members. He comes from a military family to include close and distant relatives who have served in the Armed Forces. This includes his father who served 24 years, eight of which were served in the Republic of Korea. Additionally, his grandfather served 17 months during the Korean War."

By Moneé Luckey

By Moneé Luckey There are a number of service members in the U.S. Army who have a legacy of generational service. LTC Jason Luckey, Commander of 304th Expeditionary Signal Battalion-Enhanced, is on…

15/11/2023

Tracey Enerson Wood is a playwright, screenwriter and novelist. She has authored magazine columns and other non-fiction, written and directed plays of all lengths. She is an international and USA Today best-selling author of three novels: The Engineer’s Wife, The War Nurse, and The President’s Wife. Her two military-themed books, Homefront Cooking, Recipes, Wit, And Wisdom from American Veterans and Their Loved Ones and Life Hacks for Military Spouses raise money for veterans and first responders and make excellent gifts.

By Caitlin Ward

Internationally Best-Selling Author of The Engineer’s Wife, The War Nurse, and The President’s Wife By Caitlin Ward racey Enerson Wood is a playwright, screenwriter and novelist. She has authored m…

13/11/2023

Looking for a new cafe or food spot to check out near Seoul? Erin shares a great cafe and lunch spot in the Yeonnam area of Seoul.

https://unitedontherok.com/good-for-the-seoul-a-day-date/

Good for the Seoul: A Day Date by Erin Henderson about Cafe Nap Roasters and Thanks, Oat, written for United on the RoK.

10/11/2023

John F. Behrend, Master Gunnery Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.) on Service, Retirement Services, and Recruitment

https://unitedontherok.com/john-f-behrend-master-gunnery-sergeant-u-s-marine-corps-ret/

On Service, Retirement Services, and Recruitment By Caitlin Ward John F. Behrend is a retired Master Gunnery Sergeant, which is the 9th and highest enlisted grade in the United States Marine Corps.…

09/11/2023

"It’s been nearly 900 days since I left my perch that overlooked that rice field on that foggy February morning. And in that time, I have learned to say ‘yes’ more slowly, because the amazing rock star feelings of being part of the humanitarian mission that COVID-19 brought me can never be replaced. And there are key lessons I will never forget-"

Jackie Williams

https://unitedontherok.com/looking-back-on-how-our-community-supported-each-other-during-covid-19/

By Jackie Williams “We do not remember days, we remember moments.” Italian Poet Cesare Pavese I can still see it now when I close my eyes, nearly three years later. I can see the rice fields o…

07/11/2023

How to Make a Korean Pancake
By Jungook Kim

Among Korean holiday foods, pancakes are an indispensable dish. The dish is super easy to make, and with the right amount of creativity, you can make pancakes your own.

Ingredients-
Pick your ingredients. Fish, meat, fresh vegetables, and crab sticks are typical ingredients. Tofu or mushrooms are also good ingredients.

Spam or salty ingredients are mixed with fresh ingredients, and most of them are eaten unseasoned by dipping them in the soy sauce or mustard sauce.

Notes
Crab meat is not the main dish. Crab is used for color matching red dishes.
If using pollack, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes, they are coated in flour and eggs without matching with other ingredients and then baked in a pan.
In the case of oysters or beef spam, use a skewer and grill it together with other ingredients in a pan.

Directions:
1) Cut all ingredients 5cm long and 1cm wide; lengthwise at right angles and season only vegetables with salt. In the case of pumpkin and vegetables, cut them into rounds.
2) Coat the ingredients in the order of flour and egg, add oil to a frying pan and cook.
3) In Korea, ingredients are put in a kkojaeng, but if you cannot do that, you can put them on a pan to fry.

01/11/2023

Looking for books to read for some new ideas or refreshers on familiar concepts? Check out these recommendations!

The Stuff: Unlock Your Power to Overcome Challenges, Soar, and Succeed, by Dr. Sampson Davis and Sharlee Jeter - Everyone also has the Stuff to overcome hardships, to survive and thrive. Learn how to better access and hone the eleven core elements of the Stuff and be inspired by real-world stories of triumph.

Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself, by Nedra Glover Tawwab - Boundaries are healthy for yourself and healthy for your relationships. Learn the simple and powerful ways to establish healthy boundaries in order to identify and express your needs clearly and without apology.

The Friendship Crisis: Finding, Making, and Keeping Friends When You're Not a Kid Anymore, by Marla Paul - Finding close friends as an adult isn’t easy. This book explores the keys to forming emotionally supportive and sustaining connections at every stage in life, through major life changes.

The Art of Gathering, by Priya Parker - The gatherings in our lives are lackluster and unproductive — and they don't have to be. Parker presents a human-centered approach to gathering that will help you create meaningful, memorable experiences, large and small, for work and for play.

Radical Candor, by Kim Scott - This business leadership book focuses on caring personally and challenging directly, soliciting criticism to improve your leadership, and providing guidance that helps others grow.

The War of Art, by Steven Pressfield - This guide provides inspiration for you to express your creativity and fight your greatest enemy, resistance.

31/10/2023

"Autumn in Korea has long been known as the season of “Cheongomabi,” which means that fall is the best season because all the grains are ripe and plentiful, the sky is clear and blue, and it is neither hot nor cold."

By Harry Shin

https://unitedontherok.com/what-i-love-about-fall-in-korea/

What I Love About Fall in Korea by Harry Shin for United on the RoK.

30/10/2023

"The nonprofit sector provides a unique platform to make a difference and contribute to causes that align with our values. Whether you want to assist with military reentry efforts or find homes for abandoned pets, there’s room in the sector for you to pursue the issue closest to your heart. In fact, there are 1.5 million nonprofit organizations in the U.S. and even more when you consider international organizations!

The CNP empowers military spouses to drive positive change by equipping us with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively address social challenges. With this credential, we can contribute meaningfully to nonprofit organizations, regardless of our location or the duration of our stay. Military spouses leave organizations better than they found them and the skills to do that are built within the CNP."

By Barb Perez, CNP

Empowering Military Spouses: How the Certified Nonprofit Professional Fuels a Fulfilling Career Journey, by Barb Perez, CNP for United on the RoK.

29/10/2023

Fall is in full swing! If you are still looking for some places to visit while the weather is cool, check out this article by Jetta Allen!

https://unitedontherok.com/places-to-fall-in-love-with-autumn-in-korea/

Places to Fall in Love With Autumn in Korea by Jetta Allen for United on the RoK.

26/10/2023

Save the Date!

26/10/2023

Is swimming with humpback whales on your bucket list? Make sure you check out this article by Dan Romano if so!

https://unitedontherok.com/swimming-with-humpback-whales-in-tonga/

Swimming with Humpback Whales in Tonga written by Dan Romano for United on the RoK.

25/10/2023

Looking to learn some basic Korean? Make sure you check out this article by Chris Pemberton.

A First Step Korean Course by Chris Pemberton.

24/10/2023

The leaves are changing and it's the perfect time of year to get out and explore! Here are six temples within two hours of Pyeongtaek that are worth checking out.

🖊📷: Erin Henderson

https://unitedontherok.com/check-out-a-temple-near-you/

Six must see Buddhist temples near Pyeongtaek, South Korea, written by Erin Henderson for United on the RoK.

19/10/2023

Have you checked out Biltong Box & Deli in the Ville? The pies are fantastic and so is David's story.

🖊Amy Millican

https://unitedontherok.com/thinking-outside-the-biltong-box-south-africa-to-south-korea/

Thinking Outside the “Biltong” Box, South Africa to South Korea by Amy Millican for United on the RoK.

16/10/2023

For any newcomers, welcome to Korea! Here is some information on shopping for groceries off post that might ease the burden on your wallet. And for those who have been here a while, the hotteok's are back at the 3/8 market!

https://unitedontherok.com/grocery-shopping-in-korea/

Tips for shopping for groceries off post near Camp Humphreys and Osan Air Base.

15/10/2023

Local Treasures: Sinheungsa Temple

Sinheungsa is one of two temples in Seoraksan National Park in Sokcho, Gangwon Province, South Korea. Sinheungsa is a head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and was founded under the name of Hyangseongsa Temple during the Silla dynasty by Buddhist monk Jajang. The temple was originally built at the site of Kensington Hotel but after being destroyed by fire several times, the temple was rebuilt at the present location during the Joseon dynasty. Located near the entrance to the park, the temple offers a temple stay which includes activities such as chanting, 109 bows, making a lotus lantern and more.

Address
1137, Seoraksan-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
강원도 속초시 설악산로 1137

By Caitlin Ward

13/10/2023

"Angel House is an orphanage for physically or/and mentally disabled people. It is located in Goyang City, South Korea. The founder Jang Soon-ok is called mum by all residents."

By Jung Won Jang

https://unitedontherok.com/angel-house-orphanage-creating-a-brighter-future/

Angel House is an orphanage for physically or/and mentally disabled people. It is located in Goyang City, South Korea.