United on the Rok

27/11/2023

Many of you have probably noticed the slowing down of posts and delay of the most recent issue. It is with great regret that we announce that the current October/November issue of United on the RoK will be our last issue. We will post our last few remaining articles online and will keep the website active for the near future.

Thank you for your support and readership over the past 18 months. We are so proud of the contribution United on the RoK has made to the USFK community and are immensely grateful to everyone who made our mission possible.

Sincerely,

Caitlin Ward & Erin Henderson

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.

12/10/2023

If you have been curious about Space A travel but are not sure where to start, make sure you check out this fantastic article on Space A by Missy Moore!

https://unitedontherok.com/why-space-a-travel-is-the-militarys-best-kept-secret-and-how-you-can-take-advantage-of-it/

Why Space-A Travel is the Military’s Best-Kept Secret, And How You Can Take Advantage of It by Missy Moore for United on the RoK.

11/10/2023

10/10/2023

I was born in Chongju city, Chung-buk province Korea in 1962. I am the youngest son of six siblings, five sons and one daughter.

I worked in the ROK military for about thirty years and retired honorably from the military as a Colonel.

I initially served as a infantry platoon leader in the Second Infantry Division and continued to work in various levels of units such as Commander of 3rd Railway, Commander of 32nd Highway, Movement Control Center of Transportation Command, Second ROK Army in Daegu, Chief of Transportation Plan Branch C4 CFC (ROK-US Combined Forces Command/Yongsan, Seoul), Chief Faculty of 2nd Trans Training School (Daegu), Commander of 662nd Medium Transportation Battalion ROK Port Operation Group (Pusan) of the Transportation Command, Transportation Operation Officer of the Second ROK Army (Daegu), and Transportation Plan and Support Chief of Staff 3rd Logistics Support Command (Incheon) of the Third ROK Army.
...Read the full article by Chong Tae Je, Colonel (Ret.), Republic of Korea Army below!

https://unitedontherok.com/my-commitment-to-faith-family-and-community/

By Chong Tae Je, Colonel (Ret.), Republic of Korea Army I was born in Chongju city, Chung-buk province Korea in 1962. I am the youngest son of six siblings, five sons and one daughter. I worked in …

05/10/2023

"Architecture requires walls and ceilings to protect humans from the external environment, inevitably forming exclusive boundaries from the exterior. In a garden, architecture can be created through borrowed scenery. Borrowed scenery is the principle of incorporating the background landscape into the composition of a garden. Through borrowed scenery, space is extended by incorporating nature into the architectural design. In this style, no individual element takes greater importance, instead all aspects exist in perfect harmony."

By Seung-yun Kim

By Seung-yun Kim Similarity: A borrowed scenery The Secret Garden of Changdeokgung Palace, Korea © Seung-yun Kim / the garden in Tenryuji Temple of Kyoto, Japan © In-young Choi A borrowed scenery r…

04/10/2023

A trip to Africa, from Korea? YES! Enjoy this photo essay from Erin Elizabeth Henderson whose trip to South Africa was made possible by Amy Millican of Flyga Twiga. Amy is based here in South Korea and can help you plan a trip of a lifetime!

https://unitedontherok.com/south-africa/

A South Africa photo essay by Erin Henderson written and photographed for United on the RoK, a civilian lifestyle magazine for USFK communities.

27/09/2023

"As a Korean American who was born and raised in Korea, Korean Thanksgiving holds a significant place in my heart. This holiday is not merely about preparing a lavish meal and gathering with family; it represents a precious opportunity for me to reconnect with my grandmother."

By Yeonjoo McDonough

https://unitedontherok.com/preserving-heritage-korean.../

Preserving Heritage: Korean Thanksgiving Traditions Through the Lens of My Childhood written by Yeonjoo McDonough for United on the RoK.

25/09/2023

Tourism is an engine for economic growth and international relations. Jong Dae Kim understands that correlation and has dedicated himself to the tourism industry. Kim serves as the chairman of the Chungcheongnam-do Tourism Council and the CEO of T And A Korea. He describes himself as an expert of coordinating cross-cultural events and exchanges for tourists. His work focuses on bringing tourists to see the beautiful parks, ocean, spas, and historical monuments in Chungcheongnam-do.

By Caitlin Ward
Translated by Jitae Kim

https://unitedontherok.com/an-interview-with-jong-dae-kim-on-chungcheongnamdo-and-the-role-of-tourism-in-economic-development/

Tourism is an engine for economic growth and international relations. Jong Dae Kim understands that correlation and has dedicated himself to the tourism industry. Kim serves as the chairman of the …

23/09/2023

Thank you for your support, contributions, readership, and for encouraging your friends to write and pick up a copy of this community magazine!