Suwon Air Base, Republic of Korea—The 16th of January marked an extremely significant occasion for all in attendance at Suwon Air Base, as the Gyeonggi Provincial Governor visited the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Air Defense Artillery, area of operations.  Governor Kim, Mun Soo’s visit to Suwon Air Base was both a great honor and a wonderful opportunity for the Soldiers of PAT North.  His visit was not only the first time the Gyeonggi Provincial Governor has visited a Patriot unit but was also the first time he has visited Suwon Air Base.

          The event served somewhat as a culminating event for the 3-2 ADA Good Neighbor Program.  It gave both Governor Kim an opportunity to learn about the workings of a Patriot unit while, at the same time, giving the leaders of 3-2 ADA a chance to meet the provincial governor of their host community. The visit began with an unclassified presentation to the governor on how the Patriot system works and what it does in protecting the Korean Peninsula from an attack. Following his brief, the governor had the opportunity to visit C/3-2’s TAC site, where he was given a tour and was shown some of the major components of the Patriot system.  Lastly Governor Kim enjoyed a meal in the Eagles Dare Dining Facility, where he and his staff ate lunch with the leaders of 3-2 ADA.

LTC Carolyn Birchfield and Gov. Kim exchange gifts after lunch at the Suwon Air Base Dining Facility.

  This event was a great opportunity for the leaders of 3-2 ADA to meet and interact with their host community’s highest leader. This event not only gave 3-2 ADA the opportunity to thank the governor for all of the events his team has coordinated for the Soldiers of the Eagles Dare Battalion, but in return gave 3-2 ADA Soldiers a chance to show the governor the part they play in protecting his community from air and missile threats.

 The relationship between 3-2 ADA and Gyeonggi Provence has been a shining example of the Good Neighbor Program. On one hand the Gyeonggi government has facilitated cultural events for the Soldiers of 3-2 ADA such as the Gyeonggi Tour, during which Soldiers had a chance to visit the KIA Motor factory where they had a firsthand opportunity to see how cars were built in one of Korea’s most productive auto making factories.  On the other hand the Soldiers of the 3-2 ADA Bn are always looking to give back to their host community.  Soldiers do this in a wide range of ways, from English teaching at local middle schools to visiting nearby orphanages and hospitals. This visit by the Gyeonggi provincial Governor gave both parties an opportunity to express their gratitude for each other’s partnership.