Siheung Eunhaeng Middle School Students pose for a group photo on an Alpha/1-7 ADA Patriot launcher. (Suwon Airbase photo by Mr. Tae Yong Mun.)

 The1st Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery, stationed at Suwon Air Base, Republic of Korea, recently hosted Siheung Eunhaeng Middle School students for Military Day.  The purpose of the visit was to allow the Korean students to gain an appreciation for the daily life and profession of a Soldier in an air and missile defense battalion, strengthen relations with students and teachers, and inspire students to be a positive influence in their community. 

Upon arrival at the gates of Suwon Airbase, the students were greeted by the battalion public affairs Officer, Mr. Tae Yong Mun.  The students received information briefings from the battalion’s Korean Augmentation to the United States Army (KATUSA) attachment.  The briefings included hands-on demonstrations on communications equipment as well as classroom lessons that KATUSA Soldiers attend weekly to become more proficient in the English language.

Additionally, the middle school students attended the battalion’s Level One Combatives Course conducted by Staff Sergeant Kristopher Renno.  The students witnessed Soldiers of the battalion learning different submission techniques through sparing and repetition drills.  “It was great to have an opportunity to show young kids how we train and fight” commented Renno. 

For the tactical portion of the visit, both Headquarters and Headquarters Battery and Alpha Battery set up and executed hands-on tours of equipment ranging from Patriot missile launchers to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear (CBRN) operations.  “It was great teaching my specialty to the students.  They got a good idea of what we put our Soliders and KATUSAs through in order to don a chemical suit” commented Secialist Corey Hill of HHB/1-7 ADA.    
 

At left, Korean students watch as  a fellow student is carried in a litter supervised by battalion medic, Sergeant Zachary Ninete, HHB/1-7 ADA. At right, Korean students try on the Army Combat Helmet at 1-7 ADA's tactical  site.  (Suwon Airbase photos by Mr. Tae Yong Mun.)

As lunch approached the students were treated to the Army’s finest meals ready to eat (MRE).  The students received instruction from Soldiers and KATUSAs on how to prepare and eat an MRE.  “I really like the spaghetti!” remarked one student.  The combined luncheon was a tremendous opportunity for the battalion to get to know the students on a more personal level.  Questions asked out of curiosity filled the ventilated room as the MRE heaters were warming up their main meals. “What do you study?” and “Where do you live in the states?” the students wanted to know. 

Siheung Eunhaeng Middle School captured the day by taking a group photo in front of the battalion headquarters with the battalion commander, Lieutenant Colonel Eric Sanchez.  In parting, US Soldiers and Korean students said their good-byes and wished each other a hearty Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!