Volunteer work by the South Korean military has become a habitual act of goodwill.
Soldiers from the South Korean Army’s 1st Infantry Division (Invincible Sword Brigade) joined forces with U.S. Eighth Army soldiers, military families, and students from Songdo International School to participate in a briquette-sharing volunteer activity in Paju-eup, Paju City, Gyeonggi Province.
Around 200 South Korean and U.S. soldiers and military families delivered over 10,000 briquettes to approximately 20 local households, spreading warmth and love to the community.
The briquettes delivered that day were funded by the Martz Group, a nonprofit foundation established in 2015 by retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General Martz. The Paju-eup Administrative Welfare Center selected the beneficiary households.
Master Sergeant Lee Kang Hee, Chief of the Artillery Battalion in the Invincible Sword Brigade, who led the volunteer activity, said, “It is gratifying to carry each briquette to elderly and residents in need and provide even the smallest bit of assistance. Though it is just one briquette, I hope the soldiers’ love and warmth will help our neighbors have a slightly warmer winter.”
A story from Gangwon Province’s Donghae City also sets an example of community love: Navy personnel have continuously volunteered for over ten years.
Master Sergeant Choi Sung Yong and Civilian Official Choi Ki Soo from the Republic of Korea Navy’s 1st Fleet began their volunteer journey in 2012. At a colleague’s suggestion, they joined the Donghae Balhan-dong Neighborhood Watch. They patrol the Balhan-dong area at least once a week during the night, guiding youth and preventing crime.
In addition, Master Sergeant Choi participates in activities such as kimchi-making, briquette delivery, and festival support to help disadvantaged residents. Thanks to his consistent efforts, his total volunteer hours have reached 3,900.
In April 2023, Master Sergeant Choi was recognized as a distinguished contributor to Donghae’s development and received a commendation from the mayor of Donghae City.
He said, “I am proud to see residents living safely and securely. As I fulfill my duties, I will continue to prioritize the lives and property of the public.”
Civilian Official Choi Ki Soo, affiliated with the 1st Fleet Maintenance Center, has volunteered for underprivileged local residents since 2010, mainly through World Vision and the Donghae Volunteer Center.
Since 2016, he has taken his efforts further by founding the “Love Dream Volunteer Group,” a team of maintenance center members passionate about volunteering. The group has actively engaged in repair-related volunteer work, such as inspecting fishing boats and providing on-site maintenance for agricultural machinery, leveraging the maintenance center’s expertise.
Additionally, the group has supported rural communities with labor assistance and improved living conditions for marginalized groups, continuously demonstrating their love for the community.
Choi Ki Soo said, “Even small actions strengthen me when I see the joy it brings to local residents. I will continue volunteering to experience the true meaning of living together with our neighbors.”
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