Kim Dong-yeon: "The Military Ensures People's Safety, and People Make the Military Shine"

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Kim Kap-dong] Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon, embarking on his 11th civil livelihood economic field tour in Gapyeong County, visited the Seoul Mechanized Infantry Division (Division Commander Kim Seong-gu), also known as the 'Tiger Brigade,' and expressed gratitude for the swift flood recovery support provided last summer.

Governor Kim Dong-yeon said, "The Tiger Brigade members provided very dedicated and substantial help during the recent Gapyeong flood disaster. Every time I visited the affected areas, I met with the unit members, and I have a lasting memory of how bright and cheerful the expressions of the officers, sergeants, and soldiers engaged in volunteer work were." He continued, "I spent about an hour squatting in the scorching sun in a grape orchard, carrying piles of stones, and after working for several tens of minutes, I had to rest for 10 minutes because it was so exhausting. However, the soldiers doing the same work did not show tired or bothered expressions; they showed truly bright faces. I hugged several young soldiers wearing sweat-soaked uniforms. I was deeply moved by it."

He went on to say, "The military ensures people's safety, and people make the military shine. Gyeonggi Province is a border area, and we live with North Korea on our minds. The military units in northern Gyeonggi have been the most dedicated in serving the nation's defense and the safety of residents in border areas. Peace is the economy. What backs peace is strong national defense and our strength." He emphasized, "Lt. Col. Kang Jae-gu from the Tiger Brigade is someone who appeared in my textbooks when I was in school. Reflecting once more on the traditions and history of the Tiger Brigade, as a governor responsible for Gyeonggi Province, I will do my best to provide maximum support and cooperation."

Governor Kim Dong-yeon presented commendation certificates to the Gapyeong Seoul Mechanized Infantry Division unit and six distinguished service recipients on this day and delivered Gyeonggi Province consolation funds. The commendation presentation ceremony was also watched by commanders at all levels of the Tiger Brigade through video monitors.

Division Commander Kim Seong-gu said, "I am doubly pleased that the governor recognizes all our efforts. The governor's visit is a significant occasion for our division to take pride in our future combat power and mission performance," and he immediately instructed the commanders watching via video, "Let us salute the governor. Attention, salute to the governor."

The Tiger Brigade was established in 1949 as the Seoul Defense Command in Yongsan and was reorganized in 1973 as South Korea's first mechanized infantry unit. It was one of the units deployed to the Vietnam War. It is currently regarded as an elite main force unit.

Late Lt. Col. Kang Jae-gu, who graduated from the Korea Military Academy, was from this unit. During grenade training in 1965, a soldier made an error in throwing a grenade, putting the entire company at risk. Lt. Col. Kang covered the grenade with his body, saving his subordinates' lives and sacrificing himself. He was 28 years old at the time.

■ Dedicated Flood Recovery Support by Tiger Brigade Members

Tiger Brigade members supported flood recovery in areas of Jojong-myeon, Sang-myeon, and Buk-myeon in Gapyeong County during the heavy rains in July and August, including missing person searches, damaged house repairs, debris removal, and road maintenance. The cumulative number of personnel deployed reached 20,581.

Private First Class Hwang Sang-bo, who received commendation on this day, voluntarily participated in flood recovery despite not being included as a civilian support target when he was a private second class. Sergeant Choi Hyung-ho deployed a total of eight times and, continuing his sense of mission even after operations, reportedly applied to become a non-commissioned officer with a fixed term in the military. Chief Warrant Officer Jung Bong-gil confirmed the damage site in advance and, comprehensively assessing the terrain and extent of damage, deployed necessary personnel and equipment to appropriate locations.

■ Gyeonggi Province's First Military Personnel Welfare Injury Insurance

The province has been implementing the 'Gyeonggi Province Disaster Recovery Support Military Personnel Injury Insurance Support Project' since last year to ensure that military personnel deployed to disaster sites are not exposed to danger. When military service members mobilized to disaster recovery sites within the province due to floods, heavy snow, accidents, and other disasters suffer unexpected accidents during their duties, Gyeonggi Province covers the full insurance premium.

Following the death of Marine Lance Corporal Chae in July 2023, Gyeonggi Province enacted the 'Gyeonggi Province Disaster Recovery Support Military Personnel Safety Assurance and Support Ordinance,' the first of its kind nationally, in May 2024.

Last year, 1,567 military personnel from six cities and counties were enrolled in the insurance, and this year, 3,155 military personnel from five cities and counties have been enrolled. This project is expanding to North Jeolla, North Chungcheong, and Gangwon provinces.

■ Sharing Lunch with Flood Victims Not Yet Returned Home and Offering Consolation

Governor Kim Dong-yeon shared lunch with three unreturned flood victims in Gapyeong-eup on this day and offered consolation. Their homes were destroyed in the July heavy rains, and they are staying in private accommodations until repairs are completed. Gapyeong was declared a special disaster area on July 22, and recovery activities are being finalized with emergency support funds of 8.6 billion won, provincial funds of 27.1 billion won for recovery support including communications, electricity, and roads, and disaster relief funds of 12.1 billion won.