KOREAN MEMORIAL - FATHER'S DAY (2010)
June 25, 1950 - June 25, 2010...Sixty years have come and gone since that dreadful day when the good people of
South Korea were invaded by communist forces in North Korea. An event that drew all of us into service in The
United States Army Security Agency. Some of you were there when the war began; most of us arrived in Korea
after that fateful day, and some served while keeping the 'cease fire' armistice of July 27, 1953. What ever your
MOS. it was a duty that brought us together as ASA Korea after so many years.
The ASA COMMUNICATOR VOLUME #1, EDITION #1 SPRING 1997 (Published by John Garrah) was
issued after the first reunion of "ASA KOREA 1950-1960" was held in Lancaster, PA October 31-November 1,
1996 with "65 plus attendees". At that meeting the following Steering Committee was established to plan
Reunion #2 at Carlisle, PA in 1997: Cliff Borden (501st, 1953-54), John Garrah (329th, 1953-55), The late
Dalton Harper (501st, 1954-55), The late Andrew Kavalecs (501st, 1953-54), George Kinsley (301st, 1955-56),
and the late Thomas O'Keefe (329th, 1951-53). At our 2000 reunion in Sturbridge, MA, "ASA KOREA
1950-1960" became "ASA KOREA" as membership was extended to all ASA Veterans who served in Korea or
in other areas of deployment. We are forever grateful to these " FOUNDING FATHERS ".
You all know that our reunion this year in Pittsburgh, PA will be our 15th annual meeting. I mention our
'history' because it was the terrible event of the Korean War that brought us together for the past fifteen years.
Except for buddies we served with, we never would have known each other. I am so glad we have survived for
this long. With God's help and the continued support of you members, perhaps we can continue for many more
years. Plans are already in motion for a possible reunion in 2011.
Following are some numbers according to The 50th Anniversary of the Korean War Commemoration
Committee: Total Strength in Uniform - 5,720,000; Far East Theater of Operations - 1,789,000; Battle Deaths
(KIA) - 33,651; Non-Battle Deaths - 20,617; Wounded - 103,284; Missing in Action (MIA) - 8,207. These are
staggering numbers to behold for a so-called 'police action', or, 'a conflict', or, 'a forgotten war', all false
statements for really took place in Korea.The War in Korea "IS A FORGOTTEN VICTORY", no doubt about
that.
As we approach June 25, 2010...and later, July 27, 2013, please take time to reflect what those 37 months took
from our American youth. At our reunion in October we will join together in REMEMBERING. As that
good-old song from the time when we were young said, "Memories are one gift from God that death cannot
destroy".
I also volunteer as Chaplain to KWVA Chapter 38, Philadelphia, PA, comprised mostly of 24th Infantry
veterans during the war, some who were seriously wounded. Some have horrible tales to tell.
To all our veterans from The Korean War and those who served after the war, you are never forgotten. And as
long as we can continue to function, ASA Veterans will not be forgotten. God bless and keep you all in Christ
the Lord. Amen
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As we wish you all a very happy Father's Day, let me quote this poem from the great poet, James J. Metcalfe, to
honor all Dads:
A DAD'S PRAYER
Almighty Father, help me be ... A good and loving dad ... That my dear children may enjoy ... The blessings I
have had ... Give me the wisdom I should use ... To teach them right from wrong ... And how to keep on going
when ... The road is rough and long ... To do the duty that is theirs ... Until its very end ... To look for lasting
beauty and ... Appreciate a friend ... Endow me with the grace I need ... To mold their gentle youth ...
According to the measurements ... Of loyalty and truth ... Enable me to comfort them ... Whenever they are sad
... And O my Father, grant that they ... will always love their dad.
And from the Law of Moses (Leviticus 19:3) "And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, Everyone of you shall
revere his mother and his father, and keep My Sabbaths: I am the Lord your God".
The Lord of heaven and earth bless and keep each of you and your dear family, in the name of Jesus the Christ
of God.
Rev. Charles "Preacher" Knappenberger, ASA Korea Chaplain
PreacherK@aol.com