The military completes its mission through the combined strength of its service members and civilians, working together in bases across the world to provide the warfighter with support both on and off the battlefield.

To show appreciation for their hard work, U.S. Forces Korea recognized stand-out civilian employees in 16 categories Nov. 20 during the 2013 USFK Civilian Employees of the Year awards ceremony at the Dragon Hill Lodge. 

Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, commander, United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, U.S. Forces Korea, thanked the approximately 16,000 U.S. and Republic of Korea civilian employees working at Department of Defense operations throughout the Korean peninsula, and presented awards to this year’s 16 honorees.

He reminded service members to take time to thank their civilian counterparts for the service they provide.

“It is my honor to receive this award, and it means a lot to me,” said Choe Sung-Chin, personnel security specialist, USFK Provost Marshal Office, speaking in Korean. “I think I got this award, not only because I have been working in this job for 45 years, but also to encourage me to work harder.”

Choe, who received the Korean National Clerical Employee of the Year award, processed a record number of 19,586 background checks and coordinated with Korean National Police, while also processing over 700 USFK-wide pass applications and countless designated country requests.

“I could never have this without the encouragement of my family,” said An Yong-Hwan, general supply specialist, 37th Korean Service Corps Company, 403rd Army Field Support Brigade, who received Korean National Administrator of the Year. “It’s really honor to get this award and I will continue to do my best, in the future.” 

He achieved the best 100% wall-to-wall inventory result across Korea and reduced over $2 million of excess stock.

Yun Heo, director of public works, Directorate of Public Works, U.S. Army Garrison Red Cloud, was recognized as the U.S. Manager of the Year. Pak Chong-Tu, regional housing director, Unaccompanied Housing and Navy Gateway Inns and Suites, Commander, Naval Activities Chinhae, was recognized as KN Manager of the Year.

Alan Kincaid, supervisory physical security specialist, PMO, USFK, was recognized as U.S. Supervisor of the Year. Na Sung-Chol, supervisory resources management, 8th Civil Engineer Squadron, Kunsan Air Base, was recognized as KN Supervisor of the Year.

Richard Todd, education services specialist, 8th Force Support Squadron, Kunsan Air Base, was recognized as U.S. Professional of the Year. O Sok-Kun, civil engineer, 8th Civil Engineer Squadron, Kunsan Air Base, was recognized as KN Professional of the Year.

Jimmie Tidwell, plans and readiness specialist, 731st Air Mobility Squadron, Osan Air Base, was recognized as U.S. Administrator of the Year. An Yong-Hwan, general supply specialist, 37th KSC Co., 403rd Army Field Support Brigade KSC Battalion, was recognized as KN Administrator of the Year.

Choe Han-Chol, assistant fire chief, Directorate of Emergency Services, U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan, was recognized as the KN Technician of the Year.

Kenneth Gibson, secretary (office automation), 8th Maintenance Group, Kunsan Air Base, was recognized as the U.S. Clerical Employee of the Year. Choe Sung Chin, personnel security specialist, Provost Marshal Office, USFK, was recognized as the KN Clerical Employee of the Year.

Joseph Stockslager, information technology specialist, 201st Signal Company, 1st Signal Brigade, was recognized as the U.S. Customer Service Employee of the Year. Yi Chun Cha, lead qualification examiner, Log Readiness Center Yongsan, 403rd Army Field Support Brigade, was recognized as the KN Customer Service Employee of the Year.

Kwon Sun-Sok, heavy mobile equipment mechanic (welder), 36th KSC Co., Army Field Support Battalion – North East Asia, 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, was recognized as the KN Skilled Employee of the Year.

Hwang Kwi-Sok, carpenter, 8th Civil Engineer Squadron, Kunsan Air Base, was recognized as the KN Laborer of the Year.

Ko Sang-Hun, heavy mobile equipment mechanic leader, 7th KSC Co., 19th ESC, was recognized as the Korean Service Corps Employee of the Year.

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