Ok, maybe not now. But we were then… I’m the one on the left, for those unfamiliar, and that’s my friend Leonard on the right. He was from the great state of Mississippi. We started basic together and was lucky enough to serve our first duty station together at Camp Casey, Korea.
This photo was taken at Tent City about two miles from the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) that separates North and South Korea. This border is the most heavily armed border in the world. I was stationed at Camp Casey with the 2nd Infantry Division located at Tongduchon. Tongduchon is 11 miles south of the DMZ and 40 miles north of Seoul. Our division spent three months at Tent City in the summer of ‘83 basically taking our turn at DMZ guard duty.
I loved Korea, everything about it. The people, culture, history, it was just an amazing place. Korea was the land of sliding doors, heated floors, and slant eyed…. Anyway, Korea was also the shopping center of the world. Everything was cheaper than in the states. Back in the 80’s if you were in the mood to get drunk, you could go downrange or downtown and buy a 12oz bottle of Soju and a 16oz bottle of Coke all with $1 and quickly proceed to get yourself and at least two buddies plastered. I have a few good memories of Korea, a few bad, and a few unclear. Overall I have good memories and would love to go back for a visit some day…
.
August 2nd, 2007 at 1:18 pm
It’s always interesting to read about the experiences of people who served in a country while in the military and then go back years later. I hope you get to go back some day.
August 2nd, 2007 at 5:46 pm
Interesting post. Thank you for serving.
August 2nd, 2007 at 9:01 pm
Thanx Matt and Kristine… you know it would be right boring around here without a few people and you are two of them. I appreciate your visits and comments.
As to this post… Korea is a place I plan to revisit when I get rich, I’m not holding my breath.
I’ve talked before about decisions we make that alter our lives, getting out of the Army was one. I have always regretted that decision. More so after I hit the age I would have retired… 5 years ago.