Korea Defense Veterans Association

10/26/2026

🇰🇷🇺🇸 A packed house for “Why You Are Here”!

Our ROK-U.S. Alliance education program kicked off today at Camp Hovey Theater, with more than 300 personnel from the 3rd Cavalry Regiment (3CR) attending each of two sessions.

BG (Ret.) Hwang Il-ung led today’s sessions, helping connect service members to the importance of the ROK-U.S. Alliance and their role in its continued strength.

The program runs through Friday, with two sessions each day.

Thank you to 3CR for joining us for a strong start to the week!

10/26/2026

The 2026 KDVA Honors Banquet concluded our October 10 Reunion ROK-U.S. Alliance & Veterans Conference with an evening celebrating service, friendship, and contributions to the Alliance.

Led by emcee Colonel (Ret.) Steve Lee, the evening featured a welcome from KDVA Chairman & President General (Ret.) Robert “Abe” Abrams, congratulatory remarks from KUSAF President General (Ret.) Leem Ho Young, and a message from ROK Ambassador Kang Kyung-wha, read by Consul General Moon Inseok.

We were honored to hear keynote remarks from General Christopher LaNeve, Vice Chief of Staff of the Army.

Please join us in congratulating our six 2026 KDVA Honorees:

- U.S. Service Member: Chief Warrant Officer Four Adrian Romero
- U.S. Veteran: Dr. James Lee
- U.S. Civilian: Mr. Rami Hyun
- ROK Service Member: Sergeant Major Kanghee Lee
- ROK Veteran: Brigadier General (Ret.) Kim, Jeong Hyeok
- ROK Civilian: Ms. Hee Eun Kim

Their service and dedication demonstrate the many ways military members, Veterans, and civilians contribute to the ROK-U.S. Alliance and inspire others to help shape its future.

The evening also included a performance by the Didimsae Korean Traditional Arts Institute, adding a celebration of Korean culture to this special gathering.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, to the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs (MPVA), the main sponsor of the 2026 KDVA Reunion, and to Hanwha and Mr. Dongwook and Mrs. Namhi Park for sponsoring this year’s Honors.

10/23/2026

The 2026 KDVA Reunion ROK-U.S. Alliance & Veterans Conference brought Veterans, members, and Alliance supporters together on October 10 at the Washington Marriott Capitol Hill.

Led by emcee Colonel (Ret.) Steve Lee, the program featured remarks from General (Ret.) Robert “Abe” Abrams and General (Ret.) Leem Ho Young, along with a keynote address by David Wilezol, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Japan, Korea, and Mongolia.

The 3D—Defense and Diplomacy Dialogue—panel explored “Diplomacy, Deterrence, and Wartime OPCON Transition.” Moderator Jenny Town guided the discussion with General (Ret.) Robert “Abe” Abrams, General (Ret.) Byung Hyuk Choi, and Ambassador Marc Knapper.

Our Networking Forum provided opportunities to connect with partner organizations, while the Korea Veterans and KDVA Member Stories session brought personal experiences to the forefront. Thank you to Colonel (Ret.) Robert de Marcellus, Coleen Choate, Colonel Chris Martinez, Madeline Rackauskas, Ambrie Jones, and Kevin Miller for sharing their stories. The program also included a tribute to Korean War veteran Garrison A. “Gary” Southard, Jr.

Thank you to all our speakers, partners, and attendees, and to the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs (MPVA), the main sponsor of the 2026 KDVA Reunion.

10/22/2026

On October 10, 2026, we began the KDVA Reunion ROK-U.S. Alliance & Veterans Conference with visits to Arlington National Cemetery and the Military Women’s Memorial.

Together, we reflected on the sacrifices of those who served, remembered those who gave their lives, and recognized the contributions of women throughout our military’s history.

This morning of remembrance offered a meaningful start to a day focused on our Veterans, our shared history, and the enduring bonds of the ROK-U.S. Alliance.

10/21/2026

A great turnout for KDVA’s Florida Chapter Meet and Greet!

On October 19, the Florida Chapter of the Korea Defense Veterans Association welcomed 42 attendees to its latest Meet & Greet at the Eisenhower Recreation Center in The Villages.

The gathering included 27 Veterans and 12 KDVA Korea Revisit Ambassadors. We were especially honored to welcome Sergeant Louis Boria, a decorated Veteran of both World War II and the Korean War.

Thank you to our guest speaker, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Michael Bills, for sharing his insights and answering questions. We were also pleased to welcome Angela Hong, President of the Korean Association of Central Florida (Orlando), and Sunny Massicotte, President of the Korean Association of West Florida (Tampa).

Thank you to everyone who joined us for an afternoon of connection, conversation, and support for the ROK–U.S. Alliance!

Learn more about KDVA: KDVA.vet

10/20/2026

Register Today! KDVA Washington State Chapter Launch and Meet & Greet
https://kdva.memberclicks.net/walaunch #/

We invite all Veterans, ROK-U.S. Alliance Supporters, their families, and anyone interested in Korea to join us at our KDVA Washington Chapter Launch event - for free!

Come meet Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Michael Bills - KDVA Vice Chairman and Former Commanding General, Eighth Army & Chief of Staff of CFC at the Meet & Greet!

Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have given so much in the name of freedom and the ROK-U.S. Alliance.

10/20/2026

📣 CALL FOR ARTICLES!

Have a story from your service in Korea, insights on the ROK-U.S. Alliance, or a perspective on Korean and American culture? Share it in KDVA’s ROK-U.S. Alliance Journal!

We welcome articles in English or Korean from KDVA members and Alliance supporters on:
• Veterans
• Security and Strategy
• Korean and American Culture
• Serving in Korea
• The ROK-U.S. Alliance

Your voice can help inform, connect, and inspire our Alliance community.

- Submission deadline: November 6, 2026
- Articles should be under 1,500 words, or 1,000 words if including photos. Please send photos as separate JPG or PNG attachments with captions and photo credits.
- Send articles or questions to [email protected].

Selected contributors will be contacted with next steps. We look forward to reading your stories!

10/19/2026

Register Today! KDVA Washington Chapter Launch and Meet & Greet
https://kdva.memberclicks.net/walaunch #/

The KDVA Washington Chapter is dedicated to honoring and supporting those who have served in the defense of the United States and South Korea. Our chapter aims to foster a sense of camaraderie among Veterans, families, friends, and supporters to provide opportunities to share your experiences, discuss regional security and international relations, or simply connect with fellow Veterans and anyone interested in Korea.

We invite all Veterans, ROK-U.S. Alliance Supporters, their families, and anyone interested in Korea to join us at our KDVA Washington Chapter Launch event - for free!

Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have given so much in the name of freedom and the ROK-U.S. Alliance.

The KDVA Washington Chapter is dedicated to honoring and supporting those who have served in the defense of the United States and South Korea. Our chapter aims to foster a sense of camaraderie amo…

10/15/2026

🇺🇸🇰🇷 Celebrating the launch of the KDVA Casey Chapter!

Thank you to everyone who joined us after duty for an evening of food, live K-POP, and connection with the Korea defense community. A special thank-you to “Voice on the Street” for bringing the music!

Last month's launch marks an exciting beginning for the Casey Chapter as we build friendships, share experiences, and strengthen the ROK-U.S. Alliance.

Take a look at highlights from the evening, and stay connected for future chapter events!

10/13/2026

Join us at the KDVA Florida Chapter Meet & Greet on October 19!

We invite all Veterans, ROK-U.S. Alliance Supporters, their families, and anyone interested in Korea to join us at our KDVA Florida Chapter Meet & Greet - for free!
https://kdva.memberclicks.net/FLoct26

Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have given so much in the name of freedom and the ROK-U.S. Alliance.