Wolf Pack, Gunsan community explore 'new horizons'

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Amanda Savannah
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  The 8th Fighter Wing leadership and Gunsan City officials announced the opening to military personnel of the surrounding community within the three-mile radius of the base during a ceremony Oct. 27.

The "New Horizons: Gateway to Closer Friendship" event celebrated the removal of the restriction after it was in place for more than 50 years.

Col. John Dolan, 8th Fighter Wing commander, said he welcomed this event and that he is committed to working closely with the community to improve the quality of life of Wolf Pack members and the surrounding community.

"It is a true honor to be here today and to be able to celebrate the removal of the boundary and let our Airmen and Soldiers walk through this gate and be able to enjoy, not only the stores and shops, but to get closer to our Gunsan residents right outside our front gate," said Colonel Dolan.

Gunsan City Mayor Moon Dong-Shin spoke at the ceremony and welcomed Gunsan citizens and U.S. military members to strengthen their relationship.

"Access to the adjacent area within three miles of the base has been restricted to USAF Airmen since the 1960s. Now we are facing the removal of the access restriction after 50 years, and I sincerely welcome this action with all my Gunsan citizens," said Mayor Moon. "I expect Gunsan citizens and USAF to strengthen our relationship and enhance mutual understanding by today's celebration, New Horizons."

Mr. Yi Hui-Young, director of Gunsan City planning department, said the city plans to repair the crowded local roads near the base to accommodate more vehicle and foot traffic.

The lifting of the boundary is especially symbolic in light of the 60th Anniversary of the Korean War, Colonel Dolan said.

"When you take a look at the symmetry between how long this boundary has been enforced until today, we take one more barrier down, and just like this sign behind me says, it's a new horizon for both the community and for our Airmen and Soldiers," he said.

Cho Guk-Chul, Vice chairman of Gunsan City council, noted that although U.S. military members have been restricted from the three miles surrounding the base, it hasn't stopped them from interacting with the community outside of the restricted area.

"Access to the adjacent area around the base has been restricted to USAF Airmen since the 1960s," he said. "But USAF Airmen have worked and cooperated in various fields of growth for Gunsan citizens like teaching English to students, visiting facilities for minorities, and volunteer works, in spite of the restriction. I really do appreciate that. I hope we promote mutual understanding and a friendly relationship with each other and look forward to cultural exchange and revitalization of the local economy in the future."

Kim Wan-Ju, Governor of Jeonbuk province, thanked Gunsan City citizens for their part in removing the barrier and also encouraged the U.S and Republic of Korea partnership.

"I really appreciate the citizens of Gunsan City for breaking down this barrier as responding to globalization and a multi-cultural society," he said. "Our Gunsan citizens need an open mind to the environmental change and understand and accept various foreign cultures, because Gunsan is a reputable developing city. I expect that Gunsan citizens and USAF to have a closer relationship and cooperation by this celebration."

After Gunsan City and 8th Fighter Wing leaders symbolically "opened" the gate with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Senior Airman Geoff Hamilton, 8th Civil Engineer Squadron, was among the first Airmen to explore the area outside the gate.

"The ceremony was a huge step in furthering the relationship between the ROK and (U.S. Forces Korea)," he said. "I was first in line (at the gate) because I wanted to be a part of this momentous occasion as a proud member of the Wolf Pack and its commitment to the local area."