Friendship festival strengthens relationship between base, community

  • Published
  • By Capt. Matthew Stines
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SONGTAN, Republic of Korea --  Members of Team Osan experienced Korean hospitality and engaged in a cultural exchange during the Songtan Chamber of Commerce's 7th annual Korean American Friendship Cultural Festival, Sept. 11 and 12.

The two-day event was held in the Shinjang Shopping Mall, just outside the main gate.
The themes for this year's festival were "We Go Together," and "Be a Good Neighbor."

"Over the years our neighbors in Songtan have continuously extended warm Korean hospitality and I believe we have always tried to reciprocate that kindness as ambassadors of the United States," said 51st Fighter Wing commander, Col. Patrick C. Malackowski. "This festival gives us the rare opportunity to highlight the local relationship between the 51st Fighter Wing, Republic of Korea Air Forces and Pyeongtaek City and ultimately strengthen the Republic of Korea-United States alliance."

This year's event featured American and Korean stage performers, martial arts demonstrations, cultural food and entertainment booths, and a parade.

The parade included civic groups from Songtan and Pyeong-taek City and showcased vehicles, personnel and equipment and from Osan Air Base.

"I was amazed at how much resources and energy the Songtan Chamber of Commerce put into that festival," said 1st Lt. Ashley Jackson, 51st Fighter Wing. "Combined events like this demonstrate the mutual respect between the base and the local community."

To view more photos of the festival, view the slideshow.