Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Defense Ministry and LG Twins organize “Thank You, Soldiers” event for the Month of Patriots and Veterans

- Personnel of Operation Promise, prisoners of war and a US soldier, a descendant of a soldier who fought in the Korean War, participated in the ceremonial first pitch
- A wartime experience booth with the theme “Strong Armed Forces, Strong Alliance” was operated for baseball stadium visitors on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the founding of South Korea’s armed forces and the 70th anniversary of the ROK-US alliance

For the Month of Patriots and Veterans, Defense Ministry conducted a “Thank You, Soldiers” event at Jamsil Baseball Stadium for three days from June 23 to 25 in collaboration with the LG Twins.

With the theme “Strong Armed Forces, Strong Alliance,” the event included a ceremonial first pitch by soldiers and war veterans on June 23 - 25, and exhibition and experience spaces were operated for stadium visitors during the event period.

LG Twins players wore uniforms with a military look and the flags of the 16 countries that sent troops to the Korean War were attached to the uniforms.

On Friday, June 23, soldiers from Operation Promise, who rescued 28 Korean residents amid armed conflicts in Sudan in late April, threw the ceremonial first pitch on behalf of “Strong Armed Forces.”

Lieutenant Colonel Park Gyu-seok (age 43), an officer in the Air Force who threw the ceremonial first pitch, had participated in Operation Promise as the Air Force Chief of Staff. He successfully coordinated with related countries to open air routes, enabling Korean cargo planes to pass through the airspace. An experienced pilot of the ROK Air Force, Lt. Col. Park previously served as the head of the Air Operation Department for the 15th Special Missions Wing and as a squadron commander. Currently, he works in the Operations Department of the Staff for Intelligence and Operations at the Air Force Headquarters. 

He said, “Throwing this first pitch reminded me of my mindset during Operation Promise, where I was determined to rescue our people. I remain dedicated to fulfilling my missions as a soldier for the nation and our people.”

Captain Park Chan-gil (age 29), who made the first hit, currently serves in the 251st Airborne Squadron of the 5th Air Mobility Wing. He successfully fulfilled his mission as a pilot of a C-130J cargo plane during Operation Promise. In addition, he participated in various overseas operations, supporting events such as the Black Eagles aerobatics air shows in the UK in 2022, and in Australia in 2023.

Captain Park said, “I am truly honored to participate in the first pitch and hit event on behalf of the participants of Operation Promise. They have enhanced the standing of the ROK Armed Forces and kept the promise with our people. I remain committed to the defense of our airspace.”

On Sunday, June 25, Korean veterans who fought during the Korean War, became prisoners of war in North Korea and were returned to the South, and USFK corporal Mathew Wilhelm, a descendant of a Korean War veteran, made the first pitch and hit, respectively, on behalf of the ‘Strong Alliance.’

Returned veteran Kim Yong-sa (aged 93, using an assumed name) who threw out the first pitch, was once a prisoner of the North Korean Army. He was captured during a battle at Hongcheon, Gangwon-do during the Korean War and was forced to work in a coal mine in the North for more than 50 years. In the early 2000s, he managed to escape from North Korea and settled in the South. Unfortunately, Kim had to make his escape alone, leaving his family behind in the North.

Kim said, “I am pleased to participate in the first pitch event on behalf of returned veterans, and I thank the Defense Ministry and LG Twins for giving me the opportunity to join this event.”

The late Sergeant William Pemberton, the grandfather of Cpl. Matthew Wilhelm (aged 28), who made the first hit, served in the Korean War from 1950 to 1951 as a communication soldier for the United Nations Force in the 936th Field Artillery Battalion. Inspired by his grandfather’s service, Cpl. Matthew chose a military career. He currently serves in the 719th MI Battalion of the 501th MI Brigade. Not only is he fluent in Korean, but he also shows a keen interest in Korean cultural heritage sites.

Cpl. Matthew said, “I remember the noble dedication of my grandfather, who served in the Korean War to defend freedom and peace on the Korean Peninsula. His service inspired me to uphold these values, leading to my decision to serve in Korea. On behalf of USFK, I am pleased to participate in the first pitch and hit event alongside returned veterans of the Korean War. I extend my utmost respect to all those who devoted themselves to defending Korea during the Korean War.”

In addition, the Defense Ministry operated an exhibition and booths for visitors in the central ticketing office on the first floor of Jamsil Baseball Stadium for three days from June 23 to 25 for the Thank You, Soldiers event on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the founding of South Korea’s armed forces and the 70th anniversary of the ROK-US alliance.

On Sunday, June 25, to pay tribute to those who sacrificed themselves for the freedom and peace of the Republic of Korea during the Korean War, the military band of the Defense Ministry played the national anthem and a song prior to the start of the game.

Meanwhile, to express thanks to soldiers, the LG Twins offered seats to watch the games to soldiers from the units of those who made the first pitches and hits and soldiers of the Capital Defense Command.

The Defense Ministry said that this event was prepared to remind people of the meaning of the 75th anniversary of the founding of South Korea’s armed forces and the 70th anniversary of the ROK-US alliance and to pay respect and show appreciation to those who sacrificed themselves for the nation.