Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Helping with bathing and haircuts… and embracing hearts

On the International Day of People with Disability, sailors and marines rolled up their sleeves to bring a smile to the faces of disabled people. A haircut instructing room at the Technical and Administration School in the Naval Education and Training Command caught our eyes in particular. The people belonging to the haircut instructing room have been visiting disabled people, holding scissors in hand, every month since April, 2012. Acting officer Kim Beom-young, haircutting instructor, his 6 assistants, and 12 of the 631st naval sailors who are under the refresher training are going to visit a Jinhae branch of Gyeongnam Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities to volunteer on April 20, the day for the disabled.

Officer Kim and soldiers who hold certificates in beauty and haircutting have shown their skills, cut bushy hair neatly in an instant. As well, they have provided bathing assistance for those with reduced mobility.

Sergeant Kim Seung-gon, a senior assistant who has participated in this volunteer activity 49 times, said that he felt a sense of worth and happiness every time he served as a haircutting instructor for the last 2 years. With a smile, he says that he plans to continuously keep the spirit of outreach and service using his haircutting skills even after being discharged from military service. The head of the Jinhae branch of the Gyeongnam Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities said, “We’re expecting bright and healthy sailors to cut hair and soothe the hearts of the disabled.” The Naval Education and Training Command will continue to carry out a number of volunteer activities, including haircutting, services at elderly care facilities, environmental purification, repairing work, etc, to share warm affection with neighbors and the local community.

On the same day, the 1st Marine Corps will support the 36th national disabled persons day, organized by Pohang-si, and visit welfare institutes for the disabled to volunteer. The soldiers from the 2nd subordinate artillery unit are going to visit Pohang Myeongdo school, a special school located in Uhyeon-dong, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, and work as teaching assistants. In addition, they will help all sorts of hard works such as facilities repair, environmental purification activities, and more.

The soldiers from the 2nd regiment will become hands and feet for those who cannot move freely or need guidance at Pohang Culture and Arts Center, where the event for the International Day of People with Disability will be held. First Lieutenant Choi Sung-yun, Troop Information and Education officer of the regiment who participates in the voluntary activity, said that it will be a chance to learn the true meaning of the International Day of People with Disabilities.

By Su-Yeol, Maeng < guns13@dema.mil.kr >
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