Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

 There is a noble military family in the 11th Army Division that includes a father and his two sons fulfilling their military service obligations within the same unit. Meet Sergeant-Major Jeon Ha-su, 45, who works at Lightning Battalion, First Lieutenant Jeon Ji-hun, the older son, 25, from Baengnyong Battalion and Staff Sergeant Jeon Jae-hun, the younger son, 23, from Cheongnyong Battalion.

While it is not uncommon for a unit to have soldiers from three generations, it is very rare for a father and his two sons to be in service in the same unit.

Sergeant Major Jeon, a logistics officer, was commissioned in 1991. When the division was reorganized from a infantry division to a mechanized unit in 2004, his family moved to Hongcheon, Gangwon-do, and that’s when his relationship with the division began. His older son First Lieutenant Jeon was commissioned as ROTC in March last year, and is now in the service as an observer officer. His younger son, Staff Sergeant Jeon was commissioned as a noncom in October, 2014, and is now a gun section leader. He joined Cheongnyong Battalion, 11th Division, in June, 2013, through his hometown service system, before his brother’s commissioning. During his service, he volunteered for active noncom to follow in his father's footsteps.

It has been almost one year now that this father and his sons have worked together within the same unit. Two sons, as new officers, ask their father for help and seek solutions whenever difficulties or questions arise. The father generously passes down his experience and knowledge, and shares his warmth and affection.

Sergeant Major Jeon gives a message of support to his two sons, telling them that military life can be harsh, but they need to work with a smile as great soldiers protecting our country.

First Lieutenant Jeon, who will soon be a teacher after his discharge said, “It is good for us to understand each other better by being active soldiers. I’m very proud of my family, and I think we are communicating even better thanks to this shared experience.”

As well, Staff Sergeant Jeon said, “I’ll do my best to be acknowledged as a noncommissioned officer, and I’ll apply for the long-term service to continue my military service. It is my dream to be a great noncommissioned officer like my father.”

By Ah-Mi, Cho < joajoa@dema.mil.kr >

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