It the fall of 1969 I was assigned to “A” Company 7th Aviation Battalion, 7th Infantry Division at Camp Casey, Korea as a brand new WO1 helicopter pilot. We were located in the town of Tongduchon (now known as Donducheon). At the time it was considered a remote location 25 miles north of Seoul and 14 miles south of the DMZ. Shortly after my arrival I was introduced to a remarkable man who ran an orphanage, Kwak Sun Yong. Mr. Kwak spent his life running orphanages and helping children. He and his family’s dedication to the children in his care motivated me and other GI to spend our spare time helping in what ever ways we could.
After a leaving Korea I lost track of the orphanage and the Kwak family as life moved me in other directions. Yet I never forgot my experience with the children and the Kwak family and would occasionally search the internet for any information. Recently, I read a post on a military web site of an orphan from the Yang Ju Child Care Center who had been look for information regarding her past.
The thought came to me to develop a web site where memories and pictures could be shared with other orphans of the Yang Ju Child Care Center looking for their past or wanting to connect with former friends, staff or GIs associated with the orphanage.
My memory of the orphanage was of a clean, well maintained facility where the children were well cared for, nurtured and loved. The children were always happy and playful and were always excited to have visitors. Especially when we brought cookies and candy. We would spend hours playing badminton, dodge ball, catch, ring around the rosie or just pushing kids on the swings. On nice days the staff would take the kids on hikes in the hills above the orphanage and through the traditional grave sites that dotted the terrain.
My memories of Mr. Kwak, his family and orphanage staff was of a loving dedicated team that put the needs of the children above their own. They were always loving, gentile and kind to the children. Additionally they were always grateful for any help or support given and their organizational structure was always open and honest.
A number of years ago I heard that Mr. Kwak had passed away but I was unable to contact his family to express my sympathy. In part this web site is a tribute to him and his dedication to children everywhere.
W. Larne Gabriel
Thank you for creating this site…although I was in Yang Ju in 1974 it is great to see these pictures. My husband sent you an email and I’m hoping maybe you can help us with some questions.
Thanks again!
Hi Jen,
I was also there in 1974. I think from 1973 to 1977.
I’m just now starting some research, it could be too late as Yangju Center doesn’t exist anymore. But did you find some “answers”?
It will be great if you have some information even small detail..
Thanks
Hi David and jen
Were you able to find out any information? My brother stayed there for 8 months around 1976. We are trying to learn more. I am actually in Dungducheon until August 28th.
Pls email me if you have any information.
Emilymelissaflynn@gmail.com
Hi David,
Hi Emily,
Please contact me on camicami@outlook.be
Caroline
Thanks you all for your support
Dear Mr. Gabriel,
Thank you so much for building this website. I looked through the photos and stories last night and wept soul freeing tears. The visuals of Korean children with American soldiers soothed my heart. Learning that other adoptees have a similar beginning to that of my story is an invisible yet undeniable balm.
I lived at the Yangju orphanage as an infant in 1969 and early 1970. My given name is LEE Jung Sun. My adoptive father was stationed at Camp Beavers as a Staff Sergeant and my adoptive mother lived in Tongduchon with a local Korean family while they waited for my adoption to be finalized. My father learned about the orphanage when he was assigned to bring Mr. Kwak fresh water from the Army base and remembers Mr. Kwak as being a very kind man.
I have some pictures of me as an infant in Korea as well as pictures of Tongduchon (none of the orphanage, though). Please let me know if you would like for me to send those to you for your website. I would be honored to share them.
Warmest Regards,
Suni Miller Zmich