Comments on: A Profile of USFK Camps in Dongducheon

By: Emmett Dempsey

Emmett Dempsey — Thu, 24 May 2012 10:33:14 +0000

Korea was my first duty station as a brand new 2LT. I was stationed on Camp Nimble from Dec 97 to Dec 98. The floods happened the summer of 98. I know….I was there and had to swim out of my bedroom and watch Conexs’ being twisted under bridges. It was quite a sight. We moved my 5000 gallon fuel tankers to Camp Castle North, and it seems they never left there. I had a blast there. Down range was fun, but the crowds and vibes changed so fast with folks PCSing from their 1 year tour. A “cool” place could turn not so cool real fast. Ah Camp Nimble….gotta love Jackie B’s. Nice to have a bar and slot machines like 10 feet from where you sleep. Good stuff!

By: DJ

DJ — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 17:08:26 +0000

Gary Judy #267 I don’t know about you but I was in Korea in 69 and I was 19, I set here and try to remember where I was and how I got there, I don’t have a clue. I agreed with the one post that said to take lots of pictures, but then we had to have them developed didn’t we. The age of digital pix wasn’t in yet. I don’t remember where my girl friend lived among so many other now important memories. It must be age, at least my wife tells me how forgetful I am. I wish I could remember more, it slowly comes back but discussion or pictures help a lot.
DJ

By: Gary Judy

Gary Judy — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 16:30:59 +0000

I just want to thank everybody for helping me to revive some of my memories of Korea. 702 Mt.Bn 1975 I have a few pic’s from those days and I look back and see a young crazy 17 year old kid in them having the time of his life. Some advise for those serving now. Make sure you write down the full name of any friends you make and a contact address and number because you will wish you did later in life. You think you will remember things but you won’t.

By: mitch

mitch — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 03:05:02 +0000

JFisher, damn that brings back memories. I haven’t heard the term slding doors in a while. Back in my day it was sliding doors, heated floors and the slant eyed whores. Never did care for the saying as well as others of the day. In a way I wish I could have done another tour or two in Korea. During my career some guys did two three or four tours. Some extended for months. Other guys never did a tour in Korea. Same with some guys homesteading in Germany while others never saw Germany. I never made it ot Germany. Maybe it had to do with MOS. I know that during the Vietnam War the 17 yo went to Korea or Gemany. They couldn’t go to Vietnam, too young. Hope everyone is having a good St Patricks Day.

By: JFisher

JFisher — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 02:03:28 +0000

GARY JUDY@264: I totally agree with your comments. I was in
Korea for 7 yrs. off and on from 64′to 88′ and go back on
vacation every other year. You brought up an important item
that should be a priority but unfortunately is overlooked by
soldiers on duty in Korea. Getting out and touring around the
country. USO makes it so easy to do. Sad that guys spend a year there and come back to the USA with the impression Korea is a place of just “sliding doors and slant eyed whores”. Doesn’t say much for the level of intelligence of some of our soldiers. Not too many sliding doors in Korea these days—Westernization as you pointed out.

By: mitch

mitch — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 00:57:49 +0000

I read the postings with interest hoping to find fellow 3-32 person from my days at Camp Casey and Hovey back in the mid 1960s. Yes, the memories are precious, espcially when one get to be my age (70). I’ve told my friends that I would enjoy going back to visit Korea. I’ve never had any desire to visit Vietnam or any other places I was assigned during my career. I often wonder what happened to the guys I served with in Korea back in the day. I know where two are and we stay in contact. Korea when I was there was a rather spartan existence, and the villes weren’t any better. I’ve seen photos of the new Korea. What a difference. The two times after the first 13 month tour didn’t give me much time to visit. My team was in and out.

By: Gary Judy

Gary Judy — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 22:44:05 +0000

Good idea Jfisher. I don’t think his experience will be quite as dramatic as it was when I was there because it is much more Americanized now. Back in 74 75 76 it was like you landed on a different planet. It will still be a exeperience of a life time though. Enjoy it and get out and see as much of the country as you can while you are there in the military because it is much cheaper than going back later in life on your own dime.

By: JFisher

JFisher — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 22:18:51 +0000

GRUNT1988@258: I agree with Mike Staggs but the chances anyone
would keep a journal is very unlikely. Get a thin digital camera that fits in your pocket with an SD chip for lots of photos. Do not take a picture with the thought of getting a good photo to hang on the wall. Shoot everything and anything. You are in for a unique experience that will have a lasting impression on you will not come to fruition later on in life. The moment the plane takes off to return you stateside you will likely have tears rolling down your cheeks w/snot running out of your nose. As each year passes as Mike says, the memories become more precious. You will deeply regret not have taken lots of pictures and cursing your self and saying to yourself “I should have listened to JFisher”way
back when” Mark my words. Feel free to query me on any aspect
of Korea, the women, customs, culture. I will be happy to give
you my opinion any time. You impress me with your positive
attitude and enthusiasm towards your assignment to Korea.
jfisher1946@gmail.com

By: Gary Judy

Gary Judy — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 19:47:47 +0000

I served at Camp Casey in 75 in the 702nd Mt. BN.and had some of the best days of my life there. Being 17 years old it was quite a experience. If any old friends remember me I would love to hear from you. You can contact me at lynn02_98@yahoo.com I went back to Korea in 2000 on a vacation and I can tell you you would not recognize it.

By: Michael Staggs

Michael Staggs — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 02:22:05 +0000

GRUNT1988, It has been 25 years since I was last in Korea and almost 30 since I was at Camp Casey, nothing I could tell you (about Camp Casey) would be of any value.
I do, however, have some advice to give. I spent over 25 years in the Army – a big part of it overseas, I envy you. I wish I could do most of it again. My greatest regret is that I don’t remember a lot of details of my time.
KEEP A JOURNEL!
I know how that sounds but in the years to come you will appreciate it.