May 31^st, 2008 was a typical late spring day in Yongsan, Korea with a forecast of Cloudy with chances of thunder showers, yet hope reigned forth in our hearts for a beautiful day.  It was the date of the 2^nd Annual Area II Orphan’s and Youth Mini Golf Tournament. MWR Business Operations Division hosts the Golf Tournament with sponsorship from the Dragon Hill Non Commissioned Officers Association Korea Chapter, Area II Club Beyond Youth Ministries, the South Post Chapel and others to score a “hole in one “ in the hearts of Area orphans and youth.

With overcast skies threatening to cancel the event more than 80 Children and numerous Military, Civilian and Community Volunteers gathered for a Good Neighbor event at the Yongsan Garrison Family Fun Park.

Youth that participated in the event were from the Korea Pearl S. Buck Foundation, Club Beyond Youth Ministries, the Young Nak Children’s Home, a Local Korean Elementary School, and the Viva JH Club.  The purpose of the event was to build better community relationships through the Good Neighbor Program.

As the children gathered and began to have fun it was as though the Heavens joined our efforts by erasing the clouds and pouring our radiant beams of sunlight. Their faces beamed as each of the participants received a T-shirt, lunch, and a sports cap from Otis Elevator Company, Korea. The COO of Otis, Mr. Bradley Buckwalter was among the attendees and seemed to be having more fun than the children.  It was so wonderful to see these children who are divided by culture, language and other insignificancies come together in the unity of having fun and being shown love.

The children and volunteers participated in the putt-putt golf tournament and were shown how to keep their scores.  At the end of the tournament the Top scorers received a fabulous glass encased trophy from Yongsan Army Garrison, a Coin of excellence from the Dragon Hill Chapter NCOA and a sleeve of Golf Balls from Otis Elevator Korea.  You would have thought they were receiving the Green Jacket at the Masters with the pride and joy they exhibited. 

Mr. Chris Vaia was also on hand offering his balloon magic by making balloon animals and objects for the children.  That was a big hit.  Other Sponsors were the Mac Arthur Lodge #183, the Yongsan Commissary, Mr. Sam Knight, Ms Kim Sun Yi and Mrs. Lee Kay Ja.

All of the participants, from the youth to the volunteers

left the event with a sense of awe and admiration that such a selfless act of kindness could employ even the Heavens to be involved.  Favorable comments came from the Children, Facility Staff and Volunteers. They all had fun and are looking forward to doing this again in the near future.