Last week was a success as we wrapped up KATUSA Friendship Week. As a brief reminder, a KATUSA is a Korean Augmentee to the United States Army. Koreans are mandated to serve two years in the military, and those with excellent English skills can apply to be in the program. These KATUSAs work side-by-side with American soldiers, functioning in the same roles as Americans. Each year there are athletic competitions, skits and programs during a week which allows even more interaction between U.S. and Korean soldiers.
This year I played on the softball team, and my unit (the 19th ESC) took home the championship for that sport. We also took the overall championship, also winning in volleyball and the skit. My favorite part of the week was during the softball tournament. We played extremely well and the KATUSAs did Korean chants for the players as they came to bat. It reminded me a lot of what you see from the movies and videos of baseball in Japan. When we had a comfortable lead in the championship game, all the starters came out of the game and I decided at that point to sit with the KATUSAs and participate in some of the chants myself. It was a lot of fun.
The following weekend was not so fun. We went to Osan Air Base, about three hours north of Daegu, to participate in a softball tournament. There were four other teams, but they were all-base teams playing our unit teams. Let me explain: A unit team is made up just of people working in our particular unit (the 19th ESC), but these base teams took the best players from their units and made an all-star team to take to the tournament. Let’s just say the tournament didn’t work out so well. But, at least we got to spend a weekend in Osan. The benefit of that is they have a Chili’s on post. There isn’t a Chili’s on any other post in Korea.
Back on some serious news, my promotion finally came through. I know Standard Journal’s been plugging me as a sergeant for a while now, and technically they weren’t wrong. My promotion date is April 1, however, because of some hold-ups and paperwork gliches, I’ll actually pin on sergeant’s stripes Thursday. Don’t worry, I’ll still get paid for the month I missed out on, and all my records will reflect April’s dates. It just feels good the process is over.
We also received our new soldier last week. He’s a 19-year-old private first class from Chicago. He seems ambitious about starting his career and eager to learn, so we’re going to keep him busy.
Tara and Ethan are doing pretty well. Ethan is getting ready for his four-month appointment, and he’s starting to stand. He can’t hold his own weight, but he sure is trying hard. Tara’s still at the vet clinic and they do a good job of keeping her busy. Well, the little guy’s rambunctious, so I should run. Until next time, take care and God bless.

SGT. JAMES SHAPPELL can be contacted at 19th SC(E) Unit 15015, Box 696, APO, AP 96218 or  james.shappell@us.army.mil