Retired U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Richard Robinson served two stints in South Korea, including one during the Korean War -- a career that has earned him a string of medals as well as a deep sense of pride.
"I was proud to be there and I did my duty," Robinson said during an interview with Yonhap News Agency on Monday, speaking of his service in 1952-1953 as a corporal delivering intelligence reports from the 8th Army headquarters in Seoul to the frontlines as the three-year conflict drew to its end.
Robinson said he feels proud of being part of the war, especially when he sees how South Korea transformed itself from the war's ashes and South Korean people express gratitude for his service.
"I was presented with a book by President Park (Geun-hye) of how Korea was reborn," he said. "It shows from the war all the way up to the present time ... When I saw this book, I was really surprised."
He described South Koreans as "very appreciative people."
"They're always thanking us for what we did. They're always saying, 'Our sacrifice.' They went through a lot of sacrifices themselves," he said.
Robinson, 84, is among 120 American veterans of the Korean War who live in the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Washington, a retirement facility for a total of 453 veterans of World War II, the Vietnam War and other wars in addition to the Korean War.
Shaun Servais, the facility's administrator, said South Korea is "one of the few countries that really demonstrates through their actions their appreciation and the sacrifices made by the United States military," adding that the defense attache from the Korean Embassy has made visits to the facility.
"It's a wonderful home. We do a lot to take care of veterans, keep them happy, keep them active and healthy," the official said.
"Our military veterans are very special to us. Without them, we wouldn't be here. So, what we try to do is fulfill our mission of providing a premier retirement community and giving them the best care."
Korean War veterans all spoke of not only their sacrifices but also the sacrifices Koreans went through after the war to rebuild the war-torn nation.
Kenneth Hall, 84, another veteran who served for 18 months in 1950-52, said he never forgot Korea.
"I followed you all these years. I didn't forget Korea," he said. "One of the proudest things I did in my life was (my service in Korea) and I'm certainly proud of what you did, too. Look at the beautiful country!"
Hall said he looks forward to returning to Korea next month for a visit.
Charles Felder, 79, another veteran, said memories of Korea is deeply ingrained in the hearts of veterans and they are very proud of their services.
"What we feel now for Korea, even now, this many years after the war was over, is something that we developed while we were there," he said. "As for what the country is like now? ... I really think it's really beautiful and now I can look back and think about, 'Wow, I put this much in,' and I'm proud of what I did during the Korean War." (Yonhap)
