YONGSAN GARRISON, Republic of Korea - Every year United States Forces Korea announces its employees of the year. This year's theme on Nov. 4 was "Recognizing Excellence," and three of U.S. Army Garrison-Yongsan's dedicated Civilians were recognized accordingly: Technician of the Year James Slagle, Supervisor of the Year Choe Han-chol, and Customer Service Employee of the Year O Chong-son.

"I'd like to recognize the excellence of the Servicemembers [United Nations Command Honor Guard]. and pay tribute to our great Civilian awardees," USFK Commanding General Walter Sharp, who presided over the ceremony, said as the awardees stood on Knight Field with a backdrop of Soldiers in parade regalia. "You represent the very best of the best of the great Civilians we have serving in the Republic of Korea.

The three Yongsan awardees were recognized alongside 15 other civilians from throughout the peninsula. They were selected from a pool of over 15,000 Civilian employees in South Korea.

"It's a great honor to be recognized again," Slagle said, who has won the award twice before. "Whenever there's a problem, I don't head home until I have a solution. I'll continue to work with the same dedication."

His co-worker O chong-son attributed her award to her colleagues. "I work very hard but none of this would have been possible without the help and active support of all the staff in the office."

"My family is very proud of me for winning this award," Supervisor of the Year Choe Han-chol, said. "It means the world for the General himself to recognize me in this regard."

In closing, Gen. Sharp reemphasized the importance of Civilians to USFK.

"I am honored to be able to say thank you for your excellence," he said. "Thank you for a job well done. We are proud of all of you. Congratulations."

Yongsan Garrison Commander Col. Dave Hall said employees like Choe, Slagle and O are prime examples of Civilians doing their part to support the Army Family Covenant.

"Our Civilian workforce is dedicated to improving the quality of this Garrison, and their loyalty to Servicemembers and their Families is truly inspirational."

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