Osan Exchange Associate Earns Presidential Volunteer Service Award
OSAN AIR BASE – Yi, Tong-hun, an Army & Air Force Exchange Service associate at the Osan food court, was recognized with a Presidential Volunteer Service Award after completing more than 100 hours of volunteer service to support the 51st Force Support Squadron’s recreational program.
51st FSS Outdoor Recreation Lead Specialist David Kwon, U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys; Osan AB General Manager Vanessa Rowland; and Osan Food Court Manager Song, Song-in presented Yi with his award signed by President Joe Biden, as well as a Bronze Medal for volunteerism.
The award was founded in 2003 by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation to recognize the importance of volunteers who help strengthen and positively impact their community.
Osan Food Court Manager Song, Song-in; 51st FSS Outdoor Recreation Lead Specialist David Kwon, U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys; Osan AB General Manager Vanessa Rowland; and Osan food court associate Yi, Tong-hun, after Yi received the Presidential Volunteer Service Award signed by the President Joe Biden and a Bronze Medal for his volunteerism. After one year of volunteering, Yi completed more than 100 hours of behind-the-scenes coordination and support that ensured Airmen could enjoy their outdoor activities. (Courtesy Photo by Humphreys Exchange)
“Usually, our volunteers are service members who are stationed here in Osan,” Kwon said. “Mr. Yi is the only Korean National that we have, and his contributions have been tremendous.”
Yi’s ambition to work with the U.S. military started at an early age when his father, a Korean American, was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army and started to work for the Exchange.
“Thanks to my father, I was able to have access to military installations,” Yi said. “I have always dreamed about working with the U.S. military.”
Last year, Yi’s dream came true when he was hired to work at Charleys restaurant on Osan AB as a cashier, cook and delivery driver. While at work, one of his friends who was volunteering with 51st FSS suggested to Yi that he should volunteer on their next camping trip.
“Osan Airmen work very hard to protect my country, and I wanted to do something in return to say thank you,” Yi said. “Now, whenever I have the opportunity, I try to volunteer.”
Yi’s support to the 51st FSS enables the transportation of gear for multiple outdoor recreational activities including hiking, snow skiing, boating, rafting and camping at scenic trips throughout Korea.
After one year, he completed more than 100 hours of behind-the-scenes coordination and support, which ensured Airmen could enjoy their outdoor activities.
“There is one sentence that I always keep in my heart when it comes to volunteering and that is when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,” Yi said. “I never imagined that my humble service would earn me such a prestigious award.”
One of FSS’ goals is to enhance the quality of life for Airmen, DoD civilians, retirees and families through events such as golf, arts and crafts, youth programs and special events.
“I am honored to have an opportunity to work on Osan and make lasting memories as a volunteer with all the Airmen I have met,” Yi said. “I will continue to volunteer as long as I work on base.”
