Fort Worth Korean Association Honors Korean War Veterans with “Freedom and Sacrifice Medal”

Photo courtesy of the Fort Worth-Tarrant County Korean Association.

FORT WORTH, TexasN — The Fort Worth-Tarrant County Korean Association hosted a special ceremony June 13 to honor Korean War veterans for their service and sacrifice, presenting commemorative “Freedom and Sacrifice Medals” to surviving veterans of Walton Walker Chapter 215.

The event, organized by the Fort Worth-Tarrant County Korean Association under the leadership of President Jini Yoon, brought together veterans, family members, community leaders and supporters to recognize the men whose service during the Korean War helped preserve South Korea’s freedom and democracy.

Association officers and members attending the ceremony included Vice Presidents Rev. Simon Suk and Hyo Haeng Kim, former President Jenny Grubbs, Public Relations Director Chang Soo Kim, Operations Director Eunice Park, Board Member Anna Bain and other community volunteers.

The ceremony was held during the regular meeting of Walton Walker Chapter 215, a Korean War veterans organization based in the Fort Worth area. Seven surviving veterans attended the event with their families. Jerry Reynolds, another surviving veteran, was unable to attend because of health concerns.

Among the veterans recognized were incoming chapter president Daniel Dawkins, Acting President Larry Kinard, Joe Robert, Ron Lange, Robert Zimmardi, Curtis Grubbs and Stan Bullard.

In her remarks, Yoon expressed the Korean community’s gratitude to the veterans whose service helped secure South Korea’s future.

“The Republic of Korea was able to grow into the free and prosperous democracy it is today because of the sacrifice and dedication of Korean War veterans,” Yoon said. “On behalf of the Korean people, I extend our deepest gratitude and respect.”

She added that the advanced age of many surviving veterans made the occasion particularly meaningful.

“Knowing the ages of these veterans, we felt an even greater sense of urgency to express our appreciation while we still have the opportunity,” Yoon said. “These medals represent the highest expression of gratitude our community can offer.”

The commemorative medals were specially commissioned and produced in South Korea. Each veteran received a medal set consisting of a ceremonial neck medal and a lapel-style medal.

The presentation was conducted by Yoon alongside several community leaders, including Dosu Kim, president of the Federation of Korean Associations of the South Central United States; Sang Jin Lee, president of the Dallas chapter of the Syngman Rhee Memorial Foundation; Chung Rae Kim, president of the Vietnam Veterans Association; Myung Jae Lee, president of the Dallas Korean Praise Association; Elder Kyo Mo Jung, a former member of South Korea’s 1964 Tokyo Olympic track and field team; and Young Soo Kim, a Vietnam War veteran.

During the ceremony, Dosu Kim emphasized the historical significance of the veterans’ service and the enduring importance of the U.S.-South Korea alliance.

The event also featured a community appreciation program. Copies of Bring Davy Home, written by Sherri Steward, a family member of a Korean War veteran, were distributed through a drawing for attendees. The book recounts the experiences of her uncle during the Korean War. Steward personally signed copies and spoke with veterans and family members throughout the event.

Members of the Fort Worth Women’s Association and female volunteers from the Korean Association prepared and served a traditional Korean meal. Public Relations Director Chang Soo Kim also presented each veteran with a box of Korean pears as a token of appreciation.

Kyung Mok Lim, Senior Administrative Officer with the Dallas Office of the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Houston, attended the ceremony and presented commemorative mugs to all participants.

“We hope to share our gratitude for Korean War veterans with the next generation as well,” Lim said.

Veterans and family members expressed appreciation for the recognition.

“Thank you for remembering us and not forgetting what we did,” one veteran said.

The son of another veteran noted that it had been years since he had seen his father smile so broadly.

Robike Faries, who has served for many years as secretary of Walton Walker Chapter 215, said he was deeply moved by the Korean community’s continued commitment to honoring veterans.

“I am touched by the sincerity and gratitude shown by the Korean community,” Faries said, adding that he hopes to continue building a relationship with the Fort Worth Korean Association.

Steward likewise praised the event, saying she was impressed by the respect and care shown to the veterans and expressed interest in supporting future community initiatives.

As Korean War veteran organizations across the United States face declining membership because of the advanced age of their members, many chapters have suspended operations or disbanded. Members of Walton Walker Chapter 215, whose surviving veterans are largely in their late 90s, acknowledged that this gathering could have been among the organization’s final major events.

However, during the chapter’s meeting, members elected new leadership and voted to continue operations. Veterans credited the ongoing support and engagement of the Fort Worth Korean community with helping revitalize the organization and renew its sense of purpose.

The Fort Worth-Tarrant County Korean Association said it plans to continue programs that honor Korean War veterans and preserve the legacy of their sacrifice for future generations.

Catherine Wahrmund amiangs0210@gmail.com