Far East District employees took the first of three
orientation tours of Camp Humphreys on April 12. The series of tours offers a
look at the new district headquarters building, as well as Camp Humphreys and
the surrounding Pyeongtaek area.
“We want to provide the best possible transition for all
employees who will be moving here next year,” said SeukHwan Son, Far East
District corporate communications specialist. “We want to make it as easy as
possible for everyone and this is a first step in that process.”
Sixteen employees (12 Korean Nationals and four
Department of the Army Civilians) boarded a bus at district headquarters in
Seoul and arrived at Camp Humphreys 90 minutes later. For many, this was a
first look at the extensive construction efforts on the installation.
“I think it's amazing to see the installation and
construction,” said Edin Shin, Far East District contract specialist. “I only
heard that the district headquarters building is up, but actually seeing the
building was impressive. I’m just thinking new building, new location and the
start of a new future is exciting.”
Son and Far East District Sgt. Major Robert Stanek guided
the group on the tour, providing information on new housing developments in
Pyeongtaek where district employees may choose to live and the layout of the
rapidly changing installation.
“Now I know where the Far East District building is
located,” said Shin. “I now have a better picture of what to expect when I move
down there. Also, I was able to discuss with my family and plan out the
possible areas around Camp Humphreys for house hunting. The trip helped my
concern about housing location and now I have a better sense of which part of
town I would like to live (in).”
The orientation included a floor-by-floor tour of the new
district headquarters building, which is nearly seventy-five percent finished
and scheduled for completion in 2017. Employees also had the opportunity to
discover where their new offices will be situated.
“The trip allowed me to familiarize myself with where
we'll be located on base in relation to other important places, like schools
and places to eat,” said Jason Zimmerman, a Far East District supervisory
electrical engineer. “It definitely helped allay some of my concerns about the
move. Just being oriented helped me mentally prepare for the challenges of
living and working there. It will also help my planning for the move down.”
Zimmerman said he now feels more at ease with the move,
and he highly recommends the orientation to other district employees.
“It's definitely not a waste of time. To me,
familiarization with the base and surroundings is the key to living in the new
environment,” he said.
Two additional tours for district employees are scheduled
for later this year.