‘Good Neighboring Day’ ’07 brings Korean culture to Fort Gordon YCA cadets

Sunny K Park • October 10, 2023

“If Sunny can, I can,” was the theme of the morning lectures that Sunny Park, founder of the Good Neighboring Foundation, gave to more than 200 Youth Challenge Academy Cadets at Fort Gordon, near Augusta in mid-October.

The morning started with a brief history of the Good Neighboring Foundation, which was designed by Park to bring a day of Korean culture and encouragement to the cadets of the YCA programs all over the country.

Park began the program with a brief history of Korea and of himself, telling many stories about how he came to the United States and used the opportunity to become a successful businessman.

Success was the overall theme of the morning lectures from both Park and Karen Handel, Georgia’s Secretary of State.

“We all want to be a part of your success,” said Park. “I don’t waste my time and effort on anyone, you are worthwhile and we want to help you.

“Everything you need to be successful, you have,” said Park. “You have to know what you are doing, have a road map and know where you are going.”

Handel had similar advice for the cadets.

“Nobody is going to care about you unless you care about yourself,” she said. “Never let where you came from hold you back, but never forget where you came from.”

After Handel finished, the day’s entertainment began. A demonstration team from the Taegeukwon Taekwondo Academy of Augusta, performed. This team later spent an hour with the cadets teaching them the basics of the discipline of Taekwondo.

Before the taekwondo classes, the cadets were treated to a Korean style meal with Bul-gokee, marinated and charbroiled beef; goon-mandoo, a type of potato stick; chap-chae, potato noodles marinated in sesame seed and Korean sauce; and Kimchi, Korean cabbages and radishes salad with Korean Spice.

The Good neighboring Foundation was started in 1996 to help Korean immigrants learn American culture. It encouraged these immigrants to use Asian values and heritage for the betterment of their adoped country.

An exhibition of Taekwondo such as breaking a board with powerful kick (at right) impressed cadets.

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Speech on General Mike Scaprrotti’s Liberty Award celebration 10 Dec 2025

By Sunny K Park • January 3, 2026

Sunny K. Park, President, American Korean Friendship Society Good evening! I would like to express my gratitude to ICAS and Dr. Kim for granting me the opportunity to offer remarks about tonight's honoree. General Scaparrotti's distinguished military career is widely recognized for its exceptional achievements. I first met General Scaparrotti in Korea at his change of command ceremony; an event officiated by General Dempsey. At the time, I attended as a guest of General Thurman, the outgoing commander, while General Scaparrotti assumed leadership of US Forces in Korea. In subsequent years, specifically from 2022 to 2024, I had the privilege of working alongside General Scaparrotti during his tenure as Chairman of the Korea Defense Veterans Association (KDVA), where I serve on the Advisory Board. Upon taking on this role, General Scaparrotti promptly initiated a conference call with me to gain comprehensive insight into KDVA’s operations. Our conversation lasted over an hour and encompassed both the organization's history and strategic direction. As you can tell, I was one of about 2 dozen leaders of KDVA. I found General Scaparrotti’s genuine commitment to effective leadership and organizational excellence particularly noteworthy. I wish to highlight several personal anecdotes shared by his Korean colleagues. Throughout his nearly forty-year service, he demonstrated unwavering respect for fallen soldiers by displaying their photographs in his office and providing continued support to their families. Notably, in 2015, following an incident in which two Korean Army sergeants were injured by a landmine, General Scaparrotti was the first to visit them in the hospital, encouraging their recovery. Under General Scaparrotti's leadership, KDVA has flourished, further reinforcing the US-Korea alliance. His exemplary leadership and selfless dedication have significantly enhanced the strength and vitality of this crucial partnership. It is my honor to congratulate General Mike Scaparrotti on receiving this year’s ICAS Liberty Award—a recognition that is truly well deserved.

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