Sunny K. Park & American Korean Friendship Society - Paying it Forward

Sunny K Park • December 5, 2024

Retired Berry Trustee Serves Community in Time of Crisis


Sunny K. Park has an eye for business and a heart for service. The Atlanta Business Hall of Fame laureate and Berry trustee emeritus is renowned for the success of his company, General Building Maintenance, which is one of the nation's top private commercial cleaning service providers, as well as the work he does on behalf of others.


He has always been quick to recognize a need, so when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, he quickly jumped into action. As president of the American Korean Friendship Society, he coordinated the donation of 1,000 protective masks each to Grady Memorial Hospital, Piedmont Hospital and the Sandy Springs, Ga., police.


Berry students are no strangers to the generosity of Mr. Park, who endured the horrors of the Korean War as a child and later immigrated to the United States, the source of the soldiers and missionaries who inspired him in his youth. He was introduced to Berry by his childhood hero, U.S. Gen. Raymond Gilbert Davis, and quickly embraced the college and its mission.


Most recently, Mr. Park funded the General Davis Korean-American Friendship Scholarship, which will provide support for two Berry students each year to participate in the Bahrom International Program at Seoul Women's University or another similar program in South Korea. He has also been generous in support of other campus projects, including the Steven J. Cage Athletic and Recreation Center.


source: https://alwaysberry.com/blog/sunny-park

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.

Iconic Sculpture Honoring Veterans’ Sacrifices to be Dedicated at Sandy Springs Park

By Sunny K Park • July 11, 2025
The newly opened Veterans Park is located on the parcel of land between Roswell Road, Johnson Ferry Road, and Mt. Vernon Highway.

The Ellis Island Honors Society honors the importance of immigration to America’s prosperity

By Sunny K Park • March 11, 2025
The Ellis Island Honors Society honors the importance of immigration to America’s prosperity and celebrates the contributions immigrants and their progeny have made to our nation. In 1986, Ellis Island Honors Society founded the Ellis Island Medals of Honor to commemorate the indefatigable spirit of those who immigrated to the United States during the Ellis Island era.  The Medal is presented annually to those who have shown an outstanding commitment to serving our nation either professionally, culturally or civically, among other criteria.