Commander's Far East trip comes to a close
National Commander Dale Barnett and Auxiliary President Sharon Conatser meet with MAKRI leaders in Seoul, South Korea.

Commander's Far East trip comes to a close

As his visit to South Korea winds down, American Legion National Commander Dale Barnett explains the importance of the far eastern peninsula after his visit to MAKRI, the South Korean agency responsible for the recovery and identification of those missing from the Korean War.

“I cannot underestimate the importance that all American POWs and MIAs be accounted for and returned home,” Barnett said. “It’s just the right thing to do. Their families and their fellow countrymen deserve that full accounting.

"I had an outstanding visit with the forensic laboratory run by MAKRI. They work hand in hand with our own Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, and it is clear that finding the remains of these heroes is a sacred mission for them. They have not forgotten the sacrifice that America has made for their country. There are currently 7,829 Americans missing from the Korean War, but most of the remains are believed to be in North Korea. It’s an issue that we must remain vigilant about.”

Barnett and American Legion Auxiliary National President Sharon Conatser also met with Air Force Lt.Gen. Terrence J. O’Shaughnessy, who praised South Korea’s commitment to keep its portion of the peninsula free.

“To put it in perspective, I hope we don’t have to fight. But if it happens, it will be the Republic of Korea that will be carrying their weight in a fight against the North," said O’Shaughnessy, deputy commander of U.S. Forces Korea. "They are investing in their defense and they are constantly improving."

O’Shaugnessy described a family-friendly environment for U.S. military members in Korea, but one that still has occasional reminders of the menacing threat. “Many families enjoy living here but at the same time they are issued gas masks, so it’s a reminder of how dangerous a threat we have from the North.”

The Legion delegation went into North Korea while visiting the Military Armistice Commission Conference Building, T2, which straddles the demarcation line between North and South Korea. During the tour, the hosting side locked the door to the opposite country so the touring delegation was able to have the run of the entire interior of the building until the tour concluded.

“It’s was very sobering seeing North Korea and knowing that our military faces danger and challenges every day,” Conatser said. “Also, laying a wreath at the national cemetery with Commander Dale made me proud to be a member of The American Legion family. I was honored to pay tribute.”

The delegation also dined with Rev. Tim Peters, a renowned human rights activist with Helping Hand Korea. Peters was labeled “Seoul Saver” on the cover of Time magazine, which was referring to the Christian missionary’s work in helping North Koreans flee their repressive regime through a metaphorical underground railroad that often runs through China.

Barnett earned the distinction of becoming the first national commander to visit the Col. Lewis L. Millett Memorial Post 38 in Seoul on Dec. 4. The post, which was just granted its permanent charter on Oct. 14, already has 58 members, and its post commander hopes to add two more American Legion posts in the next couple of years to serve the high concentration of U.S. military members and retirees throughout the country.

“I think there is a need for another American Legion post up north at Camp Casey,” said Post 38 Commander Mike Napsey. “A post up there could do a lot of service officer work for the military stationed there. I think another post down south at Camp Humphreys could emphasize youth programs and allow for interaction between the different service branches. There is a large military community in South Korea, but we are spread out and each area has different needs.”