Story and photos by Cpl. Tim Oberle 2nd CAB Public Affairs

DEMILITARIZED ZONE — About 50 Soldiers from the 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, toured several historical sites here in commemoration of the start of the Korean War as part of a United Nations Command Military Armistice Commission tour. During the day-long trip, the Soldiers visited the Joint Security Area Visitor Center, North Korean Infiltration Tunnel Number Three, Panmunjom, United Nations Command Checkpoint Number Three, the Bridge of No Return, and the Axe Murder memorial. The Korean War began June 25, 1950. Sixty-one years later, the visiting Soldiers could still feel the tension between the two countries at the DMZ.

“The Korean War may be known as the ‘Forgotten War’ to many, but here on the Korean peninsula the demilitarized zone serves as a constant reminder of the millions of civilians and military casualties lost and the impact the war still has on the Korean people today,” said Col. James T. Barker, the 2nd CAB commander.

Lieutenant Col. Michael Eggers, the joint duty officer for the United Nations Command Military Armistice Commission and the guide for the tour, provided an extensive history of the Korean War at each historical site along the tour. “I hope that Soldiers who come on this tour get a better understanding of why we are here and that it isn’t just the U.S. and ROK helping to keep the peace here on the Korean peninsula, but that it’s a concerted effort through the United Nations,” Eggers said. “I also hope they realize that all of the troops here are still relevant to contributing to the safety and security here on the peninsula so that we can continue to work towards setting up a peaceful agreement to end the fighting.” Most of the Soldiers returned to Camp Humphreys with a better knowledge of the more than 60 years of tension between the two countries.

“I was amazed at the amount of historical knowledge that Lt. Col. Eggers and the rest of the UNCMAC staff possessed about Korean War,” Barker said.  “Throughout the tour the entire staff here took really good care of us and I thank them for their hospitality.”

Units who wish to schedule a DMZ tour with the UNCMAC may contact Eggers at DSN 734-8067 or 010-8995-8515 or e-mail dmzeduc&orientpgm@korea.army.mil