Col. Crary receives Korean name at friendship ceremony

Far East District
Published Nov. 14, 2019
Col. Crary receives Korean name at friendship ceremony

Col. Christopher Crary (right), United States Army Corps of Engineers, Far East District commander, receives an official plaque describing his Korean name, Ko Young Soo, from The Republic of Korea-U.S. Alliance Friendship Association, during his Korean Naming ceremony held at the Korea Ministry of National Defense convention center, Nov. 14. Yong Soo is a combination of the Chinese character Young meaning commanding and Soo meaning leader, signifying his leadership as the FED commander overseeing U.S. Forces Korea facilities to defend the peninsula in time of war and maintain peace in the peninsula.

Col. Crary receives Korean name at friendship ceremony

Col. Christopher Crary (center), United States Army Corps of Engineers, Far East District commander stands among members of The Republic of Korea-U.S. Alliance Friendship Association and other Korean delegates during his Korean Naming ceremony held at the Korea Ministry of National Defense convention center, Nov. 30.

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea—The Republic of Korea-U.S. Alliance Friendship Association presented a Korean name to Col. Christopher Crary, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Far East District commander, during a ceremony held at the Korea Ministry of National Defense convention center on Nov. 14.

The Korean name selected by the association for Crary is Ko, Young Soo, which according to Woo Hyun-euy, the association’s chairwoman, originates from the Pyeongtaek area.

“I think that is fitting, since I am the first FED commander to begin his command at our new home on Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek,” said Crary.  “Our new home enables us to be closer to some of our biggest projects on the installation, as we provide oversight and construction surveillance for thousands of projects for U.S. Forces Korea, as well as our host nation projects.”

Yong Soo is a combination of the Chinese character Young meaning commanding and Soo meaning leader, signifying his leadership as the FED commander overseeing U.S. Forces Korea facilities to defend the peninsula in time of war and maintain peace in the peninsula.

Crary stated that he feels this name is appropriate as he is humbled to lead an organization, with what he think is the most dedicated workforce in all of United States Forces Korea.

The association presented Crary with a plaque bearing his Korean name, Young Soo and its meaning, emphasizing the continued efforts of the U.S. Forces Korea relocation projects and strengthening of the alliance between the Republic of Korea and the United States.

“While I am humbled to be in a group of distinguished Americans who have received traditional Korean names, I also realize that the entire Far East District family is being recognized for their excellence, commitment and partnership with the Republic of Korea,” said Crary.

Crary and his wife were both present for this honorary ceremony, and they shared their appreciation of the host nation.

“The Korean culture and people have been extremely generous and gracious to Maria and I and it truly is a privilege to be here helping to support the defense of this great country,” said Crary.