Icheon, Yeoju, and Yangpyeong Women's Militia Units Mark 20th Anniversary

[Suwon Ilbo=Um In-yong Reporter] The Icheon, Yeoju, and Yangpyeong Women's Militia Unit, representing the three cities and county of Icheon City, Yeoju City, and Yangpyeong County, marked its 20th anniversary on the 24th.

The women's militia unit was established in 2006 with an initial strength of approximately 50 members each in Icheon, Yeoju, and Yangpyeong under Army 55th Division. Over the past two decades, it has participated in various disaster relief efforts, social volunteer services, and operation training within the region.

For the past 20 years, these members have consistently practiced devotion to the local community and love of country, contributing to the supplementation of limited capacity in peacetime and wartime local defense operations, fostering harmony with residents, and improving public trust in the military.

In commemoration of the 20th anniversary, Icheon Women's Militia Unit held a founding anniversary ceremony at 24th Battalion with approximately 60 attendees including unit personnel, officials from Icheon City Hall, and members of the Veterans Association. The ceremony included the presentation of commendation certificates and letters of appreciation for merit, viewing of a video about women's militia activities and a congratulatory message from Icheon City Mayor, and commemorative remarks.

Kim Jeong-sik, commander of the Icheon Women's Militia Unit, stated, "As a member of the women's militia, I have carried out my activities with the hope of contributing to national security and the local community," adding, "As we look toward the 30th and 40th anniversaries, if there are opportunities to serve the nation and residents, I will stand ready at any moment with the determination that I will protect my hometown."

Battalion Commander Lee Rang (Major) said, "The women's militia unit plays important roles in peacetime disaster relief and social volunteer services, and in times of emergency, information dissemination, mobile public relations, and damage recovery support," and added, "As the role of the militia becomes increasingly important, we will spare no effort in supporting the women's militia unit to carry out its practical missions effectively."