SEOUL, March 4 (Korea Bizwire) — A total of 75 graduates of the 60th cohort of the Korea Armed Forces Nursing Academy left for coronavirus-hit Daegu Tuesday following their graduation and commission ceremony.
They will be assigned to Armed Forces Daegu Hospital to offer medical assistance in fighting the coronavirus.
The commission ceremony, originally scheduled for Mar. 9 in Daejeon, was moved up for the Daegu assignment. The 60th cohort consists of 69 Army officers, three Air Force officers, and three Navy officers, seven of whom are male.
“They will embark on their first mission to stand alongside senior officers to protect our citizens from the coronavirus,” said Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo. “I feel both thankful and grateful for their service.”
“They will make great contributions to overcoming the coronavirus and creating a healthy nation,” Jeong added. “Your sacrifice and dedication will always be remembered in the hearts of the public.”
“I will carry on the spirit of my grandfather, who fought in the Korean War to protect his injured comrades, to serve the people and the military as a medical officer,” said Lt. Lee Hye-min.
Lt. Lee Soo-eun is the descendant of a national patriot. Lt. Choi Ji-min and Song Si-eun are descendants of Korean War heroes.
The commission ceremony was held indoors without family or guests to prevent the coronavirus spread. Family members watched the ceremony via YouTube live hosted by the Defense Media Agency.
H. M. Kang (hmkang@koreabizwire.com)