Al Jenner
Bio
Al Jenner was born in Massachusetts and attended high school in South Yarmouth. He served in the United States Army from 1979 to 1983 and was stationed at the Joint Security Area in South Korea from 1979 to 1980, where he was recognized as a Korea Defense Service Veteran. As a member of the Korea Defense Veterans Association, he played a crucial role in advocating for a federal charter, which was signed by President George W. Bush in 2002. This advocacy significantly influenced the government’s decision to honor Korean Defense Service Veterans with the Korean War Defense Service Medal. He worked to include these veterans in the Korean War Veterans Association, helping to preserve their legacy.
Video Clips
Concerns About Recognizing The KDVA
Al Jenner agrees with fellow veteran, Jeff Brodeur, that the U.S. government should replicate the Korean Service Veterans Memorial located in Seoul, bringing it to Washington, D.C. They note that there are currently no monuments in the U.S. that represent Korea Defense Service Veterans. Without proper recognition, veterans may be less inclined to join or participate in veteran organizations such as the Korea Defense Veterans Association.
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We Were There During The Cold War
Al Jenner and Jeff Brodeur remember discovering North Korea wanted to participate in the 1988 Olympics in Seoul. In response to this news, they recall intensifying security along the 38th parallel to ensure the safety of the Games. The 38th parallel is the dividing line between North and South Korea, established during the signing of the armistice on July 27, 1953.
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South Korea Since the War
Al Jenner states that if veterans could witness the impact of their efforts to deter communism in South Korea, they would see a country that is now the 11th largest economy in the world. Veterans would also recognize that South Korea is the first nation to transition from being a debtor nation to a creditor nation, all while enjoying the freedoms it offers. He takes great pride in the progress and success of South Korea.
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