Jeff Brodeur

Bio

Jeff Brodeur was born in Boston, Massachusetts. He served in the United States Army from 1982 to 1989, including one tour in South Korea with the 2nd Infantry Division from 1988 to 1989. During this time, he was recognized as a Korea Defense Service Veteran. As a member of the Korea Defense Veterans Association (KDVA), 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. Lou Dechert, the former national president of the Korean War Veterans Association (KWVA), invited the KDVA to merge with their chapter, forming the KWVA/KVA Chapter 299, which is the first and only Korean Veterans Association that combines both groups. Since the armistice in 1954, over 40,000 troops have remained in Korea each year, serving from one year to 18 months, totaling more than 3 million service members. Congress has acknowledged that since the armistice was signed, over 1,200 U.S. soldiers and 2,400 Republic of Korea (ROK) servicemen have died in Korea. Brodeur was hopeful that this interview will encourage Korean Defense Service Veterans to keep their legacy alive by joining the KWVA. He firmly believed that Service Veterans should be affiliated with the Revisit Tour program and supports the idea of erecting a memorial to recognize their efforts in combating communism during the height of the Cold War.

Video Clips

Concerns About Recognizing The KDVA

Jeff Brodeur wishes that the U.S. government would replicate the Korean Service Veterans Memorial located in Seoul, bringing it to Washington, D.C. He notes that there are currently no monuments in the U.S. that represent Korea Defense Service Veterans. He believes that without proper recognition, veterans may be less inclined to join or participate in veteran organizations such as the Korea Defense Veterans Association.

Tags: Seoul,Home front,Impressions of Korea,Pride,South Koreans

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We Were There During The Cold War

Jeff Brodeur remembers discovering North Korea wanted to participate in the 1988 Olympics in Seoul. In response to this news, he recalls 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.

Tags: Panmunjeom,Seoul,Civilians,Communists,Front lines,Modern Korea,North Koreans,Pride,South Koreans

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South Korea Since the War

Jeff Brodeur agrees with Al Jenner 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. They 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.