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Tense situation in Korea for Metro grad

Contributed by: Dona Fair on 12/29/2006

OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea -- At first glance everything about this U.S. air base just south of the capital city of Seoul makes it look like any other base around the world. Modern barracks, plenty of American restaurants, tons of local shopping -- even a golf course make the base one of the better assignments in Korea. But for the son of an Aurora couple, it's not the obvious that made this temporary duty assignment also one of the most tense in the world.

Marine Corps Maj. Timothy Boettcher, son of Herbert and Ingrid Boettcher, is a member of the Fixed Marine Fighter Attack Wing VMFA-115, also known as the Silver Eagles, normally based out of Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C. Boettcher, a Marine aviator and aviation safety officer, recently performed joint training with the 36th and 25th Fighter Squadrons, twoF/A-18 Hornet units.

Working hand in hand with Osan's fighter squadrons on air-to air- and air-to-ground combat training, the Marines performed air combat training which helped them maneuver with different jets. It also gave them a chance to recognize different aircraft, their threat and how well they can take control of the airspace.

"I am currently serving as the squadron director of safety and standardization and the aviation safety officer. My job is to ensure compliance with higher directives and orders to protect our assets and our Marines," said Boettcher, who graduated in 1986 from Gateway High School, and in 1991 from Metropolitan State College of Denver.

As the most forward deployed wing in the world, the men and women of the 51st Fighter Wing are capable of providing combat ready forces in a moment's notice. Recent events in North Korea have reinforced the need for the men and women to always be alert and ready for action.

"The situation in North Korea has not affected our mission here. We routinely, as a squadron under the Unit Deployment Program, deploy to various sites in the area of responsibility for training opportunities and as goodwill ambassadors to our allies in the region," he said.

Being in Korea, where the sights and smells are like nothing ever encountered in the United States, can be an eye opener. "The thing that has left a lasting impression on me is how friendly the people are," said Boettcher.

Even though they have some of the creature comforts of home, being separated from loved ones can make it hard to stay focused on readiness. "It 'ain't but a thang' being away from family during the holidays. Its part of the sacrifice all military members make throughout their careers. We must pray for our brothers in arms that paid the ultimate sacrifice-they won't be home either," Boettcher said.
Although most people consider this to be the "garden spot" assignment in Korea, Boettcher and his fellow Marines, know that danger is only minutes away.
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Dona Fair is a journalist with Army and Air Force Hometown News.


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