MEMBERSHIP

Is KDVA only for Veterans?

KDVA is for everyone who cares about the United States, Korea, and our Veterans!

  • Regular Members: Former and current U.S. military & DOD Personnel, KATUSA Veterans, Retired ROK Military personnel, Former and current ROK government civilians.
  • Associate Members: Adult and college students who support the ROK-U.S. Alliance.

Can U.S. active-duty military personnel become members?

Yes, KDVA welcomes all active-duty U.S. military personnel.

Can I join KDVA as an active-duty ROK military personnel?

Per Korean laws, only retired or separated ROK Military personnel can join KDVA.

Although I have never served in the military, one of my family members served in the Korean War, can I still become a KDVA member?

Yes!  KDVA is for everyone. You can sign up as an Associate Member here: www.kdva.vet/members/

Is KDVA only for Korean people?

No, KDVA is for everyone who supports the ROK-U.S. Alliance!

Why should I join the Korea Defense Veterans Association?

KDVA is the only organization whose mission is to enhance the ROK-U.S. Alliance and support our Veterans. KDVA wants to bring together people who care about the great ROK-U.S. Alliance and our Veterans so that we can make both the United States and Korea better. It is a worthy endeavor, and we would appreciate your help! kdva.vet/members/
Here are some KDVA member benefits:
– Part of a premier professional organization.
– Help strengthen the important ROK-U.S. Alliance … that you helped build and continue to serve.
– Honor and remember those who have served in Korea.
– Participate in Korea Revisit Program and KDVA Reunion.
– Networking and access to experts and experiences found nowhere else.
– Mentor and mentee opportunities.
– Staying in touch with those who served with you in Korea.
– Participate in Korea Revisit Program and KDVA Reunion.
– Opportunities to participate in forums and events.
– Opportunities to volunteer in leadership positions.
– Opportunities for interns, research associates, linguists, and to be published.
– Opportunities for community service.

What’s the catch in “free”?

There is no catch … really!  You have already paid for your membership with your service in Korea and support for the Alliance.

I am intimidated to join a group that seems to have so many senior leaders and experts … wouldn’t I be out of place?

Oh, we sincerely hope that you won’t feel out of place.  Yes, we have senior leaders and experts in KDVA, and we appreciate their membership and support.  But, did you know that the vast majority of our members are people like you?  There are millions of Americans and Koreans who served in Korea since the start of the Korean War on June 25, 1950, and we welcome all who want to honor these Veterans and their Families.

  • Staying in touch with those who served with you in Korea.
  • Opportunities to participate in forums and events.
  • Opportunities to volunteer in leadership positions.
  • Opportunities for interns, research associates, linguists, and to be published.
  • Opportunities for community service.

Why does KDVA want people to join KDVA?

KDVA membership growth shows that Americans and Koreans care about our Veterans and the Alliance, and shows the power of our members who are caring, talented, and want to support. KDVA members are living reminders of contributions by Veterans and the relevance of the Alliance.  KDVA wants to provide a forum – the Association – for all these people to come together to contribute when they have the time.  KDVA has been very thankful that through our membership growth we have found people with great talent and experiences who have written articles, participated in panel discussions, volunteered at events, and volunteered as local chapter presidents, interns, language specialists, and research associates.

Some benefits of KDVA membership include:

  • Staying in touch with those who served with you in Korea.
  • Opportunities to participate in forums and events.
  • Opportunities to volunteer in leadership positions.
  • Opportunities for interns, research associates, linguists, and to be published.
  • Opportunities for community service.”

KDVA ORGANIZATION

Is this a Korean organization?

KDVA is a U.S. 501(c)3 non-profit organization registered in Virginia, and we have a local chapter in Korea.

Isn’t KDVA a “military” group?

KDVA is an association of Veterans, Family Members of Veterans, and anyone interested in the United States, Korea, and our Veterans.  We only want to support the great ROK-U.S. Alliance that people who worked in Korea helped to build.

  • Staying in touch with those who served with you in Korea.
  • Opportunities to participate in forums and events.
  • Opportunities to volunteer in leadership positions.
  • Opportunities for interns, research associates, linguists, and to be published.
  • Opportunities for community service.

How does KDVA get its money for all these “free” programs?

Our partner organization, the Korea-US Alliance Foundation (KUSAF), in Korea provides most of KDVA’s funding for our programs. KUSAF was founded specifically to raise funds for KDVA.

KDVA PROGRAMS & INVOLVEMENT

I want to do something for KDVA, but what does KDVA need?

We are always looking for volunteers, in person or remotely! Please check out our website under “Get Involved” (kdva.vet/volunteer) to see where you can help!

Does KDVA have an Internship Program?

Yes! The KDVA Internship Program (KIP) provides college students the opportunity to learn more about the ROK-U.S. Alliance and its diverse topics. The program runs from October 1 to September 31. For more information, please visit kdva.vet/internships/

Can I write an article for the KDVA Quarterly Journal?

Yes!  KDVA wants to hear from Korea Veterans, their Families, our many partners, and any supporter.  KDVA wants you to share your perspectives and stories so that we can capture them for people to learn and relate to.  Please submit your articles to kdva.journal@gmail.com.

Where can I see the recordings for past webinars?

All of our webinars, along with other videos and articles, are in the KDVA Digital Library – kdva.vet/digital-library/

How can I receive notifications of events happening for KDVA?

Become a KDVA member and receive all of our announcements directly to your inbox! You an also follow us on our social media platforms:

KDVA CHAPTERS

What do I do if I am interested in starting a KDVA Chapter?

Please send us an email to kdva.localchapters@gmail.com. We are looking for people who have a passion for the KDVA mission, who have the bandwidth to work as a volunteer, and who have the capability to lead a local chapter.  We would love to hear from you!

You have additional questions? Email us at contact@kdva.vet.