Brig. Gen. Jin Pak’s Remarkable Journey from Child Immigrant to Military Leader

Brigadier General Jin Pak was only six years old when he flew alone from South Korea to meet his parents in the United States, whom he didn't know very well. His parents moved to a new country shortly after he was born, so his grandparents cared for him until his parents were ready to bring him over. Even as a kid, Pak wanted to join them. He remembered saying, "I’m going to get on that plane and go to America," whenever he saw an airplane during a recent interview at Camp Walker in Daegu.

After 46 years, Pak has returned to South Korea, not as a child but as the leader of the U.S. Army’s 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command. Pak, a legal U.S. citizen and West Point graduate, first returned to his home country in 2012 as the leader of the 25th Transportation Battalion. In June, he took charge of the support unit that manages supplies for about 5,600 soldiers and Defense Department staff stationed in Korea.

Pak's story of becoming a one-star general after coming to the U.S. as a child immigrant is inspiring and shows America's possibilities. "I'm proud of it because it shows that America is a place of opportunity," he said. "There aren’t many countries where an immigrant from a different ethnic background can join the military and become a general."

His leadership is essential now as the U.S. keeps its military in South Korea due to security issues. Pak has a personal link to both countries, which gives him a unique view on building good ties between the U.S. and Korea. His inspiring story shows his determination and the welcoming spirit of the U.S. service, where hard work and skill lead to success, no matter where you come from.

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