Troy in South Korea

Troy spent about 40 days in South Korea in the early Spring while training with the Republic of Korea Marines. He shot artillery (that is his job, after all), visited some military sites, saw some old friends, and spent time leading Marines. One of the things he talked about the most was leading a convoy (read: giant line of military vehicles on a mission from one place to another. Think huge humvee's, 7-ton's , and howitzer's all rolling past you on the highway). 

Enjoy some pictures from his adventure.

On the way there and back, Troy rode in an HSV (really fast boat). It took about 2 days each way across the open ocean.

Their first view of Korea from the ocean.

While in Korea, they spent time shooting artillery at the mountains.

They also chopped off each others legs... Not really! It was a very realistic training scenario for war injuries. Creepy!

3/12 claimed their sleeping quarters!

Although, I would have personally given them up. :) 

It was not all training, there was some time for fun. 

Troy was there during his Birthday and they had a mess night where the US and Korean Marines sang him Happy Birthday. His cake consisted of a match in a cupcake. Not quite like the wife would do it. ;)

The Colonel was sure to take them to a biker bar while they were there.

After all the training, they got a few days of leave (vacation) in Seoul. Troy stayed with in a hotel with a Marine friend and made sure to see some fun sites. 

A Korean military history museum.

A statue outside the museum.

Troy was also able to visit the Korean DMZ. This is the boundary between North and South Korea, I would guess it is a scary area!

The view of North Korea from the Southern side of the DMZ. This village is called Propaganda Village. It is an area built by the North Koreans to make it look appealing to the South, even though the country is very impoverished.

The concrete barrier is the division between North and South. Troy was actually able to step into North Korea inside the building. We are lucky he didn't get stolen!

While he was there, Troy was able to see some family friends from Kentucky! They were nice enough to ride up to Seoul on the train and meet him for dinner and shopping. 

Julie and Troy in front of the only Starbucks in the world without English (if I remember correctly!).

Julie and Troy at dinner. Julie says it was raining a lot so her hair is wet, but she still looks hot!

Troy, Julie, and Chris at dinner.

Another successful trip thanks to the Marine Corps. Troy earned a Korean Defense Medal while he was there which is very meaningful since his inspiration to be a Marine, his Grandpa Don, fought there in the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir.

Shew, that was a long one! Thanks for reading!