Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation First Annual Honors Banquet

Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation Honorees

2025 Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation Honors recognizes and celebrates the contributions of individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and service, either as 1) Korean War Veterans or 2) Supporters of these Veterans and their Families.  Nominees should exemplify the spirit of selflessness and commitment that defines the Korean War Veterans community. This is an opportunity to highlight their significant actions and to inspire others through their exemplary deeds.

U.S. Veteran Honoree

Larry Kinard

Sponsored by Ki Ho and Madelline Kang Foundation

Nominated by Sherri Steward

As 1st LT, he served 9 months on the frontline, during the Chinese Spring Offensive and on the Main Line of Resistance. Chinese assaults on American units across the Imjin River were numerous and sustained. Kinard and I-Company led troops on a daring mission to cross the Imjin under cover of darkness to take enemy prisoners. Sustaining 14 KIAs, a heavy fog allowed them to return across the Imjin.

In his own Chapter 215, Kinard taught the Korean War to over 2,000 students and teachers! Asked about these efforts, he stated: “I took it to heart and was devoted to the cause. I worked every day, making sure others knew what we did in Korea was good. I wanted our veterans to also understand that they saved an entire country and its people.”

Full Bio >

U.S. Veteran Honoree

Sponsored by Yumi Hogan

Charles Garrod has been instrumental for well over half a century in championing legislation, memories, community, and care for Korean War veterans and their loved ones.

Mr. Garrod has personally documented, collected, and shared a host of historical items and memories to ensure the Korean War veterans are preserved through multiple venues, media types, events, and mechanisms.

Full Bio >

U.S. Supporter Honoree

Kum Cha Bertling

Sponsored by Sunny K Park Family Foundation

Nominated by David Logan

Through KC’s love and gratitude for the Korean War Veterans, she and her husband, Sam, have devoted their lives since 2006 to honoring them. Their mission to honor the Korean War Veterans gave them the vision to start the Legacy 4 Korean War Veterans Foundation (L4KWVF) as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

KC started encouraging me to start the process of getting a bridge dedicated to my dad. She was polite and yet very persistent in making this happen. After jumping through an unimaginable number of hoops, on August 23, 2023, we dedicated a bridge over the Little Harpeth River in Brentwood, TN in honor of Maj. Samuel P. Logan Jr.

Full Bio >

FEATURING – Kang Yunjeong

The Foundation is thankful to have Kang Yunjeong as the featured entertainer.

Kang Yunjeong is a rising star in the K-pop industry known for her exceptional vocal range and captivating stage presence. A versatile performer who seamlessly blends powerful vocals with elegant choreography, she has quickly established herself as one of the industry’s most promising talents.

Her unique vocal color has drawn comparisons to some of K-pop’s most celebrated artists while maintaining her own distinctive style.

For our banquet, she will sing both national anthems and perform 2-3 of her signature songs. Her performances create memorable moments that leave lasting impressions.

Here are two videos of her singing in English and Korean:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arG-X8lyrs8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jsy384jUIFE

VENUE

The Mayflower Hotel

1127 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036

The Mayflower Hotel has blocked rooms for this event, so please make your reservations by using this QR code by March 11, 2025.

Hotel Room Block

https://book.passkey.com/gt/220550468

Mayflower Hotel Valet

• Address: 1127 Connecticut Avenue NW
• Phone: 202-347-3000
• Maximum Clearance: 6’5
  • Contact Hotel For Oversized Vehicle Options
• Hours: 24/7
• Rates:*
  • Daily: $40
  • Overnight: $69
• https://www.marriott.com/hotels/maps/travel/wasak-the-mayflower-hotel-autograph-collection/

PMI

• Address:1725 DeSales Street Washington  DC  20036
• Phone: 202-785-9191 X:426
• Maximum Clearance: 6′ 6″
• Hours: 24/7
• Rates:*
  • Daily
    • 1 Hour Rate: $17.00
    • Up To 12 Hours: $25.00
    • Up To 24 Hours: $35.00
  • https://www.pmi-parking.com/r/parking/view.aspx?record_id=112

Monument Parking

• Address: ITT Building – 1707 L Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20036
• Phone: 202-296-3087
• Hours: M-F: 6:00am-7pm
• Maximum Clearance: TBD
• Rates:*
  • Daily
    • 1 Hour : $12
    • Max Before 10am: $13
    • Max: $20
    • Overnight: $22
  • Https://Www.Monumentparking.Com/Locations.Html

Colonial Parking

• Address: 1140 Connecticut Ave, NW, Washington 20036
• Phone: 202-331-7878
• Hours:
  • M-F 7:00 AM – 05:30 PM
• Clearance: 72 inches
• Rates:*
  • Daily
    • Early Bird (enter before 9:00am): $14
    • 1 hour: $12
    • Daily Max: $20
    • Evening (enter after 5:00pm): $14
    • Weekend: $14
  • https://www.ecolonial.com/park-with-us/parking-locator/?pm_s=Washington,%20DC%2020036,%20USA