Army Spc. Angela Kim, a health care specialist and unit armorer with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division here, is a first-generation American born to Korean parents.
Korean Heritage
Kim and her two younger sisters grew up in the suburb of Farmington Hills, Michigan, where they were raised with traditional Korean heritage. Balancing her Korean heritage with American culture was challenging, she said.
“I think it is kind of difficult for first-generation Americans,” Kim said. “You almost have to create a new culture, in a way, by incorporating the two cultures together.”
When Kim expressed interest to enlist in the Army, the differences between her American ideals conflicted with her mother’s traditional ideals of an appropriate career choice for a female.
“My mom was heavily against me joining the Army, because in her experience, Korean women just don’t do that. It is something only for men,” Kim said. “I wanted to prove to her that I was capable of doing this, and how well-suited I am for this career.”
Reflecting on her time leading to enlistment, Kim said, “If I could tell my younger self something, it would be not to take too long planning and being afraid of something new, because I have really found something that is right for me.”
In August 2013, Kim enlisted in the Army. She attended basic combat training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and advanced individual training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
Achieving Success in the Army
“After I graduated from AIT, my mother was very proud of me,” Kim said. “Now that she sees how well I am doing in this field, she encourages me to push myself further in my career.”
Kim was stationed here following her training, and her peers and leaders have noticed her hard work and dedication.
“Kim has been a true asset to the company,” said Army Sgt. Heather Blackwell, equal opportunity leader with HHC. “She has the drive and strength to excel at any task and will only become a greater asset as her career continues.”
“She is a very hard worker, and always aims to meet or exceed the standard,” said Army Spc. Rickie Geiger, a health care specialist with HHC, 9th BEB. “She is always very genuine and looks out for her fellow soldiers.”
Kim said her Korean culture has taught her to always work hard and be willing to do what is necessary to achieve her goals.
“What is great about the Army is that we have the opportunity to achieve so much professionally,” she said. “I am excited to transition into special operations civil affairs in my future.”
Kim added that she is dedicated to, and excited about, becoming a strong leader in the Army.
“As a leader, I will continue to set the [Army] standard to my soldiers and peers,” she said. “My mom always told me that you are like a mirror’s image. So if my reflection is the standard, then that is all that will be seen.”