Retired and in-service members of the U.S. Forces Korea plan to launch a fraternity group this year to foster camaraderie and support the two countries’ alliance, Seoul defense officials said Tuesday.

The Korea Defense Veterans Association will be reportedly chaired by Walter Sharp, a former USFK commander from 2008-11, and joined by other ex-generals including Leon Laporte and James Thurman. 

Last month, Kim Jong-wook, chairman of the KATUSA Veterans Association, met with Sharp and other former commanders in Washington to discuss the project.

The KDVA’s scale remains to be seen, but it could be the largest-ever organization in the U.S. with ties to South Korea given that some 3.5 million Americans have served here since the 1950-53 Korean War. U.S. veterans, retired Korean Augmentation Troops to the U.S. Army and South Koreans assisting the USFK are expected to secure full membership, while incumbent servicemen would be given associate status.

Following its inception, the group would carry out various programs such as scholarships for the veterans’ families and conferences and seminars on the security of the peninsula.  

By Shin Hyon-hee (heeshin@heraldcorp.com)