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Osan hosts memorial service for 60-year veteran

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kristina Overton
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Family, friends and co-workers gathered at the Osan Air Base Chapel Nov.14 to celebrate the life of Yi, Un Sop, known to friends as Mr. Tadu, who dedicated more than 60 years of his life working on the installation before passing away Nov. 6 due to illness.

He began his service at the chapel as a custodian shortly after the Korean War. According to those he worked with, he was a dedicated and hardworking individual who truly loved serving others. He was frequently seen setting up for one of the chapel's services or fixing things. No matter what was asked of him, Tadu was prompt and did everything with a smile.

"We really didn't realize how much he did for the chapel or how much work he did until he wasn't here," said Anna Chapa, 51st Fighter Wing Catholic religious activities coordinator. "It takes two people to backfill and do everything he did, and he did things without complaint. He always had this great smile on his face, and though I was self-sufficient and was used to doing things by myself, he would always insist on doing it."

Chaplain (Capt.) Hoang Nguyen, 51st FW Catholic chaplain, also recalled Tadu's cheerful demeanor and hard work ethic.

"I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Tadu this past year and a half before he became ill and stopped working," Nguyen said. "Even then, he would still ask to come to work. I would tell him that he needed to rest and he would always say 'But that is my home. I want to be there. I want to serve the Lord.' He was very kind and passionate about his ministry."

Many of the previous commanders and generals noticed Tadu's passion as well, and he received various awards for his work with the chapel to include the Four Chaplains Award, a prestigious military chaplaincy award given for selfless service.

"Mr. Tadu's passing is a big loss for our community," Nguyen said. "He was a man of hope, service and love, and we will miss having him around. What a legacy he left behind, not only for the chapel staff, but for all of us. I've met people who came here as captains then left and came back as generals and remember Mr. Tadu and wanted to see him. He touched so many lives, and we are grateful to have had him here."

Tadu's wife, Yi, Suk rye, and daughter Yi, Young Ju were present at the ceremony.