FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

 CSGK RECIEVES PRESTIGIOUS VAN FLEET AWARD FROM THE KOREA SOCIETY

New York, New York — The Former Members of Congress Association (FMC)’s Congressional Study Group on Korea (CSGK) was honored last night with The Korea Society’s General James A. Van Fleet Award, in recognition of our efforts to strengthen the U.S.-Korea relationship. The award was accepted by FMC Vice President the Hon. Dennis Ross (R-FL, 2011-2019) at The Korea Society’s Annual Dinner last night.

CSGK was founded in 2018 and is one of five Congressional Study Groups under FMC’s umbrella. The Group was created to better showcase the economic and security partnership between the United States and the Republic of Korea through programming that includes Capitol Hill roundtables and legislative exchanges with Members of Congress and the Korean National Assembly. CSGK creates a unique opportunity to bring the history, culture, economic realities, politics, and security concerns of the ROK to the Congressional Family. In addition to its continuous efforts to facilitate dialogue and strengthen ties between the U.S. and Korea, CSGK operates on a completely bipartisan basis, led by our Co-Chair: Congressman Ami Bera (D-CA), Congresswoman Young Kim (R-CA), Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK).

The Korea Society’s Van Fleet Award was first presented in 1992, and since then has annually been awarded to “one or more distinguished Koreans or Americans in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the promotion of U.S.-Korea relations.” CSGK is pleased to receive this award alongside POSCO, a longtime CSGK partner. Previous recipients include U.S. President George W. Bush; U.S. Korean War Veterans; ROK President Kim Dae-Jung; and K-Pop Band BTS.

“We’re thrilled to see CSGK recognized by such a prestigious organization and longtime partner of FMC,” said FMC CEO Pete Weichlein. “Our CSGK programming has not only strengthened understanding and collaboration between the U.S. and Korea, but has generated real, tangible relationships between American legislators and their peers overseas. We’re truly honored to have our efforts and achievements celebrated by The Korea Society through the Van Fleet Award.”

“I’m delighted that CSGK’s achievements are being recognized with The Korea Society’s Van Fleet Award,” said Rep. Bera. “I have worked with the Study Group since its inception and have seen firsthand the achievements and connections that have been forged through our efforts. I look forward to continuing our mission of deepening this alliance and facilitating new and better understanding between the U.S. and Korea.”

“The U.S.–ROK alliance was built on shared sacrifice and continues to grow stronger through our commitment to freedom, security, and opportunity,” said Rep. Kim. “As Co-Chair of the Congressional Study Group on Korea, I’m honored to accept this award and proud of the work our Study Group has done to strengthen this partnership and ensure Congress remains engaged with one of America’s closest allies. I thank The Korea Society for this recognition and for all it does to bring our two nations closer together.”

The Congressional Study Groups are bipartisan, non-advocacy legislative exchanges that enable current Members of Congress and senior congressional staff to engage in substantive policy discussions focused on the United States’ key allies.

FMC is a non-advocacy, nonpartisan group founded in 1970 and chartered by Congress in 1983. It is a voluntary alliance of Former U.S. Senators and Representatives, working to strengthen Congress in the conduct of its Constitutional responsibility through promoting a collaborative approach to policy making; and to deepening the understanding of our democratic system.

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