Colonel Heo Devoted Himself to Transport Mission Without Seeing His Mother’s Deathbed

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] There is a military attach? who performed the mission of transporting Afghans domestically while putting aside his mother’s final moments, touching many hearts. The protagonist is Colonel Heo Jin-nyeong (Korea Military Academy Class 54), the military attach? to Pakistan.

Colonel Heo was assigned as the military attach? to Pakistan earlier this month. Before he could even adapt to the mission environment, he received devastating news. On the 24th, he was informed that his mother had passed away. However, Colonel Heo could not return home because he was assigned to the Afghan transport operation named ‘Miracle.’

He ran around tirelessly at Kabul Airport in Afghanistan and Islamabad Airport in Pakistan to ensure the smooth transport of Afghans. Thanks to Colonel Heo’s efforts, the C-130J (Super Hercules) transport aircraft was able to refuel on time in controlled airspace, and the boarding and disembarking of Afghans proceeded smoothly.

Colonel Heo conveyed that the Korean community in Pakistan also helped during the hectic transport operation. They opened lodging facilities, which had been closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, for military personnel and provided accommodation and meals. His colleagues shared that Colonel Heo’s family, aware of these circumstances, said, "Although his mother has passed away, she would be proud of Jin-nyeong for saving many more lives."

In an SNS message sent to a colleague, Colonel Heo said, "There are many people working to support humanitarian activities for the Republic of Korea," and added, "No matter how selfish the world may be, it’s amazing how everyone comes together in times of crisis," expressing his feelings on the ‘successful operation.’

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.