Air force sergeant honored for elder care

Every Wednesday evening the residents of Seongae home for the aged in Taejon brighten up to receive a visit from Sgt. Oh Heun-Seok, 40, a regular guest in uniform with an exuberance of goodwill and tenderness.

The master sergeant with the Air Force Headquarters in nearby Kyeryongdae military complex has acted as a son to more than 70 helpless elderly people deserted by their children by paying a weekly visit for four years since 1997 to keep the lonely aged company, sometimes massaging their stiff shoulders and legs. He has not missed even one weekly visit.

The compassionate "paragon of good deeds at Kyeryongdae" was honored with a social service award during a ceremony on the first Social Welfare Day in September.