A Korean employee was recently honored for four decades of U.S. military service during an awards presentation at Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea (CNFK).

Yi, Ok Yop, CNFK's budget officer, received the special award for her 40 years of service from Rear Adm. Brad Cooper, CNFK's commander, during a ceremony Nov. 4.

"Thank you very much for this honor," said Yi. "Without my supervisors, staff, and the support of my family I know I would not be successful; so thank you very much."

Yi was first hired in 1976 as a clerk typist for the 4th Missile Command in Chun Chon. Throughout the years, she worked at various U.S. Army commands before being hired at CNFK in 1988 as a budget analyst. Yi was promoted to budget officer 13 years later in 2001.

"This is just a tiny token of our appreciation for the incredible and invaluable service you provided for the U.S. Navy in Korea," Cooper said to Yi during the presentation. "The work you have done throughout the years has helped shape this command, and we are lucky to have you on our team."

Yi went on to say she was thankful for the support she received throughout the years.

"I love working for the U.S. military, and especially CNFK," said Yi. "You have always been kind and supportive to me, and while people came and went, the command has always been a very comfortable and friendly place to work."

Yi said she dedicated herself to her work every day and will continue to do so in the future.

"Forty years is a long time," said Yi. "I don't know how long I can keep working, but if I'm healthy, I will always do my best."

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