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Armed Forces Classic’s setting sparks memories for ESPN employees who served in South Korea

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Editor’s note: This week, in recognition of Veterans Day 2013, Front Row will present looks at various people and programs behind America’s Heroes: A Salute to the Troops Presented by USAA initiative.

ESPN’s coverage of the 2013-14 men’s college basketball season kicks off tomorrow with No. 19 Oregon versus Georgetown (8 p.m. ET, ESPN) from Pyeongtaek, South Korea. The United States Army Garrison Humphreys provides the “home” court. The setting is bound to spark memories for three employees now based at ESPN’s headquarters in Bristol, Conn.

Miosotyvette (Minnie) Colon (Production Operations), Guy Pumphrey (Transmission) and Kyle Tessada (Global Security) each either spent time at Camp Humphreys or on a South Korean U.S. military base. Colon was stationed in Seoul from 2007 to 2008; Pumphrey was stationed in Korea for two years (1992-94) and spent two months at Camp Humphreys for a satellite course; and Tessada was stationed at Camp Humphreys from March 1998 to January 1999.

What are your most cherished memories about being in South Korea and at that base?
MC: It was how friendly the people were. We always felt welcome no matter what part of the country we were in. Another cherished memory was being able to learn the transportation system and do a lot of traveling all over the country during my off time.

GP: My most cherished memory was my son being born there. Also, on base at Thanksgiving they used to play an Army versus Navy flag football game – Camp Humphreys tended to have more modern amenities than most bases in Korea.

When you heard ESPN was headed Camp Humphreys, what was your reaction?
GP: I was excited to hear about ESPN going to Camp Humphreys, and hoped I’d be asked to return with the crew that was going.

KT: It made me think of all the good friends and good times I had there. Going back to South Korea would be an awesome experience.

How does your military experience help in your current role with ESPN?
KT: It has helped me as a Security Associate in ESPN’s Global Security team, and enables me to interact with people as well as giving me the skills and knowledge to provide excellent security and customer service.

MC: While stationed in South Korea, I was a videographer, producer, director and journalist for the American Forces Network-Korea (AFNK). I am currently an Intern for Studio Production and everything I learned has been put to the test as a camera operator.

GP: My entire ESPN career is solely based on my satellite experience I obtained in the Army.

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