Pacific Stars and Stripes, January
12, 1954
SEOUL, Jan. 12-An American Army officer in Korea
is devoting much of his time during the uncertain peace to improving
living conditions for the nation's homeless youngsters, Eighth Army
headquarters said yesterday. Maj. John J. Finan, Eighth Army headquarters
commandant executive officer, was once an orphan himself. "I feel I
know what these youngsters go through day in and day out," he said,
as he reported having collected $376 for Korean orphans during the holiday
season through an appeal to the people of Cambria County, Pa.
Finan encloses copies of articles gleaned
from the Pacific Stars and Stripes pointing to hardship conditions in
Korea with the hope of keeping Americans at home interested in the plight
of the children throughout the coming year. "I get a
big thrill out of going to the orphanages to see the children," he said.
"Even a simple ride in a jeep is a treat to them and the look on their
faces is reward enough for me to continue this work." The major has received
many letters from people not financially well off themselves, but willing
to share with those less fortunate. Letters pour into his office from
people in homes for the aged, ministers, childless couples and business
institutions. Many have expressed a desire to adopt a child to whom they
can send material goods.
SSA-699
