Being the oldest and closest base to North Korea lends a bit of notoriety to Camp Casey. From the days when military enclaves dotted the DMZ to today's phased reduction of ground troops--there's a spirit of the Old West here, ala John Ford: Where Captain Kirby York and his men still patrol the badlands to deter aggression and defend the Fort at all costs.The withdrawl of USFK troops and bases in the northern regions of the Republic of Korea has led to a concentration of activity at Casey. Correspondingly, our patient loads have increased as have the number of doctors and clinic resources. The desire to extend tours with incentives for family sponsorship, housing and benefits is underway. What was once labeled a "hardship tour" for doctors is now being touted as a "tour of choice" to entice more involvement.
With that in mind, the green light has been given to improve the facilities at Casey Dental Clinic and other remaining north clinics. The goal is to provide better access to care and incorporate a family practice feel to our clinics. Wish lists, cost estimates, architecture and engineering efforts are geared up to upgrade Casey to "Tour of Choice" status.
Amid the pressures for demilitarization from the South and an increasing nuclear threat from the North, our status is in flux. But one thing is certain--young fighting soldiers still get cavities and need their wisdom teeth removed!
