The general recalled four pilots killed last month when their planes crashed during separate exercises in the West and South seas and those of four JSA guards who died when one fell into the Imjin River and the others attempted to rescue him. "The men and women of Combined Forces Command and United States Forces Korea share the nation’s grief in this difficult time," he said.

LaPorte approaches his 40th month in charge since being named USFK commander in May 2002 and is on course to become their longest-serving chief in October. The record among the 18 previous commanders is 41 months.

Inside and outside the U.S. forces, LaPorte is considered the USFK commander who has worked hardest to understand Korea and is well-known for taking an active interest in the Korean military.

The general keeps a list on his desk of the 87 Korean and 10 U.S. soldiers who died on duty since he assumed command. "I keep a list of the names of these men and women on my desk to remind me of the heroes who have given their lives in the performance of their duties and to remind me of my responsibilities as commander,” he said.

While previous USFK commanders have participated mostly in military events, LaPorte frequently attends other social gatherings and university lectures. He concludes each lecture with the Korean phrase "Gachi gapshida" -- Let's go together -- reflecting the greater emphasis the USFK has been putting on the Korean language.

LaPorte has also encouraged U.S. soldiers to understand Korean society and provided opportunities for personnel new to the Peninsula to experience Korean culture. He has reportedly set up a 10-man advisory team and learns about Korea whenever he has time to spare.

(englishnews@chosun.com )