US Soldier Crosses Into North Korea

| July 18, 2023

US soldier detained after crossing North Korean border without permission

By Snejana Farberov

A US Army soldier who had been punished for misconduct while stationed in South Korea and ordered to go home has been detained in North Korea after straying across the border without permission during a tour, the United Nations Command said Tuesday.

The detainee has been identified as Travis King, a US Army member with the rank of private second class, reported South Korea’s Dong-a Ilbo newspaper, citing South Korea’s army.

King was taking part in a visit to the Joint Security Area — the border village in the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas that is guarded by soldiers from both sides — when he made the “deliberate decision” to cross the border around 3:27 p.m. local time, officials said.

Officials have yet to say how King eluded officials at the airport and made his way to the demilitarized zone to join the tour.

An eyewitness who was part of the same tour group as King told CBS News that they had just visited one of the buildings at the JSA village when “this man [King] gives out a loud ‘Ha, ha, ha,’ and just runs in between some buildings.

NY Post

Well, bye. I’m not sure about the private second class part. Hat tip to our ninja for breaking this one.

Category: Illegal Immigrants

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Skippy

BAT SHIT CRAZY
That all I can say
I had the thankless job of babysitting one of these
for 3 days in Iraq

sarge

Had to do one of those going back from Dallas to Iraq. Airlines found out there were Air Force cops on the flight. Got me a free upgrade to First Class seating. Took the cuffs off once we were wheels up.

QMC

Ha ha ha! Joke’s on you Private Pyle!

Enjoy your 30+ years of insect filled fish heads and rice diets, but hey, at least you got out of that Article 15 or whatever it was.

QMC

The American soldier who has been detained in North Korea was recently released from prison in South Korea after he was held on assault charges, it has emerged.”

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12310429/North-Korea-arrests-soldier-crossed-border-demilitarized-zone-without-authorization.html

HMCS(FMF) ret

So, he swapped one prison for another?

Must not be a member of MENSA, like Heavy Chevy is.

rgr1480

DENSA

Anonymous

Plus making lots of propaganda films as the “evil American General” character and a mail-order bride randomly kidnapped from Japan.

Last edited 10 months ago by Anonymous
jeff LPH 3 63-66

Worse than that, King put shame on the name King especilly King Of The Mounties who in the year of 1942 went after the Falcon a boomarang shaped plane that was bombing the country run by Adm. Yamata, Count Baroni and Marshal Von Hurst of the axis fifth column in Canada and kicked their asses in 12 Republic movie chapters. Took names and kicked asses.

Benjamin Tech

Charles Jenkins reference for the win.

RCAF-CHAIRBORNE

Never know. He could become Dresnok 2.0
by drinking the Juche Kool-Aid.
Commies always have a place for Useful Idiots

ninja

“Two US officials said the soldier detained was Private 2nd Class Travis King, who had just been released from a South Korean prison where he’d been held on assault charges and was facing additional military disciplinary actions in the United States.”

“The soldier is reported to have been detained for a month and a half and was due to fly home. He is then believed to have left the airport and joined a civilian tour of the Joint Security Area (JSA) between North and South Korea.”

“A spokesman for the US military in South Korea, Colonel Isaac Taylor, said: “We’re still doing some research into this, and everything that happened.”

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/us-news/travis-king-know-soldier-enters-30496050

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ninja

“King, who’s in his early 20s, was escorted to the airport to be returned to Fort Bliss, Texas, but instead of getting on the plane he left and joined a tour of the Korean border village of Panmunjom, where he ran across the border…”

SFC D

Somebody’s got some ‘splainin’ to do. I escorted a soldier to Osan AB for his chapter flight home, he was cuffed to me right up to the base of the airstairs and escorted by a rather large USAF NCO from there. AMF!

Anonymous

Supposedlly, he was laughing his *ss off when he ran… but probably not now:
https://www.yahoo.com/news/us-soldier-laughed-ran-across-163123716.html

Mason

To be fair, slipping your escort, blending into a tour group, and then just traipsing across the most heavily defended border in the world is pretty funny.

rgr769

Wait till the Norks give him some practice dentistry like they did that last poor bastard.

Anonymous

Talk about “full retard,” too.

Last edited 10 months ago by Anonymous
President Elect Toxic Deplorable Racist SAH Neande

He went full rutabaga past potato.

USMC Steve

What, no brig chasers?

MarineDad61

Memories of the late 80s
and fellow dumbass Army PV2 Wade Roberts.

[ Roberts testified that he left his base in March 1987 and defected to the Soviet Union with his pregnant girlfriend, Petra Neumann, because of conflicts with superiors who felt West German women were interested only in finding American husbands.
Roberts said he went to the Soviet Union because he was denied asylum in Finland, Sweden, Norway, France and West Germany. ]

https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/02/25/Army-defector-acquitted-of-desertion/6903572763600/

ninja

“King had finished two months at a South Korean detention facility following an altercation with locals, according to the official.”

“Two other U.S. officials confirmed to ABC News King was released from the detention facility, then spent about a week at a U.S. base in South Korea under observation. He completed out-processing from the facility and on Monday was escorted to the Incheon International Airport as far as the customs checkpoint. The military escort had no ticket and was not allowed past the checkpoint, so King continued into the terminal alone.”

“He was supposed to board a flight and end up in Fort Bliss, Texas, according to the first official. But instead he ended up leaving the terminal for a DMZ tour. It is not clear when he bought a ticket.”

“Because King had finished serving his time, he was no longer under custody. An escort to the gate was not required, and there was no reason to suspect he would fail to board his flight.”

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin added , “I’m absolutely foremost concerned about the welfare of our troop. We will remain focused on this, and this will develop in the next several days.”

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fm2176

“I’m absolutely foremost concerned about the welfare of our troop. We will remain focused on this, and this will develop in the next several days.” SecDef is definitely on the case, and might have to go full Vader Amin to get back this quality future leader.

P2C Travis King must be saved, especially if she’s a black transwoman. The welfare of King is paramount to the security of our nation.

Green Thumb

Damn straight.

PV2 King probably has nuclear codes and the PTSD from being unfairly locked up.

SFC D

“PTSD from being unfairly locked up.”

Not yet, but very very soon.

Hate_me

Get the Rose Garden ready for when we bring this kid home. Biden’s Beau Bergdahl moment.

Odie

The white house will have him all lined up when king arrives for his award for escaping Korea.

Doesn’t matter which one.

Green Thumb

Discharge upgrade in 3….2….1….

thebesig

I fixed it for you.  😀 

Loyd Austin i find your lack of wokeness disturbing.jpg
SFC D

“Because King had finished serving his time, he was no longer under custody. An escort to the gate was not required, and there was no reason to suspect he would fail to board his flight.”

Bullshit. His unit should’ve had someone sitting at the security gate until his plane departed.

Herbert J Messkit

As a young corporal at ft Polk 1987, I would occasionally escort chapters on the greyhound to the post gate. My PSG would follow pick me up and tell the chapter to never trespass on any installation again

Anonymous

Tell the North Koreans how much they have pay for us to take him back– that’ll make him feel real good.

President Elect Toxic Deplorable Racist SAH Neande

Sounds like too much soju too many times in the village.

Sailorcurt

Hm. Private Second Class. Didn’t know there was any such thing. I worked a lot with Marines but never had much exposure to Soldiers so I didn’t know the junior enlisted rank structure.

Learn something new every day.

ninja

“Private 2nd class (PV2) is the first promotion most enlisted soldiers can earn after completing BCT. The private’s job is to apply the new skills and knowledge learned during basic training and to continue to learn how to follow orders given by higher-ranked supervisors.”

https://www.military.com/army/enlisted-ranks.html#:~:text=Private%202nd%20class%20(PV2)%20is,given%20by%20higher%2Dranked%20supervisors.

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ninja

PV2 is also known as “Mosquito Wings.”

RGR 4-78

Skeeter Wings King.

rgr769

Don’t worry he won’t have them long if the Norks return him. Until then he will be sporting real mosquitoes every night.

ANCRN

I’ve never heard it referred to as Private Second Class. Private E-2, yeah, but never second class. Is this a new thing?

SFC D

Usually referred to as a PV2.

ninja

SFC D is correct…

Usually referred to as PV2. Pay Grade is E2.

We called them “Privates”. E2 Jones is addressed as “Private Jones”.

Similiar to 2nd Lieutenant and 1st Lieutenant. Pay Grade is O1 and O2. We still called them “LT Jones” whether they were 2nd or 1st.

Or simply “L-T”.

(LT Jokes…Here It Comes!)

😆😅😂😂

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Odie

Was king enrolled in advance map reading techniques?

Commissar

No, not really. They are still addressed as “private”. The PV2 means “private second class” but is never addressed as that.

Just like a 2LT is never addressed as “second lieutenant”.

SFC D

Toldja you’d be back. You can’t stay away. I’d expect nothing less from a fraud like you.

Slick Goodlin

Private Second Class?

Reminds me of an apocryphal story about General Omar Bradley when he was Army Chief of Staff.

The General was presented with a proposal to create a new NCO rank of Sergeant Second Class.

His response:

“We may have some second class sergeants in this Army….but we sure as hell aren’t going to call them that!”

Green Thumb

I remember that!

CDR D

I thought PV2 meant Private (E-2). Didn’t know they called them Private Second Class. You know, like Petty Officer Second Class.

Never stop learning new stuff.

SFC D

PV2, E-2. Mosquito wings. Equivalent to USMC PFC, USAF Airman Basic, USN Seaman Apprentice.

MustangCPT

Airman Basic is E-1. Airman is E-2.

SFC D

Google-fu has failed me, mea culpa.

MustangCPT

No worries. I never served in those ranks. When I enlisted in the Air Force Reserve, I came in as an E-3, A1C. Thank you very much, Civil Air Patrol!

Anonymous

The first rank eligible for rip-off financing of that used Mustang right outside the gate: “E2 and Above!”

Last edited 10 months ago by Anonymous
A Proud Infidel®™

If not a Mustang it’s going to be a beat-up 16 year old V6 Camaro with a fresh paint job from some cut-rate body shop at about 35% APR!

Odie

Yeah, but he looks good riding the base bus when his polished turd shits the bed before the first payment is due.

Earl Scheib

I’m Earl Scheib and I’ll paint any car for $99.95l

https://youtu.be/Auvf7DDw5z0

A Proud Infidel®️™️

“Uh-oh, better get Maaco!”, remember that jingle?

Earl Scheib

Hey! Watch it you. Don’t use the “M-word” around me!

CDR D

Damn. I can remember when it was $29.95.

Earl Scheib

Inflation, baby! But, I’ll paint your tires as part of the package! Hell of a deal!

SFC D

Any car, any color.

Earl Scheib

Door jambs not included!

fm2176

In the Army, a Private is a Private, whether E1 (PVT), E2 (PV2), or E3 (PFC). Much like a Sergeant is a Sergeant, from E5 (SGT) to E8 (MSG). To further confuse our fellow Service Members and veterans, though, we usually use “Private” when referring to E1s, and “PFC” when referring to E3s, while E2s get the “Private” or “PV2” treatment depending on their status and how their leaders feel. Further muddying the waters, we usually drop rank altogether when talking about peers or subordinates, while some Soldiers will sometimes refer to seniors by last name only, especially former leadership. “Johnson” might be the former 1SG, but if he’s still around it better be “1SG Johnson”. Oh yeah, we do address an E8 1SG as “First Sergeant”, but whether a SGM or CSM, it’s always “Sergeant Major”. Except for some weirdos that toss around “Master Sergeant” or refer to “Command Sergeant Major Johnson”. Usually, in a reversal of simply saying “Johnson”, that’s out of respect for the position. Sometimes it’s well-indoctrinated former Marines. They sometimes also use “Staff Sergeant” or “Sergeant First Class”. 😀

A DS is “Drill Sergeant” regardless of paygrade (E5-E7), but a Trainee might be called “Private” even if they enlisted as an E4 SPC. Well, there is the SDS, but rarely is “Senior Drill Sergeant” used. Out of respect, I’d always use Prior Service Trainees rank to differentiate them from the new dicks. So, we have Private, Specialist, Sergeant, First Sergeant, Sergeant Major, and the duty rank of Drill Sergeant. Officers are similar, a 2LT or 1LT is Lieutenant, a LTC or COL is a Colonel, and if one receives a phone call from a Nacy CAPT, a good Soldier should realize that it isn’t an O3 on the other end of the line. A GO, from BG through GEN is usually a “General”, well, except for the most senior of them. I call those “Politicians”. 😅

One caveat, formal ceremonies will usually use full rank for senior NCOs and officers.

Last edited 10 months ago by fm2176
Hate_me

During OSUT at Lost-in-the-Woods in the late ‘90s, our drill sergeants wouldn’t let us call them “drill sergeant,” insisting that that wasn’t a rank. They demanded we call them all “Sergeant ~,” save for the 1SG who I don’t recall seeing more than once.

I’m not sure if that was base-wide or just within that particular company… recruits from other bases didn’t seem to have the same experience.

SFC D

Basic Training, 1987, drill sergeants were addressed as drill sergeant. Moving on to AIT, drill sergeants were addressed as sergeant. Why? PV2 D wasn’t gonna question it.

SFC D

Drill sergeants in my AO generally refer to the senior drill sergeant as “senior”. I don’t think that’s exactly official, echelons-above-reality, big Army policy.

Commissar

There has been a PV2 rank for decades.

It is just rarely referred to by its designation as private 2nd class.

CWORet

Was waiting for this to drop here with some decent intel. I heard tidbits and drivel, but this explains some inconsistencies and holes and things quite well. Thanks to all who contributed. Bet snuffy is feeling like maybe he shoulda got on that plane right about now. Guess he forgot all about Otto Warmbier. And that dude was a dumb college student not a card carrying member of the American Armed Forces. Ha Ha Ha!!! Indeed. Bitch ain’t laughing now.

Anonymous

Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.

rgr769

Our rocket surgeon likely never heard of Wambier, so he will be surprised if he experiences any Nork amateur dentistry.

Animal

Somebody just lost their selective unmasking candidate.

fm2176

Unfortunately, many of us have encountered the sort: dumb know-it-all Private who might have never ranked up or might have once made it to the exalted rank of Specialist or even Sergeant. Rash, spur-of-the-moment decision, facing punishment and uncertain consequences? Here’s an idea…pile it on!

There’s nothing better than running away from Big Evil US Army and into the arms of friendly Nork troops. I mean, it’s not like they ever use detained Americans for propaganda purposes. If this happened under the previous Administration, I’d expect a hard-line stance from a certain CinC. Under our current military leadership, I wouldn’t be surprised if we negotiate to send five white pilots over the border in exchange for this one person.

Green Thumb

Maybe he will be there next big movie star……

SFC D

Maybe he will be there next big gay porn movie star……

FIFY

SFC D

He’d have been smarter to make that flight to Ft. Bliss and then run south. But, smarts don’t really seem to apply here.

Odie

Youth, and thinking things through. Hardly will the 2 ever meet.

SFC D

I had the same difficulties well into young adulthood with alcohol as a contributing factor. And I’d do it again!

Last edited 10 months ago by SFC D
KoB

Stupid People of The Week Thread drop early this week?

Dumbass!

SFC D

Full dumbass past pureed rutabaga.

ninja

We know we have been installed “Never Leave No One Behind” BUT…..

Dude is definitely a Mental Illness case.

You just watch. Someone’s heads is gonna roll with him not boarding the plane back to the States.

Wonder if there was someone at the Airport around the Fort Bliss area to “meet” him?

There’s gotta be more to this story…

President Elect Toxic Deplorable Racist SAH Neande

 Someone’s heads is gonna roll with him not boarding the plane back to the States.”
Not too sure about that.
From Ninja (above):
The military escort had no ticket and was not allowed past the checkpoint, so King continued into the terminal alone.”

Only one way in and out at the security gate. Escort should’ve been right there until wheels up. And I’m willing to bet that airport has a military liaison that should’ve been made aware of the situation.

rgr769

But, but, this is the new kinder, gentler Army, where men can become fake, extremely ugly chicks with dicks aka trannie “women.”

SFC D

My job is electronic support for the Intel school. I’m still getting used to female Soldiers with ponytails and earrings, female drill sergeants talking about their wives, beards on Soldiers with religious exemptions, and a multitude of other things. I’m as open minded as they come, but it’s a lot of change in a very short time period. I’ve yet to see any trans anything Soldiers, but I know it’s on the horizon.

Anonymous

Pudgy soldiers with ponytails and beards, and not enough of them. (The covetted shaving profile, not religious exemption either.) Infantry (used loosely, for oldsters) at Ft Hood. Not encouraging.

SFC D

Haven’t seen any ponytails or manbuns on male Soldiers, but it’s only Thursday. If you’re gonna allow that for females, why not males?

KoB

ninja…ya mis-spelled “entitled mentality” case.

ps…check Libs Of TT Thread…left a little love note linky for a certain someone…gabn/gabaf/rtr/hbtd

CCO

Yeah; he’s got week and month sewn up and I hope no one tops him this year!

Maybe we can get this soup sandwich back if only so his parents don’t go nuts.

Charles

RE: The “you went AWOL” meme.

I think this clearly comes under the heading of desertion, that is, he departed military control with the intention to never return.

David

Unless he is a special MOS, takes 30 days for desertion in most AOs.

SFC D

During my wonderful time as a rear detachment 1SG, I had a few recurring AWOL’s. We’d report them as AWOL after 24 hours. The wayward utes come home real quick when the money gets cut off. Never had to report anyone as a deserter. Although… I did have to retrieve one that got scooped up by TSA. Apparently, AWOL puts you on the No-Fly list. Who knew?

Navig8r

To be resolved in the Bowe Bergdahl – Brittney Griner tradition?

ninja

Well, if you think about all of this, the current Commader In Chief’s Son is getting away with a lot of stuff….

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26Limabeans

He will show up here someday claiming pow status.

Anonymous

…and that he escaped from the same camp Rambo did in ’71.

Green Thumb

Don’t forget COL Trautman.

Anonymous

To call in the chopper to fly him back to Bragg, of course.

Sapper3307

Anything for a TikTok video

Sapper3307

Think Trump will go recover him at the DMZ?

Sapper3307

Chapter escort NCO’s is gonna need new SOP

sarge

Just wondering how long it will take for the glow to wear off and he realizes just how fucked he is.

ninja

MORE INFO:

“Army spokesperson told Insider that the soldier, King, joined the Army in January 2021 and has had no deployments.”

“During his Korean Force Rotation he was originally assigned to 6th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division and is currently administratively attached to 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division,” the spokesperson said. “His awards include the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Defense Service Medal and Overseas Service Ribbon.”

https://www.businessinsider.com/us-soldier-north-korea-laughed-as-ran-across-dmz-witness-2023-7

ninja

It may have been planned that he was supposed tobe part of this deployment that returned to Fort Bliss last Veterans Day, but had to stay behind in Korea because of him getting in trouble:

“1st Armored Brigade Combat Team Returns to Fort Bliss from Korea”

https://kfoxtv.com/news/local/1st-armored-brigade-combat-team-returns-to-fort-bliss-from-korea

ninja

“There are more details emerging about Travis King’s time in South Korea as a private in the US Army.”

“According to what US officials told CBS News, King had recently spent time at a detention facility in South Korea.”

“A week ago, he was released to Camp Humphreys – an army base in South Korea – for out-processing.”

“He was headed back to the US for separation from the Army. He was then escorted to the Incheon airport, said goodbye to his escort at customs, but did not get on the plane, CBS reports.”

“He somehow managed to make his way out of the air terminal and up to the DMZ, about 34 miles (54km) from the airport.”

Green Thumb

Dude, he had the codes!

QMC

Some of the tourists from the DMZ group have commented as well:

“The tour was nearing its end Tuesday afternoon — the group had just walked out of the building and were milling about taking photos — when she saw King running ‘really fast’.

‘I assumed initially he had a mate filming him in some kind of really stupid prank or stunt, like a TikTok, the most stupid thing you could do,’ Leslie said. ‘But then I heard one of the soldiers shout, ‘Get that guy.”

Leslie said the command was shouted by an American soldier, one of a group that patrols the area along with South Korean troops.

But the soldiers didn’t have time to respond. She said that after running about 10 meters (30 feet) down a narrow passageway between the distinctive blue buildings, King was over the border and then disappeared from sight. It was all over in a few seconds.

Leslie said she didn’t see any people on the North Korean side. The tour group had been told earlier the North Koreans there had been lying low since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

After King ran, she said, the soldiers hustled all the tourists into a building and then took them to an information center to give statements. She said many of the tourists, including her father, hadn’t seen King run but a soldier explained the events to them.

‘People couldn’t really quite believe what had happened,’ Leslie said. 

‘Quite a few were really shocked. Once we got on the bus and got out of there we were all kind of staring at each other.'”

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12315089/Chilling-photo-shows-solider-Travis-King-clad-black-preparing-defect-North-Korea-visiting-border-tourist-group-rogue-nation-stays-silent-hes-alive.html#comments

ninja

Yep.

He has the NDSM…😉😎

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MustangCPT

The Brotherhood is NOT amused!

KoB

Testify, Pappy! ‘Specially the Old Farts of The Brotherhood, of which, YOU, are Officially a part of now. Hope you had a good one on yesterday past. I raised a Golden Elixir (or 3) in your Honor. 🍻

MustangCPT

Yes, I had a good one. I’ll tell you though, the past couple of days have felt like the consequences of all my misdeeds from my misspent youth hit me all at once. Damn, I never truly felt old until this morning. And I wasn’t even out drinking! Reminds me of the old Johnny Cash/Bob Dylan tune “One Too Many Mornings.”🤣

https://youtu.be/BRpTYdcjW3g

SFC D

AARP is watching. You’ll soon be getting flyers in the mail. Mine started 3 days after my 50th. They know….

MustangCPT

I was getting them in my 40’s. Fuck them guys.

SFC D

Ummm what’s the age requirement for this exalted organization?

KoB

Welp, Pappy hit the 1/2 Century mark Monday…sooo…that may qualify him. Sometimes it’s not so much the model year as it is the high mileage. What made my bones hurt is when I realized last Friday when “Pappy” made mention of his upcoming 50th is I was already 20 yo and had been serving for 2 years. Ol’ Poe and rgr769 prolly had to take a shot of Geritol. *grin*

rgr769

I take mine every night with a single malt chaser. I love what my wise cracking dad said every year on his birthdays in his 80’s when I asked what were his goals. He always said, “well now that I’m 85, my goal is to be 86 this time next year.”

poetrooper

Poe’s used to it–just today while reading a comment where someone referenced his basic training, Poe paused reflectively with the awareness that he went through basic thirty years ahead of said commenter… 🙄 

Anonymous

50

Last edited 10 months ago by Anonymous
SFC D

The Brotherhood will not be lobbying for his return.

USAFRetired

What, no Good Conduct Medal???

SFC D

Nah, he hadn’t hit the 3 year mark yet. Wonder if he’s now eligible for the POW medal.

Skivvy Stacker

Well, he has SELF deployed to North Korea….

Is there a medal for that?

SFC D

Supreme Douchebaggery medal with crossed toilet plungers. It’s a major award!

Hack Stone

Someone should let him know that there are other ways of getting out of donating to the Army Relief Fund.

Hack Stone

Dumbass thought that he was defecting to North Dakota.

Hack Stone

So this weekend’s 1st Sergeant Safety Brief will now include not crossing into North Korea.

A Proud Infidel®™

Yeah “Private Second Class”, never heard of it myself either, but JUST ONE idiot reporter says it and the others parrot it without hesitation.

Smitty

The ignorance of our illustrious press is amazing. Reminds me of Larry King interviewing a LTC and SFC. Larry kept addressing the LTC as “Lieutenant”, as the SFC glared at him. After a break, Larry addressed him as “Colonel”.

Hack Stone

Now Private King joins the small circle of people who can provide Yelp reviews of North Korean and South Korean prisons.

A Proud Infidel®™

Well, now he can join James Dresnok, another ne’er-do-well who ran off to the Norks and if he doesn’t keep his handlers pleased, I’m sure someone will soon discover his corpse floating down the Imjin-Gang.

ninja

UPDATE!

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Meet PV2/Private Second Class Travis King of Racine, Wisconsin.

And Of Course His Mama Thinks He’s Innocent…

“U.S. Soldier With Racine Connection Detained In North Korea”

https://www.wisn.com/amp/article/us-soldier-with-racine-connection-detained-north-korea/44581890

“A U.S. soldier detained in North Korea has a Wisconsin connection, WISN 12 News has learned.”

“U.S. officials tell ABC News that 23-year-old Private 2nd Class Travis King crossed into North Korea shortly after being released from prison in South Korea.”

“Officials said King served some time on assault charges and was supposed to go straight to the airport to return to the U.S. to face military disciplinary action.”

“King’s mother lives in Racine and told ABC News she was shocked when she heard the news.”

“I can’t see Travis doing anything like that,” Claudine Gates said.”

“Gates said the Army told her on Tuesday her son had crossed into North Korea.”

“King has served in the Army for more than two years.”

“I’m so proud of him. I just want him to come home, come back to America,” Gates told ABC News.”

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ninja

Newsclip in this station shows the reporter knocking on his Mother’s door:

https://www.wisn.com/article/us-soldier-with-racine-connection-detained-north-korea/44581890

ninja

Before joining the Army, Travis King was a Sales Associate at Shopko Stores, Inc at Racine, Wisconsin:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-king-815baa1a8

MustangCPT

Going up to Shopko
To pick up the layaway
Santa’s coming soon this year
In his big ol’ rusty sleigh

Oh, rust and smoke
The heater’s broke
The door just blew away
I light a match
To see the dash
And then I start to pray, Hey!
Oh, the frame is bent
The muffler went
The radio, it’s ok
Oh what fun it is to drive
This rusty Chevrolet!🤣

Odie

What mama wants vs what mama gets just may be 2 different things.

SFC D

Served over two years and he’s a PV2. A real fast burner, that Travis!

David

Two years and a. PV2? He got knocked down.

Army-Air Force Guy

That’s right about the time you would’ve been joining the E-4 mafia.

rgr769

Looks like Travis has some issues following the rules, given he is a 2-year E-2. What is that cap he is wearing?

Hate_me

It looks like a soft cap turned inside out.

A Proud Infidel®️™️

Obviously a Dickstepping Hall of Famer , Camp Humphreys is where they sent the extreme fuckups during my time in the 2nd ID during the early 90’s.

Mason

“I’m so proud of him.”

Mom says after he did time for assault, is facing more charges, and defects to North Korea. That last one is a new one.

SFC D

He definitely raised the fucktardery bar to an unprecedented level. Gonna be a hard act to follow.

Hack Stone

And Joe Biden is proud of Hunter. So that doesn’t mean a whole lot.

Blaster

Just a couple of thoughts:

1st- F him! Stay put! You’re too stupid and useless to want back!

2nd- could it be that the left and the news media (I know, one in the same) have harped on hating the US and how terrible this country is long enough, that some of our youngsters are believing it and that they honestly think “sneaking” into a communist country is going to offer a better life, than what they will experience here, where it’s so systematically racist, backwards, environmentally unsound, and un-European? Maybe a stretch, but it’s bound to happen at some point while “They’re” assisting with molding young minds.

MustangCPT

Well, he fucked around. We should let him find out. I’m just glad that I’m not his Company Commander!

*Chugs whisky*
🥃🥃🥃🥃

5JC

Amen to that.

Grunt

Fuck, ain’t that the truth.

Would hate to be the CO / 1SG over there right now.

rgr769

Or the poor bastard that escorted him to the airport. Perhaps that soldier wasn’t aware that Travis only has about an 80 I.Q.

Blaster

Maybe- I should have thrown in the /SARC!

I am 100% USA all the way! F Him!

My point was, The propaganda in the United States of America is driving our own Young away!

The propaganda in the United States of America is driving our own young away!

MustangCPT

No worries. As I say to my homies: “I feel you, dawg!”

A Proud Infidel®️™️

Speaking of “molding young minds”, maybe he was expecting North Korea to be “woke” and the “workers paradise” the propaganda claims it to be? That Kid’s cornbread ain’t done in the middle.

Dustoff

Even though I regard the Times as being on the same level as Pravda from the old USSR, they do have a “man on the ground” in the ROK and he may have found out a little more about ‘ole Travis’s tour in Korea. Appartently fighting with locals and damaging police cars is frowned
upon…
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/19/world/asia/north-korea-us-soldier-travis-king.html

ninja

We can access the NY Times!

It pays to be a ninja!

😁😆😅🤣

gabn

Blaster

Exactly! That’s my point. The left, MSM, Celebrities, schools, etc. are grooming the younger generations to hate our country and how “bad” we are. I figure a lot of them are just looking for a way to get out and go to a woke wonderland of bliss. I doubt it’s this POS. He’s running from his own self-made mess. But this story brought up the thought that our younger generations are no longer proud and patriotic (a lot of them anyway)

Hack Stone

This could have disastrous consequences when the North Korean intelligence agencies interrogate him for US Military Doctrine and they learn that Diversity Equity and Inclusion are the framework for success in battle. Not to mention recognizing the threat of White Rage and the contributions of transgender troops in winning battles.

ninja

MORE INFO:

“Court Records Shed Light On Offenses Of US Soldier Who Crossed Into North Korea”

https://www.stripes.com/branches/army/2023-07-19/american-soldier-dmz-north-korea-10785092.html

“…South Korean court records detailed the offenses that put him in jail for six weeks.”

“Army Private 2nd Class Travis King, 23, pleaded guilty to assaulting several people in October in Mapo, a popular nightclub district in Seoul…”

“On July 10, he left a prison in Cheonan city, 53 miles south of Seoul, specifically designed to hold foreign inmates…”

“Seoul police arrested King just before 4 a.m. on Oct. 8 in Mapo and placed him in the backseat of a squad car…He refused to answer questions, kicked the car’s doors and ranted: “F— Korean, f— Korean Army, f— Korean police.”

“He was also fined about $3,950 and paid roughly $790 for damage to the police car…”

“King was also accused of assault on Sept. 25…Seoul police say he pushed and punched a fellow customer at a Mapo bar who refused to buy King a drink…”

“Military police escorting King were not allowed to enter a security checkpoint at the airport…Once alone, King reportedly told an airline official that he had lost his passport and was led out to the departure gate with an employee.”

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ninja

“On Monday, the American solider was escorted by military police from Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, to Incheon International Airport. The solider then went through a security checkpoint alone because the military police officers were not allowed to accompany him.”

“King arrived at the boarding gate, but did not board the plane.”

“At the gate, he approached an American Airlines official and reported that his passport was missing, and was able to return out of the departure gate under the escort of an airline employee,” an official at Incheon International Airport told The Korea Times, adding that King appears to have lied about his missing passport.”

“Once a passenger goes through the customs and immigration checkpoint at Incheon airport, he or she cannot go back to the terminal without a valid reason approved by an authorized personnel.”

“It remains unclear how King traveled to Panmunjeom after getting out of the airport. The border truce village is located some 85 kilometers away from the airport. But it is highly likely that joining the JSA group tour, which requires prior registration, was a part of his plan to defect to the North.”

https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2023/07/113_355281.html

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Geetwillickers

Forget his CO, and the MPs who left him at the airport… they pretty much did what they could. I am imagining the sweat of the MWR person hosting the DMZ tour…. “I had a feeling that PVT was lying about the reason he wasn’t on the roster… I should have never let him on the bus anyway!”

Dustoff

That’s the big question to me. How did this moron get from ICN International (45 minutes at least to mid town Seoul) and hook up with a DMZ tour that quick. He dosen’t strike me as a “covert operator”

Last edited 10 months ago by Dustoff
MarineDad61

ninja,
I believe he’s about to learn (the hard way)
about how the North Koreans feel about
other races and nationalities.

If he felt safe(r) due to the Dennis Rodman circus a few years ago,
unless he somehow gets Dennis Rodman to show up again,
this isn’t going to be pretty.

Rodman NK.jpg
ninja

We were thinking the EXACT SAME THING!!!

Where is Al Sharpton or Jesse Jackson?

(Remember what Jesse did in the 1980s?)

poetrooper

For the first time in his short life, this young, black American may be about to learn what real government-sanctioned racism is actually like.

On the other hand, the Norks may decide to coddle him for propaganda purposes with American blacks and leftist movements worldwide.

He better damned well hope it’s the latter… 🙄 

A Proud Infidel®™

If the Norks decide he’s of no propaganda value he’ll be dead meat, ditto if he pisses his handlers off.

MarineDad61

ninja,
Both Sharpton and Jackson
pulled a lot of things out of their hats
over many years.

This guy now in North Korea may be a hot potato.

Bullwinkle (the moose) – “Nothin’ up muh sleeve!”
(x4)

SFC D

Al ain’t comin’ if there’s no cash “reparation” shakedown, and I think senility has its hooks in Jesse.

Commissar

This guy is unfathomably stupid.

He “escaped” a few weeks of detention and an unfavorable discharge.

Now he will spend either his life, or the rest of the life of the regime in a form of indentured custody. And that is after months of detention while they make sure he is cooperative and useful to the regime.

Given his ridiculous behavior in his brief term of service, I doubt the regime will find him to have any value beyond the fact that he chose to defect. A minor PR victory.

His lack of value to them beyond PR will directly translate to a rather minimally resourced quality of life for him. Including a constant forceful demand for him to provide some value to the regime.

If he ever gets out of North Korea the detention and eventual bad conduct discharge will still be waiting for him. With new charges. Likely a stint in Leavenworth.

Last edited 10 months ago by Commissar
Hack Stone

He will be lauded as serving “with honor and distinction”.

SFC D

I think you should volunteer as tribute. A swap, a 1 for 1 exchange. PV2 Dumbass gets to go home to mama, and you get a blissful life in a communist utopia. It’s a win for all involved.

All in favor say AYE!

rgr769

Aye, aye, Sgt.

Commissar

By that logic you should move to Afghanistan because you want a country with nascent government, negligible effective tax rate, and deeply held religious beliefs dominating policy.

Also, I am not a communist.

SFC D

There’s zero logic in your post. I’m truly sorry I don’t fit your Berkeley pigeon-hole description of a conservative American. I thought you weren’t coming back. Did you miss us? Be honest, we’re the only people who give you any sort of attention, aren’t we. Such a sad little man.

ninja

Off Topic…

Uh-Oh…

This Is Not Good.

Looks as if Carlee Russell lied…probably to get attention or has mental issues.

This case is costing the taxpapers of Hoover, Alabama and the State of Alabama alot of wasted money, hours, manpower, etc. etc.

Crimestoppers also raised alot of money and folks went looking for her when she was reported missing..

We feel sorry for her parents and boyfriend, unless they know the truth and are trying to protect her…

“Carlee Russell Said She Escaped Kidnappers Who Pulled Her Into 18-Wheeler; Hoover Police Find No Public Risk”

https://www.al.com/news/2023/07/carlee-russell-disappearance-hoover-police-expected-to-release-more-details-today.html

21637.jpeg
Mason

You might see her on stupid people of the week…

RCAF-CHAIRBORNE

Too bad. She is PHAT and fine looking.
If only she had two brain cells to rub together.

Andy11M

I had some Joe’s fuck up in spectacular ways, but never like this. They really should have sent him home on a MAC flight instead of a civilian flight. Mainly because once he passed through security at the airport, he was on his own. Wonder if the Norks will have him make a statement about how racist and evil America is? I figure they will realize what a shit bag he is after a few days.
Funny enough, that one dude, Dresnok? He was facing UCMJ as well when he jumped the boarder I believe.

A Proud Infidel®™

Yes, Dresnok was facing UCMJ action when he ran off like a dirtbag.

MarineDad61

Now the UN is involved.
Details are scant.
Mom quotes from last week repeated.

Can we now begin to add up
what this nitwit is costing the US taxpayer?

https://www.foxnews.com/world/united-nations-breaks-silence-us-soldier-detained-north-korea-confirms-dialogue-hermit-county

King mom quote 1.jpg
MarineDad61

ICYMI – Local TV news front porch interviews
with mom,
brother,
and a family friend….
a graybearded old white guy,
with Army t-shirt, camo pants, and 2A ballcap.

It appears the mom and 2A cap guy dressed up in uniform.

https://www.wisn.com/article/detained-usa-soldier-in-north-korea-mother-pleads-safe-return/44590082

King mom quote 2.jpg