2025/11/05
Ministry of National Defense: Minister Wellington Koo Li-hsiung Chaired the Commendation Ceremony for Personnel Meritorious in “Typhoon Ragasa Rescue Operations”
Ministry of National Defense Press Release
Time: 1930 hours, November 5, 2025
This afternoon, Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo Li-hsiung presided over the Commendation Ceremony for Personnel Meritorious in “Typhoon Ragasa Rescue Operations” at the Bo-Ai Building of the Ministry of National Defense, personally presenting the disaster relief commemorative medal to 101 representatives from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, recognizing their immediate commitment to rescue efforts during the typhoon and embodying the core value of the ROC Armed Forces in “defending the nation and protecting the people.”
To honor the disaster relief personnel for fulfilling their duties and providing comprehensive protection for the public, Minister Koo personally awarded the “0924 Typhoon Ragasa ROC Armed Forces Disaster Relief Commemorative Medal” to the 101 representatives. The medal is circular in design, with a central depiction of a service member carrying an affected citizen on his back while conducting rescue operations, set against a background of a typhoon vortex and mountain ranges, symbolizing the spirit of “military and civilian unity in rebuilding together.”
During the ceremony, in addition to representatives of the personnel sharing their rescue experiences, a representative of Guangfu Township residents also spoke to express profound gratitude to the ROC Armed Forces. Ms. Ma Hui-chu from Guangfu Elementary School, whose home was inundated with floodwater and mud reaching a depth of 60 cm, expressed special thanks to the Huadong Defense Command commander for immediately dispatching troops after assessing the damage and, together with the volunteer group known as “Shovel Supermen,” rapidly completing the cleanup. Subsequently, Principal Chen Te-ming of National Kuangfu Commercial and Industrial Vocational High School stated that, with the ROC Armed Forces bringing heavy equipment and assistance from various volunteer groups, the school miraculously resumed classes in just 21 days. This rebirth stemmed from the unity of “all citizens as one” and from the fearless dedication of the service members. The personnel are not only heroes in disaster relief but also role models in the hearts of Guangfu Township residents and all students. To demonstrate the deep bond between the military and civilians, Principal Chen presented a cap to Army 101st Infantry Brigade Sergeant First Class Chen Pao-hung in return for the sergeant’s gesture of gifting a cap to a local child during the relief effort, symbolizing the “passing of hope” and showcasing the profound military-civilian camaraderie.
In his remarks, Minister Koo stated that at the very first moment of the disaster, the ROC Armed Forces immediately activated response mechanisms, with the Second Operational Zone commander directing units to engage in rescue operations; subsequently, the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Operational Zones provided reinforcements in rotation, working hand-in-hand with enthusiastic citizens forming the “Shovel Superman” group, upholding the spirit of “treating disaster relief as combat” and “mission accomplishment at all costs,” thereby containing the disaster to the minimum scope.
Minister Koo emotionally addressed the personnel present: “Because of you, rushing to provide timely aid and sharing the suffering of the people, the disaster was contained to the smallest possible scope; because of you, conducting cross-regional reinforcements and racing against time, citizens were able to resume normal life in the shortest possible period; because of you, working through the night without rest and continuing to devote yourselves, the true meaning of ‘military and civilian unity in safeguarding our homeland’ has been demonstrated through action.”
Minister Koo also specially commended many touching stories. For example, Former Army Lanyang Regional Command conscript Private Lu Cheng-en voluntarily gave up his ten days of accumulated leave before discharge to join his unit in disaster relief in Guangfu Township and used his foreign language skills to assist international journalists; Army 101st Infantry Brigade Sergeant First Class Chen Pao-hung, after completing a day of arduous tasks, personally purchased and gifted a camouflage jungle hat to a local child — a warm gesture symbolizing the ROC Armed Forces’ silent yet steadfast commitment to the people. Minister Koo emphasized that every disaster relief service member fulfilled their duties at their posts and encouraged all personnel to continue conveying to the public the idea that “shoulder to shoulder, there is unlimited strength,” providing comprehensive protection for the nation.
During the ceremony, Major Shih Wei-chun of the Psychological Warfare Battalion performed his original song “Light of Protection,” and a documentary video produced by the Military News Agency was screened, recreating moving scenes of personnel entering disaster areas, executing missions, and receiving thanks from Guangfu residents. Minister Koo also led the distinguished guests in viewing the “0924 Typhoon Ragasa Disaster Relief Documentary” photography exhibition. The exhibition is divided into eight major themes, including “Timely Aid, Sharing the People’s Suffering,” “Cross-Regional Reinforcement, Racing Against Time,” “Working Through the Night, Defending the Nation and Ensuring Public Safety,” and “Shoulder to Shoulder, Unlimited Strength,” faithfully recording every moment of the ROC Armed Forces and civilians working together to rebuild their homeland.