We’re With Supia: A Military Spouse Giving Back to Her Community Overseas

By David Yoo

At U.S. Army Garrison Camp Humphreys, South Korea, where daily life is a blend of military duties and community activities, one person stands out for her exceptional dedication: Mrs. Hayngpyo “Supia” Olsen.

Supia has been a military spouse since 2019 and has quickly become a pillar of support and spirit within the community. Her actions and involvement showcase the significant role that military families play in strengthening the community at Camp Humphreys, especially when volunteering with the USO.

Supia’s life took a transformative turn when she met Command Sgt. Major Eric Olsen of the U.S. Forces Korea and Combined Forces Command while he served as the NCO Academy commandant at Fort Moore (formerly known as Fort Benning) and she lived in Atlanta, Georgia.

Following their marriage, Supia went from running a successful home-based baking business in Fort Cavazos, Texas, (formerly known as Fort Hood) to becoming an integral part of the camp Humphreys community. Her journey as a military spouse, though filled with new challenges, was marked by her eagerness to integrate into the military community and contribute to it.

Upon arrival in South Korea, Supia became a co-leader of the Senior Family Readiness Group (SFRG) at U.S. Forces Korea HQ, working alongside Kelly Lesperance, wife of Major Gen. David A. Lesperance, director of operations at United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command and United States Forces Korea. Together, they have fostered a supportive network, organizing impactful initiatives such as a USO Care Package event for service members with limited resources at Camp Yongin, enhancing the bonds within the military community.

Supia has also given back to her local military community in South Korea through the USO.

Supia’s introduction to volunteer work at the USO at Camp Humphreys began when she joined the USO in February 2023. Her potential as a USO volunteer was evident from the start. She has since been a vital part of numerous USO events, including USO Coffee Connections, the USO’s birthday celebrations, international events, the Chuseok holiday celebration, blood drives, USO Care Package events and USO Canine Program events. For the USO’s birthday celebration, Supia baked a special cake and cupcakes, and her desserts not only sweeten events but also bring a taste of home to the Humphreys community, who are stationed far from everything familiar.

In addition to her many roles as a USO volunteer, Supia is actively involved in therapy dog work alongside her golden retriever, Bella. As a certified therapy dog, Bella has been a heartwarming addition to the USO Humphreys Center’s activities.

Last year, Supia and Bella helped launch USO Humphreys’ first USO Canine Program during the Center’s annual Halloween event, which was warmly received by service members and military families. Through interactions with certified therapy dogs at USO events and USO Centers, the USO Canine Program provides service members and military family members with the profound emotional support that only a four-legged friend can offer.

Encouraged by Supia and Bella’s success at this first event, the USO team has plans underway to host another USO Canine Program for other upcoming events.

Life in a military community changes a lot, but people like Supia Olsen make it feel stable and uplifting. With her volunteer work, leadership in the family readiness group and projects like the USO Canine Program, Supia hasn’t just settled into life at Camp Humphreys. She has excelled and helped others do the same. Her actions do more than just fill roles; they create a feeling of home and unity for those far from where they grew up. Her dedication, warmth and willingness to help all show how one person’s selfless actions can bring a community together, making any place feel like home for our service members and their families.