With pomp and circumstance and with a room filled to its rims, the ceremony for retiring Col. Y.T. Pak was as it should be.

At the auditorium at the Asian-Pacific Center for Security Studies, his family sat in the front row.

His son Jason was there marking a milestone of his own, making this day extra special.

"It happened in the blink of an eye," began 1st Lt. Jason Pak.

On December 12, 1st Lt. Jason Pak, while on duty in Afghanistan, stepped on an IED.

In that instant, he lost his legs and two fingers, and broke several bones.

"I will never forget that day. I just wanted him to stay alive," said his father Ret. Col. Pak.

Survive he did.

Fight he would.

PHOTOS: Wounded soldier stands to honor father

SHOW THUMBNAILS

Previous

Next