VANZ News Issue 4
Michael Yelash, Case Manager, VANZ
“So how was your holiday?” I have been asked this question many times by veterans since returning to my job as a Case Manager at Veterans Affairs New Zealand.
For six months I was attached to the United Nations Command Military Armistice Commission (UNCMAC) as the Assistant Corridor Control Officer, Transportation Corridor West.
The Corridors are four-lane highways that unite South and North Korea. Because the Corridors run through the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), they are administered by UNCMAC.
The Corridor Control Team consisted of a Canadian Officer, two US Army Non Commissioned Officers and me. Our primary role was to ensure the smooth operation of the corridor. Every person, cargo or vehicle that used the corridor had to be reviewed and monitored to ensure there were no violations of either the Armistice Agreement or any of the subsequent agreements. We also monitored Korean Custom’s inspections to ensure they were enforcing the United Nations sanctions against North Korea and we would monitor some of the 19 convoys crossing each day. Our other duties included monitoring the Armistice Agreement in our sector of the DMZ, report any violations and to give briefings to distinguished visitors.
While my tour was intense due to the sinking of the Cheonan and the inevitable ramifications, it was also extremely interesting working in a multi national team. [Michael is a Territorial Force member of the Waikato Mounted Rifles].