The First ROKSA BBQ
Although a small group, these folks gathered at the Camp Coiner picnic area #6 to celebrate the existence of this new organization called "ROKSA." Pictured below are Fa'anati Mapuoletuli, Easter Bruce, Sam Sapatu and visting from Ft. Lewis, Nick Punimata.
To the left, is a picture of ROKSA's first secretary and considered to be one of the charter members: CPT Leuila Alaimaleata.
Columbus Day Parade - 1st Place
ROKSA pulls together as an official private organization to participate in the Columbus Day Parade. As ROKSA marched making their way to the judging platform, the dancers performed various polynesian dances. Everyone looked great in their purplish-lavendar island outfits but especially our taupou and manaia, Diana Mapuoletuli and Safune Gibbons respectively. The best part? ROKSA took first place in its category and walked away with a $200 cash prize.
Thanksgiving Tradition Begins at Commiskey's
Once again, ROKSA came together for Thanksgiving. The night's festivities seemed endless but nonetheless, the fellowship was great.
Oct, Nov and Dec 2004
ROKSA kicks it into gear as a newly established organization by winning 1st place prize of $200 in the Columbus Day Parade community event. As a brand new organization, ROKSA stepped out in style with a group uniform and dazzled the crowd with a few Polynesian numbers as they paraded center stage where the judges await ROKSA's performance. Little did they know, ROKSA would take first place not only this year but ROKSA took first place the next yeart in the Columbus Day Parade community event 2005.
Next set of photos you will see in the clip is ROKSA's Thanksgiving Feast at Commiskey's Family Restaurant. What a night of fun as Area I was called out to perform a siva; as you will see they lived up to the request as Senara Leapai moved front and center to siva the taualuga. The Thanksgiving gathering lasted until about 2200 - it was great food, fun, music and great company.
Finally, ROKSA celebrates Christmas over at the Bruce's home. The normal operations center is the Nua home but Tui was out of the loop and so the Bruce's opened up their home to provide dinner for Samoan service members remaining in Korea over the Christmas holidays.
For many of you that have departed, I'm sure many of these pictures will bring back fond memories. I hope you all are in good health - thank you for supporting ROKSA during your time in Korea.