Republic of Korea Samoa Association

ROKSA members gathered at Yongsan Lanes to ring in the New Years!  In addition to many of ROKSA's contribution to various events and activities, included are the monetary gifts presented to college age children of ROKSA members.  Prior to attending college stateside, many of these young ladies have provided much of ROKSA's polynesian entertainment not only in the past but some continue to do so upon return trips to Korea during college breaks and as their schedule permits.  ROKSA appreciates their time and energy to attend dance pratices and perform at many events, sometimes at a moment's notice.

Pictured above from left to right:  Sam Sapatu (V. President); Tau Laupola (President); Sonya Tu'uao, Sheriah Taua Gibbons, Jiovanna Bruce, Yun Voelker, Leafe Amosa (Religious Activities Committee Chair), Tui Nua (Senior Military Advisor).  Back row from left to right:  Flo Amosa, Fatu Hugo and Lincoln Amosa (sitting on dad's shoulders)

The Matautia Family came out to Yongsan Lanes to celebrate New Years.  Martin and Shelly (LTC) Matautia have two children, Gabby (pictured here with dad) and Austin.  Gabby is one of the ROKSA performers and is an excellent dancer.

Another family, our Hawaiian braddah & sistah, Barry & Sue Feleciano also came out to Yongsan Lanes to celebrate New Years.  The Feleciano's are very supportive and are active ROKSA members.  They have two children, Kehau and Kawika.  ROKSA welcomes our fellow islanders from other island nations in the pacific.

ROKSA R-E-P-R-E-S-E-N-T-S at Tui's Change of Responsibility!

Standing pictured left to right: Faresa Tu'uao, CSM Tuileama Nua, Easter Bruce, Anita Nua, Sheriah Taua Gibbons, Jackie Taua Gibbons, LTC Shelly Matautia, SSG Flo Amosa, SFC Leafe Amosa.  Sitting pictured left to right:  Keanu Nua, PFC Tima Sua, SGT Senara Leapai, Thomas Gibbons, Safune Gibbons, Austin Matautia.  The two young ladies seated in front are Rochelle Pennington on the left and on the right, Jiovanna Bruce.

ROKSA holds an Easter Service in the Army Community Service (ACS) building located on South Post, Yongsan Army Garrison.  The service was followed by the traditional Sunday To'ana'i.

Once again, ROKSA traveled up to Area I , Camp Casey to support Asian/Pacific month.  Because ROKSA was successful the year before, the group was actually requested by name to return and be a part of Area I's Asian/Pacific celebration.

ROKSA supported Asian/Pacific activities for Area II.  Pictured here are W01 Samitioata Roberts surrounded by the Laupola girls, Kehau Feleciano, and Silia Sefo.

Pictured here is Tau Laupola slicing and serving up steaming pua'a that had been cooking overnight in the ground Samoan style.  Pictured also helping with serving the Samoan dishes in the background are Anita Nua and Sue Feleciano.

This past summer was a hectic time as ROKSA executive board members departed Korea to move on to their next duty assignments.  ROKSA hosted a farewell BBQ for W01 Samitioata Roberts and the Sapatu family, Sam & Sue.  Sami served as ROKSA's treasurer while Sam as the Vice President; although Sue not being a board member, like many of the ladies of ROKSA, she was a very active supporter from the background.  Sami, Sam and Sue will all be sorely missed!

The embroidery plaque of ROKSA's logo and the wood burning plaque of ROKSA's logo are traditional gifts presented to departing executive board members.

Tui and Anita are one of the charter members of ROKSA.  Tui being the first President and Anita strongly supporting in the background, not to mention her gourmet cooking, kept this couple in the front as one of the key leaders in our Samoan community.  ROKSA comes together one last time with the Nua family to capture a group photo under the awesome ROKSA banner.  ROKSA will miss Anita, Tui and Keanu dearly!

ROKSA gathers once again to bid farewell to one of ROKSA's loyal and active members from the beginning.  Silia Sefo departed Korea 14 November 2006 and is relocating to Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.  ROKSA thanks Silia for her dedication and commitment to supporting her Samoan sisters and brothers during many ROKSA sponsored events.  May the Lord Bless you Silia and your family as you begin a new chapter in your life.  Soifua.

Thanks ROKSA for everything you all did to support  Dylan's graduation - we really appreciate it!  To Tui & Anita Nua, Tau Laupola, Sue & Sam Sapatu, Makini & Shelly Matautia, Tu'uao Faresa, Leafe & Flo Amosa, Samitioata Roberts, Barry & Sue Feleciano and all the Samoan service members that came out to support - a very BIG thank you........Sincerely, Tom & Easter Bruce

In this clip, you will see how ROKSA members kicked it's 3rd year off at Yongsan Lanes with a bowling event.  ROKSA members and guests were treated to bowling, pizza and sodas - a great time for young and old alike.  You will also see a few familiar pics from farewell BBQs given for CSM & Anita Nua, W01 Samitioata Roberts, and the Sapatu's (Sam and Sue).....and finally a few clips from an earlier visit with Congressman Faleomavaega.  Enjoy the clip.  Soifua.

In this clip, you will see ROKSA continuing to stay busy with farewells, Thanksgiving, White Sunday and making time to play Volleyball.

Congressman Faleomavaega stops in Korea on official business but always makes time to visit with Samoan service members stationed on peninsula!!

A great turnout for Thanksgiving & White Sunday service.  Immediately after the photo shot, everyone moved to get dinner on the buffet line and the "gobble gobbling" commenced shortly thereafter.

The giftwrapping fundraising event is the 2nd largest fundraiser for ROKSA with the golf tournament always being the main fundraiser for the year.  This year, this event successfully brought in over $2700 for both days.  These funds will be used to fund the Christmas buffet dinner, raffle prizes to include $250 in AAFES gift cards and any expenses related to the Christmas Program.  ROKSA could not have been able to raise these funds without the help and support from members and friends of ROKSA.  A great big "fa'amalo" and "fa'afetai" to all who came out to wrap gifts on both days.

ROKSA members and invited guests gathered at Commiskey's Family Restaurant to enjoy a Christmas buffet.  The agenda for the evening was lined with good ole fashion fun with a twist of Samoan entertainment added to the mix.  The video clip does not convey the true excitement and laughter during the competitive games that night nonetheless, the photos will tell it's own hilarious story.