Tauapai Mika Laupola
MAJ Laupola is serving his second year as President and is one of the charter members. Hailing from Afono, American Samoa, he is the proud son of Fivaula Loa and Laupola Mika. He is married and has 9 children. MAJ Laupola is the Joint Combined Exercise Training/PSYOP Planner for Special Operations Command - Korea (SOCKOR).
Fa'amao Umalitanielu
CPT Fa'amao Umalitanielu is the G1 Plans and Operations Officer for HHC, 2nd Infantry Division. Fa'amao is a new member but also a new executive board member as well. She currently serves as ROKSA's Vice President for this year. Fa'amao hails from Masausi, American Samoa and is the proud daughter of Eleni Tanielu (Faleasiu, Upolu) and Lusi Tanielu (Masausi, AS).
When asked about her thoughts on ROKSA, she replied "This organization is my home away from home. It is a privilege and honor to associate with all the brothers and sisters of Samoa currently stationed in Korea and ROKSA has provided me that opportunity. I am blessed to be a part of this significant group and looking forward to meeting more of our Samoan Soldiers entering the Korean peninsula."
Tom & Easter Bruce
Tom and Easter Bruce are charter members; Easter is in her 2nd year as Secretary and co-chairs Fundraising with Flo Amosa while Tom continues with assisting ROKSA with media and/or market needs as Publicity chair. Tom is a retired US Army Command Sergeant Major and currently continues to serve soldiers as a Morale Welfare & Recreation Marketing Chief in
When asked, why do you want to continue being involved with ROKSA, they replied:
[Tom] "I am a charter member of ROKSA. My interest in the association is based on my wife's Samoan heritage and desire to ensure that my children understand and have an appreciation for their background. The choice to involve myself in ROKSA has been extremely rewarding. I have not only developed a tremendous appreciation for my Samoan friends, I have developed lifelong relationships with friends that have gone on to assignments around the globe. ROKSA's gift to my children is life shaping and will be appreciated throughout their lives."
[Easter] "I support ROKSA because it has become symbolic of the very same elements that make the 'faasamoa' a unique aspect of the Samoan culture. Personally speaking, ROKSA is synonomous with words like tautua, aiga, alofa and fa'aaloalo. It is my passion and dedication to unconditionally support our Samoan service members and families stationed here in Korea in order to truly provide them "a home away from home."
Fa'asiusiuga Taumua
SGT Fa'asiusiuga Taumua is a 92A supporting FCO 302nd BSB Camp Casey. He is ROKSA's Area I Membership Chairman and hails from the village of Fagalii, American Samoa. Taumua is the proud father of three children: Arona (son), Oma Mealelei (daughter) and Pereise Makayla (daughter).
When asked about his contribution to ROKSA in the new year, he replied: "I just want to bring all our Samoan brothers and sisters together and welcome them when they arrive in Korea."
Talalelei Fautanu, Jr
SSG Fautanu, Talalelei, Jr works for Civil Military Affairs for 1st BDE, Camp Casey. Talalelei and his wife, Jean Ali Fautanu have five lovely daughters and one son: Chelsea Audrey, Cheryl Aleluia, Charmaine Amene, Charlene Amia, Christine Aliitasi and son Christian Talalelei
Fautanu is currently serving as the Senior Military Advisor for ROKSA. When asked the question, why do you want to be a part of ROKSA? He replied, "To promote fellowship and our polynesian culture"
Leafe & Florence Amosa
Leafe & Flo Amosa hold probably the most vital position within the ROKSA organization; together they represent our Spiritual Leaders. They spearhead the annual Thanksgiving and Easter Services and basically open and close ROKSA meetings and events with prayer. Additionally, Flo wears two other hats: Membership Chair & Fundraising Chair. The Amosa family certainly have their hands full as not only are they both serving in the US Army but also are parents to three young children: Leata, Lincoln and their latest bundle, Lemanai.
SFC Leafe Amosa works for 18th MEDCOM and hails from Amanave, American Samoa. He is the proud son of Leata Lemalu (Matautu Lefaga, Samoa) and Poti Amosa (Amanave, American Samoa). SSG Flo Amosa works for the office of the Assistant Deputy, Chief of Staff, United States Forces Korea. Flo hails from Fagasa and is the proud daughter of Leotele Tupuola (Fagasa) and Tomasi Visesio (Amaile, Samoa).
When both were asked why they remain involved with ROKSA, they replied:
[Flo] "This year will be a great year of harvest for ROKSA. We had been sowing and plowing for the past two years and it's time to see our vision come to past. We've had many old members depart but like the old Samoan proverb - "Pa'u se toa, ae toe tu se toa." Looking forward to this wonderful year.
[Leafe] "Looking to see the ROKSA vision of "a home away from home" accepted by our young Samoan soldiers. Want all who are currently in Korea and those enroute to know that ROKSA exisits for you. However, let's not forget that everything exist because of Him. To God be the glory for the harvest this year."
Punefuolemotu Aiumu
SPC Punefuolemotu Aiumu of HHD 41st Sig Bn is the proud son of Toetaua and the late Lemoe Aiumu of Fagatogo and Pago Pago, American Samoa. SPC Aiumu volunteered to take the seat of Treasurer for ROKSA's third year of existence.
When asked, why do you want to be a part of ROKSA? He replied, "I think I can bring about positive change. And being the youngest board member, I could easily communicate with the youth. It's a deal to share with the youth"