Republic of Korea Samoa Association

This page is dedicated to all ROKSA service members currently stationed on the ROK!  From the "Z to the sea" thank you for your dedication and service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and being an ambassador of Samoa while serving your country.

MAJOR Tauapai Laupola is assigned to Special Operations Command Korea (SOCKOR).  His MOS is Psychological Operations/Civil Affairs.  His mother is Fivaula Tuimavave Loa Laupola of Afono & Fagamalo, AS while his father is Laupola Mika Faagogo from Sili Manu'a & Afono, AS.

"ROKSA allows me to serve or otherwise known as "tautua" to Samoan service members in Korea as well as their families back home.  Keeping everybody informed, making them feel at home and by bringing them together to fellowship in the siprit of love and respect, is my humble way of saying, thank-you Samoa for your prayers, love and never ending support.  This is the "Mau" or testimony, that is created to bring Samoan service members together in the spirit of love and respect but more importantly, to promote the beauty of the "faasamoa," the Samoan way of life.

SSG Talalelei Fautanu, Jr is a 13B with the 2nd Infantry Division (ID) Civil Military Operations.  His is the son of Fuasala T. Fautanu of Ta'u & Faleasao, Manu'a and Talalelei T. Fautanu of Fitiuta, Manu'a.

"Ia maua pea e tatou alo ma fanau o si o tatou atunu'u pele o Samoa le nofo fealofani ma le tautua i le fa'amaoni aua le puipui ina o lo tatou sa'olotoga.....fa'amanuia atu o na o Iesu...soifua"

SSG Vaitogi Sani Taetuli is assigned to HHC 1-72AR BN; 1HBCT; 2nd Infantry Division.  He is a 11B3O which is an infantryman and serves as the 1072AR Battalion Hazards Material (HAZMAT) NCOIC.  He is the proud son of Mereane O'Brien Taetuli of Aunu'u and Reverend Sani Vaalele Taetuli of Vaitogi, AS.

"First of all, I would like to thank the Almighty for the blessings he had showered upon us. And also keeping us safe and secure each and everyday.  To my parents, the respective servants of God, and the entire friendly people of Samoa for their constant thoughts, prayers and strong support for the sons and daughters in uniform and their families. Who are stationed here in the peninsula, around the world and all the courageous soldiers serving in combat. Thanks very much! Faafetai ma fa'amalo le fai ole faiva o tapua'iga. And to the ROKSA; Republic of Korea Samoa Association for providing a great place for us; which is known as "a home away from home" A place where we fellowship, pray and share good ideas. Preserving and holding tight to our heritage, and the traditional fa'asamoa from being deteriorated in the minds and hearts of our younger generations. And to the board members for implementing this program on its website; titled "Meet ROKSA Troops". I am extremely proud and honor to expose myself for our Island Countries to view, especially the Heart of the Polynesia; My Samoa. Love and Respect is mainly the foundation of this Association as established by its founder. To this day, it is still existing and  firmly cemented as displayed by its current board members and members as well. " Ole alofa e fa'aaloalo, e fa'aaloalo foi le alofa".  Ia, o nai upu ia, ua tusi atu ile agaga fa'aaloalo male maualalo, maualalo lava. Soifua ma ia manuia le aso!"

Vaitogi male Aiga.

PFC Leucaena Solifono Leauma is a 92A stationed with A CO 302D BSB.  She is the daughter of Tualupetu of Toamua and Moa Falefaosamauga of Apia.

"I would like to thank my two heroes mum and dad, my families and friends for the prayers while im away from home. I hope I would get to see them soon.  tofa ma ia manuia" 

SSG Shawn C. Davis is a 63M with D Co 302nd BSB.  He is the proud son of Linda and Dan Davis.

"I feel honored and privileged to be a member of such a great Association.  I thank ROKSA for making me feel part of a family.  "A home away from home."

SPC Ropati F. Sooalo is a 19D with the 4-7 CAV, Camp Hovey.  His parents hail from Pavaiai and Sinamoga.

''Thanks the Heavenly Father for da strength and and His evalasting Love given upon me,all da brothers and sisters been away from home and mostly our families and love ones back in the states especially in the paradise ''Samoa''.  To my dear parents love you so much and miss yall,,all da families back home and love ones love yall,,,Lord between us,,and a big shout out for da brothers and sisters in da war zone,,faamalosi,,Tumau i le Faatuatua,,,stay safe,,,''

SGT Ray Topinio is a 62B20 assigned to E CO 302D BSB.  He is married to Lesa Tiliaia whose parents, Merita and Afaese, hail from Faleasao.

"I would like to thank my wife Lesa and 3 boys for supporting me with my military career"

SPC Yorhena ML Panama is a 14T, a Patriot Launch Missile Operator assigned to C Btry, 1-43 Air Missile Defense, 35th BDE, Osan AB.  SPC Panama is the proud daughter of the late Helena Ve'evalu Onosa'i from Pago Pago and the Reverend Ekepati Mutu Panama from Utulei, American Samoa.

"I just want to give all praises to God for blessing me with such a great family (Panama Mutu, Onosa'i, Au Salamo, and so much more). I owe it all to them for supporting me through out my life. Also to the ROKSA family, coming to Korea, I was very uneasy and uncomfortable. With the warm welcome and familiar faces, all my anxieties has dissappeared and made me feel at home. Thank You!

God Bless you all and especially to those that are serving in the military."

SGT Annie Samchong is a 92A, an Automated Logistical Specialist assigned to D FSC, 302D BSB.  SGT Samchong is the proud daughter of Melape Samchong of Tafua, Savaii and Falaniko Utu Samchong of Taufusi, Western Samoa.

"To God be the glory, for He has stood by my side and help me make it through this life.  Second, my beloved parents, my brothers Ah Chong, Andrew, Junior and Mose, my dear niece Annie and newly born nephew Ah Chong Junior.  I love you all from the bottom of my heart.  To all my families and friends, hope to see all of you someday soon.  To ROKSA, thank you for the opportunity to be a part of such a great association.  Last but not least to my best friend, my soul mate and the love of my life Shawn Davis, thank you for your support and unconditional love for me, thank you for being patient with my attitude.  I love you so much.  May God Bless Samoa and this whole world."

PEACE BE WITH YOU ALL.

1LT Aja Tuiasosopo Nansen is a Health Care Administrator, 70B, within the Medical Service Corps assigned to 568th Medical Company, Camp Humphreys.  She is the proud daughter of Rose Ann Pili and Fa'ausu Jr. Tuiasosopo of Vaitogi, American Samoa.

I am very blessed to be a part of ROKSA, it has been a great opportuniy for all samoan soldiers as well as other islanders, as being a home away from home. ROKSA is all about love and respect, and we should always keep our culture and heritage standing strong. Love is always bestowed as a gift, freely, willingly, and without expectation. Thank you ROKSA for all your hospitality and for providing us a home away from home.

Fa'afetai ma ia manuia!!!

PFC Tima Tuaivaoola Siatuu is assigned to the 702d AFCS MST BSB as a 94P, MLRS Repair.  He is the proud son of Talo and Tua Siatuu, hailing from the villages of Leone and Matu'u, respectively.

"Samoa e le fa'agaloina oe"

SPC  Auvele Punefuolemotu E. Lemoe Aiumu is assigned to HHD, 41st SIG BN as a 31B/42A.  His mother is Taua S. Aiumu hailing from Saanapu, Safata, Samoa while his father, the late Lemoe Aiumu hails from the village of Pago Pago, American Samoa.

"E faamuamua lava ona sii le viiga ma le faafetai i le atua soifua, e ala lea i lona alofa mai ia tatou le fanau. I would like to give a special faafetai to my father who has passed on, and also to my mother who has been there for me and my little brother every step of the way. Also to all of Samoas best and brightest wether serving in the US ARMED SERVICES or in School, what you do is a reflection of you, your family and our beautiful island of Samoa.

*Always remember GOD first and that a strong foundation is built on your relationship with GOD, always be true to your goals and stay true and trustworthy to your family and friends*

Soifua ia o Aiumu"

PV2 Telesia Ioana Utupo is a 44C known as a Financial Management Technician assigned to 18th Medical Command (MEDCOM).  She is the proud daughter of Fetutasi Luamanuvae and Magauli Utupo.

"I want to send my love to my mother Fetutasi Utupo, my sisters, Ina, Leni & Grace, my brothers, Joe & Aleki. Thanks for your prayers and support. To all my comrades standing guard around the world, stay alert and keep the faith; to my ROKSA family, thanks for been my home away from home. God Bless."

CPL Masaniai, Poasa Jr is a 25D otherwise known as a Telecommunications Operator-Maintainer assigned to the 201st Signal Company based in Yongsan Army Garrison, South Korea.  He is the proud son of Poasa and Fatuai Masaniai hailing from the villages of Vatia, Nu'uli and Tula respectively.

"First and Foremost, I Give Praise and Glory Unto the Most High God for HIS Overflowing Blessings in My Life.  Without HIM, I am nothing.  "Trust In The Lord With All Your Heart AND Lean Not On Your Own Understanding.  But In All Your Ways Acknowledge HIM and HE Shall Direct Your Path".  Proverbs 3:5,6

PV2 Marisha Jenny Lemafa is a 74D, Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear, assigned to the 4th Chemical Company.  She is the proud daughter of Pele'ese Fola and Iupati Lemafa from the villages of Nu'uli and Aunu'u, respectively.

"Well, first off I want to give thanks to GOD for blessing me with the opportunity of being in the military, for my family, and my friends. I want to thank my parents for supporting me and my decision to join the military especially my father Iupati Motu Lemafa without his help and guidance I dont know where I would be I am who I am because of him.  I also would like to give thanks to ROKSA for making Korea a better transition. It was easier to adjust to Korea being involved in ROKSA because they really look out for your well being so I just want to say thank you to everyone in ROKSA and I like it because we're all like family here"

SSG Polu Pe'a Jr is an 11B, Infantryman, with A co. 1-72 AR BN.  He is the proud son of Avalele Asoau Polu (mother) and Pe'a Su'evale Polu (father).  SSG Polu's mother hails from Faleasao and Fitiuta, Manu'a while his father also from Faleasao and Manu'a.

"E FAAMUAMUA PEA LE VIIGA I LE TAMA OI LE LAGI INA UA IA FAIA PEA MEA SILI MO I TATOU.  IT'S A GREAT PLEASURE TO BE PART OF ROKSA FAMILY. AND I TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO SAY THANKS TO THE ROKSA BOARD AND EVERYBODY FOR THEIR EFFORT BY PUTTING TOGETHER THIS REPUBLIC OF KOREA SAMOA ASSOCIATION. ONCE AGAIN, THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR GOOD AND HARD WORK.  SPECIAL THANKS TO MY FAMILY FOR THEIR PRAYERS AND THEIR UNDIVIDED SUPPORT, BUT MOSTLY TO MY WIFE MEREMINNE AND THE KIDS. I MISS YOU GUYS SO MUCH.  IA FAAFETAI I LE ATUNUU I LAU TAPUAIGA A'O ALO FAIVA AU TAMA FANAU AUA LE TAUTUA INA O LE SA'OLOTOGA. MANUIA TELE LAU TAPUA'IGA. GOD BLESS ROKSA , GOD BLESS AMERICAN SAMOA, GOD BLESS OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS SERVING IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN, AND GOD BLESS YOU ALL."

SOIFUA
SSG POLU P  "FIRST TANK"

PFC Kalapu is a 63J assigned to the unit, HHB 1-15 FA.  He is the proud son of Punipuao Lagai and the late Brian Kalapu.  His mother, Punipuao hails from Lauli'i American Samoa, while his father Brian from Matautu Tai, Apia.

"First and foremost, I would like to thank God for his loving and caring upon each and everyone of us.  My mother, greatest mother a son could ever wish for. And my father whose up there watching over me and my family. May his soul rest in peace. Also my family back home and everywhere in the world for encouraging me to do the right thing and keeping me out of trouble. Last but not least my brother , friend , father figure ,uncle or whatever you want to call him Tauapai Laupola and all the members of ROKSA for helping me through out my time in Korea to become a soldier again.  Thank you and God bless."

Manuia galuega ole aso ma ia faatasi pea le alii ma outou.
fa laia paipai!!