About Us
United on the RoK Magazine is a magazine with a military community focus that is distributed to United States Forces Korea installations within the Republic of Korea. This magazine aims to connect readers to the diversity of our communities and showcase what South Korea has to offer from culture and travel to food and family, and more.
Contents of United on the RoK are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the United States Government, the Department of Defence, or Oriental Press. All content within United on the RoK Magazine is written by non-paid, volunteers within the military-connected communities across the RoK. Articles within United on the RoK are written independently and non-sponsored, with no monetary compensation or products received in exchange for the author's opinions, reviews, or mentions in the magazine.
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Volunteers are strongly encouraged to create an account and log hours on the Army's Volunteer Management Information System (VMIS) to officially document their volunteer hours for their own records and personal work portfolios, or to track hours for military-connected recognition awards.
Published by
Oriental Press
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Art Director
Eric Young-Seok Park
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Chief Executive Officer
Charles Chong
Meet The Leadership Team
Jetta Allen
Editor in Chief
Jetta Allen is the Editor in Chief of United on the RoK. Over the past few years, she has worn many hats; writer, poet, photographer, and editor. She loves nature, travel, and culture, but most of all, making memories with her family.
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As a military spouse, Jetta knows the importance of community and how being connected can help one find the resources and networks that help them thrive. Her advice to newcomers to Korea is to get connected with your local community and neighborhoods, find others with similar hobbies and interests, don't be afraid to introduce yourself on social media sites for the installation, volunteer, and most importantly, start making Korea your new home! When it feels like home, you can start to grow and embrace the country with all of its possibilities.
Robyn Connell
Co-Editor
Robyn Connell serves as Co-Editor for United on the RoK Mag, where she brings a dynamic perspective shaped by her years of experience as a military spouse living in South Korea. Having made the peninsula her home, she has deeply immersed herself in the vibrant tapestry of local life and traditions. Her editorial expertise extends to multiple editions of the DMZ to the Sea Resource Guide, a comprehensive publication serving communities across the Republic of Korea.
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Robyn has a deep respect for Korean culture and military life. Whether exploring local communities, finding the best hidden gems and shops, or crafting informative resources, Robyn's dedication to connecting people with essential information and shared experiences remains at the heart of her work.
Candace Nuñez
Co-Editor
Candace is a Co-Editor for United on the RoK. As a military spouse and former English teacher in Virginia and Seoul, she loves learning, traveling, and sharing her experiences with others. In her free time you can find her reading, writing, or learning new recipes to cook for her family.
Mini DeLamarter-Lefebvre
Co-Editor
Mini DeLamarter-Lefebvre is a dedicated DoDEA teacher at Humphreys Middle School, where she began her adventure in August 2022. She is married to Michael, a retired Army Field Artillery officer, and together they have two wonderful children, Zachary and Michaela.
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Mini has a passion for travel and the adventures it brings. She loves making connections in the new places she visits and cherishes the friendships she forms along the way. Her enthusiasm for exploring the world is matched by her commitment to volunteering and improving the community she lives in. Mini’s efforts to make a positive impact are evident in her dedication to both her students and her community.
Melissa Edwards-Whittington
Co-Editor, Social Media Marketing, Writer, & Content Creator
Melissa Edwards-Whittington has been in Korea for over 7 years. She and her husband have a YouTube channel, “KimchiRednecks”, where they share about life in Korea, places to eat and visit in Korea, and cooking. They also have a YouTube channel, Shining With KimchiRednecks, dedicated to their hobby of making whiskey and brandy at home. They are also parents to three precocious senior Shih Tzu daughters, Minion, Sookie, and Mayhem who are featured often in their social media.
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As Social Media Marketing Manager for United on the RoK Mag, Melissa brings her passion for the military community to life through compelling digital content. Her expertise spans content creation, social media marketing management, and community engagement through connectedness.
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Melissa further extends her community impact through the South of Seoul, a local organization enhancing expatriate life in Korea. Through her online media management with South of Seoul, original content, established blog presence, and fostering multiple groups for language exchanges and content creators, she offers unique insights into life in South Korea. She has also volunteered for Pyeongtaek Insight as part of their content creation team. Her work consistently bridges cultural gaps while fostering connections within the international community.
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Follow Melissa and her family here:
YouTube: youtube.com/@kimchirednecks
youtube.com/@shiningwithkimchirednecks
Instagram: @kimchirednecks
Facebook: KimchiRednecks
South of Seoul Blog: www.blog.southofseoul.net
Naomi Suguitan
Web Manager
Born in Germany and raised in Hawaii as a veteran's daughter, Naomi Suguitan moved to South Korea in 2023 with her active-duty husband. She brings with her a passion for community and adventure. When not working, you'll find her building LEGO sets, exploring local coffee shops, watching K-dramas, planning her next Disney adventure, or discovering hidden gems around Camp Humphreys.
As Web Manager for United on the RoK Mag, Naomi applies her extensive web design and digital marketing expertise to strengthen the magazine's online presence and support its mission of connecting the military community.
Beyond her volunteer work with United on the RoK, Naomi is a Certified Director of Operations and founder of Virtual Changemakers, where she provides fractional Director of Marketing services to impactful non-profit organizations and socially driven small businesses.
Connect with Naomi on these platforms!