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. 

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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. 

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.

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

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 helps coaches and mindset mentors streamline their businesses through strategic systems and automation. She specializes in supporting mom-preneurs run their business without sacrificing playtime.

Connect with Naomi on these platforms!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomi-suguitan/

Website:  https://virtualchangemakers.com

Ashley Courts is the Area IV Coordinator for United on the RoK as well as an author for the publication. As an Army spouse, Ashley is very involved in her community. She believes that a strong community increases the quality of life in overseas military installations. For fun Ashley enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and hiking with friends, and making new experiences to last a lifetime. 

Lisa Peck, MPH, CPH,  graduated from the University of Utah Asia Campus (UAC) in Incheon with a Master’s in Public Health and her Certification in Public Health (CPH). Ms. Peck also holds a Bachelor’s Degrees in Linguistics and one in International Studies with a Global Health emphasis. Ms. Peck is Korean American and speaks both English and Korean. She has moved between the US and Korea since childhood, finally settling in Korea after graduating from UAC. In 2021 Ms. Peck founded the South of Seoul Public Health Program which focuses on research and initiatives regarding the health and wellness of multinational residents in South Korea. Additionally, Ms. Peck oversees the SOS Public Health Graduate Student Practicum Program which provides mentorship and training for Master’s in Public Health students. The program works with two students a semester with a focus on ethical UX research design, survey development, and initiative implementation.

Lanae Rivers-Woods moved to Korea in 2011 where she lives in the countryside with her family, friends, and puppies. She holds a BSSW (Bachelor's of Science in Social Work), a MAIT (Master's of Arts in International Teaching), and registered by the Pyeongtaek Korean Times with the Korean government as a Cultural Expert. Ms. Rivers-Woods used her 15 years experience as a social architect, UX/UI designer, and technology consultant to found South of Seoul in 2015. South of Seoul is a volunteer organization that leverages technological tools to mitigate cultural dissonance in multi-cultural communities. 

Through South of Seoul, Ms. Rivers-Woods works with independent volunteers, non-profit organizations, businesses, local & federal government, universities, and US military organizations to develop solutions to support English speaking international residents in rural South Korea. Additionally, Ms. Rivers-Woods founded the South of Seoul smart phone app available for Google Play and iPhone. The app provides information a resources for those living and traveling in South Korea. When she isn't in South of Seoul development meetings or working her day job, Ms. Rivers-Woods loves to be outside at skate parks, the beach, or playing in the mountains.

Kortnee writes monthly for our Intentional Learning Corner for families with children.

Kortnee is a military spouse, a yoga teacher, a homeschool mom, and a published author with more than a decade of experience in early and elementary childhood education. Her goal is to take parents on a journey with their children by integrating more opportunities for intentional learning daily through play. 

If you would like more activity ideas follow us on Instagram @intentionallearning. 

Raven Atwood is an author dedicated to bringing history to life through the excitement of mystery for young readers. With a captivating storytelling style, Raven crafts tales that explore historical events and figures, blending suspense and intrigue to inspire curiosity and learning. Known for turning history’s secrets into adventures, Raven’s books, available on Amazon, have quickly become favorites for young readers and parents alike.

Jaime Barroso is a Certified Personal Trainer, Nutrition Coach, and owner of Strength by Jaime Barroso, LLC. She shares her expertise in United on the RoK and gives sound advice for those wanting to make lasting changes to their overall health. 

For 9 years she has provided personal training and nutrition coaching for people all over the world who want to get stronger, eat better, and take back control of their own health and wellness through my program The Strength Method. If you’re ready to master your deadlift and feel confident in your bathing suit, without giving up your favorite foods, you’re in the right place.

Join her free Facebook Community:

• www.facebook.com/groups/TeamStrengthJB

• www.StrengthbyJaimeBarroso.com

• Facebook: Jaime Barroso

• Instagram: @StrengthbyJaimeBarroso

Sierra Beaton is a prolific reader, writer, and memory keeper. She enjoys capturing daily life through photography, regularly subjecting her family to new recipes, making friends out of strangers, and is easily distracted by plants.

As a seasoned military spouse, mom to three kids, and generally curious individual, she has had the opportunity to learn a lot of things she never knew she needed to know. She enjoys sifting through her lived experiences and sharing her observations with others. 

Follow Sierra's travels on her blog Off the Beaton Path or on her Instagram @sierrab6.

You can join our team too! 

Send us an email anytime and we can discuss how you'd like to serve your community by contributing to United on the RoK. Read more about volunteering here! Click Here!

Email: unitedontherokmag@gmail.com

Kymbirly Bernett is a Daegu author who writes about life and her adventures in the  Daegu area. Kymbirly Bernett is a military spouse residing the the Daegu area. She finds joy in a variety of interests, including metal detecting, motocross, crafting, and maintaining faith in God's plan for her life. Exploring new places and connecting with fellow enthusiasts are some of the things that fuel her sense of adventure and purpose.

Doug Boltuc has been the Country Director of USO Korea since 2017. In this capacity, he oversees the USO staff and volunteers as they conduct the mission delivery of USO programs and offerings at five Centers, three unstaffed lounges, and eleven remote locations across the Peninsula. Additionally, he interacts with senior military leadership for priorities, US diplomatic leaders for support, as well as the Korean and expatriate business community for sponsorship and donations. Doug is a retired US Army Officer with many years of service in Korea and the Middle East, and is most passionate about contributing to the resiliency of military service members and their families overseas.

Tyrese Cook, also known as Re, is a devoted military spouse and proud mother to five daughters—including two sets of twins—who brings warmth, insight, and a touch of humor to every subject she explores. 

A non-denominational Christian, Tyrese draws from her faith and her expertise as a licensed Social Worker with a master’s in social work, practicing therapy in Ohio and Kentucky. Passionate about mental health, she empowers others to reach their fullest potential with compassion and understanding. Recently featured with her family on CNN, United on the RoK Magzine, and The OCONUS Project, Tyrese’s life and work reflect her deep commitment to family, love, and resilience. Outside of her work and family life, she delights in cooking creative meals, diving into captivating books, and experiencing the world’s diverse cultures. 

Follow her journey on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram at @AuthenticallyRe.

Bianca Del Carmen was born in Las Cruces, New Mexico. As a military-connect child, she grew up all around the world, allowing her to experience many cultures. Bianca graduated from the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University with a major in Business Marketing. 

Bianca has lived in South Korea for over 12 years now and resides with her husband in the Daegu area with their three children. As the founder of the  Boram Language Institute, Bianca offers lessons in English, Korean, and Mandarin to students online. 

If you are looking for a personal and interactive way to learn a new language and to gain a sense of “Boram/보람”, contact Bianca and join the Boram Community. 

Website: www.boramlanguageinstitute.com

Blog: https://www.boramlanguageinstitute.com/blog

Facebook group: Korean Language Support (for the RoK Military Community & Friends)

IG: Boram_in_Korea

YouTube: Boram_in_Korea

Stella Frazier is a military spouse from the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia area. Her family has been in Korea since 2021 and spent the first few years around Daegu in Area IV. In her free time, she loves traveling in and outside Korea and spending time with her husband Antonio, and their two children, Alaya and Jaxon. One of her favorite reasons for being PCS’d to Korea has been the chance to reconnect with extended family—especially her grandparents. 

Stella has an affinity for crafting, crime documentaries, iced coffee, and a slight obsession with all things K-beauty. She believes that small acts of kindness can make a huge difference.

Ysamar Gómez is a lifestyle photographer based in Daegu. She loves to travel and capture life through her lenses. She owns her own photography business and would love to capture your special moments. 

Find her on Facebook

Ysamar Gómez Photography

Website and Portfolio

https://ysamargomezphoto.myportfolio.com

Serena Hanlon is a writer and content creator. She enjoys her little corner on the internet where she can let her creative outlet flow. Over the years she has blogged about her life as a first-time mom and now writes about life in Korea with her children. As a homeschool mother to three, she enjoys travel and adventures with her family.

Serena runs a children's book club that has been incredibly fulfilling for herself and her kids. 

Check out her blog at https://mywildthreeandme.wordpress.com/

Yoon Hong-geun is a park ranger and hiking expert at the Korea National Park Service. He is passionate about outdoor recreation as an outlet both physically and mentally. He has provided individual hiking support to the foreign community through guided tours, social media, and fielding inquiries. In 2024, with the help of  Christian Jorgensen from Australia and Lily from Korea, they published Hiking the National Parks of Korea, a hiking guide for foreigners. The composition of the book includes a total of 46 hiking trails. Each has been introduced by selecting two representative hiking trails for each of the 23 Korean National Parks. Each course also includes around 10 vivid photos, and in particular, it introduces in detail the policies of national parks, such as controlling hiking trails during forest fire prevention, which are essential for hiking to national parks. This book contains so much important information that foreigners must know when hiking national parks.

The main three online bookstores are Kyobo, YES24, and Aladine.

Kyobo: https://product.kyobobook.co.kr/detail/S000213642399

YES24: https://www.yes24.com/Product/Goods/128187258

Aladin: https://www.aladin.co.kr/m/mproduct.aspx?ItemId=341962500

Chunghee Jung is the Former Senior Vice President Overseas of the International Dharma Instructors Association. She is a professional meditation teacher and certified Buddhist Instructor. With a deep passion for exploring the mind, she majored in psychology to understand the intricate workings of human consciousness, including neuroscience. She enjoys sharing the benefits of meditation, introducing Korean culture to service members and their families, and promoting cultural exchanges at Osan Air Base, USAG Humphreys, and Seoul. 

Kimberly Kephart is an established freelance travel writer and destination content creator working with brands and destination management offices. Currently, she is based in Vicenza, Italy and was stationed at Camp Humphreys, South Korea from 2020-2023.

 Kimberly has a passion for exploring the world and sharing her adventures and insights through her blog, Kimberly Kephart Travels, and on Instagram @kimberly_kp_travels. Kimberly specializes in creating comprehensive travel resources that inspire and guide fellow travelers on their journeys.

 Krystal Key is a digital content creator, lifestyle influencer, and proud military spouse living in South Korea. With a BSc in Computer Information Systems and an MBA in Business Administration, she masterfully blends technical expertise and creative storytelling to support military families and newcomers navigating life overseas.

As the founder of Adventure Awaits Us Now, Krystal crafts practical guides on South Korea’s public transportation, local attractions, and expat life, empowering others to embrace new adventures with ease. From exploring Korea’s vibrant café culture to uncovering the latest K-beauty trends and culinary gems, she highlights the best of Korean culture while supporting local businesses.

You can follow Krystal’s journey as she inspires her audience to explore South Korea with confidence and curiosity across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube: @adventureawaitsusnow And look for upcoming articles in our future issues from Krystal!

Originally from Illinois, Esther Kim has just ETS'ed from Korea and is headed for the next adventure to the East Coast, where she will be attending school this fall. Esther is passionate most about helping people and enjoys acts of service which is what influenced her decision to write for United on the RoK. Her hobbies include reading books, learning languages, horseback riding, finding good food spots, and so much more. Esther’s goal is to give back to her community in Korea by continuing to write meaningful editorials featured in United on the RoK. 

Jonathan Kim is a teen writer at USAG Humphreys. He is a member of the Scouts BSA and is working his way through the ranks of Troop 88. His goal is to complete badges through experiences that he knows will make him a better person. He enjoys practicing and performing with the Humphreys Youth Orchestra on his double bass. Jonathan believes the Republic of Korea has many opportunities for people to explore their passions, especially with so many adult volunteers to help the communitys' youth succeed! 

Seung-Kook Kim is currently Head of the Traditional Cultural Contents Research Center and a contributing cultural columnist to Monthly Guest and other publications.

Formerly, he was Chairman of the Nowon Foundation for Arts and Culture, CEO of the Suwon Cultural Foundation, President of the Korea Cultural Arts Center Association and he has served as Chairman of the Seoul Cultural Heritage Committee.

Anna Lonborg is a versatile creative with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC). Previously, Anna worked as a fashion designer specializing in product development, where she collaborated on designs and overseeing the production process from concept to completion. As a military spouse, she has lived in Korea for nearly five years, where she now works full time as a career counselor but pursues her love of creating through photography (@Photos_by_Annielou). 

In addition to her professional pursuits, Anna is a full-time stepmom to a high schooler who is a senior at Humphreys High and a wife to her active-duty Army husband. In her free time, she enjoys painting, traveling, and spending time with her family. Her experiences as a military spouse and travels have shaped her perspective, making her a strong advocate for adaptability and growth in both career and life.

Born in Trenton, Michigan, and a proud Air Force veteran, Heather now serves as an Army civilian. Passionate about exploring new places, Heather enjoys traveling throughout South Korea, immersing in its rich culture and vibrant landscapes.

Joanna Mae Marshallsay is an Air Force wife currently stationed at Camp Humphreys, South Korea. A dedicated nurse leader with a Master’s degree in Nursing Administration, she has a strong background in various fields of nursing. She actively volunteers with the Red Cross and Brian D. Allgood Army Community Hospital (BDAACH), continuing her commitment to service and quality care.

Beyond healthcare, Joanna is passionate about community support and philanthropy. She was featured on WJLA ABC7 News in Washington, D.C. for leading a successful initiative to support the homeless community and victims of domestic violence. Her dedication to supporting others extends to her role as a K-Market Supporter; she was recognized by the Gyeonggi Province Government for promoting local businesses and international cooperation.

An avid traveler and foodie, Joanna loves exploring new cultures, experimenting with food, and sharing her experiences through her social media platforms. She helps military families, nurses, and expats navigate life abroad with confidence, providing valuable insights on travel, food, and cultural integration. Whether discovering hidden gems in South Korea or guiding others through overseas transitions, she is dedicated to inspiring and educating her audience while fostering a strong sense of community.

Follow her on her socials at @annaojoanna and @jojo_and_andrew_eat

Mary Lane Montoya is a dynamic digital marketing expert with a heartfelt commitment to supporting others. Her journey towards making a difference was sparked by personal challenges encountered during an overseas military relocation. Following a tumultuous period marked by the trials of a rough PCS move, unemployment hurdles, and childcare struggles, Mary recognized a common thread among military spouses facing similar obstacles associated with overseas living. Thus, she embarked on a mission to enact positive change, birthing The OCONUS Project to address the unique needs of military families like hers.

Find empowerment and support!

Facebook: The OCONUS Project

IG: @theoconusproject

Website:

https://www.theoconusproject.com/about

Missy Moore is what she fondly refers to now as an "elder milspo." With more duty stations than she'd care to admit under her belt, thousands of Space-A miles logged, and three children in tow, she likes to think she's done - and seen - a good bit at this point. Missy has a degree in Journalism and a passing for blogging and photography, so she absolutely loves combining the two to share her love of and passion for Korea and the Land of the Morning Calm. 

Follow her at https://www.lovinglifemoore.com/

Instagram: lovinglifemooreblog

The column "Diamonds in the Rough" is about embracing the challenges of family, career building, and all the possibilities in life. The author, Naomi Nubin-Sellers, currently resides in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, with her active duty spouse and four beautiful children who range from ages 6 to 16. She is a current PhD Candidate, holding Bachelors and Masters degrees in the social sciences. In addition, she is a current instructor for a program housed at the University of Michigan. Her career aspirations include data-driven policy research, higher education, and non-profit services tailored to young mothers. 

You can join our team too! 

Send us an email anytime and we can discuss how you'd like to serve your community by contributing to United on the RoK. Read more about volunteering here! Click Here!

Email: unitedontherokmag@gmail.com

LTC Celina S. Pargo is the Commander of DLA-Distribution Korea. LTC Pargo loves Korean food, running, hiking, and exploring.

Retired Air Force Master Sgt. Mark Pechuls lives in the Pyeongtaek area. Currently, he is a federal service employee, an origami artist, and a designer for origami dies. He owns his own business, 3D Origami Dream Bank. 

Follow him on YouTube and check out his Etsy store! 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ALANSKY10

Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/3Dorigamidreambank

SPC Rogers writes monthly about the needs of service members stationed in South Korea. He encourages his readers to get out of the barracks, make meaningful relationships, and experience as much of this country as they can while stationed in Korea. 

He also understands the struggles of service members. If anyone wants to talk about their experience or just needs someone to listen to them, reach out. SPC Rogers will take the time to be that ear for you. He says to remember you’re never alone when you belong to the military community.

Alison Rock is a writer covering a multitude of areas! She enjoys writing interests pieces based on cooking, Korean culture, K-Beauty, and her travels on and off the peninsula.

Born in California Alison Rock is a trained culinarian, actor in Korea, K-influencer, painter, and most importantly a wife and mom to two teenage boys. She enjoys travel and has resided in Korea for ten years.

Mack Rock is a 15-year-old writer residing in Pyeongtaek, South Korea. He is the youngest writer for United on the RoK! He is fluent in both English and Korean and is a co-author of the Korean/English education book, '진짜 미국 영단어 그림 사전' (Real American English Picture Dictionary).

Mack gained popularity in Korea as the youngest cast member on '대한외국인' (True Foreigners) and has appeared in numerous Korean movies, dramas, and reality TV shows. He also gained attention through several viral videos, accumulating over 150 million views. Asian Boss names Mack the “Most Famous American Boy in Korea”.

In addition to his work in entertainment and education, Mack enjoys hobbies such as coin collecting, metal detecting, unicycling, performing magic tricks, and playing video games.

Dan Romano is a writer and photographer for United on the RoK specializing in nature and international travel. He retired from the Air Force after 30 years of service. Dan was based at United States Forces Korea for several years over two assignments. He recently returned and enjoys living in Korea. 

He is a nature lover and traveler. His adventures take him to some of the most beautiful places in the world where he captures the beauty of nature both on land and in the water.

Cord A. Scott has a Doctorate in American History from Loyola University Chicago and currently serves as a Professor of History for the University of Maryland Global Campus for Asia. He is the author of Comics and Conflict, Four Colour Combat, and the Mud and the Mirth: Marine Corps Comics of WWI. He has written for several encyclopedias, academic journals such as The International Journal of Comic Art, The Journal of Popular Culture, The Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society, and several books on aspects of cultural history. He has lived all over the Pacific and currently resides in Okinawa, Japan.

Harry Shin helps covere areas of Korean culture, Buddhism, and special celebrations around the RoK for United on the RoK. He is a Certified Meditation Instructor accredited by the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. He enjoys introducing Korean culture to U.S. service members and their families and promoting cultural exchanges by leading a Facebook community called “Enlightenment Community at Osan Airbase and Camp Humphreys.” 

Cat Son writes about her travels and personal experiences while in Korea. She is a Colorado Native who calls Hawaii home. She enjoys spending as much time outdoors as she can. She loves exploring Korea with her family. 

Founded in 2015, the South of Seoul team consists of volunteers on three continents working together to support English-speaking people traveling or living in South Korea. South of Seoul volunteers work with organizations and individuals across South Korea to improve equitable access to information across South Korea. Much of South of Seoul's information focuses on Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Blogs published under the authorship of "South of Seoul" include blogs compiled by multiple volunteers to improve access to standardized information unrelated to individualized personal experiences.

Website: https://blog.southofseoul.net/

Facebook: South of Seoul

Instagram: south_of_seoul

Download the South of Seoul App

PV2 Emma Steele is a writer who specializes in military interviews for our interest pieces on military leadership. She came to Korea in January of 2023. After experiencing the amazing culture and Korea’s beauty, PV2 Steele extended her stay in Korea to continue her adventure. PV2 Steele enjoys mentally and physically challenging activities such as weight lifting and running. She enjoys things that push her as she pursues a bright future. She sets high expectations for herself within her career. PV2 Steele loves dogs and would adopt every dog who needs a home if she could. 

Sarah earned her bachelor's degree from the University of North Texas in Fashion Merchandising. She is married to her high school sweetheart and raising two fearless daughters. When she's not busy managing family life, you can find her browsing thrift stores, biking or hiking to discover new coffee shops, planning her next vacation adventure and writing about it all on her blog at www.sarahsymbalisty.com

You can join our team too! 

Send us an email anytime and we can discuss how you'd like to serve your community by contributing to United on the RoK. Read more about volunteering here! Click Here!

Email: unitedontherokmag@gmail.com