About Us

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 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 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 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 has called South Korea home for over eight years. In that time, she has become a vibrant and dedicated voice within the international and military-connected communities across the peninsula. As Co-Editor and Social Media Marketing Manager for United on the RoK Magazine, Melissa brings together her love of storytelling, her deep respect for cultural diversity, and her commitment to helping others feel seen, heard, and supported.

​Melissa is passionate about building community through meaningful digital content. She especially enjoys helping members of the local community share their stories and connect with the magazine’s growing readership. Whether she’s writing, editing, or managing social media campaigns, her focus is always on fostering inclusion, connection, and cultural understanding.

In addition to her work with the magazine, Melissa serves as the Online Content Manager for South of Seoul, a nonprofit organization that supports expatriates living in Korea through trusted information, community-building resources, and digital outreach. In this role, she contributes blog content, manages online media, and has assisted in leading several local language exchange groups aimed at bridging communication and cultural gaps between Korean residents and the foreign community.

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Melissa and her husband, Chuck Whittington, also share their life abroad through their popular YouTube channels, KimchiRednecks and Shining With KimchiRednecks. The first focuses on daily life in Korea, local travel, favorite eateries, cultural experiences, and cooking adventures, while the second follows their shared passion for home distilling—making whiskey and brandy and exploring the world of craft spirits. Their content is warm, informative, and often sprinkled with humor and heart.

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Outside of work and YouTube, Melissa and Chuck are proud pet parents to three precocious senior Shih Tzus—Sookie, Minion, and Mayhem—who often make appearances in their videos and social media content. Whether they’re exploring hidden gems in Korea, filming new content, or working on their next feature article, Melissa brings energy, authenticity, and a deep sense of purpose to everything she does.

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Follow Melissa, Chuck and her furry family here:

YouTube: youtube.com/@kimchirednecks

youtube.com/@shiningwithkimchirednecks

Instagram: @kimchirednecks

Facebook: KimchiRednecks

South of Seoul Blog: www.blog.southofseoul.net

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissaedwards44929274/​​

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!

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

https://virtualchangemakers.com