From Kwaj to Roi-Namur took about 20 minutes in the air... We were all unaware of a show on the Island of Roi-Namur, but for me... Bring on the unexpected... This is an adventure, which includes our mission - to bring morale to all the enlisted and civil servants and contractors working far away from home to support our military bases around the world... Roi had a character all its own from Kwaj that made you rise to the challenge of its toughness to withstand the humidity and relentless sunrays and red ants at the same time embrace it for its natural beauty with dense jungles and turquoise blue water and haunting bunkers that remind all of us of the history that took place here some 60 years ago...
6th Island
Upon arrival on Roi, we were greeted by Mike Ellison our host that quickly set the tone for our stay... He definitely had plans made for us and as soon as we all checked in, ate lunch and regrouped... we headed for 6th Island on 3 boats... 6th Island is the 6th one Southeast of Roi, where we
dropped anchor, tied the boats together and enjoyed the best of what Mother nature had to offer in this region of the world... clear blue water and snorkeling on a perfect day! This was a first for myself and some of the others... Mike introduced us to his friends and we all had a great time!
Showtime - 2nd show - Roi's Outrigger
The last band to come through had been six long months ago... so needless to say - Roi's Rats were long overdue for some music that stirred the spirits... As a band we were a bit fatigued from the days activities, but by the 2nd set, the dance floor was packed with great energy!!! I had the pleasure of making friends with some of the crew from NASA and other contractors... as we shot pool into the evening and shared stories and jokes and a good time... More that once, I was told how appreciative they were to have us there to play our music and each time I told them what an honor it was to serve in this capacity... You can never go wrong with a win win situation like that! Before the night ended I was able to snap a picture with my newfound friends. (pictured from L to R Patty Galloway, Rene "Rainy" J. Prenoveau, myself, Bonnie Maxfield and Bill Williamson)
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