It's Friday afternoon. After a long business meeting with his staff and his company command- ers, Army Col. John J. Perrone Jr., the new commander of the Joint Detention Operations Group (JDOG) puts aside his administra- tive duties for the day and pays a visit to Camp Delta, where the detainees from the U.S. global war on terrorism are housed. Perrone proceeds to the main gate and waits patiently for the guards on duty to come and let him in. Before he enters, he looks around to make sure that every- thing is in order. He then goes through all the gates, each securely manned by MPs, to get access to the detainees' units. As soon as the soldiers see him, they all assume the position of atten- tion and wait for him to review the logs and examine the condi- tions of the units. “As the commander, my responsibility is to oversee the entire detention operation, includ- ing all the MPs, the battalion, the companies, as well as infantry units that provide external secu- rity,” Perrone said. His job, he said, is mostly administrative -- to oversee the detainee operations here on behalf of Commanding Gen. Rick Bac- cus and the Joint Task Force 160 command, and make sure that all personnel work together toward the success of this operation that has captured the eyes of the world. “But I also make it my goal to come out here to Camp Delta at least once a day and see how my soldiers are doing,” he said. Perrone, who has been at GTMO for approximately a month, doesn’t have to reinvent the wheel. He is replacing Army Lt. Col. Bill Cline from the 455th Military Published in the interest of personnel assigned to JTF-160 and COMNAV Base Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Volleyball fights that never quit Page 11 Strategy for getting down and dirty Page 8 Ordnance sailors that aim high Page 3 New top ‘DOG’ takes command Friday, July 5, 2002 Volume 2, Issue 4 Secretary of Defense’s Fourth of July message Composite photo by Sgt. Michelle M. Pessoa By Army Pfc. Jean-Carl Bertin The Wire See JDOG, page 5 A look inside... At a critical moment during the Revolutionary War, when his army was surrounded and in danger of being destroyed, General Washington issued this order: ‘Put only Americans on guard tonight.’ Washington knew, at that moment of crisis, he could rely on those citizen-soldier volunteers who had left behind their families and farms to risk everything for the cause of free- dom.Thanks to their service and sacrifice, America achieved her independ- ence. And every July 4th since, Americans have come together to give thanks for our freedom and what our country has become: the freest, most creative and dynamic nation on earth. So today, as in General Washington's time, we take comfort in the knowl - edge that Americans like you are on guard tonight: soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen. Through your service and sacrifice, you help make every day Independence Day for the United States of America. Our people are free because your hearts are brave. And so on this Fourth of July, we stop to say to each of you: Thank you for what you do for our country. Donald H. Rumsfeld Army Col. John J. Perrone Jr. settles in as head of Joint Detainee Operations Group
Transcript
Page 12 Friday, July 5, 2002
with Army Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony B. Clayton, 160th MPBN
Q: Good morning, Com-mand Sgt. Maj. Anthony D.Clayton, are you ready foryour fifteen minutes of fame?
A: Always ready.
Q: Where are you from?A: I am from a small town
that's about 50 miles awayfrom Tallahassee.
Q: How would you describeyourself?
A: I am easy-going,friendly, and compassionate. Ittakes a lot to tick me off.
Q: What do you do in thecivilian world?
A: I am a mental health pro-gram analyst for Florida StateHospital in Chattahoochee,Unit Three.
Q: How do you feel aboutyour mission here at Guan-tanamo Bay?
A: I feel very proud to behere and be a part of history.
Q: How would you describethe soldiers that work underyou?
A: Professionals! They arealways ready, willing, and ableto perform their job. They takecare of all their duties in a pro-fessional manner and I com-mend them for all their hardwork.
Q: Do you have any advicefor soldiers planning tobecome a Top NCO,
like yourself?A: Stay with it, stay in, set
goals, and focus.
Q: What do you do for funhere?
A: PT! PT! PT, all the time!I'm either at the gym or the beach, or I'm biking or running.
Q: I know how much ser-geant majors love to singcadences. Is there any particu-lar one you like to sing whileyou run?
A: Oh, I sing an old cadencethat I learned in basic training.It goes a little something likethis: “The prettiest girl I eversaw was sipping bourbonthrough a straw.”
Q: What kind of music doyou listen to?
A: That all depends on mymood. Gospel music puts mein the right state of mind, jazzmellows me out, and R&B,well, I've got to be in a specialkind of mood for that.
Q: If you could be a charac-ter in any war flick, who wouldyou be and why?
A: I would be the sergeantmajor in the movie “We WereSoldiers,” because his firstconcern was the soldiers.
Q: If you could be any ani-mal at GTMO, what animalwould you be and why?
A: I'd be an iguana, becausethey have a lot of privilegeshere at GTMO. Troops mustslow down for them. They'refree to roam where they want
to. And they'll chase you,chase you down. I was chasedoff the beach by one just theother day. Besides, they arevery unique creatures thateveryone respects.
Q: What's the strangestthing you've seen since you'vebeen here at GTMO?
A: I was sitting in my back-yard after duty one day and allof a sudden this big turkey vul-ture swoops down and attacksthis dove.
Feathers were flying every-where, while my buddy and Ijust stood there in shock. Itwas like “Wild Discovery” upclose and personal.
Q: If you could have onething from home here with you, what would it be andwhy?
A: I would have to say mycar, because transportation isjust so darn difficult to comeby around here.
Q: What's one rule you live by?
A: The golden rule, ofcourse. Do unto others as youwould like done to you.
Q: In closing, what do you plan to do when you get home?
A: I plan to reintegrate withsociety and basically, unwindand relax.
Photo by Spc. Michelle M. Scsepko
Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony B. Clayton: “It takes a lot to tick me off.”
Next week’s 15 minutes of fame could be you!
Compiled by Spc. Michelle M. ScsepkoThe Wire
Get in the mood with a PT-loving E-9
It's Friday afternoon. After along business meeting with hisstaff and his company command-ers, Army Col. John J. Perrone Jr.,the new commander of the JointDetention Operations Group(JDOG) puts aside his administra-tive duties for the day and pays avisit to Camp Delta, where thedetainees from the U.S. globalwar on terrorism are housed.
Perrone proceeds to the maingate and waits patiently for theguards on duty to come and lethim in.
Before he enters, he looksaround to make sure that every-thing is in order. He then goesthrough all the gates, eachsecurely manned by MPs, to getaccess to the detainees' units. Assoon as the soldiers see him, theyall assume the position of atten-tion and wait for him to reviewthe logs and examine the condi-tions of the units.
“As the commander, myresponsibility is to oversee theentire detention operation, includ-ing all the MPs, the battalion, thecompanies, as well as infantryunits that provide external secu-rity,” Perrone said.
His job, he said, is mostlyadministrative -- to oversee thedetainee operations here on behalfof Commanding Gen. Rick Bac-cus and the Joint Task Force 160command, and make sure that allpersonnel work together towardthe success of this operation thathas captured the eyes of theworld.
“But I also make it my goal tocome out here to Camp Delta atleast once a day and see how mysoldiers are doing,” he said.
Perrone, who has been atGTMO for approximately amonth, doesn’t have to reinventthe wheel.
He is replacing Army Lt. Col.Bill Cline from the 455th Military
Published in the interest of personnel assigned to JTF-160 and COMNAV Base Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Volleyballfights thatnever quit
Page 11
Strategy forgetting downand dirty
Page 8
Ordnancesailors thataim high
Page 3
New top ‘DOG’takes command
Friday, July 5, 2002Volume 2, Issue 4
Secretary of Defense’s Fourth of July messageComposite photo by Sgt. Michelle M. Pessoa
By Army Pfc. Jean-Carl BertinThe Wire
See JDOG, page 5
A look inside...
At a critical moment during the Revolutionary War, when his army wassurrounded and in danger of being destroyed, General Washington issuedthis order: ‘Put only Americans on guard tonight.’ Washington knew, at thatmoment of crisis, he could rely on those citizen-soldier volunteers who hadleft behind their families and farms to risk everything for the cause of free-dom.Thanks to their service and sacrifice, America achieved her independ-ence. And every July 4th since, Americans have come together to givethanks for our freedom and what our country has become: the freest, mostcreative and dynamic nation on earth.
So today, as in General Washington's time, we take comfort in the knowl-edge that Americans like you are on guard tonight: soldiers, sailors, airmen,Marines and Coast Guardsmen. Through your service and sacrifice, youhelp make every day Independence Day for the United States of America.Our people are free because your hearts are brave. And so on this Fourth of July, we stop to say to each of you: Thank you for what you do for our country. Donald H. Rumsfeld
Army Col. John J. Perrone Jr. settles in ashead of Joint Detainee Operations Group
This week, JTF-160 Command-ing Gen. Rick Baccus passesalong this message from ArmyMaj. Gen. Gary D. Speer, ACINC,United States Southern Command.
To the men and women of theUnited States Southern Command:
This Independence Day, ournation’s 226th birthday, is anoccasion for reflection as well as celebration.
Throughout our proud history,U.S. military forces have played akey role in safeguarding thedemocracy and liberty that we, asAmericans, hold so dear.
Today, our nation recognizes anew threat, one that in comingyears will test the courage,strength and determination of theU.S. armed forces, perhaps morethan any other challenge in our history.
In the war on terrorism, we fightas we have always fought: for ajust peace that guarantees humanrights and freedom from oppression.
We wish for others what wehave always wished for ourselves— safety from violence as well asliberty and opportunity for our children.
Your exemplary efforts and per-sonal sacrifices help to ensure ournation’s freedom and independence, now and in thecoming years.
We honor you as well as theUnited States on this special day.Best wishes for a safe and happyIndependence Day.
RICK BACCUSBrigadier General, USNG
Joint Task Force 160, Commander
Page 2 Friday, July 5, 2002
Chaplains’ Corner
Provost Marshal’s Office
Two quick thoughts for this 4th of Julyweekend:
1. When the Founding Fatherswrote of a separation of church andstate, they were emphasizing that ourgovernment was not authorized toestablish an official state religion.
They were not stating that Godand/or the spiritual dimension did notexist and that the government couldn'tdeal with anything that was related toreligion. God had a place and it was-n't just in heaven.
A review of U.S. law and court deci-sions (until the 1960s) clearly shows this.
2. Individuals who have sworn toserve their nation in the armed forcesare servants of the security and free-dom of nations.
If military personnel complete theirduty honorably, they help in the forg-ing of the nation's common good andthe maintenance of peace.
— LCDR Vincent A. Salamoni,CHC, U.S. Naval Reserve
JTF-160 CommandCommander:Brig. Gen. Rick BaccusDeputy Commander:Navy Capt. Robert A. BuehnJoint Information Bureau Director:Cmdr. David PointsDeputy JIB Director:Lt. Cmdr. William BreyfoglePublic Affairs Officer:Lt. Col. Joseph A. HoeyOnline at:www.nsgtmo.navy.mil/JTF-160/index.htm
The Wire StaffNCOIC:Sgt. Maj. Daniel PolinskiEditor-in-Chief:Sgt. Michelle M. PessoaNews Editor: Spc. Frank N. [email protected] writers and design team:Spc. Chris S. PisanoSpc. Michelle M. ScsepkoSpc. Joseph A. MorrisSpc. Jose A. MartinezPfc. Jean-Carl BertinContact us:5239 (Local) 5241 (Local fax)Joint Information Bureau / Pink Palace
The Wire is produced by the 361st Public Affairs Detach-ment (PCH) assigned to the Joint Information Bureau atJTF-160. Some content is collected from the World WideWeb and edited to fit. This publication is printed under theprovisions provided in Army Regulation 360-1 and doesnot reflect the views of the Department of Defense or thepersonnel within.
The GTMO Morale Welfare andRecreation Marina offers a course ofinstruction for recreational small boat operators.
Upon successful completion of a writ-ten test and a practical test, candidatesare issued the GTMO Small Boat Opera-tors License. The license entitles you torent and operate one of the recreationalboats available through the Marina atGuantanamo Bay.
Upon renting a boat, you will be issuedthe white map of the bay and a portableradio for communication with Port Control.
It is extremely important that you ori -ent yourself to visible reference points
and then cross-reference those points onthe map prior to leaving the marina, andTHAT YOU keep cross-referencing yourlocation on the map when you are in the bay.
Not all the MWR boats have com-passes, it is highly recommended thatyou bring your own.
REMEMBER TO MONITOR THERADIO AT ALL TIMES FOR PORTCONTROL. Do not violate restrictedareas and above all:
BE A SAFE BOATER!
— Maj. Gary J. Cipolletta, Deputy Provost Marshal, JTF-160
4 July = 1 Nation, Under God
Page 11Friday, July 5, 2002
Intense matches mark start of V-ball season
The co-ed volleyball seasonbegan Friday, June 28, at G.J.Denich Gymnasium with twointense matches on the court:JTF-160 vs. Chat Bout and Hos-pital vs. 178 MP Co.
The mostly civilian-mannedChat Bout dominated the first setof its match 15 to 6, but JTF-160fought back hard in the secondset, making it a see-saw battle thatfinally tipped their way afterArmy Warrant Officer Pete J.Turner broke a late tie with a thunderous spike that switchedthe monentum of the game to his side. JTF-160 won the set 15to 14.
The third set was played astough as the second. JTF-160 ledmost of the set, with Army 1st Lt.Tom C. Kim serving up points inbunches. But the squad seemed tobreak its own stride with a latetime-out, and at game’s end ChatBout was a 15-13 winner.
“Kim was hot,” said OswaldoBrooks. “But when they calledthe time-out it messed up theirrhythm and timing. We were ableto take advantage, and come backand win the game.”
“We are fighters and we neverquit. That’s the Chat Bout atti-tude,” said Angel Lakeman, whoscored the winning point.
“Even though it was a closegame, we knew we would win,”said Navy Petty Officer 3rd ClassJahlee L. Brown. “And we woneven though we were playingshort-handed. I feel we are goingall the way this season, so lookout for Chat Bout.”
The night’s other match was
considerably less suspenseful.The team from Naval Hospitalopened its season with a dramatic“W” by blanking the 178th MP Co. in two straight sets 15-12,15-11.
“We played strong and wetook control of the match,”saidPetty Officer 3rd Class Dustin S.Ross from Naval Hospital.
Navy Petty Officer 3rd ClassTommie E. Crumedy from theNaval Hospital credited strongcommunication -- and determina-tion -- for the the victory.
“We did what ever it took towin the match,” he said. “Thatwas the key to victory.”
MWR’s summer volleyballseason happens every Fridaynight for another seven weeks,with each team playing sevengames before a tournament thatdecides the champion. And aftertheir performance Friday, NavalHospital was confident abouttheir prospects.
“We played well tonight,” saidNavy Petty Officer 1st ClassAquiles P. Faustino, “and we’llkeep it up. Nothing is going tostand in our way this season.”
By Spc. Jose A. MartinezThe Wire
Photo by Spc. Jose A. Martinez
Army Warrant Officer Pete J. Turnerfrom JTF-160 spikes the ball and letshis presents know over OswaldoBrooks from Chat Bout.
Summer Leagues are in fullswing. Stop by MWR Office,Room #204 or Main Gym forschedule. There is still time to
sign up for the July 6th PaintballTournanament. For more info call
CPT Gormly, #5249.
Friday, 5 JUL 02Non-Alcoholic Social Time,Main MWR Liberty Center
SOFTBALL SCORES STANDINGSFriday, July 58 p.m. Lilo & Stitch10 p.m. Changing Lanes
Saturday, July 68 p.m. Spiderman10 p.m. The Scorpion King
Sunday, July 78 p.m. Unfaithful
Monday, July 88 p.m. Jason X
Tuesday, July 98 p.m. Sum of All Fears
Wednesday, July 108 p.m. Unfaithful
Thursday, July 118 p.m. Life or Something Like It
On the battlefield, the ability to controlcombat stress can be the deciding factorbetween victory and defeat. Off the battlefield,it can determine how well any mission is per-formed. Stress is a factor of combat anddeployment; military members must face itand learn to deal with it.
Being deployed to Guantanamo Bay as partof Operation Enduring Freedom isn’t combat.But servicemembers here are still deployed,far from home and near the detainees from thewar on terror, and exposed to various levels ofstress that could prove costly if not controlled.
That's where the 85th Medical DetachmentCombat Stress Control team comes in.
“Our main mission is to keep militarymembers able to perform their mission effi-ciently and effectively,” said Army Capt.Sharon M. Newton, the unit’s occupationaltherapist, 85th Medical Detachment CombatStress Control Team. “We give briefings andclasses to inform leadership on the signs ofstress to look for intheir troops, and teachpreventive measuresto reduce the levels ofstress on all individu-als deployed.”
There are six majorfunctions in the mis-sion of the CombatStress Control Team.The first three areconsultation, in whichthe team offers adviceand education to com-mands; reconstitutionsupport, in whichteams offer assistanceat field locations tobattle-fatigued unitswhich are withdrawn to rest, reorganize, andintegrate replacements; and neuropsychiatrictriage, which enables the team to sort out battle fatigue cases with temporary, stress-induced symptoms from true neuropsychi-atrics with deeper problems.
The fourth step is stabilization, an immedi-ate, short-term evaluation of the severity of thebattle-fatigue casualty. Next restorationbegins, a one- to three-day rest for battlefatigue casualties.
During the reconditioning phase, the Com-bat Stress Control Team implements a four- totwenty-one-day intensive program of replen-
ishment, physical activity, work details, and military retraining for battlefatigue casualties.
While stationed at GTMO, the CombatStress Control has taken an active part inassessing the stress levels of troops. “It ishighly important for us to get out there and doour jobs,” said Army Staff Sgt. Richard B.Howard, Non-Commissioned Officer InCharge of the 85th. “And we’re looking attroops from the entire JTF-160 staff, not justthe camps,” he said.
There are many factors that play into thecauses of stress while on deployment. Beingdeployed means being far away from family,friends, and comfort zones. This separation isoften a cause of stress.
Just being separated from loved ones isalways hard.
“Although troops are far away from home,issues from home are kept close to their heart.Young children, ill relatives, and finances arealways kept in their minds,” said Army Maj.Marie C. Morency, Officer In Charge, 85th Medical Detachment Combat StressControl Team.
Another factor involved is the reality thatmany deployed are Reserve and NationalGuard Components. Thus, they may not workin the field they are currently working in whileon deployment.
“The change of jobs can increase stress.Also, some troops have taken pay cuts and may worry about their finances,”
said Newton.Members of a unit
play a significant rolein preventing and iden-tifying stress in oneanother. They can besure troops are physi-cally, emotionally, andspiritually preparedprior to deployment —and watch carefully forsigns of combat stressduring deployments.
“Some signs to lookfor are increased visitsto sick call with vaguephysical complaints,loss of concentration,bad attitude, and sleep-
deprivation symptoms,” said Army Spc.Kathryn S. Hernandez, a member of the 85th.
Controlled combat stress, when properlyfocused by training, unit cohesion, and leader-ship, gives servicemembers the necessaryalertness, strength, and endurance to accom-plish the mission with loyalty, selflessness,even heroism.
Left uncontrolled, though, combat stresscan degrade the entire mission — whether ser-vicemembers figting the war on terror areunder fire on the battlefield or just under thegun on a distant deployment, working hard faraway from home.
Page 10 Friday, July 5, 2002
Photo by Spc. Michelle M. Scsepko
The combat Stress Control Team, left to right: StaffSgt. Richard B. Howard, Army Maj. Marie C.Morency, Capt. Sharon M. Newton, Spc. Robert M.Vincent, Sgt. Larry N. Clark, and Spc. Kathryn S.Hernandez.
Combat stress, on and off the battlefieldBy Spc. Michelle M. ScsepkoThe Wire SUICIDE
PREVENTIONTIPS:
“AID LIFE”A: Ask! Don’t be afraid to ask if
someone is thinking aboutsuicide.
I: Intervene immediately! Takeaction and listen.
D: Don’t keep it a secret!
L: Locate help! Seek out the offi-cer on duty, Chaplain, or call theemergency room.
I: Inform the Chain of Command!They can secure necessaryresources.
F: Find someome to stay withthe person while you go get help.DO NOT leave the person alone!
E: Expedite! Get professinal helpimmediately.
Resources in Guantanamo Bay:
Fleet and Family Support Center4141
Chaplain2323
Emergency Room72690
Security911
For more information on suicideprevention or combat stress call
81160
“Although troops are far awayfrom home, issues from home are
kept close to their heart.”— Army Maj. Marie C. Morency
Page 3Friday, July 5, 2002
The ever-diligent sailors of the Naval Station Ordinanceunit aim high to handle all the firepower on Guantanamo Bay.They support all personnel from JTF-160, the Marine Corpsand all Navy and Coast Guard ships that make contact withthis base. They order and supply ammo, maintain weapons,provide weapons training and run all the ranges here.
If any units have to qualify with their weapons while here atGTMO, it’s these guys who will be supplying and guiding firetoward a successful day in the sun with a gun. So if you’re inthe prone and start to panic, take a deep breath, scan yourlane, and just squeeze.
Naval Station OrdnanceCompiled by Spc. Joseph A. Morris and Spc. Chris S. PisanoThe Wire
Photo by Spc. Joseph A. Morris
Seaman Apprentice Bryan Burton practices the proper positioning of hisM-4 while zeroing in on his target as Petty Officer 2nd Class Jay S. Wojcikcritiques his form.
Navy Petty Officer 2nd ClassJason Doll“A nice change of pace took placeover the last few months. I’ve beenhere for over two years. Since JTFarrived, the tempo has increasedten-fold, but I’m having a lot of fun.”
Navy Petty Officer 2nd ClassJay S. Wojcik“I love this job. It’s great, going to therange, sitting in the sun and shoot-ing off rounds. I like helping peopleout there on the ranges by critiquingtheir technique and firing position.”
Navy Petty Officer 1st ClassF. Robinson“It’s a very challenging job, mentallyand physically. When we moveammo and are rolling down the roadin white pick-ups with red flags, pullover to the side of the road for safety.”
Navy Petty Officer 3rd ClassRobert Evans“Some times we face challenges,but I have great people to work with.I’ve only been here for three months,but I’ve been enjoying myself.”
Photo by Spc. Joseph A. Morris
Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Robert Evans breaks down an M-60 in a thoroughly high-speed fashion during a routine weapons cleaning.
Page 4 Friday, July 5, 2002
The longroad tohard stripesArmy Lt. Col. IzzyRommes, commander,and Command Sgt. Maj.Anthony D. Clayton ofthe 160th MPBN pin thesergeant’s stripes on agleeful former Spc. LuisMolina on Tuesday.Molina, who proudlywears his expert andcombat infantry badges,has been a specialist formore than 10 years. Hewas a distinguishedhonor graduate of MPschool in 2000. “I’vealways done my best torepresent my battalion,”said Molina. “I am look-ing forward to performmy NCO duties.”
Photo by Army Pfc. Jean-Carl Bertin
This week’squestion:
What is yourmost
memorablemoment from
basic training?
Lance Cpl. Lance Barbera, J-6
“When I got smokedfor thirty minutesafter dragging abuddy through thesand. Marinesshouldn’t drag eachother unless they’re dead.”
Navy Chief PettyOfficer LorettaJackson, J-8
“I used to alwayswind up in trouble.My company com-mander thought Iwas a smart-ass, so I was alwayspushing.”
Spc. Robert Lovely,Joint InformationBureau
“I remember the first time my drill sergeant laid eyeson my name, hesaid, ‘What’s so #$@%ing lovely about you?’”
Navy Petty Officer1st Class RobertCherry, MIUWU204
“I remember return-ing to the barracksafter a ‘tornado’struck. Drill instruc-tors flipped thebunks and threweverything all overthe place.”
Navy Petty Officer1st Class TomJuzwaik, MIUWU204
“For the first time inmy life, I got myhead shaved.”
Compiled by Spc. Chris S. Pisano and Spc. Joseph A. Morris
ments and logistics from his unit, the 2ndMarine Expeditionary Force, 2nd Supply Bat-talion, from Camp Lejune, N.C. Not longafter, though, the unit was scattered, and as therest of his fellow Marines were disseminatedout to other missions around the world, Lopezwould remain at GTMO.
“I got left behind because they needed anembarkation and logistics chief here,” saidLopez. “But we're all supposed to meettogether after this mission. The funny thing is,before starting this mission, I was back homedeploying Marines to come to Cuba, and thenI had to come down here after them.”
And while here Lopez might appear to be a“one-man show,” he does receive invaluableassistance from the rest of the team workingout of the strategic mobility office.
“Nobody knows about us until it's time toleave, but then they're camping out here to gettheir stuff done in time,” said Air Force Capt.Thomas Ringlein, the strategic mobility offi-cer and head of the unit. “All of the guys herework hard. We also have three working overon the Leeward side for when we ship thingsover there. Tech Sgt. Dave Henley, Tech Sgt.Melissa Sisneros and Staff Sgt. Brian Violetall deserve recognition for their hard work.”
“We have a big impact on the JTF mis-sion,” said Air Force Tech. Sgt. Daniel John-son, who works out of the strategic mobilityoffice. “It's our mission to service the peoplehere, especially the ones who have been herethe longest. We've helped a lot of people go home.”
“Once you see the end product, it is so sat-isfying,” said Air Force Staff Sgt. MichaelPfefferkorn, the strategic mobility office chief.“But I've been lucky that I've been in such agreat shop.”
That sense of camaraderie is what keepsthese guys going. For Lopez, this is his firsttime working in a Joint Task Force, and hecouldn't be more pleased with the “purple” environment.
“These guys are great, they really help meget things done and I really like being aroundthem. I'm happy to be working with the Army,Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard. I'm a betterperson for it.”
Having great people to work with alsohelps in overcoming the volume of stress thatcomes in with all that cargo Lopez moves.
“We work countless hours, seven days aweek, and I get stressed out sometimes,” saidLopez. “On weekends we will get to wearcivilian clothing or PTs, but we're still work-ing. Sometimes people see me sitting aroundin my PT gear and think I'm just chilling, butI'm working hard. To do this job you got to getdown in there and get dirty.”
Getting down and dirty is what Lopez is allabout. Luckily he takes his profession to heart;for him, doing the job is its own reward, andhe doesn't mind overseeing every little aspectof it from start to finish.
“If I don't come in, I feel I'm not doing myjob,” said Lopez. “I feel it's a part of mebecause if it doesn't get done I feel responsi-ble. In the last three to four months, I'veshipped out nearly half a million shore tons ofcargo and equipment and maybe 50,000 lbs.of ammunition.
“It's crazy, man. The last barge was thebiggest I ever had to work with. We're talking
maybe half a dozen units and a quarter-millionshore tons. That was a big load I had to move.”
“But you know, when you plan something,you want it done right.”
Photo by Spc. Joseph A. Morris
Marine Corps Cpl. Christian Lopez gets down and dirty while performing an agricultural inspection on ahumvee, ensuring that it is clean and safe so it can be shipped back to the United States.
Photo by Spc. Joseph A. Morris
Air Force Capt. Thomas Ringlein, the strategicmobility officer, knows every unit assigned to the JTFthat comes through GTMO.
Photo by Spc. Joseph A. Morris
Air Force Staff Sgt. Michael Pfefferkorn, strategicmobility office chief, arranges for passenger manifests on outgoing flights from GTMO.
for moving cargo here to therePage 9Friday, July 5, 2002
Getting down and dirty is strategy
Somehow it gets done. Units come and go,and so do all of their equipment and vehicles.Some people might think this job gets done byitself, but there is a man who breathes hardand sweats heavy, drawing from an overflow-ing well of motivation to get the gear fromhere to there and there to here. At GTMO, thatman is Marine Corps Cpl. Christian “J-Lo”Lopez, embarkation chief of the strategicmobilization unit here.
“I want people to know what we do,” saidLopez, who along with the other individualsof the strategic mobilization unit ensure thatthe incoming units attached to the Joint TaskForce receive their cargo here, and the outgo-ing ones have it safely shipped home.
“Units are always coming and going,” saidLopez. “They come through us and leavethrough us. It's a hectic job. There's so muchvolume with all the deployments and rede-ployments always going on.”
And the only way to move hundreds ofthousands of tons of cargo smoothly, safelyand successfully is to plan, down to the last
detail, every movementthat cargo will make.
“You don't evenknow,” said Lopez. “It'sa lot of tedious work, andmost people don't under-stand the amount of planning that goesinto this job. It's a logisti-cal nightmare.”
“You see, there's atimeline I have to meet,”he said. “In order to shipcargo out, or get cargohere, it takes weeks'worth of planning. Itcan't get done all in oneday, but I'm all over thisisland doing the best I can.”
The central point ofthose scattered opera-tions is the quarantinelot, where units bring allof their cargo and vehi-cles to be accounted forand inspected before
they are to beshipped out. BeforeLopez receives thegoods, he must review a manifest for eachof the units that will go through him, andthen he will begin processing the mosteffective way to release the load.
“I get a heads-up with the unit. I sitdown with them and inventory what theyhave, like how many shore tons they have,or if they will need boxes for shipping,”said Lopez. “Also, we have to weigheverything to make sure it all will fit prop-erly. I do load plans on computers forships and planes, so I know exactly whatto put in and how it will fit evenly.”
One of Lopez's other duties is that ofagricultural inspector. He must make surethat all equipment and vehicles meethealth standards and are certified clean sothey can be shipped back to the Stateswithout the unit getting fined.
“This is an important part of theprocess,” said Lopez. “It's a dirty job.Wherever you can stick your hand, youcan pull out dirt. But I have fun at thewash rack where I pressure wash the vehicles. I really get dirty, but I like it.Sometimes I'd rather be there than any-where else.”
In addition to his other duties, Lopez isalso a hazardous material certifier, whomust sign off on explosive material,ammunition and other such hazardousitems to ensure that they are safely shipped.
“HAZMAT is another big deal,” saidLopez. “If I certify something wrong,
there's going to be…trouble.”Once those hurdles are cleared and busi-
ness is finished at the quarantine lot, Lopezwill either coordinate to put all the cargo on aferry and send it to the Leeward side if it is tobe flown out of GTMO, or he will usually leada convoy down to the pier so the cargo can goon the barge.
When going to the pier, Lopez must get intouch with the load manager who will ulti-mately take charge of the cargo. All of theequipment and containers will then rest at a lotat the pier awaiting the next barge to come in.
“I bring it all to the load master at the pierto make sure it's not ‘frustrated,’ like there’stoo much cargo or something is certifiedwrong,” he said. “If it doesn't meet the stan-dards, it can't go. But once it's signed over tothe load manager, I'm done. Almost done.”
Because as the loaded barge brings thecargo to Florida, and from there heads towherever the unit calls home, Lopez is mak-ing sure its journey goes as planned.
“I track all the shipments using a GPStracking system,” he said, “and make sureeverything is going smoothly.
“When I hear that a unit got their stuff backhome, it's such a great feeling. And when Ilook down at my empty lot from the office andsee all of my stuff gone, I feel so good. It's thebest feeling in the world.”
Lopez has been having plenty of those top-of-the-world feelings since he first arrivedhere in February. He originally started the jobwith 10 other Marines trained in cargo move-
By Spc. Chris S. PisanoThe Wire
Photo by Spc. Joseph A. Morris
Marine Corps Cpl. Christian Lopez, embarkation chief here,coordinates to lead a convoy down to the pier.
Photo by Spc. Joseph A. Morris
Marine Corps Cpl. Christian Lopez double-checks a shipping manifest withArmy Staff Sgt. Dennis White, who also works in the strategic mobilization unit.
Page 8 Friday, July 5, 2002
Police Detachment, attached tothe 800th MP Brigade in Union-dale, N.Y.
Cline went back home toNew York last week after serv-ing JDOG for six months.
Like Cline, Perrone is a NewYorker. He is from MonroeCounty in Rochester, recentlyretired from his civilian job atthe Monroe County SheriffDepartment after spending thepast 30 years of his life holdinga multitude of different posi-tions.
“I started on road patrol andworked through the ranks. Iretired as a major and divisioncommander of operations,” hesaid. “As the commanding offi-cer, I oversaw patrol precinctsalong with special teams such asSwat, EOD, Scuba and Marineand canine units.”
“I thrive on organization,structure and discipline,” hesaid. “That's why I got into lawenforcement, and that's why Ijoined the Army.”
Perrone, who has been in theArmy for more than 32 years,said that almost everything hedid in civilian and military lifewas a preparation for the posi-tion he now holds.
Before he was called up for“Operation Enduring Freedom,”he served on active duty for ayear as the chief of Force Pro-tection and Anti-terrorism for
the 2002 Olympic Games at SaltLake City.
“A great dealof it was theinteraction withlocal state andfederal lawe n f o r c e m e n tagencies as wellas providingforce protectionplans for the mil-itary units,” hesaid. “Therewere 18,000security and lawe n f o r c e m e n tpeople including6,500 soldierssupporting thatmission.”
Perrone hasfilled a widevariety of mili-tary roles aswell: S-4 in civilaffairs, staffofficer at the bat-talion, brigadeand division lev-els, and provost
marshal and commander of atransportation company.
“There wasn't really much inthe way of opportunity that theArmy has not afforded me,” saidPerrone.
All that experience has led tothis. “He came highly recom-mended for this job,” said ArmyLt. Col. Don Wedewer, JDOG'sexecutive officer. “We want tosupport his decisions and grabhis experience and education.I've been in the Army for 23years, and I still have a lot tolearn from him.”
“Col. Perrone has a tremen-dous outgoing personality andhe motivates all of us,” saidWedewer, who recently startedworking for the commander.
“Col. Perrone is a charismaticand personable leader,” saidArmy Capt. Keith Bowers, fromJDOG S1, recalling his firstmeeting with the commanderoutside the office.
“On my second day here inCuba, we went out fishing and Igot a chance to talk and interactwith him on a personal level,”said Bowers. “It was a verycasual environment. Perronemade everybody feel at ease.He's really down-to-earth. Sur-prisingly, after fishing he agreedto go with us to the DowntownLyceum to catch a movie.”
Although he is away from hiswife and his three children, Per-
rone said he is enjoying GTMOand hopes to play some golf andspend more time fishing when-ever his busy schedule allows it.
Before assuming the newposition, Perrone had a chanceto spend a couple of weeksworking with Cline and his staff.He said he has had a goodunderstanding of what they weredoing and wants to build ontheir work.
“Perrone is very meticulousand thorough,” said Bowers. Butthe man himself says he’s nomicro-manager.
“My leadership style is to beon top of as many issues as I canwithout being a mile deep inthem. I have to look at the broadpicture,” said the new com-mander.
For Perrone, a good manageror leader has to be able to assessthe strength and weaknesses ofhis command.
“That’s one of the reasons wehave the weekly commanders’meeting now,” he said. “All ofthe company commanders needto get up and brief their ownoperations and explain whythey’re doing something or whythey’re not doing something.
“If a company commanderexhibits leadership, some issueswill not have to go up to mylevel and to the level of Gen. Baccus.”
“I don't need to know every-thing,” he said, “but I do need toknow those things that areimportant for me to deal with.So does Gen. Baccus.”
But with more than 1,000 ser-
vicemembers under JDOG’scommand, Perrone has to workto make sure his and Baccus’orders make it down to theground level.
“It's one thing to write downthe standards,” he said. “It'sanother to actually sit down andtrain people to understand andenforce them. I believe that ifyou don't enforce them, theybecome a useless document.Perhaps we have to do a betterjob ourselves, making sureeveryone understands the stan-dards before enforcing them.”
He said he understands thatGTMO is “a high-stress envi-ronment for a lot of the youngsoldiers. But we have to makesure they are properly trainedand properly equipped to carryout their mission.”
“This is a great mission, aonce-in-a-life-time opportunityfor a lot of the soldiers,” he said.“They should be proud to be partof this mission, and above all,proud to be Americans. I’m justgrateful for the opportunity to domy part.” said Perrone.
For the next half-year, Per-rone will keep doing it -- keepmeeting with his company com-manders on a regular basis, andkeep getting out to Camp Deltaand Camp America once a dayto monitor the progress of histhe operation he now oversees.
“I have a very simple vision,”Perrone said. “Be the best wecan be, providing a level ofexcellence in everything we do.We are not there yet, but we'recertainly heading that way.”
Page 5Friday, July 5, 2002
JDOG, from page 1
Photo by Pfc. Jean-Carl Bertin
Col. Perrone explains the purpose of the weekly comman-der’s call to a group of company commanders.
Photo by Pfc. Jean-Carl Bertin
The new commander of JDOG speaks to his staff and company comman-ers Friday as Lt. Col. Izzy Rommes from the 160th MPBN takes notes.
Page 6 Page 7Friday, July 5, 2002
GTMO’s famous “barge” is the lifeline for all the ser-vicemembers and citizens of Guantanamo Bay, carryingalmost anything imaginable from Banana Nesquik to toliettissue to speedboats. The barge — a.k.a. “The GuantanamoBay Express” — embarks from Jacksonville, Fla., on afour-and-a-half day journey carrying its mighty load atcruising speed for nearly a thousand watery miles.
Dwarfed by the barge itself is its driving force: the TEN-NERC., a small-yet-powerful tugboat which braves theoft-tumultuous seas to pull the barge to its ultimate desti-nation.
Unloading the barge can take up to five days of sweatand toil. But the strong-backed men who meet the barge atthe pier and set its cargo ashore seem as eager for its twice-monthly arrival as the people of GTMO. Soon, the sweetfruit of the barge will be all over base.
Living anddying by the barge
Photo by Spc. Joseph A. Morris
The TENNERC. sails up to the shoreline after pulling it’s heavy load a long distance to keep the people here atGTMO living luxuriously. If it’s not here on the island, most people would say, “It’s on the Barge.”
Compiled by Spc. Joseph A. Morris andSpc. Chris S. Pisano
Photo by Spc. Joseph A. Morris
Cargo is off-loaded from the barge onto flat-bed trucks, and then hauled away.Photo by Spc. Joseph A. Morris
A barge unloader unfastens a safety latch from acargo container before the boxes are removed.
Photo by Spc. Joseph A. Morris
The GUANTANAMO BAY EXPRESS, or “The Barge,” docks at the pier here on GTMO heavily loaded and tightly secured.Photo by Spc. Joseph A. Morris
A heavy-duty crane is used to hoist all secured cargo from off the barge.
Page 6 Page 7Friday, July 5, 2002
GTMO’s famous “barge” is the lifeline for all the ser-vicemembers and citizens of Guantanamo Bay, carryingalmost anything imaginable from Banana Nesquik to toliettissue to speedboats. The barge — a.k.a. “The GuantanamoBay Express” — embarks from Jacksonville, Fla., on afour-and-a-half day journey carrying its mighty load atcruising speed for nearly a thousand watery miles.
Dwarfed by the barge itself is its driving force: the TEN-NERC., a small-yet-powerful tugboat which braves theoft-tumultuous seas to pull the barge to its ultimate desti-nation.
Unloading the barge can take up to five days of sweatand toil. But the strong-backed men who meet the barge atthe pier and set its cargo ashore seem as eager for its twice-monthly arrival as the people of GTMO. Soon, the sweetfruit of the barge will be all over base.
Living anddying by the barge
Photo by Spc. Joseph A. Morris
The TENNERC. sails up to the shoreline after pulling it’s heavy load a long distance to keep the people here atGTMO living luxuriously. If it’s not here on the island, most people would say, “It’s on the Barge.”
Compiled by Spc. Joseph A. Morris andSpc. Chris S. Pisano
Photo by Spc. Joseph A. Morris
Cargo is off-loaded from the barge onto flat-bed trucks, and then hauled away.Photo by Spc. Joseph A. Morris
A barge unloader unfastens a safety latch from acargo container before the boxes are removed.
Photo by Spc. Joseph A. Morris
The GUANTANAMO BAY EXPRESS, or “The Barge,” docks at the pier here on GTMO heavily loaded and tightly secured.Photo by Spc. Joseph A. Morris
A heavy-duty crane is used to hoist all secured cargo from off the barge.
Getting down and dirty is strategy
Somehow it gets done. Units come and go,and so do all of their equipment and vehicles.Some people might think this job gets done byitself, but there is a man who breathes hardand sweats heavy, drawing from an overflow-ing well of motivation to get the gear fromhere to there and there to here. At GTMO, thatman is Marine Corps Cpl. Christian “J-Lo”Lopez, embarkation chief of the strategicmobilization unit here.
“I want people to know what we do,” saidLopez, who along with the other individualsof the strategic mobilization unit ensure thatthe incoming units attached to the Joint TaskForce receive their cargo here, and the outgo-ing ones have it safely shipped home.
“Units are always coming and going,” saidLopez. “They come through us and leavethrough us. It's a hectic job. There's so muchvolume with all the deployments and rede-ployments always going on.”
And the only way to move hundreds ofthousands of tons of cargo smoothly, safelyand successfully is to plan, down to the last
detail, every movementthat cargo will make.
“You don't evenknow,” said Lopez. “It'sa lot of tedious work, andmost people don't under-stand the amount of planning that goesinto this job. It's a logisti-cal nightmare.”
“You see, there's atimeline I have to meet,”he said. “In order to shipcargo out, or get cargohere, it takes weeks'worth of planning. Itcan't get done all in oneday, but I'm all over thisisland doing the best I can.”
The central point ofthose scattered opera-tions is the quarantinelot, where units bring allof their cargo and vehi-cles to be accounted forand inspected before
they are to beshipped out. BeforeLopez receives thegoods, he must review a manifest for eachof the units that will go through him, andthen he will begin processing the mosteffective way to release the load.
“I get a heads-up with the unit. I sitdown with them and inventory what theyhave, like how many shore tons they have,or if they will need boxes for shipping,”said Lopez. “Also, we have to weigheverything to make sure it all will fit prop-erly. I do load plans on computers forships and planes, so I know exactly whatto put in and how it will fit evenly.”
One of Lopez's other duties is that ofagricultural inspector. He must make surethat all equipment and vehicles meethealth standards and are certified clean sothey can be shipped back to the Stateswithout the unit getting fined.
“This is an important part of theprocess,” said Lopez. “It's a dirty job.Wherever you can stick your hand, youcan pull out dirt. But I have fun at thewash rack where I pressure wash the vehicles. I really get dirty, but I like it.Sometimes I'd rather be there than any-where else.”
In addition to his other duties, Lopez isalso a hazardous material certifier, whomust sign off on explosive material,ammunition and other such hazardousitems to ensure that they are safely shipped.
“HAZMAT is another big deal,” saidLopez. “If I certify something wrong,
there's going to be…trouble.”Once those hurdles are cleared and busi-
ness is finished at the quarantine lot, Lopezwill either coordinate to put all the cargo on aferry and send it to the Leeward side if it is tobe flown out of GTMO, or he will usually leada convoy down to the pier so the cargo can goon the barge.
When going to the pier, Lopez must get intouch with the load manager who will ulti-mately take charge of the cargo. All of theequipment and containers will then rest at a lotat the pier awaiting the next barge to come in.
“I bring it all to the load master at the pierto make sure it's not ‘frustrated,’ like there’stoo much cargo or something is certifiedwrong,” he said. “If it doesn't meet the stan-dards, it can't go. But once it's signed over tothe load manager, I'm done. Almost done.”
Because as the loaded barge brings thecargo to Florida, and from there heads towherever the unit calls home, Lopez is mak-ing sure its journey goes as planned.
“I track all the shipments using a GPStracking system,” he said, “and make sureeverything is going smoothly.
“When I hear that a unit got their stuff backhome, it's such a great feeling. And when Ilook down at my empty lot from the office andsee all of my stuff gone, I feel so good. It's thebest feeling in the world.”
Lopez has been having plenty of those top-of-the-world feelings since he first arrivedhere in February. He originally started the jobwith 10 other Marines trained in cargo move-
By Spc. Chris S. PisanoThe Wire
Photo by Spc. Joseph A. Morris
Marine Corps Cpl. Christian Lopez, embarkation chief here,coordinates to lead a convoy down to the pier.
Photo by Spc. Joseph A. Morris
Marine Corps Cpl. Christian Lopez double-checks a shipping manifest withArmy Staff Sgt. Dennis White, who also works in the strategic mobilization unit.
Page 8 Friday, July 5, 2002
Police Detachment, attached tothe 800th MP Brigade in Union-dale, N.Y.
Cline went back home toNew York last week after serv-ing JDOG for six months.
Like Cline, Perrone is a NewYorker. He is from MonroeCounty in Rochester, recentlyretired from his civilian job atthe Monroe County SheriffDepartment after spending thepast 30 years of his life holdinga multitude of different posi-tions.
“I started on road patrol andworked through the ranks. Iretired as a major and divisioncommander of operations,” hesaid. “As the commanding offi-cer, I oversaw patrol precinctsalong with special teams such asSwat, EOD, Scuba and Marineand canine units.”
“I thrive on organization,structure and discipline,” hesaid. “That's why I got into lawenforcement, and that's why Ijoined the Army.”
Perrone, who has been in theArmy for more than 32 years,said that almost everything hedid in civilian and military lifewas a preparation for the posi-tion he now holds.
Before he was called up for“Operation Enduring Freedom,”he served on active duty for ayear as the chief of Force Pro-tection and Anti-terrorism for
the 2002 Olympic Games at SaltLake City.
“A great dealof it was theinteraction withlocal state andfederal lawe n f o r c e m e n tagencies as wellas providingforce protectionplans for the mil-itary units,” hesaid. “Therewere 18,000security and lawe n f o r c e m e n tpeople including6,500 soldierssupporting thatmission.”
Perrone hasfilled a widevariety of mili-tary roles aswell: S-4 in civilaffairs, staffofficer at the bat-talion, brigadeand division lev-els, and provost
marshal and commander of atransportation company.
“There wasn't really much inthe way of opportunity that theArmy has not afforded me,” saidPerrone.
All that experience has led tothis. “He came highly recom-mended for this job,” said ArmyLt. Col. Don Wedewer, JDOG'sexecutive officer. “We want tosupport his decisions and grabhis experience and education.I've been in the Army for 23years, and I still have a lot tolearn from him.”
“Col. Perrone has a tremen-dous outgoing personality andhe motivates all of us,” saidWedewer, who recently startedworking for the commander.
“Col. Perrone is a charismaticand personable leader,” saidArmy Capt. Keith Bowers, fromJDOG S1, recalling his firstmeeting with the commanderoutside the office.
“On my second day here inCuba, we went out fishing and Igot a chance to talk and interactwith him on a personal level,”said Bowers. “It was a verycasual environment. Perronemade everybody feel at ease.He's really down-to-earth. Sur-prisingly, after fishing he agreedto go with us to the DowntownLyceum to catch a movie.”
Although he is away from hiswife and his three children, Per-
rone said he is enjoying GTMOand hopes to play some golf andspend more time fishing when-ever his busy schedule allows it.
Before assuming the newposition, Perrone had a chanceto spend a couple of weeksworking with Cline and his staff.He said he has had a goodunderstanding of what they weredoing and wants to build ontheir work.
“Perrone is very meticulousand thorough,” said Bowers. Butthe man himself says he’s nomicro-manager.
“My leadership style is to beon top of as many issues as I canwithout being a mile deep inthem. I have to look at the broadpicture,” said the new com-mander.
For Perrone, a good manageror leader has to be able to assessthe strength and weaknesses ofhis command.
“That’s one of the reasons wehave the weekly commanders’meeting now,” he said. “All ofthe company commanders needto get up and brief their ownoperations and explain whythey’re doing something or whythey’re not doing something.
“If a company commanderexhibits leadership, some issueswill not have to go up to mylevel and to the level of Gen. Baccus.”
“I don't need to know every-thing,” he said, “but I do need toknow those things that areimportant for me to deal with.So does Gen. Baccus.”
But with more than 1,000 ser-
vicemembers under JDOG’scommand, Perrone has to workto make sure his and Baccus’orders make it down to theground level.
“It's one thing to write downthe standards,” he said. “It'sanother to actually sit down andtrain people to understand andenforce them. I believe that ifyou don't enforce them, theybecome a useless document.Perhaps we have to do a betterjob ourselves, making sureeveryone understands the stan-dards before enforcing them.”
He said he understands thatGTMO is “a high-stress envi-ronment for a lot of the youngsoldiers. But we have to makesure they are properly trainedand properly equipped to carryout their mission.”
“This is a great mission, aonce-in-a-life-time opportunityfor a lot of the soldiers,” he said.“They should be proud to be partof this mission, and above all,proud to be Americans. I’m justgrateful for the opportunity to domy part.” said Perrone.
For the next half-year, Per-rone will keep doing it -- keepmeeting with his company com-manders on a regular basis, andkeep getting out to Camp Deltaand Camp America once a dayto monitor the progress of histhe operation he now oversees.
“I have a very simple vision,”Perrone said. “Be the best wecan be, providing a level ofexcellence in everything we do.We are not there yet, but we'recertainly heading that way.”
Page 5Friday, July 5, 2002
JDOG, from page 1
Photo by Pfc. Jean-Carl Bertin
Col. Perrone explains the purpose of the weekly comman-der’s call to a group of company commanders.
Photo by Pfc. Jean-Carl Bertin
The new commander of JDOG speaks to his staff and company comman-ers Friday as Lt. Col. Izzy Rommes from the 160th MPBN takes notes.
Page 4 Friday, July 5, 2002
The longroad tohard stripesArmy Lt. Col. IzzyRommes, commander,and Command Sgt. Maj.Anthony D. Clayton ofthe 160th MPBN pin thesergeant’s stripes on agleeful former Spc. LuisMolina on Tuesday.Molina, who proudlywears his expert andcombat infantry badges,has been a specialist formore than 10 years. Hewas a distinguishedhonor graduate of MPschool in 2000. “I’vealways done my best torepresent my battalion,”said Molina. “I am look-ing forward to performmy NCO duties.”
Photo by Army Pfc. Jean-Carl Bertin
This week’squestion:
What is yourmost
memorablemoment from
basic training?
Lance Cpl. Lance Barbera, J-6
“When I got smokedfor thirty minutesafter dragging abuddy through thesand. Marinesshouldn’t drag eachother unless they’re dead.”
Navy Chief PettyOfficer LorettaJackson, J-8
“I used to alwayswind up in trouble.My company com-mander thought Iwas a smart-ass, so I was alwayspushing.”
Spc. Robert Lovely,Joint InformationBureau
“I remember the first time my drill sergeant laid eyeson my name, hesaid, ‘What’s so #$@%ing lovely about you?’”
Navy Petty Officer1st Class RobertCherry, MIUWU204
“I remember return-ing to the barracksafter a ‘tornado’struck. Drill instruc-tors flipped thebunks and threweverything all overthe place.”
Navy Petty Officer1st Class TomJuzwaik, MIUWU204
“For the first time inmy life, I got myhead shaved.”
Compiled by Spc. Chris S. Pisano and Spc. Joseph A. Morris
ments and logistics from his unit, the 2ndMarine Expeditionary Force, 2nd Supply Bat-talion, from Camp Lejune, N.C. Not longafter, though, the unit was scattered, and as therest of his fellow Marines were disseminatedout to other missions around the world, Lopezwould remain at GTMO.
“I got left behind because they needed anembarkation and logistics chief here,” saidLopez. “But we're all supposed to meettogether after this mission. The funny thing is,before starting this mission, I was back homedeploying Marines to come to Cuba, and thenI had to come down here after them.”
And while here Lopez might appear to be a“one-man show,” he does receive invaluableassistance from the rest of the team workingout of the strategic mobility office.
“Nobody knows about us until it's time toleave, but then they're camping out here to gettheir stuff done in time,” said Air Force Capt.Thomas Ringlein, the strategic mobility offi-cer and head of the unit. “All of the guys herework hard. We also have three working overon the Leeward side for when we ship thingsover there. Tech Sgt. Dave Henley, Tech Sgt.Melissa Sisneros and Staff Sgt. Brian Violetall deserve recognition for their hard work.”
“We have a big impact on the JTF mis-sion,” said Air Force Tech. Sgt. Daniel John-son, who works out of the strategic mobilityoffice. “It's our mission to service the peoplehere, especially the ones who have been herethe longest. We've helped a lot of people go home.”
“Once you see the end product, it is so sat-isfying,” said Air Force Staff Sgt. MichaelPfefferkorn, the strategic mobility office chief.“But I've been lucky that I've been in such agreat shop.”
That sense of camaraderie is what keepsthese guys going. For Lopez, this is his firsttime working in a Joint Task Force, and hecouldn't be more pleased with the “purple” environment.
“These guys are great, they really help meget things done and I really like being aroundthem. I'm happy to be working with the Army,Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard. I'm a betterperson for it.”
Having great people to work with alsohelps in overcoming the volume of stress thatcomes in with all that cargo Lopez moves.
“We work countless hours, seven days aweek, and I get stressed out sometimes,” saidLopez. “On weekends we will get to wearcivilian clothing or PTs, but we're still work-ing. Sometimes people see me sitting aroundin my PT gear and think I'm just chilling, butI'm working hard. To do this job you got to getdown in there and get dirty.”
Getting down and dirty is what Lopez is allabout. Luckily he takes his profession to heart;for him, doing the job is its own reward, andhe doesn't mind overseeing every little aspectof it from start to finish.
“If I don't come in, I feel I'm not doing myjob,” said Lopez. “I feel it's a part of mebecause if it doesn't get done I feel responsi-ble. In the last three to four months, I'veshipped out nearly half a million shore tons ofcargo and equipment and maybe 50,000 lbs.of ammunition.
“It's crazy, man. The last barge was thebiggest I ever had to work with. We're talking
maybe half a dozen units and a quarter-millionshore tons. That was a big load I had to move.”
“But you know, when you plan something,you want it done right.”
Photo by Spc. Joseph A. Morris
Marine Corps Cpl. Christian Lopez gets down and dirty while performing an agricultural inspection on ahumvee, ensuring that it is clean and safe so it can be shipped back to the United States.
Photo by Spc. Joseph A. Morris
Air Force Capt. Thomas Ringlein, the strategicmobility officer, knows every unit assigned to the JTFthat comes through GTMO.
Photo by Spc. Joseph A. Morris
Air Force Staff Sgt. Michael Pfefferkorn, strategicmobility office chief, arranges for passenger manifests on outgoing flights from GTMO.
for moving cargo here to therePage 9Friday, July 5, 2002
On the battlefield, the ability to controlcombat stress can be the deciding factorbetween victory and defeat. Off the battlefield,it can determine how well any mission is per-formed. Stress is a factor of combat anddeployment; military members must face itand learn to deal with it.
Being deployed to Guantanamo Bay as partof Operation Enduring Freedom isn’t combat.But servicemembers here are still deployed,far from home and near the detainees from thewar on terror, and exposed to various levels ofstress that could prove costly if not controlled.
That's where the 85th Medical DetachmentCombat Stress Control team comes in.
“Our main mission is to keep militarymembers able to perform their mission effi-ciently and effectively,” said Army Capt.Sharon M. Newton, the unit’s occupationaltherapist, 85th Medical Detachment CombatStress Control Team. “We give briefings andclasses to inform leadership on the signs ofstress to look for intheir troops, and teachpreventive measuresto reduce the levels ofstress on all individu-als deployed.”
There are six majorfunctions in the mis-sion of the CombatStress Control Team.The first three areconsultation, in whichthe team offers adviceand education to com-mands; reconstitutionsupport, in whichteams offer assistanceat field locations tobattle-fatigued unitswhich are withdrawn to rest, reorganize, andintegrate replacements; and neuropsychiatrictriage, which enables the team to sort out battle fatigue cases with temporary, stress-induced symptoms from true neuropsychi-atrics with deeper problems.
The fourth step is stabilization, an immedi-ate, short-term evaluation of the severity of thebattle-fatigue casualty. Next restorationbegins, a one- to three-day rest for battlefatigue casualties.
During the reconditioning phase, the Com-bat Stress Control Team implements a four- totwenty-one-day intensive program of replen-
ishment, physical activity, work details, and military retraining for battlefatigue casualties.
While stationed at GTMO, the CombatStress Control has taken an active part inassessing the stress levels of troops. “It ishighly important for us to get out there and doour jobs,” said Army Staff Sgt. Richard B.Howard, Non-Commissioned Officer InCharge of the 85th. “And we’re looking attroops from the entire JTF-160 staff, not justthe camps,” he said.
There are many factors that play into thecauses of stress while on deployment. Beingdeployed means being far away from family,friends, and comfort zones. This separation isoften a cause of stress.
Just being separated from loved ones isalways hard.
“Although troops are far away from home,issues from home are kept close to their heart.Young children, ill relatives, and finances arealways kept in their minds,” said Army Maj.Marie C. Morency, Officer In Charge, 85th Medical Detachment Combat StressControl Team.
Another factor involved is the reality thatmany deployed are Reserve and NationalGuard Components. Thus, they may not workin the field they are currently working in whileon deployment.
“The change of jobs can increase stress.Also, some troops have taken pay cuts and may worry about their finances,”
said Newton.Members of a unit
play a significant rolein preventing and iden-tifying stress in oneanother. They can besure troops are physi-cally, emotionally, andspiritually preparedprior to deployment —and watch carefully forsigns of combat stressduring deployments.
“Some signs to lookfor are increased visitsto sick call with vaguephysical complaints,loss of concentration,bad attitude, and sleep-
deprivation symptoms,” said Army Spc.Kathryn S. Hernandez, a member of the 85th.
Controlled combat stress, when properlyfocused by training, unit cohesion, and leader-ship, gives servicemembers the necessaryalertness, strength, and endurance to accom-plish the mission with loyalty, selflessness,even heroism.
Left uncontrolled, though, combat stresscan degrade the entire mission — whether ser-vicemembers figting the war on terror areunder fire on the battlefield or just under thegun on a distant deployment, working hard faraway from home.
Page 10 Friday, July 5, 2002
Photo by Spc. Michelle M. Scsepko
The combat Stress Control Team, left to right: StaffSgt. Richard B. Howard, Army Maj. Marie C.Morency, Capt. Sharon M. Newton, Spc. Robert M.Vincent, Sgt. Larry N. Clark, and Spc. Kathryn S.Hernandez.
Combat stress, on and off the battlefieldBy Spc. Michelle M. ScsepkoThe Wire SUICIDE
PREVENTIONTIPS:
“AID LIFE”A: Ask! Don’t be afraid to ask if
someone is thinking aboutsuicide.
I: Intervene immediately! Takeaction and listen.
D: Don’t keep it a secret!
L: Locate help! Seek out the offi-cer on duty, Chaplain, or call theemergency room.
I: Inform the Chain of Command!They can secure necessaryresources.
F: Find someome to stay withthe person while you go get help.DO NOT leave the person alone!
E: Expedite! Get professinal helpimmediately.
Resources in Guantanamo Bay:
Fleet and Family Support Center4141
Chaplain2323
Emergency Room72690
Security911
For more information on suicideprevention or combat stress call
81160
“Although troops are far awayfrom home, issues from home are
kept close to their heart.”— Army Maj. Marie C. Morency
Page 3Friday, July 5, 2002
The ever-diligent sailors of the Naval Station Ordinanceunit aim high to handle all the firepower on Guantanamo Bay.They support all personnel from JTF-160, the Marine Corpsand all Navy and Coast Guard ships that make contact withthis base. They order and supply ammo, maintain weapons,provide weapons training and run all the ranges here.
If any units have to qualify with their weapons while here atGTMO, it’s these guys who will be supplying and guiding firetoward a successful day in the sun with a gun. So if you’re inthe prone and start to panic, take a deep breath, scan yourlane, and just squeeze.
Naval Station OrdnanceCompiled by Spc. Joseph A. Morris and Spc. Chris S. PisanoThe Wire
Photo by Spc. Joseph A. Morris
Seaman Apprentice Bryan Burton practices the proper positioning of hisM-4 while zeroing in on his target as Petty Officer 2nd Class Jay S. Wojcikcritiques his form.
Navy Petty Officer 2nd ClassJason Doll“A nice change of pace took placeover the last few months. I’ve beenhere for over two years. Since JTFarrived, the tempo has increasedten-fold, but I’m having a lot of fun.”
Navy Petty Officer 2nd ClassJay S. Wojcik“I love this job. It’s great, going to therange, sitting in the sun and shoot-ing off rounds. I like helping peopleout there on the ranges by critiquingtheir technique and firing position.”
Navy Petty Officer 1st ClassF. Robinson“It’s a very challenging job, mentallyand physically. When we moveammo and are rolling down the roadin white pick-ups with red flags, pullover to the side of the road for safety.”
Navy Petty Officer 3rd ClassRobert Evans“Some times we face challenges,but I have great people to work with.I’ve only been here for three months,but I’ve been enjoying myself.”
Photo by Spc. Joseph A. Morris
Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Robert Evans breaks down an M-60 in a thoroughly high-speed fashion during a routine weapons cleaning.
This week, JTF-160 Command-ing Gen. Rick Baccus passesalong this message from ArmyMaj. Gen. Gary D. Speer, ACINC,United States Southern Command.
To the men and women of theUnited States Southern Command:
This Independence Day, ournation’s 226th birthday, is anoccasion for reflection as well as celebration.
Throughout our proud history,U.S. military forces have played akey role in safeguarding thedemocracy and liberty that we, asAmericans, hold so dear.
Today, our nation recognizes anew threat, one that in comingyears will test the courage,strength and determination of theU.S. armed forces, perhaps morethan any other challenge in our history.
In the war on terrorism, we fightas we have always fought: for ajust peace that guarantees humanrights and freedom from oppression.
We wish for others what wehave always wished for ourselves— safety from violence as well asliberty and opportunity for our children.
Your exemplary efforts and per-sonal sacrifices help to ensure ournation’s freedom and independence, now and in thecoming years.
We honor you as well as theUnited States on this special day.Best wishes for a safe and happyIndependence Day.
RICK BACCUSBrigadier General, USNG
Joint Task Force 160, Commander
Page 2 Friday, July 5, 2002
Chaplains’ Corner
Provost Marshal’s Office
Two quick thoughts for this 4th of Julyweekend:
1. When the Founding Fatherswrote of a separation of church andstate, they were emphasizing that ourgovernment was not authorized toestablish an official state religion.
They were not stating that Godand/or the spiritual dimension did notexist and that the government couldn'tdeal with anything that was related toreligion. God had a place and it was-n't just in heaven.
A review of U.S. law and court deci-sions (until the 1960s) clearly shows this.
2. Individuals who have sworn toserve their nation in the armed forcesare servants of the security and free-dom of nations.
If military personnel complete theirduty honorably, they help in the forg-ing of the nation's common good andthe maintenance of peace.
— LCDR Vincent A. Salamoni,CHC, U.S. Naval Reserve
JTF-160 CommandCommander:Brig. Gen. Rick BaccusDeputy Commander:Navy Capt. Robert A. BuehnJoint Information Bureau Director:Cmdr. David PointsDeputy JIB Director:Lt. Cmdr. William BreyfoglePublic Affairs Officer:Lt. Col. Joseph A. HoeyOnline at:www.nsgtmo.navy.mil/JTF-160/index.htm
The Wire StaffNCOIC:Sgt. Maj. Daniel PolinskiEditor-in-Chief:Sgt. Michelle M. PessoaNews Editor: Spc. Frank N. [email protected] writers and design team:Spc. Chris S. PisanoSpc. Michelle M. ScsepkoSpc. Joseph A. MorrisSpc. Jose A. MartinezPfc. Jean-Carl BertinContact us:5239 (Local) 5241 (Local fax)Joint Information Bureau / Pink Palace
The Wire is produced by the 361st Public Affairs Detach-ment (PCH) assigned to the Joint Information Bureau atJTF-160. Some content is collected from the World WideWeb and edited to fit. This publication is printed under theprovisions provided in Army Regulation 360-1 and doesnot reflect the views of the Department of Defense or thepersonnel within.
The GTMO Morale Welfare andRecreation Marina offers a course ofinstruction for recreational small boat operators.
Upon successful completion of a writ-ten test and a practical test, candidatesare issued the GTMO Small Boat Opera-tors License. The license entitles you torent and operate one of the recreationalboats available through the Marina atGuantanamo Bay.
Upon renting a boat, you will be issuedthe white map of the bay and a portableradio for communication with Port Control.
It is extremely important that you ori -ent yourself to visible reference points
and then cross-reference those points onthe map prior to leaving the marina, andTHAT YOU keep cross-referencing yourlocation on the map when you are in the bay.
Not all the MWR boats have com-passes, it is highly recommended thatyou bring your own.
REMEMBER TO MONITOR THERADIO AT ALL TIMES FOR PORTCONTROL. Do not violate restrictedareas and above all:
BE A SAFE BOATER!
— Maj. Gary J. Cipolletta, Deputy Provost Marshal, JTF-160
4 July = 1 Nation, Under God
Page 11Friday, July 5, 2002
Intense matches mark start of V-ball season
The co-ed volleyball seasonbegan Friday, June 28, at G.J.Denich Gymnasium with twointense matches on the court:JTF-160 vs. Chat Bout and Hos-pital vs. 178 MP Co.
The mostly civilian-mannedChat Bout dominated the first setof its match 15 to 6, but JTF-160fought back hard in the secondset, making it a see-saw battle thatfinally tipped their way afterArmy Warrant Officer Pete J.Turner broke a late tie with a thunderous spike that switchedthe monentum of the game to his side. JTF-160 won the set 15to 14.
The third set was played astough as the second. JTF-160 ledmost of the set, with Army 1st Lt.Tom C. Kim serving up points inbunches. But the squad seemed tobreak its own stride with a latetime-out, and at game’s end ChatBout was a 15-13 winner.
“Kim was hot,” said OswaldoBrooks. “But when they calledthe time-out it messed up theirrhythm and timing. We were ableto take advantage, and come backand win the game.”
“We are fighters and we neverquit. That’s the Chat Bout atti-tude,” said Angel Lakeman, whoscored the winning point.
“Even though it was a closegame, we knew we would win,”said Navy Petty Officer 3rd ClassJahlee L. Brown. “And we woneven though we were playingshort-handed. I feel we are goingall the way this season, so lookout for Chat Bout.”
The night’s other match was
considerably less suspenseful.The team from Naval Hospitalopened its season with a dramatic“W” by blanking the 178th MP Co. in two straight sets 15-12,15-11.
“We played strong and wetook control of the match,”saidPetty Officer 3rd Class Dustin S.Ross from Naval Hospital.
Navy Petty Officer 3rd ClassTommie E. Crumedy from theNaval Hospital credited strongcommunication -- and determina-tion -- for the the victory.
“We did what ever it took towin the match,” he said. “Thatwas the key to victory.”
MWR’s summer volleyballseason happens every Fridaynight for another seven weeks,with each team playing sevengames before a tournament thatdecides the champion. And aftertheir performance Friday, NavalHospital was confident abouttheir prospects.
“We played well tonight,” saidNavy Petty Officer 1st ClassAquiles P. Faustino, “and we’llkeep it up. Nothing is going tostand in our way this season.”
By Spc. Jose A. MartinezThe Wire
Photo by Spc. Jose A. Martinez
Army Warrant Officer Pete J. Turnerfrom JTF-160 spikes the ball and letshis presents know over OswaldoBrooks from Chat Bout.
Summer Leagues are in fullswing. Stop by MWR Office,Room #204 or Main Gym forschedule. There is still time to
sign up for the July 6th PaintballTournanament. For more info call
CPT Gormly, #5249.
Friday, 5 JUL 02Non-Alcoholic Social Time,Main MWR Liberty Center
SOFTBALL SCORES STANDINGSFriday, July 58 p.m. Lilo & Stitch10 p.m. Changing Lanes
Saturday, July 68 p.m. Spiderman10 p.m. The Scorpion King
Sunday, July 78 p.m. Unfaithful
Monday, July 88 p.m. Jason X
Tuesday, July 98 p.m. Sum of All Fears
Wednesday, July 108 p.m. Unfaithful
Thursday, July 118 p.m. Life or Something Like It
Page 12 Friday, July 5, 2002
with Army Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony B. Clayton, 160th MPBN
Q: Good morning, Com-mand Sgt. Maj. Anthony D.Clayton, are you ready foryour fifteen minutes of fame?
A: Always ready.
Q: Where are you from?A: I am from a small town
that's about 50 miles awayfrom Tallahassee.
Q: How would you describeyourself?
A: I am easy-going,friendly, and compassionate. Ittakes a lot to tick me off.
Q: What do you do in thecivilian world?
A: I am a mental health pro-gram analyst for Florida StateHospital in Chattahoochee,Unit Three.
Q: How do you feel aboutyour mission here at Guan-tanamo Bay?
A: I feel very proud to behere and be a part of history.
Q: How would you describethe soldiers that work underyou?
A: Professionals! They arealways ready, willing, and ableto perform their job. They takecare of all their duties in a pro-fessional manner and I com-mend them for all their hardwork.
Q: Do you have any advicefor soldiers planning tobecome a Top NCO,
like yourself?A: Stay with it, stay in, set
goals, and focus.
Q: What do you do for funhere?
A: PT! PT! PT, all the time!I'm either at the gym or the beach, or I'm biking or running.
Q: I know how much ser-geant majors love to singcadences. Is there any particu-lar one you like to sing whileyou run?
A: Oh, I sing an old cadencethat I learned in basic training.It goes a little something likethis: “The prettiest girl I eversaw was sipping bourbonthrough a straw.”
Q: What kind of music doyou listen to?
A: That all depends on mymood. Gospel music puts mein the right state of mind, jazzmellows me out, and R&B,well, I've got to be in a specialkind of mood for that.
Q: If you could be a charac-ter in any war flick, who wouldyou be and why?
A: I would be the sergeantmajor in the movie “We WereSoldiers,” because his firstconcern was the soldiers.
Q: If you could be any ani-mal at GTMO, what animalwould you be and why?
A: I'd be an iguana, becausethey have a lot of privilegeshere at GTMO. Troops mustslow down for them. They'refree to roam where they want
to. And they'll chase you,chase you down. I was chasedoff the beach by one just theother day. Besides, they arevery unique creatures thateveryone respects.
Q: What's the strangestthing you've seen since you'vebeen here at GTMO?
A: I was sitting in my back-yard after duty one day and allof a sudden this big turkey vul-ture swoops down and attacksthis dove.
Feathers were flying every-where, while my buddy and Ijust stood there in shock. Itwas like “Wild Discovery” upclose and personal.
Q: If you could have onething from home here with you, what would it be andwhy?
A: I would have to say mycar, because transportation isjust so darn difficult to comeby around here.
Q: What's one rule you live by?
A: The golden rule, ofcourse. Do unto others as youwould like done to you.
Q: In closing, what do you plan to do when you get home?
A: I plan to reintegrate withsociety and basically, unwindand relax.
Photo by Spc. Michelle M. Scsepko
Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony B. Clayton: “It takes a lot to tick me off.”
Next week’s 15 minutes of fame could be you!
Compiled by Spc. Michelle M. ScsepkoThe Wire
Get in the mood with a PT-loving E-9
It's Friday afternoon. After along business meeting with hisstaff and his company command-ers, Army Col. John J. Perrone Jr.,the new commander of the JointDetention Operations Group(JDOG) puts aside his administra-tive duties for the day and pays avisit to Camp Delta, where thedetainees from the U.S. globalwar on terrorism are housed.
Perrone proceeds to the maingate and waits patiently for theguards on duty to come and lethim in.
Before he enters, he looksaround to make sure that every-thing is in order. He then goesthrough all the gates, eachsecurely manned by MPs, to getaccess to the detainees' units. Assoon as the soldiers see him, theyall assume the position of atten-tion and wait for him to reviewthe logs and examine the condi-tions of the units.
“As the commander, myresponsibility is to oversee theentire detention operation, includ-ing all the MPs, the battalion, thecompanies, as well as infantryunits that provide external secu-rity,” Perrone said.
His job, he said, is mostlyadministrative -- to oversee thedetainee operations here on behalfof Commanding Gen. Rick Bac-cus and the Joint Task Force 160command, and make sure that allpersonnel work together towardthe success of this operation thathas captured the eyes of theworld.
“But I also make it my goal tocome out here to Camp Delta atleast once a day and see how mysoldiers are doing,” he said.
Perrone, who has been atGTMO for approximately amonth, doesn’t have to reinventthe wheel.
He is replacing Army Lt. Col.Bill Cline from the 455th Military
Published in the interest of personnel assigned to JTF-160 and COMNAV Base Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Volleyballfights thatnever quit
Page 11
Strategy forgetting downand dirty
Page 8
Ordnancesailors thataim high
Page 3
New top ‘DOG’takes command
Friday, July 5, 2002Volume 2, Issue 4
Secretary of Defense’s Fourth of July messageComposite photo by Sgt. Michelle M. Pessoa
By Army Pfc. Jean-Carl BertinThe Wire
See JDOG, page 5
A look inside...
At a critical moment during the Revolutionary War, when his army wassurrounded and in danger of being destroyed, General Washington issuedthis order: ‘Put only Americans on guard tonight.’ Washington knew, at thatmoment of crisis, he could rely on those citizen-soldier volunteers who hadleft behind their families and farms to risk everything for the cause of free-dom.Thanks to their service and sacrifice, America achieved her independ-ence. And every July 4th since, Americans have come together to givethanks for our freedom and what our country has become: the freest, mostcreative and dynamic nation on earth.
So today, as in General Washington's time, we take comfort in the knowl-edge that Americans like you are on guard tonight: soldiers, sailors, airmen,Marines and Coast Guardsmen. Through your service and sacrifice, youhelp make every day Independence Day for the United States of America.Our people are free because your hearts are brave. And so on this Fourth of July, we stop to say to each of you: Thank you for what you do for our country. Donald H. Rumsfeld
Army Col. John J. Perrone Jr. settles in ashead of Joint Detainee Operations Group
