The Torii weekly newspaper is a publication of the U.S. Army Garrison Japan.
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Serving the U.S. Army Japan community www.torii.army.mil VOL. 39, NO. 9 March 3, 2011 I NSIDE the T ORII 2 News 4 Calendar 5 Community 6 Classifieds 7 Sports 8 Travel 623rd MCT deploys to Afghanistan By Dustin Perry Torii Editor Seventeen Soldiers assigned to the 623rd Movement Control Team, headquartered at Sagami General Depot, departed Japan Saturday for a 12-month deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Endur- ing Freedom. The unit was bid farewell by their family members, fellow Soldiers and other com- munity members during a ceremony at Yano Fitness Center here. All Soldiers assigned to the 623rd MCT are trained as transportation management coordinators. Their mission during this de- ployment will be to ensure that equipment and personnel are “properly moved from one location to the other and help with all the tactical aspects that come with that,” the unit’s commander said. “We’ll fall under a higher headquarters that is responsible for the transportation assets in Afghanistan,” said Capt. Toshihide Sasaki. “The 623rd deployed to Kuwait last time. [This] will be a totally different geo- graphical area and terrain. It will be a good experience for everyone to learn from.” Marching in formation, the unit moved to the center of the gym floor at the begin- ning of the ceremony. Sasaki and Sgt. 1st Class Jillene Fenton, the 623rd MCT first sergeant, then cased the unit’s guidon. In his remarks, Col. Lance Koenig, commander of the 10th Support Group in Okinawa, expressed his confidence that the unit will successfully execute its mission. “I’m extremely proud of how you handled your train-up from all aspects of the preparation,” said Koenig. “Most units get 180 days to prepare for a deployment; you’ve had a little over seven weeks. You have a long journey ahead … I know you’ll do well, and I look forward to seeing you here a year from now for your welcome- home ceremony.” Addressing the family members of the deploying Soldiers, Koenig ensured them of the continuous support they will receive from the military community in Japan. “You don’t have to go through this alone; don’t be afraid to ask for help,” Koenig told them. “You have a strong network of support that’s standing by … everyone is here to support you.” Photos by Dustin Perry Soldiers assigned to the 623rd Movement Control Team, headquartered at Sagami General Depot, stand in formation Saturday at Yano Fitness Center here during the unit’s farewell ceremony before departing for a 12-month deployment to Afghanistan. Spc. Dennis Godby, assigned to the 623rd MCT, embraces his wife Amanda before boarding a bus Saturday with other mem- bers of his unit who will be deployed to Afghanistan for the next 12 months. See 623rd MCT, Page 2 Family, community bid farewell to Soldiers at departure ceremony Kanna Sasaki, daughter of Capt. Toshihide Sasaki, commander of the 623rd MCT, grasps a sign during the unit’s departure ceremony held Saturday at Yano Fitness Center here. The unit will be deployed to Afghanistan for the next 12 months.
Transcript
Serving the U.S. Army Japan community
www.torii.army.milVOL. 39, NO. 9March 3, 2011
INSIDE the TORII2 News 4 Calendar
5 Community6 Classifieds
7 Sports8 Travel
623rd MCT deploys to Afghanistan By Dustin PerryTorii Editor
Seventeen Soldiers assigned to the 623rd Movement Control Team, headquartered at Sagami General Depot, departed Japan Saturday for a 12-month deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Endur-ing Freedom.
The unit was bid farewell by their family members, fellow Soldiers and other com-munity members during a ceremony at Yano Fitness Center here.
All Soldiers assigned to the 623rd MCT are trained as transportation management coordinators. Their mission during this de-ployment will be to ensure that equipment and personnel are “properly moved from one location to the other and help with all the tactical aspects that come with that,” the unit’s commander said.
“We’ll fall under a higher headquarters that is responsible for the transportation assets in Afghanistan,” said Capt. Toshihide Sasaki. “The 623rd deployed to Kuwait last time. [This] will be a totally different geo-graphical area and terrain. It will be a good experience for everyone to learn from.”
Marching in formation, the unit moved to the center of the gym floor at the begin-ning of the ceremony. Sasaki and Sgt. 1st Class Jillene Fenton, the 623rd MCT first sergeant, then cased the unit’s guidon. In his remarks, Col. Lance Koenig, commander of the 10th Support Group in Okinawa, expressed his confidence that the unit will successfully execute its mission.
“I’m extremely proud of how you handled your train-up from all aspects of the preparation,” said Koenig. “Most units get 180 days to prepare for a deployment; you’ve had a little over seven weeks. You have a long journey ahead … I know you’ll do well, and I look forward to seeing you here a year from now for your welcome-home ceremony.”
Addressing the family members of the deploying Soldiers, Koenig ensured them of the continuous support they will receive from the military community in Japan.
“You don’t have to go through this alone; don’t be afraid to ask for help,” Koenig told them. “You have a strong network of support that’s standing by … everyone is here to support you.”
Photos by Dustin PerrySoldiers assigned to the 623rd Movement Control Team, headquartered at Sagami General Depot, stand in formation Saturday at Yano Fitness Center here during the unit’s farewell ceremony before departing for a 12-month deployment to Afghanistan.
Spc. Dennis Godby, assigned to the 623rd MCT, embraces his wife Amanda before boarding a bus Saturday with other mem-bers of his unit who will be deployed to Afghanistan for the next 12 months. See 623rd MCT, Page 2
Family, community bid farewell to Soldiers at departure ceremony
Kanna Sasaki, daughter of Capt. Toshihide Sasaki, commander of the 623rd MCT, grasps a sign during the unit’s departure ceremony held Saturday at Yano Fitness Center here. The unit will be deployed to Afghanistan for the next 12 months.
2 March 3, 2011 TORII www.torii.army.milNEWS
Zama Briefs
2011 Road Tax ProgramIf vehicle registration, title changes or
insurance have not been updated or com-pleted, a decal will not be issued.Camp ZamaTimes: 9 to 11 a.m. / 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.Location: Camp Zama Community ClubApril 19: Last names A through EApril 20: Last names F through KApril 21: Last names L through RApril 22: Last names S through Z; mini-cars and motorcyclesInfo: 263-4337 / 3732 / 4810Yokohama North DockDate: April 26 Times: 9 to 11 a.m. / 1 to 2 p.m.Location: PMO Bldg. S-331 Info: 269-6528CostMotorcycles: 500 - 1,000 yenMini-cars (yellow plates): 3,000 yenSagami 500 Y plates: 7,500 yenSagami 300 Y plates: 19,000 - 22,000 yen Sagami 100 Y/E plates: 32,000 yen
tion will be making scholarships available for seniors attending Zama American High School and spouses of servicemembers assigned to Naval Air Facility Atsugi. Ap-plications are available at www.atsugiosa.org. The deadline to apply for AOSA schol-arships is April 29. For questions, contact the AOSA scholarship chair at [email protected].
‘You Made the Grade’Now in its 10th consecutive year, the
“You Made the Grade” program recog-nizes Camp Zama students who achieve a “B” average or better with a benefits-filled booklet. Exclusive offers include a free Burger King kids meal or a Subway six-inch combo, video rental and $2 off any new release DVD at the Power Zone, to name a few.
Students who make the grade also can register for a drawing to win a savings bond worth up to $5,000.
To receive the “You Made the Grade” booklet, students simply present a valid military ID card and proof of an overall “B” or better average to the Camp Zama Exchange. Students may receive one coupon package for every qualifying report card, but may enter the savings bond drawing only once per calendar year.
Camp Zama families can contact the Exchange at 263-5585 for more information about “You Made the Grade.”
Sexual Assault Prevention and Response ProgramThose aware of a sexual assault should report it immediately. It is punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice and other federal and local civilian laws. USAG-J Camp Zama Sexual Assault Hotline: 882# or 090-9395-8909 (24/7 response). USAG-J Torii Station: 090-6861-8042 (24/7 response). Army Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program website: http://www.sexualassault.army.mil.
623rd MCT, From page 1
During the deployment, Fenton said she expects each of the Soldiers of the 623rd MCT will gain an enhanced knowledge of their job. In her role as a first sergeant, Fenton added that her primary mission will be to take care of the Soldiers and ensure overall mission accomplishment.
“We have a lot of knowledgeable per-sonnel in the unit,” said Fenton. “For the first-timers it will be a learning experience, and the ones who have deployed before can pass on their knowledge to those who have not.”
Among those deploying for the first time is 1st Lt. Kelsie Cummins, the 623rd MCT’s mobility officer. She admits she is not entirely sure what to expect, but added that she has learned a lot since joining the unit one year ago and is eager to apply that knowledge to her mission in Afghanistan.
“I expect to learn more about my job, more about the spectrums of transporta-tion, and more about being an officer and a leader,” said Cummins. “Everything that we do here in Japan gets us ready for a deployment, so this is going to show how much we’ve learned from our training. I’m very confident that we’re going to go out there and do a great job.”
Following the ceremony, the Soldiers spent time saying goodbye to their friends and loved ones before moving outside to board a bus and depart the installation.
The ceremony was “motivational and in-spiring” and was obvious proof that “the families support their Soldiers and the community supports what we are doing,” said Fenton.
The 623rd MCT made its home at Sagami Depot in July 2007. According to the U.S. Army Japan website, the unit “supports bilateral operations throughout the U.S.
Army Pacific under the 35th Combat Sus-tainment Support Battalion.” In September 2008, the unit deployed to the Khabari Alawazem Crossing, located on the Kuwait-Iraq border, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During their tour, the Soldiers in the unit provided in-transit visibility of all sustainment and coalition convoys entering and exiting Iraq.
Photo by Dustin PerryCapt. Toshihide Sasaki and Sgt. 1st Class Jillene Fenton, the commander and first sergeant of the 623rd Movement Control Team, respectively, case the unit’s guidon Saturday during their departure ceremony at Yano Fitness Center here.
Sixty-seven officer candidates from the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force receive a command brief Feb. 23 at the Camp Zama Command Center along with Maj. Gen. Hirotaka Yamashita, chief of staff of the JGSDF Eastern Army. During the candidates’ one-day tour, they had lunch with Army officers and took part in an Army officer panel discussion. This was the first time that officer candidates have visited U.S. Army Japan as part of their program.
Officers in trainingPhoto by Tetsuo Nakahara
NEWSwww.torii.army.mil TORII March 3, 2011 3
Sound Off!
Do you have a concern or an issue on your mind? Are you seeking a channel for your voice to be heard? Look no further. The Torii Newspaper welcomes all letters regarding issues or concerns involving the Camp Zama community as a whole. Critical letters should offer suggestions for resolutions as applicable. Letters or e-mails must be signed, but names will be withheld in publication upon request. The Torii Newspaper will protect the names of its sources if they so desire.
Letters may be edited for content and length according to the Associated Press Stylebook and the Torii Style Guide.If you would like to have your voice heard in the Torii Newspaper, e-mail your letters to the deputy PAO at [email protected], or send by regular mail to:
HNR / Public AffairsU.S. Army Garrison JapanATTN: TORII EditorUnit 45005, IMPC-JA-HNR/PAAPO AP 96338
This Army-funded newspaper is an authorized publication for the members of the Army community in Japan in accordance with Army Regulation 360-1. Contents of the TORII are not necessarily the official view of, or endorsement by, the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, Department of the Army or the U.S. Army Garrison Japan command. It is published weekly by the TORII staff of the USAG-J HNR/Public Affairs office, APO, AP 96343-0054, phone 315-263-5978.
This publication, with a weekly circulation of 2,000, is printed by Pacific Stars and Stripes, Tokyo. All photos are U.S. Army photographs unless otherwise indicated. The newspaper uses military news services including American Forces Press Service and Army News Service.
Story and photo submissions not pertaining to commercial advertising may be sent to the USAG-J HNR/PAO TORII Office at least two weeks prior to the desired publication date. The TORII is distributed every Thursday. Submissions may be e-mailed to the editor at [email protected]. The editor reserves the right not to publish submissions not in accordance with Army Public Affairs regulations and standard operating procedures. Editorial offices are located in room A-208, Bldg. 102, South Camp Zama, Japan.
T RII Newspaper Commanding General: Maj. Gen. Michael T. Harrison Sr.Garrison Commander: Col. Perry HeltonGarrison Public Affairs Officer: Edward H. RoperEditor: Dustin PerryStaff: Tetsuo NakaharaOkinawa Bureau Chief: Anastasia MorenoOkinawa Bureau Staff: Lauren Hall
Zama honors Black History Month through song, dance‘Past, Present and Future’
Photos by Dustin PerrySekouba Keita, a traditional African drummer based in Japan, performs onstage Friday at the Music Theater Workshop here dur-ing Camp Zama’s annual Black History Month observance. Debra Zedalis, director of IMCOM-Pacific, was the guest speaker.
By Dustin PerryTorii Editor
Three members of Camp Zama’s Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity perform a step routine onstage Friday at the Music Theater Workshop.
The diverse culture, proud history and distinguished military service of African-Americans were honored and celebrated during Camp Zama’s annual Black History Month observance, held Friday at the Music Theater Workshop here.
Included throughout the event was a lively variety of song, dance and theatrical performances that brought to life this year’s theme for the observance, “African-Americans and the Civil War.” The event was coordinated by the 35th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion.
A narrator guided the audience through the centerpiece portion of the observance titled “Past, Present and Future,” which featured pro-
fessional performers and Soldiers assigned to the 35th CSSB. First was a reading of the anonymously authored poem most commonly referred to as “Lord, Why Did You Make Me Black?”
In the poem, the protagonist questions why God would make her black: “Black is the color of dirty clothes; the color of grimy hands and feet. Black is the color of darkness; the color of tire-beaten streets,” she asserts. God responds by telling the woman, “Get off your knees and look around. Tell me, what do you see? I didn’t make you in the image of darkness; I made you in the likeness of me.”
Next was a traditional African drum and dance performance from Japan-based entertainer Sekouba Keita. Keita’s blind-ingly fast drum-pounding and energetic moves quickly had the
crowd cheering. He was followed by a dance interpretation of the Yolanda Adams song “Still I Rise” by Sgt. Stephanie Stokes, a step performance by three members of the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity, and a song by Spc. Aleitha Williams.
The guest speaker at the event was Debra Zedalis, the director of Installation Management Com-mand – Pacific. In her remarks, Zedalis affirmed that all those affiliated with the U.S. Army – Soldiers, civilians and family members – share equally in the experience, regardless of any differences in their backgrounds. She also challenged the audience to leave the event with a renewed desire to make the Army a stronger organization by seeing past those differences.
“I challenge you all to find a more ethnically diverse com-munity than ours anywhere in America,” Zedalis told the crowd. “You can go to any of our com-munities regardless of its size and meet people from all walks of life and all parts of the world. That diversity … allows us to step beyond the stereotypes and perceptions of our past and see people for who they are.
“Thank you for coming today, thank you to African-Americans for their past and present service, [and] thanks to all of you for your service to our country,” concluded Zedalis. “Let us not forget how blessed we are to be here, to be together – to be Americans.”
SCHOOL NEWSZama Child Development Center: 263-4992
SHA Child Development Center: 267-6348
� SAS Open Recreation Program: Parents: Are you looking for programs that your school-aged children can participate in? Children: Are you looking for things that will keep you active and busy outside of the house? If so, then the Open Recreation Program events are for you. School Age Services is offering open recreation opportunities in the weekday and Saturday afternoons for youth currently enrolled in grades one to six.
� Registration: To register your child or for more information please stop by the CYS Central Enrollment Registry Office in Bldg. 533 on Camp Zama, or call 263-4125 or SAS at 267-6013.
John O. Arnn Elementary: 267-6602� Read Across America: Parents and community members are invited to be guest readers during Arnn Elementary School’s “Read Across America” event, scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 2, to help celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday. You may bring your favorite book to share with the students or share one of ours. You are also welcome to wear your “Cat in the Hat” gear or dress as your favorite book character. Please consider joining us. To sign up or to get more information, e-mail [email protected].
� PSCD Screening: Your child or someone else’s may qualify for Preschool Services for Children with Disabilities. Screenings for children ages 3 to 5 are held twice a month at AES to locate and identify children who may have developmental delays. Call Arnn Elementary School at 267-6602 to make an appointment if you suspect your child has a delay in language, physical, cognitive, social or adaptive behavior development. For children under 3 years of age, call EDIS at 267-6545 to schedule an appointment.
� GradeSpeed: DoDEA has implemented GradeSpeed in all fourth- through 12th-grade
classrooms worldwide. GradeSpeed is a web-based program that enables parents to log in and view grade and attendance data for their students. GradeSpeed will be the only authorized and supported grade book used by DoDEA employees in these grades.All teachers have secure access to GradeSpeed through the use of an Internet web browser. Teachers use the grade book portion of GradeSpeed to enter assignments, grades and to maintain grade calculations. Teachers are also able to e-mail progress reports to parents through GradeSpeed. For more information, go to http://www.dodea.edu/back_to_school/gradespeed.cfm or contact Brandy Bell, educational technologist, at [email protected].
Zama American Middle School: 263-4040� Visit the Web at www.zama-ms.pac.dodea.edu/ for information pertaining to Zama American Middle School.
Zama American High School: 263-3181� Visit the Web at www.zama-hs.pac.dodea.edu/ for information pertaining to Zama American High School.
Child, Youth and School Services: 263-4500�6th Grade Happening: This event is scheduled to be held from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Camp Zama Youth Center. The cost is $2 per person. Transportation will be provided from the SHA Narita bus stop at 6:30 p.m and the Atsugi movie theater at 6:15 p.m.
�U-Turn Program: This program is designed for youths to turn themselves around and get the help they need to graduate from high school and move on to higher education. It’s up to U to turn yourself around. The teen center staff is here for U! Join us Tuesdays and Thursdays nights form study groups; work together with your classmates; get help from staff and other volunteers; tutor classmates; get S.A.T. tutoring / practice tests; use this time to work on scholarships and other financial aid applications. There will be a return bus to SHA for those youth who participate in the U-Turn Program.
Daruma* Doll Market @ Jindai-ji Tem-ple, Chofu City, Tokyo, March 3-4* A daruma is a bright red doll in the likeness of an Indian monk who founded Zen Buddhism in the sixth century. Legend has it that the monk sat meditating in a cave for nine years and lost the use of his legs. Daruma are also good luck charms that help people fulfill their wishes; ithey encourage people to keep working toward their goals even when others are trying to hamper them.
Japan International Boat Show 2011 @ Pacifico Yokohama, March 3-6
Heiwajima Antique Market @ Tokyo Ryutsu Center, March 4-6
Homestyle Japanese Food Festi-val “Furusato no Shoku, Nippon no Shoku” @ Yoyogi Park Keyaki Street, Tokyo, March 12-13* There will be many food stalls representing typical local dishes from all over Japan. Admission is free.
Fire-walking Festival @ Mt. Takao Yakuo-in Temple, Tokyo, March 13Everyone is invited to join the fire-walking ceremony. No reservation needed.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Tokyo @ Omote-Sando Ave. Tokyo, March 13
UpcomingOngoing Events
Young Americans concertA concert featuring youth performers from the Camp
Zama community is scheduled to be held 6:30 p.m. today at the Music Theater Workshop here. The concert will include dancing, singing, art displays and written poetry. For more information, call 263-4500.
Nutrition presentationA presentation on the facts and myths of sports and
energy drinks is scheduled to be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Camp Zama Community Club. The speaker will by Navy Lt. j.g. Melissa Amescua, a clinical dietitian and the department head of Combined Food Operations at the U.S. Navy Hospital in Yokosuka. A pay-as-you-go luncheon will also be offered. The event is being coordinated by the Community Health Promotion Council, Medical Department Activity-Japan. For more information, call 263-5050.
Training DVDs availableShoulder to Shoulder: I Will Never Quit on Life is a
16-minute documentary video that features Soldiers who received help for personal distress or who assisted a fellow Soldier. These stories help reduce the stigma associated with personal distress, and inspire individuals to get the help they need. For Department of the Army civilians, the video is followed by a five-minute video module designed specifically for them. It features individuals who are committed to the well-being of the entire Army family or who found assistance and support within the Army.
The Home Front is a unique tool for education in the areas of suicide-risk awareness, suicide prevention and the promotion of a positive behavioral health lifestyle. Also available are suicide awareness pamphlet guides.
If you wish to have a copy of any of these materials, the Training Support Center located at Bldg. 102, Room 207.
Post-Combat Stress SupportA special support group to assist those experiencing
symptoms of post-combat stress is offered from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays in the community room at Army Community Services. For more information, call Gary Woods at 263-8091.
CLEP and DANTES TestingCollege-Level Examination Program (CLEP) and
Defense Activity for Non-traditional Education Support (DANTES) testing sessions are held at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Wednesdays. To schedule an appointment, call 263-5379 / 4691 or e-mail [email protected]. To study for the CLEP tests, visit www. petersons.com. To study for the DANTES exams, visit www.getcollegecredit.com.
Foreign Born Spouse Support Group Whether your question concerns immigration and natu-
ralization, learning the English language, or how to take local transportation, the Army Community Service Relocation Program provides assistance, weekly classes and referrals. The support group is held on the third Wednesday of every month from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the ACS Outreach Room. Call 263-HELP (4357) for pre-registration.
Army Volunteer CorpsWould you like to learn new skills, meet new people
and explore new career fields? Then you may want to enter the exciting world of volunteerism. You can register as a volunteer in the Volunteer Management Information System. It’s easy to get started. This can be completed at your home, the Education Center, the library or by utilizing the volunteer computer at ACS. If you do not have an account at www. myarmylifetoo.com, register for an account by going to the site and clicking on “Register for an Account.” Once registered, with www.myarmylifetoo.com, click on “Become a Volunteer” and select “Volunteer Registration.” To become a Camp Zama volunteer, contact the community life officer at 263-8087.
COMMUNITYwww.torii.army.mil TORII March 3, 2011 5
SAS art gallery honors Black History MonthBy Dustin PerryTorii Editor
A collection of murals, crafts and three-dimensional paintings done by students – all of which honored the theme of Black His-tory Month – was unveiled Friday during a gallery presentation at Sagamihara Family Housing Area’s School-Age Care.
The artwork lined the walls of the SAC facility, allowing the children, parents and community members in attendance the op-portunity to see the results of the young creators’ efforts.
Having a gallery in recognition of Black History Month and using artwork created by the children was meant to educate and inspire creativity among them, said a program assistant at SAC.
“We just told the children, ‘We would like to have an art gallery where we can display your work. What do you guys want to do?’ said Dayana Medina. “I think they came up with some really good projects.”
Among the works on display was a mural that alphabetically recognized notable black inven-tors, traditional hand-made jew-elry and other accessories, and 3-D portraits of prominent black figures such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Michael Jackson and Chris Rock.
Christie Moreck, 8, spent weeks working on several different projects for the gallery and said she learned a lot about the history of blacks in America, as well as the importance of honoring them and their many contributions.
“I learned that a long time ago,
Photos by Dustin PerryChildren attending School-Age Care at Sagamihara Family Housing Area act in a skit Friday as part of the unveiling of an art gallery featuring works created by them in honor of Black History Month.
black people were not able to do things that other people could do,” said Christie. “It made me feel sad, but it also made me feel happy because our world has changed today. Having this gallery made me feel excited because I wanted everyone to see what was really important to me about Black His-tory Month.”
Also included during the gallery was a skit performed by several SAC children. The skit told the story of a single black mother whose child was being bullied at school. The intent of the performance was to demonstrate the right to equality that all people deserve, regardless of their race, said Medina.
“I hope the children and the audience learned that we are all hu-man beings, and it doesn’t matter what color you are,” said Medina. “What’s really important is what you have in your heart.”
Opening remarks at the gallery were given by Wanda Helton, wife of Col. Perry Helton, commander of U.S. Army Garrison – Japan. Helton expressed her admiration of the young artists and said the success of the event was evident in the quality of their works.
“Spanish-American philoso-pher George Santayana once said, ‘An artist is a dreamer consenting to dream of the actual world,’” said Helton. “To those whose works decorate this gallery, I applaud you for being dreamers. Each of you looked inside your creative minds and found an idea that inspired you. Each of you took that inspiration – that dream – and created some-thing for the world to see.”
During her remarks, Helton
told the children that the story of black history in America is one dotted with oppression, inequality and discrimination, but contin-ued, “That story has also come to include the efforts of men and women who paved the way for liberty, freedom and triumph in every facet of the country’s cultural landscape.”
“This turbulent, but ultimately prevailing history lends itself perfectly to the interpretation of talented artists like the ones whose works decorate this very facility,” said Helton. “They should all be extremely proud of their fantastic creations, because I and the rest of the Camp Zama community certainly are.”
Wanda Helton admires three-dimensional artwork created by chil-dren at SAC as part of a gallery unveiling held there Friday.
Okinawa Defense Bureau hosts U.S.-Japan Friendship Day
By Anastasia MorenoTorii Station Public Affairs
OKINAWA CITY, Okinawa – About 100 Soldiers, sister servicemembers, civilians and family members – along with about 100 Okinawa City, Kadena Town, and Chatan Town residents – participated in a four-part U.S.-Japan Friendship Day hosted by the Okinawa Defense Bureau Friday.
The purpose of the cultural exchange program is to help strengthen the friendly relations between the American service-members and local communities. The first three portions of the program included com-mand briefs and base tours of Camp Foster and Kadena Air Base, and frank discussions on practical ways to prevent recurrence of incidents and accidents.
In the final portion of the program, more than 20 volunteers from all four services,
who practiced for several weeks in tradi-tional Okinawan performances such as the Ryukyu dance, karate, sanshin and eisa drums, showed off their skills to the rest of the attendees. The III Marine Expeditionary Band also played a few jazzy American tunes to liven up the event.
During the performances, many Ameri-can participants enjoyed several different Japanese dishes, such as sushi, yakisoba, takoyaki, and okonomiyaki, and tried their hand at cooking them as well.
Okinawa Defense Bureau coordinators said this was the first time they put together a successful cultural exchange program this year, which included all four services on island in one setting, and hoped to conduct another joint exchange event like this in the future to aid in deepening friendly relations between American military members and Japanese citizens.
U.S. servicemembers, others participate in lively event featuring dancing, music, food
Photo by Chip SteitzA performer demonstrates a traditional Ryukyu dance during U.S.-Japan Friendship Day, held Friday in Okinawa City and hosted by the Okinawa Defense Bureau.
CLASSIFIEDS & MOVIES 6 March 3, 2011 TORII www.torii.army.mil
Classified ads not pertaining to commercial profit are free to military personnel, DA Civilians, Family members and MLC/IHA employees. Ads should be 20 words or less with non-workplace E-mail or phone numbers listed. To submit a classified ad, E-mail [email protected]. However, the Torii Newspaper reserves the right not to publish inappropriate advertisements. Deadline is no later than noon Mondays. Military community classified ads can also be placed for free on a commercial Web site at www.mymilitaryclassifieds.com/xzclf/162_Camp_Zama_ARMY_/.
Appropriated Fund (APF) and Nonappropriated Fund (NAF) job announcements and application instructions are available at http://cpol.army.mil. For questions regarding APF vacancies, please call 263-3608. NAF MWR job announcements and required forms are also available at http://www.usarj.army.mil/information/zama/employ.htm. For questions regarding NAF vacancies, please call 263-5800.
Non-appropriated fund Pacific Stars & Stripes job announcements are available online at http://cpol.army.mil. For more information, call the Job Information Center at 229-3163.
Japanese national position vacancies are posted on the Internet at http://www.usagj.jp.pac.army.mil/ima/sites/jeso/rp_jjobs_list_j.asp. Application forms are available on the same site. Selection status can also be checked. For more information, call 263-3325.
Jobs
OthersWanted
Other local positions
Pets
Vehicles for sale
http://www.aafes.com/ems/pac/zama.htm267-6111
Friday6:30 p.m...Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son (PG-13) 83 minutes9 p.m.............Season of the Witch (PG-13) 95 minutes
Saturday6:30 p.m...Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son (PG-13) 83 minutes9 p.m.............Season of the Witch (PG-13) 95 minutes
Sunday3:30 p.m.................Gulliver’s Travels (PG) 85 minutes6:30 p.m...Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son (PG-13) 83 minutes
Animal adoption: Dogs and cats are available for adoption at the Camp Zama Veterinary Clinic. For more information, call 263-3875.
ZaCSA’s East Meets West Shop: located behind the dry cleaners on Camp Zama, carries vintage Japanese items and collectibles. Store hours are every Tuesday and the 2nd and 4th Saturday’s of the month from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Profits from the shop go back to the community in scholarships and welfare grants. For additional information please call 263-5533. Stop on by and check it out.
JAPANESE SPOUSE CLUB: Would you like to socialize with other Japanese spouses, learn more about being a military spouse, share your experiences and support with others? If so, please call Meg at 263-8327 or e-mail [email protected] for more information.
Rising Sun Lodge 151, F&AM. Stated Meeting 1st Thursday of every month at the Masonic Bldg, Sagami Depot. For more information contact:
Baby sitter: Seeking a babysitter who is willing to watch my 1-year-old overnight at our house. Our house is It is about a minute out gate 4. If you are interested, please call Scott at 090-8513-6274.
Volunteer at U.S. Army Garrison Japan Postal Service Center : Volunteer opportunities are available in the USAGJ Postal Service Center, we will provide you with valuable training in Post Office and Unit Mailroom operations. Please contact Army Community Services at 263-8087 for details and assistance on volunteering your services.
English teachers: A small off-post home school(about 200 students) near Sagami Depot. First time teachers welcome! Classes available Mon. – Thu. 1pm to 9pm (No weekends or Fridays!) Call for details. Derek Partington English School, home 042-756-4483; cell
Child and Youth Program Assistant (Level 2-4), (CYS, Zama & SHA), CY-1/2, RFT/RPT, $9.58 - $17.09, Open Continuous
Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection instructors wanted. Positions are available with Firearms Academy of Hawaii, Inc. Duties include instruction of marksmanship, watch standing and tactical team movements. Position location is Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan. Marksmanship instructor experience is a must. Tactical team movement experience is desired. Qualified candidates may call Christopher at 243-6171 or send resume to [email protected].
Substitute teachers: Zama American High/Middle School are currently accepting applications for substitute teachers. U.S. citizenship and a high school diploma or GED are required. For more information or any questions, please call 263-4005.
Physical Therapist, Intermittent (240 hours): Provides physical therapy service in the areas of physical disabilities, neuromuscular and psychosocial dysfunctions in patients ranging from adolescence to the very elderly. Must have license to practice physical therapy in the U.S. This is a contract positions open to SOFA status applicants. Resumes may be sent to [email protected]. ALL applicants shall register in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) at www.ccr.gov.
Physical Therapist, Intermittent (240 hours): Provides physical therapy service in the areas of physical disabilities, neuromuscular and psychosocial dysfunctions in patients ranging
from adolescence to the very elderly. Must have license to practice physical therapy in the U.S. This is a contract positions open to SOFA status applicants. Resumes may be sent to [email protected]. ALL applicants shall register in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) at www.ccr.gov.
Part-time English teacher: Pay is ¥16,000 to work four times per month. Two Mondays from 4 – 6:10 p.m., one Tuesday from 9 – 10 p.m. and one Friday from 7 – 8 p.m. Located 15 minutes driving distance from SHA in Minami-Rinkan area. For more information, E-mail Kaz at [email protected].
ESL teacher: Seeking ESL teachers for two conversational group classes. One requires travel to Tama and is very accessible by car. Meeting times are the 1st and 3rd Sat. from 10:30 a.m. – noon for one class and Sat. from 3 to 4 p.m. for the second. Pay is ¥7,500 and ¥3,000 per hour respectively. Call 090-549-6725 or e-mail [email protected].
Instructor: Arts and Crafts Center seeks instructors to teach sewing, water color painting, washi paper craft and/or acrylic paint arts. Also looking for contracted framer who has at least three years experience in framing production.For more information, call Nodera-san at 263-4412.
Instructor: If you interested to teach Hula, Jazz, Piano, Drum classes please contact Community Activity Center at 263-8892 or 3939
JAPANESE VISA ASSISTANCE: I am in the process of preparing the paperwork to sponsor my new Filipino wife for a Japanese Tourist Visa. If you have been thru this process, please call Jeff at 090-9102-2117
Due to the recent contract with Allied Telesis, residential phone numbers with 263- and 267- prefixes have changed. If you are currently running a classified ad in the Torii that lists an out-of-date residential number as a point of contact and would like to change it to your new extension, send an e-mail to [email protected] with the updated phone number. The Torii staff will work to ensure these changes are reflected in future issues of the publication.
[email protected]; website: risingsunlodge151.com; or call Dave 080-3467-7881.
FUREAI, Japanese Personnel Newsletter is issued and distributed electronically. This newsletter is for MLC/MC/IHA personnel and US personnel who have Japanese subordinate employees. It is available at https://intranet.zama.army.mil/?linkid=fureai.
Table Top Miniatures: Do you play Warhammer 40K or Fantasy? Other miniature games? Well contact me and let’s roll some dice! Please email James @ [email protected]
Sports Photos Wanted: The Torii Newspaper wants to publish your action sports photos for sports of all ages, all seasons. To showcase your team or your child’s team, e-mail your digital action sports photos less than two weeks old (with captions) in .jpg format of 3mb or more to [email protected].
Catering Services: The Catering Office is open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., plus it is open on Wednesdays by appointment only. For additional information and assistance, please call at 263-4204.
PWOC Bible Study Thursday morning Watch Care from 9:30 – 11:30am.: Needs to be CPR-certified and first aid-certified. Paid position. Call Camp Zama Chapel at 263-3955.
Misc. items: Purchased at Moda en Casa. Dimensions: 40cmWx 50 (d) x 69.5 (h). 40,000 yen. Matching dining table with 6 chairs. Table is 89.5cm x 50cm and is 69.5cm tall. Legs are removable. Nice warm finish. 50,000 yen. Photo's available. California King bedroom set. Built in North Carolina, purchased from Thomasville. Dark cherry. Includes bed, 2 nightstands, box spring and mattress. Dimensions are: Bed: 202 x 236 x 222h cm, Nightstands: 63.5w x 40.5d x 78.5h. 90,000 yen or best offer for the entire set. Photo's available. Get in shape while having some fun. Ride a lightly used Joba to a fitter fit. Read more about it here: http://en.item.rakuten.com/wide/4647/ 20,000 yen. 090-7843-6435 [email protected] (3)
SPORTS & FITNESSTORII March 3, 2011 7www.torii.army.mil
Your Weekly Dose
Sports Briefs
� Free seasonal flu vaccine available for ages 6 months and up: DoD ID card required. Vaccines are limited until all shipments are received. For more information, contact the Immunization staff at 263-4838.Hours: Monday through Wednesday and Friday: 8 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday: 1 to 3 p.m. Patients must be signed in 15 minutes prior to closing time to receive their vaccination.
� Access to care at BG Sams U.S. Army Health Clinic is available 24/7. The clinic is not open 24/7 but our triage line is available 24/7. When calling the clinic at 263-4127, our staff will notify a provider who will call you back. The provider will advise you if you can wait until the clinic opens, or if you need to seek medical care elsewhere.
� Recently we have noticed an increase of calls to the “911” number. This is the emer-gency number which activates the MPs, our ambulance, EMTs and translators. If you have a life-threatening medical emergency, call “911” on post or “119” off post. If you are feeling sick or have an injury that does not meet the criteria for life, limb or eyesight, call the clinic at 263-4127 and push option 1 for triage nurse or 24/7 medical advice. Our provider on call will advise you on what options are available.
Civilian Fitness ProgramThe Civilian Fitness Program allows Department of the Army civilians the op-portunity to lose weight, get fit, decrease stress, feel better, and sleep better by al-lowing participants up to three hours of duty time per week for physical activity in a command-sponsored fitness and wellness education program.Those interested in participating must take part in a mandatory prescreening and fit-ness assessment, approximately one hour, scheduled to be held 8 a.m. March 28 through 31 at Yano Fitness Center. Please dress in exercise clothes for the assessment. For more information, call Jana York at 263-5050.
Camp Zama Skeet RangeThe Zama Sportsmen’s Club and Skeet Range, located next to the golf driving range on Camp Zama, is open to all Status of Forces Agreement-status personnel of every experience level. The facility is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday. All supplies – guns, ammunition, skeet, hearing and eye protection – are provided, and the cost is $14 per round of skeet, plus a $3 cleanup fee. Monthly club meetings are held at 9 a.m. on the last Sunday of each month. For more information, call 090-4176-9259.
Sports Photos WantedThe Torii Newspaper wants to publish your action sports photos for sports of all ages, all seasons. To showcase your team or your child’s team, e-mail your digital action sports photos less than two weeks old (with captions) in .jpg format of 3MB or more to [email protected].
Photo by Dustin Perry
Making a racquetDallas Walker, the U.S. Army Garrison – Japan chaplain, returns a hit during a match at the intramural racquetball tournament Saturday at Yano Fitness Center here. Walker won the men’s division, defeating Jeremy Bachman of the 88th Military Police Detachment. Junko Yamamoto of the Japan Engineer District won the women’s division, defeating Agnieszka Sosnowska of the 88th MP Det.
TRADOC revises Army PT testBy Kelly SchloesserTRADOC Public Affairs
FORT MONROE, Va. – A training phi-losophy implemented by the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command has driven the U.S. Army Physical Fitness School to revise not only how the Army conducts physical training, but also how it will evalu-ate a Soldier’s physical capability.
Since 1980, the U.S. Army has assessed physical aptitude through the Army Physical Fitness Test, or APFT. Soldiers are required to complete three events: two minutes of push-ups, two minutes of sit-ups, and a two-mile run.
“Today’s PT test does not adequately measure components of strength, endurance or mobility,” said Lt. Gen. Mark P. Hertling, TRADOC’s deputy commanding general for Initial Military Training. “The events have a low correlation to the performance of warrior tasks and battle drills and are not strong predictors of successful physi-cal performance on the battlefield or in full spectrum operations.”
Hertling collaborated with a 16-member team headed by Frank Palkoska, director of the U.S. Army Physical Fitness School, resulting in a recommendation to the Army for not just one, but two revised PT tests.
The proposed tests, the Army Physi-cal Readiness Test and the Army Combat Readiness Test, align with Army Physical Readiness Training outlined in Training Circular 3-22.20, which was implemented Army-wide last August, providing exer-cises, drills and activities appropriate for various levels of physical fitness.
The APRT, designed to replace the current APFT, expands from three to five events, eliminates sit-ups, increases the pace of push-ups, and replaces the long-distance run with shorter, faster runs. The five events include a 60-yard shuttle run, a one-minute rower event, a standing long-jump, one minute of push-ups, and a 1.5-mile run.
TRADOC is also recommending Sol-diers take the ACRT, which incorporates warrior tasks and provides a more accurate assessment of the physical readiness train-ing program and the Soldier’s individual capability. The ACRT will be executed in the Army Combat Uniform, Advanced Combat Helmet, and weapon, and includes a 400-meter run, hurdles, a high crawl, casualty drag, sprints, and several other movement drills.
The test incorporates several exercises and drills from the physical readiness train-ing circular and provides a testing environ-ment similar to that on the battlefield.
“Previously, we primarily trained for the assessment,” said Palkoska. “Now our training will drive the test, not the other way around.”
The Army will begin pilot testing at ap-proximately eight locations with multiple units in order to set standards. Following the establishment of standards and a thorough review, likely lasting through the summer, the tests can then be approved for Army-wide execution.
TRAVEL & CULTURE8 March 3, 2011 TORII www.torii.army.mil
By Tetsuo NakaharaTorii Staff
2011 Tokyo Marathon shakes downtown
Photos by Tetsuo NakaharaMore than 36,000 runners take off from the start line at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building in the Shinjuku Ward for the fifth annual Tokyo Marathon Sunday.
Under a sunny and blue sky, more than 36,000 runners from all over the world sprinted through one of the busiest sections of Japan’s capital city during the 2011 Tokyo Marathon held Sunday.
Included in the group of runners were professionals and amateurs, all of whom came together for the biggest marathon race in Japan. The 42-kilometer course covered some of the major sightseeing spots in To-kyo to include Asakusa, Kaminarimon, the Yasukuni shrine, the main street of Ginza, Tokyo Tower and the Imperial Palace. Traf-fic on some of the main streets was closed for more than six hours to keep the runners
safe. Police officers and medical support teams established security spots everywhere in the town for support.
Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara fired the signal gun to kick off the race at the start line set in front of the square of Tokyo Metropolitan Government buildings in the Shinjuku Ward.
The Tokyo Marathon has been promoted as an event on which “the day Tokyo unites.” It is meant not only for competitive runners, but also a day in which participants of all kinds, volunteers and spectators can enjoy the city of Tokyo.
The race was supported by more than 10,000 volunteers who served various roles, such as registration administrators, food- and drink-service workers for the runners,
and spectator control along the road. Various local dance groups and bands
also performed along the route to cheer the runners along with the supporters on the course sideline. The Japanese Ground Self Defense Force band performed while runners passed in front of the Ministry of Defense building at approximately the five-kilometer mark.
“This was my third time running in the Tokyo Marathon,” said Yuumi Takaku, as-signed to the U.S. Army Garrison – Japan Directorate of Host Nation Relations/Public Affairs here, who finished with a time of 3 hours, 42 minutes. “The Tokyo Marathon has the most spectators in any marathon race I’ve ever been to, and that includes the New York City Marathon.
“It was a good feeling to get warm cheers from that many spectators and run through downtown Tokyo while enjoying the view,” added Takaku. “I’ll continue running mara-thons because they give me a feeling of accomplishment and good health.”
There were more than 300,000 applicants from all over the world who applied to for a lottery of only 36,000 spots. This year, more than 600 American runners won the lottery to participate in Asia’s largest marathon. The application process for the 2012 race is expected to begin this summer.
The top men’s finisher of Sunday’s race was Ethiopia’s Hailu Mekonnen with a time of 2:07:35. In the women’s division, Tatiana Aryasova of Russia won with a time of 2:27:29.
