Inside the Wire ... P AGE AGE 12 12 KEEPING EEPING BUSY BUSY WITH WITH J-6 J-6 GOODWIN OODWIN TOURS TOURS GUANTANAMO UANTANAMO CIVILIANS IVILIANS HELP HELP JTF JTF WORK WORK Friday, April 30, 2004 Volume 4, Issue 33 www.nsgtmo.navy.mil/jtfgtmo P AGE AGE 3 3 P AGE AGE 8 8 By SGT Jolene Staker Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 181st Infantry Regiment received their Expert Infantry Badge (EIB) Friday after three weeks of grueling training. “This is a great and historic day for the 181st Infantry. You couldn’t ask for any- thing better than to be able to participate in the EIB training and evaluation process down here in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba,” said LTC Joseph Noonan, 1-181st Inf. Regt., battalion commander. “It is some- thing each and every one of you should be proud of and always remember.” Of the fifty-three soldiers who went through the EIB training, sixteen passed all stations without more than two first time no-gos. This is a 30 percent pass rate. “The average pass rate is about 10 percent,” said Noonan. COL Steven Wickstrom, 26th Infantry Brigade commander, spoke at the EIB award ceremony. “I want to thank the JTF for supporting the battalion, and I want to acknowledge the work of the EIB committee,” said Wickstrom. “They, more than anyone, understand the challenges the awardees have surmounted and the personal pride they are feeling. They are thrilled to be able to pass this on to you.” Those who ran the EIB program put in many hours of hard work and showed extreme dedication to both the EIB pro - gram and the infantry. “I want to thank the many members of the committee and this battalion’s leader - ship for putting on, setting up, running and adhering to the standards for an Expert Infantryman Badge event,” said BG Jay Hood, JTF commander. “That is tough work; it is tough to do; and you all did a magnificent job of it.” Many instructors are EIB holders. This was an opportunity for them to pass the legacy on to another group of soldiers. “I wanted to give others the same opportunity to earn the badge that I had,” said SPC Brian Cannella of A Company. Not all instructors hold the EIB. They were asked to train based on their technical knowledge. They used the opportunity to See EIB, page 4 Expert Infantry Badge training completed Photo by SGT Jolene Staker BG Jay Hood, JTF commander, pins SGT Kevin McKoon of B Company, 1st Battalion, 181st Infantry Regiment during a ceremony held last Friday for those who earned their Expert Infantry Badges (EIB) during the three weeks of EIB training.
Friday, April 30, 2004Volume 4, Issue 33 www.nsgtmo.navy.mil/jtfgtmo
PPAGEAGE 3 3 PPAGEAGE 8 8
By SGT Jolene Staker
Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 181st InfantryRegiment received their Expert InfantryBadge (EIB) Friday after three weeks ofgrueling training.
“This is a great and historic day for the181st Infantry. You couldn’t ask for any-thing better than to be able to participate inthe EIB training and evaluation processdown here in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba,”said LTC Joseph Noonan, 1-181st Inf.Regt., battalion commander. “It is some-thing each and every one of you should beproud of and always remember.”
Of the fifty-three soldiers who wentthrough the EIB training, sixteen passed allstations without more than two first timeno-gos. This is a 30 percent pass rate. “Theaverage pass rate is about 10 percent,” saidNoonan.
COL Steven Wickstrom, 26th InfantryBrigade commander, spoke at the EIBaward ceremony.
“I want to thank the JTF for supportingthe battalion, and I want to acknowledgethe work of the EIB committee,” said
Wickstrom. “They, more than anyone,understand the challenges the awardeeshave surmounted and the personal pridethey are feeling. They are thrilled to beable to pass this on to you.”
Those who ran the EIB program put inmany hours of hard work and showedextreme dedication to both the EIB pro-gram and the infantry.
“I want to thank the many members ofthe committee and this battalion’s leader-ship for putting on, setting up, running andadhering to the standards for an ExpertInfantryman Badge event,” said BG JayHood, JTF commander. “That is toughwork; it is tough to do; and you all did amagnificent job of it.”
Many instructors are EIB holders. Thiswas an opportunity for them to pass thelegacy on to another group of soldiers.
“I wanted to give others the sameopportunity to earn the badge that I had,”said SPC Brian Cannella of A Company.
Not all instructors hold the EIB. Theywere asked to train based on their technicalknowledge. They used the opportunity to
See EIB, page 4
Expert Infantry Badge training completed
Photo by SGT Jolene Staker
BG Jay Hood, JTF commander, pins SGT KevinMcKoon of B Company, 1st Battalion, 181st InfantryRegiment during a ceremony held last Friday forthose who earned their Expert Infantry Badges (EIB)during the three weeks of EIB training.
Page 2 Friday, April 30, 2004
We are about to embark on a majortransition within our Joint Task Forceas we rotate from GMTO 4 to GTMO 5.You've seen some of it already-whenthe 119th Field Artillery arrived at thebeginning of the year, and when CSMFebles and I joined the team lastmonth.
What’s yet to come is a major transi-tion in our military personnel. For you,your GMTO 4 job ends when yourreplacement has been trained and youleave the island. But what you accom-plish in your two-week transition setsthe tone for GTMO 5 success.
During this important transition I askyou as leaders to remember the impor-tance of developing a detailed trainingplan. Take the time to make a plan thatimparts as much knowledge as possibleto your incoming counterpart, and thenfollow through with your plan. Take thetime to make sure each new trooper hasthe necessary tools to be just as success-ful as you are now, then give them anextra one so they will be even more suc -cessful.
Liken this phase of your deploymentto a relief in place on the battlefield. Itwill be the single hardest time duringyour deployment. Expect long hours andbe ready to physically demonstrate whatit takes to do your job.
Saying good-bye to your GTMO 4counterparts is OK, but take the time andmake the effort to welcome yourreplacements. Make sure they’re beingtaken care of: Let them know that whilethe transition period is stressful, thingswill settle down and they'll get the hangof things.
You can help by keeping things inpositive perspective. Watch out for theirwell-being and remember sometimes it’sthe little things that make a big differ-ence. Do they know the address and
phone number here so they can commu-nicate with family? Have they gotten aPIN and access code for morale calls?Do they know where to find the galley,the NEX and laundry facility?
Then, remember to take a reasonableamount of time for yourself. You need toprepare for a return to home and family,a National Guard or Reserve job andemployer, or active duty station, and alife quite unlike your JTF Guantanamoone. Even though this will be a demand-ing phase, make time to take care ofyourself.
In the coming weeks and months Iwant to get around to thank as many JTFtroopers in person as possible. I trulyappreciate your dedication and sacri -fices. Thanks for what you’ve done,you've served your Nation well and Iwish you a safe homecoming with yourloved ones.
Best of luck and Honor Bound.
Trooper to Trooper
BG Jay HoodCommander
JTF Guantanamo
Transitionbeginningfor troopers
JTF-GTMO Command
Commander:BG Jay W. HoodJoint Task Force CSM:CSM Angel FeblesPublic Affairs Officer:LTC Leon H. SumpterDeputy PAO:LCDR Robert W. Mulac70th MPAD Commander:MAJ David S. KolarikCommand Information Officer / Editor:CPT Tracy L. SaucyCirculation: 2,100 copies
The Wire StaffThe Wire NCOIC: SSG Patrick ClowardEditor:SPC Rick FahrStaff writers and design team:SGT Jolene StakerAF Staff Sgt. Joshua GormanSPC Katherine L. Collins
The Wire is produced by the 70thMobile Public Affairs Detachmentassigned to the Joint InformationBureau at Joint Task Force Guan-tanamo. This publication is printedunder the provisions provided inArmy Regulation 360-1 and doesnot reflect the views of the Depart-ment of Defense or the personnelwithin.
Friday, April 30, 2004 Page 3
By SSG Patrick Cloward
You see them walking through CampAmerica, driving civilian vehicles and wear-ing Hawaiian print shirts. They have norank, but they are just as valuable as anytrooper to the JTF.
Civilian contractors and employees spanthe gap that the U.S. military forces facewhen they need resources not provided bymilitary specialists. Some of the needs aresmall, but others are critical and essential.
“For some of the needs that the JTF has,you need to have someone that has theauthority to make purchases,” said ReggieTaylor, contracting officer and contract spe-cialist working out of Puerto Rico. “Youcan’t just go out and ask the government tobuy something.” Taylor says his job is a lit-tle hard to explain.
“I’m here on the ground to help assistwith purchase contracts,” said Taylor.
Taylor explained that one aspect of hiswork involves researching prices on variouspieces of equipment or services needed forongoing operations.
As the contracting officer, he is one of thefew people with the ability to make contractsor purchases on behalf of the JTF.
Though he’s only here for a limited time,Taylor feels his personal involvement hasgiven him a better understanding of theimportance of the JTF mission.
“The time I’ve spent here has given mesome insight on the mission here,” said Tay-
lor. “I’ve been able to assist in helping toobtain those things so that when I leave Ithink it will continue my relationship withthose I’ve worked with.”
For someone who’s developed a one-on-one relationship with the JTF, DouglasHiggs has done his best to improve on that.
“I handle all the JTF trouble calls,” saidHiggs. “Everyone comes to my desk to get itaccomplished by a service call or an impactcall. If it exceeds a certain amount, I send it to[Art Torley]. I’m the customer liaison for theJTF. They call with requirements, go out inthe field and get exactly what they want, andget the work started in the right direction.”
Some of the projects he has overseeninclude the remodeling of the Joint Informa-tion Group fusion room and the renovationof the latrine at the Seaside Galley.
“My job is to make sure that the troopshave some place to sleep and to be sure thatthe galley facility stays online,” said Higgs.“They call me for anything that’s wrongwith the galley. I want to make sure that thetroops can accomplish their mission and nothave to worry about little inconveniencesthat I can take care of.
“I had a 72-hour window to accomplishthat,” Higgs added. “Planning was a big partin working with the JTF and the contractor.We lined up everything in advance measure-ments and getting things ready to be modu-lar. It was important to look at the wholebuilding, so being on site to handle anyproblems that arose was essential.”
“I’ve learned that nothing is impossible ifyou keep the can-do attitude,” said Art Tor-ley, the maintenance control director work-ing for the JTF. “I never envisioned(various) areas the way they are today.”
For Torley, who has worked here longerthan most military members, seeing a proj-ect go from the initial idea to final comple-tion is something that he takes greatsatisfaction in.
“Any work that’s going to be done on thestation goes through my office and I assign itwhere it needs to go,” said Art. “It’s assignedto me and then we have positions within pub-lic works that are funded by the JTF.”
Torley, who meets with JTF representa-tives on a regular basis, says they are hisbiggest customers.
“Whether it be engineering, planning orconstruction, we probably have over 300JTF work requests in our system right now.”
From Seaside Galley to Camp Delta tothe Camp America NEX, all these ideasstarted as a request on Torley’s desk. ThoughJTF gets top priority, he also has to deter-mine if it’s a viable request.
“I make sure that the work is in the rightpriority number to keep as many customershappy and keep the mission a number onepriority. It also includes having to tell peopleit’s not mission essential, so sometimes Ihave to say no,” Torley said.
But overall, Torley says that working withthe JTF is the most challenging and mostexciting tour he’s done.
Photo by SSG Patrick ClowardArthur Torley works for the JTF as the Maintenancecontrol director. Any work that's going to be done forthe JTF goes through his office.
JTF civilian employees – the bridge to success
Photo by SSG Patrick ClowardDouglas Higgs works for the JTF as the facilities manager, handling all trouble calls.
contribute to the overall readi-ness of the infantry by sharingtheir expertise.
“I feel that other soldiersneed to learn what I know sothat I’m passing on the stan-dards of training I learned fromtraining for my MOS,” saidSSG William Bara of A Com-pany.
SGT Ronald Leger isattached to A Company fromthe 101st Field Artillery. Hewanted to contribute his fieldartillery knowledge to theinfantryman he is working within Guantanamo.
“I love my job,” said Leger.“When you put infantry andfield artillery together it,becomes an unbridled force.”
The 16 soldiers who earnedthe EIB should be proud. “It’s agreat accomplishment to receiveit, I know you will wear itproudly and be honored to haveit,” said Noonan.
While soldiers goingthrough the program hoped tobe wearing the badge at theend, the true emphasis on theprogram is training, and eachsoldier who participated in theprogram should be proud oftheir hard work.
“For the other 37 soldiers,”said Noonan, “be proud youreceived some great training,worked hard every day, andthere is nothing to be ashamedof. You did a great job.”
“I think the EIB trainingwas good for all the soldierswho took it,” said SSG DavidDion of C Company. “Theygrasped a lot of information ina short amount of time.”
Just having the opportunityto participate in the EIB wasappreciated by some soldiers.
“It was one of the best self-development things that I coulddo on this deployment,” saidSGT Jesse Vautour of B Com-pany.
“This was the first time inmy 16-year career that I havebeen able to participate in theEIB program,” said SGTRonald Boszar of B Company.
SPC Theodore Vrooman, ofB Company knew going intothe program that because ofhis field artillery MOS hewould not be authorized towear the EIB, but he stillchose the training and passedall the requirements for theEIB. What started out as achallenge ended as a valuabletraining experience.
“I wanted to show everyonewho is 11B that I can do every-thing they can do,” saidVrooman. “You learn so muchin four days. I have never evenseen some of the things Ilearned about before this train-ing.”
At least one instructor vol-unteered his time to the EIBprogram as a way to give sol-diers something worthwhile to
work for while away fromhome.
“I believe that it is a greatthing they let soldiers ondeployment participate inevents that allow personalgrowth,” said SSG StevenFontes of A Company.
Soldiers who did not earntheir EIB this time had valu-able experience that shouldhelp them the next time theyare given the opportunity to tryfor the badge. With only anaverage 10 percent pass rate forthe EIB, many who proudlywear the badge now had to gothrough the training more thanonce.
“I had a platoon sergeantwho said he walked 60 milesto get his EIB because he hadto do it five times before he
got his badge, and he was agood soldier,” said MSG Mar-tin Litwiller, battalion intelli -gence sergeant and EIBNCOIC of Headquarters Com-pany.
“Each and every soldiertraining for the EIB should becommended whether they earnthe badge this time or not,”said SGT Derek Styles of BCompany. “It took me morethan one time to earn mine. It’snot easy, but it is great train-ing.”
Many things play into thesuccess of EIB candidates.Hard work and dedication tothe program are required, butsome feel that much of it isdetermined by whether they arehaving a good day or an offday.
“It’s 50 percent karma and50 percent skill,” said 1LTJason Scangas of A Company.
Regardless of whether theywalked away with their EIB, allsoldiers participating in theprogram should be proud oftheir hard work and willingnessto train to become more profi-cient at their job every day.
“There’s a lot of dedicatedguys in the infantry,” said SFCDavid Parella of HeadquartersCompany.
“Remember the hard work,the sacrifice and the sweat thatyou put into it,” said Noonan.“You are a special group ofinfantry soldiers, be proud ofwhat you accomplished todayand carry on the legacy of theEIB for the next group whowill receive it.”
“I am extraordinarily proudand would like to congratulateeach and every one of the win-ners of this year’s EIB,” saidHood. “You should beextremely proud of whatyou’ve done, and you takewhat you’ve learned, not onlythe individual skills but disci-pline and attention to detailthose things that make for anexceptional soldier. Take theseback to your squads this iswhere they will make a differ-ence.”
Friday, April 30, 2004Page 4
EIB from page 1
SGT Derek Styles (above) demonstrates how to set the headspace and timing onthe .50 caliber machine gun. 2LT Joshua Romano (below, left) of B Company, 1stBattalion, 181st Infantry Regiment receives some helpful hints and instructionsfrom SSG David Dion of C Company on how to prepare a range card for theM240B.
Friday, April 30, 2004 Page 5
Trooper on the street
I was impressed at myability to learn a new job,even though my careerfield within the Air Forceis something totally differ-ent.
Senior AirmanChristopher Heller
J-6 Future Operations
The 6 mile ruck march. Ididn’t give up and real-ized Ihad a higher limitthan I had previouslythought.
Senior AirmanDavid Magee
J-3 Joint Operations
PFC Brendan EbertJ-8
Finance
My proudest accomplish-ment while I’ve beenhere would have to bethe skills and knowledgeI’ve learned about myjob. I’ve learned to havea lot of patience in deal-ing with day to day com-plications that can showup.
Navy OS1Matthew Cannon
J-3 JOC
I am most proud of myaccomplishment of beinga team member with theArmy as far as the 6 mileruck march and qualifyingsharpshooter on the 9 mmat the Army course. Mostof all I’m proud of beingthe Joint OperationsCenter watch chief forJTF GTMO. I am proudand a better man.
This week’s question:
What accomplishment are you most proud of during your time here at JTF GTMO?
By AF Staff Sgt. Joshua C. Gorman
Photo by AF Staff Sgt. Joshua Gorman
Inspector general awardedBG LeClaire awards Air Force Lt. Col. BruceMedaugh, JTF Inspector General’s office, theDefense Meritorius Service Medal in a recent cer-emony.
ArmySGT Andrew Acker
JDOG Supply
I am most proud of con-tinuing my military educa-tion and saving some ofmy money since I’vebeen here.
Friday, April 30, 2004Page 6
Photos by SGT Jolene Staker
Clockwise left to right: SPC Joel Morgan of C Company,1st Battalion, 181st Infantry Regiment puts a splint on aleg during EIB training. SGT Johnny Saldana of C Com-pany looks through binoculars while looking at his targeton the estimate range. SSG Daniel Reilly of the 181stInfantry Regiment puts together the M240B Machine Gun.SGT Craig Guertin of C Company trains on giving mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. SGT Michael O’Neill of C Companyfires the M240B Machine Gun.
181st Infantry completes final week of EIB training
Friday, April 30, 2004 Page 7
Chaplain’s Corner
Heavenly Bits andPieces
By CH (MAJ) Daniel OdeanThe world uses duct tape to fix
things. Jesus used nails. Man can fix a lot of things. He can
get by like MacGyver, if need be. Butwhen it comes to spiritual matters, eter-nal matters, man cannot patch it up.
The only thing that can "fix it" iswhat Jesus did on the cross for you andme.
Colossians 2:13, 14 - "God madeyou alive with Christ. He forgave us allour sins, having canceled the writtencode, with its regulations, that wasagainst us and that stood opposed to us;he took it away, NAILING it to thecross."
Photos by AF Staff. Sgt. Joshua Gorman
Catholic Mass
By CH (LTC) SteveFeehan
Worship services and programs:Alpha CourseA discussion forum designed to answer questions about Christianity. Held at
Camp America North, room L001, every Tuesday at 7 p.m.Soul SurvivorListen to contemporary Christian music and dynamic preaching. Held at the
Club Survivor deck every Wednesday at 7 p.m.Thursday TicketEach week a contemporary movie is played and afterwards, viewers discuss
the moral and ethics introduced in the film. Held at Camp America North, roomL001, every Thursday at 7 p.m.
Prayer BreakfastThere will be a National Day of Prayer on Prayer Breakfast Tuesday, 7:30 a.m.
at Seaside Galley. Please arrive in time to go through the serving line. The guestspeaker will be Chaplain (Rear Adm.) Robert Burt.
Family and Friends Day CelebrationThere will be a celebration Sunday following a 1 p.m. service from 4 to 8 p.m.
at the main chapel complex. Food, music, games and fellowship will be provided.All that is required is your presence.
(Above) Petty Officer2nd Class Steve Freeseassists in the servicewith the lighting of can-dles Sunday.
(Right) Members of theJoint Task Force Guan-tanamo community jointogether in worship at aCatholic service Sundayevening at the Trooper’sChapel.
The most valuable day in yourlife is today. Yesterday is gone,not a lot you can do about yester-day.
Tomorrow is not promised toany of us. Today is the time foraction.
Whatever good thing you havein your mind to do or to say. Doit now.
As the words of a popularGarth Brooks song say:
If tomorrow never comesWill she know how much
I love herDid I try in every wayto show her every dayThat she’s my only oneAnd if my time on earth
were throughAnd she must face the world
without meIs the love I gave he
in the past Gonna be enough to last
If tomorrow never comes?
Just Do It - NOW
Friday, April 30, 2004Page 8
Photos by SGT Jolene Staker
The Dreaming Bear Music recording label paidthe expenses for Carly Goodwin and her band totravel to Jacksonville, Fla., where she flew toGuantanamo to perform for military members.
She sang at Club Survivor on April 21st and atthe Windjammer on April 22nd. Besides her fam-ily and band she also had a film crew taping for“Country Across America” which will air onGreat American Country on May 4th at 9 p.m.
Goodwin performed the song “Baby ComeBack Home” which she wrote with her motherand well-known Nashville songwriter GeraldSmith.
The song was inspired when a radio show inNashville had family members of deployed mili-tary members telling their loved ones to make ithome safely.
Goodwin began her music career at the youngage of 7 when she asked for music lessons for herbirthday.
Her resume includes Hallmark commercials,the Wonder Years television show, NBA Jazzgames and ski cups at Park City, Utah.
She has sang for the military at Fort Polk, La.,Fort Hood, Texas, and Fort Campbell, Ky. “Every-where I can go that I can do this, Iwill,” saidGoodwin.
Goodwin is currently seeing if she can workthrough the red tape to perform for the troops inIraq.
Goodwin said that her experience in Guan-tanamo was rewarding.
“I’m happy to be here and thanks for welcom-ing me,” she said.
Goodwin now calls Nashville home as she pur-sues her dream of a music career that will ulti-mately get her inducted into the Grand Ole Oprysomeday.
Goodwin expects her CD to be released inJune. More information about Goodwin is avail-able at www.carlygoodwin.com.
Top left: (left to right) The film crew tapes SFC Ernesto Ramos of the 14th Finance Detachmentand SGT Cindy Singer of the 384th Military Police Battalion. Top right: Dow Tomlin on the bass,Carly Goodwin singing and Steve Holland on the drums at the Windjammer. Center: (left to right)SGT Jamie Bourgault of B Co., 1st Battalion, 181st Infantry Regiment and SGT Christina Kowalskiof the 177th Military Police Brigade dance while Vaughn Lofstead plays the guitar and Carly Good-win sings “Baby Come Back Home” as an encore at Club Survivor. Bottom: Max Elman, GailGoodwin, Carly Goodwin, SGT Chris Brown of the 463rd Military Police Company and ScottMacKinnon stand on the Club Survivor deck. Brown was the one who contacted Carly Goodwinon her website and requested that she come to Guantanamo.
In the end, quarterback EliManning got what he wanted –a new home anywhere but SanDiego.
Peyton’s little brother andArchie’s son was the topchoice in the weekend’s NFLdraft, taken by the same SanDiego Chargers he hadspurned earlier in the week.
The saga began with Man-ning’s representatives tellingthe Chargers he wouldn’t playfor them and ended with abehind-the-scenes trade involv-ing the New York Giants andtheir top choice, quarterbackPhilip Rivers.
Other top 10 draft pickswere: Oakland, RobertGallery; Arizona, LarryFitzgerald ; Washington , Sean
Taylor; Cleveland, KellenWinslow; Detroit, RoyWilliams; Atlanta , DeangeloHall; Jacksonville, ReggieWilliams ; and Houston,Dunta Robinson.
The draft was the first inhistory to see seven widereceivers taken in the firstround.
Experts crowned the DetroitLions as having the best groupof draftees. The Lions tookreceiver Roy Williams andrunningback Kevin Jones, atandem that should mesh withwith franchise quarterbackJoey Harrington.
***A late caution flag cost Dale
Earnhardt Jr. his fifth Tal-ladega win.
Junior’s No. 8 had beenslow off the cautions all day
but had been strong enough tofight back to the lead, but whena yellow flag came with just 10laps remaining in Sunday’sAaron’s 499, Earnhardt could-n’t hold off Jeff Gordon , whotook the lead and held it forfive laps before another wreckeffectively ended the race.
Junior retained his NextelCup points lead, though, stay-ing ahead of Jimmie Johnsonand Gordon.
***Three weeks into the base-
ball season, the numbers tellthe storylines.
Three. That’s the differencein win totals from AlexRodriguez’s team from lastyear, the Texas Rangers, andhis team this year, the New YorkYankees. The Rangers were 11-8 without A-Rod, and the Yan-
kees were 8-11 with him.Nine. That’s the number of
home runs Barry Bonds hitthrough 18 games.
Twenty-seven . That’sBonds’ walks total, leading toan on-base percentage of .700.
Less than one. That’s theearned-run average for Don-trelle Willis of the FloridaMarlins through 25 innings.New York Met Tom Glavineis sitting at 1.00 through hisfirst four starts.
Five. That’s the number ofhitters batting at least .400.They are Bonds, Paul LoDuca, Sean Casey, RafaelBelliard and Kevin Harvey.
Four and zero. That’sRoger Clemens’ record in hisfirst four starts.
Compiled from www.espn.com
By SPC Rick Fahr
Years ago, a group of Californians madea documentary film about sharks.
The production brought to brutal lifethe finned killing machines. I've seen thepiece, “Jaws,” many times since, and italways reaffirms my belief that sharkspose a significant threat to my life -- nomatter if I live near an ocean or not.
I've been thinking a lot about sharksever since I arrived on this island.
As we flew over the ocean on our way toGuantanamo Bay, I paid careful attention toevery nuance of the jet’s engine noises.Each time I thought I detected a hiccup, Ibegan to scan the water below for telltaledorsals, hoping that if it came to it I’d beable to direct the predators toward a better.
When we go out on the water, I try to keepa sharp eye out. “Jaws” and its subsequentinstallments clearly pointed out that a sharkwon’t think twice about attacking a boat. So,I know that we’re not safe just because we’reout of the water. I try to keep someonebetween myself and the water. That way, onestrategic push might be all I need to occupythe shark while I’m getting away.
Some people may think that sharks areonly real threats if you’re in or on theocean. That’s not true. Jimmy Buffet sangabout “sharks that feed on the land.” Helives on the ocean, and I’m sure he knowswhat he’s talking about. I’m not exactlysure how sharks have managed to evolveto such a level that they can roam terrafirma, but I’m gonna err on the safe sideand be alert at all times.
I know. I know. I think about the dan-gers of sharks more than most people. Hey,I’m a careful person, and I see sharks forwhat they are - a big-time threat to keepingall my innards in place. I don’t even knowwhat my spleen does, but I want to keep itinside and in working order.
Understanding that not everyone willput enough thought into their own personalshark safety plan, I’ll offer a few tips toavoid being gnawed on by a great white.
10. If the pizza delivery man says thebill is three snappers and one grouper,don’t open the door.
9. Keep your M-16 handy while show-ering.
8. Stay away from gray, black-eyedsalesmen at the NEX who have fishybreath and keep trying to get you to liedown on a surfboard.
7. Don’t pick up a hitchhiker that sticksout a fin instead of a thumb.
6. If the thing daring you to try tosnatch an apple out of its mouth has moreteeth than Donny Osmond, run away.Quickly.
5. Don’t water ski while wearingsalami-scented trunks.
4. If you’re fishing and a Big Mac sud-denly appears in front of you danglingfrom a string and a salty voice startssinging the Big Mac theme song, don’treach out over the water.
3. Don’t open any big parcels left onyour doorstep that have a return address of“Out in the Bay.”
2. Be wary if a new “augmentee” inyour unit wears two conch shells instead ofcombat boots and a sea turtle shell insteadof a kevlar.
And my No. 1 tip: Don’t swim with aleaky bag of pig blood.
FAHR GAME
Finned ‘augmentees’ can be hazardous to your health
Friday, April 30, 2004Page 10
By SPC Rick Fahr
As troopers near the end oftheir deployments, they mayfind themselves staring at aproblem – getting a mountainof accumulated stuff from hereback home.
According to SSG MichaelAndersen of the JTF postalfacility, troopers have severaloptions.
He said that sending per-sonal items through the mailincludes three options – prior-ity, first class and space avail-able. Priority mail, the mostexpensive option, and first-class mail usually arrive attheir destination within theUnited States in less than twoweeks. Space-available mail isless expensive, but it is alsoslower, too, with packagesarriving up to about 30 daysafter mailing. With any of theoptions, the Postal Service doesnot guarantee delivery timesfrom overseas.
Troopers may use varioustypes of shipping containers.Navy Petty Officer KeeshaCraig noted that boxes (exceptthose advertising alcohol,tobacco or hazardous prod-ucts), plastic containers andduffel bags are acceptable. Shesaid that securing the packagescannot include “masking” or“scotch” tape.
The cost for shipping itemsdepends on two factors.
“The difference in costdepends on the zone it’s goingto and the amount that itweighs. If they can estimate thepounds it weighs, we can esti-mate a price,” Craig said.
When mailing a duffel bag,troopers should follow severalguidelines:n leave one end accessible
to affix postage;n fill out customs form
2976-A;n bag cannot exceed 70
pounds;n secure all straps;n if locked, have a spare
key or combination and a spareaddress in the side pocket;n use the address form pro-
vided by Postal Service.Andersen added that troop-
ers should not order items to bedelivered to Guantanamo Baywithin 30 days of their depar-ture date. When troopers leave,they will have an opportunityto update their mailing address,and any mail received afterthey leave will be forwarded tothat address.
“Everyone should fill outone of these forms,” he encour-aged, noting that troopersshould contact publishers tohave any printed materials sentto their new address.
Troopers are aware of theoperational security issuesinvolved with mailing and/orleaving the island. All mediamust go through the J-6 office.
“No unexposed film is thebiggie,” Andersen said. “Mail-ing does require a customsform. So, trying to ship unde-clared, unauthorized stuffcould cause even more troublefor an individual.”
Craig said that troopers maymail seashells or conch shellsthat are properly packaged.
For more information, call5396, 2156 or 2369.
Photo by SPC Rick Fahr
SPC Kyle Mostad of the JTF J-1 staff reads mailing labels to ensure proper deliv-ery of incoming mail. As troopers prepare for redeployment, many of them maybe soon using the base's postal facilities to ship personal items home or toanother duty station.
Redeploying?Time to learnrules for mailing
Friday, April 30, 2004 Page 11
By SSG Patrick Cloward
So you’re at your office and your com-puter freezes up. You’ve learned to call thatfamiliar number to the J-6 help desk to geta work order started.
Believe it or not, J-6 personnel do morethan just fix your computer. They do a lotmore.
“This is a constantly dynamic andchanging environment,” said MAJ ScottHorning, deputy director of the JTF J-6 andmember of the 177th Military Police Bde.“We’re doing everything from providingdata to analysts across the world to provid-ing a telephone for your office. It’s a wholecomplete infrastructure.” Horningexplained that every time a person comeson the island, the J-6 is involved in oneway, shape or form. “We’re all about lever-aging information technology to enable theSoldier, Airman and Marine to be fightingmore effective.”
“It is amazing the technology they havedown here,” said SSG Larry Pugh, a JTFaugmentee of the 93rd Signal Bde. of FortGordon, Ga. “Working with guys here hasbeen a learning experience.”
Of all the communications needs theJTF requires, it all involves operationalsecurity.
“We oversee operations for communica-tions of the JTF Guantanamo on all sides,”
said MSG Donald Wallace, J-6 operationsNCOIC of the 177th MP Bde. “Thatincludes pagers, cell phones, radios andcomputers, including the MWR comput-ers.”
“I feel like I’m building a city,” saidHorning “Upon arriving, I went from beingoverwhelmed by the sheer number of tar-gets to only being less overwhelmed.”Some of the projects include moving peo-ple ... to other locations on the base andproviding a dot com solution to the MWRcomputer need.
The J-6 recently turned over MWRcomputers to a commercial vendor so theyaren’t restricted in regulation as much as amilitary network. This makes it easier touse services like Dialpad for troops want-ing to call home.
“Since I’ve been here the scale ofgrowth has increased dramatically,” saidHorning, citing an increase of about 400computers and 150 palm pilots.
“The demand for communication is 100percent,” said Wallace. “Meaning theyalways have to be up. You have to havegood communications and it has to work.We’re working on building it to what itneeds to be.”
“They want to start up a new focalpoint for communications in GTMO andneeded someone to set it up,” said Tech.Sgt. William Aquino, an augmentee fromDavis Monthan AFB, Ariz. “So far we’resetting up daily communications statusreports to SOUTHCOM.” The JCCC spe-
cialized in telephone trouble calls andrequests. So if there’s a problem, JTFmembers know who to call. “We’ll have apoint of contact and phone numbers toknow who to contact to get the ballrolling. If anyone has a communicationquestion they can come straight to us. Wehave the operating instructions for every-thing. Besides computer and telephonehelp desk we are the go-to guys.”
Of course, the go-to guys aren’t the onlyones to help in an emergency.
“Every day I support the JTF’s com-puter needs fixing problems, running trou-ble tickets, doing anything I can,” saidSPC Vernon Flemister of the 258th MPCo. “It could be many things. I could befixing a computer problem, fixingaccounts or working on the inside of com-puters. Out of the office, I work on com-puters.” Flemister says he loves what hedoes. “I’m learning the new equipmentand things in the ever-changing world ofcomputers and adapting to the world oftechnology so I can be there for the cus-tomer.”
“We cover all pieces of the pie,” saidHorning. “It takes a lot of coordination andit’s given me an appreciation for workingwith so many professionals. It’s made megrow as a professional.”
He added that working for the JTF hasgiven him a sense of accomplishment inmaking a difference in the global war onterrorism. “It’s the right information to theright people at the right time.”
J-6 personnel do more than fix your computer
Photo by SSG Patrick Cloward
SPC Vernon Flemister of the 258th MP Co. works at the J-6 help desk resolving JTF customerscomputer problems.
Photo by SSG Patrick Cloward
TSGT William Aquino from Davis Monthan AFB,Ariz. works for the JTF J-6 department as a tele-phone technician. Recently, he's been assigned tostart the new Joint Command and Control Center
Friday, April 30, 2004Page 12
15 Minutes of Fame...With Staff Sgt. Larry Pugh, J-6
By AF Staff Sgt. Joshua Gorman
SSG Pugh arrived at JTF Guan-tanamo from Fort Gordon, just outside ofAugusta, Ga. He works in the J-6 depart-ment as the noncommissioned officer incharge of communications security.
Q: What inspired you to join theArmy?
A: My grandfather was a 33 yearcareer combat veteran of World War II,the Korean conflict, and he also did threetours in Vietnam. Seeing what he gaveand the sacrifice he made inspired me tofollow in his footsteps. He was my onetrue hero who inspired me.
Q: What did you initially plan to dowhen you first joined?
A: When I initially joined the Army Iwanted to be just like my grandfather andbe a tanker, but my recruiter wouldn’t letme. He insisted that I go signal and getthe wonderful sign-on bonus.
Q: What do you consider your bestmilitary experience?
A: Getting promoted and becoming anoncommissioned officer. It is a greatfeeling to know that I am shaping andhelping with forming the future genera-tion of the Army.
Q: What has your family done tocope with your absence?
A: This is my fifth time being away.They have almost become used to mebeing away. My children have beenlearning to do more activities while I’maway. It is hard for me because on my lasttrip out of country my son had his firstfootball game. I missed the whole seasonactually. I would get an e-mail from himand he was always excited telling meabout the kid he knocked down or thequarterback he tackled.
Q: Have you served in any otherdeployments?
A: I have been on dependent restrictedtours, which is almost like a deployment,
and I have been to Saudi Arabia, alongwith Thailand. I would say though thatbeing here in the Joint Task Force is thebest place I have been so far.
Q: What have you valued the mostfrom the deployments you’ve been on?
A: The pride knowing that you are amember of an elite group and you havemade a difference in the end. You are partof a wheel that can not roll along withoutyou. There are people back home where Iam from, and some of them have nevermade it beyond South Carolina orAlabama. While I am in the Army I amgoing to different countries. I am alwaysglad to go. I get to experience somethingthat some people only dream about.
Q: What significant military contri-bution have you been especially proudof?
A: That is hard, but when you go to
the Basic Noncommissioned OfficersCourse at Fort Gordon, Ga, you alwayscontribute back to the local area. Youhave to do something for the Augustaarea. I remember helping the local schoolduring my time. The whole BNCOC classwent out on a field trip with this firstgrade class and it was our job to helpescort them. It was an honor for me,because each one of those children wassaluting us and thanking us. A wonderfulday for me.
Q: What has your family done toshow their support of you?
A: Well I think that I am on at leastthree prayer lists back home, so I ampretty sure that God is watching overme. Two of my brothers and my sisterare very vigilant in that. They want toensure that I’m watched over by God. Asfor my wife, she is wonderful. She getsour son and daughter off to school everyday. She gets them around to whateverpractice they need to make. While shedoes this she is also going to college,taking care of the house, paying bills,and making sure the children send me acard or letter every week. It’s just amaz-ing. I don’t know how she does it. Iknow if I were there I would have gonecrazy by now.
Q: What were your expectationsabout Guantanamo?
A: My one expectation was to come toGuantanamo and not get fired. I wantedto come here and do my job and make ithome. I have one of the most low profile,but highest, demanding jobs. I am the oneresponsible for making sure everythingthat needs to have communications secu-rity gets it.
Q: Have there been any challengesin your duty here?
A: I will be honest, when I left my unitat Fort Gordon, Iwas told I would beworking with Reservists and NationalGuard. I did not know what to expect atall. So far I have been really impressedwith the troopers I work with here. They
SSG Larry Pugh works for the J-6 as the Communi-cations Security NCOIC.
Ongoing and upcomingactivities around the baseinclude:n Pilates. Three fitness
instructors – Karissa Sand-strom, Everton Hylton and CarlHeron – will teach the coursethat focuses on improving corestrength, which highlights thelower back and abdomen. Thecourse is at Marine Hill CardioCenter on Tuesdays and Thurs-days,11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.and 7-8 p.m. For more infor-mation, contact Sandstrom at2193 or 5576.n Cardio kickboxing. The
fast-paced program includesmovements to work out little-used muscles. It is at theMarine Hill Aerobics Room on
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5-6p.m.n Car wash/dunk tank.
Beginning at 9 a.m., person-nel with the Navy and MarineCorps Relief Society will besponsoring a dunking booth.The cost will be $1 for threeballs, and troopers may voteon who they want to see inthe dunking booth by donat-ing $1 per vote. For moreinformation, call 6766, 4232or 4099. The car wash is bydonation.
The base’s warning sirensysem includes five types oftones, and each has a specificmeaning.n Wail. This is the general,
non-emergency alert signal. Acondition that could prompt thewarning would include poten-tial inclement weather. Whenofficials sound the wail, troop-ers receive information on tel-evision or radio.n Alternate wail. This sig-
nal means take cover, return toquarters and remain there untilfurther notice. Officials usethis tone when they require allnon-essential personnel toreturn to quarters and remain
there until they sound the allclear.n Pulse wail. This emer-
gency signal indicates animmediate threat. Personnelshould take the closet coverimmediately.n Pulse steady. This signal
tells the base recovery disasterteams to report to duty. Non-essential personnel shouldremain in quarters.n Steady. All clear.
The GTMO Guide: Answers to Your QuestionsWho can help me? What’s for lunch? What movie’s playing? Where can I find that? How does this work?
Your guide to ...
MoviesCamp Bulkeley
Notice:The Bulkeley
Lyceumwill be closedthis week tomake repairs
on the projector.
Check with usnext week for
updates.
Downtown Lyceum
Fri., April 308 p.m. Agent Cody Banks 2
PG13 - 108 min10 p.m. The Alamo
PG13 - 137 minSat., May 1
8 p.m. Secret WindowPG13 - 117 min10 p.m. Twisted
R - 97 minSun., May 2
8 p.m. HidalgoPG13 - 136 min
Mon., May 38 p.m. Starsky & Hutch
PG13 - 100 minTues., May 4
8 p.m. Agent Cody Banks 2PG13 - 108 min
Wed., May 58 p.m. Twisted
R - 97 minThurs., May 68 p.m. HidalgoPG13 - 136 min
Your guide to ...
Activities
Your guide to ...
Siren tests
Decompression trainingscheduled for May
May dates for decompressiontraining are 4-6, 18-20 and 24-26.
For more information, contactA1C Markeyla Bunton, 5040.
New Life FellowshipSun. 1 p.m. Service (Main Chapel)
Pentecostal GospelSun. 9 a.m. Service (Sanc C)
5 p.m. Service (Sanc C)Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Sun. 9 a.m. Sanctuary AIslamic
Fri. 1 p.m. Classroom 12, Chapel ComplexJewish
Call 2323 for more informationCamp America Church Bus schedule:
Sun. 8:15 a.m. Tierra KayThe bus will return following worship.
Your guide to ...
Worship.The main way that the
Inspector General team pro-vides service to Joint TaskForce Guantanamo Bay per-sonnel is in the IG categorycalled “assistance.”
A trooper who is not able tosolve a problem using theirchain of command often comesto the Inspector General forhelp.
A trooper who contacts theIG office can expect an IGteam member to listen care-fully to their concern. Thetrooper’s responsibility is to beaccurate and truthful whenthey present their problem. Thejob of the IG is to find and ana-lyze the facts that relate to atrooper’s concern.
Fact-finding requires the IGto gather pertinent documents,research regulations, and/orconduct interviews. The fact-finding process is time-con-suming and the IG teammember working with thetrooper will explain that theyshould not expect a quickanswer.
The main concern of the IGis learning as much as possibleabout the problem.
Teamwork in the IG officecontributes to the fact-findingquality. Throughout the fact-finding process the IG teamdiscusses each case. Thismeans that four experiencedmilitary members sharethoughts and perspectives toproperly examine all the facts.The IG is not an advocate forany of the persons connected tothe problem. This means that
the IG must be neutral andunbiased while gathering andanalyzing the facts. We do nottake sides.
When the IG completes thefact-finding process the trooperwill receive a final answerabout their concern. It is notuncommon for the fact-findingprocess to determine that thetrooper’s original concern didnot yield the answer thetrooper wanted, but because ofthe thoroughness of fact find-ing and attention to detail, theIG is able to give the trooperinformation that will help himor her. The Joe Friday and IGconnection goes like this, ”Thefacts ma’am, just the facts.”We look for facts.
If you have a question aboutany matter that you can’t solvein your chain of command,please feel free to contact theinspector general. Each IGteam member is ready to assistyou with issues you may beexperiencing during thisdeployment.
The IG phone number is5399. You may visit the IGoffice in Room 204 of theCommissions building Mon-day – Saturday during regularbusiness hours. The CampAmerica IG office is in Build-ing 7200 and is staffed Tuesday9-10 a.m. and Friday 3-4 p.m.IG assistance is available any-time by appointment.
Your guide to ...
IG..
IG team offers assistanceto troopers on many issues
Hispanic Heritage Associationwill meet Thursday at the
Marina Point Community Center at 6 p.m.to elect officers and review bylaws.
