VOLUME 50 NUMBER 4 MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, JAPAN FEBRUARY 4, 2005 INSIDE... Music from Wild West meets Far East crowd Country artists Nate Pearce and Floyd Vanlanighan enter- tained Station resi- dents here Jan. 26, with music, dance. Page 5 Poison blowfish? Sounds delish Blowfish provides taste of Japanse culture, glimpse of nation’s unique aquatic life. Page 8 Paintballers entrench them- selves in colorful combat Station residents gather for intense ‘Last Man Standing Paintball Tournament’ here Jan. 29. Page 12 PFC. LUKAS J. BLOM Combat Correspondent The Station Information Systems Management Office, in cooperation with Electronic Data Systems representatives, are currently preparing the Station to switch its intranet provider from the current system, Marine Corps Enterprise Network, to Navy Marine Station prepares for Navy Marine Corps Intranet changeover Corps Intranet. The changeover to NMCI is sched- uled for Aug. 15, 2005. “The S-6 shop has worked for months to put to- gether the early documentation required for the NMCI,” said Mark Dignazio, EDS Station manager. “The entire ISC [Information Systems Coordinators] community has answered numerous data calls to provide accurate user, seat (computer), application and peripheral de- vice information so that each user gets exactly what they need at cutover.” The new system will offer Marines and Sailors worldwide many benefits, said Dignazio. According to Dignazio, Marines and Sailors will be able to keep their e-mail addresses the same through out their careers, vice changing it every time they have see INTRANET Page 5 LANCECPL. CRISTIN K. BARTTER Combat Correspondent Station personnel assigned to relief contingencies began returning here Jan. 24 from South Asian countries affected by the Dec. 26 tsunami, as Operation Unified Assistance ends. Station personnel from Combat Ser- vice Support Detachment 36, Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, and other units, along with personnel from Head- quarters and Headquarters Squadron, the Station Fire Department and Branch Health Clinic, are returning from humani- tarian efforts in South Asia as the type of aid needed shifts to that of long-term restoration. “Our assistance was beneficial to the Thai people in helping them deal with the disaster,” said Station Fire Chief Devin A. Johnston-Lee. Lee was de- ployed to Phuket, Thailand, Dec. 31. For 25 days Lee was attached to Combined Support Group Thailand, which orga- nized and assisted with search and re- covery. In order to ensure the people af- fected by the tsunami were assisted properly, the well-being of aid workers was an issue concentrated on by Envi- ronmental Health Officer Lt. Cmdr. Eu- gene K. Garland, of the Station Branch Overall mission met in South Asia Station personnel return from providing aid to tsunami victims photo courtesy of Devin A. Johnston-Lee Iwakuni Station Fire Chief Devin A. Johnston-Lee looks for bodies within the damage left by last year's tsunami in Phuket, Thailand. Since the disaster which claimed nearly 250,000 lives in South Asia, U.S. military forces have worked closely with governments in the re- gion to provide critical aid to affected areas. Health Clinic. Garland was part of a small team deployed to Indonesia in order to evaluate the health situation by sam- pling working environments and test- ing for potential exposures to diseases. “We ensured that service members remained healthy and did not encoun- ter unmanageable or unexpected health- related problems,” said Garland. As members of a larger force, mili- tary humanitarian groups are now be- ing relieved of their duties as continu- ing reconstruction efforts take place. Since the U.S. military has success- fully completed its primary missions in South Asia, it has begun to withdraw personnel and equipment from Sri see MISSION Page 4 LANCECPL. L YDIADAVEY Combat Correspondent Japan began transitioning to a new quarantine program for the import and export of animals Nov. 2004. The pro- gram, which will come into full effect June 2005, affects all active duty mili- tary members, members of the civilian component and their respective depen- dents who enter the country under the New quarantine program spells changes for import, export requirements for cats, dogs SOFA status personnel, the requirements published by the government of Japan, the USDA and the USFJ may conflict,” states the memorandum. “To minimize any inconvenience which might other- wise be experienced, we recommend fol- lowing the guidelines listed below.” First, all SOFA status personnel bringing a dog or cat into Japan should be prepared to present documentary evidence that their pet has had at least see Q UARANTINE Page 4 U.S.-Japan Status of Forces Agreement. According to a memorandum released by the Army’s Japan District Veterinary Command, U.S. Forces, Japan (USFJ) is currently negotiating with the government of Japan over how the new pet quaran- tine program will affect SOFA status per- sonnel. “Because USFJ and Japan are cur- rently negotiating how Japan’s new pet quarantine program will be applied to two rabies vaccinations. “The most recent rabies vaccination form (DD 2208, Rabies Vaccination Cer- tificate) will be required. The dates for the past two vaccinations will be anno- tated on the health certificate (MDJ 2209, Veterinary Health Certificate for Import/Export for Japan),” states the memo. Second, all animals are required to
Transcript
VOLUME 50 NUMBER 4 MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, JAPAN FEBRUARY 4, 2005
INSIDE...Music from Wild West meetsFar East crowd
Country artists NatePearce and Floyd
Vanlanighan enter-tained Station resi-dents here Jan. 26,with music, dance.
Page 5
Poison blowfish? Sounds delishBlowfish providestaste of Japanseculture, glimpseof nation’sunique aquaticlife.
Page 8
Paintballers entrench them-selves in colorful combatStation residents gather for intense
‘Last ManStandingPaintball
Tournament’here Jan. 29.
Page 12
PFC. LUKAS J. BLOM
Combat Correspondent
The Station Information Systems ManagementOffice, in cooperation with Electronic Data Systemsrepresentatives, are currently preparing the Station toswitch its intranet provider from the current system,Marine Corps Enterprise Network, to Navy Marine
Station prepares for Navy Marine Corps Intranet changeoverCorps Intranet. The changeover to NMCI is sched-uled for Aug. 15, 2005.
“The S-6 shop has worked for months to put to-gether the early documentation required for the NMCI,”said Mark Dignazio, EDS Station manager. “The entireISC [Information Systems Coordinators] communityhas answered numerous data calls to provide accurateuser, seat (computer), application and peripheral de-
vice information so that each user gets exactly whatthey need at cutover.”
The new system will offer Marines and Sailorsworldwide many benefits, said Dignazio.
According to Dignazio, Marines and Sailors willbe able to keep their e-mail addresses the same throughout their careers, vice changing it every time they have
see INTRANET Page 5
LANCE CPL. CRISTIN K. BARTTER
Combat Correspondent
Station personnel assigned to reliefcontingencies began returning here Jan.24 from South Asian countries affectedby the Dec. 26 tsunami, as OperationUnified Assistance ends.
Station personnel from Combat Ser-vice Support Detachment 36, MarineWing Support Squadron 171, and otherunits, along with personnel from Head-quarters and Headquarters Squadron,the Station Fire Department and BranchHealth Clinic, are returning from humani-tarian efforts in South Asia as the typeof aid needed shifts to that of long-termrestoration.
“Our assistance was beneficial to theThai people in helping them deal withthe disaster,” said Station Fire ChiefDevin A. Johnston-Lee. Lee was de-ployed to Phuket, Thailand, Dec. 31. For25 days Lee was attached to CombinedSupport Group Thailand, which orga-nized and assisted with search and re-covery.
In order to ensure the people af-fected by the tsunami were assistedproperly, the well-being of aid workerswas an issue concentrated on by Envi-ronmental Health Officer Lt. Cmdr. Eu-gene K. Garland, of the Station Branch
Overall mission met in South AsiaStation personnel return from providing aid to tsunami victims
photo courtesy of Devin A. Johnston-Lee
Iwakuni Station Fire Chief Devin A. Johnston-Lee looks for bodieswithin the damage left by last year's tsunami in Phuket, Thailand.Since the disaster which claimed nearly 250,000 lives in South Asia,U.S. military forces have worked closely with governments in the re-gion to provide critical aid to affected areas.
Health Clinic. Garland was part of a smallteam deployed to Indonesia in order toevaluate the health situation by sam-pling working environments and test-ing for potential exposures to diseases.
“We ensured that service membersremained healthy and did not encoun-ter unmanageable or unexpected health-related problems,” said Garland.
As members of a larger force, mili-tary humanitarian groups are now be-ing relieved of their duties as continu-ing reconstruction efforts take place.
Since the U.S. military has success-fully completed its primary missions inSouth Asia, it has begun to withdrawpersonnel and equipment from Sri
see MISSION Page 4
LANCE CPL. LYDIA DAVEY
Combat Correspondent
Japan began transitioning to a newquarantine program for the import andexport of animals Nov. 2004. The pro-gram, which will come into full effectJune 2005, affects all active duty mili-tary members, members of the civiliancomponent and their respective depen-dents who enter the country under the
New quarantine program spells changes for import, export requirements for cats, dogsSOFA status personnel, the requirementspublished by the government of Japan,the USDA and the USFJ may conflict,”states the memorandum. “To minimizeany inconvenience which might other-wise be experienced, we recommend fol-lowing the guidelines listed below.”
First, all SOFA status personnelbringing a dog or cat into Japan shouldbe prepared to present documentaryevidence that their pet has had at least see Q UARANTINE Page 4
U.S.-Japan Status of Forces Agreement.According to a memorandum released
by the Army’s Japan District VeterinaryCommand, U.S. Forces, Japan (USFJ) iscurrently negotiating with the governmentof Japan over how the new pet quaran-tine program will affect SOFA status per-sonnel.
“Because USFJ and Japan are cur-rently negotiating how Japan’s new petquarantine program will be applied to
two rabies vaccinations.“The most recent rabies vaccination
form (DD 2208, Rabies Vaccination Cer-tificate) will be required. The dates forthe past two vaccinations will be anno-tated on the health certificate (MDJ2209, Veterinary Health Certificate forImport/Export for Japan),” states thememo.
Second, all animals are required to
NEWS BRIEFSFRIENDSHIP DAY 2005 POSTER
DESIGN CONTEST
This year’s theme is “Across the Seaand Sky.” The contest is open to anyone,including all the Station personnel and theJapanese community, age 18 and up. Nocopyrighted images may be used.Submissions are due in the MCCSMarketing Office by Feb. 25, 4:30 p.m.For details, call Ashleigh Pipes at 0827-21-4171, extension 253-6373.
PARENTS NIGHT OUT
Studio 2B Girl Scouts will be offeringa baby sitting service, today, Feb. 22 and25, from 6-10 p.m. The fee is $3 per hourper child. Small snack and a craft will beoffered. Call 253-2485 or 253-2276 tomake reservations for February.Reservations are needed to attend. Thisbaby-sitting is part of the Girls’ SilverAward project. The Studio 2B girls willbe using the proceeds to reach their goalof attending an overnight horseback ridingcamp near Mr. Fuji in May.
SILENT AUCTION
The Matthew C. Perry ElementarySchool Parent Teacher Organization willhold the Fifth Annual Silent Auction at ClubIwakuni Ballroom Feb. 11. Preview startsat 5 p.m., and bidding is 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tosubmit a donation, call Melissa Young at253-2838 or Bob Keating at 253-2037.
PAGE 2 OPINIONTORII TELLER, FEBRUARY 4, 2005 NEWS PAGE 3TORII TELLER, FEBRUARY 4, 2005
Commanding Officer/Publisher
Col. Michael A. Dyer
Public Affairs OfficerMaj. Stewart T. Upton
Public Affairs ChiefMaster Sgt. Lesli J. Coakley
Press ChiefLance Cpl. Lydia Davey
Operations ChiefCpl. Dave Boni
Combat CorrespondentsLance Cpl. Cristin K. Bartter
Pfc. Lukas J. BlomPfc. Mark Fayloga
Information/EditorialSpecialist
Yukiko Mitsui
“This weekly newspaper is anauthorized publication for membersof the military services stationedoverseas and their families. Its con-tents do not necessarily reflect theofficial views of the U.S. Govern-ment, the Department of Defenseor the U.S. Marine Corps, and doesnot imply endorsement thereof.”
Editorial content is edited, pre-pared and provided by the PublicAffairs Office of Marine Corps AirStation Iwakuni, Japan.
All queries concerning newsand editorial content should be di-rected to the Public Affairs Office,Building one, Room 216, MCASIwakuni, Japan. Call 253-5551.
PSC 561 Box 1868FPO AP 96310-0029
Phone 253-5551Fax 253-5554
The Torii Teller wel-comes Letter to the Editorsubmissions. Letters mustinclude a full name andunit, if applicable. Anony-mous letters and commentswill not be published. Let-ters are the opinion of thewriter only. Submissionscan be edited for clarity andspace. Letters can bedropped off at the PublicAffairs Office or sent via e-mail to [email protected] or [email protected].
CHATTERBOX Question: "What is your favorite Super Bowl memory and why?"
“All Super Bowlmemories, because Ihave a great timehanging out withfriends and watchingfootball.”
“Last year, when I wasgoing through school, wehad a big party and it wasfun hanging out with allthe Marines.”
“In 2000 at San Diego Ihad a great time with myfriends enjoying the greatfood, drinks and company.Plus I loved the funnycommercials.”
Pfc. Aric SchroederBuffalo, N.Y.
Lance Cpl. Steven G.LightseyBirmingham, Ala.
“Last year’s game whenthe Panthers, the under-dog team that everyonethought wouldn’t make it,made it to the Super Bowlagainst the Patriots.”
Lance Cpl. Chris D.BranhamKershaw, S.C.
Staff Sgt. Branka DotsonLudwigshafen, Germany
Ask the InspectorMAJ. MATTHEW D. RAZVILLAS
Station Inspector
Most people are wondering, “Where in the world didour good television channels go?” The Station Inspector’sOffice went in search of the answers. After finding andtalking with Chief Warrant Officer Edward Cutshall, S-6representative, we got the scoop for you.1. What channels are we losing at MCAS Iwakuni?
Discovery, Nickelodeon, Star Movies, Star World andNational Geographic.2. When will we lose each channel?
Our subscription for Discovery and Nickelodeon hasalready expired. Our subscription for the three remainingchannels expires Jan. 31st. Sometimes the provider contin-ues to broadcast the channel even after the subscriptionhas expired - such is the case currently with Nickelodeon.We will continue to broadcast the channels until theprovider turns them off.
The remaining non-American Forces Network channels
are received over Free to Air broadcast. The Free to Airchannels can come and go at any time. One channel thathas received a lot of praise is channel 37. It is a moviechannel out of China that plays a variety of English moviesand broadcast unscrambled during different times through-out the year. We scan for new channels on a regular basisin an effort to provide Station residents with the widestvariety of programming.3. What is the reason for losing the channels?
The base has always funded its own infrastructure forthe Visual Information System (VIS), which has a primarymission of providing mass notification in the event of anemergency. Over the years the system has become severelydegraded and is suffering from lack of funding for preven-tive and corrective maintenance and problems from poorinstallation construction. In order to upgrade and improvethe system, a decision was made to shift the $108,000 spentper year for the five channels to fund maintenance andupgrades.4. What are the long-term goals of upgrading the system?
The goal is to take the funding spent for the channelsand begin upgrading our current system. This includes
CMDR. DONALD P. FIX
Chaplain’s Corner
There is a story that I really lovewhich tells of a monk living in amonastery who has taken the vow ofsilence. Once a year, he is allowed tosay two words before his superior.The first year, he stood before theabbot and when he was instructed tospeak said, “It ’s cold!” after which hewas dismissed back to his cell. Thesecond year came, and as he wasinstructed he said, “I’m hungry!” andagain he went back to his cell. Finally,the third year as he stood before theabbot and was instructed to speak, hiswords were, “I quit!” - to which hissuperior responded, “I’m not sur-prised. All you have done here sinceyou first arrived was complain,complain, complain!”
As demonstrated by the story,there is sometimes a fine line betweensharing your needs in the hope that
“Complain, complain, complain…”the situation will improve, and lookingfor the negative in every aspect of life.I think we all identify aspects of theplaces where we live, work andsocialize that we feel could be im-proved. The key is to find a way tosee those improvements accomplishedby working on a positive approach. Looking at the Air Station’s visionto be the ‘installation of choice –committed to excellence,’ each of ushas the obligation to improve what wehave and see around us so that wecan come as close as possible toseeing that vision as a reality.
I’m reminded of probably the mostfamous person when we think ofpositive improvements and that is Dr.Norman Vincent Peale, who died Dec.24, 1983 at the age of 95. He wrotemore than 46 books during his lifetime.His most popular book was, ThePower of Positive Thinking. One ofhis famous quotes that fits all of life’ssituations is, “Become a
possibilitarian. No matter how darkthings seem to be or actually are, raiseyour sights and see possibilities –always see them, for they’re alwaysthere.”
To see possibilities means to careenough to challenge what is now andstep forward with a dream for thefuture. So often in my life here in Iwakuni Ihave dismissed my involvement, nottaken the risk to be heard, and guesswhat – those same things are still thesame because I didn’t care enough toact. If they were problems, I’ve justpassed them on to others and if theywere possibilities – the wind hasswept them away. Like the monk in the story, we allget a chance to express ourselves, andwhereas there is no guarantee thatpeople will actively listen, the alterna-tive is muteness - no one will everhear.
PFC. MARK FAYLOGA
Combat Correspondent
The Marine Fighter Attack Squad-ron 122 Crusaders arrived aboard theStation Jan. 20th from Marine Corps AirStation Beaufort, S.C. The Crusadersare deployed to the Western Pacific forsix months as part of the Unit Deploy-ment Program (UDP).
“We’re happy to be in Iwakuni,” saidMaj. Douglas S. DeWolfe, VMFA-122pilot training officer. “We look forwardto establishing local relationships andmaintaining mission readiness.
“The mission of VMFA-122 is to pro-vide a force in readiness for any contin-gencies that may arise in the WesternPacific area of responsibility,” notedDeWolfe.
During its time here, the squadron
Crusaders cruise onto Stationwill participate in air-to-air and air-to-ground training with joint andcoalition forces, saidDeWolfe.
The Crusaders bringaround 170 Marinesand Sailors, alongwith a full squadronof F/A-18C Hornets,to the Station.
The combat-proven F/A-18C Hornetis a single seat, twin-engine, multi-mis-sion tactical air-craft. It is the first tac-tical aircraft designedfrom its inception to carry out b o t hair-to-air and air-to-ground missions, ac-cording to www.boeing.com.
The squadron brings to the Station
a 63-year history of distinguished ser-vice spanning from World
War II to the VietnamWar, to current-day
operations in theWestern Pacific. The Crusader’shistory includes aprevious deploy-ment here Sept.
1970, as a counter toa North Vietnamese
offensive againstSouth Vietnam,according to
www.2maw.usmc.mil.Most recently, the Cru-
saders completed a 12-month UDP toIwakuni from July 2002 to July 2003.
The Crusaders stand ready to con-duct anti-air warfare and offensive air
MS. SHAKINTA M. JOHNSTON
Marine Corps Systems Command
Female Marines will now have the option to pro-cure specific female-sized combat utility uniforms de-signed to improve the fit and function of the currentuniform. Beginning the week of Jan. 24, 2005, all cloth-ing sales stores Marine Corps wide will begin stock-ing six new cammie blouse and seven new trouser sizesthat specifically accommodate most female Marines inareas where fit and function issues are most frequentlyfound.
The female cammie sizes should be found in theclothing sales stores where other female clothing itemsare located, space permitting. Female Marines who aresatisfied with the fit of their current cammies have noth-ing to fear. The female sizes are additional sizes andwill not change the availability or design of currentunisex sizes.
Fit and wear testing with female Marines foundthat the new cammie sizing eliminated the common fitproblems outlined in the topgraphic. Female-cammiebenefits are achieved by ad-justing the garments to fe-male proportions. The ad-justments serve to removeextra material where it is notneeded in the current sizes,and to add it where needed.
Gunnery Sgt. AngeliqueDowns, Quantico, appreci-ates the impact that sizingadjustments have on uniform performance.
“The changes in sizes and eliminating the excessmaterial seemed to result in more effective field, physi-cal training and everyday work performance,” saidDowns. “There was no getting ‘around’ the extra fab-ric in the crotch and back. The focus was on the jobperformance and not simply dealing with bulky excess.”
Downs is not the only Marine who welcomed im-provements brought by the female cammies.
Cpl. Mary Simmons, Quantico, was one of severalfemale Marines who participated in a fit and wear test.
Female cammies made available
Before trying the female cammies, Simmons found herunisex cammies were “too larger” and sizing was verydifficult. With the female cammies, she reported utili-ties that made her “look like a Marine and not a kidplaying dress up.
“I would definitely buy a set of female sizedcammies if made available,” said Simmons. “They aregreat!”
Simmons is one of ninety percent of the test fe-males who preferred the im-proved comfort, ease ofmovement and more profes-sional appearance affordedby the female-sized cammieswhile providing uniform fea-tures identical to their unisexcounterparts. To avoid con-fusion between the female-sized cammies and the cur-rent unisex sizes, females willneed to get used to the new
size designation.FEMALE VS. UNISEX SIZING Different size labeling was adopted for the femalecammies and will always begin with a number followedby length abbreviation. New sizes for female cammieblouses are 32 XS, 32 S, 35 XS, 35 S, 35 R and 39 S. Newsizes for female cammie trousers are 24 XS, 24 S, 28 XS,28 S, 28 R, 32 XS, and 32 S.
In the new female uniform sizing, the number re-places the current Xsmall (XS), Small (S), and Medium
see CAMMIES Page 5
see INSPECTOR Page 5
support operations in support of Ma-rine Operational Forces from advancebases and expeditionary airfields, statesthe Web site. The squadron is alsoready to conduct such other air opera-tions as may be directed.
The Marines of VMFA-122 say theyare ready to enjoy their deployment inIwakuni.
Lance Cpl. Christopher L. Greer,VMFA-122 operations clerk, said that heis excited about the chance to train in anew environment, and looks forward tohis leisure time as well.
“I want to go see the different cul-ture, take a trip to Hiroshima and travelto a few other places,” saidGreer. “It’sgreat to get a chance to work in a newenvironment.”
illustrations courtesy of Marine Corps Systems Command
Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122 arrives here for six-month deployment
PAGE 4 FEATURETORII TELLER, FEBRUARY 4, 2005 FEATURE PAGE 5TORII TELLER, FEBRUARY 4, 2005
STORY AND PHOTOS BY
PFC. LUKAS J. BLOM
Combat Correspondent
The Nate Pearce and Floyd Vanlaningham Bandplayed to an energized Club Iwakuni Ballroom crowdJan. 26, as part of their 32-day Pacific Honky TonkTour that has taken them to Kwajalien, Singapore,Diego Garcia, Guam, Okinawa and Hawaii.
The band hit the stage at 9 p.m. and played three45-minute sets of country music from various artists,as well as songs written by Pearce andVanlaningham themselves.
“These guys are great,” said Jerry W. Marish,Marine Air Group 12 hospital corpsman. “I love tohear good traditional Texas country (music).”
Many of the songs played throughout the nightwere straight from Pearce and Vanlaningham’s threeoriginal albums back in the United States.
“I really liked one of the songs that Pearce sang,‘Drinkin’ Weekend,’” said Marish. “I’ve heard a lotof country, but I like to hear new stuff; it wasdifferent.”
The band also took requests from the audience,and even took the opportunity to join the audiencein line and slow dancing.
“They played ‘Country Road’ very well,” saidTakatoshi Hurukawa, audience member. “I’m ateacher at an elementary school and I taught mywhole class to sing that song in English.”
The band has been performing together for threeyears, and although they each belong to differentbands when they return to their Fresno, Calif.homes, they always play together for their American
Music from Wild West meets Far East crowd
Nate Pearce belts out the words to "Drinken'Weekend" while Floyd Vanlaningham accom-panies him during their performance here.
The Nate Pearce (left) and FloydVanlaningham Band played at the ClubIwakuni Ballroom Jan. 26, as part of theirPacific Honky Tonk Tour.
INSPECTOR from Page 2
purchasing new amplifiers,fiber optic equipment, andinstalling new cable runs. TheMonzen area is one the mostdegraded sections of thesystem. When the cable wasinstalled several years ago itwas direct buried whichprovided no protection fromthe elements. We have plansto replace all of the cablingand redesign the currentlayout. It is going to take
a Permanent Change of Sta-tion.
They will also be able toaccess personal data andfiles anywhere they gothroughout the fleet with theuse of a “roaming file”, saidStaff Sgt. Portia Zampino,Headquarters and Head-quarters Squadron ISMOchief. With the current sys-tem, users are required tosave their files on office com-puters, and the only way thefiles can be retrieved isthrough that computer.
Marines and Sailors willalso benefit from new com-puter equipment every threeyears, said Dignazio.
Additionally, the MarineCorps will also begin to usestandardized software, saidZampino. “Marines won’t have toconstantly be re-trained ondifferent programs,” shenoted.
The new system was de-signed specifically for theNavy and Marine Corps.Because of the expedition-ary force and amount of for-ward deployed troops, EDShas developed a system that
INTRANET from Page 1 several years to bring thecurrent system up to code.We have made attempts toattract a commercial providerlike the ones on other basesthroughout Japan. However,the condition of our currentsystem does not make it aprofitable investment for acommercial cable provider.Thanks to the Capt. ScottVoigts and CWO2 Cutshall fortaking the time to explain whatis going on with cabletelevision aboard the Station.
will cater to the services’needs with desktop, laptopand deployable computersystems, said Dignazio.
“NMCI is really an en-abler for the Marine Corpsand fits right into theNetCentric model where in-formation is available to theright people, at the rightplace and the right time,”said Dignazio. “While newcomputers are always niceto get, this core enablingfunctionality of access todata is the real benefit.”
The new intranet pro-gram is a product of a civil-ian business, EDS, and willbe primarily operated by EDSrepresentatives. There willbe help desk support avail-able to all Station personnel24 hours a day, saidDignazio.
“I’ve been working withclients to move them to stan-dardized enterprise net-works for the last 12 years,though never to this scale,”said Dignazio. “I’ve seen thebenefits of improved perfor-mance, anywhere technol-ogy and easy access to data.It makes for better commu-nication and more informed,faster decision making.”
These detailed answersshould provide you with allpertinent information. If youhave any questions aboutwhat is going on aboard theStation, please send them to:[email protected][email protected] call 253-3100 and leaveyour question on the voicemail. If you do not wish foryour name to be used pleaseinclude the fact with youquestion.
(M) size label where the number represents themidpoint of the range of body measurements thatthe garment size will fit for chest or waist circum-ference. The letter that follows the number is thesame length designation of Xshort (-XS), Short(-S), and Regular (-R) found in the current sizing.
To help female Marines get started with iden-tifying the new size female item, a uniform sizeconversion table was developed to provide guid-ance. Female Marines should look at the tablebelow to see where there is an alternative femalesize next to the current unisex size. If femalesknow their body measurements, they can alsolook at the top of the care label inside the gar-ment to select a size where their measurementsfall within the dimension range printed for sizeprediction.
The old adage of “If the shoe fits…” appliesperfectly here. Female Marines must try the
CAMMIES from Page 3 cammies on to determine the best-fitting new sizealternative and then choose their preference forthe new female-size garments or stay with thecurrent size in whole or part. It is okay to mix andmatch garment sizes. During testing, the best fitfor some females consisted of a mix of female-size and current size among the two cammie gar-ments, such as female size blouse and currentunisex trouser or vice versa. The purpose of thenew cammie sizes is to achieve better fit for im-proved comfort and ease of movement for fe-males that is comparable to the fit males experi-ence with the current cammies.
Female cammies aren’t the only impendingimprovements. Female-sized boots will be addedin Spring 2005. Approximately 28 sizes (4-11) arebeing added in the hot weather, infantry combat,and steel toe boots. More information about fe-male boots will be reported as the availability ofitems at stores approaches.
Forces Entertainment tours. They have alsoperformed as opening acts for famous countrysingers such as Daryl Worely, Brad Paisley andMerle Haggard.
“I love the adventure [of travel] and playing forthe troops; you can’t beat it,” said Jonathan “LittleJohn” Smith, the band sound engineer who wasstationed at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni
during 1980 and 1981. “It’s good to be back. Eventhough the base has totally changed, the air is stillthe same; that will never change.” While Pearce and Vanlaningham were finishing uptheir final set of songs, they made it clear to theaudience how much they appreciate the Stationservice members’ sacrifices and dedication to duty. “We want to let the folks here have a piece ofhome,” said Pearce. “You are not forgotten; wereally care about what you are doing here. If theysend us to Iraq to perform for y’all, we’ll go, but weain’t going off base.” When the band finished its performance, bandmembers stepped off the stage to share a few drinksand laughs with their new fans. The next and final stop of the band’s PacificHonkey Tonk Tour will be Hawii.
PFC. MARK FAYLOGA
Combat Correspondent
A young couple stationed thou-sands of miles from home waspreparing to celebrate their firstThanksgiving here away from every-thing familiar to them, when a fullturkey dinner from the Genesis Lodgehelped brighten their day.
Such generosity is in keeping withthe Genisis Lodge’s principles, whichare based on hope and charity, saidChief Warrant Officer Marlon T.Porche, Marine Wing SupportSquadron 171 maintenance manage-ment officer. Porche serves as the vicepresident of the Station’s local lodge;Genesis Lodge 89.
Local lodge provides community supportThe lodge was established
here, Dec. 10, 1991. Since itsinception, the lodge hasheld a number of events toraise money for thecommunity by organizingcar washes, hosting dancesand various other events, saidPorche.
Last Thanksgiving, the lodge gaveout 10 turkeys and six turkey dinnersto young married Marines. At Christ-mas the lodge participated in a toydrive for a local orphanage, said StaffSgt. William J. Hunter, Motor Trans-port Company 171 company gunnerysergeant and lodge secretary.
“The community should supportthe Genesis Lodge because masonry
is about the community,” saidHunter. “Everything we dois for the community andthe money we raise goesinto the community.”Porche said he joined the
lodge for the camaraderie.“The lodge focuses on brotherly
love, and I believe those that areinterested in the lodge should joinbecause it helps make a man a betterman,” said Porche.
Throughout 2004 the lodge heldseveral events for the Station andcontributed more than $2,000 to thelocal community, said Porche.
“We are here to be a positive forcein the community and we appreciateStation residents’ support in the past
and look forward to their support inthe future,” said Porche.
The next event to be held by thelodge is the Sweetheart Dance Feb. 11,from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. in the ClubIwakuni Ballroom.
The dance is open to all stationresidents ages 18 and older. Tickets tothe event cost $10 in advance or $15 atthe door; all ladies get in free. Anyoneinterested in the event may call 253-2310. Money raised during the dancewill be contributed to the black historymonth essay contest, said Porche.
Lodge membership is open to anymale age 18 and older. Anyoneinterested in joining the GenesisLodge may speak to a lodge memberor call 253-7543, said Porche.
PFC. LUKAS J. BLOM
Combat Correspondent
The Station Personal Financial ManagementProgram held a free class at the Family ServicesBuilding Jan. 26, to inform Station residents aboutthe importance of developing good credit.
The Using Credit Wisely class is one of sixmonthly classes taught by Russ Tate, Marine CorpsCommunity Services financial fitness counselor, thatemphasizes financial health.
“I want people who attend this class to walkaway with a basic understanding of good and badusage of credit,” said Tate. “A service member’scredit report and financial health can affect reenlist-ment opportunities, security clearance and opera-tional readiness.”
The class began with Tate describing thedifferences between needs and wants, and how toknow the best form of payment for both.
“Wise uses of credit include purchasing assetsthat make you money, purchases of convenience,taking advantage of sales, emergency situations,funding education and big ticket items such as ahome,” said Tate. “People start getting themselvesinto trouble when they use credit cards to pay for
Station residents learn benefits of financial fitnessliabilities, consumables, impulse buying and payingone credit card with another.”
The class also covered the importance ofknowing what information is on a consumer creditcard contract, such as the annual percentage rate(the percent of interest charged on the balance of anaccount through out a fiscal year) and stipulationsof the contract often referred to as the “small print.”
“I’d like to buy a house when I get back to the[United States],” said Sgt. D. Michelle Rosales, MarineAviation Logistics Squadron 12 aviation supplyfunctional area supervisor. “This class is a greatway to learn how to build a financial foundation.”
Service members are also protected from highinterest rates on mortgages and credit cards throughthe Service Members’ Civil Relief Act. If a servicemember’s military obligation has affected his abilityto meet financial obligations such as credit cards,loans or mortgages, the service member can have hisinterest rate capped at six percent for the duration ofthe service member’s military obligation, accordingto www.usmilitary.about.com.
Tate also emphasized that many military installa-tions are surrounded by numerous pawnshops andpayday loans. Service members are often targetedby these businesses. However, using such busi-
nesses can lead to a poor credit report (a reportstating the history of an individual’s paymenthistory for the previous 10 years) for the servicemember.
“Don’t use credit cards to finance anunaffordable lifestyle,” said Tate. “Make a budgetfor yourself and stick to it.”
Tate went on to explain that 48 percent of creditcard users pay only the minimum payment permonth. This practice can end up causing a borrowerhundreds of extra dollars in interest over time.
“Only two percent of your payment goestowards the principle (balance) when you make theminimum payment,” said Tate. “The rest of themoney just pays off interest that has accrued. Thisis a very bad habit. Paying only the minimumamount means it will take you much longer to repayyour debt and cost you more money in interest.”
The Using Credit Wisely class, along with theother free classes offered by the Personal FinancialManagement Program, provides an effective way forstudents to gather many useful tips and strategies tostay out of financial trouble.
For more information on Personal FinancialManagement Program classes, contact Russ Tate at253-6250.
MISSION from Page 1
Lanka. At the same time, civilian assistance is increasingand the relief efforts are being focused more on long-termrecovery.
“They [the military] have completed the tasks of heavyground and air lift, debris clearing, medical assistance andtransportation of supplies and equipment for which theyare best suited,” said James Entwistle, U.S. Embassy’s ChargeD’Affaires of Sri Lanka, according to the article. “Now weare transitioning to an increased focus on the civilian recon-struction and recovery effort.”
The United States Agency for International Develop-ment, U.S. military forces, international relief organizationsand regional militaries have treated more than 1,800 patientsaffected by the tsunami, notes www.dailynews.com. Theyhave distributed more than 90,000 gallons of water and morethan 600,000 pounds of relief supplies to those affected.
In addition to supplying military assistance to those af-fected by the earthquake and tsunami, the U.S. governmenthas also provided more than $57.4 million in support of hu-manitarian aid.
obtain a microchip before arriving in Japan. Theidentification number of the microchip must beannotated on the Rabies Certificate, the HealthCertificate and on the rabies serology (FAVN) testresults sheet.
Animals are also required to take the Fluores-cent Antibody Viral Neutralization (FAVN) Test,according to the memo.
Advance notification for the government ofJapan is required if the pet is arriving here bycommercial air. Notification is required as soonas transportation is scheduled.
In order to move an animal into or out of Ja-pan, a health certificate is required. The MJDForm 2209 may be used by military veterinarians,notes the memo.
If the health certificate is issued by a li-censed civilian veterinarian, the health certifi-cate and rabies certificate must be certified bya USDA State Veterinarian and bear the USDA
Q UARANTINE from Page 1 raised embossed seal.Age requirements for importing pets are unde-
fined at this time. However, “Japan discouragesthe importation of dogs and cats under the age of10 months,” states the memo. “These pets rarelymeet the vaccination and FAVN test requirements.”
All SOFA status personnel entering Japan witha pet are required to complete a MDJ 270 (Pet Quar-antine and Examination Certificate). The form maybe downloaded from the JDVC Web site(www.usarj.army.mil) and should be completed priorto arrival in Japan.
Military working dogs fall outside of the guide-lines listed above. However, health and rabies cer-tificates are still required for travel.
For more information, and to download all formsmentioned above, visit the JDVC Web site. Allcontact information to include phone, e-mail or faxinformation is also found there. A pet processchecklist is enclosed to assist clients and veteri-narians in completing all requirements in a timelymanner.
PAGE 6 FEATURETORII TELLER, FEBRUARY 4, 2005
Marines make impact on Target Island
photo courtesy of Department of Defense imagery server
ABOVE: U.S. Air Force's 455th ExplosiveOrdnance Group / Explosive Ordnance Dis-posal stockpile a weapons cache to be de-stroyed at the East River Range, BagramAirfield, Afghanistan on Dec. 2, 2004.RIGHT: Warrant Officer Wesley C. Williams,Headquarters and Headquarters SquadronEOD officer, makes a hole in a block of C-4where the blasting cap will be inserted.EOD disposed of ordnance on Target IslandFeb. 1.
Sgt. Amber Castro
ABOVE: An explosion conducted by explosive ordi-nance Marines rocks the ground RIGHT: A Marinefeeds a string of wire back to a bunker where min-utes later he will detonate four blocks of C-4.
Pfc. Lukas J. Blom
"Pass with the left, receive with the right," said Warrant Officer Wesley C. Williams,Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron explosive ordnance disposal officer incharge. Williams explains how to prepare a blasting cap at Target Island Feb. 1.
photo courtesy of Department of Defense imagery server
ABOVE: Tools of the trade. Inerted ordnance sits in anEOD Museum. The ordnance is used for research. Ma-rine EOD technicians are the only technicians in theDepartment of Defense allowed to inert ordnance. BE-LOW: Pfc. Laura Mellinger, Headquarters and Headquar-ters Squadron aircraft rescue fire fighting crewman, in-serts blasting caps into blocks of C-4 at Target Island.
Pfc. Lukas J. Blom
Four Marines look over the open sea towardTarget Island in anticipation of the day's ac-tivities with the Station’s EOD team.
Cpl. Ryan Walker
CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan - Marines in a stack formation wait behind the Kevlar blanket that shields them from the blast of anexplosive charge during the Dynamic Entry Basic Course taught by the III Marine Expeditionary Force Special Operations Training Grouphere June 2. The blast is capable of creating a man-sized hole, allowing Marines to gain entry into a building. The Marines are with 3rdReconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division; Explosive Ordnance Disposal, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Force Service SupportGroup; and III MEF SOTG.
Pfc. Lukas J. Blom
Pfc. Lukas J. Blom
Pfc. Lukas J. Blom
PFC LUKAS J. BLOM
Combat Correspondent
“Fire in the hole! Fire in the hole! Fire in thehole!”
Seconds after the third warning, four blocks of C-4 explode, sending a shock wave through your core.The reverberations hang in the small concretebunker for several seconds after the explosion,reminding its occupants of the power that was justunleashed.
The Station Explosive Ordnance Disposal teamtraveled to Target Island, a small piece of landlocated in the sea just three kilometers beyond theStation, Feb. 1 to dispose of various pices ofordnance. Throughout the day, the team enduredfreezing temperatures, howling wind and snow toaccomplish their task.
“The operations conducted on Target Island arefocused on destroying Code-H munitions,” saidWarrant Officer Gregory E. Wrubluski, Marine WingSupport Squadron 171, EOD officer in charge.“[Code-H] munitions have either been damaged orreached their service limitations and can no longerbe utilized safely.”
The explosive ordnance Marines also broughtalong a group of junior Marines who, during the
previous week, had filled sandbags on Target Island.Showing their appreciation for the working
party’s work the previous week, the EOD team tookon the role of teachers and gave the young Marinesa close look at what EOD is all about.
“It was great, the [EOD team] let us get right intothe action,” said Pfc Randy L. Knox, Headquartersand Headquarters Squadron flight clearance clerk.“We helped them set up the wire, blasting caps,prepare the C-4 and detonate the explosives. It waspretty exciting.”
Showing Marines in other military occupationalspecialties different aspects of the operations EODcarries out has become an important part of the EODmission since Oct. 2004. At that time, the MarineCorps approved a 40 percent increase of manpowerin the EOD field.
“The EOD field is and has always been arelatively small community,” said Wrubluski. “TheGlobal War on Terror has proven to be a severestrain to our current manpower. The use ofunexploded ordnance on many of the war’s battle-fields has caused a sharp incline in the already highoperational tempo for the field as a whole.”
The EOD field is unlike any other in the MarineCorps, said Wrubluski. In order to be considered toenter the field a Marine must hold the minimum rank
of corporal, hold a first class Physical Fitness Testscore, maintain proficiency and conduct marks withan average of at least 4.2 / 4.2 and must be able toobtain a top secret clearance, among other require-ments.
“There are numerous characteristics that arenecessary for an EOD technician to posses,” saidWrubluski. “Courage and responsibility are criticalbecause of the hazardous nature of the job and thefact that you will operate most often in two-manteams, usually far removed from your command.”
Marines in the EOD field often work hand-in-hand with Force Reconnaissance and the SecretService and are continually getting the best trainingthe military has to offer. Many EOD technicians alsoattend jump school, dive school and other special-ized training courses.
“There is a trust and bond between EODMarines that is stronger than other fields becauseyour lives depend on the decisions and actions thatyou take, regardless of the situation or environ-ment,” said Wrubluski.
The Station EOD team will conduct a brief forMarines who are interested in the EOD field at theBuilding One auditorium Feb. 17-18. For moreinformation call the Station EOD office here at 253-6358.
$1,200. Call SSgt. Bantingat 253-5392 dwh or 253-7080 awh.
TORII TELLER CLASSIFIED ADSTo submit your ads or announcements: Torii Telleraccepts ads/announcements from nonprofit organizationsand groups only. Briefs run on space-available and time-
priority basis. Deadline for briefs is noon Thursday. ToriiTeller reserves the right to edit to fit space. Stop byBuilding 1, Room 216 to fill out a form.
dwh or 253-7566 awh.
Mitsubishi Delica, 1993,4WD van, includes roofracks, ski racks, chains,excellent condition, JCIuntil April 2006, $1,500obo. Call Gary Gilmour at253-4256 dwh or 253-2579awh.
Honda Vigor , 1994, 4 doorsedan, JCI until July 2005,
Semper Fit DivisionAthletics Branch:–Recreation Attendant,
NF-01–Lifeguard, NF-01SMP, Sakura Theater
Branch:–Recreation Attendant,
NF-01–Food Service Worker,
NA-02Health Promotions
Branch:–Recreation Attendant,
NF-01Go to www.mccsiwakuni.com for a complete joblisting.
OUT THE GATENote: Japanese who do not
speak English may answer thephone numbers provided.
Atsukishinmei FestivalA historical festival will take
place in front of the AtsukishinmeiShrine in Yanai City Feb. 11. Therewill be a dance performance start-ing at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. A Japanesedrum performance may be viewedin a parking lot of the CommunityCenter at 1:30 p.m. For further in-formation, call 0820-27-0001.
FRIDAY
11 a.m./5 p.m. The Majestic (PG)2 p.m./8 p.m. Friday Night Lights
(PG-13)11 p.m./5 a.m. Taking Lives (R)
2 a.m. Novocaine (R)
MOVIE SCHEDULE 2 p.m./8 p.m. Mr. 3000 (PG-13)11 p.m./5 a.m. Resident Evil:
Apocalypse (R)2 a.m. Sands Of Iwo Jima
(NR)
WEDNESDAY
11 a.m./5 p.m. The Rescuers (G)2 p.m./8 p.m. The Cookout (PG-13)
11 p.m./5 a.m. Collateral (R)2 a.m. Original Sin (R)
THURSDAY
11 a.m./5 p.m. White Chicks (PG)2 p.m./8 p.m. The Terminal (PG-13)
11 p.m./5 a.m. Wayne’s World 2(PG-13)
2 a.m. Two Can Play ThatGame (R)
SAKURA
FRIDAY
7 p.m. Spanglish (PG-13)10 p.m. Meet The Fockers (PG-13)
SATURDAY
1 p.m. Lemony Snickets (PG)4 p.m. Christmas With The Kranks
(PG)7 p.m. Spanglish (PG-13)
10 p.m. Blade Trinity (R)
SUNDAY4 p.m. Alexander (R)7 p.m. Flight Of The Phoenix
(PG-13)
MONDAY
7 p.m. Ocean’s Twelve (PG-13)
TUESDAY
7 p.m. Blade Trinity (R)
WEDNESDAY
7 p.m. Alexander (R)
THURSDAY
7 p.m. Spanglish (PG-13)
SATURDAY11 a.m./5 p.m. Men In Black 2
(PG-13) 2 p.m./8 p.m. The Forgotten (PG-13)
11 p.m./5 a.m. Harold And Kumar GoTo White Castle (R)
MONDAY11 a.m./5 p.m. Two Brothers (PG)2 p.m./8 p.m. Napolean Dynamite
(PG)11 p.m./5 a.m. Police Academy (R)
2 a.m. Red Dragon (R)
TUESDAY
11 a.m./5 p.m. The Wedding Planner(PG-13)
This schedule is submitted by the SakuraTheater and is subject to change. For showtimes call the Sakura Theater at 253-5291.
Operation Unified Assistance flieshigh with help from Station C-12
JOB OPENINGS
Ono Oyster FestivalThere will be a festival at the
Event Hiroba field in Ono Town, inthe Miyahama hot spring area, Sun-day, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Theywill sell oysters, oyster dishes, bev-erages and local products. A Japa-nese drum performance is sched-uled. Call 0829-55-2000 for details.
Crayon Art DisplayThere is a display of 32 crayon
arts at the Iwakuni City Chuo Li-brary now through Feb. 24. The li-brary is closed every Monday andFeb. 14-18. Admission is free. Formore information, call 31-0046.
Orchid FestivalVisitors can view over 10,000
orchid plants at the Hiroshima Bo-tanical Garden Saturday throughFeb. 13, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. An admis-sion fee is required. For more de-tails, call 082-922-3600.
Plum Blossoms FestivalThere will be a festival at
Kanmuriyama Sogo Park in HikariCity Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A fleamarket, a Japanese instrument per-formance and more are scheduled.It will be cancelled in case of inclem-ent weather. Call 0833-72-1400 fordetails.
LOST ITEMS
PFC. MARK FAYLOGA
Combat Correspondent
During poisoning by ‘fugu’ (a Japaneseterm for poison blowfish), a victim experi-ences a numbing of the lips and tongue, agrowing paralysis of the body, headaches,gastric pain, vomiting and convulsions. Onthe positive side, there is the consolation ofa light and floaty feeling, and after four to sixhours of this, death occurs, according towww.japanvisitor.com
Once informed of these interesting facts,I began to reconsider my offer to cover astory about the fugu dining experience.However, curiosity won over fear, and Idecided to undertake a date with death.
Fugu is considered a delicacy in Japanand the Philippines. The blowfish, whichboasts the ability to inflate its body withwater and project protective spikes, containstetrodotoxin (a toxin 1,200 times deadlier than cyanide).The amount of the toxin required to kill a full-grown mancan fit on a pinhead, and one blowfish contains enoughpoison to kill 30 people, according to www.destroy-all-monsters.com.
Around 100 people die per year from fugu poisoning,and the fish is the only delicacy not allowed to be served tothe Japanese emperor, notes the Web site refrenced above.
I was able to gather a small crew to join me on my questto conquer the devilfish. I managed to talk my roommate,Pfc. Lukas J. Blom, into tempting death with me. I alsoinvited my coworker, Yukie Wada, to come along and be ourtranslator – because when you’re dealing with a meal thatcan kill you, you don’t want any miscommunication.
After calling local restaurants to find out about the needfor reservations, availability of fugu and prices (not onlycan fugu kill you, it will also make sure you die broke; mealsrange form $100 to $200 a person) we decided to dine atFukugen, a restaurant located just north of the IwakuniRailroad Train Station.
As we took our seats in the restaurant, Blom tried tocover his anxiety with jokes and casual conversation.
“Did you call home today and tell your family you lovethem – you know, just in case?” Blom asked.
I shot him an angry glare.Our meal, served over a two-hour period, came out
course by course – each dish carefully prepared andbeautifully garnished.
When the first fugu dish came out, we sat motionlessfor a while, waiting to see who would be the guinea pig.Wada decided she would go first.
Poison blowfish? Sounds delish
“The chefs are professionals who know what they’redoing,” she said.
Wada was right. Since 1958, all chefs who wish toprepare fugu need to obtain a license, according towww.japanvisitor.com. Chefs must go through three yearsof training and take numerous exams before becomingqualified fugu chefs. During their final exams, the chefsprepare and eat their own fugu course. Only 30 percent ofchefs who train to become qualified fugu connoisseursmake it to the end of training.
Still, Wada’s comment didn’t ease my nerves any.I watched Wada eat the first piece of fugu, and I studied
her expression. I waited anxiously to see if death wouldwrap his bony arms around her, but nothing happened.
“It’s really good,” said Wada. “Give it a try.”I took a bite, waited for a while, checked my lips to make
sure I could still feel them and breathed a sigh of relief – Iwas going to live.
After the first fugu dish, I became so wrapped up in thetastes and textures of the new dishes that I forgot all aboutthe potential for death by poison. The first dish changedmy question from “Is this part poisonous?” to “Can I getsome more of this stuff?”
The fugu dining experience was unlike any I haveparticipated in before. I highly recommend that anyonewho is interested in having his own fugu dining adventureact on it, but I warn you – as I was leaving the restaurant, Ilooked in on the tank where the blowfish are kept, and for amoment a blowfish and I locked eyes. I could just imaginehim saying, “you may have been lucky this time, but thehouse always wins.”
Pfc. Mark Fayloga
Pfc. Lukas Blom searches through a fugu dinner platter to de-cide what he’ll eat at the Iwakuni’s Fukugen Fugu Restaurant inIwakuni.
photo courtesy of Lt. Col. James C. Stuart
This photo was recently taken at the Sultan Iskandar MudaAir Force Base in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. This C-12 from Ma-rine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Headquarters and HeadquartersSquadron, deployed in support of the tsunami relief efforts justafter the new year. The aircraft was based out of Utaphao RoyalThai airfield and also flew missions into Phuket, Thailand, andBanda Aceh, Indonesia.
PAGE 10 COMMUNITY BRIEFSTORII TELLER, FEBRUARY 4, 2005 SPORTS PAGE 11TORII TELLER, FEBRUARY 4, 2005
FAMILY APPRECIATION BOWLING DAYSaturday, 1-5 p.m. All games cost $0.75. For more information, call
253-4657.
OVER 30 SWIM LESSONSComing Feb. 14-18, 6 p.m. Sign-up costs $15. Call 253-4966 to sign-up.
UNIT PT KICKBOXING KICK-OFF (PRESIDENT’S CHALLENGE)Today, 5:30-7 a.m. The military unit with the most fitness points in the
challenge wins $500 for their unit PT party fund. All participating unitsreceive 20 points towards the President’s Challenge. Call 253-5051 forfurther details.
RUN FOR YOUR HEART 5K RACEFeb. 11. Check in at 10:45 a.m. The race begins at 11:30 a.m. Units, in
addition to adolescents and adults ages 13 and older, compete. Registrationis open until today. Call 253-5051 for details.
WOMEN’S STRENGTH TRAINING WORKSHOPFeb. 12, 1-3 p.m. in the IronWorks Gym Wellness Room. Feel stronger,
protect your bones, and boost your metabolism. Call 253-5051 to sign-upfor $10.
POWERLIFTING TRAINING SEMINARFeb. 12, 10 a.m. Free at the IronWorks Gym Weight Room. Sign-up is
not necessary. For details, call 253-5051.
MAKE REAL THE DREAM BASKETBALL TOURNAMENTFeb. 19, 9 a.m. at the IronWorks Gym Sports Courts. For further infor-
mation, call 253-5777.
IWAKUNI SPORTS SCENE
Lunch MenusWeek Of Feb. 7-11Monday – Cheese Pizza, Tossed Garden Salad, Ranch Dressing,Chilled Peaches, Rice Krispie Treat, MilkTuesday – Sloppy Joe on a Bun, Tomato, Cucumber Curly Fries,Seasoned Corn, Chilled Fruit Mix, MilkWednesday – Chicken Tenders, Crispy Potato Wedges,
According to www.wikipedia.com,about 6,500 drowning deaths occur inthe United States every year, and anestimated 140,000 occur worldwide.The number would be even greater if itwasn’t for the efforts of certifiedlifeguards.
Lifeguard classes began Mondayat the IronWorks Gym here. Semper Fitis offering the class to anyone 15 orolder who wants to become a certifiedbasic lifeguard and receive certifica-tion in cardiopulmonary resuscitationand basic first aid, said Kari L.Hemund, Semper Fit aquatics director.
“I joined the class because it’ssomething productive to do with mytime,” said Lance Cpl. William J. Grant,Marine Wing Support Squadron 171bulk fueler. “I get to become a certifiedlifeguard and then go get a second job[as a lifeguard] and earn some extramoney.”
Anyone who comes to the gymand exercises in the pool on a regularbasis shouldn’t have a problempassing the class, said Staff Sgt.
Edward McHale,Marine Wing SupportSquadron 171 utilitiesplatoon maintenancechief. McHalevolunteers as alifeguard instructor tosupport the RedCross.
“People shouldjoin the lifeguardclass becausebecoming a lifeguardgives you theopportunity to giveback to the commu-nity, and it gives youa sense of pride toknow people trustyou with their livesand with their familymembers’ lives, andthat you have theability and training to keep them safe,”said McHale. During their training, students willsee an improvement in their swimmingability and will gain confidence in thewater, said McHale. “The class is definitely worth $80,”said Grant. “You are certified as a
lifeguard and inCPR for the nextthree years. Plus, Ithink the extratraining will help mebecome level oneswim qualified -maybe even watersurvival qualified.” The class cost$80, and as aprerequisitestudents must beable to complete a500 meter swim andrecover a 10 poundtraining brick from
Lance Cpl. William J. Grant reaches for the poolwall to complete his final lap of the 500 meter swimportion of the pretest during lifeguard class in theIronWorks Gym Monday.
Lance Cpl. Brian C. Anderson comes up for air during the 500 meter swim section ofthe pretest at the Semper Fit lifeguard class in the IronWorks Gym pool Monday.
15 feet then swim the brick to the sideof the pool, said Hemund. If studentsfail the prerequisite, they will bereimbursed the cost of the class.
Semper Fit will be offering thelifeguard class once a month for the
l Always swim with a buddy; never swim alone.l Swim in supervised areas only.l Obey all rules and posted signs.l Watch out for the “dangerous too’s”—too tired, too cold, toofar from safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity.l Don’t mix alcohol and swimming. Alcohol impairs your judge-ment, balance, and coordination, affects your swimming and divingskills and reduces your body’s ability to stay warm.l Pay attention to local weather conditions and forecasts. Stopswimming at the first indication of bad weather.l Know how to prevent, recognize and respond to emergencies.
Information gathered from www.redcross.org
Swimming safety tips
CHAPEL RELIGIOUS
SERVICES
Roman CatholicSaturday
4:30 p.m. Confession5:30 p.m. Mass
Sunday8:45 a.m. Mass10:05 a.m. CCD
ProtestantSunday
9 a.m. Sunday School & AdultBible Fellowships
10:15 a.m. Non-DenominationalChristianWorship
10:30 a.m. Sunday School & AdultBible Fellowships
11:45 a.m. Gospel Worship Service
Cooperative Chapel MinistriesWednesday
6:30 p.m. AWANA Children’sProgram
3rd Saturday8 a.m. Men’s Fellowship Breakfast
1st Thursday6 p.m. Protestant Women of the
Chapel
LAY LED RELIGIOUS
SERVICES
JewishFriday
6 p.m. Shabbat Service
Seventh-Day Adventist2nd & 4th Saturday
9:30 a.m. Sabbath School/Worship
Church of ChristSunday
9:30 a.m. Bible Study10:30 a.m. Worship Service
Wednesday7 p.m. Bible Study
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-DaySaintsWeekdays
6:30 a.m. SeminarySunday
1 a.m. Priesthood, Relief Society &Sunday School
3 p.m. Sacrament Meeting
OTHER SERVICES
IslamicFriday
12 p.m. Prayer
To confirm current schedule ofservices at the Marine MemorialChapel, call 253-3371.
COMMUNITY BRIEFS
MCCSSingle Marine Program (253-3585)n Super Bowl Party: Monday, 6 a.m. Watch the game onthe big screen TV.n Pizza Night: Tuesday, 6 p.m. Free pizza, soda, snacksand games.
MCFTB (253-3754)n Single & Active Duty Parent Support Group Meet-ing : Wednesday, 12-1 p.m. at Yujo Hall.n Key Volunteer Basic Training : Thursday, 8:30 a.m.to 4 p.m. at Yujo Hall.
Anger management SeminarEvery Tuesday, Feb. 15 through March 8. Call 253-4526 fordetails.
Black History Month TriviaWho won four gold medals in the 1936 Olympics inBerlin? Visit the library to pick up a trivia sheet. Submitentries by Feb. 28 to be drawn for a special prize. For
OTHER
further details, call 253-3078.
Iwakuni Nurses NetworkAll nurses on Station are invited to meet for an informallunch the fourth Wednesday of every month, 11:30 a.m. to12:30 in the Club Iwakuni Ballroom to socialize and reviewa professional article. The article of the month can be ob-tained or donated by calling Jeannette at 253-3213.
Child Developmental ScreensAll children ages 4-36 months are invited to have a 20 minutedevelopmental screening to assess communication, grossmotor, fine motor, social and problem-solving skills. CallEducational and Developmental Intervention Services(EDIS), a department of the Iwakuni Health Clinic, for anappointment. For details, call 253-4562.
JASThe Japanese American Society invites all interested com-munity members to attend our monthly get-together Wednes-day, 7-9 p.m. All ages are welcome. Light refreshments andmany new friends will be available. Call 253-4771 or 253-2144 for more information.
next few months. The next classbegins Feb. 28. The two-week class isconducted Monday through Friday 5p.m. to 9 p.m. For more details, or tosign up for the lifeguard class, call253-4966, said Hemund.
PAGE 12 SPORTSTORII TELLER, FEBRUARY 4, 2005
STORY AND PHOTOS BY
PFC. LUKAS J. BLOM
Combat Correspondent
As the enemy scrambled for cover,the sound of three rounds exiting aweapon’s barrel broke the silence. Asplit-second later, the enemy fell to thetall grass and looked down at hischest in disbelief - he had been hit.Red fluid ran down his shirt and heknew his time had come. Anothercompetitor had just been eliminatedfrom the Last Man Standing PaintballTournament.
Eight players came out for the firstpaintball tournament of the year heldat the Station Paintball Range Jan. 29.Using efficient battlefield tactics, ChadJohnson walked away with the titleand the first place prize.
The tournament was a one-on-onecompetition where players wererequired to hit their opponents in“vital” areas (head, neck, upper torsoor crotch); the paint mark had to be atleast the size of a quarter to becounted. The tournament was adouble elimination competition, whichgave players a second chance atvictory.
“It doesn’t matter what physicalshape you’re in, your age or yourexperience, there’s a place on the fieldfor you: that’s the beauty ofpaintball,” said Shawn R. Minosky,tournament referee. “The game moldsto you.”
The paint warriors came outblazing in the first round of colorfulcombat. None of the matches lastedmore than five minutes.
“I was running to take cover by abunker and I tripped right when I gotthere,” said Eric Bothwell, tournamentcompetitor. “I busted my [butt] prettygood, but when I looked up at mymarker (paintball gun), the hopper(container attached to the marker thatholds paintballs) had fallen off. I onlyhad about threerounds left. When Ishot those off, I gotlit up pretty bad.”
The competitionheated up asplayers wereeliminated, andeventually the twoplayers who wereleft standing tookthe field for the finalmatch.
Dana A. Joneshad already been hitonce, which meantthat the final roundwas his last chanceat victory. Johnson,Jones’ competition,had evaded hisenemies up to thatpoint.
Paintballers engage in colorful combat
Looking down the sights of his marker, Dana A. Jones gets a feel for the toolthat will help him make it to the finals. Jones took 2nd place during thepaintball tournament here.
LEFT: Jonathan M. Rasch peaks around a bunker and unloads a burst of paintat his opponent during the Last Man Standing Paintball Tournament Jan. 29.ABOVE: Jonathan M. Rasch (right) hunkers behind a circular inflatable bunkerwhile his opponent sprays Rasch's position during the tournament.
As the two players tactfullymoved through the course,Jones spotted a weakness inhis opponent’s defense andtook advantage. Sighting in ona small portion of Johnson’storso that he inadvertentlyexposed, Jones sent a well-aimed burst of paint at hisenemy and hit him in the chest.
Both competitors had beenhit once, which meant onemore hit for either of thecontenders meant defeat andsecond place.
During the final round ofthe game, both competitorsmoved about the course withextra caution. Jones washunkered down next to a low-lying bunker when he peakedhis head up to see where hisopponent was. That’s whenthe controversial play hap-pened. Johnson saw Jonespeak his head and tookadvantage, spraying Jones’position. One paintball hitJones square on the head, butdid not burst. Under tourna-ment rules Jones was not out,but he did not get a paintcheck. Thinking he had beendefeated, Jones raised his gunin surrender. It was then thereferee informed him that therewas no paint on his head.Unfortunately for Jones,raising his weapon signaledthat he had forfeited.
“The paintball hit me sohard and square I just assumedit broke. I was wrong,” saidJones. “Next time I’m going tomake sure I get a paint check.”
Both competitors showedgood sportsmanship byaccepting the results andcongratulating each otheron a well-played match.
