Volume 13, Issue 16 Friday, February 24, 2012

Can you 

see me 

now?

JTF to roll out 

NWU Type III

Also:

Tax time is upon us

What’s with all 

the cacti?

UFC fighters grapple 

at Denich

Delicious proteins
| News from the Bay The Wire | Page 3

News from the Bay

The Marine Corps Security Force 

Company proudly presents a free outdoor 

concert featuring the Bart Walker Band at 

the MCSFCO Parade Deck tomorrow. Gates 

open at 4:30 p.m. and the show starts at 6:15 

p.m. The show is free to all hands. Bring your 

own lawn chair, blanket, food and drink (no 

glass, please). Parking is limited, so please 

share rides. 

If you can’t make it on Saturday, the band 

will also play Feb. 26 at O’Kelly’s Irish Pub 

at 5 p.m. 

For more information, call 2114.

The Tricare office has temporarily 

relocated to building H-11, behind the 

hospital barracks complex.

The Lateral Hazard golf course shop at 

the Yatera Seca Golf course will provide free 

driving range balls Feb. 27. 

For more information, call 2345.

Get a group of friends together and relive 

some of your favorite childhood playground 

moments with the kickball league. Teams can 

be coed and participants must be 16 years 

old and up. Each team will bat 11 and field 

10 players at a time. The number of players 

on the roster is up to you. Registration ends 

March 7 at 7 p.m. A coaches meeting will be 

held on March 14 at 5:30 p.m. 

For more information, call 2113.

INDEX

The Wire

February 24, 2012

Cha-ching... it’s tax time

Women gain combat jobs

The Cactus Curtain

‘Blizzard’ volleyball

UFC at GTMO

JTF to roll out new NWU

NASCAR preview

Movie review: Safe House

Bart Walker Band to 

play Marine Hill

5

7

8

9

10

12

16

18

Tricare office relocated

Free range balls

Are you looking for a chance to take the 

lead on your command’s physical training? 

Enroll in the Command Fitness Leader 

Certification Course. Register online by 

March 9 at the following address:

www.navyfitness.org/fitness/cfl_information 

The course runs from March 26 to March 

30. For more information, call 2157.

The MWR Community Library is closed 

for renovations. The children’s section will 

be available at the elementary school, room 

B9 on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 

noon. Story time will also be held in room 

B9 on Fridays at 10 a.m. Wi-Fi access, public 

computers, the scanner, fax and copier will 

be available at the Teen Center from 8 a.m. 

to 9 p.m. Sunday to Wednesday.

The Navy Legal Services Office is ready 

to help Guantanamo residences through tax 

season. The naval station location will be 

open 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mon-Fri., and the 

JTF Trooper One Stop office 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Mon.-Fri. Appointments are now available.

For more information, call 4692.

Bring your pool skills to Marine Hill, 

Camp America and Deer Point Liberty Centers on Feb. 27 at 6 p.m. to compete with the 

best pool players Gitmo has to offer. Prizes 

will be given to winners at every Liberty Center. For more information, call 2010.

Command Fitness 

Leader cert course

NLSO tax assistance 

Library renovation

Pool tournament

Specialty care providers will be available 

for appointments at U.S. Naval Hospital 

Guantanamo in the upcoming months:

GI – March 

ENT – March/April

Audiology – April

Dermatology – April 

Podiatry – April 

Urology – April 

For a referral, schedule an appointment 

with Primary Care Clinic at 72110.

Service members, veterans, and military 

spouses will have the opportunity to meet 

and interact with recruiters and hiring managers from dozens of military employers from 

the convenience of their home. You must 

register to reserve your space at www.veteranscareerfair.com. The career fair will be at 

Feb. 24 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Join MWR Liberty for a free fishing trip 

March 3 at 6:30 a.m. Bait will be provided, 

but you must bring your own fishing pole. 

This event is open to unaccompanied military members. 

For more information, call 2010.

Due to customer demand, the Wood 

Shop now has extended Sunday hours. 

Sunday: 12 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Tuesday-Friday: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Saturday: 2 p.m. – 9 p.m.

The Windjammer Ballroom doors open at 

7 a.m. and close at 7:30 a.m. prior to testing. 

No entry will be allowed after they close. Remember ID cards and be sure to wear proper 

name tapes. The test dates are as follows:

E6 candidates: Mar. 1

E5 candidates: Mar. 8

E4 candidates: Mar. 15

For more information, call 9541.

Virtual career fair

Day fishing

Specialty care 

providers at USNH

Wood Shop hours

Advancement Test 

exam schedule

Kickball league

The Wire | Page 2 Command Corner |

JTF Guantanamo

Commander

Rear Adm. David Woods

Deputy Commander

Brig. Gen. James Lettko

Command Master Chief

Cmd. Master Chief Reynaldo Tiong

Office of Public Affairs Director

Cmdr. Tamsen Reese: 9928

Deputy Director

Air Force Maj. Michelle Coghill: 9927

Operations Officer

Army Maj. Jon Powers: 3649

Senior Enlisted Leader

Sgt. 1st Class Jerome Grant: 3649

The Wire

Editor: Army 1st. Lt. Amelia Thatcher

Assistant Editor: Army Sgt. Saul Rosa

Photojournalists

Sgt. 1st Class Kryn Westhoven

Mass Communication Spc. 1st Class Ty Bjornson

Mass Communication Spc. 1st Class Keith Simmons

Mass Communication Spc. 2nd Class Kilho Park

Mass Communication Spc. 2nd Class Kyle Steckler

Army Sgt. Landis Andrews

Contact us

Editor’s Desk: 3651

Commercial: 011-5399-3651

DSN: 660-3651

E-mail: thewire@jtfgtmo.southcom.mil

Online: www.jtfgtmo.southcom.mil/wire/wire.html

The WIRE is the official news magazine of Joint Task Force Guantanamo. It is 

produced by the JTF Public Affairs Office to inform and educate the Troopers 

of JTF Guantanamo through news, features, command guidance, sports 

and entertainment. This DoD news magazine is an authorized publication 

for the members of the Department of Defense. Contents of The WIRE are 

not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, 

the Department of Defense, or Joint Task Force Guantanamo. It is printed 

by Defense Logistics Agency Document Services with a circulation of 1,300.

Joint Task Force Guantanamo is made 

up of an ever-changing community. 

Troopers continuously rotate in and out 

on different types of tours and lengths of 

deployments. We are from every branch 

of military service, and come from the 

reserve and active components. 

With every incoming and outgoing 

unit or individual augmentee, one thing 

remains the same: Troopers’ commitment 

to the Joint Task Force 

mission. The JTF can 

only improve as we 

continue to train, 

communicate new 

ideas, take pride in 

our knowledge and 

experience, and work 

together to leave our 

places better than we 

found them.

The first step is the 

individual initiative 

to do the right thing, 

even when nobody is 

looking. Integrity is 

key to gaining the trust 

of your leadership 

and subordinates. 

Do the right thing 

for the right reason 

– doing a “favor” for 

someone should not 

be conditional. Helping one another 

only helps the JTF as a whole grow and 

improve. 

The second step is the desire to 

improve what you do on a daily basis. 

Whether your tour is six months, nine 

months, or a full year, you have the ability 

to make your job better. Just having a 

positive attitude will help. 

 The longer people are here, the more 

they mature into their job, and the better 

they become at it. Recognize your own 

and other people’s leadership styles.

Regardless of your level, everyone 

has the responsibility to point out things 

which are going wrong or have the 

potential to become bigger problems. 

Address issues as they come up and make 

on-the-spot corrections. Don’t wait until 

a problem cannot be fixed.

Having arrived here in August as 

JTF Guantanamo’s J3 Operations 

sergeant major, my first impression was 

challenging to say the least. Now that I 

have the perspective of nearly six months 

on the ground, I have the utmost respect 

and appreciation for 

all brothers and sisters 

in arms supporting 

the JTF. The 

Trooper population 

is incredibly diverse, 

dedicated, and 

mission-focused. 

Each Trooper seeks to 

earn the trust of their 

leadership and battle 

buddies. The recent 

Command Climate 

Survey confirms that 

everyone here, from 

the “Red Roof ” 

leaders to the gate 

guards, is doing a 

good job. Everyone 

visibly cares about 

their job and takes 

pride in their work.

Next week’s series 

of All-Hands Calls will discuss the JTF 

mission, equipment, resources and our 

biggest asset: the care and concerns 

of our Troopers. All-Hands Calls 

are a regular occurrence and may be 

particularly familiar to the Navy, however, 

all Troopers will benefit.

Bottom line: the JTF Guantanamo 

leadership is committed to the mission 

and continuing to improve all aspects of 

life for all those deployed and stationed 

here. Continue to communicate at all 

levels the importance of the mission and 

those who make it happen every day: 

you!

I have the utmost 

respect and 

appreciation for all 

brothers and sisters 

in arms supporting 

the JTF. The recent 

Command Climate 

Survey confirms 

that everyone here, 

from the “Red Roof” 

leaders to the gate 

guards, is doing a 

good job.

Command Sgt. Maj. Karium Edwards

Acting Command Sergeant Major, JTF Guantanamo

Cover: U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay Seabees have already transitioned to wearing the Navy 

Working Uniform (NWU) Type III. On April 16, the Joint Task Force’s Navy population will follow 

suit and trade in their desert combat uniforms for the new green, tan, and black camouflage.

–photo by Mass Communication Spc. 2nd Class Kilho Park

Cc

ommand

orner
Who has the “Need to Know”?

Have you ever had someone ask you questions that you thought were unusual or were a bit too personal? 

Questions from strangers about our job, family or private life can make us feel uncomfortable. So how do we 

know what to say? How much information do we give about ourselves? Use the “Need to Know” principle. 

Ask yourself why this person might be looking for information, and then ask yourself “do they have the 

need to know”? Some people do need to know things about us. For example our work supervisors, doctors, 

even security personnel might need to know things as a part of doing their jobs. But does the person next 

to you in line need to know how you do your job? Does the guy at the laundromat? How about the next door 

neighbor? Think before you speak. Don’t just give out information because someone asks for it. Use “Need 

to Know” as your guide. Use OPSEC!

PSEC ALERT

PROTECT YOUR INFO!

The Wire | Page 4 Trooper to Trooper |

Trooper to Trooper

Sgt. 1st Class Betty Goodlow

Assistant Inspector General

the IGs are here to help!

I am sure many of you have 

heard of the Inspector General 

(IG) and may have asked the 

question: what is the job of an 

IG? 

IGs have four general functions: inspections, assistance, 

investigations, and teaching and 

training. The role of the Inspector General in the Joint Task 

Force Guantanamo mission is to 

provide support in maintaining 

the highest level of integrity and 

confidence. We are advocates of 

quality service for all JTF personnel. We provide candid, objective, and uninhibited internal 

analysis and advice. We emphasize integrity, ethics, efficiency, 

discipline and readiness while 

exercising fairness, impartiality, 

and timeliness in accomplishing 

the mission. 

The motto of the Inspector 

General Corps is “Droit et Avant,” 

which is Latin for “be right, and 

then move forward.” IGs are confidential advisors and fact finders 

to commanders. IGs examine the 

facts before taking further actions. 

Selfless service is the cardinal attribute of a successful IG. Our 

sworn duty is to serve as fairly, 

impartially, and objectively. 

IGs provide assistance and a 

system for resolving problems 

for Troopers, civilians and family members. We provide the 

ability for Troopers to seek help 

on matters affecting their health, 

welfare, and personal readiness. 

Anyone may submit a complaint, 

or request for information or assistance to the IG. The IG’s role 

as the Commander’s representative is to resolve these issues 

within the limits of the IG system. But before coming to the 

IG, ensure that your chain of 

command has had a chance to 

resolve the problem.

Our mission is to provide accurate and responsive service 

to resolve questions and issues, 

maintaining confidentiality to the 

maximum extent possible. All 

communication with the IG is 

protected by law, and talking to 

an IG about an issue cannot be 

grounds for any unfavorable action. Everyone must respect and 

protect a Trooper’s right to bring 

issues or allegations to the IG, 

whether or not you agree with 

its validity. However, understand 

that research takes time.

Inspectors General should 

not be viewed as the enemy. IGs 

are here to help commanders as 

well as the Troopers. IGs should 

be viewed as an asset. We have 

knowledge in many areas useful 

to Commanders and Troopers.

Remember: to file a complaint 

without fear of reprisal is the 

right of any Trooper!

Less than two months. Just over seven 

weeks. Fifty-three days to go. No matter how 

you remind yourself, the April 17 deadline to 

file your 2011 taxes is fast approaching. You 

read that correctly; April One Seven, but 

having two extra days doesn’t mean you have 

additional time to procrastinate.

To successfully complete the mission of 

filing your tax returns, it is like any other. 

Preparation is plays an important role in 

making the process faster and lessens the 

potential for errors.

There is some basic information you will 

need for filing. Have social security numbers 

and dates of birth for you, your spouse and 

dependents. Now gather up receipts or records for real estate taxes, education, child 

care and adoption costs. Gather up your 

medical and dental expenses, charitable donations or alimony information, if any of 

those situations apply to you.

You should have received in the mail or 

retrieved online the various forms you need 

to file with your return. Your W-2 is available 

at the following site:

https://mypay.dfas.mil/mypay.aspx

Married service members will need their 

spouses’ W-2s if they worked in 2011.

Then there is the family of 1099 forms. 

The number 1099 is followed by letters to indicate where the money is coming from; for 

example, 1099-INT records bank account 

interest and 1099-MISC shows any miscellaneous income. You might have a Form 

1098-E for student loan interest or Form 

1098 for home mortgage interest that you 

will need to account for.

Remember a deployment or permanent 

change of station to Joint Task Force Guantanamo does not entitle you to Combat 

Zone Exclusion, so all your pay is taxable, to 

include hazardous duty and imminent danger pay. There is a chart of items included 

in gross income along with a chart of exclusions in the 30 pages of the Armed Services 

Tax Guide, which is available at the Internal 

Revenue Service’s website:

http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p3.pdf

Before filing your federal income tax return, you should be aware of a few important tax changes that took effect last year.

First, the standard deduction increased 

for some taxpayers who do not itemize deductions on IRS Schedule A (Form 1040); 

the amount varies depending on your filing 

status. Also, the amount you can deduct for 

each exemption has increased to $3,700 for 

2011.

Last year, the rates for mileage were different for Jan. 1 through June 30 than for 

July 1 through Dec. 31. Medical and moving 

mileage are both 19 cents per mile for the 

early half of the year and 23 1⁄2 cents in the 

latter half. For business use of your car, you

| Command Information The Wire | Page 5

It is tax season again! As more people file their 

taxes online, tax scams are on the rise. Remember: 

if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. 

The IRS has issued several consumer warnings about 

the fraudulent use of the IRS name or logo by 

scammers trying to gain access to consumers’ 

financial information in order to steal their 

identity and assets. Scammers will use regular mail, 

telephone, fax or email to set up their victims. 

It is very rare for the IRS to initiate taxpayer 

communications through email. If you get an email 

from the IRS concerning refunds or balance due, it 

is probably a scam. For more information on current 

tax scams or instructions on how to report a scam 

please visit www.irs.gov.

re: information assurance

By Sgt. 1st Class Kryn Westhoven

‘Tis the season... tax season, that is!

MONEY MATTERS

 see TAXES page 7

Money really does matter, 

especially to the IRS in April: this 

is part one of a three-part series on 

how to file your taxes while at Joint 

Task Force Guantanamo.

Super Troopers

Congratulations to the Navy Expeditionary 

Guard Battalion Troopers who 

recently received commander’s coins! 

MA2 Blume

MA2 Brooks

YN2 Brown

EM2 Davis

MA1 Harris

MA2 Harvey

AWO1 Hill

NC1 Hodge

YN2 Holt

AZ2 Joseph

OS2 McReynolds

PR2 Navarro

HT3 Ruiz

MA1 Santana

YN2 Toledo
WASHINGTON – Military 

women, particularly Soldiers, 

will see more than 14,000 new 

job or assignment opportunities 

because of policy changes the 

Defense Department announced 

Thursday.

The changes are included in 

a report the department submitted to Congress Thursday, based 

in part on findings the Military 

Leadership Diversity Commission reported in March.

Thursday’s report included 

a “vision statement”: “The Department of Defense is committed to removing all barriers that 

would prevent service members 

from rising to the highest level 

of responsibility that their talents and capabilities warrant.”

A Pentagon news release accompanying the announcement 

quotes Defense Secretary Leon 

E. Panetta as saying women have 

proven themselves in and out of 

battle.

“Women are contributing in unprecedented ways to 

the military’s mission,” he said. 

“Through their courage, sacrifice, patriotism and great skill, 

women have proven their ability 

to serve in an expanding number 

of roles on and off the battlefield.

“We will continue to open as 

many positions as possible to 

women so that anyone qualified 

to serve can have the opportunity to do so,” the secretary said.

The biggest barrier DOD is 

lifting is a 1994 policy prohibiting 

women from jobs – such as tank 

mechanic and field artillery radar 

operator – that take place near 

combat units. With that bar removed, more than 13,000 Army 

jobs will be available to women 

Soldiers for the first time.

The second change is an “exception to policy” that will allow 

the Army, Navy and Marines to 

open select positions at the battalion level in jobs women already occupy.

The current policy, also set in 

1994, bars women in jobs such 

as intelligence, communications 

and logistics from assignment 

at units smaller than a brigade. 

Nearly 1,200 assignments will 

open to women Soldiers, Sailors 

and Marines under the exceptions.

As the law requires, the Defense Department will not implement the new policies until 

Congress has been in continuous 

session for 30 days, which should 

happen later this spring.

The report notes the policy 

changes reflect conditions already common in the past decade’s wars, where attacks can 

occur without warning and 

battle lines can shift to formerly “rear echelon” areas.

“The dynamics of the modern-day battlefield are non-linear, 

meaning there are no clearly defined front line and safer rear 

area where combat support operations are performed within a 

low-risk environment,” the document’s authors wrote.

Pentagon statistics show 144 

military women have been killed 

and 865 wounded in combat and 

noncombat incidents in Iraq and 

Afghanistan. Some 20,000 of the 

205,000 service members currently serving in Afghanistan are 

women, and they make up about 

280,000 of the more than 2.3 

million troops who have served 

in operations over the past decade.

The 1.4 million-member active-duty force now serving includes about 205,000 women.

The report notes the changes 

will expand career opportunities 

for women, provide a greater 

pool of troops from which combatant commanders may draw, 

reduce the operational tempo 

for “male counterparts” by increasing the number of service 

members available to support 

direct combat forces, improve 

consistency in assignment policy, 

and give field commanders more 

flexibility in meeting combatsupport mission requirements.

Pentagon Press Secretary 

George Little told reporters the 

policy changes follow an extensive review that involved input 

from all the services.

“We believe it is very important to explore ways to offer 

more opportunities to women in 

the military,” he said.

Little said the department 

will continue to look for ways to 

increase opportunities for military women. He acknowledged 

most of the positions involve 

the Army, as the nation’s primary 

ground force.

“Most positions in the Air 

Force are already open to women,” Little said. “The vast majority of positions in the Navy are 

already open to women, so most 

of these positions do involve the 

United States Army.”

The report states that 99-percent of all Air Force positions, 

officer and enlisted, are open to 

women. The figure is 66-percent 

for the Army, 68-percent for the 

Marines, and 88-percent for the 

Navy.

The 1994 Direct Ground 

Combat Definition and Assignment Rule identified five elements affecting women’s military 

service: direct ground combat, 

berthing and privacy, collocation, 

long-range reconnaissance and 

special operations forces, and 

physically demanding tasks.

Today’s report addresses two 

of these with full or partial policy 

changes, and addresses the others 

by stating department officials 

are working to establish genderneutral job standards.

“This will mean a thorough 

analysis of job-related physical 

requirements ... expected of 

service members,” the report 

reads in part. “These standards 

will help determine which specific positions presently excluded 

under the special operations and 

physical standards criteria are 

suitable for general assignment 

of both genders.”

The report’s authors acknowledged there are “practical barriers that require time to resolve to 

ensure the services maximize the 

safety and privacy of all service 

members while maintaining military readiness.”

The secretary directed the 

services to report their results, 

within six months after the policies take effect, on their implementation of the new assignment 

standards, and their progress developing gender-neutral physical 

standards.

| News The Wire | Page 7

start at 51 cents and jump to 55 

1⁄2 cents for the second half.

For those who qualify for 

the alternative minimum tax 

(AMT), the exemption amount 

increased to $48,450 or $74,450 

if married and filing jointly. The 

additional tax on distributions 

from health or medical savings 

accounts not used for qualified 

medical expenses increased to 

20 percent in 2011.

If you converted or rolled 

over an amount from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA or 

designated Roth in 2010 and did 

not elect to report the taxable 

amount on your 2010 return, 

you generally must report half 

of it on your 2011 return and 

the rest on your 2012 return.

And finally, if you will be 

mailing in your return the IRS 

changed the filing location 

for several areas, so check the 

Form 1040 instructions for the 

correct address.

Check www.IRS.gov before 

you file for updates on any new 

legislation that may affect your 

tax return. 

Next week we will take an 

in-depth look at the resources 

available to Troopers at Joint 

Task Force Guantanamo to 

assist in tax preparation, to include the Navy Legal Services 

Office.

14,000 combat-related jobs now 

open to female service members

By Karen Parrish

American Forces Press Service

TAXES cont. 

The Wire | Page 6 Trooper Focus |

trooper focus

By Sgt. 1st Class Jerome Grant

Hospital Corpsman 2nd 

Class Frederick Scott works as 

the Lead Petty Officer (LPO) 

of the Dental Department 

at the Joint Troop Clinic. He 

serves as the lead administrator 

of the clinic, in addition to 

providing dental cleanings and 

performing duties as a dental 

technician.

At his parent command, 

Naval Station Mayport, Fla., 

Scott works in logistics, 

specifically medical supply. The 

duty here is much different than 

working in logistics.

“I take care of daily 

operations,” said Scott. “I 

schedule patients, ensure all the 

equipment works, and make 

sure the rest of the corpsmen 

stay gainfully employed.”

Scott’s boss has a slightly 

different view of his role in the 

Dental Department.

“He fully manages a complex 

schedule of patient care” said 

Cmdr. Bruce Green, Senior 

Dental Officer of the Joint 

Medical Group. “HM2 is an 

outstanding performer, making 

even complex procedures 

go smoothly with his expert 

assistance.”

“The visiting dental 

specialist on the island had the 

opportunity to work with HM2 

Scott, and commented that 

he was among the best dental 

techs that he has ever worked 

with,” Green said.

Scott said that he enjoys his 

job because he is taking care of 

Troopers.

“My favorite thing is the 

dental cleaning,” said Scott. 

“After the cleaning, people 

can leave here with a sense of 

satisfaction.”

Scott’s excellent performance isn’t limited only to his 

dental skills, according to Chief 

Petty Officer Sharon Raymond, 

LCPO of the Joint Troop 

Clinic.

“HM2 Scott is an outstanding 

dental technician and Sailor,” 

said Raymond. “Through 

his managerial ability, dental 

appointment availability rose 50 

percent, reducing routine access 

to care from 12 days to seven.”

Another notable accomplishment according to 

Raymond was Scott’s work 

in support of the Naval 

Expeditionary Guard Battalion. 

Scott utilized various resources 

and tools to increase the dental 

readiness of NEGB by five 

percent in just two months.

One might think that 

someone so driven to excellence 

might be easily stressed, but not 

Scott.

“HM2 Scott is always 

smiling,” said Raymond. “His 

positive attitude is infectious.” 

“I have not known him to 

have anything but a positive 

attitude,” said Green. “Even 

when the going has gotten very 

tough, even when the hours 

have gotten long, and most 

especially when patients have 

been irate.”

“I can’t wait to see him with 

anchors someday!” Raymond 

added, referring to Navy chief 

rank.

What’s your favorite AFN commercial?

“The ‘Be a Good 

Roommate’ commercial 

is a really good one. It’s a 

good advertisement for 

a people living in close 

quarters.”

Spc. Paula Felder

“I like the ‘Can’t Ship This’ 

commercial. It’s funny at 

the end when they start 

dancing.”

Yeoman 2nd Class 

Jason Prince

“The Military One Source 

commercial when the man 

is shaking his butt at the 

end! It’s too funny the way 

he’s dancing.”

Sgt. 1st Class

Sharlene Downer

BOOTS ON THE GROUND... delightful!

“I like the commercial with 

the talking sock. I think 

talking socks are funny.”

Information Systems 

Technician 2nd Class 

Ashley Berlemeier
The W Feature | ire | Page 8

This Week in Guantanamo Bay History

The Cactus Curtain

photo by Mass Communication Spc. 2nd Class Kilho Park

By Sgt. 1st Class Michael Shimer

February was a busy month 

historically for the U.S. Naval 

Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. 

Back in 1964, tensions between 

the communist government of 

Cuba, under the leadership of Fidel Castro, and the U.S. military 

at Guantanamo Bay had grown to 

a bit of a climax. 

What later became known as 

the “Cuban Water Crisis of 1964” 

had its roots in tit-for-tat events 

between the Cuban military and 

the naval station. In 1958, during 

the Cuban Revolution, vehicular 

traffic through the Northeast Gate 

was suspended. In June 1958, Fidel’s brother Raul captured 29 

Sailors and Marines returning to 

base from liberty and held them 

prisoner for 22 days. The Naval 

Station suspended off-post liberty 

in early 1959 for military and civilian personnel. Castro overthrew 

the U.S.-backed Batista government in 1959 and declared himself a Marxist/Communist in July 

1959. The U.S. cut off diplomatic 

ties with Cuba on Jan. 4, 1961. 

Around the time of the Cuban 

Missile Crisis in October 1961, the 

Cuban government had its militia 

begin planting cactus for miles 

along the base’s fence line, in part 

to stem the tide of Cubans who 

had been trying to flee Cuba for 

the American naval station side. 

Comparisons began to be made 

between the Cuban “Cactus Curtain” and the Soviet “Iron Curtain” in Eastern Europe.

Harassment occurred regularly between the Cuban guards and 

the U.S. Marines on either side of 

the “Cactus Curtain.” On Feb. 6, 

1964, Castro ordered the water 

supply to the base, which was part 

of an agreement between the U.S. 

and Cuba and delivered through 

a pipeline from the Yateras River, 

cut off. But what Castro didn’t 

factor into his plans was the presence of a bona fide Navy war hero 

at Guantanamo Bay.

After Castro cut off the water 

and continued toying with the 

Americans by turning it back on 

for three days, Admiral Bulkeley ordered chief engineer Navy 

Capt. Nelson Simonson to cut a 

12-foot section of the water supply pipe. With only 10 days’ supply available, water rationing began immediately and a temporary 

process was put in place to deliver 

water to the base by barge.

The Navy also began to dismantle an experimental water desalinization plant in Point Loma, 

California for shipment to Guantanamo Bay. Just five months after the Cuban Water Crisis had 

begun, Burns and Roe had the 

reassembled desalinization plant 

producing fresh water at Guantanamo Bay, initially with an 

output of 750,000 gallons of fresh 

water per day. Within a year, that 

capacity had been increased to 

2.25 million gallons per day.

February 1964 marked a 

monumental point in the history 

of Guantanamo Bay. By July of 

that year, under the leadership of 

Rear Admiral Bulkeley, and despite continuing harassment from 

Communist Cuba, U.S. Naval 

Station Guantanamo Bay at last 

achieved self-sufficiency behind 

the “Cactus Curtain.”

| Feature The Wire | Page 9

By Army Sgt. Landis Andrews

You might not be able to tell by the 

mid-80s temperatures and humidity, but 

it is winter here. Guantanamo Jay saw his 

shadow, right? Well, that didn’t stop Morale 

Welfare & Recreation from putting on a twoday, outdoor volleyball tournament for the 

community this President’s Day weekend. 

The weather was the motivation behind 

the tongue-in-cheek title Blizzard Volleyball 

Tournament. Eight teams participated, 

but in the end, the experience of “GTMO 

Assassins” proved to be too much for the 

rest of the field.

“We’ve been playing together for five years 

and we play in all the volleyball games,” Joint 

Task Force Guantanamo civilian Sikarder 

Rai said. “We know exactly what we need to 

do to be successful. The setter knows what 

kind of set I need and he knows when I want 

to spike it.”

Teammate Kareem Fazli said their 

chemistry comes from more than just time 

playing volleyball.

“We’re friends,” he said. “We work 

together. We hang out together. That 

definitely gives us a very big boost.”

Air Force Staff Sgt. Thomas Harvey, 

contracting NCO for Joint Task Force 

Guantanamo Bay, didn’t have such deep 

roots with his team but that didn’t hinder his 

performance. He entered into the player pool 

to be assigned a team and ended up playing 

for team “GTMO Pinoy,” which made it to 

the championship game.

“I thought it was really awesome to be able 

to pull together with a team of people that I 

had never played with before,” Harvey said.

Since Harvey is deployed as an Air Force 

individual augmentee, he also enjoys the 

social aspect of sports.

“I was really in it to meet more people 

and that was accomplished. I played hard 

with the intention of winning – who doesn’t 

when playing sports? – but, the intent of 

meeting people worked out. I was invited to 

play for their team again during the indoor 

league coming up next month and met some 

of the people on the opposing teams.”

When things were all said and done, 

everyone had a good time no matter what 

side of the trophy they were on.

“It was really good to see the teams getting 

along while being competitive,” Harvey said.

The champions agreed.

“The tournament was great and everyone 

played hard. It was great to face some good 

competition,” Fazli said.

But that was not his favorite part. The 

inner child came out during the games.

“I had fun getting out in the sun and 

playing in the sand,” he said. “I loved that.”

Be sure to join the fun by signing up 

for the indoor volleyball league in March. 

Registration opens soon.

Volleyball tournament boosts 

teamwork over long weekend 

Below: Staff Sgt. Thomas Harvey of team “GTMO Pinoy” looked on as civilian Sikarder Rai of team “GTMO Assassins” attempted to drive a spike during the Blizzard 

Beach Volleyball Tournament over President’s Day weekend. The champions, “GTMO Assassins,” defeated “GTMO Pinoy” for the championship and Rai attributes the 

success to the fact that his team has been playing together for five years. –photo by Army Sgt. Landis Andrews
The Wire | Page 10 Feature | | Feature The Wire | Page 11

Bodies hit the mat when Ultimate 

Fighting Championship fighters Matt “The 

Immortal” Brown and the “Dean of Mean” 

Keith Jardine came to Guantanamo Bay. 

The two fighters visited the island Feb. 18 

and 19 and met with Troopers throughout 

the base. They started their tour with a meet 

and greet at the Joint Task Force’s Kittery 

Cafe. 

At the Cafe, Hospitalman Andre Hall 

came out to meet the two UFC fighters and 

have them sign his gloves. 

“If I’m ever having a bad day, I’ll see the 

Dean of Mean’s signature on my glove and 

it’ll motivate me to work harder,” said Hall. 

Brown and Jardine then moved to 

O’Kelly’s Irish Pub for another chance to 

mingle with the troops. On Sunday morning, 

the two fighters spent some time with the 

Marines. 

Jardine explained that the Marines taught 

the two UFC fighters the basics of room 

clearing and other infantry skills. 

“The appreciation is really for what 

they do beyond that,” said Jardine. “They 

told me that their jobs never get old, so the 

appreciation really comes from the down 

time they have dealing with the boredom and 

other stresses. I wouldn’t understand how to 

be overseas and feeling trapped inside some 

place and not being able to get out.” 

The highlight of the trip for Troopers 

was the hands-on demonstration at Denich 

Gym Sunday evening. 

Among those who came out to see “The 

Immortal” and be schooled by the “Dean” 

was Maritime Safety and Security Team Lt. 

Jg. Jorge Teller. 

Teller, a long time UFC fan and mixed 

martial artist, was looking forward to 

meeting and possibly sparring with the 

two professionals. 

“I’ve been practicing MMA for 24 years,” 

said Teller. “My father taught me when I was 

four years old. He used to be in the military 

in Nicaragua, so growing up he taught my 

siblings and me how to fight.” 

Before joining the military, Teller had a 

short career as a fighter. 

“I did two professional fights before I 

quit,” said Teller. 

Teller came out to learn a few new tricks 

from the two experienced professionals. 

“I haven’t fought with someone that good 

in years,” said Teller. “It’s awesome when 

you get a challenge. You learn something 

new every time and every mistake you make 

is an opportunity to try again.” 

The two fighters were happy to 

share their knowledge with the 

troops stationed at Guantanamo Bay.

“MMA has come a long way and some 

of things we do in MMA could work in 

combat situations,” said Jardine. “With 

wrestlers doing a lot of take downs, it’s all 

about learning how to get back on your feet 

and fight.” 

Matt Brown and Keith Jardine may not 

have known what they were getting into 

coming down to Guantanamo Bay, but 

they left feeling satisfied knowing they were 

able to show their support to the Troopers 

stationed on island. 

“It brings as much joy to me as it does for 

them,” said Brown. “It’s a great experience 

for me and I’ve had an absolute blast. This 

is something I’ll definitely remember for the 

rest of my life.” 

Matt “The Immortal” Brown and “The Dean of Mean” Keith Jardine demonstrated basic wrestling moves to 

Troops at Denich Gym Feb. 19. –photo by Army Sgt. Saul Rosa

“The Dean of Mean” Keith 

Jardine wrestled with Lt. Jg. 

Jorge Teller at Denich 

Gym Feb. 19. –photo 

by Army Sgt. 

Saul Rosa

fighters rush 

 Guantanamo Bay

By Army Sgt. Saul Rosa

Above: Matt “The Immortal” Brown and “The Dean of Mean” Keith Jardine 

signed autographs at the Kittery Cafe for Joint Task Force Guantanamo 

Troopers Feb. 18.

Right: The two UFC fighters grappled with Troopers at Denich Gym Feb. 19.

 –photos Army Sgt. Saul Rosa
The Wire | Page 12 Feature |

high

speed

training

The Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team – San 

Diego made a splash into Marine Hill Pool Feb. 16 for Water 

Survival Training. This was the semi-annual re-certification 

for personnel who use the Tactical Flotation Systems while 

underway in the waters around Guantanamo Bay. Besides the 

proper use of the floatation system, Coast Guardsmen learned 

how to manual inflate the bladders and rapidly remove their 

Ballistic Protection System.

–photo by Sgt. 1st Class Kryn Westhoven

| Feature The Wire | Page 13

The new Navy Working Uniform Type 

III changeover is right around the corner, 

and The Wire sought Navy Expeditionary Guard Battalion Executive Officer 

Lt. Cmdr. Mack Brunson to answer your 

questions.

1) Why is the Navy implementing the 

NWU Type III uniforms in the first place? 

Why change from the DCUs we currently 

have?

- DCUs are no longer supported by the 

stock system. Replacements are no longer 

being manufactured. The Navy decided to 

transition all expeditionary and individual 

augmentee (IA) Sailors to the Type IIIs, 

replacing the old woodland camouflage 

and the DCUs.

2) When is the rollout date and when 

should Sailors at Joint Task Force Guantanamo be receiving their uniforms?

- The JTF Guantanamo transition date 

is April 16.

- The one exception will be the incoming NEGB Sailors, who will be wearing 

them prior to April 16 as they will not be 

issued DCUs.

- Each Sailor will be issued three sets, 

including the 8-point cover. The current 

boots are authorized for wearing with the 

Type IIIs.

3) Who in the JTF will be assigned to wear 

Type IIIs?

- All Navy IAs assigned to JTF Guantanamo will transition to the Type IIIs. 

4) Will the NEX be able to support any 

uniform accessories like name tapes, or 

will we have to purchase them ourselves? 

Can alternations be made if the issued 

uniforms are too short, long, big, etc.?

- The NEX has an existing order for 

Type III materials.

- The name tapes will come with the 

uniform issue, in the Type III material. 

NEGB is working to get name tape material on island to produce the job title 

badges, and should have them ready for 

issue by the transition deadline.

- No one should have to get any of 

these uniforms tailored if they provided 

the appropriate sizes. The Type III sizes 

are the same as the Type I (blue digital) 

size chart. If a member provided the sizes 

of their DCUs, they may have to tailor 

their Type IIIs. If that is the case, it will 

be at the member’s expense. If they received something other than what they 

ordered, they need to contact Lt. Cmdr. 

Mack Brunson or Chief Petty Officer Arnel Valdez and we will work to get them 

the correct sizes.

5) Do we have to dry clean these uniforms? 

- The Type IIIs are wash-and-wear; no 

dry cleaning is required.

6) Is the cost for the new uniforms coming out of pocket?

- This is considered “initial issue” and 

no money will come out of the Sailor’s 

paycheck.

7) What do we do with our old DCUs? 

Can we just chuck them in the trash or 

will there be a collection? Can we make 

our pants into shorts?

- Just like at any other time, DO NOT 

simply throw old uniforms away. More 

guidance on exactly what to do with them 

will be provided before the transition 

date.

–photo and interview by Mass Communication 

Spc. 2nd Class Kilho Park

your new 

uniform 

questions 

answered! NWU

brand
Incident leads to new training for ISAF troops

O n Th e wi n g

| At Your Service The Wire | Page 15

KABUL, Afghanistan – All International Security Assistance Force personnel will complete training in the proper handling of religious materials, military officials reported.

Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen, ISAF 

commander, ordered that all coalition forces in Afghanistan complete the training by 

March 3.

Allen issued the order in response to an 

incident last night in which religious materials, including Qurans identified for disposal, 

were inadvertently taken to an incineration 

facility at Bagram Airfield, officials said. The 

incident is under investigation.

“On behalf of the entire International Security Assistance Force, I extend my sincerest apologies to the people of Afghanistan,” 

Allen said. “To assist us in ensuring we have 

uncovered all the facts, I’ve also asked our 

partners from the Afghan Ministry of Interior to assist us with this investigation.”

The training will include the identification 

of religious materials, their significance, and 

correct handling and storage.

“Along with our apology to the Afghans, 

is our certainty and assurance to them that 

these kinds of incidents, when they do occur, 

will be corrected in the fastest and most appropriate manner possible,” Allen continued. 

“We’ve been shoulder to shoulder with the 

Afghans for a long time. We’ve been dying 

alongside the Afghans for a long time because we believe in them, we believe in their 

country, and we want to have every opportunity to give them a bright future.”

Panetta, Allen apologize

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta joined 

Allen in apologizing to the Afghan people 

for the reported inappropriate treatment of 

religious materials, including copies of the 

Quran, at Bagram Airfield.

“[Allen] and I apologize to the Afghan 

people and disapprove of such conduct in 

the strongest possible terms,” Panetta said. 

“These actions do not represent the views 

of the United States military. We honor and 

respect the religious practices of the Afghan 

people, without exception.”

ISAF officials are taking steps “to ensure 

this does not ever happen again,” Allen said. 

“I assure you – I promise you – this was NOT 

intentional in any way,” he said.

By Armed Forces News Service

FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. – Born 

about the time the Tuskegee Airmen were 

earning their reputation over the skies of 

North Africa and Italy, Marcelite Harris 

would go on to break a number of racial 

and gender barriers during an illustrious Air 

Force career.

Harris was born Jan. 16, 1943, in Houston and attended Spelman College in Atlanta, where she earned a bachelor’s degree 

in speech and drama in 1964. She then attended Officer Training School at Lackland 

Air Force Base, Texas, where she was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1965. 

During the early days of her career, Harris held assignments as an administrative officer in California and West Germany, before 

transitioning into the maintenance field by 

attending the aircraft maintenance officer’s 

course at Chanute Air Force Base, Ill., and 

graduating as the first female aircraft maintenance officer.

Her first assignment as a maintenance officer was to support the Vietnam War as a 

maintenance supervisor with the 49th Tactical Fighter Squadron in Korat Royal Thai air 

base, Thailand. After stints back in California 

and Washington, D.C., Harris broke another 

barrier as one of the first women to be an 

air officer commanding at the U.S. Air Force 

Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.

After commanding an avionics maintenance squadron and a field maintenance 

squadron, both in Kansas, and a director 

of maintenance in Okinawa, Japan, Harris 

would make another first - this time as the 

first female deputy commander for maintenance.

But her biggest accomplishment lay ahead, 

when in 1991, Harris became the first female 

African-American general, when she pinned 

on her first star as the vice commander of 

the Oklahoma Center Air Logistics Center.

Harris retired from the Air Force in early 

1997, where she had been serving as the director of maintenance, deputy chief of staff 

for logistics, Headquarters, U.S. Air Force. At 

that time, she was the highest ranking female 

officer in the Air Force and the highest ranking African-American female within the Department of Defense.

Harris continues to contribute to the Air 

Force even after her retirement. In 2010, 

President Barack Obama appointed her a 

member of the Board of Visitors for the 

United States Air Force Academy. As a board 

member, she inquiries into the morale, discipline, curriculum and other matters deemed 

appropriate. The board submits reports to 

the secretary of defense and the Committees 

on Armed Services of the Senate and Congress via the secretary of the Air Force.

As she continues to serve the Air Force 

she serves her community. She is a member 

of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and Delta Sigma 

Theta Sorority, Inc. For her works, in 2010 

she was nationally recognized by the Black 

Girls Rock Foundation with the Trailblazer 

Award.

A career of firsts: Female AfricanAmerican general continues service

Brig. Gen. Marcelite Harris paved the way for female 

and African-American service members, becoming 

a maintenance officer in Thailand amd Japan, an air 

officer commanding at the U.S. Air Force Academy, 

and the first female African-American general officer. 

–U.S. Air Force photo

M i ss i on fi rst

By American Forces Press Service

The Wire | Page 14 At Your Service |

In t h e figh t

F-35B USMC major selected 

as test pilot of the year

NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, 

PATUXENT RIVER, Md. — The test pilot 

responsible for leading the planning effort 

for the F-35B Joint Strike Fighter’s initial sea 

trials in October received accolades for his 

leadership during a ceremony Feb. 16.

The John H. Glenn squadron of the Marine Corps Aviation Association (MCAA) 

selected Marine Corps Maj. Richard Rusnok 

as test pilot of the year for his role in the 

successful embarkation and deployment of 

more than 250 people and 140,000 pounds 

of supplies and equipment with two F-35B 

test aircraft on USS Wasp (LHD 1).

“Major Rusnok was the focal point for an 

extremely complex event, and the amount 

of coordination, thought and planning he 

put into it was enormous,” said Navy Capt. 

Erik Etz, military director of test and evaluation for F-35 naval variants. “Initial sea trials were a resounding success, and his award 

is well deserved.”

“It’s every naval test pilot’s dream to be 

involved with initial ship trials,” Pittston, Pa., 

native Rusnok said. “It’s such a rare occurrence – a once-in-a-generation opportunity 

– for us to take a new aircraft to sea.”

Rusnok, an operational test liaison, spent 

almost a year planning the trials.

“It was an incredible opportunity for me 

to see the plan evolve over time,” Rusnok 

said. “It sounds trite, but nothing I did was 

noteworthy. I had a lot of support and the 

virtually unlimited resources of a talented 

team.”

Rusnok was also one of four test pilots 

hand-selected to demonstrate the Marines’ 

amphibious air power with the first short 

takeoffs and vertical landings on the Wasp.

“It was really satisfying to see the payoff 

of all the hard work we did, like the Field 

Carrier Landing Practices with the Wasp 

crew,” Rusnok said. “Flying at sea felt like 

coming home again.”

“I was surprised and happy to be selected,” Rusnok said. “However, this award 

probably ruins some of my tactical street 

cred with the fleet,” he joked.

This year, Rusnok will transition to Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., where operational testing on the F-35B will commence.

Rusnok was among three Marines honored at the squadron’s 7th Annual Acquisition Awards Banquet. As Test Pilot of the 

Year, he will be considered for the national 

Commandant of the Marine Corps’ Award 

for Acquisition Excellence, to be announced 

by the national MCAA organization in May.

The F-35B is the Marine variant of the 

Joint Strike Fighter aircraft. It is capable 

of short takeoffs and vertical landings for 

use on amphibious ships or expeditionary 

airfields to provide air power to the Marine 

Air-Ground Task Force. Initial ship trials 

for the F-35B began Oct. 3 on USS Wasp 

(LHD 1). The F-35B is undergoing test and 

evaluation at NAS Patuxent River prior to 

delivery to the fleet.

JSF Public Affairs

Headquarters, Marine Corps

M i ss i on fi rst

DoD raises nearly $16 million for CFC

WASHINGTON – The Defense Department raised nearly $16 million in contributions during the 2011 Combined Federal 

Campaign, marking its fifth consecutive year 

raising more than $15 million, Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter said today.

“With almost $16 million raised, we 

have again surpassed this year’s fundraising 

amount,” Carter said. “This is DOD’s eighth 

consecutive record-setting year; our fifth year 

in a row we’ve raised over $15 million -- no 

small accomplishment.”

Carter spoke during the 2011 DOD CFC 

Awards for the National Capital Region to 

celebrate the department’s “impressive contributions to the Combined Federal Campaign.” It also was the campaign’s 50th anniversary.

“Working at this department signifies 

the devotion all of you have to public service and I think of our contributions to the 

Combined Federal Campaign as an extension 

of that devotion,” he said. “It’s a reflection 

of that devotion that underscores just how 

committed each of you are to bettering our 

nation and our world.

“So it’s not surprising that we do so well 

in the Combined Federal Campaign in this 

department because it’s the kind of people 

who make it up,” he added.

Carter praised DOD employees for their 

substantial contributions during a period of 

fiscal austerity.

“The individual contributions you make 

have a huge collective impact even during 

difficult times for individuals and families, 

and I know many of you face them. This 

commitment in our department continues to 

be truly remarkable,” he said.

“From the earthquake and tsunami in Japan [to] the deadly outbreak of tornados in 

the American South and Midwest,” he said, 

“[to] the continued uncertainty and turmoil 

in the global economy, the past year reminds 

us of just how important it is to extend a 

helping hand to others.”

The deputy secretary referred to volunteerism as a part of the “fabric of our society.”

“Our commitment to each other through 

charity and service is one of the things that 

keep this country great,” Carter said. “Every year those that contribute to the CFC 

astound us with their personal dedication to 

philanthropy.”

Carter said CFC contributions go to more 

than 4,000 charities and impact the lives of 

tens of thousands of people domestically 

and overseas.

“What you give extends access to medicine and medical care to some of the most 

impoverished parts of the world,” he said. 

“What you give fights hunger from poverty 

with technological advances and agricultural 

education.”

Carter noted contributions also provide 

emergency relief to disaster-stricken areas 

and promote women’s health, freedom and 

dignity.

“Thanks to you, once again, these organizations and charities will benefit from another record-setting year of generosity,” he 

said.

By Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.

American Forces Press Service
Only at GTMO by Mass Communication Spc. 1st Class Ty Bjornson

| Mind, Body & Spirit The Wire | Page 17

It’s likely that if you’re reading this, you 

saw the title. If that’s the case, and you’re 

still reading, it’s probably safe to say that you 

at least have a passing interest in protein. 

Whatever your opinions might be, I’m not 

here to change your mind one way or the 

other. I don’t have the proper credentials to 

do so, even if I wanted to. This is MY truth 

about protein based on my own opinions and 

experiences.

The Centers for Disease Control and 

Preventions (CDC) website says this about 

protein: “Proteins are part of every cell, 

tissue, and organ in our bodies. These body 

proteins are constantly being broken down 

and replaced. The protein in the food we eat 

is digested into amino acids that are later used 

to replace these proteins in our body.”

So how does this apply to muscle growth? 

Simply put, protein is made up of amino 

acids; the building blocks of your muscles 

and body. Without these amino acids, your 

body would not have the fuel to build, repair 

or even maintain muscle tissue. Going a 

step further, protein is made up of several 

elements, including nitrogen. A sufficient 

amount of protein will put your body in a 

positive nitrogen balance, also known as an 

anabolic state. Being in an anabolic state will 

allow you to build muscle, plain and simple. 

Knowing now how important protein can 

be to the growth and maintenance of muscle 

tissue, you might be interested in how much 

protein you need in a given day to achieve 

your goals. It goes without saying that due to 

our individual shapes and sizes, as well as the 

different ways each person metabolizes food 

and nutrients, a magic number doesn’t exist. 

The number changes again depending on 

your goals. 

Madelyn Fernstrom, director of the Weight 

Management Center at the University of 

Pittsburgh Medical Center says “as a general 

rule, between 10 to 15 percent of your total 

calories should come from protein. An easier 

way to figure this out is to take your weight, 

divide it in half, and subtract 10. So, if you 

weigh 120 pounds, you should eat about 50 

grams of protein [per day].”

However, that’s for a normal person. Like 

I said, the amount of protein your body 

consumes changes based on your individual 

goals. A person who lifts weights for example, 

would need more. Now, how much more 

depends on who you ask. Many protein 

powder companies assure you that you need 

at least one gram per pound of body weight. 

Some even say you need two grams per pound. 

Based on personal experience, however, I 

believe you don’t need nearly that much. I 

believe you get all the protein you need from 

the protein rich foods served at the base 

galleys every day. Beef, pork, fish, nuts, beans, 

eggs: all these foods have an abundance of 

protein in some form or another. I, personally, 

just eat as much of these foods as I can, and 

steer clear of expensive powders.

I will say, though, that having a protein 

powder on hand as a meal replacement isn’t 

a bad idea. For those days when you just can’t 

get to a galley, a couple scoops of protein will 

do you a world of good. 

To summarize, protein is an essential part 

of our bodies, and certainly an important 

part of muscle growth. Everyone needs 

protein, but some people need more of it 

based on physical activity. Like I’ve said, I’m 

not qualified to hand out advice beyond what 

I’ve learned in my experiences with exercise 

and supplements. What you’ve read has 

been entirely my own opinion. At the end 

of the day, all I can really do is urge you to 

seek answers. Don’t put anything into your 

body without first knowing the details of the 

product. Research, and then research some 

more. You might as well start with the exercise 

experts here at Guantanamo Bay!

One man’s experience with protein

Mind, 

Body 

& Spirit

by Mass Communication Spc. 

2nd Class Kyle Steckler

The Wire | Page 16 Sports |

Troopers, start your engines

Racing fans get revved up for Daytona 500

The Daytona 500 is part competition of 

highly refined versions of cars that are in our 

driveways and part game of strategy deciding 

when to add fuel or change tires. Add in the 

driving skills of 42 men and one woman, 

who race within inches of each other at over 

190 miles per hour and there could be only 

one outcome. But you’ll never know who 

will be in the winners circle.

It has been a decade of different drivers 

leading the pack when the checkered flag 

waves. The last two years saw upsets of 

the NASCAR (National Association of 

Stock Car Automobile Racing) driving elite 

when 20-year old Trevor Bayne came out 

of nowhere with the bright yellow rookie 

stripe on the back of his race car to win the 

Daytona 500. In 2010 Jamie McMurray, who 

is far from a NASCAR household name, was 

the race winner.

When WWE wrestler John Cena waves 

the green flag at the start of the 54th edition 

of “The Great American Race” on Sunday, 

the grandstands at Daytona International 

Speedway in Florida will be filled with 

160,000 fans. Millions more worldwide will 

be watching the race including many Joint 

Task Force Troopers, as AFN Sports will 

carry the event live at 1 p.m. 

You would be hard pressed to predict who 

will earn this year’s trophy. Can Kyle Busch 

repeat his winning performance? Busch 

edged Tony Stewart on the final turn to win 

by inches, in an impressive show of skill, 

straightening the car out twice in shower of 

sparks to avoiding being towed off the track 

on a wrecker. 

If you think the fastest car and driver will 

be the victor then look to Carl Edwards, who 

earned the number one starting position at 

194.738 miles per hour. His Roush Racing 

teammate Greg Biffle will be next him at 

the start. This is the fastest qualifying speed 

since Jeff Gordon raced to the top starting 

spot in 1999 with a speed of 195.067 miles 

per hour. Last Dale Earnhardt Jr. was on the 

pole last year recording a speed of 186.089; 

this year he was third fastest.

For the pair of NASCAR drivers who 

visited Guantanamo in December as part 

of a USO tour, Joey Logano is looking to 

improve on his third place finish from 

the July race at Daytona. Meanwhile Brad 

Keselowski is working to add to the three 

wins he recorded last year, placing fifth in 

the standings.

But the real unknown is how the teams 

adjust to new NASCAR rules for 2012. The 

fans wanted to see a return to “pack” racing, 

where large groups of cars stay together until 

one sees an opportunity to pass. 

So the sanctioning body made a one-inch 

reduction in the size of the rear spoilers, 

which provides less down force on the rear 

ends, which makes the cars unstable. Even 

the slightest tap on the back bumper from a 

car following behind will cause the driver in 

front to lose control. 

The changes in the aerodynamics of the 

cars led to a trio of multiple car wrecks, 

with former 500 winners Earnhardt Jr., 

Kevin Harvick, Michael Waltrip and Jimmie 

Johnson getting caught up in the carnage. 

A total of 23 cars were damaged or did not 

finish the event.

Jeff Gordon, the 2005 Daytona winner, 

was not hurt in a violent crash as his #24 

Chevrolet came down the 31 degree banking 

on its roof. The car barrel rolled several 

times, throwing parts everywhere before 

stopping upside down.

For the T-shirt wearing, car-numberdecal-plastered-on-their-vehicle fan, the 

Daytona 500 marks the start of the 36-race 

season, as these supporters shift into drive 

after being in park for three months.

For the casual observer, this event might 

be the only time they watch stock car racing. 

The attraction could be the drama from driver 

rivalries, or the cars hurtling around the 2.5-

mile tri-oval, but this years’ event could offer 

something different: a demolition derby.

By Sgt. 1st Class Kryn Westhoven

Fans ask for it and pack racing is back in NASCAR as the first exhibition race at Daytona International Speedway saw plenty of action and nearly two dozen cars damaged 

in wrecks. Drivers will have to adjust to this style of racing for Sunday’s Daytona 500. –Motorsport.com photo
The Wire | Page 18

There are times where I feel really dumb 

at the movies. Does that make sense? I 

will elaborate: You attend a feature film 

presentation, ready to become immersed in 

the picture. You clear your mind of conscious 

thought and let the transpirings of the screen 

happen. The audience around you appears to 

be having a good time. They laugh on cue and 

seem to be following the film fine...everyone, 

that is, except for you. 

This is the overall experience I had while 

watching the latest Denzel Washington 

(“Unstoppable”) and Ryan Reynolds (“Green 

Lantern”) picture “Safe House.” It is a film 

of visual brilliance, quick action cut-away 

shots and high tension. These are the usual 

ingredients of pot-boiler international intrigue 

movies. There is no reinventing the wheel for 

the genre, except of course for studios to 

put out a movie that is better than the last 

one to make it stick with folks long after it is 

over. To achieve this, the film must adhere to 

attention to detail and have a visceral effect 

on its viewers. There are numerous variables 

to make this kind of movie work. 

“Safe House” opens with the pursuit 

of the international criminal Tobin Frost 

(Washington). He’s a former CIA agent with 

a file of grave importance in his possession. 

Their contents, if discovered, would cause 

irrevocable damage to global security, 

foreign and domestic. After he arrives at the 

American embassy in South Africa, he is 

relocated to a CIA safe house in Cape Town 

for interrogation.

Running this safe house location is the lowlevel “housekeeper” Matt Weston (Reynolds). 

He is young, brash and idealistic. After his safe 

house is raided by the unrelenting mercenary 

Vargas (Dares Fares), who will stop at nothing 

to take Frost down, Weston takes Frost 

prisoner and they go into hiding.

The chase is on. While Weston is retrieving 

a GPS device to track the detrimental file, 

Frost uses his cunning and ingenuity to 

escape. The CIA headquarters is abuzz with 

how to track Frost and secure the stolen files 

before it is too late. CIA Deputy Director 

Harlan Whitford (Sam Shepard, “Stealth”) is 

adamant for the files to be accounted for and 

never again see the light of day. He asserts 

that whoever is in possession of the file will 

have many enemies.

 “Safe House” is a thunderously paced “cat 

and mouse” picture. The cinema photography 

is a unique from other action pictures. While 

the use of “documentary style” camera 

technique is nothing new, I enjoyed the 

infusion with the warm kelvinesque colors 

throughout the picture. The stark beauty of 

South Africa is presented strongly and boldly. 

This film features great action sequences 

and the acting talent pooled together is quite 

impressive, though most of it is underutilized. 

Why are the versatile Ruben Blades (“Once 

Upon a time in Mexico”) and Vera Farmiga 

(“Up in the Air”) wasted here? Their characters 

are set up with the promise of seeing them 

more, then nothing. What did I miss here? 

“Safe House” is the American film debut 

for Swedish filmmaker Daniel Espinosa (less 

than Swedish-sounding?). He allegedly drew 

from several decades worth of international 

intrigue thrillers as the inspiration for his 

own offering. Espinosa stated he wanted his 

picture to have relatable qualities for U.S. 

movie-goers, calling it “a classic American 

tale.” But is it really?

As I watched “Safe House,” I felt like I 

had seen all of these elements before, but in 

better movies. That’s not to say these elements 

couldn’t have worked here. They actually do, 

but to a very limited effect. The show stoppers 

on “Safe House” are coherence and cohesion. 

These are imperative to make any movie work 

as a whole. 

Coherence: “Safe House” is so quick in 

pace I honestly felt like the filmmakers left out 

plot points. I had a hard time keeping up with 

what was going on. I definitely was never sure 

of what was going on. Maybe, as I watched 

the movie, I might have been distracted by 

the night air, the slight headache I had or the 

loud Jamaican music in the distance during 

the third act. Then again, maybe not. As I 

mentioned at the opening of this review, I felt 

dumb trying to put this film together. If the 

reactions of other moviegoers in attendance 

are any indication, there seem to have been 

some people who got it. I wish I were one 

of them.

Cohesion: This is one of the most 

disjointed, “all-over-the-map” movies I’ve 

seen in many a moon. I never knew how the 

scenes pieced together or why. 

“Safe House” might be a good time at the 

movies for the right demographic. It has some 

really great factors, though I felt it never came 

together. It felt scattered, disconnected and 

clichéd. Based on that, in good faith I cannot 

recommend this film. I know I’m not totally 

alone, as many people I quizzed after the 

movie felt the same way I did. Whew! It’s not 

just me. If you saw “Safe House” and enjoyed 

it, I’m glad. For me, it was an incoherent 

editorial mess that begged to be more than 

the sum of its parts. That’s not the movie I 

wanted to see.

By Mass Communication Spc. 1st Class Ty Bjornson

safe

house

Movie Review

R

117 min.

Movie Review |

GTMO Quick Reference

| Bulletin Board The Wire | Page 19

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Call the movie hotline at 4880 or see https://intranet/movies.html for more information.

24 26 27 28 29 1

Hugo (last 

showing)

(PG) 7 p.m.

The Devil 

Inside (NEW)

(R) 9 p.m.

Journey 2: Inner 

Core

(PG) 7 p.m.

Darkest Hour 

(NEW)

(PG-13) 9 p.m.

Journey 2: Inner 

Core

(PG) 8 p.m.

Darkest Hour 

(NEW)

(PG-13) 10 p.m.

Safe House

(R) 8 p.m.

The Devil 

Inside (NEW)

(R) 10 p.m.

Safe House

(R) 7 p.m.

Sherlock 

Holmes (last 

showing)

(PG-13) 8 p.m.

Alvin & the 

Chipmunks 

(last showing)

(PG) 7 p.m.

Girl with the 

Dragon Tattoo

(R) 8 p.m.

Sherlock 

Holmes (last 

showing)

(PG-13) 7 p.m.

Hugo (last 

showing)

(PG) 8 p.m.

Girl with the 

Dragon Tattoo

(R) 7 p.m.

We Bought a 

Zoo

(PG) 7 p.m.

Mission: 

Impossible

(PG-13) 8 p.m.

War Horse

(PG-13) 8 p.m.

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Bulkeley
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–photo by Sgt. 1st Class Kryn P. Westhoven

TheJTF