JTF

The

CELEBRATING ST. PATRICK’S DAY

Celtic rock band The Rogues topped off the 2011 Irish-fest sponsored by Morale 

Welfare and Recreation, March 19. In addition to the concert the festival 

featured Irish foods, crafts and activitiy with a St. Patrick’s Day theme. – photo 

by Spc. Meredith Vincent

CLOSE ENOUGH TO TOUCH

Saturday’s full moon was the largest in nearly 20 years as 

the super perigee rose over Guantanamo Bay. Scientists said 

the next time the moon will appear so large in the sky is not 

expected to come again until 2029. – photo by Chris Hileman

AFTERNOON PRAYERS

Detainees pray in a communal area of Camp Six at Joint 

Task Force Guantanamo, Mar. 18. – photo by Mass 

Communication Specialist 1st Class David P. Coleman

CONGRATS GRADUATING CLASS!

Graduating students of Columbia College participated in 

Commencement Exercises, March 20. – photo by Mass 

Communication Specialist 2nd Class Elisha Dawkins.

GETTING UNDERWAY

Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Donovan 

Henderson (left) transport Navy 

Capt. Chuck Hollingsworth (right), 

commanding officer, Center for 

Personal and Professional 

Development and 

Command Master 

Chief Steve Fontenot, 

Mar. 22. – photo by 

Mass Communication 

Specialist 2nd Class Joe 

Ebalo

Volume 12, Issue 14 Thursday, March 24, 2011

NRA visits GTMO

Range instructors learn a thing or two

ICRC visits 

JTF Guantanamo

Meet the guy 

in the robe

Check out The Wire - Now published on Thursdays
The Wire | Page 2 Trooper to Trooper |

Trooper to Trooper

featuring

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. 

The WIRE seeks to provide maximum disclosure with minimum 

delay with regard to security, accuracy, propriety and policy. 

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 the Defense Logistics Agency 

Document Services with a circulation of 1,000.

JTF Guantanamo

Commander

Navy Rear Adm. Jeffrey Harbeson

Command Master Chief

Command Sgt. Maj.

Mark Porrett

Office of Public Affairs Director

Navy Cmdr. Tamsen Reese: 9928

Deputy Director

Air Force Lt. Col. Don Langley: 9927

Operations Officer

CW2 Raymond Chapman: 3649

Senior Enlisted Leader

Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class 

Sally Hendricks: 3649

The Wire

Executive Editor

Army Staff Sgt. Benjamin Cossel: 3499

Assistant Editor

Spc. Meredith Vincent: 3651

Photojournalists:

Mass Communications Specialist 1st Class David P. Coleman

Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Elisha Dawkins

Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Jason Tross

Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Joe Ebalo

Army Sgt. Mathieu Perry

Spc. Kelly Gary

Contact us

Editor’s Desk: 3499

From the continental United States

Commercial: 011-53-99-3499

DSN: 660-3499

E-mail: thewire@jtfgtmo.southcom.mil

Online: www.jtfgtmo.southcom.mil

COVER: Instructors from the National Rifle Association Law Enforcement Division visited Guantanamo Bay to teach marksmanship 

and maneuver tactics. – photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason Tross

Joint Detention Group

Senior Chief Petty Officer

Frank Lewandowki

I would like to bring to all of 

your attention the words “Honor 

Bound.” When my company was 

in Fort Bliss, Texas we heard 

these words for the first time. 

Most of us just thought this was 

just a variation of the uniformed 

services’ core values. The next 

question that came to mind was 

why does Guantanamo Bay have 

these words as a greeting? 

Lately there have been some 

issues with Troopers who have 

not conducted themselves 

“Honor Bound.” Whether it is 

theft, not following the SOP, 

over consumption of alcohol, 

or just acting inappropriately, I 

immediately wonder, where was 

that Trooper’s mind when he or 

she made these decisions? I know 

a lot of you say Honor Bound at 

guard mount. I truly believe most 

of you take these words to heart. 

However, there are some who 

have not. If everyone were to 

follow these words there would 

not be one Trooper in trouble 

here or outside the wire. We are 

here to support an important 

mission that has international 

attention. Just the sheer number 

of high ranking officials who 

come here should give you an 

idea of the importance of this 

operation. 

No one joins the service to be 

unsuccessful. I am a firm believer 

that most did it out of patriotic 

duty to serve their country and to 

make a better life for themselves 

in the process. Although not 

everyone volunteered to be 

here, we all raised our right hand 

and took the oath. Orders are 

not invitations and need to be 

followed. When your actions 

and lack of honor goes against 

policy and regulations, the 

mission is jeopardized as well as 

your career. 

From your first to last day, all 

of you need to stay focused on 

what is required to successfully 

complete your tour and leave 

Guantanamo with honor. 

Getting yourself into legal 

trouble not only creates stressors 

on yourself but also your battle 

buddies. Someone has to pick up 

the slack and do your job while 

an investigation is conducted 

and then you are processed off 

the island. Ask yourself if this is 

fair to your shipmates and battle 

buddies? The COC is counting 

on each of us to do our part to 

complete this mission. If you 

see a shipmate or battle buddy 

heading down the wrong path, it 

is your duty to help him or her 

out. Senior enlisted leaders need 

to be engaged with our Troopers. 

It is imperative that each of us 

take personal responsibility to 

do the right thing even when 

no one is looking. Trust me, 

someone is always looking. 

I hope I have reached some 

of the Sailors and Troopers who 

are not conducting themselves 

Honor Bound. Stop and really 

think about what you are doing 

and how your actions impact 

the mission, your shipmates and 

battle buddies. Make course 

corrections now before you 

become an entry on the police 

blotter. 

Brothers and sisters in arms, 

all of us are part of a group that 

can be proud of what we do here 

and go home with our heads held 

up high. Don’t let your branch 

of service, family or yourself 

down. I ask all of you to stay 

focused and stay Honor Bound. 

Press on!

| newws you can use The Wire | Page 3

Obama leaving Latin America to focus on Libya

Voice of America News Service

U.S. President Barack Obama is skipping 

a visit to El Salvador’s ancient Mayan ruins 

to focus on the growing crisis in Libya.

Obama was scheduled to fly back to 

Washington hours earlier than originally 

planned Wednesday.

The U.S. president has come under some 

criticism for remaining out of the United 

States while authorizing U.S. forces to help 

enforce a no-fly zone in Libya.

White House officials have taken 

special care to show that Obama is getting 

regular briefings from his staff. And before 

departing, the president is scheduled to 

hold a conference call on the situation in 

Libya with national security advisers.

Tuesday, Obama met with El Salvador 

President Mauricio Funes in San Salvador. 

The president promised a new partnership 

across Central America to increase trade, 

target drug trafficking and create job 

opportunities.

The five-day tour took Obama to Brazil, 

Chile and El Salvador and was designed to 

re-establish U.S. leadership in the region. All 

three countries on the trip have undergone 

U.S. Soldier to Plead Guilty to Afghan Civilian Murders 

Voice of America News Service

A U.S. soldier faces a court martial in 

Washington state on charges of murdering 

Afghan civilians.

A lawyer for 22-year-old Army Specialist 

Jeremy Morlock said his client has agreed to 

plead guilty to three counts of murder, one 

count of conspiracy to commit assault and 

battery, and one count of illegal drug use. 

He faces a maximum of 24 years in 

prison with the possibility of parole.

Morlock is one of five Soldiers charged 

with murdering three civilians in Kandahar 

province last year as part of a plot to kill 

civilians. He is expected to testify against 

the other Soldiers.

The court martial comes days after the 

German news magazine “Der Spiegel” 

published graphic photos showing Soldiers 

posing and smiling over the bodies of dead 

civilians.

President Barack Obama pauses after answering questions on the ongoing situation 

in Libya during his joint news conference with President of El Salvador Mauricio 

Funes at the National Palace in San Salvador, El Salvador, March 22. – photo by AP

political transformations over the past 

decades.

Obama highlighted a U.S. pledge to 

provide $200 million to Central America so 

governments in the region can better police 

their borders and expand community antigang programs.

The president also addressed 

immigration reform in the United States. 

He said comprehensive immigration 

reform, including addressing the millions of 

undocumented workers in the United States 

is the right thing to do. Obama said he will 

continue to push for it but acknowledged 

that the politics of the issue are not easy.

The United States has more than two 

million immigrants from El Salvador, both 

legal and illegal.

Following his meeting with President 

Funes, Obama made a highly-symbolic 

visit to the grave of Archbishop Oscar 

Romero, the revered Catholic figure who 

was assassinated in 1980 by a member of 

a right-wing death squad. Romero spoke 

out against repression by the U.S.-backed 

Salvadoran army during El Salvador’s 12-

year civil war.

Gates Makes Unannounced 

Visit to Cairo 

Voice of America News Service

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates 

is making his first visit to Cairo since exEgyptian President Hosni Mubarak was 

ousted by protests.

The previously unannounced two-day 

visit began Wednesday as Gates monitored 

U.S. and allied military operations enforcing 

a no-fly zone in neighboring Libya.

Gates planned to meet Field Marshall 

Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, the leader of 

Egypt’s ruling military council. The two 

men have been in telephone contact during 

Egypt’s political crisis.

The defense secretary will also meet 

Egyptian Prime Minister Essam Sharaf.

Gates’ visit comes after U.S. Secretary 

of State Hillary Clinton toured Cairo last 

week and met with several officials and 

other political figures. 

Yemen Parliament Approves State of Emergency

Voice of America News Service

Yemen’s parliament has approved a 

law imposing a state of emergency in the 

country amid protest-related violence.

Adoption of the emergency law was 

expected Wednesday.

Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh 

announced a state of emergency after 

gunmen loyal to the president opened fire 

on a group of protesters calling for his 

ouster Friday, killing 52 people.

A wave of government officials, tribal 

leaders and diplomats defected to the 

side of opposition protesters after the 

bloody crackdown. Yemen’s top military 

figure, Major General Mohsen al-Ahmar, 

also defected to “support the peaceful 

revolution.”
The Wire | Page 4 News from the Bay | 

News from the Bay

Free phone cards

available to Troopers Cheslea Handler brings

the funny to GTMO

Boots on the Ground

What is your favorite cereal?

“Peanut Butter Crunch – it’s 

the best!”

Religious Programs 

Specialist 3rd Class

Jeffrey Lauber

“Lucky Charms, they are 

magically delicious.”

Army Sgt.

 Jaime Espinoza

Spc.

Roshaunda Figgers

“Captain Crunch, because 

I remember way back when 

he was still an ensign.”

“Cinnamon Toast Crunch. 

The milk is so delicious with 

the cinnamon and suger.”

Comedian, talk show host and bestselling author Chelsea Handler is scheduled 

to provide Guantanamo Bay Troopers some 

laughs and entertainment Saturday at 8 p.m. 

at the Downtown Lyceum. 

Handler is the host of Chelsea Lately, a 

late-night talk show the E! Cable Television 

Network. She has also written three books 

on the New York Times Best Seller List, two 

of which reached number one. 

“MWR is very grateful for the opportunity 

to bring the Cheslea Handler comedy tour to 

GTMO,” said MWR Community Activities 

Director Amiee MacDonnell. “The USO 

has been a great partner in making this event 

available to the GTMO community.”

Handler will be accompanied by 

comedians Sarah Colonna, Chris Franjola 

Stories and reporting by Spc. Meredith Vincent and Army 

Staff Sgt. Benjamin Cossel

Upcoming events for

bike enthusiasts 

An eight to 12 mile guided scenic bike 

tour scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday will take 

participants to different locations around the 

island, said Morale Welfare and Recreation 

Outdoor Recreation Director Cory Geiger.

“It is a great way to see GTMO from a 

different perspective,” said Geiger. “[It is 

an opportunity to] take in the sights of the 

island while meeting new people and getting 

exercise.”

Geiger added the event is open to all levels 

of riders, from beginning to experienced.

Another upcoming event for bike 

enthusiasts is coming up April 9. The 2011 

Poker Ride will begin at the marina and visit 

five locations, which will remain unknown 

until the beginning of the event. At each 

location, participants will draw a playing card 

and return to the marina, where two other 

cards will be flipped. Participants win based 

on the best card hands created from their 

individual cards and the two flipped at the 

marina. Geiger said the rewards are especially 

worth it.

“We are giving away beach cruising bikes, 

camel paks, helmets and more,” he said. 

“Over $800 in prizes.”

The Naval Station Guantanamo Bay Red 

Cross has 500-minute Sprint phone cards 

available for JTF Troopers, free of charge on a 

first come, first served basis.

Red Cross station manager, Sharon 

Coganow said she hadn’t seen the same level 

of response from JTF Troopers as she did the 

last time the free cards were made available and 

wanted to make sure everyone knew where the 

free phone cards were available.

“My office has been relocated to Center 

Bargo 1208,” Coganow said, explaining the 

building is a pink house with a red cross on it.

Troopers interested should compile a list 

and submit it to Coganow in person or via email 

at Sharon.coganow@usnbgtmo.navy.mil. 

Hospital Corpsman 

2nd Class Kyle Coven

Geiger said this event is unique and will 

challenge riders in ways they don’t expect.

“[It’s] exciting because there is no set 

route,” he explained. “The riders will find 

out the five locations at the start ... and can 

visit them any order the like.”

For more information, contact Geiger at 

x2345.

and Josh Wolf, all regulars on Chelsea Lately. 

This event is an 18 and over show, 

reminded MacDonnell. No coolers or video 

recording allowed at the performance. 

However, still photography is permitted. For 

more info, contact x4882.

| News The Wire | Page 5

trooper

Army Sgt. Mathieu Perry

Bullet Bio

Hobbies: running, going 

to the beach

Inspiration: my grandpa 

Next goal: to make 

chief petty officer, earn 

bachelor’s degree and 

provide a stable life for my 

family

Advice to junior 

Troopers: “Don’t give up. 

Set your goals. You will 

get frustrated but shake it 

off and get back on track.

Ask questions if you don’t 

understand.”

focus

Petty Officer 1st Class

 John Lukosus

Six days after his high school 

graduation, Petty Officer First Class John 

J. Lukosus signed his name on the line and 

swore to protect the Constitution of the 

U.S. while serving in the Navy.

Lukosus, a Master-at-Arms, said he 

enlisted in order to begin doing things 

on his own and to stop relying on his 

parents.

“I joined to earn money for college and 

to get out of the house,” said Lukosus.

He also remembers precisely where his 

military career began.

“I didn’t have a rate when I first came 

in, so I worked in the bottom of the ship 

called the pit,” said Lukosus.

The Camp 6 leading petty officer was 

so greatly influenced by the experience, he 

became determined to see others didn’t 

have to repeat it. 

“I told myself once I made it along that 

I am not going to let my juniors experience 

what I went through, Lukosus said. “I am 

going to make it better for them.”

Lukosus has been doing exactly that 

for nearly 14 years and it hasn’t gone unnoticed.

“I am selection board eligible for 

Chief, but I won’t know until sometime in 

August if I have it,” explained Lukosus.

He credits his success in the military 

directly to his leadership.

“I have been fortunate in my career 

in that I have always been mentored by 

someone who took the time and really 

cared,” said Lukosus. “If we did that in 

today’s military we can set up our forces 

for future leaders and success.”

The petty officer isn’t just all talk.

“He sets the bar and he’s not afraid 

to get his hands dirty,” said Senior Chief 

Petty Officer Jeremy Harris.

The Camp 6 leading chief petty 

officer said Lukosus leads by example 

and doesn’t ask Sailors to do something 

he hasn’t already done.

Harris said one of the biggest 

challenges in the Navy Expeditionary 

Guard Battalion is all the documentation 

for Sailors who belong to another 

command.

“He will tirelessly contact those 

commands and track down any issues our 

Sailors have in order to make sure they 

are being taken care of,” Harris said.

 Lukosus’ organizational skills, 

he said, helps keep everything rolling 

smoothly.

 “If a wrench gets thrown into the 

routine, he is really good at adapting to the 

new situation, delegating responsibility 

and trusting his Sailors to make sure they 

can get the job done,” said Harris.

PSEC ALERT

DON’T BE A VICTIM. THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK.

Did you know most people on Facebook are NOT U.S. citizens?

This means that when you post things on Facebook you are potentially communicating to a world-wide audience. 

Unless you use strict privacy settings, people other than your “friends” can see everything on your page. Make sure 

you check your privacy settings and protect your pictures and personal information from inadvertent disclosure. Once 

you’ve posted something online, it’s almost impossible to take it back. Remember, “Once online, always online!”
The Wire | Page 6 Feature |

Education, awareness key to preventing alcohol abuse

In 1974, the Navy made fighting alcohol 

abuse a priority. Today, the effort is known 

as the Navy Alcohol and Drug Safety 

Action Program. 

According to NADSAP, “The purpose 

is the prevention of alcohol misuse and 

illegal drug use through the process of 

individual education.” 

NADSAP identifies early problems 

related to alcohol abuse and offers training to 

commands upon request by the command’s 

Drug and Alcohol Program Advisor, also 

known as the command DAPA. 

At Naval Station Hospital Guantanamo, 

the responsibility of DAPA is providing 

prevention, screening and counseling 

programs to all servicemembers.

Under the NADSAP, “the Right Spirit 

campaign” emphasizes personal, shipmate 

leadership and command responsibility 

for alcohol abuse while promoting healthy 

lifestyles for all Navy members.

 “Many professional careers and family 

Story by Mass Communication Specialist 

2nd Class Elisha Dawkins relationships have been ruined by the choice 

of drinking excessively,” said Command 

Sgt. Maj. Mark Porrett, Joint Task Force 

Guantanamo. “This decision to consume 

alcohol is not a mistake, but a choice.”

JTF policy memorandum number five 

governs alcohol consumption and applies to 

all military and civilian personnel assigned 

to JTF Guantanamo.

“The legal drinking age for JTF assigned 

personnel is 21 years of age,” said Porrett. 

“The privilege to drink may be revoked by 

a commander if the action is considered 

detrimental to good order and discipline, in 

addition to recommendations by medical 

or legal professionals.”

In such cases where drinking privileges 

are revoked, it can lead to punishments 

under the Uniform Code of Military 

Justice. However, help is available for JTF 

Troopers with substance abuse problems.

“When alcohol becomes an excessive 

habit, the Joint Stress Mitigation and 

Restoration Team provides necessary 

support system to resolve this issue,” said 

Navy Lt. Jason Duff, officer in charge. 

“JSMART offers cognitive behavioral 

therapy which helps an individual with 

recognition of self and drinking usage.”

Troopers are encouraged from JTF 

leadership to seek assistance for alcohol 

abuse.

“Personnel who believe they have 

a drinking problem can benefit from 

professional assistance in control,” said 

Porrett. “They should be self–referred to 

the substance abuse professional assigned 

to Naval Station or Joint Task Force 

Guanatanamo.”

Alcoholics Anonymous has meetings 

in room 4A on Chapel Hill Monday, 

Wednesday and Saturdays at 6:30 p.m., and 

the naval station hospital offers a Substance 

Abuse Rehabilitation Program to provide 

counseling for those with substance abuse 

problems. If you are experiencing issues 

with alcohol use, contact JSMART at their 

24 hour hotline at x3566. Walk-in service 

is available Monday through Friday 8 a.m. 

to 5 p.m.

| News The Wire | Page 7

A Camp 6 guard and International Committee of the Red Cross Detention 

Coordinator for Guantanamo Bay Ralph Wehbe walk through Camp VI to 

visit detainees.

ICRC links families separated by conflict, disaster

Story and photo by Mass Communication 

Specialist 2nd Class Jason Tross

The International Committee of the 

Red Cross concluded a two-week trip to 

Guantanamo Bay March 20. 

The 21-person team spent their time 

providing a variety of humanitarian services, 

to Joint Task Force Guantanamo detainees, 

including providing communication between 

them and their families in accordance with the 

Geneva Conventions. 

“One of the most important things we do 

here is the family link,” said ICRC Detention 

Coordinator for Guantanamo Bay Ralph 

Wehbe. “The delegates – our colleagues joining 

us from countries ... where the detainees are 

from – have met and visited the [detainees’] 

families on the spot. So they bring with them 

fresh news.”

Family link is what the ICRC calls reuniting 

family members separated by conflict and 

disaster. It is one of their primary and most 

basic functions as a neutral and independent 

worldwide humanitarian organization. Just last 

year alone, the ICRC sent more than 250,000 

Red Cross messages between family members 

separated as a result of armed conflict and other 

disturbances, according to the ICRC website. 

“One of our key points is the importance 

of family contact – be it war or any sense,” 

said Jean Paul Corboz, protection coordinator 

for the ICRC. “Today, in Japan you have the 

earthquake and tsunami. Look at the people. 

They search for their relatives. It’s the first thing 

they want to do. In a war, if you are arrested, 

let’s say in Helmland Province [Afghanistan], 

and suddenly news broke that 50 American 

Soldiers were captured – your family would 

quickly try to grab a phone, knowing you were 

in the region.”

“And if they don’t have news about you they 

will wait anxiously for a Red Cross message or 

anything,” he added. “This is part of who we 

are as human beings. We want to know what 

will happen to our relatives. And something we 

do in every detention facility is ensure key and 

important message from detainees, basically ‘I 

am alive’ or ‘I am well,’ are going through and 

reaching the families.”

These often hand-written messages were 

introduced nearly 150 years ago in Europe 

to help detained and wounded soldiers 

communicate with family members. Today 

they are the same Red Cross messages used to 

relay emergency information to deployed U.S. 

servicemembers and detainees at Guantanamo 

Bay alike.

“These are exactly the same thing,” said 

Corboz. “Some of these messages look slightly 

different - like right here we have Red Cross 

messages with some parts written in Arabic 

or Pashtu languages. The U.S. servicemembers 

would receive Red Cross messages only in 

English or maybe some in Spanish. And the 

logo here is the ICRC logo while yours would 

be American Red Cross messages.” 

While Red Cross messages serve as a means 

of communication, the content nature is very 

limited. Only emergency and strictly immediate 

family news is allowed.

“So the family members or detainees would 

write family news here and the text would be 

censored by the authorities,” said Wehbe. “We 

make sure everything is being cleared. We also 

extend to those concerned that the news must 

be family news only. So this way the detainees 

and the families can communicate. That is what 

the delegates are mainly doing here.”

Arman Atal, a linguist and ICRC delegate 

to Afghanistan, explained restricting this 

communication has its own difficulties. Many 

Afghan families are both very large and 

close. However, friends and those outside 

the immediate family often cannot be easily 

verified and properly identified. Security and 

confidentiality are serious concerns for ICRC.

“We call it Salamat – family news,” said Atal. 

“That is how the mother is, the wife is, brother 

is (etc...). So we take this news when I travel to 

Afghanistan. I find the mother and take pictures 

[of her] and family members. Then next visit 

I bring these pictures and this message. And 

then this message and the photos I pass to the 

authorities for censorship. Then we give it to 

the detainees here.”

Although the ICRC is continuously and 

intimately involved in armed conflicts around 

the world, their commitment to neutrality, the 

Geneva Conventions and basic human rights is 

their driving force. 

“This is purely humanitarian,” said Wehbe. 

“Maintaining that family link is not only an 

obligation and something nice to do. We would be 

offering the same thing to any American Soldier 

or POW anywhere in the world just like we offer 

it to the detainee population in Guantanamo.”
The Wire | 

Page 8

Familiar Faces |

Guantanamo Bay is a small 

community and, like any 

small American town, one 

starts to recognize the faces 

roaming the roads, galleys 

and stores. To familiarize our readers with 

some of their more original neighbors, The 

Wire is introducing a section called Familiar 

Faces. This is your opportunity to get to 

know some of those quirky individuals 

everyone seems to know about.

Many people do not recognize the name 

Tyler Hardesty. Yet, mention “the guy in the 

robe,” and inevitably there will be a light 

bulb of recognition. In only seven months, 

Petty Officer 2nd Class Hardesty has made 

a name for himself by wearing pajamas and 

robes everywhere he goes. With an air of 

confidence and sophistication beyond his 23 

years, he balances both the disapproval and 

cat calls with simple ease. There is more to 

this guy than his unique attire.

“He seemed a little strange at first,” 

said Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Hoag, 

who first met Hardesty ten months ago in 

Mississippi during their training to come to 

Cuba. “There was something about him; 

he seemed confident and smart, but a little 

different. Wasn’t really sure what it was right 

then.”

Hardesty, whose father was in the Air 

Force for 22 years, is no stranger to the 

military lifestyle, yet he never thought it 

would be for him.

“I was working at Wal-Mart and really 

bored – and living in Kansas,” remembers 

Hardesty, who speaks in a slow, distinguished 

yet clipped drawl. “My brother joined the 

Marines and I thought, ‘Damn, I should 

probably do something like that.’”

Fast forward five years and Hardesty 

is now one of the most well-known faces 

around Naval Station Guantanamo Bay.

Hoag is Hardesty’s roommate, as well 

as his supervisor. He recalls when the 

inspiration to wear the robe took root.

“He just walked outside with a robe one 

day and someone said, ‘Hey that’s a nice 

robe,’ and he was like, ‘I know,’ Hoag said. 

“After that, he just enjoyed wearing pajamas 

everywhere he went, no matter what anyone 

said to him. He wears pajama pants to the 

NEX, wore a robe to the NEX, to the bar.”

Petty Officer 3rd Class Cody Kretschmer 

lives across the Cuzco from Hardesty. He said 

once people look past the robe and pajamas, 

they will see the originality underneath.

“Tyler has that personality where when 

you talk to him you trust him automatically,” 

said Kretschmer. “When you talk to Tyler, 

you feel comfortable.”

Hoag agrees, adding it is Hardesty’s easy-

 see FACES, page 19

F a m i l i a r 

|Familiar Faces

The Wire | Page 9

robe?

theguy

in the

who is

Story and photos by Spc. Meredith Vincent

Faces
The Wire | Page 10 News | | News The Wire | Page 11

NRA visits GTMO ranges

Story and photos by Mass Communication Specialist 

2nd Class Jason Tross

The National Rifle Association’s Law 

Enforcement Division is currently training 

and certifying range instructors here from 

both Joint Task Force Guantanamo and 

Naval Station Guantanamo Bay.

The Navy-sponsored courses provide 

a unique opportunity for advanced 

shooters and military-certified instructors 

to become NRA-certified firearms 

instructors.

“As an instructor course, we’re teaching 

the teachers,” said NRA Law Enforcement 

Division Staff Instructor Tim Lose. “But 

we teach everything from how to load and 

unload the rifle on up to moving drills.”

Lose and his LED colleagues travel 

across the United States training law 

enforcement agencies, private security 

groups and military units on a variety of 

tactical firearms courses.

“Down here we’re doing three weeks 

and three different disciplines,” said Lose. 

“The first week was handgun and shotgun 

instructor. That’s a course approved by 

the Department of the Navy to qualify 

Navy personnel as firearms instructors. 

Building on that, this week we’re doing 

our patrol rifle instructor school. Next 

week we’re doing tactical shotguns.”

Lose brings 20 years of Army shooting 

experience and an additional 20 years as 

a county sheriff. His adjunct instructor 

counterpart, Cathy Schroeder, brings 

more than 30 years experience as an FBI 

agent.

Coast Guard Gunner’s Mate Chief 

William Robertson, a certified Coast 

Guard small arms range instructor, is 

finding the courses incredibly valuable. 

“It’s not that they taught me a lot of 

new things,” said Williams. “We all do 

the same things. We word it different, 

might position ourselves a little different, 

but all the marksmanship and the safety 

requirements are all the same. Sometimes 

someone saying it a different way or 

doing it a bit different ... can give you a 

different aspect on how a different agency 

does it.” 

The NRA tactical law enforcement 

firearm courses are the only certifications 

recognized and accepted by the DoD in law 

enforcement agencies in nearly every state. 

Since beginning training law enforcement 

agencies in 1960, the NRA has evolved to 

keep people winning gunfights.

“People used to consider that [tactical 

rifle training] more advanced,” said Lose. 

“Only SWAT teams would get that. Now 

they’ve realized patrol officers get in gun 

fights too, so they need to know how to 

shoot, move and communicate and reload 

all in the same class.”

While the course curriculum is aimed 

at the end user, the instructors are finding 

new ways to be more effective training 

their own students.

“The benefit is more for myself as an 

instructor,” Williams said. “When I have a 

problem shooter, I have more tools in my 

toolbox to help. I can use that when I go 

home to help out that person.”

National Rifle Association Law Enforcement Division Firearms Instructors 

Tim Lose (left) and Cathy Schroeder brief students on their performance 

during an NRA tactical rifle course. 

A U.S. Navy Small Arms Instructor prepares to shoot.

U.S. Coast Guard Gunner’s Mate Chief William Robertson clears his 

weapon after an NRA tactical rifle course at Grenadillo Range. U.S. Coast Guard Gunner’s Mate Chief William Robertson helps shooters 

during an NRA tactical rifle course.
The At Your Service | Wire | Page 12

In The Trenches

Karzai announces areas to transition to Afghan control

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Afghan President 

Hamid Karzai announced the first seven areas 

of his country that will transition to full Afghan 

security control.

The announcement marks the beginning of 

the process that will see Afghan forces responsible 

for security across the whole country by the end 

of 2014.

In a speech in the Afghan capital of Kabul, 

Karzai announced that the area around Kabul, 

except the Sarobi district, will transition. Afghan 

forces already are in charge of security for most 

of the area.

Officials in Afghanistan and the United States 

stressed this was an Afghan decision.

“This heralds the beginning of the transition 

process for those areas,” said Lt. Col. Beth 

Robbins, a Pentagon spokeswoman.

Other areas that will transition are Panjshi and 

Bamiyan provinces, the city of Herat in western 

Afghanistan and the city of Lashkar Gah in 

Helmand province.

Afghan forces will take the lead in Balkh 

province’s capital of Mazar-e-Sherif and in 

Laghman province’s Methalam City.

The announcement follows a careful process 

in choosing the areas. A joint Afghan-NATO 

group examined the capabilities of Afghan forces 

Spc. Carlos R. Hansen and fellow Soldiers of the personal security 

detachment for Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 113th 

Cavalry Regiment, Task Force Redhorse, patrol the villages in the Bagram 

Security Zone. - photo by U.S. Army.

Karen Parrish

American Forces Press Service

and areas where the 

security, governance 

and development 

processes are 

sufficiently advanced.

The conclusions 

were forwarded to 

NATO defense 

ministers, who 

accepted the 

recommendations 

during a meeting 

earlier this month. 

However, the 

transition decision was 

completely in Karzai’s 

hands, officials said.

“We understand 

taking complete 

responsibility of 

governance, security 

and reconstruction in 

our country is not an 

easy task in a situation in which, on one hand we 

suffer from the legacy of 30 years of war, and on 

the other hand destruction and interference is still 

going on,” Karzai said, according to a translation 

of his speech at the National Military Academy. 

“We know that the people of Afghanistan do not 

want the defense of their country to be on others, 

and also those who have helped us during the last 

10 years cannot afford any more sacrifices for our 

security and defense.

“This is also for the sake of this reason,” 

he continued, “that we have agreed with the 

international community that the Afghan 

government responsibilities should be handed 

over to Afghans.”

Lewis-McChord assists family members back from Japan

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash., – An influx of people 

arriving this week at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport from the 

earthquake and tsunami-ravaged country of Japan have prompted a 

multi-agency response by the federal government.

The Defense Department offered eligible family members of U. 

S. servicemembers and some civilian employees the opportunity to 

voluntarily leave the country at government expense.

As of Monday, nearly 400 people had arrived at Sea-Tac with 

thousands more expected during the next few days.

Local Air Force, Marine, Navy and Army civilian and service 

personnel are working around-the-clock to ensure a quick transition for 

the family members and civilians en route to destinations across the 

U.S.

“It’s not a service-specific operation,” said Lt. Col. Rich Whitaker, 

deputy commander of the 1st Joint Mobilization Brigade and the 

officer-in-charge at Sea-Tac. “This is taking care of family members.”

“We’re trying to provide a smooth process so that when they arrive, we 

can call up the commercial ticket office at [Joint Base Lewis-McChord] 

and get them flights to their final destinations.,” Whitaker said.

Joint Base Lewis-McChord Army Community Service Mobilization 

and Deployment Program Manager Wayne Johnson said he was 

overwhelmed by the response.

“All of our military agencies are coming together - all aspects of it, 

not just the family support - but all who support what we are. That is 

probably (what is most) impressive to me.”

Johnson said the family members and civilians have been “very 

courageous” despite suffering from travel fatigue.

“We’re trying to make them comfortable as quickly as possible,” he 

said, “do the processing, get their paperwork taken care of and any needs 

that they may have.”

Once connecting travel arrangements are made, people who need 

lodging support are bused to nearby hotels. Johnson estimates they 

spend about three hours transitioning at Sea-Tac.

According to Whitaker, most people leave for their final destination 

in 24 to 48 hours.

Throughout this operation, more than 20 flights from Japan are 

scheduled to arrive in the United States.

“We’re adding staff in some areas to improve thru-put and we’ve 

also made contingencies, if we have flights stacking up on each other,” 

Whitaker said.

Medical supplies including over-the-counter pain, cold, flu and other 

common medications are available for dispensing by a medical team 

working at Sea-Tac, Madigan’s Strategic Communication Director Jay 

Ebbeson said via e-mail.

“My priority is that whatever medical needs (they) may have upon 

arrival, our medical team is prepared to provide the care needed, either 

at Madigan or the closest available medical treatment location,” said Col. 

Dallas Homas, Madigan Healthcare System commander.

Col. Kevin Kilb, 62nd Airlift Wing commander, greeted the first 

group of travelers arriving at Sea-Tac on Saturday.

“This is a tremendous team effort from the entire Joint Base 

community aimed at easing a difficult time for DOD families,” he said.

Ingrid Barrentine 

Northwest Guardian

On The Deck

| At Your Service The Wire | Page 13

PACOM commander addresses concerns at Yokosuka townhall meeting

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) – 

The U.S. military’s top Pacific leader 

spent several hours at Commander, 

Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) 

March 22 to answer questions and 

address concerns regarding events 

in the wake of the 9.0 earthquake 

and subsequent tsunami that 

devastated northeastern Japan 

March 11.

Commander, U.S. Pacific 

Command, Adm. Robert Willard, 

along with his wife Donna 

Willard, addressed the community 

on the current situation with 

the Fukushima nuclear-power 

plants, voluntary departure of 

dependents, and thanked families 

for their support to their Sailors 

who are fully engaged in Operation 

Tomodachi.

“The purpose of my visit to 

Japan was multi-faceted,” said 

Willard. “I needed to talk to my 

forces out here that are conducting 

the humanitarian assistance 

Mark Elrod

Navy News Service

Adm. Robert F. Willard, commander of U.S. Pacific Command, 

speaks with Cmdr. Bharat Patel, officer in charge at the Hai Cang 

medical clinic during a medical community service project. – Photo 

by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew Jackson

and disaster relief operation, in 

northern Honshu, to help the 

Japanese. So, I’m working the 

disaster side of this, but while 

we’re here Donna and I both 

wanted the opportunity to visit the 

sites, interact with the families, and 

perhaps share some information 

that would be helpful under these 

circumstances,” he added.

Willard began the meeting 

reassuring the community that 

leadership at all levels has the safety 

of service members and their 

families at their top priority. He also 

put the conditions of northeastern 

Japan into perspective.

“Just imagine 440,000 

people that are in an area where 

infrastructure is pretty much 

destroyed, and more than one 

thousand roads are gone. There’s 

no power, no water and people are 

relying on relief efforts that we are 

assisting in,” Willard told the crowd 

of approximately 700 people.

He also addressed the Japanese 

members of the audience and 

expressed his concern for the 

people of Japan and praised 

the courage they have displayed 

throughout catastrophic 

circumstances.

“From all of us in America, 

and from all of us in the United 

States military, and in the Pacific 

Command, I would like to express 

our profound condolences for 

what your country is enduring.”

To help share information 

during the meeting, Willard held a 

question and answer session with 

community members to address 

community concerns.

“We couldn’t have been 

happier with the turnout and with 

the questions. I learned a lot and 

I hope they got a lot out of it as 

well,” said Willard. “Their safety 

is paramount on our minds. My 

responsibility is to manage that 

safety, look out for any future 

contingency that could occur, and 

to keep them informed.”

Willard reiterated to the local 

commanders the importance of 

communications in keeping the 

community assured by keeping 

them informed.

“For the leaders that are here, 

keep leading keep supplying the 

information that’s required as we 

go about this great humanitarian 

assistance and disaster response 

effort,” stated Willard. “To the 

families here, we’re very, very 

proud of what they’re doing, the 

courage they’re showing, and the 

help that they are affording one 

another.”

Though Willard addressed the 

Yokosuka community concerns, 

he also, spoke of the catastrophes 

that the Japanese people are 

enduring.

“The Japanese people, I 

think, have shown just wonderful 

resilience and fortitude under the 

worst circumstances,” Willard 

expressed. “I know I speak for 

every American and every military 

member that we are very, very 

sorry for this great disaster that 

they’ve been subjected to.”
ARLINGTON, Va. – Marines 

from the 26th Marine Expeditionary 

Unit rescued a U.S. Air Force pilot 

downed in Libya March 22. 

The F-15E Strike Eagle crashed 

in northeast Libya March 21 while 

flying in support of Operation 

Odyssey Dawn, the joint coalition 

enforcing U.N. Security Council 

Resolution 1973 to protect the 

Libyan people from the country’s 

ruler.

Using two AV/8B Harriers, two 

MV-22 Ospreys and two CH-53E 

Super Stallions carrying a quick 

reaction force, the Camp Lejeune, 

N.C., based Marines conducted a 

Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and 

Personnel mission to recover the 

pilot.

The Marine aircraft began 

launching off the the USS 

Kearsarge, which was roughly 130 

nautical miles from the pilot - within 

30 minutes of the crash - according 

to a senior Marine officer in the 

Pentagon. 

Marine officials attributed the 

Marines rescue downed pilot 

after fighter jet crashes in Libya 

Inside the Jar

The Wire | Page 14 | At Your Service

quick reaction time to the versatility 

of the Osprey. “Total time from 

launch to return - 90 minutes 

roundtrip. That’s what an Osprey 

gets you, that speed,” the official 

said.

According to official reports, 

the Harrier close air support 

element dropped two laser-guided 

500-pound bombs in the area 

in support of the downed pilot. 

One MV-22 Osprey landed and 

extracted the pilot.

Once extracted, the aircraft 

returned to the USS Kearsarge 

with the pilot. Navy Lt. Lauren 

A. Weber, a doctor with the 26th 

MEU, said the pilot returned in 

good condition.

The cause of the crash is still 

under investigation and the names 

of the pilots will be released 

pending next-of-kin notification. 

The recovery force remains 

on standby while aviation assets 

are conducting operations in any 

environment. All seven Marine 

expeditionary units are trained, 

equipped and ready to conduct 

similar missions when called upon. 

Headquarters Marine Corps

31ST MEU moves to the east coast of Japan, delivers aid

Sgt. Michael S. Cifuentes

Headquarters Marine Corps

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Marines are strengthening their 

combat effectiveness by using renewable energy on the battlefield. 

The Expeditionary Energy Office took the lead for this initiative by 

developing a plan to reduce fossil fuel consumption by 50 percent by the 

beginning of 2025.

“Our ethos demands that we increase the efficiency of our gear and 

the use of renewable energy,” said Col. Bob Charette, director of the 

Expeditionary Energy Office, or E20.

Marines deployed to the forward edge of the combat zone are reliant 

on the fuel, water and other expendable energy sources provided to them 

by combat support elements, and that reliance comes with a cost. A study 

conducted by the Marine Corps Combat Development Command found 

that for every 50 convoys in Afghanistan one Marine is either wounded or 

killed. Reducing the need for logistics simply means saving lives.

“Our strategy is taking that Marine who’s burning about eight gallons 

of fuel per day and turning him into a Marine that’s burning four gallons 

of fuel per day,” Charette said. 

Consequently, the Marine Corps moved to a more readily available 

source of energy, the sun. In the summer of 2010, Marines with 

Company I, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, entered their monthlong predeployment training evolution at the Marine Corps Air Ground 

Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, Calif., with technology that absorbed 

the sun’s rays and distributed its energy to their equipment. That power 

was used for more than a week, and saved an average of eight gallons of 

fuel per day that normally would have been used to run generators and 

vehicles.

Today the Marines of Company I are deployed to the Sangin valley 

in Afghanistan, and they’re powering their patrol bases with nothing but 

renewable energy.

“India Company (Company I) went into the most dangerous region 

of Helmand Province, they battled a determined foe, and the entire 

time they were deploying and using small-scale renewable systems,” said 

Charette. 

1st Lt. Josef Patterson, platoon commander with Company I, said 

their entire forward operating base is solar-powered, and his Marines 

love it. When patrolling, they’re using the Solar Portable Alternative 

Communications Energy System, or SPACES, which charges batteries, 

operates communications equipment and runs small electronic accessories. 

The system generates energy from solar panels on a tarp that can easily be 

rolled up and placed in a backpack when on the move.

Patterson said normally his platoon would take three to four days worth 

of batteries for a three-week patrol, which takes up a lot of space and weight 

in backpacks. But with SPACES, they’re lightening the load.

“I was a little skeptical at first, but we’re completely solar-powered, and I 

think it’s a great thing,” said Patterson.

Charette referred to these Marines as pioneers for using this kind of 

equipment in combat. By the summer of 2011, E2O will be able to deploy 

a battalion-level unit with renewable energy capabilities and energy efficient 

technology.

“The only fuels we’ll see on the battlefield in the future are the fuels we’ll 

need to move our airplanes and our vehicles,” he said. “We’re going to learn 

from that and start building on it to get to where we ultimately want to go 

in 2025.”

Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James Amos said he needs all 

Marines to embrace this strategy and get in step, because it’s important.

“You don’t have to think too hard, much past the last thirty days, to see 

what’s happening around the world,” Amos said. “With all the issues, a lot of 

it in the oil-producing part of the world, we need to begin to wean ourselves 

off of fossil-based fuel. Not only that, we need to be able to lighten our load. 

This is about us. This is about what’s best for the Marine Corps.”

 (Compiled from AF News Service stories) – U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirits, 

F-15E Strike Eagles and F-16CJ Fighting Falcons launched during 

the early hours of March 20 in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn 

to enforce U.N. Security Council Resolution 1973, which is centered 

on protecting Libyan citizens from any further harm from Libyan 

leader Moammar Gadhafi’s regime. 

 Coalition aircraft struck a variety of strategic targets over Libya, 

and U.S. fighter aircraft created airspace where no enemy forces 

could advance on Libyan opposition troops.

 “It was a spectacular display of Airmenship watching this coalition 

come together the way it did to execute the first air strikes on behalf 

of the Libyan people,” said Maj. Gen. Margaret H. Woodward, 

Operation Odyssey Dawn Joint Force Air Component Commander.

 Two Airmen ejected from their F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft late 

Monday after the plane suffered an equipment malfunction and 

crashed in eastern Libya, said Navy Adm. Samuel J. Locklear III, 

commander of Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn.

 Coalition forces recovered one crew member, and Libyans found 

the other, he added, noting both are now safe and with U.S. forces.

 Admiral Locklear spoke with Pentagon reporters by phone Tuesday 

from the USS Mount Whitney in the Mediterranean Sea. He said 

Gadhafi’s air force was “not in good repair,” even before coalition 

operations began and that his tactical capability consisted of several 

dozen helicopters. Against those aircraft, he said, “our airstrikes have 

been very effective.”

 Radar-evading B-2 bombers attacked Libyan airfields, flattening 

the hardened shelters Libyan fighter-bombers use, said Vice Admiral 

William E. Gortney, director of the joint staff, in a press briefing 

Monday. U.S., French and British aircraft also hit Gadhafi’s ground 

forces 10 miles south of the opposition stronghold of Benghazi.

 “We judge these also to have been highly successful at halting the 

regime ground movement in this region,” Admiral Gortney said. 

 While the coalition continues to expand effectiveness of the nofly zone, Admiral Locklear said, forces loyal to Gadhafi still pose a 

threat to the Libyan people.

 “Despite our successes to date ... Gadhafi and his forces are not yet 

in compliance with the United Nations Security Council resolution, 

On the Wing

| At Your Service The Wire | Page 15

AF joins enforcement of ‘no-fly zone’ over Libya

Strike Eagle crashes after equipment failure; crew recovered safely

 (Compiled from AF News Service stories) – More than 500 service 

members, family members and civil service employees who voluntarily 

departed Japan arrived at Travis Air Force Base Tuesday aboard 

charted military flights in support of Operation Pacific Passage.

 The Defense Department authorized a voluntary departure of 

family members from Northern Japan due to the recent earthquake 

and tsunami disaster.

 U.S. Army North coordinated with Travis AFB to activate the Joint 

Reception Coordination Center and officials greeted passengers on 

two flights. More than half the evacuees were children. 

 “Hats off to all the joint efforts of the Army, Air Force, Navy and 

Marines,” said Lt. Col. U. L. Armstrong, acting defense coordinating 

officer of Region 9, Oakland, and lead local officer for U.S Army 

North. “The wing commander here, Col. James Vechery, and his 

team provided a good, detailed plan as we arrived, enabling us to set 

up quickly and prepare to assist the families.” 

‘Pacific Passage’ enables voluntary departures from Japan

due to the continued aggressive actions his forces are taking against 

the civilian population of Libya.”

 Admiral Locklear said President Obama laid out expectations that 

included requiring Gadhafi’s forces to “stop advancing on Benghazi, 

and they have to pull back from Zawiyah, Ajdabiya (and) Misurata.”

 “They have not done that,” the task force commander noted, 

pointing out that coalition action forced regime troops out of 

Benghazi, but they have not pulled back from the other three cities.

 The coalition has grown and will continue to increase, Admiral 

Gortney said, noting that it includes the U.S., the United Kingdom, 

France, Canada, Italy, Qatar, Belgium, Norway and Denmark. Other 

nations will provide overflight rights, basing and logistics. The admiral 

said those nations will make announcements at their own times. 

 The U.S. leads the coalition effort now, but that will change, the 

admiral said. 

 “Our intent is to be a part of the coalition throughout, and transfer 

the command to a coalition command,” he said. 

 The U.S. would shift to more of a supporting role that would include 

logistics, aerial tankers, electronic warfare aircraft and intelligence, 

surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft.

 Upon arrival, passengers received assistance from Travis AFB 

agencies with lodging, transportation, follow-on travel arrangements 

and any other personal needs. 

 “Many passengers seemed tired, but they had nothing but good 

words to say about the teams and the efforts of all the volunteers,” said 

Col. Robert Eatman, the 60th Mission Support Group commander.

More than 100 volunteers were on hand to assist with childcare, 

luggage and pet care to ease the strain on passengers.

 The airlift to Travis AFB is the second U.S. arrival location for 

these voluntary assisted departure flights. The first location, SeattleTacoma International Airport, received the first flight of relocating 

family members, including 190 children, Saturday. 

 For more information about the assisted voluntary departure 

program as well as the latest news about relief operations in Japan, 

visit the U.S. Forces Japan website at www.usfj.mil.

Maintainers prepare B-2 Spirit bombers March 

19, 2011, at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., in 

support of Operation Odyssey Dawn. – photo 

by Senior Airman Kenny Holston
The Wire | Page 16 At Your Service |

Coast to coast

Panel reaches verdict in Court-Martial over San Diego boat collision

Coast Guard News Service

ALAMEDA, Calif. – A general court-martial convened March 

7, 2011, at the 11th Coast Guard District headquarters in Alameda, 

Calif., has reached a verdict on Uniform Code of Military Justice 

charges filed against Petty Officer Paul A. Ramos. The charges stem 

from the Dec. 20, 2009, collision between a Coast Guard patrol boat 

Ramos was operating and a civilian vessel during an evening holiday 

boat parade on San Diego Bay.

RESULTS OF COURT-MARTIAL

A seven-member court-martial panel, the military trial version of 

a jury, found Ramos:

* Not guilty of violating Article 119, involuntary manslaughter;

* Not guilty of violating Article 134, negligent homicide;

* Not guilty of violating Article 128, aggravated assault;

* Not guilty of violating Article 110, negligently hazarding a 

vessel, and;

* Guilty of one specification on the charge of violating Article 

92, dereliction of duty for failure to conduct a risk assessment.

The court will now begin the sentencing phase.

COAST GUARD STATEMENT

“This is an important step in the military justice process, and in 

determining the cause of this tragic collision,” said Dan Dewell, 

an 11th District spokesman. “No legal ruling can restore lives lost 

or injured, and we know that recounting the details of a tragedy 

during a trial can be difficult for those affected by it. We take this 

opportunity to again extend our deepest sorrow and condolences to 

the victims of the crash and their families,” he said.

Because of other pending legal matters and investigations, and 

out of respect for the rights and privacy of everyone affected by 

the collision, no additional details about the case can be released at 

this time.

STATUS OF OTHER MILITARY JUSTICE CASES AND 

INVESTIGATIONS

Besides Ramos, three other patrol boat crewmembers were 

charged with violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice 

following the collision. A summary court-martial was held for Petty 

Officer Brittany N. Rasmussen in San Diego in Jan. during which 

she pleaded guilty to a violation of Article 92, dereliction of duty in 

her role as a lookout on the boat, and received a letter of reprimand. 

A charge of violation of Article 92, dereliction of duty, against Petty 

Officer Lavelle M. Teague, was dismissed because of insufficient 

evidence late last year at a non-judicial hearing held in Alameda. A 

court-martial for Petty Officer Ian M. Howell is scheduled for May.

A fifth Coast Guardsman, who was aboard the boat for training 

and was not a qualified crewmember, was not charged.

The UCMJ is a complete set of criminal laws that covers most 

crimes contained in civilian law in addition to other military-specific 

offenses. UCMJ charges are accusations. The accused are presumed 

innocent unless proven guilty. In Ramos’ court-martial, verdicts 

required a two-thirds vote of the panel.

The Coast Guard’s internal investigation into the collision and 

an investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board are 

ongoing.

BACKGROUND INFO ON BOATING ACCIDENTS

Although serious boat accidents in the Coast Guard are rare, they 

do happen. In the past five years, during 2.6-million operating hours 

and thousands of patrols, there have been three Coast Guard boatrelated accidents resulting in fatalities. The Dec. 2009 San Diego 

collision was the only incident involving the death of a civilian. 

In March 2007 a Coast Guard member died after being ejected 

from a patrol boat in Alaska. Another Coast Guardsman died in 

Oct. 2010 during a training mission in Virginia after he fell into the 

water while transferring between a small patrol boat and a cutter.

Guard Meritorious Unit Commendations, seven Coast Guard “E” 

Ribbons, Navy Occupation Service Medal, three National Defense 

Service Medals, two Humanitarian Service Medals, and two Coast 

Guard Special Operation Ribbons. 

Coast Guard monitors radiation risk to Pacific ports

GUAM – The U.S. Coast Guard is working to 

ensure the safety of the maritime transportation 

system in the aftermath of the tragedy in Japan. 

Based on an analysis by the Nuclear Regulatory 

Commission, there is no indication that harmful 

radiation will reach the U.S., whether it is the 

West Coast, Hawaii, Alaska, or U.S. territories 

including Guam and the Commonwealth of 

the Northern Mariana Islands.

The U.S. government has determined that 

radiation levels outside a zone of 50 miles 

centered on the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear 

Power Plant do not pose a human health 

hazard. 

As vessels and cargo which remain outside 

of the precautionary area do not pose any 

human health hazard, they will not be subject 

to additional screening or evaluation. Vessels 

known to have transited the precautionary area 

shall be considered for additional screening. 

However, the probability of contamination 

remains low for these vessels and any hazards are 

likely below levels considered to be hazardous 

to human health. Coast Guard Sector Guam 

will employ a three-part protocol to ensure the 

safety of vessels and cargo that have transited 

the precautionary area en route to Guam and 

the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana 

Islands:

1. Perform an at-sea boarding to check for 

elevated levels of radiation on the vessel and its 

cargo.

2. Ensure on-dock screenings of all cargo 

offloaded from Japan to the Ports of Guam, 

Saipan, Tinian and Rota.

3. Ensure availability of appropriate 

emergency response teams if harmful levels of 

radiation are detected.

To date, there have been no vessels that 

have transited within the 50-mile zone around 

the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant en 

route to U.S. ports. Moreover, normal shipping 

routes of vessels departing ports open for 

operations in Japan do not place any vessels 

within 100 nautical miles of the Fukushima 

Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. The Coast Guard, 

at the highest levels, will continue to monitor 

the situation at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear 

Power Plant. 

GTMO Religious Services

Daily Catholic Mass

Mon. - Fri. 5:30 p.m.

Main Chapel

Vigil Mass

Saturday 5 p.m.

Main Chapel

Mass

Sunday 9 a.m.

Main Chapel

Catholic Mass

Saturday 7:30 p.m.

Troopers’ Chapel

Sunday 7:30 a.m.

Troopers’ Chapel

Church of Christ

Sunday 10 a.m.

Chapel Annex

Room 17

Seventh Day Adventist

Saturday 11 a.m.

Room B

Iglesia Ni Christo

Sunday 5:30 a.m.

Room A

Pentecostal Gospel

Sunday 8 a.m.

Room D

Liturgical Service

Sunday 10 a.m.

Room B

General Protestant

Sunday 11 a.m.

Main Chapel

United Jamaican

Fellowship

Sunday 11 a.m.

Building 1036

Gospel Service

Sunday 1 p.m.

Main Chapel

GTMO Bay Christian 

Fellowship

Sunday 6 p.m.

Main Chapel

Bible Study

Wednesday 7 p.m.

Troopers’ Chapel

The Truth Project

Bible study

Sunday 6 p.m.

Troopers’ Chapel

Protestant Worship

Sunday 9 a.m.

Troopers’ Chapel

Islamic Service

Friday 1:15 p.m.

Room C

Jewish Service

Friday 7 p.m.

Chapel Annex

LORIMI Gospel

Sunday 8 a.m.

Room D

LDS Service

Sunday 10 a.m.

Room A

| Mind, Body & Soul The Wire | Page 17

Mind, Body & Soul

In Greek and Roman mythology, the Gordian knot was an 

extremely complicated knot tied by the king of Phrygia in Asia 

Minor. According to legend, a man named Gordius, born a peasant, 

became king of Phrygia. Upon assuming his throne he dedicated his 

chariot to Zeus and fastened it to a pole in the center of the city with 

an extremely intricate knot. The knot was purportedly impossible 

to unravel; however, an oracle predicted it would be undone by 

the future king of Asia. Many came to the city to try their luck at 

unraveling the famed knot with no success. 

It is believed that Alexander the Great entered the city in 333 

B.C. and quickly set upon the impossible knot. Surveying the enigma 

before him and searching for the ends of the seemingly infinite 

knot, in an audacious move Alexander unsheathed his sword and 

cut through the knot with one bold stroke. The oracle’s prophecy 

thus fulfilled, Alexander went on to conquer most of the known 

world. A problem solving approach such as this came to be known as 

the Alexandrian solution. “Cutting the Gordian knot” has become a 

metaphor for radical solutions to complex problems. 

Many times in our lives we are faced with intricate, even vague, 

multifaceted problems that may benefit from swift action and bold 

decision making. Conversely, there will be moments in our lives where 

such haste could exacerbate our problems and leave them unsettled. 

It is during these times we should take stock of the resources available 

to us so we may proceed with prudence and forethought. 

Our modern military has made it relatively easy to obtain the 

mental health services that can aid in such focused and calculated 

decision making. Mental health services are varied, yet most exist to 

allay the continuum of contemporary and traditional stressors we 

face daily. 

Going to a therapist can be a valuable experience that allows for 

growth and stabilization. You do not need to have a complex problem 

to go to a therapist. There are times when just a few education 

classes or counseling sessions are appropriate and even favored. 

Mental health clinics, JSMART for example, offer myriad educational 

briefs on topics such as sleep hygiene, stress management and anger 

management. 

There will be other times, when a concentrated, collaborative and 

expanded effort between therapist and patient - over weeks to months 

- may be necessary. During these times rash actions are ill advised. 

Time will need to be spent conceptualizing the problem so that one 

can understand the exact nature of the dilemma. Subsequently, a plan 

can be established that will utilize the time between the patient and 

the therapist in the most efficient way. 

Often times therapists work with patients to change long standing 

patterns of behavior and ingrained beliefs that may, at times, be less 

than accurate and not serve us. These beliefs often lead to behaviors 

that become habit because at some point they worked. The behavior 

may have initially served a purpose, yet later became less effective 

and began to cause more harm than good. For example, avoiding 

a problem you are not ready to confront initially may be acceptable 

in the short term, however, when you continually avoid tackling 

problems you may allow them to get out of hand. If that avoidance 

is reinforced, the habit of continually putting off a challenge may 

lead to chronically negative consequences. 

Therapy not just

 a quick fix

Navy Lt. Jason Duff

 see MIND, page 19
The Wire | Page 18 At the Movies |

Movie Review

“The Dilemma” is a fitting title for this 

confused drama/comedy starring Vince 

Vaughn and Kevin James. The bro-fabulous 

duo at first promises to be a hilarious addition 

to a library of dude flicks in the tradition of 

“Old School” and “Hitch.” Had different 

movie-makers been at the helm, this would 

have been true. But under the direction of 

Ron Howard and Brian Grazer – both known 

more for their Oscar hopefuls than their 

comedic chops – the film veers awkwardly 

from buddy comedy to dismal drama. 

Vaughn and James are Ronny and Nick, 

business partners and best buds. Nick is the 

devoted, slightly chubster husband to Geneva 

(Winona Ryder, where have you been?) and 

Ronny is the obnoxious (Vince Vaughn 

obnoxious? No!) barely likeable motor mouth 

with a impossibly perfect girlfriend. 

The guys land a business opportunity 

with Dodge to produce an electric “muscle 

car” (far from subtle advertisement.) Nearing 

the most demanding stage of the project, 

Ronny spies Geneva with another man. He 

is torn between telling his friend right away 

or waiting until the business deal comes to a 

close, hence his “dilemma.”

 Up until this point the film offers a 

decent enough premise. However, Geneva’s 

betrayal and Ronny’s inner battle of how to 

do right by his friend sink the fun. Bursts 

of displaced slapstick don’t do anything 

except jerk the audience around, including 

a violent encounter with Geneva’s tattooed, 

druggie lover (Channing Tatum). The movie 

is filled with sexual dysfunction, betrayal and 

blackmail which should be somewhat enticing 

but instead manages to be surprisingly 

boring. 

After at least a dozen movies playing 

essentially the same character, Vaughn 

perfected the slick, ego-maniac best friend 

with no edit button long ago. He got away 

with it because under all that alpha-male 

bravado, there was still a little boy just wanting 

to be loved. This time, though, his charm falls 

completely flat. Ronny is grating and crass, 

without a shred of humanity. One wonders 

why his girlfriend, Beth (Jennifer Connelly, 

you’re better than this) is wasting her time 

with such a tool. 

“Dilemma’s” real problem is, because it’s 

mascarading as a dude flick, it doesn’t know 

what to do with its women. After all, it is the 

women who stir up the trouble, cause the 

drama and basically drive the plot. Ryder and 

Connelly are tragically under utilized – these 

gals are masters of their craft and they are 

regulated to simple scenery chewing or, in 

Connelly’s case, staying as perfectly still as 

possible and looking beautiful. Such a waste.

The truth is, Ronny and Nick probably 

don’t care as much about their women as 

they do each other. Like true bros, they would 

rather drink, watch sports and make off-color 

jokes, growing old together in blissful Brohood. Coupled with such heavy material, this 

picture just does not compute. 

Spc. Kelly Gary

PG-13

 111 min. 

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Call MWR at ext. 2010 for more information. Movie Hotline - call 4880.

Chelsea Handler

(18 and over) 8 p.m.

Chelsea Handler

(18 and over) 10 

p.m.

The Rite

(PG-13) 8 p.m.

The Roommate

(PG-13) 8 p.m.

Just Go with It

(PG-13) 8 p.m.

Unknown

(PG-13) 8 p.m.

Tango

(PG) 8 p.m.

No Strings 

Attached

(R) 8 p.m. 

The Rite

(PG-13) 10 p.m.

Sanctum

(R) 8 p.m.

Country Strong

(PG-13) 8 p.m.

Just Go with It

(PG-13) 8 p.m.

Unknown

(PG-13) 

8 p.m.

Battle: Los Angeles

(PG-13) 8 p.m.

The Mechanic

(R) 10 p.m.

The Roommate

(PG-13) 10 p.m.

Downtown

Lyceum

Camp 

Bulkeley

Battle: Los Angeles

(PG-13) 8 p.m.

The Mechanic

(R) 10 p.m

fri. sat. sun. mon. tues. wed. thurs.

| The Last Word The Wire | Page 19

There are going to be times 

when one should be prepared to 

invest some time in taking care 

of him or her self. Therapy can 

serve to empower an individual; 

however, it requires a certain 

amount of commitment. Below 

are just a few particulars and 

guidelines to get the best out of 

therapy: 

• Set goals

• Immediate and long 

term

• Goals and time frames 

must be realistic

• One must be willing 

to cooperate and even 

compromise at times 

You must agree to actively 

work on issues outside of the 

therapy session. For example, if 

you were taking music lessons for 

one hour once a week and never 

practiced or studied outside of 

the session then you would not 

get better very quickly. 

At times you may need to 

be prepared to have difficult 

conversations about tough 

subjects.

Therapists may help you 

recognize patterns of behavior 

and thinking that you may 

otherwise be unable or unwilling 

to see. Also, recognize that 

therapists can help to identify 

strengths, not just point out 

weaknesses.

Therapy can help to develop 

skills to increase preservation 

and coping in situations where 

there is an actual or perceived 

lack of control 

Additionally, therapy can:

• Enhance communication 

skills

• Enhance decision 

making skills

• Improve insight 

• Decrease self-doubt 

• Improve self-esteem

The impetus for therapy 

is as distinctive and diverse as 

the individuals seeking help. 

Regardless why a person has 

sought out help they should 

be prepared to not always look 

for the quickest fix by “cutting 

the Gordian knot,” but rather 

spend some time improving their 

understanding of themselves, 

other people and the world around 

them. For more information, call 

JSMART at x2321. 

going disposition that brings people to their 

block.

“He has something about him that people 

want to be around him,” explained Hoag. “As 

a roommate I guess I couldn’t have asked for 

anybody more laid back. Without him as my 

roommate, I probably wouldn’t be having as 

much fun as I’m having here.”

Hardesty seems surprised to hear his 

presence puts other people at ease, but, he 

explains, it’s just all part of his no-nonsense 

approach.

“I like to think I put off a pretty good 

vibe,” he commented. “I’m not particularly 

hostile or aggressive toward people, so they 

feel like they can talk to me.”

That trust and confidence Hardesty gains 

with his friends and neighbors applies to his 

work as well.

“Honestly his work, when he wants it to 

be, is far above everyone else,” Hoag said. “He 

is really intelligent and his sense of humor and 

calm demeanor really keeps a light mood [at 

the office.]”

“He definitely thinks outside the box and 

looks at things in a different way than a lot 

of people,” continued Hoag. “He adds a really 

valuable insight into what we do.”

When considering the fuss made over his 

fashion choices, Hardesty just shrugs it off, 

displaying his patience and tolerance for those 

not in on the joke.

“You get the occasional jeers and taunts 

from people who just don’t understand,” he 

said with a sly smile. “Or who perhaps are 

jealous.”

“There’s never a time when we walk 

somewhere and someone doesn’t see him and 

say something,” acknowledges Hoag. “Usually 

it’s all in fun, but every once in a while there’s a 

guy that’ll give him crap about [his clothes.]”

Hardesty insists most of the attention is 

positive. In fact, in the rare occasion he does 

wear regular clothing in public, he said people 

tend to react just as negatively.

“People don’t recognize me,” he chuckled 

mischievously at the irony. “And then they ask 

me why I’m wearing normal clothes.”

Hardesty’s friends said despite the ado 

made about his wardrobe choices, he remains 

calm and unruffled. 

“He’s not a dramatic person,” said 

Kretschmer. “He doesn’t cause trouble, 

doesn’t try to pick fights with people. He’s one 

of those guys that you can tell you’re never 

going to get mad at.”

“Tyler has kind of a 60s and 70s feel to 

him,” shared Hoag. “He has that classic rock, 

carefree attitude. I think he’s just a man born 

in the wrong generation and is misunderstood 

by a lot of people in the military.”

Those who do appreciate Hardesty’s 

particular contribution to Guantanamo’s 

scenery have reached out to him in traditional 

military fashion and given a sacred gift: a 

nickname. 

“People started calling me ‘Hugh,’” 

revealed Hardesty. “I think some of those 

cats over on I block started that ... and it 

caught on. Now I get random people yelling, 

‘Hey, it’s Hugh!’ as I’m walking places.”

 Hoag tells a story that happened early in 

his relationship with Hardesty, before they 

arrived on Guantanamo Bay.

“One of the things I remember ...he had 

already shipped his stuff to Cuba and we 

were [in Arizona] for a month,” Hoag began. 

“All he had were sandals and he refused to 

buy basketball shoes – or any kind of shoes. 

So when we played basketball, he would play 

barefoot.”

“That’s the kind of guy he is,” Hoag 

grins at the memory. “He’s an original and I 

wouldn’t want him to change anything.”

FACES cont. 

MIND cont.