Volume 12, Issue 08 Friday, February 11, 2011

Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders

The Super Issue

The Pig Bowl

Joint Task Force Deputy Commander, Brig. Gen. 

Samuel Nichols shares a light moment with 

USSOUTHCOM Command Chaplain Capt. Ronnie 

King and JTF Command Chaplain Lt. Col. Marvin 

Williams during a prayer breakfast at the Seaside 

Galley, Monday. — photo by Mass Communications Specialist 

1st Class Sally Hendricks

Staff Sgt. Jim Charles (left) examines a screw he 

fastened into a rafter while Senior Airman Matthew 

Frost supports the rafter as part of the construction 

of an awning adjoined to the guard shack at the 

entrance of the Expeditionary Legal Complex near 

Camp Justice, Tuesday. — photo by Mass Communication 

Specialist 2nd Class Jordan J. Miller

Around the

JTF

The Game

The Commercials

Cheerleaders from the Miami Dolphins entertained and signed 

autographs for Troopers of Joint Task Force Guantanamo, Sunday. 

— photo by Navy Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Elisha 

Dawkins
The Wire | Page 2 Trooper to Trooper | | The last word

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 Document Automation & 

Production Service with a circulation of 1,000.

JTF Guantanamo

Commander

Navy Rear Adm. Jeffrey Harbeson

Command Master Chief

Navy Master Chief Petty Officer

Scott A. Fleming

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

Supervisor

Air Force Master Sgt. Andrew Leonhard: 3649

 

The Wire

Executive Editor

Army Staff Sgt. Benjamin Cossel: 3499

Assistant Editor

Spc. Meredith Vincent:3651

Photojournalists:

Mass Communications Specialist 1st Class Sally Hendricks

Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Elisha Dawkins

Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Jason Tross

Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Jordan Miller

Army Sgt. Mathieu Perry

Spc. Justin Pierce

Pfc. Amanda Russell

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

Back Cover: Joint Task Force Guantanamo Troopers enjoyed a relaxing day on the day during a 

kayaking trip sponsored by the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation department. — photo by Spc. Meredith 

Vincent

COVER: Spc. Nelson Monic, attached to Joint Task Force Guantanamo’s 525th Military Police Battalion, throws a football during 

the inaugural Pig Bowl Football Tournament, Saturday. — photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Jason Tross.

February 15 is the anniversary of the 1898 

sinking of the U.S.S. Maine in Havana Harbor, 

which led to the Spanish-American War. This 

is significant for Troopers for two reasons:

First, the war resulted in a U.S. naval 

presence at Guantanamo Bay.

Second, it provided a stellar example of 

individual commitment to getting results.

As the United States prepared for war, 

President McKinley needed to ensure 

coordination with Cuban insurgents already 

fighting Spanish rule. Problem was, their 

leader, General Garcia, stayed on the move for 

obvious reasons. The U.S. government had 

limited knowledge of the island or the Spanish 

forces there, and only a broad idea where to 

find Garcia.

An Army lieutenant in Washington, D.C., 

Andrew Rowan, was given a message and a 

series of questions for Garcia — intelligence 

that could prove vital to the effort in Cuba. 

He took an overnight train to New York, and 

the next day was on a steamship to Jamaica to 

meet his contacts. A handful of interesting 

adventures later, he delivered his message to 

Garcia. Rowan’s recounting of the tale is easily 

found online through any search engine.

The key point is this: entrusted with an 

assignment, Rowan was left on his own 

to accomplish it. His superiors had every 

confidence that, having explained the objective, 

Rowan would figure out the details to make it 

happen. It’s worth noting Lieutenant Rowan 

ended his career as a Lt. Colonel—few regular 

officers had the opportunity to achieve that 

rank in the small U.S. military between the 

Civil War and World War I. His reputation as 

someone who got things done likely had a lot 

to do with that.

Can you carry a message? Few of us are 

handed a mission like Rowan’s. That doesn’t 

mean we have any less opportunity to be a 

“go-to” person. Everyone is responsible for 

a piece of the missions we carry out. Years 

ago, I heard “often the only difference between 

succeeding and failing is caring.” It’s easy to 

care when your task involves infiltrating enemy 

territory—or dealing with detainees on a daily 

basis. Missteps in those cases have obvious 

consequences. But what about the daily grind 

in various support roles? It only takes one gear 

seizing up to throw the whole machine out of 

commission. Are you committed that won’t 

happen with the part that’s entrusted to you, 

regardless how large or small it may seem?

Elbert Hubbard, an author, wrote in 1899 

about Rowan’s accomplishment. His words are 

no less true today:

“My heart goes out to the man who does his 

work when the “boss” is away, as well as when 

he is at home. And the man who, when given 

a letter for Garcia, quietly takes the missive, 

without asking any idiotic questions, and with no 

lurking intention of chucking it into the nearest 

sewer, or of doing aught else but deliver it, never 

gets ‘laid off,’ nor has to go on a strike for higher 

wages. Civilization is one long anxious search 

for just such individuals. Anything such a man 

asks shall be granted; his kind is so rare that no 

employer can afford to let him go.”

Are you a valuable ‘fire and forget’ weapon, 

or do you require excessive guidance and course 

corrections? Will those looking for today’s 

Rowans find you up to the task?

You control the answers to those questions. 

Deputy Director, JTF Public Affairs Office

Air Force Lt. Col.

Donald Langley

Andrew Summers Rowan (center, holding his hat) and General Calixico y Inigus 

Garcia (right). Photo taken in Cuba, 1898.

The halftime show may not have 

entertained, but it made everyone more than 

eager to watch some more watered-down 

football. This time it was the Packer’s turn to 

disappoint, not seeing sight of the end zone 

for the entire third quarter. During Green 

Bay’s respite, Pittsburg managed one solid 

touchdown drive, and was even on its way 

to another as the fourth quarter approached. 

Unfortunately, Clay Matthews must have 

noticed there had not been a turnover in 

the second half yet. Ever willing to oblige, 

he solved this problem with a clock-cleaning 

hit on Rashard Mendenhall. As the ball 

slipped from Mendenhall’s grasp, Matthews 

smothered it, as well as the Steelers’ last 

chance at a win.

 Toward the end, the Steelers began closing 

the embarrassing gap on the scoreboard, but 

they never managed to break that hump. 

They went down swinging, finally going for 

it on fourth down, and losing to Green Bay 

25-31. 

Looking through the stats makes a harsh 

reality for the Steelers; they stayed competitive 

in passing yards, and blew the Packers away 

in rushing yards. But they also hit the high 

mark for turnovers, with two interceptions 

and one fumble courtesy of Clay Matthews. 

With the stats and scores so close, and even 

slightly favoring Pittsburg, the Steelers didn’t 

so much lose to the Packers. They bent over 

and handed them the game. Admittedly, 

turnovers are as much a part of football as 

touchdowns. However, they shouldn’t be the 

reason a champion program like the Pittsburg 

Steelers goes home crying into their Terrible 

Towels, while Aaron Rodgers and his cheeseloving compatriots head off to Disney World 

in all their glory. Super Bowl XLV was by no 

means mind-blowing, and I’d really like to 

only give it two banana rats. However, the 

powers that be -- my editor -- felt Aaron 

Rodgers’ rugged charm deserved a banana 

rat all to itself.

BOWL cont. 

Construction Electrician 1st Class Stewart Dahl points to a control 

and metering panel used for indicating the measurements of 

voltage, current and frequency of a generator, Feb. 3.

“If you’re a resident, regardless of 

where you live- even if it’s in a hut, or 

a tent or a house,” she said. “(You can) 

come in and get whatever you need.”

In order for the nursery to operate 

without any cost to the customer, 

volunteerism is essential, said Coganow.

“It’s not just (working with) plants,” 

said Coganow. “Any kind of carpentry 

they (volunteers) want to do. Maybe they 

have a better idea for something we’re 

doing.” 

Public Works supplies funding and 

materials when available, but for the 

most part the nursery relies on physical 

donations said NeSmith. Sometimes it’s 

a bag of potting soil; other times items 

are recycled from base construction 

projects.

Thanks to a bit of communal effort, 

Guantanamo Bay residents can escape 

to a tropical oasis without ever leaving 

the island. 

“There is something for everybody,” 

said NeSmith. “Whether you wish to 

volunteer or just walk out with a plant”.

For those interested in volunteering 

or just visiting, NeSmith has only one 

question: “What’s taking you so long?”

PLANTS cont. 

The Wire | Page 15

capacity of the generators in addition to 

the number of times the machines have 

run.”

This mission is one of many for the 

group of Seabees. They are also tasked 

with expeditionary support, cold iron 

projects and contingency operations in 

Afghanistan.

“Our Sailors are go-getters, top notch 

and selective,” said Dahl. “We are not 

working for a retirement or the money but 

because we enjoy the work we do.”

The visiting Seabees will be leaving late 

February, but the lasting affects of their 

mission will continue to ensure JTF’s safety 

and operational readiness year round. 
Page 14 | The Wire At the Movies|| | news you can use The Wire | Page 3

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet 

Napolitano says the terrorist threat against 

the United States is evolving and, in some 

ways, may be at its most heightened state 

since the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Napolitano told the House Homeland 

Security Committee Wednesday that 

al-Qaida still poses a threat to the U.S. 

despite its diminished capabilities.

She said the U.S. also faces threats 

from a number of al-Qaida associated 

groups, which have shown an increased 

emphasis on recruiting Americans and 

other Westerners to carry out attacks.

The director of the U.S. National 

Counterterrorism Center, Mike Leiter, said 

he considers the Yemen-based offshoot, 

al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, the 

most significant risk to the United States. 

He said radical cleric Anwar al-Awlaki, 

one of the group’s leaders, is using the 

Internet to talk directly to Americans.

The U.S. Army psychologist charged 

in the deadly 2009 shooting at the Fort 

Hood military base in Texas (Major Nidal 

Malik Hasan ) had been in e-mail contact 

with the U.S.-born al-Awlaki.

Napolitano said her department is 

working to provide state and local law 

enforcement with the information and 

resources they need to combat the threat 

of violent extremism within their own 

communities.

US Terror Threat Perhaps ‘Most 

Heightened’ Since 9/11

Voice of America

News Service

Egypt Military: Mubarak to ‘Meet Protesters’ Demands Voice of America News Service

Egyptian military officials and members 

of the ruling party say that President Hosni 

Mubarak will “meet protesters’ demands.”

Egyptians have been demonstrating for 

17 days, calling for the ouster of President 

Mubarak, who has been in power for nearly 

30 years. They have been demanding he leave 

immediately.

The military’s supreme council was meeting 

Thursday without the commander in chief, 

Mr. Mubarak. 

The military announced its support of the 

“legitimate demands of the people’’ on state 

television. A spokesman said the council was 

exploring what measures could be made to 

“safeguard” the nation and its people.

Cairo’s Tahrir Square, a focal point of the 

protests, erupted into cheers as news spread 

towards dusk Thursday.

Doctors in white lab coats and lawyers 

in black robes flooded Cairo’s Tahrir Square 

Thursday, linking striking workers with antigovernment protesters.

In addition to the prolonged protests 

by thousands in the capital, the opposition 

has turned to labor actions across Egypt 

affecting tourism, textiles, railways and the 

government.

Meanwhile, Egypt’s state prosecutor has 

launched a corruption investigation against 

three former government ministers and a 

member of parliament from Egypt’s ruling 

National Democratic party, 

Media reports Thursday say the 

investigation is targeting former Commerce 

Minister Rachid Mohammed Rachid, former 

Tourism Minister Zuhair Garana, former 

Housing Minister Ahmed Maghrabi and 

parliament member Ahmed Ezz.

A lone protestor aligns himself against the Egyptian Security Forces as protests in the country continue. 

Navy cuts some 

re-enlistment bonuses

Stars and Stripes

The Navy is cutting or eliminating reenlistment bonuses for 31 different skill 

and experience combinations, according 

to a Navy Personnel Command memo 

released Wednesday.

Some cryptologists, intelligence 

specialists and electronics technicians 

are among those slated to receive either 

a smaller bonus or nothing at all for reenlisting in their current job category, 

according to the memo. Bonus sizes within 

job categories vary both by specialty and 

zone, which is determined by time served 

in the Navy.

The move calls for 19 reductions 

and 12 eliminations of bonuses, while 

105 skill and zone combinations remain 

unchanged, the memo said.

The reduced bonuses are a result of 

tougher competition to remain in the 

Navy, according to a Navy news release.

Selective re-enlistment bonuses are 

used to retain sailors with critical skills 

and tend to vary, depending on which 

jobs are undermanned.

To view the complete list, go to 

www.npc.navy.mil/ReferenceLibrary/

Messages/.

New Military Strategy Calls for Redefined Leadership Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

The first revision in seven years of the 

National Military Strategy calls for redefining 

leadership in a changing world. 

The document released Tuesday is the first 

revision since 2004 of the ways and means that 

the military will advance U.S. national interests. 

It builds on the 2010 National Security Strategy 

and the objectives in the latest Quadrennial 

Defense Review.

“Our military power is most effective when 

employed in support and in concert with other 

elements of power as part of whole-of-nation 

approaches to foreign policy,” Navy Adm. Mike 

Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, 

wrote in the strategy. “This strategy is designed 

to meet the expectations of the American 

people that their military reflect the best of this 

great nation at home and abroad.”

Changing leadership in this whole-of-nation 

concept is key to the strategy. “This strategy 

acknowledges the need for military leadership 

that is redefined for an increasingly complex 

strategic environment,” it says. Military 

leadership will emphasize mutual responsibility 

and respect and will require a full spectrum of 

leadership approaches – facilitator, enabler, 

convener and guarantor.

The National Military Objectives are 

designed to counter violent extremism, deter 

and defeat aggression, strengthen international 

and regional security and shape the future 

force.

Violent extremism directly threatens 

Americans, their way of life, and America’s vital 

interests, the strategy says. 

Steelworker 1st Class Shawn Heer of the Port Hueneme, Calif.-based Mobile Utilities Support 

Equipment Team works on a circuit breaker of a generator, Feb 3. — photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class 

Elisha Dawkins

Cramped Quarters 

What was the most creative thing you’ve ever done for Valentine’s Day?

“Instead of sending roses, 

I put together flowers with 

her initials.”

Air Force Maj.

 Jamison Braun

“Keep it simple, stupid. 

Stick with a card and 

flowers”

Aviation Structural 

Mechanic Steven Sillivan

Master Sgt. 

Natalie Mosley-Carter

“Send valentines and candy 

home to my husband, 

daughter and mother.

“Call the wife and send an 

e-card”

Religious Program 

Specialist 3rd Class

 Jeffrey Lauber
The Wire | Page 4 News from the Bay | | At The Movies The Wire | Page 13

Army Staff Sgt. Benjamin Cossel

News from the Bay

Marlins and Mermaids 

swimming ashore

The Gold Hill Galley will be undergoing 

repairs beginning Feb. 22, said Lt. j.g. Vivian 

Manor, food services officer. 

The renovation will have two phases and 

last approximately 16 weeks. During the first 

half, “the right side of the dining facility will 

be completely closed for patron usage,” said 

Manor. “During phase two, the left side will 

be completely closed. Within the first two 

weeks of phase 2, the indoor wash room 

facilities will not be in service.”

Manor said outdoor facilities and handwashing station will be available.

During the renovations, the galley will 

offer to-go meals, due to limitied seating.

For more information, contact Manor at 

x2234 or x2236. 

Renovations on Gold 

Hill Galley begin soon

Army Sgt. Mathieu Perry

Troopers be aware of 

CAC card email scam

Florida Marlins pitcher Chris Volstad 

and hitter Gaby Sanchez are scheduled to 

visit Guantanamo Bay Monday at the Camp 

America Liberty Center.

Joining the ballplayers will be three 

Marlins cheerleaders, affectionately coined 

the Mermaids by Marlins fans. 

The event, brought here by Armed Forces 

Entertainment, will feature a meet-and-greet 

from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with the group, as well 

as a pitching demonstration from Volstad. 

A free lunch will be provided. For more 

information, call x4882.

Spc. Meredith Vincent

JIG Troopers learn unity 

through paintball

Spc. Meredith Vincent

Building unity and morale within their 

unit, the Joint Intelligence Group battled 

each other on the paintball range Feb. 4 

“On a deployment like this, the 

environment itself is stressful just by its very 

nature,” said Seaman Marcus Salmon with 

the JIG.

 Joint Task Force Troopers often work 55 

to 60 hours a week at the JIG in response to 

requests by senior leadership for intelligence 

production, said the officer in charge, who 

asked to remain anonymous. 

When he partnered with Morale, Welfare 

and Recreation for the event, the officer said 

he had some very specific goals in mind for 

his Troopers.

“We wanted to build esprit de corps, 

teamwork and competitive rivalry between 

one of our sister elements,” said the officer. 

“It’s important to be able to get out of the 

office, to be in a different environment, to 

handle a different set of challenges and to 

come together as a team.”

Activities like paintball are a positive way 

to take out personal frustrations and to escape 

the monotony of work in Guantanamo Bay. 

The benefits also go beyond the competition 

field and help foster working relationships.

“This promotes positive team building 

in all aspects of the military,” said Salmon. 

“Blowing off stress helps us to be able to 

It looks official, it sounds legitimate and 

has an air of authority and consequences 

should you fail to heed the message – all 

the elements of a successful scam and that’s 

exactly what it is. Making the rounds of the 

network and finding its way into Troopers 

Inbox is a new email scam informing 

Troopers to click a link to change the length 

of their common access card PIN. The 

message reads:

Subject: IMMEDIATE ACTION 

REQUIRED: CAC PIN length 

increases

Recent world events have 

uncovered a potential 

weakness in DoD Common 

Access Card (CAC) security 

systems using a PIN length 

of less than 10 digits. 

Therefore a new requirement 

has been established that 

calls for PIN length to 

be at least 10 digits and 

no more than 14 digits. 

Security systems DoD wide 

will begin imposing the new 

restriction on 10-FEB-2011. 

In order to handle the high 

volume of CAC PIN resets, an 

automated CAC PIN Reset site 

has been stood up.

Please log in to http://

www.activeident.com/

DoD immediately and 

establish your new PIN 

with the increased length 

requirement.

NOTE: If you fail to 

establish your new PIN 

before the new restrictions 

are imposed, you will need 

to visit a CAC issuance 

location before you will be 

able to access the network.”

Joint Task Force Guantanamo Command 

Master Chief Scott Fleming said the 

Government Accountability Office and the 

Department of Defense are aware of the 

scam.

focus on our work more efficiently.”

Salmon said group activities reinforce the 

principles of the military.

“The more people you have working on 

something, the faster and easier it is to do the 

task,” he said. “This is important because the 

military is based on a team atmosphere.”

The officer said the ability to step away 

from a mission and use different mental and 

physical skills is important.

“If we do things outside of work, we will 

become more synergistic at the office,” said 

the officer, adding competition can breed 

excellence. “The competitive rivalry between 

us and our sister element helps us to see each 

other with a greater human element and 

allows us to cooperate and collaborate.”

The paintball range is open Sundays from 

1 p.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment by calling 

x2010.

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

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

LDS Service

Sunday 10 a.m.

Room A

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

FMI call 2628

LORIMI Gospel

Sunday 8 a.m.

Room D

Church of Christ

Sunday 10 a.m.

Chapel Annex

Room 17

Mind, Body & Soul

While taking an undergraduate course in psychology at Old 

Dominion University in Norfolk, VA, I distinctly remember 

studying Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Although the 

professor focused on the entire pyramid of human needs, the 

category that stood out most to me was love and belongingness. 

At this point I cannot recall why love stood out more than 

the other needs, principally because I graduated, let’s say, a 

long time ago. However, I do remember the impact of the 

professor’s lectures and the passion with which he wanted the 

class to understand the value of loving and being loved. 

Interestingly, love is not a sentiment my family used to talk 

about. In fact, I cannot remember my father ever mentioning 

love or anything pertaining to love. Of course my grandparents 

and other relatives constantly talked about love, family networks, 

and the importance of loving others. In retrospect, maybe this 

is why the course at ODU struck a chord within me. 

Although I realized the importance of love and loving others, 

I am not quite sure when Valentine’s Day came into focus for 

me. But I do remember all of a sudden I wanted to celebrate 

Valentine’s Day. It was like I woke up out of a dream. I became 

aware of a day where couples expressed their love for each 

other. So I became intrigued about the meaning of Valentine’s 

Day and its origin. 

Tracing back through history, Valentine’s Day, like most 

holidays in the United States, emerged from a significant 

event. According to legend, the day is named after a Christian 

martyr — priest — named Valentine, thus the original name St. 

Valentine’s Day. Another legend contends that Valentine’s Day 

dates back to a Roman festival period bringing in the spring 

season. Whatever the case, Valentine’s Day is one of the most 

popular days on the calendar. Ironically, given the popularity 

of Valentine’s Day in the United States and throughout the 

world, it is not a federal holiday. That fact does not change the 

significance or the desire for people to express love in a variety 

Chaplain, Air Force Lt Col Marvin Williams

JTF-GTMO Command Chaplain

of ways. 

Economic indicators illustrate Valentine’s Day is second 

only to Mother’s Day in terms of acquiring floral arrangements; 

second to Christmas in terms of purchasing cards; and a close 

third behind Christmas and Mother’s Day for buying gifts. This 

demonstrates a need for people to find expressions of love and 

being loved. In many respects, I think the phenomena of social 

networking are tools for connecting and a direct response to a 

sense of companionship. Bottom line, people want to love as 

much as they want to feel loved. Valentine’s Day gives way to 

expressing the desire to love.

As a chaplain, one of my roles is helping help military 

personnel and civilians navigate through the complexities of 

relationships. Although I believe love is a critical dimension of 

all relationships, studies have shown that separation can erode 

the fabric of love. That is why deployments coupled with other 

factors are particularly stressful for military families.

While servicemembers may not be able to change deployment 

cycles, we can be intentional about managing our relationships. 

While doing so, we must keep in mind the sense of loving and 

the need to be loved. In this regard, we can learn some lessons 

from the celebration of Valentine’s Day. 

Valentine’s Day reminds us that love is essential for all 

relationships, whether single or married. Keys to building strong, 

lasting relationships are honesty, commitment, transparency and 

giving, to name a few. On this Valentine’s Day, find the means 

to express your love in a way that is meaningful and heartfelt. 

And let every day be like Valentine’s Day — an opportunity to 

tell someone how much you really appreciate them. This will 

enhance their sense of love and belonging. The level of love 

and the ability to express that love will determine the quality of 

the relationship. 

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Valentine’s Day and Lessons on Love
The Wire | Page 12 Trooper Focus | | Boots The Wire | Page 5

Movie Review

As Sunday’s pageantry dissolves into 

the monotony of another work week, NFL 

fans find themselves looking forward. Some 

will still be relishing their final victory while 

countless others stockpile hopes for a better 

season in late 2011. Regardless which side 

of the fence you find yourself on, you might 

notice a subtle hint of disappointment in 

the aftertaste of Super Bowl XLV. Much 

like Christina Aguilera’s rendition of our 

national anthem, something was missing 

from this supposedly epic clash. 

Big Ben Roethlisberger and his Steelers 

began inauspiciously, going three and out 

in less than two minutes – not exactly the 

type of performance expected of a twicecrowned Super Bowl winning quarterback. 

The Steelers continued to underwhelm 

throughout the remainder of the first half 

thanks to a series of dropped passes, and 

even a punt on fourth and one. Halfway 

through the game, I wasn’t sure if I was 

watching the Steelers or some cheap knockoff masquerading in black and yellow. 

Pittsburg had some help in losing the first 

half. Green Bay’s defense showed up well 

aware of the significance of the game. These 

guys understood this was the Super Bowl. 

With three minutes left in the first quarter, 

Green Bay’s secondary made this abundantly 

clear as free safety Nick Collins not only 

picked off one of Ben’s better throws, but 

also hauled it back 37 yards for a taste of end 

zone glory. As a whole, Green Bay’s defense 

held strong. What’s more impressive, they 

did so despite a lack of showmanship from 

their star linebackers. The Thoresque duo of 

AJ Hawk and Clay Matthews only managed 

five tackles and ZERO sacks combined for 

the entirety of the game. Maybe they were to 

busy planning a trip to the salon. 

Green Bay’s offense also came to Texas 

knowing this was the big show. After the first 

half, Aaron Rodgers and his brilliant passing 

game had already tacked up two visits to the 

end zone. Despite the Steelers’ plan to keep 

their hard-hitting safety Troy Polamalu back 

in the secondary, Rodgers still managed to 

connect over and OVER – completing 24 

of 39 passes for 304 yards and hitting pay 

dirt three times. Rodgers wasn’t just the 

quarterback, he was the whole offense. Even 

three beastly sacks couldn’t rattle his cage. 

Rodgers’ pure platinum-passing game 

overshadowed the Packers’ running game. 

His offense netted only 50 rushing yards all 

game in contrast to the Steelers’ 126. Too 

bad they don’t give points for yards. 

The players weren’t the only party guilty 

of offering up lackluster performances. At 

the close of the first half, the Black Eyed 

Peas made their way out onto the field and 

reminded us all why we stopped buying their 

albums. Not even a cameo from Guns and 

Roses guitarist, Slash, and hundreds of suits 

covered in flashy lights could distract from 

the gaping, talentless void occupying the 

field at half-time. The only way it could have 

gotten any worse would be if Usher showed 

up...

Top 5 Best Commercials of the Super Bowl

Super Bowl XLV

Spc. Justin Pierce

1. Volkswagon 2. Pepsi Max 3. E-trade 4. Car Max 5. Coca-Cola

Maybe it’s not the funniest, 

but it’s by far the cutest. 

Everyone remembers 

those childhood moments 

of pretending to have 

super powers. How fun 

was it to see that “Ah-ha” 

moment on a little Vader?!

Pepsi utilized a simple 

truth here, people getting 

hit in the face with stuff 

is funny. And that’s what 

they delivered. Is it wrong 

I found it strangely erotic 

when the guy’s wife 

shoved soap in his mouth?

Both of these were 

equally great. I do miss 

the low resolution style 

from the original E-trade 

commercials, “Shhhh, 

don’t say a word. You’re 

welcome” Yep, they still 

know funny. 

It starts fairly simple, 

then gradually broadens 

into pitch-perfect 

outrageousness.“I feel 

like a mermaid at a swim 

meet!” Well, I feel like an 

officer at a sit-a-thon. Who 

knew similes could be so 

fun?

What Coca Cola lacks 

in nutritional quality, it 

makes up for with their 

wholesome ads.. Good 

on them for taking the 

moral high ground and 

promoting harmony while 

still entertaining.

 see BOWL, page 15

Coffeehouse Series introduces singer/songwriter Kari Nichole

Story and photo by Spc. Meredith Vincent

Regionally recorded singer/

songwriter Kari Nichole treated 

Guantanamo Bay residents not 

once, not twice but three times 

this weekend with her eclectic 

mix of pop, country and rock as 

Morale Welfare and Recreation 

kicked off its new Coffeehouse 

Series.

As the first spotlighted artist 

in the series, Nichole played at the 

Tiki Bar and O’Kelly’s Pub Friday 

and Saturday night respectively 

and at the Bayview Club Sunday 

morning into the afternoon. She 

said she was thrilled and honored 

to perform for Guantanamo’s 

Troopers.

“It has been fantastic – nothing 

like I imagined,” said Nichole.

Judging from the crowd’s 

response at O’Kelly’s Pub Saturday 

night, she was successful. Nichole 

kept the vibe engaging and fun, 

covering classics from the likes 

of Alanis Morissette, Green Day, 

Tom Petty and Sugarland. She 

playfully encouraged the audience 

to sing along with the more wellknown tunes, and occasionally 

shared her own original songs as 

well. 

 “They really enjoyed her 

music,” said MWR Community 

Activities Director Amiee 

MacDonnell. “A few of our 

customers mentioned going out 

to hear these acoustic sets was 

something they would typically do 

back at home on the weekend.”

“I try to keep it versatile for 

everyone to enjoy the show,” 

Nichole said. “They were with me 

the entire night. It meant a lot that 

they were enjoying themselves.”

Singing since age four, 

Nichole taught herself to play the 

guitar ten years ago. Soon after, 

the Michigan native decided to 

make a career out of her musical 

talents. Now a resident of Ohio, 

she tours the area relentlessly, 

including a gig opening for Lisa 

Marie Presley and Bad Company. 

Her trip to Cuba, however, was a 

new high point.

“This has been my favorite 

experience,” she claimed. “I feel 

like I’m a part of something really 

important.”

Designed to bring a relaxed 

and intimate atmosphere to 

various spots around the naval 

station, MWR hopes to maintain 

the Coffeehouse Series as 

regular entertainment fixture, 

MacDonnell said. 

“The three performances 

were a tremendous success,” she 

said. “I received a lot of positive 

feedback from the attendees 

and even some suggestion as we 

continue the Coffeehouse Series 

on a quarterly basis.”

Songstress Kari Nichole serenades the crowd at O’Kelly’s 

Saturday night. Nichole’s set included classic radio hits 

coupled with her own original music.

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

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

Gulliver’s Travels

(PG) 7 p.m.

Last Showing

Little Fockers

(PG13) 9 p.m. 

How Do You 

Know?

(PG13) 7 p.m.

The Tourist

(PG13) 7 p.m.

Gulliver’s Travels

(PG13) 7 p.m.

Tron Legacy

(PG13) 7 p.m.

Little Fockers

(PG13) 

7 p.m.

Gulliver’s Travels

(PG13) 7 p.m. 

Little Fockers

(PG13) 10 p.m.

Gulliver’s Travels

(PG) 8 p.m.

Little Fockers

(PG) 8 p.m.

The Tourist

(PG13) 8 p.m.

Chronicles of 

Narnia - Voyage 

of the Dawn 

Trader

(PG) 

8 p.m.

Yogi Bear

(PG) 8 p.m.

How Do You 

Know?

(R) 10 p.m.

Tron Legacy

(PG13) 8 p.m.

Downtown

Lyceum

Camp 

Bulkeley

Clipper 

Club

Yogi Bear

(PG) 7 p.m.

Tron Legacy

(PG13) 9 p.m.
The Wire | 

Page 6Mission

|

|

Sports

The Wire | 

page 11

Master Sgt. Brian 

Stuckey, center, with the 

189th MP Co., hands 

off the ball during the 

Pig Bowl - photo by Mass 

Communication Specialist 2nd 

Class Jason Tross 

 Spc. John Nastvogel, assigned to the 525th Military Police Battalion, leads 

the 193rd MP Co. to victory over the 189th MP Co. during the PIG Bowl at 

Cooper Field, Saturday. - photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason Tross

The Navy dive team here at 

Naval Station Guantanamo Bay 

plays a critical role in every Joint 

Task Force Trooper’s dive by 

providing first-aid and conducting 

Search and Rescue Capabilities 

(SAR) for lost swimmers and 

divers.

While the Coast Guard assists 

during searches, only the Navy 

currently has search-and-rescue 

qualified divers on the island.

Hajduk, the acting command 

dive officer for the naval base, 

said not every phone call is a 

diving emergency.

“Any kind of water incident 

that happens, we are going to get 

called,” said Hajduk.. “We will 

assess the situation from there.”

Hajduk said any call from port 

control spurs his six-man team 

into action.

A scuba set prepared for two 

divers and an alternate is always 

kept pre-staged and ready to 

be loaded onto the boat in a 

moments notice, said Hajduk.

“Even the boat stays in the 

water to save us time so we 

can respond to situations more 

efficiently,” said Hajduk. “All we 

have to do is load the gear, load 

the guys and we are gone.”

Initially, during a missing 

persons search, the team will 

scour the most obvious choice: 

the individual’s last known 

location.

“A lot of times people try 

to swim from Cable Beach to 

Girl Scout Beach and depending 

on the current, it can get pretty 

rough,” said Hajduk.

Swimmers often become 

stranded and can end up cutting 

their feet badly on the sharp rocks 

and edges of the bay, said Hajduk. 

If the injuries only require firstaid care, the patient is taken to the 

hospital. 

“If it is just a physical 

injury, then we will provide first 

responder care and have a small 

role,” said Hajduk. “But if it is 

diving-related, we are the main 

players.”

When sending divers into the 

water, the buddy system is always 

implemented.

“I like to send in two divers 

if I can, especially if I have 

someone lost or trapped on the 

bottom,” said Hajduk. “It’s a Navy 

requirement to have a standby 

diver just in case something goes 

wrong.”

If disaster does strike, the 

reserve diver is deployed to assist 

the primary divers.

The dive team strives for a 

response time between five and 

twelve minutes, said Hadjuk, 

depending on the distance to the 

diver’s location.

“When you are talking about 

decompression sickness, the 

quicker you can get the patient 

under pressure and treated, the 

more likely they will make a 100 

percent recovery,” said Hajduk.

Navy Diver First Class David 

Lutz explained decompression 

sickness, also known as the bends, 

is a condition caused by gasses 

going from a liquid state to a gas 

state and forming air bubbles 

inside a person’s blood stream.

“The effects vary from minor 

joint pain to paralysis and death,” 

said Lutz. “The only treatment 

is to recompress the gasses into 

a liquid by taking the person to 

the pressures experienced while 

diving.”

The longer time goes on 

before treatment, the more 

damage can be done to a person 

neurologically, warned Hajduk.

Hajduk said a diving injury 

such as the bends takes precedence 

over physical injuries and must be 

treated before the others.

“Decompression sickness 

is life threatening, so we always 

have to treat that first then we will 

take care of the other wounds as 

needed,” said Hajduk.

The Dive Locker has the 

limited capacity to treat four dive 

injuries at one time, said Hajduk 

and once the decompression 

chamber is started all recreational 

divers must suspend their 

activities.

He explained the dive team’s 

importance goes beyond serving 

recreational divers. There are no 

lifeguards on duty at any of the 

beaches, which means his team 

also conducts missions related to 

the safety of Troopers in other 

capacities.

“When there are triathlons or 

sporting events that use the water, 

we will check the area for sharp 

or dangerous objects that could 

cut or injure the participants,” 

said Hajduk.

One particular recurring 

problem is not due to the 

Troopers at all, revealed Hadjuk.

“Several times a year, we have 

medical waste that washes up on 

Windmill beach,” said Hajduk. 

“I don’t know where it comes 

from, maybe a ship that dumps it 

or something, but there are used 

needles and we have to close the 

beach. We don’t want anyone 

walking in knee-deep water and 

stepping on a bag full of used 

needles.”

Hajduk painted a drab scene of 

life without the Navy dive team. 

Without their services, more than 

400 certified recreational scuba 

divers throughout Guantanamo 

Bay would be immediately 

impacted.

“Without us here, there would 

be no scuba diving,” said Hajduk.

Lutz said the loss of the Navy 

dive team would affect more than 

just recreational opportunities.

“Our presence is incredibly 

important,” said Lutz. “If 

something goes wrong and they 

get hurt or get the bends and we 

are not here, then they are going 

to die.”

Despite the dangers, the diving 

opportunities here are world class, 

said Hajduk. 

“This is some of the best 

diving that can be done compared 

to Florida and the rest of the 

Caribbean,” said Hajduk. “The 

water is so clear and there is 

enough marine life that you can 

see just about as much snorkeling 

as you can diving.”

Navy search-and-rescue team a constant presence on GTMO beaches

Story and photo by 

Army Sgt. Mathieu Perry

Navy Diver Third Class Nicholas Barna opens a series of valves to bring the decompression 

chamber online. The chamber is kept in a modified standby mode that allows the system to 

be completely operational in less than ten minutes.
The Wire | Page 10 Sports | | News The Wire | Page 7

In 2010, Hurricane Tomas 

wreaked destruction on Haiti, 

killing several people and 

causing millions of dollars in 

damage. Tomas was expected 

to hit eastern Cuba with strong 

winds, heavy rains and possible 

coastal flooding. Fortunately, 

the damage to Joint Task 

Force Guantanamo was 

minimal; however, safety and 

preparation for any disaster 

remains integral.

Anticipating the upcoming 

hurricane season, deployed 

Seabees are inspecting power 

generators to ensure the 

task force operates without 

interuptions in all types of 

weather.

Deploying from the Naval 

Construction Battalion Center 

in Port Hueneme, Calif., 

the Mobile Utilities Support 

Equipment Team consists of 

two construction mechanics, 

one construction electrician 

and one steelworker. Each 

member completes a year 

of mechanical and electrical 

engineering courses at the 

Army’s Prime Power School in 

Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., said 

Construction Electrician 1st 

Class Stewart Dahl, officer in 

charge.

“It will be hard for a 

hurricane to move these units,” 

said Dahl. “Each weighs 

110,000 pounds.” 

The MUSE team’s primary 

mission is to conduct required 

maintenance and assessment 

on each unit. 

“We inspect by operating 

the generators to maximum 

capabilities and then conduct 

systematic checks that can cause 

the machine to shut down,” 

said Dahl. “The generators 

have the capability of providing 

electrical power to a quarter of 

Guantanamo Bay including 

JTF, Windward Housing and 

Leeward Airfield.”

The annual test is essential 

to both JTF and Naval Station 

Guantanamo Bay.

“It’s important to maintain 

the eight units used on base to 

optimize performance,” said 

Cmdr. Wendy Halsey, public 

works officer for Naval Station 

Guantanamo Bay. “Whenever 

there is a loss in power, any of 

these generators can be back 

up if necessary.”

The Seabees have a strict set 

of instructions and procedures 

guiding them during the 

inspections. 

“We follow the naval 

manual that instructs us to 

have deployable power plants 

no smaller than 750 kilowatts,” 

said Dahl. “JTF has three 

Seabees’ inspections ensure safety during hurricane season

Story by Mass Communication Specialist 

2nd Class Elisha Dawkins

Whether it’s the convenient location or 

the helpful tips they provide, the Sailors 

working at the Joint Task Force Guantanamo 

post office have a singular purpose – serving 

the task force Troopers.

Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Michael Doty 

summed up the post office’s role.

“We’re here to support JTF Guantanamo,” 

he said.

Manned by three Navy logistics specialists, 

organizationally it falls under J1 of JTF 

Guantanamo. 

Doty pointed out some information 

unique to his post office.

“We’re open until 1600, later than the 

Naval Station Guantanamo post office,” 

Doty said. “We’re also open for three hours 

on Saturdays while the naval station’s post 

office is closed.”

Customers are grateful for the location of 

the Camp America post office but Logistics 

Specialist 2nd Class Tobias Stiewing, noncommissioned officer-in-charge of the Camp 

America post office, appreciates its intrinsic 

source of encouragement to those it serves.

“I like the post office because it boosts 

people’s morale,” said Stiewing. “I enjoy the 

sense I helped someone have a better day 

because they received a package from a loved 

one. If you’re over here for a year and you 

receive a package, it can lift your spirits.”

Personnel eager to receive expected mail 

is not uncommon. A delay in mail receipt 

can add to a person’s solicitude. Mosso 

related some insight to answer the question 

to why such delays.

“In the U.S. there are flights from New 

York to Atlanta every day transporting mail,” 

said Army 1st. Lt. Michael Mosso, postal 

officer. “Here, mail is only brought three 

times a week.”

To prevent delays, Stiewing shared a few 

helpful tips.

“Make sure the address is right, especially 

the zip code,” said Stiewing. “If you put the 

wrong zip code it could go to an unwanted 

destination. Kuwait’s and Guantanamo’s zip 

codes are very similar.”

Additionally, Stiewing advised customers 

to ensure proper postage is used so packages 

don’t get returned. He also cautioned against 

sending particular items.

“Don’t send certain perishables, for 

example; chocolate, salsa or liquids. If their 

containers were to break inside the box the 

postal service would set the package aside,” 

Stiewing said. “It would slow down the 

shipping process.”

Stiewing also suggested a couple of 

actions to keep in mind.

“If it’s an expensive item I would definitely 

insure it,” he said. “Just to make sure what 

you mail gets to where you’re sending it. 

Also, come in early and give yourself at least 

three weeks to ship something home prior to 

departing JTF Guantanamo.”

The Camp America post office recognizes 

their unique task on Guantanamo Bay -- 

delivering Troopers’ packages, letters, cards 

and other thoughts from home. In a deployed 

environment, these seemingly small things 

can make all the difference. 

JTF post office delivers quality service, convienance

Story and photo by Mass Communication 

Specialist 2nd Class Jordon Miller

generators. Each generator 

produces power of 1.5 

megawatts.”

The engines themselves 

are maintained using the 

manufacturer’s recommended 

guidance, said Halsey. The 

technicians use the guidance 

for locating and reporting 

repairs after the inspection. 

All entries for each engine 

are documented, logged 

and presented to NAVFAC 

with a closing report upon 

completion. This report is 

forwarded to the contractor 

to correct any deficiencies, 

explained Halsey.

“During the inspection I 

observe for correct procedures 

and review log books for 

changing oil, filter and coolant,” 

said Dahl. “I also check the 

Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Michael 

Doty removes parcels from a mail bag at 

the Camp America post office, Feb. 4. 

 see INSPECT, page 15

Joint Task Force Guantanamo’s 525th

Military Police Battalion kicked off 

their inaugural Guantanamo Bay Pig 

Bowl Saturday at Cooper Field Sports 

Complex.

 Each of the 525th’s four companies 

formed individual teams for the day-long 

intramural football tournament. The 193rd

MP Co. came away with the coveted Pig 

Bowl Trophy after a14-7 championship 

game win over the 189th MP Co.

“The 193rd kept on their winning 

ways and took it all the way through the 

championship,” said 525th Command 

Sergeant Major Daniel Borrero. “The 

189th MP Co. lost their first game, then 

made it all the way to the championship 

round. Unfortunately, they weren’t able to 

carry it over.” 

The Pig Bowl is a long-standing U.S. 

Army military police tradition giving 

units an opportunity to come together 

and promote esprit de corps and blow off 

steam in a positive way. 

“The tradition carries from all the 

various MP units around the world,” 

said Borerro. “This [Pig Bowl] is about 

companies against companies ... enjoying 

fellowship and camaraderie.”

Like Army military police duty 

locations in Korea and Germany, MP units 

here don’t work in the same geographic 

area and hardly see each other, explained 

Borerro.

“So the Pig Bowl was a way for all of 

us to have fellowship - meet and come 

back together. And now we’re doing it 

here,” he added.

For many players, the Pig Bowl serves 

as more than just a chance to come 

together with battle buddies.

“We went out and had a good time 

– that’s it,” said Spc. John Nastvogel, a 

guard for the 193rd MP Co. “I played in 

high school, but then I joined the Army 

... so I never had the chance to play in 

college.”

“It’s a lot easier [here] because in high 

school there’s bigger dudes and you can 

actually hit. Out here it’s a lot of old 

men,” joked Nastvogel.

“It’s really nice just to get out here and 

play football again,” he added. “I love the 

sport, but in reality I’m probably never 

going to play again. So if this all I’ve got 

then this is where I’m going to play.”

Brought to you by the 525th Military Police Battalion

pig b wl

welcome

 to the

Story by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class 

Jason Tross

Troopers assigned to the 525th 

Military Police Battalion, play flag 

football during the inaugural Pig Bowl 

Football Tournament held Saturday at 

Cooper Field - photo by Mass Communication 

Specialist 2nd Class Jason Tross
The Wire | Page 8 Cover Story | | Cover Story The Wire | page 9

Along Sherman Avenue, 

nestled next to the Lateral 

Hazard Golf Course, an 

inconspicuous fenced-in 

area bursts with a variety 

of foliage. The only identifying marker 

is a sign that says simply: PWD Plant 

Nursery. This hidden treasure may be easy 

to overlook, but it offers what most new 

residents expect when arriving on island.

Frances NeSmith, work leader at the 

Guantanamo plant nursery, is used to 

newcomers’ disenchanted realities. 

“When they look around GTMO, many 

of them are disappointed in the lack of the 

tropical atmosphere they had expected,” 

said NeSmith. “Guarantee you, they will 

not be disappointed when they come into 

the plant nursery.”

The nursery’s simplistic look is the perfect 

fit for what it has to offer: relaxation. 

Sharon Coganow, Guantanamo’s Red 

Cross station manager charged with tracking 

the hours of the nursery’s volunteers, takes 

advantage of the peace that comes with the 

scenery. 

“They actually have benches sitting 

around, or if you want to bring your own 

chair you can sit in there and just enjoy the 

atmosphere,” said Coganow.

Dense, green foliage greets customers 

as they walk through the gate and down 

a path into the main part of the nursery. 

Mature trees scattered throughout filter the 

sun with their canopies, creating a pleasant, 

shaded brightness. 

Placed throughout the inside are rows 

of different plants in all shapes and colors. 

These freshly propagated plants are destined 

for a place in someone’s home. 

On the first and 

third Saturday of 

each month, the 

nursery opens 

to the public 

from 8:30 a.m. to 

11:30 a.m. Firsttime visitors are 

entitled to one free 

plant per person, 

while returning 

customers may 

receive one plant 

per household. 

The nursery is 

open to each and 

every person on 

Guantanamo Bay. 

NeSmith said she 

has customers 

from the Cuzcos and Tierra Kays as well as 

non-military personnel and third-country 

nationals. 

Bloom

In

Story by Army Pfc. Amanda Russell

Photos by Senior Airman Gino Reyes

Frances NeSmith inspects a plant inside the 

Guantanamo Bay nursery, Jan 15. NeSmith is 

a volunteer and work leader for the nursery. 

Donald Loyd, a regular volunteer 

for the nursery, waters a plant Jan. 

15. Various plants and flowers are 

available for Troopers to take home.

The Navy Exchange donated several poinsettias 

leftover from the holidays to the plant nursery. 

 see PLANTS, page 15