Volume 12, Issue 30 Friday, July 15, 2011

MSST leverages unique 

training opportunity

Fitness is her life:

Air Force Staff Sgt. brings health 

passion to GTMO

PLUS:

What’s that sound?

The strange case of the J3 Nighthawk
The Wire | Page 2 Commander’s Corner |

Cc

ommander’s

orner

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 1,200.

JTF Guantanamo

Commander

Navy Rear Adm. Jeffrey Harbeson

Command Master Chief

Command Master Chief Reynaldo Tiong

Office of Public Affairs Director

Navy Cmdr. Tamsen Reese: 9928

Deputy Director

Air Force Maj. Amy A. Oliver: 9927

Operations Officer

CW2 Scott Chapman: 3649

Senior Enlisted Leader

Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Cossel: 3499

 

The Wire

Executive Editor

Spc. Meredith Vincent: 3651

Layout Assistant

Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class 

Maddelin Angebrand

Photojournalists:

Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sally Hendricks

Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joe Ebalo

Army Sgt. Mathieu Perry

Spc. Kelly Gary

Contact us

Editor’s Desk: 3651

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: U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk Coastie throws a line to the pier to moor the ship, Saturday. 

– photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Maddelin Angebrand

Communication is essential to the 

success of any organization, large or 

small. In order for communication to be 

effective, it must flow up and down the 

chain of command. 

Last week I asked all of you to attend 

one of four all hands meetings. This gave 

me an opportunity to speak to some of 

the issues that have been raised since my 

last all hands as well as bring everyone up 

to speed on where the JTF is today and 

how we are organized for the future. 

It also provided each of you an opportunity 

to ask me questions and provide critical 

feedback. As I stated, if I did not have the 

answer, one would be forthcoming. That 

is a promise I intend to keep. With that 

in mind, I’d like to introduce you to the 

“Commander’s Corner” a section of The 

Wire where I’ll be answering not only the 

questions posed during the meetings but 

also some of those raised through various 

means of communication we’ve recently 

implemented. I do, however, encourage 

you to use your chain of command first 

to give your leadership an opportunity to 

address your concerns.

When you walk into each of the JTF 

galleys, you will notice a brown box labeled 

“JTF Comments” The comment box in 

Seaside galley is located immediately to 

your right on the coffee table between the 

chairs. At Kittery, the box is near the door 

as you walk out the exit. Command Master 

Chief Tiong will remove the contents 

of those locked boxes on a weekly basis 

and we will source the questions. Once 

we have an answer, we’ll publish it here 

in The Wire or respond to you via the 

chain of command, as appropriate. This 

is a completely anonymous way for you 

to bring up issues you feel need to be 

addressed within the command. 

I’ve also established an email 

address that goes directly to me. 

commandersquestions@jtfgtmo.

southcom.mil. Much like the suggestion 

box, use this email to send me feedback 

directly. I’ll make sure the information 

you’re requesting is routed to the subject 

matter expert and is answered in a timely 

manner. I do ask that you be as specific 

as possible when submitting your question 

so that I may return a detailed response.

Your feedback is important and makes 

a difference. An example is the feedback 

you provided during the all hands call 

concerning the bus routes and how often 

they run. One Trooper mentioned it was 

great the gym hours had changed but 

without a bus running at that time, many 

of you were still unable to get to the gym. 

Effective Monday, the bus servicing the 

Tierra Kay will run an hour earlier. We are 

going to do this for a month to see if the 

numbers support adding the additional 

hours. Also, please provide your feedback 

regarding the new service. 

Again, you provide the ground truth 

on the real issues and most importantly, 

you have insight and perspective that 

offers the best solutions that can improve 

the command and quality of life for 

your fellow Troopers. In the weeks and 

months ahead, I hope you will utilize 

one of the several new communication 

methods we have implemented. We have 

an amazing team here at Joint Task Force 

Guantanamo and the only way to make 

it better is through continued effective 

communication among everyone. 
| Trooper to Trooper The Wire | Page 3

Trooper to Trooper featuring

Leading Chief Petty Officer, 

Joint Medical Group

Chief Petty Officer 

Marian Precht

You may have noticed there have been a lot of articles on 

fitness lately. Maybe it’s because physical readiness is so important. 

In today’s military, being physically fit is crucial. Not only for 

the testing that is done, but also to be prepared for deployment, 

wherever that may be. 

I am a firm believer that a healthy body leads to a healthy mind. 

As we all know, the day-to-day grind can make stress build up in all 

of us. Exercise is a great way to channel stress and give it an outlet. 

Whether it’s walking, running, lifting weights, or doing Yoga, any 

type of exercise will help settle your mind and relieve the tension 

that stress builds up. Exercise can ward off feelings of depression 

and anxiety. Meditation and deep 

breathing techniques may be 

helpful in relieving tension and 

stress as well. Find healthy ways 

to handle the everyday stressors 

and avoid alcohol. Alcohol only 

adds to the problem and increases 

any feelings of depression.

Exercise is a great way to shake 

off the morning cob webs and 

get your day started. Who doesn’t 

want to roll over in the morning 

and go back to sleep? Get up and 

go for a run, a bike ride, go to 

the gym and lift weights or do situps and pushups in your room. 

Some form of exercise will make 

you wake up and you will feel good all day long. Once you get into 

a routine and you are exercising regularly, you feel lethargic when 

you aren’t able to exercise.

Exercise can give you a tremendous sense of accomplishment. 

I remember the first time I ran a half marathon. You start out not 

quite sure what to expect, yes you have trained for this, but you 

never know what could happen, then mile after mile fall away, 

you have people cheering you on and the battle between your 

mind and body rages on. Then, at the last quarter mile when you 

can see the finish line, a sense of pride rushes in, you speed up 

to finish strong and when you cross that finish line, it’s one of 

the most rewarding experiences ever. Whether you are running, 

biking, swimming, or whatever physical activity you are doing, set 

a goal for yourself and push forward.

PSEC ALERT

DON’T LET THIEVES STEAL YOUR INFO!

Cyber crime is real.

Cyber criminals are out there. In 2010 there were over 300,000 cases reported to the Internet Crime Complaint 

Center. Internet scams and identity theft were two of the top three crimes reported. California and Florida are 

the two States with the highest reports of cyber crime. Beware of websites offering “Free Samples” if you pay 

shipping costs, or people from foreign countries offering a reward if you wire them money. There are also scams 

involving “mystery shoppers” or “make money from home”. These scammers ask for your information or credit 

card numbers only to steal your identity or charge up your credit. Don’t fall for it! Be safe and protect yourself 

from cyber crime, USE OPSEC.

Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and 

methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it. ~Plato

Have a good Idea? See an issue that needs addressed?

Drop an anonymous note in the JTF Guantanamo Suggestion Box!

Located at the Seaside and Kittery Galleys
The News from the Bay | Wire | Page 4

Boots on the Ground

What was your reaction to Casey Anthony’s verdict?

News from the Bay Stories and reporting by Mass Communication Specialist 

2nd Class Maddelin Angebrand

MWR hosts nigh time 

fishing trip for Troops 

 Try something new and experience 

the bay at night time on a Morale, Welfare 

and Recreation sponsored night fishing 

trip, Friday at 6 p.m.

“It is a great time to meet new Troopers 

and relax and make new friends,” said 1st 

Sgt. Kevin Stapleton, a Joint Task Force 

member who volunteers his time as a 

boat captain.

Stapleton added, there’s no need to 

buy anything, MWR provides all the 

boats, bait and fishing poles. 

Non-alcoholic beverages and snacks 

are also complimentary. If you signed up 

already be sure to show up because five 

boats have been reserved. 

Call x2345 for more information. 

Group exercise expo 

coming soon to Denich

Get some free workout advice and 

break a sweat at the Group Exercise 

Expo, July 28 at Denich Gym.

The interactive event will include 

a variety of group exercises including 

kickboxing, functional training, and 

circuits.

If you are looking to relax your mind 

and body try a yoga session that will also 

be available.

The event starts at 6 p.m., so bring your 

waterbottle and motivation to workout 

with Morale, Welfare and Recreation’s 

team of professionals bringing you a funfilled night of exercise.

For more information, call Alana 

Morrison at x2113.

Read to your kids with 

United Through Reading

Record a book and send it home to your children by way of the united through reading program hosted by the JTF Chaplain’s office.

The program is available to all deployed military commands and is easy and inexpensive to 

implement. It allows the deployed parent, aunt, 

uncle or sibling to make powerful connections 

with the child.

It also reassures the child that mom or dad is 

safe and thinking of home.

Sgt. Nazario Castro took advantage of the 

program and read a Peter Pan book to his children and said it was a good way to reach his family.

“They know that no matter how far I am that 

they are always in my heart,” said Castro. “This 

program helps with that.”

“I don’t think she was 

guilty.”

Army Sgt. 1st Class 

Maria Limbo

“It’s hard to tell because the 

judge said she’s not guilty, 

but only Casey Anthony 

knows for sure.”

Hospital Corpsman 

3rd Class Kenya Ratcliff

Army Sgt. 

Chi Law

“I don’t know, but I think she 

should have at least been 

charged with child neglect.”

“She’s guilty!”

Engineman 1st Class

Ricardo Usita
| Trooper Focus The Wire | Page 5

trooper

Spc. Kelly Gary

As a kid, Staff Sgt. Joseph Hansen 

dreamed of one day joining the military and 

seeing the world beyond his home in the 

Hawaiian Islands. Directly after high school, 

Hansen swore the oath which would lay the 

path for his career and life in the Army. Six 

years down the road, he has two purple hearts 

from his deployment to Iraq in 2006 and is 

going up for noncommissioned officer of 

the year for the U.S. Army Forces Command. 

Hansen has shown he is dedicated to service 

and is constantly evolving into a better 

Soldier.

“Staff Sgt. Hansen is an exceptional 

noncommissioned officer who has his goals 

set on being a command sergeant major and 

possibly the command sergeant major of 

the Army,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel 

Borrero, command sergeant major of the 

525th Military Police Battalion.

Hansen, Joint Detention Group engineer 

noncommissioned officer in charge, has 

aspirations many would deem idealistic but 

with all he has accomplished so far they look 

as if they may come to fruition.

Initially, Hansen won the NCO of the 

month competition for the 525th. He then 

went on to win the NCO of the quarter and 

then of the year. From there, he competed 

for the Army South NCO of the quarter 

and consecutively the year, walking away 

with the latter title. He will now vie for the 

FORSCOM NCO of the year and if he is 

successful he will move to the final challenge, 

the NCO of the year for the Army.

The competitions are comprised of a 

variety of events to test a Soldier’s skills such 

as warrior tasks and drills, physical fitness, 

weapons knowledge and the capacity to 

divulge military knowledge on paper as well 

as discuss it with a formal board. In addition, 

there are mystery events which challenge a 

Soldier’s ability to perform a random task, 

which may be something as simple as laying 

out gear or a mission which is more stressful. 

Hansen described a mystery event he was 

faced with.

They were physically exhausted, doing 

 see FOCUS, page 19

intense PT for half an hour, Hansen said. 

Then they had to run to the firing line and 

qualify with the M9 pistol. Some of the 

magazines would be empty or jammed – this 

was a test of ability to perform fatigued and 

under pressure. 

“Being under stress works well for me,” 

said Hansen. “All of my training suddenly 

comes back to me and I am able to accomplish 

the task.”

Borrero believes Hansen has made it this 

far because he is a well rounded Soldier whose 

deployment background has only increased his 

aptitude. Hansen’s deployment did not only 

give him experience with his warrior skills, but 

also provided him with a new perspective.

“You gain a new appreciation for life,” said 

Hansen about being in combat, “especially 

when you get close to death.” 

Even after encountering multiple anti-tank 

mines and improvised explosive devices on 

top of being shot in the leg, Hansen pushed 

through the deployment and used all of his 

experiences to become a stronger person and 

a superior Soldier. In Hansen’s eyes, loyalty 

is the foundation that allows all of the Army 

values to be employed.

If you are loyal to each other then you will 

perform selfless service,” Hansen said. “If you 

are loyal to the Army and its values, honor, 

duty and respect will fall into place.”

Hansen tries to live these values and set 

the bar high for himself as well as others, but 

believes it is important to first know and excel 

at even the most basic Soldier elements.

“It starts with the simple things, basic Soldier 

things – good appearance, professionalism, 

and leading from the front,” said Hansen. “I 

try to always set the example in everything I 

do.” 

Whether it is on or off duty, Hansen is 

leading from the front. He is not afraid to get 

focus

Staff Sergeant

 Joseph Hansen

his hands dirty and believes it is important 

in the military as well the community. He’s 

spent many hours volunteering for various 

beach clean-ups, holiday runs and recently 

helped with the Tierra Kay volleyball court 

renovation. When he isn’t working or 

studying for the next board, Hansen can 

be found enhancing his physical fitness at 

the gym or trying for a perfect game at the 

bowling alley.

Hansen is already influencing Soldiers 

within his section and command as well as 

Army South. If he makes it to NCO of the 

year for the Army he will be setting the 

Bullet Bio

Time in service: 6 years

Hobbies: gym, writing and 

sports

Pet peeves: People who 

don’t care

Next goal: Eventually pin 

on sergeant major and keep 

improving leadership skills

Advice to junior Troopers: 

“You will have good and bad 

leadership, take something 

away regardless.”
The Wire | Page 6 Mission |

Busy weekend

for MSST Boston

Maritime Safety and Security Team Boston, assigned to Joint Task Force Guantanamo, greeted Coast Guard Cutters 

Mohawk and Gallatin as they entered Guantanamo Bay, each for a scheduled port call, Saturday.

MSSTs are anti-terrorism teams established to protect local maritime assets. They are units with both shore and 

waterside capabilities used to detect and, if necessary, stop threats. 

MSST Boston is currently serving a six-month tour supporting JTF Guantanamo security operations. The 

unit’s Operations Officer, Lt.j.g. Thomas Wieland, said his team volunteered to come out on a Saturday to conduct extra training and greet their fellow Coasties entering the bay. 

“Because we’re always operating, its can be difficult to get training involved in the schedule,” said Wieland, “so coming out here on a Saturday to get some training done and watch how the ATFP [anti-terrorism force protection] boat does their job is very beneficial.” 

The ATFP watch provides an important aspect of security to the JTF and Naval Station while 

ensuring a constant eye is kept on watch.

“Throughout the week we have cutters coming in,” said Wieland. “As part of our mission, we 

stand a 24-hour anti-terrorism force protection watch out here.” 

Chief Boatswain’s Mate Scott Braithwaite, waterside crew chief for MSST Boston, said he’s 

been stationed on cutters, but never conducted small boat operations.

 “I needed to get some good training on this platform,” said Braithwaite. “It’s getting the 

basics down. We have a qualifications process we have to go through, so one of our top coxswains is helping us.”

Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Tom Pease, a tactical boat coxswain with 12 years in the Coast 

Guard, drove the training platform for the day and explained what the watch boat was doing 

as the cutters came in.

“Basically we scan the area,” said Pease, “and make sure there are no other vessels around 

to ensure their transit is clear and safe coming in.”

After the cutters came in, the morning continued with basic man overboard and towing 

drills.

“It’s important to make sure everyone stays current on their qualifications,” said Pease, 

who looks for maturity, good decision making and safety while training his crewmembers. 

“So, we’re running them through some drills today and continuing their qualifications.” 

 Aside from their regular 24-hour watch, MSST Boston also assists with distinguished visitor transportation and supports all applicable missions both on shore and on the bay. 

“This gets them a good amount of training in a short period of time,” said Wieland. 

“We are out today conducting training on security zone enforcement, a common skill we are 

required to use when we are working CONUS back in Boston, or deployed 

throughout the country.”

Story by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Maddelin Angebrand
| Sports The Wire | Page 7

GTMO swimmers compete in MWR tourney 

Story and photos by Sgt. Mathieu Perry

More than 20 servicemembers from 

both Joint Task Force and Naval Station 

Guantanamo participated in the Morale, 

Welfare and Recreation Adult 100-yard 

Swim Meet at Marine Hill pool, July 9.

The competition was divided into 

several events, ranging from the 50-yard 

butterfly stroke to the 100-yard freestyle.

The event marked the first time this 

year Troopers competed in a swimming 

event, featuring competitors from a range 

of commands. Navy Cmdr. Michael 

Kohler, Joint Medical Group division 

officer, participated in each of the men’s 

swimming events.

“MWR puts on a great competition 

here,” said Kohler. “I like all the MWR 

events. For me it’s good because I’m here 

on a deployment so I try to compete in 

almost every athletic event they have.”

Morale, Welfare and Recreation Athletic 

Director, Anthony Baltimore said he 

organized the event to get people out and 

bring them closer as a community.

“I just wanted to bring people together,” 

said Baltimore. “The competition was 

excellent and we had a great turn-out.”

Among the competitors was Air Force 

Capt. Tommy Chung, J6 commissions 

support group liaison, who placed 1st in 

the 100-yard freestyle 20-30 age group.

“I liked winning and getting a free shirt,” 

said Chung. “I also like the competitive 

aspects.”

Chung enjoyed seeing people come 

together with one goal in mind - to have 

fun.

“I think they should put on more events 

like this,” Chung suggested. 

Air Force Capt. Linsey Cousins, J6 

future operations officer, echoed Chung’s 

athletic spirit.

“I like the challenge to always do better,” 

shared Cousins, who won all three events 

in her age group.

Kohler joined Chung and Cousins in 

their success streak.

“I won everything in my age group,” 

said Kohler. “I enjoyed it, but it’s a little 

different because the competition wasn’t 

all that strong in my age group.”

Kohler’s advantage was not just his 40+ 

age group.

“I haven’t ever stopped training for 

events like this,” said Kohler. “I train six 

days a week and I started at least 25-yearsago.” 

Kohler enjoys staying fit, being athletic 

and competing. He believes this way of life 

correlates with a person’s work ethic.

“Competition helps with the everyday 

work environment,” he explained, “in the 

way you work with people and deal with 

perceived problems.’

Kohler noted the event was a success 

and hopes MWR will continue doing 

similar activities.

“I like all MWR events and think they 

are doing a great job,” Kohler commended. 

“It’s good for the base and different events 

bring out different people.”

Air Force Capt. Linsey Cousins competes in the butterfly stroke event 

during the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Adult 100-yard swim meet 

at Marine Hill pool, July 9. (Below) Alana Morrison, Morale, Welfare 

and Recreation times competitors during the MWR Adult 100-yard 

swim meet at Marine Hill pool.
The Wire | Page 8 Feature |

Story and photos by 1st Class Benjamin Cossel

Four years ago, Casey Glass heard a 

calling. The patter of her husband’s 

footsteps reverberated with the Air 

Force staff sergeant who followed suite on 

the road less traveled of health and fitness.

“My husband became a personal trainer 

in 2006 and in 2007 I did as well,” Glass said, 

adding, “I feel this is God’s plan for me – to 

be of service to others.” 

Earning her certification as a HardStyle 

Kettlebell Instructor through RKC, Glass 

went on to work with her husband, bringing 

the mantra of fitness and health to their local 

area.

“Personal training is always evolving and 

I evolve with it,” she said. “At this point 

Walking the road

less traveled

I am working on my Movement Coach 

certification.”

After serving seven years in the active duty 

Air Force, Glass then transitioned to the Air 

Force Reserve. Through the Reserves, Glass 

finds herself deployed to Guantanamo Bay, 

Cuba where she works for Joint Task Force 

Guantanamo’s staff judge advocate office as 

a paralegal. 

Being deployed has not slowed her 

down. During her off time she works with 

Troopers of the JTF helping them toward 

better fitness.

“She’s fantastic,” Logistics Specialist 1st 

Class Jerome Breaux explained one early 

morning as beads of sweat dripped from his 

forehead.

Breaux, along with a handful of Troopers, 

work with Glass on a voluntary basis three 

times a week. Their workout begins at 5 a.m. 

and typically lasts for an hour and a half. 

Proving her dedication to helping others, 

night time finds Glass working with Troopers 

assigned to the remedial fitness program. 

“This is really changing up my normal 

routine,” Breaux said, explaining before 

he began working with Glass, he typically 

followed a regiment of push-ups, sit-ups and 

running.

While he’s added muscle and strength to 

his frame, Breaux said it’s his near 30-pound 

weight loss he is most proud of.

“I believe each individual can be better,” 

Glass said, explaining her philosophy. “I’m 

just there to help them along the road.”

Air Force Staff Sgt. Casey Glass and Logistics Specialist 1st Class Jerome 

Breaux perform “high-five” push-ups, Wednesday at Cooper Field.
| Feature The Wire | Page 9

Through her years, Glass said she’s 

encountered several misconceptions about 

fitness and spends time with her clients and 

Troopers dispelling them.

“Just because one person can do 

something, doesn’t mean you can,” Glass 

said. “Each person is different and fitness 

programs need to be tailored to the 

individual.”

Glass also stressed the hazards of 

overexertion when beginning a fitness 

program noting her programs use the least 

amount of work needed to achieve maximum 

goals.

“So many people start out a program all 

gung-ho and really hit things hard,” she said. 

“This can lead to injury and where are you 

then?”

For chaplains assistant, Pfc. Kevin 

Daniels, those goals include getting his twomile run time down.

“Since I began working with Staff 

Sergeant Glass, I’ve taken about four minutes 

off my run time,” Daniels said.

“She really keeps you moving,” he added, 

explaining the unorthodox looking workout 

session. “Everything is about pushing you to 

your limits without breaking you.”

Finishing up a repetition of push-ups, 

Glass corrects Daniels’ form explaining how 

he can maximize his strength through proper 

technique.

“If you don’t have a good foundation, 

the whole house will fall down,” she said to 

him.

In addition to physical fitness, Glass 

emphasized the importance of proper 

nutrition and maintaining stress levels. She 

encourages those who work with her to keep 

a food journal and monitor what they eat.

“It’s not just about diet,” she said, “proper 

fitness is a lifestyle.”

Glass said such tools as the journal enable 

a person to define a starting point for their 

routine and helps them keep an eye on their 

progress.

“Keeping a journal has really been an eye 

 see Glass, page 19

Religious Program Specialist 3rd Class Jeffrey Lauber carries chaplain assistant, 

Pfc. Kevin Daniels for 30-yards, Wednesday as part of their work-out routine.

Logistics Specialist 1st Class Jerome Breaux muscles out one last push-up.
The Wire | Page 10 Feature |

NESTINGn

Anyone who’s been stationed on Guantanamo Bay 

would likely mention the iguanas, banana rats and stray cats, 

but not so often do we hear of the Antillean Nighthawk, a bird 

nicknamed Goatsucker. 

These camouflaged, ariel insectivores are commonly found 

in Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Their natural 

habitat is tropical, lowland forest areas. Their nickname comes 

from a mistaken belief that they suck milk from goats.

Nighthawks are nocturnal and tend to catch their meals, 

such as moths and large insects, in their wings when taking 

flight during the night. 

Although these birds sleep during the day, one has been 

spotted nesting near Joint Task Force Guantanamo’s J-3 building. 

It seems to have taken a liking to the area and Troopers who work 

there.

J-3 members noticed the bird nestled in the gravel near their 

walkway and thought it was weird to see a bird standing its 

ground.

“I thought it was injured at first,” said Mass Communication 

Specialist 2nd Class Carlos Cepeda. “It would make this barking 

noise at me anytime I walked by.”

This noise is the Nighthawks’ warning signal to ward off 

predators, because they tend to nest low to the ground, often in 

gravel beds like the one in front of the J-3 building. 

Story by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Maddelin Angebrand

An Antilliean Nighthawk protects it’s recently laid egg from onlookers outside the J-3 building, July 3. 

- photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Dunn

Can you find the camoflauged bird and her chick among these rocks?
| Feature The Wire | Page 11

nigHt

A

W

K

“She’s really hard to see,” said Cepeda. “She blends 

right in and I worry I might step on her.”

Cepeda and his coworkers were intrigued by the 

bird’s steadfast devotion to the area, and wondered 

if maybe the friendly bird was looking for a place to 

lay an egg. They decided to protect her from other 

Troopers walking by.

“Our chief put these rocks around her,” shared 

Cepeda, “which are larger than the ones she nested 

in, so others don’t accidentally step on her.”

That’s right, just as they suspected the little strongwilled bird laid an egg right in their front yard and 

seems to not be bothered by their company.

Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan 

Dunn, Cepeda’s coworker, said he has always been 

fascinated with wildlife and couldn’t help but take a 

liking to their visitor. 

“She’s a neat bird,” said Dunn. “I was surprised to 

see she has been there day after day and even with us 

coming by to check her out, she stays.”

Dunn, who said he loves to photograph nature, 

took some photos of the nighthawk and in one image 

it’s difficult to see the bird among all the rocks – and 

the egg - good luck trying to find it.

 This camouflaging technique is an important 

Nighthawk trait; when the bird sleeps during the day, 

their brownish grey and white mixture of feathers 

aides in keeping them virtually invisible to predators 

and humans.

“They really blend right in,” admitted Dunn. 

“There’s one up on Ridgeline Trail who has a baby 

chick with her. I happened to find her by chance.”

Dunn and a few friends climbed the trail to watch 

the Independence Day fireworks and unknowingly set 

their chairs right next to a nesting Nighthawk and her 

newborn.

Nighthawks are said to incubate for around 20 

days, so the J-3 office should be expecting another 

furry friend in about two weeks.

They haven’t decided on a name for either friend, 

but say they are excited to greet the little one. 

“We hope she stays safe there, and no one steps on 

her, said Dunn. “I want to see this egg hatch!”

An Antilliean Nighthawk protects it’s recently hatched 

chick atop Ridgeline Trail, July 8. 

- photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class 

Maddelin Angbebrand
The Wire | Page 12 News |

On July 1, broadcasters with Joint Task Force 

Guantanamo’s Public Affairs Office launched 

an exciting, new initiative - taking to the airwaves 

of Naval Station Guantanamo Bay. Five times 

a day, on the command information channel, 

“The Wire Update” will inform and entertain 

area residents with a mix of news and highlights 

of the previous week’s events.

The project began as a mere idea, but came 

to fruition over the past few months through the 

dedicated efforts of Naval Station Public Affairs 

personnel, Radio GTMO staff and Troopers of 

the JTF PAO.

“It’s really good we have such a solid working 

relationship with the different public affairs 

sections,” explained JTF PAO Operations 

Officer, Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Scott 

Chapman. “They’re another resource for ideas, 

bring in new users and it helps form a unity 

between the JTF and Naval Station.”

“This endeavor is as joint as you can get,” 

added JTF PAO Broadcaster, Pfc. Justin Pierce.

The regularly updated, 90 second to three 

minute, segments will closely follow stories 

printed in the JTF’s flagship publication, “The 

Wire.”

“’The Wire Update’ is a video version of 

“The Wire” magazine,” explained Pfc. Amanda 

Russell, JTF PAO broadcast team member. 

“It’s another outlet, a new medium for us 

and provides an alternative for those who prefer 

a live version of their news vice reading it in a 

print publication,” Chapman added.

Before the show could go live, workers 

behind the cameras spent countless hours 

combining the modern broadcast automation 

system with Radio GTMO’s legacy system.

“IC1 Corliss (Interior Communication 

Story and photos by Spc. Kelly Gary

Specialist 1st Class Norman Corliss, Radio 

GTMO officer in charge) did a phenomenal job 

integrating the unit into their system,” Chapman 

said.

Prior to flipping the switch on the PlayBox 

system, new stories completed by the broadcast 

team were broadcast on YouTube, Facebook 

and other web-based outlets.

“This gives us a way to broadcast our video 

pieces to the residents of Guantanamo Bay who 

do not have access to the internet,” Russell said.

The clips can still be viewed on the web but 

now, those without an internet connection or 

the time, can simply tune in to the roller channel 

at one of the set times to get an idea of what is 

going on around base.

“There is a new element of visibility and 

local feel,” Pierce said.

The updates can be viewed twice in the 

morning at 6 a.m. and 7 a.m., once during lunch 

at 11:50 a.m. and twice again at dinner – 5 p.m. 

and 6 p.m. The updates will highlight the JTF 

Troopers, but have ties to Naval Station side as 

well. 

“We are looking to build up our reservoir of 

stories,” Russell said, explaining the more stories 

in the mix, the fewer viewers would see repeats 

while new episodes could broadcast more 

frequently.

Before they can tailor the program to best 

serve the community, Pierce said they need 

viewer comments on the good, the bad and the 

ugly.

 “We need awareness and thus feedback 

before we can change any programming,” 

Pierce said.

Russell added viewers can send comments 

and suggestions about the programming to 

thewire@jtfgtmo.southcom.mil. In addition 

to the feedback, viewers can use the email 

address to ask questions about base policy and 

procedures and the team will find the right 

person to provide an answer.

In the meanwhile, Pierce is glad to provide a 

means for Troopers to see their work and know 

others are watching as well.

“I think Troopers will have a sense of pride 

knowing people are seeing what they do,” he 

said. “And it’s just another opportunity for 

them to share their day-to-day activities with the 

base.”

Starting with “The Wire Update,” the team 

and the growth of the station is only limited by 

imagination. As visibility increases and more 

organizations around the base leverage the 

technology, the future of the channel looks 

bright.

“I could even see this thing getting popular 

enough the radio station might bring back 

their live broadcasts,” Pierce said, noting live 

programming was a regular part of the station’s 

mission in years past.

But for now, residents of the base will get 

an on-the-ground view of what is happening 

around the JTF as well as see themselves 

participating in the myriad of Naval Station 

activities.

The Wire takes to the 

airwaves of GTMO

Information Assurance Information Assurance 

Tip of the Week Tip of the Week

Ensure that all Computers, Ensure that all Computers, 

Media,Phones Media,Phones and STE and STE’s have the s have the 

proper classification labels proper classification labels

Pfc. Justin Pierce films Pfc. Amanda Russell introducing a story for “The Wire 

Update.” The program went live at the beginning of the month and features a 

mix of news and features stories highlighting base activities.

- photo by Spc. Kelly Gary
| News you can Use The Wire | Page 13

Voice of America News

India’s home minister says authorities 

believe the back-to-back blasts that killed at 

least 13 people in Mumbai were a “coordinated 

attack by terrorists.”

P. Chidambaram appealed for calm after 

three separate explosions struck India’s 

financial capital Wednesday evening. The 

home minister said more than 54 people were 

wounded, and authorities expect the number 

of casualties to rise.

Police say two of the blasts occurred in 

the south of the city, near the popular Opera 

House and famed jewelry market Zaveri 

Bazaar. The other blast hit the crowded Dadar 

neighborhood in the center of the city.

Mumbai’s police commissioner, Arup 

Policemen inspect the site of a bomb explosion at Zaveri bazaar in 

Mumbai, India, July 13.- photo by AP

The U.S. is supposed to hand over 

control of its massive new detention 

center outside Bagram Air Field to the 

Afghans this year, but new contracts 

reveal plans to build more jails in the war 

zone, Danger Room reports.

Afghanistan will take over the Parwan 

detention facility later this year, although 

negotiations have been difficult because 

of worries regarding the country’s 

corruption-prone judicial system. Hoping 

to create a new justice model, the U.S. 

military set up a judicial complex near the 

prison, but complaints from troops and 

Afghans persist throughout the country.

Despite the transfer at Parwan, highrisk detainees from Parwan will likely 

remain in U.S. custody and be transferred 

to new U.S.-run facilities, according to 

Danger Room.

The Army recently awarded a nobid contract to an Afghan contractor to 

build a new U.S. government-controlled 

detention facility and plans to build 

another larger facility equipped with 

maximum-security holding cells, the 

military and technology blog noted.

U.S. building new jails across 

Afghanistan despite drawdown

Patnaik, told reporters that bomb disposal 

squads have been deployed. He said a 

preliminary investigation found that an 

improvised explosive device was placed in an 

umbrella at one of the scenes. He refused 

to comment on whether authorities had 

intelligence suggesting a terrorist attack was 

imminent.

So far, no one has claimed responsibility 

for the blasts.

Local television showed chaotic scenes 

with debris scattered at one explosion site and 

medical teams treating the injured elsewhere.

Mumbai is no stranger to attacks. In 2008, 

Pakistan-based militants laid siege to the city, 

killing 166 people. Domestic militant groups 

also are active in the country and have carried 

out attacks in large cities.

Indian officials: ‘Terrorists’ coordinated deadly blasts

Voice of America News

Some of America’s leading business 

organizations are pleading with the 

president and lawmakers to raise the 

country’s debt limit.

A coalition of business groups sent 

a letter to President Barack Obama and 

lawmakers Tuesday, warning that any 

default would have a disastrous impact 

on the economy, and calling it “a risk our 

country must not take.”

The letter said the two sides need to 

reach a long-term agreement on cutting 

the country’s budget deficits in order to 

promote investment and job creation.

The call from groups including the 

U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Business 

Roundtable and the National Association 

of Manufacturers comes with just weeks 

to go until an August 2 deadline to raise 

the debt ceiling. 

Talks between the president and 

lawmakers have stalled over disagreements 

about taxes and spending, but the business 

groups said such partisan differences must 

be set aside.

Chamber of Commerce President 

Thomas Donohue said any failure to reach 

a deal would have “dire consequences” 

for everyone, from big businesses to 

consumers. The National Association of 

Manufacturers said a default would be 

“catastrophic.”

U.S. Businesses: Outlook dire 

without debt deal

Voice of America News Service

U.S. astronauts Ron Garan and Mike 

Fossum have completed the final spacewalk 

of NASA’s 30-year shuttle program.

Garan and Fossum spent about 6.5 hours 

outside the International Space Station (ISS) 

Tuesday. The two astronauts performed a 

variety of tasks, including retrieving a broken 

ammonia pump from outside the space station 

and installing a robot used for refueling and 

repairing satellites.

This has been the only spacewalk 

scheduled while the space shuttle Atlantis 

is docked at the orbiting outpost. The four 

astronauts aboard Atlantis assisted with the 

spacewalk.

The Atlantis crew arrived at the ISS on 

Sunday to deliver more than four tons of 

spare parts, equipment, food, and other 

supplies that will sustain space station 

operations through 2012.

Upon its return to Earth next week, 

Atlantis will be retired and the three-decade 

U.S. space shuttle program will end.

In other developments, NASA says a piece 

of Soviet space debris it has been tracking 

poses no risk to the space station or shuttle. 

There had been concern the debris could 

collide Tuesday with one of the spacecraft. 

The debris was expected to make its closest 

approach during Tuesday’s spacewalk.

NASA is stopping the shuttle program 

to concentrate resources on deep-space 

exploration. The agency is working with 

several commercial U.S. aerospace companies 

to develop vehicles to replace the shuttles. 

Until then, Russia’s Soyuz spacecraft will ferry 

U.S. astronauts to and from the space station, 

while Russian, European and Japanese cargo 

spacecraft will continue their resupply and 

waste disposal missions to the station.

Astronauts complete final spacewalk of U.S. shuttle era

Voice of America News Service
The Wire | Page 14 At Your Service |

On The Deck

Inside the Jar

PENSACOLA, Fla. – The 

Navy announced the restructuring of advancement exams 

to give greater focus on technical rating knowledge, July 8, 

in NAVADMIN 197/11.

The restructured examinations decrease the number of 

questions from 200 to 175 

and increases the emphasis on 

rating-specific technical questions. The first advancement 

examination cycle implementing the new change is Cycle 

216 in September 2012. Advancement candidates who 

will take the September enlisted examinations include active 

duty, full time support, active 

guard and reserve, and canvass 

recruiters.

“The primary reason for 

the exam structure change is 

to improve exam validity. We 

define exam validity as the 

adequacy with which the test 

questions successfully represent the content to be measured,” said Captain Katharine Reed, commanding officer of the Naval Education 

and Training Professional 

Development and Technology Center. 

More job-specific technical questions improve exam 

validity and the Navy’s ability 

to rank-order Sailors by rating. 

“If you know the technical 

aspects of your rating better 

than your shipmates, you’ll 

like the change in exam structure,” said Reed.

The restructured exams 

will consist of 25 Professional 

Military Knowledge and 150 

job-specific technical quesRestructuring of enlisted exams begins Sept. 2012

By Tom Updike

Marine Corps unmanned 

aerial vehicles have a new 

home at Camp Leatherneck, 

Afghanistan.

Marine Unmanned Aerial 

Vehicle Squadron 3 formed a 

new detachment located here 

to help 2nd Marine Aircraft 

Wing (Forward) provide intelligence, surveillance and 

reconnaissance support in 

southwestern Afghanistan. 

The new detachment became fully operational when 

it launched its first unmanned 

aerial vehicle from Camp 

Leatherneck, an RQ-7B Shadow in support of 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 

June 30.

The unmanned aerial vehicle squadron began planning 

for a detachment at Camp 

Leatherneck prior to its deMarine Corps UAVs get new home in Afghanistan

ployment from Twentynine 

Palms, Calif., explained Maj. 

Matt L. Walker, the officer in 

charge of VMU-3 Marines at 

Camp Leatherneck.

Deployed Marine unmanned aerial vehicle squadrons have traditionally maintained multiple operating 

points for UAVs, including 

Camp Dwyer, Combat Outpost Payne, and Forward Operating Bases Edinburgh and 

Delaram II.

“The squadron took a look 

at where our UAVs were going to be positioned, and the 

area we were capable of flying missions over before we 

deployed to Afghanistan, and 

saw that we had some uncovered areas,” said Walker.“We 

thought about how we could 

better position ourselves to 

support ground troops. When 

the advance party of VMU-3 

Marines deployed to Afghanistan the idea of having a second detachment located at 

Leatherneck was presented to 

2nd MAW (Fwd.)” 

The proposal to 2nd MAW 

(Fwd.) was approved, and 

within a month the squadron 

was set up and fully operational on Camp Leatherneck, 

Walker said. 

“A portion of the decision to set up a detachment at 

Camp Leatherneck was preparation for the summer fighting season,” he said. “We can 

better support dismounted patrols and we can help protect 

the troops on the ground.

“We will do everything we 

can to give those Marines on 

the ground the coverage and 

eye in the sky they need,” 

Walker added.

Marine Corps UAV squadrons use small, lightweight 

vehicles that are able to stay 

in the air for several hours to 

supply Marines and their coalition partners with aerial information throughout combat 

missions.

“We are in the best position to support Marines on 

the deck across Regional 

Command Southwest, which 

is what this is all about,” said 

Walker. “This move just gives 

us greater flexibility with the 

area we can fly over.”

“I think this move was a 

great idea,” said Cpl. Ryan P. 

Pavin, an unmanned aerial 

vehicle operator with VMU3, and a native of Chicago. 

“I knew at first it would be a 

lot of work to get set up but 

I think we can do a lot to help 

the Marines on the ground 

and get the information they 

need.” 

By Cpl. Samantha H. Arrington

2nd Marine Aircraft Wing 

tions for each pay grade. The 

biggest change will be seen by 

E-6 advancement candidates 

taking the Chief Petty Officer 

exam. Currently, the 200-question CPO exam contains 100 

job-specific and 100 PMK 

questions. E-4 exams will have 

the same number of job-specific questions, and 25 rather 

than 50 PMK questions.

The exam changes will have 

no impact on the current Final 

Multiple Score. The FMS is a 

“Whole Person Concept” approach which considers exam 

score along with other factors 

to ensure the right Sailors are 

advanced. Other factors considered for E4/5/6 are performance mark average (how 

well one performs in their job 

and as a Sailor), service in pay 

grade (experience in the job), 

awards (accomplishments in 

the job and as a Sailor), education points (self improvement 

through education (accredited 

college degrees), and pass/not 

advanced points (credit for 

doing well on previous exam 

cycles, but not enough quotas 

available). For those who are 

CPO board eligible, the FMS is 

computed using performance 

mark average and rating exam 

score only.

Enlisted exams are produced at NETPDTC’s Navy 

Advancement Center in Pensacola, Fla. Fleet Subject Matter Experts for each enlisted 

rating gather at exam development conferences to review 

the job scope and associated 

tasks at each pay grade. 
| At Your Service The Wire | Page 15

On the Wing

WASHINGTON – Sgt. 1st Class Leroy A. Petry received the Medal of 

Honor from President Barack Obama during a historic ceremony in the 

East Room of the White House, yesterday.

Petry is only the second active-duty servicemember since Vietnam 

to live to accept the nation’s highest military honor. The first Soldier, 

Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta, was seated in the audience that included 

Vice President Joe Biden, Army senior leaders, several rows of decorated 

Army Rangers, and more than 100 of Petry’s family and friends, including 

his wife, mother, father, grandparents, brothers and four children.

“This could not be happening to a nicer guy or a more inspiring 

family,” the president said. “Leroy, the Medal of Honor reflects the 

deepest gratitude of our entire nation.” 

Obama took the audience back to May 26, 2008, to Pakyta, 

Afghanistan. It was the day Petry’s act of conspicuous gallantry saved 

the lives of Sgt. Daniel Higgins and Pfc. Lucas Robinson. 

The president explained how Petry and members of his Co. D, 2nd 

Bn., 75th Ranger Regiment, took on a rare daylight raid on an insurgent 

compound to pursue a top al-Qaida commander sequestered inside, and 

how the mission left Petry and two of his comrades within feet of a live 

enemy grenade. 

Petry was already shot through both legs, but with no regard for 

his life, still took action to save comrades Higgins and Robinson from 

certain death. 

“Every human impulse would tell someone to turn away. Every 

Soldier is trained to seek cover. That’s what Sergeant Leroy Petry could 

have done,” Obama said. “Instead, this wounded Ranger, this 28-yearold man who had his whole life ahead of him, this husband and father 

of four did something extraordinary -- he lunged forward toward the 

live grenade. He picked it up. He cocked his arm to throw it back. What 

compels such courage that leads a person to risk everything so that 

others might live?” 

Petry shook hands with the president today using a robotic hand, 

which replaced the one he lost when the grenade detonated as Petry 

released it. 

The day of the incident even the loss of his hand failed to fluster him, 

though. Obama marveled that the war hero applied a tourniquet himself 

and then radioed for help. 

“The service of Leroy Petry speaks to the very essence of America 

-- that spirit that says, no matter how hard the journey, no matter how 

steep the climb, we don’t quit,” Obama said.

Petry’s calm handling of a highly dangerous mission allowed other 

Rangers to kill enemy fighters. Spc. Christopher Gathercole gave his life 

Petry awarded Medal of Honor from President Obama

By Megan Neunan

in the battle. Gathercole’s brother, sister and grandmother stood as the 

audience gave them a thunderous round of applause in his honor.

Obama shared that in an earlier meeting in the Oval Office, Petry 

displayed a plaque he has mounted on his mechanical hand that bears the 

names of Gathercole and other Soldiers the regiment has lost. 

Higgins and Robinson were able to celebrate with Petry at the White 

House.

“This is the stuff of which heroes are made,” Obama said. “This 

is the strength, the devotion that makes our troops the pride of every 

American. And this is the reason that -- like a Soldier named Leroy 

Petry – America doesn’t simply endure, we emerge from our trials 

stronger, more confident, with our eyes fixed on the future.”

Petry continues his work to help wounded warriors. After reenlisting, he even returned to Afghanistan for an eighth combat tour 

last year.

“Today we honor a singular act of gallantry,” Obama said in 

closing, “yet as we near the 10th anniversary of the attacks that thrust 

our nation into war, this is also an occasion to pay tribute to a Soldier 

and a generation that has borne the burden of our security during a 

hard decade of sacrifice.” 

CAMP VICTORY, Iraq – The U.S. military will do what it needs to 

do to protect service members from weapons Iran is providing to 

Iraqi extremists, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said, Monday.

“We’re very concerned that in June, we lost a hell of a lot of 

Americans because of those attacks,” Panetta said. “We cannot just 

simply stand back and allow this to continue to happen.”

Fifteen Americans died in Iraq in June, most killed by Iraqi 

extremists who received weapons and training from Iran, the 

secretary said. The weapons killing these troops are improvised 

rocket-assisted mortars and explosively formed penetrators, which 

are shaped charges designed specifically to pierce armor. Both types 

of weapons have been traced directly to Iran’s Quds Force.

“My first responsibility as secretary of defense -- the first 

responsibility of your commanders -- is to make damn sure we do 

Panetta vows to protect U.S. Troops in Camp Victory Iraq

By Jim Garamone 

American Forces Press Service

everything we can to protect you,” Panetta said.

The first effort is to push the Iraqi government and military to 

take on the responsibility of going after these Shia groups and going 

after the weapons caches, the secretary said. 

“They are starting to do that,” he added. “We are involved in a 

number of joint operations with the Iraqis.”

American forces also can take unilateral action against the groups 

launching the attacks, Panetta said. 

Finally, he added, the U.S. must bring pressure on Iran to stop this 

behavior.

“They need to know that our first responsibility is to protect those 

defending our country, and that is something we are going to do,” he 

said. “This is not something we are going to walk away from. We’re 

going to take this straight on.”

In The Trenches

Army Sgt. 1st Class Leroy A. Petry received the Medal of Honor from 

President Barack Obama during a historic ceremony in the east room 

of the White House, yesterday.
The Wire | Page 16 At the Movies |

Movie Review

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

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

Hoodwinked Too 

(last showing)

(PG) 8 p.m. 

Horrible Bosses 

(NEW)

(R) 10 p.m. 

Transformers: 

Dark of the Moon

(PG-13) 8 p.m.

(last showing)

Prom

(PG) 8 p.m.

Fast Five

(PG-13) 8 p.m.

(last showing)

Green Lantern

(R) 8 p.m.

Something 

Borrowed

(PG-13) 8 p.m.

Downtown

Lyceum

Camp 

Bulkeley

Zookeeper

(NEW)

(PG) 8 p.m.

Priest (NEW)

(PG-13) 10 p.m.

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

Last week was rough. While I stand by 

my negative rat rating for the dismal “Green 

Lantern,” nothing could have prepared me 

for this week’s atrocity. Of course, that’s not 

true at all. Having sat through both previous 

Transformers movies, there should’ve been 

no doubt in anyone’s mind what they were 

getting themselves into. Metal crashing 

upon metal, a svelte, bronzed hottie with 

porn star lips and Shia LaBeouf running 

around in the middle of it, attempting to 

anchor all the chaos.

Director Michael Bay has turned the art 

of filmmaking into a veritable testosterone 

showdown: more action, more babes - less 

dialogue and character development. Why 

else would you go to the movies anyway?

The good? LaBeouf does his very best 

as the centerpiece to a movie that really only 

cares about robots. His fast-talking Sam 

Witwicky is still amusing enough to garner 

a few chuckles. The special effects, while 

wildly overused, do dazzle at times. The 

destruction of Chicago is thrilling, as is a 

neat scene with Buzz Aldrin landing on the 

moon way back in 1969. Taking the place 

of Megan Fox, (rumor is she compared Bay 

to Hitler. Not a good idea when the director 

of “Schindler’s List” is also your producer. 

She’s a talented girl, I’m sure she’ll bounce 

back) is British Victoria’s Secret model 

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. Thankfully, 

Bay is so distracted by her “talents,” 

he forgets to give her hardly any lines 

whatsoever. And finally, the razzle-dazzle of 

the Transformers franchise attracted some 

higher-profile actors, probably looking for 

the movie making equivalent of a one-night 

stand. John Malkovich shows up to chew the 

scenery as Sam’s boss, while Oscar-winner 

Frances McDormand frighteningly engages 

the robots in conversation. They really were 

shooting for the moon here.

The bad? There’s not enough room in 

this column.

The chemistry between HuntingtonWhiteley and LaBeouf is pitiful. It’s 

insulting to audiences that Bay thinks he 

can convince us Sam can keep landing 

these ridiculous sex kittens. Bay manages to 

mangle any promise of a compelling plot 

by tossing in any excuse there is for more

robot on robot violence. He also manages 

to take both new, promising actors as well as 

established, respected actors and make them 

seem bereft of any talent whatsoever. And, 

more disturbing than anything, clocking in 

at 154 minutes, the running time of third 

turd of a robot flick is well beyond that of 

its predecessors. Necessary? By all means, 

no. But Bay, like a bad date who thinks 

he still might get lucky, just doesn’t know 

when to quit. After last week’s banana rat 

slaughter, there’s no where to go but down. 

Negative two it is. Side note: As I will be 

off-island next week, the movie review 

will be brought to by the very capable Pfc. 

Justin Pierce. Hopefully he can move the 

rating back into the black. Have faith. 

Spc. Meredith Vincent

PG-13

157 min.

Jumping the Broom

(PG-13) 8 p.m.

Bridesmaids

(R) 10 p.m.

Zoo Keeper (NEW)

(PG) 8 p.m.

Priest (NEW)

(PG-13) 10 p.m.

Horrible Bosses 

(NEW) 

(R) 8 p.m.

Fast Five 

(PG-13) 8 p.m.

(last showing)

Hoodwinked Too

(PG-13) 8 p.m.

(last showing)

Something 

Borrowed

(PG-13) 8 p.m.

Transformers: 

Dark of the Moon

 (PG-13) 8 p.m.
| Mind, Body, Soul The Wire | Page 17

Mind, Body & Soul

Afternoons of watching “The Hoff’s” 

rippling body gallop across the shores of Los 

Angeles’ beaches may be gone, but fantasizing 

over a glorious six-pack of your own is still a 

dream many long for. Sadly, for some it may 

always be more of a dream than a reality. 

Peyton Manning put it best, “Unless 

you’re under 23 or a professional football 

player, it’s probably not going to happen.” 

The facts are as simple as they are brutal, 

achieving a professional looking body requires 

professional training – a youthful metabolism 

and solid genetics don’t hurt either. Before 

you get too down in the dumps over this 

dilemma, let me say there’s always hope for 

at least a little improvement. And while the 

Hollywood six – pack may be further out of 

reach; just slimming down your mid-riff is 

very attainable. Here are a few helpful tips for 

taking a chunk out of your midsection.

1. Adjust your diet: If upon prodding at 

your stomach you can feel abs but can’t see 

them, chances are your diet is largely to blame. 

While I’m not a huge fan of calorie counting, 

it does have its uses when it comes to trimming 

up. Weight loss requires a calorie deficit, 

meaning you have to burn more calories 

than you eat. Calorie counting comes into the 

equation because when you limit your intake, 

what you choose to eat becomes increasingly 

important. Steering clear of unhealthy fried 

foods and alcohol frees up more calories 

for nutrient dense foods that contain all the 

vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and so on 

that your body needs for progression.

2. Don’t be a crunch king: Doing crunches 

By Pfc Justin Pierce

 A little off the middle please

 see MIND page 19

till you’re blue in the face will just leave you 

looking like a Smurf with a sore gut. While 

crunches do build parts of your midsection, 

they fall short in the overall scope. When 

you work out your abs, just think about 

the different portions. Though abdominal 

muscles are a cohesive group, certain exercises 

will always hit one area more than others. Leg 

raises are great for the lower abs while side 

planks are great for the obliques. Along this 

thought, performing standing lifts, squats and 

lunges will also help tighten your core via the 

transversus abdominis. This muscle is like a 

jacket for all your organs and contributes 

largely to core strength.

3. Don’t forget to run: the thought of 

cardiovascular exercise generally evokes a 

strong reaction in anyone. Either you’re crazy 

about running or you’d just as soon stomp on 

a nail to avoid it. The simple fact is, it’s the 

best way to burn calories and especially fat. 

For those of you casually looking around for 

a board with a nail in it, take heart in knowing 

that it really doesn’t take a lot of cardio to 

GTMO Religious Services

Daily Catholic Mass

Tues. - 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 5:30 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

LDS Service

Sunday 10 a.m.

Room A

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. & 5 p.m.

Room D

Liturgical Service

Sunday 10 a.m.

Room B

Church of the Sacred Well

Call 2323 for information

General Protestant

Sunday 11 a.m.

Main Chapel

United Jamaican

Fellowship

Sunday 11 a.m.

Sanctuary B

Gospel Service

Sunday 1 p.m.

Main Chapel

GTMO Bay Christian Fellowship

Sunday 6 p.m.

Main Chapel

Is your 

middle 

spilling 

over?

| The Last Word The Wire | Page 19

MCSFCO Moonlight Run

When: 23 July 2011  Check in starts at 1800 last

Check in at 1830 depart Marine Hill 1830

Where : Starts at NE Gate, finishes at Kittery Beach

First 10 to sign up will receive a free  T‐Shirt

FMI Call SSgt Tucker at X‐2643  

Sign up at Marine Hill Whitehouse Mon – Fri  1130‐1300

Sign up Begins the 8th of July, Cost: 25.00

All Proceeds will benefit the 236th USMC

Birthday Ball

fat. Adding about 20-30 minutes 

of high intensity interval training, 

HIIT, two to three times a week 

is enough to make a difference. 

HIIT training also lets you cheat 

on fat loss, in that a good deal 

of the actual loss occurs during 

recovery. So technically, you’re 

burning fat while doing nothing. 

4. Don’t ignore your back: A 

good portion of your waist line 

is made up of abs, however, an 

almost equally sized portion of it 

is behind you in your lower back. 

Back muscles tend to receive the 

least amount of attention in the 

gym and the most amount of 

use outside of it. For this reason 

alone, it never hurts to try and 

give them some special attention. 

Back extensions, good mornings, 

and stiff-legged dead lifts are all 

great ways to rehabilitate your 

lower back. Not only will this 

trim your waist, it will improve 

your posture, and make you less 

prone to on-the-job injury. 

5. Do a magic trick: One 

last tip for trimming your midsection is actually an optical 

illusion. When anyone, including 

yourself sees you, they don’t 

simply stare at your stomach the 

whole time... well, hopefully 

they don’t. That being the case, 

your body generally receives 

assessment based on how 

everything looks together. So 

if you want your midsection 

to LOOK smaller, focus on 

making your shoulders bigger. 

While this tip may not be as 

appealing to women out there, it 

works very well for men. All that 

really matters here is that you’re 

pulling attention away from your 

center. None of these tips will 

guarantee a six-pack or even 

a firm stomach. We don’t live 

in a bubble and it’s impossible 

to fully assess how someone’s 

diet, daily routine, genetics and 

so on affect their health and, 

literally, their shape. However, 

they will help and also hopefully 

improve overall health, which 

at the end of the day is what’s 

most important. Aside from 

your health, it’s only important 

that you’re comfortable with 

your body. If it doesn’t take 

a Hollywood six-pack in the 

mirror to make you happy, then 

more power to you.

example for Soldiers and NCOs 

worldwide. 

“I am a natural born leader,” 

said Hansen. “It just comes easy 

to me.”

First, though, Hansen will 

have to compete and prevail at 

the FORSCOM level.

“It is like the super bowl,” 

said Borrero, “and he is in the 

conference finals.”

Hansen plans on carrying his 

skill set over to civil affairs after 

this deployment. Yet, if Hansen 

makes Army NCO of the year, 

he will have to put his plans on 

opener,” Daniels said, noting he refers to it as his 

pie-hole journal. 

Working with the morning group for a month 

and half, Glass is impressed with the gains made 

by each individual both mentally and physically.

“I’ve seen the change in attitude toward fitness,” 

she said, “And that makes me very happy -- their 

results are a reflection on me.”

Noting the hard work and effort exhibited, 

MIND FOCUS

hold.

“Civil affairs will gain a great 

noncommissioned officer and 

the engineers will lose a great 

noncommissioned officer,” said 

Borrero. “The Army still wins 

either way.”

As aforementioned, Hansen 

plans on making the Army his 

career. His dream is to lead troops 

and he has already got a good 

start as a junior NCO.

“For a young sergeant, the 

future is there for him,” Borrero 

said. “Clearly he has demonstrated 

that at the boards.”

Hansen has many goals 

and appears to have a long and 

successful career ahead of him. As 

a recently pinned staff sergeant, 

he has already accomplished 

more than many will in a lifetime 

of service. The NCO of the 

year competitions are only the 

beginning. 

“God willing [Hansen] will be 

a FORSCOM NCO of the year,” 

said Borrero. “And when he wins 

the Army NCO of the year and 

sits up there with the Sgt. Major of 

the Army it will be great to know 

that it started here at the 525th.” 

GLASS

Glass pointed out any fitness routine, no matter 

how good it may be on paper, is ultimately the 

responsibility of the individual.

“We sit in chairs for nearly eight-hours a day,” 

she said. “You can’t expect to just exercise three 

times a week and meet your goals. You’ve got to 

put some work in, you’ve got to work hard toward 

your goal. Ultimately, you get out of it everything 

you put into it.”
GONE FISHING

Spc. Howard Jones (left), an armorer for the 189th Military Police Company, lets 

his line out during a joint military fishing trip on Guantanamo Bay, Friday. Jones 

volunteers to teach in Morale, Welfare and Recreation sponsored basic fishing 

classes. - photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joe Ebalo

DIVE IN

Navy Diver 1st Class Bren Roberts (left), Navy Dive Locker Guantanamo training 

petty officer, receives a pre-dive equipment inspection before getting into the 

water at the Naval Station pier, Thursday. 

- photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joe Ebalo

GEAR UP

Spc. Isavette Torres, an armorer for 296th Military Police Company, issues 

Staff Sgt. Hector Martinez a squad automatic weapon at the 525th Military 

Police Battalion armory, Friday. The armory currently supports Joint Task Force 

operations. - photo by Army Sgt. Mathieu Perry

TheJTF

PADDLE

Cory Geiger (2nd from right), Morale, Welfare and Recreation outdoor recreation coordinator, gives a safety brief during an MWR sponsored kayaking trip 

on Guantanamo Bay, Sunday. More than 20 servicemembers stationed at Joint Task Force and Naval Station Guantanamo participated in the early morning 

event. - photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joe Ebalo