Friday, December 9, 2011

JTF Guantanamo marks 

70th anniversary

Remembering

Pearl Harbor

Volume 13, Issue 5

Moving up in the world: 

NEGB frocks Sailors

107th Blazes a Trail
 The Wire | Page 2 Command Corner |

JTF Guantanamo

Commander

Rear Adm. David Woods

Command Master Chief

Cmd. Master Chief Reynaldo Tiong

Office of Public Affairs Director

Cmdr. Tamsen Reese: 9928

Deputy Director

Air Force Maj. Michelle Coghill: 9927

Operations Officer

Army Maj. Jon Powers: 3649

Senior Enlisted Leader

Sgt. 1st Class Jerome Grant: 3649

The Wire

Editor: Army 1st. Lt. Amelia Thatcher: 3651

Layout Assistant: Army Sgt. Saul Rosa

Photojournalists

Mass Communication Spc. 1st Class Ty Bjornson

Mass Communication Spc. 2nd Class Kilho Park

Army Sgt. Landis Andrews

Contact us

Editor’s Desk: 3651

Commercial: 011-53-99-3651

DSN: 660-3651

E-mail: thewire@jtfgtmo.southcom.mil

Online: www.jtfgtmo.southcom.mil

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 

Defense Logistics Agency Document Services with a circulation of 1,200.

There is a unique dynamic that exists 

amongst our uniformed service. This 

dynamic is comprised of elements of 

intense competition which is contrasted 

with undeniable camaraderie— especially 

when challenged. This week we observe 

two events which serve to highlight this 

dynamic and its elements.

On Saturday at FEDEX Field just 

outside of our nation’s capital arguably the 

most pure rivalry in college football will 

be played for the 112th time. The ArmyNavy Game is played 

between the “Cadets” of 

the US Military Academy 

at West Point, NY and 

the “Midshipmen” 

of the US Naval 

Academy at Annapolis, 

Md. The rivalry which 

started between the 

two academies in 1890 

is steeped in many 

traditions. Even the 

mascots can be traced 

back to “The Game.” 

Just before the fourth 

game in 1893 the crew of 

the USS New York gave 

a goat to the Midshipmen who had him 

on the sidelines presiding over Navy’s 6-3 

victory. Army answered a few years later 

at the next game in 1899 when an Army 

Quartermaster in Philadelphia thought 

the Cadets, who had lost three of the first 

four games, needed their own lucky charm 

in the form of a mule which had long 

been a logistics mainstay for the Army. 

The new lucky charm seemed to work as 

the Cadets were victorious 17-5. Despite 

this long standing rivalry there is still a 

large part of our population that think 

the Army-Navy Game is played between 

Soldiers from the ranks of the U.S. Army 

and Sailors from the Fleet in the U.S. 

Navy. Sad to admit but as a youngster in 

Utah I was one of the misinformed. 

So I encourage you to watch “The 

Game” on Saturday. Regardless of their 

records, teams seem to “punch above 

their weight” in this game. You will also 

usually see the least penalties of any game 

all year. I also recommend you stay tuned 

at the end of the game to watch as the 

cadets, midshipmen and their fans come to 

attention as each academy’s school hymn 

is played. Regardless of the excitement, 

jubilation and celebration when the 

hymns start to play all of this is abruptly 

stopped out of honor and respect. It is 

unlike any other action in college sports. 

The realization is that although foe on 

the gridiron it is still just 

a game and they are truly 

brothers-in-arms where it 

counts in defense of our 

nation.

The other event we 

observed this week was 

the 70th commemoration 

of the December 7th 

attacks on Pearl Harbor 

where the vast majority 

of the 2,409 killed were 

Sailors, Marines and 

Soldiers. Surely some 

present when the vicious 

attacks took place that 

Sunday morning had 

listened to the Army-Navy Game the 

week prior when Navy won 14-6. Some 

may have even played in “The Game” a 

year earlier. The fact is that although they 

may have cheered for their teams in the 

inter-service rivalry a week before, that 

morning these brothers in arms faced an 

enemy that cemented their camaraderie 

and showcased truly countless heroic 

actions. The attacks also unified our 

nation which rallied behind the battle 

cry “REMEMBER PEARL HARBOR.” 

This camaraderie led to our nation’s 

victory in the Pacific.

Here at Joint Task Force Guantanamo 

we are routinely competitive in sporting 

events but we are truly Honor Bound by 

camaraderie in our profession of arms 

in the defense of our great nation. The 

As you serve 

and perform in 

your part of our 

mission, embrace 

our inter-service 

competition; but 

more importantly, 

cherish our 

inter-service

camaraderie.

Rear Admiral David Woods

Commander, Joint Task Force Guantanamo

Cover: A traditional wreath tossed into the Caribbean Sea in remembrance of those lost 70 years agoin 

the attacks on Pearl Harbor. The ceremony, held Wednesday shortly after an annual prayer breakfast 

at Seaside Galley, had more than 80 members of the Joint Task Force Guantanamo community in attendance. –photo by Mass Communication Spc. 2nd Class Kilho Park

Cc

ommand

orner

 see COMMAND next page

| News from the Bay The Wire | Page 3

News from the Bay

The Naval Station Intelligence Department will host a 2K-5K walk/run today 

at 4 p.m. starting at Ridgeline parking lot 

next to the large Christmas tree on Sherman Ave. Admission for the walk/run is 

free and participants may donate toys and 

other small items to the Operation Christmas Stocking’s charity drive. 

For more information, call Staff Sgt. 

Edwin Latrell at 5111.

The Guantanamo Bay Red Cross office 

will operate on an adjusted schedule for 

the month of December. The Red Cross 

office will close at noon Fridays Dec. 2, 9 

and 16. The office will be closed Dec. 19-

23 and Dec. 30. 

If there is a need related to an emergency message during the off hours, call 

84150 or 1-877-272-7337.

Come out for the largest sporting event 

on Guantanamo Bay when men and women 

face off against each other and a flag football 

showdown at Cooper Field. The preceremony events begin at 9:30 a.m. Kickoff 

for the women’s game is at 10 a.m. and the 

men’s game starts at 11:20 a.m. 

Please do not bring beverages in glass 

bottles. 

There will be drawings for VIP seating 

(recliners on the 50 yard line) and MWR 

goodies; and free Army vs. Navy T-shirts 

“sling-shot” into the crowd.

For more information call 2113.

Stocking Stuffer Shuffle

The MWR is holding a reading bingo 

game at the library. Pick up your bingo card 

and read a book within the genres specified 

on the card.

Once you’ve read a book, put the title on 

the card in the corresponding genre, along 

with a major event in the book.

“We have a bingo card you can pick up,” 

said MWR librarian Amy Webster. “Each 

square on the card has a different category 

and you read a book from that category. 

When you get bingo, then you come in and 

fill out a little stub and we put it in a drawing.” 

Reading bingo will run from now until 

March 31. Until then there will be drawings 

held at the end of every month for anyone 

who has earned bingo. The last drawing will 

be for a $100 NEX gift card and limited to 

only those who completed the entire board. 

For more information, call 4700.

NASCAR drivers Joey Logano and 

Brad Keselowski will visit Guantanamo 

Bay Dec. 13 on a USO entertainment tour. 

They will be at the Gold Hill Galley from 

11 a.m.-12 p.m. and at O’Kelly’s Irish Pub 

from 7-9 p.m. 

Keselowski (below left) drives the #2 

Miller Lite Dodge Charger in the Sprint 

Cup Series and the #22 in the Discount 

Tire Company/Ruby Tuesday Dodge Challenger in the Nationwide Series for Penske 

Racing. 

Logano (below right) drives the #20 

Home Depot Toyota Camry in the Sprint 

Cup Series and the #20 GameStop/Sports 

Clips Toyota Camry in the Nationwide Series for Joe Gibbs Racing. 

For more information, call 4882.

Reading bingo in 

progress There will be a 3.7 mile run on Dec. 10 

from Phillips Dive Park to McCalla Field 

and back. Register at the NEX Atrium 

from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 3–4 or on the 

day of the run at 6:30 a.m. The top 10 runners will receive a Seabees coin. The first 

50 participants get a T-shirt. 

Registration is $15. For more information, call 84984.

Santa is making a stop at the NEX Atrium Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. Bring 

your holiday wishes and a camera. 

The NEX will open early on Dec. 17, 

from 8-9 a.m., for kids-only (and parents!) 

shopping. Pick out your presents before 

regular NEX hours, and then head over to 

McDonald’s for breakfast with Santa from 

9-10 a.m.

Get your team together and register 

by today for dodgeball at Denich Gym. A 

coaches’ meeting will be held Dec. 12 at 5:30 

p.m. A prize will be given to the best holiday 

team outfit. Teams that make it to the finals 

will receive T-shirts and the winning team 

will get a trophy. 

For more information call 2113.

Join MWR on a free guided kayak trip 

Dec. 11 launching from the Marina. Sign up 

by 3 p.m. today at the Marina or by phone 

at 2345.

Free kayaking trip

Red Cross adjusted hours Santa Claus is coming 

to town

Seabee Fun Run

INDEX

The Wire

December 9, 2011

NEGB frocking ceremony 5

Blazing a Trail 8

Third annual holiday cantata 9

Holiday parade 10

Emerson Drive performs 11

Seaside prayer breakfast 12

Pearl Harbor remembrance 13

Movie review: Real Steel 18 

NASCAR drivers visit 

Army vs. Navy flag Guantanamo Bay

football

Dodgeball tournament

attacks of September 11 almost 60 years after 

Pearl Harbor have had the same galvanizing 

effects on our nation and its military 

members. So as you serve and perform 

your part of our mission, embrace our interservice competition; but more importantly, 

cherish our inter-service camaraderie which 

makes us the finest military and the greatest 

nation on earth. REMEMBER PEARL 

HARBOR...NEVER FORGET 9/11. We 

are Honor Bound to do so! 

COMMAND cont. 
| News The Wire | Page 5

A Navy Preventive Medicine Technician 

(PMT) will now be available on a daily basis 

from 8-11:30 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. at the Joint 

Troop Clinic to provide clinical preventive 

medicine to members of Joint Task Force 

Guantanamo. All visits are on a walk-in basis; 

no appointment necessary. This includes 

immunizations, wart removal, sexually 

transmitted infection (STI) treatment 

and travel medicine along with any other 

preventive medicine issues.

The PMT is available for treating existing 

conditions as well as to provide information.

You can reach the JTC at extension 3310.

Preventive medicine 

available at the Joint 

Troop Clinic

By Chief Petty Officer Sharon Raymond

Special to The Wire

Rear Adm. David Woods, commanding 

officer of Joint Task Force Guantanamo Bay, 

frocked a total of 45 JTF Sailors to their next 

paygrade. The Dec. 2 frocking ceremony held 

at the Navy Expeditionary Guard Battalion 

flagpole drew a crowd of both the frockees 

and their congratulating departments. 

“One of the best things I get to do in the 

Navy is promote the future of the Navy,” 

said Woods. “They’ve been doing great 

things here (at JTF Guantanamo Bay) and 

their performance, expertise and knowledge 

is rewarded by being recognized.”

“I feel proud,” said newly frocked Petty 

Officer 2nd Class Patrick Vickers. “I know 

all of us worked really hard.”

The “frocking” of enlisted Sailors 

selected for advancement allows these 

members to wear the insignia of the higher 

grade before the actual date of their official 

promotion. Though a frocked individual has 

been selected to advance, they usually wait 

for their vacancy to become available in their 

field for the official promotion. 

“Now I know what it feels like,” said newly 

frocked Petty Officer 1st Class Angela Small. 

“It’s finally my turn and it’s a great feeling. 

It’s given me what I needed to continue on.”

Though these newly frocked Sailors will 

not yet receive the monetary raise for their 

advanced paygrades, they have assumed the 

title and increased responsibility in their 

selected advancement and continue to serve 

the Navy as leaders in their respective fields. 

Going above and beyond: 

Joint Task Force frocks 

NEGB petty officers

Forty-five Sailors, including Petty Officer 2nd Class 

Patrick Vickers (right), were recognized for their nearfuture promotions and outstanding leadership potential 

during Dec. 2’s frocking ceremony at the Navy 

Expeditionary Guard Battalion flagpole. These Sailors 

(below) are now authorized to wear the rank above 

their paygrade, as they now bear the responsibilities. 

–photos by Mass Communication Spc. 1st Class Ty 

Bjornson

By Mass Communication Spc. 1st Class Ty Bjornson

 The Wire | Page 4 Trooper to Trooper |

Where’s the BEEF? What’s the BEEF? 

You see us around, you have heard of us, 

but you might not know what the BEEF 

is. It is important for those who are new to 

Joint Task Force Guantanamo, or even those 

who have been here for awhile, to familiarize 

themselves with the other units located here 

and get an idea of what they do.

BEEF is an acronym for Base Emergency 

Engineering Force. The Air Force established 

the Prime BEEF program in 1964, building 

teams of engineers to better respond to 

worldwide contingencies. This was due 

to aircraft and support personnel being 

deployed without providing runways, water 

supply, electricity, housing, and other facilities 

necessary to support them.

The 474th Expeditionary Civil Engineer 

Squadron of the California Air National 

Guard comprises JTF Guantanamo’s current 

BEEF. All Air Force civil engineers in a 

Prime BEEF are rapidly deployable teams of 

specialized civil engineer units which provide 

a full range of engineering support required 

to establish, operate, and maintain garrison 

and contingency airbases. Our primary 

mission is to provide civil engineer support 

for the beddown of personnel and aircraft. 

How does the 474th ECES fit into the 

mission here at JTF Guantanamo? We are 

tasked with supporting the Commissions 

Liaison Office with a tailored Prime BEEF 

team to maintain facilities at Camp Justice 

and the facilities in the Expeditionary Legal 

Complex.

Camp Justice provides the basic beddown 

facilities to house members of the Office 

of Military Commissions, media and other 

personnel who are traveling to Guantanamo 

Bay. The camp provides air-conditioned 

buildings with beds, showers, latrines and 

Morale Welfare and Recreation facilities. We 

are on call 24 hours a day to respond to any 

situation concerning the power, water or air 

conditioning for the camp area.

All units, regardless of primary military 

occupational specialty or “typical” mission, 

must be ready to respond to any task assigned 

to them. This is particularly important at JTF 

Guantanamo because of the high-visibility 

mission, unique location, tropical weather, 

and all the other qualities which make the 

unit’s time here critical. 

The Prime BEEF program ensures 

the 474th ECES is organized, equipped, 

and trained to perform any of those roles. 

Our teams must be able to deploy with 

little advance warning and perform civil 

engineering contingency and wartime 

tasks at any type of base and in all weather 

conditions.

Now that you know what the BEEF is, 

take some time to learn who else your unit 

works with or who else might have an impact 

on your mission. Always consider how your 

unit interacts with all other pieces of the JTF 

puzzle and remember that everyone has an 

important role to play.

Trooper to Trooper

Senior Master Sgt. Scott Wells

Base Emergency Engineering Force

Don’t send work related material to personal email accounts!

Free email accounts are a great thing to have when used properly. Have you ever wondered 

why they are free? Companies which provide free email accounts make money by signing 

up as many people as possible, not by providing secure email. The U.S. government 

employs many people, systems and resources to thwart hackers and ensure the security of 

email. Free email accounts don’t do this, and are not secure. USE OPSEC!

PSEC ALERT

PROTECT YOUR INFO!
| Money Matters The Wire | Page 7

There’s a simple way to accumulate 

savings without even realizing it. Imagine one 

day idling about on the Internet, checking all 

the email, funny sites, news sites, and – why 

not? – your USAA account, and bam! Out of 

nowhere, you have a few grand in the bank.

It is possible, it is easy, and all it takes is a 

little process called automatic transfer.

First of all, find a bank which offers free 

checking and savings accounts. In a financial 

age where it is common and outright blatant 

practice for large banks to chisel their 

customers, service members luckily have the 

option to use military-oriented businesses 

such as USAA, Navy Federal Credit Union, 

and the Army and Air Force Exchange 

Service’s Military Star Card. 

These services even make it 

relatively easy for young people with no credit 

history to get a credit card without having to 

piggyback off Mom and Dad.

Once your online bank accounts are set 

up and you become familiarized with the 

features and settings, look for the function 

which links your accounts together. This may 

be found under the same tab or option to 

set up transfers. Link the account where your 

direct deposit military pay goes with a separate 

savings account. USAA Performance First 

Savings accounts accrue up to .45 percent 

interest, which according to their site, is 

double the national average. Alternatively, 

NFCU offers Share Savings accounts with 

up to .30 percent interest. NFCU is also now 

available to members of all branches of the 

military, and physical offices (unlike USAA) 

are located in more than two dozen states.

Once your accounts are linked, you can 

set up a transfer. There are two types: single 

and recurring. You can schedule a sum of 

money to go from one account to another 

just one time, or you can move, say, $200 

every payday for a whole year into your 

linked account. Automatic transfers can be 

canceled or changed at any time, should you 

need that $200 to be available in your regular 

direct deposit account. You can also set up 

multiple transfers to other bank accounts, or 

even to a PayPal balance.

Automatic transfers have some functions 

in common with the Thrift Savings Plan, 

a retirement savings program available to 

service members and federal employees. Like 

TSP, when you set the payday contribution 

percentage, you don’t have to keep going 

back every two weeks to add money to the 

account. But unlike TSP, which locks the 

savings away until retirement, you can get 

your money out of a regular savings account 

in case of an emergency. Set it and forget it 

– and if you budget accordingly, you won’t 

even miss it.

Be a real savings champ and check your 

balances regularly, even if you decide against 

setting up an automatic transfer. It is perfectly 

reasonable to want as much of your money 

as possible available in an easily accessible 

checking account. However, consider putting 

some of that money into savings whenever 

the checking account balance exceeds an 

amount necessary to cover expenses, bills, 

and foreseeable emergencies. Have a car? 

Keep an extra $500 available for tickets and 

repairs. Have a pet? Keep $1,000 for the 

veterinarian.

For young service members without a 

mortgage or dependents, this is the time 

to save those bucks and establish a painless 

habit of sending money straight into a savings 

account. Deposit money automatically at 

every payday, before getting used to having 

a big cushy balance burning a hole in your 

pocket. Then one day, when you need a down 

payment for a house or a car, your stealthy 

savings will make it possible.

For more information, visit:

www.tsp.gov

www.usaa.com

www.navyfederal.org 

www.shopmyexchange.com/ExchangeCredit

Ninja bucks: turn your pay into savings 

so fast, you can’t even see it!

By Army 1st Lt. Amelia Thatcher

Money Matters

 The Wire | Page 6 Trooper Focus |

With 12 years in the Air Force, Senior 

Airman Chris Cardoza has both a decade’s 

worth of experience and few tons of heavy 

machinery at his fingertips. Cardoza is a 

heavy equipment operator for the Joint Task 

Force Guantanamo Base Expeditionary 

Engineering Force (BEEF). 

Cardoza has been with this and other 

BEEFs for the past 10 years. Originally a 

munitions and weapons specialist, Cardoza 

started working with the BEEF in heating, 

ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) and 

refrigeration. He finally retrained into heavy 

equipment and has enjoyed his decision ever 

since. 

“I enjoy just being out in the open,” said 

Cardoza. “It’s fun working on the equipment 

as opposed to working behind a desk, stuck 

inside all day.”

Cardoza brings a lot of experience to the 

table, and also a positive attitude and good 

work ethic. 

“He’s a great asset and he brings a lot 

to the table,” said Air Force Master Sgt. 

Darren Milner, Cardoza’s noncommissioned 

officer in charge. “He is a fast learner, highly 

motivated and dedicated.” 

While work takes up much of his time, 

Cardoza still tries to accomplish some 

of his own personal goals and enjoy the 

opportunities available down here. 

“We had a soccer team here at the 

BEEF,” said Cardoza. “My goal is to get into 

better shape, so I try to work out 2-4 times a 

week.”

The time 

Cardoza has spent 

on the island has 

been relatively 

smooth, however 

a few assignments 

were exceptionally 

challenging to his 

team.

“When we first got 

here, we had to build two 

structures and we had a 

deadline,” said Cardoza. “It 

was stressful trying to get it 

done before that deadline. 

But we got a sense of 

accomplishment, because 

we actually got it done in 

time and our superiors 

were happy with our 

work.”

With his time in 

service and go-getter 

attitude, Cardoza 

offers this advice to 

Troopers.

“When you 

deploy, you get out of 

it what you put into 

it,” said Cardoza. “It 

all depends on how 

hard you work and 

how focused you are 

on the missions.” 

What’s your favorite meal at the galley?

“I like fried chicken 

because it tastes really 

good.”

Army Pfc.

 Wil Roman 

trooper focus

“I look forward to taco 

night, because tacos 

rule!”

Master-at-Arms 1st Class 

Michael Moseley

“I like chicken, because 

I get it chopped up and I 

make a salad with it.”

Staff Sgt.

 Jamie Espinoza 

“I like spaghetti. I don’t 

know why, I just enjoy it.”

 Culinary Spc. 3rd Class 

Gregory Burke

Bullet Bio

Time in service: 12 years

Hobbies: Working out, snorkling, and going to the beach

The boss says: “He’s a team player and I’d like to see 

him move up in the ranks.”

Advice to junior Troopers: “Stay positive and look at 

each deployment as an opportunity to grow and further 

your career.”

By Army Sgt. Saul Rosa

BOOTS ON THE GROUND
 The Wire | Page 8

By Sgt. 1st Class Jerome Grant

Left: Sgt. 1st Class Martin Sullivan and Sgt. 1st Class James Scott, both of Joint 

Detention Group Headquarters, 170th Military Police Battalion operate lawn 

mowers as part of the tasks that were carried out during the improvement of a 

stretch of Boa Breeze Way between Tarantula Trail and the Boa Bend intersection. 

–photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jerome Grant

You can find them on the 

unimproved trails, early on 

Sunday mornings, moving as a 

loosely formed pack through 

the thick brush. Nope, I’m not 

talking about Marines or hutias 

(banana rats!); I’m talking about 

the Trail Blazers.

Prior to the Trail Blazers, 

a group called the Breakfast 

Club took care of the trails by 

removing trash. But the Trail 

Blazers have not only picked up 

where the Breakfast Club left 

off: they have gone a big step 

further by finding trails which 

have become overgrown and 

making them passable again.

“When we first got here, 

a group of us started riding 

mountain bikes on Ridgeline on 

Sundays, but it got boring after a 

while,” said Trail Blazers leader 

Army Sgt. 1st Class Martin 

Sullivan, of the 170th Military 

Police Battalion. 

“We tried to ride some of 

the side trails, but most were 

overgrown,” Sullivan said. “And 

I thought it’d be a lot more 

enjoyable if they were passable.” 

The challenge originally 

came from Joint Task Force 

Guantanamo commander, Rear 

Adm. David Woods. At an AllHands meeting in September 

the question of who took care 

of the trails came up. As it 

happened, the question went 

unanswered and in October, 

Woods challenged Troopers to 

take on this responsibility.

 With the assessment that 

“care of the trails doesn’t belong 

to any one group,” Trail Blazers 

formed and the core membership 

is currently comprised of 

members of the 170th Military 

Police Battalion and a civilian 

contractor.

“We have taken that to heart 

and are answering the challenge 

of cleaning up the trails,” said 

Sullivan. “We started doing this 

about mid-October.”

So far, the Trail Blazers have 

improved Ridgeline Trail from 

start to finish, Lizard Lane to 

Racer Run, and all of Racer Run 

itself. They also cleared Tarantula 

Trail from the Sherman Avenue 

and the Sixth Street entrance up 

to Ridgeline.

On Dec. 4, the Trail Blazers 

finished clearing Boa Breezeway 

from Tarantula Trail to Boa 

Bend.

All the equipment and tools 

used to reveal the hidden trails 

Getting in the weeds 

with the Trail Blazers

Feature |

Right: Staff Sgt. William Peace of Joint Detention Group Headquarters, 170th 

Military Police Battalion operates a weed whacker during trail improvements of 

Boa Breeze Way between Tarantula Trail and the Boa Bend intersection. –photo 

by Sgt. 1st Class Jerome Grant

 see TRAIL BLAZERS next page

| Feature The Wire | Page 9

Hark, the Joint Task Force angels sing

On Dec. 2, the Naval Station Command Religious Program 

presented its third Holiday Cantata. A cantata is a composition of 

various solo, chorus, and choir pieces accompanied by instruments, 

and the music flowing from the naval station main chapel confirmed 

to all who could hear it: the holiday season is here.

“This is the third year we’ve done this and my last,” said Navy 

Chaplain Lt. Douglas Holmes. “I wanted to do something for all the 

different services to be able to participate, to add their own flavor.”

Among the 16 performances, Joint Task Force Guantanamo was 

represented in at least five. 

The Gospel Choir, which sang “Joy to the World,” was comprised 

entirely of members of the JTF Guantanamo community. The group 

Men of Faith, who sang an a cappella version of “O Holy Night” 

was also made up of all JTF Troopers. Both singing groups were 

directed by Petty Officer 3rd Class Marco Griffin, from the Camp 

America post office.

“I’ve been singing all my life,” said Griffin. “My dad is a pastor 

and sings a lot, so I started too.”

The performances from the various religious programs on the 

island, while mostly made of choirs, also included interpretive dance, 

musical pieces, and solos. The evening was topped off with all 

participants forming a mixed choir which sang “Silent Night.”

“All those different choirs together,” smiled Col. Donnie Thomas, 

JTF Detention Group commander. “It all touched my heart. Everyone 

did a great job.”

come from a variety of organizations. 

Army Sgt. David Sutton first got the Joint 

Detention Group engineers involved when 

they loaned the first weed eaters. But 

equipment loans now also include tools 

from Public Works and the Seabees, who 

have provided more and more equipment as 

the work has progressed.

“We started with weed eaters and a bush 

hog attachment but now they are providing 

mowers, rakes, shears, and all the personal 

protective equipment we need,” explained 

Sullivan. “They’ve all been great!”

The Trail Blazers are also very grateful 

for the support of Jill Lynch, from Morale 

Welfare and Recreation, and Capt. Ana 

Schaus, from the Joint Detention Group for 

providing water, Gatorade, and snacks to 

them while they are working.

And there is still more work to be done.

“We’re hoping to get more people 

involved,” Sutton said. “Maybe another unit 

or group to switch out the work with every 

other weekend.” 

The Trail Blazers meet every Sunday at 8 

a.m. For more information, contact Sullivan 

at martin.e.sullivan@jtfgtmo.southcom.mil 

or extension 8243.

By Sgt. 1st Class Jerome Grant

TRAIL BLAZERS cont. 

Members of Joint Task Force and Naval Station Guantanamo choirs sing “Silent Night” to conclude Dec. 2’s Holiday Cantata. Of the 16 performances that night, JTF 

Troopers sang in at least five. –photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jerome Grant
Lights illuminated the 

base as a festive parade made 

its way down Sherman Ave. 

Dec. 3 at Guantanamo Bay. 

The Holiday Parade is an 

annual event to kick off the 

holiday season. This year 

some changes were made to 

bring a little more flair to the 

festivities. 

“When I came on board 

it was an annual event,” 

said Amiee Mac Donnell, 

the Morale Welfare and 

Recreation community 

activities director. “The one 

thing we did differently was 

incorporate the tree lighting 

on Christmas Tree Hill into 

the parade rather then hosting 

a separate event.” 

Eight floats made their way 

down the avenue with Santa 

and Mrs. Claus leading the way 

in a white wagon pulled by a 

truck rather then Rudolf. In 

addition to floats, golf carts and 

marchers joined the parade. The 

parade began at 6 p.m. at the 

SCSI parking lot, and ended at 

the Downtown Lyceum where 

country band Emerson Drive 

performed at 9 p.m.

“The 107th (Military 

Police Battalion) did a 

Christmas wonderland float,” 

said Mac Donnell. “They had 

characters from different 

Christmas movies. They were 

definitely creative.” 

The planning process took 

more than 10 weeks for the 

evening’s events. MWR had 

to coordinate with security, 

various commands, and 

community organizations 

to ensure safety and to plan 

out the shows for the holiday 

parade and concert. 

“It was a good turnout,” 

said Mac Donnell. “There 

were nearly 30 entries. Next 

year, we may have an award 

for the most original or 

creative entry to draw in more 

participants.”

Although MWR hosted 

the event many Troopers 

volunteered to support the 

parade and the activities 

afterwards.

“We like to keep active 

in the community, help out 

and give support,” said Petty 

Officer 1st Class Robert 

Welsh, the Navy Expeditionary 

Guard Battalion volunteer 

coordinator.

Many Troopers feel that 

volunteering brings a feeling 

of being at home. 

“It’s just like home,” 

said Petty Officer 2nd Class 

Christian Yambao. “It gets our 

minds off of work and brings 

a sense of community.”

For the sense of 

community or the desire to 

be helpful, volunteers played 

an impressive role in the 

evening’s events.

“It’s amazing to see all the 

servicemembers who want to 

be involved in the community,” 

said Mac Donnell.

After the holiday parade, 

MWR held a pre-concert show 

featuring various community 

groups. There were also 

free cookies, hot cocoa, and 

eggnog as well as arts and 

crafts for children. Santa and 

Mrs. Claus took time from 

the busy season to greet the 

community and listen to all 

the holiday wishes. 

Once the community 

activities ended, the crowd 

was ready for the holiday 

concert featuring Emerson 

Drive, a country music band 

from Canada. 

In 2000, Emerson Drive 

released its first American 

single “I Should be Sleeping.” 

The group produced singles 

such as “When I See You 

Again” and “Let Your Love 

Speak.” The members include 

Brad Mates with lead vocals, 

Dale Wallace on keyboard 

and background vocals, 

Danick Dupelle on guitar and 

background vocals, David 

Pichette on fiddle, and Mike 

Melancon on drums.

“We did a survey in the 

summer to see what the 

community wanted,” said 

Mac Donnell. “Country 

music was in the top three 

and we haven’t had a country 

band in a while.”

The band played for well 

over an hour and even threw in 

something special for the kids. 

“We asked them to do 

something for the holidays,” 

said Mac Donnell. “We had 

no idea that they were going 

to ask the children up to the 

stage to sing Christmas carols 

with them.”

“We feel great about being 

here and wish we could stay 

longer,” said Mates. “I think 

the whole idea of being able 

go to the different bases 

around the world and put an 

hour and half show on for 

people who wouldn’t get a 

chance to see it back home 

is great. Guantanamo, thanks 

for having us. It’s been a blast 

and I look forward to seeing 

everyone again.” 

“I think it was great night, 

we had a blast; it’s pretty 

unique to play a venue like 

this,” said Wallace. “We played 

Christmas carols for the kids, 

had gift openings and I have 

a hat on that has Christmas all 

over it.” 

As the lights dimmed 

down on Sherman Ave. and 

the crowds dispersed from 

the Downtown Lyceum, the 

holiday parade and concert 

were over and success could 

be measured by the crowds 

of people which showed up. 

“It was definitely a 

successful event for us,” said 

Mac Donnell. “We had a great 

turnout from the community 

for both watching the parade 

and viewing the activities and 

participating in the arts and 

crafts.” 

GuantanamoBay’sHolidayParade and

Concert:afestive way to kick off the season

By Army Sgt. Saul Rosa

Feature | | Feature The Wire | Page 10 The Wire | Page 11

Members of the 107th Military Police Battalion dress as holiday characters to add a 

festive twist to their float. –photo by Army Sgt. Saul Rosa

The holiday parade heading down Sherman Ave. as the Guantanamo Bay 

community kicks off the season . –photo by Army Sgt. Saul Rosa

The Morale Welfare and Recreation golf carts line up in the SCSI parking lot 

before the holiday parade. –photo by Army Sgt. Saul Rosa

Santa and Mrs. Claus make an appearance after the parade to listen to holiday wishes 

from the Guantanamo Bay community. –photo by Army Sgt. Saul Rosa 
 The Wire | Page 12 Feature |

A story of Pearl Harbor

Approximately 80 people attended a prayer breakfast at the 

Seaside Galley Dec. 7, to commemorate the 70th anniversary of 

the bombing of Pearl Harbor. 

After a unique a cappella rendition of the national anthem 

sung by the Joint Task Force Guantanamo choral group Men 

of Faith, and opening remarks by Navy Chaplain Capt. Thom, 

Rear Adm. David Woods, Joint Task Force commanding officer, 

shared his thoughts about what this significant historical event 

means for today’s Troopers.

 “Honor,” Woods said. “When you see the value sign at the 

gate as you drive through, it triggers a thought about what that 

means.”

In his remarks regarding honor, Woods made mention of 

the well-known ship, the USS Arizona, and the sacrifices made 

by the 1,117 service members who perished on that ship that 

day. Being a native of Utah, he shared two little-known stories 

surrounding the Florida-class battleship bearing the name of 

his home state. 

The most poignant of those accounts was of Croatian-born 

Medal of Honor recipient Chief Petty Officer Peter Tomich. 

Tomich’s job as a watertender was to keep the boilers running 

and thus keep the ship powered.

When the first torpedo hit, Tomich evacuated his men from 

By Sgt. 1st Class Jerome Grant

PEARL HARBOR continued next page

the boiler rooms, but realized if boilers remained running they could explode. 

So as the ship continued to list, Tomich went back.

Tomich was able to shut the boilers down, and his rapid actions are 

credited with preventing the explosion of the machinery, thus saving many 

sailors’ lives. Though Tomich’s own life ended that day, his story continued.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt authorized the Medal of Honor to be 

awarded posthumously and presented to Tomich’s family. However, since 

Tomich was an orphan and his other relatives had left the U.S. almost 20 

years earlier, all attempts made to notify family members of the award were 

unsuccessful.

Eventually a destroyer, which was named for Tomich, was awarded the 

Medal of Honor on his behalf. After the USS Tomich was retired, thenGovernor of Utah Herbert B. Maw “adopted” Tomich and made him an 

honorary son of Utah. The award then came under the guardianship of the 

state of Utah, and was put on display in the state capital.

Through the diligence of many in the service of the Navy and Army, 

more than 64 years after Roosevelt authorized the awarding the Medal of 

Honor to Tomich, U.S. Naval Forces Europe Adm. Harry Ulrich presented 

the well-traveled Medal to a relative. Retired Croatian Army Lt. Col Srecko 

Herceg Tonic, grandson of Tomich’s cousin John Tonic, was presented the 

award in a ceremony held on the USS Enterprise on May 18, 2006.

Tomich’s actions were honorable, as were the actions of the service 

members who continued for years to find a family member and give the 

Medal of Honor a home.

 “We stand on the shoulders of men like this to continue to carry the stars 

and stripes,” Woods said at the close of his remarks.

For at least one person in the audience, Pearl Harbor offered a personal 

connection.

“For me this is a very special day,” explained Air Force Chaplain Lt. Col. 

Gary Bertsch, Joint Task Force deputy chaplain. “My wife’s uncle, Seaman 1st 

Class Walter E. Koch, was one of the sailors killed on the Arizona that day.

“Twenty years ago, on the 50th anniversary, a coin was struck to 

commemorate this day and we were able to get one for my wife’s mother to 

remember her brother,” said Bertsch.

PEARL HARBOR cont. 

Above: The USS Utah, sunk in the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, nevertheless 

saw great heroism as Chief Petty Officer Peter Tomich evacuated the boiler rooms 

and in doing so, lost his life to save others. –photo courtesy Naval History & 

Heritage Command

Clockwise from bottom left: attendees at Wednesday’s prayer breakfast for the 70th 

anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack. 

Joint Task Force Guantanamo Chaplain Capt. Bradley Thom notes not only is 2011 

a landmark year for WWII remembrance, but the 10th anniversary of September 11. 

A traditional wreath is tossed into the Caribbean Sea. While far away from the 

Pacific and 70 years away from Pearl Harbor, some at JTF Guantanamo have been 

touched personally by the attacks. A common practice in many parts of the world, 

particularly during major holidays or military events, naval ceremonies often 

include a wreath to symbolize a life preserver and commemorate those who have 

died in service to their country.

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

| Feature The Wire | Page 13
 The Wire | Page 14 At Your Service |

By Naval Medical Research Center Public Affairs

O n Th e wing

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – 

America’s premier air demonstration team, the 

U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, is accepting applications for several positions, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced today.

The 138-member unit exhibits Air Force 

professionalism and skill in support of recruiting and retention programs to reinforce public confidence in the Air Force, to strengthen 

morale, and support community relations and 

public image programs, said Bob Cronin, of the 

AFPC academic and special utilization branch.

“Serving with the Thunderbirds is a great opportunity to help foster strong relationships with 

other countries, strengthen pride in our country 

and service, and see a piece of the Air Force that 

most Airmen never see,” Cronin said.

Officers serve a two-year assignment on the 

team, while enlisted members serve three or 

four, Cronin said.

The squadron performs up to 75 demonstrations per year in the U.S. and overseas. Activated 

in 1953, the Thunderbirds are an Air Combat 

Command unit and, if necessary, all members 

and equipment can be rapidly integrated into a 

flying unit.

Available positions include demonstration 

pilot, operations officer, executive officer, maintenance officer and public affairs officer.

For full application preparation and submission instructions, or for information about other 

personnel opportunities and issues, go to the 

secure Air Force Personnel Services website at 

https://gum-crm.csd.disa.mil.

Air demo team accepting applications

I n t h e fig h t

Dominican Rep. charity shares holiday joy

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. – Thoughts of a United States 

Marine in support of a mission are typically associated with hardened individuals that will take 

the fight to the enemy’s front door or storm off 

naval ships and aircraft platforms in support of 

humanitarian efforts. However, Marines worldwide are making a difference in other aspects 

that do not require a weapon. 

Every year, Quezada Family Charities, a 

charity run by 1st Lt. Jose Quezada, an air support control officer with Marine Air Support 

Squadron 3 and a Santiago, Dominican Republic native, hosts a toy giveaway during the 

Christmas season for elementary schools in the 

Dominican Republic. QFC provides hundreds 

of children with gifts their parents would otherwise not be able to afford. 

“You never really know how good your life 

is until you have seen these places,” said Quezada. “These families have almost nothing. I will 

give a little girl a doll, and I can tell by the way 

that she smiles and squeezes it that she appreciates it a lot.” 

This year, QFC will add San Jose Adentro 

and Los Cocos, both Dominican Republic 

schools, to the sponsorship list. As a result, 

those schools’ students will receive hundreds of 

toys, school supplies and uniforms for students, 

according to QFC’s website.

“I have seen 16-year-olds in third grade,” 

said Quezada. “I want to do everything I can to 

make sure these kids have a better education.” 

QFC established the Quezada Family Scholarship Program as a method of motivating and 

supporting students and their families. 

At the end of each school year, three schools 

participate in the scholarship program for grades 

four through 11. One boy and girl from each 

grade receive a plaque and funding based on the 

highest overall grade point average. 

“We just gave someone a QFC full-ride 

academic scholarship to medical school,” said 

Quezada. “We saw that he was the best in his 

class and that he deserved it. He will have to 

find a job if he wants to do things away from 

school, but as for the schooling itself, he doesn’t 

have to worry about it.

“The Quezada family collects donations, 

such as gently used clothing to support the program, but most of the monetary funding comes 

from the Quezada family, he explained. QFC 

distributes dozens of uniform items to impoverished students who do not have the funds to 

purchase them each year. 

In addition to clothing, toys and school supplies, the Quezada family arranges an annual 

Christmas food giveaway, providing families 

with rice, beans, oil, sauces and many more 

cooking supplies so they can enjoy a great meal 

with their families. Fresh meat accompanies the 

cooking supplies. 

“[Marines] are continuing to win hearts 

and minds around the globe,” Quezada said. 

“At the moment, this charity only impacts several hundred, but I hope to continue its growth 

and eventually have it listed in the Combined 

Federal Campaign where it can reach tens of 

thousands.” 

SILVER SPRING, Md. – Researchers from 

the Naval Medical Research Center’s (NMRC) 

Infectious Diseases Directorate announced 

they are ready to begin a Phase-1 dengue vaccine clinical trial this month.

The announcement comes at a critical time 

with recent outbreaks around the world, including in the Federated States of Micronesia 

and the Marshall Islands, where Navy Medicine 

personnel are currently on the ground assisting 

the CDC and the World Health Organization.

“The increase in dengue endemicity worldwide raises the likelihood of multiple exposures for deployed U.S. military personnel, 

potentially increasing their risk for developing 

the more severe forms of the disease - dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome,” said Lt. Cmdr. Janine R. Danko, principle investigator on the study and an Internist 

and Infectious Diseases Subspecialist. “The 

goal of our dengue vaccine program is to develop a safe and effective vaccine that protects 

against dengue.”

Transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, dengue is one of the most common viral infections deployed personnel can acquire 

when stationed in tropical areas of the world. 

Dengue infection can be incapacitating and 

harmful to DoD missions and no treatment is 

available to prevent infection; a vaccine is critically needed.

An FDA Phase 1 trial is a clinical study in 

a small number of volunteers to evaluate the 

safety of a new vaccine. The FDA will provide oversight ensuring the study will produce 

useful information to assess the safety and efficacy of the vaccine.

“Developing a dengue vaccine is a top priority for military infectious disease research,” 

said Capt. Kevin R. Porter, director, NMRC 

Infectious Diseases Directorate. “We are using a vaccine that has shown effectiveness 

in recent pre-clinical studies. The upcoming 

Phase 1 clinical trial of this vaccine approach 

is a critical step toward meeting the need for a 

tetravalent dengue vaccine to protect deployed 

military forces against dengue fever.” 

This 12-month study includes forty volunteers who will be assigned to three dose 

groups and followed through several visits and 

laboratory assessments with the study team 

physicians. The research team intends to compare the immune responses between the three 

groups.

on t h e D E C K

By Air Force Col. Bruce Smith

366th Fighter Wing

Navy researchers 

begin dengue 

vaccine trial

By Lance Cpl. Kevin Crist

Marine Corps Air Station New River

| At Your Service The Wire | Page 15

c oast to c oast

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Before his presidency 

and before his name became synonymous 

with the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln slogged 

his way around the state during the Black 

Hawk War as a volunteer Soldier with the Illinois Militia, today known as the Illinois National Guard.

Lincoln is one of 19 presidents to serve 

in the National Guard, one of two from Illinois. The other is Gen. Ulysses Grant, who 

went on to command all Union Armies under 

President Lincoln.

Previously unknown Black Hawk War 

documents written and signed by Capt. Lincoln while on duty in 1832, and an affidavit 

signed by Lincoln in 1855, have recently been 

discovered at the National Archives in Washington, D.C and their authenticity confirmed 

by researchers at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, 

Ill.

“Few documents survive that detail Abraham Lincoln’s service as a company captain 

in the 4th Illinois Mounted Volunteers in the 

1832 frontier disturbances collectively known 

as the Black Hawk War,” said Daniel Stowell, 

editor of The Papers of Abraham Lincoln at 

the ALPLM. 

“This discovery reminds us that many U.S. 

presidents, including Lincoln, answered their 

country’s call to duty long before becoming 

the nation’s chief executive and that service 

had a formative effect on their future careers,” he said. 

Lincoln always said he was more gratified 

by being elected an officer by his men than 

any position he held afterwards, according to 

Stowell.

Anne Musella, a researcher, recently 

brought a previously discovered certificate of 

discharge signed by Lincoln to the attention 

of Papers of Abraham Lincoln staff who are 

working at the National Archives Building in 

downtown Washington. That led David Gerleman, an assistant editor, to delve further in 

the Bounty Land Warrant files at the National 

Archives where he found two more certificates 

of discharge written and signed by Lincoln.

Together with other documents previously 

discovered, it appears that Lincoln, like other 

officers, filled out and signed dozens of these 

certificates of discharge. Given to Soldiers as 

they mustered out to return home, the veterans later submitted these documents as proof 

of service when they claimed the bounty 

lands allotted to them by Congress. 

The certificates located at the National 

Archives more than double the number of 

surviving discharge certificates written and 

signed by Capt. Lincoln, and likely others still 

await discovery.

Twenty years after the end of the conflict, 

changes in bounty land laws gave several of 

Lincoln’s company the chance to claim up to 

160 acres of federal land. To do so, they had 

to provide evidence of their service, and so 

Lincoln was once again called upon to confirm that they had indeed enrolled in his company. 

An additional document discovered by 

Gerleman in the Bounty Land Warrant Files 

was an affidavit signed by Lincoln and Thomas Moffet in 1855 attesting that former 1st 

Cpl. Charles Pierce had honorably served and 

therefore was entitled to make a land claim.

Like Lincoln’s service, Soldiers and Airmen in the Illinois National Guard have protected their communities during natural disasters and other domestic emergencies, while 

also answering their nation’s call during war 

and national emergencies. 

From the communities around the state to 

the sands of Iraq to the mountains of Afghanistan, the Illinois National Guard has 

made its mark. The echoes of the past live 

on today in the men and women of the Illinois National Guard, whose Joint Force 

Headquarters unit patch features a silhouette 

of Lincoln.

Documents from Lincoln’s Nat’l 

Guard service discovered

MIAMI – With the holiday season upon 

us, the Coast Guard encourages boaters 

throughout South Florida and the Florida 

Keys to consider some potentially life saving 

stocking stuffers.

With a wide range of purposes and prices, 

the following list of survival gear can truly 

make a difference during an emergency at 

sea.

–Emergency Position-Indicating Radio 

Beacon (EPIRB): It sends a satellite signal 

with your position to the Coast Guard during 

an emergency. Remember to properly register your EPIRB to ensure a swift rescue.

–Life Jackets: The best life jacket is the 

one you wear. There are many different 

styles to choose from, including inflatable 

life jackets, which are more comfortable and 

less bulky.

–VHF Radio: The Coast Guard continuously monitors VHF Channel 16. It is important to understand that cell phones don’t 

always work offshore, and can’t be depended 

on to call for help during an at-sea crisis.

–Sound Devices: Whistles or air horns are 

extremely affordable, and can come in quite 

handy during low-visibility situations.

–Signaling Devices: Help responders find 

you quickly. Flares, signalling mirrors and 

other devices can make a huge difference, 

especially at night.

EPIRBs send a satellite signal to the 

Coast Guard, helping to take the search out 

of search and rescue. Having an EPIRB 

onboard your vessel can increase survival 

chances during boating emergencies. Having 

a variety of safety devices, however, can exponentially increase survival chances.

On Nov. 19, the Coast Guard received 

both an EPIRB signal and a mayday call over 

VHF Channel 16. A fishing vessel was taking on water near the Florida Keys, but the 

crew was prepared and able to effectively call 

for help. A helicopter crew and a cutter crew 

were launched to search, and when the cutter 

crew witnessed a flare, they knew they had 

found the distressed boaters. At this point, 

the fishing vessel had sunk and the boaters 

were recovered with no medical concerns. 

Due to the boaters having a properly registered EPIRB, a working VHF radio, and 

flares onboard their vessel, they were quickly 

rescued and lived to tell the tale. 

Illinois National Guard Report

on t h e groun d

Coast Guard’s 

gift guide for 

smart boating

By 7th Coast Guard District Public Affairs

Painting of President Abraham Lincoln, who also 

served as a Citizen Soldier, by Chet Jezierski. –photo 

courtesy National Guard
 The Wire | Page 16 Around the World |

WIESBADEN, Germany – About 45,000 

residents of the German city of Koblenz, 

nearly half of the city’s population, were 

under evacuation orders Dec. 4 following the 

discovery of what local officials said was one 

of the largest unexploded bombs ever found, 

believed to have been dropped by the British 

Royal Air Force during World War II.

The nearly 4,000-pound bomb, packed 

with more than 3,000 pounds of explosives, 

as well as other unexploded ordnance, were 

discovered in the Rhine River, where the water 

levels have dropped significantly due to a lack 

of rain over the past few weeks, according to 

local authorities.

Explosive ordnance disposal troops with 

the 21st Theater Sustainment Command in 

Grafenwoehr and Mannheim are ready to 

provide support if needed, said a 21st TSC 

spokeswoman.

“Our EOD guys have not been asked to 

support, but they are tracking it and stand 

by to assist if asked,” said Lt. Col. Anna 

Friederich.

The city’s press office said German 

explosive experts and the German army are 

expected to take the lead in defusing the bomb, 

which they are calling an air mine. Officials 

estimated that a bomb this size could cause a 

crater more than 20 yards wide and six yards 

deep with a destruction radius of more than 

70 yards if it were detonated. It could blow 

out windows in a half-mile radius.

From discussions with the British, “it has 

been known for some time that this type (of 

bomb) was dropped over Koblenz,” wrote 

the city’s press office in an email.

Authorities with the city’s fire brigade say 

plans are under way to evacuate 45,000 city 

residents in a radius of about a mile, as well 

as a prison and local hospitals before experts 

attempt to defuse the bomb on Sunday. 

Emergency centers are being set up for those 

who have nowhere else to go.

According to German news outlets, the 

bomb lies in about 16 inches of water, partly 

buried in mud, making it difficult to access 

the detonation fuse.

City officials said Wednesday afternoon 

that they are still in the planning phases of 

how to defuse the bomb, which they say is 

one of the largest found in German history.

A 275-pound American bomb and a 

German smoke grenade were also found 

nearby.

German city evac- uates for defusing 

of WWII bomb

MOSCOW – Former Soviet leader Mikhail 

Gorbachev has called for Russia’s parliament 

election to be annulled and a new vote held. 

He said the results do not reflect the will of 

the people, and authorities must admit to 

fabrications and rigging.

Opposition leaders and international 

observers say the poll Sunday was marred 

by widespread allegations of vote-rigging, 

ballot box stuffing and other irregularities.

Pro-government supporters also rallied 

around the Kremlin. Prime Minister 

Vladimir Putin’s United Russia party won 

Sunday’s vote, but with a considerably 

reduced parliamentary majority, at around 

50 percent. 

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said 

Tuesday the elections were neither free 

nor fair, and the results raised “serious 

concerns.” 

Russia’s Foreign Ministry described 

Clinton’s remarks as “unacceptable.” 

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev 

characterized the elections as “fair, honest 

and democratic.”

Russia’s ruling party won only half of the 

votes in elections on Sunday. But opponents 

say even that poor showing was boosted by 

widespread fraud. Now they are protesting. 

Protests against Sunday’s Duma elections 

are spreading across Russia.

On Tuesday, the interior ministry flooded 

downtown Moscow with dozens of prison 

trucks and as many as 50,000 police and 

troops.

Despite this show of force, protesters 

turned out and black helmeted riot police 

wrestled into detention a total of 300 people, 

largely off the sidewalks of Tverskaya, the 

capital’s most expensive shopping avenue.

Police arrested 200 more in St. Petersburg 

and dozens more in other cities. Dozhd, a 

private internet TV channel reported that 

protests took place in 50 Russian cities.

By Mark Patton and Marcus Kloeckner

Stars and Stripes

Gorbachev calls for new Russian election

Voice of America News Service

CAIRO – Egypt’s ruling military council has 

given some presidential powers to interim 

Prime Minister Kamal el-Ganzouri.

The official news agency MENA reported Wednesday the Supreme Council of the 

Armed Forces will maintain control of the 

army and judiciary as it hands over more 

power to Mr. Ganzouri. 

Egypt’s military rulers said Tuesday they 

would amend the constitution to give the 

prime minister more power than his predecessor Essam Sharaf, who quit amid unrest 

in the country last month. Critics accused the 

military ruling council of not giving the last 

Cabinet enough influence.

Mr. Ganzouri unveiled a new Cabinet 

lineup Wednesday featuring a new finance 

minister and some incumbent ministers who 

will be tasked with governing until the end 

of the parliamentary election process next 

year. 

The finance minister, Mumtaz al-Saeed, is 

a ministry veteran who faces the challenge 

of stabilizing an economy battered by unrest 

since February’s ouster of autocratic president Hosni Mubarak. 

Meanwhile, Egyptians are awaiting official results from the runoff parliamentary 

elections held earlier this week. The election 

commission says it will announce the results 

later Wednesday.

The Muslim Brotherhood says its political 

party has won almost two-thirds of the parliamentary seats reserved for individual candidates in the opening rounds of the lower 

house elections. If confirmed, the Brotherhood’s individual seat victories put the movement on track to become the leading power 

in the 498-member assembly.

In a statement Wednesday, the Islamist 

group’s Freedom and Justice party says it won 

36 of the 56 individual seats that were contested in nine provinces, including the two 

largest cities of Cairo and Alexandria. It says 

Freedom and Justice candidates won 34 seats 

in runoff elections on Monday and Tuesday 

after winning outright victories in two other 

seats in last week’s first round of voting.

The Brotherhood’s party already had won 

the largest share of seats reserved for parties in last week’s vote, securing 37 percent 

of ballots in the nine provinces, compared 

to 24 percent for its nearest rival, the ultraconservative Salafist Nour party. Egypt’s liberal coalition was a distant third.

In the coming weeks, Egyptians in the remaining 18 provinces will join the voting for 

the lower house of parliament. Elections for 

parliament’s less-powerful upper house will 

begin in late January and finish in March.

Egyptian prime minister granted 

some presidential powers

But Muslim Brotherhood claims another victory

Voice of America News Service

Protests spread to more cities

| Mind, Body & Spirit The Wire | Page 17

Mind, Body

& Spirit

by Chaplain Lt. Col. 

Gary Bertsch 

As my tour is winding down, I was asked at lunch the other day 

the highlight of my tour, and I said, “I think it’s coming full circle.” 

Let me explain. I enlisted in the Air Force in 1973, so I’ve seen the 

end of the Vietnam War. Then I served in the Guard and Reserve 

for about 15 years, so I served during the Cold War. I came back on 

active duty in 1992 right after the first Gulf War and have served 

my 20 years (so far) supporting operations downrange with many 

deployments.

During this time I’ve served in supporting operations against 

terrorism. Mostly, I’ve been serving Airmen launching aircraft but 

also I’ve done FOB-hopping and have worked with Army and Navy 

personnel, Marines and even some Coast Guard folks. It was always 

a view from behind the scenes. I typically saw the secondary effects 

of our efforts, but seldom the end results. I’ve often heard that our 

mission was all about being at “the tip of the spear.” 

Being here at Joint Task Force Guantanamo has made me realize 

that while combat operations downrange may be the tip of the spear, 

our mission here truly is the spear’s tip and more. All we have done, 

all we have and will accomplish and all our sacrifices will ultimately 

be judged in the camps and in various courtrooms and the judgment 

of the press — for good or bad. 

For the short amount of time that we are here, we ARE the tip 

of the spear. We bear honesty, integrity, and the moral high ground 

regarding the care of the detainees and the demeanor of those who 

visit here in the interest of transparency. I pray that history will hold 

that during our slice of time here, that all our actions will be held 

blameless and above board in all aspects. 

This is what I mean by “coming full circle.” Very few of our 

brothers and sisters in arms can see the final results of their sacrifice, 

their loss, their valor. We are in that historical moment of time in 

which we have the privilege to see first-hand the end results of all 

the efforts of those who have come before us. What lies ahead in the 

final outcome, we can only guess. But each of can say with pride that 

we’ve done our duty, exceeded the standard and are “honor bound.”

May God grant each of you peace, strength and courage, and may 

God hold you loved ones in the palm of his hand until you are once 

again safe and home. 

Chaps out!

An end-of-tour reflection

Joint Task Force Guantanamo 

commander Rear Adm. David 

Woods presents Chaplain Lt. 

Col. Gary Bertsch with the 

Joint Service Commendation 

Medal. Bertsch completes 

his tour this week as deputy 

chaplain for JTF Guantanamo.
Movie Review

PG-13

127 min.

By Mass Communication Spc. 1st Class Ty Bjornson

 The Wire | Page 18 Movie Review |

Robots sure seem to be in vogue right now. However, the robot 

love affair has always been a sci-fi staple for many moons, especially 

since the 1950s. As we progress through the 21st century, real life robots are doing tasks in extreme environments and replacing humans 

in various fields for both efficiency and human safety. There’s even 

been a reality-based television show about remote-controlled “BattleBots” which pummel each other into submission for our entertainment. It was only a matter time before we got a movie that combined 

these concepts to give us a fresh spin on a familiar world. 

From its very start, “Real Steel” is old-fashioned feel-good movie, 

the kind that you don’t see too many of anymore. Sure, this movie 

has ultra cool robots which battle each other to the death in “underground” and arena settings. And yes, the film was also released in 

IMAX to showcase its cutting edge CGI special effects which compete in quality with the most recent “Transformers” movie. But this 

film doesn’t focus on the random robotic rambunctiousness which is 

present in so many other recent metallic mash-up blockbusters. This 

movie is actually about real people with real problems. And, oh-mygosh, this film has heart. How the heck did that happen? Where does 

it get the nerve to offer that in this day and age?

The film opens with down and out loner Charlie Kenton (Hugh 

Jackman) who travels in his big-rig around the rural midwestern farm 

country to enter his boxing robot in rodeos and underground robotic fighting venues, which for the most part replaced human boxing. 

Existence for Kenton, who is a former boxer, is hinged on making 

money from betting pools winner take all style. This rootless existence 

has left him jaded and socially distant as Charlie lives off the grid like a 

disgruntled carnie never knowing when the “big win” will be come his 

way. Even his childhood friend Bailey (Evangeline Lilly, “Lost”) has a 

hard time getting though to him. 

After Charlie’s robot is demolished by a rodeo bull and escapes 

from paying his debt, Charlie soon learns the mother of his 11 year 

old son Max (Dakota Goyo) has died. The boy’s aunt wants Max to 

live with her and her wealthy husband, who can better provide for the 

boy. Charlie, desperate for cash, makes a deal to have Max live with 

him for three months, after which the aunt gets custody.

As you could expect, the estranged father and son are forced to 

deal with each other for the first time in their lives. Regarding each 

other with apprehension, they soon bond through a mutual appreciation of robotic boxing, which for the most part replaced human boxing. A late night junkyard find of the early generation sparring robot 

“Atom” proves to be the winning ticket gold for the duo. The extremely resilient “Atom” leads the Kentons in a series of underworld, 

robofight victories sparking public interest in them and to those who 

would have other plans for their continued success.

What’s pleasant about “Real Steel” is the real feel of rural Americana life. Though the film takes place in the near future, the subject 

matter is treated as the gospel truth. The end result is a film that feels 

sincere and genuine about its people, places and things. Perhaps this 

shouldn’t be too much of a surprise: “Real Steel” is loosely based on 

the 1956 short story by Richard Matheson ( “The Twilight Zone”, “I 

am Legend”) whose writings often focused on ordinary people dealing with ordinary problems in extraordinary situations.

The cast does a good job of conveying sorrow, regret and reconciliation. It’s nice to see Hugh Jackman play Charlie as a unrelenting 

boxer who just wants to survive. Newcomer Dakota Goyo is fun as 

Jackman’s estranged son who at times is smarter than Charlie when it 

comes to patience, understanding and determination. The two actors 

play off of each other nicely, with Goyo holding his own in all of his 

scenes. There’s no denying Evangeline Lilly successfully conveys Bailey and her heart of gold. Who wouldn’t want her on their side? 

”Real Steel” is co-executive produced by Steven Spielberg who is 

no stranger to family friendly fare. There are a few nods to Spielberg’s 

own film “E.T.” (1982) in the human child-robot dynamic between 

Max and Atom. Since “Real Steel” has elements of a boxing film, you 

might also notice a few tips of the hat to the “Rocky” movies as well. 

All of these factors help make “Real Steel” one of the better family 

films in recent years. There’s a delight in its straightforward simplistic 

story telling about its real people. And that makes a real difference.

Real Steel GTMO Quick Reference 

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Saturday 5 p.m. 

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Sunday 9 a.m. 

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Sunday 8 a.m. & 5 p.m. 

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GTMO Religious Services

| Bulletin Board The Wire | Page 19 Downtown Lyceum Camp Bulkeley

 FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU 10

Call the movie hotline at 4880 or see the MWR GTMO Facebook page for more information.

9 11 12 13 14 15

Hugo (NEW)

(PG-13) 7 p.m.

The Thing 

(NEW)

(R) 9 p.m.

Arthur Christmas 

(NEW)

(PG) 7 p.m.

Real Steel

(PG-13) 9 p.m.

Twilight: 

Breaking Dawn

(PG-13) 8 p.m.

50/50

(R) 10 p.m.

Hugo (NEW)

(PG-13) 8 p.m.

The Thing 

(NEW)

(R) 10 p.m.

Happy Feet 2

(PG) 7 p.m.

Dream House

(PG-13) 8 p.m.

What’s Your 

Number (last 

showing)

(R) 7 p.m.

Real Steel

(PG-13) 8 p.m.

Dolphin Tale 

(last showing)

(PG) 7 p.m.

What’s Your 

Number (last 

showing)

(R) 8 p.m.

50/50

(R) 7 p.m.

Twilight: 

Breaking Dawn

(PG-13) 7 p.m.

The Muppets

(PG) 8 p.m.

Ides of March

(R) 8 p.m.

Downtown

Lyceum

Camp 

Bulkeley
Sgt. Maj. Callie E. Leaver and Staff Sgt. James Kleinheinz, both of Joint Detention Group Headquarters, 

170th Military Police Battalion, chat during during 

a break in the work clearing a portion of Boa Breeze 

Way Dec. 4. –photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jerome Grant

TheJTF

The latest graduates of the week-long bus driver 

training course are ready to use their new skills. 

–photo by Mass Communication Spc. 1st Class 

Ty Bjornson

Background: The 

Joint Detention 

Group’s Officer Professional Development 

session Dec. 2 included a tour of Fisherman’s Point. This hill 

was the first to be 

taken by Marines in 

the Spanish-American 

War in 1898. –photo 

by Mass Communication Spc. 2nd Class 

Kilho Park