Volume 12, Issue 35 Friday, August 19, 2011

Get your science on

Biologists visit the bay with a quest

JTF Commander says goodbye

Parting words from 

Rear Adm. Harbeson

PLUS:

Happy Hour on the island

Comedian teaches

 lessons with laughs
Cc

ommand

orner

The Wire | Page 2

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.

Commander’s Corner

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:

Army Sgt. Meredith Vincent: 3651

Layout Assistant: 

Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class 

Maddelin Angebrand

Photojournalists:

Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Erica Gardner

Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sally Hendricks

Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kilho Park

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: Marine specialists with Naval Facilities Engineering Command Natural Resources Section George Kenny 

(left) and Jered Jackson (right) collect a sediment specimen near the mouth of the Guantanamo River on the 

leeward side of Guantanamo Bay Naval Station, Aug. 10. NAVFAC and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration are scheduled to spend a week or more testing for algae nutrition sources and pollutants. - photo 

by Army Sgt. Mathieu Perry

As I prepare to turnover command of JTF Guantanamo, I 

wanted to spend a moment to thank you for all you have done to 

ensure the success of this important strategic mission. Regardless 

of the numerous tasks and diverse challenges we have faced, you 

were always ready to respond and produced results that exceeded 

expectations. You have excelled in a demanding ‘no fail’ environment 

where there is no margin for error - as our actions must withstand the 

highest degree of scrutiny and rigor. Simply put, your performance 

was inspiring both to me and those who witnessed it from afar. 

It has been a true honor and privilege to serve with you these past 

14 months. Through your tireless actions, unmatched professionalism 

and selfless service to our Nation, you have truly reflected our motto: 

“Honor Bound to Defend Freedom.”

As I look back over my tour, I wish you could have been present 

when the numerous General and Flag Officers, Congressional 

representatives and other distinguished VIP’s spoke to me at the 

conclusion of their visits. Their responses were nearly unanimous, 

as all essentially said words to the effect of ‘I had no idea of the 

demanding conditions these men and women work under and I was 

so impressed with their professionalism. I wish the American public 

could witness what I have just seen – and I will be sure to carry this 

message.’

That sentiment was universal among all visitors. 

Never forget that each of you make an important contribution 

to our team and that what you do here does make a difference. You 

should be extremely proud of your service and the efforts you put 

forth in support of the JTF GTMO mission and our nation. No 

doubt we will continue to draw worldwide attention, but the unique 

talents and contributions of our joint servicemembers and civilians 

will ensure continued success in the future. 

I know each of you will continue to give your unwavering support 

and loyalty to Rear Adm. Woods. He is indeed fortunate to take 

command of such a talented and capable group of joint men and 

women. 

Thank you again for your service and your persistent and dedicated 

efforts. God bless you and your families. Maria and I wish you all the 

best life has to offer. Honor bound!

JTF CHANGE OF COMMAND CEREMONY

Where: The Bayview Patio

When: 9:30 a.m.

Guest Speaker: Air Force General Douglas Fraser, 

Commander, U.S. Southern Command
| The Last Word The Wire | Page 19

BRODIE cont. 

Punch and Jason Segal score the most 

genuine laughs with the most relatable 

characters. As the straight-and-narrow 

Amy, Punch turns what could’ve been 

an insufferable character into a hysterical 

tragedy. And Segal proves that, in a movie 

where tastelessness is the main ingredient, 

delivery and wit can sweeten the pot much 

more. Give these two a movie on their own 

and I’ll show up any day. In the meantime, 

Diaz and her bad ways get one very bad 

banana rat.

presence is like that of every other chaplain 

in the armed forces, many times in the 

form of a listening, caring ear to hear the 

concerns of servicemembers.”

JTF cultural advisor, Zak, who declined 

to give his last name, said the visit by a 

Muslim chaplain is appreciated by the 

Muslim community.

“This is an example of JTF taking 

responsibility and care of the religious 

needs of servicemembers,” said Zak.

El-Saddiq’s favorite part of his job is 

breaking long-held stereotypes and showing 

people a different side of religion.

“When they see me in this uniform 

and also wearing this kufi on my head and 

a beard as well, it can serve as a reminder 

that, yes, we are Muslims,” said El-Saddiq. 

“But we can serve as members of the Navy, 

Marine Corps, Army and Air Force, also.”

professional and personal. The 

immediate goal of pinning on 

first class crows is on his horizon 

and he plans to pursue a career as 

a Line Duty Officer, continuing 

to enjoy a career in the Masterat-Arms field.

“I enjoy being in the Navy,” 

said Brodie. “There is nothing 

me or anyone cannot do without 

knowledge. I do not need a really 

high IQ to accomplish what 

I want – I am that driven to 

succeed.”

The determination to obtain 

training to enhance his current 

skill set helped Brodie research 

the qualifications necessary to 

participate in the Command 

Managed Equal Opportunity 

course, usually offered to first 

class petty officers and above. 

“I took advantage of the 

training opportunity,” said 

Brodie. “If I ever get to 

participate in such a program, I 

will already be qualified.” 

For Brodie, being in the 

military is like having a society 

within a society. Other military 

personnel can relate to many 

of the experiences he has 

encountered. This is where 

many of the lyrics to his songs 

come from. 

Brodie and Maxwell met 

Jackson also noted the timing of their 

study could not be any better.

“Thanks to tropical storm Emily,” Jackson 

shared, “if there are any contaminants we 

will find them now, because storms have 

a tendency to push that stuff into nearby 

waterways.”

Gathering the sediment samples is just 

part one of the group’s study on Guantanamo 

Bay. This week the team will unite with divecertified researchers from various colleges 

to collect photo documentation on the 

current conditions of different coral beds 

throughout the bay. 

“Taking photos of them will allow us to 

see a progression over time of the health 

while in the Middle East on 

deployment and the two were 

reunited on Guantanamo Bay. 

“I am kind of like the 

always happy spirit, counselor, 

preacher,” said Maxwell. “I keep 

the group together when things 

start to get shaky.”

Brodie and the rest of 12.0 

Productions would like people to 

hear their music and appreciate 

the time, effort and talent that go 

into making their craft. People 

have heard their mixes and 

comment how good they are, 

not realizing everything is made 

from Brodie’s Cuzco room. 

“There are a lot of late nights 

and dedication to the product in 

a 6 x 6 room,” said Brodie. “This 

has tested our friendships as a 

lot of frustration and emotion is 

created, too.”

Brodie understands each 

milestone his group meets 

and completes is a step toward 

recognition and stardom. The 

work ethic devoted to his 

military career is mirrored in his 

hobby and reads like a recipe for 

success.

“Never let other people tell 

you what you can’t do,” said 

Brodie. “You put your mind to 

anything and you can accomplish 

whatever you want.” 

of the corals,” said Jackson. “That will also 

allow us to catch an algae bloom and note its 

effects on the coral.”

The team will send their findings and 

samples off to a lab at Florida Atlantic 

University and review the results. If any 

contaminants are found, action will be taken 

to protect the water, wildlife and corals, 

but the researchers hope to see a positive 

outcome. 

“We really just want to sustain the beauty 

of the coral here so they can thrive and 

continue to be enjoyed by divers and wildlife 

for years to come,” Jackson concluded.

Stay tuned for part two of the study in 

next week’s Wire issue. 

MOVIES cont. ALGAE cont. 

CHAPLAIN cont. 

Information Assurance Information Assurance 

Tip of the Week Tip of the Week

#1 Cause of a DISA Failure, #1 Cause of a DISA Failure, 

“UNATTENDED CAC UNATTENDED CAC”.

Do you know where YOUR CAC is? Do you know where YOUR CAC is?
The News from the Bay | Wire | Page 4

News from the Bay Stories and reporting by

 Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Maddelin Angebrand 

and Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sally Hendricks

Get a team ready for

Marine Team Challenge

Get a tough group together and compete 

for bragging rights at the Marine Corps 

Security Force’s Team Challenge, Aug. 27 at 

6:30 a.m. 

Teams must consist of four members 

in military working uniform or civilian 

equivalent, to include long-sleeve top, long 

pants, rugged running shoes or boots and 

reflective belt.

Activities will include an obstacle course, 

moving of moderately heavy items and getting 

dirty. Teamwork and having fun is mandatory, 

said Marine Staff Sgt. Aaron Tucker, attached 

to Marine Corps Security Force Company.

“It gives (participants) an opportunity to 

rely on each other and trust each other,” said 

Tucker. “They will definitely be challenged.”

 The event takes about an hour to complete 

and is set up and run by the Marine Corps 

Security Forces Company. 

For Tucker, the most rigorous part of the 

challenge is something he never seems to get 

used to.

“It’s the tire drag and the low crawl that 

will challenge the individual – they get me 

every time!” 

Cost is $40 per team. For more information, 

call Tucker at x2643. 

MCSF Co. hosts 8.7 mile

fence line run/walk

Register at the Marine Hill White House 

from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the Marine Corps 

Windward Tour of the Fence run/walk held 

Saturday at 6 p.m. 

The first 15 registered will receive a free 

MCSFCO T-shirt. Cost is $25. 

Runners will check in Saturday, 6 p.m. at 

the White House, then board buses en route 

to the starting point. 

“It’s a tough run, starting at the first 

observation post, and leads runners out to 

Kittery beach,” said Marine Staff Sgt. Aaron 

Tucker, attached to Marine Corps Security 

Force Company. “It’s pretty much the whole 

fence line on the windward side.”

Tucker said although the terrain is paved, 

there are some noteworthy hills sure to 

challenge even the best runners.

“We will have roughly four water posts 

set up with cold water in cups,” he assured. 

MWR offers fitness 

class at Camp Buckeley 

Finally a fitness class at Camp Buckeley!

Morale, Welfare and Recreation Fitness 

Coordinator Tanya Henigman has added an 

exercise class to the fitness schedule at Camp 

Buckeley gym to accommodate Joint Task 

Force personnel. Beginning Aug. 24, 30-

min ab classes will be offered Wednesdays 

at noon.

“I know that it’s almost impossible 

for the people at JTF to get to a class on 

the NAVSTA side during the day,” said 

Henigman. “They have long days and this 

way they will have the opportunity to attend 

a class so they can meet their needs for their 

physical fitness test.”

Working the abdominals will not get rid 

of a tummy, but will help with important 

core strength. Doing a variety of things 

will also build a strong mid-section. Everton 

Hylton, MWR fitness trainer/instructor 

teaches the class.

“You have to work all parts of your body 

to achieve good physical fitness and get 

results,” said Hylton. “In my abs class, we 

work on all supporting muscles. It’s not just 

the abs.”

Sometimes taking a break in your day 

helps to refresh the mind and body. 

“We are limited on space but it’s a nice 

opportunity to take a breather so you 

can take on the rest of your day,” Hylton 

explained. 

Bringing the class to the JTF side is just 

another example of MWR working hard to 

bring programs that will benefit everyone on 

Guantanamo Bay.

“We want to accommodate the needs 

and wants of the people here,” Henigman 

concluded.

For more information, call Henigman at 

x2113 or Denich Gym at x77262.

Cirque Odyssey comes

to Guantanamo Bay 

Morale, Welfare and Recreation is taking 

Guantanamo Bay to new heights with Cirque 

Odyssey. Performers will display acrobatics, 

dance, trapeze and much more Friday 

evening at 8 p.m. at the Downtown Lyceum.

The hour-long show will offer Troopers 

what could be the opportunity of a lifetime, 

said Amiee MacDonnell, MWR’s community 

activities director, so don’t miss it. 

“They will provide the GTMO 

community an extraordinary and unique 

show,” MacDonnell elaborated.

Cirque Odyssey is an amazing profusion 

of daring skill, grace, strength and agility. 

The group is highly recommended by 

Peyton Entertainment out of Orlando, Fla.

“This show was chosen based on the 

popularity of traditional cirque shows 

you might see in Orlando or Vegas,” said 

MacDonnell. 

The Cirque story is about a group of 

young Canadian people who wanted nothing 

more than the freedom to dream a dream. 

Beginning with Montreal street kid, Guy 

Laliberte, it’s the tale of individuals who 

come forward at special moments in time to 

move that dream forward and share it with 

the world. It’s a dramatic mix of circus arts 

and street entertainment full of color.

Troopers are encouraged to bring cameras 

to get a photo with the performers. For more 

information, contact MacDonnell at x4882 

or email mwr.gtmo@gmail.com. 

“Runners can throw it in the trash and keep 

moving!”

One of his personal favorites, Tucker 

said the run is a unique opportunity for 

Troopers.

“I like how it’s as close to Cuban soil as 

you can get on the island, because once you 

go back stateside, it’s not something you will 

get to do again.”

Tucker advised wearing very comfortable 

running shoes, shorts and breathable shirts.

“Even though it’s in the evening, you 

will still work up a really good sweat,” he 

warned.

At the end of the run, Troopers will have 

Gatorade to drink and fruit to replenish 

carbohydrates and electrolytes.

Don’t forget your ID card and reflective 

belt, which are required to run the race.

For more information, contact Tucker at 

x2643.
trooper

Mass Communication Specialist 2nd 

Class Maddelin Angebrand

Bullet Bio

Time in service: 2.5 years

Hobbies: basketball, 

working out, movies

Pet peeves: cleanliness

Next goal: become a drill 

sergeant

Advice to junior Troopers: 

“Have patience with your 

job.”

| Trooper Focus The Wire | Page 5

Spc. Derek Smith knew he was joining the 

Army before he graduated high school and 

that he did – literally. He graduated early, and 

with his previous knowledge from the ROTC 

program at his school, off he went to become a 

31 Echo or corrections specialist in the Army.

“I joined for the experience and college,” 

said Smith. “I was just gung-ho about being a 

part of the Army. I saw other guys doing it and 

it looked interesting.”

His older brother also played a role in his 

decision.

“My brother is also a 31 Echo and he’s 

older than me,” Smith shared. “I kind of knew 

what I wanted to do because of him. I could be 

stationed with him someday.”

His job and training as a corrections 

specialist is what brought him to Joint Task 

Force Guantanamo, but striving for excellence 

made him part of an elite group of Soldiers in 

the 525th Military Police Battalion. 

“Because of his excellence not only in the 

work he does in the camps, but for his physical 

abilities, he’s part of the Warfighter competition 

team,” said 1st Sgt. Brain Stuckey, 1st Sgt of the 

193rd Military Police Company. 

The Warfighter is a competition for all 

military police members in the Army. They 

gather in September to compete in weapons 

knowledge, physical training, battle focus training 

and more. 

“It’s to see who the top team is – you 

represent your unit when you go,” said 

Smith. “It’s challenging and keeps me in 

shape.” 

Smith says he hopes to one day go to 

drill sergeant school and eventually become 

a first sergeant, but first he said he will need 

to get some more experience. 

“I would probably need to get another 

deployment under my belt and have more 

leadership opportunities with Soldiers and 

keep my PT up,” Smith explained.

Smith reenlisted in March for four years, 

one of which he will serve here, and the 

other three he will serve with his wife in 

Germany.

Boots on the Ground

What team are you rooting for this football season?

“My Pittsburgh Steelers is 

what I’m looking forward to. I 

think they’re going to the Super 

Bowl...again. In fact, I know 

they’re going!”

Master Sgt.

Ted Kraszka

 “I am looking forward to 

Michael Vick and the Eagles 

going to the Super Bowl. I don’t 

like all of the uproar that goes 

along with it though. It’s only 

football.” 

Parachute Rigger

2nd Class Anthony Navarro

Master-at-Arms 2nd Class

Nicole Hutchison

 “I’m a big Chicago Bears fan 

– looking forward to kicking 

the Packers’ butts! The whole 

game is so reminiscent of the 

military, with having strategy 

and competition.” 

“I’m originally from Wisconsin 

so I like the Packers. They 

probably won’t win but I still 

support them. I love getting 

together with the people, too.”

Army Sgt.

Michelle Lindsay

focus

 Spc. Derek Smith
 see CHAPLAIN, page 19

The Wire | Page 6 Sports |

Muslim chaplain offers services, 

guidance to GTMO community

Story by Mass Communication Specialist

 2rd Class Joe Ebalo

Story and photo by 

Army Sgt. Mathieu Perry

Muslim chaplain Capt. Rashad 

El-Saddiq visited Guantanamo 

Bay over the weekend to offer 

services to many practicing 

servicemembers and civilians on 

the island.

There are an estimated 6,500 

Muslims in the U.S. armed 

forces; El-Saddiq is one of three 

Air Force Muslim chaplains. His 

arrival came just in time for the 

holy lunar month of Ramadan. 

“My reason for being here is 

to accommodate (Guantanamo 

Bay’s) Muslim community in any 

way I can,” said El-Saddiq. “I am 

here to provide whatever they 

need.”

This was the captain’s first 

visit to Guantanamo Bay and 

he was looking forward to the 

unique mission.

“I have only been here two 

days and have not fully assessed 

everything going on,” said ElSaddiq. “My understanding is 

that there may be as many as 50 

members of the Muslim faith 

here at Guantanamo.”

The lunar month of Ramadan 

is of special importance to 

Muslims. It marks the month the 

first verses of the Quran were 

revealed. El-Saddiq said fasting 

is a major part of the celebration, 

as well as additional voluntary 

prayers in the evenings.

“This is our way of showing 

thankfulness to God for sending 

this revelation to humanity,” he 

explained. “During this time we 

fast from dawn to sunset. The 

reason we do this is as an act 

of devotion to commemorate 

the beginning of the holy book, 

Quran.”

Particular to the Muslim faith, 

five daily prayers, Friday worship 

services and Muslim holy days 

were conducted. The Maghirb 

(sunset) and Isha (evening) 

prayers at the base were also part 

of the services.

El-Saddiq emphasized he is 

here to serve everyone, regardless 

of their particular faith. 

“Muslim chaplains in general 

make ourselves available for 

ministry,” said El-Saddiq. “Our 

J6 Troopers ask ‘Can you hear me now?’

Projects implemented for increasing, improving connectivity

Joint Task Force Guantanamo’s 

Information Technology and 

Communications Department recently 

implemented new projects designed to 

benefit the entire work force and military 

community.

More than 10 different plans are 

currently in action to improve the 

overall speed and potential of computer 

network connections and radio frequency 

communications.

“What we are doing is modernizing 

our existing capabilities with tools 

better for the near term and for our 

troops,” said Air Force Capt. Linsey 

Cousins, J6 Future Operations officer 

in charge. “The J6 mission is to support 

Air Force Capt. Rashad El-Saddiq, a visiting 

Muslim chaplain, reads the Quran inside the 

Trooper Chapel, Monday. 

all of the JTF’s commission, detainee and 

intelligence operations as well as manage the 

information technology and communications 

infrastructure. These new projects, scheduled 

to be complete in the near future, will provide 

unprecedented support for enhancing our 

capabilities.”

Some of the plans include completely 

replacing the core network and all of the 

computer servers, ultimately improving 

productivity for each computer system. 

On the communications side, a new Land 

Mobile Radio upgrade will be available for all 

personnel using radios, especially safety and 

security personnel.

Many suggestions are brought up to the 

J6, but all ideas and equipment must fit 

the location, budget, shelf life and mission 

of the JTF. J6’s Future Operations Project 

Manager, Marine Staff Sgt. Mike Ortiz, 

said the approval process for new 

technologies and gear is lengthy but 

adequate.

“The bottomline is it needs to 

work here in Guantanamo,” said 

Ortiz. “Some of these projects 

were designed many years ago and 

others were developed in the last 

few months. It’s exciting to see them 

working now, but its only just the 

beginning.”

J6 continues to strive for 

improved connectivity and satisfied 

customers. 

“The time, technical expertise 

and teamwork put forth by the J6 

personnel is what makes projects like 

this come together,” said Cousins. 

“We look forward to bringing 

increased capability to the JTF.”
| News The Wire | Page 7

Story by Mass Communication Specialist 

1st Class Erica Gardner and 

Sonar Technician 1st Class John Humble

see BRODIE, pg. 19

Trooper mixes beats, creates lyrics with new local rap group

Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Francisco 

Brodie joined Joint Task Force Guantanamo 

as a camp guard in 2010, supporting the 

mission of providing safe, humane, legal 

care and custody of detainees. 

Since the inception of the individual 

augmentee program in 2002, more than 

80,000 Sailors have served on some form of 

augmentation – Brodie being one of them.

“One of my good friends joined the Navy 

and wanted me to join on the buddy system,” 

said Brodie. “He was very serious about his 

job in the Navy and I saw that within a sixmonth time frame he had visited more places 

than most people visit in a lifetime.”

Enlisting in the Navy taught Brodie 

responsibility and the importance of being 

on a team. He is proud to be a master-at-arms 

in the Navy, supporting the Harbor Patrol 

Unit as a force protection escort, monitoring 

ships passing in and out of the waterways 

along his homeport of San Diego.

During his free time, however, Brodie 

mixes music tracks in the comforts of his 

Cuzco barracks.

“I have always been driven,” said Brodie. 

“Even as a youth I felt I was destined for 

more than what I have been given.”

Brodie and his friends, Master-at-Arms 

2nd Class Garry Maxwell, Aircrew Survival 

Equiptmentman 2nd Class Claudell Brown, 

Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Vincent Bradley 

and Gas Turbine Technician Mechanical 2nd

Class Antwan Griffin, write music lyrics and 

create mixes infused with industry beats. 

They gather on “G” block of the Cuzco 

barracks on the weekends - cooking meals, 

discussing possible tracks and sampling 

different beats until they find the right one.

“We [as a group] are flexible and diverse 

enough that we can take anything and put 

lyrics on top of it,” says Brodie. “Our lyrics 

are not just random words on top of music; 

if you listen to the songs, they tell a little 

story about the situation going on.”

What was once a hobby has now become 

a passion for Brodie - the deployment to 

Guantanamo Bay allowed him to focus on 

the craft of making beats and writing lyrics. 

He purchased a studio to perfect his skills and 

before he knew it, 12.0 Production formed - 

a local rap group now exists to represent the 

Navy Expeditionary Guard Battalion. 

“I dedicated my time to getting better,” 

said Brodie. “I did a few songs by myself 

and people heard it and liked it. I then got 

with other people and as more people heard 

it, we decided to host a mini-concert, which 

formed our group and made us what we are 

today.” 

Brodie has the mind of a business 

manager; he has a profound thought process 

centered on accomplishing goals. His 

inspiration is having talent and the ability to 

do something better than someone else. 

Since being deployed to the island, 

Brodie learned to manage his tolerance and 

patience level, keeping him focused. The 

current mission in Guantanamo Bay is much 

different than any other he has supported.

“I took this opportunity to physically 

rebuild myself,” says Brodie. “I took a step 

back to look at people and the many different 

attitudes, then select the ones I want to be 

involved with.”

Brodie is taking time to evaluate 

himself as a person and as a Sailor without 

compromising who he really is. As the father 

of a three-year old son, he takes pride in 

being the type of person his child wants to 

imitate.

“My son pretends to rap like me,” said 

Brodie. “He walks around the house wearing 

my ball caps even though they are three sizes 

too big.”

As Brodie reflects on memories of his 

son, he also focuses on gaining the skills he 

needs in order to achieve his goals, both 

Four of the five members representing local island rap group 12.0 

pose for photos during the mini-concert provided at the Community 

Center. The members are (l – r): Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Garry 

Maxwell; Aircrew Survival Equiptmentman 2nd Class Claudell 

Brown; Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Francisco Brodie and Gas 

Turbine Technician Mechanical 2nd Class Antwan Griffin. 

- photo by Sonar Technician Submarines 1st Class John M. Humble
The Wire | Page 8 Sports |

Runners from Joint Task Force 

Guantanamo and the naval station 

community participated in a new 5k 

run, starting and ending at the Denich Gym, 

Saturday. 

More than 120 racers pounded the 

pavement in the “Good Run,” the winning 

name and route submitted to Moral, Welfare 

and Recreation’s “Name that Run” contest.

Mark and Kristen Good teamed up with 

Joe Koerber, a radio broadcaster at Radio 

GTMO, to develop the race path and the 

name came naturally.

“We just wanted to break up the monotony 

of the usual route and give runners a chance 

to see some different parts of base while 

they’re running,” said Kristen. “We were 

very happy so many people came out to 

participate on an early Saturday morning.”

Instead of running south from the 

base gym, the new route led runners north 

toward Ferry Landing and Naval Station 

Headquarters. Also, only a very small portion 

of the run followed Sherman Avenue, one 

of NAVSTA’s busiest roadways.

“We’re all about safety,” said Kristen. 

“What better way to keep the runners out of 

harm’s way then to divert them off the main 

roads and set up a new course where they 

can run along the water and around beautiful 

areas they might not have seen unless they 

work or live nearby.”

Alfredo Salcedo, utilities supervisor with 

the Base Emergency Engineering Force and 

race participant, said the run was challenging 

and fun.

“It was excellent,” said Salcedo. “This 

was the first time I ever entered any kind or 

running competition in my entire life and I 

won the top prize for my age group.”

The run was also motivating for families 

and civilians. Dane and Zach Stone, W.T. 

Sampson School students and competitive 

runners, took first and second place 

respectively in the boys’13 to 18 age group.

“We usually run in the mornings and 

challenge each other to go faster,” said 

Zach, the junior sibling. “It was really fun to 

compete with so many people and make it to 

the finish line.”

Zach’s older brother agreed.

“We have only been on the island for two 

weeks, so it was good to meet some of the 

runners and see other parts of the base,” 

Dane said. “Hopefully, we’ll meet more 

people who like to run when school starts 

and we can come out and compete in these 

events together.”

a ‘Good’ Run
| Sports The Wire | Page 9

Story by Mass Communication Specialist 

2nd Class Joe Ebalo

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 

1st Class Sally Hendricks

Runners and participants of all ages begin their journey on the MWR’s 

“Good Run” 5K, Saturday morning at the Denich Gym. Husband and wife 

Mark and Kristin Good, along with Radio GTMO’s Joe Koerber, won the 

“Name that Run” contest, sponsored by MWR. 

- photo by Mass communication Specialist 1st Class Sally Hendricks
When algae bloom, they can take on a familiar 

greenish, furry and slimy texture. To the naked 

eye, it may seem normal and even necessary to 

the environment, but to a team of marine biology 

specialists, algae patches in large form can have 

a negative impact on the underwater world, particularly the lush, 

Caribbean coral beds.

George Kenny and Jered Jackson, marine biology specialists from 

Naval Facilities Engineering Command Natural Resources Section 

in Florida, are visiting Guantanamo Bay for two weeks, collecting 

sediment samples to test for contaminants that could cause algae to 

grow rapidly. 

“We want to make sure the algae aren’t taking over the coral,” 

said Jackson. “These coral are some of the most beautiful in the 

Caribbean and we want to keep it that way.”

The two researchers are being escorted around the bay via boat 

by the Navy Dive Locker, collecting samplings from more than 30 

locations in the bay and on the beach shorelines. 

“These samples will help us identify possible contaminants in the 

water,” said Kenny. “If we do find a certain chemical in one area 

then we can look at how it is getting in the water system and if it 

contributes to algae blooms.”

By taking samples from different locations all around the bay - 

as opposed to just one location - the data will show more accurate 

readings of where a contaminant may have originated.

For example, one sample was taken near a waste water run off, 

which would be more likely to show a feces contaminant than if it 

were taken from miles away from the source.

“We also took a sample near the end of the GTMO river to see 

if anything shows up there,” said Kenny, “telling us what could be 

making its way from Cuba into the bay area.”

Algae blooms aren’t entirely bad for the ocean, but in large 

breakouts can begin to smother coral beds and the wildlife that make 

their living in and around the precious reefs.

“These blooms are actually normal,” Jackson explained. “We just 

need to make sure they don’t take on an ugly form which would cause 

coral and creatures to die.”

Chief Navy Diver Michael Hajduk, leading chief petty officer in 

charge of the Guantanamo Bay Dive Locker, has dived in places all 

Story by Mass Communication Specialist 

2nd Class Maddelin Angebrand

The Wire | Page 10 Feature |

Marine Biology Specialist Jered Jackson from Naval Facilities 

Engineering Command in Florida pulls a sediment collector up from the 

Guantanamo Bay River during a research project, Aug. 10.

- photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Maddelin Angebrand
over the world and said he enjoyed being able to show the researchers 

around the bay.

“These are some of the most beautiful waters I’ve ever dove in,” 

said Hajduk. “I totally support and understand the importance of 

maintaining our environment; there is so much to see below the 

surface and I want it to stay that way!”

The researchers wore gloves pre-soaked in acetone substance to 

ensure all samples are sterile and pure in order to yield the most 

accurate results. 

see ALGAE, pg. 19

| Feature The Wire | Page 11

- photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd 

Class Maddelin Angebrand

- photo by Army Sgt. Mathieu Perry
The Wire | 

Page 12

S

tandup comedian Bernie McGrenahan performed for 

more than 400 Guantanamo Bay Troopers and residents 

Wednesday as part of his “Happy Hour: Comedy with a 

Message” tour, sponsored by Guantanamo Bay’s Fleet and 

Family Support Center.

Designed to combine laughter with the sobering messages 

of alcohol abuse and sexual assault, the tour attempts to reach 

servicemembers through different means beside the basic Powerpoint 

presentation, said McGrenahan. 

“I’m here to support Fleet and Family Services,” said McGrenahan. 

“I’m here to deliver another angle of a message they’re trying to 

share.”

This is McGrenahan’s second visit to Guantanamo Bay -- he was 

also invited here three years ago as a guest of the United States Army. 

He said, as a comedian, he never dreamed he’d be performing his act 

at such a unique location.

“You read about Guantanamo Bay... in the newspaper but I never 

thought I’d actually be doing a show here,” he pondered. “It’s really 

an honor and a privilege.”

Hailing from New York, McGrenahan was surprised to find 

several of his audience members Wednesday night at the Trooper 

Chapel who also called the state home. With the 107th Military Police 

Company having just settled in, several of its members were witness 

to McGrenahan ‘s deeply personal story. 

Beginning with a straight, no holds barred standup act, the comic 

spent the first half hour cracking up the audience. Obviously aware 

of his military surroundings, McGrenahan spent time commenting 

on everything from pop culture to shopping at the commissary to 

the horror of being caught - quite literally - with your pants down. 

Often times he engaged the audience, leading to unexpected bits of 

improvisation from himself and his spectators. 

Using laughter as a starting off point, McGrenahan eased into 

his early struggles with alcohol, including the death of his younger 

brother. Mixing the two concepts - laughter and addiction - might 

seem foreign at first, but it is the key to what makes Troopers relate 

and listen to him. 

“I think I can help troops... by sharing my story with them,” 

McGrenahan explained. “I don’t lecture. I have a story and maybe it 

will resonate with them a little bit.”

Sharing such intimate and, at times, tragic details of his life was 

at first incredibly scary, he said, but after 15 years, he’s had the time 

and opportunity to hone it into a well-crafted balance of humor and 

reflection. 

“In the beginning, it was rough,” he explained. “Over the years 

I’ve lightened it up, it’s been a work in progress.”

Ultimately, McGrenahan said, it was due to the hard work and 

dedication of the Fleet and Family Support Center’s Director Kathy 

Selves and Sexual Assault Response Coordinator Jennifer Galka that 

the show was able to be such a success. 

“I’m going to miss them,” McGrenahan said mischievously. “I 

want to be Facebook friends now.”

Feature |

Story by Army Sgt. Meredith Vincent

Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 

2nd Class Maddelin Angebrand
The Wire | Page 13

Comedy!

... with a Catch

| Feature
On The Deck

Inside the Jar

MILLINGTON, Tenn. – 

Naval Personnel Command 

announced Wednesday that 

more than 60,000 Sailors will 

see their projected rotation date 

adjusted as Navy Personnel 

Command implements new 

Sea Shore Flow enlisted career 

paths.

“Detailers are currently 

reviewing Sailors records and 

making PRD adjustments 

as required,” said Capt. 

Michael White, assistant 

commander, NPC for Career 

Management. “Once all of 

the PRD adjustments have 

been completed a formal 

notification will be issued and/

commands can review their 

EDVR (enlisted distribution 

and verification report) for 

the changes.”

Navy administrative 

messsage (NAVADMIN) 

201/11, released July 2011 

announced revisions to Sea 

Shore Flow reflecting the 

increasingly sea-centric nature 

of naval service. 

Thirty-six ratings have 

increased sea time, and 18 

ratings are now classified as sea 

intensive. Specific Sea Shore 

Flow timelines for individual 

ratings are listed by rating in 

the NAVADMIN, which can 

be found at

www.public.navy.mil/

bupers-npc/reference/

Detailers review Sailors projected rotation dates

By Chief Mass Communication 

Specialist Maria Yager

CAMP LEATHERNECK, 

Afghanistan – Marines with the 

Houston-based 1st Battalion, 

23rd Marine Regiment, also 

known as the Lone Star 

Battalion, provided security and 

guidance to Afghan National 

Army soldiers traveling through 

Helmand province, Aug. 5.

The 650 ANA soldiers 

were traveling from basic 

training at the Consolidated 

Fielding Center in Kabul to 

their assigned battle-space in 

the heart of the city near the 

Iranian border. The Marines 

and an Italian Operational 

Mentor and Liaison Team 

escorted the ANA kandak, 

or battalion, from Forward 

Operating Base Ramrod on the 

Kandahar-Helmand border to 

FOB Delaram. 

It was the Marines’ duty to 

ensure that the Afghans were 

Lone Star Marines guide Afghan soldiers to new battle space

provided safe passage through 

the Regional Command 

Southwest area of operations 

in Helmand and Nimroz 

provinces. The Italian OMLT 

remained with the ANA for the 

entire nine-day, 1,110 kilometer 

journey. 

The newly trained Afghan 

soldiers were being led to their 

assigned units, where they 

will use the skills they learned 

during training to help bolster 

security.

“Though they are already 

trained in combat, we provide 

them with more experience 

and firepower in case they are 

attacked on their journey,” said 

Sgt. Joey M. Garcia, guide for 

2nd Platoon, Company C, 1st 

Battalion, 23rd Marines, and a 

native of Brownsville, Texas. 

“It’s also great for Afghans 

right off the bat to be able to 

work with and witness how 

coalition forces operate.”

The Marines and ANA 

soldiers stuck to Route 1, 

a paved highway, for most 

of their part of the escort 

mission. The route is a major 

supply road which connects 

the Helmand provincial capital 

of Lashkar Gah to the rest of 

Afghanistan.

Route 1 is known to have a 

significant improvised explosive 

device and insurgent activity 

threat, said Maj. Vincent J. Lazar, 

current operations planner for 

Regional Command Southwest, 

and a native of Cleveland. 

“It’s imperative that we 

provide security along Route 

1,” he explained.

The coalition presence also 

provided the ANA soldiers with 

assets the Afghan unit does not 

yet possess.

“The Afghans are more 

than capable of traveling this 

distance themselves, but we 

provide them with a Joint 

Terminal Attack Controller,” 

said 2nd Lt. Edward E. 

Arrington, platoon leader for 

2nd Platoon, Company C, and 

a native of Charlotte, N.C. 

The JTAC provides the 

coalition and Afghan forces 

the ability to direct and call in 

air support in case the convoy 

is attacked by heavy insurgent 

gunfire. 

Although the only conflict 

encountered during the escort 

was a vehicle break down, 

the Marines were still able to 

provide guidance, direction and 

security throughout the trip.

“It’s good for the junior 

Marines to be able to see more 

populated areas of Afghanistan 

and interact with other cultures,” 

said Arrington. 

At the end of the journey, 

the Marines turned over the 

ANA soldiers to a U.S. Army 

convoy waiting at Delaram in 

eastern Nimroz province. From 

there the Afghan troops will 

continue west toward their new 

units. 

By Cpl. Adam Leyendecker, 

II MEF (FWD)

The At Your Service | Wire | Page 14

messages/Documents/

NAVADMINS/NAV2011/

NAV11201.txt. 

“Since 2008, the number of sea 

duty billets has increased, while 

the number of shore duty billets 

has decreased,” said White. “The 

updated career paths provide 

optimal balance between sea duty 

and shore duty, enhances stability 

and improves predictability of 

the career paths for every Sailor 

in a sea-centric Navy.” 

According to White, Sailors 

with PRDs prior to May 2012, 

will not have their current PRD 

adjusted under the new Sea Shore 

Flow calculations. Rating detailers 

at NPC will determine what PRD 

adjustments all other Sailors will 

face based on the new guidance 

and fleet readiness. White says the 

adjustments will impact 60,150 

Sailors and expects adjustments 

will be complete Sept. 1.

Sea Shore Flow was first 

implemented in 2008 to replace 

pay-grade driven Sea Shore 

Rotation. Sea Shore Flow was 

made to help ensure proper 

manning of all sea duty and front 

line operational billets. At the 

same time, it helps to provide a 

more desirable work-life balance 

throughout a Sailor’s career 

by working to offset the often 

arduous nature of sea duty with 

predictable periods of meaningful 

work ashore. 

For more news from Navy 

Personnel Command, visit www.

navy.mil/local/npc/. 
On the Wing

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan 

– Keeping Soldiers in the fight is always a priority and the 401st 

Army Field Support Brigade’s adopted unit. The 358th Medical 

Detachment, Veterinary Services, does that in an extraordinary 

way.

The 358th Medical Detachment, Veterinary Services, is an Army 

Veterinary Services Reserve unit from Alabama whose mission 

includes keeping improvised explosive device detection dogs 

healthy and in the fight. 

After visiting the unit, at Forward Operating Base Leatherneck in 

January 2011, Col. Richard B. O’Connor, 401st AFSB commander, 

wanted to assist the unit in accomplishing their important mission. 

He decided to ‘adopt’ the unit and linked them with the 401st 

AFSB’s Logistics Task Force Leatherneck. 

Responding to O’Connor’s primary concern of obtaining an 

ambulance, 401st AFSB personnel located a Humvee ambulance 

from a Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services yard and 

refurbished it. The 401st was also able to obtain a Humvee for use 

as a secondary ambulance, explained Lt. Col. Robert Roy, 401st 

LTF Leatherneck commander. 

“We had no way to receive a patient [military working dog] 

from the airfield,” said Capt. Bradley M. Fields, veterinarian. “The 

Vet unit partners with field support brigade to keep 

IED detection dogs in fight

By Summer Barkley ambulance lets us transport litter-bound patients.”

Fields has completed more than 400 surgeries in what is now a 

level 3 trauma deployed hospital, but recalled using duct tape on the 

first dog he cared for. He said injuries to the dogs include shrapnel 

wounds, hernias, sucking chest wounds and post traumatic stress. 

The only injuries that cannot be cared for in theater are long-bone 

fractures due to the lengthy recovery time. 

“Our job is to keep the dogs healthy and in the field,” Fields 

added.

The dogs, all Labrador Retrievers, live adjacent to the clinic in a 

kennel that had no heat or air conditioning until the 401st worked 

with Army Sustainment Command’s Logistics Civil Assistance 

Program to install a generator to heat and cool the kennel. Fields 

said the temperatures are controlled enough to keep the dogs 

comfortable, but still keep them acclimated to the conditions they 

work in every day. 

Col. Michel M. Russell Sr., 401st AFSB commander since July 

17, visited the clinic and kennel Aug. 2 and pledged to continue 

the relationship between 401st and the Army Veterinary Service 

units assigned to Leatherneck. His first concern is to provide a 

back-up generator so the staff will not have to rely on battery 

power during surgeries in the event of a generator failure. 

“Keep up the good work,” Russell said. “We will continue to 

support you.” 

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. 

– Contractors who are working on the new 

runway here are crushing tons of concrete 

from the old runway and going ‘green’ by 

recycling it.

The suggestion came in October of last 

year when engineers here started laying out 

the blueprint for its brand new $43 million 

runway.

“When the contractors brought the idea 

of recycling the concrete to me, I loved 

it,” said Wayne Musselwhite, the 92nd Civil 

Engineer Squadron chief of construction 

management. 

“This isn’t an easy project, so it doesn’t 

just happen overnight, especially when you 

have an entire runway to redo and when you’re 

planning on recycling 60,000 tons of concrete and approximately 

20,000 tons of asphalt,” he said.

Contractors will complete the recycling portion of the project by 

taking the existing concrete from the old runway and crushing then 

reutilizing it. 

“The shoulders will have concrete underneath them and asphalt on 

the top,” Musselwhite said. “The remaining small chunks of asphalt 

will be recycled and used as field material under the new runway and 

on the over-runs.” 

Most of the crushed concrete will be recycled on base; the rest will 

be donated to the community. 

Fairchild goes green in a ‘concrete’ type of way

By Airman 1st Class Earlandez M. Young

92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

“The county would love to have some crushed concrete to put 

under the roads, so it is fairly easy to recycle concrete off base,” said 

Stanley Duda, a 92nd CES project manager. 

Airman 1st Class James Norwood, with the 92nd Force Support 

Squadron, says he believes others will recycle more after finding out 

engineers here recycled close to three miles of concrete.

“I think this will boost morale to recycle more because we’re 

always telling each other to go green, and people think about the 

usual things we recycle such as paper, cardboard boxes, ...” he said. 

“But, what about all of the other things we can recycle for example: 

CDs, DVDs, batteries, clothes and even ink cartridges. We need to be 

more ‘green Americans.’”

In The Trenches

| At Your Service The Wire | Page 15

Contractors control a paver as it forms a new runway, Aug. 1 at Fairchild 

Air Force Base, Wash. The paver molds crushed concrete, which once 

was the old runway, into a base for the new runway. 

- photo by Airman 1st Class Earlandez Young
The Wire | Page 16 At the Movies |

Movie Review

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

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

Monte Carlo

(PG) 8 p.m.

Larry Crowne

(PG-13) 10 p.m.

The Conspirator

(last showing)

(PG-13) 8 p.m.

Captain America

(PG- 13) 8 p.m.

Judy Moody

(last showing)

(PG) 8 p.m.

Transformers 3

(PG-13) 8 p.m.

Bad Teacher

(R) 8 p.m.

Downtown

Lyceum

Camp 

Bulkeley

No movie;

Check out the 

Cirque Odessy 

show at 8 p.m.

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

Spc. Meredith Vincent

R

92 min.

Monte Carlo

(PG) 8 p.m.

The Conspirator

(last showing)

(R) 10 p.m.

Cowboys & Aliens

(PG-13) 8 p.m.

Transformers 3

(R) 10 p.m.

Larry Crowne

(PG-13) 8 p.m.

Judy Moody

(last showing)

(PG) 8 p.m.

Bad Teacher

(R) 8 p.m.

X-Men: First Class

(PG-13) 8 p.m.

Captain America

 (PG-13) 8 p.m.

The movie title pretty much nails it. 

This is a BAD movie, plain and simple. 

Unfortunately, I have an entire column to fill 

and cannot just leave it at that, which means I 

must relive every painful minute of Cameron 

Diaz’s embarrassing attempt at being a crass, 

tactless gold digger. Oh, the humanity. 

Diaz is Elizabeth Halsey, a middle school 

teacher in Small Town, Ill., who has big 

dreams of marrying rich and – well, not 

much else. After her fiance dumps her, she 

goes on the hunt for another sad sap with 

a big wallet. Luckily, Justin Timberlake is 

Scott Delacorte, the new sub at her school 

and comes complete with a watch company 

inheritance. Cha-ching!

“Bad Teacher” reminded me of Julia 

Roberts’ 1997 flick, “My Best Friend’s 

Wedding.” Both movies feature a desperate 

chick set on snagging the guy of their 

dreams. But Roberts’ Julianna was motivated 

by the thought of losing her true love and 

best friend. “Bad Teacher’s” Elizabeth’s only 

concern throughout the movie is raising 

enough money for a new pair of breasts. I 

weep for the future, I really do.

Standing in Elizabeth’s way are two fellow 

teachers: perky redhead, and adorably named, 

Amy Squirrel (prim and perfect Lucy Punch) 

and low-key gym teacher Russell Gettis (the 

consistently lovable Jason Segal.) Amy’s got 

issues with Elizabeth’s approach to teaching 

(stick Michelle Pfeiffer’s “Dangerous Minds” 

in and let the television do all the work) and see MOVIES, page 19

Russell won’t take no for an answer after his 

multiple advances on Miss Halsey get shot 

down. 

Diaz shoots for raunchy, low-brow humor 

but it only takes about 15 minutes before her 

behavior is more unbearable than amusing. 

Many actors have taken on unlikable roles 

before (Billy Bob Thorton in “Bad Santa” 

comes to mind) but Diaz lacks the talent and 

charm to turn her Elizabeth from garish into 

golden. 

I was most disappointed by Timberlake. 

The former boy band heartthrob (and Diaz’s 

real-life ex) has proven himself to be a 

comedy powerhouse, becoming a Saturday 

Night Live favorite and an honorary member 

of the Lonely Island comedy trio. So what 

is he doing in this pile of trash? Scott is 

played as a drippy, one-note caricature – who 

knew it was possible to drain Timberlake of 

all his joyful goofiness? Granted, the most 

shocking scenes belong to him, but they are 

purposefully designed to horrify, not tickle. 

Elizabeth is given no redeeming qualities 

whatsoever, making Diaz’s job more and more 

hopeless. The schoolchildren she teaches are 

merely bumps in the road – don’t worry, there 

are no “life lessons” being handed out here, 

except maybe, “Don’t be ugly and/or weird.” 

The idea is that Elizabeth is one of the most 

unlikable characters to hit the screen, and 

that point is certainly pounded home. But 

she’s also one of the most joyless, bringing 

no fun or merriment to being so bad.

The movie really belongs to the two 

aforementioned supporting players. Lucy 
| News you can Use The Wire | Page 17

WASHINGTON – If the Iraqi government 

requests U.S. assistance beyond the Dec. 31 

deadline for U.S. forces to be out of Iraq, 

the U.S. government will discuss with Iraqi 

leaders what kind of assistance is needed 

and how the United States could provide 

that help, Defense Secretary Leon E. 

Panetta said here yesterday.

“But the bottom line is, whether it’s 

diplomatic or whether it’s military, we’ve got 

a long-term relationship with Iraq,” Panetta 

said during a presentation at the National 

Defense University. “We’ve invested a lot 

of blood in that country. And regardless of 

whether you agree or disagree as to how we 

got into it, the bottom line is that we now 

have, through a lot of sacrifice, established 

a ... relatively stable democracy that’s trying 

to work together to lead that country.”

In his first briefing with Pentagon 

reporters, Pentagon Press Secretary George 

Little said today that the recent bombings 

in Iraq -- including some suicide bombings 

-- are deplorable, but the overall trajectory 

in the country is up.

Little said Panetta had a good discussion 

today with Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, 

commander of U.S. Forces Iraq, and that 

the men had discussed the spate of attacks 

that killed at least 90 Iraqis and wounded 

hundreds.

“The secretary and General Austin are 

concerned about [the attacks],” Little said. 

“The operations that the Iraqis and U.S. 

armed forces are conducting jointly to 

thwart militants and terrorists in Iraq have 

yielded very good results.”

No group has claimed responsibility for 

the attacks, which struck Iraqi cities from 

Kirkuk to Baghdad to Basra. The largest 

loss of life was in Kut. The attacks have 

the earmarks of al-Qaida in Iraq, officials 

in Baghdad said.

“When it comes to the violence, ... the 

fact that there is some increased violence 

recently is ... to be expected,” Little said, 

noting that terror groups and militants will 

launch attacks to create the impression they 

are driving the Americans from the country, 

though the withdrawal is a result of a U.S.-

Iraq security agreement signed in 2008.

These terrorists want to “claim credit 

or gain prestige” for a withdrawal that has 

been planned and agreed to for three years, 

Little told reporters.

Meanwhile, the United States is 

committed to withdrawing all troops from 

Iraq by Dec. 31, marking the beginning of 

the next phase of U.S.-Iraqi relations, Little 

said.

Panetta sees long-term 

relationship with Iraq

Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON – Active duty Soldiers 

and their spouses will soon be able to get 

funding for books and supplies as part of 

the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill.

Beginning Oct. 1, active duty members 

and their spouses can receive up to $1,000 

for books and supplies, per academic year, 

as part of the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill. Active 

duty members were not previously eligible 

for the books and supplies funding.

Additional benefits to servicemembers 

and veterans include reimbursement of 

fees for exams used for admission to colleges. Such exams include the ACT, GMAT 

or SAT. Changes to the bill also mean reimbursement for more than one licensing 

or certification examination. Additionally, 

there are expanded benefits for non-college 

degree programs, on-the-job training, apprenticeship training, flight programs and 

correspondence training.

“I think the great thing about these 

changes (is) that it brings a lot more training 

options under the umbrella of this already 

robust program,” said Keith Wilson, director of education service at the Department 

of Veterans Affairs.

New enrollees in the program will also 

find that if they are entitled to the housing allowance (active duty and their spouses 

are not) they can receive that benefit while 

enrolled in certificate or other non-college 

degree programs or even long-distance 

learning.

Those enrolled in distance learning could 

receive up to 50 percent of the housing allowance provided to those who enrolled in 

on-campus education programs. The housing allowance for those in resident training 

is now prorated based on a student’s course 

load. A student taking a course load that is 

approximately 80 percent of what a school 

deems “full time,” would receive 80 percent 

of the housing allowance. Housing allowance for an in-resident student taking a full 

load is equivalent to the basic housing allowance for an E-5 with dependants.

Additional changes to benefits under 

the bill include elimination of housing payments for even short gap periods between 

enrollments. In the past, during the lessthan-one-month breaks between semesters, beneficiaries could continue to receive 

housing payments. But that is no longer the 

case, Wilson said.

While Wilson said VA is working to keep 

students informed of the changes, students 

will have to practice some “sound financial 

management” on their own to make rent 

payments during the short non-enrollment 

periods between semesters. Wilson pointed 

out that under the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, beneficiaries have never received housing allowance during the three-month summer 

break.

Wilson added that, when beneficiaries 

did receive housing payment between enrollments, they were actually burning up 

part of their benefits. The bill provides for 

36 months of benefits. If a student was getting just housing benefits for the nearly onemonth period between the fall and spring 

semesters, for instance, that would burn up 

a month of benefits.

The new change in law also affects payment eligibility, and now accounts for active 

duty service performed by National Guard 

members under Title 32.

A summary of recent changes to the 

Post-9/11 G.I. Bill can be found at http://

gibill.va.gov/benefits/post_911_gibill/

Post911_changes.html.

By C. Todd Lopez

Army.mil
Mind, Body & Soul

To Sleep or Not to Sleep:

 Getting ahead on getting to bed

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

The Mind, Body & Soul | Wire | Page 18

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 x2323 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

We are all familiar with the unpleasant 

effects of sleep-deprivation: fatigue, lack of 

energy, inattention and irritability. Most of 

us should really get more sleep—it would 

make us feel and perform much better and 

can even help us lose weight. But what about 

those of us who would love nothing more 

than to sleep, but can’t catch the Z’s we so 

desperately seek? Insomnia is a problem for 

many and whether it is due to anxiety, noise, 

caffeine or physical discomfort, these tips 

will help all who suffer from sleeplessness.

Chamomile tea is not just for old ladies 

and Englishmen. It comes in many types 

and has many different properties. The 

chamomile flower - no matter its species - 

contains relaxants. At bedtime, drink pure 

chamomile, not the blends with peppermint 

or honey. Also, it is important to avoid 

caffeine consumption for several hours 

leading up to bedtime.

Lavender has been shown by researchers 

to usher in and improve the quality of sleep. 

You can use essential oil in an infuser, dried 

lavender in a sachet or fresh lavender in a 

vase--just make sure it’s the real deal and 

not artificial. 

Earplugs will help deaden noise. 

Although some people say they don’t like 

the feel of them, there are different shapes, 

materials and sizes. Earplugs are especially 

beneficial in a deployment setting where you 

are sharing a room with others and working 

different schedules and shifts. Come by 

JSMART to get complimentary earplugs 

and a sleep mask. 

Navy Lt. Lindsay Gleason, JSMART OIC

White noise (like from a fan) will also 

help with drowning out external noises and 

sounds. 

Digital alarm clocks can be too bright 

and anxiety provoking, staring at us with 

those blood-red numbers, telling us how 

many hours and minutes till we have to get 

up. They will only raise your anxiety. Have a 

clock handy so you don’t have to get out of 

bed to check it. Most of us have cell phones 

or laptops nearby, which can do the trick.

Bedding is very important for a good 

night’s sleep. Weighted blankets and soft 

sheets are a must. Also, quiet sheets are 

vital. A rustly sheet or crackly comforter 

can wake us with the slightest movement. 

Itchy at night? You’re probably allergic to 

your detergent, or you’re putting too much 

soap in the wash and not getting a clean 

rinse.

If you are someone who is on the hunt 

for a good night’s sleep, try these tips. Sleep 

tight, and don’t let the bed bugs bite. Sweet 

dreams.
| The Last Word The Wire | Page 19

BRODIE cont. 

Punch and Jason Segal score the most 

genuine laughs with the most relatable 

characters. As the straight-and-narrow 

Amy, Punch turns what could’ve been 

an insufferable character into a hysterical 

tragedy. And Segal proves that, in a movie 

where tastelessness is the main ingredient, 

delivery and wit can sweeten the pot much 

more. Give these two a movie on their own 

and I’ll show up any day. In the meantime, 

Diaz and her bad ways get one very bad 

banana rat.

presence is like that of every other chaplain 

in the armed forces, many times in the 

form of a listening, caring ear to hear the 

concerns of servicemembers.”

JTF cultural advisor, Zak, who declined 

to give his last name, said the visit by a 

Muslim chaplain is appreciated by the 

Muslim community.

“This is an example of JTF taking 

responsibility and care of the religious 

needs of servicemembers,” said Zak.

El-Saddiq’s favorite part of his job is 

breaking long-held stereotypes and showing 

people a different side of religion.

“When they see me in this uniform 

and also wearing this kufi on my head and 

a beard as well, it can serve as a reminder 

that, yes, we are Muslims,” said El-Saddiq. 

“But we can serve as members of the Navy, 

Marine Corps, Army and Air Force, also.”

professional and personal. The 

immediate goal of pinning on 

first class crows is on his horizon 

and he plans to pursue a career as 

a Line Duty Officer, continuing 

to enjoy a career in the Masterat-Arms field.

“I enjoy being in the Navy,” 

said Brodie. “There is nothing 

me or anyone cannot do without 

knowledge. I do not need a really 

high IQ to accomplish what 

I want – I am that driven to 

succeed.”

The determination to obtain 

training to enhance his current 

skill set helped Brodie research 

the qualifications necessary to 

participate in the Command 

Managed Equal Opportunity 

course, usually offered to first 

class petty officers and above. 

“I took advantage of the 

training opportunity,” said 

Brodie. “If I ever get to 

participate in such a program, I 

will already be qualified.” 

For Brodie, being in the 

military is like having a society 

within a society. Other military 

personnel can relate to many 

of the experiences he has 

encountered. This is where 

many of the lyrics to his songs 

come from. 

Brodie and Maxwell met 

Jackson also noted the timing of their 

study could not be any better.

“Thanks to tropical storm Emily,” Jackson 

shared, “if there are any contaminants we 

will find them now, because storms have 

a tendency to push that stuff into nearby 

waterways.”

Gathering the sediment samples is just 

part one of the group’s study on Guantanamo 

Bay. This week the team will unite with divecertified researchers from various colleges 

to collect photo documentation on the 

current conditions of different coral beds 

throughout the bay. 

“Taking photos of them will allow us to 

see a progression over time of the health 

while in the Middle East on 

deployment and the two were 

reunited on Guantanamo Bay. 

“I am kind of like the 

always happy spirit, counselor, 

preacher,” said Maxwell. “I keep 

the group together when things 

start to get shaky.”

Brodie and the rest of 12.0 

Productions would like people to 

hear their music and appreciate 

the time, effort and talent that go 

into making their craft. People 

have heard their mixes and 

comment how good they are, 

not realizing everything is made 

from Brodie’s Cuzco room. 

“There are a lot of late nights 

and dedication to the product in 

a 6 x 6 room,” said Brodie. “This 

has tested our friendships as a 

lot of frustration and emotion is 

created, too.”

Brodie understands each 

milestone his group meets 

and completes is a step toward 

recognition and stardom. The 

work ethic devoted to his 

military career is mirrored in his 

hobby and reads like a recipe for 

success.

“Never let other people tell 

you what you can’t do,” said 

Brodie. “You put your mind to 

anything and you can accomplish 

whatever you want.” 

of the corals,” said Jackson. “That will also 

allow us to catch an algae bloom and note its 

effects on the coral.”

The team will send their findings and 

samples off to a lab at Florida Atlantic 

University and review the results. If any 

contaminants are found, action will be taken 

to protect the water, wildlife and corals, 

but the researchers hope to see a positive 

outcome. 

“We really just want to sustain the beauty 

of the coral here so they can thrive and 

continue to be enjoyed by divers and wildlife 

for years to come,” Jackson concluded.

Stay tuned for part two of the study in 

next week’s Wire issue. 

MOVIES cont. ALGAE cont. 

CHAPLAIN cont. 

Information Assurance Information Assurance 

Tip of the Week Tip of the Week

#1 Cause of a DISA Failure, #1 Cause of a DISA Failure, 

“UNATTENDED CAC UNATTENDED CAC”.

Do you know where YOUR CAC is? Do you know where YOUR CAC is?
STAYING FIT

Maj. Winston Tierney, Commanding Officer of the Marine Corps Security Forces 

Company, swims laps at Marine Hill pool as part of his morning workout, 

Monday. - photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kilho Park

NIGHT VISION

The United States Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team Boston and 

Marine Corps Security Forces Company simulate the extraction process of 

injured persons during a casualty evacuation exercise, Wednesday. - photo by 

Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kilho Park

LIFE SAVERS?

Soldiers assigned to the 525th Military Police Battalion “Warfighters” team at 

Joint Task Force Guantanamo Bay, make their way through an obstacle course 

to a simulated wounded casualty during a first response training evolution, 

Tuesday. - photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kilho Park

TheJTF

SOARING HIGH

A passenger aircraft lifts off under stormy conditions Monday at Leeward Point Airfield at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay. The airfield 

is used by JTF Guantanamo for flights, supply replenishments and search and rescue operations. - photo by Mass Communication Specialist 

2nd Class Kilho Park