Volume 12, Issue 40 Friday, September 23, 2011

No Ordinary Saturday Morning:

PLUS:

Beacon of Light

Therapy pup offers 

comfort to Troopers

MCSF Co. triathlon tempts, tests GTMO athletes

Bees from the Sea

Checking in with

the new Seabees
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.

Command Corner |

JTF Guantanamo

Commander

Navy Rear Adm. David Woods

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: 

Spc. Kelly Gary

Photojournalists:

Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sally Hendricks

Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kilho Park

Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class 

Maddelin Angebrand

Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jon Dasbach

Army Sgt. Mathieu Perry

Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class 

Marquis Whitehead

Contact us

Editor’s Desk: 3651

From the continental United States

Commercial: 011-53-99-3651

DSN: 660-3651

E-mail: thewire@jtfgtmo.southcom.mil

Online: www.jtfgtmo.southcom.mil

COVER: Teri Wanger makes her way through the obstacle course during the Marine 

Corps Security Force Company’s triathlon, Saturday, to complete the last leg for Team 

Girl Power. - photo by Spc. Kelly Gary

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS? 

This may be a tough question for most of us to answer honestly. 

Sure, we all can come up with a list of goals that sound 

commendable. And we may even actually believe we are working 

toward achieving those goals. But, if we truly examine our actions 

(and inactions), we may find we are motivated on a day-by-day 

basis by external guidance, rather than internally-driven goals.

This external guidance consists largely of rules – and most 

rules tell us what not to do (e.g. don’t drink and drive; don’t do drugs; 

don’t lie, cheat, or steal; etc). It’s easy to become too focused on 

what not to do. Many people take pride in not breaking rules – 

and/or criticize those who do.

Likewise, some of us are overly driven by external guidance 

which tells us what to do. This can be especially true in the military 

– as we generally have a career path laid out for us, describing 

what actions are required to advance and succeed.

Following the rules is not bad! I hope we can all follow all 

the rules. But we should attempt more. Don’t settle for simply 

following the rules; rather, strive to achieve internally-driven goals. 

Make a difference! Leave things better than you found them. 

Help a friend (or a stranger) when able. Develop an improved 

process.

Life can be compared to sailing. Simply following the rules 

is like maintaining the same tack (sail setting) no matter how the 

wind changes – you may make good speed, but you’ll end up 

wherever the wind takes you. However, if you have internallydriven goals, you’ll be more like the helmsman who adjusts sails 

as necessary (always keeping them trimmed properly) to get to a 

particular destination. 

Endeavor to do more than to simply follow the rules. Set (and 

live up to) personal goals that will truly make a difference.

Trooper to Trooper featuring

Senior Chief Petty Officer

Steven Haig

Today I would like to take a minute or two 

to talk about driving under the influence and 

drinking alcohol in excess. 

Command parties, family gatherings 

and casual get-togethers with friends and 

family take place in abundance throughout 

the summer season. Most people enjoy the 

opportunity to attend social gatherings away 

from the work place, but it can lead to a 

potential for alcohol overconsumption and 

increase the risk of impaired driving. 

Of course, the majority of our Troopers 

do the right thing and manage the risk by 

drinking responsibly and designating sober 

drivers. But, we cannot become complacent. 

We need to take what we’ve learned and 

build on that so we can continue to move in 

the right direction. 

Everyone needs to stop and think about 

how they handle alcohol. There are going 

to be parties, and typically, there’s alcohol 

involved. Pay attention, and remember that 

you don’t need to drink, or drink excessively, 

to have a good time. It’s important to plan 

for success if you do choose to drink alcohol 

at a party. That plan should be in place before 

taking the first sip of alcohol so it’s easier to 

make smart decisions, even if you’re under 

the influence. There are a few steps you can 

take to minimize the risk of driving under 

the influence: Designate a driver, use base 

transportation or utilize your command’s 

| Trooper to Trooper The Wire | Page 3

PSEC ALERT

THINK BEFORE YOU SEND!

Do you Yahoo?

How about Gmail or Hotmail? Is the e-mail account you use one that you got for free just for signing up? If so, 

remember things acquired for free may not be all they’re cracked up to be. Most “free e-mail” accounts do 

not use very strong security. Make sure you are careful and avoid sending sensitive information via e-mail. 

Hackers are known to target personal e-mail accounts of military people, looking for sensitive, personal 

information or information about military operations. Do not send work information on an unsecured “free” 

e-mail account. Think before you hit the send button. Be safe, use OPSEC!

Senior Enlisted Leader, MSST Boston

courtesy patrol/safe ride program (x84781) 

and be accountable to yourself and your 

fellow servicemembers. 

When it comes to accountability, everyone 

plays a part. Bystander intervention is a 

concept that empowers Troopers, up and 

down the chain of command, to step in 

when they see a potentially dangerous situation, such as a shipmate who wants to drive 

after a night of drinking.

 When commands hold parties, remember 

some Troopers who don’t ordinarily drink 

might get carried away which could lead 

to excessive drinking. Leaders need to talk 

about responsible consumption before a 

command-sponsored event and plan for safe 

rides home for anyone who’s had too much. 

This is risk management on duty. In 

an operational environment, we train our 

people in advance to get the job done safely. 

A social environment should be no different 

when it comes to risk management. It’s still 

vitally important, because it doesn’t matter 

whether we lose someone in an on or offduty mishap – it remains a tragedy for the 

team and diminishes our readiness. 

While a lot of effort is expended to 

eliminate drunk driving, many fatalities and 

injuries reported have nothing to do with 

motor vehicles, but do involve Troopers who 

made bad decisions because they were drunk. 

Decisions such as participating in a high-risk 

activity without proper training or personal 

protective equipment are common in mishap 

reports involving alcohol. Alcohol is also 

implicated in a number of sexual assault 

cases, so it’s important servicemembers 

know they are accountable for their actions 

and that intoxication is no excuse for bad or 

even criminal behavior. 

To our leaders, clearly communicate 

the command’s expectations. Don’t beat 

them down – talk to them and foster an 

environment where Troopers can talk to 

each other. Give them ownership of the risk 

management process. 

To our Troopers, take care of each other. 

It may be difficult, but have the courage to 

do what’s right.
The News from the Bay | Wire | Page 4

News from the Bay Stories and reporting by

 Spc. Kelly Gary and

 Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sally Hendricks

Come clean up the 

Slot...and then dive it

If you love diving the Slot but are tired of 

worrying whether or not your tetanus shot is 

up to date, now is the time for action! Come 

join Reef Raiders as they clean up one of 

the best dive sites on Guantanamo Bay.

Cleaning will be on Saturday at 8 a.m. 

until the beach sparkles...and then a dive.

The person who collects the most 

intriguing piece of flotsam or jetsam will 

receive a door prize.

For more information, contact Reef 

Raiders at x77315.

MWR Pirates Day Fun 

Run at Ferry Landing

Avast, me hearties! Morale, Welfare and 

Recreation is sponsoring a Pirates Day Fun 

Run, Saturday, at Ferry Landing.

There is no need to register, show up time 

is 7:30 a.m. The actual race will begin at 8 a.m. 

It will be brief but fun, matey! 

This is only a two-mile run and, if brave 

enough, walking the plank is on the agenda. 

MWR’s fitness coordinator Tanya 

Henigman remembered Sept. 19 was Pirates 

Day and said she wanted to put on an activity 

that would be appropriate. After searching 

through the internet, she discovered the history 

of Pirates Day and felt it would be something 

the community would enjoy. 

“I thought this was the perfect place to do 

a pirates run,” said Henigman. “This is where 

all of those scallywags sailed their boats. Where 

do you think all of that sea glass came from?”

For more information, call Henigman at 

x2113 or Denich Gym at x77262. 

Flu vaccinations in 

time for season

Flu season is coming up and the Joint 

Trooper Clinic is giving out the vaccines 

beginning Sept 22 at various locations.

Army Sgt. Darol Burdge, noncommissioned officer in charge of the JTC, 

UFC: Jackson versus 

Jones at O’Kelly’s Pub

O’Kelly’s pub will be showing the UFC 

Championship fight Saturday at 9:00 p.m.

Two ferocious 205lb fighters go to war in the 

303 for a belt they’ve both had and both want 

again. Jon Jones will fight Rampage Jackson 

in the main event. Josh Koscheck fights Matt 

Hughes in the co-main event. 

“There is usually a core group of people 

who always show up for these fights,” said 

Jim Estep, Morale, Welfare and Recreation’s 

director of hospitality. “They look forward to 

their time when the fights begin.”

For more information, call Jim Estep at 

x55102. 

Vaughn Anthony sings 

blues at the Tiki Bar 

Morale, Welfare and Recreation is 

bringing some rhythm and blues to the 

island this Saturday at 10 p.m. as Vaugn 

Anthony performs at the Tiki Bar. 

Anthony was born into a very talented 

musical family. His brother is John Legend, 

singer of the 2005 hit “Ordinary People,” 

who also bares his soul through music. 

MWR continues to attract talent to 

entertain the Guantanamo Bay population. 

Anthony’s soulful sound will bring a fresh, 

new rhythm ot the island.

For more information, call Ebony at 

x84068. 

Boots on the Ground

Where in the world would you travel and why?

 “I want to go to Japan. It sounds 

like a very exotic place to me. 

I have always been fascinated 

with the culture. It seems so 

interesting.” 

Logistics Specialist

2nd Class

Yanbin Kuang

“I would go to Peru. I want 

to climb Macchu Pichu. My 

husband and I want to climb 

it together next year after our 

deployments.”

Culinary Specialist 

2nd Class

Peter Torres

Army Sgt.

Veronica Arquette

 “I would travel to Rio. I heard the 

women there are great! I think that 

would be a wonderful trip. What 

better reason could there be?”

“I want to go to Australia 

for scuba diving. I heard it’s 

awesome. I love the scuba 

diving here so I know it will be 

fantastic there.”

Spc. 

Christyal Murray

and his staff will begin administering the flu 

vaccinations this week. They will be traveling 

to different areas to accommodate everyone.

“This way we can better assure that 

everyone will get the vaccination,” said 

Burdge. “We will accommodate everyone 

this way for a couple of weeks and then 

finish at the trooper clinic.”

Flu shots this year will protect against 

three strains of influenza, including H1N1. 

It is the same vaccine given last year and no 

shortages are expected. It takes approximately 

two weeks for a flu shot to fully take effect 

so be cautious.

For more information, contact the JTC at 

x3395.

trooper

Bullet Bio

Time in service: 6 years

Hobbies: volleyball, 

running, playing drums, 

reading

Pet peeves: negative 

attitudes 

Next goal: become an officer

Advice to junior Troopers: 

“Something my volleyball 

coach always said: ‘Never 

say, ‘I can’t.’”

| Trooper Focus The Wire | Page 5

After six months of writing feature 

stories for The Wire, finally I get to be 

conversational. When my editor asked 

if I’d be interested in writing a farewell 

column, you better believe I jumped at 

the opportunity. I learned the hard way 

(by the wrath of many red hash marks 

during the editing process of my stories) 

that “I” doesn’t belong in feature stories – 

only in a few regular columns of The Wire

like the Trooper to Trooper or the movie 

review. So, here I am, at last, writing from 

my perspective! 

Let me introduce myself; I’m Mass 

Communication Specialist 2nd Class 

Maddelin Angebrand, also known as “that 

girl who writes for the Wire.” It’s been a 

wonderful adventure telling the stories 

of you – the Troopers - who make this 

mission happen. I can’t tell you enough 

how much I’ve learned from all of you 

as you opened your hearts to my pen and 

lens. I’ve interviewed and photographed 

countless Troopers on this deployment 

in an effort to share with my audience 

real stories about real Troopers doing 

what they love. One had a passion for 

swimming, another for leather working, 

another for flower making, another for 

BMX riding – the list goes on and I can 

truly say it’s been a blast and each of you 

touched my life by letting me into yours. 

There were weeks where I wondered 

what my next story would be and magically 

I’d get a phone call or email asking me to 

highlight another Trooper’s journey. Many 

of the stories found their way to me, as 

if I were destined to meet these people 

and share their lives with others. It often 

amazed me how people opened up and 

talked about their dreams, struggles and 

families. 

I must admit though, I couldn’t have 

told these tales if it weren’t for my two 

wonderful editors, Army Sgt. Meredith 

Vincent and Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Cossel. 

Thank you both for every single correction 

made to each story I wrote. If it weren’t for 

the both of you, there would be no Wire.

Lastly, as I look back on all the stories, I 

see a common trend – a deep desire to be 

heard and understood, along with an even 

stronger longing to reach families back 

home. I can only hope the Troopers I was 

fortunate enough to meet and talk with 

feel I did their stories justice. 

As for the readers, I will leave you with 

this – embrace your story, share it with 

others and teach from your experiences. I 

believe we all have something to offer, but 

can only do this by looking back on our 

lives at the good, the bad and the ugly to 

find truth, meaning and guidance to share 

with our peers. So, let your story be told! It 

could be the one that motivates someone 

to live their life differently. 

focus

Petty Officer 2nd Class

 Maddelin Angebrand
Story and photo by Mass Communication 

Specialist 3nd Class Marquis Whitehead

Competition heats up as MWR’s 

basketball season gets underway

other as well as volunteer male teams on 

Fridays.”

The basketball league abides by NCAA rules 

and has two, 20-minute halves with a continuous 

clock that only stops when there is two minutes 

left in the second half. Good sportsmanship is 

emphasized in all MWR sports leagues and 

programs and is incorporated at every coach 

and staff meeting.

Coach of Team Militia, Jason Oprien said 

team unity and control will help them win. 

“I’m going to let my team know that arguing 

won’t do anything but divide us,” said Oprien. 

“Just stick by each other and we will succeed.”

Of the teams returning from the previous 

season, Shottas, Militia and the Naval Station 

Medical team are considered very strong. 

Army Division Team 525 are the defending 

champions of the winter/spring season; 

Servicemembers attached to Joint Task 

Force and Naval Station Guantanamo 

participated in a Morale, Welfare and 

Recreation sponsored Fall singles and 

doubles tennis tournament, Sept. 17.

The one-of-a-kind event was unique as 

the players organized and officiated the two 

week-long tournament without any MWR 

personnel present at the base tennis courts.

“All we did was set up a draw and 

reserve the courts,” said Alana Morrison, 

MWR athletic director. “The rest was up 

to the players.”

More than 15 Troopers, civilians 

and family members competed in the 

tournament, not for a trophy or T-shirt, 

but for pure sport and challenge. Many 

of the participants were at beginner or 

intermediate skill levels while others had 

extensive experience and training in the 

game, but the main point was to improve 

their playing ability.

“Tennis is different from most of the 

sports leagues we host because, often times, 

the players know the rules and regulations 

better than we do,” said Morrison. “Because 

they are such a tight knit group with a shared 

love for the game, it just makes sense for 

them to host a tournament by and for the 

local players.”

During the event, competitors and teams 

played two out of three sets per match in 

both the singles and doubles divisions. The 

tournament was double elimination, giving 

everyone at least two chances to make it to 

the championships.

For Patricia Charles and Ed Limonta, 

it was their first time playing together as a 

team. Fortunately, they reached the finals of 

the doubles section.

“It was a learning experience for us 

and a lot of fun,” said Charles. “We didn’t 

have to wait for a referee or try to cram our 

matches into our workdays and that really 

helped us play at ease and enjoy ourselves.”

“I love tennis, but I just haven’t played 

at a competitive level in years,” agreed 

Limonta. “The flexible schedule allowed 

me to go out there and play hard, then rest 

when I needed to.”

One of the youngest players in the 

tournament, Edward Belch, said he 

learned a valuable lesson when it comes to 

tournament play.

“It is not the same as just coming out 

and just hitting around,” said Belch. “I 

played singles and doubles and in all of 

my matches everybody played really hard 

almost every point – I hope we have more 

tournaments because I want to improve my 

game!”

Players host two-weeklong tennis tournament

Story by Mass Communication Specialist 

2nd Class Joe Ebalo

The center for Team ‘You Don’t Want None’ attempts to score over 

opposing Team ‘Lights Out’on Tuesday at Denich Gym on the second 

day of the fall basketball season. 

The Wire | Page 6 Sports |

Basketball season is back on Guantanamo 

Bay for only the second time this year. 

Usually having three full seasons a year, 

basketball had a lengthy drought due to a lack 

of officiating personnel to support another 

tournament. As a result, the Morale, Welfare 

and Recreation department worked around the 

clock to build a strong officiating core, securing 

a new season of basketball highlights. 

The fall league consists of eight male teams 

and two female teams. Alana Morrison, sports 

coordinator for MWR said that the renewal of 

the female basketball teams is a top priority for 

her. 

“We have enough females for three teams, 

but since we’re in a rebuilding phase of female 

basketball, we’re only going with two,” said 

Morrison. “The females will play against each see BASKETBALL , pg. 19

Story and photo by Mass Communication 

Specialist 2nd Class Joe Ebalo

Retired Navy chiefs 

transport Troopers

More than 100 years 

experience between 

island’s five ferry pilots

| News The Wire | Page 7

All servicemembers and civilians on 

Guantanamo Bay have at one time or 

another made their way from the Leeward 

side of the base to the Windward side and 

back by way of the island’s ferry. 

For some, being on a large boat 

transiting across the bay might be a 

little bit unnerving; others find the ride 

enjoyable and relaxing. All should know 

they are in good hands while taking the 

ferry or any other water transportation in 

the Guantanamo Bay Harbor.

For more than 10 years, five U.S. Navy 

Craftmasters – boat captains – have 

piloted ferries, tugboats and small boat 

vessels for the Joint Task Force and Naval 

Station Guantanamo community. Each of 

them retired from the U.S. Navy as Chief 

Boatswains Mates and a few of them even 

served with NAVSTA Guantanamo Port 

Operations while on active duty.

Retired Sailors Martin Bryant, Jack 

Tomlin, John Walker, Mike Spiker and J.R. 

Owens are responsible for manning all 

ferry routes on Guantanamo Bay, seven 

days a week.

Between them, there is more than 100 

years of experience behind the helm.

“They are an incredibly weathered crew 

and we’re lucky to have them,” said Senior 

Chief Boatswains Mate Carelton Jakebec, 

NAVSTA Guantanamo assistant port 

operations officer. “They know the waters, 

the boats and the weather – the community 

couldn’t have better ferry pilots.”

In 1999, Bryant was the first to accept 

a position as a civilian Craftmaster at port 

operations.

“As soon as the command opened up 

the job for civilians, I applied and I’m 

happy it was available, because I love what 

I do,” said Bryant. “It has been more than 

10 years and I still love it.”

Bryant said the local knowledge and 

experience the Craftmasters have is 

invaluable.

“More than half of our team has 

worked here in GTMO as an active duty 

Navy Boatswains Mate and it shows in our 

outstanding safety record,” Bryant said. “It 

is critical for us to be up to speed on all the 

factors that can affect us out there.”

To qualify for civilian employment, 

Craftmasters must have worked with the 

Navy or U.S. Coast Guard and have at 

least five years of documented experience 

operating harbor tugs or point-to-point 

ferry operations. They are also required 

to demonstrate specific proficiencies 

such as radar navigation, close quarter 

maneuvering and precision anchoring as 

well as an overall charge of the vessel. 

In addition to their duties as boat 

captains, Bryant and Tomlin are also 

qualified as harbor pilots. When working 

in this capacity, they are responsible for 

visiting ships, advising them on weather 

and water conditions, supervising tugboats, 

dock masters and line handlers mooring 

the ship to the pier. 

“We are all here because we love being 

on the water and taking care of the harbor,” 

said Tomlin. “Even more than that, we 

want to support our troops and give back 

to the military community in the best way 

we know – on the water.”

Boat Captain’s Martin Bryant (right), Jack Tomlin (center) and J.R. 

Owens (left) pilot a ferry into the Naval Station Guantanamo pier, 

Wednesday. The boat captains are part of a five-man team of retired 

U.S. Navy Chief Boatswains Mates who are responsible for manning 

all the ferry routes on Guantanamo Bay, seven days a week. 
Story by Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Cossel 

Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kilho Park The Wire | Page 8

Feature |

see BEACON, pg. 19

Puppy Love

Red Cross volunteer, “Beacon,” sheds light 

on animal-assisted therapy, stress relief.

Like so many Troopers, when 

the call came, Spc. Amanda 

Russell put away her belongings, 

said goodbye to friends and family, 

kissed her beloved dog on the head 

and joined her unit for a year-long 

mobilization to Joint Task Force 

Guantanamo.

But, unlike so many, Russell, 

a broadcaster for JTF’s public 

affairs office, found a way to bring 

a member of her family – her 

90-pound bull mastiff, Beacon– 

with her. And she didn’t stop 

there. 

Before deploying, Russell 

researched animal-assisted therapy 

and how to get Beacon into the 

program; her deployment brought 

those thoughts to an end.

“But the idea stuck with me,” 

Russell explained. “When we 

got here, I reached out to the 

American Red Cross to see if 

there was a need or desire for a 

therapy animal.”

Russell said the American Red 

Cross was enthusiastic about the 

idea. There was just one problem - 

Beacon was still in the states.

After a somewhat arduous 

process, Russell found a 

foster family on Naval Station 

Guantanamo Bay to shelter 

Beacon and while on leave, drove 

him to Florida and loaded him on 

an Air Sunshine flight destined for 

Guantanamo Bay.

“Beacon is a road warrior,” 

said Russell, “But that was his first 

airplane trip.” 

Before Beacon could bring 

his love to the island, the Naval 

Station veterinarian put him 

through a rigorous series of stress 

and temperament tests.

“They poked him, prodded 

him, scared him,” she said, 

describing the scenario, “Trying to 

see how he would react,” Beacon 

passed with flying colors.

Russell said she’d like to take 

credit for Beacon’s great behavior 

and while she did spend time 

training him, she credits most of 

it to the pup himself.

“He’s just a really good, lovable 

dog with a great temperament,” 

she said.

It was through the vet that Navy 

Lt. Lindsay Gleason learned of 

Russell and Beacon. Already well 

versed in animal-assisted therapy, 

Gleason, Joint Stress Mitigation 

and Restoration Team officer in 

charge, said she was very keen on 

using Beacon as an additional tool 

at JSMART.

“I wish I had found out about 

him sooner,” Gleason admitted. 

Gleason has already worked 

Beacon into part of one patient’s 

therapy regime and the benefits are 

showing. She detailed one session 

|

FeatureThe Wire | Page 9

Beacon, a Red Cross volunteer and animalassisted therapy dog, has a calm, soothing 

temperament, says his owner, Spc. Amanda 

Russell (pictured with Beacon on opposite 

page), making him perfect for the job. 
News | | News

Gunnery Sgt. Roberto Ortiz pedals up an incline on Marine Hill during the second leg of the Marine Corps. 

Security Force Company triathlon plus obstacle course, Saturday morning. - photo by Spc. Kelly Gary

(opposite page, top) Navy Lt. Henry Pollock crawls across one of the various obstacles on the last event in 

the triathlon. - photo by Spc. Kelly Gary

(opposite page, middle) Maritime Enforcement Specialist 2nd Class Christopher French jumps over one of 

the barriers in the obstacle course during the Marine Corps Security Force Company triathlon.

- photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jon Dasbach

(opposite page, bottom) A participant in the Marine Corps Security Force Company triathlon plus obstacle 

course finishes the first of the four legs, a 700-meter swim. -photo by Spc. Kelly Gary

The Wire | Page 10 The Wire | Page 11

STRENGTH

ENDURANCE&

ATHLETES SHOW THEIR STUFF IN 

MARINE CORPS TRIATHLON

As the sun peeked over the 

horizon, reflecting upon the 

water, competitors prepared for 

the challenge ahead. Unlike the 

typical triathlon, this morning’s events would 

have partakers aiming for the shore and the 

top of a rope as well as two finish lines. 

Swimmers donned their goggles, leapt off 

the pier and the race began.

Hearts raced and sweat poured as 24 

athletes competed in the Marine Corps 

Security Force Company’s second annual 

triathlon plus obstacle course, Saturday 

morning. 

Individuals as well as teams of four from 

around Naval Station Guantanamo Bay 

competed in the four events. A total of four 

teams and 12 individuals raced against the 

clock, their contenders and themselves.

MCSFCO Supply Chief Staff Sgt. Aaron 

Tucker, outlined reasons why the triathlon 

and obstacle course were chosen as a fund 

raiser for the Marine Corps birthday ball. 

Tucker said the aim was not only to raise 

money but also to promote physical fitness.

“[The whole course] is challenging,” said 

Tucker. “It offers individuals the opportunity 

to prepare themselves, which will ultimately 

put them in better shape before making the 

commitment.”

The event kicked off with a 700-meter 

swim in the bay alongside Marine Hill. 

Through salt water and the occasional jelly 

fish, challengers made their way to the shore. 

After surfacing, participants went straight 

from the water to their bicycles, pedaling 

a 12.1 mile loop to Windmill Beach and 

back. Following the ride was a 3.1 mile run 

along Sherman Avenue, and to complete the 

course, they jumped, scaled and climbed their 

way through the obstacle course behind the 

Marine Corps Security Forces headquarters 

building. 

Built last year by the Naval Mobile 

Construction Battalion 25, the course was a 

new addition to the Marine triathlon. 

“As soon as the Seabees got the obstacle 

course finished, of course it was going to be 

part of the event,” said Tucker.

Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class 

Anthony Ryan finished first as an individual 

as well as overall. By the end of the first 

three legs of the competition, Ryan said he 

was tired, with nearly no energy to complete 

the last portion.

“Doing the entire triathlon and then 

doing the obstacle course at the end was 

the most challenging part,” said Ryan.

With the additional feat, the competitors 

Story by Spc. Kelly Gary

see TRIATHLON, pg. 19
Story and photos by Mass Communication 

Specialist 2nd Class Maddelin Angebrand

The Wire | Page 12 Feature |

Seabees

LEAVE THEIR MARK

e

ver reach down to pick up a 

coin from the ground only 

to realize that it’s, in fact, 

stuck there? Be weary of 

this scenario near the Joint 

Task Force mini-NEX because 

Navy Mobile Construction 

Battalion 23 has left their mark 

by way of two dimes and three 

pennies held snuggly in place by 

concrete.

This hardworking group of 

men and women are sprucing up 

the JTF one project at a time. This 

week it’s fixing an eighty-seven 

foot stretch of broken asphalt, 

that has been creating a bumpy, 

unsafe entrance to the JTF miniNEX and galley parking lot.

A team of more than 10 

Seabees dug out the old, broken 

concrete and created an even, sixinch deep area to begin rebuilding 

a new surface.

“The road was really bad 

here where the asphalt meets 

the sidewalk and could have 

caused accidents,” said Builder 

1st Class Dave Sprout, NMCB 

23 project leader. “We’ve had 

some problems with potholes in 

the roads, so it’s important that 

we get out here and fix what we 

can.”

Before new concrete could be 

poured, the team followed proper 

procedures to ensure the new 

road portion could withstand 

heavy traffic loads.

“We filled it with wire mesh,” 

Sprout explained. “This is to help 

with strength of the concrete and 

prevents cracking.”

Steel Worker 1st Class Adam 

McNamara, a Seabee with NMCB 

23, said the most important part 

of not only laying concrete, but 

for any Seabee project, is coming 

together as a whole to get the job 

done.

“It’s just a huge team effort 

out here from the most senior 

guy all the way down to the 

lower-enlisted,” said McNamara. 

“We work hard and help each 

other out. One guy might do this 

every day in their civilian job and 

the other might not, so we teach 

each other.”

Having a great leader to 

motivate the group is also 

important to the success of 

NMCB 23, McNamara shared.

“Sprout is a great project 

lead,” said McNamara. “He gives 

guidance and let’s the guys do 

their jobs. He knows if he does 

everything for them, they won’t 

learn.” 

As the new concrete was 

poured each Seabee had a job 

| Feature The Wire | Page 13

to do; some shoveled the heavy 

mixture as it rolled out of the 

truck, while others scraped excess 

from the edges and seams of the 

newly dug area. 

Once the thick, gritty 

substance began setting, Seabees 

worked quickly spraying water 

onto the surface to assist in the 

smoothing process, which helps 

create a level finish on top. 

Sprout and McNamara, 

satisfied with the week’s worth 

of effort by their team, asked 

around for two dimes and three 

pennies. It seemed like an odd 

request, but the others knew 

what they meant.

They needed 23 cents to 

represent NMCB 23. 

“We didn’t have a battalion 

coin with us so we thought it 

was a unique way to represent 

[NMCB] 23,” Sprout explained. 

“This way we’re not actually 

drawing into the concrete - it’s 

more professional.”

McNamara said the coins 

represent the unit’s ownership 

in their work and willingness to 

set a good example for other 

battalions deployed here.

“We take great pride in our 

work,” said McNamara. “As you 

can see from the result today, it’s 

why we like to leave our mark, 

that way people know what we 

are all about.”

(top) Builder 1st Class 

Dave Sprout (left) and 

Steel Worker 1st Class 

Adam McNamara, 

both attached to Navy 

Mobile Construction 

Batallion 23, lay coins 

in newly laid concrete, 

Friday, to represent 

NMCB 23.

(right) Equipment 

Operatorman Justin 

Holden smooths an 87-

foot area of concrete 

for a construction 

project near Seaside 

Galley. 

(opposite page) Builder 

2nd Class Phillip 

Grindstaff (center), 

Holden and McNamara 

level out the 

concrete of the newly 

reconstructed parking 

lot entrance.
In The Trenches

On the Wing

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. 

– The chief master sergeant 

of the Air Force discussed his 

enlisted perspective during the 

Air Force Association’s 2011 

Air & Space Conference and 

Technology Exposition Sept. 

21.

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air 

Force James Roy shared with the 

audience what he feels are some 

of the most pressing issues 

for Airmen today and what 

Air Force leaders are doing to 

address them. 

Roy said, during his travels 

around the Air Force, Airmen 

have brought several concerns 

to his attention, including the 

transition to electronic study 

materials and possibly losing 

retirement benefits due to 

budget cuts.

Chief master sergeant of Air Force shares enlisted perspective

By Staff Sgt. Mareshah Haynes

Defense Media Activity “(Not printing study 

materials) was one of those 

secondary effects of an 

efficiency initiative we started 

and didn’t look at all the way 

through,” he said. “That’s the 

lesson. We cannot simply cut 

something without looking at 

what the effects are going to 

be.”

Roy reiterated points 

recently made by the secretary 

of defense and Air Force chief 

of staff regarding changes in 

retirement benefits.

“In my tenure in our Air 

Force, personnel costs have 

risen over 65 percent, while the 

end strength has come down 

well over 45 percent,” he said. 

“There’s something going on 

that we need to address.

Although senior leaders 

are exploring ways to address 

personnel costs, the chief 

stressed the need to take care 

of today’s Airmen.

“We have a commitment to 

our all-volunteer force,” Roy 

said. “We need to stick with that 

commitment.”

While military retirement 

benefits have not changed, 

some programs will need to be 

adjustedin the future.

“Our program and our force 

structure will change,” Roy said. 

“It has to change. We are looking 

at this as a program, rather than 

just a force structure change.”

Pending a final decision at 

CORONA, another change 

Airmen can expect to see is 

AEF Next, which restructures 

the way Airmen deploy. They 

will be assigned to Air Power 

Teams and deploy as a unit, 

instead of individually.

“This is a little bit different 

than what we do today,” Roy 

FORT BRAGG, N.C. – Light infantry troops 

are like little birds. They get up into the highest 

mountains, and they say, “Feed me, feed me,” 

according to one sustainment officer in the 

82nd Airborne Division involved in supplyby-air training Sept. 6-11.

“As a logistician, how do you get the 

stuff that they need to them when they are 

in the most inaccessible spot, where there 

are frequently no roads?” asked Lt. Col. Paul 

Narowski, commander of 1st Brigade Combat 

Team’s 307th Brigade Support Battalion. 

“You’ve got to learn to use the third 

dimension,” he said. 

During a Large Package Week exercise, 

paratroopers with 1BCT and air crews 

from a number of Air Force units learned 

to coordinate parachute drops of vehicles, 

artillery pieces, supplies and troops.

Narowski’s sustainment Soldiers prepared 

to drop 150 paratroopers and 60 containerized 

Soldiers practice supporting ‘fast, furious’ light infantry

By Sgt. Michael J. MacLeod

delivery system, or CDS, bundles to support 

the training objectives of the Air Force, he 

said. Each CDS bundle can be loaded with up 

to 2,000 pounds of supplies.

“The nice thing about a CDS bundle is that 

it’s immediately configurable to be slung under 

a helicopter,” said Narowski, who was part of 

the original team that developed what’s known 

as a low-cost, low-altitude resupply.

LCLA employs small bundles, often fitted 

with non-serviceable troop parachutes and 

other low-cost rigging supplies, dropped from 

small aircraft at as little as 150 feet. It’s cheap 

and accurate, and Narowski’s team proved 

its worth in Afghanistan during his last tour 

there with 4th Brigade Combat Team’s 782nd 

Brigade Support Battalion.

“Based on my combat experience, my 

primary method of resupply is always by air,” 

he said. “I will ensure that the staff maximizes 

every aerial-delivery asset before I start tasking 

trucks to get out on the road. If we can do it 

in a dimension that won’t get interdicted by the 

enemy and put our paratroopers at most risk, 

that’s a win-win for me.”

Narowski said the learning curve is steep 

for logisticians trying to keep up with the “fastand furious” light infantry. 

“The important thing about the way the 

82nd and 101st fight is, we don’t fight headon,” he said. “We go for the soft flank around 

his strength. If he’s strong along the road, then 

we can’t send a convoy up the road. If we get 

a force into his rear area, how do we resupply 

them? You’ve got to have that agility and 

familiarity with things like air drop and sling 

load and use those to our advantage.”

Narowski noted that, importantly, the 

enemy faced by the Army in recent years has 

neither surface-to-air missiles nor night vision 

capabilities, making airdrops and slingloads at 

night highly advantageous.

The Wire | Page 14 At Your Service |

said. “Is that good? Absolutely. 

(To) fall in with your own 

commander and your own first 

sergeant and superintendent 

- there’s a lot of goodness in 

that.”

Other issues Roy addressed 

were training, professional 

military education opportunities, 

personnel compensation and 

the Comprehensive Airman 

Fitness program. He assured 

Airmen, the issues that concern 

them are issues that concern 

Air Force leaders.

There are a number of items 

that are certainly on Air Force 

leaders’ minds and some of 

those issues are controversial, 

he said. “But at the end of the 

day, you’re part of the finest air 

force in the entire world and 

part of the best military that 

has ever existed. Why (is it the 

best)? Because of the Airmen.” 

| At Your Service The Wire | Page 15

On The Deck

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The 

Transition Assistance Management 

Program (TAMP) provides a widearray of services and opportunities 

to servicemembers preparing to 

transition out of the military.

“TAMP helps Sailors get ready 

for civilian life,” said Margarita 

Mason, transition manager, Joint 

Base Anacostia-Bolling Military 

and Family Support Center. “For 

many Sailors, the Navy was either 

their first job or their only career. 

TAMP helps these Sailors who 

have no clue how to adjust to 

the civilian world and acts as a 

stepping stone to ensure they are 

well prepared.”

Although every Sailor must 

complete DD Form 2648 prior to 

separating, the form is just a small 

part of the over arching Transition 

Assistance Management Program.

While completing the 

form with a command career 

counselor, servicemembers will 

be offered the opportunity to 

receive counseling on a range of 

services and benefits, including, 

but not limited to, the transition 

assistance program, employment 

assistance, relocation assistance, 

education and training, health and 

life insurance and developing an 

individual transition plan.

DD Form 2648 should be 

completed one year prior to 

separation or two years prior to 

retirement.

TAMP helps prepare Sailors for civilian life

“Many military members think 

that TAMP and TAP are the 

same thing, but they’re not,” said 

Mason.

“TAP is a U.S. Department of 

Labor workshop typically held at 

Fleet and Family Support Centers. 

FFSC’s own TAMP program goes 

far beyond just TAP and provides 

Sailors with opportunities to 

receive one-on-one counseling, 

as little or as much as they need, 

whether they come once or every 

day, so that they are as prepared as 

possible to depart the military and 

enter the civilian workforce.”

Once the checklist is complete, 

servicemembers will use the 

options they have selected to 

develop an individual transition 

plan. This plan is not a military 

By Mass Communication Specialist 

1st Class Monique K. Hilley

Navy Installations Command Public Affairs

form, it is a plan developed by the 

Sailor, for the Sailor. The ITP can 

be used to identify educational, 

training and employment 

objectives and to develop a 

plan to help the servicemember 

achieve these objectives.

Many times, a large part of 

that plan should be to visit the 

local FFSC to obtain counseling 

and receive assistance with things 

such as job fairs, resume writing, 

financial counseling, relocation 

counseling, questions about 

veteran’s benefits, and educational 

benefits and opportunities.

Mason reiterated whatever 

the final goals are, the key to a 

successful transition from the 

military is to “start early and plan 

well.”

Inside the Jar

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. — Dimly lit 

by the neon glow of chem lights, Lance Cpl. 

Jared Honeyman escapes from his day into a 

sanctuary of spades.

Seated in his tent on a box of MRE’s, he 

draws a deck of cards from the cargo pocket 

of his utility trousers. He deals cards out 

to three friends seated around him, and in 

return, receives an equal number of sarcastic 

comments. A balmy desert heat permeates the 

air, ignoring the fact the sun has long since 

disappeared below the horizon.

Honeyman’s days are long and often boring. 

He rotates through a tedious cycle of standing 

post, picking up trash and practicing infantry 

skills. Playing spades is his escape from the 

grind of grunt life.

“After training and working in the heat all 

day, it’s a good mental break from the stress 

and monotony of being here,” Honeyman 

said. “Everything we’re doing has a purpose, 

but there is always down time. Sleeping gets 

old.”

Though Honeyman sits among infantrymen, 

he isn’t one. He’s an admin specialist-turnedgrunt with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment’s 

Guard Force Platoon. Since he’s a POG — 

the grunts’ affectionate name for “personnel 

other than grunts” — there’s a gap he needs to 

bridge. By opening conversation over spades, 

he steps into their daily lives.

Killing Time: A 

sanctuary of spades 

By Cpl. Reece Lodder 

“Even if we only have a few minutes, 

we throw down a game, open up and break 

the ice ... that barrier,” Honeyman said. “A 

simple card game builds a common bond and 

gives us a chance to compete. We’re Marines; 

competition filters into everything we do.”

Necessity didn’t lead him here. At home 

in Tulsa, Okla., a short while ago, the 26 year 

old was near completing a bachelor’s degree 

and managing his successful lawn maintenance 

business. But he knew money and book 

knowledge didn’t equal life experience.

As he relaxes and festers in a filthy, sweatstarched uniform, he’s experiencing life. 

Honeyman doesn’t say it, but he knows he’s 

somewhat crazy to have left what he had. He 

wanted a challenge, and in this moment, it’s 

winning a card game and fighting to convince 

those around him he’s been wearing sunscreen. 

A toothy grin and leathery red face kill his 

argument.

In the desert, Honeyman’s been humbled 

by filling sand bags and serving chow. These 

menial tasks have adjusted his perspective. 

They’ve helped him relate to the boiling pot of 

Marines he lives and works with.

“We’ve come from different walks of life, 

been thrown into this platoon and are expected 

to ace our mission,” he said. “Simple things like 

playing cards help us build trust, so when crap 

hits the fan, you know the other Marines will 

be there for you — whether it’s in our personal 

lives or on patrol.”

The days leading up to his deployment are 

long, but the weeks go fast ... and Honeyman’s 

key to relaxation is only a cargo pocket away.

Marines with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment catch some down 

time and enjoy a game of spades. – photo by Marine Cpl. Reece Lodder
The Wire | Page 16 At the Movies |

Movie Review

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

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

The Smurfs

(G) 8 p.m.

Captain America

(PG-13) 10 p.m.

Cowboys & Aliens

(PG-13) 8 p.m.

Harry Potter & the 

Deathly Hallows: 

Part 2

(last showing)

(PG- 13) 8 p.m.

Winnie the Pooh

(last showing)

(G) 8 p.m.

Crazy, Stupid, 

Love

(PG-13) 8 p.m.

Friends with 

Benefits

(R) 8 p.m.

Downtown

Lyceum

Camp 

Bulkeley

Planet of the Apes

(PG-13) 8 p.m.

The Change-Up

(R) 10 p.m. 

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

Army Sgt. Meredith Vincent

PG-13

118 min.

Harry Potter & the 

Deathly Hallows: 

Part 2

(last showing)

(PG-13) 8 p.m.

Cowboys & Aliens

(PG-13) 10 p.m.

Planet of the Apes

(PG-13) 8 p.m.

The Change-Up

(R) 10 p.m.

The Smurfs

(G) 8 p.m.

Friends with 

Benefits

(R) 8 p.m.

Crazy, Stupid, Love

(PG-13) 8 p.m.

Captain America

(PG-13) 8 p.m.

Planet of the Apes

(PG-13) 8 p.m.

There is a scene a little more than halfway 

through in the sweet and delightful “Crazy, 

Stupid, Love” that plays between Steve Carell 

and Julianne Moore. As the newly separated 

Cal and Emily Weaver, the two sit in a hallway 

waiting for a parent/teacher conference. The 

dialog is bittersweet as the two reminisce. 

The longing is still there, the history and the 

affection still palpable. And just as the audience 

settles in a little too comfortably, hoping and 

waiting for the main couple to get their act 

together, hilarity ensues. 

I’m a big believer in keeping spoilers sacred, 

so I will not divulge the reasons for said hilarity. 

You’ll just have to trust me when I tell you that 

“Crazy, Stupid, Love” is a fantastic movie for 

all genders, all ages (well, 13 and up, per the 

MPAA rating) and all walks of life.

The movie opens as Cal, a typically square, 

average kind of fellow, learns his wife has been 

cheating on him and now wants a divorce. 

Since his unexpected break-out in “The 

40-Year-Old Virgin,” Carell has since honed 

his sad, awkward middle-aged man bit, but in 

“Crazy, Stupid, Love” he finds new depths of 

loneliness. 

Cal begins frequenting a sleek, high-priced 

night club, a place where no one expects to 

leave with who they came with. In his misery, 

Cal drinks himself into a senseless stupor, 

telling anyone within shouting distance all the 

details of his impending split. 

It is this unsightly display that attracts Jacob 

Palmer, a regular playboy at the bar, played by 

the increasingly talented Ryan Gosling. Jacob 

sees something in the pitiful Cal that urges him 

to help him find his man card again. This plot 

is nothing new to cinema – Will Smith had the 

similarly-themed “Hitch” and Tom Hanks did 

it just a month or so ago in “Larry Crowne.” 

But the key to “Crazy, Stupid, Love” is that the 

makeover and bonds of dudehood are only the 

first act.

Along for the crazy, stupid ride of love is 

Cal’s teenage son, Robbie (sincerely adorable 

Jonah Bobo). Robbie is head-over-heels for 

the family babysitter, Jessica (a lovely Analeigh 

Tipton – remember that name, this girl’s 

amazing) who in turn has the hots for Cal. Ruh 

roh, awkward much? And don’t forget about 

Emily, who, now that she’s pulled the plug on 

her marriage, is wistful about dating again. Or 

Hannah (Emma Stone) a law student who 

rejects Jacob’s advances early on, only to realize 

she doesn’t want to play it safe when it comes 

to her heart. At 22, the poised and beautiful 

Stone is as bright a rising star as there can be 

– she’s what Lindsey Lohan could’ve been but 

never was. 

She’s also the perfect match for Ryan 

Gosling, who tossed off the “serious actor” 

heavy lifting for this flick and came out the 

other end with surprising comedic chops. We’ve 

known about Gosling’s talents as an actor (he’s 

see MOVIES, pg. 19

| News you can Use The Wire | Page 17

After more than two decades of legal 

appeals and delays, condemned inmate Troy 

Davis was executed late Wednesday night 

in Georgia for the 1989 shooting death of 

a police officer. His claims of innocence 

attracted growing international attention, but 

last-minute efforts to stay the execution were 

rejected. 

Troy Davis had been scheduled to die by 

lethal injection Wednesday evening, but the 

execution was delayed while the U.S. Supreme 

Court considered a desperate, last-minute 

request from his lawyers - which the court 

eventually rejected, removing the final barrier 

to the execution.

Atlanta radio reporter Jon Lewis was an 

official witness to the execution. Afterwards, 

he spoke to reporters.

“The warden, while we were there, read 

the order from the Chatham county judge, 

asked Troy Davis if he had any statement, 

Davis made his statement. They ordered 

the procedure to go on,” he explained. “He 

asked if he had a prayer first. There was no 

response, [the] warden stepped out of the 

death chamber and then it started.”

Davis was convicted for killing Mark 

MacPhail in the city of Savannah, Georgia in 

1989, after MacPhail rushed to the defense 

of a homeless man prosecutors say Davis 

was beating in the parking lot of a fast food 

restaurant. But doubts about his guilt grew 

after several witnesses stepped forward to 

change or even renounce their initial testimony. 

There was also no physical evidence linking 

Davis to the off-duty police officer’s murder.

As Davis fought against the conviction, 

winning three separate reprieves from 

execution, he gained support both in the 

United States and around the world. Former 

U.S. president Jimmy Carter, South African 

Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Pope 

Benedict issued personal pleas on Davis’s 

behalf, urging state authorities to spare his 

life.

But the Georgia pardons board turned 

down his appeal, earlier this week.

By Richard Green

Voice of America News Service

Inmate executed despite 

global calls for mercy

Davis maintained his innocence until the 

end. Lewis described Davis’ final moments.

“I don’t believe he did have a last meal 

and I don’t believe he made a final statement 

when he was being given the opportunity to 

record one. But he did make the statement, 

as we said, while he was strapped to the chair, 

strapped to the gurney, and again addressed 

directly to the MacPhail family first to let them 

know that he said, [claimed] he was innocent,” 

said Lewis.

Amnesty International immediately 

criticized Davis’s execution, calling it a 

“catastrophic failure of the justice system.”

The Republican leadership of the House of Representatives 

supported a continuing resolution bill that would have extended funding 

to keep the federal government running until November 18th. But the 

measure was unexpectedly defeated by a vote of 195 in favor and 230 

against, with 48 Republican members rebelling against their leaders. 

Democratic Representative Louise Slaughter of New York explained 

that, just like last April, the House and the Senate have failed to pass 

appropriation bills to fund the various departments of the federal 

government, and are now coming up against a September 30 deadline 

for current funding to end, which would force a partial government 

shutdown if action is not taken before that date.

“In a few days the fiscal year will end, and without a stopgap measure, 

funding for essential government services will run out,” she said.

Leading Republicans in the Republican-controlled House called for 

passage of the temporary funding measure, saying it is line with the 

cuts to government spending agreed on by both houses of Congress 

and President Barack Obama to avert a default on the nation’s debt 

in early August. Republican Congressman Rob Wooddall of Georgia 

urges lawmakers to pass the measure.

“Consider this continuing resolution, that for just really one and a 

half short months, through November 18th, will extend the operations 

of the government,” he said.

But the continuing resolution included what some Democrats 

referred to as a poison pill, which caused 189 Democrats to vote against 

it, and only 6 Democrats to vote for it. Democrats were furious over 

House fails to extend funding for US federal government spending 

a provision in the bill that said federal funding for disaster relief must 

be offset by cuts in government spending elsewhere. A number of 

Democrats listed a number of major disasters that have hit the United 

States over the past couple of weeks, including raging wildfires in Texas, 

a hurricane and tropical storms that caused major flooding along the 

East Coast.

Democratic Minority leader Nancy Pelosi asked why Americans 

who have lost everything in a disaster should worry about whether their 

government will help them in their time of need, when the Congress 

has passed plenty of other bills without stipulating that they be paid for 

by cuts in the budget elsewhere.

“We never paid for the tax cuts for rich, they never were paid for,’ 

she said. “We never paid for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, they were 

never paid for.”

House Republicans wanted to cut by $1.5 billion a program 

subsidizing the development of more fuel-efficient cars to offset the 

cost of funding emergency relief programs. Democrats rejected this 

proposal, saying the program for green cars created jobs, at a time of 

soaring national unemployment.

Some Republican lawmakers, especially Tea Party supporters, said 

they would vote against the bill because they want deeper cuts to 

government spending than those agreed on in the August debt ceiling 

showdown.

Now, House leaders will have to start over with a new bill. Lawmakers 

from both parties in both the House and the Senate were hoping to 

quickly pass a measure to fund the government because they plan to be 

in recess next week, when current funding expires. 

By Cindy Saine

Voice of America News Service

Vizion Jones, center, holds Mercedes Binns, left, after hearing the 

news of the execution of Georgia death row inmate Troy Davis in 

Jackson, Ga. Davis was executed Wednesday for killing off-duty 

Savannah officer Mark MacPhail in 1989. - photo by AP
Mind, Body & Soul

Cultural diversity:

Accepting more than one idea

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

Under a cultural exchange 

program in Roanaoke, Texas, 

a Jewish family were hosts to 

a rabbi over Christmastime. 

They decided to take him 

to dinner to their favorite 

Chinese restaurant, which was 

owned by a Buddist family. 

As they finished eating, the 

waiter brought the check and 

presented each of them a small 

brass Christmas ornament as a 

seasonal gift. 

They all laughed as the host 

pointed out the ornaments 

were stamped, “Made in India.” 

The laughter subsided when 

they saw tears streaming down 

the rabbi’s cheeks. They were 

concerned if he was offended 

he had been given a gift for a 

Christian holiday. 

He smiled, shook his 

head and said, “Nyet. I was 

shedding tears of joy for I 

am in a wonderful country in 

which a Buddhist gives a Jew 

a Christmas gift made by a 

Air Force Lt. Col. Gary Bertsch, 

Command Chaplain

Hindu.” 

This true story illustrates the 

wonderful strength Americans 

exhibit as we share not only 

religious diversity, but cultural 

diversity as well. This is National 

Hispanic Heritage month and 

we celebrate the countless 

contributions our Hispanic 

brothers and sisters have 

added to our nation’s cultural 

landscape. This month has 

many opportunities to celebrate 

the wonderful kaleidoscope of 

history, important pioneers, 

food, culture and the positive 

impact they have made upon 

our nation’s cultural heritage. 

I hope you’ll take the time to 

celebrate at some of the events. 

It makes us all stronger. 

| The Last Word The Wire | Page 19

MOVIES cont. 

a two-time Academy Award nominee) and as 

a heartthrob (“The Notebook,” anyone?) but 

who figured the guy could deliver a punch line 

so ruefully? He delivers several, in fact, and a 

whole lot more. (I blacked out for a couple 

seconds after he took his shirt off the first time. 

I’m not proud of it.) 

The thing that really impressed me was the 

movie’s lack of any real protagonists. Even as 

she admits to having an affair, we still feel for 

Emily and her frustration at what her marriage 

– and her husband – had become. Marisa 

Tomei lets loose with the crazy as the first of 

Cal’s rebound conquests and, of course, there’s 

Kevin Bacon as the smarmy accountant who 

beds Emily in the first place. But the brilliance 

is that they are not portrayed as monsters – just 

normal people like the rest of us, trying to find 

someone to share time with. The film stays real 

in its depiction of modern day love – there 

are no villains in real life... unless you count 

Lindsey Lohan. 

I’m always more paranoid writing positive 

reviews in these pages than negative ones. 

however, new teams are showing 

they are formidable as well.

“I watched a few other teams 

this week and Omega Red is 

very dangerous, they have a great 

team,” said Oprien.

Team Omega Red made an 

early statement by scoring 67 

BASKETBALL cont. 

disassociating, slipping back into 

a traumatic memory and without 

prompting, Beacon helped bring 

him back.

“Beacon sensed something 

was wrong, went over to the 

Trooper and laid down at his feet,” 

Gleason explained. “The Trooper 

began petting Beacon and began 

working his way back from that 

painful memory.”

Gleason said animal-assisted 

therapy is used frequently in 

the United States and is a large 

component used by the U.S. 

military’s Wounded Warrior 

program.

“I’m surprised there aren’t 

more therapy animals in use on 

GTMO,” she said.

But the Beacon benefits don’t 

end at JSMART. Russell often 

walks Beacon through the Cuzco 

living quarters together and says 

the response the pair receives 

almost always bring a smile to her 

face.

“You see these big tough guys 

in their uniforms and within two 

seconds of meeting Beacon they 

forget all about that and are loving 

up on him and petting him,” she 

laughs, “It’s funny really.” 

“Whenever I see someone new 

walking toward us, I make sure to 

tell Beacon to go say ‘hi,’” Russell 

explained. “That way the person 

knows he’s friendly.”

Which is a good thing - at first 

glance, the bull mastiff can seem a 

little intimidating. That is until the 

first time Beacon lazily walks up 

to someone and offers an ear to 

scratch or his belly to rub.

“He’s actually fairly small 

by mastiff standards,” Russell 

confided. “He’s probably about 

30-40 pounds smaller than the 

average, I like to call him my minimastif.”

In addition to the Cuzcos, 

Beacon and Russell are fixtures at 

the Windjammer’s Country Night 

on Saturdays. Russell said she’s 

convinced part of the reason the 

vibe at Country Night is so mellow 

is because of Beacon.

“He’s kind of the unofficial 

mascot of Country Night,” she 

said. “As he walks around, people 

navigated through various obstacles testing 

participants in more than just speed and 

endurance.

“People who have great cardio will finish 

the first three events with no problem,” 

said Ryan. “The obstacle course challenges 

upper body strength they may not have.”

Ryan used the last dredges of his energy 

to complete all four tasks in 1 hour and 24 

minutes. Coming in only ten minutes later 

was Teri Wanger, the fourth member in 

team Girl Power. As the winning team, Girl 

Power also included Marty Bledsoe, Kristin 

Good and Susan Tussey. The first individual 

female, Lindsey Goris, finished in 1:42.

“I think most people who came here had 

personal goals,” said Ryan. “My personal 

BEACON cont. 

Mostly because I really want people to go see 

this movie, and I’m at a loss for what I need 

to say to make that happen. “Crazy, Stupid, 

Love” is for anyone who’s felt the rush of 

falling in love, and for anyone who’s ever felt 

the pain of losing it. It elevates itself above all 

that “romantic comedy” gooey-ness and finds 

greatness in the smaller details. It will make you 

squirm, make you cry and make you think. But 

most of all, it will make you laugh. And it will 

most certainly anger all the “Transformers 3” 

fans when I give it four and a half banana rats!

TRIATHLON cont. 

challenge was to finish under an hour and a 

half, and I did it!”

Whether the aim was to place under 

a certain time or simply finish without 

passing out, each individual showed grit 

and courage by showing up in the first 

place. Tucker wished he could have taken 

part himself but expressed his respect for 

all those who did.

“It takes a special kind of person to 

sign up for an event like this and then to 

complete it,” said Tucker. “First or last, 

everyone should be proud they participated 

because there are thousands of other people 

on this base who didn’t.” 

Not far behind Ryan was MCSFCO 

Commanding Officer Maj. Winston Tierney. 

He said he enjoyed the good competition 

the event fostered and trusted everyone felt 

similar.

“We’re trying to promote exercise, good 

health and good fun,” said Tierney. “I hope 

everyone had some fun and that everyone 

was challenged.”

After the completion of the competition, 

Tierney coined the first place male, female 

and team, congratulating them on their 

effort and vigor.

Tucker and Tierney agreed the event was 

successful and they believe it will continue 

to be an annual tradition.

“I hope everyone had a good time,” said 

Tierney, “and walked away with a sense of 

camaraderie and community.”

pet him and it just sort of adds to 

the relaxed atmosphere.”

Nearing the end of her time 

with the JTF, Russell said she 

intends to continue on with Beacon 

and animal-assisted therapy.

“My aunt had a therapy dog 

she used to take all over upstate 

New York, to schools and VA 

hospitals,” Russell said. “I’d really 

like to follow in her footsteps.”

The young specialist hopes 

someone will follow in her 

footsteps and bring a therapy 

animal to replace her Beacon. 

“It’s totally worth it,” she said. 

“I mean, this is a small base and 

with everyone you come in contact 

with ... why not? We’re all in this 

together.”

points in their first game Monday 

night and holding the opposing 

team to only 30 before the “Mercy 

Rule” was enforced. 

Oprien said defense is essential 

for the success of Team Militia. 

“I’ve been with Militia for two 

seasons,” he shared. “I played and 

due to injury now I’m coaching. 

Our defense is what I’m going 

to bank on for us winning. Our 

offense isn’t as strong so we have 

to rely on defense to help us 

through.” 

Games are held at Denich Gym 

on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays 

and Fridays with the first game 

starting at 7 p.m. and the last at 9 

p.m. 

“There are a lot of strong 

teams out there and as the season 

progresses, they’re only going to 

get better,” said Morrison. “It’s 

anybody’s game.”
ARMY BACKBONE

Joint Detention Group Commander Col. Donnie Thomas congratulates newly 

promoted non-commissoned officers from the 525th Military Police Company, 

Thursday, at the Windjammer Ballroom. - photo by Mass Communication Specialist 

2nd Class Kilho Park

ALL HANDS

Joint Task Force Commander Rear Adm. David Woods addresses Troopers at 

an all-hands meeting in the Windjammer Ballroom, Monday.- photo by Army Sgt. 

Mathieu Perry

ALL CLEANED UP

Boatswains Mate 3rd Class Jacob Fischer makes sure Maritime Safety and 

Security Team Boston’s weapons and gear are clean and operational at the 

Coast Guard Boathouse, Wednesday. - photo by Spc. Kelly Gary

TheJTF

MOVING UP

United States Navy chief petty officers stand during the reading of the CPO creed at Chief Boatswain’s Mate Randy Handshoe’s pinning 

ceremony, Friday, at Joint Task Force headquarters. - photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kilho Park