Volume 12, Issue 24 Friday, June 3, 2011

Natalie Stovall!

Memorial Day weekend 

concert extravaganza

The Frontmen! Yung Joc!

Bonus Cover
The Wire | Page 2

Trooper to Trooper

featuring

The WIRE is the official news magazine of Joint Task Force 

Guantanamo. It is produced by the JTF Public Affairs Office to 

inform and educate the Troopers of JTF Guantanamo through 

news, features, command guidance, sports and entertainment. 

The WIRE seeks to provide maximum disclosure with minimum 

delay with regard to security, accuracy, propriety and policy. 

This DoD news magazine is an authorized publication for the 

members of the Department of Defense. Contents of The WIRE 

are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. 

Government, the Department of Defense, or Joint Task Force 

Guantanamo. It is printed by the Defense Logistics Agency 

Document Services with a circulation of 1,200.

Trooper to Trooper |

JTF Guantanamo

Commander

Navy Rear Adm. Jeffrey Harbeson

Command Master Chief

Command Sgt. Maj.

Mark Porrett

Office of Public Affairs Director

Navy Cmdr. Tamsen Reese: 9928

Deputy Director

Air Force Maj. Amy. A Oliver: 9927

Operations Officer

CW2 Raymond Chapman: 3649

Senior Enlisted Leader

Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class 

Sally Hendricks: 3649

The Wire

Command Information NCOIC:

Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Cossel: 3499

Executive Editor:

Spc. Meredith Vincent: 3651

Photojournalists:

Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class 

Maddelin Angebrand

Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason Tross

Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joe Ebalo

Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Erica Gardner

Sgt. Mathieu Perry

Contact us

Editor’s Desk: 3499

From the continental United States

Commercial: 011-53-99-3499

DSN: 660-3499

E-mail: thewire@jtfgtmo.southcom.mil

Online: www.jtfgtmo.southcom.mil

COVER: The Memorial Day Holiday was jammed pack full of music, thanks to the efforts of Naval 

Station Guantanamo Bay’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department and Navy Entertainment. 

Keeping residents entertained were Natalie Stovall, Yung Joc and The Frontmen.

Command Sgt. Maj., Joint Task Force

Command Sgt. Maj.

As I speak with many of the newly assigned Joint Task Force 

leaders, I often ask them what they most want from their Troopers. 

The answer usually has the same three main points: fit for duty, 

disciplined and able to qualify within their service and skill set. The 

one point that drives the other two is discipline. As servicemembers, 

we are trusted more by the population of the United States than 

most police departments, elected officials and our own government 

agencies. We earn this trust by having the iron discipline to carry out 

orders and meet their expectations.

 Iron discipline is usually found in the workplace when lives, 

safety and mission are at risk. Strict adherence to procedures and 

orders is what defines the military as a profession and not a job. Most 

of our values and character are exercised daily with iron discipline by 

you. 

 There are several informal tests of our discipline. One example 

is the local laws we know and see everyday. Obeying basic traffic 

regulations is one of the hardest tests of discipline. It’s too easy to 

say “everyone is doing it.” Going over the speed limit is almost the 

expectation rather than the exception. Each year we get safety briefs 

on how speed, fatigue and alcohol are contributing factors in fatal 

crashes. Yet Troopers continue to break this law several times a day. 

Do you have the discipline to do what is right?

 Another test is when given liberty, pass or time-off duty. It’s 

not just an on-duty or off-duty discipline – it’s the on-and-off the 

installation discipline. The greatest threat to our military is off-duty 

activities that take our Troopers from formations. We’ve all heard 

about high-risk activities that take lives. We also have an enemy out 

there in the form of alcohol abuse that ruins as many lives and careers 

as wars. It’s not just the Trooper that suffers from deadly recreation 

or adverse alcohol related incidents – everyone from immediate 

family members to elected officials sees this as a senseless waste.

Mark Porrett

 We also display discipline by putting on our military uniforms. 

Wearing the uniform properly and professionally represents your 

service. Acting in a way veterans relate to is a small piece of how we 

are evaluated. I’ve heard the uniform makes the Trooper. I know 

the Trooper makes the uniform. The fact is, whether in a uniform or 

civilian clothes, we still represent our unit, fellow Troopers and the 

nation.

 Everyone must help police up the members of TEAM-GTMO. 

Our war is not with each other, but the forces that break up our team. 

Just when you think no one is watching, usually there is. The only 

way to safeguard our nation is with iron discipline from the Troops. 

Honor bound. 

House Rejects Vote to Raise US Debt 

Ceiling Without Spending Cuts

Cindy Saine

Voice of America News Service

The House of Representatives voted 

Wednesday to reject a bill to raise the 

United States’ statutory debt limit by some 

$2 trillion. The vote would have raised 

the debt ceiling without any government 

spending cuts, which are now supported 

by both major political parties, in a 

move Democrats described as “political 

theater.”

Democrats and Republicans have 

battled for months in Congress over the 

U.S. federal budget and over how to get 

the spiraling national debt under control. 

U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner 

says the government reached its current 

$14 trillion debt limit in May, but that he 

is using bookkeeping procedures to give 

Congress until August to pass legislation to 

prevent the United States from defaulting 

on its debt obligations. 

With two months to go until the 

August deadline, Republican House 

leaders held a vote Tuesday on a measure 

that they introduced but also wanted to be 

defeated - a “clean” bill that would raise 

the debt ceiling without any spending cuts. 

The vote was 318 against, 97 in favor, and 

seven lawmakers voted present.

Republican Ways and Means Committee 

Chairman Dave Camp urged members of 

his party to vote “no” on the bill.

“Today we are making clear that 

Republicans will not accept an increase in 

our nation’s debt limit without substantial 

spending cuts and real budgetary reforms,” 

he said.

Democratic lawmakers accused 

Republicans of holding the vote as a 

political stunt to make Democrats go on 

the record of voting to raise the debt ceiling 

without cuts in government spending. 

Democratic Congressman Sander Levin 

of Michigan said Republicans had had to 

warn financial leaders on Wall Street that 

this vote is not serious, but just fodder for 

the 2012 elections.

“Bringing up this bill in this fashion is 

a ploy so egregious, the Republicans have 

had to spend the last week pleading with 

Wall Street not to take it seriously, and risk 

our economic recovery,” he said.

White House Press Secretary Jay Carney 

said that the president and many lawmakers 

from both parties realize that raising the 

debt ceiling is a very urgent matter.

Gates: U.S. seeks to enhance partnerships in Asia

Voice of America News

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates says he 

is looking to build relationships with countries 

in Asia to address a wide variety of future 

challenges in the region. Ahead of Friday’s 

opening at Asia’s most prominent security 

conference, Gates said that Washington plans 

to remain a reliable partner for its allies.

Gates says he is going into the Shangri-La 

Dialogue in Singapore with the message that 

Washington will continue to build relationships 

with its Asian allies despite potential budget 

restrictions.

“I would say, if anything, these pressures 

put a premium on multilateral responses to 

problems. Whether it’s humanitarian assistance 

or disaster relief, where we see opportunities 

with a number of countries out here, including 

China” said Gates.

This year China is sending to Singapore 

Defense Minister Liang Guanglie, who is 

the most senior Chinese official to attend 

the annual security conference. Gates and 

Liang are expected to hold a bilateral meeting 

Friday.

Speaking to reporters en route to the 

conference Thursday, Gates said he is very 

satisfied with the progress of Washington’s 

relationship with Beijing, but he sees room for 

improvement between their two militaries.

He says continued dialogue is important to 

that relationship, especially because Beijing and 

Washington remain at odds about American 

arms sales to Taiwan.

“Under those circumstances, there is value 

in a continuing dialogue by the two sides of 

just exactly what our concerns are, what our 

issues are and how we might alleviate the 

concerns on both sides,” he said.

Gates says Washington remains concerned 

about China’s military research projects, 

such as anti-ship missiles and stealth fighter 

aircraft.

But he says he does not think China aims 

to use those projects to deny the United States 

access in the region.

“I think the Chinese have learned a 

powerful lesson from the Soviet experience 

and they do not intend to try and compete 

with us across the full range of military 

capabilities. But, I think they are intending to 

build capabilities that give them considerable 

freedom of action in Asia and the opportunity 

to extend their influence,” Gates stated.

That influence at times has concerned 

China’s neighbors and could be a topic of 

discussion here in Singapore.

Since last week, reports of Chinese vessels 

violating territorial claims in the South China 

Sea have provoked formal protests from the 

Philippines and Vietnam. Both countries 

complained that China allegedly violated their 

territorial waters by either erecting marker 

posts on small reefs and islands or chasing 

away their ships.

The Philippine and Vietnamese 

governments have sent representatives to the 

Shangri-La Dialogue. 

Defense Secretary Donald Gates said he will look to build 

relationships with countries in Asia ahead of the Shanri-La Dialogue 

in Singapore today. – photo by U.S. Army

| News you can Use The Wire | Page 3
The News from the Bay | Wire | Page 4

Boots on the Ground

What Disney character best reflects your personality?

“Rupunzel from Tangle, 

because we both have the 

same personality.”

Spc. Joel 

Rodriquez

“Goofy, because he’s just 

that easy going guy.”

 Army Sgt. 

David Garcia

Chief Damage Controlman

Darrick Hays

“Genie from Aladdin, 

because he makes things 

happen.”

“Aladdin, because he goes 

after what he wants.”

Hospitalman

 Kacey Banaszek

Golf contest: winner 

recieves 100 dollars

Put your drive to the test! The Yatera Seca 

Golf Association invites you to compete in a 

longest drive contest June 12 from 9 a.m to 

1:30 p.m at the Lateral Hazard Golf Course.

News from the Bay Stories and reporting by Mass Communication Specialist 

2nd Class Maddelin Angebrand

Run invites commands

to let their flags fly

Hoist your command flag with Troopers 

from your shop at the Flag Day Run, June 

14 at the Denich Gym. Sign up at any gym 

by June 13.

The run is hosted by Morale, Welfare and 

Recreation to honor the American Flag.

“To better localize the symbol of the 

day,” said Alana Morrison, MWR sports 

coordinator. “We want commands to run 

with their flags to honor those that have 

served, are serving and will serve for their 

command.”

The run is scheduled to begin at 6:30 

a.m, so all commands have the opportunity 

to participate during PT hours. For more 

information contact Morrison at x2113.

Ceramic shop hosts 

community craft fair

Explore a world of creativity at the 

Ceramic Shop Craft Fair Saturday from 12 

p.m to 3 p.m at the Windjammer Cafe. 

Crafters can sign up at the ceramic shop 

for $15 per table to sell their homemade 

crafts. Artists and crafters will keep 100 

percent of their profits.

Crafts such as ceramics, letter art and 

Summer heats up new

softball league season

Dig out that old glove and dust off those 

bats! It’s time for the summer softball league

“Softball is the most involved sport here 

in GTMO,” said Alana Morrison, Morale, 

Welfare and Recreation sports coordinator.

The league will stretch out over the entire 

summer until September. 

“This is a great opportunity for all the 

Troopers to get active and stay involved in 

MWR sports this summer,” said Morrison. 

“Softball is not only competitive, but is just 

also a great way to meet other people who 

share an interest and a love of the game.”

There is still time to get a team together. 

Registration is open to ages 16 and up. Be 

sure to sign up by June 7 at the Denich Gym. 

The season starts June 13. For more information call Morrison at x2113.

Sign up will be held Saturday at the NEX 

atrium from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. Event cost is 

three balls for $10. 

The participant with the farthest, most 

accurate drive from hole number one will 

win $100. All event proceeds will go to the 

Yatera Seca Golf Association, which holds 

golfing events each month on base.

Yatera Seca members meet on the first 

Wednesday of every month at the Lateral 

Hazard Golf Course.

“Don’t worry about your skill level,” said 

Yatera Seca Association Vice President Tim 

Psingsten. “We are willing to help you with 

your swing.”

For more information about the longest 

drive contest or about becoming a member, 

contact Psingsten at x3772 or x90672.

pottery will be on sale.

Andre Gordon, arts and crafts manager 

for the ceramic shop, invites Troopers to 

participate. 

“They can come out and not only buy 

stuff but also learn how to make things,” said 

Gordon. “It takes their mind off of everyday 

duties. It’s a morale thing!”

For more information call x74795 or 

x84435.

trooper

Mass Communication Specialist 

2nd Class Jason Tross

Bullet Bio

Hobbies: golf, football, 

basketball

Pet peeves: lazy people

Inspirations: family – people 

come and go but family is 

always there.

Advice to junior Troopers: 

“Listen.”

United Kingdom. Spain. Austria. Then 

there was Poland, Holland, France, Italy, 

Norway and Belgium - all during one threeyear tour in Germany. 

With all these stamps in his passport, 

it is evident Army Staff Sgt. Vonterrell 

Fredrick doesn’t sit around and wait for 

things to come his way. Fredrick’s chain of 

command in Joint Task Force Guatanamo’s 

525th Military Police Battalion certainly feels 

that way. The Army Soldier, who reported 

to the 525th last October, is recognized in 

his work center as the go-to person for 

making things happen. 

“It’s all about networking,” said 

Operations Noncommissioned Officer Sgt. 

Maj. Steven Townsend. “Staff Sergeant 

Fredrick, with no prior experience and not 

knowing anyone here, built the relationships 

we need to get our Soldiers the training they 

need.”

He made those relationships away from 

his desk, traveling to meet people faceto-face. Fredrick is directly responsible 

for ensuring the more than 400 Troopers 

assigned to the 525th are either enrolled 

or attending the schools they need to be 

qualified and operational. The schools 

range from Army-wide courses like Equal 

Opportunity Leader to specialized training 

in the FBI Crisis Negotiator Course 

and interservice Non-Lethal Individual 

Weapons Instructor Course.

“There is a lot of mandatory training 

you need to have here at JTF,” said Fredrick. 

“This is just a one-year tour, so a lot of 

times we get someone trained up just as 

a new person comes in and needs the same 

thing. So we start all over again. You have to 

stay on top of that so you don’t lose track 

of things.”

Townsend sees Fredrick as more than just 

a proactive worker and sharp Soldier. He is a 

leader as well.

“He’s not going to let anything slide,” 

said Townsend. “When you just walk by a 

deficiency, that becomes the new standard. 

If he sees a deficiency, he’s going to fix it. 

Whether it’s a uniform or something that 

comes up in our work here, he keeps the 

standard high.” 

Fredrick’s work ethic and ability to stay on 

top of things in uniform carries over to his 

free time. This Trooper loves traveling. Now 

he has Cuba to add to his list of countries 

visited.

“Being in the military gives you the 

opportunity to go a lot of places you couldn’t 

go otherwise,” said Fredrick. “I’ve met a lot 

of people who like to stay in a little bubble. 

I know people who’ve been stationed at Ft. 

Bragg for 13 or 14 years and never left. They 

go down range, come back and then do it 

again. That’s not me.”

While his time in Cuba is limited to the 

base, Fredrick is still taking in as much as he 

PSEC ALERT

OPSEC BLOCKS INDICATORS. THINK OPSEC!

What is an indicator?

When it comes to OPSEC, our only concern is the protection of unclassified information that has been identified 

as sensitive or critical information. Have you ever wondered why? Critical information provides the adversary 

with indicators. Indicators are nothing more than small pieces to a big puzzle that potentially put together 

classified information. Indicators can range from leaving your light on at night, which indicates you’re home, to 

massive troop movements to a certain location to indicate that an operation or training is being conducted. So 

be a hard target. Find out how indicators are giving you away. 

| Trooper Focus The Wire | Page 5

can. 

“I’m glad I came down here,” said 

Fredrick. “It helps me see the big picture 

– what our military is doing and how this 

fits into that big picture. You can’t get this 

anywhere else.” 

focus

Staff Sgt. Vonterrell Fredrick

Coast Guard searches for overdue boater on sailing trip off Gulf of Mexico
| Mission The Wire | Page 7

The Wire introduces 

first “Island Best” 

Trooper contest

Regardless of how long the deployment, Guantanamo 

Bay is now home to hundreds of Troopers. Most 

servicemembers, just as soon as they arrive to a new duty 

station, immediately begin the nesting process. Pictures, 

posters, mementos from home – they all find their rightful 

place in each Tierra Kay room, Camp America trailer or 

Cuzco tin can. And while some stick to the basics and 

utilize the usual means to make their mark, others go 

to extraordinary lengths to transform their dwelling into 

something personal and unique.

The Wire decided it was time to recognize those 

Troopers who do an outstanding job of bringing home 

to Guantanamo Bay. The places we inhabit – and the 

people we share a room, trailer, block or house with – are 

all part of what makes time on Guantanamo Bay a oncein-a-lifetime experience. Therefor, we are introducing 

the very first “Island Best” contest, giving Troopers a 

chance to show off their creativity and ingenuity. 

Categories will include “Best Interior,” “Best Garden,” 

“Best Cooking” and “Tackiest Room.” Next week, 

The Wire will contain a ballot in which Troopers can 

write-in nominees for each category at either the TK’s, 

Cuzcos or Camp America. We will accept nominations 

for two weeks, then tally the votes. Winners, with their 

permission, will be featured in a future issue of The 

Wire.

We here at The Wire strive to not only inform the 

Troopers of JTF Guantanamo but also to show our 

appreciation for all you do by providing some well-crafted 

hilarity. Consider this upcoming opportunity our thank 

you card, Guantanamo.

Prevention bureau preps Troopers in fire safety, awareness

Story by Mass Communication Specialist 

2nd Class Maddelin Angebrand

The Navy Region Southeast 

Fire & Emergency Services Fire 

Prevention Bureau is teaming 

up with Joint Task Force 

Guantanamo to ensure work and 

living conditions here are as fire 

safe as possible.

The bureau implemented the 

Navy’s fire prevention initiative, 

designating a member from each 

department as a fire warden. The 

program requires the member 

take an hour-long course on basic 

fire prevention and awareness 

and become responsible for 

monthly inspections of their 

building. 

“It helps us out because they 

become our eyes and ears,” said 

Clifford Foley, fire prevention 

inspector. “We can only get to a 

building once a year to do their 

annual inspection so the fire 

warden helps with the basics.”

The prevention bureau also 

does fire extinguisher training, 

given to commands and other 

groups upon request. They 

also recently participated in the 

Child Safety Day held at the 

Downtown Lyceum.

“If they [Troopers] come 

across a small fire in the 

workplace or at home, they will 

have this basic skill to put it 

out,” said Foley. “We teach them 

to aim low and use a sweeping 

motion.”

It is important to be proactive 

in fire safety and keep these tips 

in mind:

Install smoke detectors in 

every room on every floor and 

test batteries every six months.

In kitchens, never leave 

cooking unattended. Keep 

the area grease-free. Turn pot 

handles away from the front of 

the stove. Never wear loose, long 

sleeves while cooking, especially 

clothes made of synthetic 

materials. 

For smokers, dispose 

cigarettes in proper receptacles 

and smoke only at designated 

areas. 

Finally, have an evacuation 

plan -- know escape routes along 

with primary and secondary exits 

and always have a safe muster 

area for accountability.

Barbeques and outdoor 

activities are a popular way for 

Troopers to relax on base and

Clifford Foley, a fire inspector at the NAVSTA Gunatanamo Bay Fire Bureau, demonstrates the proper use of a fire hose and a fire 

extinguisher (below) at the Downtown Lyceumn, Friday during a children’s safety day event. The Fire Bureau employs two fire safety 

inspectors who are in charge of inspecting all NAVSTA and JTF buildings for fire code violations in an effort to prevent fires on base. 

- photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Maddelin Angebrand

 see FIRE, page 19

The Wire | Page 6 News |
The Wire | Page 8 Feature |

Joint Task Force and U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo 

servicemembers and civilians engaged in rigorous combat against 

each other, but their fights weren’t on the battle field – they were 

on they playing field. About 400 Sailors, Soldiers, Marines, Airmen, 

Coastguardsmen, civilians and family members participated in 

the Morale Welfare and Recreation Annual Memorial Day Sports 

Tournament at Denich Gym and Cooper Field, May 27-30. 

Thirty-three teams went head to head in basketball, softball 

and beach volleyball, competing for trophies and bragging rights 

around the island.

“Our goal was to give the troops a good way to unwind and 

enjoy their holiday weekend,” said Alana Morrison, MWR GTMO 

Sports Coordinator. “Judging by the turnout and the positive 

comments we received from all the participants I’d, say it was a 

Story by Mass Communication Specialist 

2nd Class Joe Ebalo

Tournaments

success. In three days we had about the same number of athletes we 

usually have playing in sports leagues that last eight weeks long.” 

Both the sand volleyball and softball finals ended in double 

overtime wins with the Fin Awesome team defeating the GTMO 

Assassins Team One and the GTMO All-Star Infidels beating PWD 

twice to win their respective sports and earn the top trophies.

In basketball, MWR spring league champion the Vigilant 

Warriors dominated the rest of the competition and won the 

double-elimination tournament without losing a game.

Some of the athletes competed in more than one sport and 

spent their weekend running back and forth between the basketball 

courts, softball fields and sand volleyball pit. 

“It was definitely tiring, but such a good time,” said Jahleel Brown 

a multi-sport participant in the tournament. “At first, I wasn’t sure 

if I was going to make all my games – thankfully it worked out. I’m 

happy to get out there and compete against my friends and peers. 

It’s all about having fun.”

Michael Hoag, small forward for the Average Joes, 

watches as Mike Brown, power forward, leaps into 

the air for a slamdunk, Sunday at Denich Gym.

 - photo by Spc. Meredith Vincent

Anthony Ryan, player for Fin Awesome, digs for the ball during the 

sand volleyball tournaments, Sunday. Fin Awesome dominated 

the tournament, winning every game they played. - photo by Mass 

Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joe Ebalo

Mark Jones (right) forward for the 

Vigilant Warriors basketball team 

goes up for a layup against the 

Team Greatness defenders during 

the MWR GTMO Memorial Day 

Weekend Basketball Tournament 

at Denich Gym, Sunday. - photo by 

Mass Communication Specialist 

2nd Class Joe Ebalo

| Feature The Wire | Page 9

Memorial Day Special

Hundreds of Joint Task Force Guantanamo Troopers and 

other Guantanamo Bay music fans filled the patio area outside 

Naval Station Guantanamo Bay’s Windjammer Café Saturday for 

the first of three very different but equally entertaining acts as part 

of Morale, Welfare and Recreation’s Memorial Day festivities. 

Independent and rising country music star Natalie Stovall led 

off the weekend-long event with a powerful performance for 

what she calls her favorite audience.

 “Playing for the military is truly playing for the best audience 

in the world,” said Stovall. “There’s this great cycle of gratitude 

and it raises the level of energy in the crowd. For us, we’re so 

amazed to be playing for you guys and it’s so incredible what you 

do for us.”

Stovall said she feels a special connection with the military. 

Her father, a retired Army colonel, served more than 20 years 

while she was growing up, helping her understand and feel very 

comfortable with servicemember audiences – on and off the 

stage. 

Story by Mass Communication Specialist 

2nd Class Jason Tross

MWR Concerts

“I had the opportunity to dance with her [Stovall],” said Tech 

Sgt. Chris Dallas, a JTF Guantanamo engineer assigned to the 

Base Engineering Emergency Force. “I know we both enjoyed it 

and I think the crowd got a kick out of it, too.” 

Dallas caught all three artists at various venues this weekend. 

Like previous performers and guests to visit Guantanamo Bay, he 

found the shows made life a little better for the people serving 

here – just what Stovall hoped to do.

“As an artist you want what you do to mean something,” said 

Stovall. “When we play for military, we can see it in their faces 

that it means something special to them. It’s not someone just 

coming up to you after a show and saying, ‘Oh wow, that was 

cool.’ They really mean it.”

Violinist and rising country star Natalie Stovall autographs a poster for a fan after her 

performance at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay’s Windjammer Café Saturday. 

- photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason Tross

Hip-hop star Yung Joc, joined by his Swag Team 

entourage, raps for hundreds of cheering fans during 

his performance at the Windjammer Café, Saturday.

 - photo by Mass Communication Specialist 

2nd Class Jason Tross 

Tim Rushlow of the country band Little Texas 

was one of three performers forming the 

group The Frontman. The band performed 

for residents of Guantanamo Bay, Sunday at 

the Windjammer Patio mixing equal parts 

originals, covers and audience requests. 

– photo by Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Cossel
Day two of Morale, Welfare and Recreation’s Memorial 

Day festivities began with the annual Cardboard Boat Regatta 

at Ferry Landing Beach, Saturday.

Participants staged their boats on the starting line, paddled 

fifty yards to a turn around buoy and finished at the same 

beginning line. 

MWR’s Outdoor Recreation Coordinator Cory Geiger said 

the course runs parallel to the beach for a few key reasons. 

 “The water is shallow for safety,” he explained. “It also 

allows spectators to see the boats from the side and up close, 

so they are closer to the action.” 

The event took MWR representatives a few days to set-up 

and most of the work was done by the competitors. 

“We set up the course and bring out tents for shade and 

drinks to stay cool,” said Geiger.

Participants constructed boats strictly using cardboard 

materials and basic tape. All participants received a rule sheet 

along with tips. Nails, wood and metal items were prohibited 

as building materials.

The Air Force Base Engineer Emergency Force, also known 

as Prime BEEF, built a large airplane with a wingspan of about 

forty feet and an estimated weight of 200 pounds.

“We actually used this project as a learning tool for our 

junior engineer staff,” said Tech Sgt. David O’Dell, the BEEF’s 

project leader. “We first designed a prototype on paper and a 

small model using basic engineering design concepts.”

Boat Regatta

Story by Mass Communication Specialist 

2nd Class Maddelin Angebrand

The Wire | Page 10 Feature |

 see BOATS, page 19

Troopers from the Base Engineer Emergency Force won 

best in show for their 200 pound mock up of an airplane.

 – photo by Army Sgt. Mathieu Perry

Taking to the high seas, a pirate ship was one 

of the many colorful designs on display during 

MWR’s annual Cardboard Boat Regatta. 

– photo by Army Sgt. Mathieu Perry

Always one of the look-forward-to events amongst the 

Guantanamo Bay community, MWR Outdoor Recreation 

Coordinator Cory Geiger said the annual regatta always 

brings out a crowd. – photo by Sgt. Mathieu Perry

Memorial Day Special

Even the typically hot sun appeared to hold a reverent halfmast, hidden behind a formation of gray clouds as residents of 

Guantanamo Bay gathered at Cuzco Wells Cemetery, Monday, to 

pay their respects to those who gave their all in defense of the 

United States.

Following a prayer by the base chaplain, Naval Station 

Guantanamo Bay Commander, Capt. Kirk Hibbert stood before 

the crowd and delivered a powerful Memorial Day address.

“Every generation must pay the price of freedom,” the captain 

said. “We stand here today to acknowledge a bill paid and to say 

thank you.”

During his speech, Hibbert paid special homage to the Battle 

of Cuzco Wells heroes, Marines Pvt. John Fitzgerald and Sgt. 

John Quick of the First Marine Battalion – both were awarded 

the Medal of Honor for their heroic efforts signaling the Naval 

gunship Dolphin during the battle -- and noted the special 

relationship between the cemetery and that battle.

“Their actions and deeds are more eloquent than I could ever 

put into words,” Hibbert said.

Following additional remarks by Naval Station Hospital 

Commander Capt. Richard Stoltz and Naval Station Command 

Master Chief J.D. McKinney, Marines of the Marine Corps 

Security Force Company rendered a 21-gun salute.

Marking the only time the cemetery is made available to 

the public, the Memorial Day service is even more meaningful 

as guests touch headstones and leave small offerings to those 

departed.

Closing out the ceremony, Navy Chaplain Lt. Douglas Holmes 

asked we never forget the brave men and women who paid the 

ultimate sacrifice and to keep in our hearts those currently in 

harm’s way around the world. 

Remembrance

Story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class 

Benjamin Cossel

| Feature The Wire | Page 11

Naval Station Guantanamo Bay Commander Capt. Kirk 

Hibbert and Naval Station Hospital Commander Capt. Richard 

Stoltz lay a wreath near the Cuzco Wells Cemetery flag pole, 

Monday during the Memorial Day service.

Marines of Naval Station Guantanamo Bay Marine Corps 

Security Forces Company render honors during the raising of 

the American flag.
The At Your Service | Wire | Page 12

In The Trenches

Odierno nominated as next CSA as Dempsey moves up

Army News Service

WASHINGTON – President Barack 

Obama announced Monday he will nominate 

Gen. Raymond T. Odierno as the next chief 

of staff of the Army.

Obama also announced he will nominate 

Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, the Army’s current 

chief of staff, to be chairman of the Joint 

Chiefs of Staff.

“I’m announcing my choice for their 

successors today because it’s essential that 

this transition be seamless and that we stay 

focused on the urgent national security 

challenges before us,” Obama said.

If the Senate approves the nominations, 

Odierno — known for overseeing the 

transition from surge to stability operations 

in Iraq from September 2008 to September 

2010 — will replace Dempsey as the chief 

of the staff.

Odierno currently serves as commander 

of the U.S. Joint Forces Command, which is 

being deactivated no later than Aug. 31, 2011. 

He entered the Army in 1976 and served as 

a platoon leader with the 56th Field Artillery 

Brigade.

Gen. David Petraeus, now commander 

of the International Security Assistance 

Force and U.S. Forces Afghanistan, served 

together with Odierno in the earliest days of 

the conflict in Iraq, in 2003.

During the recent surge in Iraq, Petraeus 

served as Multi-National Forces-Iraq 

commander while Odierno served as the 

Multi-National Corps-Iraq commander.

“His leadership of MNC-I was absolutely 

magnificent, his operational vision was 

exceptional, his determination was 

extraordinary, and his drive was legendary,” 

Petraeus said. “It was an enormous privilege 

to have him as a key member of the team 

during that pivotal period in Iraq.”

Odierno assumed Petraeus’ position at 

MNF-I in September 2008 and was there 

through its transition to USF-I. Odierno 

“continued to make a tremendous impact 

in the land of the two rivers as the overall 

commander there for another two years,” 

Petraeus said.

In October 2010, Odierno took 

command of U.S. Joint Forces Command, 

“shouldering with great skill and vision, the 

delicate task of transitioning vital capabilities 

of JFCOM to other organizations to enable 

the disestablishment of that command,” 

Petraeus said.

The president himself commented on 

Odierno’s successes in Iraq when making the 

announcement regarding his nomination to 

the chief of staff position.

“In three pivotal deployments to Iraq, 

he commanded the troops that captured 

Saddam Hussein, partnered with General 

Petraeus to help bring down the violence, 

and then transferred responsibility to Iraqi 

forces, allowing us to remove some 100,000 

American troops and end our combat 

mission,” Obama said.

“After years on the front lines, Ray 

understands what the Army must do -- to 

prevail in today’s wars, to prepare for the 

future, and to preserve the readiness of the 

Soldiers and families who are the strength of 

America’s families,” Obama said.

VA expands TSGLI 

payment eligibility

WASHINGTON – Soldiers previously 

ineligible to receive insurance payments 

for injuries they received outside of 

Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring 

Freedom will soon have the opportunity 

to submit claims for Servicemembers’ 

Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury 

Protection Program.

Effective Oct. 1, 2011, servicemembers 

outside a combat zone who suffered a 

qualifying injury – such as loss of a limb 

or an eye for example – may be entitled to 

$25,000 up to a $100,000 maximum total 

for all qualifying injuries received between 

Oct. 7, 2001, and Nov. 30, 2005, regardless 

of where the injury occurred.

“The Veterans Administration is 

charged by law with managing the 

insurance program,” said Stephen Wurtz, 

VA deputy assistant director for insurance. 

“In 1965 the VA bought a group policy 

from a commercial insurance company 

and that company does the day-to-day 

functions of the programs, whether it’s 

paying claims or collecting premiums.”

Wurtz added that the VA and service 

branches are notifying individuals who 

had been turned down due to the previous 

requirement that the injury must have 

taken place in theater. He noted that 

current servicemembers and veterans 

who suffered qualifying injuries between 

Oct. 7, 2001, and Nov. 30, 2005, should be 

proactive in filing claims beginning Oct. 1, 

2011.

“We’ll work hard to get the word 

out and to locate as many individuals as 

possible and to work with the branches 

of service in collecting the information 

they’ll need, such as the medical evidence 

to document their claims,” Wurtz said, 

adding that the TSGLI benefit in no way 

affects VA benefits.

If the individual service determines the 

injury meets the criteria, it then determines 

the amount of payment. The service 

next sends the decision to the insurance 

company, which will generate payment.

If the service determines the injury 

doesn’t meet the criteria, the service will 

notify the insurance company, which 

will in turn send a letter to the claimant 

informing them they are not eligible to 

receive payment and the reason for that 

decision.

Army News Service

On The Deck

| At Your Service The Wire | Page 13

NEW YORK (NNS) -- Marking a 

significant milestone in their careers at the 

most symbolic of places, 12 Sailors and five 

Coast Guardsmen reenlisted at the site of 

the World Trade Center on May 26.

The group met inside Gate 7 on the 

southwest side of Ground Zero, where 

together they raised their hands and swore 

to support and defend the Constitution of 

the United States. 

Coast Guard Vice Adm. Robert Parker, 

commander, Atlantic Area led a group 

of five Coast Guardsmen and Rear Adm. 

Herman Shelanski, commander, Carrier 

Strike Group 10 led a group of 12 Sailors in 

reciting their oaths, calling it an opportunity 

for enlisted service men and women to 

remind themselves why they serve their 

country.

“I have done a couple hundred of these, 

but it’s kind of an emotional event here,” 

Parker said. “I can’t think of a better place 

to have yet another restart to what are the 

fine careers of these folks that are coming 

up through our services.”

The ground zero reenlistment was 

especially meaningful for Marine Science 

Technician 2nd Class Heather Clark, who 

serves aboard U.S. Coast Guard Sector New 

York from Fayetteville, N.C. 

“It is a real honor to reenlist here at 

 

Servicemembers reenlist at World 

Trade Center site during Fleet Week

Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class W. B. Swoboda, 

Fleet Week New York Public Affairs

ground zero,” Clark said. “I originally 

enlisted in the Coast Guard after 9/11, 

wanted to join something that is larger than 

myself and I really wanted to help people.”

Service members in town for Fleet Week 

had the opportunity to reenlist at some of 

the city’s most popular attractions. By far, 

the World Trade Center site got the biggest 

response, explained Michael Hurley of the 

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, 

who manages the World Trade Center site 

and said he receives a number of requests 

to host military promotion and reenlistment 

ceremonies.

“We had an extremely high level of 

interest in this location,” Hurley said. “So 

many want to recommit to their service here, 

at a place significant to all Americans.”

After repeating the oath, Engineman 

2nd Class Edward Cooper, stationed on 

board USS John L. Hall (FFG 32), from 

Anderson, S.C. Had a chance to take in 

the sights of the construction going on all 

around and congratulate the other Sailors 

who had reenlisted alongside him.

“It is an amazing experience, everything 

that happened here on 9/11 – it’s just an 

amazing feeling it just gives you chills,” 

Cooper said. “Reenlisting here at ground 

zero is an outstanding feeling, there’s 

nothing like it.” 

Services are participating in the 24th 

Fleet Week New York, which takes place 

May 25 - June 1. 

Missouri Sailors Assist 

Tornado Victims

Lt. Jennifer Cragg, Submarine 

Group 2 Public Affiars Officer

Groton, Conn. – Eight USS Missouri 

(SSN 780) Sailors departed their 

homeport in Groton, Conn., for Joplin, 

Mo., Wednesday to assist with recovery 

efforts following a tornado that tour 

through city last month.

The eight Sailors elected to take 

voluntary leave for one week to assist 

victims and with cleanup efforts in 

Joplin.

“The real story here is simply 

Americans helping Americans,” said 

Cmdr. Timothy Rexrode, USS Missouri 

commanding officer. “I am so proud 

of our Sailors, and I continue to find 

inspiration every day in the commitment 

of these young men to serve their nation; 

making a difference in the lives of others. 

The efforts of these Sailors are consistent 

with what we see in these type of events. 

Our Sailors are everyday people taking 

time away from work and spending their 

summer vacation budgets to help out 

where they can.”

Sailors participating in this relief 

effort include Lt. j.g. Joe Innerst; Lt. j.g. 

Ryan Sullivan; Chief Yeoman (SS) Mike 

Shea; Chief Machinist’s Mate (SS) C.J. 

Kohlhofer; Chief Culinary Specialist (SS) 

Andy Scott; Electronics Technician 1st 

Class (SS) Jason Fenley; Machinist’s Mate 

2nd Class (SS/DV) Travis Fitzgerald, 

and Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class (SS) Pat 

Patterson. 

The Missouri Sailors will be 

volunteering with Americorps, the 

American Red Cross, and the Missouri 

State Emergency Management Agency, 

who are providing the Sailors with 

opportunities to assist with ongoing 

volunteer efforts.

“Our crew’s affiliation with the state 

of Missouri and its people is quite strong, 

and we prize that affinity in the tradition 

of our ship’s motto, ‘United We Stand,’” 

said Rexrode. 

In a sign of solidarity, Rexrode and his 

crew sent their prayers and condolences 

to the people of Missouri, May 22

The Missouri crew consists of about 

134 officers and enlisted personnel. 

Missouri is the fifth Navy ship to be 

named in honor of the people of the 

“Show Me State.” 

The amphibious transport dock ship USS New York transits the Hudson River during Fleet 

Week. New York has 7.5 tons of steel salvaged from the World Trade Center towers forged 

into her bow and is participating in the 24th annual Fleet Week New York. - photo by Mass 

Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eric S. Garst
On the Wing

SAN ANTONIO – The space 

shuttle Endeavor touched down 

at the Kennedy Space Center June 

1 at 2:35 a.m. EDT, ending the 

shuttle’s 19-year flying career.

The Endeavour crew 

completed four spacewalks and 

several maintenance upgrades on 

the International Space Station as 

part of the shuttle’s final mission.

Endeavour’s crew also delivered 

and installed the $2 billion Alpha 

Magnetic Spectrometer particle 

detector, which is designed to 

study dark matter, antimatter and 

other high-energy phenomena 

that cannot be detected from 

Earth. The AMS was successfully 

installed and is being calibrated for 

upcoming experiments.

Among the crew were two Air 

Force astronauts, mission pilot 

Col. Gregory Johnson and mission 

specialist Col. Mike Fincke, who 

were thrilled to be part of the 

shuttle’s final mission.

“My first shuttle mission was 

Space shuttle Endeavor 

lands for the last time

Air Force News Service

on it [Endevour],” Johnson said. 

“But now getting to be on its 

last mission is just a dream come 

true.”

Fincke’s sentiments are similar.

“Being able to fly in the shuttle 

is amazing,” he said. “But I could 

never imagine being able to fly on 

such a historic mission.”

Fincke made history of his 

own on the mission, becoming 

the new record-holder for longest 

A vapor trail follows space shuttle Endeavour as it approaches Runway 15 on the 

Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida for the final 

time. – photo by Chuck Tintera

time in space with 381 days.

Endeavor’s landing coincides 

with the rollout of the shuttle 

Atlantis, which is scheduled to 

launch the final space shuttle 

mission July 8. 

First C-17 lands on refurbished runway at Shindand

Air Force News Service

KABUL, Afghanistan -- A C-17 Globemaster III landed at Shindand 

Air Base recently marking the first time the large military transport 

aircraft was needed to land at the 

base since the refurbished runway 

opened in December 2010.

The landing marked a significant 

milestone as strategic airlift provides 

a critical and important capability to 

mass lethal and nonlethal forces on 

a global scale. “Shindand’s ability to 

operate and maintain a C-17 capable 

war-fighting platform directly 

supports the U.S. Central Command 

commander’s operational support 

vision for Western Afghanistan,” 

said Col. Larry Bowers, the 838th 

Air Expeditionary Advisory Group 

commander “C-17 aircraft, in 

particular, are often the first called 

and sometimes the only military 

force capable of providing an initial 

response and volume to a crisis 

within hours of the need.”

Located in Herat province, Shindand’s originally Soviet-built runway, 

constructed in 1961, was rebuilt at the base after it suffered massive 

damage by coalition forces during the initiation of Operation Enduring 

Freedom in 2002. The runway was rebuilt in 2009 and since then has 

supported coalition aircraft as large as a C-130 Hercules.

Officials said the role of the C-17 will be to transport cargo and 

passengers and within 60 days, the 

flightline will also have the capability 

to support two C-17s 24-hours a 

day in direct support of Operation 

Enduring Freedom.

“Aircraft improves battlefield 

distribution for users and increases 

the system’s ability to respond 

quickly to change which will serve 

to shorten Shindand’s logistical 

timelines and supply lines for 

personnel, pieces and parts in direct 

support of OEF,” Bowers explained. 

“Airlift is viewed as a foundation of 

U.S. national security at the strategic 

level and as a crucial capability for 

operational commanders within a 

theater.”

The landing was truly a joint 

team effort, officials said.

“This landing could not have taken place without the teamwork of 

many base agencies coming together in a total team effort,” said Capt. 

Billy Wilson, of 838th AEAG operations. 

The At Your Service | Wire | Page 14

Inside the Jar

BELLEAU, France — More than 300 

Marines and Sailors from commands throughout 

Europe and the United States, along with about 

2,000 French locals, gathered at the Aisne-Marne 

American Cemetery, here, for a Memorial Day 

ceremony to honor the dead and missing of the 

World War I battle of Belleau Wood.

The 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps 

General James F. Amos, backed by Marines 

from Marine Corps Forces Europe, members 

of 5th and 6th Marine Regiments, and Fleet 

Anti-terrorism Security Team Company Europe 

gathered to remember and honor the 2,289 wardead who are buried at the 42.5-acre cemetery.

“Just behind me, and over this hill, on a 

single day, June the 6th, 1918, the Marine Corps 

sustained more casualties than it had in its 

previous 143 years of existence,” said Amos in a 

speech in front of dignitaries and French locals. 

“On that day, the Marine Corps transformed 

from simple naval infantry to one of the most 

feared and revered fighting forces the world has 

Memorial Day ceremony honors Belleau Wood fallen 

Master Sgt. Grady Fontana

Marine Forces Europe

ever known.”

The ceremony featured remarks by 

Monique Benier, the Mayor of Belleau, along 

with memorial addresses from both Amos and 

French Commander of Land Forces Lt. Gen. 

Herve Charpentier. The laying of wreathes, 

poetry readings, and performances by the 

French Army Band, the ‘Commandant’s Own’ 

Drum and Bugle Corps, and the U.S. Marine 

Corps Silent Drill Platoon were also featured. 

“Belleau Wood is one of those touchstone 

battles for the Marine Corps,” said Lt. Gen. John 

M. Paxton Jr., commanding general, II Marine 

Expeditionary Force and commander, Marine 

Corps Forces Africa. “Ever since 1918, when 

we were over here, it was a watershed battle that 

put the United States Marine Corps onto the 

world map and has solidified our relationship 

with both the Army and the nation of France. 

For Marines today, it’s part of that legacy of 

courage and commitment.” 

Belleau Wood is a 200-acre forest that adjoins 

the cemetery behind the memorial chapel. At 

the cemetery, there are 2,039 known buried and 

250 unknown whose remains are buried but not 

identified. In the chapel, there are 1,060 names 

inscribed on the walls to remember the missing.

“It’s an honor for me to stand here today 

with my fellow Marines and our French allies,” 

said Amos. “Belleau Wood is a spiritual place 

for those of us who are called United States 

Marines. It reaches deep inside of us to our soul 

and reminds us of who we truly are.”

For most Marines, the experience was 

universal.

 “This is my second time here at Belleau 

Wood,” said Paxton. “To come back here, you 

get a sense of the monumental challenge in 

front of those Marines in 1918...it’s a fitting 

tribute to their valor and their sacrifice.”

“This was a good experience for me,” said 

Staff Sgt. Matthew M. Pfarr, disbursing travel 

chief, MarForEur. “The bands and the Silent 

Drill Platoon performed very well—the addition 

of their performances cemented this experience 

in my mind. I thought it was a great tribute to 

those who died here and I’m glad I was a part 

of this trip.”

The 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps General James F. Amos lays a commemorative coin 

in front of the Iron Mike monument atop a hill in the heart of the Belleau Wood forest during a 

private Memorial Day ceremony in front of a formation of Marines and French soldiers. 

- photo by Master Sgt. Grady Fontana

| At Your Service The Wire | Page 15
Coast to coast

The At Your Service | Wire | Page 16

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Team 

Navy/Coast Guard celebrated the end of the 

2011 Warrior Games May 21, after winning a 

total of 27 medals during the games. 

The medals were won in a variety of events 

such as archery, cycling, swimming, track and 

field, and wheelchair basketball.

Held annually, Warrior Games is a 

paralympic-style competition among wounded, 

ill, and injured service members. 

“When a team manages to double its medal 

count in one year’s time, it’s evidence of two 

things: training and dedication,” said retired 

Navy Master Chief Aviation Ordnanceman 

James “Will” Wilson, Team Navy/Coast Guard 

co-captain and manager of Navy Safe Harbor’s 

adaptive athletics program. “Our team had the 

biggest heart, and that carried us through the 

competition. We are one big extended family, 

and I couldn’t be more proud of what we have 

accomplished.”

After finishing last during the 2010 Warrior 

Games, Team Navy/Coast Guard moved up 

the ranks this year, seizing second place with 

Coast Guard/Navy team nets 27 medals

59.8 points. Though the Marine Corps team 

took home the Chairman’s Cup trophy, Team 

Navy/Coast Guard bested the Army, Air 

Force, and Special Operations teams. Using 

a weighted formula to compensate for team 

sizes, the Chairman’s Cup is awarded to the 

top-performing service branch.

The final competitions of the Warrior 

Games were wheelchair basketball and sitting 

volleyball. Team Navy/Coast Guard defeated 

Air Force, 13-12 in wheelchair basketball, 

earning a bronze medal Friday evening. On 

Saturday, the Navy/Coast Guard’s sitting 

volleyball team lost to the Special Operations 

team after three tight sets.

“The Warrior Games are about Navy and 

Coast Guard versus the Marines; they’re about 

Army versus the Air Force; they’re about 

Special Operations versus the Marines,” said 

Charlie Huebner, chief of U.S. Paralympics, 

during the closing ceremonies. “But most 

importantly, the Warrior Games and the 

Olympic and Paralympic movement is about 

one thing: Team USA.”

Coast Guard searches for overdue boater on sailing trip off Gulf of Mexico

NEW ORLEANS — The 

Coast Guard is searching for a 

man who reportedly did not arrive 

at his final destination following a 

sailing trip in the Gulf of Mexico, 

Tuesday.

Missing is Allan Marriotte, 63.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard 

Sector New Orleans received 

an overdue vessel report from 

Chuck Rumsey at approximately 

7 a.m., Tuesday, reporting that 

Marriotte was on a sailing trip 

aboard the Fairwind, a gray 40-

foot sailing vessel, that departed 

from Pensacola, Fla., Thursday. 

Marriotte was expected to have 

already arrived in either Tarpon 

Springs, Fla., or St. Petersburg, 

Fla.

The crew of a Coast Guard 

HC-144 aircraft from Coast 

Guard Aviation Training Center 

Mobile, Ala., is currently searching 

for Marriotte.

An Urgent Marine Information 

Broadcast (UMIB) was also issued 

to mariners to maintain caution in 

the area.

Anyone with information 

about Marriotte should call the 

Coast Guard command center at 

(504) 589-6225.

“The Coast Guard 

recommends filing a float plan 

every time you plan to go out on 

any body of water,” said Lt. j.g. 

Marcel Rousseau, a command duty 

officer for the Eight Coast Guard 

District. “Something as simple as 

telling a family member or a friend 

where you are going and when you 

plan to return can help in a search 

and rescue case.”

Cutter Valiant returns 

to homeport after patrol

MIAMI – The crew of the 210-

foot, Miami-based Coast Guard Cutter 

Valiant returned home Saturday at 9 a.m. 

concluding a 50-day deployment in the 

northern Caribbean.

The crew of the cutter Valiant 

conducted a counter-narcotics 

deployment in the Caribbean and a 21-

day shipboard training period focusing 

on shipboard damage response and 

cutter navigation out of Naval Station 

Mayport, Fla.

On April 16, the cutter Valiant 

received a report of a vessel in distress 

west of Cuba. The cutter conducted 

a search and located the disabled 

fishing vessel, Capt Nephi. The vessel 

experienced an engine casualty, and due 

to a split seam in her hull, was taking 

on water. The cutter Valiant took the 

vessel in tow and deployed a rescue and 

assistance team to dewater the vessel. 

Dewatering the vessel throughout the 

night, the cutter towed the vessel 80 

miles to Cancun, Mexico. The following 

morning, Valiant’s rescue and assistance 

team made temporary repairs to Capt 

Nephi’s split seam and transferred the 

vessel to the Mexican Navy.

On April 18, the Valiant’s 

watchstanders detected a northbound 

go-fast vessel off the coast of 

Honduras. Embedded aboard the cutter 

Valiant, crewmembers of the Coast 

Guard Helicopter Interdiction Tactical 

Squadron Jacksonville and two small 

boatcrews from the cutter launched 

stopping the vessel after a 20-minute 

pursuit.

The Valiant’s crew primarily conducts 

counter drug and undocumented migrant 

interdiction patrols.

| Mind, Body & Soul The Wire | Page 17

Mind, Body & Soul

GTMO Religious Services

Daily Catholic Mass

Mon. - Fri. 5:30 p.m.

Main Chapel

Vigil Mass

Saturday 5 p.m.

Main Chapel

Mass

Sunday 9 a.m.

Main Chapel

Catholic Mass

Saturday 7:30 p.m.

Troopers’ Chapel

Sunday 7:30 a.m.

Troopers’ Chapel

Church of Christ

Sunday 10 a.m.

Chapel Annex

Room 17

Seventh Day Adventist

Saturday 11 a.m.

Room B

Iglesia Ni Christo

Sunday 5:30 a.m.

Room A

Pentecostal Gospel

Sunday 8 a.m.

Room D

Liturgical Service

Sunday 10 a.m.

Room B

General Protestant

Sunday 11 a.m.

Main Chapel

United Jamaican

Fellowship

Sunday 11 a.m.

Building 1036

Gospel Service

Sunday 1 p.m.

Main Chapel

GTMO Bay Christian 

Fellowship

Sunday 6 p.m.

Main Chapel

Bible Study

Wednesday 7 p.m.

Troopers’ Chapel

The Truth Project

Bible study

Sunday 6 p.m.

Troopers’ Chapel

Protestant Worship

Sunday 9 a.m.

Troopers’ Chapel

Islamic Service

Friday 1:15 p.m.

Room C

Jewish Service

Friday 7 p.m.

Chapel Annex

LORIMI Gospel

Sunday 8 a.m.

Room D

LDS Service

Sunday 10 a.m.

Room A

I tend to feel pretty good after an intense 

exercise session. I do not know the medical 

terminology for my good mood, but the 

more I work out, the better I feel. 

Daily stressors such as work, school or 

family issues can cause feelings of emotional 

pressure or even depression. It is important 

to handle our pressure levels to keep our 

bodies and minds sharp but also to relax so 

we may enjoy the positives life has to offer. 

In as few as 30 minutes per day, an intense 

exercise session can help reduce depression in 

a person. Physical activity stimulates various 

brain chemicals that leave a person feeling 

happier and more tranquil than before the 

workout. This stimulation enables clear and 

rational thought processes.

Exercising on a regular basis creates a 

glowing and healthier internal and external 

appearance. Depression is typically warded 

off and self worth begins to penetrate the 

attitude.

Each morning, our officer-in-charge 

challenges us as a group to give 100 percent 

during morning PT. This is not an option for 

us. Some mornings I feel as if I am not going 

to make it; other mornings I feel I could 

continue for hours.

Endorphins, adrenaline, serotonin and 

dopamine are chemicals released by the 

brain, working together to make the body 

feel good. After an exercise session, a feeling 

of accomplishment helps the muscles relax, 

easing tension and strain.

I enjoy varying the physical fitness 

routines we have each morning. Some days 

are harder than others but when I accomplish 

the mission, I feel as if I have conquered a 

mighty beast! Fun fitness allows me to enjoy 

what I am doing and trick my body into 

continuing the madness. Strenuous workouts 

engage my “no fail” trigger encouraging me 

to give more to accomplish more. 

Swimming, spinning, running and weight 

lifting are cardiovascular activities I engage 

in on a regular basis. These exercises create 

the intensity level I need to produce a mood 

enhancing ‘high,’ which then feeds my 

positive mood. 

Yoga and pilates are great exercises known 

to reduce tension and stress. I have taken a 

few yoga classes and have been so relaxed, I 

fell asleep during the session. I don’t think 

this was the purpose of the class but I relaxed 

and felt great after the session. 

Finding the right exercises for you may 

take time; when you find the right mix of 

exercises enhancing your mood, you will 

know it. Your mind, body and sanity will be 

in alignment.

Mass Communication Specialist 

1st Class Erica Gardner

Turn your frown upside down:

Let exercise help!

no exercise

lots of exercise!
The Wire | Page 18 At the Movies |

Movie Review

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

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

Pirates of the 

Caribbean: On 

Stranger Tides

(PG-13) 8 p.m.

Arthur

(PG-13) 10 p.m.

Your Highness

(R) 8 p.m.

Diary of a Wimpy 

Kid: Rodrick Ru

(PG) 8 p.m.

Paul

(R) 8 p.m.

*last showing*

Source Code

(PG-13) 8 p.m.

Hanna

(PG-13) 8 p.m.

Downtown

Lyceum

Camp 

Bulkeley

Hop

(PG) 8 p.m.

The Hangover 2

(R) 10 p.m.

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

It’s hard to believe it’s been eight years 

since Capt. Jack Sparrow waltzed into 

theaters and stole the hearts of millions 

of movie-goers. I remember watching the 

first “Pirates of the Caribbean” and being 

dazzled. It was a cosmic combination of 

the right movie with the right star at the 

right moment. Who knew a film based on 

the idea of a Disneyland adventure ride 

could be such a good time?

And then there was Johnny Depp. After 

countless years chipping away at more 

respectable, but very often under-theradar, material, “Pirates” was the movie 

that sent him catapulting into megawatt 

fame. Suddenly, everyone wanted a 

piece of Johnny. It’s worth mentioning 

that when Depp first unveiled his Mick 

Jagger-infused Sparrow to director Gore 

Verbinski, the filmmaker was originally 

appalled. To his credit, Verbinski let Depp 

work his genius and because of it we 

now have one of the most indelible pop 

cultures figures of our time.

That was then. What was once new and 

exciting has been rehashed – again – into 

a third sequel. And while Depp is a movie 

star for the ages, even he can’t keep this 

sinking pirate ship afloat. 

Director Rob Marshall steps in for 

Verbinski for “On Stranger Tides,” as 

Jack and Barbossa (a deliciously hammy 

Geoffrey Rush) set out to find the 

Fountain of Youth.

Marshall’s background is in musicals 

(he directed “Chicago” and “Nine), which 

is a gift and a curse. The action scenes 

are almost delicately choreographed, 

especially a pirate vs. mermaid shakedown 

that will certainly give you chills. He also 

is skilled at cutting the fat, not only in 

story and plot, but also in characters. No 

longer must we watch Orlando Bloom 

and Keira Knightley’s Will Turner and 

Elizabeth Swann swoon over each other. 

Instead, Jack’s got his own love interest in 

the comely Angelica (a preggers Penelope 

Cruz). Angelica’s daddy happens to be the 

notorious pirate Blackbeard, also on the 

hunt for the Fountain of Youth. 

Thank God I was sitting with a bunch 

of Sailors ‘cause I had no idea who 

Blackbeard was and knew nothing about 

his ship, The Queen Anne’s Revenge. I’m 

guessing it’s a Navy thing.

Unfortunately, Marshall came to this 

party a little too late, and the instinctive 

spark that Depp used to infuse into Jack 

Sparrow is long gone. What made Jack 

interesting in the first movie was his 

unpredictability – you were constantly 

surprised by what he said and how he said 

it. His penchant for being unstable, 

Spc. Meredith Vincent

PG-13

136 min.

 see MOVIES page 19

Limitless 

(PG-13) 8 p.m.

*last showing*

Arthur

(PG-13) 10 p.m.

Your Highness

(R) 8 p.m.

The Hangover 2

(R) 10 p.m.

Pirates of the 

Caribbean: On 

Stranger Tides

(PG-13) 8 p.m.

Paul

(R) 10 p.m

*last showing*

Limitless

(PG-13) 8 p.m.

Thor

(PG-13) 8 p.m.

Source Code

(PG-13) 8 p.m.

| The Last Word The Wire | Page 19

FIRE cont. MOVIE cont.

BOATS cont. 

that is when they need to be aware 

of a potential fire, Foley said.

“Keep your grill twenty feet 

away from any building, and 

never grill in a garage,” he warned. 

“Have a fire extinguisher or water 

hose nearby and even a pair of 

hot mittens. I know it’s simple, 

but people do get careless.”

In the case of a real fire, Foley 

offered advice on how to avoid 

inhaling the toxins emitted by the 

flames.

 “Smoke is the number one 

killer in fires,” he said. “So if you 

find yourself in this situation, stay 

low to the ground, which will help 

you avoid breathing in hot, toxic 

They held brainstorming 

sessions to go over each 

process and used what they felt 

was the best idea before they 

started building.

“One example was the 

tail fin,” said O’Dell. “It was 

supposed to be a single part, 

but due to issues bending the 

bottom layer of cardboard we 

decided to split the tail and 

fold it out which gave the boat 

a more dramatic look.” 

Winners included 1st place 

team “Black Iguana,” coached 

by William Neimi; 2nd place “Sea 

Cadets” and 3rd place went 

to team “Black and Yellow,” 

coached by Kevin Lynch. The 

“Best in Show” award went to 

the BEEF. The “Best Titanic” 

award went to the three W.T. 

Sampson School teams and the 

“Most GTMO” award went to 

team “United States Naval Ship 

No Mercy.”

The event concluded with 

award presentations and special 

thanks from Geiger to the 

participants for their creative 

efforts.

“The boats looked great 

and the spectators cheered on 

the winners and clapped for 

the ones that sunk,” Geiger 

shared. “It is one of the most 

fun events we do every year 

because of the large crowd out 

watching people succeed as 

well as crash and burn!”

gasses.”

Two inspectors are responsible 

for all the buildings on each side of 

the base and their primary mission 

is base-wide code enforcement.

“We want to make sure you 

guys are safe,” said Foley. “We 

are here to be proactive before a 

fire and I always believe the initial 

attack to a fire is education to the 

public. If people are listening to 

what we say, ultimately, we will be 

a safer society.”

For more information on fire 

prevention training or the fire 

warden program, contact the 

Guantanamo Bay Fire Prevention 

Bureau at x4611.

surprised by what he said 

and how he said it. His 

penchant for being unstable, 

untrustworthy and his overall 

haphazard approach to life 

was fascinating and fresh. 

He took the part and made it 

undeniably his own.

As a testament to how 

watered down and recycled 

this story has become, I 

listened to the audience 

guessing Jack’s comebacks 

and one-liners, and most of 

the time they were right. Sadly, 

that’s how stationary Depp’s 

performance has become.

This latest addition does 

not capture the magic that 

happened so many years ago. 

However, it does introduce 

some fun, new characters 

to the “Pirates” franchise, 

particularly the mermaids – 

I’ll never look at Ariel from 

“The Little Mermaid” the 

same way again. So while Jack 

and Co. may have overstayed 

their welcome by a few years 

and a couple movies, at least 

there’s still some fun to be 

had. 
ert

BON VOYAGE!

Air force Capt. Zach Waterman (far right) and SFC Robert Kicker (back 

left) wave farewell with W.T. Sampson students after pushing off from 

the Guantanamo Marina during a fishing trip, May 27. - photo by Mass 

Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joe Ebalo

TheJTF

CHANGE OF COMMAND

Rear Adm. Jeffrey Harbeson, Commander, Joint Task Force Guantanamo, salutes 

the sideboys during a change of command ceremony for the Joint Task Force-Joint 

Medical Group at the Naval Station Hospital, May 27. - photo by Mass Communication 

Specialist 2nd Class Joe Ebalo

WAY TO GO!

Sand volleyball champions team Fin Awesome (left) and runner up team 

SJA Legal pose for a post-tournament photo after the two-day Memorial 

Day weekend sand volleyball tournament outside Denich Gym. - photo by 

Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Carlos Cepeda

DIVE IN MOVIE

Troopers and NAVSTA members swim while watching “A Bedtime Story” at 

the Windjammer pool Dive In movie event, April, 28. The event was hosted by 

Morale, Welfare and Recreation. - photo by Mass Communication Specialist 

2nd Class Maddelin Angebrand