Volume 13, Issue 5 Friday, December 9, 2011

Moving up in the world: NEGB frocks Sailors 107th Blazes a Trail

Remembering Pearl Harbor JTF Guantanamo marks 70th anniversary ommand orner News from the Bay C Stocking Stuffer Shuffle Reading bingo in Seabee Fun Run Rear Admiralc David Woods There will be a 3.7 mile run on Dec. 10 The Naval Station Intelligence Depart- progress from Phillips Dive Park to McCalla Field Commander, Joint Task Force Guantanamo ment will host a 2K-5K walk/run today The MWR is holding a reading bingo and back. Register at the NEX Atrium at 4 p.m. starting at Ridgeline parking lot game at the library. Pick up your bingo card There is a unique dynamic that exists their weight” in this game. You will also from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 3–4 or on the next to the large Christmas tree on Sher- and read a book within the genres specified amongst our uniformed service. This usually see the least penalties of any game day of the run at 6:30 a.m. The top 10 run- man Ave. Admission for the walk/run is on the card. dynamic is comprised of elements of all year. I also recommend you stay tuned ners will receive a Seabees coin. The first free and participants may donate toys and Once you’ve read a book, put the title on intense competition which is contrasted at the end of the game to watch as the 50 participants get a T-shirt. other small items to the Operation Christ- the card in the corresponding genre, along with undeniable camaraderie— especially cadets, midshipmen and their fans come to Registration is $15. For more informa- mas Stocking’s charity drive. with a major event in the book. when challenged. This week we observe attention as each academy’s school hymn tion, call 84984. For more information, call Staff Sgt. “We have a bingo card you can pick up,” two events which serve to highlight this is played. Regardless of the excitement, Edwin Latrell at 5111. said MWR librarian Amy Webster. “Each dynamic and its elements. jubilation and celebration when the square on the card has a different category On Saturday at FEDEX Field just hymns start to play all of this is abruptly and you read a book from that category. Santa Claus is coming outside of our nation’s capital arguably the stopped out of honor and respect. It is Red Cross adjusted hours When you get bingo, then you come in and most pure rivalry in college football will unlike any other action in college sports. to town fill out a little stub and we put it in a draw- be played for the 112th time. The Army- The realization is that although foe on Santa is making a stop at the NEX Atri- The Guantanamo Bay Red Cross office ing.” Navy Game is played the gridiron it is still just um Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. Bring will operate on an adjusted schedule for Reading bingo will run from now until between the “Cadets” of a game and they are truly your holiday wishes and a camera. the month of December. The Red Cross March 31. Until then there will be drawings the US Military Academy As you serve brothers-in-arms where it The NEX will open early on Dec. 17, office will close at noon Fridays Dec. 2, 9 held at the end of every month for anyone at West Point, NY and counts in defense of our from 8-9 a.m., for kids-only (and parents!) and perform in and 16. The office will be closed Dec. 19- who has earned bingo. The last drawing will the “Midshipmen” nation. shopping. Pick out your presents before your part of our 23 and Dec. 30. be for a $100 NEX gift card and limited to of the US Naval The other event we regular NEX hours, and then head over to If there is a need related to an emer- only those who completed the entire board. Academy at Annapolis, mission, embrace observed this week was McDonald’s for breakfast with Santa from gency message during the off hours, call For more information, call 4700. Md. The rivalry which our inter-service the 70th commemoration 84150 or 1-877-272-7337. 9-10 a.m. started between the of the December 7th two academies in 1890 competition; but attacks on Pearl Harbor is steeped in many more importantly, where the vast majority JTF Guantanamo NASCAR drivers visit Dodgeball tournament traditions. Even the cherish our of the 2,409 killed were Commander Army vs. Navy flag Guantanamo Bay mascots can be traced Sailors, Marines and Rear Adm. David Woods Get your team together and register Command Master Chief NASCAR drivers Joey Logano and back to “The Game.” inter-service Soldiers. Surely some football by today for dodgeball at Denich Gym. A Cmd. Master Chief Reynaldo Tiong Brad Keselowski will visit Guantanamo Just before the fourth camaraderie. present when the vicious coaches’ meeting will be held Dec. 12 at 5:30 Office of Public Affairs Director Come out for the largest sporting event Bay Dec. 13 on a USO entertainment tour. game in 1893 the crew of attacks took place that Cmdr. Tamsen Reese: 9928 p.m. A prize will be given to the best holiday on Guantanamo Bay when men and women They will be at the Gold Hill Galley from the USS New York gave Sunday morning had Deputy Director team outfit. Teams that make it to the finals face off against each other and a flag football 11 a.m.-12 p.m. and at O’Kelly’s Irish Pub a goat to the Midshipmen who had him listened to the Army-Navy Game the Air Force Maj. Michelle Coghill: 9927 will receive T-shirts and the winning team Operations Officer showdown at Cooper Field. The pre- from 7-9 p.m. on the sidelines presiding over Navy’s 6-3 week prior when Navy won 14-6. Some will get a trophy. Army Maj. Jon Powers: 3649 ceremony events begin at 9:30 a.m. Kickoff Keselowski (below left) drives the #2 victory. Army answered a few years later may have even played in “The Game” a For more information call 2113. Senior Enlisted Leader for the women’s game is at 10 a.m. and the Miller Lite Dodge Charger in the Sprint at the next game in 1899 when an Army year earlier. The fact is that although they Sgt. 1st Class Jerome Grant: 3649 men’s game starts at 11:20 a.m. Cup Series and the #22 in the Discount Quartermaster in Philadelphia thought may have cheered for their teams in the Please do not bring beverages in glass Tire Company/Ruby Tuesday Dodge Chal- the Cadets, who had lost three of the first inter-service rivalry a week before, that The Wire Editor: Army 1st. Lt. Amelia Thatcher: 3651 bottles. lenger in the Nationwide Series for Penske Free kayaking trip four games, needed their own lucky charm morning these brothers in arms faced an Layout Assistant: Army Sgt. Saul Rosa There will be drawings for VIP seating Racing. in the form of a mule which had long enemy that cemented their camaraderie Photojournalists Join MWR on a free guided kayak trip (recliners on the 50 yard line) and MWR Logano (below right) drives the #20 been a logistics mainstay for the Army. and showcased truly countless heroic Mass Communication Spc. 1st Class Ty Bjornson Dec. 11 launching from the Marina. Sign up goodies; and free Army vs. Navy T-shirts Home Depot Toyota Camry in the Sprint The new lucky charm seemed to work as actions. The attacks also unified our Mass Communication Spc. 2nd Class Kilho Park by 3 p.m. today at the Marina or by phone Army Sgt. Landis Andrews “sling-shot” into the crowd. Cup Series and the #20 GameStop/Sports the Cadets were victorious 17-5. Despite nation which rallied behind the battle at 2345. For more information call 2113. Clips Toyota Camry in the Nationwide Se- this long standing rivalry there is still a cry “REMEMBER PEARL HARBOR.” Contact us ries for Joe Gibbs Racing. large part of our population that think This camaraderie led to our nation’s Editor’s Desk: 3651 For more information, call 4882. the Army-Navy Game is played between victory in the Pacific. Commercial: 011-53-99-3651 COMMAND cont. Soldiers from the ranks of the U.S. Army Here at Joint Task Force Guantanamo DSN: 660-3651 INDEX E-mail: [email protected] attacks of September 11 almost 60 years after The Wire and Sailors from the Fleet in the U.S. we are routinely competitive in sporting Online: www.jtfgtmo.southcom.mil Pearl Harbor have had the same galvanizing December 9, 2011 Navy. Sad to admit but as a youngster in events but we are truly Honor Bound by effects on our nation and its military Utah I was one of the misinformed. camaraderie in our profession of arms members. So as you serve and perform NEGB frocking ceremony 5 So I encourage you to watch “The in the defense of our great nation. The The WIRE is the official news magazine of Joint Task Force Guantanamo. your part of our mission, embrace our inter- Blazing a Trail 8 Game” on Saturday. Regardless of their It is produced by the JTF Public Affairs Office to inform and educate the see COMMAND next page Troopers of JTF Guantanamo through news, features, command guidance, service competition; but more importantly, Third annual holiday cantata 9 records, teams seem to “punch above sports and entertainment. The WIRE seeks to provide maximum cherish our inter-service camaraderie which disclosure with minimum delay with regard to security, accuracy, propriety Holiday parade 10 Cover: A traditional wreath tossed into the Caribbean Sea in remembrance of those lost 70 years agoin and policy. This DoD news magazine is an authorized publication for the makes us the finest military and the greatest Emerson Drive performs 11 members of the Department of Defense. Contents of The WIRE are not nation on earth. REMEMBER PEARL the attacks on Pearl Harbor. The ceremony, held Wednesday shortly after an annual prayer breakfast necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Seaside prayer breakfast 12 at Seaside Galley, had more than 80 members of the Joint Task Force Guantanamo community in at- Department of Defense, or Joint Task Force Guantanamo. It is printed by HARBOR…NEVER FORGET 9/11. We Pearl Harbor remembrance 13 Defense Logistics Agency Document Services with a circulation of 1,200. tendance. –photo by Mass Communication Spc. 2nd Class Kilho Park are Honor Bound to do so! Movie review: Real Steel 18

Th e Wi r e | Pa g e 2 Co m m a n d Co r n e r | | Ne w s f r o m t h e Ba y Th e Wi r e | Pa g e 3 Preventive medicine Going above and beyond: available at the Joint Trooper to Trooper Joint Task Force frocks Troop Clinic By Chief Petty Officer Sharon Raymond Senior Master Sgt. Scott Wells NEGB petty officers Special to The Wire Base Emergency Engineering Force Where’s the BEEF? What’s the BEEF? A Navy Preventive Medicine Technician You see us around, you have heard of us, (PMT) will now be available on a daily basis but you might not know what the BEEF from 8-11:30 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. at the Joint is. It is important for those who are new to Troop Clinic to provide clinical preventive Joint Task Force Guantanamo, or even those medicine to members of Joint Task Force who have been here for awhile, to familiarize Guantanamo. All visits are on a walk-in basis; themselves with the other units located here no appointment necessary. This includes and get an idea of what they do. immunizations, wart removal, sexually BEEF is an acronym for Base Emergency transmitted infection (STI) treatment Engineering Force. The Air Force established and travel medicine along with any other the Prime BEEF program in 1964, building preventive medicine issues. teams of engineers to better respond to The PMT is available for treating existing worldwide contingencies. This was due conditions as well as to provide information. to aircraft and support personnel being You can reach the JTC at extension 3310. deployed without providing runways, water supply, electricity, housing, and other facilities necessary to support them. Forty-five Sailors, including Petty Officer 2nd Class The 474th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Patrick Vickers (right), were recognized for their near- Squadron of the California Air National future promotions and outstanding leadership potential Guard comprises JTF Guantanamo’s current during Dec. 2’s frocking ceremony at the Navy BEEF. All Air Force civil engineers in a Expeditionary Guard Battalion flagpole. These Sailors (below) are now authorized to wear the rank above Prime BEEF are rapidly deployable teams of their paygrade, as they now bear the responsibilities. specialized civil engineer units which provide –photos by Mass Communication Spc. 1st Class Ty a full range of engineering support required Bjornson to establish, operate, and maintain garrison Bay. The camp provides air-conditioned the 474th ECES is organized, equipped, and contingency airbases. Our primary buildings with beds, showers, latrines and and trained to perform any of those roles. By Mass Communication Spc. 1st Class Ty Bjornson things here (at JTF Guantanamo Bay) and for their vacancy to become available in their mission is to provide civil engineer support Morale Welfare and Recreation facilities. We Our teams must be able to deploy with their performance, expertise and knowledge field for the official promotion. for the beddown of personnel and aircraft. are on call 24 hours a day to respond to any little advance warning and perform civil Rear Adm. David Woods, commanding is rewarded by being recognized.” “Now I know what it feels like,” said newly How does the 474th ECES fit into the situation concerning the power, water or air engineering contingency and wartime officer of Joint Task Force Guantanamo Bay, “I feel proud,” said newly frocked Petty frocked Petty Officer 1st Class Angela Small. mission here at JTF Guantanamo? We are conditioning for the camp area. tasks at any type of base and in all weather frocked a total of 45 JTF Sailors to their next Officer 2nd Class Patrick Vickers. “I know “It’s finally my turn and it’s a great feeling. tasked with supporting the Commissions All units, regardless of primary military conditions. paygrade. The Dec. 2 frocking ceremony held all of us worked really hard.” It’s given me what I needed to continue on.” Liaison Office with a tailored Prime BEEF occupational specialty or “typical” mission, Now that you know what the BEEF is, at the Navy Expeditionary Guard Battalion The “frocking” of enlisted Sailors Though these newly frocked Sailors will team to maintain facilities at Camp Justice must be ready to respond to any task assigned take some time to learn who else your unit flagpole drew a crowd of both the frockees selected for advancement allows these not yet receive the monetary raise for their and the facilities in the Expeditionary Legal to them. This is particularly important at JTF works with or who else might have an impact and their congratulating departments. members to wear the insignia of the higher advanced paygrades, they have assumed the Complex. Guantanamo because of the high-visibility on your mission. Always consider how your “One of the best things I get to do in the grade before the actual date of their official title and increased responsibility in their Camp Justice provides the basic beddown mission, unique location, tropical weather, unit interacts with all other pieces of the JTF Navy is promote the future of the Navy,” promotion. Though a frocked individual has selected advancement and continue to serve facilities to house members of the Office and all the other qualities which make the puzzle and remember that everyone has an said Woods. “They’ve been doing great been selected to advance, they usually wait the Navy as leaders in their respective fields. of Military Commissions, media and other unit’s time here critical. important role to play. personnel who are traveling to Guantanamo The Prime BEEF program ensures

PROTECT YOUR INFO! PSEC ALERT

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Free email accounts are a great thing to have when used properly. Have you ever wondered why they are free? Companies which provide free email accounts make money by signing up as many people as possible, not by providing secure email. The U.S. government employs many people, systems and resources to thwart hackers and ensure the security of email. Free email accounts don’t do this, and are not secure. USE OPSEC!

Th e Wi r e | Pa g e 4 Tr o o p e r t o Tr o o p e r | | Ne w s Th e Wi r e | Pa g e 5 Money Matters trooper focus Ninja bucks: turn your pay into savings so fast, you can’t even see it! By Army Sgt. Saul Rosa By Army 1st Lt. Amelia Thatcher week.” relatively easy for young people with no credit military, and physical offices (unlike USAA) With 12 years in the Air Force, Senior The time history to get a credit card without having to are located in more than two dozen states. Airman Chris Cardoza has both a decade’s Cardoza has spent There’s a simple way to accumulate piggyback off Mom and Dad. Once your accounts are linked, you can worth of experience and few tons of heavy on the island has savings without even realizing it. Imagine one Once your online bank accounts are set set up a transfer. There are two types: single machinery at his fingertips. Cardoza is a been relatively day idling about on the Internet, checking all up and you become familiarized with the and recurring. You can schedule a sum of heavy equipment operator for the Joint Task smooth, however the email, funny sites, news sites, and – why features and settings, look for the function money to go from one account to another Force Guantanamo Base Expeditionary a few assignments not? – your USAA account, and bam! Out of which links your accounts together. This may just one time, or you can move, say, $200 Engineering Force (BEEF). were exceptionally nowhere, you have a few grand in the bank. be found under the same tab or option to every payday for a whole year into your Cardoza has been with this and other challenging to his It is possible, it is easy, and all it takes is a set up transfers. Link the account where your linked account. Automatic transfers can be BEEFs for the past 10 years. Originally a team. little process called automatic transfer. direct deposit military pay goes with a separate canceled or changed at any time, should you munitions and weapons specialist, Cardoza “When we first got First of all, find a bank which offers free savings account. USAA Performance First need that $200 to be available in your regular started working with the BEEF in heating, here, we had to build two checking and savings accounts. In a financial Savings accounts accrue up to .45 percent direct deposit account. You can also set up ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) and structures and we had a age where it is common and outright blatant interest, which according to their site, is multiple transfers to other bank accounts, or refrigeration. He finally retrained into heavy deadline,” said Cardoza. “It practice for large banks to chisel their double the national average. Alternatively, even to a PayPal balance. equipment and has enjoyed his decision ever was stressful trying to get it customers, service members luckily have the NFCU offers Share Savings accounts with Automatic transfers have some functions since. done before that deadline. option to use military-oriented businesses up to .30 percent interest. NFCU is also now in common with the Thrift Savings Plan, “I enjoy just being out in the open,” said But we got a sense of such as USAA, Navy Federal Credit Union, available to members of all branches of the a retirement savings program available to Cardoza. “It’s fun working on the equipment accomplishment, because and the Army and Air Force Exchange service members and federal employees. Like as opposed to working behind a desk, stuck we actually got it done in Service’s Military Star Card. TSP, when you set the payday contribution inside all day.” time and our superiors These services even make it percentage, you don’t have to keep going Cardoza brings a lot of experience to the were happy with our back every two weeks to add money to the table, and also a positive attitude and good work.” account. But unlike TSP, which locks the work ethic. With his time in Bullet Bio savings away until retirement, you can get your money out of a regular savings account “He’s a great asset and he brings a lot service and go-getter Time in service: 12 years to the table,” said Air Force Master Sgt. attitude, Cardoza in case of an emergency. Set it and forget it – and if you budget accordingly, you won’t Darren Milner, Cardoza’s noncommissioned offers this advice to Hobbies: Working out, snorkling, and going to the beach officer in charge. “He is a fast learner, highly Troopers. even miss it. motivated and dedicated.” “When you Be a real savings champ and check your The boss says: “He’s a team player and I’d like to see balances regularly, even if you decide against While work takes up much of his time, deploy, you get out of him move up in the ranks.” Cardoza still tries to accomplish some it what you put into setting up an automatic transfer. It is perfectly reasonable to want as much of your money of his own personal goals and enjoy the it,” said Cardoza. “It Advice to junior Troopers: “Stay positive and look at opportunities available down here. all depends on how as possible available in an easily accessible each deployment as an opportunity to grow and further checking account. However, consider putting “We had a soccer team here at the hard you work and your career.” BEEF,” said Cardoza. “My goal is to get into how focused you are some of that money into savings whenever better shape, so I try to work out 2-4 times a on the missions.” the checking account balance exceeds an amount necessary to cover expenses, bills, and foreseeable emergencies. Have a car? What’s your favorite meal at the galley? Keep an extra $500 available for tickets and repairs. Have a pet? Keep $1,000 for the veterinarian. For young service members without a mortgage or dependents, this is the time to save those bucks and establish a painless habit of sending money straight into a savings account. Deposit money automatically at every payday, before getting used to having a big cushy balance burning a hole in your pocket. Then one day, when you need a down payment for a house or a car, your stealthy “I like fried chicken “I look forward to taco “I like chicken, because “I like spaghetti. I don’t savings will make it possible. because it tastes really night, because tacos I get it chopped up and I know why, I just enjoy it.” good.” rule!” make a salad with it.” For more information, visit: www.tsp.gov Army Pfc. Master-at-Arms 1st Class Staff Sgt. Culinary Spc. 3rd Class www.usaa.com Wil Roman Michael Moseley Jamie Espinoza Gregory Burke www.navyfederal.org www.shopmyexchange.com/ExchangeCredit BOOTS ON THE GROUND | o n e y a tt e r s h e i r e a g e Th e Wi r e | Pa g e 6 Tr o o p e r Fo c u s | M M T W | P 7 Getting in the weeds with the Trail Blazers Left: Sgt. 1st Class Martin Sullivan and Sgt. 1st Class James Scott, both of Joint Detention Group Headquarters, 170th Military Police Battalion operate lawn mowers as part of the tasks that were carried out during the improvement of a stretch of Boa Breeze Way between Tarantula Trail and the Boa Bend intersection. –photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jerome Grant to any one group,” Trail Blazers Racer Run, and all of Racer Run formed and the core membership itself. They also cleared Tarantula is currently comprised of Trail from the Sherman Avenue members of the 170th Military and the Sixth Street entrance up Police Battalion and a civilian to Ridgeline. contractor. On Dec. 4, the Trail Blazers “We have taken that to heart finished clearing Boa Breezeway and are answering the challenge from Tarantula Trail to Boa of cleaning up the trails,” said Bend. Sullivan. “We started doing this All the equipment and tools about mid-October.” used to reveal the hidden trails So far, the Trail Blazers have improved Ridgeline Trail from start to finish, Lizard Lane to see TRAIL BLAZERS next page

Members of Joint Task Force and Naval Station Guantanamo choirs sing “Silent Night” to conclude Dec. 2’s Holiday Cantata. Of the 16 performances that night, JTF Troopers sang in at least five. –photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jerome Grant Hark, the Joint Task Force angels sing By Sgt. 1st Class Jerome Grant Sundays, but it got boring after a while,” said Trail Blazers leader By Sgt. 1st Class Jerome Grant You can find them on the Army Sgt. 1st Class Martin Men of Faith, who sang an a cappella version of “O Holy Night” unimproved trails, early on Sullivan, of the 170th Military On Dec. 2, the Naval Station Command Religious Program was also made up of all JTF Troopers. Both singing groups were Sunday mornings, moving as a Police Battalion. presented its third Holiday Cantata. A cantata is a composition of directed by Petty Officer 3rd Class Marco Griffin, from the Camp loosely formed pack through “We tried to ride some of various solo, chorus, and choir pieces accompanied by instruments, America post office. the thick brush. Nope, I’m not the side trails, but most were and the music flowing from the naval station main chapel confirmed “I’ve been singing all my life,” said Griffin. “My dad is a pastor talking about Marines or hutias overgrown,” Sullivan said. “And to all who could hear it: the holiday season is here. and sings a lot, so I started too.” (banana rats!); I’m talking about I thought it’d be a lot more “This is the third year we’ve done this and my last,” said Navy The performances from the various religious programs on the the Trail Blazers. enjoyable if they were passable.” Chaplain Lt. Douglas Holmes. “I wanted to do something for all the island, while mostly made of choirs, also included interpretive dance, Prior to the Trail Blazers, The challenge originally different services to be able to participate, to add their own flavor.” musical pieces, and solos. The evening was topped off with all a group called the Breakfast came from Joint Task Force Among the 16 performances, Joint Task Force Guantanamo was participants forming a mixed choir which sang “Silent Night.” Club took care of the trails by Guantanamo commander, Rear represented in at least five. “All those different choirs together,” smiled Col. Donnie Thomas, removing trash. But the Trail Adm. David Woods. At an All- The Gospel Choir, which sang “Joy to the World,” was comprised JTF Detention Group commander. “It all touched my heart. Everyone Blazers have not only picked up Hands meeting in September entirely of members of the JTF Guantanamo community. The group did a great job.” where the Breakfast Club left the question of who took care off: they have gone a big step of the trails came up. As it “We started with weed eaters and a bush them while they are working. further by finding trails which happened, the question went TRAIL BLAZERS cont. have become overgrown and unanswered and in October, hog attachment but now they are providing And there is still more work to be done. making them passable again. Woods challenged Troopers to come from a variety of organizations. mowers, rakes, shears, and all the personal “We’re hoping to get more people “When we first got here, take on this responsibility. Army Sgt. David Sutton first got the Joint protective equipment we need,” explained involved,” Sutton said. “Maybe another unit a group of us started riding With the assessment that Detention Group engineers involved when Sullivan. “They’ve all been great!” or group to switch out the work with every mountain bikes on Ridgeline on “care of the trails doesn’t belong they loaned the first weed eaters. But The Trail Blazers are also very grateful other weekend.” equipment loans now also include tools for the support of Jill Lynch, from Morale The Trail Blazers meet every Sunday at 8 Right: Staff Sgt. William Peace of Joint Detention Group Headquarters, 170th from Public Works and the Seabees, who Welfare and Recreation, and Capt. Ana a.m. For more information, contact Sullivan Military Police Battalion operates a weed whacker during trail improvements of Boa Breeze Way between Tarantula Trail and the Boa Bend intersection. –photo have provided more and more equipment as Schaus, from the Joint Detention Group for at [email protected] by Sgt. 1st Class Jerome Grant the work has progressed. providing water, Gatorade, and snacks to or extension 8243.

Th e Wi r e | Pa g e 8 Fe a t u r e | | Fe a t u r e Th e Wi r e | Pa g e 9 Guantanamo Bay’s Holiday Parade and Concert: a festive way to kick off the season

By Army Sgt. Saul Rosa more than 10 weeks for the said Mac Donnell. something for the holidays,” evening’s events. MWR had After the holiday parade, said Mac Donnell. “We had Lights illuminated the to coordinate with security, MWR held a pre-concert show no idea that they were going base as a festive parade made various commands, and featuring various community to ask the children up to the its way down Sherman Ave. community organizations groups. There were also stage to sing Christmas carols Dec. 3 at Guantanamo Bay. Members of the 107th Military Police Battalion dress as holiday characters to add a to ensure safety and to plan free cookies, hot cocoa, and with them.” Santa and Mrs. Claus make an appearance after the parade to listen to holiday wishes festive twist to their float. –photo by Army Sgt. Saul Rosa The Holiday Parade is an out the shows for the holiday eggnog as well as arts and “We feel great about being annual event to kick off the parade and concert. crafts for children. Santa and here and wish we could stay from the Guantanamo Bay community. –photo by Army Sgt. Saul Rosa holiday season. This year “It was a good turnout,” Mrs. Claus took time from longer,” said Mates. “I think some changes were made to said Mac Donnell. “There the busy season to greet the the whole idea of being able bring a little more flair to the were nearly 30 entries. Next community and listen to all go to the different bases festivities. year, we may have an award the holiday wishes. around the world and put an “When I came on board for the most original or Once the community hour and half show on for it was an annual event,” creative entry to draw in more activities ended, the crowd people who wouldn’t get a said Amiee Mac Donnell, participants.” was ready for the holiday chance to see it back home the Morale Welfare and Although MWR hosted concert featuring Emerson is great. Guantanamo, thanks Recreation community the event many Troopers Drive, a country music band for having us. It’s been a blast activities director. “The one volunteered to support the from Canada. and I look forward to seeing thing we did differently was parade and the activities In 2000, Emerson Drive everyone again.” incorporate the tree lighting afterwards. released its first American “I think it was great night, on Christmas Tree Hill into “We like to keep active single “I Should be Sleeping.” we had a blast; it’s pretty the parade rather then hosting in the community, help out The group produced singles unique to play a venue like a separate event.” and give support,” said Petty such as “When I See You this,” said Wallace. “We played Eight floats made their way Officer 1st Class Robert Again” and “Let Your Love Christmas carols for the kids, down the avenue with Santa Welsh, the Navy Expeditionary Speak.” The members include had gift openings and I have and Mrs. Claus leading the way Guard Battalion volunteer Brad Mates with lead vocals, a hat on that has Christmas all in a white wagon pulled by a coordinator. Dale Wallace on keyboard over it.” truck rather then Rudolf. In Many Troopers feel that and background vocals, As the lights dimmed addition to floats, golf carts and volunteering brings a feeling Danick Dupelle on guitar and down on Sherman Ave. and marchers joined the parade. The of being at home. background vocals, David the crowds dispersed from parade began at 6 p.m. at the “It’s just like home,” Pichette on fiddle, and Mike the Downtown Lyceum, the SCSI parking lot, and ended at said Petty Officer 2nd Class Melancon on drums. holiday parade and concert the Downtown Lyceum where Christian Yambao. “It gets our “We did a survey in the were over and success could country band Emerson Drive minds off of work and brings summer to see what the be measured by the crowds performed at 9 p.m. a sense of community.” community wanted,” said of people which showed up. “The 107th (Military For the sense of Mac Donnell. “Country “It was definitely a Police Battalion) did a community or the desire to music was in the top three successful event for us,” said Christmas wonderland float,” be helpful, volunteers played and we haven’t had a country Mac Donnell. “We had a great said Mac Donnell. “They had an impressive role in the band in a while.” turnout from the community characters from different evening’s events. The band played for well for both watching the parade Christmas movies. They were “It’s amazing to see all the over an hour and even threw in and viewing the activities and definitely creative.” servicemembers who want to something special for the kids. participating in the arts and The planning process took be involved in the community,” “We asked them to do crafts.”

The holiday parade heading down Sherman Ave. as the Guantanamo Bay The Morale Welfare and Recreation golf carts line up in the SCSI parking lot community kicks off the season . –photo by Army Sgt. Saul Rosa before the holiday parade. –photo by Army Sgt. Saul Rosa

Th e Wi r e | Pa g e 10 Fe a t u r e | | Fe a t u r e Th e Wi r e | Pa g e 11 A story of Pearl Harbor By Sgt. 1st Class Jerome Grant

Approximately 80 people attended a prayer breakfast at the Seaside Galley Dec. 7, to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. After a unique a cappella rendition of the national anthem sung by the Joint Task Force Guantanamo choral group Men of Faith, and opening remarks by Navy Chaplain Capt. Thom, Rear Adm. David Woods, Joint Task Force commanding officer, shared his thoughts about what this significant historical event means for today’s Troopers. “Honor,” Woods said. “When you see the value sign at the gate as you drive through, it triggers a thought about what that means.” In his remarks regarding honor, Woods made mention of the well-known ship, the USS Arizona, and the sacrifices made by the 1,117 service members who perished on that ship that day. Being a native of Utah, he shared two little-known stories surrounding the Florida-class battleship bearing the name of his home state. The most poignant of those accounts was of Croatian-born Medal of Honor recipient Chief Petty Officer Peter Tomich. Tomich’s job as a watertender was to keep the boilers running and thus keep the ship powered. When the first torpedo hit, Tomich evacuated his men from

PEARL HARBOR continued next page PEARL HARBOR cont. the boiler rooms, but realized if boilers remained running they could explode. So as the ship continued to list, Tomich went back. Tomich was able to shut the boilers down, and his rapid actions are credited with preventing the explosion of the machinery, thus saving many sailors’ lives. Though Tomich’s own life ended that day, his story continued. President Franklin D. Roosevelt authorized the Medal of Honor to be awarded posthumously and presented to Tomich’s family. However, since Tomich was an orphan and his other relatives had left the U.S. almost 20 years earlier, all attempts made to notify family members of the award were unsuccessful. Eventually a destroyer, which was named for Tomich, was awarded the Medal of Honor on his behalf. After the USS Tomich was retired, then- Governor of Utah Herbert B. Maw “adopted” Tomich and made him an honorary son of Utah. The award then came under the guardianship of the state of Utah, and was put on display in the state capital. Through the diligence of many in the service of the Navy and Army, more than 64 years after Roosevelt authorized the awarding the Medal of Honor to Tomich, U.S. Naval Forces Europe Adm. Harry Ulrich presented the well-traveled Medal to a relative. Retired Croatian Army Lt. Col Srecko Herceg Tonic, grandson of Tomich’s cousin John Tonic, was presented the award in a ceremony held on the USS Enterprise on May 18, 2006. Above: The USS Utah, sunk in the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, nevertheless Tomich’s actions were honorable, as were the actions of the service saw great heroism as Chief Petty Officer Peter Tomich evacuated the boiler rooms members who continued for years to find a family member and give the and in doing so, lost his life to save others. –photo courtesy Naval History & Medal of Honor a home. Heritage Command “We stand on the shoulders of men like this to continue to carry the stars Clockwise from bottom left: attendees at Wednesday’s prayer breakfast for the 70th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack. and stripes,” Woods said at the close of his remarks. Joint Task Force Guantanamo Chaplain Capt. Bradley Thom notes not only is 2011 For at least one person in the audience, Pearl Harbor offered a personal a landmark year for WWII remembrance, but the 10th anniversary of September 11. connection. A traditional wreath is tossed into the Caribbean Sea. While far away from the “For me this is a very special day,” explained Air Force Chaplain Lt. Col. Pacific and 70 years away from Pearl Harbor, some at JTF Guantanamo have been touched personally by the attacks. A common practice in many parts of the world, Gary Bertsch, Joint Task Force deputy chaplain. “My wife’s uncle, Seaman 1st particularly during major holidays or military events, naval ceremonies often Class Walter E. Koch, was one of the sailors killed on the Arizona that day. include a wreath to symbolize a life preserver and commemorate those who have “Twenty years ago, on the 50th anniversary, a coin was struck to died in service to their country. commemorate this day and we were able to get one for my wife’s mother to –photos by Mass Communication Spc. 2nd Class Kilho Park remember her brother,” said Bertsch. Th e Wi r e | Pa g e 12 Fe a t u r e | | Fe a t u r e Th e Wi r e | Pa g e 13 On The wing on the DECK coast to coast on the ground Air demo team accepting applications Navy researchers Coast Guard’s Documents from Lincoln’s Nat’l By Air Force Col. Bruce Smith most Airmen never see,” Cronin said. 366th Fighter Wing Officers serve a two-year assignment on the begin dengue gift guide for Guard service discovered team, while enlisted members serve three or RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – four, Cronin said. vaccine trial smart boating Illinois National Guard Report America’s premier air demonstration team, the The squadron performs up to 75 demonstra- By Naval Medical Research Center Public Affairs By 7th Coast Guard District Public Affairs U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, is accepting appli- tions per year in the U.S. and overseas. Activated SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Before his presidency cations for several positions, Air Force Person- in 1953, the Thunderbirds are an Air Combat and before his name became synonymous nel Center officials announced today. Command unit and, if necessary, all members SILVER SPRING, Md. – Researchers from MIAMI – With the holiday season upon with the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln slogged The 138-member unit exhibits Air Force and equipment can be rapidly integrated into a the Naval Medical Research Center’s (NMRC) us, the Coast Guard encourages boaters his way around the state during the Black professionalism and skill in support of recruit- flying unit. Infectious Diseases Directorate announced throughout South Florida and the Florida Hawk War as a volunteer Soldier with the Il- ing and retention programs to reinforce pub- Available positions include demonstration they are ready to begin a Phase-1 dengue vac- Keys to consider some potentially life saving linois Militia, today known as the Illinois Na- lic confidence in the Air Force, to strengthen pilot, operations officer, executive officer, main- cine clinical trial this month. stocking stuffers. tional Guard. morale, and support community relations and tenance officer and public affairs officer. The announcement comes at a critical time With a wide range of purposes and prices, Lincoln is one of 19 presidents to serve public image programs, said Bob Cronin, of the For full application preparation and submis- with recent outbreaks around the world, in- the following list of survival gear can truly in the National Guard, one of two from Il- AFPC academic and special utilization branch. sion instructions, or for information about other cluding in the Federated States of Micronesia make a difference during an emergency at linois. The other is Gen. Ulysses Grant, who “Serving with the Thunderbirds is a great op- personnel opportunities and issues, go to the and the Marshall Islands, where Navy Medicine sea. went on to command all Union Armies under portunity to help foster strong relationships with secure Air Force Personnel Services website at personnel are currently on the ground assisting –Emergency Position-Indicating Radio President Lincoln. other countries, strengthen pride in our country https://gum-crm.csd.disa.mil. the CDC and the World Health Organization. Beacon (EPIRB): It sends a satellite signal Previously unknown Black Hawk War and service, and see a piece of the Air Force that “The increase in dengue endemicity world- with your position to the Coast Guard during documents written and signed by Capt. Lin- wide raises the likelihood of multiple expo- an emergency. Remember to properly regis- coln while on duty in 1832, and an affidavit sures for deployed U.S. military personnel, ter your EPIRB to ensure a swift rescue. signed by Lincoln in 1855, have recently been In the fight potentially increasing their risk for developing –Life Jackets: The best life jacket is the discovered at the National Archives in Wash- the more severe forms of the disease - den- one you wear. There are many different ington, D.C and their authenticity confirmed Dominican Rep. charity shares holiday joy gue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syn- styles to choose from, including inflatable by researchers at the Abraham Lincoln Presi- drome,” said Lt. Cmdr. Janine R. Danko, prin- life jackets, which are more comfortable and By Lance Cpl. Kevin Crist dential Library and Museum in Springfield, QFC established the Quezada Family Schol- ciple investigator on the study and an Internist less bulky. Ill. Painting of President Abraham Lincoln, who also Marine Corps Air Station New River arship Program as a method of motivating and and Infectious Diseases Subspecialist. “The served as a Citizen Soldier, by Chet Jezierski. –photo –VHF Radio: The Coast Guard continu- “Few documents survive that detail Abra- courtesy National Guard supporting students and their families. goal of our dengue vaccine program is to de- ously monitors VHF Channel 16. It is im- ham Lincoln’s service as a company captain MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRA- At the end of each school year, three schools velop a safe and effective vaccine that protects portant to understand that cell phones don’t in the 4th Illinois Mounted Volunteers in the The certificates located at the National MAR, Calif. – Thoughts of a United States participate in the scholarship program for grades against dengue.” always work offshore, and can’t be depended 1832 frontier disturbances collectively known Archives more than double the number of Marine in support of a mission are typically as- four through 11. One boy and girl from each Transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mos- on to call for help during an at-sea crisis. as the Black Hawk War,” said Daniel Stowell, surviving discharge certificates written and sociated with hardened individuals that will take grade receive a plaque and funding based on the quito, dengue is one of the most common vi- –Sound Devices: Whistles or air horns are editor of The Papers of Abraham Lincoln at signed by Capt. Lincoln, and likely others still the fight to the enemy’s front door or storm off highest overall grade point average. ral infections deployed personnel can acquire extremely affordable, and can come in quite the ALPLM. await discovery. naval ships and aircraft platforms in support of “We just gave someone a QFC full-ride when stationed in tropical areas of the world. handy during low-visibility situations. “This discovery reminds us that many U.S. Twenty years after the end of the conflict, humanitarian efforts. However, Marines world- academic scholarship to medical school,” said Dengue infection can be incapacitating and –Signaling Devices: Help responders find presidents, including Lincoln, answered their changes in bounty land laws gave several of wide are making a difference in other aspects Quezada. “We saw that he was the best in his harmful to DoD missions and no treatment is you quickly. Flares, signalling mirrors and country’s call to duty long before becoming Lincoln’s company the chance to claim up to that do not require a weapon. class and that he deserved it. He will have to available to prevent infection; a vaccine is criti- other devices can make a huge difference, the nation’s chief executive and that service 160 acres of federal land. To do so, they had Every year, Quezada Family Charities, a find a job if he wants to do things away from cally needed. especially at night. had a formative effect on their future ca- to provide evidence of their service, and so charity run by 1st Lt. Jose Quezada, an air sup- school, but as for the schooling itself, he doesn’t An FDA Phase 1 trial is a clinical study in EPIRBs send a satellite signal to the reers,” he said. Lincoln was once again called upon to con- port control officer with Marine Air Support have to worry about it. a small number of volunteers to evaluate the Coast Guard, helping to take the search out Lincoln always said he was more gratified firm that they had indeed enrolled in his com- Squadron 3 and a Santiago, Dominican Re- “The Quezada family collects donations, safety of a new vaccine. The FDA will pro- of search and rescue. Having an EPIRB by being elected an officer by his men than pany. public native, hosts a toy giveaway during the such as gently used clothing to support the pro- vide oversight ensuring the study will produce onboard your vessel can increase survival any position he held afterwards, according to An additional document discovered by Christmas season for elementary schools in the gram, but most of the monetary funding comes useful information to assess the safety and ef- chances during boating emergencies. Having Stowell. Gerleman in the Bounty Land Warrant Files Dominican Republic. QFC provides hundreds from the Quezada family, he explained. QFC ficacy of the vaccine. a variety of safety devices, however, can ex- Anne Musella, a researcher, recently was an affidavit signed by Lincoln and Thom- of children with gifts their parents would other- distributes dozens of uniform items to impov- “Developing a dengue vaccine is a top pri- ponentially increase survival chances. brought a previously discovered certificate of as Moffet in 1855 attesting that former 1st wise not be able to afford. erished students who do not have the funds to ority for military infectious disease research,” On Nov. 19, the Coast Guard received discharge signed by Lincoln to the attention Cpl. Charles Pierce had honorably served and “You never really know how good your life purchase them each year. said Capt. Kevin R. Porter, director, NMRC both an EPIRB signal and a mayday call over of Papers of Abraham Lincoln staff who are therefore was entitled to make a land claim. is until you have seen these places,” said Queza- In addition to clothing, toys and school sup- Infectious Diseases Directorate. “We are us- VHF Channel 16. A fishing vessel was tak- working at the National Archives Building in Like Lincoln’s service, Soldiers and Air- da. “These families have almost nothing. I will plies, the Quezada family arranges an annual ing a vaccine that has shown effectiveness ing on water near the Florida Keys, but the downtown Washington. That led David Ger- men in the Illinois National Guard have pro- give a little girl a doll, and I can tell by the way Christmas food giveaway, providing families in recent pre-clinical studies. The upcoming crew was prepared and able to effectively call leman, an assistant editor, to delve further in tected their communities during natural disas- that she smiles and squeezes it that she appreci- with rice, beans, oil, sauces and many more Phase 1 clinical trial of this vaccine approach for help. A helicopter crew and a cutter crew the Bounty Land Warrant files at the National ters and other domestic emergencies, while ates it a lot.” cooking supplies so they can enjoy a great meal is a critical step toward meeting the need for a were launched to search, and when the cutter Archives where he found two more certificates also answering their nation’s call during war This year, QFC will add San Jose Adentro with their families. Fresh meat accompanies the tetravalent dengue vaccine to protect deployed crew witnessed a flare, they knew they had of discharge written and signed by Lincoln. and national emergencies. and Los Cocos, both Dominican Republic cooking supplies. military forces against dengue fever.” found the distressed boaters. At this point, Together with other documents previously From the communities around the state to schools, to the sponsorship list. As a result, “[Marines] are continuing to win hearts This 12-month study includes forty vol- the fishing vessel had sunk and the boaters discovered, it appears that Lincoln, like other the sands of Iraq to the mountains of Af- those schools’ students will receive hundreds of and minds around the globe,” Quezada said. unteers who will be assigned to three dose were recovered with no medical concerns. officers, filled out and signed dozens of these ghanistan, the Illinois National Guard has toys, school supplies and uniforms for students, “At the moment, this charity only impacts sev- groups and followed through several visits and Due to the boaters having a properly reg- certificates of discharge. Given to Soldiers as made its mark. The echoes of the past live according to QFC’s website. eral hundred, but I hope to continue its growth laboratory assessments with the study team istered EPIRB, a working VHF radio, and they mustered out to return home, the veter- on today in the men and women of the Il- “I have seen 16-year-olds in third grade,” and eventually have it listed in the Combined physicians. The research team intends to com- flares onboard their vessel, they were quickly ans later submitted these documents as proof linois National Guard, whose Joint Force said Quezada. “I want to do everything I can to Federal Campaign where it can reach tens of pare the immune responses between the three rescued and lived to tell the tale. of service when they claimed the bounty Headquarters unit patch features a silhouette make sure these kids have a better education.” thousands.” groups. lands allotted to them by Congress. of Lincoln.

Th e Wi r e | Pa g e 14 At Yo u r Se r v i c e | | At Yo u r Se r v i c e Th e Wi r e | Pa g e 15 German city evac- Mind, Body by Chaplain Lt. Col. Egyptian prime minister granted & Spirit Gary Bertsch some presidential powers uates for defusing But Muslim Brotherhood claims another victory of WWII bomb An end-of-tour reflection As my tour is winding down, I was asked at lunch the other day be judged in the camps and in various courtrooms and the judgment Voice of America News Service commission says it will announce the results By Mark Patton and Marcus Kloeckner later Wednesday. the highlight of my tour, and I said, “I think it’s coming full circle.” of the press — for good or bad. Stars and Stripes CAIRO – Egypt’s ruling military council has The Muslim Brotherhood says its political Let me explain. I enlisted in the Air Force in 1973, so I’ve seen the For the short amount of time that we are here, we ARE the tip given some presidential powers to interim party has won almost two-thirds of the par- end of the Vietnam War. Then I served in the Guard and Reserve of the spear. We bear honesty, integrity, and the moral high ground WIESBADEN, Germany – About 45,000 for about 15 years, so I served during the Cold War. I came back on regarding the care of the detainees and the demeanor of those who Prime Minister Kamal el-Ganzouri. liamentary seats reserved for individual can- residents of the German city of Koblenz, The official news agency MENA report- didates in the opening rounds of the lower active duty in 1992 right after the first Gulf War and have served visit here in the interest of transparency. I pray that history will hold nearly half of the city’s population, were my 20 years (so far) supporting operations downrange with many that during our slice of time here, that all our actions will be held ed Wednesday the Supreme Council of the house elections. If confirmed, the Brother- under evacuation orders Dec. 4 following the Armed Forces will maintain control of the hood’s individual seat victories put the move- deployments. blameless and above board in all aspects. discovery of what local officials said was one During this time I’ve served in supporting operations against This is what I mean by “coming full circle.” Very few of our army and judiciary as it hands over more ment on track to become the leading power of the largest unexploded bombs ever found, power to Mr. Ganzouri. in the 498-member assembly. terrorism. Mostly, I’ve been serving Airmen launching aircraft but brothers and sisters in arms can see the final results of their sacrifice, believed to have been dropped by the British also I’ve done FOB-hopping and have worked with Army and Navy their loss, their valor. We are in that historical moment of time in Egypt’s military rulers said Tuesday they In a statement Wednesday, the Islamist Royal Air Force during World War II. would amend the constitution to give the group’s Freedom and Justice party says it won personnel, Marines and even some Coast Guard folks. It was always which we have the privilege to see first-hand the end results of all The nearly 4,000-pound bomb, packed a view from behind the scenes. I typically saw the secondary effects the efforts of those who have come before us. What lies ahead in the prime minister more power than his prede- 36 of the 56 individual seats that were con- with more than 3,000 pounds of explosives, cessor Essam Sharaf, who quit amid unrest tested in nine provinces, including the two of our efforts, but seldom the end results. I’ve often heard that our final outcome, we can only guess. But each of can say with pride that as well as other unexploded ordnance, were mission was all about being at “the tip of the spear.” we’ve done our duty, exceeded the standard and are “honor bound.” in the country last month. Critics accused the largest cities of Cairo and Alexandria. It says discovered in the Rhine River, where the water military ruling council of not giving the last Freedom and Justice candidates won 34 seats Being here at Joint Task Force Guantanamo has made me realize May God grant each of you peace, strength and courage, and may levels have dropped significantly due to a lack that while combat operations downrange may be the tip of the spear, God hold you loved ones in the palm of his hand until you are once Cabinet enough influence. in runoff elections on Monday and Tuesday of rain over the past few weeks, according to Mr. Ganzouri unveiled a new Cabinet after winning outright victories in two other our mission here truly is the spear’s tip and more. All we have done, again safe and home. local authorities. all we have and will accomplish and all our sacrifices will ultimately Chaps out! lineup Wednesday featuring a new finance seats in last week’s first round of voting. Explosive ordnance disposal troops with minister and some incumbent ministers who The Brotherhood’s party already had won the 21st Theater Sustainment Command in will be tasked with governing until the end the largest share of seats reserved for par- Grafenwoehr and Mannheim are ready to of the parliamentary election process next ties in last week’s vote, securing 37 percent provide support if needed, said a 21st TSC year. of ballots in the nine provinces, compared spokeswoman. The finance minister, Mumtaz al-Saeed, is to 24 percent for its nearest rival, the ultra- “Our EOD guys have not been asked to a ministry veteran who faces the challenge conservative Salafist Nour party. Egypt’s lib- support, but they are tracking it and stand of stabilizing an economy battered by unrest eral coalition was a distant third. by to assist if asked,” said Lt. Col. Anna since February’s ouster of autocratic presi- In the coming weeks, Egyptians in the re- Friederich. dent Hosni Mubarak. maining 18 provinces will join the voting for The city’s press office said German Meanwhile, Egyptians are awaiting of- the lower house of parliament. Elections for explosive experts and the German army are ficial results from the runoff parliamentary parliament’s less-powerful upper house will expected to take the lead in defusing the bomb, elections held earlier this week. The election begin in late January and finish in March. which they are calling an air mine. Officials estimated that a bomb this size could cause a crater more than 20 yards wide and six yards Gorbachev calls for new Russian election deep with a destruction radius of more than Voice of America News Service Russian President Dmitry Medvedev 70 yards if it were detonated. It could blow characterized the elections as “fair, honest out windows in a half-mile radius. MOSCOW – Former Soviet leader Mikhail and democratic.” From discussions with the British, “it has Gorbachev has called for Russia’s parliament Protests spread to more cities been known for some time that this type (of election to be annulled and a new vote held. bomb) was dropped over Koblenz,” wrote He said the results do not reflect the will of Russia’s ruling party won only half of the the city’s press office in an email. the people, and authorities must admit to votes in elections on Sunday. But opponents Authorities with the city’s fire brigade say fabrications and rigging. say even that poor showing was boosted by plans are under way to evacuate 45,000 city Opposition leaders and international widespread fraud. Now they are protesting. residents in a radius of about a mile, as well observers say the poll Sunday was marred Protests against Sunday’s Duma elections as a prison and local hospitals before experts by widespread allegations of vote-rigging, are spreading across Russia. attempt to defuse the bomb on Sunday. ballot box stuffing and other irregularities. On Tuesday, the interior ministry flooded Emergency centers are being set up for those Pro-government supporters also rallied downtown Moscow with dozens of prison who have nowhere else to go. around the Kremlin. Prime Minister trucks and as many as 50,000 police and According to German news outlets, the Vladimir Putin’s United Russia party won troops. bomb lies in about 16 inches of water, partly Sunday’s vote, but with a considerably Despite this show of force, protesters buried in mud, making it difficult to access the detonation fuse. Joint Task Force Guantanamo reduced parliamentary majority, at around turned out and black helmeted riot police commander Rear Adm. David 50 percent. wrestled into detention a total of 300 people, City officials said Wednesday afternoon Woods presents Chaplain Lt. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said largely off the sidewalks of Tverskaya, the that they are still in the planning phases of Col. Gary Bertsch with the Tuesday the elections were neither free capital’s most expensive shopping avenue. how to defuse the bomb, which they say is Joint Service Commendation Police arrested 200 more in St. Petersburg one of the largest found in German history. Medal. Bertsch completes nor fair, and the results raised “serious his tour this week as deputy concerns.” and dozens more in other cities. Dozhd, a A 275-pound American bomb and a chaplain for JTF Guantanamo. Russia’s Foreign Ministry described private internet TV channel reported that German smoke grenade were also found Clinton’s remarks as “unacceptable.” protests took place in 50 Russian cities. nearby.

Th e Wi r e | Pa g e 16 Ar o u n d t h e Wo r l d | | Mi n d , Bo d y & Spirit Th e Wi r e | Pa g e 17 PG-13 127 min. Movie Review Library - 4700 Mon.-Sat. 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Sun. & Holidays 12-9 p.m. Real Steel Pizza Hut - 77995 By Mass Communication Spc. 1st Class Ty Bjornson Mon.-Thu. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. GTMO Quick Reference Fri. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Robots sure seem to be in vogue right now. However, the robot him for three months, after which the aunt gets custody. Sat. & Sun. 12-9 p.m. love affair has always been a sci-fi staple for many moons, especially As you could expect, the estranged father and son are forced to Bayview Club - 75605 Windjammer Cafe since the 1950s. As we progress through the 21st century, real life ro- deal with each other for the first time in their lives. 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It was only a matter time before we got a movie that combined tremely resilient “Atom” leads the Kentons in a series of underworld, Sat. 1 p.m.-12 a.m. KFC and A&W Express - 75653 Windjammer Club - 77252 these concepts to give us a fresh spin on a familiar world. robofight victories sparking public interest in them and to those who Daily 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri. & Sat. 5 p.m. - 2 a.m. Sun. & Holidays 1-11 p.m. From its very start, “Real Steel” is old-fashioned feel-good movie, would have other plans for their continued success. MWR Liberty Centers - 2010 Windjammer Sports Bar the kind that you don’t see too many of anymore. Sure, this movie What’s pleasant about “Real Steel” is the real feel of rural Ameri- Caribbean Coffee - 77859 Mon.-Thu. 11 a.m.-12 a.m. Mon.-Thu. 5-9 p.m. Mon.-Sat. 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri. 11 a.m.-1 a.m. has ultra cool robots which battle each other to the death in “under- cana life. Though the film takes place in the near future, the subject Sun. 1-10 p.m. Fri. & Sat. 5 p.m.-2 a.m. ground” and arena settings. And yes, the film was also released in matter is treated as the gospel truth. The end result is a film that feels Sun. 9 a.m.-12 a.m. Sun. 5-9 p.m. IMAX to showcase its cutting edge CGI special effects which com- sincere and genuine about its people, places and things. Perhaps this Sat. & Holidays 9 a.m.-1 a.m. pete in quality with the most recent “Transformers” movie. But this shouldn’t be too much of a surprise: “Real Steel” is loosely based on Safe Ride - 84781 film doesn’t focus on the random robotic rambunctiousness which is the 1956 short story by Richard Matheson ( “The Twilight Zone”, “I present in so many other recent metallic mash-up blockbusters. This am Legend”) whose writings often focused on ordinary people deal- movie is actually about real people with real problems. And, oh-my- ing with ordinary problems in extraordinary situations. gosh, this film has heart. How the heck did that happen? Where does The cast does a good job of conveying sorrow, regret and recon- Daily Catholic Mass it get the nerve to offer that in this day and age? ciliation. It’s nice to see Hugh Jackman play Charlie as a unrelenting Tues.-Fri. 5:30 p.m. GTMO Religious Services The film opens with down and out loner Charlie Kenton (Hugh boxer who just wants to survive. Newcomer Dakota Goyo is fun as Main Chapel Jackman) who travels in his big-rig around the rural midwestern farm Jackman’s estranged son who at times is smarter than Charlie when it Vigil Mass General country to enter his boxing robot in rodeos and underground robot- comes to patience, understanding and determination. The two actors Saturday 5 p.m. Gospel Service Protestant Iglesia Ni Cristo Sunday 11 a.m. play off of each other nicely, with Goyo holding his own in all of his Sunday 5:30 a.m. ic fighting venues, which for the most part replaced human boxing. Main Chapel Sunday 1 p.m. Main Chapel Room A Existence for Kenton, who is a former boxer, is hinged on making scenes. There’s no denying Evangeline Lilly successfully conveys Bai- Mass Main Chapel money from betting pools winner take all style. This rootless existence ley and her heart of gold. Who wouldn’t want her on their side? Islamic Service United Jamaican Sunday 9 a.m. GTMO Bay Friday 1:15 p.m. has left him jaded and socially distant as Charlie lives off the grid like a ”Real Steel” is co-executive produced by Steven Spielberg who is Main Chapel Fellowship Christian Room C disgruntled carnie never knowing when the “big win” will be come his no stranger to family friendly fare. There are a few nods to Spielberg’s Catholic Mass Fellowship Sunday 11 a.m. way. Even his childhood friend Bailey (Evangeline Lilly, “Lost”) has a own film “E.T.” (1982) in the human child-robot dynamic between Saturday 5:30 p.m. Sunday 6 p.m. Jewish Sanctuary B hard time getting though to him. Max and Atom. Since “Real Steel” has elements of a boxing film, you Troopers Chapel Main Chapel Service Liturgical Service After Charlie’s robot is demolished by a rodeo bull and escapes might also notice a few tips of the hat to the “Rocky” movies as well. Friday 7 p.m. Pentecostal Gospel Protestant Worship Sunday 10 a.m. from paying his debt, Charlie soon learns the mother of his 11 year All of these factors help make “Real Steel” one of the better family Chapel Annex Sunday 8 a.m. & 5 p.m. Sunday 9 a.m. Room B old son Max (Dakota Goyo) has died. The boy’s aunt wants Max to films in recent years. There’s a delight in its straightforward simplistic Troopers’ Chapel LDS Service Church of the live with her and her wealthy husband, who can better provide for the story telling about its real people. And that makes a real difference. Room D Sunday 10 a.m. boy. Charlie, desperate for cash, makes a deal to have Max live with Sacred Well Room A Call 2323 for information

9 FRI 10 SAT 11 SUN 12 MON 13 TUE 14 WED 15 THU Hugo (NEW) Arthur Christmas Happy Feet 2 What’s Your Dolphin Tale 50/50 Twilight: (PG-13) 7 p.m. (NEW) (PG) 7 p.m. Number (last (last showing) (R) 7 p.m. Breaking Dawn The Thing (PG) 7 p.m. showing) (PG) 7 p.m. (PG-13) 7 p.m. (NEW) Real Steel (R) 7 p.m. (R) 9 p.m. (PG-13) 9 p.m. Lyceum Lyceum

Downtown Downtown Twilight: Hugo (NEW) Dream House Real Steel What’s Your The Muppets Ides of March Breaking Dawn (PG-13) 8 p.m. (PG-13) 8 p.m. (PG-13) 8 p.m. Number (last (PG) 8 p.m. (R) 8 p.m. (PG-13) 8 p.m. The Thing showing) 50/50 (NEW) (R) 8 p.m. Camp Camp

Camp Camp (R) 10 p.m. (R) 10 p.m. Bulkeley Bulkeley

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| Bu l l e t i n Bo a r d Th e Wi r e a g e Th e Wi r e | Pa g e 18 Mo v i e Re v i e w | | P 19 The latest graduates of the week-long bus driver training course are ready to use their new skills. –photo by Mass Communication Spc. 1st Class Ty Bjornson

Background: The Joint Detention Group’s Officer Pro- fessional Development session Dec. 2 includ- ed a tour of Fisher- man’s Point. This hill was the first to be taken by Marines in the Spanish-American War in 1898. –photo by Mass Communica- tion Spc. 2nd Class Kilho Park

Sgt. Maj. Callie E. Leaver and Staff Sgt. James Klein- heinz, both of Joint Detention Group Headquarters, 170th Military Police Battalion, chat during during a break in the work clearing a portion of Boa Breeze Way Dec. 4. –photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jerome Grant

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