Marine Corps Merit Award winning newspaper

Vol. 13 No. 17 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif. April 29, 2011 Sergeant Major Kent bids farewell to Miramar Marines

Cpl Jamean R. Berry Sgt. Maj. Carlton W. Kent, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, expresses his appreciation for the Marines’ commitment during his visit to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar for the last time before retiring, taking the opportunity to personally thank the Marines of Miramar for their work, April 25. Marines, Senegalese train for contact, learn something new Master Sgt. Grady Fontana trees with low hanging branches, burnt, dried grass litter this and the Senegalese Commandos, who are normally based out COMBAT CORRESPONDENT ground—evidence of a recent brush fi re—and offers just a of Dakar, about 220 miles north. reminder of the intense heat of this savanna territory. The Senegalese have a lot of experience operating in this OUBAKOUTA, Senegal - In the dusty, tree-lined Located in southern Senegal, just about 20 miles north of environment, and the U.S. Marines are well trained and expe- grasslands surrounding the lush delta here, the train- The Gambiaʼs border, this training ground, Center Training rienced in movement to contact. This combination facilitated ing opportunities for U.S. Marines and their Senega- Tactics Zone 3, proved to be the ideal setting for the Security leseT counterparts are vast. In this environment of thick green Cooperation Task Force of Africa Partnership Station 2011, GO TO SENEGAL, PAGE 3

MEU RECIEVES NEW HUEYS, COBRAS FISH POND GETS REFRESHED IN REACH US MCAS Miramar The 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit is RECOGNITION OF EARTH DAY slated to deploy with two of the newest Approximately 17 members of the Website additions to the Marine Corpsʼ arsenal of Environmental Department aboard the air aerial fi repower - the AH-1Z Super Cobra station took part in cleaning up the fi tness www.miramar.usmc.mil and the UH-1Y Super Huey. See page 4 for trail around the fi sh pond aboard the air EDITORIAL full story. station April 21. See page 6 for full story. (858)-577-6000 NEWS

More Marines qualify for Purple Heart Religious Services Capt. Patrick Boyce “Weʼve learned a lot more about mTBI and con- DEPUTY PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER cussions during the last six months,” said Freund. The Chaplainʼs Office, MANPOWER AND RESERVE AFFAIRS According to Cmdr. Dave Tarantino, director for located in Building 5632 clinical programs for Marine headquartersʼ health on Bauer Road, coordi- ANPOWER AND RESERVE AF- services, traumatic brain injury is divided into three nates regularly scheduled FAIRS, Quantico, Va. – A decision this categories from most to least severe: severe or pen- month by the commandant of the Ma- etrating, moderate and mild. Severe or penetrating services. For the location rineM Corps will allow more Marines and Sailors who TBI and moderate TBI have previously qualified and meeting schedules of served with Marine commands in combat to receive for the Purple Heart because those injuries require religious activities, call the Purple Heart for mild traumatic brain injuries evacuation to a medical treatment facility where the (858)-577-1333, or visit (mTBI) or concussions. Under the Marine Corpsʼ injury can be treated by a medical officer. Howev- www.miramar.usmc.mil. Sergeant Major Kent bids farewell to Miramar Marines revised criteria announced in Marine Administrative er, there are no definitive medical tests to diagnose Message (MARADMIN) 245/11 published April 15, mTBI or determine its severity. Sunday: the Marine Corps will no longer limit award of the “In order to assess mTBI and concussions, corps- Maj. Gen. Purple Heart for mTBI/concussions solely to those men and medical officers rely on a combination of 9 a.m. Protestant Thomas L. Conant cases where the Marine lost consciousness. history, physical examination, clinical signs and Worship Service Commanding General According to Lee Freund, head of Military symptoms and other findings,” said Tarantino. 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Awards Branch at Headquarters, U.S. Marine DoD guidelines in effect in the combat theater 9:30 a.m. Protestant Corps, the purpose of this new MARADMIN is, for the last year require that any service member Childrenʼs Worship “To get the word out on the commandantʼs deci- who is involved in a potentially concussive event sion to revise the previous Purple Heart criteria for must be placed under a 24-hour period of observa- mTBI...[and] to inform Marines and Sailors serving tion to determine if they have suffered an mTBI/ 11 a.m. with Marine commands in combat of the basic rules concussion. That period of observation can be ex- Roman Catholic Mass for determining Purple Heart eligibility for all types tended if the member exhibits signs or symptoms of wounds or injuries.” of an mTBI/concussion. However, evaluation by Religious Education/Sunday: MTBI/concussions, which can be caused by a a medical officer or assignment to administrative 9:30 – 10:45 a.m. blast or blow to the head, will now qualify for the light duty solely for the purpose of observation or Catholic CCD Children K-12 Purple Heart if a medical officer makes a disposi- screening will not be considered justification for tion that the Marine is “not fit for full duty” for more the Purple Heart. than 48 hours due to the persistent signs, symptoms, If a medical officer determines that the Marine 10 a.m. Protestant or findings of impairment from the concussion, pro- is “not fit for full duty” for a period greater than 48 Adult Bible Study vided the disposition was made within seven days hours due to signs, symptoms, or findings of impair- of the event. ment from the mTBI/concussion caused by enemy Col. Frank A. Richie Weekday Worship Service: This change is retroactive to the start of the action, then the injured Marineʼs command will in- Mon. – Fri. 11:30 a.m. Commanding Officer Global War On Terrorism, which began Sept. 11, dicate that information in the remarks section of the MCAS Miramar 2001. Marineʼs Personnel Casualty Report. Catholic Mass The two basic eligibility requirements for award In some cases, the Marineʼs final disposition Maj. Jay Delarosa of the Purple Heart established in executive order may not be known when the initial PCR is released. Mon. 6:30 p.m. Contemporary Public Affairs Director and Department of Defense regulations remain un- Additional medical information can be included in Praise and Worship Service changed: the wound or injury must be the result of supplemental PCRs. Gunnery Sgt. Steven Williams direct or indirect enemy action and must have re- Given the natural resilience of the brain, com- Wed. 7 p.m. Baptist Service Public Affairs Chief quired treatment by a medical officer at the time of bined with proper diagnosis and management, most the wound or injury. Marines who have suffered from mTBI/concussion Staff Sgt. Tiffany Carter However, MARADMIN 245/11 provides re- recover fully and experience a very high return to Study Groups: Internal Information Chief vised criteria by which Marine commanders will duty rate, explained Tarantino. Mon. 7 p.m. apply the second of these eligibility requirements to Marines, to include veteran Marines, whose Night Bible Study, Sgt. W. Zach Griffith cases of mTBI/concussion where the visible signs medical record contains documentation that a pri- Classroom in the Chapel area Editor and symptoms of the severity of the injury may not or mTBI/concussion was caused by enemy action be apparent. since Sept. 11, 2001 -- meeting the revised criteria Tues. 6 a.m. Marines, Senegalese train for contact, learn something new Cpl. Z.L. Majors “Very mild concussions that resolve quickly -- may submit a reclama through their original chain Layout and Design Specialist without prolonged impairment will not qualify for of command at the time of injury. Morning Prayer Service the Purple Heart,” said Freund. “The Marine Corps will continue to maintain and Study Group The Flight Jacket is published every Friday. This newspaper is an authorized publication for Prior to release of the MARADMIN, an mTBI/ the importance of the Purple Heart Medal at the the military services, contents of the Flight Jacket are not concussion only qualified for the Purple Heart if same level as when it was first approved for com- necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Islamic Worship Service: government, the Department of Defense, Department of there had been an observed loss of consciousness bat wounded Marines during World War II,” said Fri. at noon. the Navy or U.S. Marine Corps. It is for informational (LOC). As explained in the message, recent medi- Freund. purposes only and in no way should be considered direc- Located in the Chapel or visit tive in nature. cal research has shown that an mTBI/concussion Marines should refer to MARADMIN 245/11 The editorial content is edited, prepared and pro- without LOC can result in more serious brain im- for specific award criteria and reclama submission www.icsd.org vided by the Public Affairs Office. Comments or questions should be directed to 858-577-6000. pairment than earlier believed. Symptoms of mTBI/ information: http://www.marines.mil/news/mes- concussion can include headaches, intolerance of sages/Pages/MARADMIN245-11.aspx/. Jewish: sunlight, temporary amnesia and decreased cogni- Reclamas can be scanned and emailed to hqmc. Jewish Outreach at tive functions. [email protected] (under- (858) - 571 - 3444 MTBI/concussion is a physical injury, caused scores before and after “mTBI”), or sent via regular by the inflammation of brain tissue that can have post to Commandant of the Marine Corps (MMMA), www.jewishinsandiego.org long-lasting effects if not diagnosed and managed Headquarters Marine Corps, 3280 Russell Road, properly. Quantico, Va., 22134-5103

www.miramar.usmc.mil April 29, 2011 Flight Jacket Page 2 AROUND THE CORPS

SENEGAL, and sharing tactics, techniques and procedures will build common bonds CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 and understandings of how our mili- an opportunity for the two militaries to taries operate—which in turn will share information and exchange expe- build lasting partnerships, according riences. to Vukelic. “Todayʼs class is combat forest. “Weʼre showing how we do things [Senegalese] learn how to move a and they are showing us how they do squad to contact inside the forest,” said things,” said Vukelic, a Toronto, Ohio, Senegalese Marine Commando 1st Lt. native. “Each are taking things they Gallo Diallo, company commander, like and adapting it to improve some Company Fusiliers Marine Comman- of their skill sets. Itʼs really focused on do. “In Dakar, you donʼt have this en- that exchange process.” vironment.” Senegalese Marine commando According to Gallo, this environ- Staff Sgt. Cheikh S. Camara, instruc- ment is perfect for his unit, which is tor, COFUMACO, referred to this comprised of mostly young soldiers class as ʻcombat forestʼ, a spin-off who have just recently completed re- to jungle warfare. He was the chief cruit training. instructor of the class and gave in- “These are new soldiers,” said Gal- struction on the fundamentals: map lo, a graduate of The Basic School, a planning, preparing equipment, mini- U.S. Marine Corps officersʼ course in mizing tracks, communications, and Quantico, Va. “These young soldiers weapons handling. have been in my unit for about three The training scenario was basic; the months. However, I have some NCOs Senegalese commandos were tasked to who have experience and they [serve] move through the bush, along a trail, as the instructors.” on the alert for an ambush. When they According to Gallo, this type of en- received contact, they were evaluated vironment is exactly what he needed to on their immediate action techniques. train his soldiers; something he canʼt “Their reaction was a bit slow at replicate in Dakar. first,” said U.S. Marine Sgt. Austin D. “Most of our job is in environments Sabin, amphibious assault vehicle crew like this,” said Gallo. “So we come here chief, SCTF, APS-11. “These guys are and train [soldiers] in this terrain.” Ac- still new, they just learned it.” cording to Gallo his unit has engaged However, according to Sabin, the in terrain similar to here and Senegalese Senegalese commandos got better soldiers are deployed in many peace- each time they ran through the drill. keeping operations across Africa pro- “I see a lot of improvement,” said viding security assistance. They have to Sabin, a Mentor, Ohio, native. “Theyʼre be ready for all types of scenario. reacting faster, and getting low and tak- The Senegalese are experts in this ing cover—covering each other.” type of setting, so the U.S. Marines lis- The drills here are just one aspect of tened and learned from their partners. the multilateral exchange between the Along with the newly trained Senega- U.S., Senegalese and Nigerian military lese commandos, the Marines picked that will culminate in a final exercise. up many tips from the class. This military exchange was part U.S. Marine Capt. Brian D. Vukel- of APS-11, a U.S. Africa Command ic, ground combat element command- maritime security engagement pro- er, SCTF, stated the Marines have gram that is designed to strengthen learned some survival skills from the participating nationsʼ maritime secu- Senegalese. “The Senegalese have rity capacity. Marine Corps Forces, taught us how to operate in the envi- Africa is supporting APS 11 with a ronment here in Africa: how to survive security assistance force based out of off the land, what fruits and the differ- Camp Lejeune, N.C. The SCTF began ent things we can eat off the trees.” its deployment in Ghana in March and The idea behind APS is that the is slated to continue its follow-on mis- process of exchanging information sion at Gabon in June. Commando Staff Sgt. Cheikh S. Camara, instructor, Senegalese Marines, gives a class on jungle warefare to a Master Sgt. Grady Fontana crowd of Senegalese Cpl. Jesse C. Thompson, fire team member, 2nd platoon training noncommissioned officer, Security commandos and U.S. Cooperation Task Force, Africa Partnership Station 2011, inspects the barrel of a Senegalese Marine’s Marines in Toubakouta, weapon prior to immediate actions drills here. Thompson is part of the 45-man strong SCTF, along Senegal. with about 100 Senegalese commandos and Nigerian navy Special Boat Service troops who are participating in Africa Partnership Station 2011, a U.S. Africa Command maritime security assistance program that is designed to strengthen participating nations’ maritime security capacity through multilateral collaboration and cross-border cooperation. Marine Corps Forces, Africa is supporting APS 11 with a security assistance force based out of Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Page 3 Flight Jacket April 29, 2011 www.miramar.usmc.mil NEWS 3rd MAW elements prepare for MEU deployment

Lance Cpl. Ryan D. Carpenter Approximately 130 Marines and Sailors with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit trek through the hills during a hike aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton April 13. The unit hiked 14 1/2 miles to build mental and physical readiness and prepare for possible movements during their upcoming deployment. Elements from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing will support the 11th MEU during the unit’s pending deployment. VMFA(AW)-225 ‘Vikings’ to welcome new commanding offi cer Compiled by forces with close air support and reconnaissance missions. The Flight Jacket Staff Goodwin assumed command of VMFA(AW)-225 on Novem- ber 6, 2009 after moving back to MCAS Miramar. Lt. Col. Daniel Goodwin will relinquish command of Marine Bolton was commissioned in 1993 and was designated a Naval All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 225 to Lt. Col. Jack Bolton Aviator in October 1996. He joined VMFA-323 in 1998, where during a change of command ceremony here May 13. he deployed on board the USS Constellation with Carrier Air Lt. Col. Daniel Goodwin Goodwin earned a bachelorʼs from the United States Naval Group Two in support of Operation Southern Watch. Follow- OUTCOMING COMMANDING OFFICER Academy and was commissioned in 1992. He was designated a ing his tour with VMFA-323, he reported to Marine Corps Base Naval Aviator and began training to fly F/A-18 Hornets in 1995. Camp Pendleton, Calif., in June 2000 where he served as the 11th Goodwin then joined Marine fighter Attack Squadron and de- Marines Air Officer. ployed twice to the Arabian Gulf, participating in combat air pa- In 2004, Bolton reported to Naval Air Station Fallon, Nev., for trols and response-option strikes in Iraq during Operation South- instructor duty on the Navy Fighter Weapons School staff. Dur- ern Watch. ing his tour at TOP GUN, Bolton served as the close air support Goodwin was selected for the Pilot Exchange Program to fly subject matter expert, adversary officer and executive officer. F-15C Eagles with the U.S. Air Force in 2000. While there, he Bolton transferred back the MCAS Miramar and was once was designated as an F-15C instructor pilot and mission com- again assigned to VMFA-314 in January 2008. During his second mander, and assigned as flight commander and assistant direc- tour with the “Knights,” he deployed to Al Asad Airbase, Iraq in tor of operations for the 58th Fighter Squadron. After the attacks support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. of September 11, 2001, Goodwin flew defensive patrols over the Boltonʼs personal awards include a Strike/Flight Air Medal Southeastern United States, Washington, D.C. and New York (numeral 6), a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal City. with “V” to denote combat valor, a Navy and Marine Corps Com- Goodwin was re-assigned to VMFA-323 in 2005 and deployed mendation Medal with two gold starts in lieu of third award and Lt. Col. Jack Bolton aboard the USS John C. Stennis in support of Operations En- a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two gold INGOING COMMANDING OFFICER during Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, providing coalition ground stars. www.miramar.usmc.mil April 29, 2011 Flight Jacket Page 4 NEWS New Cobras, Hueys cut teeth on deployment Sgt. Deanne Hurla so by the time they are on the boat, everyone knows everyoneʼs strengths and weaknesses,” COMBAT CORRESPONDENT said Clifton. “There is a lot to be gained from comfort because it increases your ability to work together.” MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – The Corpsʼ newest Now that HMM-268 is reinforced with a small detachment of Super Cobras and Super helicopters, the AH-1Z Super Cobras and UH-1Y Super Hueys, will test their sea legs with the Hueys, the pilots can begin to develop those working relationships into a well-trained force 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, which is scheduled to depart California shores this fall. that can be ready for a mission within hours, Clifton explained. In 2009, the Super Huey set sail for the fi rst time aboard the USS Boxer. Now, it is the new Training for the MEU will really kick off for the pilots of HMM-268 (Rein.) as the heavy generation of Super Cobraʼs turn to test their abilities over open water. Both new aircraft can hauling Super Stallions join the squadron this week, completing the reinforced squadron as it travel twice as far, faster and with more ordnance than the older models. prepares to serve as the Air Combat Element of the MEU. “These updated aircraft are a great addition to the MEUʼs capabilities,” said Lt. Col. Scott Clifton, the Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268 (Reinforced) executive offi cer and a Super Cobra pilot. Bringing the Super Cobra on its fi rst MEU is a transition point for all MEUs, explained Clifton, a Havelock, N.C., native. As the Corps transitioned to the new aircraft in 2009, leaders decided when the two aircraft would join the MEUʼs. This is the fi rst MEU to complete the task. With the evolution of the new composite squadron underway, the CH-46E Sea Knight and CH-53E Super Stallion pilots must learn to fl y their aircraft alongside the pilots of the faster and more capable Super Cobras and Super Hueys. HMM-268 recently welcomed the new generation helicopters to the squadron and will begin training to operate within the confi ned spaces of an aircraft carrier fl ight deck. However, these pilots already have experience working together at Enhanced Mojave Viper training at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms. “The pilots did quite a bit of joint training at EMV,” said Clifton. “They completed several escort missions with Super Hueys, Super Cobras and Sea Knights fl ying together. They also planned missions with each other and had to account for what each aircraft needs.” For example, the CH-46E requires a certain amount of space and clearance of obstacles to land and the Super Cobra and Super Huey pilots need to be aware of those needs. The attack helicopters can act as scouts for landing zones fi tting the Sea Knightʼs requirements, hence the Sgt. Deanne Hurla importance of every pilot knowing the capabilities of each aircraft, explained Clifton. The new AH-1Z Super Cobra and UH-1Y Super Huey sit on the Marine Corps Air Station To further enhance their ability to work together, pilots also need to be comfortable with Camp Pendleton fl ightline alongside the CH-46E Sea Knight helicopters waiting to begin each other, and training at EMV provided that initial level of comfort, he added. training for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. This is the fi rst time the new Cobras will “Knowing they were at EMV together gives them something to build relationships off of deploy on a MEU. 367 shows love to adopted city Capt. Porter Jones (far right), an AH-1Z Super Cobra pilot with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367, explains the new Cobra’s capabilities to City of San Clemente officials, members of the Heritage Foundation and Chamber of Commerce members during a squadron tour April 22. The city of San Clemente adopted the squadron three years ago. Squadron members provided the tour to show their appreciation and display the new UH-1Y Super Huey and AH- 1Z Super Cobra capabilities to their visitors. During the tour, participants also tested the night vision goggles in a special dark room and viewed the aircraft simulators pilots use for training. (Photo by Sgt. Deanne Hurla)

Page 5 Flight Jacket April 29, 2011 www.miramar.usmc.mil NEWS Miramar celebrates Earth Day

Story and photos by Cpl. Steven Posy COMBAT CORRESPONDENT

hether hiking, fishing, exercising or just looking for a quiet place to observe the wilderness, the Miramar Fish Pond has all the amenities for a simple outdoor getaway. WApproximately 17 members of the Environmental Management Department here took part in cleaning the fitness trail and fish pond aboard the air station April 21, as a tribute to Earth Day. “Someone took care of the grounds Marines train on and the recreational facili- ties aboard the air station so it is our responsibility to preserve the environment for our future generations,” said Andrew J. Depaolo, the Environmental Management Systems comprehensive training education program coordinator. The members of the environmental department spent more than two and a half hours picking up trash, debris and fishing equipment from the surrounding piers and fitness trail. The pond is an ecological reserve that is approximately 250 meters long, 150 meters wide and more than 30 feet deep, which attracts a wide variety of wildlife Members of the Enviornmental Management Department here took part in the cleaning of the Miramar Fish Pond and recreational fi tness trail aboard the air station as a tribute to Earth ranging from waterfowl, birds and mammals to fish and reptiles. Day April 21. The Fish Pond’s delicate ecosystem is part of an ecological reserve, which offers It is also stocked with Largemouth Bass, Bluegill and Channel Catfish, making it Marines, sailors, civilians and thier families opportunities to see a variety of wildlife and take part an ideal fishing environment for Miramarʼs patrons. in various recreational activities. A fitness trail equipped with different exercise stations wraps around the perime- ter of the pond, providing opportunities for joggers, hikers or those looking to enjoy Because trash has an impact on the environment, when it rains, the run-off from the wildlife to go completely around the body of water. the pond affects plants and wildlife downstream and can contaminate swimming and “The fish pond is a valuable recreation area that is probably one of the best drinking water, he explained. places on the air station to see a wide diversity of wildlife,” said David Boyer, the The Environmental Management Department organizes a different event to cel- director of the Natural Resource Department here. ebrate Earth Day every year. This year was their first time cleaning the fish pond. In 2000, the pond was drained, excavated and restored in order to control plants “It is important for anyone who visits or uses the pond to help keep it clean so and weeds, and to make it more accessible to the public. It also provided biologists that the future generations can enjoy its recreational opportunities,” said Depaolo. and scientists an opportunity to look at the area for soil erosion and degradation. “It makes sense for us to preserve this environment.” “Itʼs a pond that people frequently use and is considered an environmentally For more information about the Miramar Fish Pond, visit www.mccsmiramar. sensitive area, as well as a wildlife and botanical reserve,” said Depaolo. com/fishpond.

www.miramar.usmc.mil April 29, 2011 Flight Jacket Page 6 FEATURE Don’t rely on hindsight when looking toward the future ne of the toughest things to do how many times youʼve made an angry ges- corporations that will require you to take a is an honest self reflection. One ture at a bad driver, or forwarded an email polygraph or other “lie detector” test. Saturday morning, I was mak- with those hilarious (if hideously inappro- Some things can disqualify you for ingO my way through a 300-question test for priate) photos and “motivational” posters years, or potentially forever, from a the San Diego Police Department as part whose humor may derive from subjects that federal or policing job. A DUI can make of the application process, which asks you our equal opportunity advisors would frown you ineligible for years, and subsequently about every bad, immature and even il- on. Those all came up in the test I took and makes you less competitive against your legal choice youʼve ever made-not just the the wording sure makes you feel guilty for peers trying for the same job. stuff you were caught doing, all the things laughing and passing on something that The cliché goes, “hindsight is 20/20.” youʼve done. bases its humor in prejudice or stereotypes. Of course it is. However, if you imagine Itʼs a series of yes and no questions, There is a strange effect when you list having to explain every questionable ac- Sgt. W. Zach Griffith and anything you answer “yes” to, thereʼs a out every vice youʼve ever partaken in, es- tion you take to a stranger who is judging page where you give an explanation. Itʼs a pecially if it has the potential to jeopardize whether or not you can have a career in his PRESS CHIEF, INTERNAL AFFAIRS real kick in the gut to have to write about, your career choice. If your career choice organization, you might think twice. Be- Editorʼs note: Sgt. Griffith is in vivid detail, all your shameful moments. is in law enforcement or intelligence, you fore partaking in a questionable activity, a regular contributor to the I wonʼt get into specifics about myself, can be sure there will be a reckoning for you could always ask yourself the ques- Flight Jacket. but it can be stressful trying to remember your mistakes. There are even jobs in tion: “what if mom saw me doing this?” 2011 NBA playoffs feature brooms, boots hile the Celtics whipped out the brooms and swept the when the post season arrives. Every year they have a great Knicks, the Bullsʼ superstar point guard got the “boot” regular season only to flop in the playoffs. Dwight Howard in round one of the NBA playoffs. This yearʼs post- and Jameer Nelson step up and do their jobs, but the rest of the seasonW ranks among the most exciting and unpredictable ones team seems to take an early vacation as soon as a post season weʼve seen in decades. game begins. The Celtics closed out the Knicks in four quick games, leav- Orlando is on the brink of being eliminated by the Atlanta ing one major question lingering in New York: What else do the Hawks and is in serious trouble. There is no way this team will Knicks have to do to win a championship? The answer is simple, make it out of the Eastern Conference this year. yet very foreign to their game plan. Play defense! Chicago, on the other hand, is playing championship bas- Since acquiring Amare Stoudemire during the off season, ketball, but their aspirations of winning a title may be ruined and Carmelo Anthony after the all-star break, New Yorkʼs new by Derek Roseʼs recent ankle injury. Rose did not practice high-powered offense grew balanced with equally poor de- before game four, and arrived at the arena with a boot on his fense. foot. This is a horrible situation for the franchise, as Rose is the This became the deciding factor in their first playoff appear- MVP of the league and the backbone of the team. ance since 2004, as they were swept by the defending confer- If he does not recover soon, the Bulls may get booted out of ence champions in the first round. the post season earlier than expected. Knicks head coach Mike Dantoni is known for his run-and- On the other side of the country, the Lakers are dead even Cpl. Steven H. Posy gun styled offense that puts up more than 100 points per game, with the Hornets, at 2-2, and much to everyoneʼs surprise, they but what also follows him is a notorious reputation for pathetic are also in trouble due to Kobe Bryantʼs recent ankle injury. COMBAT CORRESPONDENT defenses, which give up more than 100. L.A. still has enough talent to roll through the West, but with- Editorʼs note: Cpl. Posy is a No matter how many more stars they sign, they will never out Kobe, they could kiss the chance of another title goodbye. regular contributor to the sports win the championship with their style of play. So far, the 2011 playoffs have shaped up to be the most section of the Flight Jacket and an Another big surprise in the first round is the Orlando Magic. dramatic and entertaining in a long time. Hopefully, round two avid sports fan. For some odd reason, this team canʼt seem to get it together will be even better.

Page 7 Flight Jacket April 29, 2011 www.miramar.usmc.mil NEWS

friday saturday sunday monday tuesday wednesday thursday 29 30 1 2 3 4 5 Sexual Assault The 7 Habits of a MCCS FREE PRIZE Alcoholics Anonymous *Map Qwest Miramar *Navy Marine Corps Awareness Month Successful Military GIVEAWAYS... and Al-Anon Meetings FREE Station Tour Relief Society Budget Family Readiness Vol- Table/Shoe Display, 11 Family ITT/Travel Office: Old 6:30 p.m. 9 a.m. for Baby Class unteer Training a.m. – 2 p.m. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Town Trolley Gift Pack Counseling Center LINKS House 9 – 11 a.m. 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. MCX Main Store M&FP Conf. Room Winner will be drawn on 858-577-6585 858-577-6228 to register L.I.N.K.S. House M&FP Conference 577-4473 to register April 30 577-1807 Room Readiness & Stop in and fill out an 858-577-1322 Deployment Support: L.I.N.K.S. for Kids entry form today! Career Resource Cen- Spa Night - In the Midst Session ter, “Resume Prepara- Cinco de Mayo All Day 6:30 – 8 p.m. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. SHOP AT THE MCX... tion” Special – Three Tacos Miramar Room Youth Center MCX Fragrance Sale 1 - 3 pm w/Beans and Spanish 858-577-6306 858-577-4918 Rice for $8.95 April 27 – May 8 The HUB Room 131 to register 858-577-6710 Legends Sports Grill Main Store Motherʼs Day Flower Shop Special May 4 – 8 Fair Fighting for Anger Management I 1 MCX Optical Center Trunk Show Couples – 3 p.m. Counseling Center May 7 Only 1 – 4 p.m. Counseling Center 858-577-6585 to register Sight & Sound Sale 858-577-6585 to register • Sports Complex Marine Teen training Tues. & Sat. 858-577-4128/4129 May 11 - 24 Cinco de Mayo Karaoke • Deployment support for preschoolers, elementary and teenagers Mon. Night, 7 p.m. through Wed. 858-577-4588 Legends Sports Grill, • QOL Golf: Two Hours After Twilight free Golf for Active Duty Food/Drink Specials 858-577-4155 858-693-1543

MAP QWEST MIRAMAR FREE STATION TOUR Never ask “Where on Earth is that?!” again. Discover the locations of need-to-know places on base! Hop on the bus with MCCS and enjoy a tour of Miramarʼs most important places. Tours are held the first Tuesday of every month from 9 – 10:30 a.m. and depart from the L.I.N.K.S. House (Bldg 2273). The next tour will be held Tuesday, May 3. Children are welcome on the tour under parentʼs supervision. Light refreshments and a meet ʻn greet will precede the tour. Call 858-577-6228/6195 for more information. BEYOND THE BRIEF: THE POWER OF PLAY This interactive class, to be held on Wednesday, May 4 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. in the L.I.N.K.S. House, is for the grown-ups to attend where we will share the who, what, where, and why of what we do. We give examples and welcome questions. Come play with us while getting the inside scoop of why play is important for your child and the well-being of your family. Weʼll have games, friends, arts, crafts and lots of fun! Call 858-577-7993 to register or for more information.

Fri. April 29: Rango (PG) 6:30 p.m. Get help paying for child care It collects feedback on services Military One Source Red Riding Hood (PG-13) 9 p.m. Visit the National Association of provided by installations throughout 800-342-9647 Child Care Resource and Referral the Department of Defense. To Sat. April 30: FREE Advance Screening: Thor (PG-13) 6:30 p.m. Agencies website at www. submit a suggestion visit the ICE naccrra.org to see information website at http://ice.disa.mil. D-Stress 24-hour Hotline *The Adjustment Bureau (PG-13) 9 p.m. on eligibility for assistance to pay 877-476-7734 (All calls are strictly confidential) Sun. May 1: for and find child care services. Important Phone Numbers Mars Needs Moms (PG) 1 p.m. Contact 1-800-424-2246 for Victim Advocacy 24-hour *Take Me Home Tonight (R) 6:30 p.m. information. Hotline Wed. May 4: 858-864-2815 Limitless (PG-13) 6:30 p.m. ICE ready for use The Interactive Customer Evaluation Thurs. May 5: Eagle Eyes FREE Admission: The Incredibles (PG) 2 p.m. set up for Miramar is ready for 877-356-EYES (3937) Battle: Los Angeles (PG-13) 6:30 p.m. use. ICE is the internet version of the “Customer Suggestion Box.” *Indicates Last Showing

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