ARE WE TRULY READY? THE SUPPORTING THE DEFENDERS OF PEACE CAMP AS SAYLIYAH, QATAR DESERT SEPTEMBER 2014 MESH THE DESERT MESH U.S. ARMY NEWS 3 THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF CAMP AS SAYLIYAH | EDITION 98, SEPTEMBER 2014

A LETTER FROM his month, you will notice a dramatic change in the Desert Mesh. Based on Soldier THE EDITOR feedback, we have completely redesigned the publication. A recent survey of Soldiers stationed here on Camp As Sayliyah helped to identify Tseveral ways in which we could improve the look, content and function of the Desert Mesh. Changes include a modernization of the visual presentation, a revamping of command content, and the inclusion of lighter material, such as culture, humor and entertainment pieces. We have done this because we believe this publication can be more engaging, informative and entertaining to you, our uniformed audience. We promise to pursue that goal with all due diligence. While the Mesh is far from perfect, recognizing the need for improvement is the first step toward identifying meaningful solutions. And, while perfection may never truly be TWO M1A2 SEP ABRAMS TANKS FROM 116TH CAVALRY BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM, IDAHO ARMY NATIONAL GUARD, CONTINUE TO SEARCH FOR THEIR OPPOSING FORCE ADVERSARY DURING AN EXPORTABLE COMBAT TRAINING CAPABILITY EXERCISE AT ORCHARD COMBAT TRAINING CENTER, SOUTH OF BOISE, IDAHO, AUG. 14, 2014. possible, it is the pursuit of lofty goals - rather than obtaining them - that builds character. This month, you will find several articles highlighting the importance of the pursuit of perfection, the character it builds, and how the goal-oriented mentality of individuals has the power to change society as a whole. The goal of this publication is to serve you. To do that, we need your feedback. TOTAL FORCE REVISITED Your needs and views formed the core of the changes we have made. With your STORY AND PHOTO BY continued support, we will pursue further changes to bring us just a little closer to STAFF SGT. CHRISTOPHER McCULLOUGH perfection. 3RD STRYKER BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM, We encourage you to lend your voice to the CAS community by “liking” us on Facebook, 2ND INFANTRY DIVISION PUBLIC AFFAIRS following us on Twitter, and by reading the Desert Mesh. Get involved, speak up, and we COURTESY OF ARMY.MIL will listen. To contact the installation public affairs office, feel free to use any of the information OINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. that thing that we knew, and applying the new we’ve got a responsibility to do it right. posted below. We also regularly monitor and update our presences on social media, and (Aug. 26, 2014) -- The Soldiers of the 1st systems that are available to us. It continues “Conducting operations this way is cost effi- they are great sources for additional content you can easily share with friends and family. Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, are what we’ve established over the last 10 years in cient, and if you do it correctly, and maintain We look forward to spreading the word about all the great things you do here, and to Jtraining at the Orchard Combat Training Afghanistan and Iraq; it’s an opportunity for your own training objectives in support of making the Desert Mesh a highlight of your deployment. Center, south of Boise, Idaho, this month, us to combine forces and re-engage the heavy your METL (Mission-Essential Task List), you demonstrating their ability to conduct fiscally fight, something that is not new, but is relearn- will actually get training out here that’s only Levi Spellman responsible, multi-component training as ing for both forces.” rivaled by NTC (the National Training Center, Editor part of the Army’s Total Force Policy, while The Total Force Policy was initially imple- at Fort Irwin, California),” he continued. simultaneously conducting gunnery tasks mented in the early 1970s, during the twi- Mayo said this is also the squadron’s first and supporting their division’s concept for light years of the Vietnam War. It establishes opportunity to capitalize on the lessons they ON THE COVER: integrated training strategy. policy for the integration of the Army’s Active learned while at the NTC, in January. PFC. THIS ISSUE “It’s a multi-component operation,” ex- Component and Reserve Components as a “We took a bunch of AAR (After-Action MALCOLM plained Command Sgt. Maj. Sean Mayo, a Total Force, according to the Army’s website. Report) comments and critiques, things DONCKERS OF THE 114TH U.S. ARMY NEWS, PG. 3 | HAPPENING NOW, PG. 4-5 | THE MAIN EVENT PG. 6-7 native of Bridgeport, Connecticut, and senior It fell into disuse during the first decade of the we learned about ourselves at the National INFANTRY enlisted adviser for 1-14 Cav, 3-2 Stryker 21st century, as counterinsurgency operations Training Center, and we talked a lot about REGIMENT, WELLNESS, INSPIRATION AND SELF-IMPROVEMENT, PG. 8-9 | LIGHTER FARE, PG. 10-12 NEW JERSEY Brigade, 7th Infantry Division, out of Joint increased in Iraq and Afghanistan. them, but we didn’t have the opportunity to NATIONAL Base Lewis-McChord. “Basically, you have At the heart of the Total Force Policy, is the shake out the bugs,” he said. “This provides us GUARD, MANS HIS POST CONTACT US the Idaho National Guard, the 191st Training simple premise that the Army will do its job a tremendous opportunity to capitalize on the DURING A Support Brigade, who is an active unit, and us; with less, and that the National Guard and lessons learned and things we needed to work PERIMETER we’re playing OPFOR (the opposing force) for Army Reserve will take a more direct role in on coming out of NTC.” SECURITY DSN: (318) 432-2572 | (318) 432-2800 ASSESSMENT EMAIL: [email protected] them.” national defense. In keeping with the basis of The cavalry’s OPFOR counterparts, the 2nd AT CAMP AS The exercise, which is an eXportable Combat the Total Force Policy, “Warhorse” battalion, Combined Arms Battalion, 136th Infantry Bri- SAYLIYAH. Training Capability operation, is overseen 1-14 Cavalry, is doing more with less while at gade, agreed that this year’s eXportable Com- WWW.FACEBOOK.COM WWW.FLICKR.COM US ARMY by the 191st Infantry Brigade, First Army Orchard Combat Training Center, by conduct- bat Training Capability operation provided PHOTO BY /CAMPASSAYLIYAH /PHOTOS/ASGQAPAO ALFRED Division West, also from Joint Base Lew- ing gunnery training in addition to its duties their unit a tremendous opportunity as well. TRIPOLONE III WWW.TWITTER.COM/ASGQAPAO WWW.YOUTUBE.COM is-McChord; along with units from the Army as OPFOR. “I think what it has highlighted is that we @ASGQAPAO #CAMPASSAYLIYAH /USER/ASGQAPAO National Guard, the Army Reserve, and the “(The gunnery training) is just as important want to be here,” Capt. Craig Isaacson, a Active Component, all working in unison as what else we’re doing out here,” said Lt. Col. Bloomington, Minnesota, native and compa- toward a common goal, which is to conduct Robert Halvorson, 1-14 Cavalry commander. ny commander for Charlie Company, 2-136 THE DESERT MESH This Army tabloid is an authorized publication for realistic training while relearning the tenets of “The 7th [Infantry Division] is leading the way Infantry, said of the exercise. “We want to PUBLISHER AND STAFF members of the U.S. Department of Defense. The content the Total Force Policy. to put the precision in Stryker gunnery that’s train hard, and that our Soldiers are paying of the Desert Mesh is not necesarily the official view of, or “This is a fight that we knew pretty well 10 never existed. Working with the Maneuver attention, taking notes and trying to perfect COMMANDER Col. William S. Wozniak endorsed by, the U.S. Government or Department of the years ago, but over several deployments we’ve Center of Excellence, 7th [Infantry Division] their craft, so that when they get called up to SENIOR ENLISTED ADVISOR Command Sgt. Maj. Earla L. Reddock Army. The editorial content is the responsibility of the Area gone away from that,” said Lt. Col. Brad Chris- is working hard to make gunnery something support the active duty, they can expect that PUBLIC AFFAIRS COORDINATOR, EDITOR Levi Spellman Support Group - Qatar public affairs office. All photos are topher, 116th Infantry Brigade’s operations of- it’s never been in the Stryker community. As we are those professionals who show up and STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER, WRITER Alfred Tripolone III official U.S. Army photos, unless otherwise credited. ficer and Boise native. “So, we’re re-energizing the first cavalry squadron taking part in that, can do the same things that they’re doing.” 4 HAPPENING NOW 5 SYRIAN MILITANTS ORGANIZING, AND WHY BECOMING DEADLIER IT MATTERS AP STORY BY ANALYSIS BY BASSEM MROUE CAPT. JOSHUA FRANQUI AP PHOTO BY BILAL HUSSEIN AREA SUPPORT GROUP - QATAR SPECIAL SECURITY OFFICER COURTESY OF US WORLD NEWS AND REPORT

ABWEH, Lebanon (AP) — Lebanese Hariri, a Sunni leader with a large following already bubbling sectarian tensions in Leb- “Whoever threatens to divide the army... ince mid-2011, conflict has raged between factions of Syrian rebels and Lebanese troops battled rebels from Syria for in the country, has accused al-Qaida linked anon. The town is wedged between Syrian we say to them that neither Lebanon nor forces. This is nothing we haven’t heard before. But, it’s important to recognize control of a border town Monday, the groups in Syria, including the Nusra Front government-controlled territory and Leba- the Bekaa (Valley) is Mosul,” said Sheikh that it does have an effect on us, as U.S. citizens, because we have aided Lebanon Ldeadliest challenge in years for the armed and the Islamic State group, of taking Arsal nese Shiite villages sympathetic to Leba- Mohammad Yazbek, referring to Iraq’s sec- Sthroughout the ordeal. forces of this tiny country whose own hostage. non’s premier Shiite militia, Hezbollah. ond-largest city which has been seized by Specifically, we have provided more than $100M in funding through the International sectarian tensions could boil over from the The fight for Arsal is the bloodiest -in The Syrian government, which is battling militants of the Islamic State group, which Military Education and Training initiative and the Foreign Military Financing programs. incursion. volving the army since the military fought a largely Sunni insurgency, has seized is also fighting in Syria. Those programs serve to provide equipment and training to support the internal secu- Dozens of armored personnel carriers, a three-month battle in 2007 against the nearly all the strategic Qalamoun region But it isn’t likely that the militants in rity, border protection and counterterrorism efforts of foreign nations, enabling them to tanks and elite troops arrived to surround al-Qaida-inspired Fatah Islam group inside bordering Arsal with the help of Hezbollah Arsal raided the town to gain territory better combat insurgent activity in their respective regions. the town of Arsal, some 90 kilometers (55 the Palestinian refugee camp of Nahr el- fighters. On Monday, some Hezbollah fight- inside of Lebanon, said Aram Nerguizian, Additionally, we have provided agricultural and infrastructure engineering support miles) from the capital, Beirut. Meanwhile, Bared in northern Lebanon. The Lebanese ers were seen around Labweh, a town near a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic through the U.S. Agency for International Development, enabling them to improve thousands of Lebanese civilians and Syrian army crushed the group, but the clashes Arsal in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, though it and International Studies. He said Arsal mountain agriculture and irrigation systems, fully inspect dam systems, and to better refugees fled the clashes in vehicles packed killed more than 170 soldiers. was not clear if they were taking part in the was surrounded by Christian, Shiite and sustain the Lebanese populace. with all they could carry. The clashes in Arsal, a predominantly fighting. even Sunni Muslim areas hostile to Islamic Despite the aid of the U.S., Syrian rebels have become more organized and more The fighting in Arsal, which began Sat- Sunni town of 40,000 whose population A senior Hezbollah official vowed Monday militants. aggressive. This may possibly be a result of the influence exerted by the militants of the urday, marks the first time that militants has almost tripled because of the presence to support the Lebanese army against the “This would be the definition of a very Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, or ISIS (the ISIS and ISIL acronyms refer to the same battling Syrian President Bashar Assad of Syrian refugees and rebels, could worsen militants. precarious deployment,” Nerguizian said. group). have carried out a large-scale incursion into The coordination we’ve seen has resulted in the deadliest attack in three months. It Lebanon. The clashes have killed 17 soldiers reflects a shift in tactics from the splinter-cell and lone-wolf approaches, to massive, over three days, while 22 others remain organized ground assaults. This, they have realized, is what will gain them control of missing after attacks on army positions in geographical areas. And, as a result, Lebanese civilians and Syrian refugees continue to the town, authorities said. suffer the consequences of these actions. The civilian exodus came early Monday A LEBANESE FAMILY So, the question is: how does this impact a regular Joe deployed to the Middle East? morning during a lull in the fighting. A few WAITS TO DEPART The answer is James Foley. hours later, an army bombardment around IN A MINIBUS ON Recent headlines have been awash with the ISIS/ISIL beheading of U.S. journalist, Arsal saw three shells land every minute. THE OUTSKIRTS James Foley. This action, they claim, was a result of their demands not being met – spe- OF ARSAL, A “We call on the Lebanese army to strike PREDOMINANTLY cifically, the removal of all U.S. ground forces from Iraq and the immediate cessation of with an iron fist,” said Mohammed Hojeiri, SUNNI MUSLIM U.S. air strikes. who fled Arsal with his family Monday. TOWN NEAR THE Syrian militants captured Foley in 2012, near the border of Lebanon and Syria. As “Those gunmen are terrorizing civilians.” SYRIAN BORDER IN these small, asymmetrical groups began to adopt the organized, larger-scale tactics of EASTERN LEBANON, A resident on the outskirts of Arsal told MONDAY, AUG. 4, ISIS/ISIL, we can assume their collaboration grew, as evidenced by who controlled Foley The Associated Press that the militants 2014. THOUSANDS at the time of his death. there committed “atrocities” and shot at OF LEBANESE This matters, as there are several Americans living and working in the turbulent areas people fleeing. They also looted homes, he CIVILIANS AND of the Middle East. Joint Task Force Lebanon, a humanitarian mission, currently has SYRIAN REFUGEES said on condition of anonymity for security PACKED CARS AND Americans on the ground in Lebanon. And, with ISIS/ISIL calling all Muslims to kidnap considerations. PICKUP TRUCKS U.S., British and Israeli citizens to be used as bargaining chips, we must all be very aware Dozens of rebels have been killed in the MONDAY, FLEEING of our surroundings. fighting, he and other residents and securi- AN EASTERN However, this extra caution should not be limited to those in these regions; media BORDER TOWN THAT ty officials said. WAS OVERRUN BY outlets have directly linked Foley’s murder to a British jihadi group. That means U.S. It remains unclear exactly what allegianc- MILITANTS FROM civilians, contractors, families and military personnel should take this matter seriously, es the Syrian rebels who seized Arsal have. NEIGHBORING both at home and abroad. Their attack comes after the Lebanese army SYRIA AS LEBANESE It is our responsibility to raise awareness of these issues for all who may be at risk. We TROOPS FIGHT TO said Saturday its troops had detained Imad LIBERATE THE AREA. believe it is important that you understand the intentions of groups like ISIS/ISIL, the Ahmad Jomaa, who identified himself as a Taliban, the Muslim Brotherhood, and the other small militia cells who support them. member of the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front Soldiers, tourists and journalists are specifically being targeted for kidnap, ransom, — one of the most powerful rebel groups exchange and execution. fighting against Assad. Safety is a matter of vigilance. This is a call for all of us to remain aware, remain educat- Former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad ed and to be ready for anything. 6 THE MAIN EVENT 7

[LEFT] SPC. CHRISTOPHER BECRAFT, AN INFANTRY SOLDIER WITH THE THINKING LIKE THE ENEMY: 1ST BATTALION, 114TH INFANTRY REGIMENT, NEW JERSEY NATIONAL GUARD, INSPECTS THE ENGINE OF A VEHICLE AT AN ENTRY CONTROL A LOOK IN THE MIRROR POINT ON CAMP AS SAYLIYAH. BECRAFT, A CONTRACTOR FROM A JOINT SERVICE INSTALLATION VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT NEPTUNE, NJ, IS CURRENTLY DEPLOYED AS STORY AND PHOTOS BY PART OF THE SECURITY ALFRED TRIPOLONE III FORCES UNIT WITH AREA SUPPORT GROUP - QATAR. AREA SUPPORT GROUP - QATAR PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE

he devil, as they say, is in the details. Those details “I found it interesting, because when we go out and assess steps. I had never thought of it like that, and it was very can be all the difference between effective preven- ‘vulnerabilities’ everyone brings their skills to the table,” interesting.” [BELOW] DURING THE tion and outright catastrophe. Details, after careful said Slania. “When I went out, as a working dog expert, I Keeping class members on their toes, and actively show- SECURITY OPERATIONS Tanalysis, can enable an organization to not only view their focused on how we could use working dogs to fill the gaps, ing how the mission changes from one instance to another, BREAKOUT SESSION operation objectively, but can give them all the information if any were found.” was also beneficial to growth. OF THE JOINT SERVICE they need to implement improvements. By placing class members in the field with the Soldiers ac- “It’s an important learning experience to go from the INSTALLATION VULNERABILITY For more than a week during the month of August, the tively conducting the security mission, a better understand- classroom to the field, and see how procedures vary from ASSESSMENT, SOLDIERS units and individuals of Area Support Group Qatar came ing and larger scope of the mission was revealed, Slania classroom to the real world,” Boyce said. AND AIRMEN ARE TESTED together in an effort to better train on issues of threat explained. By identifying and breaking down the parts that The goal of the JSIVA is to have students leave the class ON THEIR KNOWLEDGE assessment and prevention. From leadership to supporting make the whole of installation security, Soldiers were able with a fresh perspective and new-found respect for identi- OF PROCEDURES AND QUESTIONED ABOUT units, it was a comprehensive exercise designed to improve to reevaluate their understanding on perimeter defense and fying and adjusting to any vulnerabilities they find. THEIR EXPERIENCES. the full spectrum of installation operations. view it in a new light. “Now, I can go to any installation and help the command- THE WORKING GROUPS “The Joint Service Installation Vulnerability Assessment “Backwards planning is another factor I learned more ers assess their installations for vulnerabilities,” Slania BROKE DOWN INTO is a very broad exercise. We talk about things on a large about,” Slania said. “Our instructor, Tony, would say, ‘you said. “So, when I go back to my home station, I’ll be able SMALLER GROUPS FOLLOWING TESTING scale, and then we break into smaller groups to discuss have to think like the bad guys.’ So, we would go through to identify and inform my commander about any vulner- TO DISCUSS IDEAS ON A what we’ve learned and what they’ve seen in their experi- all of the steps it would take a person to get access to some- abilities I see, and how we could use different measures to MORE INTIMATE LEVEL. ence,” said Tony Boyce, the primary security operations thing, and then ensure that we were taking proper security correct them.” instructor with the JSIVA team. Members of the class came from many backgrounds, services, and job fields, all with the common purpose of installation security. And, while some were required to attend, others requested the opportunity to participate. “I requested to go to the JSIVA seminar. I had never heard of it before,” said Staff Sgt. Kyle J. Slania, the Kennel Master for Camp As Sayliyah. “It turned out to be a much more in-depth class than I expected.” Going into the exercise with an open and willing mind, ready to learn something new, was important to getting the most from the training. It allowed students to pick up on details and ideas they wouldn’t otherwise, Slania remarked. The training was conducted in several phases, of which lectures and group discussions on installation safety were some of the first. According to Boyce, throughout the weeklong training, periodic assessments are conducted to ensure everyone is tracking the material. If they are not, the assessments allow them to circle back and re-address topics that were not fully grasped. In doing so, it opens the group to more detailed discussions later. “Once we’ve discussed and gone over a number of situa- tions and procedures, we take them out into the field to see firsthand how things are done,” Boyce continued. “There we allow them to ask questions and assess vulnerabilities on their own.” The array of backgrounds brought into the discussions make every breakout group unique. RECORD DURATIONRECORD WELNESS, INSPIRATION AND SELF-IMPROVEMENT plished “the impossible,” he failed 1913 8 to qualify for the 1952 Olympic 1914 team. His refusal to accept failure 1915 NO 1916 and his rejection of limitations 1917 changed not only the trajectory 1918 of his own career, but that of all of 1919 LIMITS 1920 modern athletics. STORY BY More than a half-century 1921 CHANGING MASTER SGT. 1922 MONTGOMERY MILLER later, the current record stands 1923 at 3:43.13. This is a direct result 1924 AREA SUPPORT GROUP - QATAR of that attitude being wholly em- 1925 MASTER FITNESS TRAINER braced by the athletic community. 1926 1927 In fact, Bannister’s record stood 1928 he men’s world record for for only one year before it was 1929 the one mile was officially broken, a testament to the power 1930 THE set for the first time in of attitude and the importance of 1931 T1913. The International Amateur what he accomplished. 1932 1933 Athletic Federation recognized a Like Bannister, we must first 1934 time of four minutes, 14.4 seconds learn to recognize and discard the 1935 by John Paul Jones of the United limitations we impose upon our- 1936 States. selves. Only then will traits such as 1937 While times steadily improved, work ethic and force of will allow 1938 GAME doctors said a natural barrier us to transcend those limits and 1939 1940 existed that prevented humans reach our maximum potential. 1941 BARRIERS, BREAKTHROUGHS AND HOW from breaking the four-minute To realize that potential, it’s 1942 mark. The exertion necessary, they always advisable to set realistic 1943 BASEBALL BECAME A CORNERSTONE believed, would cause the heart to goals. Therefore, it’s important 1944 1945 OF HISPANIC HERITAGE burst. to know the difference between 1946 That is, until 1959. reasonable precautions and bare- 1947 Roger Bannister, a medical stu- faced excuses. That way, when 1948 STORY BY 1949 SGT. 1ST CLASS JAIME MONTANEZ dent from Great Britain, rewrote you write down your goals, you the medical consensus regarding can accurately track your progress 1950 1951 AREA SUPPORT GROUP - QATAR that barrier – and the record because you have a realistic idea of 1952 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY ADVISOR books – by personally running the what your gains should look like. 1953 mile in 3:59.4. His training meth- This mentality can help keep you 1954 Roger Bannister ods, considered unorthodox at the honest and help keep you on track. 1955 time, helped pioneer the training You want to run your two miles 1956 1957 standards of today’s top athletes. in less than 13 minutes? Go for it. ational Hispanic Heritage Month decent. By the 2006, that ratio had climbed 1958 However, Roger Bannister’s Having trouble passing height and 1959 begins Sept. 15, and this year will to 23 players of 71. greatest contribution to athletics weight? Set a goal and get after it; 1960 focus on the themes of Hispanic However, the meteoric rise of Latin wasn’t his physical ability, dedica- the gym is always open. 1961 Nlegacy, current achievement and the prom- players can perhaps be captured in a dif- tion, revolutionary training meth- Will this be harder for some than 1962 1963 ise of a successful tomorrow. ferent way. Since 1990, more than a third ods, or even his world record. others? Of course. But, does that 1964 This is personally meaningful to me, and of the MVP awards have gone to Hispanic It was his attitude. mean it’s impossible? 1965 to many members of the armed services players. Seven years before he accom- Ask Roger Bannister. 1966 1967 who have Hispanic roots, because it is a The groundbreaking acceptance won by 1968 story we live through on a daily basis. our earliest athletes helped to inspire sub- 1969 For us, that story has been a historically sequent generations to success – not only 1970 1971 turbulent one. However, today, there are in athletics, but in the professions as well. 1972 high-profile Hispanics achieving incred- As a result, Hispanic culture is now 1973 ible things in every aspect of our society. included at the forefront of advertising and 1974 1975 The importance of that long and difficult marketing efforts, indicating a major shift 1976 transition cannot be overstated and, in in the cultural landscape. Famed players 1977 my opinion, begins with something much like Miguel Cabrera, Albert Pujols and 1978 simpler: a game. Carlos Beltran regularly lend their names 1979 1980 I love baseball. During my childhood, my to products and services to increase their 1981 Before 1954, the average time a record father and I would go to see games at the commercial appeal. 1982 stood before being broken was 3 years, local stadium, listening to the broadcast on These changes are part of a different kind 1983 26 days. 1984 a small radio. of success, one that transcends the individ- Just 23 days after Roger Bannister 1985 The average for the years that followed Statistics, commentary, and play by play ual. They mark the importance of breaking clocked the first sub 4:00 mile, another 1986 is 3 years, 77 days. Brit, Diane Leather, became the first would pour through the speaker on those down barriers, the power of inspiration, 1987 woman to run the mile in less than five 1988 The current record was set in 1999. afternoons, sometimes invoking names of and the success of a people. minutes. At 15 years, it more than doubles the 1989 reign of any other record, and remains Latin greats like Orlando Cepeda, Rober- As we observe National Hispanic Heri- However, official records were not kept 1990 the longest-standing men’s record in to Clemente and Louis Aparicio, the first tage Month, it is also important to men- for women’s sports at that time. 1991 history. 1992 three Hispanics inducted to the hall of tion that World Series is right around 1993 fame, and icons within our communities. the corner. For me, this all started with a 1994 Beginning in those early days, the num- game. And, while the game has changed in 1995 1996 ber of Hispanic players in the league has many ways, it is still very much the game 1997 grown. In the 1990s, one out of every eight I remember – the one I watched with my 1998 players on the all-star team was of Latin father – and the one I still love. RUN 1999 TIME9 10 LIGHTER FARE LIGHTER FARE 11 South Korea. When I wear the necklace it tive to your partner. After all, no one likes who loves someone from any distance, be reminds me of that great moment togeth- a clingy man-child whose sole reason for it a mile or an ocean: success is possible. er in our relationship. Now, when I see life is the person they date. Just keep on fighting. HOW TO SUSTAIN my girlfriend wear her shark tooth it is a Peter and Helen Stoppi married in 1947, reminder that she loves me. built a house, built a family, and remained happily married for 53 years. All of this KYLE SCHAEFFER IS A FREE-LANCE 4 sprung from a love begun in war-time, WRITER AND COLLEGE ADMISSIONS HAVE A PLAN TO BE maintained across an ocean, and deepened PROFESSIONAL AT CHRISTOPHER A LONG-DISTANCE solely through letters over the course of NEWPORT UNIVERSITY IN VIRGINIA. PHYSICALLY NEAR three long years. Dating long-distance is EACH OTHER not easy, but a story like that of Peter and CONTACT HIM AT My grandparents had no idea when the Helen Stoppi has much to teach the man [email protected] RELATIONSHIP war would end, if Peter would survive to see that end, or when he would finally be FIVE TIPS I LEARNED FROM MY WWII GRANDPA discharged from the army. Despite their inability to control present circumstanc- es, they planned for a future they could STORY BY KYLE SCHAEFFER control. Peter talked regularly about what he would do when he returned home — his COURTESY OF THEARTOFMANLINESS.COM lack of desire to become a miner, his want of children, and all of the dances he and Helen would attend together. Eventual- n 1942 my grandfather, Peter Stoppi, Thankfully, technology has improved from so far away. ly, when he did return home, Peter took a young man of 29 years old, joined leaps and bounds since our grandparents’ Now, should you stay in every night and up work as a bus mechanic, married his the army to fight the Nazis during time, and men in long-distance relation- never see friends or speak to others while sweetheart, and had a beautiful daughter IWorld War II. Like many men his age, he ships today have a host of great tools to away from your significant other? Of — all things he planned for and dreamed left behind family and friends to serve his keep them connected to loved ones. Prod- course not. But your actions will say more about with Helen during the war. country. But when Peter boarded his mili- ucts like Skype, FaceTime, and Google than your mouth. News of your indiscre- Difficult situations are made easier with tary boat to Europe, he wasn’t just missing Talk allow you to spend time face-to-face tions travel far faster and easier than they an end in sight. Have a plan for when you his mother and buddies. He was missing a with a person. All you need is a webcam did during the Big One, and are bound to will get back together. Naturally, a specific brand new girlfriend as well. and a decent internet connection. Texting get back to her. Not only that, but the fact date is not always possible (as was the case The primary mode of contact home for apps like WhatsApp and Viber give you that you are even flirting with the idea of with Peter and Helen), but it is important a soldier in the 1940s was, of course, the the ability to text anyone in the world for stepping out on your gal will unconscious- for both people to work toward the goal of written letter, and over the next three free. With so many modes of communi- ly creep into your voice when you talk to a permanent reunion. years, my grandfather wrote a 294-page cation at your disposal, there really is no her, sparking mistrust, arguments, and history book’s worth of letters home to excuse to lose touch. strain in the relationship. 5 the young lady who would eventually But the importance of communication So conduct yourself with integrity, and YOU STILL MUST become his wife. These letters chronicle a goes deeper than simply talking. You and remember that you are committed to LIVE YOUR LIFE journey across war-torn Europe, the life your loved one must trust each other and someone even if that person is not physi- of an American soldier, and the story of address relationship problems or doubts cally near you at the moment. If you can’t Peter demonstrated his integrity by two young people dating across an ocean. immediately. handle that commitment, then you need to avoiding the bars and wayward ladies of More than 70 years later, I turned to these reconsider the relationship. Europe, but he also recognized his duty. letters for advice in my own long-distance At the end of three years of fighting in Eu- relationship. Though much has changed 2 rope, he turned his attention to the Pacific MAINTINING YOUR 3 and wrote home that he would willingly over the decades, my grandfather’s corre- KEEP THEM CLOSE EVEN spondence gave me five truly timeless tips INTEGRITY IS MORE go on to help finish the war with Japan. He WHEN THEY ARE FAR AWAY for any man loving from afar: IMPORTANT THAN EVER could have pushed for discharge, but he Before he left for Europe, Peter snatched saw that the job was not yet over. Trust is important in any relationship, his new love’s class ring, saying he would Although this may seem contradictory to 1 but once you add the element of distance return it to her after the war. He carried number two, it is important to remember FREQUENT COMMUNICATION the importance increases ten-fold. A man that ring with him every day to remind that you and your partner live separate IS KEY must conduct himself in a manner befit- him of the special girl waiting for him lives. No matter how connected you stay, Peter was a great communicator with his ting the respect of others around him, and back home. When he did return to the or how involved you are with your partner, girlfriend, Helen. He wrote to her weekly, in a way that can reassure his partner of United States, the large gem, standard to you will have different friends, different stayed abreast of events going on back his faithfulness beyond just words. any class ring, was missing from its band jobs, different schools, and different activ- home from her letters, and divulged all At night when camped behind front — a fact Helen, jokingly, never let him ities. You may feel the urge to dedicate all the information about his life the military lines, many of Peter’s buddies went into forget. of your time to your partner, but that is censors would allow. In his letters he talk- town to drink, see a show, and canoodle A mutual trinket or piece of jewelry impractical and unfair to you. ed about the future, his dreams, things he with the local young ladies. Peter, howev- can be a fine way to feel connected to Be an active participant in your own wanted to do on returning to the US, and er, often stayed behind to write to Helen, your loved one. In honor of this story, life. Take time for friends, school, career he even took a little time to tease and flirt expressly telling her about his decision. my girlfriend and I each wear a shark advancement, leisure, and all of the things with his future wife. For a long-distance This may have been a show of social reclu- tooth around our necks. We dug the teeth that make you an awesome man. An active relationship in 1942, communication was siveness, but the action was also a strong for each necklace from the bottom of life will help you relax, feel good about HELEN AND PETER STOPPI, 1947 wide open and clear. gesture of his commitment to her even an aquarium tank while shark diving in yourself, and will make you more attrac- PHOTO COURTESY OF KYLE SCHAEFFER / THEARTOFMANLINESS.COM 12 LIGHTER FARE ASK A CIVILIAN ANSWERS TO LIFE’S DEEPEST QUESTIONS BY HANK BRAUGHTIGAN SPECIAL GUEST CONTRIBUTOR

t’s no secret that military service can be Q: I’ve been wanting to go to HALO school, Q: How much wood would a woodchuck hard, especially when it means being so but I can’t get my command to sign off on it. chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood? far away from friends and family. Most What should I do? A: Spc. Alvarez, if I ever see you down- Iof us back home try our best to show our A: Let me get this straight. You want to go town, I’m going to punch you in the face for grattitude in whatever way we can. So, when play X-Box games, but you think taxpayer asking such a dumb question. I was asked to offer a civilian’s approach to dollars should foot the bill? some of the issues facing our serving men Wait. Back up. I have a different question. I’m not really sure what to say, at this point. and women, I was honored to accept. There’s a SCHOOL for that? ARE YOU I did my best to answer these, despite my SERIOUS? better judgment, and all I’m left with is a Q: I found some unspent brass lying around Never mind. Listen, I’m going to give you sense of deep concern. Maybe rage. I don’t post. What am I supposed to do with it? and your generation a nickel’s worth of free know. A: I’m not really sure what you mean by advice: video games are a waste of time. They Look, I don’t mean to get upset. I’m just “spent,” but I’m pretty sure you can’t use don’t help you develop any appreciable skills. trying to help people with their problems, brass to pay for things anymore. Gold? May- You sit in front of the TV for hours – like a and some of these questions are just com- be. But brass? Those days are over. zombie – and end up with nothing to show pletely absurd. Anyway, I’d probably see if anybody want- for it except a bunch of Twinkie wrappers So, if you have any REASONABLE ques- ed it. But, if not, just throw it away. and early onset diabetes. tions you would like answered by a civilian, Or, better yet, put it in the recycling bin. If you really want to be lazy, just read a post them on the installation Facebook page. book or something - ANYTHING - that Keep it family freindly, and next month I’ll Q: Sometimes, it’s hard to tell when some- doesn’t amount to a grown adult getting into tackle the ones that get the most likes... or, at thing is SHARP, and when it’s not. We’ve all crude, online insult battles with 12-year olds. least, the ones that make some kind of sense. had the training, but sometimes it’s right on that line. Any recommendations on how to Q: My girlfriend back home broke up with This feature is satire and Hank Braughtigan is not handle that sort of thing? me. What should I do? even a real person, which is unfortunate because A: I wouldn’t expect this from a child, let A: It’s over, kid. Find a new one on post. he would probably be fun to hang out with. alone an adult with military training. Nothing in this advice column should be OK... Sharp objects aren’t toys. Don’t play Q: Why is the food at military posts always considered real, actual advice. with them. Don’t point them at someone’s so disgusting? face, and… you know what? Forget every- A: I have no idea. But, I hear prison food is Seriously. thing I just said.You should probably just be even worse. Don’t do these things. under adult supervision at all times. Stay out of trouble.

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