Issue 24.Indd

New Maritime Safety and Security Team Defends GTMO By Senior Airman Neo Martin Troopers in a special kind of maritime team formed after the 9/11 attacks joined the ranks of the Joint Task Force (JTF) recently. Members of the Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST), New Orleans, deployed here to Guantanamo Bay to join the Global War on Terrorism. The new Troopers will assume the duties of the outgoing Port Security Unit (PSU), and will be patrolling the waterways. “It’s an honor to be serving while performing such an important mission,” Coast Guard Lt. j.g. Ron Kooper said. “We’re here like everyone else– to do our duty.” MSSTs are part of the Department of Homeland Security’s defense of our seaports and waterways. They offer waterborne and shore-side anti- terrorism force protection for tactical shipping, high importance ships and vital port infrastructure. MSSTs are a rapid-reaction force capable of fast, nationwide deployment by air, ground or sea in response to varying threats and missions. For many of the new Troopers, this is their first deployment. Petty Officer 3rd Class Phil Payne was enthusiastic. “It’s cool to be a part of the (GTMO) mission defend- ing the world against terrorism, and I’ve wondered what it was like here since I saw A Few Good Men,” he See Coast Guard, Page 4 Photo by Senior Airman Neo Martin Page 2 Friday, Dec. 10, 2004

JTF-GTMO Command Commander: Trooper To Trooper Brig. Gen. Jay W. Hood Joint Task Force CSM: What is Stress? Command Sgt. Maj. Angel Febles Public Affairs Officer: Lt. Col. Leon H. Sumpter Deputy PAO: Cmdr. Robert W. Mulac 128th MPAD Commander: Maj. Hank McIntire Command Information Officer: Capt. Janet Schoenberg Circulation: 2,100

The Wire Action News Team! NCOIC: Photo by Senior Airman Jon Ortiz-Torres Sgt. Scott Griffin: 3499 By Army Capt. Eduardo Caraveo their body begins to send out signals Team Leaders: Cpl. Simon Cropp: 3594 Imagine you were a strange sort of something is wrong. Cpl. Jim Greenhill: 3593 person who whenever you came across a In addition to physical problems, Photo Editor: rubber band put it around your head. good attitudes begin to wear thin. With Spc. Jody Metzger: 3592 Some bands would be big and fat, less energy, enthusiasm, patience and Staff Writers: others small and thin. Before long, your humor, people can no longer function at Spc. Chris Gardner: 3594 head would resemble a rubber ball ... their best, sometimes causing people to Senior Airman Neo Martin: 3589 and the pressure on your brain would be withdraw from the world. Senior Airman Jon Ortiz-Torres: 3594 tremendous. Withdrawing takes people away from Pfc. Jessi Stone: 3592 Stress can build up like this. what they need most: Support and love. Imagine each fear, problem or worry As the stress increases, people feel The Wire designed by Sgt. Scott Griffin we have is one of those rubber bands. worse and withdraw more. Some are big and others small, but each In order to maintain a healthy life- Contact us: contributes to our overall discomfort. style, people must learn to fix the Base Information: 2000 Because worries and fears come stressors within their power and avoid gradually, people usually don’t realize future stress. they are piling up. As they do, people Imagine you had been putting stress Public Affairs Office: 3499 or 3651 unconsciously adapt to the pressure and rubber bands around your head for 15 try to function normally. years, one for every worry, problem From the continental United States: When people get enough worry, fear and fear you had, and kept inside. Commercial: 011-53-99-3499 and pressure rubber bands wrapped Imagine how good it would feel to have DSN: 660-3499 around them, there is a sense of danger, those rubber bands gradually removed. and they tend to be more on guard. Imagine getting so healthy and skilled Online: Like a cat or dog in an unfamiliar at handling problems and feelings, as www.jtfgtmo.southcom.mil neighborhood, they are always nervous they come up you never put another and on the lookout for problems or one on your head. That is what problem danger. management is–tackling your problems A person that keeps their guard up as they come up. all the time puts an enormous strain on The Combat Stress Control team can The Wire is produced by the their body–it’s a lot of work. Eventually help you get on the right path. 128th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment assigned to the Joint Task Force Public Affairs Office at Guantanamo COMBAT STRESS Bay, Cuba. This publication is printed under the provisions Where: Camp America, Building No. 3206 provided in Army Regulation Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 360-1 and reflects neither the Saturday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. views of the Department of Defense nor the personnel For more information: Call 3566 within. Friday, Dec. 10, 2004 Page 3

Photos by Army Capt. Janet Schoenberg Navy Capt. Les McCoy: Living the American Dream in Cuba By Army Cpl. Jim Greenhill lost friends. In training, you die.” That diversity includes Troopers, migrants He has tailed Soviet ships and tracked So- and exiles in a population that can touch 10,000. Commander of Guantanamo Bay (GTMO) viet submarines. He was aboard a vessel at sea, McCoy sees himself—and every Trooper—as Naval Base. Commander of the naval station. expecting to be attacked next after Saddam an ambassador for his service and for GTMO. Joint Task Force deputy commander of sup- Hussein’s Iraq invaded Kuwait. In the Sierra “I’m very proud of what Troopers do. They port. Mayor of GTMO. Nevadas, he played a role in three helicopter are part of my community. I ask them to be Four roles played by one man: Navy Capt. rescues in one day. He has landed helicopters responsible. We’re here to support them, sup- Les McCoy. at night in bad weather and near-zero visibility port their mission.” “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” on small frigates. Yet one of his most powerful He said he particularly enjoys watching said McCoy, who came to GTMO in 2003 memories is of 17 facial expressions. Soldiers often stationed away from water have from Pearl Harbor. McCoy helped to rescue 17 Chinese from access to the Caribbean and water sports. On Sept. 11, 2001, McCoy woke to news of a sinking freighter off the Aleutian chain. He McCoy sees GTMO as like Mayberry the surprise attack on America. “It’s ironic to remembers, “The fear in their eyes, and the RFD, a 1950s throwback where everyone be sitting right there at Pearl Harbor,” he said. gratitude when we were able to rescue them.” drives 25 MPH, no one locks their doors and The previous surprise attack on the U.S. was In Navy officer parlance, McCoy “broke the crime rate is lower than annual whale Dec. 7, 1941, at Pearl Harbor. Both precipi- out” from the pack around him, was screened sightings. Yet, he said, “It’s not a town: It is a tated war. McCoy already knew his next post- for and subsequently won a major command. military base. It’s like a small community that ing was here at GTMO. “It was going to be He once swore he wouldn’t join the military, happens to have a maximum-security facility more or less a quiet tour.” Al-Qaida changed certainly not for 26 years. But then, at 15, he four miles outside the gates.” that. U.S. commanders sought a place for de- watched an Army-Navy Game. “I was over- The commander sees synergy between tainees. They settled on GTMO. “I was very whelmed by the uniforms and the pageantry the JTF and the other elements of this unique alarmed at first,” McCoy said. “But then I and the commitment I saw.” place. Troopers get a sense of normalcy from looked at it as an opportunity to be involved in He thought Navy had the best uniform, a their trips to “town.” The town gets coaches, something historic.” long black coat, white scarf and white hat. So teachers, other volunteers and increased di- McCoy was already making history by be- he joined up. “It was an easy leap for me. It versity. “There are much worse places to be ing the first black commander here. As a boy was like breathing. I didn’t have a problem deployed.” in 1961, he watched his enlisted father carry with authority.” McCoy now is watching his third rota- an officer’s luggage here. “Forty-something He sits in a corner of the deep brown Ches- tion cycle through. Sooner than we imagine, years later, his son can come back and com- terfield couch in his office. His body is still. the Troopers of “GTMO 5” will be packing mand the base,” McCoy said in a recent in- Sometimes, his eyes look away, as though for home. He said one of his rules of life is terview in his spacious Bulkeley Hall office. looking at the topic he is discussing. When he never to say “I wish.” Yet, every rotation, he “That says a lot for how far our society has warms to a subject, his hands move to empha- has watched Troopers realize too late what is come.” size his words. “I have had an amazing life. here. McCoy’s effort, starting with his 1979 I’ve done amazing things, and seen things that “This is one of the few opportunities to graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy, many of my peers have never seen. If my ca- experience things you may never experience brought him here. “This was not given to me,” reer ended today, I’ve had an incredible, in- again,” he said. “To dive. To sail. To fish. To he said. “I earned this.” credible ride.” be around people you normally aren’t accus- He is a Naval Aviator, a veteran of Opera- McCoy said commanding GTMO and be- tomed to being around. A lot of people don’t tion Desert Shield and numerous other mis- ing part of the JTF are highlights. realize the uniqueness of what we have here sions. A graduate of the Naval War College “I’m extremely proud of what we do here,” until they’re gone. and the Armed Forces Staff College. A recipi- he said. “I’m extremely proud of the people “Each time someone comes here, by the ent of the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air that I’m associated with and the people I lead. time they leave Guantanamo Bay they’re an Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal and … It has really changed my life, being here. I ambassador for this place, because they have numerous other awards. have a greater appreciation for diversity than a whole different feel for it than they had when He recalls the intensity of flight school. “I I’ve ever had. There is strength in diversity.” they first came here.” Page 4 Friday, Dec. 10, 2004 Coast Guard Holds MSST to High Standards Continued from Page 1 months ago as an augmentee. I volun- sionalism of the PSU team,” he said. said. teered to return with my unit.” “The Coast Guard holds its members Payne said he is also excited about Coast Guard Command Master to a very high standard.” the opportunities offered by JTF Chief J.R. Stafford of the outgoing Said Coast Guard Lt. Rob Riner, Morale, Welfare and Recreation. unit said the transition of the PSU MSST commander, “I’m thrilled to Other members of the new unit responsibilities will be seamless, cit- have the opportunity to be here. These have served here recently and were ing the New Orleans unit’s training Troopers are trained for their mission, excited to be back. and the previous experience of some enthusiastic, professional and well “I’m happy to return,” said Coast of their members. trained. This is a very unique and Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Brandon “I don’t think the JTF will be able exciting mission, especially here at Henderson. “I was here about six to notice any difference in the profes- GTMO.”

Photo by Senior Airman Neo Martin Army Brig. Gen. Jay Hood, commander of Joint Task Force Guantanamo, speaks to newly arrived Troopers at McCalla Hangar. The Coast Guard Reservists will replace the outgoing Paciﬁc Area Command, Port Security Unit.

What is a PSU? MSST/PSU Coast Guard PSUs are deployable units organized for Capabilities sustained operations. PSUs conduct deployed port security in support of requesting regional commanders. They provide • Maritime interdiction and law waterside protection to key assets at the termination or origina- enforcement. tion point of sea lines of communications. PSUs may operate • Anti-terrorism and force protection. in U.S. territorial waters under the direction of a Coast Guard or • Weapons of mass destruction detection. maritime defense zone command or in foreign waters as part • Vertical insertion (commonly referred to of the harbor defense command. PSUs may operate indepen- as fast roping). dently or with other naval coastal warfare units, including: • Search and rescue. • Coast Guard: High-endurance cutters, patrol boats. • Commercial port protection and • Marine Corps: Fleet anti-terrorism security teams. anti-sabotage. • Army: Military police. • Underwater port security. • Navy: Harbor-defense commands; mobile inshore under- • Canine handling teams. sea warfare units; explosive ordnance disposal detachments; • Boat tactics. mobile diving and salvage units; inshore boat units. • Non compliant boarding capability. Friday, Dec. 10, 2004 Page 5 Battle of Cuzco Wells: Roots of Guantanamo Bay By Senior Airman Neo Martin Santiago, When the USS Maine exploded in Cuba, was a Havana Harbor, on Feb. 15, 1898, it served strategic port as the ember that blazed into the Spanish- at the time, and American War. the U.S. Navy Spain felt it had to protect its assets in the was tasked Caribbean from American aggression as the with setting up American people were goaded into frenzy a blockade. To by the news media; the objective of the successfully United States was to protect Americans by blockade eliminating the threat of the Spanish navy. Santiago, the According to multiple historical websites, Navy needed a this is the history of the resulting war and secure location to how it affected Guantanamo Bay: anchor warships After war was declared, East Coast and be resupplied residents expressed several concerns. Some with ammunition thought the Spanish armada would head and fuel. west and attack coastal cities, as the English Guantanamo had done in 1812. The U.S. Navy would be Bay was selected. required to defend the entire East Coast. But the bay had Navy Photo Also, troops were being assembled at been fortified with The Marblehead, commanded by Cdr. Robert McCalla, Tampa, Fla., with the goal of supporting an mines by the Spanish was the first American warship to fire on Guantanamo ongoing Cuban revolution and attacking the gunboat Sandoval. Bay during the Spanish-American War. Spanish army. If the Spanish navy could be On June 6, defeated, the United States would be able 1898, U.S. Navy Commander Bowman by Lt. Col. Robert Huntington, landed at ship troops and supplies to Cuba at will. McCalla gave the crewmembers of the Fisherman’s Point and occupied the Spanish If the Spanish navy could not be beaten, cruiser USS Marblehead the order to open positions on what was later known as the United States might be prevented from fire on the Sandoval (which was anchored McCalla Hill. landing anything at all. in Guantanamo Bay), and Spanish fighting The first night, the Marines fortified Cuba was the heart of the American positions on a windward side hill. their positions on the hill against a Spanish campaign against Spain because of the As the Marblehead engaged the Spanish, counterattack. The next night, the Spanish island’s proximity to the homeland. The USS two U.S. Navy schooners swept the used a three-pronged attack and battled the Maine was sunk off the coast of Cuba, and minefield and severed Spanish telegraph Marines, who successfully defended their Americans chose to make their stand against cables. As the Marblehead bombarded positions with cannons, rifles and machine the Spanish empire there. the land, Spanish forces retreated inland, guns. Two Marines were killed. allowing U.S. The following night, the Spanish led The Marines of 1st Battalion raise the U.S. flag over Marines to take another offensive, killing two more Marines, Cuzco Wells after defeating the Spanish defenders in Playa del Este, including the sergeant major. This prompted the first land battle of the Spanish-American War. now known as Huntington and McCalla to attack the Navy Photo Fisherman’s Point. Spanish stronghold of Cuzco Wells. By the end of In the morning, the USS Marblehead the day McCalla and USS Texas moved into position and and his men bombarded the fort as 160 Marines, captured and reinforced by Cubans, took the ridgeline secured a portion above the fort. More than 800 Spanish army of the bay as an conscripts fought the American forces. anchorage for the Within an hour, the American offensive American fleet. successfully captured the camp and defeated Four days the Spaniards, forcing them to retreat north. into the battle, The efforts of the Navy and Marines at the Marine the Battle of Cuzco Wells at Guantanamo 1st Battalion, Bay resulted in the United States’ first land commanded victory during the Spanish-American War. scuba! Story and Layout by Army Cpl. Jim Greenhill gliness is skin deep.

Photo by John Thompson Troopers used to weather far different Above: A sea turtle swims at Guantanamo Ufrom Guantanamo Bay’s (GTMO) tropical Bay recently. Below: Bright colors lie under desert climate might find seeing beauty in this arid Guantanamo Bay’s arid facade. Cuban corner a challenge. World-class beauty lies just below the water’s surface—and it only takes scuba certification to find it. “There are so many things out there that you’re gonna see that if you weren’t a diver you would never have that experience,” said John Thompson, a scuba instructor here. Imagine an exclusive place with a pristine environment, a place where history and politics seemed to con- spire to protect the sea and make it accessible to a privileged few. That’s Photo by John Thompson GTMO. Irresponsible divers have dam- Photo by Army Capt. Janet Schoenberg aged other parts of the world. For 100 years, Guantanamo Bay has been uniquely protected from pollution, maritime traffic, excessive diving and other factors that can damage the reef. The result: The waters teem with life. Thompson didn’t say that in hopes Open water scuba certification classes cost $185 of more paying students—he will here. In addition, students are required to buy a $50 have returned to Puerto Rico by package of course materials, to include registration. the time this is published, where he Once certified, Troopers can choose to buy or rent teaches diving and climbing. the gear needed to go diving. He said it because he’s passionate about “It’s something everybody should try at least one scuba diving and believes Troopers here can time,” said Lucas Stowell, a recently certified civilian challenge themselves and gain more from their contractor. “We’re in the Caribbean; we might as well Rain has carried pol- deployment by getting certified. get out and enjoy everything we can while we can.” Left: Army Col. Brice Gyurisko, Joint lutants from the land into the ocean. Vessels “Diving rocks,” said Spc. Andy Choi, with For more information on courses, call Ocean Detentions Operations Group commander, use reefs to secure anchors and and further increase the Joint Interrogation Group, who recently Enterprises at 5336. is one scuba-certified Trooper. Below: pollution. completed a certification course. “I’m glad I “Three quarters of this earth is covered in Seventy percent of Earth’s surface is water, “What makes this diving so great is nobody’s been took it because I had a lot of fun and saw a lot water,” Thompson said. “If you’re not div- yet most never look beneath the waves. able to dive here,” Thompson said. “This is a desert of things I haven’t seen before.” ing, you’re missing a heck of a lot. The climate; you’re not getting the runoff. Nobody is Scuba is an acronym that appeared about moon has been more explored than the anchoring on the reef. There’s minimal pollution. All 1952 and is now so widely used that it’s accepted bottom of the ocean.” that adds up to incredible diving. as a word. It stands for Self-Contained Underwater This a great place to start. “If you’re not a diver and you’re stationed here, I Breathing Apparatus. Around 1958 the term scuba “Take care of the reef,” highly recommend [certification.] It’d just be a shame diver started being used to describe someone who Thompson said. “Take care to be here any amount of time and not get your cer- dives with the device that allows breathing underwa- of the fish. Let’s keep tification.” ter. A skin diver has a face mask and flippers but no it sweet for the next

Photo by Army Capt. Janet Schoenberg Janet Capt. Army by Photo portable breathing device. generation.”

Photo by Army Capt. Janet Schoenberg Janet Capt. Army by Photo Background photo by Army Capt. Janet Schoenberg scuba! Story and Layout by Army Cpl. Jim Greenhill gliness is skin deep.

Photo by Army Capt. Janet Schoenberg Janet Capt. Army by Photo portable breathing device. generation.”

Photo by Army Capt. Janet Schoenberg Janet Capt. Army by Photo Background photo by Army Capt. Janet Schoenberg Page 8 Friday, Dec. 10, 2004 Troopers Take Home Quarterly Awards By Senior Airman Jon Ortiz-Torres Guard Petty A board of senior-enlisted officials from Officer 1st Class each of the armed forces selected a senior Eric Marfull his and junior service member of the quarter award. recently here at Guantanamo Bay (GTMO). Marfull is Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Eric a small boat- Marfull and Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class coxswain with Hsiao Hsu earned awards after six-month the Pacific Area stints here. Port Security For the Service Member of the Quar- Unit and section ter award, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Coast leader of more Guardsmen and Marines compete by an- than 14 Troopers. swering questions from a board of Army, Air He prepares the Force and Marine senior noncommissioned boats and his Photo by Senior Airman Jon Ortiz-Torres officers and senior Navy and Coast Guard crew for patrol Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Eric Marfull: petty officers. missions around Senior Service Member of the Quarter award recipient. The board evaluates each service GTMO; Marfull member’s written nomination package, also serves as a mentor to junior Troopers. immunizations, physical examinations and which includes information about their Back home in California as a Reservist, preventive medicine to detainees, a mission leadership qualities, job performance and his units perform search-and-rescue missions few ever face in the Navy. self-improvement. as well as being in the front lines of homeland “The mission we’re doing is very Board members ask questions on topics security; however, in his civilian job, he puts important,” said Hsu. “The information such as current events, chain of command, the himself on the front lines of the future of we get from detainees minimizes future Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) America. terrorist attacks and saves the lives of fellow and general armed forces questions. “I’m a high school U.S. history teacher (Troopers) serving in Afghanistan and Iraq.” The board ultimately selects Troopers and see more than 150 students every year,” During his four and half years in the who excel in a joint-service setting. said Marfull, admitting that dealing with Navy, Hsu has never spent more than six “If someone is going to be a leader, students and service members share many of months in one place. That’s the reason he they’re going to be a good leader no matter the same challenges. enlisted, and that is why he is in GTMO after what service it is,” said Coast Guard “There are many types of personalities volunteering. Command Master Chief Petty Officer J.R. here, and I’ve certainly gained a lot as a Hsu was attached to a Marine unit aboard Stafford. “We’re peeling away the blueness, section leader in the military,” Marfull said. the amphibious support ship the USS Fort khakiness, greenness of service branches and “I tell my troops not to take this assignment McHenry (LSD 43). getting to the core of people taking care of for granted, you have a mission and stick to “We took care of Marines,” he said. their people.” it. This isn’t playtime.” “They’re good people. If I had a choice Senior Service Member of the Quarter Marfull, has 12 years with the Coast between being stationed on a ship, Navy Taking care of his people is what got Coast Guard and plans to stay in. He recently put hospital, or a Marine unit, I’ll take the in an application to Marines anytime.” become an officer. Still, taking care of Marines is an entirely Junior Service different mission than his job with the JTF Member of the here. Quarter “I’ve learned patience—a lot of patience,” Navy Petty said Hsu. “You have to keep in focus the fact Officer 3rd Class that although you don’t see the big picture, Hsiao Hsu, the junior you are a small part of it.” Service Member His supervisor, Navy Petty Officer 1st of the Quarter Class Scott Thrasher said, “Hsu is our stellar award recipient, is junior performer. He is a team leader as an a hospital corpsmen E-4, a position normally held by an E-5. attached to the Joint “His bearing and natural leadership skills Detention Hospital is something people should try to emulate,” at Camp Delta. he said. He provides When Hsu returns to his home unit, a Photo by Senior Airman Jon Ortiz-Torres medical care Navy hospital, he is scheduled to redeploy to Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Hsiao Hsu: and treatment, the Middle East with that unit. Junior Service Member of the Quarter award recipient. Friday, Dec. 10, 2004 Page 9 From Bullied to Black Belt: Trooper No. 1 in Tourney By Spc. Chris Gardner any martial artist is to take what A Joint Task Force (JTF) he knows and share it with the Trooper has won the adult black younger generation,” said specta- belt sparring category at the tor Army Sgt. Donald Denoyer, Guantanamo Bay Martial Arts field-artillery gunner, 367th Tournament. Military Police Company. With Half the fans at the Dec. 4 30 years’ kenpo and kickboxing tournament at G. J. Denich experience, Denoyer said martial Gymnasium favored Army Staff arts offer the confidence boost Sgt. Samuel Jones, a nuclear, needed to face combat. biological and chemical specialist Jones also won adult black- with 2nd Battalion, 113th Infantry belt third place in forms Dec. 4. Regiment. Recalling one of his past forms With 15 years’ tae kwon do competitions, he said, “One time, experience under his third-degree I forgot the last five steps.” Jones black belt, Jones felled his oppo- improvised the remaining steps, nents by back-smashing and kick- still managing to take first place. grasping. Troopers from his company Feeling out opponents is his kept him motivated at the tour- sparring secret, Jones said. “Come nament, Jones said. But during in, go back out, anticipate what forms, “If you’ve got a good he is going to do and capitalize crowd, you’ve got to block them on it.” out of your mind,” he said. Observing your opponent’s “The supporters are key to form lets you know how he fights, the success of this because they Jones said: “You’ve got to try to motivate the people to do better,” see what they are going to do.” stated tournament director, Caesar Photo by Spc. Chris Gardner Jones recalled bagging grocer- Garcia, a JTF defense contractor. Army Staff Sgt. Samuel Jones scores a point by closing the ies as a kid and saving money for Anticipating two to three tour- gap and hooking his opponent’s leg for an open strike. Below the movies when one day some naments yearly, Garcia plans to left: Jones quick charges and low kicks in a separate match. kids beat him up. After Jones ran have another one in March. He and told his brother, “He beat the hopes to invite a school from Fort ed all the different martial artists Group won adult black-belt fourth kids up for me.” Soon after, Jones Hood, Texas, including Shotokan … so they can … give exposure place in both sparring and forms. began training at a nearby dojo karate, kenpo, tanksudo and kung to the systems they practice and “You get used to fighting your (karate training center). Fifteen fu artists. try to network people on the island own style,” he said. “The whole years later, he said he hopes to start Also the chief instructor and … to continue training even while purpose was to compete with the his own dojo to teach children. founder of Kanagawa Bushido they’re deployed.” different styles and levels of “The most important thing for Dojo here, Garcia said, “We invit- Two-year Shotokan Karate martial arts and learn from each brown belt, Army Capt. Steven other.” Nardoni with the Joint Intelligence

“The whole purpose was to compete with the different styles and levels of martial arts and learn from each other.”

—Army Capt. Steven Nardoni

Martial Arts Points of Contact: Gracie jujitsu, Spc. Romulo Bittencourt, 3161. Shotokan karate and integrated jujitsu and jeet kune do; Caesar Garcia, 7482; Kanagawa Bushido Dojo. Photo by Spc. Chris Gardner Tae kwon do, Chief Petty Officer Matt Brittle, 2156 or 2369. Page 10 Friday, Dec. 10, 2004

Dec. 2: Americans waiting longer to wed, Barry Bonds, Jason Giambi implicated. … wide survey says. … U.S. intelligence Census data shows. … Brian Williams Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange County, overhaul to go ahead; Congressional bick- takes Tom Brokaw’s seat at NBC Nightly Calif., to pay record $100 million to 87 sex ering resolved. ... Baseball, players union News. … Oil prices below $45 a barrel. … abuse victims. … U.S., Canada to clean get tougher on performance enhancers. Rx America: 44 percent of Americans are Great Lakes. … IBM to ditch personal … Brit health officials advocate less pre- on prescriptions, report says. … London, computer market. … Hundreds of items scription of antidepressants; docs told to Madrid, Moscow, New York, Paris wres- missing at National Archives. … Defense try exercise, self-help, talk therapy first. … tling for 2012 Olympics. … President Bush Secretary Donald Rumsfeld to stay. … Shuttle to fly May or June, NASA says. … lights National Christmas Tree, praises Dec. 4: Investigation of Pat Tillman’s death Plastic beat checks in 2003; debit cards key troops. … 400-plus Soldiers reenlist at Fort to reopen. … Michael Jackson’s ranch to historic shift. … Hamid Karzai sworn in Carson, Colo.; biggest such event in post again searched. … as Afghanistan’s first elected president. … history; off to war. … Dec. 5: Britain to host Middle East peace Actor Robert Blake’s murder trial delayed; Dec. 3: Acting Army Undersecretary Les conference in London. … U.S. visitors defense computer stolen. … Brownlee retires. … Ukraine’s Supreme to have fingerprints, eye scans on entry Court overturns election; to be held again. and exit. … Army Cpl. Jim Greenhill compiles … Baseball steroids scandal ﬂ ares up again; Dec. 6: Gas sinks to $1.93 per gallon, nation- WorldWire from a variety of news services.

The Christmas Shepherds The shepherds of Bethlehem are and saw the babe wrapped in clothes, Padre’s Corner forever etched in our mind as a part they knew this was the Savior, the Are you OK? of the first nativity scene. Messiah, and they worshipped. About 25 years ago there was They also provide a great example We too will find our greatest peace a book titled I’m OK, You’re OK! for Christians. and fulfillment in life when we truly For the believer, a more hon- First, they obeyed the call of God. worship the Lord from our heart (not est assessment might read some- “When the angels had left and gone just going to church). thing like this, “I’m not OK and neither are you!” into heaven, the shepherds said to Third, the shepherds spread the Look around the world. one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem word. “When they had seen him, they For the 2004th time, we are and see this thing that has happened, spread the word concerning what preparing to celebrate the birth which the Lord has told us about’” had been told them about this child” of the Christ, and still there is so (Luke 2:15). (Luke 2:17). much injustice, so much religious They were terrified by the angelic The shepherds didn’t need a and racial prejudice, so much vio- visit but accepted the invitation and class on evangelism, or a lecture on lence and war. The vision of the went to Bethlehem to see the Savior. Christian discipleship; they just did prophet Isaiah gives us a rich and We too are invited to come to Christ. what came natural. Likewise, when detailed description of harmony Like the shepherds, we may fear the we have received a life-changing and peace: All is OK! consequences, but may we find the touch from God, we will just natural- That is what the Redeemer courage to obey the call. ly want to tell others about the Lord came to do, to bridge the eternal gap between heaven and earth. Second, they worshipped. “So and all he has done for us! If you are still not OK, why not they hurried off and found Mary and So this Christmas when you see consider coming to chapel this Joseph, and the baby, who was lying the shepherd in a nativity scene, weekend, and ask the Lord to be in the manger” (Luke 2:16). remember their example to us all. born once again? We can be certain from the message — Chaplain (Navy Lt. Cmdr.) given by the angels in the preceding —Chaplain (Army Maj.) James Dowds verses that when the shepherds came Steven Herman Friday, Dec. 10, 2004 Page 11

... with Senior Airman Jason Elmore ...

Airman Inspired by Grandfather’s Service Computer science. What do you like about being a computer scientist in the Air Force? It’s a challenge to me. Technology is changing at a fast rate. Between being in the military and my career field, the challenge is what motivates me. What do you do here? Food service. Why are you working in food service if you are a computer scientist? Probably because they needed some- body in food service. I don’t mind. It Photo by Spc. Jody Metzger is a good experience. Is this your first deployment? Yes, I volunteered to be here. What do you enjoy most about this deployment?

Photo by Spc. Jody Metzger Getting to work with all the other services. By Spc. Jody Metzger puter corporation near Chicago. What do you do here outside of your This senior airman from Illinois How do you compare your life before military duties? specializes in computer science. Here and after you enlisted? Shortly after getting here, I got my at Guantanamo Bay he has been work- I am proud of what I am doing now. boating license, so I take the boat ing in food service for the Joint Task I am doing something important. I out and go tubing and snorkeling. I Force (JTF). He works in and out of could see myself in the Air Force until play racquetball, watch movies and the Wire, delivering food to Camp retirement. recently started going to the Brazilian Delta detainees. Inspired by his grand- What is your best military experi- jiu-jitsu class. father, a World War II Navy Frogman ence? What is the hardest thing about this (what is known today as a Navy Here. I volunteered to be here. I want- deployment? SEAL) and by his own strong sense ed a different experience, and I was I don’t consider this deployment to be of American pride, Elmore enlisted in excited to be apart of the JTF. that hard. I didn’t leave a wife or kids the Air Force. What do you think about working behind. Just the fact this is different The Wire: Why did you enlist? with the JTF? from anything else; different job, liv- Senior Airman Jason Elmore: Mostly I enjoy it. It is different from what I ing conditions. because of what happened on Sept. do in the Air Force; new environment What does your family think of your 11. It made me realize that I wanted and new people. being in the Air Force? to do something more with my life What do you hope to gain from this It made my mom nervous, the thought than just go to work and go home deployment? of me joining the military. But now every day. I wanted to contribute to a I hope that in my time here I will she is more comfortable with me greater cause. mature both personally and profes- being in because of all the different Where is your permanent duty sta- sionally. training I have got from being in the tion? What are your military ambitions? military. Mostly because I am in a I am stationed at Vandenberg Air I hope to do this as a career in the Air technical job and not a tactical job. Force Base. Force. I would like to do half my time My mother takes comfort in that fact. What were you doing before you as enlisted, and then when I get my My dad says he is proud, that the enlisted? bachelor’s in computer science I will military was a good choice, and that I I was going to college full time, and I do the rest as an officer. will do good things. I hope to make was an account executive for a com- What is your Air Force specialty? him proud. Page 12 Friday, Dec. 10, 2004 Holiday Concert, Parade Summon Xmas Spirit in GTMO

Photos by Senior Airman Jon Ortiz-Torres

Jingle Bell Rock, Frosty the Snowman and other Christmas favorites echoed across Sherman Ave. Dec. 4, only to end with a dose of tone- heavy guitar leads in a retro-rock live concert at the downtown Lyceum that could’ve had even Santa forgetting who’s been naughty or nice. Rock star Cassandra Denver and up-and-coming independent artist Shannon Eilleen topped off the night with a tribute concert for Troopers after a holiday-lights parade watched by hundreds here at Guantanamo Bay. The parade, including golf carts, pickup trucks and boat trailers all decked out with lights, ornaments and loudspeakers pumping out holiday tunes, marched, rattled and rolled downtown. Participants sprinkled the street with sweets and goodies for spectators, while children applied their piñata candy-snatching skills to gather for winter. The last person in the procession was Santa Claus. At the concert, sponsored by L.A. Music Awards, Troopers and community members received more than 800 pounds of gift bags and rocked to live music. Capt. Les McCoy, Naval base commander, received an hon- orary L.A. Music Award from its founder and executive producer, Al Bowman. —Senior Airman Jon Ortiz-Torres Friday, Dec. 10, 2004 Club Survivor Club Survivor is now open in Camp America. CINEMA Hours: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and DOWNTOWN LYCEUM CAMP BULKELEY Thursday, 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; FRIDAY FRIDAY Wednesday, closed; Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m. First Daughter 8 p.m. Spongebob 5:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. PG 97 min Squarepants 9 p.m. Taxi PG 91 min PG13 97 min 10 p.m. National Treasure Alcoholics Anonymous SATURDAY PG 125 min 7 p.m. Spongebob SATURDAY Alcoholics Anonymous meets Mondays, Squarepants 8 p.m. Surviving Christmas Wednesdays and Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. PG 91 min PG 91 min in Room 4A at Chapel Hill. 9 p.m. Team America: 10 p.m. Taxi World Police PG13 97 min R 98 min SUNDAY Reef Raiders SUNDAY 8 p.m. Team America: Dive Club 7 p.m. National Treasure World Police PG 125 min R 98 min The monthly meeting is Dec. 14 at 6:30 p.m. MONDAY MONDAY on Windmill Beach in the large cabana to the 7 p.m. Shark Tale 8 p.m. National Treasure left. All are invited to attend. Bring something PG 91 min PG 125 min to throw on the grill. For more information, TUESDAY TUESDAY call 7315 or 5666. 7 p.m. Team America: 8 p.m. Surviving Christmas World Police PG 91 min R 98 min WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY 8 p.m. Team America: 7 p.m. Friday Night Lights World Police PG13 118 min R 98 min Chart shows bus stops and minutesBUSES after the hour when THURSDAY THURSDAY buses are scheduled. For example, the Sherman Avenue bus 7 p.m. The Forgotten 8 p.m. Friday Night Lights stops at East Caravella 03 and 33 minutes after the hour. PG13 91 min PG13 118 min

Sherman Avenue First Street 00 30 East Caravella 03 33 Camp America/NEX Marine Hill 05 35 Camp Alpha 00 20 40 FOR THE RECORD Post Office 10 40 NEX trailer 02 22 42 Windjammer 11 41 Camp Delta 2 06 26 46 The Wire at 3594 if you see NEX 14 44 TK 4 12 32 52 strives for accu- an error in The Bulkeley Landing 17 47 TK 1 16 36 56 Ferry landing 21 51 Windjammer 23 43 03 racy. When we Wire.Wire. Commissions Bldg. 23 53 NEX 30 50 10 fail, we accept Ordnance 26 56 Windjammer 35 55 15 Bulkeley Landing 28 58 TK 1 40 00 20 responsibility for NEX 32 02 TK 4 46 06 26 our errors and Windjammer 36 06 Camp Delta 1 52 12 32 correct them. Post Office 37 07 Camp Alpha 00 20 40 Marine Hill 41 11 Please call Army Hospital 48 18 Sgt. Scott Griffin Windward Loop 1 52 22 Friday, Dec. 10, 2004

Fight The Flu! Army Sgt. Card from 143 Field Artillery, administers a ﬂu vaccination shot to General Hood. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate Airman WORSHIPCAMP AMERICA Scott Terry, Fleet Combat Camera, Atlantic. Sunday 9 a.m. Protestant Service Troopers’ Chapel 6:45 p.m. Catholic Mass Troopers’ Chapel 7:30 p.m. Protestant Service Bldg. 3203

Tuesday 7 p.m. Alpha Resumes in January

Wednesday 7:30 p.m. Soul Survivor Club Survivor

Thursday 7 p.m. Thursday Night Ticket Resumes in January

Saturday 3 p.m. Saturday Vigil Mass Troopers’ Chapel

NAVSTA CHAPEL

Sunday 8 a.m. Pentecostal Gospel Sanctuary C 9 a.m. Catholic Mass Main Chapel 9 a.m. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Sanctuary A 9:30 a.m. Protestant Sunday School Free Movie Rentals at Camp America 11 a.m. Protestant Service Main Chapel 1 p.m. New Life Fellowship Main Chapel Troopers assigned to the The New Jersey Army 5 p.m. Pentecostal Gospel Sanctuary C Joint Task Force (JTF) can get National Guard Family Support ready for the next big thing Center provided the free movies Monday 7 p.m. Prayer Group Fellowship Hall to hit the Guantanamo Bay for the Troopers. Currently, the Fellowship 7 p.m. Family Home Evening Room 8 entertainment scene. majority are in VHS format;

Free VHS and DVD movies however, a batch of DVDs are Wednesday 7 p.m. Men’s Bible Study Fellowship Hall are available at the JTF, Morale, scheduled to arrive here soon. Welfare and Recreation office The JTF MWR office has Friday 1 p.m. Islamic Prayer Room 12 (MWR) in Camp America. care packages with food, games Saturday 5:30 p.m. Vigil Mass Main Chapel The limit is two movies per and toiletries for Troopers. day, per person. Troopers may call 3670 or For information on Jewish services call 2323 “We have more than 140 visit the JTF MWR office in movies and are expecting more,” Camp America. said Army Staff Sgt. Wilfredo Ruiz, MWR noncommissioned —Senior Airman Jon officer in charge. Ortiz-Torres Photo by Senior Airman Jon Ortiz-Torres DINING Today Lunch Beef Stroganoff Dinner Lobster Tails Saturday Lunch Chicken Pot Pie Dinner Veal Parmesan Sunday Lunch Stuffed Flounder Dinner Sweet and Sour Pork Chops Monday Lunch Creole Chicken Dinner Baked Amandine Fish Tuesday Lunch Chicken Afritada Dinner Roast Pork Tenderloin Wednesday Lunch Creole Baked Fish Dinner Jamaican Jerk Chicken Thursday Lunch Cajun Roast Beef Dinner Roast Turkey with Gravy Friday Lunch Mambo Roast Pork Dinner Fried Shrimp