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Opportunity knocks



Army Master Sgt.
Richard V. Price
525th MP Battalion Operations Sgt i..laj

All military services offer service membcls tlice oppolilliio L 0lo
professional development through correspondence coll S. In ilil
occupation-specific advancement schools and collec_'c coulmse
Many young Troopers will tell you that they loincd ilihc iliuin foi
the GI Bill benefits; however, many fail to use llic collce'e monlie
available to them while they are actively sieni IiI
"The aim of education should be to teach u-
rather how to think, than what to think rathc I to
improve our minds, so as to enable us to think lol
ourselves, than to load the memory with thoul I .t
of other men." (Bill Beattie)
Employers increasingly using diplo mas
and degrees as a way to screen applicants -
once you land the job you want, your salary \ ill
reflect your credentials. On average, a pcis.on
with an associate's degree earns $8,200 moic pci
year than a high school graduate; a person \\ ilh
bachelor's degree earns $21,800 more per 3 ci.
and a person with a master's degree earns
$31,900 more per year. Many senior enlisted
personnel don't figure this out until late in
their military careers and spend the last two
or three years trying to achieve as many
college credits toward a degree as they can.
They spend absolutely all of their non-duty
time working toward a degree so that they
can maintain the same standard of living
for themselves or their family as they had .
during their military service.
College is not only important in the
civilian sector; it has become increasingly
important for senior enlisted Troopers to be
educated beyond the high school level. All
military services use college as a positive
indicator in the enlisted promotions system.
The Army has recently recognized that
many of the senior enlisted Soldiers hold
a degree either equal to or higher than theii
officer counterparts. With this realization
officers in the field are increasingly expecting, I
more from their enlisted counterparts.
Each active-duty Trooper receives
$4,500 peryear as part of the tuition assistance
program; however, many Troopers fail to u-e
this service related compensation year afeil
year. Many Troopers feel that they do not
have time to take part in college. With toda\ .
technology there is no reason that Troopcis-
cannot achieve their educational goals. Eve. I
Trooper should establish their education goa Is
determine a degree plan that meets that goal and
consistently work toward achieving their goal 11
will not only benefit their military career but \ ill
pay big dividends when their career comes to an
end and they start the next stage in their life
"Human beings, who are almost unique iI
having the ability to learn from the expciienci -
of others, are also remarkable for their appIliint
disinclination to do so." (Douglas Adams) Sen ice
members work too hard for their benefits; do not let
them slip away. 0
PAGE 2 I THE WIRE TROOPER-TO-TROOPER |


JTF GUANTANAMO
Commander:
113,, Pear,,m Ci 3 id P,1 Tn.oma_; Jr
Joint Task Force Command Masler
Chief:
"ir F.:.rce Cniefr Master Sgi Bris n T
S:ne.najre
Office of Public Allairs:
Director:
Hla,,, LI Cmdr Br.:.ok De-Wall 99:.
Deputy Direclor:
mrn, r ,,al Diana Ha.,nie 99''
Supervisor:
arm S 1 S l Snielli Le' 1i 3u-149

The Wire
Executive Editor:
Army 1 LI Chris Cuine, 3.-i
Command Inlormalion NCOIC:
rnrm Sgt 1 Class Michael Ginoislo.n 36..1
Editor:
armn Slaif Sgl Emii, J Pussell 359.
Associate Editor:
rnm., Sltaf SQ Blair Heuidens ?.3'9-
Slafl Writers:
Army Sgl Michael BallZ 35.-.
Army Sgl Emril, Greene 35.'-;9
mrnm Spc mpril de. rnias 21.1
Army Spc: Da-id Mc:Lean 33:04


Contact us

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COVER:
Army Staff Sgt. Alvin Martinez
swings at a ball thrown by Army
Pvt. Ramil Molina during softball
practice at Camp America April
13. ITF GuLanltOam3o1 It.:',, Ll',
U S Ila.;,. C'fcei i Class Pi,-: ai.-1
WolIff


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,'I_-I, z- M. l F I A PR IL 17 2r ,,



FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2009



































Marines wade through water after exiting a
transportable port security boat during an insertion
and extration drill involving Coast Guardsmen from
Port Security Unit 305 and Marines from the Marine
Corps Security Force Company. ITF Guantanam,:
photo by Army Staff 'gt E:iaii HeuisLen


Army Staff Sgt.
Blair Heusdens
JTF Guantanamo Public Affairs


Inthe military, there is no greater honor or
award than the Medal of Honor. The medal
is awarded to a select few service members
who display extraordinary heroism. One
Coast Guardsman holds the honor, earned
at Guadalcanal during World War II. The
story behind this Medal of Honor recipient
mirrored a joint training exercise at Naval
Station Guantanamo Bay recently between
the Coast Guardsmen of Port Security Unit
305 and the Marine Corps Security Force
Company stationed here.
On September 27, 1942, Coast Guard
Signalman 1st Class Douglas A. Munro led
a detachment of 10 boats to insert a group
of Marines into battle. Conditions for the
Marines quickly worsened and they needed
to be evacuated from the position.
Munro volunteered to lead the
extraction mission and brought the rescue
boats in under heavy fire. He placed his
boat in the direct line of enemy fire to
protect the Marines many of whom
were wounded as they entered the boats.
Munro was mortally wounded as some of
the last boats were leaving, but survived
FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2009 I MISSION


long enough to know his mission was
accomplished; his last words being, "Did
they get off?"
Munro earned the gratitude and respect
of the Marines he helped rescue that day
and was posthumously awarded the Medal
of Honor, as well as the Purple Heart, for
his actions.
Coast Guard and Marine Corps forces at
GTMO conducted a training exercise, April
8, using Coast Guard transportable port
security boats to insert and extract Marines
from a coastal range.
"The Coast Guard has a history of
providing amphibious landing vehicles
to the Marine Corps and the Army," said
Coast Guard Lt. Adrian Bellin, PSU 305
assistant operations officer.
The exercise was beneficial because
it provided an opportunity to practice
individual and unit movements and tactics,
as well as allowed for two services to
integrate and train together, furthering the
support of the security mission for the naval
station and Joint Task Force Guantanamo.
"The exercise showed that two separate
elements, with a little planning, could
get together and make a joint operation a
success," said Coast Guard Lt. j.g. Micah
Deyoung, PSU 305 communications


officer.
Upon insertion, the Marines conducted
live-fire maneuvers at Granadillo Range
with M-16 and M-240 rifles. The Marines
simulated a casualty, which the Coast
Guard responded to and evacuated across
the bay to the naval hospital. The exercise
called for the evacuation of the Marines due
to increased hostilities and the Coast Guard
tactically extracted the Marines from the
situation.
"The Coast Guard proved to be a
professional force and got us where we
needed to go," said Marine Corps Capt.
Adam Stiles, platoon commander of the 5t
Platoon of the Marine Corps Security Force
Company.
Communication was key to the success
of the mission. Whether between separate
services on land or those on water,
communication was critical for the safety
of the Troopers and the completion of
the exercise. Multiple planning meetings
prior to the exercise allowed each entity to
become familiar with the terminology and
tactics of all involved.
"We are always working with the naval
station and the Marine Corps to further
develop force protection for the base and
the JTF," Bellin said. 0
THE WIRE I PAGE 3






























!





Army Staff Sgt. Joleen Anderson, of the 525th Military Police Battalion, speaks with Army Sgt. Maj. Carolann Murray
during Murray's visit to Joint Task Force Guantanamo. Murray spoke with women one-on-one to thank them for their
duty and to provide guidance and mentorship in support of the Army Mentorship Program. JTF Guantanamo photo by
Staff Sgt. Emily J. Russell


Army Staff Sgt.
Emily J. Russell
JTF Guantanamo Public Affairs


Identifying a mentor someone
confident, competent and who exudes the
core values critical to one's military service
- is a crucial step for anyone during their
career, no matter what age, gender or rank.
Recently, one of the most senior enlisted
women in the military police corps visited
Joint Task Force Guantanamo to speak to
525h Military Police Battalion members
- specifically female Troopers about
the importance of mentorship, personal
responsibility and self-respect.
"Mentorship is very important because
it gives Soldiers direction," said Army
Sgt. Maj. Carolann Murray, U.S. Army
South deputy chief of staff provost
marshall sergeant major. "It gives them a
more mature perspective from the outside
looking in and [fosters] ideals to help them
make the right decisions."
Throughout her life, Murray has placed
her faith in God and has always turned to
her mother for support.
"My mother has always been there for
me no matter what," Murray said. "I ask
her questions, bounce [ideas] off of her and
she gives me the motivation and courage to
continue on, encouraging me to be and do
anything I want."
According to studies posted on the Army
Mentorship Program Web site, the benefits
of participating in a mentorship program
help to increase Soldier retention; develop
PAGE 4 I THE WIRE


leaders, leadership skills and technical
skills; promote career progression and
positively impact diversity.
Murray, who has been a member of the
Military Police Corps for more than 20
years, serves as the voice of experience
to the young members of the 525th MP
Battalion.
"I joined [the Army] at a time when I
was always the first woman to do this or
that," she said, speaking of the importance
of finding a mentor. "I can validate all this
because I've been there, I've done that."
"My audience is everyone," Murray
said, and explained that her focal point was
speaking to women.
"I think one of the biggest challenges
of being a woman in the Army especially
coming up through the ranks is that
sometimes you can be misunderstood," she
continued.
Murray explained the common
misunderstanding that many women, and
men, in the military have heard.
"If a female Soldier makes a mistake,
then some people will say, 'she doesn't
know herjob.' [However] if a male Soldier
makes a mistake, then 'he's just having a
bad day.' This is one of the challenges that
I, and some females, have had," Murray
said.
Throughout her visit, Murray reached
out to as many women as she could to
check on them individually, or while
speaking to a group, with the intention
of understanding the needs of women
stationed at the JTF


"I want Soldiers to understand that their
life and career is what they choose it to be,"
she said. "You can't expect others to respect
you unless you respect yourself If someone
is cursing, or inconsiderate toward you, then
stand up and let it be known. You can't just sit
back and accept a situation for what it is just
because you want to be a part of a team."
For young Soldiers, finding the courage
to stand up for themselves may be easier
said than done. However, Murray's solution
for that is to, "use your chain of command,"
she said.
"It's all about the decisions you make
as a young Soldier," Murray explained.
"Decisionsalwayscomewithconsequences,
whether intended or not."
According to Murray, the most important
thing is to make sure that you are true to
yourself. Achieve the goals that you set for
yourself, not just the goals others set for
you.
"Be whatever you want, because you
want it," she added. "It's all up to you; you
choose your destiny."
Goals are significant to everyone's growth
and development. Setting and achieving
goals provides a sense of accomplishment,
especially after achieving a particularly
important milestone, whatever it may be.
"I always ask the Soldier, 'What are your
goals? What do you want to accomplish
before the end of your tour?'" Murray said.
"Are you taking correspondence courses
or college classes? Are you going to the

See MENTOR/12
MISSION I FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2009











































New chief comes on board at JTF


Army Staff Sgt.
Blair Heusdens
JTF Guantanamo Public Affairs

Joint Task Force Guantanamo
welcomed a new face recently as the
new JTF Chief of Staff Navy Capt.
Paul O'Connor took over for Navy Capt.
Peter Husta, who served with the JTF for
the last three years.
"My job is to manage and take care of
[the JTF] staff," O'Connor said. "If I do that
correctly, I should free up [Navy RearAdm.
David M. Thomas] and [Brig. Gen. Rafael
O'Ferrall] to do their job and effectively
complete the mission for the JTF which is
the safe, humane, legal and transparent care
of detainees, support the office of military
commissions and intelligence collection."
O'Connor came to the JTF from the
Airborne Command and Control Logistics
Wing in Point Mugu, Calif., where he
served as commander. In more than 26
years as a naval flight officer, O'Connor
logged in excess of 3,000 hours in the
E-2C Hawkeye aircraft. The E-2C has been
referred to as the airborne "quarterback"

FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2009 I MISSION


/I I In an overarching sense,
my priority is to look out
for the Troopers of all
the services here, and
ensure that their quality
of life is a good one."

Navy Capt. Paul O'Connor

or battle manager of the fleet, due to its
radar and communications capabilities.
O'Connor will be playing a different
position in his role at the JTF.
"I should be doing the blocking
and tackling so the admiral can do the
quarterback pass to get the ball to the end
zone," said O'Connor.
Part of the approach O'Connor will run
as chief of staff is dealing with Trooper
issues, such as leave policies and quality
of life matters. O'Connor hopes to take
suggestions from Troopers to enhance their


quality of life and morale.
"In an overarching sense, my priority
is to look out for the Troopers of all the
services here, and ensure that their quality
of life is a good one," he said.
O'Connor is settling into his new
position after a three-week transition
period with former Chief of Staff Navy
Capt. Peter Husta. He has taken this time to
become familiar with the base, the mission,
and meet with the Troopers.
"Being the new guy on the block, what
has impressed me so far is the dedication
that every man and woman has here
for the mission," O'Connor explained.
"From the top down, I go into the camps
to chat and say hello to the guard force,
the people cooking the meals, the people
at the gym, at the golf course; they're all
happy to support the mission and they do
an outstanding job."
O'Connor will serve a year-long tour
with the JTF; a tour which he feels will
continue to be as interesting and exciting
as his first three weeks. "No two days have
been alike so I anticipate that will be the
same for the next year," he said. 0


THE WIRE I PAGE 5










Learnmi ov e water

I MWR swimming


lessons help Troopers
feel at ease in the
water


Army Spc.
April D. de Armas
JTF Guantanamo Public Affairs

Summertime usually means
fun in the sun and time spent at
the swimming pool. However, not
everyone can swim or enjoy the
water without the worry of having
some type of flotation device.
Thankfully, there is a solution.
Morale, Welfare and Recreation
has joined forces with the American
Red Cross to help patrons of the
local swimming pools, and those
who would like to enjoy the local
beaches, by offering swimming
lessons for all ages.
Employees of MWR, Dwayne
Bryan and Anthony Baltimore,
have taught swimming classes
to residents of Joint Task Force
Guantanamo and Naval Station
Guantanamo Bay every summer for
the past four years.
Learning to swim is important
because it could help save the life
of an individual or the life of the
person who is learning, Bryan said.
"Being a part of affecting
someone's life in a positive way is
important to me," Bryan said. "The
children are easier to teach since
they have no natural built-in fear."
The instructors enjoy the classes
and the opportunity to give students
the ability to be more comfortable
in the water.
"The classes are fun to teach,"
Baltimore said. "It makes me feel
good when I see the confidence in
my students' eyes as they learn, and
it feels good to get praise from my
students who have finally mastered
swimming."
Army Staff Sgt. Marquita Willia
member of 525* Military Police Batt
recently completed her second rou
classes. "The biggest thing was g
over the fear of being in water over
head and knowing you can't touch,"
Williams. "It pushes you to keep goin
"The instructors are real patient wi
and they make us feel comfortable,
said.
Classes usually begin around N
PAGE 6 I THE WIRE


ns, a
lion,
id of
getting
your
said
g."
th us
Sshe

larch


every year and conclude by the end of
October, when the temperatures at the
outdoor pool are least conducive to
swimming.
Classes are available for all age groups
and are broken down into six different
groups or levels. A student's beginning
level will depend on the individuals age,
ranging from six-month-old infants to
adults.
There is a $30 fee for the classes and


sign-up forms can be obtained at G.J.
Denich Gym.
Each swimming class lasts
approximately two weeks and individual
sessions last approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
Classes are taught at the Windjammer Pool.
"The lessons are really effective," said
Williams.
For more information, please contact
Denich Gym at extension 2119 or the
Windjammer Pool at extension 2205. O
LOCAL SPORTS I FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2009


I


m n I * * ... -.......-
Army Staff Sgt. L. W wh te 55 M y Batta **
prpae to do a peci div duin adl swmmn lesn at th Windjammer ^








'Shopaholic' provides fluffy


1111111111111
" iiiiiiiii


104 minutes


Rating: *-,


Ila


FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2009 I MOVIE RECON


n


Army Sgt
Emily Gr
SOII piopl l r I I lI on Ik
bcac li ill i an IId i oIlle lc 10t






h Iillicc C Io id nl ciln l plli I I lli kl'
sc c. Hoc' c\i lk' nI1O~i Ic IkIjIkIj-1 10

loloc siticiinc
F irts her way through dizzy shopping
spre b with" Successful Saving" magazine,
and ial decline. In the end, even public
hun n and familial disappointment fail to
que lr spirit. She charms the audience into
wi rer well, as she wrecks her credit and
ma en the most cynical viewer remember
wl as like to be young and irresponsible.
r is joined by supporting actors who
m for the movie's lack of plot by creating
at ended world of interesting friends
a i ily. Joan Cusak and John Goodman
p becca's wacky parents who are fiscal
o es of their spendthrift daughter. Krysten
s the roommate and best friend who tries
t p her on the straight and narrow with
prodding and a bottle of tequila to aid
end's attempts to face the bills that just
iling up.
bert Stanton is Derek Smeath, who
the feared and despised bill collector.
ggedly pursues closure on the account
cca tries so hard to ignore. Popping up
Sdooi and calling her at work, Derek is
:cc i orst nightmare. The scariest part is
leaiiIlically he plays the part.
o illak matters worse, Rebecca slowly
s oi L lke Brandon (Hugh Dancy), her boss
Slo\ cs her talent for explaining financial
uics Ito lie masses but has no idea she does
follow" her own advice. Rebecca can't let
II kiio\\ bout her money troubles and has
mluke tiie the bill collectors don't blow her
\ci HiLnity ensues as she tries to keep up
Throughout the haze of party dresses, shoe-
opping madness, drunken letter-writing and
me very funny Shopaholics Anonymous
meetings, the movie makes no apologies for
he lack of content. From talking mannequins
o whirlwind 'business trips," the cast does just
hat a fizzy novie like this is meant to do; it


THE WIRE I PAGE 7






Page
Missing
or
Unavailable






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Missing
or
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Air Force Chaplain Lt. Col. Timothy Ullmann preaches during one of the 14 se
Task Force Guantanamo. JTF Guantanamo photo by Army Sgt. Michael Baltz


Army Sgt.
Michael Baltz
JTF Guantanamo Public Affairs


During the holidays, some Troopers
struggle with being unable to practice their
religion on holy days. Thanks to the Joint
Task Force Guantanamo command, several
Troopers will now be able to feel a little
more at home and enjoy the Easter holiday
to its fullest.
Eastern Orthodox Christian priest, Air
Force Chaplain Lt. Col. Timothy Ullmann,
is visiting Troopers at JTF Guantanamo
during the Orthodox Holy Week and
Pascha, April 7-21.
"I got a call from U.S. Army Southern
Command and was informed that [Navy
Rear Adm. David M. Thomas Jr.] made
a request for an Orthodox priest," said
Ullmann, who is stationed at Maxwell Air
Force Base, Ala. "He was aware that there
are a number of Orthodox Christians here
and wanted to do something for them."
Ullmann, who has been an Orthodox
chaplain since 1993, has two main purposes
during his visit.
"He is here to support the Troopers,"
said Navy Lt. Cmdr. Clint Pickett, the JTF
command chaplain "He is here to facilitate
the religious and spiritual needs of the men
and women here."
A Chaplain upholds the free practice
of religion from a legal and spiritual
standpoint.
"The chaplain is absolutely vital and
PAGE 101 THE WIRE


essential to the Troopers," Ullmann
explained. "When the chaplain visits, there
is that connection and peace that the faithful
have that they cannot get anywhere else."
The Orthodox religion was founded by
Christ and the Apostles, Ullmann stated. It
has not changed since 33 A.D. The Roman
Catholic Church was part of the Orthodox
Church, but divided in 1054 A.D. Both are
part of Holy Tradition, meaning they all
date back to the day of Pentecost.
"We have an Eastern style and
understanding," Ullmann explained.
"Meaning, the roots of our church come
from Eastern Europe, the Middle East and
Northern Africa."
The Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates
Easter a week later than most Christian
religions in America according to Ullmann.
This is because Eastern Orthodox Christians
live by the liturgical calendar.
"I hope while he is here, people are able
to learn about a different religion that hasn't
been here in many years," said Pickett.
Some Troopers will have the opportunity
to learn about a new religion, while others
will be able to practice their religion instead
of having to travel off the island for Easter
and Pascha services.
"This is my third year here, and there has
never been an Orthodox chaplain since I
got here," said Valentina Gontscharow, JTF
military advisory team program manager.
"Easter is the most important holiday in the
Orthodox Church. I usually go back home
to Washington, D.C., for Holy Week and


Easter services."
Gontscharow, who has been a practicing
Orthodox Christian since she was a little
girl, explained that Easter is something an
Orthodox Christian tries, by all means, to
attend.
"People who do not go to church all
year show up for Easter midnight service,"
explained Gontscharow.
Gontscharow has never missed an Easter
service since childhood. This year she did
not plan to go home for Easter service due
to personal issues.
"I was going to askfor God's forgiveness
for not attending Easter for the first time
in my life," explained Gontscharow,
who plans on attending every service. "I
consider it to be a blessing that the church
came to me."
Ullmann will hold 14 services during
his visit, all in preparation of the Pascha.
"I am honored and privileged to provide
religious services to the Troopers at
Guantanamo," Ullmann said.
"I have great admiration and respect
for all of the [Troopers who are supporting
the] mission here," Ullmann said. "I have
literally traveled all over the world, and
I believe some of the finest professional
individuals are here at Guantanamo; that
goes from the youngest Trooper to the most
senior leader."
If you have any questions or concerns
regarding religion, contact the chaplain's
office for more information at extension
3202.0
S& INFORMATION I FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2009











Waiting


Army Staff Sgt.
Emily J. Russell
JTF Guantanamo Public Affairs

You could hear a pin drop in the
unusual silence at O'Kelly's Irish Pub,
April 5, when National Geographic
Channel aired the two-hour show,
"Explorer: Inside Guantanamo."
The documentary, which reveals the
day-to-day life of the detention center
guards at Joint Task Force Guantanamo
Bay, provided a rare, behind-the-scenes
look at the world's most talked about
detention operation.
The show was highly anticipated
by members of the JTF. The pub was
full standing room only for two
hours. With special consideration from
Morale, Welfare and Recreation Food
and Beverage Manager, Eric Nikkel,
Troopers were able to watch the special,
which aired only on satellite TV.
As the show began, Troopers held
their breath in anticipation of how the
JTF would be portrayed.
"I believe that this show was
created with an un-biased perception,"
said Air Force Tech. Sgt. Thomas
Cougill, a member of the Office for the
Administrative Review of the Detention
of Enemy Combatants. "It showed the
truth about the lives and emotions of the
guards here at GTMO, while at the same
time it had to be 'politically correct,'
showing the lawyers' and detainees'point
of view that they were being 'unlawfully
confined and mistreated.' I had a lot of
mixed emotions."
National Geographic Channel's ability
to capture the story while maintaining
an overall delicate political balance was
evident, yet made some viewers question
the message of the documentary.
"I thought [National Geographic] did
a good job representing the guards and e
what they do," said JTF Guantanamo Nationaleoa ic
Senior Enlisted Advisor, Air Force scenesiloo at life i
Chief Master Sgt. Brian T. Schexnaydre. phto by my Saf S
"However, I was disappointed by some
of the comments the lawyers made. I felt that they put a negative
spin toward the end of the show on what the reality is here, leaving
the general public in question as to whether we're doing the right
thing, or whether it should be closed."
According to JTF Commander, Navy Rear Adm. David M.
Thomas Jr, there is no question when it comes to doing the right
thing. Our mission is safe, humane, legal and transparent care and
custody of detainees.
"Showing the public that these guards aren't all big burly men
mistreating detainees was a relief," Cougill said. "These guards can
be young males or females with families, who are not able to live a
normal life outside the wire. My heart and prayers go out to these
young Troopers who have this on their shoulders, and their minds."
FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2009 I NEWS & INFORMATION


"We as a joint task force know what the guards go through
and what they do on a daily basis," Schexnaydre said. "I think the
coverage on what they do was pretty thorough; however, I don't
feel they should take any negativity from the show to heart because
they do a hell of a job here, regardless of what is portrayed to the
public."
For more information, visit: http://channel.nationalgeographic.
com/series/explorer/4085/Overview#tab-Overview.
The Web site offers an abundance of supporting information,
including: a brief explanation of each camp, photographs,
Guantanamo Bay history and documentation about life at
Guantanamo Bay, including views from human rights activists.
Check the Web site for upcoming show times. 0
THE WIRE I PAGE 11








Mentors



team, :i


MENTOR from 4

Soldier of the Monthboard? I even
ask the senior non-commissioned
officers if they're [eligible] for
promotion and talk about things
like taking care of their families
back home."
Murray also addresses
alcohol use and sometimes the
consequences that go along with
it.
[The problem] is not just here,
but at any military installation,
Murray said. If [you] choose to
go out and drink, be responsible."
The message from Murray for all
NCOs is that each of us is responsible,
not only for our own behavior, but also for
our team members.
"You may not have been issued a Soldier,
but they were entrusted to you," she said. "I
charge you with making sure your Soldiers
do the right thing. I hold every NCO


responsible for their subordinate Soldiers
because we are the backbone of the Army
and we are supposed to set and enforce the
standards."
Participating in the mentorship program
has made Murray realize the importance of
young Soldiers because they are the ones who
will, "carry the torch long after I'm gone."
"When I think of these young Soldiers,


I pray and hope that someone is sitting
down with them and challenging them to
do the right thing," Murray said. "We all
go through growing pains in the military
and can learn from our experience."
For more information on the Army
Mentorship Program, including resources
and training videos for mentors and mentees,
visit http://www.mentorship.army.mil/. O


NEWS & INFORMATION I FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2009


PAGE 12







































Breaking through
Members of the Joint Task Force Quick Reaction Force, deployed to JTF Guantanamo with the Puerto Rico Army
National Guard, conduct riot training as part of their standard military police training, April 9. JTF Guantanamo
photo by Army Pfc. Christopher Vann


Boots on the Ground
What is your most purchased item at the Navy Exchange?


by Army Spc. April D. de Armas


Army Sgt. Russell Howard


Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class
Demarious Franklin


Army Sgt. Aaron San Luis


Air Force Lt.
Ulman


Col. Timothy


I buy DVDs for
entertainment. I
especially like the boxed
sets."


"I buy a lot of water. I
play sports and want to
stay hydrated."


I buy DVDs. Every
Tuesday they get a new
shipment at the NEX."


"I buy the cigars.
San Louis Rey are my
favorite. Who comes to
Cuba and doesn't smoke
a cigar?"


FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2009 I VOICE OF THE FORCE


THE WIRE I PAGE 13




































Air Force Lt. Col.
Timothy Ullmann
JTF visiting Eastern Orthodox Chaplain

Did you know millions of Christians will
celebrate "Easter" this Sunday? If you're
thinking, "Wait a minute, Easter was last
week," don't be confused. This Sunday is
Eastern Orthodox "Easter," or as we call
it, Pascha (pronounced Pah Skah). Pascha
is Greek for Passover and commemorates
the passing over from death to life of
our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It also
reminds all Orthodox faithful of our hope
of resurrection.
OK, why two different dates for Easter?
It's a matter of calendars-mixing solar and
lunar calendars with Julian and Gregorian
calendars. In short, it is Christian tradition
to celebrate Pascha on the first Sunday after
the first full moon after the vernal equinox
(March 21, when the night and day are
of equal length, and so the light is on the
increase and the darkness on the decrease).
That worked fairly well according to the
Julian calendar (named for Julius Caesar)
for centuries until a flaw was discovered.


An actual solar year is 365.25 days, which
meant the calendar was off and the vernal
equinox kept bouncing around, which
meant Easter kept moving. It was time to
fix the problem.
Pope Gregory XIII introduced the
Gregorian calendar, which added a leap year
every four years to account for the true solar
calendar. It's the calendar still used just
about everywhere today ... except by some.
Due to the split of the western Roman Church
from the eastern Orthodox Church, the east
never adopted the calendar. There's about
a 10-day difference between the calendars,
and that's why many Eastern Christian and
Western Christian holy days have different
calendar dates. Does it sound confusing?
Only if you don't have a calendar.
If you aren't overly familiar with the
Orthodox Christian faith, here are a few
things to know. First, it is Apostolic, which
means from the time of Christ's Apostles.
The Church was established on the Day of
Pentecost (50 days after the Resurrection),
with the descent of the Holy Spirit on the
Apostles. Second, the Church was one
until the regrettable split of the Roman


Church from the other four established
Orthodox Churches in 1054 A.D. Third,
Orthodox Christians allow for the mystery
of God in their worship and life. As such,
it is a faith that uses all our human senses
to worship and experience God. We
chant, light candles, offer incense with our
prayers, kiss, bow, kneel, stand, have icons
and embrace one another.
This week is Orthodox Holy Week. Our
observances began Saturday with Lazarus
Saturday and build to the Feast of feasts,
Pascha, which begins on Saturday night,
April 18, and ends in the early hours of
Sunday (this is the real deal "Son Rise"
service). All Orthodox Christians are
encouraged to attend any and all services,
but especially Pascha. Also, any and all
who are interested or would like to join in
our worship are welcome to attend. Each
of the services is different in meaning and
form as we follow our Lord in His passion,
death and resurrection. During this week
our weeping is turned into joy as we sing,
"Christ is risen from the dead, trampling
down death by death; and, upon those in
the tombs bestowing life!" O


SI i II I 'I 1 l 'S


Catholic Mass
Sunday: 7 a.m. Confession
7:30 a.m. Mass

Wednesday: 11 a.m.
Spanish Mass


Protestant Worship
Sunday: 9 a.m.

Spanish Protestant
Worship
Sunday: 11 a.m.


Bible Study
Sunday: 6 p.m.
Wednesday: 7 p.m.


LIFE & SPIRIT I FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2009


PAGE 14 1 THE WI\IRE








aApril 2sagithay
irs 7D


\pil 22, 2009 will mark ith 'i ,inll iiinul Eilli Di E.ili Locall tlihciciic\\,i sTioopcliil NavalStationGuantanamo
DJ\ bci.'-iii in 1970 with a nationwide day of environmental Bay can get involved. The base will host a clean-up April
education and activism. Following the first Earth Day 24 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Sign-up will be at the Ferry
celebration, inspired by U.S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson from Landing and teams will leave from there to conduct clean-up,
Wisconsin, Congress passed many important environmental returning trash to the Ferry Landing for weigh-in and disposal.
laws, including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and Safe A lunch will be provided by Morale, Welfare and Recreation
Drinking Water Act, as well as laws to protect wilderness areas, and the Chief Petty Officer's Association.
The Environmental Protection Agency was created within three Earth Day provides an annual reminder of our need to be
years after Earth Day 1970. environmentally conscious, however, thlcic JIl Ilnl,' \\ c caii.
The message of Earth Day is the personal responsibility we and should do year-round to continue thois consiic aillonll c.lls
-all share to "think globally and act locally" as environmental Troopers should clean up trash throughout ith biasec ooik to
stewards of the planet Earth. conserve water and save energy year-round

IlJ .? ^

; GTMO base clean-up

April 24

8:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m.
Sign up and pick up trash bags at Ferry Landing
Clean up assigned areas
Return trash to Ferry Landing for weigh-in and disposal
Lunch provided by MWR and CPOA

K' ',,,. y^ j
JTF areas of responsibility:
All assigned buildings, areas, parking lots and land up to and including adjacent roads *
Kittery Beach Road from Recreation Road to Skyline Drive
Hidden (Blind) Beach, Windward
Central Magazine Road from gate at JPJ Hill Road to the gate at Magazine 80 Road
McCalla runway and surrounding buildings,
Old Ocean View Housing area ;
Coast/cliff line from Old Ocean View Housing to Girl Scout Hut
Huntington Road "
McCalla Road
Old CDC (N239)
Staircase to Dock of the Bay entrance road
Glass Beach, Pebble Beach and cliffs off McCalla runway


FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2009 15 MINUTES OF FAME


THE WIRE I PAGE 15








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