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A reference point


Air Force Senior Master Sgt.
Michael A. Withrow
474th ECES Utilities Superintendent

It is a testimony to the great irony of nationalism lh.IL I\o in.ilon0- sc.Ixiitcdl
geographically by a mere ninety miles of salt water- and coopci. I1\ 1,1 1 lunicdlkd
ofyears-couldbe so very different. Inorderto understilnd ill ctuii nL ICLiLoliup
between these two governments it is essential to relicci bniilI on ik luislon
that has shaped it. In doing so, we actually see that %"c .ic Ii'\ ill,' in 1 inusLI.il
period.
Originally Cuba existed, just like the territory h luic would d -.
become the USA, as a colony of a great European Illpi.inl .
power. In Cuba's case, that power was Spain. Imniicdli.il l.
realizing the land's agriculturally based comparative ad\i auii t' '+' "
Spain organized Cuba as a producer of tobacco and Isu'JI
cane, which flourished in the warm climate of the Caribbcil
Britain's colonies in New England, the Mid-Atlani ic ind
Carolinas were also organized with agriculture as then bi asi
As was standard in the days of the triangle trade, a plntiiion
style system powered by forced labor provided a huc siotIcc
of revenue for the crown. This basic fact provide thei fiiist
connection between the future United States and (uiba Ilt I i
most of the traders who dealt in human cargo were Aniciic.il
Colonists. So great was the influence of the colonies 1florn the
onset that Cuba's future capital, Havana, was actually cjiLptuI d ind
briefly occupied by the British during the Seven Years \\i _
During the 19h century the newly-independent _inutd cl
States looked at Cuba as a natural extension of its econoin /
interests and attempted to buy it several times from Spa.In
Although the offers were rejected, it was still an obvious
indication of the importance Americans placed on i c
island as American politicians believed any money spcl Ln f.i L .:' "!.
would be paid back many times in agricultural profits '
The explosion of the U.S.S. Maine in Havana- i
harbor although later proved to be a complete; a. -I"
accident would thrust the U.S. into war with Spain
In the ensuing treaty, Spain relinquished its claim to
Cuba, and America swiftly created the Island of Cuba '
Real Estate Company in a large-scale attempt to sell
Cuban land to Americans. This effort lasted until 1902
when America terminated the company due to spot .
Cuban revolts, effectively giving Cuba independence
As part of the half-hearted withdrawal, the Platt
Amendment was signed by both parties, which
gave America the unilateral right to intervene
in the economic, political and military affairs of
Cuba as it saw fit and established a naval base at
Guantanamo Bay. Despite the one-sided nature
of this relationship Cubans and Americans largely
continued to be friendly with one another, tied by
mutual trade interests which go back 300 years and
later by tourism. That is, until the rise of Cuba as
a communist satellite turned a friendly relationship
into an adversarial one. Fidel Castro seized power in
1959 and nationalized millions of dollars in American
property. The U.S. in turn backed the failed Bay of
Pigs invasion in 1961 and was followed by the nearly\
disastrous Cuban Missile Crisis the following yeai
during which Castro urged the Soviets to launch a
nuclear attack on the United States.
Embargo and denunciation exist today in out
relationship with Cuba where once there was trade and
cooperation. However, being aware of the posimc c
relationship Cuba and the United States shared in the \Ipas
gives us hope for change in the future. 0


PAGE 2 I THE WIRE


JTF GUANTANAMO
Commander:
113.. Pearr m D3 s id ..1 Th.noma; Jr
Joint Task Force Command Masler
Chief:
"ir Fo.:rce Ciief kasslr Sgi Brian T
Scne-na rdre
Olfice of Public Allairs:
Director:
Ila.., LI Cmn-r Bro..ok Dewall 9' c2.
Deputy Direclor:
urnm)i Pal Dian3 Ha,nie 99I'
Supervisor:
rrm1 1-' 5gi Snielli Le' 15 36-14

The Wire
Executive Edilor:
Army 1 LI Cnris C ,i .lnei
Command Inlormation NCOIC:
Arm/ Sgl 1 Class Micrael Gnr.-isihon 36.'f
Editor:
Arm/i Safi Sgi Emiil J Pussell 35.9"
Associate Edilor:
Arm, Stall Sqt Blair Heuiden5 359-
Stafl Writers:
Arm., SgI Michael Bal3 l 35.-.
Armv Sgl Emilo Greene '35.,9
Mrmny Sp.: mpril le mrnas 21 71
Armn Sp.: Da i. M.:L-ean .:0:4-


Contact us

Editor's Desk: 3651 o:r 3596
Fr.:.m me conhinenial uneilld Silaes
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Online: l ,, Iii.imo1 sornrim romn mil

COVER:
Army Spc. Mercedes Diaz. with
the Joint Detention Group.
performs during a poetry reading
at Caribbean Coffee and Cream.
April 16. .ITF GC u an ta na m,:
iphoto' L', t-im, Sgt Emil, Gieene


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, ,,TROOPER-T-TROOPER I FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2009


TROOPER-TO-TROOPER | FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2009




































Navy Seaman Jonathan Silva with the Joint Medical Group shows Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Andrew Sanidad the ropes
at the Detainee Hospital, April 20. JTF Guantanamo photo by Army Sgt. Emily Greene


Army Sgt.
Emily Greene
JTF Guantanamo Public Affairs


New faces are popping up at the Detainee
Hospital and the Joint Troop Clinic at
Guantanamo Bay. A new changeover at
Joint Medical Group has begun.
The first wave of Kilo Detachment
arrived at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay
this month. They will be replacing Juliet
Detachment in the ongoing mission to
provide safe, humane, legal and transparent
care and custody of detainees.
Navy Capt. Bruce Meneley, Joint Task
Force surgeon, and commander of the
JMG, traveled to meet Juliet Detachment
while they were training at Fort Lewis,
Wash. prior to arriving at Guantanamo.
"The detachment is comprised of Sailors
from all across the Navy. They first come
together at Fort Lewis and that is where
they begin to form a cohesive group. By
the time they get here they are a team,"
Meneley said.
While there is still another wave of Kilo
Detachment scheduled to arrive at the end
of the month, the first wave is already at
work, preparing to relieve Juliet of their
duties when they begin to leave next
month.
"The left seat, right seat ride is an
important part of our turnover," said
Meneley. "This group is learning to assume
a large amount of duties in a short amount of
time. We want to set them up for success."
Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael
Keeling, with the Joint Stress Mitigation
FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2009 I MISSION


and Restoration Team, is training his
replacement in the duties he has fulfilled
during his six months here at Joint Task
Force Guantanamo.
"I feel confident that the new group will
take charge of the responsibilities here and
do a good job," said Keeling.
Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Andrew
Sanidad is learningthe ropes from pharmacy
technician Seaman Jonathan Silva, a
hospitalman with Juliet Detachment, at the
Detainee Hospital.
"So far everything is going really well,"
said Sanidad. "There are some specifics we
have to learn for this location, but overall it
is business as usual."
Silva is pleased with the turnover
process so far.
"I am lucky, I have a great motivator
replacing me," Sanidad said. "The key to
this job is to be prepared. We cater to every
need."
Navy Chief Petty Officer Helen Zaldana
is with Kilo Detachment and will be the
new JMG supply chief.
"As a naval chief I have learned to adapt
and overcome," Zaldana said. "This job is
no different."
Chief Petty Officer Engle Montemayor,
Juliet Detachment supply chief, said the
key for this turnover is to make sure the
newcomers are taught the particular needs
of the JTF mission.
"Kilo Detachment Sailors are all
professionals and know how to do their
jobs," said Montemayor. "What we are
doing now is teaching them what they need
to know for this location and mission."


At the Joint Medical Clinic, Seaman
Joseph McGeoy, a hospitalman with Kilo
Detachment, is learning how the pharmacy
operates. He joined the Navy to go
somewhere "warm and sunny," getting his
wish with this assignment.
"I am learning a lot so far," McGeoy
said. "This job is allowing me to step
outside of my comfort zone and do a broad
spectrum of things that are new for me."
"Our goal is to make this a seamless
transition," said Meneley. "We want it to
be as smooth as when Juliet Detachment
replaced Foxtrot Detachment."
As Juliet Detachment prepares to depart
they are reflective on their time with the
JTF
Navy Chief Petty Officer Fernando
Guzman, the Detainee Hospital facilities
chief, said he has enjoyed his time at
Guantanamo Bay.
"I almost retired last year, but I am glad
that I decided to stay in the Navy long
enough to do this one last deployment,"
said Guzman. "The last six months, like
any other deployment, have been good
and bad, but you remember the good and
learn from the bad. Kilo detachment is very
motivated and I am very convinced that
they will do great."
Meneley said while he is sad to see
Juliet Detachment leave, he is confident
their replacements will live up to the high
standard that has been set.
"The Kilo wave looks like a promising
group and I know they will continue
with the tradition of quality care for both
detainees and Troopers," said Meneley. 0
THE WIRE I PAGE 3










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


U.S. Coast Guard Aviation
Detachment Guantanamo Bay is
always prepared to support air, land
or sea operations 24 hours a day, 365
days a year.
The aviation detachment, part of
U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Miami,
was established in 1981 shortly after
the Cuban Exodus of 1980. AVDET
GTMO has been a key member of
the Guantanamo Bay community
providing mission-critical support to
deployed aircraft and cutters as well
as supply and logistical support to
Joint Task Force Guantanamo port
security units.
"Originally AVDET GTMO
consisted of approximately 35
personnel, officer and enlisted," said
Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer
Corey Sidlo, AVDET supervisor.
These days, we're down to six [enlisted
members], with two of the six members
specifically deployed to support the JTF"
The two Coast Guard reserve members
who support the JTF are storekeepers who
manage procurement and logistics for all
the supplies that come and go from the
island. Coast Guard Petty Officer 1t Class
John Platts works locally to support the
PSU, and Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd
Class Brian Jackson remains stateside to
support the GTMO mission from Miami.
"Jackson recently departed Guantanamo
and returned to Air Station Miami. His
primary duty is to manage stateside
logistical support and balance the books for
the money spent here," Sidlo explained.
Locally, Platts processes procurement
requests to purchase supplies and parts that
the port security unit needs. He makes
sure they have the tools and supplies
they need to maintain the new boats
they have.
"I manage finances, supplies,
logistics and property for the PSU,"
said Platts. "All supplies and monies
work through [the storekeeper]. If
the PSU needs anything, they have to
come to me first."
With Platts at the storekeeping helm
for the PSU, Coast Guard
Petty Officer 2nd Class
Carlos Rodriguez takes
care of the AVDET supply
needs, with special care
toward the proper handling
and shipping of hazardous
materials.
"As a storekeeper, I deal
with a lot of sensitive and
[hazardous] materials,"
Rodriguez said. "When .
the PSU needs to ship
PAGE 4 I THE WIRE


any hazardous materials, I prepare the
material safety data sheet and ensure all the
paperwork is [in order]."
In addition to providing necessary supply
support for the PSU, the AVDET also provides
round-the-clock maintenance support for
any equipment that breaks down.
"My main job is to make sure that
ground support equipment is always ready
to go," said Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd
Class Anthony Lopez. "At any given time,
an aircraft can come in or break down
and my equipment must be ready. If my
equipment is down, that aircraft is down. If
that aircraft is down, then it can't complete
its [mission]."
Lopez maintains the facilities in addition
to the ground-craft support equipment for
the AVDET. He also operates a fork lift to
a I a 1'2 na I S


support supply missions for the AVDET
and JTF port security.
The AVDET keeps busy providing
support to ground and water operations but
also keeps an eye on the sky, supporting
fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft.
"We typically have HU-25 Falcon
Jets deployed here from anywhere in the
Coast Guard Atlantic Area," Sidlo said.
"There's also a chance that you'll see an
HH-65 Dolphin Helicopter deployed here
specifically, or here for repairs before
returning to the cutter they are assigned
to."
The AVDET supports Coast Guard drug
interdiction missions, migrant operations
and acts as a liaison to inbound Troopers
by coordinating with departments like
the naval station hospital, supply, port
operations, air terminal and Morale,
Welfare and Recreation.
"We have cutters that [arrive at
GTMO] and we support logistical
operations for them by getting cargo on
and off the island as well as personnel,"
Sidlo added. "Although we're not
out there in the trenches, we're there
providing the tools they need to [support
their mission]."
Despite the small staff, the AVDET
proves it's not the
size of the team that
matters; rather, it's
their ability to perform
under pressure.
"We're a small
unit but we make
m a big impact in the
community," Lopez
said. "We support
S everything from the
cutters to aircraft, to
the JTF." 0
MISSION I FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2009


G


TMOn. Semper Paratus


A
fW















1511E UU ird Petty)Qfficer 2nd Class Anthony Lopez performs a maintenance
,Ce t on a piece of e'
cti n equipment in the maintenance bay on the leeward side of
ntanamo Bay. JTFSantanamo photo by Staff Sgt. Emily J. Russell




































Air Force Master Sgt. Brett Neil, Tech. Sgt. Travis Brotherton and Staff Sgt. Aaron Rule inventory supplies. The supplies
will be used by the Air National Guard units which will be arriving in late May. JTF Guantanamo photo by Army Spc. April
D. de Armas


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


Air Force Master Sgt. Brett Neil makes
notations in the inventory notebook
to make sure the supplies ordered for
the deployment for training teams,
who will be arriving in late May, are in
good order. The DFT teams will make
enhancements to the Joint Task Force
restroom facilities located in Camp
America. JTF Guantanamo photo by
Army Spc. April D. de Armas
FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2009 I MISSION


The Base Engineer Emergency Force at
Naval Station Guantanamo Bay is preparing
to welcome three different Air National
Guard units which will be conducting their
annual training here.
The units are coming from Tennessee,
California, and Maryland and will be arriving
at different intervals throughout the summer.
The teams will be upgrading the restroom
and shower facilities at Camp America. The
upgrades will enhance the living conditions
for Joint Task Force Troopers living and
working at Camp America.
National Guard and Reserve forces, no
matter which branch of service, have a set
training schedule for their Troopers. They
usually train one weekend each month and
two-to-three weeks during the year. The
weekend training typically takes place at an
armory, a near-by training site or reserve
military base.
However, during the two- to three -
week annual training, units often deploy to
military installations in the U.S. and around
the world to perform tasks and practice
their job skills so they are always ready for
action.
Air Force Master Sgt. Brett Neil,
474th Expeditionary Civil Engineering
Squadron supply team non-commissioned
officer-in-charge, is one of many Troopers
working to help prepare for the incoming
Airmen.
"This is an opportunity for the units to not


only help the Joint Task Force mission, but
also allows the guardsmen to use the skills
they were trained to do for the Air Force."
Air Force Tech. Sgt. Travis Brotherton,
with the 474' ECES supply team, said, "We
support their needs while they are here and
we'll provide their living quarters at Camp
Justice."
Brotherton is a supply sergeant working
with Neil to ensure the teams have all the
supplies and tools needed to complete their
mission.
"Our job is to order and receive the
inventory from sources that are not
government contracted, such as Lowe's,
Home Depot, and the local U.S. Naval Station
Guantanamo supply store Paperclips," said
Neil. "We inventory everything that is
ordered and store it here at Camp Justice
so it will be ready for the teams when they
come in."
Air Force Staff Sgt. Aaron Rule, also with
the 474th ECES supply team, is responsible
for ensuring supplies with national stock
numbers, like boilers and such, are ordered.
"I make sure these types of supplies are
ordered so the mission can be completed in
a timely fashion," said Rule.
Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Phillip
Groll, the 474th ECES production control
NCOIC, said, "Our office is where all the
work orders are started and then disseminated
to the proper shops."
"We are excited to welcome the units and
glad to do all we can to work with the JTF
to help make the living conditions at Camp
America better for the Troopers who live
and work there," said Groll. Q
THE WIRE I PAGE 5











































Underdogrjxia nf ta? [icrs top spot4



Underdog takes top spot


Army Sgt.
Michael Baltz
JTF Guantanamo Public Affairs

GTMO United defeated the Women's
Soccer league champions, the Soccer
Bombers, in a 3-0 shutout in the Women's
Soccer tournament, April 16, at Naval
Station Guantanamo Bay.
United came extra-prepared for the
championship game at Cooper Sports
Complex with a better strategy than normal.
United was able to ensure all of their players
were able to participate. This gave them the
ability to have a deeper bench and included
players that had not yet been able to play
against the Bombers.
Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Stephanie
Castro, a United player, started the game
with an aggressive defensive strategy. She
was also successful on the offensive side
when she skillfully put the first point on the
board with 7:10 left in the first half.
PAGE 6 I THE WIRE


The game was 1-0 with a United lead at
half time. United would extend their lead to
2-0 with 15:34 left in the second half with
a goal from Marine Cpl. Erika Scofield.
She would score again with 3:22 left in the
game, which would seal a United victory.
"It all came together in the end," said
Scofield, a supply non-commissioned
officer with Joint Task Force Guantanamo.
"We stepped up and played hard."
The game was immediately challenged
by the Bombers, who accused United of
playing with an ineligible player.
"In order to play in the tournament
championship game, they must have
played in a game during the season," said
Robert Neuman, sports director for Morale,
Welfare and Recreation.
Neuman tracked down the previous
game rosters and verified that United
did not play ineligible players. Neuman
awarded United with their tournament
championship trophy almost an hour after


the game finished.
Team members from United hoisted the
tournament trophy and sang "We are the
Champions."
"It feels good to finally beat them,"
said Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Zenaida
Desiderio, a player for United.
United went 0-3 to the Bombers during
the regular season.
"Even though it is nice to come out and
compete, it is also fun to come out here and
meet new people," Wells said. "You get
the opportunity to meet people you don't
normally come in contact with."
Wells also said that soccer is a good
morale booster, and that practices and
games are something she looks forward to
every week.
The MWR staff congratulated the
GTMO Bombers on their undefeated season
to become the league champions. They
also congratulated GTMO United on their
victory in the post-season tournament. Q
LOCAL SPORTS I FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2009







































































R 116 minutes Rating: A***


Army Sgt.
Emily Greene
JTF Guantanamo Public Affairs

With the state of today's economy and banks making headlines in papers
nationwide for large government bailouts, financial terrorism is a topic that
doesn't stretch disbelief all that far.
"The International," short for the fictional International Bank of Business
and Credit, is a powerful organization with questionable ties to several groups
of evildoers worldwide. Mess with this bank and you'll be sorry. Everyone
who dares to question the motivations of the International winds up dead or
disappears without a trace.
Directed by "Run Lola Run's" Tom Tykwer, the movie is chockfull of
interesting shots and is driven by a quiet mood of underlying tension. The
most disturbing element of the plot is the untouchable nature of the powerful
organization. The viewer is confronted with the believable assertion that
everyone who is anyone is in on the profits and therefore willing to turn a
blind eye to the bank's malevolence.
Clive Owen plays Louis Salinger, an Interpol agent who finds the doings of
the IBBC abhorrent. His British accent and look of perpetual exhaustion lend
him credibility as a maverick that this investigation has frustrated for years.
Owen's partner is Naomi Watts, a Manhattan assistant district attorney who
is partnering with Interpol for reasons never exactly made clear. Actually,
none of her motivations are very well explained throughout the film.
Neither the connection between Owen and Watts nor their individual
characters are well developed, leaving the viewer wondering why they care if
these two succeed or not.
This lack of sympathy is heightened by the likeability of some of the
supporting characters. Both the sinister bank consultant and the non-descript
organizational hit man are far more intriguing than the good guys.
The movie saves the audience from complete indifference with its well-
choreographed action scene at the Guggenheim Museum, complete with a hail
of automatic gunfire and a crashing chandelier. The huge shoot-out is one of
the few outlets for the seething anger that drives the film absolutely nowhere.
Reminiscent of the "Bourne Supremacy" movies, this film has an
interesting premise and is full of fantastic footage of cloudy European cities
and cold architecture. However, it falls flat in the realm of character and plot
development, leaving the viewer apathetic. 0


FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2009 I MOVIE RECON


THE WIRE I PAGE 7




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ArmySgt.JohnNorrs leds Toopes frm th 193d instrechin prir t
physial finess rainig, Aril 2 at Coper ield









































Navy Chief Petty Officer Eric Phillips, with Joint Task Force Guantanamo's Joint
class at W. T. Sampson Elementary School. Phillips read "Clifford the Big Red Do|
mentor reading program sponsored by the school. JTF Guantanamo photo by Ar

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


Students listen contently as Phillips
reads about Clifford's adventures in
cleaning up his neighborhood. JTF
Guantanamo photo by Army Spc. April
D. de Armas
PAGE 101 THE WIRE


The Reading Mentor Program at W.T.
Sampson Elementary School, U.S. Naval
Station Guantanamo Bay, is bringing a fun
twist to learning to read.
According to Taylor Edwards, a reading
teacher at the school, the school has been
sponsoring the reading program for two
years and encourages Troopers to become
involved.
Navy Chief Petty Officer Eric Phillips
explained that the program enables adults
to volunteer in the GTMO community and
experience the rewards of enhancing young
minds.
"It is a win-win situation for both the
mentors and the children," said Edwards.
Phillips, a member of Joint Task Force
Guantanamo's Joint Detention Group, is a
reading mentor and recently read to a 2nd
grade class at the elementary school.
Phillips found out about the program at a
Chief Petty Officers Association meeting and
jumped at the chance to read to the kids.
"I think it is important to be a good role
model to these kids," Phillips said. "These
experiences enhance the children's self-
esteem and expand their possibilities for
success in school and in life."


Detention Group, reads to a 2nd grade
g" to the students as part of an ongoing
my Spc. April D. de Armas

Phillips is the father of two teenage
children and has worked with JTF
Guantanamo for 11 months.
"It brightens my day," he said. "All I do
is work, so getting to see the reaction of the
kids when I read to them is a good feeling."
Navy Senior Chief Anthony Williams,
a public works non-commissioned officer
with Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, is the
father of three teenagers and has been here
for four months.
"I want to be involved and I enjoy
reading to the kids," he said. "Since my
kids are teens, I tend to miss being around
the little ones."
Phillips said a lot of parents are always
working and it is hard, because sometimes
the kids don't get the same interaction here
like they would in the States.
"I could stay in there with the kids all
day; they are a lot of fun," he said.
Edwards has been teaching at the
elementary school for 13 years and feels that
it is important for everyone to be involved.
"The children love it when the Troopers
come in and read to them; it's very exciting
for them," Edward said.
"Everyone wins, the kids and the adults,"
she said. "Anyone can be a mentor."
For more information on the Reading
Mentor Program, call Taylor Edwards at
extension 2207 or 2097. 0
S& INFORMATION I FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2009







































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sIilioIn to plo\ ide s.ale nIde's ioiime loi Tioopeis on Fnda; ,anid
Sat;ulldu;\ il.illsw TIIe\ a'lso colidutlll coulie\ ip)ilils conlcurrentil
on Fnd.i\ ;and Satnidia\ iimilus to eInsul JTF Tioopers conduct
tllhenisch es appiopriatel
According to the Naitionial Iiistitute of Healtll. il In i adults
dunk at levels tliha pu ll temn t insk for alcoholsoli. In cr disease
and oilier problems Problems \\ ilil lcoliol lma. be occasional and
iiienmillllli 01 occur on a reiulaI r ald coiIsi.ant basis Ploblenlll
Silli ilcohlol i\ interfere \ ill \ our life. tile Il es of lo\ ed ones.
fellow \ \\olkcrs ;ad e\neiitraneL sI e
Leaders sllould \\atch for signs of alcohol-related issues IIll-ei r
Troopers Junior iion-conllmlssioi-ed officers h\ iiine .ad n orkin.l
close\ \ml; h hic ii liuniI or suboldinile enlisted Troopers sliould
keep all c ee onl bella\ Iors a;ld .iciioIIs 111.1l mI;\ lead to fIutulel
problems


I It iS t s)pl sponiibllit of 1 iinnedllll lC Sl pcr iSOIs 1 kI noI\\ tl
pulsk of hlii Thoops Sc\clilla; i sind
OLtl\\;rd Si,'1ns of Iimo\icaion iec slurred speech. Lick
of cool dilllioll. Lu silead\ ~.ill 1apid nlo\ elilnt of e( ebaills
ip.iirmeiii in .ioClitloll 01 lieniol anid slupor oI coniii Abusie of
alcohol can icsleII in failure to fulfill maloi obh. li'lo is 1i oilk
school 01 at Ihomc and caln lead to alcohlol-r laltd Iceal ad s.ocia
piobl.eni.
Accoidinii o iho Cenlsci fol DiN.ceace. Coniiol appio\initale
'5 pciccnil of ill: alcohol consuii .nied b aidulls' il lle Li IS i.in lih
forin of biin i dnkin, Binec dnkinkiL' is. lI picall; dhfineld .is Ihi
conIIsumption of fi\ O01I mIIoi drinks' foi iiie i. and foi \\onieiIn ihl
colinSiiuiiplion of foLi oI iimoic drinks in jboti lo hours BIne
diinkinrl is dancelol aiind cian restlll iln s.enIOL coInseqtlncLiiice. cll
Ias dellit iniinr due to falls. fires diomnine or \'elicl cr.sh
pre'n lnct 01o sc\.ull\ it.iiiilsn d dise L ises due Lo lii int indid
. Iic l[ ;Iltl\ il bcniiin ih iclin o1 p1cipetiraoi of d.ilc ipe o 0ilKli
.asau.li. or dacill fioln alcohol pois.oUini_'
Senloi ieadelslup at ill JTF \\iant to make l,.ie Iluri oN NC((-s
iake action "lin i tlie .ee pr)obleimns occuI IIIi If a Tioolpl -ci'.e
in Iloble 1101 ontOl dotso' the Trooper liold the ic .pon-sibilih but
llicir iiniiedi.ae -.plnxi isor also holds s.i le aiccouinl.bili fol ithe
,ctions their Tioolp.r lim; e tiakn Scle\nai\ ire said
If \oL iliink .\oun in.i lha\ a dallikin, problem o0 lia, e a
con ccni about Tioopc1i \1 o niilii Ia\ c a driikiniw problem in laS.
the i..ie Iluio o i- li o i cliin of colmlni id
Re.otiice'. aic : i\.lble tIolln li tik ni. al station n liospital. Ilect
and lfmill\ u.|pport centeil :nd loint slie_..ss nu1111aiioii and ies.oranion
c.a11 .Alcoholic. Allnonl IIIOIs iiiei' e'S Mond l\ e\dn'dia.dl\
and Sairdal11 ait i p i 11 itthe ni al stanioii clhapel Foi imoiio
infoimiatioii. coiinci N ll Don Llo\d atl mIcIwsOII "'ii >
JTF Polic\ MIenoiainduni No 5 outlinesl the police\ eo iii.in1,
alcohol consuimption b\ JTF Troopers In addition to address..in
undeiac drinking and DUI. lthe police; state. thlia consnimplion
of alcohol iS. piolibilcd dunn lithe first 14 da.s after arrn.ial
and ilie iast 14 da;i\ prior to the end of tom1 depaluire Public
consulpltion of alcoliol is onlI allo\\ed in de-.ignaietd area'. oin
base. \\ hcli are outlined in the police\ Alcohol is also prolibited
inI all deiainee ca.ips or ian\ mie: \"here deiiinecs aie located
Police\ lenmoranduni No 5 is m ailable oil the JTF \\Web -slie a
%\ %\ \\ |Iiino soullicol mil 0






JTF swim across the bay




Whn Saudy May 2 8!. a.. Fo oeifraino os

;~ 6. ;1 ;IIIL~7 I I ~ 'h ~ r ~III- 1In




M-I I a -na IAd I4 IaH iSgJ e Go t .8


ee ally s J natedy
Simperttieasome things you can do to consereaterat JTF:
horten your sh er e ae up to
150 gallons each week
6 -a hvlhi y' 'freyc esu pto 90% of the
watr -serd S. f
6 Ensure faucets and hoses are turned completely off when not in use
SIf you must water grags or plants, water in the morning or evening
when temperatures are cooler to avoid evaporation
6 Don't let water run While washing dishes


NEWS & INFORMATION I FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2009


PAGE 12








GTMO wildlil

U Many Troopers don't realize dangers
posed by feral cats
Army Staff Sgt.
Blair Heusdens
JTF Guantanamo Public Affairs

Naval Station Guantanamo Bay is home to many creatures,
some unique and some familiar. Many of these animals are
protected and allowed to roam free around the base. Left
alone, the animals pose no threat; but get too close and these
seemingly harmless animals may cause you injury.
Signs posted throughout the naval station tell Troopers not
to feed the iguanas. According to Navy Lt. Stacy Hoffman,
the force health protection officer for the Joint Task Force, it's
a common misconception that iguanas are the only animals
not to be fed. Actually, she says, it is against base regulation
to feed any animals on base.
"The main problem we have is people [are] treating the
stray animals like domesticated animals," said Hoffman.
The potential health and safety hazards of having wild
animals where people live and work are often ignored.
Troopers should at no time feed the animals, play with the
animals or keep any stray animals as pets.
Many Troopers don't realize the dangers posed by feral
cats. A JTF Trooper recently was bitten by a feral cat near the
living quarters. The bite required a two-day hospital stay with
a course of antibiotics and multiple rabies shots.
Animal bites can be very infectious. The veterinary clinic
on base periodically tests the feral cats and has found parasites
and bacteria which can cause serious infection. Rabies is also
a concern in not only the cat population, but also the bat
population.
The domestic animals on base are immunized through the
veterinary clinic. Feral cats, however, are not immunized and
may carry diseases such as rabies.
If an animal bites you, seek immediate medical attention.
All Troopers who are bitten will undergo rabies prophylaxis
treatment involving a series of five shots throughout the span

Boots on the Ground


of one month. I
Troopers should not try to capture an
animal after it has bitten someone. Instead, call the base environmental
office at extension 4662 and they will come and capture the animals.
Cats captured that are less than one month old are taken to the veterinary
clinic, given vaccinations and put up for adoption.
Periodically, traps are set to capture the feral cats around the base.
Troopers should not touch or tamper with the traps or animals inside
the traps.
According to base regulation, indigenous wildlife species may not be
kept as pets, mascots or harmed or molested in any way. This includes
the Cuban Rock Iguana, Hutia (banana rat), Cuban Boa, Cuban Parrot
and any other introduced or native wildlife species.
Although not indigenous, feral cats are also considered off-limits to
Troopers because of the health and envionrmental risks associated with
undomesticated animals. Q

by Army Pfc. Christopher Vann


What was the best Mother's Day gift you've ever given your mom?


Navy Petty Officer 1'1
Class Minnie Palmer


"I treated my mom to a
day at the spa."


Army Pfc. Sopheak Touch


"I got my mom a 11/2
carat diamond ring."


Army Pfc. Robert Sherry


"I'm going to visit my
mom in Germany this
year."


Army Col.
McKinley Collins


"My siblings and I bought
my mother a house."


FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2009 I VOICE OF THE FORCE


- r~


THE WIRE I PAGE 13
















An attitude of tolerance


Army Capt.
ScottC. Brill
JTF Deputy Command Chaplain
Starting out at chaplain school was an
adventure. One of our assignments was
to attend a variety of worship services
which included every faith group who had
religious services on base at Fort Jackson.
After attending our own service, we would
head off to one of the Protestant, Catholic,
Jewish, Buddhist or Muslim services. At
first it was all new, but I loved it. I quickly
learned why the chaplain school had such
a requirement; it gave us an opportunity
to appreciate the common good in other
religions. We learned that looking
for the good in other
churches andi
cultures did
not require us
to accept
or agree
with beliefs
contrary to O
our own, but
strengthened
us in our own
faith and interfaith
relationships. At the
end of the training one
of the chaplains commented, "I used to think
tolerance meant accepting or approving,
but it does not. Tolerance to me means
agreeing to disagree like gentlemen."
Duringmy time at JTF Guantanamo, with
a command that is 100 percent supportive
of providing for the religious needs of the
Troopers, I have had the opportunity to
serve with and learn from an Orthodox
Chaplain, a Muslim Chaplain, and a Jewish
Chaplain, who visited us recently what a
blessing.
I believe that building interfaith
understanding is rooted in fundamental


I
I
I


gospel principles- humility, charity, respect
for eternal truth, and recognition of God's
love for all mankind. The Savior repeatedly
affirmed the Heavenly Father's boundless
concern for the well-being of each of His
sons and daughters, as in the parable of the
lost sheep (Luke 15).
In the parable of the good Samaritan,
He taught that one of the keys to true
discipleship is to treat others kindly and
compassionately in spite of political, racial,
or religious differences (Luke 10:25 37).
Every time I read this parable I am impressed
with its power and its simplicity. But have
you ever wondered why the Savior chose
to make the hero of this story a Samaritan?








[is





There was considerable antipathy between
the Jews and the Samaritans at the time
of Christ. Under normal circumstances,
these two groups avoided association with
each other. His deliberate use of Jews and
Samaritans clearly teaches that we are all
neighbors and that we should love, esteem,
respect and serve one another despite our
deepest differences to include religious,
political and cultural differences. Then
Jesus delivered His final instruction to
the lawyer and to all who have read the
parable of the good Samaritan: "Go, and do
thou likewise" (Luke 10:25 37).


He denounced intolerance and rivalry
among religious groups and the tendency
to extol one's own virtues and deprecate
the spiritual status of others. Addressing a
parable to those who "trusted in themselves
that they were righteous, and despised
others," Jesus condemned the pride of
the Pharisee who prayed, "God, I thank
thee, that I am not as other men are," and
commended the humility of the publican
who implored, "God be merciful to me, a
sinner" (Luke 18:9 14).
Amentorofmine, RussellM. Nelson once
said, "We seek to enlarge the circle of love
and understanding among all the peoples of
the earth. Thus we strive to establish peace
and happiness, not only
within Christianity but
among all mankind. All
people everywhere
re commit
themselves
to the time-
honored ideals
bof tolerance
and mutual
respect. We sincerely
believe that as
we acknowledge
one another with
consideration and
compassion we will
discover that we can all peacefully coexist
despite our deepest differences." He then
added: United we may respond. Together
we may stand, intolerant of transgression
but tolerant of neighbors with differences
they hold sacred. Our brothers and sisters
throughout the world are all children of
God."
May we never act in a spirit of arrogance
or with a holier-than-thou attitude. I hope
that we continue to look for the good in
others, agree to disagree, and take advantage
of all of the opportunities in Guantanamo
to learn about other faiths and cultures. 0


II II~i I~1


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.


PAGE 14 I THE WIRE LIFE & SPIRIT I FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2009


PAGE 14 1 THE WIRE


LIFE & SPIRIT I FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2009












* JTF hospitalman puts training to use
during real-life scenario


Army Staff Sgt.
Blair Heusdens
JTF Guantanamo Public Affairs

For one young Navy hospitalman, a tour in support of
Joint Task Force Guantanamo provided an opportunity to
expand upon his job skills and cemented a career choice in
the medical field.
Navy Hospitalman Bobby Stewart works as a psychiatric
technician at the Behavioral Health Unit for the detention
facilities. The assignment is his first as a psychiatric
technician, a classification he recently earned after
completing a 16-month course. Stewart provides psychiatric
care to detainees, including counseling, anger management
and crisis intervention. He also assists in providing regular
medical care as a corpsman to the detainees.
"[Stewart is] very directed on his medical care and
pays attention to detail," said Navy Petty Officer 1t Class
Thomas Murphy, the leading petty officer of the behavioral
health unit.
An incident recently allowed Stewart to use the medical
skills he learned in the Navy to provide treatment for an
injured child.
Stewart was driving with a friend while home on leave in
Tennessee last year when he saw a crowd of people on the
side of the road with a bleeding child. The two stopped to
provide assistance. Though no one spoke English, Stewart
took charge of the scene, assessed the patient who was a
three-year-old boy and began to provide first aid for his
injuries.
He continued to treat the wounds and stabilized the spine until
paramedics took over. The child, who had been involved in a hit
and run by a drunk driver, received just minor injuries.
Stewart didn't think he had done anything special that day until

j j I always thought that in an
emergency situation, I would panic
and not know what to do; the next
thing I knew, my instincts kicked
in...
Hospitalman Bobby Stewart


his command here received a letter from the county emergency
medical services recommending him for an award.
"I always thought that in an emergency situation, I would panic
and not know what to do," said Stewart. "The next thing I knew,
my instincts kicked in and I was able to put my training to work."
At his previous duty station, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth,
Stewart credits the code blue drills and extra training they
conducted while on overnight shifts with helping him feel more
comfortable with his craft.
With almost two years in the Navy, Stewart is more than halfway
through his deployment at Joint Task Force Guantanamo. Stewart
plans to stay in the Navy and will begin earning credit toward a
nursing degree at his next duty station in Okinawa. Eventually, he
would like to put in a package for the Navy Nurse Corps. O


I We ne I Ie


Do you know a poet, musician, or someone with a special
talent? Maybe there is someone you look up to or someone who
can share his talents with others.
The Wire is looking for quality individuals within Joint Task
Force Guantanamo for the weekly "15 Minutes of Fame" story
in order to successfully tell the Troopers' story.
"Fifteen Minutes of Fame" candidates are unique individuals
who have done something to set themselves apart from their
peers.
In the past, The Wire has published stories about Troopers
who are artists, musicians, Soldiers or non-commissioned


officers who have competed and won Soldier of the Quarter or
Soldier of the Year boards, and Troopers who perform above
their pay grade consistently.
Don't be ashamed or feel like you're bragging. Each of us has a
story, skill or something worth sharing. It is important for The Wire
to tell these stories because the Troopers' stories need to be told.
There are numerous ways a Trooper can stand out and The
Wire wants to know about it! If you have any "15 Minutes of
Fame" candidates or suggestions, The Wire would like to hear
about it. Contact The Wire office at extension 3592 or by e-mail
at TheWire@jtfgtmo.southcom.mil.


FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2009 I 15 MINUTES OF FAME


THE WIRE I PAGE 15






























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