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Build your career,




find a mentor

Air Force Chief Master Sgt.
Wallace L. Harper
474th ECES Chief of Operations

As a young gentleman growing up, my fatlli ik ci.l i cd
considerable credit for encouraging me to pumuic \\ hlut.\ ci
interested me. If I needed something to follow a p|tlieILn
path, if it was within his means, he always inmal.ii.d toI
provide for it. I cannot recall him ever complliiiuniir about
having spent his hard-eamed money on sonmilliuii' ithal
interested me. He was especially supportive of in\ cIduiCalo0l lI
growth and always encouraged me to pursue "li Ii 1 \\ntlilcd
His praise for my educational pursuits was an impoiltIn buttll.ss
for those early years. I was not always a greia situdicn but I do
not recall any nagging about my educational Iaoliis l0 uIndkiC
achievements.
A mentor is defined as a trusted counselor o0r iuld ii
who, with their experience and wisdom, guides .inoith i
person to develop both personally and professional
Mentors provide support, counseling, friendslhip
reinforcement and constructive examples. Menos Ol
are good listeners, caring and want to help othcl i
Mentoring is a powerful form of humnin
development. Some organizations believe mento in nr,
improves the talent of management and techlimeal
jobs as well as helps to shape future leadcis,
Mentoring is not a new concept. It has been p.lt of
formal development programs for some time.
Mentoring is an essential ingredient in develop:im._
well-rounded, professional and competent !'ii .ll.lI
leaders in the military. The goal is to help Ce.il
individual reach his or her full potential, tloi\:
enhancing the overall professionalism of the mi: a.11
We all need mentors throughout our lives mid
careers. If you are new to the military, this is am
extremely critical time for you to find and ol k
with someone who can be a positive mentor 1oi
you. Find someone you respect and trust so thal |
you can be honest and open with each othei I
encourage you to seek several mentors, perhaps
one in your career field and someone from a
different field within the military. In todac s
technological world, your mentor can be from
any base, city, or state it is most important to
find the right mentor that works for you.
There are many private organizations that sc c k
to develop professional skills and associallons
for individuals in many career fields and teclhnial
specialties. Membership in such associations n1a\
provide additional opportunities for mentoring as \\ \ll ,is
broaden technical expertise.
The mentors I have met through my Air Focc : icc c.ai
have helped guide my military career and ipo\ idlcd
me with leadership opportunities to help me 1'o\\ indl
develop personally and professionally. I havc bccin abic
to listen to their personal experiences and shaui nmunual
concerns about the future of the Air Force and Aiimi.ln
These mentor relationships have turned into liinecdsliups
that will last a lifetime. There is no better time tIun no\\
to engage with a mentor to make your military c\ lciinieIe c
rewarding and satisfying. Q


PAGE 2


JTF GUANTANAMO
Commander:
I a Pear dfmn Da i P.,1 Tn.:.mas Jr
Joinl Task Force Command Masler
Chief:
Ila r,,a ler Chiel P.-elI> ,C.-fcer Sc:,:In
- Fleiinin
Office of Public Allairs:
Director:
Ia LI Cmdr Brook Deva\l\l 991-:
Depuly Direclor:
-rm, 1a1 Diana Ha,nie '99i1
Supervisor:
rm, I S.l Shellie Le%., is :6-149

The Wire
Executive Editor:
rm, I LI Chris CuOn;, 1171
Command Informallion NCOIC:
Arnim Sa i 1 Class Micraei Gri.:.ls.:r. 36
Editor:
Armv Slald S.:L Enii, J Puiissell :3'.
Associate Editor:
Armn, Slaif S,.:1 Blair He-u ,jns '35.94
Slaff Writers:
Army Sgl Carnien Gi.t-s:n :.;.
Arnmy SgI Mi:hael BalIz 35:.'
Army Sgl Emril Greene 3..:.
Arn'im Sp: Janm; Corn. e-ll -.9.
Army Spc April de Arnm'a 33-04
Arm.n Sp: Da id I McLean 330-


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Online: i;i,., jlfgln,.o Souilhco.n', nil

COVER:
Wounded warrior Sgt. Marco
Robledo receives underwater
instructions from a certified
scuba instructor. May 24. JTF
,GL1,uantanam: Iht:': byI I a.,, Pett,
Oflicel I Class l,:shua Tleaiwell


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:TROOPER-T-TROOPER FRIDAY, J UNE 5, 2009l
TROOPER-TO-TROOPER I FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2009







New enlisted


leadership takes


reins of 525th


Army Staff Sgt.
Blair Heusdens
JTF Guantanamo Public Affairs
The enlisted leadership of the 525' Military Police Battalion
and the 193rd Military Police Company at Joint Task Force
Guantanamo recently changed hands.
Army Command Sgt. Maj. Steven M. Raines replaced Army
Command Sgt. Maj. Gary J. Fowler as the senior enlisted leader of
the 525th during a ceremony at Troopers Chapel, May 27. Fowler
currently serves as the Joint Detention Group command sergeant
major.
Raines has extensive experience in military detention
operations and more than 25 years of service as a military
policeman. His most recent assignment was as the director of
operations sergeant major for the United States Disciplinary
Barracks at Fort Leavenworth.
The 525th Military Police Battalion was established at Naval
Station Guantanamo Bay in Oct. 2004 to provide a guard force for
the JTF. Troopers from the 525th provide internal security within
the detention facilities in support of the JTF mission to provide
safe, humane, legal and transparent care and custody of detainees.
In a separate ceremony, May 26, Army 1st Sgt. William L.
Gamble took responsibility from Army 1st Sgt. Mark R. Provost
as the senior enlisted leader of the 193rd Military Police Company,
which serves under the 525th. Gamble was recently laterally
promoted from master sergeant to first sergeant.
Gamble enlisted in 1985 and has served in several corrections
capacities. His most recent assignment was as the detainee camp
non-commissioned officer-in-charge for the 189th Military Police
Company at JTF Guantanamo and he completed a previous tour as


the JTF battalion training NCO for Headquarters and Headquarters
Detachment of the 525th.
Raines feels prepared to continue the 525th legacy of fair, firm
and impartial treatment of detainees at JTF Guantanamo.
"I have high expectations that each and every Soldier within this
organization will take them seriously," Raines said. "I have high
expectations that each and every Soldier within this organization
will take the opportunity to improve oneself for the good of the
organization." 0


FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2009 I MISSION


THE WIRE I PAGE 3









Operations security:




What you need to know


Army Staff Sgt.
Blair Heusdens
JTF Guantanamo Public Affairs


"Loose lips sink ships" is a phrase most service members
associate with operations security, or OPSEC. The phrase has been
around since World War II when it was used as a slogan to limit
the possibility of people inadvertently giving useful information
to enemy spies. Here at Joint Task Force Guantanamo, operations
security plays a major role in ensuring the safety of not only the
detainees, but also the service members, civilians and residents who
call this place home.
Operations security is
a process that identifies
critical information to
determine if friendly
actions can be observed
by adversary intelligence
systems, determines if
information obtained
by adversaries could be
interpreted to be useful to
them and then executes
selected measures that
eliminate or reduce
adversary exploitation
of friendly critical
information.
At JTF Guantanamo,
General Order No. 2
dictates the policy on
operations security
and punitive measures
applicable to those
who violate the policy.
As a JTF Trooper, it is
your responsibility to
be familiar with this
order and the critical
information specific to
your workplace.
A large part of
maintaining operational
security starts with
discussing sensitive
information only with
those who have a need
to know, according
to the JTF OPSEC
manager. Keep your
work at work and refrain
from discussing work- .Y/ *- .
related matters in public
places where others may
overhear.
Communications on the telephone or Internet must also be
guarded. Never discuss classified or sensitive information on non-
secure telephone or Internet lines.
Information that may be sensitive includes: specific numbers
of Troopers assigned to the JTF, exact numbers of detainees and
their locations within the camps, any information on detainee
movements, information regarding force protection measures on
PAGE 4 I THE WIRE


the base and within the camps and any information regarding
future operations.
More specific information on Essential Elements of Friendly
Information (EEFI) specific to JTF Guantanamo can be found
in Policy Memorandum No. 8, Essential Elements of Friendly
Information.
Written communications can also be sensitive. All printed
e-mails and documents concerning the JTF should be shredded.
JTF Guantanamo has a 100% shred policy for all documents to
ensure critical information doesn't fall into the hands of others.
Troopers should also consider their individual presence on
the Internet. Individuals
with personal Web sites
or social networking
sites with detailed
personal information or
distinctive names may
be easily linked with
the JTF or their specific
jobs here. Troopers have
the choice about what
personal information
they want released
about themselves and
their jobs here.
Photos can also reveal
sensitive information
about the JTF Troopers
should avoid taking
photos in the JTF area
as well as photos of
structures located on
hilltops or photos taken
from hilltops around the
naval station.
Other measures to
protect yourself: keep
security badges tucked
away when not in a
secure location, lock
computers when you
walk away from them,
keep all communications
or storage devices out
of areas where sensitive
information may be
located, never transport
classified information
without the proper
locking containers or
devices and always wear
. a "sanitized" uniform
S'"when in the presence of
detainees.
Maintaining operations security while deployed to GTMO is
an important part of keeping the base secure. Any questions about
operations security at JTF Guantanamo should be directed through
your chain of command. All JTF personnel should schedule an
outbriefing prior to leaving the base with the operations security
section.
For copies of General Order No. 2 and Policy Memorandum
No. 8, visit the JTF intranet site. 0
MISSION I FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2009


''








































Senior Airman John McClung, a heating, ventilation and air conditioning technician with the 474th Expeditionary Civil
Engineering Squadron, repairs an air conditioning unit, May 22. JTF Guantanamo photo by Army Pfc. Christopher Vann


Army Sgt.
Michael Baltz
JTF Guantanamo Public Affairs


The 474th Expeditionary Civil
Engineering Squadron continuously
maintains the Expeditionary Legal Complex
at Joint Task Force Guantanamo by utilizing
the three sections of their squadron; power
production, heating ventilation and air
conditioning, and electrical to make sure
the facilities are always ready in case
military commissions begin again.
"Even though commissions may be
coming up, our mission has stayed the
same," said Air Force Chief Master Sgt.
Wallace Harper, chief of operations. "Since
day one we have conducted maintenance
and preventative maintenance on the ELC in
order to keep it a state of the art facility."
As part of maintaining the ELC, the
474' ECES posts an airman from each shop
inside the courtroom during commissions
to ensure that the proceedings are not
negatively affected by conditions within
the building.
"Before a power outage occurs, we
have to have a plan on how we are going
to restore the power in a very minimal
amount of time," said Air Force Staff Sgt.
Guy Conley, an electrician with the 474th
ECES. "It is critical for the commissions
to carry on."
Conley and his shop prepare for a
FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2009 I MISSION


possible power outage by training on the
equipment regularly. The 474th Heating
Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit also
prepares by having a weekly preventative
maintenance checklist.
"We have a weekly schedule that we
go by," said Air Force Tech Sgt. Stacy
Branham, a HVAC technician. "Before
commissions start, we go over our checklist
to ensure everything is good to go, so the
commissions will not be interrupted. "
Another section of the squadron is
power production. This shop is responsible
for maintaining all power for Camp Justice
and the ELC. There are back-up generators
if the generators in use break down.
"If there is a generator failure, it is our
responsibility to get power up and running,"
said Air Force Staff Sgt. Brian Walker, a
power production airman. "The back-up
generators would simultaneously start if
the ones in use failed."
As well as maintaining generators,
airmen with the 474th ECES are also
responsible for pest control.
"We spray the ELC with pesticides," said
Air Force Senior Airman Natasha Conley,
an entomologist. "There have been cases in
the past when we had to relocate snakes'."
"We are also responsible for managing
weeds," Air Force Tech. Sgt. Raphael Jones
added. "Weeds are our biggest challenge."
The 474th ECES maintains all aspects
of the ELC and will continue to do so in


support of the JTF mission.
According to Harper, "[Troopers] have
high morale because they feel they have
a hand in the Global War on Terror by
maintaining the ELC." 0
THE WIRE I PAGE 5








































Army Sgt.
Michael Baltz
JTF Guantanamo Public Affairs

Antagonizers' head coach, Navy Petty
Officer 1st Class Gilbert Arizaga told
his players that he would let them shave
his head if they won the men's softball
championship. On May 29, Navy Petty
Officer 2nd Class Rhett Madden,
a Joint Task Force Guantanamo
Trooper, turned on the shears
and shaved away after the
Antagonizers 14-4 victory
over the GTMO Latinos at the
Cooper Sports Complex.
The first inning provided
hope for the Latinos as they
maintained a solid defense and
a few hits, even with a two-run
home run by Antagonizers'
first baseman Navy Petty
Officer 2nd Class Christopher
Cross, a Trooper with the
Naval Expeditionary Guard
Battalion.
The Antagonizers continued P
to get base hits that led into
runs in the second inning. At the end
of the second, the Anatagonizers had a
comfortable lead at 7-1.
During the third inning the Antagonizers
stretched out their lead by adding seven
additional runs.
Neither team posted runs in the fourth
inning, but at the top of the fifth the Latinos
tried to save their season.
PAGE 6 I THE WIRE


The Latinos scored two runs and had two
outs, when a routine grounder went to the
pitcher who beamed it to the first baseman
to end the softball season and begin the
Antagonizers celebration.
The Antagonizers, who finished the
season at 11-1, were undefeated in post-
season play as they approached the
chamnionshin game. Their solo loss in


the season was by one point to USCG
Mariners, so when they took the field, their
expectations were high.
"We expected to do well," said Cross,
who had five runs batted in during the
game. "We had some good base hits and
didn't make many errors."
According to Arizaga, the Antagonizers
were successful for many other reasons.


"We have a lot of diversity and talent,"
said Arizaga, a Trooper from Naval Station
Guantanamo Bay. "Our team pretty much
started out with players from different
areas. We have four different services
represented, and players' ranks are from
[E-3 to E-8]."
Arizaga continued by saying, "the
biggest thing is that every player on this
team loves this sport."
The Latinos, who finished the
season at 8-4, lost the first game
of the softball tournament to the
Untouchables and immediately
went to the losers bracket. They
won five straight games just to
get to the championship game,
and when they got there, they
had to beat the number one
seeded team twice in order to
claim the title of champions.
"We are resilient to [come]
back from the loser's bracket into
the championship game," said
Charles Savinon, a GTMO Latino
player. "We had a good season.
The ingenuity, creativeness and
the coaching have been key parts
in our success."
Cross stated that he feels fortunate to
play on the state-of-the-art facilities and
enjoys playing, because softball has been
something to keep him busy while away
from work.
"We were good this year, but next
season, we will be even better after off-
season acquisitions," Cross added. 0
LOCAL SPORTS I FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2009




































Army Sgt.
Emily Greene
JTF Guantanamo Public Affairs

"Star Trek" has held the
imaginations of its fans captive for
decades, and continues to do so in
the latest spinoff from the influential
television show. This movie is a
testament of the power of television
and movies to tell the fundamental
story of humankind; who we are and
where we came from.
Staying true to the original
utopian fantasy first appearing on
television screens around the nation
in 1966, "Star Trek" is a vision of
an enlightened future where all
races (human and otherwise) are
united by the desire to explore the
universe and all that lies within it.
The movie, directed by J.J. Abrams,
takes the viewer back to the moment
before the primary characters
first assembled aboard the U.S.S.
Enterprise. It delves into the origins
of these essential characters,
focusing on James Tiberius Kirk
and Spock (Chris Pine and Zachary
Quinto).
Like any great story of friendship,
the two men take an almost instant
dislike to one another. Their
fundamentally divided motivations
of body (Kirk) and mind (Spock)
give the story emotional and
dramatic force and drives the
characters towards each other, even
as they try to keep apart.
Abrams manages to direct a


PG-13
127 minutes

Rating: _****


film that stays true to the spirit of
"Star Trek," but is not bound by
the literal translations of the past.
He keeps the fun and some of the
kitsch, while delving into topics that
are often dark. However, the movie
manages to retain a sense of hope
that transcends all the doom.
As is to be expected, there are
a variety of expensive-looking
special effects, one of the most
spectacular being an enemy warship
that resembles a jellyfish with its
enormous tendrils. There are, of
course, the flashing lasers and
representation of a number of alien
species.
Pine and Quinto manage to
distill the essence of their characters
without becoming carbon copies of
their predecessors. Steering clear of
outright imitation, the two portray
Kirk and Spock in a way that is both
believable and touching.
Written by Roberto Orci
and Alex Kurtzman, the story
is fundamentally about two
men engaged in a continuing
conversation about civilizations
and their discontents. Representing
polar opposites, Kirk and Spock
together are the characters we all
know and love.
"Star Trek" captures the spirit
of adventure and embraces of
rationality that define the original
show. The film and the performances
of its main players prove, once
again, that audiences are not done
with this tale of humanity. Q


FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2009 I MOVIE RECON


THE WIRE I PAGE 7






Page
Missing
or
Unavailable






Page
Missing
or
Unavailable









Wounded warriors tackle d


Danny Facciola, a certified scuba instructor with Soldiers Undertaking Disabled Scuba, leads a class of wounded
warriors learning open water diving. Wounded warriors participating in SUDS visited Naval Station Guantanamo Bay to
complete their open water diving certification, May 21-26. JTF Guantanamo photo by Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Joshua
Treadwell


U.S. Navy Petty Officer Ist Class
Joshua L. Treadwell
JTF Guantanamo Public Affairs
"If I can do this, I can do anything!" is the motto for wounded
warriors participating in disabled sports. Six wounded warriors
partaking in Soldiers Undertaking Disabled Scuba reinforced this
belief while completing their open water diving certification at
Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, May 21-26.
The SUDS program, based out of Walter Reed Army Medical
Center and Bethesda Naval Hospital, is designed to help improve
the lives of injured service members returning from Iraq and
Afghanistan.
John Thompson, SUDS president and certified scuba instructor
has certified 140 injured Troopers in three years with the program.
"It's the most rewarding project I have ever been involved in,"
Thompson said. "Many things are just easier to do in the water
with these types of severe injuries."
The program does much more than assist with physical therapy
alone, Thompson added. "It's part rehabilitation, part confidence
building, part adventure. Diving is an emotional and physical pain
reliever."
Recently, SUDS combined efforts with Intrepid Sports, a similar
program at Brooke Army Medical Center, in San Antonio, Texas.
"The combined programs will help open more diving opportunities
for injured service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan,"
said Mark Heniser, Intrepid Sports president.
Both programs currently teach adaptive scuba to service
members disabled in Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation
Iraqi Freedom who participate in physical therapy or occupational
therapy programs. The programs begin with pool training and end
with open water dive certification at various locations.
Army Capt. Ravi Venkataramani is a member of the Warriors
See SCUBA/12
PAGE 101 THE WIRE


FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2009









at GTMO


1 everyone


















Army Spc.
David W. McLean
JTF Guantanamo Public Affairs

The house lights merely glowing embers from 20 or so dying
cigarettes. The performance stage a cement slab left vulnerable
to the varied elements of rain, humidity and attack mosquitoes.
The audience service members and a few eager iguanas. While
this scene does not often conjure immediate thoughts of musical
concerts or Broadway shows, it is in this atmosphere that a slew of
Joint Task Force Guantanamo's musical artists demonstrate their
vocal talents every Wednesday.
Navy Petty Officer Ist Class Dennis Fetter, a member of JTF
Guantanamo, is the mic master at the Windjammer's weekly
karaoke review, providing both tunes and enthusiasm.
"Basically I like getting the crowd all riled up," said Fetter, who
started out hosting karaoke nights at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., as an
entertaining past time.
Now providing lyrics and melodies to JTF Troopers, Fetter said
he never seems to experience a dull evening, and gets to cheer on
a varied assortment of performers.
While many singers tend to stick to classic favorites or mellow
ballads, no act is exactly the same.
"There is no such thing as a typical night of karaoke," Fetter
said. "I even have a couple of guys who come down and I'll


throw on some nip-hop music ana instead of aomig me woras to
those songs they will just go ahead and do their own freestyle
thing."
To keep deployed Guantanamo Bay Troopers singing and
dancing their stress away, Fetter uses a standard laptop, iTunes,
a basic karaoke program, an external hard drive, monitor, power
deck and 1,000-watt speakers to project lyrics and melodies.
Combined with two wireless microphones and one brave soul or
an ensemble, the fun begins.
"I like to sing with a big group of friends," Navy Petty Officer
3rd Class Danielle Mugford said. "That way it's less noticeable if
my voice cracks or if I forget the words."
With 40,000 MP3 s and 45,000 karaoke songs there's something
for everyone, not to mention classic tunes that keep the crowd
singing along.
"Anything from the 1940s to November of last year. I could
probably play for just about four months without ever repeating a
song," Fetter said.
The mic man sets up every Wednesday evening at 5:30 and
FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2009 | NEWS & INFORMATION


I


Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Vincent Reibers sings during
karaoke at the Windjammer, May 13. JTF Guantanamo
photo by Army Spc. David W. McLean

takes requests from about six until midnight, and during the course
of the evening plays everything from country to hip hop, based on
the requests of the brave talent.
"I usually sing 'Don't Take the Girl' by Tim McGraw," said
Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Vincent Reibers, who generally limits
his singing to the shower or small groups.
Regulars are common to the Guantanamo Bay hot spot.
"They will sing the songs they know, they won't deviate. Those
are the songs they are going to sing and that's the end of it," Fetter
said.
While he does appreciate variety, Fetter said he also recognizes
several factors contribute to the success of the weekly performers.
"It's always a good time," Fetter said. "As long as they're
having fun, everybody is having fun." 0
THE WIRE I PAGE 11








Diving provide f


therapy for the

SCUBA from 10


in Transition Battalion at Brooke
Army Medical Center and the
Wounded Warrior Project, a
program that assists severely
injured service members during
the time between active duty and
their transition to civilian life.
"Scuba keeps my mind off the
pain and has helped me with my
rehabilitation," Venkataramani
said.
Guantanamo Bay offers
a unique diving experience
for those fortunate enough to a
dive here, according to Jessie
Keenan, a diver at Naval Station
Guantanamo Bay. The SUDS divers were
able to dive off many of the naval station
beaches that are generally off-limits to
residents, offering a pristine view of
underwater life unseen by many.


"I couldn't believe how beautiful the
weather and water is," Venkataramani said.
"It is very therapeutic."
Venkataramani says that diving helps
him get back into an active lifestyle and


thanks the many people who assisted in the
event to make it run smoothly.
"Most of all, the volunteers who helped
with diving, lodging and food made the
whole trip a success!" 0


YeLS_______7 ----a.--


a~L I


ow.that waterways are second only to hi ghwas e
accidental deaths, and that alcohol is a majoi-Lcon i-bu-t
creational "batii.g casualties? _
aioininrt blOm -. ...l- -_ .....
'b oard ib alw . .. ....... ...... ... .... ............ ........._


NEWS & INFORMATION I FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2009


I


PAGE 12 1 THE WVIRE


...... ....





































Cardboard Boat Regatta draws a crowd
The Cabiness family approaches the finish line on their boat, "Cuban Missile Crisis," at the end of the Morale,
Welfare and Recreation Cardboard Boat Regatta, May 30. Participants raced each other using boats made entirely
of cardboard and duct tape. Air Force Troopers from the Joint Task Force came in first place with their boat, "The
Blue Pearl." JTF Guantanamo photo by Army Sgt. Michael Baltz


Boots on the Ground


Who do you think will win the NBA championship?


Navy Petty Officer 1" Class Navy Petty Officer 2"d Class Navy Senior Chief Petty
Ron Murchison Eddie Miramontes Officer Ronald Carpenter


"L.A. all day!!!"


"Lakers have too much
playoff experience."


Army 2nd Lt. Joe Cho


"L.A. will win."


FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2009 I VOICE OF THE FORCE


by Army Sgt. Michael Baltz


THE WIRE I PAGE 13









Finding a safe harbor


Army Capt.
Scott Brill
JTF Guantanamo Deputy Chaplain
"A ship in harbor is safe but that is not
what ships are for." (John A. Shedd, "Salt
from My Attic").
The Apostle Paul is the
perfect example of this
quote. He boldly faced the
challenges that came with
"The Great Commission." I
marvel at his history.
"Thrice was I beaten
with rods, once was I
stoned, thrice I suffered
shipwreck, a night and a day
I have been in the deep; In
journeying often, in perils
of waters..." 2 Corinthians
11:25, 26
No doubt about it, we
are called to set our sails,
and meet the challenges
of life head on. We also
need to know that the ship
builder, the Captain of our
Soul, in wisdom, provides
harbors. "For in the time of
trouble he shall hide me in
his pavilion." Psalms 27:5
World War II veteran.
Joseph B. Wirthlin wrote
this inspired counsel, which
has been a compass in my
life.


of Galilee. The scriptures tell us that Jesus
was weary, and He went to the back of the
ship and fell asleep on a pillow. Soon the
skies darkened, and 'there arose a great
tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship
was covered with the waves.' The storm


"After a long journey
across the Atlantic Ocean,
which was hazardous at
that time because of the
war, I rejoiced when I saw
that wonderful beacon of
freedom and democracy,
the Statue of Liberty. I
cannot express to you my
relief when we finally
reached that safe harbor. I
imagine I felt something of
what the disciples of Jesus
Christ felt on that day when they were raged. The disciples panicked. It seemed
with the Savior. They set sail upon the Sea as though the boat would capsize, yet the


Savior still slept. At last, they could wait
no longer and they awakened Jesus. You
can almost hear the anguish and despair
in their voices as they pled with their
Master, 'Carest thou not that we perish?'"
Mark 4:38
Many intoday's world feel
troubled and distressed; many
feel that, at any moment, the
ships of their lives could
capsize or sink. When you
feel tossed by the storms of
life and when the waves rise
and the winds howl, on those
occasions it would be natural
for you to cry in your heart,
"Master, carest thou not
that I perish?" When these
times come, think back upon
that day when the Savior
awakened in the stern of the
ship, rose up and rebuked
the storm. He can and does
rebuke the storms in our day.
He is the same "Yesterday,
today, and forever." Do not
fear. He is still at the helm.
"Peace, be still." Mark 4:39
Continue to use your
ingenuity, your strength and
your might to resolve your
challenges. Seek the support
of others who can show you
the chartered course that
leads to safe harbors. Do all
you can do and then "Let go
and let God."
Draw close to the Lord, be
of good cheer. Keep the faith
and doubt not. The storms
will one day be stilled. God
is at the helm.
When our souls are
anchored in the safe harbor
of the Lord, we can say as
did Paul, "We are troubled on
every side, yet not distressed;
we are perplexed, but not in
despair; persecuted, but not
forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed." 2
Corinthians 8:4-9 O


II Ll i Il


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

Spanish Catholic Mass
Sunday: 5 p.m.
at NAVSTA Chapel


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, JUNE 5, 2009


PAGE 14 1 THE WIRE







































Navy Petty Officer 1t' Class Mickey Petersen places security barriers at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, February 26.
Petersen, a member of the Commissions Support Group at Joint Task Force Guantanamo, is currently working on a
project to document the Department of Defense's response to Hurricane Katrina. JTF Guantanamo photo by Navy Petty
Officer 1st Class Linda Andreoli


Army Staff Sgt.
Blair Heusdens
JTF Guantanamo Public Affairs


A Joint Task Force Guantanamo Trooper
is helping to record a small piece of history
by putting together information on the
military's response to Hurricane Katrina,
the deadly hurricane that ravaged the Gulf
Coast in 2005. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class
Mickey Petersen, the operations non-
commissioned officer for the Commissions
Support Group, has been working with the
1st Army History Group to compile lessons
learned from the storm for use in future
disaster planning.
"They just send me a million documents
- every piece of paperwork the units who
were involved in the response generated -
and I go through and break it down piece
by piece," Petersen said.
Petersen was chosen to participate
in this project based on research work
he did for the emergency and disaster
response degree he is pursuing through the
American Military University. Petersen
is a master-at-arms in the Navy Reserve
and a police officer in the civilian world
with more than 12-years experience in law
enforcement.
As a local law enforcement officer in
Tucson, Ariz., Petersen often responds
to disasters within the state. This project
helped him to better understand disaster


response at the national level and how
federally-declared disasters tie into the
National Response Plan.
"It has allowed me to learn more
about emergency response planning, the
Department of Defense's role in disasters
and homeland security issues," Petersen
said.
In addition to documentation from
the units, Petersen uses newspaper and
magazine articles and audio interviews from
the commanders in the field to generate an
accurate assessment of what happened on
the ground and where improvements can
be made.
Hurricane Katrina was one of the
first times the Department of Defense
coordinated a large-scale response to a
natural disaster in addition to the traditional
statewide response. The after-action reports
will look at the process it took to get the
active duty involved and how it can be
streamlined in the future.
Petersen's work is focused primarily on
the Marine Corps response to Katrina as
well as the response by the Navy Seabees.
The Marine Corps portion is in the final
editing process and is currently being
distributed and used by emergency planners
for future operations.
At the end of his tour at Naval Station
Guantanamo Bay, Petersen plans to return
home to continue his studies and go back to
work in law enforcement. 0


FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2009 15 MINUTES OF FAME


Navy Petty Officer 1'' Class Mickey
Petersen with the Commissions
Support Group is working to compile
historical information from Hurricane
Katrina into a report for future
disaster planning purposes. JTF
Guantanamo photo by Army Staff Sgt.
Blair Heusdens
THE WIRE I PAGE 15



















































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