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Friday, November 28, 2003Volume 4, Issue 12 www.nsgtmo.navy.mil/jtfgtmo

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By SGT Jolene Staker

The 273rd Military PoliceCompany out of Washington,D.C., is the only federalNational Guard unit thatanswers directly to the presi-dent of the United States.

They brought valuable expe-rience – both civilian and mili-tary – to Guantanamo that hasallowed them to excel in theirresponsibilities here. “They’redoing outstanding,” said CPTRoland Lane, 273rd MP Co.commander.

Members of the 273rd MPCo. have been on active dutysince 9/11. First they aug-mented the Capitol Hill Police,and then they had a Pentagonmission. Their next stop wasGuantanamo Bay, where theyput their experience gained ontheir previous deployments,annual trainings with real lifemissions out of country andtheir civilian backgrounds to

work for the JTF. “There is nothing we can’t

handle,” said 1SG SandraAdams-Jones, company firstsergeant. This became the unit’smotto while serving at the Pen-tagon providing perimeter secu-rity. “We get called for a

mission, and we do it to the bestof our ability,” she said.

During their Capitol Hillmission the 273rd MPs had thesame duties as any Capitol Hillpolice officer. They guardedbarricaded entrances into Capi-tol Hill and directed traffic. The

State of the Union address wasone high profile event they pro-vided security for.

The 273rd MP Co. alsoserved about eight months dur-ing the Gulf War providingsecurity for Al Khobar Towers,operating an enemy prisoner ofwar mission, and working inCustoms and Agriculture.

They also provided lawenforcement support in Ger-many for about seven monthsas part of Joint Endeavor. Lawenforcement includes anythinga police officer would do, suchas responding to domestic dis-turbances and traffic stops.

The 273rd MP Co. membershave been to Italy, Honduras,Panama and Turkey for annualtraining where they had actualmissions – they were not justtraining. They did everythingfrom security, law enforcementand Customs and Agriculture.

Photo by SGT Jolene Staker

From Capitol Hill to Guantanamo Bay JTF

SFC Anthony Atkinson, 273rd Military Police Company 2nd platoon sergeant,holds formation to perform pre-guard mount checks and assign guards to theirshifts.

See 273rd, page 4

It is hard to imagine that November hasslipped by and December and the Holi-days loom in the immediate future. Timehas a way of passing quickly at Guan-tanamo. The OPTEMPO is fast paced andcomplex. Now is an excellent time to notonly take stock in what we have accom-plished but to look ahead as the missioncontinues. The majority of us have beenhere for some time and we are settling inso to speak. Let us not become complacentin what we do. We must constantly striveto be better.

If you haven’t been conducting goodAfter Action Reviews it’s past the time tostart. TC 25-20, “A Leaders Guide toAfter Action Reviews” is the reference.Don’t forget to plan training to correctdeficiencies. And remember that AARsget everyone involved and that everyone’sinput is necessary. Your training should bewell planned, well executed and focusedupon the mission. All of this relates todoing things right. Again, know the stan-dard!

Over the past few months I have beenable to visit with many of you. Whether itbe in the dining facility or galley, the fit-ness center, on dismounted patrol or insidethe wire, it has been great to meet thetroopers of the JTF. We come from allwalks of life and various backgrounds andfrom all branches of the Service. Moreamazing is how we have formed into a

cohesive team focused upon the mission. As we progress, the troopers may

change, but the mission remains constant.Along those lines I think it is appropriatefor leaders to develop a “continuity book”that will assist our follow on personnel inquickly understanding their role within theJoint Task Force community. JTF Guan-tanamo Regulation 10-1 Organization andFunctions Headquarters, JTF describes themajor staff roles and functions, but leadersneed to go beyond this in order to fullydescribe the inner workings of the job thatyou perform.

Troopers, you work hard. We expectyou to work hard. We also thank you andappreciate what you do.

Honor Bound!

Page 2 Friday, November 28, 2003

Trooper to Trooper

BG Mitch LeClaireDeputy Joint Task Force

Commander for OperationsJTF Guantanamo

JTF-GTMO Command

Commander:MG Geoffrey D. MillerJoint Task Force CSM:CSM George L. NievesPublic Affairs Officer:Lt. Col. Pamela L. HartDeputy PAOLt. Cmdr. Robert W. Mulac70th MPAD Commander:Maj. Jonathan P. DolanCommand Information Officer / Editor:1st Lt. Tracy L. SaucyCirculation: 2,100 copies

The Wire StaffThe Wire NCOIC: Staff Sgt. Patrick ClowardEditor:Spc. Rick FahrStaff writers and design team:Sgt. Jolene StakerSpc. Katherine L. CollinsSenior Airman Thomas J. DoscherSpc. William D. IngramSpc. Tommi Meyer

Contact us:From Guantanamo:5239/5241 (Local phone)5426 (Local fax)From CONUS:Com: 011-53-99-5239DSN: 660-5239Public Affairs OfficeOnline:http://www.nsgtmo.navy.mil/jtfgtmo

The Wire is produced by the 70thMobile Public Affairs Detachmentassigned to the Joint InformationBureau at Joint Task Force Guan-tanamo. This publication is printedunder the provisions provided inArmy Regulation 360-1 and doesnot reflect the views of the Depart-ment of Defense or the personnelwithin.

Command climate surveydue Saturday

JTF troopers may still complete thecommand climate survey.

Collection boxes will be available at the Headquarters andCommissions buildings, all galleys and the TK and

Windward Loop MWR locations until 4 p.m. Saturday.Don’t miss this opportunity to have your voice heard.

Time comes tolook forward,backward

Friday, November 28, 2003 Page 3

Lyceum workTroopers can expect someupgrades at Bulkely Lyceum in thefuture, according to Craig Basel,MWR director. New seats are onthe horizon as well as an upgraded35mm film system.

Photo by SPC Tommi Meyer

Thanksgiving Guantanamo styleWe are a nation of many national-ities, many races, and religionsbound together by a single unity,the unity of freedom and equality.

- Franklin D. Roosevelt

SPC Jason Low (left) of the 258th Military Police Co. selects hislunch from the Thanksgiving offerings at Quick Hall Galley. MarineSSG Jean Wagnac (below) delivers a scripture reading duringWednesday night’s Thanksgiving service at Camp America’s Sea-side Galley. During the service, MG Geoffrey Miller, JTF com-mander, delivered a message of appreciation to JTF troopers andtheir families for their sacrifices in the name of freedom.

Photo by SPC Rick Fahr

Photo by SPC Katherine L. Collins

Friday, November 28, 2003Page 4

By SrA. Thomas J. Doscher

The JTF is taking steps to address a prob-lem common in deployed locations – alco-hol abuse.

The JTF Combat Stress Company andthe base hospital are working on ways tolimit alcohol abuse in the JTF.

“It's not a right; it's a privilege to be ableto drink,” said 1SG David Folsom, JTF firstsergeant. “Unfortunately, troopers find it away to decompress.”

Some methods being put into place arethings like limiting the purchase of alcoholto one case of beer per person per day or 1bottle of liquor and implementing 100 per-cent ID checks for alcohol purchases.

Alcohol abuse is a common problem indeployed locations, said Chief Petty OfficerCharles Jenkins, Substance Abuse Rehabili-tation Program alcohol and drug counselor,and JTF GTMO is no exception to the rule.

“It’s normal in deployments,” Jenkinssaid. ‘Being away from a constrained envi-ronment gives people a chance to indulge oroverindulge.’

To help combat alcohol abuse, the JTFhas appointed Petty Officer 2nd ClassKamesa Albert as the JTF's new Drug andAlcohol Program advisor to act as a liaisonbetween the JTF command and the treat-ment center at the hospital.

“If a person feels they have a problem,they can talk to her and they’ll make thedetermination if they need to come here forscreening and counseling,” Jenkins said.

Jenkins said Albert will also go out toindividual units and conduct alcohol abuseprevention briefs.

JTF troops who think they might have analcohol problem have to want help.

“They don’t have to be in trouble,” Jenk-ins said. “They just have to have a con-cern.”

Folsom said it’s the trooper’s choice.“We’re setting up more MWR so troops

don't have to use alcohol as decompression,”he said. “We’re trying to get leaders moreinvolved.”

Troops should be able to trust their lead-ers to help and look out for them, Folsomsaid.

“They should have the trust in their chainof command to feel free and come to theirleadership to present their problem and getthe assistance they need,” he said. “We havethe means on the island to help, includingthe CSC and a great chaplain program.”

Folsom said his door is always open toJTF troops in trouble.

“Alcohol is sometimes a sign that theywant help,” he said. “Sometimes they feelthey have no one to talk to but the bottle. TheJTF is trying to curb that.”

For more information about alcoholabuse and treatment, call Albert at 7-2090.

JTF taking measures against alcohol abuse

273rd from Page 1

Deployments and annualtraining missions are not theonly military experience theseMPs brought to Guantanamo.“Most people are prior service– a lot of former Marines,” saidSFC William Wells, trainingand physical security NCOwho joined the Marines in1973.

The 273rd MP Co. is alsorich with people with civilianexperience that adds to themission. “A significant per-centage of folks have lawenforcement backgrounds,whether it be in corrections,D.C. police officer or countypolice officer,” said Lane.“What they bring is a wealth ofpractical experience. Theycomplement the training mak-ing it more effective.”

Lane said that one of themany things his soldiers withlaw enforcement experiencebrought to the mission was themindset you need when doingcorrections or detainee opera-tions.

They can teach the skillsrequired to enable MPs tosafely and effectively stay

within the SOP. This is com-prised if you lose the mindset.

“In the civilian world I am acorrections officer, so thisgives me a chance to teach myMPs how to do corrections.Gives me a chance to give themsome hands on experience ofthe do’s and don’ts,” said SFCJuan Mitchell, 273rd MP Co.1st platoon sergeant.

“Our experience makes themission safer. We know to

always be on alert,” said SGTMichael Chestnut, 273rd MPCo. 3rd platoon, 3rd squadleader with 10 years experiencein law enforcement said. “Wecan teach younger troops toknow what to expect and howto protect themselves.”

Less experienced troopsagree that they have benefitedfrom this shared experience.“I’ve learned how to be morereceptive to the dangers of the

job,” said SPC Marcus T. Cum-mings of the 273rd MP Co.“Experienced leadership hastaught me how to leave the atti-tude of retaliation at home.”While it may be instinct to reactwhen someone does somethingto you, Cummings said he’slearned to drive on with the job.

The 273rd MP Co. membersmay have come with a lot ofexperience, but they are addingto that experience each day, sothat when it is time for them togo home they will not be goingempty handed.

“The experience I’m takinghome is dealing with differentnationalities and learning otherreligions and cultures. I’velearned this not only from thedetainees but also from thethird country nationals aroundthe base,” said Cummings.

“I think the most rewardingexperience of being here is theopportunity to work with a taskforce comprised of Army,Navy, Air Force, Marines andNavy,” said SFC AnthonyBaker, 273rd MP Co. 3rd Pla-toon sergeant. “In my 24 yearswith the Guard this is the firsttime I’ve been part of a jointtask force.”

Photo by SGT Jolene Staker

SSG Kirk Douglas, SGT Deron Jenkins and SGT Vanessa Whitley of the 273rdMilitary Police Company board the bus to go to Camp Delta to begin their shift.Travelling is nothing new to these soldiers who all travel from out of state to drillwith their unit in Washington D.C., Douglas travels in from Florida, Jenkins fromGeorgia and Whitley from North Carolina.

Friday, November 28, 2003 Page 5

By SSG Patrick Cloward

Surveying the battle scene,the commander sees there isheavy rifle fire to his left flank;up ahead there are vehicleswhich he does not recognize,coming toward his position.How can he be sure if they’refriendly forces?

Kris Zebra, technical trainingspecialist for command and con-trol systems from the Expedi-tionary Warfare TrainingGroup-Atlantic, explains, howthe Command and Control Per-sonal Computer (C2PC) semi-nar, which was recently given in

a 30-hour instruction course atCamp America, is now beingused in the U.S. Armed Forces tohelp tactical coordination.

“C2PC applications isn’tjust an overlay tool,” saidZebra of the networked com-puter program. “It’s designedto be the manager of the com-mon operation picture. Sup-pose units would use it todisplay infiltrators to cut themoff, or it could keep track of myunits and help reduce opera-tions fratricide.”

Zebra mentioned that duringthe Gulf War, there were occa-sions of not enough information

finding its wayto troops in thefield. This is aresult in aslowed ability togather informa-tion on friendlytroop movementand coordinatetheir position inregard to theposition of theenemy.

“With thissystem, you’re

no longers h o o t i n geach other,”he said.

Locationinformationcan berouted indigitally ormanually tothe network,where every-one involvedcan seemoment-by-m o m e n tchanges inthe battle-field picture,giving thecommand structure an easierassessment of tactics and secu-rity. Advancements like this are astep ahead in battle planning.

Airman 1st Class Carl Cleary,JTF JOC J-3, originating fromthe Air Force PACAM Com-puter Support Squadron based atHickam AFB in Hawaii, foundits ease of use a bonus.

“This is like a course thathelps keep track of everything,”said Cleary. “Understanding this

is not only beneficial for the JTF,but for my Air Force career.”

CSM Richard Michael of JTFJ-3 Plans and Operations alsosaw its appeal.

“The program is pretty easyto work with,” he said. “Every-one operating it can have a com-plete overview of people on thebattlefield. I’ve never used itbefore and had no problems withit. You can take a whole world-view and just zoom right in on anarea real easy.”

C2PC course enhances battlefield proficiency

Photo by SSG Patrick Cloward

With the C2PC software program (above), students can use bird’s-eyeviews of tactical situations (bottom-left) to assess troop movement.

Main Exchange readies for Christmas rushBy SSG Patrick Cloward

The Christmas shopping jitters havefinally arrived at Guantanamo Bay.

In order to serve the frenzied masses,the main Navy Exchange has con-tributed to the holiday spirit by partici-pating in the post-Thanksgivingearly-bird sales teasers we’re all so usedto in the U.S.

“Every store in the states does this,”said Don Mohlman, general manager forthe Navy Exchange here on base. “So Isaid, ‘Let’s try this. Let’s have somefun.’”

Starting at 6 a.m. today, a largeinventory of items fresh from the bargewere put on display for significant dis -counts until 11 a.m.

“Then we take down the signs andkeep up the regular sale items we havethat day until 8 p.m.,” said Mohlman.

Tomorrow is no different, except thespecial sales start at 8 a.m. and go until1 p.m. after which the regular Thanks-giving sale will go on until 8 p.m. Sun-day will continue with sales from 10a.m. until 6 p.m.

The NEX will also be contributing toa special “Breakfast With Santa” forfamilies at McDonalds from 8 to 10 a.m.on Nov. 29.

There will be many more specials andaltered business hours to coincide withthe holidays. For those interested in fol-lowing up on the changes, you cancheck the front of the main exchange,where specific hours will be posted.

Photo by SSG Patrick Cloward

Rosamarie Rodgers and Fabian Lopez display anexample of what is being offered in the Main NavyExchange before the upcoming Thanksgiving andChristmas sales to come in the next few weeks.

Friday, November 28, 2003Page 6

By SPC Katherine L. Collins

They live with a passion,fight with a vision. They are theNative Americans of the U.S.military.

Historically, Native Ameri-cans have held the highest recordof military service per capitacompared to other ethnic groups,according to Department ofDefense officials. Their culturalvalues drive them to serve theircountry, and their warrior spiritbecomes one with their militaryservice. The reason behind thisdisproportionate contribution isthat, although Native Americansare no different from others whovolunteer for military service,they do, however, have distinctivecultural values that drive them toserve their country. One suchvalue is their proud warrior tradi-tion, which is best exemplified bythe following qualities said to beinherent to most, if not all, NativeAmerican societies: strength,honor, pride, devotion and wis-dom. These qualities make a per-fect fit with military tradition.

To be a Native Americanwarrior is to have physical, men-tal and spiritual strength, whichmeans being prepared to over-power the enemy and face deathhead-on. In return for drawingon their strength to fight, NativeAmericans further develop eachform of strength as they battle.To survive the chaos of war is togain a more intimate knowledgeof life.

United States military serviceprovides an outlet for NativeAmericans to fulfill a culturalpurpose rooted in tradition—tofight and defend their homeland.Native American warriors aredevoted to the survival of theirpeople and their homeland. Ifnecessary, warriors will laydown their lives for the preser-vation of their culture, for deathto the Native American warrioris just another step in theadvancement of life. It is under-stood that the warrior's spiritlives on eternally.

The warrior seeks wisdom.Wisdom, as used in this context,means the sum total of formallearning and worldly experi-ences. In wartime, those NativeAmericans seeing heavy combathad to learn how to survive,often using skills that many unitcommanders thought wereinherent to the Native Ameri-can’s cultural background.

During the 21st century, theUnited States military can beexpected to provide continuingopportunity for Native Ameri-can men and women. For theirpart, Native Americans can beexpected to carry on their cen-turies-old warrior tradition—serving with pride, courage, anddistinction.A long tradition

The people of the UnitedStates recognize the month ofNovember as Native AmericanHeritage Month. Recently, Pres-ident George W. Bush stated,“The strength of our Nationcomes from its people. As theearly inhabitants of this land, thenative peoples of North Americaplayed a unique role in the shap-ing of our Nation’s history andculture.” Native Americans con-tinue this warrior mission stilltoday, fighting for freedomthroughout the world. JTF hon-ors all who served before us andthose now serving beside us, inGuantanamo and abroad.

American Indians have par-ticipated with distinction in U.S.military actions for more than

200 years. At the close of the20th century, nearly 190,00Native Americans wererecorded as military veterans.

Among the greatest of NativeAmerican military veterans arethe Navajo code talkers, whotook part in every assault theU.S. Marines conducted in thePacific from 1942 to 1945.These men transmitted messagesby telephone and radio in theirnative language—a code that theJapanese never broke. NativeAmerican military warriorstoday aspire to the level of excel-lence of the these U.S. heroes.JTF warriors

Today’s Native Americanscarry on the heroic warrior tradi-tion of their ancestors. Men andwomen from all tribes haveanswered the call to defend theUnited States and their owntribal nations by serving in var-ied military capacities through-out the world. JTF Guantanamois among the numerous militaryoperations witnessing NativeAmerican military service. Fromvarious states and units, JTFNative American troopers fightfor freedom in such roles asmedics, postal workers, journal-ists, supply workers and militarypolice.

Among JTF’s Native Ameri-can service members are SPCMarcus Sepulveda of the 747thPostal Detachment and SSGKristine Patton of the 384th Mil-itary Police Battalion.

Sepulveda joined the military

in search of discipline. He hasserved in the Army Reserve inMontana for seven years, first asan ammunitions specialist. Herehe serves in Camp America’spost office, using skills quite dif-ferent from those of his positionas a correctional officer in Mon-tana’s state prison. Married withfour children, Sepulveda drawson his Sioux and Chippewa val-ues and experiences to succeedin his military service. He mostcredits his family.

“I lived with both my full-blooded Sioux grandmother andfull-blooded Chippewa grand-mother growing up. One had 13kids and one had 12. I was prettyclose with all my aunts anduncles. They were like mybrothers and sisters. Growing upwith limited space and lots ofpeople around prepared me wellfor the typical military livingenvironment, especially ondeployments. Having lots of rel-atives also taught me how toform close relationships. Someof us in the unit have become soclose that we are like a family. Ithelps us work together betterand helps our moral too.”

Patton is a senior medic at theCamp America joint aid station.She has served in the ArmyReserve for six years in Indiana,three of which were with the337th Combat Support Hospital.She works as a critical care tech-nician in Indiana and is engagedto be married. In her effort todefend freedom and heal troop-ers, she looks to the values she’sbeen handed from her full-blooded Cherokee grandfatherand her full-blooded Siouxgreat-grandmother.

“I grew up in the military. Mygrandpa was in the Army for over30 years, during which he ran ahowitzer division at Fort Custer.This inspired me to join too. Nowthat I’m serving, one great NativeAmerican value I look to is thatof the tribe, which means ‘fam-ily.’ Our culture teaches that youare to devote yourself only toyour tribe. This value helps mecare for all my troops assigned tome. I see them as family.”

Information compiled fromInternet sources.

Native Americans: Keeping the tradition aliveIndians warriors,military warriors

Photo by SPC Katherine L. Collins

SPC Marcus Sepulveda747th Postal Detachment

Photo by SPC Katherine L. Collins

SSG Kristine Patton384th Military Police Battalion

Friday, November 28, 2003 Page 7

Trooper on the Street

SPCChristopher Collins

181st Infantry Regiment

SPCStephen McGurn

181st Infantry Regiment

SPCDomenik Guglielmo

217th Military Police Co.

“I work out five days aweek. ... I have enoughself-discipline to not eatdesert at the galley.”

SPCEdgar Torres

463rd Military Police Co.

“I found a partner. Wekeep each other motivat-ed at the gym and on thetrack.”

“In our free time, we gettogether and we use thegym for physical stuff [likebasketball] to entertainus.”

“I go to Windmill Beachand go snorkeling forhours, and I run in battal-ion runs.”

Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class

Kris GolandPSU Detachment

“Camp Bulkeley gym hasbeen my main source, andI’m infantry, so I gopatrolling through the hillsof GTMO.”

This week’s question: What unique ways have you found to stay fit here at Guantanamo Bay?

By SPC Tommi Meyer

By SrA. Thomas J. Doscher

The much-awaited move of JTF person-nel from Windward Loop to Camp Amer-ica II has been delayed, but will continuenonetheless.

Citing a desire to ensure that JTF troopswould be comfortable in their new sur-roundings, JTF leadership said there willbe a short delay.

“We’re trying to get some quality furni-ture and equipment put in before wemove,” Navy Lt. Cmdr. Frankie “J” Handsaid. “It’s still going to happen. At thispoint it’s not going to happen in the time-frame we originally set.”

The delay also provides more troop sta-bility and convenience during the comingholiday season.

Hand said an exact date for the movehas not been set.

“We’re working that out,” he said. “Bymoving it to the right, it keeps everythingon an even plane until after the holidays.”

The final decision on exactly who in theJTF will be moving has not been made, butHand said J-4 and the JTF leadership arehard at work developing a fair, quick and

efficient move plan.Navy Capt. Paul McNeill, J-4 Director

of Logistics, said the move will make theJTF staff a more efficient unit as well asfree up NavBase housing for their fami-lies.

“It will cause the JTF HHC to be a morecohesive unit than one where the housingconditions are separated,” McNeill said.“We are occupying houses meant forNavBase families, so we need to move outof family housing and into something moreakin to bachelor quarters.”

Camp America II has 312 beds, Handsaid, and the JTF HHC intends to fill mostof them while still leaving some for incom-ing personnel.

McNeill said the barracks-type quartersfits the role and mission of the JTF.

“This is field billeting because of thetransitory nature of JTF personnel,” hesaid. “It’s important that we turn over theNavBase housing so they can get morefamilies in there.”

McNeill said the move will affect onlyhousing and nothing else.

“This doesn’t change a thing withMWR on the base,” he said. “This hassolely to do with housing and billeting.... The end result will be a better loca-tion, better unit cohesion and help usmore effectively promote our JTF mis-sion.”

Hand said the move to Camp AmericaII is only the beginning.

Details of the final plan for the move toCamp America II will be released in earlyDecember.

Troopers’ move to Camp America II delayed;Large project pushed beyond holiday season

“We’re trying to get some quality furniture and equipment put inbefore we move. ... It’s still going to happen. At this point it’s not goingto happen in the timeframe we originally set.”

–Navy Lt. Cmdr. Frankie “J” Hand,J-4 operations officer

By SGT Jolene Staker

Do you have questions about the validityand relevance of the Christian faith in today’sworld?

Chaplain Paul Minor offers troopers aunique 14-week program, Alpha, Tuesdayand Friday nights from 7-8:30 that has a 45-minute DVD presentationcovering the basics ofChristianity and then givestroopers the chance toengage in small group dis-cussions or debates.

Environment is key tothe success of the program.Minor said, “The big thingis to create a safe environ-ment, and I think we’vedone that.”

The safe environment makes Alpha idealfor those just wanting to investigate Chris-tianity without any pressure, new Christians,those who feel their Christian life needs ajump start, newcomers to church and thosejust wanting to brush up on the basics.

Minor said, “The question mark emblemrepresents that they can participate no matterwhere they are coming from. They can be apart of the conversation. If they have ques-tions; if they aren’t sure; that’s OK.”

People not necessarily comfortable inchurch are also encouraged to attend. “Therecan be a lot of social pressure within a churchto get on board with a certain belief system,”said Minor. “Here we try to create an environ-ment where whatever faith they are, no mat-ter where they are — even if they are angrywith the church — they can bring that.”

Alpha originated at Holy Trinity Bromp-ton, an Anglican church in London, England,

over 20 years ago by Reverend Nicky Gum-bel. Today, churches of every type and back-ground, including Anglican, Baptist,Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, Methodist,Pentecostal, Salvation Army, Free Churchand House Churches, are offering Alpha.

Gumbel is the speaker on the DVD used inthe program. “The way he talks is goodfor those who may not know anythingabout God, but it’s also good for thosewho have a church back home,” saidSPC Luis Marrero, chaplain assistant.

Alpha is able to cross the denomi-national lines because it focuses on thebasics of Christianity. The topics cov-ered include: week one — Who isJesus?; week two — Why did Jesusdie?; week three — How can I be sureof my faith?; week four — Why andhow should I read the Bible?; weekfive — Why and how do I pray?; weeksix — Who is the Holy Spirit?; weekseven — What does the Holy Spiritdo?; week eight — How can I be filledwith the Holy Spirit?; week nine —How can I resist evil?; week 10 —How does God guide us?; week 11 —Why and how should I tell others?;week 12 — Does God heal today?;week 13 — What about the church?and week 14 — How can I make themost out of the rest of my life?

Even though it is a 14-week programwith subjects that are interwoven, eachweek’s session can stand on its own.Not being able to attend each and everysession should not keep anyone fromattending when they can, said Minor.

Church leaders from all denomina-tions have reported the “astonishing”impact the course has had in their

areas. The program has had the same effecthere at Guantanamo.

“It’s a great course. It fills me up. It givesme strength,” said SPC Irvin Maldonado, ofthe Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion,181st Infantry Regiment. “I’m learning to bebetter than I am day by day.”

Friday, November 28, 2003Page 8

Worship ServicesCatholic

Main ChapelWed. 5 p.m. R.C.I.A. (Cobre Chapel)Fri. 5 p.m. RosarySat. 4:15 p.m. Confession

5:30 p.m. Vigil MassSun. 9 a.m. Mass

10:15 a.m. Spanish Mass (Sanct. B)M-Fri. 11:30 a.m. Mass (Cobre Chapel)

Camp AmericaSun. 5 p.m. Mass

Wooden Chapel

ProtestantMain Chapel

Mon. 7 p.m. Prayer Group Fellowship*Wed. 7 p.m. Men’s Bible Study*

7 p.m. Spanish Group390-Evan’s Pt

Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Home GroupNob Hill 5B

Sun. 6:30 a.m. Praise and Worship Service

9:30 a.m. Sunday School11 a.m. Service/Sunday School5 p.m. Bible Study

* Fellowship Hall located in Chapel Complex

Camp AmericaWed. 7 p.m. ServiceSun. 9 a.m. Seaside Galley(Temporary location until further notice)

7 p.m. ServiceWooden Chapel

New Life FellowshipMain Chapel

Sun. 12:45 p.m. Service

Pentecostal GospelSun. 8 a.m. Service (Sanc C)

5 p.m. Service (Sanc C)

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day SaintsSun. 9 a.m. Sanctuary A

IslamicFri. 1 p.m. Classroom 12

Chapel Complex

JewishFri. 8 p.m. Fellowship Hall

Camp America Church Bus schedule:Sun. 8 a.m. Windward Loop

8:15 a.m. Tierra KayThe bus will return following worship.

Get answers to faith questions at Alpha program

Chaplain Paul Minor and SPC Luis Marrero, chaplain’s assistant, talk with SPC Irvin Maldonado, ofHeadquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 181st Infantry Regiment, during small group discussion atAlpha.

Photo by SGT Jolene Staker

Friday, November 28, 2003 Page 9

Camp Bulkeley

Fri., Nov. 288 p.m. The MaskPG 13- 102 min

10 p.m. Love & Action inChicago

R - 91 min

Sat., Nov. 298 p.m. Ring of Fire

PG13 - 104 min

10 p.m. Chain ofCommand R- 95 min

Sun., Nov. 308 p.m. Pitch Black

R - 107 min

Mon., Dec. 18 p.m. Lost Souls

R - 102 min

Tues., Dec. 28 p.m. ShaftR - 100 min

Wed., Dec. 38 p.m. Mystic Pizza

R - 104 min

Thurs., Dec. 48 p.m. Timecop

R - 98 min

Downtown LyceumFri., Nov. 28

7 p.m. School of RockPG13 - 110 min

9 p.m. Cold Creek ManorR - 119 min

Sat., Nov. 29No movie because of

Electric LightHoliday Parade

Sun., Nov. 307 p.m. Master &

Commander: The Far Sideof the World

PG13 - 138 min

Mon., Dec. 17 p.m. Under the Tuscan

SunPG13 - 113 min

Tues., Dec. 27 p.m. Once Upon a Time

in MexicoR - 97 min

Wed., Dec. 37 p.m. The Fighting

TemptationsPG13 - 123 min

Thurs., Dec. 47 p.m. Cold Creek Manor

R - 119 min

MovieSchedule

Parade, concert slated for SaturdayTo get JTF troopers in the Christmas spirit, a holiday parade will begin at

6 p.m. on Saturday.The parade route is along Sherman Avenue from the LCN parking lot to

the Downtown Lyceum.After the parade, Allison and the Wildwood Band will be performing at

the Downtown Lyceum. The concert – along with predicted “snowfall” – willbegin at 8 p.m.

Call MWR at extension 2345 for more information.

Dunlop golf clubs will be among the prizes at Sun-day’s MWR Thanksgiving golf tournament.

The event, in advance of another tournament onDec. 7, will begin at 8 a.m. and will be an individualstroke play tournament. Players who do not have reg-istered handicaps will be handicapped using the Call-away handicapping system.

The tournament is limited to 36 players, who mustbe at the golf course no later than 7:15 a.m. on Sunday.

Prizes will be awarded in men’s and women’s divi-sions, and other prizes will be given for longest driveand closest shot to the pin. There is no entry fee forthe event, but players must furnish their own carts andclubs. For more information, call MWR at 2193.

Golf tourney set for SundayPhoto by SPC William Ingram

Extreme racingJTF trooper SFC Danny Johns rides a bike dur-ing Saturday’s extreme adventure race, whichconsisted of running, biking and kayaking. Tenfour-person teams participated in the event, andthe NavBase GTMO Dive Locker team won witha time of 3:09:38. Team members were JohnTheriot, Bill Dorman, Everett Hairston and CherylHairston.

Photo by SGT Jolene Staker

Delta Galley ribbon-cuttingJTF officials cut the ribbon to open Cafe Caribe, a new galley at Camp America. Participating inthe event were (from left) COL Nelson Cannon; SGM Anthony Mendez; CSM George Nieves,JTF command sergeant major; and MG Geoffrey Miller, JTF commander.

Friday, November 28, 2003Page 10

By SGT Talal ElkhatibPutting on more rank means

accepting more responsibility.Good leadership means a

better tomorrow for enlistedtroopers and officers, and yourappearance has a big influenceon your leadership. The way towin soldiers’ hearts and trust isto lead by example. The firstthing that your company orsquad sees is your appearance.As a leader, being fit will earnyou respect and confidencefrom your troops. Good healthwill also take you to victory.

Again, your first judgmentfrom your troops is yourappearance. You simply cannotorder your troops to do physi-cal exercise when you are outof shape yourself. You have topractice what you preach. Your

troops expect you, as a leader,to know and do all.

Active duty personnel shouldbe in this mind-set already. Ifyou are in the National Guard orReserve, this deployment is a

good chance to change yourlifestyle and improve your mili-tary career. Looking like a sol-dier and having a commandvoice are two essential elementsto being a good leader.

As a leader, your dutyincludes ensuring that your sol-diers are fit for combat. War isbrutal, and being fit will increaseyour chances for survival. Hav-ing endurance can take youthrough the long day and theexhausting combat movements.When technology fails, yourstrength will enable you to defeatenemy soldiers coming at youwith a bayonet. That rarely hap-pens, but we have to train for theworst and hope for the best. Howcan you, as a leader, possiblytrain your soldiers for strengthand stamina if you are not fit?

The future is in the hands ofyoung and upcoming troopers.Remember that your appear-ance is the first impression oth-ers will have of you.

Troopers may execute yourcommands for fear of punish-ment or because they have trustand confidence in you. Youractions and not your words willhelp troopers in your commandaccomplish your missions. Ifyour soldiers believe in you,they will do anything you tellthem to do without asking ques-tions.

Get fit. Lead by exampleand take care of your troops.You never know where tomor-row will take you.

Honor bound.Coming next week: good

and bad workout habits.

Leaders should show example through fitness

SGT Talal ElkhatibJTF master fitness trainer

Photo by SPC William Ingram

Spirit runMG Geoffrey Miller, JTF commander, speaks to troopers after a spiritrun Wednesday morning. His message to the troopers focused onbuilding a winning team through leadership. The commander alsospoke briefly about the many things that troopers and Americans haveto be thankful for. He concluded his remarks by telling troopers to pre-pare for an “attention to detail” physical training event coming soon.

Volleyball league in full swing

Photo by SPC Rick Fahr

Volleyball players SSG Bennie Womack (left), SGT Ceonia Jones (center) and SSG KirkDouglas warm up before their game on Friday morning.

Two JTF teams have emerged as division leaders in beach volleyballplay.

The 384th Military Police Battalion leads the Atlantic Division with a 4-0 record, while the 1st Battalion, 181st Infantry Regiment leads theCaribbean Division with a 3-0 mark.

Other Atlantic team records are: J-6, 2-1; 258th Military Police Com-pany, 1-2 and J-3 and 217th Military Police Company, 0-1-2.

Other Caribbean team records are: 273rd Military Police Company, 2-1;JAS, 2-2; PAO-1 and J-8, 1-2; and PAO-2, 1-3.

Friday, November 28, 2003 Page 11

Sports highlightsOklahoma, USC on collision course

Trooperpicks

JTF personnel’s predictionsfor this week’s games

Miami (Fla.) at PittsburghNotre Dame at StanfordGeorgia at Georgia TechFlorida State at FloridaIowa State at MissouriPatriots at ColtsVikings at RamsBroncos at RaidersFalcons at TexansBengals at SteelersLast week’s recordOverall record

1st SGTSandra Adams-Jones

273rd MP Co.

Craig BaselMWR director

SSGDeon Lee

216th MP Co.

SSGStephanie Nielsen

384th MP Bn.

PittsburghNotre Dame

GeorgiaFlorida State

MissouriColts

VikingsRaidersFalconsBengals

7-353-33

MiamiNotre Dame

GeorgiaFlorida State

MissouriPatriotsRams

BroncosTexansSteelers

7-352-34

MiamiNotre Dame

GeorgiaFlorida

MissouriColtsRams

BroncosTexansSteelers

10-062-24

MiamiStanfordGeorgiaFlorida

Iowa StatePatriotsRams

BroncosTexansBengals

6-455-31

Games

Compiled bySPC Rick Fahr

Last weekend’s collegefootball rivalry matchupsended some teams’ nationaltitle hopes and kept others’alive.

Michigan rained on OhioState’s parade, beating theBuckeyes 35-21 in front ofmore than 112,000 people. Theloss will prevent OSU fromdefending the title it won inJanuary. TCU’s perfect season– and Bowl ChampionshipSeries game – ended at South-ern Mississippi when theHorned Frogs lost 40-28.

USC is in virtual control ofits destiny, needing only to winits remaining game to secureits place in the national titlegame against, most likely,Oklahoma.

Look for the four BCSbowls to feature: Sugar – Okla-homa vs. USC; Rose – Michi-

gan vs. Texas; Fiesta – LSUvs. Florida State; Orange –Miami vs. Ohio State.

***With their 34-27 victory

Sunday over the San DiegoChargers, the CincinnatiBengals improved to 6-5 andlead their division.

Another surprising team isthe Dallas Cowboys , who beatthe Carolina Panthers onSunday and have notched an 8-3 record this year.

The Kansas City Chiefsgot back on the winning trackby outlasting their nemesis, theOakland Raiders, 27-24.Overshadowed by the Chiefs’stellar record, the IndianapolisColts have posted a 9-2 markand lead their division.

***On the NBA hardwood, the

Los Angeles Lakers have con-tinued their winning ways,bursting out to a league-best11-3 record.

The Indiana Pacers are hoton their heels, though, with a10-2 mark. Other division lead-ers are the Dallas Mavericks(9-4) and Philadelphia 76ers(7-7).

Rookie sensations LeBronJames and Carmelo Anthonyhave not disappointed, averag-ing 17.4 and 17.2 points pergame respectively.

***In baseball news, Alex

Rodriguez remains a TexasRanger, despite the fact that theteam has been shopping himaround. The MVP shortstophas said that he’d consider atrade to either the New YorkYankees or the Boston RedSox.

The problem with eitherscenario is that both teamshave all-star shortstops inDerek Jeter and Nomar Gar-ciaparra .

Compiled from www.espn.com

FITNESS

ACTIVITIESScheduled fitness activities

include:Tae kwon do – Marine Hill

multi-fitness center; Mondaythrough Friday, 7-8 p.m.;Tuesday and Thursday, 8-9p.m.; $20 per month.

Yoga – G.J. Denich Gym-nasium; beginners classesTuesday, Wednesday andThursday, 5:15-6:15 p.m.;power class, Saturday, 5:15-6:15 p.m.

Cardio kickboxing – G.J.Denich Gymnasium; Tuesdayand Thursday, 5-6 p.m.

Spinning – G.J. DenichGymnasium; Monday throughFriday, 6:30-7:30 p.m.; Mon-day, Wednesday and Friday,6:15-7:15 a.m.; Tuesday andThursday, 11:15 a.m.-12:15p.m.

Step aerobics – Marine Hillmultifitness center; Monday,Wednesday, Friday, 8:30-9:30a.m.

Friday, November 28, 2003Page 12

15 Minutes of Fame...With SPC Edward Brave Thunder, 463rd MP Co.

By SPC Katherine L. Collins

Cheyenne River Sioux Edward BraveThunder grew up on a South Dakota reserva-tion. Following in his family’s footsteps, hejoined the military to serve as a warrior. As amilitary policeman, Brave Thunder draws onhis cultural values and experiences to suc-ceed in his military service, and, in turn,serves as a role model to the next Americanand Native American generation. He hasbeen married for three years and has twodaughters.

Q: What inspired you to join the mili-tary?

A: “I wanted to be a warrior, but NativeAmerican warriors don’t exist as they used to.Serving as a soldier was the next closest thingfor me. Most of my family is in the military fora similar reason. I am the only one in theArmy; the rest are in the Marines.”

Q: How many years and in whatbranches and components have you served?

A: “I’ve served four years, all on activeduty. I served in Germany, then at FortLeonard Wood, in Missouri.”

Q: Where have you deployed?A: “I went to Kosovo and Poland, and I’ve

gone on many short trips to show the unar-mored security vehicle for the MPs.”

Q: What do you recall as your best mili-tary experience?

A: “Meeting a lot of people, from bothother cultures and my own. In Kosovo I metanother MP who was from the Sioux Nation.It’s amazing how small the world seems attimes.”

Q: How has your military serviceimpacted and molded you as a service mem-ber and a person?

A: “It’s taught me patience. This is aboutmy fourth deployment in four years. In thattime, the longest time I’ve spent with my fam-ily at once is about five months. I just tookleave, and I noticed on leave how much morepatient I was with my family than in the past.Time away from them has made me value thetime with them and respect them more, so I ammore patient with them.”

Q: In what ways has your family sup-ported you in your active military career?

A: “Since most of my family is military,they are very supportive. I am serving like a

warrior. They also support me because theyknow the medicine man, my uncle, directedme to serve.”

Q: In what ways have you kept in con-tact with your family?

A: “We try to call a lot. The funny thing is,my family and I usually seem to know whenthe other is feeling down, even before we talk.It’s just the connection between family. So wecall.”

Q: What is the greatest challenge youanticipate experiencing here?

A: “In the military as a whole, it’s hard toadjust going from living on a reservation,where you’re surrounded by the Indian culture,to living where there is really is no sign of it atall. My uncles ask me how I’m doing in adjust-ing to the white world. [In Guantanamo] Ioften miss home because it’s hard to practicemy culture here due to a lack of resources, spir-itual guidance for us, and understanding formy culture.”

Q: How do you feel your personal expe-riences have equipped you to succeed hereprofessionally and personally?

A: “Growing up on a reservation helped mequickly adjust to living in a military structured

environment. Their structures have many sim-ilarities. Still, the military is very diverse. As Igrew up on a reservation, I went to a privateschool, then to a public school. When I firstwent to public school I was one of just a fewNative Americans. It was hard to fit in. Learn-ing to fit in there has helped me adjust to livingin an environment where many do not under-stand the Indian way and few accommodationsexist to practice our Indian culture.”

Q: What qualities within yourself andwhat other sources assist you most in over-coming life’s challenges?

A: “I laugh a lot. I try to not take anyone’snegative comments or actions too seriously.People think that when you join the Armyeveryone sees you as just another person ingreen. That’s not true. The military’s diversityis a positive thing. I am proud of who I am, butnot everyone sees our culture as we do. I justtry to not worry about what others think.”

Q: What cultural values and beliefsassist you in your military service?

A: “Back in the day the Indian warriorwould go to the top of a hill to the medicineman to seek guidance in life. He and his fam-ily would remain for three days and threenights, fasting while there. The Great Spiritwould give him direction. The medicine mandoes the same today. I call my uncle, who’s amedicine man, when I feel lost. I guess I canalso say I draw on the Indian value of family.It helps me work as a team with my unit.”

Q: Do you see yourself as a role model tothe young Native American population?

A: “Definitely. Many Native Americansstruggle. I joined the Army because the medi-cine man guided me to. There’s a lot theArmy’s done for me, and I am proud of what Ido. ... My little godson, who lost his dad, tellsme every day, ‘I’m going to be just like you.I’m going to join the military and be a warrior.But I just want you to come home. That’s all Iwant.’”

Q: As Americans celebrate Thanksgiv-ing this week, explain how you give thanksfor all your blessings, including the harvestand bounty of the earth?

A: “[Native Americans] don’t celebrate thetraditional November Thanksgiving and don’thave a specific day or time of year that’s equiv-alent to it. Rather, we give thanks throughoutthe year for the different seasons by perform-ing a variety of ceremonies, such as celebra-tion dances.”

Photo by SPC Katherine L. Collins

SPC Edward Brave Thunder displays, for demonstra-tion purposes, a dream catcher that he brought withhim to Guantanamo Bay. He received the eagle-shaped dream catcher, which provides protection,upon graduating high school. In Native American cul-ture the medicine man or an elder presents a boysuch a feather, with a particular design, when hepasses into manhood, enters a new phase in life orachieves a great accomplishment.