VOLUME 49 NUMBER 48 MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, JAPAN DECEMBER 24, 2004

INSIDE

www.iwakuni.usmc.mil

IWAKUNI WEATHERTodayRainHigh: 53

SaturdayPartly CloudyHigh: 55

SundayPartly CloudyHigh: 53

Grey Wolves welcome new skipperElectronic Attack Squadron 142 un-dergoes change of command here.

Page 3

Steamers roll over competitionSteamers dodge competition, scorewin during Station’s first dodgeballtournament. Page 11

LANCE CPL. CRISTIN K. BARTTER

Combat Correspondent

Station Commanding Officer Col. Michael A.Dyer visited a small town in Southern Japan Dec.14, to strengthen the bond of a 44-year-old friend-ship.

Mitsuru Osaka, Mima Town Mayor, invitedDyer to attend the unveiling of a new monumentmemorializing the friendship between MarineCorps Air Station Iwakuni, and Mima Town.

Osaka and Masafumi Kitaoka, President ofKitaoka-gumi, welcomed Col. Dyer to the town.

The friendship between MCAS Iwakuni andMima Town began Oct. 17, 1960, when Atsugi-based pilot Navy Lt. Clancy L. Priddy was forcedto make an emergency landing in his GrummanTF-1 in a riverbed on Shikoku Island.

The Grumman suffered minor damages, andwas repaired by mechanics from MCAS Iwakuni.The Navy then faced the dilemma of finding away to move the aircraft.

However, “The people of Mima Town came to our res-cue,” wrote Priddy.

More than 10,000 Mima Town locals helped a construc-tion company build a temporary runway on the riverbed, andby Dec. 1, 1960, the aircraft was safely home.

Then Station Commanding Officer Col. Arthur C. Lowellpresented Mima Town with a monument - a token of the

Station, Mima Townrenew old friendship

Air Station’s gratitude.After a few years, relations between the two communities

diminished, and remained so until several months ago.“Then,” said Osaka, “local residents decided to rekindle

what is very important to them – friendship.”Col. Dyer celebrated the renewed friendship with a visit to

a local school, a tea ceremony and a formal dinner.

Lance Cpl. Cristin K. Bartter

Mima-Town Mayor Mitsuru Osaka (left), Commanding OfficerCol. Michael A. Dyer and Commanding Officer of Japan Mari-time Self Defense Force at Tokushima Training Squadron Capt.Kenzo Udo presented the new monument to Mima-Town.

LANCE CPL. LYDIA DAVEY

Combat Correspondent

The Station Provost Marshal’s Of-fice is taking part in this year’s “YouDrink, You Drive, You Lose,” campaignin an effort to prevent incidents involv-ing drunk driving here.

Sobriety checkpoints, along with

Sobriety checkpoints part of holiday safety campaign

l Never get behind the wheel of your vehicle if you’ve been out drinking.l If impaired, call a taxi – use mass transit if available – or call a sober friendor family member to come and get you.l Or, stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober.l If you are hosting a party this holiday season, remind your guests toalways plan ahead to designate a sober driver; always offer alcohol-freebeverages during the event, and make sure all of your guests leave with asober driver.l Friends don’t let friends drive drunk. Take the keys and never let afriend leave your sight if you think he is about to drive while impaired.

education about the dangers and con-sequences of driving under the influ-ence of alcohol, are two of the tools PMOwill use to combat drunk driving thisholiday season, said Sgt. RyanWilkinson, Headquarters and Headquar-ters Squadron Accident InvestigationDivision chief.

The checkpoints will be conducted

aboard the Station today through Jan.1, 2005, said Wilkinson.

“We hope [the checkpoints] willserve as a deterrent, and that people willthink twice before driving after drink-ing,” he noted. “Our goal is to educatepeople about the dangers of irrespon-sible behavior.”

According to the National HighwayTraffic Safety Administration (NHTSA),about three in every ten Americans willbe involved in an alcohol-related crashat some point in their lives.

The risk of alcohol-related fatalitiesincreases each year between Thanks-giving and the New Year, stated a reportby the NHTSA.

During 2003, Station PMO dealt withfour instances of individuals drivingunder the influence or driving while in-toxicated. Three of those instances oc-curred between Dec. 24 and Dec. 27, saidWilkinson.

Holiday Safety Tips

see HOLIDAY Page 5

MARINE CORPS COMMUNITY

SERVICES PRESS RELEASE

The Marine Corps CommunityServices Youth and Teen Center hereis proud to announce that two teenshave won $1,000 Presidential Free-dom Scholarships.

The Presidential Freedom Schol-arship program is designed to high-light and promote service and citi-zenship by students and to recog-nize students for their leadership inthose areas.

The MCCS Youth and Teen Cen-ter, an affiliate of the Boys and GirlsClub of America, selected and nomi-nated Thomas Williamson, enrolledat Morehouse College in Atlanta, Ga.,and Jazman M. Thompson, a seniorat Iwakuni’s Matthew C. Perry HighSchool, for their outstanding leader-ship and service to the Iwakuni com-munity.

When faced with challenges suchas illiteracy, poverty, crime and envi-ronmental problems, our nation hasalways relied on the dedication andaction of citizens.

Now, more than ever, service re-garding homeland security, disasterpreparedness and public safety is

Station teens winscholarships

see SCHOLARSHIPS Page 5

NEWS BRIEFSCENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE

The registration for Term three is openJan. 3-14. Term dates are Jan. 17 throughMarch 12. Call 253-3631 for moreinformation.

COMMISSARY HOURS

Hours of operation for New Year’sweek are as follows:l Monday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.l Tuesday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.l Wednesday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.l Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.l Dec. 31 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.l Jan. 1 Closedl Jan. 2 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

TORII TELLER POSTPONED

There will be no Torii Teller, Dec. 31and Jan. 7, due to the New Year’s holiday.We apologize for the inconvenience. Forfurther information, contact the PublicAffairs Office at 253-5551.

CLARIFICATION

The Torii Teller received many callsin regard to the story last week thatfocused on the medals for the Global Waron Terrorism. The featured medal wasindeed the Global War on TerrorismExpeditionary Medal.

PAGE 2 OPINIONTORII TELLER, DECEMBER 24, 2004 NEWS PAGE 3TORII TELLER, DECEMBER 24, 2004

Commanding Officer/Publisher

Col. Michael A. Dyer

Public Affairs OfficerCapt. Stewart T. Upton

Public Affairs ChiefMaster Sgt. Lesli J. Coakley

Press ChiefLance Cpl. Lydia Davey

Operations ChiefCpl. Dave Boni

Combat CorrespondentsLance Cpl. Cristin K. Bartter

PFC Lukas J. Blom

Information/EditorialSpecialist

Yukiko Mitsui

“This weekly newspaper is anauthorized publication for membersof the military services stationedoverseas and their families. Its con-tents do not necessarily reflect theofficial views of the U.S. Govern-ment, the Department of Defenseor the U.S. Marine Corps, and doesnot imply endorsement thereof.”

Editorial content is edited, pre-pared and provided by the PublicAffairs Office of Marine Corps AirStation Iwakuni, Japan.

All queries concerning newsand editorial content should be di-rected to the Public Affairs Office,Building one, Room 216, MCASIwakuni, Japan. Call 253-5551.

PSC 561 Box 1868FPO AP 96310-0029

Phone 253-5551Fax 253-5554

The Torii Teller wel-comes Letter to the Editorsubmissions. Letters mustinclude a full name andunit, if applicable. Anony-mous letters and commentswill not be published. Let-ters are the opinion of thewriter only. Submissionscan be edited for clarity andspace. Letters can bedropped off at the PublicAffairs Office or sent via e-mail to daveylm@iwakuni.usmc.mil or coakleylj@iwakuni.usmc.mil.

CHATTERBOX Question: "What is your favorite Christmas memory?"

“When I got my first car;it’s what I always wanted.There’s nothing likeChristmas in Hawaii!”

“My favorite Christmasmemory was the last timemy whole family gottogether in New York. Itwas the last time I got tosee my uncle before hepassed away.”

“I got married to my wife,Saltanat, on Christmasday two years ago. MerryChristmas and happyanniversary honey.”

Lance Cpl.Christian M. GeronimoWaipahu, HI

Lance Cpl.Stephen G. VegaSt. Cloud, FL

“Back when I was a seniorin high school, I loaded upmy truck with a ton of giftsand ran around townhanding them out. Seeingpeoples’ faces light upwhen they got a gift wasgreat.”

Cpl. Jeffrey P. GiansantiSuperior, WI

Staff Sgt.John A. KnightonSalt Lake City, UT

CMDR. DONALD P. FIX

Chaplain’s corner

As we close out another year it is that time once againto make a list of lessons learned and apply them to thegoals or resolutions for 2005. I recently came across a quotefrom well-known Catholic author and theologian, Henri J.M. Nouwen, that reads,

“ I often think: A life is like a day; it goes by so fast. If Iam so careless with my days, how can I be careful with myLife?”

I usually say at the end of every year that I can’t believethe year is over, and where did it go? Many times to behonest I would say that the reason I don’t know where itwent was because I forgot to treasure each day – that by

Careful days mean a year well spentmy always looking ahead I miss what I have here and now.

When I become, as Henri Nouwen seems to recommend,careful with my days – I think I must add a few more stepsinto my daily routine to ensure that I will not let anotheryear go by filled with even one empty day.

Perhaps I need to start off my morning with tellingmyself that today is a great day that is waiting for me. A dayrich with countless blessings and hidden surprises and onethat I will look back on and be able to say, “what a wonder-ful day it has been!” That will lead me on a good start andopen me to look for all those surprises and blessings andnot miss anything because I was staring into the future.

The other aspect that I probably need to add to my dayis something at the end where I stop before I lay my head to

STORY AND PHOTOS BY

LANCE CPL. CRISTIN K. BARTTER

Combat Correspondent

Cmdr. James D. Haugen took the reigns ofElectronic Attack Squadron 142 “Gray Wolves”from Cmdr. Jeffrey R. Graham in a change of com-mand ceremony here, Dec. 16.

“I will do everything in my power to continuethe traditions of the squadron,” said Haugen. “Wewill remain mission ready, and no matter whatchallenge faces us, we are going to meet it headon.”

Haugen graduated from the University ofWashington on 1982 with a Bachelor’s in Busi-ness Administration. After completing AviationOfficer Candidate School in 1985, he earned his“Wings of Gold” at flight training school in Sept.1987.

Haugen reported to Electronic Attack Squadron129 “Vikings” for instructor duty in 1991, and servedas a weapon systems instructor, landing signal officer,standardization evaluator, schedules writer and NavalAir Training Operating Procedures Standardization in-structor.

In 1996, Haugen went onboard the USS Constella-tion to serve with Electronic Attack Squadron 131“Lancers.” During his three-year stint with the unit,Haugen served as the Administrative Officer and Main-tenance Officer. He alsoflew missions support-ing Operation SouthernWatch in an ArabianGulf Deployment andflew from Prince SultanAir Base, Saudi Arabia,in 1998.

In 1999, Haugen wassent to Stuttgart, Ger-many, for OperationPlans at European Com-mand Headquarters.There he was directly in-volved with the plan-

Gray Wolves welcome new skipper

Station Commanding Officer Col. Michael A. Dyershakes the hand of Electronic Attack Squadron142’s new skipper, Cmdr. James D. Haugen.

CAPT. S TEWART UPTON

Public Affairs Officer

It was a cloudy November night in1960 and we needed help. We had anaircraft with a U.S. Senator on board,and were flying over Japan with nopower and low visibility, looking forIwakuni’s landing strip.

The pilot, remembering the lastweather reports he had heard, bankedthe aircraft towards the east and wasable to identify a dry riverbed.

The pilot nailed the wheels-uplanding with no injury to the crew, andminimal damage to the aircraft.

From all sides the local populaceappeared.

That night, Mima Town residentshelped secure the aircraft and take thecrew to the local police station. Fromthere, the crew was transferred toMarine Corps Air Facility Iwakuni (asthe Air Station was known at the time).

Work crews from the Air Facilityfixed the aircraft, but faced the

The Mima of Christmasdilemma of moving it from the river-bed.

Yet, with the help of approximately10,000 local residents and a localjunior high school teacher translating,a Japanese construction companybuilt a runway out of dirt, and by lateNovember the aircraft was safelyreturned to the Air Facility.

Moving forward…

It was Dec. 14, 2004, and a newmonument to the events of 1960 wasunveiled in Mima Town.

The faces of those who attendedthe rededication ceremony showed theeffects of time, but their heartsshowed what we refer to as hometownUSA.

The residents of Mima Town nowhave American kin. Not by choice …for who ever has a choice?

They had some folks that neededhelp that came to their neighborhood;they took them in, gave them shelter

and set them back on their path.Now, the U.S. military service

members were a part of Mima Town’sfamily because their guidance hadinfluenced another’s life.

In the town’s eyes, the militarypersonnel of Iwakuni are family …their kin.

No judgment, just acceptance.It is a testament on how at times

we need to look into our own liveswhen people show up in our communi-ties (or at our door) … especiallyduring this time of the year.

Here is a town and its residentsthat not only took us in, but built us arunway.

Many thanks to the people ofMima Town for all of their kindnessand generosity.

If you are interested in participat-ing in cultural/language exchangeswith the town and schools of MimaCity, please contact Ms. Wada at thePublic Affairs Office.

see CAREFUL Page 5

CPL. DAVID REVERE

Combat Correspondent

The Iwakuni Runway RelocationProject was nominated for the UnitedStates Army Corps of Engineers ProjectDelivery Team of the Year Award in rec-ognition of the massive land reclama-tion project scheduled for completionhere in 2009.

Although the team did not win theaward, nomination represents significantrecognition of the accomplishments hereduring the past three years.

IRRP is the largest land reclamationproject in Department of Defense his-tory. Construction of this multi-yearproject began in 1997 and involves athree-phase land reclamation of 533acres, construction of a new 8,000 footrunway, airfield facilities, port facilitiesand all supporting utilities.

Station team nominated for awardAccording to Grant Sattler, public

affairs officer, Japan Engineer District,the PDT has distinguished itselfthrough con-tinual excellentpe r fo rmanceover the pastthree years.The team suc-cessfully ex-ecuted a multi-tude of projectsthrough theplanning, crite-ria, design andcons t ruc t ionphases resulting in construction of 15facilities at an estimated cost of $700million. According to Sattler, the project is amassive undertaking that can best bevisualized from the rim of Atago Moun-

tain, located about a mile southwest ofthe Station. Atago is the source of theestimated 18.3 million cubic meters of

fill material be-ing used to cre-ate a one kilo-meter exten-sion of the ex-isting runway.In addition to anew port andrelated facili-ties, the esti-mated $2 billionproject will im-prove flight

safety and reduce jet noise in the sur-rounding community.

“This is the largest constructionproject that the government of Japanhas done and will be the only U.S. gov-ernment controlled deep-water port and

ning and execution of Operations’ Allied Force andNorthern Watch. He was then deployed to CentralCommand in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom fromJan. - May 2003.

Haugen’s personal decorations include the DefenseMeritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Joint and NavyCommendation Medals and other service medals, rib-bons and unit awards.

Graham, who has served as VAQ-142’s command-ing officer since Sept. 2003, will report to a Naval Re-

search laboratory inWashington D.C., forduty. During Graham’scommand, the “GrayWolves” excelled, win-ning an Air Force Out-standing Unit AwardWing Pacific Safety “S”Award for 2002, and theCommander PacificFleet Retention Excel-lence Award for FiscalYear 2003.

heavy-lift airfield in Asia,” said MarkNedzbala, resident engineer, U.S. ArmyCorps of Engineers. “The Governmentof Japan has provided excellent facili-ties and has been a significant asset forthe U.S. Forces with this runway reloca-tion project.”

The IRRP Project Delivery Team in-volves a multitude of agencies and rep-resentatives, including: Marine CorpsAir Station Iwakuni Facilities depart-ment, U.S. Forces Japan Logistics Con-struction Branch, Marine Corps ForcesJapan, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,Japan Engineer District, Omaha District,Naval Facilities Engineering Command,Japan Defense Facilities AdministrationAgency, Hiroshima Defense FacilitiesAdministration Bureau, Japan MaritimeSelf Defense Forces and other Govern-ment of Japan agencies.

Electronic Attack Squadron 142 stood at paraderest during the change of command ceremonyhere, Dec. 16.

Iwakuni Runway Relocation Project gains recognition, acclaim

“The Government of Japanhas provided excellent facili-ties and has been a significantasset for the U.S. Forces with

this runway relocationproject.”

Mark NedzbalaResident Engineer

PAGE 4 FEATURETORII TELLER, DECEMBER 24, 2004 FEATURE PAGE 5TORII TELLER, DECEMBER 24, 2004

Already this year, that number has more thantripled, he noted.

“The consequences to drinking and drivingare serious and real,” Wilkinson said. “The risksrange from loss of life to losing your driver’s li-cense here and in the States, to a Court Marshaland jail time.”

Wilkinson recommends that Station residentstake the following precaution against drunk driv-ing: Always have a plan that includes a licenseddesignated driver or a way to get home.

“Remember,” said Wilkinson, “if you catch abuzz, catch a ride.”

HOLIDAY from Page 1 CHANGE from Page 2

rest and list one or more things thathappened that day that I’m grateful forand perhaps even write them down.This will ensure that I don’t let a daygo by without first celebrating in somefashion all the blessings that I haveexperienced that single day of my life.I don’t want another day or year to goby so fast that I miss opportunities ofgrowth and joy that waits for me in aday and it will add up to a year wellspent instead of a spent year withmany “careless” days.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY

PFC LUKAS J. BLOM

Combat Correspondent

The Chicago Honey Bears roaredthrough Iwakuni recently with stylishcostumes and flashy dance moves,bringing a bit of sweetness to manyservice members’ holiday season.

The Station hosted the ChicagoHoney Bears’ Dance Company, Dec.19 through today. The six-membergroup spread holiday cheer to localresidents through four musical danceperformances, and other events heldhere throughout the week.

The group’s first show kicked offDec. 19 at the Eagle’s Nest. The bearswere greeted by thunderous applausefrom a crowd that was anxious to seejust how sweet the Honey Bears reallywere.

The bears started out with acountry western performance, whichwas heavily favored by the country-night crowd.

After their first routine, the bearsdonned more festive costumescomplete with bright red Santa hats.The dancers then brought members ofthe audience onto the stage to helpthem sing carols and dance.

“They’re awesome,” said LanceCpl. Leandro A. Diego, Marine WingSupport Squadron 171 bulk-fuelspecialist. Diego was invited on stage

Honey Bears sweeten things up

Lisa Michelle sings “Have Yourself aMerry Little Christmas,” and other holi-day favorites during the Bear’s perfor-mance here.

The Chicago Honey Bears sing holiday songs to bring some Christmasspirit to the Eagles Nest crowd here, Dec. 19.

Audience members from the Chicago Honey Bears Dec. 19 show were invited on stage to help LisaMichelle sing Christmas carols.

to help Michelle perform her songs.“The Honey Bears are all very

talented, plus you can tell they enjoybeing here,” said Lance Cpl. ScottieRiddle, Headquarters and Headquar-ters Squadron postal clerk.

Before and after each of the HoneyBears’ shows, they took time to signposters and meet their fans.

“They were all reallynice,” said Riddle.“They didn’t mindsticking around andjust hanging out.”

This is 12th visit toIwakuni for the HoneyBears, who havetoured more than 170military bases world-wide. The group’sholiday tours usuallytake them all over theworld, but for thisChristmas season,Iwakuni was their onlystop.

“It’s such arewarding experi-ence to come outhere and meeteveryone,” saidMichelle. “Iwakuniis special; we lovecoming out herebecause it’s almostlike family.”

The profession-ally trained dancersperformed theirfamily-friendlydance routines atthe Staff Non-CommissionedOfficers club andOfficers club during

"I feel like a woman" Lisa Michelle, line cap-tain and singer for the Chicago Honey Bears,sings a cover of the famous Shania Twain songat the Eagles Nest.

their stay. They also led theJingle Bell Jog in Santa’s sleighand visited a local orphanage.

“Though their next visit isnot scheduled at this time, thegirls are already excited to comeback; they just love it here,”said Greg Schwartz, ChicagoHoney Bears producer anddirector.

The members of the teamhave been trained in a varietyof dance forms for many years– some from the time they weretwo years old. Each HoneyBear must survive a rigorousaudition process with a 90percent attrition rate.

“Thank you for having us;it’s been an honor and apleasure to perform and meetyou all,” said Michelle. “Wehope you all have a greatholiday season.”

SCHOLARSHIPS from Page 1

significant to our nation. That is why President George W.Bush has called on every American to dedicate 4,000 hours (theequivalent of two years of their lives) of service to their commu-nity, our country and the world.

In an effort to support the call to service and fulfill eligibilityrequirements for the scholarship, Williamson and Thompsoncontributed at least 100 hours of volunteer service within thepast year.

In addition to the scholarship, the two students will receivea certificate from the President and a Student Service gold pin.

For details about the scholarship, visit:www.nationalservice.org/scholarships.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY

LANCE CPL. LYDIA DAVEY

Combat Correspondent

Five-foot-high flameslicked at the dry woodenporch with fierce red tonguesas Livingston, Mont., nativeAmy Daem and her youngson slept on in the house thatOctober morning – completelyunaware of the rapidlygrowing danger nearby.

Just a few houses away,27-year-old Lance Cpl. AustinStallard was saying his good-byes to family and friends.

Stallard, on leave andvisiting his parents aftercompleting Aircraft RescueFire Fighting School in Texas,was scheduled to board a busback to his home in Washing-ton in less than an hour.

However, the sight ofsmoke billowing from the small housedown the street propelled Stallard,along with his brother’s girlfriend,Nicole Alexander, to assist.

“I took off running [toward thehouse],” said Stallard. “I threw my cell

Station Marine hero to Livingston, Mont., natives

phone to Nicky and told her to call911.”

Upon reaching the scene of thefire, Stallard assessed the situationand directed Alexander to use a sidedoor to check the house for occupantsas he worked to control the flames.

Alexander evacuated Daem andher son, while Stallard used a gardenhose to extinguish the fire.

“I was trying to hold [the fire] backuntil the fire department came,” saidthe soft-spoken, yet intense Montana

native. “I was surprised that I wasable to put it out.”

Soon, the Livingston Fire Depart-ment arrived on scene and sawStallard, garden hose in hand, stand-ing in front of the smoke-blackenedhouse.

According to a report by theLivingston Enterprise, Fire Chief JimMastin said Stallard’s experienceplayed a key role in extinguishing thefire. “Someone that has his training and

experience coulddo quite a bitwith a gardenhose,” Mastinsaid in the report.“He (Stallard) didan exceptionaljob.” After a briefconversationwith the fire chief,Stallard hurriedback to hisparent’s house tofinish hisfarewells. Hemade it to his busjust in the nick oftime.

“I still smelled like smoke,” heremembers.

One week later, Stallard, a formercivilian fire fighter and EmergencyMedical Technician, landed aboardMarine Corps Air Station Iwakuni.

Here, he is a Headquarters andHeadquarters Squadron aircraft rescuefire fighter, and carries a strongpassion for his work.

“I love learning,” said Stallard. “Iconsider myself a lifelong student.Whatever task I’m assigned, my goalsare to master it and learn to teachothers.

“I have my work cut out for mehere,” he added. “I’ve got to learneverything there is to learn aboutaircraft rescue fire fighting.”

Stallard, a former pre-med studentdisillusioned by his experience withthe politics of the civilian medical field,joined the Marine Corps early inDecember of 2003.

“Volunteer fire fighting, along withtwo years of service in AmeriCorps,helped me developed a strong ethic ofservice to my country,” noted Stallard.“I decided that if I was going to jointhe military, I wanted to be part of theelite – so I joined the Marine Corps.”

Stallard said he was also drawn tothe Marine Corps because of thestrong bond he observed betweenretired Marines in the civilian firefighting sector.

“They have a really tight brother-hood, and that was attractive to me,”he said.

Stallard is grateful for the trainingprovided him by the Marine Corps.

“The military training definitelygives me an edge,” he said. “If Ichose not to reenlist at the end of mycontract, my training will have put meso far ahead of the civilian competitionthat it’s not even funny.”

However, until Stallard, whoreached his year-mark with the CorpsDec. 8, reaches the end of his contract,he’ll remain enthusiastic about his job.

“Fire fighting is a unique career,”said Stallard. “You get to do things noone else gets to do, and responding tocalls is such an adrenaline rush.

“I’m hooked,” he said.

Lance Cpl. Austin Stallard, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron air-craft rescue fire fighter, dons his bunker gear, or "silvers," in preparation foran exercise here Dec. 22.

Stallard mans the turret of a P-19A Aircraft RescueFire Fighting truck during the daily "wet check."The check ensures that the pumps and hoses are ingood working order.

Lance Cpl. Stallard, aircraft res-cue fire fighter, fills the tank of hisP-19A ARFF truck with water af-ter the wet check Dec. 22.

PAGE 6 FEATURETORII TELLER, DECEMBER 24, 2004

Volunteers spread spirit of St. Nick to orphansSTORY AND PHOTOS BY

LANCE CPL. CRISTIN K. BARTTER

Combat Correspondent

Station service members and their families visited73 orphans at the Garden of Light Orphanage, Dec.18, and spent the day enjoying the holiday seasontogether.

The visit began with a barbeque, and continuedwith the singing of Christmas carols, gift giving anda bountiful amount of playtime with the children.

“I enjoyed watching the kids meet the Marinesand families,” said Lt. Cmdr. Brent D. Johnson, groupchaplain, Marine Aircraft Group 12. “They got thechance to reach out and touch somebody who caresabout them.”

Miki Tanaka, a seven-year-old orphan, said shelikes it when Marines and families come to play. Herfavorite part is sitting on the giant Marines’ shoul-ders.

As much as the kids enjoy the walking junglegyms that visit them, the Marines and families whovolunteer enjoy their time with the orphans.

“I know that our presence with these kids meansso much to them, and I get such a feeling of satisfac-tion knowing that I have fulfilled a need for thesechildren,” said Pfc. Laura K. Mellinger, crash firerescue, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron.

This year, the spirit of selfless giving wasexemplified by the orphans when they were askedwhat gifts they wished to receive, said Johnson.After careful consideration, they decided that they

wanted presents that would benefit the entireorphanage rather than individual children.

Upon learning of their request, volunteerspurchased gifts that all of the children could playwith; soccer balls, hoola-hoops, jump ropes, dodgeballs, basket balls and other sporting equipment.

There were enough visitors to provide gifts forall of the children to enjoy.

Chaplain Johnson acknowledged the spirit thatMarine Corps Air Station Iwakuni has. He had anabundant amount of volunteers who came forwardto provide their services, and he and the people theyhave touched are very thankful.

For more information on volunteering, call 253-5212.

Volunteers brought the children soccer balls, hoola-hoops, jump ropes, dodgeballs, basket balls and other sporting equipment for the Garden of Light Orphan-age visit.

ABOVE RIGHT: A pa-per mache SantaClaus, the work of artmade by the orphans,watched over the chil-dren as the festive ac-tivities took place atthe Garden of Light Or-phanage, Dec. 18.RIGHT: Pfc. Laura K.Mellinger, crash firerescue, Headquartersand HeadquartersSquadron, makes sureto hold onto YumikoNakamura, 7, who en-joys playing chickenwith her friend MikiTanaka, 7, whocouldn't get enough ofLance Cpl. Jeremy D.Palmer, ground sup-ply, Marine AircraftGroup.

CENTER: Just hangingaround with Spiderman,is what Oko Fudo, 6, en-joyed at the Garden ofLight.RIGHT: Miki Tanaka wasnothing but smiles whenthe Marines started topour into the Garden ofLight visit. She hadbeen looking forward toa day of excitement andfun.BELOW: The Station vis-ited the Garden of LightOrphanage, to play withthe children in holidayspirit. One of the morepopular activities wasthe merry-go-roundwhere the children en-joyed getting dizzy withthe visiting Marines.

Sgt. Edward J. Tagle, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron212 administrative clerk, was active on the playgroundwith the children. He may have been a little biggerthan the kids, but he enjoyed it just the same.

original box, $350. CallJerry Morish at 253-5227dwh or 253-2355 awh.

WIC (243-9426)A part time position as anurse/nutritionist is openat the WIC Overseas Pro-gram in Iwakuni. Positionrequires a BS in Nursing,Nutrition, Dietetics orHome Economics, and ex-perience in prenatal, ma-ternal or infant nutrition.E-mail your resume, coverletter and copy of yourdr iver’s l icense towilliamsd@nhyoko.med.navy.mil or fax it at 243-2614 attn: Denise Williams.

CHRO (253-6828)MCCS:–Supervisory Education

Nissan Laurel, 1993, 4door, sedan, excellentcondit ion, 6 disc CDplayer/changer, auto-matic, P/W, P/L, JCI untilAug. 2006, $2,000 obo. CallSSgt. Eldridge at 253-3838dwh or 253-2812 awh.

Toyota Mark, 1994 , 4door, excellent condition,6 cylinder, cold A/C, 4wheel drive, P/S, P/W, P/L, great gas mileage,smooth comfortable ride,good tires, available ap-proximately Jan. 12.

Mitsubishi Delica Exceed,1994, 4x4, 2.8 liter inter-cooler turbo diesel, black/silver exterior, gray clothinterior, dual A/C, keylessentry, power everything,

TORII TELLER CLASSIFIED ADSTo submit your ads or announcements: Torii Telleraccepts ads/announcements from nonprofit organizationsand groups only. Briefs run on space-available and time-

priority basis. Deadline for briefs is noon Thursday. ToriiTeller reserves the right to edit to fit space. Stop byBuilding 1, Room 216 to fill out a form.

134,000 km mileage, JCIuntil Sept. 2005, $4,000obo. Call HM2 Morish at253-5227 dwh or 253-2355after 5 p.m.

Toyota Lite Ace, 1989, 7passenger, leaving in Jan.,must sell, JCI until April2006, $600 obo. Call SSgt.Joseph Boland at 253-4170 dwh or 253-7608 awh.

Misc., Kenwood hometheater system, 600 wattreceiver with dolby prologic 2 decoding for in-tensely great surroundsound, includes 5 ful lrange speakers withsubwoofer, multiple DVD/VCD/CD/MP3 player withremote, all componentsare silver and come with

Services Specialist ,world wide

–Substance Abuse Coun-selor, world wide

Facilities:–Interdisciplinary Engi-

neer, world wide–Architect, world wideClinic:–Occupat ional Heal th

Nurse, world wideCommissary:–Teller, Iwakuni wide–Store Worker NTE 1 Year

(Student Temporary Em-ployment Program), fullor part-time student

MCCS (253-3030)(The following jobs areopen at MCCS Personnel)MCCS Job Listing:–Senior Sales Associate,

Main Complex–Material Handler, Ware-

house, civilian only

AUTOMOBILES

PAGE 8 FEATURETORII TELLER, DECEMBER 24, 2004 CLASSIFIED PAGE 9TORII TELLER, DECEMBER 24, 2004

FRIDAY

11 a.m./5 p.m. The Nightmare BeforeChristmas (PG)

2 p.m./8 p.m. Scrooged (PG-13)11 p.m./5 a.m. The Family Man (PG-13)

2 a.m. Face/Off (R)

SATURDAY

11 a.m./5 p.m. The Santa Clause (PG-13) 2 p.m./8 p.m. Raising Helen (PG)

11 p.m./5 a.m. 50 First Dates (PG)2 a.m. Chinatown (R)

SUNDAY

11 a.m./5 p.m. Jungle Book (G)2 p.m./8 p.m. Miracle (PG)

11 p.m./5 a.m. Taxi Driver (R)2 a.m. Bless The Child (R)

MONDAY

11 a.m./5 p.m. Dude, Where’s My Car (PG)2 p.m./8 p.m. Enter The Dragon (PG-13)

11 p.m./5 a.m. Blue Steel (R)2 a.m. Love And Action In Chicago (R)

TUESDAY

11 a.m./5 p.m. Billy Madison (PG) 2 p.m./8 p.m. Jersey Girl (PG)

11 p.m./5 a.m. Cliff Hanger (R)2 a.m. Sorority Boys (R)

WEDNESDAY

11 a.m./5 p.m. Around The World In 80Days (PG)

2 p.m./8 p.m. I, Robot (PG)11 p.m./5 a.m. Bram Stroker’s Dracula (R)

2 a.m. Undisputed (R)

THURSDAY

11 a.m./5 p.m. Anchorman (PG)2 p.m./8 p.m. Indiana Jones: Temple Of

Doom (PG-13)11 p.m./5 a.m. Blood Work (R)

2 a.m. What Planet Are You From? (R)

MOVIE SCHEDULESAKURA THEATER

OCEAN’S TWELVEIt’s been three years since Ocean and his

crew pulled off one of the most audaciousand lucrative heists in history, robbing ruth-less entrepreneur Terry Benedict of everydime stored in his impenetrable Las Vegasvault. After splitting the $160 million take,each of the Ocean’s crew have tried to gostraight, lay low and live a legit life, but that’sproven to be a challenge, much to the chagrinof Danny’s wife Tess. (25 minutes)

RAYBorn in a poor town in Georgia, Ray

Charles went blind at the age of seven shortlyafter witnessing his younger brother’s acci-dental death. Inspired by a fiercely indepen-dent mother who insisted he make his ownway in the world, Charles found his gift be-hind a piano keyboard. The singer gained areputation and then exploded with world-wide fame when he pioneered incorporatinggospel, country, jazz and orchestral influ-ences into his inimitable style. (153 minutes)

TEAM AMERICA: WORLD

POLICEA group of superhero-style adventurers

travel the world fighting terrorism and otherevils. Specifically, the story focuses on atypical “action hero” who is recruited to joinTeam America for a special mission, as a sat-ire of the typical Hollywood action movie,using a combination of wood marionette-driven action sequences. (105 minutes)

FRIDAY7 p.m. Ocean’s Twelve (PG-13)

10 p.m. The Grudge (PG-13)

SATURDAY1 p.m. The Incredibles (PG)4 p.m. Surviving Christmas (PG-13)7 p.m. Ray (PG-13)

10 p.m. The Grudge (PG-13)

SUNDAY4 p.m. The Incredibles (PG)7 p.m. Ocean’s Twelve (PG-13)

MONDAY7 p.m. Ray (PG-13)

TUESDAY7 p.m. Team America: World

Police (R)

WEDNESDAY7 p.m. Ocean’s Twelve (PG-13)

THURSDAY7 p.m. Alfie (R)

OUT THE GATEThe Treasures Of The HermitageMuseum

This exhibition is held at theHiroshima Prefectural Art Museumin Hiroshima City today through Jan.30, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum isclosed from Saturday to Jan. 1, andMonday except Jan. 3 and 10. Anadmission fee is required. For details,call 082-221-6246.

First Visit Events At HiroshimaGokoku Shrine

Visitors can view events cel-ebrating the new year, such as aKagura performance (a Japanesesacred music and dance) Jan. 1, mid-

Note: Japanese who do notspeak English may answer thephone numbers provided.

Chinkasai FestivalA festival appreciating fire includ-

ing prayers for prevention of fire di-saster, is scheduled at theMikasanohama beach near theItsukushima Shrine, Miyajima Island,Dec. 31, 6-7 p.m. Admission is free.The event will be not cancelled incase of rain. Call 0829-44-2020 formore details.

night, Japanese music performanceJan. 2, 1 p.m. and Japanese archeryperformance Jan. 3, 10:30 a.m. atthe Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine inHiroshima City, near the HiroshimaCastle. For further information, call082-221-5590.

Otake Sunday MarketA market is scheduled Sunday, 10

a.m. to 3 p.m. at Harumi DaiichiPark, next to You Me Town Otake.Booths will be set up to sell freshvegetables, fish and more. A fleamarket will be held at the same time.The market will not be cancelled incase of rain. Call 59-2131 for details.

–Material Handler Super-visor, Warehouse, civil-ian only

–Food Court OperationsAssistant, Food Court

–Club Operations Assis-tant, Club Iwakuni

–Operations Assistant,Youth/Teen Center

–Program Assistant, CDC–Public Relations Special-

ist, Marketing, civilianonly

–Graphic Artist, Market-ing

–Recreation Assistant,Athletics

–Public Relations Assis-tant, Marketing

Continuously Open JobsAnnouncements (FT,PT, FLX)

MCCS Executive Admin-istration Office

Loss And Prevention:–Security Guard (Loss

And Prevention Agent)Business Operations Di-

visionRetail Branch:–Laborer–Sales Clerk–Store Worker–Food Service Worker

OTHER ITEMS

JOB OPENINGS

(Auto Mini Mart)Food & Hospitality:–ID Checker–Waiter/Waitress–Food Service WorkerServices Branch:–Car Rental/Service Sta-

tion Attendant–Car/Washer/Laborer–Recreation AttendantMarine And Family Ser-

vice DivisionLibrary Branch:–Library Technician–Library AidChild Development Cen-

ter/School Age CareBranch:

–Program Assistant–Operations AssistantYouth/Teen Center

Branch:–Recreation Attendant–Operations AssistantSemper Fit DivisionAthletics Branch:–Recreation Attendant–LifeguardSMP, Sakura Theater

Branch:–Recreation AttendantGo to www.mccsiwakuni.com for a complete joblisting.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY

PFC LUKAS J. BLOM

Combat Correspondent

The food is great, the atmosphereis peaceful, shopping is good andculture is everywhere. Trust me, thisis much more than a shack.

Sanzoku, or as local Marines call it,“the chicken shack,” is one of themost popular restaurants for localMarines and Sailors, and for goodreason. Not only is Sanzoku adelicious restaurant, it’s a smallgetaway that can take many hours toexplore.

The chicken shack is nestled on ahillside, which adds to the serenity ofthe environment. The restaurant hasbeen in the Iwakuni community for

Chicken Shack serves dish of culturemore than 30 years,and been advertisedthrough word ofmouth since therestaurant wasestablished.

Large lightdisplays adorn thehillsides and areusually the first thingthat anyone noticeswhen approachingSanzoku. This time ofyear the displaysinclude a 50-footSanta Claus and alarge Christmas treemade of paperlanterns.

A small flight ofstairs leadsto the mainindoor diningarea, andfriendly staffawait toescort customers to their seat.The main dining area isdivided into many smaller

spaces, many designed for only oneparty. If reservations were made priorto the arrival of a party, the food will

be prepared and on thetable waiting.

Sitting at thetraditional low Shokutakutables, Sanzoku patronscan cook their own foodon the Shichirin (portableclay cooking stove).

Outside dining areasare available, weatherpermitting, in order toenjoy the sights andsounds of local waterfallsrunning down the hillsideinto small ponds filledwith statues and Koi fish.

Once patrons arefinished with the meal,shopping and sight-seeing are on the menu.

A covered alley onthe side-entrance ofSanzoku gives off a

traditional Japanese feel to therestaurant. Vendors, their standsextending all the way into the restau-rant, offer many different productsfrom souvenirs to food items.

Trails moving farther into thenatural wooded area lead to some ofthe more secluded dinning areas.Guests who follow the washi lanternsalong the quiet trails will find bridgesspanning small streams filteringthrough the valley. Stone statues ofancient Japanese warriors guard eachof the bridges.

“It’s a beautiful place,” said LanceCpl. Joseph W. Hanson, Headquartersand Headquarters Squadron weatherobserver. “It’s definitely one of thenicer places to visit in Iwakuni.”

With a perfect blend of culture,food, shopping and natural beauty,Sanzoku will continue to be one of thehighlights for Iwakuni and Stationresidents for years to come.

For directions, contact theInformation, Tours and Travel office.

A Sanzoku patron beats on a drum infront of vendor's stands just outside therestaurant. The "chicken shack" is oneof the most popular restaurants for Ma-rines and Sailors aboard the Station.

A sign reads "The garden of Ebisu," while two statues of lucky gods, representingfortune and luck, stand guard at the entrance of one of the many bridges surround-ing Sanzoku.

Cpl. David P. Revere bites into his"chicken on a stick" at the Sanzokurestaurant. Many believe this is oneof the reasons Sanzoku picked up anickname, "the chicken shack."

PAGE 10 COMMUNITY BRIEFS

Test ScheduleTuesdays/Fridays - CLEP,DSSTJanuary 13 - EDPTJanuary 19 - SATJanuary 20 - ACTJanuary 26 - DLPTJanuary 27 - ASVABJanuary 31 - DLAB

For more information call253-3855.

CRMC Classes (253-6439)n Hello U.S.A. : Wednesday,11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. For foreign-born spouses.n Local Employment Over-view: Jan. 4, 9-10 a.m.n Preseparation/TransitionAssistance Program Work-shop: Jan. 10-14, 8 a.m. to 4:30p.m.n Teaching English Tips:

YOUTH BASKETBALL SKILLS CAMPFree for children ages 4-15, Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the

Sports Courts in IronWorks Gym. Food and drinks will be providedafterwards. Learn basic basketball fundamentals, including dribbling,rebounding, shooting, defense, court rules and passing. Call EugeneClark at 253-4803 for details. No sign-up is necessary.

NEW YEAR’S EVE BOWLING BASHDec. 31, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Open to the first 70 bowlers (S.O.F.A.

status only) with a $25 entry fee. For further information, call 253-4657.

NEW YEAR’S EVE BOWLING SPECIALDec. 31, 1-6 p.m. $1 per game at the Bowling Center. Call 253-

4657 for more details.

YAMAGUCHI ICE HOCKEY TEAMThis team is looking for any Station residents interested in playing

ice hockey at Kudamatsu Kenko Park Skate Link, Wednesday andSunday, 9-10:30 p.m. For further information, call Norio Ooba at 24-3357 or 080-5059-2171, or e-mail to norio.ooba@pfizer.com

FAMILY APPRECIATION BOWLING DAYSJan. 1, 1-5 p.m. All games are half price at the Bowling Center.

PERSONAL TRAINING SERVICESOne-on-one personal training and small group personal training are

available at the IronWorks Gym. Fitness assessments include a detailedprintout of blood pressure, weight, measurements, body fat, aerobic fit-ness testing, strength testing, and flexibility testing using the MicrofitSystem. Call 253-5051 for fees and details.

IWAKUNI SPORTS SCENE

TORII TELLER, DECEMBER 24, 2004 SPORTS PAGE 11TORII TELLER, DECEMBER 24, 2004

COMMUNITY BRIEFSSanta at the MCX at the follow-ing hours:% Today, noon to 4 p.m.% Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Single Marine Program (253-3585)n New Year’s Eve Party: Dec.31, 8 p.m. Free food, drinks,music and games.

School Age Center (253-4769)n Monthly Birthday Party:Tuesday, 4-5 p.m. Celebrateyour birthday this month withcake, games and friends. Mem-bers born this month receive acoupon redeemable atIwakuni’s Route 2 McDonald’s.n Power Hour Party: Jan. 7,4-5 p.m.

Youth & Teen Center (253-4769)n ‘70s Dance Party: Jan. 14.Youth ages 10-12 dance 6-8:30p.m. and teens ages 13-18 dance9-11:30 p.m.n Torch Club Kudamatsu IceSkating Trip: Jan. 15, 9 a.m. to5 p.m. Call for details.

Christmas Buffetsn Today at the Hornet’s Nestfrom 12 p.m. until all of the foodis gone. Free and exclusively forsingle and unaccompanied ser-vice members. Enjoy lots offood, drinks and games. Call253-3585 for details.n Saturday at the Marine

Jan. 11, 9-10:30 p.m.

Club Iwakunin Christmas Day GrandLunch Buffet: Saturday, 11 a.m.to 4 p.m. in the Ballroom. $3.95for children ages 4-10 and $8.95for adults. Reservations can bemade by calling 253-5416.n New Year’s Eve Bash: Dec.31, 8:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. in the Ball-room with a Bash Buffet 10 p.m.to 2 a.m. Enjoy two specialtybars featuring frozen margaritasand daiquiris for $2.25. LiveBand “Muziki” will perform.Buffet includes beer steamedPolish kielbasa, cajun catfish,sweet & sour meatballs, kimchee, Caesar salad, corn bread,sliced fresh fruit tray, chocolatemousse cake, berry cobbler andmore. Admission is $10 per per-son.

MCX (253-5641)n Santa: Children can visit

EDUCATION

Lounge from 12 p.m. until all ofthe food is gone. Free and opento MCCS patrons and guestsage 18 and older, in addition toall service members. Visit us onthe second floor of CrossroadsMall.

New Year’s Day Party & SuperPool TournamentWin $500 Jan. 1, noon at theMarine Lounge. Open to allMCCS patrons and guests ages18 and older, in additional to allservice members. Enjoy foodand beverages from the FoodCourt. The pool tournament,with cash prizes and no entryfee, begins at 2 p.m.

Thrift Savings PlanEnrollment is open through Dec.31 for the Thrift Savings Plan.Visit the Financial Fitness officein Building 411, Room 217 toreceive information about thefive different types of funds toinvest in. Call 253-6250 for moreinformation.

Beating The Holiday BluesTuesday, 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.For more details, call 253-4526.

Write Your New Year Resolu-tions In JapaneseCommunity members are in-vited to submit their New Yearresolutions to the Library staffJan. 1-7 for the staff to translateinto Japanese and post on alarge banner at the library. Call253-3078 for details.

Santa’s Sleighn Santa visits the Monzen

Cpl. Amber Castro

Station Commanding Officer Col. Michael A. Dyer presents Telephone Col-lection Agent Yoko Michinaka with flowers during a ceremony here Dec. 20, asher husband, Tetsuo Michinaka, looks on. Michinaka retired Dec. 21 from her22-year career aboard the Station, and was honored during the ceremony forher hard work during those years.

and northside housing today,10:30 a.m. to noon and 4-5:30p.m.n Santa visits the Barracks,Monzen and Northside hous-ing Saturday, 10:30 a.m. tonoon.

Australia Travel Club YardSaleThis club will sponsor a yardsale Jan. 29, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. atthe triangle. Club members willpick up all donated items. Thelast day for donations is Jan.27. Contact numbers for do-nated items are 253-2417 and253-5029. The club consists ofsome of the seniors graduatingwith the 2004-2005 class. TheTravel Club is in no way asso-ciated with any school.

Crime StoppersIf you have any informationpertaining to a crime please call“Crime Stoppers” at 253-3333.Crime Stoppers is an answeringservice designed for anony-mous callers to give informationthat would assist the ProvostMarshal’s Office in solving andpreventing crime.

Thrift StoreThe Thrift Store is open Mon-days from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.,Wednesdays from 5-7 p.m. andthe last Saturday of each monthfrom 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Build-ing 1117, located next to theChapel. Volunteers and dona-tions are always welcome. Call253-4721 for more information.

MCCS

COMMUNITY

Roman CatholicSaturday 4:30 p.m. Confession

5:30 p.m. MassSunday 9:30 a.m. Mass

10:45 a.m. CCD

ProtestantSunday 8 a.m. Non-Denominational Christian

Worship Service9:30 a.m. Sunday School/

Adult Bible Fellowships11 a.m. Gospel Worship Service

Cooperative Chapel Ministries3rd Saturday 8 a.m. Men’s Fellowship Breakfast

CHAPEL SERVICES

Church of ChristSunday 10:30 a.m. Worship ServiceWednesday 7 p.m. Bible Study

Seventh-Day Adventist2nd & 4th Saturdays

9:30 a.m. Sabbath School/Worship

JewishFriday 6:30 p.m. Shabbat

The Church of Jesus Christ of LatterDay SaintsSunday 1 p.m. Priesthood/RS Meeting

2 p.m. Sunday School3 p.m. Sacrament

For information regarding divine services, religiouseducation or any other Command Religious Program/Chapel activity, call the Station Chapel at 253-5218.

LAY LED SERVICES

STORY AND PHOTOS BY

PFC LUKAS J. BLOM

Combat Correspondent

“If you’re going to learn to betrue dodgeballers, then you’ve got tolearn the five D’s of dodgeball; dodge,duck, dip, dive and… dodge.”

These words were spoken byPatches O’Hoolihan, seven timeAmerican Dodgeball Association ofAmerica all-star, and a central charac-ter in the movie “Dodgeball: A trueunderdog story.”

The first Station Dodgeballtournament was held at the IronworksGym here Dec. 10 to introduce thepopular sport to Station residents.The Cleveland Steamers took the five-D’s all the way to the champion’splatform, and were the first StationDodgeball champs.

“It’s a great sport because anyonecan play,” said Chris M. Butler,Operational Weather Services Division

team captain. “In basketball, baseballor football you’ve got to have specifictalents, this is something anyone canexcel at.”

The double-elimination tournamentkicked off at 9 a.m. with twenty teamslooking to take the championshiptrophy. The teams could have up tosix players and as many “ball-shaggers” (members of the team whograb loose balls for the players on thecourt) as they wanted. Each gameconsisted of three matches, and theteam who won two out of three wasdeclared the victor.

The day was filled with high spiritsand competitive players.

“I’ve seen better arms on rockingchairs,”said Billy Allbright of Jordan’sGuatemalan Circus Midgets (G-Midgets) team. Allbright and the restof the G-Midgets taunted the oppos-ing teams mercilesslly.

In the biggest upset of the day, theAir Wing Ninjas defeated the G-Midgets, who many favored to win thetournament, in two straight matches,bringing the crowd to their feet.

“We knew we were going to beatthem,” said Air Wing Ninjas teamcaptain, Ken J. Mimlitsch. “We justcame out quiet and won.”

As the teams dwindled down to

four, the competition was heating up.The Cleveland Steamers, who

dodged their way through thecompetition to the quarterfinals,dominated the Air Wing Ninjas in thewinners’ bracket to lock in a seat in thefinals.

The G-Midgets fought their wayback from the losers’ bracket to playagainst the Recovery team in thesemifinals.

OverpoweringRecovery, the G-Midgets securedtheir spot in thefinals in their own“true underdogstory”. The G-midgetswent into the finalsknowing that theyhad their work cutout for them. Theyhad already beendefeated once, andthe ClevelandSteamers were

Cleveland Steamers dodge competition at tournament

undefeated up to this point. In thenature of a double elimination tourna-ment, the G-Midgets knew they wouldhave to win a total of four matches tobe crowned the champs, but theSteamers only needed two.

“Ready? ... Dodgeball!”It all came down to one man for the

G-Midgets; Damon Wilson was thelast man standing as he faced fourSteamers.

Wilson eliminated two of theSteamers before, “whoosh!”- he gotnailed by a speeding Steamers’dodgeball.

“I’m sweating more than I thoughtI would,” said Joel C. Dietz, ClevelandSteamers team captain. “We had anawesome time, I wish they had aleague set up.”

“A dodgeball league is the ultimategoal,” said Keith Carr, Semper Fitsports coordinator, who had beenplanning the tournament since April.

“The competition was great, a lotof teams showed up and everyone hada fun time,” said Carr.

Jeremiah C. McCulley eliminates one of his opponents while the restof the Cleveland Steamers, who had one of the most unique uniformsin the tournament, size up Jordan's Guatemalen Circus Midgets inthe Championship round.

Damon Wilson of Jordan's Guatemalen CircusMidgets takes cover as his teammates sight intheir throwing arms in preparation for the cham-pionship game against the Cleveland Steamers.

Jay B. Runyan of the ClevelandSteamers steps into a throwagainst the Air Wing Ninjas. TheCleveland Steamers threw theirway to the Championship roundand were named the Station's firstdodgeball champions.

Rewarding Faithful Service

PAGE 12 SPORTSTORII TELLER, DECEMBER 24, 2004

STORY AND PHOTOS BY

PFC LUKAS J. BLOM

Combat Correspondent

The Broncos closed out theirundefeated flag football season in anail-biting overtime victory over theCowboys, 18-12, at Penny Lake Fieldhere, Dec. 14.

With the best record in the league(7-0), the Broncos went into the flagfootball game against the Cowboysconfident they would capture theireighth notch in the win column.Broncos’ head coach Bobby Carter Jr.,and assistant coaches Mike Lasyoneand Chad Collins knew the Cowboyswere a tough team and would be aworthy contender in the heavyweightmatch of the 7-10 year-old flag footballleague.

“Do you have butterflies in yourstomach?” Carter asked his team towhich they responded, “Yes.”

“Okay, put your hands on mineand go bzzzzzzz. Now, the coach hasbutterflies and you all are playing

"The Broncos Rock." The young Broncos teamstampedes through a banner, made by parents,in the opening of their game against the Cow-boys.

Broncos' Quarterback, Nick Forti, dances along the sideline to slip into the endzone for his second touchdown of the night. The Broncos went on to beat theCowboys 18-12.

Broncos' Quarterback, Nick Forti, weaves through the Cowboy defense for a 25 yard gain. The Broncosclosed their season with an undefeated record of 8-0.

The Broncos' Trevor Vann goesout for a pass while covered bytwo Cowboy defenders in the fi-nal game of the season for bothteams.

Broncos buck Cowboys, 18-12

each other. The team was not usedto being in the underdog position,according to the coaches. The Broncos then went airborne. “One of the key plays of thegame was in the beginning of thesecond half,” said Carter. “It wasfourth and five and Tristan Cartertook a cross back right and got thecrucial first down which seemed togive us the momentum of thegame.” With no time to spare, theBroncos nailed a touchdown,mustering up enough points to setthe score even with the Cowboys,and advance the game intoovertime.“Our team captain, Andy Pritchard,

made a lucky call on the coin and wereceived the first chance in overtime,which set the tempo for the rest of thegame,” said Carter.

The overtime rules stipulated thateach team start at the 20-yard line andget four opportunities to score.

The Broncos did just that on anend reverse pass back to the quarter-back, Forti, and clinched the victory.

At the end of the game, the entireBroncos team was awarded the team’sMost Valuable Player award, an honorusually reserved for one player on theteam.

“The Cowboys were without adoubt the best team we’ve seen outhere all season,” said the Broncoshead coach.

The Broncos were very proud oftheir accomplishments, and lookforward to repeating their winningseason next year.

“We worked together and playedhard, but we still had a lot of fun,” saidForti.

worry-free football,”said Carter.

On the openingdrive, the Broncosmarched methodicallydown to the 20-yard linebehind the offensiveleadership of theirquarterback, Nick Forti.Forti finished the gamewith 80 yards on theground and 110 in theair.

Three minutes intothe game, the Broncosbucked with J.D. Stone,tight end, turning aswing pass into a 20-yard scamper for atouchdown.

“We watched theCowboy defense andshifted everyone leftexcept J.D. The defensefocused on the left side,leaving J.D. open for thescore,” said Carter.

The extra pointconversion wasstopped by the Cow-boys’ defense.

The Broncos keptthe momentum going onthe ensuing Cowboydrive. Although theCowboys made it to theBroncos 10-yard line,Stone nabbed a pass forthe first turnover of thegame.

The Cowboys werequick to return thefavor. Jawaun Stanleyintercepted a pass fromForti to give theCowboys another shot at the end zonein the first half.

Punching through the Broncosdefense, Blake Stintsman dashed 35-yards for the Cowboys’ first score.The Cowboys could not convert theextra point, thanks to the prowess ofdefensive end Courtney Buono, and

the game was left tied 6-6 at half time.“You are 7-0 for a reason; don’t

show me, show them,” said Carter.The second half started with the

Cowboys’ Walter Rickett returning thekick off 50 yards for a touchdown.The Cowboys now led 12-6.

“Suck it up,” the Broncos said to