iii marine expeditionary force and marine corps bases japan

october 29, 2010 www.okinawa.usmc.mil

in t

his

issu

e MARine CORPs FORCes JAPAnCOMBineD FeDeRAL CAMPAiGn OVeRseAs ‘10• The goal is 100 percent unit member contact.• As of Monday, approximately 17 percent of the total personnel goal were contacted.

When DOGs FLYPMO canines log time in the sky

during helicopter training to prepare them for upcoming deployment.

PGS. 6-7

okinawa marine staff

CAUAYAN PROVINCE, Republic of the Philippines — Marines and sailors of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade provided assessments and initial recov-ery assistance to victims of Typhoon Juan (international name, Megi) here Oct. 21.

The 3rd MEB, comprised of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, Combat Lo-gistics Regiment 35 and Marine Aircraft Group 36, was participating in Amphibi-ous Landing Exercise 2011, a bilateral training exercise and security assistance program between the U.S. military and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

When the typhoon hit Oct. 18, the Marines suspended the exercise to wait for the storm to pass. Soon after, 3rd MEB was called upon at the request of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines for air support.

According to the Philippine National Disaster Risk Reduction and Manage-ment Council, the storm left 26 dead and 39 injured.

Lance Cpl. Heather N. Choateokinawa marine staff

CAMP FOSTER — Halloween is just around the corner and the December holiday season is not far behind as evidenced by the wrapping paper and ornaments already on sale in stores.

These are indicators that it will soon be time to mail holiday gifts to loved ones back home.

To ensure gifts arrive home in time for the holiday season, Marine Corps Bases Japan Postal Services has tips to properly and efficiently mail packages.

Service members should bring holiday packages to the post office early, said Sgt. Robert C. Allen, noncommis-sioned officer in charge at the Camp Foster Post Office.

3rd MEB provides assistance to Philippines

Postal Service offers tips for safe, timely holiday gift mailing

see MAIL pg �

see HADR pg �

U.S. Marines and sailors along with their Filipino counterparts conducted initial bilateral recovery assistance in the areas impacted by Typhoon Juan (international name Megi) Oct. 20-22. Members of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, conducted initial bilateral recovery efforts in Isabela province, Republic of the Philippines, Oct. 21. During this period, U.S. military and Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel delivered more than 170,000 pounds of relief supplies to affected areas. According to the Philippine National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the storm had so far left 26 dead and 39 injured. Photo by Cpl. Brandon L. Saunders

Cpl. Kelly R. Stevensokinawa marine staff

CAMP FOSTER — Toys for Tots will be kicking off its annual toy drive Nov. 6 at the Camp Foster Post Exchange at 9 a.m. and the Kadena Air Base Base Exchange at 11:30 a.m.

This year, the 2010 Marine Corps Re-serve Toys for Tots campaign on Okinawa has set a goal of collecting 13,000 new, unwrapped toys to hand out to children.

There will be many toy drop sta-tions on Okinawa including one at the exchanges, Navy Federal Credit Union, Community Bank, community centers, Child Development Centers and various other locations. There will also be a toy drop station located at the Torii Beach post office.

“For a (child) in need at Christmas time, that gift is probably the most im-portant thing in the whole world for him

Drive to begin accepting toys

see TOYS pg �

� okinawa marine | OPiniOn & eDitORiAL | october 29, 2010

The Okinawa Marine is published by Marine Corps Community Services under exclusive written contract with Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler, Okinawa, Japan.

The editorial content of this newspaper is edited and approved by the Consoli-dated Public Affairs Office of Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler.

This newspaper is an authorized publication for members of military services stationed overseas, at sea and their families. Its contents do not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense or the U.S. Marine Corps and do not imply endorsement thereof.

The appearance of advertising in this newspaper, including inserts of supple-ments, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the U.S.

Marine Corps, Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler or Marine Corps Com-munity Services of the products and services advertised.

Everything advertised in this newspaper shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the publisher shall refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected.

All photos, unless otherwise indicated, are “official U.S. Marine Corps photos.” For more information, e-mail us at okinawamarine.mcbb.fct@usmc.mil or write to us at Public Affairs Office, H&S BN MCB PAO, Unit 35002, FPO AP 96373-5002.

okinawa marine newspaperH&S Battalion MCB PAO

Unit 35002FPO AP 96373-5002

Central BureauCamp Foster

DSN 645-9335

northern BureauCamp HansenDSN 623-4224

Commanding general Maj. Gen. Peter J. Talleri

puBliC affairs direCtor Lt. Col. David M. Griesmer

press offiCer 2nd Lt. Lindsay M. Pirek

press Chief Gunnery Sgt. Cindy Fisher

design editor Audra A. Satterlee

Oct. 29, 2001 – The 4th Marine Expeditionary Bri-gade (Anti-terrorism) was reactivated after nearly 10 years. Operating out of Camp Lejeune, N.C., the unit, built around an existing infantry battalion, combined elements of the Marine Security Guard Battalion, Ma-rine Security Forces Battalion, and Chemical/Biologi-cal Incidence Response Force. A Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team was also formed to strengthen the 4th MEB (AT). Quickly responding to the need for such a force in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, the Marine Corps had announced plans to create the anti-terrorism brigade Oct. 4.

Oct. 31, 1919 – A patrol of Marines and police-men, led by Sgt. Herman H. Hanneken, disguised themselves as Cacos, armed gorillas, and entered the headquarters of the Haitian Caco Leader, Char-lemagne Peralte, killing the bandit chief and dispers-ing his followers. Hanneken and Cpl. William R. But-ton were each awarded the Medal of Honor for these actions during the Haitian Campaign 1919-1920.

Nov. 1, 1918 – During World War I, 2nd Infantry Division, V Corps, First Army, commanded by Maj. Gen. John A. Lejeune, attacked German positions in the Argonne Forest, France. As the war was ending, Marines broke through the German lines and pursued the fleeing enemy.

Nov. 2, 2007 – Marines assigned to Task Force National Capitol Region deployed to Iraq for seven months. The unit of more than 200 Marines, mostly volunteers, from various Washington D.C. commands, was formed to give Marines assigned to nondeploy-ing units a chance to deploy.

Nov. 3, 2001 – During the Global War on Terrorism, the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Opera-tions Capable), I Marine Expeditionary Force, aboard the USS Peleliu, flew its first bombing missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. Harrier pilots with the 15th MEU (SOC) dropped 500-pound MK-82 bombs on Taliban and al-Qaida targets located in southern Afghanistan. The 15th MEU (SOC) had been operating from the Arabian Sea since late September.

Nov. 4, 1983 – The Department of Defense estab-lished a commission headed by retired Adm. Robert L. G. Long, to investigate the Oct. 23 suicide attack on the headquarters building of Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 24th Ma-rine Amphibious Unit, at Beirut Rafiq Hariri Interna-tional Airport, in Lebanon.

U.S. Marine CorpS HiStory DiviSion

As your commandant, I want to say, first and foremost, thank you ... For your willingness to serve our nation at a critical time in its history, for what I know have been

your many sacrifices, for your continued courage in the face of great danger and, finally, thank you for your fidelity to each other, to our mission and to our Corps. Our performance at home and abroad, in garrison and in combat, has earned us the right to stand proudly in the long and illustrious line of Marines who have gone before.

Throughout this remarkable period in our history, Gen. Conway and his wife Annette have led our Corps with wisdom, strength and grace. Their many initiatives will serve us well as our Corps con-tinues its march into uncertain times. I am grateful for their leader-ship, and on behalf of the Marine Corps family, Bonnie and I wish them godspeed.

While we remain focused on combat operations in Afghanistan, leaders at all levels must consider the likely challenges of the next two decades and how the Corps will meet them. The future will be different from the world we knew prior to the attacks on 9-11. Through innovation and a willingness to adapt, we will remain America’s expeditionary force in readiness.

My priorities as commandant:• We will continue to provide the best trained and equipped Ma-

rine units to Afghanistan. This will not change. This remains our top priority.

• We will rebalance our Corps, posture it for the future and aggressively experiment with and implement new capabilities and organizations.

• We will better educate and train our Marines to succeed in distributed operations and increasingly complex environments.

• We will keep faith with our Marines, our sailors and our families.On Oct. 29, I will release my Commandant’s Planning Guidance.

I direct every Marine to read my guidance to better understand the way ahead. Over the next several months, Sgt. Maj. Kent and I will be visiting many of you at major bases and stations throughout the world. I look forward to hearing your thoughts, concerns and ideas as we prepare the Corps for the uncertain future.

Semper Fidelis,James F. AmosGeneral, U.S. Marine CorpsCommandant of the Marine Corps

Passing of colors

�okinawa marine | neWs | october 29, 2010

Gunnery Sgt. J. L. Wright Jr.okinawa marine staff

FORT BONAFACIO, Republic of the Philip-pines — U.S. and Armed Forces of the Philip-pines personnel celebrated the conclusion of Amphibious Landing Exercise 2011 during a closing ceremony here Oct. 22.

The ceremony culminated the exercise dur-ing which the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade and the Armed Forces of the Philippines trained bilaterally to improve interoperability, increase readiness and continue to build professional relationships between the two countries.

Throughout the exercise, AFP and U.S. personnel conducted training evolutions in-cluding an amphibious raid, boat raid, jungle warfare training and a variety of air training missions.

Philippine Air Force personnel logged 13 hours of flight time and flew 11 sorties during the exercise, according to Col. Joven Ronan, exercise director, Philippine Air Force.

Exercise participants completed a series of civil-military operations, to include engineer-ing, dental, veterinary and medical projects. During medical and dental projects, more than 3,500 patients were treated, according to Ronan.

During several community relations projects, U.S. service members and their counterparts provided a variety of items including books, clothes, desks and toys to children located throughout Luzon.

“The local government officials and citizens were very pleased with all of the community relations projects,” said Ronan.

“Phiblex was a complete success,” said Brig.

Gen. Mark A. Brilakis, commanding general, 3rd MEB, adding that the recent strike of Ty-phoon Juan (international name Megi) caused the brigade to miss only a few training opportu-nities. “We did most of the training we wanted to accomplish ... and we did it together.”

The keynote speaker, Brig. Gen. Rustico O. Guerrero, the commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps said he is extremely impressed

by the performance of both his Marines and U.S. service members.

“I want to share my warmest appreciation for you all,” he said. “I look forward to beauti-ful meetings and training opportunities in the future.”

For more stor ies, photos and videos from Phiblex ‘11, visit www.facebook.com/Phiblex11.

Phiblex ‘11 comes to close during ceremony

A bilateral color guard presents the colors during the closing ceremony of Amphibious Landing Exercise 2011 at Fort Bonafacio, Republic of the Philippines, Oct. 22. Throughout the exercise, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. personnel conducted training evolutions including an amphibious raid, boat raid, jungle warfare training and a variety of air training missions. Photo by Gunnery Sgt. J. L. Wright Jr.

Cpl. Thiara Espinosamejiacamp fuji public affairs office

CAMP FUJI, Japan — Camp Fuji Ma-rines remembered their fellow fallen Marines in an annual fire memorial ceremony for those who died in a fire on Camp Fuji on Oct. 19, 1979. The ceremony took place at the camp’s flagpole Oct. 19 at 8 a.m.

“Each year, we are honored to conduct a remembrance event to commemorate the terrible tragedy which affected so many lives of the (Battalion Landing Team 2/4) Ma-rines and their families,” said Col. Craig S. Kozeniesky, commanding officer, Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Marine Corps Bases Japan. “It’s also fitting that we honor the brave Japanese firefighters and emergency services that came to the Marines’ aid.”

In 1979, Typhoon Tip, the strongest storm to strike mainland Japan in more than 13 years, hit Camp Fuji.

A fuel farm consisting of two rub-ber storage bladders kept in place by a retaining wall sat just up the

hill from several huts. The rains from Typhoon Tip eroded the wall and allowed a bladder to break free; hoses sprang loose, releasing 5,000 gallons of gasoline.

A heater inside one of the huts ignited the gasoline.

Flames erupted immediately. Lo-cal firefighters were on scene within 10 minutes. Fifty-one Marines and three Japanese were injured, out of those 54, 13 died.

During the ceremony, a bell rang for each of the 13 Marines who lost their lives in that fire. Their names were: Pfc. Robert L. Brees, Pfc. Thomas J. Breunig, Lance Cpl. Willie Davis Jr., Lance Cpl. Philip E. Dupont, Pfc. Tyrone C. Elem, Lance Cpl. Ernest E. Gutierrez, Pvt. Gregory L. Hassel, Pfc. Roger A. Lar-son, Lance Cpl. L.C. Malveaux, Cpl. Colim Miller, Lance Cpl. Orlando E. Sandoval, Lance Cpl. Robert V. Smith Jr. and Lance Cpl. Stephen R. Turner.

“We’ll always remember the sacrifice by all involved,” said Kozeniesky.

Fire memorial ceremony commemorates victims

at that time,” said Staff Sgt. Henry Borom, a Toys for Tots coordi-nator for the 2010 Okinawa campaign and individual mobilization augmentee for III Marine Expeditionary Force on Camp Foster. “In this tough economy, there might be some parents out there who can’t do this for their (children). Toys for Tots steps in and tries to help every (childs’) Christmas dream come true.”

Toys for Tots is still looking for volunteers for this year’s drive.“We need volunteers,” said Borom. “Any Marine, soldier or sailor

who wants to put on their dress uniform can come stand at the toy drop boxes. Any airman can come and help us sort out the donated gifts as well. We’re always looking for volunteers.”

People are encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys of all kinds for children aged newborn to 16 years.

“We know everybody’s situation is different, but we encourage them to do their best when donating toys this year because this is a worthy cause,” said Borom.

The toys collected by Dec. 19, the last day to donate, will be distributed to children of military members as well as to children in the local community here.

“If (service members are) already on the holiday food voucher program, they will receive toys for their children, and the same applies to Air Force members who are part of the Angel Tree pro-gram,” said Borom. “Each unit also has a unit representative who will identify (members) in their command who are in need, and those (identified) will receive toys for their children as well.”

“The chaplains usually pick an organization to provide gifts to each year, such as an orphanage or a single parents program out in town,” added Borom.

“There are (children) out there who are in need every day,” said Staff Sgt. Donna Gregory, a Toys for Tots coordinator with III MEF. “One toy could bring them the little bit of happiness that they didn’t have before.”

For more information about donating to or volunteering for Toys for Tots, call at 645-8068.

TOYS from pg 1

�

fright night CanCelledDue to the approaching Typhoon Chaba,

Fright Night on Camp Foster Oct. 29-30 has been cancelled.

kadena high sChool College nightCollege Night will be held in the Kadena

High School gym Nov. 4 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Volunteers are needed to provide information and details about colleges they attended.

If you would like to volunteer, visit www.okinawa.pac.dodea.edu and click on College Night to register.

For more information, call 634-3852.

holiday food VouCher program The Holiday Food Voucher Program

ensures eligible families are able to have a festive meal during the holiday season by providing financial relief in the form of food vouchers that families can redeem at Defense Commissary Agency commissaries on the island.

For more information, call 645-3172.

influenza VaCCinations aVailaBle Influenza vaccinations are mandatory

for all active duty service members. See medical for your vaccination.

The immunization is also available for all beneficiaries. For more information or to make an appointment, contact:

• U.S. Naval Hospital immunizations clinic at 643-7441,

• 18th Medical Group Kadena Clinic at 630-4415,

• Bush Family Medicine Clinic on Camp Courtney at 622-7632/7633,

• Kinser Family Medicine Clinic at 637-4995.

For more information, visit www.vaccines.mil or www.cdc.gov.

kadena speCial olympiCs VolunteersVolunteers are needed to help with the

Kadena Special Olympics scheduled for Nov. 6. To adequately support the event, KSO needs 200 Marines and sailors, six heavy equipment operators, and five bus drivers.

To volunteer, call 645-2625.

2010 family readiness expo The 2010 Family Readiness Expo will

be held at the Camp Foster Fieldhouse Nov. 6 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. It will emphasize readiness, deployment support, and improving quality of life bringing together different organizations that work to support the military family.

Call 645-3689 for more information.

happily eVer after, one-day marriage-Building workshop

Marine Corps Family Team Building is sponsoring a one-day Marriage-Building Workshop Nov. 19 from 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

The workshop will be at the Chapel Center building 455 on Camp Foster and repeated quarterly. Sign ups are first come, first served, and the deadline to sign up is Nov. 17. Childcare will be provided depending on the interest received.

Call 645-3696 or e-mail stephanie.taber@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org to sign up.

okinawa marine | neWs | october 29, 2010

briefs

TO SUBMIT A BRIEF, send an e-mail to okinawamarine.mcbb.fct@usmc.mil, or fax your request to 645-3803. The deadline for submitting a brief is noon Friday. Okinawa Marine reserves the right to edit all submitted material.

Lance Cpl. Michael Iamsokinawa marine staff

URASOE CITY, Okinawa — Forty Marines and sailors with Combat Logistic Regiment 35 and Combat Logist ic Regi-ment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expedition-ary Force, along with more than 100 children from the Uchima community picked up trash around Urasoe City in the Uchima District near Camp Kinser Oct. 17.

“It’s great that the Marines come out to help, and it’s a good way for them to be a part of the community,” said Ichino Kuba, the Camp Kinser community relations specialist. “This is also a good way for the Marines to get to know more about the culture.”

The service members and local children separated into groups led by parents and staff members of the school who also helped supervise the children during the cleanup. Then they commenced their two-hour jour-ney around the city picking up all the trash they came across.

“This is a good way to get involved with the commu-nity and interact with the local children,” said Sgt. Nashauna Terry, platoon sergeant for Headquarters and Service Com-pany, CLR-35.

After the cleanup, the vol-unteers piled the trash into one big pile to be properly disposed of and then cooled off from the hard day’s work with refresh-ments.

“The best part of the day was hanging out with the children,” said 1st Lt. Eric Postow, General Support Maintenance Company 3rd Maintenance Battalion, CLR-35. “This event is a good way to build our public rela-tions, and it’s great seeing the children interacting with the Marines.”

The Marines took time to relax and interact with the community. They talked to the children and shared knowledge about each others’ cultures.

“The children are so friendly and helpful,” said Terry. “It’s great to see their smiles and hear their laughter.”

The cleanup ended with Takashi Chinen, president of Uchima Residents’ Association of Urasoe City, and Kuba thank-ing the Marines and children for coming out and cleaning the community.

“Events like this help the community recognize the Ma-rines’ contribution and lets them know the military is here to help,” said Kuba.

All the service members will receive a letter of appreciation for volunteering their time

to clean the community, she added.

“Not only will the Marines receive a letter of appreciation, but they will also have self-ap-preciation for doing something good for them as well as the community,” said Postow. “Ev-ery opportunity for the military here in Okinawa is good and can only help us.”

service members clean community

1st Lt . E r ic Postow, Genera l Support Maintenance Company 3 r d Ma i nte na n ce B a t t a l ion , Combat Logistic Regiment 35, 3rd Marine Logistic Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, holds a trash bag open for local children as they pick up trash around Urasoe City in Uchima District Oct. 17. Photo by Lance Cpl. Michael Iams

Gen. James Amos, left, receives the Marine Corps colors from Gen. James T. Conway, right, as Sgt. Maj. Carlton W. Kent, Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps, salutes during a change-of-command ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington Oct. 22. Conway relinquished command of the Marine Corps to Amos, who became the 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps. Amos said he is ready to lead the “nation’s most ready force.” Recent humanitarian operations in Haiti, Pakistan and combat operations in Afghanistan are prime examples of the Corps’ worth to this nation and their readiness as a force, “and that will continue to be my main focus as commandant,” said Amos. Photo by Cpl. Bobby J. Yarbrough

Amos takes command as CMC

�okinawa marine | neWs | october 29, 2010

The holiday season is very busy for the military post offices and wait times for customers to mail packages can be from 20-30 minutes, he said.

Proper and prior packaging will save time for postal employees and customers while reducing the risk of packages being damaged while in route to their destina-tion, said Gunnery Sgt. Shontate Morley, staff noncommissioned officer in charge at the Camp Foster Post Office.

Allen encourages customers to fill out U.S. Customs forms before going to the post office to mail boxes. Customs forms are available at all military post offices.

“One thing customers need to know is that we don’t provide packaging supplies or tape for their packages,” said Morley. “They can purchase those items at the post exchange.”

Some resources that can be used for packaging items are newspaper, bubble wrap or packing peanuts, he said.

Customers should package items at home before coming to the post office, Allen added.

“If you are sending breakable items and are concerned that they may break while in transition, it is highly recommended that you double wrap your items,” said Morley.

Other packaging tips from www.usps.com include:

• Ensure packages can withstand pro-cessing without contents breaking.

• Wrap each item separately when packing more than one item in the same box.

• Close and shake the box to see if it has enough cushioning. If items shift, add more cushioning.

• Mark “Fragile” in large print on the outside of a box when shipping breakable materials.

• When re-using a box, ensure previous labels and markings are covered.

• Mark “perishable” on packages that contain food or other items that can spoil.

• Place an extra address label with

the delivery and return addresses inside packages. This ensures undeliverable items can be returned to sender.

• Use tape designed for sealing ship-ping boxes. Do not use string, cellophane or masking tape to seal packages.

• Packages can weigh up to 70 pounds and measure up to 130 inches in com-bined length and width. Ensure the width is measured around the largest point of the package.

Expensive items can be insured, advises Morley. Customers should keep a copy of the purchased insurance. If something happens to a package, the customer should send a copy of the receipt to the receiving post office for reimbursement, he said.

To keep package contents hidden from recipients stateside, customers can mail packages using an internal customs form. The internal customs forms to use are Postal Service Form 2976 and PS Form 2976A. Ask at the front desk of any mili-tary post office for these forms.

Afterward, follow PS Form 2976’s in-structions, “Affix only the upper portion of this label (to the outside of the box) and complete a PS Form 2976A. Enclose the completed (form) inside the item.”

Normally, customers can expect mail to reach their destination in seven to 10 days, in both the U.S. and Okinawa, said Morley.

But, post office Marines ask for cus-tomers to be patient during the chaos the holiday season brings.

“Keep in mind that the holiday season is a very busy time for everyone, especially those who work at the post office,” said Allen.

Post office hours Monday–Friday for parcel pick-up are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and finance 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday hours for parcel pick-up are 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and finance 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

See below for shipping deadlines from Okinawa and the United States for items to be received by Dec. 25.

For further information, call 645-5509.

MAIL from pg 1

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all the Filipinos at this difficult time,” said Col. Andrew MacMannis, commanding officer, 31st MEU. “We are here to assist those in need however we can.”

The U.S. Embassy in Manila said in an Oct. 19 news release that the U.S. Government has provided an initial $100,000 in immediate relief assistance to aid victims of Typhoon Juan.

“The money was given to the Philippine Red Cross and used for transportation, tarpaulins and other non-food items,” said Alan Dwyer, principal regional advisor for USAID office and regional disaster assistance.

KC-130 Hercules from MAG-36 helped ferry those supplies from a central distribution point in Manila to Cauayan Airfield in the northern part of Luzon.

“This morning, our goal was to bring 60,000 pounds of food, medical supplies and shelters to Cauayan Airport for further distribution,” said Capt. David Masche, KC-130 pilot, Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, MAG-36.

Once at Cauayan, the supplies were loaded by soldiers from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and members of the Philippine National Police onto CH-46 Sea Knights and CH-53E Sea Stallions.

“Everyone brings something to the table, so get-ting all those pieces together is vital to the mission,” said Masche.

“I wish the storm had never hit or had been as devastating,” said Maj. Cory Dekraai, aircraft maintenance officer, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265, MAG-36. “Knowing that our heli-copters are here and ready makes me proud to know we can answer their call.”

HADR from pg 1

Families and children wait to receive rice and bottled water from U.S. Marines and sailors and their Filipino counterparts as they conducted initial bilateral recovery assistance in the areas impacted by Typhoon Juan (international name, Megi) Oct. 20-22. During this period, U.S. military and Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel delivered more than 170,000 pounds of relief supplies to affected areas. Photo by Cpl. Brandon L. Saunders

� okinawa marine | FeAtuRe | october 29, 2010

After landing with only back wheels of the helicopter on the ground, members of Military Police Support Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF, exit with their military working dogs Oct. 15. For most of the MWDs, this was their first helicopter ride.

As a Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Airraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, CH-46 Sea Knight spins up, members of Military Police Support Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF, practice embarking during helicopter familiarization training Oct. 15.

Members of Military Police Support Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF, calm their military working dogs as the CH-46 Sea Knight prepares to take flight during helicopter familiarization training Oct. 15.

Devil Dogs take flightStory and photos by Cpl. Rebekka S. Heite

okinawa marine sraff

�

Marines from Military Police Support Company, III Ma-rine Expeditionary Force

Headquarters Group, and Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Ma-rine Aircraft Wing, III MEF, worked together to familiarize five military working dogs with the CH-46 Sea Knight while static and in flight Oct. 15.

“The primary purpose of this train-ing is to familiarize the MWDs with the helicopter and to allow the han-dlers to see how the MWDs react to the noise and disturbances of the aircraft,”

said Gunnery Sgt. Greg A. Ashby, ken-nel master with Military Working Dog Platoon, MP Spt. Co. “Additionally, it is to teach the handlers and MWDs how to safely and properly enter and exit the aircraft in preparation for future combat operations.”

The training was accomplished in baby steps: entering and exiting a static CH-46, entering and exiting a CH-46 that was spinning up, flying a couple circuits around the base, and flying to points all over the island and having the dogs disembark and then re-embark.

During the training the dogs were introduced to hover landings, no hover landings, running landings, steep approaches, zoom climbs, spiral departures, running take-offs and ob-stacle departures, said Capt. Kenneth Zebley, aircraft commander during the training with HMM-265.

“It went very well,” he said. “Now the handlers know how the dogs will react, and all the dogs did really well.”

Of the five dogs, only Cherry had been in a helicopter prior to the train-ing. Cherry is a 5-year-old combat tracker with MWD Platoon who has stayed with his handler, Cpl. Gary Rowan, throughout his handler’s military career because of the spe-cialized training the two have gone through together.

The other dogs include Rroger, Zak, Eiko and Johny.

Rroger is a 3-year-old combat tracker, meaning he tracks people, said his handler, Cpl. Sky Bryson.

Zak is a 2-year-old drug detection dog; dogs with this designation stay with their kennel throughout their careers instead of staying with their handler. For the time being, Zak’s handler is Cpl. Ryan Jones.

Eiko is a 2-year-old patrol and ex-plosive detection dog handled by Cpl. Christopher Baez.

Johny will be 2 years old on Nov. 27. He is a patrol and explosive

detection dog handled by Lance Cpl. Charles Sicklesteel.

The only dog who was a little ner-vous after a few flights was Rroger, said Bryson.

“But he definitely improved and is more comfortable with the helicop-ter,” he said.

“I wish I would have had this training before deploying with Cherry (the first time),” said Rowan. “In combat, I had (my rifle and packs) and Cherry pulling me. It would have been less stress for the dog and less stress for me” if Cherry had been familiar with helicopters.

“Now, Cherry is a lot more confi-dent,” he added. “He knows what’s going on.”

MP Spt. Co. plans to train four more MWDs before their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan next year.

okinawa marine | FeAtuRe | october 29, 2010

MP dogs, handlers prepare for deployment

Cpl. Sky Bryson, a dog handler with Military Working Dog Platoon, Military Police Support Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF, gives his military working dog, Rroger, a drink from his own water source Oct. 15.

Cpl. Gary Rowan, a dog handler with Military Working Dog Platoon, Military Police Support Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF, practices obedience with his military working dog, Cherry, at the fuel station Oct. 15 on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma before boarding the aircraft during helicopter familiarization training.

As a Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Airraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, CH-46 Sea Knight spins up, members of Military Police Support Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF, practice embarking during helicopter familiarization training Oct. 15.

Devil Dogs take flight

� okinawa marine | FeAtuRe | october 29, 2010

Lance Cpl. Abigail M. Whartonokinawa marine staff

Eighteen Marines and sailors from across Oki-nawa volunteered at the

Okinawa Children Development Center in Chatan Oct. 20.

Most of the residents are mentally handicapped and wheelchair bound.

During their visit, the vol-unteers read and acted out “Big Rain Coming,” a children’s book by Katrina Germein. They also played a version of musi-cal chairs where Marines and sailors wheeled center residents around using cardboard squares as “chairs.”

“This gives our residents an opportunity to see and meet new people,” said Takako Gu-shiken, caretaker, OCDC. “They normally see the same faces ev-eryday, and the volunteers make the day more interesting.”

Although their reasons for participating were different, several volunteers agreed it was important to give their time.

“It lets Okinawans know that the military isn’t all about war. We’re humans, and we want to reach out and make friends,” said Pfc. Sheleaya Bennett, a personnel clerk, temporary assigned duty section to Instal-lation Personnel Administra-tion Center, Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler. “It’s our moral responsibility to help and protect others in peace or war; that’s why we joined.”

While donating their time, volunteers also had the oppor-tunity to see new parts of the island, said Hiroko Tomimura, community relations specialist for Camp Foster.

“It’s a good experience for Marines and sailors to get in-volved in,” she said. “Even with the communication barrier, they can help people and have fun doing it.”

“Story time was definitely my favorite part,” Bennett, said. “Ev-eryone got to show their char-acter and help bring the story to life.”

For more information about upcoming volunteer opportuni-ties, contact your camp’s com-munity relations specialist.

Marines, sailors spend time with local youth

In keeping with the festive spirit, Uruma City residents celebrated community and friend-ship with their 5th Annual Uruma City Festi-

val Oct. 16 and 17.The relatively-new Uruma City was estab-

lished in 2004 after the joining of two cities, Gu-shikawa and Ishikawa, and two towns, Katsuren and Yonashiro.

The fall festival, which boasted a turnout of more than 90,000 people in two days, featured singing performances by teen group Kimutaka no Awamari and several other local bands, Ryu-jin Densetsu dragon dances, a yukata competi-tion, recitals by Okinawan dancers, traditional Japanese cuisine and more, culminating with a fireworks show each night.

“Each district has a different style of dance and culture, so it’s a great time when they come together through the festival and have fun,” said Umehara.

Many Status of Forces Agreement personnel attended the festival as well.

“Coming out to these events gives Marines like me a chance to get out of the barracks and be good ambassadors to our host country,” said Lance Cpl. Seth Bowers, a Marine Air Ground Task Force specialist with Force Deployment, G-3, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expedition-ary Force. “In the U.S., service members don’t hesitate to go outside the base to enjoy them-selves and make friends with civilians. It should be no different here.”

Bowers participated and won first place in the festival’s first-ever yukata contest.

The competition featured more than a dozen contestants showcasing their favorite yukata, or summer kimono. Participants were judged on overall appearance, personality and originality

by three pre-selected judges. Male and female first, second and third places were awarded.

“The competition was my favorite part of the night,” said Bowers. “I love experiencing Okinawan culture and wearing the traditional clothing; plus I won. It’s been a great experi-ence.”

Attending and participating in the festival was a great way to show Okinawans that Ma-rines and their families are part of the commu-nity, Umehara said.

“It’s also a great opportunity to show them that Marines are friendly and interested in Oki-nawan culture,” Umehara said.

For more information on upcoming festivals and events in Uruma City, call 622-9561.

Contestants line up for the yukata competition during the 5th Annual Uruma City Festival Oct. 16. Photos by Cpl. Kentavist P. Brackin

Festival fosters sense of community, fun

Lance Cpl. Seth Bowers, a Marine Air Ground Task Force specialist with Force Deployment, G-3, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, is announced as the first place winner of the yukata competition during the 5th Annual Uruma City Festival Oct. 16.

On Okinawa, festivals are used not only as a means to eat, drink and be merry, but also to promote togetherness and foster a sense of community among

residents, said Ichiro Umehara, community relations specialist for Camp Courtney.

Lance Cpl. Jovane M. Hollandokinawa marine staff

�okinawa marine | FeAtuRe | october 29, 2010

Pets take plunge at Courtney poolStory and photos by Gunnery Sgt. Cindy Fisherokinawa marine staff

The Camp Courtney pool went to the dogs Oct. 16.

More than 40 dogs and their owners showed up for the annual Pet Plunge which this year was held at the Camp Courtney pool.

Marine Corps Community Services has held a Pet Plunge at one of the MCCS pools for the last four years “just to give patrons an opportunity to swim with their dogs,” ex-plained Amanda Brady, the Camp Courtney pool manager.

There are very few places owners can take their dogs to be around other animals, she said.

“We don’t really have pet parks here in Okinawa,” Brady added. “The patrons enjoy having something to do with their dogs.”

Master Gunnery Sgt. Ron Mazurek agreed this was a great experience for him and Ar-gus, his 17-month-old German Shepherd.

The plunge also allowed Argus to socialize with other dogs, said Mazurek, with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 1, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Katie Clary said she brought her 4-month-old Border Collie, Barrett, to the pool as an-other activity to fill time while her husband is deployed to Camp Fuji on mainland Japan.

It was Barrett’s first time in a pool.“He’s scared, but he’s pretty good at it,”

Clary said. While climbing aboard her shoul-der in the pool, “he dunked me … that was super funny,” she added chuckling.

Barrett wasn’t the only dog nervous in the

water. Tech. Sgt. Lucas Ray, with 18th Civil Engineer Squadron, 18th Civil Engineer Group, 18th Wing, said Dex, his almost two-year-old Doberman Pinscher, was so nervous they had to start in the kiddie pool surrounded by young children, pugs and other smaller dogs.

“We’re starting in the small pool and build-ing up his courage,” Ray explained.

For Coco Bear, an almost 2-year-old York-shire Terrier, the pool was the place to be, said owners Warrant Officer Nate Kragel, with Ma-rine Air Control Squadron 4, Marine Air Con-trol Group 18, 1st MAW, and his wife Ivette.

“She’s a California girl and used to the beach,” explained Ivette.

“She’s pretty confident,” the warrant officer added of Coco Bear as he watched the little Yorkie leap into the water after a dog toy.

Six Marines, volunteering through the Single Marine Program, also spent the after-noon at the pool to hand out free ice cream and provide dog baths before owners took their pets home.

It was a chance to be around animals and

made her feel closer to the pet she left at home in the states, explained Sgt. Nesa Kline, with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, Marine Wing Support Group 17, 1st MAW, of why she volunteered.

The event featured contests for the dogs that jumped the farthest and retrieved toys the quickest; SMP volunteers to wash dogs; and dogs of varying sizes and breeds. Every-thing came together to make the event a great success, Brady said.

The Pet Plunge was the last event of the season for the pool which will be closed until next year. Before the pool reopens, it will be drained and cleaned.

DOG DAYs OF FALL

Nathan Guy, 5, plays with his 10-month-old Golden Retriever Harley at the Pet Plunge at the Camp Courtney pool Oct. 16. This was the first time Harley had been around a large body of water, but both Harley and Nathan had a good time in the pool, said Cindy Guy.

Coco Bear, an almost 2-year-old Yorkshire Terrier, scrambles out of the Camp Courtney pool Oct. 16. Ivette Kragel, Coco Bear’s owner, said the Yorkie was used to going to the beach and was fearless in the water. Kragel added the Pet Plunge was “a great idea.”

More than 40 dogs and their owners participate in the Pet Plunge at the Camp Courtney pool Oct. 16. Amanda Brady, the pool manager, said she was pleased at how well the many dogs of varying sizes and breeds got along together in the pool.

10

Sgt. Christopher R. Strelczyk was just going for a ride on Route 26 near Kadena Air Base’s Gate 3.

He was actually thinking about the ride as he cruised around on a sports bike that clear, cool night.

“I was going around a sharp corner, and there was a car coming around that was a little too far over,” Strelc-zyk said.

“I wasn’t prepared to see it and jammed on my rear brakes, locking up the wheel. The bike slid out from under me then regained traction and

threw me into the grill of the oncoming car,” he said.

Strelc-zyk, the training chief with Marine

Tactical Air Command

Squadron 18, Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expedition-ary Force, was wearing personal protective equipment at the time of the accident and

feels that it prob-ably saved

his life, he said.

“I hit the car

face

first,” he said. “I would have died from a head injury if I wasn’t wearing a helmet. The gloves and the jacket saved most of my body from getting severe road rash, and the boots saved my feet.

“When I hit the ground, I kicked it, and the boots saved my feet from shattering. If I was wearing sandals or tennis shoes, that wouldn’t have happened.”

Almost a year later, Strelczyk is still on crutches, recovering from the injuries incurred during the accident.

One of the most common reasons for accidents is a rider’s error in judg-ment, said Tsutomu Yamashiro, a training technician with the Kadena Motorcycle Safety Office.

“Riders need to practice braking, driving straight and turning properly at all times,” said Yamashiro.

In addition to practicing proper driving techniques, drivers must also wear the proper personal protective equipment.

“Riders must wear a helmet, eye protection, proper gloves, over-the-ankle footwear (riding boots), pants, (and) long-sleeve shirts,” said Yamashiro.

Yamashiro advised riders to also wear riding jackets.

In order for service members on Okinawa to ride motorcycles, they must complete the Basic Riders Course, get a license endorsement through the base safety office and ful-fill the basic legal requirements such as registration and insurance for the motorcycle, said Yamashiro.

“I recommend the training courses to everyone,” said Strelczyk. “The training I received in the Marine Corps was amazing, and it probably saved my life.”

For more information about upcoming training courses, contact the Kadena Motorcycle Safety Of-fice at 634-2450.

To attend training courses, Ma-rines must contact their S-3.

okinawa marine | FeAtuRe | october 29, 201010

Story and photo illustration byLance Cpl. Garry J. Welch

okinawa marine staff

Motorcycle safety paramountIt all happened one dark night on a narrow road.

11okinawa marine | COMMunitY PLACe | october 29, 2010

For more information, or to sign up, contact the Single Marine Program at

645-3681.

sinGLe MARine PROGRAM eVents

FOsteRTODAY Red (PG13), 6 and 9 p.m.SATURDAY Step Up 3D (PG13), noon; Lottery Ticket (PG13), 3 p.m.; The Social Network (PG13), 6 p.m.; The Last Exorcism (PG13), 9 p.m.SUNDAY Hereafter (PG13), 1, 4:30 and 8 p.m.MONDAY Lottery Ticket (PG13), 7 p.m.TUESDAY The Switch (PG13), 7 p.m.WEDNESDAY The Expendables (R), 7 p.m.THURSDAY Hereafter (PG13), 7 p.m.

COuRtneYTODAY Hereafter (PG13), 5:30 and 9 p.m.SATURDAY Nanny McPhee Returns (PG), 2 p.m.; Vampires Suck (PG13), 6 p.m.SUNDAY Secretariat (PG), 2 and 6 p.m.MONDAY Lottery Ticket (PG13), 7 p.m.TUESDAY ClosedWEDNESDAY Red (PG13), 7 p.m.THURSDAY Closed

hAnsen TODAY The Last Exorcism (PG13), 6 p.m.; Takers (PG13), 9 p.m. SATURDAY Secretariat (PG), 6 p.m.; The Last Exorcism (PG13), 9 p.m.SUNDAY The Last Exorcism (PG13), 2 p.m.; The Expendables (R), 5:30 p.m.MONDAY Hereafter (PG13), 7 p.m.TUESDAY Hereafter (PG13), 6 and 9 p.m.WEDNESDAY Dinner for Schmucks (PG13), 7 p.m.THURSDAY Red (PG13), 7 p.m.

kinseRTODAY The Last Exorcism (PG13), 6:30 p.m.SATURDAY Takers (PG13), 3 p.m.; The Expend-ables (R), 6:30 p.m.SUNDAY The Last Exorcism (PG13), 3 p.m.; The Expendables (R), 6:30 p.m.MONDAY ClosedTUESDAY ClosedWEDNESDAY Hereafter (PG13), 3 and 6:30 p.m.THURSDAY The Expendables (R), 6:30 p.m.

kADenATODAY ClosedSATURDAY Red (PG13), noon, 3 and 6 p.m.; The Expendables (R), 9 p.m.SUNDAY The Last Exorcism (PG13), 1 p.m.; Red (PG13), 4 and 7 p.m.MONDAY Red (PG13), 7 p.m.TUESDAY Secretariat (PG), 7 p.m.WEDNESDAY The Last Exorcism (PG13), 7 p.m.THURSDAY Secretariat (PG), 7 p.m.

FutenMATODAY Lottery Ticket (PG13), 6:30 p.m.SATURDAY Hereafter (PG13), 4 and 7 p.m.SUNDAY Nanny McPhee Returns (PG), 4 p.m.; Vampires Suck (PG13), 7 p.m.MONDAY Secretariat (PG), 6:30 p.m.TUESDAY ClosedWEDNESDAY ClosedTHURSDAY Closed

sChWABTODAY Secretariat (PG), 7 p.m.SATURDAY Lottery Ticket (PG13), 5 p.m.SUNDAY Vampires Suck (PG13), 5 p.m.MONDAY-THURSDAY Closed

theAteR DiReCtORYCAMP FOSTER 645-3465

KADENA AIR BASE 634-1869(USO NIGHT) 632-8781

MCAS FUTENMA 636-3890(USO NIGHT) 636-2113

CAMP COURTNEY 622-9616

CAMP HANSEN 623-4564(USO NIGHT) 623-5011

CAMP KINSER 637-2177

CAMP SCHWAB 625-2333(USO NIGHT) 625-3834

Movie schedule is subject to change without notice. Call in advance to confirm show times. For a

complete listing, visit www.aafes.com.

ChAPeL sCheDuLeCamp Foster | 645-7486• Catholic: Mon-Fri, 11:45 a.m.; Sat, 5 p.m.; Sun, 10 a.m.• Christian Science: Sun, 11 a.m., Bldg. 442• Eastern Orthodox: Divine Liturgy, Sun, 9:30 a.m.; Vespers, Sat, 5 p.m.• Gospel: Sun, 11:30 a.m.; 2nd, 3rd Sun, Children’s Church, 11 a.m.• Jewish: Informal: 1st, 3rd Fri, 6:30 p.m.• Latter Day Saints: Mon, 6:30 p.m.• Lutheran: Sun, 5 p.m.• Muslim: Fri, Prayer, 12:45 p.m.• Protestant: Sun, 8:30 a.m.• Seventh Day Adventist: Sat, 9:30 a.m., Torii Station 644-5701/644-4281

Camp sChwab | 622-9350• Catholic: Sun, 5:30 p.m.• Protestant: Sun, 4 p.m.

Camp Kinser | 637-1148• Catholic: Sun, noon• Protestant: Sun, 9 a.m.

Camp hansen | 622-9350• Catholic: Sun, 10 a.m., E. Chapel• Latter Day Saints: Wed, 6:30 p.m., Library • Protestant: Sun, 12:30 p.m., E. Chapel

Camp Lester | 643-7248• Catholic: Sun, 8 a.m.• Non-Denominational: Sun, 9 a.m., Hospital Chapel; Sun, 10 a.m., Lester Chapel Camp mctureous | 622-9350• Gospel: Sun, 12:30 p.m.

Camp Courtney | 622-9350• Catholic: Sun, 8 a.m., Mass, Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 11:30 a.m.• Protestant: Sun, 10:45 a.m.

Kadena air base | 634-1288www.kadenachapel.org • Catholic: Sun, 8:30 a.m., Mass, Chapel 1; Sun, 11:45 a.m., Mass, Chapel 1; Sun, 4 p.m., Mass, Chapel 1; Daily Mass, Mon.-Fri., noon, Chapel 1• Contemporary: Sun, 10 a.m., Chapel 1• Gospel: Sun, 10:30 a.m., Chapel 3• Traditional: Sun, 9:30 a.m., Chapel 2• Wiccan/Pagan: Sat, 2 p.m., Bldg. 856

mCas Futenma | 636-3058• Catholic: Sun, noon• Contemporary: Fri, 7 p.m.; Sun, 9 a.m.

All bus pick-up points will be at Semper Fit gyms

or the Foster Fieldhouse.

ExPO/PINEAPPLE PARK TRIP: NOv. 21• EXPO Park has many activities for sea-lovers to enjoy. One of Expo Park’s greatest features is the Churaumi Aquarium, the largest in Japan. Pineapple Park has many varieties of pineapples which are used in the production of soap and many other products such as cakes and candies. All can be sampled and purchased during the tour. Sign up by Nov. 16. Bus will leave MCAS Futenma at 8:45 a.m. and Camp Kinser at 9:20 a.m.

SMP THANKSGIvING DINNER AT THE PALMS CLUB: NOv. 24• All single Marines and sailors are invited to join the SMP Thanksgiving Dinner at The Palms Club on Camp Hansen from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. There will be games, prizes, food and entertainment. No transportation is provided. Sign up by Nov. 17. Space is limited.

vOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES• Nov. 6: Volunteer to help with the Marine Corps Family Team Building Family Expo from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. at the Foster Field House on Camp Foster.

• Every Friday: Volunteer at the Kinser Elementary School Reading Program on Camp Kinser each Friday from 8:45-11 a.m., except non-school days and half days.

• Every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday (depending on location): Volunteer at your local Marine Thrift Shop by folding cloths and organizing items from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Mention of any company in this notice does not constitute endorsement by the Marine Corps. rifle rangeLance Cpl. Nathan J. Auckland, 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 342

pistol range no detail this week

oct. 18 - oct. 22

Japanese phrase of the week:“Chotto matte kudasai” (pronounced cho-to-ma-te ku-da-si) • It means, “just a moment, please.” • Used as if you are on the phone asking someone to hold while you go get someone for them.

In Theaters Now ocT. 29 - Nov. 4

Story and photo illustration byLance Cpl. Garry J. Welch

okinawa marine staff

1�

Xtreme

okinawa marine | sPORts | october 29, 2010

Grunting and groaning a handful of Marines take part in an Xtreme

Fitness class at the Camp Kinser Fitness Center.

According to Vivian Brown, fitness coordinator for the Camp Kinser Fitness Center and Xtreme Fit-ness instructor, the class is designed to provide a strong overall balanced training regimen.

The one-hour workout held Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays focuses on strengthening all major muscle groups, Brown said.

“I focus on as many muscle groups as possible,” she added.

Brown explained many Marines do cardiovascular exercises and workout up-per-body muscles but tend to neglect other muscle groups.

“I try to target what most people tend to forget,” Brown said of the various exercises offered in the Xtreme Fitness class that target back and leg muscles.

The class of 12 partici-pants kicked off the session with a series of warm-up ex-ercises that included a short run and modified lunges designed to work both core and lower body muscles.

The participants worked with a partner to execute rep-etitions of different exercises in a circuit course.

After each repetition pairs rotated to a different exercise.

Exercises included medi-cine ball push-ups, side straddle hops and various weight lifting and calisthen-ics-style workouts.

Mark Bonicillo, a class participant, said Xtreme Fit-ness is a good change in his physical training program.

“This is a bit more in-tense,” Bonicillo said. “It’s easy to just lift heavy weights

with no cardio in-between.”Bonicillo said the combi-

nation of weight lifting and cardiovascular exercises challenged his endurance and he encourages others to try the class.

The Xtreme Fitness class is open to all Status of Forces Agreement personnel and master labor contractors on Okinawa.

Xtreme Fitness classes are also offered at Camp Court-ney’s Ironworks Gym.

For more information, contact the Marine Corps Community Service’s health promotion at 645-3484.

Fitness goes Xtreme at Camp kinserStory and photos by Sgt. Rodolfo Toro

okinawa marine staff

vivian Brown, fitness coordinator and xtreme Fitness class instructor at the Camp Kinser Fitness Center, instructs participants on the proper execution of a lower body exercise during an xtreme Fitness class. xtreme Fitness is an hour-long class that incorporates weightlifting, cardiovascular and calisthenics-style exercises.

Mark Bonicillo executes a push

up row at one of the circuit course

stations of an xtreme Fitness

class held at the Camp Kinser

Fitness Center Oct. 18. The hour-long class is designed

to target all major muscle groups.

Participants execute medicine ball push-ups during the xtreme Fitness class held at the Camp Kinser Fitness Center.