A group of volunteers greeted them at theWindward ferry landing with much fanfare,celebrating their arrival by waving Americanflags, giving out hearty handshakes and hold-ing welcoming banners high in the air. But thiswas no welcome-home parade for soldiersreturning to the States from the front lines. No,this was an arrival: that of the 300th MilitaryPolice Brigade from Michigan, hitting theground at GTMO Saturday and marking theirterritory as the new supporting staff for JTF-GTMO operations.

And while many servicemembers through-out the JTF are looking forward to returninghome for the holidays, finally finished withtheir deployment and content or not with whatGTMO had to offer, the soldiers of the 300thwill be seeing this Caribbean base with fresheyes backed with the determination to fulfilltheir role in the current War on Terrorism andOperation Enduring Freedom.

“We’re here to provide full support of theWar on Terror, to be an integral part of the mis-sion completion of the JTF while taking careof all of the servicemembers serving in it,”said Command Sgt. Maj. John R. VanNatta,

command sergeant major of the 300th andnow camp superintendent for JTF-GTMO.

Ceasing to exist as a brigade in the tradi-tional sense upon their arrival, the 300th isnow part of the combined force here. In com-mand of an area spanning five states backhome, some of the units that fall under the

jurisdiction of the 300th have already beendeployed here, such as the 342nd MP Co.,which just left the island last week after fin-ishing their deployment.

While mobilizing out of Fort Dix, N.J., the

Published in the interest of personnel assigned to JTF-GTMO and COMNAV Base Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

New sheriffs in GTMOFriday, November 29, 2002Volume 2, Issue 25

Story and photos by Spc. Chris S. PisanoThe Wire

300th MP Bde. hits theground, prepares to besupport staff of the JTF

300th MP Bde., page 5

A look inside...

Page 6 Page 9 Page 11

The soldiers of the 300th Military Police Brigade depart the ferry, ready to take on their critical mission.

Q: Look, do you really think you’re worthyof having 15 Minutes of Fame?

A: No, I don’t. I deserve 30 minutes afterall of the junk I’ve seen down here.

Q: So what do you do here?A: I’m serving as the historian of the 43rd

Military Police Brigade. Previously, I was theoperations NCO for the Joint InformationBureau.

Q: The 43rd is almost out of here. Youlooking forward to leaving?

A: I want to go home, wherever that willbe. I don’t really have a home. I live in my ‘94Lincoln Town Car.

Q: What will you do in your car?A: I will live. I’m going to travel the coun-

try in it. I’m planning to drive from Chile toAlaska in less than 22 days.

Q: With the money you’ve saved here,how long do you think you could last payingfor gas?

A: Probably about two years, if I dilute thefuel with water.

Q: So your car means a lot to you?A: Yeah it does. Back in June though, I

found out that it was stolen. It had all of mypersonal belongings in it, even my prized Yan-kees jersey. I filled out a police report andeverything, and eventually found out that myfriend had just driven it to the railroad stationand forgot he left it there.

Q: Why would you leave all that you hadbehind to join the military?

A: I just wanted to serve my country. Ioriginally joined as an 11B infantryman.

Q: Do you still like to get dirty and honeyour infantry skills?

A: You grow out of it... I did half waythrough basic training.

Q: Did basic treat you well?A: Well, one time me and my friends stole

some cake from the DFAC. We hid it in agarbage bag inside of the trash. When we gota chance to recover it from the dumpster, westarted to chow down. Halfway through, wediscovered the bag was torn, and trash hadleaked into it.

Q: So not only do you live in your car, butyou eat dirty junk out of the trash....

A: Cut me some slack, I was an 11B. I’mtrained to adapt, improvise and overcome.

Q: You think you can shoot your weaponbetter than a journalist?

A: I know those print journalists are goodshots, but I’m naturally better.

Q: How many confirmed kills do you haveunder your belt?

A: Well, I am originally from Boston...

Q: You have to be Irish, think you’ll everfind that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow?

A: No. At least not in the military.

Q: The military has to be better than beingpoked in the eye with a sharp stick, right?

A: Well, someone did break a beer bottle inmy eye once.

Q: What hap-pened?

A: It was a stan-dard street fight: Onefriend took off, onefriend got knockedout, and I caught thebeating of my life.

Q: Would yourather take that beat-ing again or do sixmore months atGTMO?

A: I would takethe beating in a heart-beat.

Q: What was yourlowest point whilehere?

A: Well, one timemy picture was in thepaper, and I lookedlike a fool.

Q: Make that twotimes now. ButGTMO wasn’t allbad, was it?

A: I did like thewater here, it’s soblue and clean. OnceI went spear-fishing,and I got the spearstuck in some coral.I couldn’t get it

unlodged, so I had to take off my trunks so Icould get a hold of the coral. So I guess skinnydipping was my greatest moment while here.

Q: Give us your best “command message”about the military.

A: You can return home from this deploy-ment and hold your head up high. You’ve sac-rificed much, but the sense of pride andaccomplishment are something that no onecan ever take from you.

Q: Now tell us something about life.A: I offer you a Winston Churchill quote:

“If you’re going through Hell, keep on going.”Happiness comes with your state of mind.Keep driving on, and you will find it.

Q: You’ll find it down the road someday?A: It’s a long road, and each step is a new

beginning. Sometimes you get no breaks andonly heart aches, but for me...life is lovely.

Photo by Spc. Chris S. Pisano

Hardcore Spc. Robert Lovely uses his infantry skills to catch a fierce barracuda.

Interview by Spc. Chris S. Pisano and Spc. Joseph A. MorrisThe Wire

15 Minutes of Fame...Page 12 Friday, November 29, 2002

with Spc. Robert Lovely, 43rd MP Brigade

Letting it all hang out is a Lovely thing

Page 11Friday, November 29, 2002

Last Chance wins in “Xtreme” race

Guantanamo Bay went toextreme measures again Satur-day, when members from the346th Military Police Companyconquered the grueling “GTMOXtreme Adventure Race” in 4hours, 20 minutes to take firstplace out eight co-ed teams bat-tling through four events: kayak-ing, biking and running.

The challenging course was atest of endurance and will for allof the bold athletes that dared tocompete.

Gathering at the MWR SailingCenter at 5:30 a.m, most of thecompetitors arrived quiet andfocused on the challenges ahead,preparing themselves both physi-cally and mentally.

But the arrival of a warm andtranquil sunrise over the bay, itmeant that the “GTMO XtremeAdventure Race” was on.

The first event started at seawith an exhausting 7.1-milekayak. Team Last Chance was thefirst to emerge triumphantly fromthe waters of GTMO.

“What a way to start yourday,” said a charged-up Spc. EricL. Blewett, captain of team LastChance afterward.

For the competitors who hadnever competed in an event ofthis caliber, it was a rude awaken-ing. But this was only the start.There was more pain to endure.

The warriors came back toland to start a strenuous 6.8-mile

bike course. The competitors hadto trek up and down extremelydifficult hills on the trail. Theironic part was that they wereonly able to actually ride thoughhalf the bike course.

“From the 6.8 miles, we wereable to ride maybe four of it,” saidNavy Petty Officer 2nd ClassLisa Czubernat. “We had to carryour bikes up and down those dan-gerous hills.”

Due to the heavy rainfall fromthe previous day, the course wasripe with dangerous maneuveringon the muddy and washed outtrails. And at the middle of thebike course came a twist to theextreme race, where contestantshad to climb up and rappel off athree-story wall.

And if that was not extremeenough for these guys, the finalevent of the day was a back-

breaking 8.3-mile run. Clearly this event was not

made for the average “weekendwarrior.” These athletes werewell-trained and determined totake on the challenge.

“The race was very hard, butthe run was the toughest. It takesa lot of heart and determination tocompete in an event like this,”said Spc. Autumn N. Blewett,who alongside her teammatesfrom team Last Chance had anadvantage fewof the otherc o m p e t i t o r shad: they hadparticipated inthe previousXtreme race.

“It was eas-ier because weknew what toexpect on thecourse,” shesaid afterward.

“When wehad the leadafter the kayak-ing, I felt wehad an advan-tage,” said EricBlewett. “Wewere the firstteam to reachthe wall, whichslowed downthe other com-petitors. Therain didn't helpthe courseeither. It onlymade it

tougher,” he said.Not only were the conditions

of the course a factor, but strategyalso played a key part.

“We kept a consistent pace,”said Eric Blewett. “We’re leavingthe island, so this was our lastchance to compete. Our undyingmotivation was the unstoppabledrive to win.”

Not only were they well-con-ditioned for this race, but theyalso had Lady Luck on their side.

“In the last GTMO Xtremerace, we had a flat tire that slowedus up. But in this race, everythingwent well,” said Spc. Clint D.Bowman. “Everything was per-fect. We came here to have funand everything went right.”

Coming in second place afterthe superiority of Last Chancewas team JTF-GTMO, whichclocked in about an hour later at5:16. Behind them was teamNaval Hospital, which proudlytook third place at 5:26.

After the epic race, the athletescelebrated their trials and tribula-tions together, bonding oversweat, aches and fatigue, and per-haps creating extreme lifetimefriendships as well.

Story and photos bySpc. Jose A. MartinezThe Wire

With spider-like skill, Spc. Clint D. Bowman conquers thewall and makes the three-story climb look easy.Determined Spc. Amos C. Essary was the first to complete the kayaking event.

Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Lisa Czubernat, Navy Lt. Wayne Clark (center) andMarine Corps Lance Cpl. David J. Braswell negotiate the bike course.

Page 2 Friday, November 29, 2002

For every soldier, sailor,airman, Marine and CoastGuardsman assigned toGTMO, OPSEC should benothing new. We are doinga fairly good job by notdiscussing critical, unclas-sified information that ouradversaries can use tocause our mission here tofail. However, there arestill some people who justdon’t get it.

Let’s talk about OPSEC“indicators.” When athome during vacationtime, we either stop themail or have a neighborcollect it for us. We alsoarrange for the lawn to bemowed. Why? We don’twant burglars to know weare not at home. A stuffedmailbox and overgrownlawn are “indicators” — itbroadcasts to potentialthieves that no one hasbeen home for a period of

time. You see, even beforewe joined the military wehave practiced OPSEC.

Our mission is veryimportant, and we cannotallow complacency to setin and return to the “Sep-tember 10th mindset.” Weare at war, as of 9-11-01.You are at GTMO becauseof 9-11. Therefore, weMUST protect all informa-tion critical to the successof our mission.

Every single unclassi-fied email (Yahoo, AOL,us.army.mil, etc.) and non-secure phone call isbeamed to a satellite.When this occurs, thosesignals are subject to inter-ception by anyone with theproper equipment. Don’tthink for one minute thatAl-Qaeda doesn’t want toknow what we are dis-cussing. Simple commentsmade over the phone, or in

emails, can be an indicatorto our enemy letting thempiece together informationto learn about our opera-tions here. Keep in mind,their doctrine refers tooperations such as rescuingtheir brothers who havebeen captured, makingtheir brothers in prisonmartyrs, and killing asmany Americans as possi-ble. Imagine the mediaexposure and embarrass-ment to the United States ifwe allow something likethat to happen here atGTMO.

Remember, any infor-mation about detainees,troop movements, troopstrength, etc. should not bediscussed over non-secureelectronics.

Have a great OPSECday!

— Mr. OPSEC

Message from the Commander

OPSEC Corner

Good leadership is vital to keeping the chain ofcommand strong and effective, and it demands ourconstant effort and attention.

Whether you are a commanding general or asquad leader, leadership means setting priorities,providing guidance, delegating authority, and hold-ing those below you accountable for their work.

Hold everyone below you responsible for theiractions, while remembering you are responsiblefor them as well. Leadership traits will trickledownward, and the benefits from them will flowback upward through the entire organization.

Know your people and trust their talents. Good

leaders give their subordinates the freedom of ini-tiative to find the best ways to accomplish theirmission. Support your subordinates and allowthem to make honest mistakes, and then provideguidance on how to improve in areas whereneeded. Part of being a leader is mentoring thosebelow you and developing their leadership skills.

Set your subordinates and junior leaders up forsuccess, and celebrate the small victories everyday.

Great leaders teach what “right” looks like.Invest yourself in making a difference for thefuture.

JTF-GTMO CommandCommander:Army Maj. Gen. Geoffrey D. MillerDeputy Commander:Navy Capt. Robert A. BuehnPublic Affairs Officer:Air Force Lt. Col. Eduardo VillavicencioOIC:Army Maj. Sandra SteinbergOnline at:www.nsgtmo.navy.mil/JTF-160/index.htmCirculation:2,100 copies

The Wire StaffEditor-in-Chief:Sgt. Frank N. PellegriniNews Editor: Spc. Chris S. PisanoStaff writers and design team:Sgt. Michelle M. PessoaSpc. Joseph A. MorrisSpc. Michelle M. ScsepkoSpc. Jose A. MartinezSpc. Jean-Carl BertinContact us:5239/5241 (Local phone) 5246 (Local fax)Joint Information Bureau/Pink Palace

The Wire is produced by the 361st Public Affairs Detachment (PCH) assigned to the Joint Information Bureau at JTF-GTMO. This publication is printed under the provisions provided in Army Regulation 360-1 and does not reflect the viewsof the Department of Defense or the personnel within.

JTF-GTMO commanderArmy Maj. Gen. Geoffrey D. Miller

For six heated months, the members ofthe 361st Press Camp Headquartershave sought out the stories of this JointTask Force, from the heady early days ofBrig. Gen. Rick Baccus to the merger ofJTF-160 and JTF-170 under Maj. Gen.Michael Dunlavey, to the arrival of Maj.Gen. Geoffrey D. Miller and the long-awaited realization of JTF-GTMO.

A well-deserved thanks to all of ourreaders of this publication, as well to allthe servicemembers of the task forcewho week after week became the leadsof our stories and columns. We strovealways to walk that fine line betweenoperational security and well-deservedpublicity for the hard-working service-members who, day in and day out, per-form the missions that help make theirfar-away homes and families safer untilthey return to them.

And now it is our time to go home.Next week, the 362nd Mobile PublicAffairs Detachment, an Army Reserveunit from New Hampshire, will take thereins of The Wire, and will continue toscour the landscape of GTMO in searchof the stories that will keep youinformed, tell your story and hopefullyentertain you a little. As for us, we willbe heading back to New York...

To all the soldiers, sailors, airmen,Marines and Coast Guardsmen assignedto this remote corner of the current glob-al War on Terrorism and OperationEnduring Freedom, never think that we,whose job it was to chronicle yours,failed to appreciate your importance tothis detention operation and this war.

Our efforts were for you.

Farewell messagefrom the 361st PCH

The NextChapter

by Spc. Joseph A. Morris

Could this be where it will all end?Came here in pieces,but I’ve started to mend.I turned to myself,and within I’ve found a friend.A new beginning means a new start.Writing’s an art, it must be sharp like a dart.DO THERIGHTTHING;No matter what life will bring.I ain’t no puppet on a string, and this ain’t no GTMO fling.I HATE GREED.Forget what you want,and learn what you need.Life goes by at God’s speed. If you want it real bad,then desire you’ll bleed.The choice is yoursto follow or lead.I’M A HERETIC on an everlasting odyssey,and my mind’s gone astray;I’m finished with this place,I got no more to say.

Page 10 Friday, November 29, 2002

MWR more than just good times

Being on a deployment, troopssometimes find themselves work-ing long and stressful days. Butjust as hard as they work they canplay here thanks to the Morale,Welfare, and Recreation program.

“The MWR is here to makesure the physical and mental wellbeing of military personnel andtheir dependants are in place,”said Craig Basel, Director of theMWR program at GTMO.

“We provide a variety of qual-ity of life activities for our hardworking servicemembers,” hesaid. “From the gyms and top ofthe line equipment to the pools tosporting leagues and water activi-ties,there’s something here foreveryone,” he said.

The MWR allows service-members and their families tounwind in a healthy way, byoffering boating, sailing, aerobicsand even spin classes. Addition-ally, they organize events such asfishing rodeos and commanderand captain’s cups, not to mentionrunning the liberty centers, whichprovide servicemembers withaccess to computers, pool tablesand movies to watch.

When the Joint Task Forcelanded on GTMO and tripled thesize of the base’s small commu-nity, MWR funds also increased.

“When the JTF came, theMWR budget increased consider-ably so that we would be able tosupport all the troops thatarrived,” Basel said. “The moneywe receive is distributed outthrough the year for events thatbenefit everyone on base. It goesto many different things, but pri-marily it is used to maintain andreplace equipment,” he said.

Aside from the programs andevents the MWR fund providesfor servicemembers, there arealso additional monies to be usedfor soldiers by their unit, knownas unit allocation. Each soldieracquires $2.50 per every threemonths for MWR activities. If aunit is interested in organizing anMWR event, such as a picnic orparty, a memorandum from theunit commander is to be submit-ted to MWR along with a unitroster, date of scheduled eventand the unit’s arrival date andestimated date of departure. Onceapproved, a check is given to theunit for their event.

“The JTF makes up a largenumber of the populace ofGTMO. That’s why it is impor-

tant for me to coordinate and beinvolved with Craig Basel,” saidArmy Maj. James R. Buchanan,Officer in Charge of quality oflife for JTF-GTMO. “I want toensure information about MWRevents and programs is dissemi-nated down to our people and tohave a say in where the moneywould best be spent to supportour troops.

“I welcome the JTF’s contri-butions of ideas to MWR activi-ties. My main goal here is toensure the entire base benefitsfrom the things we offer here,” hesaid.

Since the arrival of the JTF, theMWR budget has increased dra-matically, said Basel, which canonly ensure even more events andprograms for servicemembers atlow or no cost at all.

“As we in the quality of lifeoffice are getting ready to depart,I would only like to say that it isvital for those who replace us tokeep the lines of communicationbetween MWR and the JTFopen,” said Army Capt. James H.Gormly, deputy quality of lifeofficer. “The benefits of what theMWR provides are not only goodtimes, but stress relievers forthose who work so hard in sup-port of this mission.”

Story bySpc. Michelle M. ScsepkoThe Wire

CAMP BULKELEY

Friday, November 298 p.m. U571, PG13 - 116 min10 p.m. Bounty Hunters, R - 96 min

Saturday, November 308 p.m. The Collectors, R - 90 min

10 p.m. Shaft, R - 97min

Sunday, December 1

8, 10 p.m. Traffic, R - 147 min

Monday, December 28 p.m. The Ultimate Weapon, R - 110 min

Tuesday, December 38 p.m. Twister, PG13 - 96 min

Wednesday, December 48 p.m. Urben Legends: Final Cut,

R - 98 min

Thursday, December 58, 10 p.m. Valentine, R - 97 min

DOWNTOWN LYCEUM

Friday, November 29

7 p.m. Stealing Harvard, G - 98 min

9 p.m. Barbershop, PG13 - 96 min

Saturday, November 30

7 p.m. The Santa Clause 2, PG13 - 85 min9 p.m. Red Dragon, R - 106 min

Sunday, December 17, 9 p.m. Harry Potter & the Chamber of

Secrets, PG - 130 min

Monday, December 27 p.m. The Tuxedo, PG13 - 130 min

Tuesday, December 37 p.m. Barbershop, PG13 - 96 min

Wednesday, December 47 p.m. Harry Potter & the Chamber of

Secrets, PG - 160 min

Thursday, December 5

7, 9 p.m. The Four Feathers, R - 160 min

MWR InformationFriday, November 29th

11 a.m -1p.m., Free bowling, MarbleheadBowling Lanes.

7 p.m. - Midnight, Friday Extreme Bowling,Marblehead Lanes.

Saturday, November 30thNoon - 5 p.m., Second JTF-GTMO SpecialSocial Event, Windmill Beach.

6 p.m., The 2002 Electric Light HolidayParade, LCN Parking Lot.

7 p.m., Bowling Party, Marble Head Lanes.

8 p.m., Karaoke, Rick’s Lounge.

Sunday, December 1st1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Extreme Bowling, Marble-head Lanes.

6:30 p.m., Bingo, Windjammer Club.

Monday, December 2nd8 a.m. - Noon, Adult Ceramic Classes, CeramicShop.

6 p.m.-8 p.m., Nativity Painting Social, CeramicShop.

Tuesday, December 3rd6:30 p.m., Bingo, Windjammer Club.

Wednesday, December 4th9-11 a.m., Adult Adv. Pottery Classes, CeramicsShop.

8 p.m., Karaoke, Windjammer Club.

Thursday, December 5th 11 a.m. - Midnight, Bowling, MarbleheadLanes.

6 p.m., Bowling League, Marblehead Lanes.

Page 3Friday, November 29, 2002

The MWR Marina workers arehere to help you get out on the watersof Guantanamo Bay by providingmultiple services and an impressivefleet of boating craft of all varieties.

Don’t know how to drive a boat?No problem, for these guys provideschooling in all that needs to beknown in the ways of navigating thisgreat bay.

Want to go fishing, water-skiing,

tubing or just want to cruise the bay?The Marina makes it all possible,thanks to its steadfast workers.

These guys do it all — Performingmaintenance on the craft, fuelingthem up, cleaning them down andmaking sure that the boats are wor-thy enough to tread the bay.

They also provide an on-call watertaxi service that cruises people fromone side of the bay to the other incase the ferry has been missed.

Everyone can enjoy the waters ofGTMO bay, thanks to these workers.

MWR Marina workersCompiled by Spc. Chris S. Pisanoand Spc. Joseph A. MorrisThe Wire

Photo by Spc. Chris S. Pisano

Shawn Lewis“I love my job. I meet different peo-ple and make lots of friends, espe-cially during the boat tests. Thoseare just plain fun!”

Colin Williams“I’m a water man, so I enjoy beingaround this type of environment.But It can be stressful at times,ensuring the equipment is alright.”

Donald Thoms“I like doing my job. I like the water,being outside and the nice peoplethat I meet. I also enjoy going outand doing the water taxi pick-ups.”

Profession of the Week

Photo by Spc. Joseph A. Morris

Above: MWR Marina worker Donald Thomsswabs the deck of a pontoon rental boat as heensures that the craft is seaworthy in time forthe arrival of its next customer.Left: While replacing a battery in a Sea Chaserboat, MWR Marina worker Colin Williamslooks up for a brief moment to observe a stu-dent boater’s finesse as he attempts tosmoothly bring the training boat into the dock.

Franklin PinnockI’m Mr. Fix-it here, and I know mystuff. I enjoy repairing the boats andperforming the maintenance onthem. That’s why I’m here.”

Page 9Friday, November 29, 2002

Georgia MPs vie for 178th ‘Top Dawg’

With its time at GTMOcoming to an end and a returnto Georgia imminent, the178th MP Co. figured to go outwith a bark Nov. 22 and 23,holding its first-ever “TopDawg” competition at itshome and headquarters atCamp Bulkeley. Thirteenteams of three soldiers com-peted in a mixed breed ofevents including PT-test

events, an orienteering course,a road march and obstaclecourse, and the ultimate feat ofstrength: pulling a Humvee(including driver) 91 feet up aslight incline. (Winning time:22 seconds.)

All participants got a medaljust for coming out at 6:30 p.m.on a work day, and the overallwinning team of 1st Lt.Jonathan Roscoe, Sgt. 1stClass Anthony Williams andStaff Sgt. Chester McClendonreceived a trophy with — whatelse? — a bulldog on top.

Above: 178th MP Co.company commanderCapt. Jeff Carlyle, fol-lowed by team mem-bers Staff Sgt. Scott

Hurley and Master Sgt.Wade Harris, strains at

the rope during theHUMVEEpull. Right:Carlyle falls down in

exhaustion after the 91-foot pull.

From top: l to r, Staff Sgt. William Brooks, Spc. George Thiel and Spc.Sarah Day lean on each other after an exhausting run; Spc. BradleyStallings exhorts (and secures) Spc. John Russell during the situp event;bottom, the view from second place as 1st Lt. Jonathan Roscoe, Sgt. 1stClass Anthony Williams and Staff Sgt. Chester McClendon, who were alsothe overall winners, run into the rising sun.

Story and photos bySgt. Frank N. PellegriniThe Wire

Page 4 Friday, November 29, 2002

Seeing thewhite-caps oftheir eyesJTF-GTMO commanderArmy Maj. Gen. GeoffreyD. Miller, manning a lightmachine gun, serves up alead salad to some GTMOsurf off the deck of a PortSecurity Unit’s boat Mon-day. The general wasonboard observing thecrew from PSU 307 duringan “underway gun shoot”battery exercise, and got todo more than watch as hejoined the Coast Guards-men in a little seaborne tar-get practice. By morning’send, the Boston Whaler’svaried arsenal got a fullworkout in the name ofkeeping the intrepid crewof Coast Guardsmen’sfighting skills razor-sharp.

Photo by Sgt. Frank N. Pellegrini

This week’s question:

What do you want to give thanks for?

Coast Guard PO1Tim Shughrou,PSU 307

“I give thanks for beingback on land, where Ican make calls. UsuallyI’m on a ship, where it’snot easy to call my fam-ily and talk to them.”

Spc. Abby Keely,Chaplain Assistant

“I’m thankful for beingawarded the opportunityto be deployed toGTMO, having justcome from advancedindividual training.”

Navy PO1 CarolynStevenson, NECTAMSLANT

“I’d like to give thanksbecause I was allowedto keep my two sonshere with me at GTMO.I’m truly blessed.”

Army Sgt. John CookChaplain Assistant

“I have a lot to givethanks for. Above all, Isay thank you to God fora safe deployment atGTMO. And for myreplacement being here.

Army Staff Sgt.Howard Duncan,Motor Pool

“I want to give thanks formy cherished wife andmy two lovely daughters.This time of year makesme think more of them.”

Compiled by Spc. Jean-Carl Bertin and Spc. Delaney Jackson

Man on the Street

brigade headquarters linked upwith several of the units currentlygetting ready to come down toGTMO. Additional Michiganunits that fall under the umbrellaof the 300th will soon be here tooffer their services and to supportthe brigade as a leading force inEnduring Freedom.

“The 300th has had a bigchunk of the War on Terrorism.Since Sept. 12, 2001 we havebeen heavily engaged withnumerous, ongoing deploymentsthroughout the world,” said Van-Natta. “While at Dix we had anintense train-up with all of theother units deploying down here,which has prepared us even morefor this mission.”

In addition to the alreadyhealthy portion of canned mobi-lization activities, including themyriad of Soldier ReadinessProcess stations and the venerableweapons qualifications, the 300thwent through non-lethal weaponsand techniques training andNuclear, Biological, and Chemi-cal training. Perhaps most helpful,though, was the Mission Readi-ness Exercise, which involvedtraining in the actual handling of adetainment facility.

“Prior to leaving home stationwe went through a pre-scrub SRP,and as reservists we were con-stantly training,” said VanNatta.“We even had trainers comedown here ahead of time, see firsthand what we would encounter,and then build a program thatcould better prepare us while atDix. The training was real goodand went down smooth.”

But getting ready to handle adetention facility of alleged ter-rorists can only be prepared for somuch.

“The mission here is a little bitdifferent than we’re used to. Wewere originally trained for inter-ment/resettlement, basically Pris-oner of War operations,” saidVanNatta. “Here, we follow theGeneva Convention principles,but the detainees are not militarycombatants.”

The battalions of the 300thback home are capable of holding4,000 to 6,000 POWs in a masscamp, he said, but Camp Delta isa different animal — a high-secu-rity facility. And dealing withdetainees is a lot different thandealing with the average enemysoldier. The soldiers of the 300th,however, should have no real

problem getting into the swing ofthings.

“The basic principles of a con-finement operation are the same,which will help to crystallize ourmission — dealing with a prisonenvironment. It won’t be thatgreat of a leap to get accustomedto this operation,” VanNatta said.

A warden/superintendent of a3,188-bed prison back in thecivilian world, VanNatta is nodoubt in tune with this sort ofoperation, and said he will drawfrom his own personal experi-ences and education in this fieldto better serve the mission.

But VanNatta isn’t the onlyman who knows what’s going on.

“Our brigade does have

Enemy Prisoner of War units,which will help the mission,” saidVanNatta. “As units with moreexpertise come in, there will be aconstant building on the enhance-ments in the JTF.”

Change is good, and VanNattahas already seen it during hisshort tenure in GTMO.

“From when I first visited herea couple of months ago until now,I’ve noticed the quality-of-life hasbeen greatly improved, which isevident in the attitudes of all theservicemembers,” said VanNatta.“GTMO is a good assignment.It’s a solid, clean base, and I’mimpressed by the friendliness ofthe servicemembers workinghere. Morale also seems good,and it’s always improving.”

The 300th will be adding tothat pool of morale, said Van-Natta, representing the reserves asthe backbone of the Army.

“We’re fortunate to have somestrongly motivated troops fromthe Guard and Reserves atGTMO,” he said. “Also, theEPW units are strictly Reserveand National Guard, which is agood show of how they help aug-ment the active component.”

The “purple” joint-serviceenvironment, peppered with rep-resentations of all the differentservices, is another plus for the300th, according to VanNatta.

“It’s an honor to be able towork with the other branches.There’s truly is a wealth of lead-ership here. We’ll be able to learnfrom their strengths, incorporatethem into ours, and the 300th willreturn as a better unit,” he said.

Also, the transition with themembers of the 43rd Military

Police Brigade — who will bereturning home to give RhodeIsland its population back — hasbeen progressing smooth as silk,according to VanNatta.

“It’s hard to let go of owner-ship, but the 43rd has been verygood with passing their knowl-edge off,” he said. “So fortunatelywe won’t have to start fromsquare one.”

Having a Joint Task Force outof short pants is a huge benefit forthe soldiers of the 300th MP Bde.,with the structural groundworkwell-laid for them already. Andwhen their subordinate MP com-panies arrive here, the averageCamp Delta guard here will havebeen long spared from having tolive in the tents of FreedomHeights. And now that CampAmerica North, with its hardroofs and indoor latrines, is open,even the fine SEAhuts of CampAmerica will look rough enoughto these newbies.

“We’re very appreciative ofthe sacrifices that our predeces-sors have made here,” said Van-Natta. “They had a rough go, butwe hope to pick up the ball andcarry it even further. We’ll buildon the remarkable accomplish-ments that they have made, just aswe can expect the people to fol-low us here to carry on the same.”

In other words, to VanNatta,GTMO’s future looks bright.

“Joint Task Force -GTMO willonly improve,” said VanNatta.“We have excellent soldiers andleaders coming, and with theexcellent ones already here inplace, we’ll have a winning com-bination for running a fantasticmilitary operation.”

Page 5Friday, November 29, 2002

300th MP Bde., from page 1

Command Sgt. Maj. John R. Van-Natta, command sergeant major of the300th MP Bde., plans to use his expe-rience as a prison warden to help sup-port the Joint Task Force.

Fresh into the oven that is GTMO, soldiers of the 300th MP Bde. take a quick moment to unwind from loading a truck.

Page 8 Friday, November 29, 2002

After being deployed to Guantanamo Bay,Cuba for more than five months in support ofthe Joint Detention Operations Group, the239th Military Police Company bid farewellto the Caribbean to go back home to Lousianaon Saturday. The consensus: A job well done.

“I think our deployment here has beenslamming,” said Army Capt. Sam Barbera, thecommander of the 239th. “They said GTMOis the ‘least worst place.’ That’s a very accu-rate statement.”

The 239th, known as the “black sheep ofLouisiana,” has been on active duty for abouta year. Before coming to GTMO, the com-pany was stationed at Fort Polk, La., doinglocal patrol and force protection as part of theU.S. war on global terror. As the unit was get-ting ready to go home, Barbera had nothingbut praises for the multi-purpose militaryguards who have seen the task force trans-forming into what it is now.

“We had to be flexible throughout thewhole deployment,” said Barbera. “We haveseen many changes during our transition fromJoint Task Force 160 to now JTF - GTMO.My soldiers have handled the transition well. Icouldn’t be prouder of them.”

Like Barbera, the company’s first sergeantrecognized the outstanding and tireless effortof the 239th’s soldiers adapting to the envi-ronment and accomplishing their mission dur-ing their tour here. “My soldiers werewell-disciplined and very efficient. That’simportant for me, and I am really proud ofthem,” said 1st Sgt. Darian Williams.

“The deployment has been a great experi-ence. I had the opportunity to learn about thecapability of my soldiers,” he said.

To keep them focused on their mission,Williams spent a lot of time counseling eachsoldier about September 11. “My biggest chal-lenge was to help the soldiers cope with theevents of 9/11. But now I am glad to say that

so far they’ve acted as real professionals dur-ing the deployment,” said Williams.

“Watching the detainees at Camp Deltawas not an easy task,” he said. “It was a men-tal challenge for most soldiers. Sometimesthings go smoothly, but other times it’s verychaotic,” added Williams. “I’ll tell my coun-terparts not to take anything for granted at thecamp. Keep their minds focused on the rightthings and to stay focused for tomorrow.”

As the 239th’s soldiers worked the variousshifts at Camp Delta, they barely had time todo activities as a unit. Before they left, theyorganized an all-day picnic at WindmillBeach. Some of them went for a quick swim,others teamed up to play volleyball, but thosewho missed Louisiana’s cooking spent theirtime by the table replete with Cajun food

including peas, rice and barbecued chicken. “Overall, this day is fun. We are having a

good time,” said Spc. Timothy Bordelon as hewas watching at his fellow soldiers playingbeach volleyball. “I’ve been with this unit forfour years,” he said. “This is my first deploy-ment with the company. I’ve enjoyed beinghere, but now it’s time for me to go back to myfarm. I am a country boy,” he said.

Spc. Cory Brown, who’s also been with theunit for almost four years, said that thedeployment drew him closer to his fellow sol-diers and contributed to his self-development.

“I learned a lot about myself and how tobecome a stronger person. Patience,patience...I got a lot of that,” he said. Brownalso said he is looking forward to going backhome and continuing to drive trucks and dosome cross-country trips.

Sgt. Katty Casas, who has been with theunit for two years, also said that patience wasthe virtue that came to her rescue as shemanned the different shifts at Camp Delta.

“I said virtue because taking care of thedetainees in their cells is like taking care ofsmall children. You have to do everything forthem,” she said. Casas said she likes her job,but the most difficult thing for her was to getused to the way the detainees look at women.But Casas said she is ready to forget it all, asshe longs to go back home to finish school,studying to be a commercial pilot. “I miss fly-ing,” she said. “I can’t wait to go home.”

Casas said that the key to surviving adeployment at GTMO is to stay busy all thetime. “After working your shift, go out and dodifferent things. Get a boating license, try newsports. Let me tell you, six months fly by.”

Army 1st Sgt. Darian Williams, the top Noncommisioned Officer of the 239th Military Police Company, alignsa company formation held on Camp America’s basketball court after the unit’s outprocessing brief last week.

Story and photos bySpc. Jean-Carl BertinThe Wire

239th MPs say goodbye to GTMO

Some of the soldiers of the 239th MP Co. teamed up for a volleyball game on the sand of Windmill Beachbefore they took the plane home last week. The game was part of an all-day farewell picnic for the soldiers.

the years? Perhaps an ancient general fromthe Spanish-American War occupies thesesacred grounds — there are two starspinned on the bottom, their age betrayedby the peeling paint.

Escapism aside, Leeward has a directmilitary function: home of the MarineCorps Security Forces, who patrol thefenceline separating us from communistCuba.

These camo-clad Hemdalls also manMarine Observation Points (MOPs) alongthe Leeward shore, keeping an eye on Cas-tro’s ‘Barrier Road’ — a nickname given toa stretch of pavement that cuts across thesun-baked Cuban landscape.

For Marine Staff Sgt. John Mcinerney, amember of B Company, 1st Battalion ofthe 23rd Marine Corps Security Forces, theisolation of Leeward does not take awayfrom the importance of their mission. “Attimes, the solitary environment out heredoes take a toll on us because we are onstrict shifts that require steadfast concen-tration under very limited acitivity,” headmitted, as his HUMVEE tore along the8.5-mile fence line where the elusivecranes fly freely in and out of CommunistCuba. “However, we are trained to fightagainst such behavior — that’s our job andwe do whatever we can to not let it affectour work performance as a batallion.”

This small-town existence fits just finefor fellow Marine Lance Cpl. DavidHueben, who sees it as “a place where youcan be yourself without worrying aboutbeing politically correct all the time.”When at Leeward, Hueben spends his off-time pumping iron with old-school weightsat “Rusty’s” Darkside Gym.

Another aspect that Hueben likes aboutLeeward is the friendliness of the contractworkers. “Everybody knows each other —you see them all the time,” he said, afterordering some chicken fingers at the “Clip-per Club” — Leeward’s only-game-in-

town and answer to Windward’s Tiki Barand Windjammer.

Servicemembers dot the relatively plainlandscape — mixing in with the Jamaicanand Filipino contract workers who seem tobe right at home on Leeward side despitethe apparent lack of construction.

Leeward Point, as well as the rest ofGTMO, opened up many job opportunitiesfor contract workers from all across theworld. For Phillipines’ native ArcuiMaitim, a front desk employee at the Com-bined Bachelor Quarters, (CBQ) — affec-tionately known as the “Pearl of theAntilles,” Leeward Point has become notonly his workplace but a permanent homefor the last three years, solidifying an inti-mate connection with the serene atmos-phere.

“Nothing beats the isolated ambiance ofLeeward,” he said, after finding his presentjob in a Filipino newspaper and makes surehe sends money back home to his family.“I am proud to be working here supportingthe American military as a civilain byoffering the very best service that I can.”

Across the street from the CBQ lies thebeachfront area where iguanas act asancient trolls standing guard at the man-made, sand-covered Chapman and Hiddenbeaches. And those beaches are what drawthe tourists.

GTMO’s “country” side, even quieterthan the relatively bustling Windward side,has always struck a dichotomous chordamong the GTMO community, especiallywith the Marines that work both sides ofthe bay. “It's like living in a small townaway from the big city,” said Lance Cpl.Keith Harris. “But there are times when Imiss civilization and find myself headingto the Windward side to check out a movieor maybe just visit the NEX.”

For fellow Marine reservist Sgt. JoseAlvarado, Leeward isan ideal place to work,but he prefers the “realworld” of Windwardand its interactivesocial environment.“Except for thebeaches, there is noth-ing to do out hereexcept watch the vul-tures and banana ratswhile contract work-ers drive around thebase,” he said.

Leeward is oftenlooked at only as aplace to catch a flightor brought up in con-versation as a point ofgeographical refer-ence. For many there

is no real connection, but for those pensivesouls looking for a place to escape, thename spells sanctuary.

But like any military escape, it alwayscomes with a return trip. On the lonelyroad back to the ferry, vultures align thetelephone wires, waiting out the momentsand the days, perhaps watching the com-ings and goings of the the only GTMObeast that will never die.

As the gray hulking vessel finallystreams into the calm bay, the vultures lookup quickly and take flight. The mighty boatdocks, stays 10 minutes and then slowly-pulls out, leaving Leeward on its own onceagain.

Leeward Point: find peace atPage 6 Friday, November 29, 2002

Leeward Point sits quietly in the Bay ofGuantanamo, while the surf pounds itsrocky shores, patiently awaiting the arrivalof the ferry. Across the bay, the faint glarefrom the Windward Lighthouse answersthe blinking lights of the Leeward Air Ter-minal that beckon incoming flights. On thetarmac, eager passengers board an off-island plane.

There is only one way to this world — a20-minute ferry ride, which affords ser-vicemembers an impregnable pause fromtheir daily routine, time to look back aswell as forward. It’s an often introspectivetrip, and one which foreshadows the deso-late atmosphere of its destination.

But sometimes, desolate is just whatpeople come for. In spite of its relative iso-lation and sparse attractions — or becauseof them — Leeward has developed a cult-like existence among servicemembers.“Leeward has a Key West feel, where thebeaches are your own and everything iswithin walking distance,” says Navy JO1Christopher Sherwood, NoncommisionedOfficer in Charge of the Media SupportCenter. “It’s an ideal place to go to getyour mind off things, giving you a chanceto break free from it all.”

“It gives me an opportunity to escapethe monotony of the Windward side and ofthe military itself,” adds Air Force Tech.Sgt. John Cline, who ventures out to Lee-ward to visit its tranquil beaches everychance he gets. “The environment isalways calm and peaceful, which allowsthe time and space to reflect on life.”

Since World War I, after the Armymoved out amidst countless downsizing bythe Navy and ever-changing landlords —Leeward has slowly developed into abucolic outpost where servicemembers andcontract workers come to contemplatetheir lives among its foothills, lost roadsand hidden beaches.

However, due to the influx of Joint Taskforce personnel under Operation EnduringFreedom, Lee-ward’s role hassince increased asa transportationhub — shuttlingservicemembersdaily in and out ofGuantanamo Bay.

But the shellsof the LeewardSide remain asneo-apocalypticsettings that dotthe arid landscape.Neglected bowl-ing alleys, aban-doned movietheaters, burnt-out

cars now used as training objects for thefire department. A drive along the roads ofLeeward is a tour of the artifacts of its past.

“Certain spots around Leeward remindme of a scene out of the movie ‘The Ter-minator,’” Sherwood said, whofinds him-self returning back to Leeward even aftermoving to the Windwar side. “But itsother-worldliness is what makes it soappealing.”

At the crossroads of 2nd street andAvenue D stands a large cross, plantedamong the wispy tall grass where theturkey vultures circle above — a quizzicaldash of civilization in the pastoral land-scape. Was there an old church where ser-vicemembers and their families attended orsome mystical presence that evolved over

Story and photos by Army Sgt. Paul S. MorandoSpecial to The Wire

Page 7Friday, November 29, 2002

the loneliest place in GTMO

“Nothing beats the isolated ambience of Leeward,”said CBQ employee Arcui Maitim, seen here stand-ing in front of his workplace, the “Pearl of theAntilles” where weary guests flock to for their finerooms, friendly service and tranquil atmosphere.

Marine reservist Sgt Jose Alvarado, Marine SecurityForces, keeps Leeward Point secure when headingout on his shift--which is patrolling the fence linebetween communist Cuba and American rented soil.

A lone cross stands stoically within the tall grassalong Avenue D -- adding to the mystic setting thatLeeward so often provides for willing travelers.

Like an old negelcted back-country road where speed has no limits -- the vehicle-less paths of Leeward Pointstand silently under the searing Cuban sun waiting patiently for someone to walk slowly by and take it all in.

A faint breeze shakes a pair of old swings back to life for a briefmoment, leaving one to ponder how long it’s been standing.

MASR Ellis Voivedich Jr., a member of the Naval Security Police awaits the arrival ofthe ferry to shuttle him back to the “real” world of the Windward side of GTMO, leav-ing behind the serenity and desolate vastness that is Leeward Point.

the years? Perhaps an ancient general fromthe Spanish-American War occupies thesesacred grounds — there are two starspinned on the bottom, their age betrayedby the peeling paint.

Escapism aside, Leeward has a directmilitary function: home of the MarineCorps Security Forces, who patrol thefenceline separating us from communistCuba.

These camo-clad Hemdalls also manMarine Observation Points (MOPs) alongthe Leeward shore, keeping an eye on Cas-tro’s ‘Barrier Road’ — a nickname given toa stretch of pavement that cuts across thesun-baked Cuban landscape.

For Marine Staff Sgt. John Mcinerney, amember of B Company, 1st Battalion ofthe 23rd Marine Corps Security Forces, theisolation of Leeward does not take awayfrom the importance of their mission. “Attimes, the solitary environment out heredoes take a toll on us because we are onstrict shifts that require steadfast concen-tration under very limited acitivity,” headmitted, as his HUMVEE tore along the8.5-mile fence line where the elusivecranes fly freely in and out of CommunistCuba. “However, we are trained to fightagainst such behavior — that’s our job andwe do whatever we can to not let it affectour work performance as a batallion.”

This small-town existence fits just finefor fellow Marine Lance Cpl. DavidHueben, who sees it as “a place where youcan be yourself without worrying aboutbeing politically correct all the time.”When at Leeward, Hueben spends his off-time pumping iron with old-school weightsat “Rusty’s” Darkside Gym.

Another aspect that Hueben likes aboutLeeward is the friendliness of the contractworkers. “Everybody knows each other —you see them all the time,” he said, afterordering some chicken fingers at the “Clip-per Club” — Leeward’s only-game-in-

town and answer to Windward’s Tiki Barand Windjammer.

Servicemembers dot the relatively plainlandscape — mixing in with the Jamaicanand Filipino contract workers who seem tobe right at home on Leeward side despitethe apparent lack of construction.

Leeward Point, as well as the rest ofGTMO, opened up many job opportunitiesfor contract workers from all across theworld. For Phillipines’ native ArcuiMaitim, a front desk employee at the Com-bined Bachelor Quarters, (CBQ) — affec-tionately known as the “Pearl of theAntilles,” Leeward Point has become notonly his workplace but a permanent homefor the last three years, solidifying an inti-mate connection with the serene atmos-phere.

“Nothing beats the isolated ambiance ofLeeward,” he said, after finding his presentjob in a Filipino newspaper and makes surehe sends money back home to his family.“I am proud to be working here supportingthe American military as a civilain byoffering the very best service that I can.”

Across the street from the CBQ lies thebeachfront area where iguanas act asancient trolls standing guard at the man-made, sand-covered Chapman and Hiddenbeaches. And those beaches are what drawthe tourists.

GTMO’s “country” side, even quieterthan the relatively bustling Windward side,has always struck a dichotomous chordamong the GTMO community, especiallywith the Marines that work both sides ofthe bay. “It's like living in a small townaway from the big city,” said Lance Cpl.Keith Harris. “But there are times when Imiss civilization and find myself headingto the Windward side to check out a movieor maybe just visit the NEX.”

For fellow Marine reservist Sgt. JoseAlvarado, Leeward isan ideal place to work,but he prefers the “realworld” of Windwardand its interactivesocial environment.“Except for thebeaches, there is noth-ing to do out hereexcept watch the vul-tures and banana ratswhile contract work-ers drive around thebase,” he said.

Leeward is oftenlooked at only as aplace to catch a flightor brought up in con-versation as a point ofgeographical refer-ence. For many there

is no real connection, but for those pensivesouls looking for a place to escape, thename spells sanctuary.

But like any military escape, it alwayscomes with a return trip. On the lonelyroad back to the ferry, vultures align thetelephone wires, waiting out the momentsand the days, perhaps watching the com-ings and goings of the the only GTMObeast that will never die.

As the gray hulking vessel finallystreams into the calm bay, the vultures lookup quickly and take flight. The mighty boatdocks, stays 10 minutes and then slowly-pulls out, leaving Leeward on its own onceagain.

Leeward Point: find peace atPage 6 Friday, November 29, 2002

Leeward Point sits quietly in the Bay ofGuantanamo, while the surf pounds itsrocky shores, patiently awaiting the arrivalof the ferry. Across the bay, the faint glarefrom the Windward Lighthouse answersthe blinking lights of the Leeward Air Ter-minal that beckon incoming flights. On thetarmac, eager passengers board an off-island plane.

There is only one way to this world — a20-minute ferry ride, which affords ser-vicemembers an impregnable pause fromtheir daily routine, time to look back aswell as forward. It’s an often introspectivetrip, and one which foreshadows the deso-late atmosphere of its destination.

But sometimes, desolate is just whatpeople come for. In spite of its relative iso-lation and sparse attractions — or becauseof them — Leeward has developed a cult-like existence among servicemembers.“Leeward has a Key West feel, where thebeaches are your own and everything iswithin walking distance,” says Navy JO1Christopher Sherwood, NoncommisionedOfficer in Charge of the Media SupportCenter. “It’s an ideal place to go to getyour mind off things, giving you a chanceto break free from it all.”

“It gives me an opportunity to escapethe monotony of the Windward side and ofthe military itself,” adds Air Force Tech.Sgt. John Cline, who ventures out to Lee-ward to visit its tranquil beaches everychance he gets. “The environment isalways calm and peaceful, which allowsthe time and space to reflect on life.”

Since World War I, after the Armymoved out amidst countless downsizing bythe Navy and ever-changing landlords —Leeward has slowly developed into abucolic outpost where servicemembers andcontract workers come to contemplatetheir lives among its foothills, lost roadsand hidden beaches.

However, due to the influx of Joint Taskforce personnel under Operation EnduringFreedom, Lee-ward’s role hassince increased asa transportationhub — shuttlingservicemembersdaily in and out ofGuantanamo Bay.

But the shellsof the LeewardSide remain asneo-apocalypticsettings that dotthe arid landscape.Neglected bowl-ing alleys, aban-doned movietheaters, burnt-out

cars now used as training objects for thefire department. A drive along the roads ofLeeward is a tour of the artifacts of its past.

“Certain spots around Leeward remindme of a scene out of the movie ‘The Ter-minator,’” Sherwood said, whofinds him-self returning back to Leeward even aftermoving to the Windwar side. “But itsother-worldliness is what makes it soappealing.”

At the crossroads of 2nd street andAvenue D stands a large cross, plantedamong the wispy tall grass where theturkey vultures circle above — a quizzicaldash of civilization in the pastoral land-scape. Was there an old church where ser-vicemembers and their families attended orsome mystical presence that evolved over

Story and photos by Army Sgt. Paul S. MorandoSpecial to The Wire

Page 7Friday, November 29, 2002

the loneliest place in GTMO

“Nothing beats the isolated ambience of Leeward,”said CBQ employee Arcui Maitim, seen here stand-ing in front of his workplace, the “Pearl of theAntilles” where weary guests flock to for their finerooms, friendly service and tranquil atmosphere.

Marine reservist Sgt Jose Alvarado, Marine SecurityForces, keeps Leeward Point secure when headingout on his shift--which is patrolling the fence linebetween communist Cuba and American rented soil.

A lone cross stands stoically within the tall grassalong Avenue D -- adding to the mystic setting thatLeeward so often provides for willing travelers.

Like an old negelcted back-country road where speed has no limits -- the vehicle-less paths of Leeward Pointstand silently under the searing Cuban sun waiting patiently for someone to walk slowly by and take it all in.

A faint breeze shakes a pair of old swings back to life for a briefmoment, leaving one to ponder how long it’s been standing.

MASR Ellis Voivedich Jr., a member of the Naval Security Police awaits the arrival ofthe ferry to shuttle him back to the “real” world of the Windward side of GTMO, leav-ing behind the serenity and desolate vastness that is Leeward Point.

brigade headquarters linked upwith several of the units currentlygetting ready to come down toGTMO. Additional Michiganunits that fall under the umbrellaof the 300th will soon be here tooffer their services and to supportthe brigade as a leading force inEnduring Freedom.

“The 300th has had a bigchunk of the War on Terrorism.Since Sept. 12, 2001 we havebeen heavily engaged withnumerous, ongoing deploymentsthroughout the world,” said Van-Natta. “While at Dix we had anintense train-up with all of theother units deploying down here,which has prepared us even morefor this mission.”

In addition to the alreadyhealthy portion of canned mobi-lization activities, including themyriad of Soldier ReadinessProcess stations and the venerableweapons qualifications, the 300thwent through non-lethal weaponsand techniques training andNuclear, Biological, and Chemi-cal training. Perhaps most helpful,though, was the Mission Readi-ness Exercise, which involvedtraining in the actual handling of adetainment facility.

“Prior to leaving home stationwe went through a pre-scrub SRP,and as reservists we were con-stantly training,” said VanNatta.“We even had trainers comedown here ahead of time, see firsthand what we would encounter,and then build a program thatcould better prepare us while atDix. The training was real goodand went down smooth.”

But getting ready to handle adetention facility of alleged ter-rorists can only be prepared for somuch.

“The mission here is a little bitdifferent than we’re used to. Wewere originally trained for inter-ment/resettlement, basically Pris-oner of War operations,” saidVanNatta. “Here, we follow theGeneva Convention principles,but the detainees are not militarycombatants.”

The battalions of the 300thback home are capable of holding4,000 to 6,000 POWs in a masscamp, he said, but Camp Delta isa different animal — a high-secu-rity facility. And dealing withdetainees is a lot different thandealing with the average enemysoldier. The soldiers of the 300th,however, should have no real

problem getting into the swing ofthings.

“The basic principles of a con-finement operation are the same,which will help to crystallize ourmission — dealing with a prisonenvironment. It won’t be thatgreat of a leap to get accustomedto this operation,” VanNatta said.

A warden/superintendent of a3,188-bed prison back in thecivilian world, VanNatta is nodoubt in tune with this sort ofoperation, and said he will drawfrom his own personal experi-ences and education in this fieldto better serve the mission.

But VanNatta isn’t the onlyman who knows what’s going on.

“Our brigade does have

Enemy Prisoner of War units,which will help the mission,” saidVanNatta. “As units with moreexpertise come in, there will be aconstant building on the enhance-ments in the JTF.”

Change is good, and VanNattahas already seen it during hisshort tenure in GTMO.

“From when I first visited herea couple of months ago until now,I’ve noticed the quality-of-life hasbeen greatly improved, which isevident in the attitudes of all theservicemembers,” said VanNatta.“GTMO is a good assignment.It’s a solid, clean base, and I’mimpressed by the friendliness ofthe servicemembers workinghere. Morale also seems good,and it’s always improving.”

The 300th will be adding tothat pool of morale, said Van-Natta, representing the reserves asthe backbone of the Army.

“We’re fortunate to have somestrongly motivated troops fromthe Guard and Reserves atGTMO,” he said. “Also, theEPW units are strictly Reserveand National Guard, which is agood show of how they help aug-ment the active component.”

The “purple” joint-serviceenvironment, peppered with rep-resentations of all the differentservices, is another plus for the300th, according to VanNatta.

“It’s an honor to be able towork with the other branches.There’s truly is a wealth of lead-ership here. We’ll be able to learnfrom their strengths, incorporatethem into ours, and the 300th willreturn as a better unit,” he said.

Also, the transition with themembers of the 43rd Military

Police Brigade — who will bereturning home to give RhodeIsland its population back — hasbeen progressing smooth as silk,according to VanNatta.

“It’s hard to let go of owner-ship, but the 43rd has been verygood with passing their knowl-edge off,” he said. “So fortunatelywe won’t have to start fromsquare one.”

Having a Joint Task Force outof short pants is a huge benefit forthe soldiers of the 300th MP Bde.,with the structural groundworkwell-laid for them already. Andwhen their subordinate MP com-panies arrive here, the averageCamp Delta guard here will havebeen long spared from having tolive in the tents of FreedomHeights. And now that CampAmerica North, with its hardroofs and indoor latrines, is open,even the fine SEAhuts of CampAmerica will look rough enoughto these newbies.

“We’re very appreciative ofthe sacrifices that our predeces-sors have made here,” said Van-Natta. “They had a rough go, butwe hope to pick up the ball andcarry it even further. We’ll buildon the remarkable accomplish-ments that they have made, just aswe can expect the people to fol-low us here to carry on the same.”

In other words, to VanNatta,GTMO’s future looks bright.

“Joint Task Force -GTMO willonly improve,” said VanNatta.“We have excellent soldiers andleaders coming, and with theexcellent ones already here inplace, we’ll have a winning com-bination for running a fantasticmilitary operation.”

Page 5Friday, November 29, 2002

300th MP Bde., from page 1

Command Sgt. Maj. John R. Van-Natta, command sergeant major of the300th MP Bde., plans to use his expe-rience as a prison warden to help sup-port the Joint Task Force.

Fresh into the oven that is GTMO, soldiers of the 300th MP Bde. take a quick moment to unwind from loading a truck.

Page 8 Friday, November 29, 2002

After being deployed to Guantanamo Bay,Cuba for more than five months in support ofthe Joint Detention Operations Group, the239th Military Police Company bid farewellto the Caribbean to go back home to Lousianaon Saturday. The consensus: A job well done.

“I think our deployment here has beenslamming,” said Army Capt. Sam Barbera, thecommander of the 239th. “They said GTMOis the ‘least worst place.’ That’s a very accu-rate statement.”

The 239th, known as the “black sheep ofLouisiana,” has been on active duty for abouta year. Before coming to GTMO, the com-pany was stationed at Fort Polk, La., doinglocal patrol and force protection as part of theU.S. war on global terror. As the unit was get-ting ready to go home, Barbera had nothingbut praises for the multi-purpose militaryguards who have seen the task force trans-forming into what it is now.

“We had to be flexible throughout thewhole deployment,” said Barbera. “We haveseen many changes during our transition fromJoint Task Force 160 to now JTF - GTMO.My soldiers have handled the transition well. Icouldn’t be prouder of them.”

Like Barbera, the company’s first sergeantrecognized the outstanding and tireless effortof the 239th’s soldiers adapting to the envi-ronment and accomplishing their mission dur-ing their tour here. “My soldiers werewell-disciplined and very efficient. That’simportant for me, and I am really proud ofthem,” said 1st Sgt. Darian Williams.

“The deployment has been a great experi-ence. I had the opportunity to learn about thecapability of my soldiers,” he said.

To keep them focused on their mission,Williams spent a lot of time counseling eachsoldier about September 11. “My biggest chal-lenge was to help the soldiers cope with theevents of 9/11. But now I am glad to say that

so far they’ve acted as real professionals dur-ing the deployment,” said Williams.

“Watching the detainees at Camp Deltawas not an easy task,” he said. “It was a men-tal challenge for most soldiers. Sometimesthings go smoothly, but other times it’s verychaotic,” added Williams. “I’ll tell my coun-terparts not to take anything for granted at thecamp. Keep their minds focused on the rightthings and to stay focused for tomorrow.”

As the 239th’s soldiers worked the variousshifts at Camp Delta, they barely had time todo activities as a unit. Before they left, theyorganized an all-day picnic at WindmillBeach. Some of them went for a quick swim,others teamed up to play volleyball, but thosewho missed Louisiana’s cooking spent theirtime by the table replete with Cajun food

including peas, rice and barbecued chicken. “Overall, this day is fun. We are having a

good time,” said Spc. Timothy Bordelon as hewas watching at his fellow soldiers playingbeach volleyball. “I’ve been with this unit forfour years,” he said. “This is my first deploy-ment with the company. I’ve enjoyed beinghere, but now it’s time for me to go back to myfarm. I am a country boy,” he said.

Spc. Cory Brown, who’s also been with theunit for almost four years, said that thedeployment drew him closer to his fellow sol-diers and contributed to his self-development.

“I learned a lot about myself and how tobecome a stronger person. Patience,patience...I got a lot of that,” he said. Brownalso said he is looking forward to going backhome and continuing to drive trucks and dosome cross-country trips.

Sgt. Katty Casas, who has been with theunit for two years, also said that patience wasthe virtue that came to her rescue as shemanned the different shifts at Camp Delta.

“I said virtue because taking care of thedetainees in their cells is like taking care ofsmall children. You have to do everything forthem,” she said. Casas said she likes her job,but the most difficult thing for her was to getused to the way the detainees look at women.But Casas said she is ready to forget it all, asshe longs to go back home to finish school,studying to be a commercial pilot. “I miss fly-ing,” she said. “I can’t wait to go home.”

Casas said that the key to surviving adeployment at GTMO is to stay busy all thetime. “After working your shift, go out and dodifferent things. Get a boating license, try newsports. Let me tell you, six months fly by.”

Army 1st Sgt. Darian Williams, the top Noncommisioned Officer of the 239th Military Police Company, alignsa company formation held on Camp America’s basketball court after the unit’s outprocessing brief last week.

Story and photos bySpc. Jean-Carl BertinThe Wire

239th MPs say goodbye to GTMO

Some of the soldiers of the 239th MP Co. teamed up for a volleyball game on the sand of Windmill Beachbefore they took the plane home last week. The game was part of an all-day farewell picnic for the soldiers.

Page 9Friday, November 29, 2002

Georgia MPs vie for 178th ‘Top Dawg’

With its time at GTMOcoming to an end and a returnto Georgia imminent, the178th MP Co. figured to go outwith a bark Nov. 22 and 23,holding its first-ever “TopDawg” competition at itshome and headquarters atCamp Bulkeley. Thirteenteams of three soldiers com-peted in a mixed breed ofevents including PT-test

events, an orienteering course,a road march and obstaclecourse, and the ultimate feat ofstrength: pulling a Humvee(including driver) 91 feet up aslight incline. (Winning time:22 seconds.)

All participants got a medaljust for coming out at 6:30 p.m.on a work day, and the overallwinning team of 1st Lt.Jonathan Roscoe, Sgt. 1stClass Anthony Williams andStaff Sgt. Chester McClendonreceived a trophy with — whatelse? — a bulldog on top.

Above: 178th MP Co.company commanderCapt. Jeff Carlyle, fol-lowed by team mem-bers Staff Sgt. Scott

Hurley and Master Sgt.Wade Harris, strains at

the rope during theHUMVEEpull. Right:Carlyle falls down in

exhaustion after the 91-foot pull.

From top: l to r, Staff Sgt. William Brooks, Spc. George Thiel and Spc.Sarah Day lean on each other after an exhausting run; Spc. BradleyStallings exhorts (and secures) Spc. John Russell during the situp event;bottom, the view from second place as 1st Lt. Jonathan Roscoe, Sgt. 1stClass Anthony Williams and Staff Sgt. Chester McClendon, who were alsothe overall winners, run into the rising sun.

Story and photos bySgt. Frank N. PellegriniThe Wire

Page 4 Friday, November 29, 2002

Seeing thewhite-caps oftheir eyesJTF-GTMO commanderArmy Maj. Gen. GeoffreyD. Miller, manning a lightmachine gun, serves up alead salad to some GTMOsurf off the deck of a PortSecurity Unit’s boat Mon-day. The general wasonboard observing thecrew from PSU 307 duringan “underway gun shoot”battery exercise, and got todo more than watch as hejoined the Coast Guards-men in a little seaborne tar-get practice. By morning’send, the Boston Whaler’svaried arsenal got a fullworkout in the name ofkeeping the intrepid crewof Coast Guardsmen’sfighting skills razor-sharp.

Photo by Sgt. Frank N. Pellegrini

This week’s question:

What do you want to give thanks for?

Coast Guard PO1Tim Shughrou,PSU 307

“I give thanks for beingback on land, where Ican make calls. UsuallyI’m on a ship, where it’snot easy to call my fam-ily and talk to them.”

Spc. Abby Keely,Chaplain Assistant

“I’m thankful for beingawarded the opportunityto be deployed toGTMO, having justcome from advancedindividual training.”

Navy PO1 CarolynStevenson, NECTAMSLANT

“I’d like to give thanksbecause I was allowedto keep my two sonshere with me at GTMO.I’m truly blessed.”

Army Sgt. John CookChaplain Assistant

“I have a lot to givethanks for. Above all, Isay thank you to God fora safe deployment atGTMO. And for myreplacement being here.

Army Staff Sgt.Howard Duncan,Motor Pool

“I want to give thanks formy cherished wife andmy two lovely daughters.This time of year makesme think more of them.”

Compiled by Spc. Jean-Carl Bertin and Spc. Delaney Jackson

Man on the Street

The NextChapter

by Spc. Joseph A. Morris

Could this be where it will all end?Came here in pieces,but I’ve started to mend.I turned to myself,and within I’ve found a friend.A new beginning means a new start.Writing’s an art, it must be sharp like a dart.DO THERIGHTTHING;No matter what life will bring.I ain’t no puppet on a string, and this ain’t no GTMO fling.I HATE GREED.Forget what you want,and learn what you need.Life goes by at God’s speed. If you want it real bad,then desire you’ll bleed.The choice is yoursto follow or lead.I’M A HERETIC on an everlasting odyssey,and my mind’s gone astray;I’m finished with this place,I got no more to say.

Page 10 Friday, November 29, 2002

MWR more than just good times

Being on a deployment, troopssometimes find themselves work-ing long and stressful days. Butjust as hard as they work they canplay here thanks to the Morale,Welfare, and Recreation program.

“The MWR is here to makesure the physical and mental wellbeing of military personnel andtheir dependants are in place,”said Craig Basel, Director of theMWR program at GTMO.

“We provide a variety of qual-ity of life activities for our hardworking servicemembers,” hesaid. “From the gyms and top ofthe line equipment to the pools tosporting leagues and water activi-ties,there’s something here foreveryone,” he said.

The MWR allows service-members and their families tounwind in a healthy way, byoffering boating, sailing, aerobicsand even spin classes. Addition-ally, they organize events such asfishing rodeos and commanderand captain’s cups, not to mentionrunning the liberty centers, whichprovide servicemembers withaccess to computers, pool tablesand movies to watch.

When the Joint Task Forcelanded on GTMO and tripled thesize of the base’s small commu-nity, MWR funds also increased.

“When the JTF came, theMWR budget increased consider-ably so that we would be able tosupport all the troops thatarrived,” Basel said. “The moneywe receive is distributed outthrough the year for events thatbenefit everyone on base. It goesto many different things, but pri-marily it is used to maintain andreplace equipment,” he said.

Aside from the programs andevents the MWR fund providesfor servicemembers, there arealso additional monies to be usedfor soldiers by their unit, knownas unit allocation. Each soldieracquires $2.50 per every threemonths for MWR activities. If aunit is interested in organizing anMWR event, such as a picnic orparty, a memorandum from theunit commander is to be submit-ted to MWR along with a unitroster, date of scheduled eventand the unit’s arrival date andestimated date of departure. Onceapproved, a check is given to theunit for their event.

“The JTF makes up a largenumber of the populace ofGTMO. That’s why it is impor-

tant for me to coordinate and beinvolved with Craig Basel,” saidArmy Maj. James R. Buchanan,Officer in Charge of quality oflife for JTF-GTMO. “I want toensure information about MWRevents and programs is dissemi-nated down to our people and tohave a say in where the moneywould best be spent to supportour troops.

“I welcome the JTF’s contri-butions of ideas to MWR activi-ties. My main goal here is toensure the entire base benefitsfrom the things we offer here,” hesaid.

Since the arrival of the JTF, theMWR budget has increased dra-matically, said Basel, which canonly ensure even more events andprograms for servicemembers atlow or no cost at all.

“As we in the quality of lifeoffice are getting ready to depart,I would only like to say that it isvital for those who replace us tokeep the lines of communicationbetween MWR and the JTFopen,” said Army Capt. James H.Gormly, deputy quality of lifeofficer. “The benefits of what theMWR provides are not only goodtimes, but stress relievers forthose who work so hard in sup-port of this mission.”

Story bySpc. Michelle M. ScsepkoThe Wire

CAMP BULKELEY

Friday, November 298 p.m. U571, PG13 - 116 min10 p.m. Bounty Hunters, R - 96 min

Saturday, November 308 p.m. The Collectors, R - 90 min

10 p.m. Shaft, R - 97min

Sunday, December 1

8, 10 p.m. Traffic, R - 147 min

Monday, December 28 p.m. The Ultimate Weapon, R - 110 min

Tuesday, December 38 p.m. Twister, PG13 - 96 min

Wednesday, December 48 p.m. Urben Legends: Final Cut,

R - 98 min

Thursday, December 58, 10 p.m. Valentine, R - 97 min

DOWNTOWN LYCEUM

Friday, November 29

7 p.m. Stealing Harvard, G - 98 min

9 p.m. Barbershop, PG13 - 96 min

Saturday, November 30

7 p.m. The Santa Clause 2, PG13 - 85 min9 p.m. Red Dragon, R - 106 min

Sunday, December 17, 9 p.m. Harry Potter & the Chamber of

Secrets, PG - 130 min

Monday, December 27 p.m. The Tuxedo, PG13 - 130 min

Tuesday, December 37 p.m. Barbershop, PG13 - 96 min

Wednesday, December 47 p.m. Harry Potter & the Chamber of

Secrets, PG - 160 min

Thursday, December 5

7, 9 p.m. The Four Feathers, R - 160 min

MWR InformationFriday, November 29th

11 a.m -1p.m., Free bowling, MarbleheadBowling Lanes.

7 p.m. - Midnight, Friday Extreme Bowling,Marblehead Lanes.

Saturday, November 30thNoon - 5 p.m., Second JTF-GTMO SpecialSocial Event, Windmill Beach.

6 p.m., The 2002 Electric Light HolidayParade, LCN Parking Lot.

7 p.m., Bowling Party, Marble Head Lanes.

8 p.m., Karaoke, Rick’s Lounge.

Sunday, December 1st1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Extreme Bowling, Marble-head Lanes.

6:30 p.m., Bingo, Windjammer Club.

Monday, December 2nd8 a.m. - Noon, Adult Ceramic Classes, CeramicShop.

6 p.m.-8 p.m., Nativity Painting Social, CeramicShop.

Tuesday, December 3rd6:30 p.m., Bingo, Windjammer Club.

Wednesday, December 4th9-11 a.m., Adult Adv. Pottery Classes, CeramicsShop.

8 p.m., Karaoke, Windjammer Club.

Thursday, December 5th 11 a.m. - Midnight, Bowling, MarbleheadLanes.

6 p.m., Bowling League, Marblehead Lanes.

Page 3Friday, November 29, 2002

The MWR Marina workers arehere to help you get out on the watersof Guantanamo Bay by providingmultiple services and an impressivefleet of boating craft of all varieties.

Don’t know how to drive a boat?No problem, for these guys provideschooling in all that needs to beknown in the ways of navigating thisgreat bay.

Want to go fishing, water-skiing,

tubing or just want to cruise the bay?The Marina makes it all possible,thanks to its steadfast workers.

These guys do it all — Performingmaintenance on the craft, fuelingthem up, cleaning them down andmaking sure that the boats are wor-thy enough to tread the bay.

They also provide an on-call watertaxi service that cruises people fromone side of the bay to the other incase the ferry has been missed.

Everyone can enjoy the waters ofGTMO bay, thanks to these workers.

MWR Marina workersCompiled by Spc. Chris S. Pisanoand Spc. Joseph A. MorrisThe Wire

Photo by Spc. Chris S. Pisano

Shawn Lewis“I love my job. I meet different peo-ple and make lots of friends, espe-cially during the boat tests. Thoseare just plain fun!”

Colin Williams“I’m a water man, so I enjoy beingaround this type of environment.But It can be stressful at times,ensuring the equipment is alright.”

Donald Thoms“I like doing my job. I like the water,being outside and the nice peoplethat I meet. I also enjoy going outand doing the water taxi pick-ups.”

Profession of the Week

Photo by Spc. Joseph A. Morris

Above: MWR Marina worker Donald Thomsswabs the deck of a pontoon rental boat as heensures that the craft is seaworthy in time forthe arrival of its next customer.Left: While replacing a battery in a Sea Chaserboat, MWR Marina worker Colin Williamslooks up for a brief moment to observe a stu-dent boater’s finesse as he attempts tosmoothly bring the training boat into the dock.

Franklin PinnockI’m Mr. Fix-it here, and I know mystuff. I enjoy repairing the boats andperforming the maintenance onthem. That’s why I’m here.”

Page 11Friday, November 29, 2002

Last Chance wins in “Xtreme” race

Guantanamo Bay went toextreme measures again Satur-day, when members from the346th Military Police Companyconquered the grueling “GTMOXtreme Adventure Race” in 4hours, 20 minutes to take firstplace out eight co-ed teams bat-tling through four events: kayak-ing, biking and running.

The challenging course was atest of endurance and will for allof the bold athletes that dared tocompete.

Gathering at the MWR SailingCenter at 5:30 a.m, most of thecompetitors arrived quiet andfocused on the challenges ahead,preparing themselves both physi-cally and mentally.

But the arrival of a warm andtranquil sunrise over the bay, itmeant that the “GTMO XtremeAdventure Race” was on.

The first event started at seawith an exhausting 7.1-milekayak. Team Last Chance was thefirst to emerge triumphantly fromthe waters of GTMO.

“What a way to start yourday,” said a charged-up Spc. EricL. Blewett, captain of team LastChance afterward.

For the competitors who hadnever competed in an event ofthis caliber, it was a rude awaken-ing. But this was only the start.There was more pain to endure.

The warriors came back toland to start a strenuous 6.8-mile

bike course. The competitors hadto trek up and down extremelydifficult hills on the trail. Theironic part was that they wereonly able to actually ride thoughhalf the bike course.

“From the 6.8 miles, we wereable to ride maybe four of it,” saidNavy Petty Officer 2nd ClassLisa Czubernat. “We had to carryour bikes up and down those dan-gerous hills.”

Due to the heavy rainfall fromthe previous day, the course wasripe with dangerous maneuveringon the muddy and washed outtrails. And at the middle of thebike course came a twist to theextreme race, where contestantshad to climb up and rappel off athree-story wall.

And if that was not extremeenough for these guys, the finalevent of the day was a back-

breaking 8.3-mile run. Clearly this event was not

made for the average “weekendwarrior.” These athletes werewell-trained and determined totake on the challenge.

“The race was very hard, butthe run was the toughest. It takesa lot of heart and determination tocompete in an event like this,”said Spc. Autumn N. Blewett,who alongside her teammatesfrom team Last Chance had anadvantage fewof the otherc o m p e t i t o r shad: they hadparticipated inthe previousXtreme race.

“It was eas-ier because weknew what toexpect on thecourse,” shesaid afterward.

“When wehad the leadafter the kayak-ing, I felt wehad an advan-tage,” said EricBlewett. “Wewere the firstteam to reachthe wall, whichslowed downthe other com-petitors. Therain didn't helpthe courseeither. It onlymade it

tougher,” he said.Not only were the conditions

of the course a factor, but strategyalso played a key part.

“We kept a consistent pace,”said Eric Blewett. “We’re leavingthe island, so this was our lastchance to compete. Our undyingmotivation was the unstoppabledrive to win.”

Not only were they well-con-ditioned for this race, but theyalso had Lady Luck on their side.

“In the last GTMO Xtremerace, we had a flat tire that slowedus up. But in this race, everythingwent well,” said Spc. Clint D.Bowman. “Everything was per-fect. We came here to have funand everything went right.”

Coming in second place afterthe superiority of Last Chancewas team JTF-GTMO, whichclocked in about an hour later at5:16. Behind them was teamNaval Hospital, which proudlytook third place at 5:26.

After the epic race, the athletescelebrated their trials and tribula-tions together, bonding oversweat, aches and fatigue, and per-haps creating extreme lifetimefriendships as well.

Story and photos bySpc. Jose A. MartinezThe Wire

With spider-like skill, Spc. Clint D. Bowman conquers thewall and makes the three-story climb look easy.Determined Spc. Amos C. Essary was the first to complete the kayaking event.

Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Lisa Czubernat, Navy Lt. Wayne Clark (center) andMarine Corps Lance Cpl. David J. Braswell negotiate the bike course.

Page 2 Friday, November 29, 2002

For every soldier, sailor,airman, Marine and CoastGuardsman assigned toGTMO, OPSEC should benothing new. We are doinga fairly good job by notdiscussing critical, unclas-sified information that ouradversaries can use tocause our mission here tofail. However, there arestill some people who justdon’t get it.

Let’s talk about OPSEC“indicators.” When athome during vacationtime, we either stop themail or have a neighborcollect it for us. We alsoarrange for the lawn to bemowed. Why? We don’twant burglars to know weare not at home. A stuffedmailbox and overgrownlawn are “indicators” — itbroadcasts to potentialthieves that no one hasbeen home for a period of

time. You see, even beforewe joined the military wehave practiced OPSEC.

Our mission is veryimportant, and we cannotallow complacency to setin and return to the “Sep-tember 10th mindset.” Weare at war, as of 9-11-01.You are at GTMO becauseof 9-11. Therefore, weMUST protect all informa-tion critical to the successof our mission.

Every single unclassi-fied email (Yahoo, AOL,us.army.mil, etc.) and non-secure phone call isbeamed to a satellite.When this occurs, thosesignals are subject to inter-ception by anyone with theproper equipment. Don’tthink for one minute thatAl-Qaeda doesn’t want toknow what we are dis-cussing. Simple commentsmade over the phone, or in

emails, can be an indicatorto our enemy letting thempiece together informationto learn about our opera-tions here. Keep in mind,their doctrine refers tooperations such as rescuingtheir brothers who havebeen captured, makingtheir brothers in prisonmartyrs, and killing asmany Americans as possi-ble. Imagine the mediaexposure and embarrass-ment to the United States ifwe allow something likethat to happen here atGTMO.

Remember, any infor-mation about detainees,troop movements, troopstrength, etc. should not bediscussed over non-secureelectronics.

Have a great OPSECday!

— Mr. OPSEC

Message from the Commander

OPSEC Corner

Good leadership is vital to keeping the chain ofcommand strong and effective, and it demands ourconstant effort and attention.

Whether you are a commanding general or asquad leader, leadership means setting priorities,providing guidance, delegating authority, and hold-ing those below you accountable for their work.

Hold everyone below you responsible for theiractions, while remembering you are responsiblefor them as well. Leadership traits will trickledownward, and the benefits from them will flowback upward through the entire organization.

Know your people and trust their talents. Good

leaders give their subordinates the freedom of ini-tiative to find the best ways to accomplish theirmission. Support your subordinates and allowthem to make honest mistakes, and then provideguidance on how to improve in areas whereneeded. Part of being a leader is mentoring thosebelow you and developing their leadership skills.

Set your subordinates and junior leaders up forsuccess, and celebrate the small victories everyday.

Great leaders teach what “right” looks like.Invest yourself in making a difference for thefuture.

JTF-GTMO CommandCommander:Army Maj. Gen. Geoffrey D. MillerDeputy Commander:Navy Capt. Robert A. BuehnPublic Affairs Officer:Air Force Lt. Col. Eduardo VillavicencioOIC:Army Maj. Sandra SteinbergOnline at:www.nsgtmo.navy.mil/JTF-160/index.htmCirculation:2,100 copies

The Wire StaffEditor-in-Chief:Sgt. Frank N. PellegriniNews Editor: Spc. Chris S. PisanoStaff writers and design team:Sgt. Michelle M. PessoaSpc. Joseph A. MorrisSpc. Michelle M. ScsepkoSpc. Jose A. MartinezSpc. Jean-Carl BertinContact us:5239/5241 (Local phone) 5246 (Local fax)Joint Information Bureau/Pink Palace

The Wire is produced by the 361st Public Affairs Detachment (PCH) assigned to the Joint Information Bureau at JTF-GTMO. This publication is printed under the provisions provided in Army Regulation 360-1 and does not reflect the viewsof the Department of Defense or the personnel within.

JTF-GTMO commanderArmy Maj. Gen. Geoffrey D. Miller

For six heated months, the members ofthe 361st Press Camp Headquartershave sought out the stories of this JointTask Force, from the heady early days ofBrig. Gen. Rick Baccus to the merger ofJTF-160 and JTF-170 under Maj. Gen.Michael Dunlavey, to the arrival of Maj.Gen. Geoffrey D. Miller and the long-awaited realization of JTF-GTMO.

A well-deserved thanks to all of ourreaders of this publication, as well to allthe servicemembers of the task forcewho week after week became the leadsof our stories and columns. We strovealways to walk that fine line betweenoperational security and well-deservedpublicity for the hard-working service-members who, day in and day out, per-form the missions that help make theirfar-away homes and families safer untilthey return to them.

And now it is our time to go home.Next week, the 362nd Mobile PublicAffairs Detachment, an Army Reserveunit from New Hampshire, will take thereins of The Wire, and will continue toscour the landscape of GTMO in searchof the stories that will keep youinformed, tell your story and hopefullyentertain you a little. As for us, we willbe heading back to New York...

To all the soldiers, sailors, airmen,Marines and Coast Guardsmen assignedto this remote corner of the current glob-al War on Terrorism and OperationEnduring Freedom, never think that we,whose job it was to chronicle yours,failed to appreciate your importance tothis detention operation and this war.

Our efforts were for you.

Farewell messagefrom the 361st PCH

A group of volunteers greeted them at theWindward ferry landing with much fanfare,celebrating their arrival by waving Americanflags, giving out hearty handshakes and hold-ing welcoming banners high in the air. But thiswas no welcome-home parade for soldiersreturning to the States from the front lines. No,this was an arrival: that of the 300th MilitaryPolice Brigade from Michigan, hitting theground at GTMO Saturday and marking theirterritory as the new supporting staff for JTF-GTMO operations.

And while many servicemembers through-out the JTF are looking forward to returninghome for the holidays, finally finished withtheir deployment and content or not with whatGTMO had to offer, the soldiers of the 300thwill be seeing this Caribbean base with fresheyes backed with the determination to fulfilltheir role in the current War on Terrorism andOperation Enduring Freedom.

“We’re here to provide full support of theWar on Terror, to be an integral part of the mis-sion completion of the JTF while taking careof all of the servicemembers serving in it,”said Command Sgt. Maj. John R. VanNatta,

command sergeant major of the 300th andnow camp superintendent for JTF-GTMO.

Ceasing to exist as a brigade in the tradi-tional sense upon their arrival, the 300th isnow part of the combined force here. In com-mand of an area spanning five states backhome, some of the units that fall under the

jurisdiction of the 300th have already beendeployed here, such as the 342nd MP Co.,which just left the island last week after fin-ishing their deployment.

While mobilizing out of Fort Dix, N.J., the

Published in the interest of personnel assigned to JTF-GTMO and COMNAV Base Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

New sheriffs in GTMOFriday, November 29, 2002Volume 2, Issue 25

Story and photos by Spc. Chris S. PisanoThe Wire

300th MP Bde. hits theground, prepares to besupport staff of the JTF

300th MP Bde., page 5

A look inside...

Page 6 Page 9 Page 11

The soldiers of the 300th Military Police Brigade depart the ferry, ready to take on their critical mission.

Q: Look, do you really think you’re worthyof having 15 Minutes of Fame?

A: No, I don’t. I deserve 30 minutes afterall of the junk I’ve seen down here.

Q: So what do you do here?A: I’m serving as the historian of the 43rd

Military Police Brigade. Previously, I was theoperations NCO for the Joint InformationBureau.

Q: The 43rd is almost out of here. Youlooking forward to leaving?

A: I want to go home, wherever that willbe. I don’t really have a home. I live in my ‘94Lincoln Town Car.

Q: What will you do in your car?A: I will live. I’m going to travel the coun-

try in it. I’m planning to drive from Chile toAlaska in less than 22 days.

Q: With the money you’ve saved here,how long do you think you could last payingfor gas?

A: Probably about two years, if I dilute thefuel with water.

Q: So your car means a lot to you?A: Yeah it does. Back in June though, I

found out that it was stolen. It had all of mypersonal belongings in it, even my prized Yan-kees jersey. I filled out a police report andeverything, and eventually found out that myfriend had just driven it to the railroad stationand forgot he left it there.

Q: Why would you leave all that you hadbehind to join the military?

A: I just wanted to serve my country. Ioriginally joined as an 11B infantryman.

Q: Do you still like to get dirty and honeyour infantry skills?

A: You grow out of it... I did half waythrough basic training.

Q: Did basic treat you well?A: Well, one time me and my friends stole

some cake from the DFAC. We hid it in agarbage bag inside of the trash. When we gota chance to recover it from the dumpster, westarted to chow down. Halfway through, wediscovered the bag was torn, and trash hadleaked into it.

Q: So not only do you live in your car, butyou eat dirty junk out of the trash....

A: Cut me some slack, I was an 11B. I’mtrained to adapt, improvise and overcome.

Q: You think you can shoot your weaponbetter than a journalist?

A: I know those print journalists are goodshots, but I’m naturally better.

Q: How many confirmed kills do you haveunder your belt?

A: Well, I am originally from Boston...

Q: You have to be Irish, think you’ll everfind that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow?

A: No. At least not in the military.

Q: The military has to be better than beingpoked in the eye with a sharp stick, right?

A: Well, someone did break a beer bottle inmy eye once.

Q: What hap-pened?

A: It was a stan-dard street fight: Onefriend took off, onefriend got knockedout, and I caught thebeating of my life.

Q: Would yourather take that beat-ing again or do sixmore months atGTMO?

A: I would takethe beating in a heart-beat.

Q: What was yourlowest point whilehere?

A: Well, one timemy picture was in thepaper, and I lookedlike a fool.

Q: Make that twotimes now. ButGTMO wasn’t allbad, was it?

A: I did like thewater here, it’s soblue and clean. OnceI went spear-fishing,and I got the spearstuck in some coral.I couldn’t get it

unlodged, so I had to take off my trunks so Icould get a hold of the coral. So I guess skinnydipping was my greatest moment while here.

Q: Give us your best “command message”about the military.

A: You can return home from this deploy-ment and hold your head up high. You’ve sac-rificed much, but the sense of pride andaccomplishment are something that no onecan ever take from you.

Q: Now tell us something about life.A: I offer you a Winston Churchill quote:

“If you’re going through Hell, keep on going.”Happiness comes with your state of mind.Keep driving on, and you will find it.

Q: You’ll find it down the road someday?A: It’s a long road, and each step is a new

beginning. Sometimes you get no breaks andonly heart aches, but for me...life is lovely.

Photo by Spc. Chris S. Pisano

Hardcore Spc. Robert Lovely uses his infantry skills to catch a fierce barracuda.

Interview by Spc. Chris S. Pisano and Spc. Joseph A. MorrisThe Wire

15 Minutes of Fame...Page 12 Friday, November 29, 2002

with Spc. Robert Lovely, 43rd MP Brigade

Letting it all hang out is a Lovely thing