iii marine expeditionary force and marine corps bases japan

friday, january 18, 2008 www.okinawa.usmc.mil

Listing of Daiko taxi service phone numbers inside. Cut it out, put it in your wallet and make the right decision later.

pg. 8

Staff Sgt. Luis P. Valdespino Jr.combined security transition command

KONAR PROVINCE, Afghani-stan — Roughing it with their local counterparts and operating independently, Okinawa-based Marines are training and fighting alongside Afghan National Army soldiers in the eastern region of the country.

Sgt. Seth E. Lewis and Lance Cpl. Michael J. Subu, from 3rd Marine Division, are serving as embedded training team members with ETT 7-2. Most of the ETT Marines deployed to Afghanistan July 5, and are mentoring 3rd and 5th Kandaks (Afghan battalions), 3rd Brigade, 201st ANA Corps.

ETT members, who work in groups of two or three Marines, have been involved in operations throughout eastern Afghanistan with 3rd Kandak (Armored). Their missions call for leadership, ini-tiative and, in Lewis and Subu’s case, a lot of mountain climbing.

The two-man team is mentor-ing an ANA platoon at a border checkpoint near Bari Kot village in eastern Konar Province. The checkpoint is an Afghan Border Police post with an ANA observa-tion post about 500 meters up a mountain, just across the Konar River from Pakistan.

Lewis estimates that, since

Okinawa Marines help build Afghan National Army

go daiko

arriving at the checkpoint early in the fall, he has climbed the mounta in at least 50 t imes. Most of the ANA soldiers the Marines mentor work and sleep at the observat ion post atop

the mountain.Lewis and Subu are housed in a hut at the base with more ANA soldiers, a U.S. Army platoon and some Afghan Border Police. The Marines say they appreciate their responsi-

bilities and the experience they are getting.

1st Sgt. Matthew S. Seamans, the ETT’s senior enlisted mentor, said the ETT mission requires Marines to

see ETT pg 6

Embedded training team member Petty Officer 1st Class Reynaldo S. Datu, from Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, is followed by Afghan National Army Maj. Abdul Latif, executive officer of 3rd Kandak (Armored), 3rd Brigade, 201st ANA Corps, in eastern Afghanistan as they make their way back from an observation post atop a mountain to a border checkpoint 500 meters below. Photo by Staff Sgt. Luis P. Valdespino Jr.

Lance Cpl. Richard Blumensteinokinawa marine staff

CAMP SCHWAB — About 30 explosive ordnance disposal technicians with 3rd Marine Logistics Group took part in a three-day mock war on the streets of Camp Schwab and in the Central Training Area, which provided real-world challenges Jan. 8-10.

These EOD Marines, from 9th En-gineer Support Battalion, responded to numerous scenarios based on ac-

tual Operation Iraqi Freedom events, according to Master Gunnery Sgt. Michael C. Sharp, the EOD staff noncommissioned officer in charge of 9th ESB.

Every instructor has deployed to Iraq and they used their personal experi-ences to make the scenarios more real-istic, said Sgt. Brian T. Meyer, an EOD technician and course instructor.

“Having instructors who have been to Iraq allows the Marines to learn

see EOD pg �

War simulation tests explosive ordnance disposal MarinesAn explosive ordnance disposal team’s robot helps inspect a simulated possible improvised explosive device Jan. 9 in the Central Training Area. Photo by Lance Cpl. Richard Blumenstein

humvee haulinAfghanistan-bound Marines tackle new Advanced Motor Vehicle Operators Course.

pg. 10InsI

de PULLOUT PAGE INSIDE Poster contains USFJ mission statement and commander’s intent.

pg. 14

okinawa marine | neWs | january 18, 2008 �

MIDDLE EAST | The amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1) conducts a vertical replenishment. The 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit is embarked aboard the Tarawa. Photo by Lt. j.g. Lauren A. Goldenberg

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. | Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego Commander Brig. Gen. Angela Salinas observe recruits at Edson Range Jan. 7. Gates also spoke with Marines from 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment about new technology, deployment and barracks life. Photo by Cpl. Ray Lewis

DJIBOUTI, Africa | Marines from A Battery, 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, prepare for a fire and movement exercise at Range TC-11 Dec. 26. Fire and movement exercises encompass a variety of battlefield techniques, from proper rushing protocol to communication. Photo by Sgt. Alec Kleinsmith

RAMADI, Iraq An Iraqi policeman and a Marine from Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, patrol along a river bank in East Ramadi. During the patrol, which lasted into the night, Marines and Iraqi Police worked together to conduct census operations and provide security for the area. Photo by Lance Cpl. Charles McKelvey

corpsfor more marine corps stories and photos, visit http://www.marines.mil

around the

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 Consolidated 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 ref lect 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 supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense,

the U.S. Marine Corps, Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler or Marine Corps Community 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.

COMMANdiNg geNerAl Maj. Gen. Mary Ann Krusa-Dossin

publiC AffAirs direCtOr Lt. Col. Douglas M. Powell

press OffiCer 1st Lt. Adrian J.T. Rankine-Galloway

press Chief Gunnery Sgt. William J. Ray

desigN editOr Sgt. Ethan E. Rocke

editOr Cpl. Warren Peace

OkiNAwA MAriNe NewspAperH&S Battalion MCB PAO

Unit 35002FPO AP 96373-5002

CeNtrAl bureAu ChiefCpl. Juan D. Alfonso

Camp Foster, DSN 645-7422

NOrtherN bureAu ChiefLance Cpl. Kevin M. Knallay

Camp Hansen, DSN 623-4054

to submIt an opInIon or edItorIal, e-maIl us at okInaWamarIne.mcbb.fct@usmc.mIl

okinawa marine | opInIon & edItorIal | january 18, 2008 �

fact check advanced pay

I am about to PCS but don’t have enough money. Can I get an advance in pay?

Yes, according to Marine Corps Order 7220.21E, the purpose of advance in pay is to provide Marines the funds needed to meet the extraordinary expenses of

government-ordered relocation. It is intended to assist with out-of-pocket expenses that exceed or precede reimbursement incurred during a PCS move, which are not typical of day-to-day personal expenses. To qualify for the advance, an applicant must be a corporal or above, can only take a one-month advancement, must set up a 12-month repayment plan and can only receive the advance 30 days prior, or up to 60 days after making the PCS move.

Q:a:

Sgt. Ethan E. Rockedesign editor

Ashley Gilbert-son had heard the trivial

radio transmission dozens of times in Iraq, but he didn’t learn its true mean-ing until leaving the country in 2006 after nearly four years as a war photographer there.

Apparently, he thought the transmission’s coded meaning was a fitting title for a photo book about war.

“Whiskey Tango Foxtrot” is a visual journey across Iraq’s war-torn landscape. For roughly

four years, Australian photo-journalist Ashley Gilbertson

covered the conflict, starting in 2002. Gilbertson’s account of the war is painted

on a vast canvas that stretches from Iraq’s northern territory of Kurdistan – where Gilbertson began his work in Iraq as a free-lance journalist – south to Baghdad and into American offensives in Karbala and Fallujah. Gilbertson picked up a contract with the New York Times along the way and went on to make some of the most harrowing images of the war.

The book is organized into five collections of images, and Gilbertson introduces each part with a few pages of text to add context to his pictures. Gilbertson is an exceptional pho-tographer and his powerful photos, coupled with his insightful prose, come to life and

immerse you in the volatile world Gilbertson lay witness to for four years.

His work offers an intimate, multi-di-mensional view of the conflict that tran-scends the episodic reporting we consume in daily newspapers, magazines or nightly newscasts. Perhaps one of the book’s great-est strengths is Gilbertson’s subjective voice – a raw narrative of the world he documents delivered with sobering honesty.

Gilbertson’s coverage of the Marines’ offensive to take the insurgent stronghold of Fallujah in November 2005 makes up the book’s fourth chapter, and it is, without question, the best collection. As one critic put it, “The Fallujah shots alone are worth the price of the book.”

Maybe. But the book’s real strength is its much broader view of Iraq. Beyond the ex-pected scenes of combat, Gilbertson captures the character of Iraq and its people – their triumphs and their suffering, their virtues and their vices. At the same time, he illuminates the endless challenges American forces face in securing and rebuilding a country marred by a tumultuous past and an uncertain future.

Among the book’s subtler triumphs are the questions Gilbertson raises about the American model of journalistic objectivity and the ethics involved in contemporary war reporting.

From his criticism of a Fox News correspon-dent claiming to be on the front lines while reporting from the darkness of his hotel room, to Gilbertson’s rebuke of his Kurdish guide and translator, who breaks the code of journalistic neutrality when he ignites a painting of Sad-dam Hussein in Mosul and celebrates – Gilb-ertson reminds us that war reporting is any-thing but simple, and conventional criticisms of the craft are often oversimplified.

The anecdote about his Kurdish guide, or “fixer,” poignantly illustrates the internal conflict correspondents often struggle with: “I grabbed him and said that as my fixer, he was a neutral observer – he could not be involved. Jaff instantly sobered. ‘Ashley,’ he said, ‘first I am an Iraqi. Second, I am a journalist.’”

But Gilbertson’s most sobering experience comes toward the end of the fighting in Fal-lujah when his presence on the battlefield and his need to tell a complete story of the battle results in tragic consequences – con-sequences that he has to live with long after leaving Iraq.

In the end, the book is two parts journalism, one part entertainment and one part therapy for the author, who – like so many who have seen war – carries burdensome memories and, with them, some of the same demons that be-leaguer the conflict he covered.

At first glance, Whiskey Tango Foxtrot looks like another coffee table photo book. It is much more. A provocative tale of the cha-otic blur of war seen through one man’s eyes with polished clarity, Gilbertson’s portrait of Iraq is an intense and passionate piece of work.

War photographer shows Iraq through the lens

bOOk rEviEw

sempertoonsCreated by Gunnery Sgt. Charles Wolf

“Gilbertson’s portrait of Iraq is an intense and passionate piece of work.”

� okinawa marine | neWs | january 18, 2008

religiOus eNriChMeNt retreAtsChapla in’s Rel ig ious Enr ichment

Development Operations let you take a break from the routine. Upcoming retreats:

• 1-Day Unit Marine Retreat (E1-E4): Jan. 23 & 25 and Feb. 14

• Multi-Day Unit Marine Retreat: Feb. 6-8. The retreat focuses on core values, leadership, team-building and life goals. Contact your unit chaplain for details.

• Marriage Enrichment Retreat: Feb. 1-3. The retreat provides couples the tools to com-municate more effectively and work as a team to preserve and enhance love, commitment and friendship. Sign-up by Jan. 25.

• Personal Growth Retreat: Feb. 27 to March 1. The retreat will let individuals reflect upon their personal and professional lives, consider steps they need to take to lead progressive lives and set goals for the future. Sign-up by Feb. 20.

For details or to sign-up, call 645-3041.

iNflueNzA VACCiNAtiONs AVAilAbleFlu shots are available to all eligible benefi-

ciaries at the U.S. Naval Hospital’s immuniza-tion clinic, the Camp Kinser Family Medicine Clinic, the Bush Family Medicine Clinic on Camp Courtney and the 18th Medical Group Clinic on Kadena Air Base.

Vaccinations will also be offered tomor-row at the Camp Kinser Commissary from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The USNH clinic is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Walk-in hours for Bush and Kinser clinics are Monday, Tuesday Wednesday and Friday from 8 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. and Thursdays from 8 to 11 a.m.

Shots are available at the 18th Medical Group Clinic’s immunization clinic Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Mlk jr. COMMeMOrAtiVe eVeNtsOn Camp Kinser, there is a 5K Martin Luther

King Jr. Fun Run at 7 a.m. and a parent stroller 1-mile walk/run at 8 a.m. Jan. 19 at Roberts Field. No prior registration required.

kAdeNA eAgles bAsebAll tryOuts

All Armed Forces and SOFA status person-nel are invited to tryout for the Kadena Eagles Joint Military Baseball team beginning in February. Contact Brandon Dong at brandon.dong@kadena.af.mil or militarybaseball@ho-tmail.com. For more information, go to http://www.leaguelineup.com/kadenabaseball.

rOller hOCkey sigN-upsThe Okinawa Roller Hockey Association is a

league on Okinawa for ages 5 and older. Spring registration will be held Jan. 19 and 26 from 10 a.m. to noon at Camp McTureous and Kadena Air Base rinks. Registration is $45 for the first player and $35 for each additional family mem-ber. Fee includes a jersey. Volunteer coaches are also needed and will receive free registration. For more information, visit http://eteamz.active.com/orha, or e-mail orhajapan@hotmail.com.

CAll fOr ACtOrsThe Pacific Okinawa Players are holding

auditions for “Steel Magnolias” Jan 28-29 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Camp Foster Community Performing Arts Center.

Auditions are for ages 18 and older. For more information, go to http://pops-okinawa.org.

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 every Friday. The Okinawa Marine reserves the right to edit all submitted material.

ETT from pg 1“step up” and be strong leaders.

The expectation during training for the mis-sion was that NCOs would mentor NCOs, staff NCOs would mentor staff NCOs, and officers would mentor officers, but as the ANA has grown, so have ETT mentor responsibilities.

“I was actually pretty happy ... because I would be able to prove my worth as a sergeant,” said the 29-year-old Lewis.

He added that working with the ANA has helped him grow as a leader, and he has seen the results of his efforts.

“I see leaps and bounds with the ANA at certain points,” Lewis said.

During a recent visit from the Kandak com-mander and ETT leaders, Lewis led ETT mentors up the mountain to the observation post with ANA soldiers. Seamans and ETT Chief Lt. Col. James F. Werth commented that the structures at the top had been improved substantially since their last visit.

The sergeant had coordinated the hiring of local labor to move supplies to the ANA soldiers to improve the post.

Aside from coordinating logistical support, Lewis said he focuses much of his efforts on trying to help ANA soldiers see leadership as

the Marine Corps uses it, with NCOs, staff NCOs and officers having specific leadership roles and responsibilities. And with consideration for the ETT goals, he encourages the ANA to accomplish tasks on their own.

“I try to push that if they want something simple done, to do it themselves (instead of hiring laborers),” Lewis said. “What are they gonna do when the (American) money goes away?”

Lewis said the goal is for ANA soldiers to learn to operate without assistance from American mentors and deal with challenges and projects on their own.

“The ultimate goal is for the ANA to function without ETTs,” he said, adding that he believes his tour will be worth his efforts when he is done.

ANA leaders said they have benefited from the relationship with Lewis, Subu, and other ETT mentors.

“We have the best relations with the ETTs,” said ANA Lt. Col. Mohammad Naseem, 3rd Kan-dak commander. Naseem added that the ETTs have worked closely with the ANA soldiers, providing much logistical and operational sup-port and proving ready for any tactical missions that have come up.

Lance Cpl. Tyler J. Hlavacokinawa marine staff

CAMP HANSEN — About 20 Marines with 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division completed the Humvee Egress Assistance Trainer course on Camp Hansen Jan. 10 to better understand how to respond in the event of a humvee rollover.

The trainer, which is designed to resemble a humvee, simulates an accident by rolling at different speeds and angles, often completing several 180 degree rolls in less than a minute. The trainer is currently the only one available in Okinawa.

During the training, the Marines entered the trainer, spun around until disoriented, then quickly exited the vehicle before es-tablishing security around the humvee and evacuating any simulated casualties.

The trainer stopped at different positions, forcing the Marines to exit quickly while upside down. The trainer also stopped on its side, forcing the occupants to exit through the gunners hatch or through the passenger-side door.

“The purpose of the trainer is to familiarize Marines with humvee rollovers,” said Staff Sgt. Frank Villaverde, a tactics instructor with Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, who came to Oki-nawa to train Marines how to become course instructors. “The idea is that while any roll-over is going to be confusing and disorienting, if Marines are ever in a real rollover, it will hopefully not be as big of a shock because of this training.”

While the training can be used to teach any Marine about rollovers, it is most relevant to Marines bound for combat zones. Because hundreds of service members serving in Op-eration Iraqi Freedom have been severely in-

Humvee egress trainer helps Marines prepare for rollover accident scenarios

Lance Cpl. Dominique Smith attempts to exit the humvee egress assistance trainer. Photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler J. Hlavac

jured in rollover accidents, HEAT training has become a requirement for Marines deploying to areas in the United States Central Command area of operations.

Cpl. Zane Moorman, a radio operator with 12th Marines, said the training may save his life one day.

“The trainer would flip me so many times that when it stopped, I would at first have no clue what was going on or where I was,” he said. “The training taught me to expect this and how to evacuate casualties and establish security after a rollover. Overall, the training was an outstanding, valuable experience.”

okinawa marine | neWs | january 18, 2008 �

Petty Officers 3rd Class Nayla and Victor Dimapilis sit with their son, Vaughn, at the Camp Lester Chapel Jan. 9. Vaughn, born Jan. 1 at 1:42 a.m., was the first baby born at U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa this year. Nayla is a corpsman with the hospital’s Internal Medicine Clinic. Victor is a corpsman with the hospital’s Postal Facility. Photo by Brian Davis

First BaBy

08

Pfc. Aaron Hostutlerokinawa marine staff

CAMP FOSTER — Sgt. Maj. Wil-liam Fitzgerald passed his duties as sergeant major of Camps Foster and Lester and Headqaurters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, to Sgt. Maj. Jamie Hunt during a post and re-lief ceremony Jan. 18 at the Camp Foster Parade Field.

Fitzgerald, who served with H&S Bn., since September 2006, is moving on to assume duties as sergeant major of 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division.

Hunt came to H&S Bn., after serving as the regimental ser-

foster, lester welcome new sergeant major

Hunt Fitzgerald

geant major of Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

As a staff sergeant, Hunt served as a drill instructor and senior drill instructor at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C. While at Parris Island, he was promoted to gunnery sergeant and

served as a drill master.In April 2001, while serving as

the administrative chief for Com-bat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, he was promoted to first sergeant. He then served as company first sergeant for the battalion’s Combat Engineer Company.

In September 2002, he was selected as the first sergeant for Headquarters and Services Com-pany, Combat Assault Battalion. From June to September 2003 and March to June 2004 he assumed the additional duty of battalion sergeant major.

In September 2004, Hunt re-ported to Anti-Terrorism Battal-

ion, 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, N.C., where he served as company first sergeant for Head-quarters and Service Company.

In November 2004, he assumed the duties as battalion sergeant major of Anti-Terrorism Battalion until March 2007.

In March 2007, he assumed his most recent duty as regi-mental sergeant major, CLR-2, 2nd MLG. Hunt’s personal decorations and awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy-Marine Corps Commenda-tion Medal, Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Good Con-duct Medal and various other unit and service awards.

Lance Cpl. David Rogersokinawa marine staff

CAMP FOSTER — Hundreds of people poured through the doors of the Marine Thrift Store Jan. 12 when it reopened after nearly two months of closure.

Thrift store staff and volunteers spent the last two months moving the store and all its contents to its new location on the first floor of building 5691 on Camp Foster. The main reason for the move was to gain more space for the store.

“Space was a big issue we had (at the previous location). We were dealing with half the size. Everything was piled on top of each other. It was hard to shop in the (old) thrift store because there wasn’t really any room to (move around),” said Roxanne Aiona-Aka, a weekly volunteer for the thrift store.

Staff and volunteers were forced to pile up much of the store’s inven-tory in bins due to the previous location’s lack of floor and shelf space, according to Markie Bonar,

Camp Foster’s shop of ‘little treasures’ opens in expanded location

Staff and volunteers of the Marine Thrift Shop reopened the store at its new location at building 5691 Jan. 12. Staff say the larger location allows the inventory to be displayed in a more organized and shopper friendly environment. Photo by Lance Cpl. David Rogers

thrift store manager. Staff members were eventually forced to keep do-nated items in storage areas where shoppers couldn’t browse through them. Mothers with their children

didn’t have enough room to even roll a stroller through the store, according to Bonar.

“Now, everything can be up off the ground and up on hangars,”

Bonar said.Volunteers built new racks for

all the clothing, which is now orga-nized into seasonal and age-related departments.

Customers bought at least 25 percent of the store’s inventory on opening day. Cashier lines stretched to the back wall of the store that has doubled in size since its move.

“It’s calming to some people,” Bonar said. “They look through all the racks and sort through all the knick knacks. To them it’s a hobby. It’s almost like a treasure hunt. There are little treasures to be found that you might not find somewhere else.”

The store’s income contributes to organizations such as the Single Marine Program, Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of the USA, the Department of Defense Depen-dent Schools, Young Marines and Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps’ of local DoDDS, according to Bonar. In December, the store contributed $9,000 to SMP for a one-night holiday cruise party in the seas around Okinawa.

� okinawa marine | neWs | january 18, 2008

EOD from pg 1f rom their f i rst hand experi-ences,” Meyer said. “It gives the training more credibility.”

The simulated war provided the EOD teams with a chance to practice their procedures for deal-ing with improvised explosive devices and weapons caches.

“They already know all the SOPs, but this training gives them a chance to customize them as a team rather than as individuals,” Meyer said.

During the training, EOD teams received calls about the location, situation and type of IED a simu-lated convoy encountered. Then, an EOD team traveled to the location, collected evidence and disposed of the ordnance.

The evidence EOD Marines gather can be used by the FBI and Naval Criminal Investigative Service to identify the individuals who planted the IEDs, according to Sharp.

“Evidence is something that’s helping us win the war,” he said. “What EOD is collecting from the scene is helping put away the terrorists.”

Sharp said even though col-lecting evidence is important, the EOD Marines put priority on the supported unit’s mission. The training mirrored that aspect.

The simulated IEDs the teams encountered were exact replicas of what EOD Marines have found in Iraq, Sharp said.

Sgt. Kevin J. Loeffler examines a piece of exploded ordnance Jan. 9 during a three-day war simulation in the Central Training Area. By collecting evidence, explosive ordnance disposal technicians can assist in the arrest and prosecution of terrorists. Loeffle is an EOD technician with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group. Photos by Lance Cpl. Richard Blumenstein

Loeffler holds a reel of detonation cord for an explosive ordnance disposal robot. The training provided EOD teams the means to practice their standard procedures in dealing with improvised explosive devices and weapons caches.

“They’re seeing the exact same problems in the training as they would in I raq,” according to Sharp.

The Marines responded to calls at all hours of the day to learn how to operate while suffering from fatigue.

“They don’t get enough rest; they don’t get chow when they’re supposed to. In Iraq they’re not going to have a set timeline,” Sharp said. “A unit may find an IED or weapons cache and call EOD technicians at 3 a.m., and they will respond.”

“Evidence is something that’s helping us win the war. What EOD is collecting from the scene is

helping put away the terrorists.”Master Gunnery Sgt. Michael C. Sharp

GODAIKOHOW IT WORKS: one Daiko driver takes the patron’s car while the other drives the taxi. Rather than driving drunk, call one of these

taxi services:

Stricter punishments for alcohol-related vehicle offenses were enacted by the Government of Japan Sept. 17, 2007. One of the wisest decisions a person who has a drink can make is handing the keys over to a non-drinking driver. When a non-drinking driver isn’t present, Daiko taxi services are available to take both driver and vehicle home safely. Photo illustration by Cpl. Eric D. Arndt

Kadena air base (99) 946-5477 or

634-5900

Camp Foster (99) 946-5477

Camp Kinser(99) 090-3794-9151

Camp sChwab (99) 090-1941-5500

Camp hansen (99) 090-6860-1381

Camp Courtney &white beaCh (99) 937-2467

mCas Futenma(99) 892-0606

Camp shields & torii station (99) 946-5477 or

634-5900

Camp lester &plaza housing

(99) 090-6862-7003

is one drink worth it?.03 baC = dui

okinawa marine | neWs | january 18, 2008 �

Lance Cpl. David Rogersokinawa marine staff

CA M P COU RT N E Y — Maj. Gen. Robert Neller, commanding general of 3rd Marine Division, pre-sented Lt. Col. William Seely with a Bronze Star Medal with combat distin-guishing device Jan. 8 at the division headquarters on Camp Courtney.

Seely, the commanding

officer of 3rd Reconnais-sance Battalion, received the award for heroic achieve-ment in connection with combat operations while serving in Fallujah, Iraq, as commanding officer of 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 6, II Marine Expeditionary Force, from Sept. 28, 2006, to April 17, 2007.

According to his award citation, Seely traversed the

battle space courageously encountering indirect fire and improvised explosive devices, knowing fully the inherent risk.

Unshaken by the enemy, his guidance, vision, adapt-ability and focus on mis-sion accomplishment were the keys that enabled his battalion to enjoy numerous successes throughout com-bat operations, according to the citation.

Recon commander awarded Bronze Star for actions in iraq

Lt. Col. William Seely, the commanding officer of 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, stands at attention as Lt. Col. J. W. Senter III reads Seely’s citation for the Bronze Star Medal with a combat distinguishing device Jan. 8 at 3rd Marine Division headquarters. Seely received the award for heroic achievement during combat operations in Fallujah. Photo by Lance Cpl. David Rogers

Junior cook’s passion, drive earns top chef honorsLance Cpl. David Rogersokinawa marine staff

CAMP KINSER — At age 5, Pfc. Gabrielle Urias, a native of Grand Prairie, Texas, saw a Marine in dress blues for the first time during a Toys for Tots drive. He was standing next to a large bundle of wrapped toys in a department store.

“I didn’t know Santa wore blue,” Urias re-called saying to her father.

He explained who the “Santa” really was, and then he showed his daughter his own dress blue uniform. From then on, Urias was in love.

“When I was little, my dad would ask me what I wanted to be when I grow up. I always said ‘a Marine.’”

Urias always dreamt of being a Marine. What she didn’t plan on, however, was becoming a chef. Nonetheless, she is excelling at the new job and recently earned the title of Marine Corps Bases Japan Chef of the Quarter for the first quarter of 2008.

“It’s my nature,” she said. “I have to stand out. I won’t settle for the minimum.”

The best Marine Corps chefs from every MCBJ chow hall competed for the title. Typi-cally, Marines are selected to compete for the award several times before winning. But Urias won on her first try after a couple of months at Camp Kinser’s mess hall, her first duty station.

“The fact that she did it her first time shows she’s got a little talent. She’s got drive,” said

Staff Sgt. Jose Moran, the chief chef of Kinser’s mess hall.

Urias says she is constantly driven by an undeniable need to be the best.

“My biggest fear in life is failing,” she said. “I want people to be able to depend on me, be-cause I know one day in life I’m going to need to depend on someone else.”

Thoughts of Urias’ family keep her head level as she strives to be the best. Cooking causes constant flashbacks of times with her family. The flashbacks remind her of cooking tips from her mother and father. Combined with her more recent military studies of the art, she runs through lists of techniques in her head that help improve her food. At the same time, she is very hands on with her job.

“This is my favorite part,” she said. “This is where I get to be messy. I’m like a little kid when I cook. It reminds me of being at home in the kitchen with my mom and dad.”

Leaders and co-workers immediately noticed her attention to detail and enthusiasm.

“She may not have picked this job, but she’s one of those Marines that no matter where you put her, she’ll excel,” Moran said. “It’s not about the job. It’s just the way she is.”

Urias says she plans to make the Marine Corps her career. To her, life in the Marine Corps is the fulfillment of a childhood dream.

“I want to give the Marine Corps as much as I can,” she said. “I love it. I love being a Marine.”

Pfc. Gabrielle Urias recently won Marine Corps Bases Japan Chef of the Quarter for the first quarter of 2008. Since a childhood encounter with a Toys for Tots Marine in dress blues, she had dreamt of being a Marine. Urias is a food services specialist at the Camp Kinser mess hall. Photo by Lance Cpl. David Rogers

Pfc. Aaron Hostutlerokinawa marine staff

OKINAWA CITY — Officials with the Okinawa City Police Department presented awards to Ma-rine investigators who assisted with the investiga-tion and apprehension of a thief, during a ceremony at the OCPD Headquarters Dec. 20.

The Marines from the Criminal Investigation Division of the Marine Corps Base Camp Butler Provost Marshal’s Office played a key role in the apprehension of a thief who burglarized a shop-pette near Plaza Housing and committed several robberies in the same area, according to an OCPD official.

“The photographs and other evidence CID provided for us were a great contribution to the investigation,” said Yasuhiro Miyagi, chief of the OCPD’s third criminal investigation section.

Jeffery Rodriguez, an investigator with CID, ex-plained why teamwork is important when dealing with matters such as these.

“Teamwork is critical when offenses and of-fenders cross jurisdictional boundaries. We at CID enjoy our professional relationship with OCPD and share the common goal of law and order. We are honored and certainly appreciate the time and recognition of Ishigaki-san (the OCPD chief of police), Miyagi-san and all of Okinawa PD.”

Marines awarded by Okinawa Police

Chief of Police Ishigaki Hiromichi presents an award to Michael Walusz Dec. 20 at the Okinawa City Police Department headquarters. It was one of five awards presented to investigators with Marine Corps Base Camp Butler’s Provost Marshal’s Office. Photo by Pfc. Aaron Hostutler

okinawa marine | neWs | january 18, 200810 okinawa marine | neWs | january 18, 2008

Lance Cpl. Kevin Knallayokinawa marine staff

CENTRAL TRAINING AREA — Marines sched-uled to augment an embedded training team in Afghanistan became the first to use the newly-built Advanced Motor Vehicle Operators Course in the Central Training Area Jan. 11.

The course features many unique obstacles developed to teach humvee operators the capa-bilities of their vehicles and lower preventable accidents due to operator error, according to Gunnery Sgt. Cory Signorelli, the staff noncom-missioned officer in charge of Division Licens-ing Schools, 3rd Marine Division.

“This training will save Marine lives,” said Signorelli. “It shows just what these vehicles can do and gives Marines confidence when they are behind the wheel. We have the gas chamber to give Marines confidence in their gas masks – this is what will give them confidence in humvees.”

Although there are similar courses on other Marine Corps installations, this one features more obstacles drawn from operators’ personal experiences as well as lessons learned from other units returning from Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom, according to Chief Warrant Officer 4 Kevin Suitt, the officer in charge of range control for Marine Corps Base Camp Butler.

Suitt said the 10 Marines acted as test sub-jects to help develop standard operating proce-dures for the course. Currently, the course has 13 obstacles, and another one is scheduled to be completed Feb. 28.

Before drivers maneuver the course, they walk through with an instructor as he explains the techniques used to safely pass an obstacle. Marines then attempt to overcome steep climbs, riverbeds, large pot holes and elevated paths with armored humvees.

The Marines agreed that the course substan-tially improved their abilities behind the wheel.

“I wish we had this (course) at the Motor Trans-portation School in Missouri,” said Cpl. Norman Era, a motor transportation operator with the team. “This was definitely the thing to do in pre-paring for a deployment. It teaches you so much about your vehicle. It has been the best course for knowledge as well as hands on time.”

Signorelli stressed to the Marines that many of the obstructions are similar to what they may encounter in Afghanistan, and with this training, they will have the poise to safely ma-neuver them.

“You will find yourself over there facing some of these objects and you will say, ‘Ok, I got this. It’s just like it was in Okinawa,’” Si-gnorelli said.

Future plans for the course include night driving, Signorelli said.

Marines learn to keep on truckin’Afghanistan-bound Marines tackle new motor vehicle operators course

A humvee drives over the rough terrain section of the Advanced Motor Vehicle Operators Course Jan. 11 in the Central Training Area. The course features several unique obstacles developed to teach humvee operators the capabilities of their vehicles and lower preventable accidents due to operator error. Photo by Lance Cpl. Kevin M. Knallay

A humvee drives over the Berm and Dip obstacle in the

Advanced Motor Vehicle Operators

Course Jan. 11 in the Central Training Area.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler J.

Hlavac

A humvee breaks in the Break Modulator

obstacle at the Advanced Motor

Vehicle Operators Course Jan. 11. Photo by

Lance Cpl. Kevin M. Knallay

Gunnery Sgt. Cory Signorelli, staff noncommissioned officer in charge of 3rd Marine Division Licensing Schools, explains the course layout. Photo by Lance Cpl. Kevin M. Knallay

A Marine drives through a simulated riverbed. Photo by Lance Cpl. Kevin M. Knallay

okinawa marine | neWs | january 18, 2008okinawa marine | neWs | january 18, 2008 11

A humvee drives over the rough terrain section of the Advanced Motor Vehicle Operators Course Jan. 11 in the Central Training Area. The course features several unique obstacles developed to teach humvee operators the capabilities of their vehicles and lower preventable accidents due to operator error. Photo by Lance Cpl. Kevin M. Knallay

Gunnery Sgt. Cory Signorelli guides a Marine navigating the sloped road portion of the course. Photo by Lance Cpl. Kevin M. Knallay

A Marine drives through a simulated riverbed. Photo by Lance Cpl. Kevin M. Knallay

12 okinawa marine | feature | january 18, 2008

Service members feel the beat at Zampa Drum Show

A member of the Zampa Ufujishi Daiko troupe performs at the Ginowan Convention Center Dec. 23. The drum show has entertained people in various parts of Japan, Europe, Oceania and the United States since 1986. Photos by Lance Cpl. Ryan Wicks

Drumming up entertainmentLance Cpl. Ryan Wicksokinawa marines

Lights dimmed and voices hushed as curtains rose and drum beats shook the

audience.For the next two hours, the

crowd watched the Zampa Ufu-jishi Daiko Show Dec. 23 in the Ginowan Convention Center.

“The show was completely amazing,” said Lance Cpl. Travis A. Read, a postal clerk with Head-quarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, as he spoke about the perform-ers’ talent and the volume of the drums. “My chest vibrated; I was in awe.”

The show also featured Ryukyu music, Eisa and Ryukyu Buyo – traditional Okinawan dances – and a dancing lion dog or Shishimai.

The Nagado-daiko, drums shaped like large barrels, were the largest drums featured. The drums, which produce a deep bass sound,

are usually about 3 feet or more in diameter and 4 to 6 feet in length.

The musicians accompanied the music and drumming with dance, twisting, turning and leaping with the steady beat.

“The performers were very acrobatic,” said Read, recalling the aerial feats of the performers. “I was impressed.”

At one point, the perform-ers brought the show right to the audience as they weaved through the crowd, dancing and inviting children to return to the stage with them. As the children danced with the musi-cians, audience members joined in from the floor of the conven-tion center with their own inter-pretative dance.

“The show made me forget about not being home for the holidays,” said Lance Cpl. Diana Murrell, a postal clerk with H&S Bn. “It really showed me more about the Okinawan culture and how amazing it is.”

The drum show also helped service members join with one another and want to share the experience with friends and family, said Murrell.

“When my parents come, I’m definitely going to come back

and bring them along so they can see what a good time the show is,” Read said.

The drum show was founded by Takejo Arakaki in March of 1986 and has performed in Japan, Europe, Oceania and America.

The Nagado-daiko produce a deep bass sound and are usually about 3 feet or more in diameter and 4 to 6 feet in length.

okinawa marine | feature | january 18, 2008 1�

Lance Cpl. Ryan Wicksokinawa marine staff

His job is to help chap-lains create spiritual

programs for sailors, Marines, Coast Guards-men and their families.

Sound like the de-scription of a warrior?

Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Robart, a religious program specialist with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division seems set to change what people think of his job.

“I don’t want to be the ‘sailor’ on the battle-field,” he said. “I want my chaplains and Marines to be able to count on me to help them and not think of me as a hazard or hindrance when lives are at stake.”

In order to keep up with the Marines around him, Robart inserts himself into anything that increases his combat proficiency.

He is the first religious program specialist to receive his wings from the U.S. Army Airborne School, and he has used his training with Ma-rines to become Fleet Marine Force certified, which requires extensive studying and special-ization in Marine Corps common skills.

Robart is also quite aware that in battle he may need to operate a variety a weapons in order to complete the mission. His leaders are taking note of his efforts both as an RP and a warrior.

On Dec. 14, Robart was named the Chief of Navy Chaplains Religious Program Specialist of the Year for fiscal 2007, Junior Sea.

He is a fourth award rifle expert and a pistol expert. He has been trained to operate the M-2 .50 caliber machine gun, M-240G medium machine gun, M-249 Squad Automatic Weapon and the MK-19 40mm machine gun. He is also proficient with the AT-4 rocket launcher, M-203 40mm grenade launcher, M-1014 shotgun, claymore mines and makeshift mines.

In addition to weapons training, Robart also trains for hand-to-hand combat. He is cur-rently green belt certified in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program.

Despite his hectic military schedule, Robart finds time to give back to the commu-nity by donating his time to extracurricular activities that benefit not only himself but those around him.

“I’ve been conducting English speaking classes with the battalion for Japanese locals,” he said. “I’ve also gone to schools throughout Nago to help kids ranging from kindergarten to

One of the Navy’s religious pro-gram specialists of the year — an RP with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division — is set on changing people’s perceptions. So far, he’s on track.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Robart, a religious program specialist with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, was recently named the Chief of Navy Chaplains Religious Program Specialist of the Year for fiscal 2007, Junior Sea. Photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan Wicks

sixth grade learn English.”In addition to the English classes Robart is

the instructor, sponsor, mentor and acting sec-retary on the executive board of the Okinawa Super Bikers motorcycle club.

He also participated in the Reserve Military Police Program. He completed 36.5 hours of training in addition to his regular duties to successfully complete the Pre-Service Acad-emy at Camp Foster in January 2007.

In addition to his most recent award, he’s received two Navy and Marine Corps Achieve-ment Medals, the Enlisted Fleet Marine Force Warfare Specialist Pin and the Airborne Train-ing Parachutist Badge.

“It has been my absolute pleasure to have RP2 Robart in 3rd Reconnaissance Battal-ion,” said Maj. Brian M. Howlett, the execu-

tive officer of the battalion. “He consistently demonstrates solid leadership qualities and professionalism usually seen in more senior noncommissioned officers and petty officers. He is dependable, mature and shows excep-tional initiative by volunteering for every Headquarters Battalion event possible. Robart is a dedicated sailor who brings great credit upon himself, the United States Navy/Marine Corps team and 3rd Marine Division.”

Even with the many accolades, Robart re-mains humble about his accomplishments.

“I don’t feel any different having won the award,” he said. “I’m happy my recognition went as far as it did, but I don’t plan on doing anything differently. I’m just going to keep chugging along and doing what I can for my chaplain and battalion.”

Robart

a HigHeR calling

TAKING CARE OF OUR PEOPLE: People are our most important resource. We must create a command environment that encourages every team member to reach his or her full potential. We will strive to select only the best people for assignments to Japan and to make this a premier assignment. Our professional military force must be physically fit, properly trained, and effectively supported by a customer service and support structure that is second to none. Our family members must know that we understand and value their many contributions to the success of our efforts, and that ensuring safety is a 24/7/365 mission.

STRENGTHENING OUR JOINT AND BILATERAL DEFENSE CAPABILITIES: The U.S. and Japan are transforming our security alliance to be prepared to respond to any new threats or diverse contingencies that may arise, from natural disasters to aggression. We will execute the direction outlined in the historic

U.S.-Japan agreements known as the “Common Strategic Objectives” and “Transformation and Realignment for the Future.” As we work closely with our Japanese counterparts, we will strengthen the entire spectrum of our bilateral cooperation in areas such as air and ballistic missile defense, counter-terrorism, maritime security operations, search and rescue, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance, humanitarian relief, and mutual logistics support activities among many critical tasks. Progress will be driven by close cooperation, enhancing information and intelligence sharing, expanding bilateral training and educational opportunities, and improving military interoperability at all levels. Through our efforts, we will foster increased JSDF officer and enlisted corps capacity and capabilities. We must ensure the modernization and reliability of our command and control networks to effectively prepare and employ the military forces and capabilities of both nations.

BUILDING BETTER RELATIONS: The U.S.-Japan alliance is built on the power of personal and professional relationships. The foundation is the individual relationships each one of us as service members and civilians build with our Japanese counterparts. Indeed, one of the greatest benefits of a U.S. military assignment to Japan is the opportunity to live and work together with our Japanese partners and learn more about this fascinating culture and society. Through commitment to the code of conduct of Unwavering Professionalism, our people will be role models for our nation, as well as caring and responsible citizens in Japan. We will work hard to recognize and realize the benefits of our presence in Japan. We will work closely with the Japanese mayors in the communities near our bases to overcome potential areas of concern. We will insist on engagement, collaboration, and cooperation with our Japanese partners and friends – the continuing basis for our nation’s most important and successful bilateral security alliance.

One joint team – Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and Civilians working together to ensure the defense of Japan and maintain peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

US FORCES JAPAN’S MISSION

2008 USFJ COMMANDER’S INTENT

UNWAVERING PROFESSIONALISM is the code of conduct for U.S. Forces in Japan. It is a commitment to the highest levels of professionalism building on all U.S. military values.

MORAL COURAGE — A commitment to uphold the highest principles of our profession of arms, and remaining loyal to these principles, even when they seem unpopular or inconvenient. Always do the right thing and uphold the standard of military professionals.

MISSION COMPETENCE — Commitment to be the most competent individual you can be in your professional and personal conduct. Apply that competence to help others within the command accomplish our critically important mission.

U.S. MILITARY VALUES — Integrity, service, excellence, honor, courage, commitment, loyalty, duty and respect. In an overseas environment, individual actions can have positive or negative strategic effects. The fundamental code of unwavering professionalism will guide our actions, bring positive credit to our nation and ensure we accomplish our challenging mission.

OUR PRINCIPLES:

In support of the U.S. Pacific Command and the U.S.-Japan Security Alliance, United States Forces Japan works with the Government of Japan and our Japan Self-Defense Force counterparts to promote regional stability and deter aggression. Should deterrence fail, USFJ conducts and supports combat operations to defend Japan. The key to accomplishing these vital missions is to focus on three primary areas: taking care of our people, strengthening our joint and bilateral defense capabilities, and building better relations with our Japanese counterparts and neighbors.

U.S. Forces Japan commander Lt. Gen. Bruce Wright and Lt. Gen. Kazushige Izumi, commander of the Japan Ground Self Defense Force Eastern Army, view damage July 21 caused by an earthquake that hit Japan’s Niigata Prefecture July 16. Photo by Senior Airman Veronica Pierce

okinawa marine | sports | january 18, 2008 1�

Stephen Hellman (top) tries to pin Kenneth J. Brown in the MCCS Tap Out Open Wrestling Tournament at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma’s Semper Fit Gym Jan. 12. Photo by Lance Cpl. Richard Blumenstein

Maj. Chris Cohncontributor

GUAM — Members of the Oki-nawa Dolphins Swim Team traveled to Guam during the Christmas break to compete in the Guam Swimming Federa-tion’s 2007 International Swim Meet December 21-23.

Twelve teams with a total of 176 swimmers from Tokyo, Saipan, Guam and Okinawa competed in the three-day event. For the first time, open water events were added to the meet program, including 400-, 800-, 1600-, and 5000-meter swims.

The “Dolphin Six-pack”, Yona Simons, 14, Ayo Simons, 11, Tommy Ervin, 10, Quirina Cohn, 14, Sammi Cohn, 13, and Allie Cohn, 11, were led by volunteer coach, Mr. Alex Simons. Despite only having six swimmers, the Dolphins had a good showing in both the pool and the ocean, bringing home 34 individual medals and win-ning 3rd place overall as a team. Sammi Cohn, with 9 gold and 2 silver medals, was awarded the 13-14 year old girl’s high point individual trophy.

Twelve new Dolphin team records were set at the meet by

Yona Simons in the girl’s 13-14 year old 50-meter backstroke and 100-meter backstroke; Sam-mi Cohn in the girls 13- and 14-year-old 100-meter freestyle, 200-meter freestyle, 100-meter breaststroke and the 200-meter breaststroke; and Tommy Ervin in the boy’s 9- and 10-year-old 100-meter freestyle, 50-meter backstroke, 50-meter breast-stroke, 100-meter breaststroke, 50- and 100-meter butterfly.

The Dolphins next off-island meet is in March at the Junior Olympics in Tokyo.

For more information about the team, call 645-2787.

Lance Cpl. Daniel R. Toddokinawa marine staff

CAMP FOSTER — Marine Corps Community Services Semper Fit Youth Sports Program pro-vides children ages 5-18 the opportunity to compete on Okinawa.

The program offers a variety of sports through-out the year, including baseball, softball, basket-ball, cheerleading and soccer. Each sport has a registration period one to two months before the season begins, and seasons usually last about three months.

The Youth Sports basketball season began in December and ends in March.

Each week, several games take place at the Camp Foster Field House, where the basketball program comes to life. Parents pack bleachers, cheerleaders pump up the crowd and coaches yell out plays as the children compete.

The squeak of shoes, a referee’s whistle and the blare of the buzzer all combine with laughter and cheers to make up the gameday atmosphere.

Many parents agree Youth Sports not only provides their children the opportunity to play in organized sports, it also teaches them impor-tant lessons.

“Youth Sports puts a big emphasis on team-work and teaches great lessons,” said Michael Shetler, whose daughter is a cheerleader. “It also gives my daughter a great way to interact with kids her age.”

The program also helps foster a better friend-ship between American and Okinawan children. Youth Sports invites three Okinawan schools to participate in the program each year.

“I think it’s great that MCCS invites the Oki-nawan schools to play because it exposes the kids to an international aspect and creates good inter-action between Japanese and Americans,” said Eric Hamilton, whose daughter attends Kitanaka Gusuku Elementary School. “Everything MCCS does with this program is awesome.”

For more information about the Youth Sports, parents can contact the Youth Sports office at 645-3533 or 645-6534 or visit the MCCS website at www.mccsokinawa.com.

MCCS Youth Sports program keeps kids competing on Okinawa

The “Dolphin six-pack” of the Okinawa Dolphins Swim Team dominated the Guam Swimming Federation’s 2007 International Swim Meet December 21-23 by winning 34 individual medals and winning 3rd place overall as a team. Photo courtesy of Maj. Chris Cohn

Okinawa Dolphins swim team dominates Guam meet

Lance Cpl. Richard Blumensteinokinawa marine staff

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA — When a wrestler wins eight straight matches in one day and earns first place in two weight classes, he tends to stand out.

It’s no wonder Kenneth J. Brown caught the eye of competitors and spectators alike at the Marine Corps Community Services’ Tap Out Open Wrestling Tournament Jan. 12 at the MCAS Futenma Semper Fit Gym. Brown finished atop the 210-pound and 210-plus weight divisions.

The double-elimination tournament was for service members and civilians 14 or older and drew more than 40 competitors, including members of the Kubasaki High School wrestling team. Participants com-peted in seven divisions from 121 pounds to 210 and up.

Brown won eight hard-fought victories. “In high school they used to call me ‘Take

Me Down Brown’ because I would always get taken down in the first round, then come back and win it in the second,” Brown said.

After 14 years of wrestling, not much has changed for the 23-year-old Wichita, Kan., native. During each of Brown’s matches, it seemed like his opponent had physical domi-nance, pushing and shoving him all around the mat. But with skill and precision, Brown changed the pace of each match, forcing his adversaries into pinning positions and scor-ing points with timely takedowns.

“Smart wrestling is how I won,” he said. “I did not have an easy time today. There were a lot of tough opponents, and all my matches went the full round.”

The Kubasaki High School Wrestling Team also highlighted the event, taking a total of five spots in the tournament.

Kubasaki’s 16-year-old Josh Bales took 2nd place in the 132-pound division after defeat-ing 27-year-old Nick J. Moccio.

“We both tried hard in the match,” said Bales. “In the end, I just had more endur-ance.”

Kubasaki wrestlers attended the tourna-ment to prepare for the upcoming Okinawa Friendship Tournament, according to Kuba-saki coach Terry Chumley.

tournament draws dozens of wrestlers; lossless, �-win performance stands out

1� okinawa marine | marketplace | january 18, 2008

In theaters Jan. 1�-24

Movie schedule is subject to change without notice. Call in advance to confirm show times. For a complete listing, visit http://www.aafes.com.

’96 TOYOTA cArib jCI jan. 10, $2,000 OBO, (090) 1707-0520’94 TOYOTA WiNDOM jCI April 09, $1,650, (080) 3425-5799’94 TOYOTA WiNDOM jCI june 09, $1,500 OBO, 633-9700’92 TOYOTA WiNDOM jCI Aug. 09, $1,500, 645-5057’93 NissAN preseA jCI April 08, $500645-5057’95 TOYOTA exiv jCI March 09, $995(080) 1792-2065’92 TOYOTA cOrONA jCI Nov.

08, $600 OBO. (090) 3428-6628’01 sATurN sTATiON WAgON jCI jan. 09, $1,200. 646-2408’95 TOYOTA WiNDOM jCI May 09, $2,500 OBO. (090) 9820-4033’95 hONDA WAgON jCI july 08, $2,000 637-6076’96 MiTsubishi DiAMANTe jCI Dec. 08, $2,500 OBO. 646-2251’96 NissAN MArch jCI Feb. 09, $1,200 OBO. 637-6970’96 MiTsubishi DelicA jCI jan. 09, $3,000. (090) 9966-9796

’96 MiTsubishi pAjerO jCI Feb. 09, $3,200 OBO. 646-5173’98 hONDA iNTegrA jCI Aug. 09, $2,700 OBO. (080) 3518-4302’95 suzuki escuDO jCI jan. 09, $1,200. 646-2408’97 DAihATsu TeriOs jCI Aug. 08, $3,900 OBO, 926-0935’95 NissAN lArgO jCI Nov. 09, $3,500 OBO. (080) 1767-3596

’97 hArleY-DAviDsON fAT bOY $14,500 OBO. (090) 5745-9837

Camp Foster | 645-7486/7487• Catholic: Mon.-Fri., 11:45 a.m. Sat., 5 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.• Christian Science: Sun., 11:45 a.m., Bldg. 442• Eastern Orthodox: Sun., 9:30 a.m.• Gospel: Sun., 11:30 a.m.• Hindu: Sun., 3:30 p.m., Bldg. 455• Jewish: Fri., traditional, 5:45 p.m.; informal (first and third Friday), 6:30 p.m.• Latter-day Saints: Sun., 2 p.m., Bldg. 455• Muslim: Friday prayer at 12:45 p.m.• Protestant: Sun., 8:30 a.m.

Camp Courtney | 622-9350• Catholic: Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri., 7 a.m. Sun. 8 a.m., 11:15 a.m.• Protestant: Sun., 9:30 a.m. liturgical, 6:30 p.m.

Camp Lester | 643-7248• Catholic: Sun., 8 a.m., lester chapel• Protestant: Sun., 9 a.m., Hospital chapel Sun., 10 a.m., lester chapel Tues., noon, Holy eucharist, Hospital chapel

Camp Kinser | 637-1148• Catholic: Sun., 11 a.m., chapel 1• Gospel: Sun., 8 a.m., chapel 1• Protestant: Sun., 9:30 a.m., chapel 1

Camp Hansen | 623-4694• Catholic: Sun., 10 a.m., east chapel• Protestant: Sun., 11 a.m., West chapel;

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

Camp sCHwab | 625-2644/2866• Catholic: Sun., 5:30 p.m.• Protestant: Sun., 11 a.m.

Camp mctureous | 622-7505• Gospel: Sun., 12:30 p.m.• Lutheran: Sun., 9:45 a.m.

Kadena air base | 634-1288• Catholic: Sun., 8:30 a.m., Mass, chapel 1 Sun., 11:30 a.m., Reconciliation, chapel 1 Sun., 12:30 p.m., Mass, chapel 1 Sun., 5 p.m., Mass, chapel 1 Sun., 10:30 a.m., ccD, amelia earhart School Daily Mass, Mon.-Thurs., noon, chapel 2

• Protestant: Sun., contemporary, 10:30 a.m., chapel 1 Sun., Project 196 (contemporary), 7:06 p.m., chapel 1 Sun., 8:30 a.m., inspirational, chapel 2 Sun., 10:30 a.m., Traditional, chapel 2 Sun., 10:30 a.m., gospel, chapel 3 Sunday School, 8:45 a.m., Bldg. 856

• Wiccan/Pagan Women’s service, Thurs., 6:30 p.m., chapel 2 Open circle service, Fri., 7 p.m., chapel 1 Wiccan/Pagan service, Sat., 6:30 p.m., Religious education center, Bldg. 856

schWab625-2333

FRIDAY Closed

SATURDAY Closed

SUNDAY Closed

MONDAY Enchanted (PG), 1 p.m.; Beowulf (PG13), 4 p.m.; The Bucket List (PG13), 7 p.m.

TUESDAY Beowulf (PG13), 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY The Water Horse (PG), 7 p.m.

THURSDAY The Water Horse (PG), 7 p.m.

FRIDAY Beowulf (PG13), 7 p.m.; The Bucket List (PG13), 10 p.m.

SATURDAY Enchanted (PG), 1 p.m.; National Treasure: Book of Secrets (PG), 4 p.m.; Beowulf (PG13) 7 and 10 p.m.

SUNDAY National Treasure: Book of Secrets (PG), 1 p.m.; First Sunday (PG13), 4 p.m.; Beowulf (PG13), 7 p.m.

MONDAY Enchanted (PG), 1 p.m.; Fred Claus (PG), 4 p.m.; Beowulf (PG13), 7 p.m.

TUESDAY Lions for Lambs (R), 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY Martian Child (PG13), 7 p.m.

THURSDAY First Sunday (PG13), 7 p.m.

kadena634-4422

foster645-3465

courtney622-9616

FRIDAY The Bucket List (PG13), 6:30, and 9:30 p.m.

SATURDAY Martian Child (PG), 2 p.m.; Bee Movie (PG), 7 p.m.

SUNDAY National Treasure: Book of Secrets (PG), 7 p.m.

MONDAY Martian Child (PG), 7 p.m.

TUESDAY Closed

WEDNESDAY The Water Horse (PG), 7 p.m.

THURSDAY Closed

FRIDAY Rendition (R), 7 p.m.

SATURDAY American Gangster (R), 7 p.m.

SUNDAY Lions For Lambs (R), 7 p.m.

MONDAY First Sunday (PG13), 7 p.m.

TUESDAY The Bucket List (PG13), 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY Closed

THURSDAY Closed

chapel schedule

For more information, contact the Single

Marine Program Office at 645-3681.

JANUARY 22 | SOUTHERN CAMPS TUNNEL RATS TOUR • A tour of caves used by japanese forces during the battle for Okinawa. Tour includes a visit to Battle of Okinawa Historical Display on Camp Kinser. Tour cost is $18. Recommend you bring $25 cash for food and souvenirs.

• Depart Camp Foster at 8:45 a.m., Marine Corps Air Station Futenma at 9:15 a.m., Camp Kinser at 9:35 a.m.

JANUARY 29 | NORTHERN CAMPS TUNNEL RATS TOUR• A tour of caves used by japanese forces during the battle for Okinawa. Tour includes a visit to Battle of Okinawa Historical Display on Camp Kinser. Tour cost is $18. Recommend you bring $25 cash for food and souvenirs.

• Depart Camp Schwab at 6:45 a.m., Camp Hansen at 7:15 a.m., Camp Courtney at 8 a.m.

classIfIed ads

Ads appearing in the Okinawa Marine are a free ser-vice to active duty military and their dependents, DoD employees and retirees. Ads are restricted to personal property or service of incidental exchange. Ads are run on a space-available basis. The deadline for ads is noon Fridays. The Okinawa Marine reserves the right to edit ads to fit available space. Please include your name and the phone number you wish published. The Okinawa Marine makes every effort to ensure accu-racy but assumes no responsibility for services offered in ads. Submit ads by fax to 645-3803, or send an e-mail to okinawamarine.mcbb.fct@usmc.mil.

automobIles— Eddie Bauer two-level wood booster Seat, $15; Little Tikes Prep ‘n Serve Kitchen with barstool and accessories, $50. 622-5168— HP laptop with accessories, $499 OBO. (090) 6430-9643

— Full size bed, $150; curtains, $75; two white bookcases, $25 each; desk, $35; 32-inch TV, $250; jVC subwoofer, $100; Kenwood receiver, $100. 646-4448— 61-inch jVC projection TV, $1,300. (090) 9785-0911

mIscellaneous

sIngle marIne program events

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

Fieldhouse.

usoMovie nights

The USO hosts movie nights at the locations below.

For schedules and start times, call:

CAMP SCHWAB 625-3834

MCAS FUTENMA 636-2113

CAMP HANSEN 623-5011

KADENA AIR BASE 632-8781

motorcycles

futenma636-3890

kInser637-2177

FRIDAY Lions For Lambs (R), 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY First Sunday (PG13), 4 and 7 p.m.

SUNDAY Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium (G), 4 p.m.; Lions For Lambs (R), 7 p.m.

MONDAY National Treasure: Book of Secrets (PG), 6:30 p.m.

TUESDAY The Water Horse (PG), 6:30

WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY Closed

hansen623-4564

FRIDAY Beowulf (PG13), 6 and 9 p.m.

SATURDAY Beowulf (PG13), 6 p.m.; American Gangster (R), 9 p.m.

SUNDAY Enchanted (PG), 2 p.m.; Beowulf (PG13), 5:30 p.m.

MONDAY Lions For Lambs (R), 7 p.m.

TUESDAY First Sunday (PG13), 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY This Christmas (PG13), 7 p.m.

THURSDAY Beowulf (PG13), 7 p.m.

FRIDAY Closed

SATURDAY Closed

SUNDAY Fred Claus (PG), 3 p.m.; Beowulf (PG13), 6:30 p.m.

MONDAY Closed

TUESDAY Closed

WEDNESDAY First Sunday (PG13), 3 p.m.; The Bucket List (PG13), 6:30 p.m. THURSDAY Closed