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Friday, August 8, 2003Friday, August 8, 2003Volume 3, Issue 36Volume 3, Issue 36

By Sgt. Benari Poulten

So close to home, yet sofar away. Working in thetropical heat, along the coolwaters of the Caribbean wasnothing new to 240th Mili-tary Police National GuardCompany. For these sol-diers, serving in support ofOperation Enduring Free-dom as members of JTFGuantanamo has been bit-tersweet. On the one hand,all of the MPs jumped at thechance not only to carry outthe critical mission ofguarding and detaining theterror suspects, but also toserve close to their home ofPuerto Rico, a mere island-hop away. On the otherhand, the MPs worked long, difficult hours performing a tirelesstask, knowing that it would be a while before they would actuallybe able to travel the short distance home, back to the waiting arms

of their loved ones.“It was hard, psycho-

logically speaking,” Spc.Joselin Benitiz said.“You cannot just hop onthe plane and go homefor the weekend andcome back. You haveresponsibilities; youhave a lot of time work-ing. We were just aswim away, but at thesame time it was hard toget in touch with ourloved ones.”

But, like all goodtroopers, the soldiers ofthe 240th shifted gearsand adapted to their situ-ation with a strong senseof professionalism.“We pretty much

changed our frequencies and said, ‘Hold up. We have got to dothis and we have to make the best of it.’ Because if we don’t, it’s

Teamwork leads to success for 240th MPs

Photo courtesy of 240th MP Co.Soldiers of the 240th MP Co. receive training on shotguns.

See 240th, page 4.

Over the next three months, the JTF will completelychange. Many new units will arrive to take the JTF missionto the next level. The majority of the personnel will changein the next six weeks. One thing will not change … ourcommitment to the mission and making a difference everyday.

New units are beginning to arrive now and old com-rades will start departing next week. As we wish our oldteammates goodbye, we must stay focused on preparingour new troopers to assume the variety of missions andchallenges that they will face. The JTF is a success at all thetasks you do. The training you provide our new team mem-bers will ensure that they will be successful. The efforts ofall the troopers in the JTF enabled the organization to

achieve ever-higher standards. You know what right looks like. Now it is importantfor you to show our new personnel the standard for excellence in the JTF.

Every trooper should be proud of the job you have done and the things you haveaccomplished, as one team with one fight: combating terrorism. You should beproud of the JTF and how you have shaped it. You should be proud that you servein one of the most respected organizations - the United States Armed Forces. You canbe proud that your efforts, and the efforts of all your fellow troopers, have made thismilitary the most professional military in the world. Most importantly, you shouldbe proud that when needed and asked by your country you served proudly and withdistinction.

But your mission isn't over yet. Leaders and troopers, from Private, Sailor, or Air-man and up, have the responsibility to ensure that their replacements are trained,ready, and able to continue the mission. This is really NCO/CPO business - trainingtroopers. The "Right Seat/Left Seat Ride" enables our new troopers to watch you per-form the mission, and then the experienced troopers watch and coach the personreplacing them. This is important business. It sets the stage for the JTF's future suc-cess. The JDOG is currently doing "Right Seat/Left Seat" with the new units. Lead-ers at all levels must make sure that this establishes the standards and enables the JTFto reach new heights of mission accomplishment.

As you and your team members depart to new missions and opportunities, youcan do so proudly; confident that you made a significant contribution to the JTF andyour unit, satisfied that you made a difference in the organization and mission everyday, and proud of the fact that you raised and achieved higher standards. You havemade the organization better, that's what professionals do. The JTF will continue tochange because of your efforts and the efforts of our new teammates; and that shouldmake you proud.

For those of us who are leaving, you can do so knowing that you served the JTFand the Nation well. You embraced change and made a difference. For everyonejoining the JTF, you are joining a truly professional organization that continues toraise the standard that knows what right looks like, and is committed to winning thewar on terrorism every day. That's JTF Guantanamo. Honor Bound

Friday, August 8, 2003Page 2

BG James E. PayneDeputy Commander of

OperationsJTF Guantanamo

JTF-GTMO Command

Commander:MG Geoffrey D. Miller

Joint Task Force CSM:CSM George L. NievesPublic Affairs Officer:

Lt. Col. Pamela HartDeputy PAO / 362nd MPAD Commander:Maj. Paul J. Caruso

Command Information Officer / Editor:Capt. Linda K. SpillaneCirculation: 2,100 copies

The Wire StaffThe Wire NCOIC & Layout Editor:Staff Sgt. Stephen E. Lewald

Sports Editor:Sgt. Bob MitchellStaff writers and design team:

Sgt. Daniel O. Johnson Sgt. Benari PoultenSgt. Erin P. Crawley

Spc. Delaney T. JacksonSpc. Alan Lee KnesekSpc. Mark Leone

Spc. Jared Mulloy

Contact us:5239/5241 (Local phone) 5426 (Local fax)

Joint Information Bureau/HQ AnnexOnline:http://www.nsgtmo.navy.mil/jtfgtmo

The Wire is produced by the 362nd MobilePublic Affairs Detachment assigned to the

Joint Information Bureau at Joint Task ForceGuantanamo. This publication is printedunder the provisions provided in Army Regu-

lation 360-1 and does not reflect the views ofthe Department of Defense or the personnelwithin.

“What is the name of the tower inside Camp 4?”

Message from the Top

Trivia Question of the Week:

Please send your answers to the JTF Public Affairs Office, email address: pao@jtfgtmo.southcom.mil by Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2003.A name will be drawn from all who get it correct for a JTF T-shirt or hat.

Maj. Jeffery B. Kearns, Secretary of the Joint Staff, correctly answered the question and was selected as the winner!

Last week's question: “On what date did the medium security facility - Camp 4 - open?”Answer: Camp 4 opened and received its first detainees on Feb. 28, 2003. Twenty detainees were transferred on that date.

By Tech. Sgt. Theo McNamara

The Virgin Islands National Guard’s661st Military Police Company arrivedhere Monday to begin what will be theirfirst “real-w o r l d ”deployment.Also arrivingMonday andattached tothese MPs isa platoon ofinfantrymenfrom thePuerto RicoN a t i o n a lGuard.

The groupleft theislands July8, to partici-pate in cor-r e c t i o n a ltraining atFort Dix,N.J., inp r e p a r a t i o nfor their mis-sion here.

“This is our first deployment and we’reall anxious to do our part to support theeffort here,” said Capt. Kai Schjang, 661stcommander. “We didn’t have any problem

getting people to fill the commitment; infact, we had too many people volunteerand were forced to have to leave some peo-ple home.”

“Our troops are anxious to do their part

and this deployment is ideal for our unit’sfirst deployment for many reasons. This isa familiar environment for us,” heexplained. “The climate is very similarand we’re very close to home.”

According to 1st Sgt. Emil James, thereare many more reasons for his unit’s“ready-to-get-involved” attitude. “Ourtroops are tired of training and are lookingforward to participating in a real-world

mission.”Staff Sgt. Ruth

Frorup is looking for-ward to getting asmuch as she can fromher experience here.“Our unit is hoping toget together a softballteam,” she said.

Frorup recognizesthat this is a place forher to grow person-ally as well. “I thinkthis is a great place togrow professionally,while also getting todo many of the thingsI like to do during myoff-duty time.Beyond doing myjob, I hope to enjoyCuba and all it has tooffer. I enjoy snor-keling, diving, biking

and hiking. “I think most of the people in my unit

are as excited about the opportunities thisdeployment offers all of us both profes-sionally and personally.”

Page 3Friday, August 8, 2003

Photo by Spc. George AllenThe 661st MP Co. is welcomed to Joint Task Force Guantanamo by MG Geoffrey D. Miller and BG James E. Payne.

Virgin Islands MPs arrive, ready for “real world” mission

96th Transportation gets ready for the long haulBy Spc. Delaney Jackson

Since arriving at JTF Guantanamo inDecember 2002, the active Army’s 96thTransportation Co., from Fort Hood,Texas, has been hauling everything fromlaundry and guard shacks to troops andsupplies. Although the amount of tonnagethat they have moved is impressive, it isstill not their most impressive accomplish-ment here.

“Our greatest accomplishment is thecohesion in our unit. We all started work-ing together and things ran smoothly,” saidArmy Sgt. Michael Kuflik, “As a whole,we’ve picked up a lot of things from eachother and it’s all been good helping eachother out.”

Most units become close during deploy-

ments, but the 96th Transportation Co.holds this to a much higher degree byincluding in their ‘family’ even those aug-mentees who are attached from other units.

Feelings were echoed by Spc. JosephGawne, attached to the 96th from the 300thMP Bde., who said, “When we first gothere no one really knew anybody … Nowwe’re all much more comfortable, it’s kindof like a big family … We all work welltogether.” Even during off-duty time themembers of the 96th stuck together, doingeverything from fishing to playing softball.

Whether hauling troops, supplies, orjust whatever needed to be moved at themoment, the 96th and their augmenteestook their job seriously. “I take great pridein what I do here,” said Spc. Gawne, “Ifwe’re not here, the supplies don’t move;

troops don’t move.”In addition to providing transportation

support to the JTF, the 96th used their timehere to cross-train in new skills. Spc.Shane Rudicil, an early warning systemsoperator, attached from the 785th MP Bn.,said, “I’ve learned how to use computersand drive the buses. It’s [driving a bus] ahigh demand job; it gives you respect forpeople who do this on a daily basis.”

Spc. Gregory Baxter, one of the proudmembers of the 96th, is anxious to pass onwhat he has learned here and has thisadvice: “Work together … get to know thepeople next to you … Meet someone neweveryday, and treat them how you want tobe treated. That’s my philosophy.”

Page 4 Friday, August 8, 2003

just going to make it harder on ourselves,”Benitiz stated.

Although these MPs worked hard aspart of the Joint Detention OperationsGroup (JDOG), they made the best of theirsituation, knowing that what they weredoing was crucial in winning the GlobalWar on Terrorism. “It’s been a little bithard,” 1st Sgt. Rene Torres said, “Butsome of them are taking back a good expe-rience from this … When they joined theNational Guard, they knew that they had todo their best job for the country.”

Torres highlighted some of the positiveaspects of this deployment. “Being able towork with other units, having people fromother units working with them all the time,and working in an environment like theJDOG environment,that’s going to be agreat experience.”

In the uniqueatmosphere of theJTF, the 240thretained its ownunique perspective,emphasizing cama-raderie, both insideand outside the wire.Whether on the job,at the gym, or enjoying some well-deserved downtime, the 240th does thingstogether, relying on one another for sup-port.

“Working as a team inside the modules,inside the blocks,” Torres disclosed, “theyknow that they have to be a team to be ableto be successful inside the block. Because,if you don’t work as a team inside theblock, you will never make it. Teambuild-ing is a good experience they’ll take backwith them.”

“We work really well together as a team– there’s a lot of teamwork,” Spc.Emmanuel Campos agreed. “That’s whatreally keeps us together. What kills a unitis people who want to work alone – every-one [sometimes] wants to be G. I. Joe, buteven G. I. Joe needs to work on a team.”

When asked about the essential ingredi-ent to ensuring teamwork, Campossummed it up in word: “Camaraderie. Notonly when we work … we also get alongtogether when we’re off of work, and that’salso important.”

“Even in our downtime, it’s alwaysteam building,” Contreras said. “You’re

always with somebody, always trying tohelp somebody out.”

The members of the 240th place astrong emphasis on community in every-thing they do, from training to social gath-erings. They have used every opportunityavailable to strengthen bonds within theirunit, as well as throughout the JTF andNaval Base communities. They have alsolearned a great deal from their inter-servicework in the JTF, finding out things abouttheir unit and themselves. “It was interest-ing,” Contreras revealed, “because youlearn different things. Like myself, Ilearned a lot from this experience and Iactually want to go active duty when Ileave here.”

“You learn a lot. Taking charge,leadership. Even though I’m just a special-ist, you’ve got to take control of the situa-

tions and it actuallybuilds you up as abetter person,” Cam-pos noted.

Benitiz supportedthis sentiment. “Alot of people haveimproved, they havea different mind-setfor the situations…The unit has cometogether, working as

a group … We’ve pretty much gotten alongand made better people of ourselves.”

Pfc. Melwin Rodriguez pointed out thathe had grown during his service in the JTF,both as a soldier and as a person. “Well,myself, of course, I’ve seen that I’vematured. I think about my military servicein a different way.” He also gained someindependence. “This is the first time out ofmy house … and I learned how to cook,and [how to] do everything on my own,because I’m not back home. And I’mmeeting a lot of friends from other serv-ices. It’s a pretty good place. It’s whateveryou make out of it.”

Another key component to their successhas been their attention to detail, as Benitizexplained. “It’s those little details that youdon’t always notice [that] are the ones thatmake a big difference … When we firstcame here, we had a different way ofthinking. Now that we leave, we knowthat what we’ve done has saved a lot oflives.”

As they prepare to head home, theylook back proudly on their time here,knowing that they have left a profound

impact on the war on terrorism. “I do feelproud,” Campos reflected. “I look back atit now, and this might just be Cuba, but thisis a really important part. What we do isreally important here, and I feel proudbecause of what I do here. And nobodyever has to tell me ‘thank you’ or anythinglike that because I know, I feel good aboutwhat I do here.”

Twice thehomecomingBy Spc. Jared Mulloy

The 240th Military Police Co. willsoon be island hopping back to PuertoRico to return to their civilian lives, andthe families they left behind. However,unlike most units, the 240th willreceive twice the normal welcomehome.

The 240th MP Co. is actually part240th and part 242nd MP Co. "Thisunit is composed of personnel from twodifferent units that are distant from oneanother [in Puerto Rico]," said Capt.Gamaliel Torres, commander of the240th.

According to Yolanda Perez of the240th's Family Support Group (FSG),the 240th FSG and the 242nd FSG havebeen meeting separately because of thedistance between the two ArmyReserve centers, but they still gettogether for some of the meetings.

"We are trying to make [being sepa-rated] easier by sticking together," saidPerez, "They [the 240th and 242nd sol-diers in Cuba] don't have to worryabout us because we are always intouch and we all take care of eachother."

Another upside to having two familysupport groups is that there will betwice the celebration when they gethome. According Perez, the currentplan is to meet the returning soldiers atthe 240th's Reserve center in Guana-diaz, Puerto Rico and from there, thesoldiers from the 242nd will head fortheir Reserve center in Aguadilla,Puerto Rico.

Perez says that a big party for bothunits is being planned for the end of themonth, once everyone has had a chanceto settle in.

240th, from page 1.

“We work really welltogether ... There’s a lot ofteamwork ... That’s whatreally keeps us together.”

Spc. Emmanuel Campos240th Military Police Company

Friday, August 8, 2003 Page 5

By Spc. Jared Mulloy

So, you're a JTF trooper ready to head home, but youcan't seem to fit that new desktop computer and plasmatelevision that you bought at the NEX into the two dufflebags you brought, and you're not so sure that yourmicrowave would survive the airport anyway. Don'tthink you can bribe your commander for 'shipping con-tainer' space because you are not authorized to ship per-sonal items home at government expense. Basically, ifyou did not bring it to GTMO with you then it's time toutilize Guantanamo Bay's Military Post Office and shipyour personal items home.

According to Navy Postal Clerk Petty Officer 2ndClass Sophie Humphrey, "You should ship packages outthree weeks to a month before you head home."Humphrey recommends that you come get some customsforms and box labels to fill them out before you come in.That way lines will move faster and you'll save yourselfsome time. "You have to expect that if you're a JTFtrooper heading home, then lots of other troops are prob-ably preparing to go home too," said Humphrey.

If you're worried about those well earned higher pricetag items getting roughed up on the way home, you canalways insure your package. "I recommend insured stan-dard mail if you're in no rush," said Navy Postal ClerkPetty Officer 2nd Class Keisha Craig, "It's the most costeffective way to ship and it's safe [thanks to insurance]."

It's also very important to pack your items properlyfor shipment. "Make sure everything is secured tightlyinside your box, especially if your item is fragile," saysNavy Post Office Deck Supervisor, Petty Officer 2ndClass Reginald Felder.

The post office also recommends that your box iswrapped in brown paper. They also provide free boxes,while supplies last, if you're shipping via priority mail.And keep in mind that if the length and girth of your boxexceeds 108 inches you will be charged an extra fee.

By Sgt. Benari Poulten

Hailing from West Memphis, Ak., thesoldiers of the 216th Military Police Com-pany will be more than up for the task ofreplacing the outgoing 240th MP Co.,which is departing by the end of August.Scheduled to arrive sometime in August,this Arkansas National Guard unit willpick up the reins from the 240th MP Co.,guarding and detaining terror suspects as

part of the Joint Detention OperationsGroup (JDOG). As soon-to-be new MPson the block, they are looking forward togetting started and testing their mettle inthe intense atmosphere of the JTF.

For the past nine months, the 216th MPCo. has been serving on active duty at FortLeonard Wood, Mo., engaged in a lawenforcement mission. The 216th is cur-rently training at their mobilization site atFort Dix, N.J., preparing for their mission

in support of Operation Enduring Freedomas members of JTF Guantanamo.

Formed about three years ago, the 216thMP Co. is a relatively new unit, comprisedof about 100 soldiers, but they will con-tinue to live up to the high standards theyset for themselves during their active dutytime at Fort Leonard Wood, protecting anddefending their nation’s freedom.

216th MPs get ready to tackle JTF mission

You can’t take it with you

One of the newest membersof the JTF, Mr. EstebanRodriguez Jr., hails from theDefense Intelligence Agency(DIA), Washington, D.C., wherehe was a Division Chief.

Mr. Rodriguez comes toGTMO with 23 years of federalservice where he has served asan Army interrogator, Directorof Operations for the 66th MIBde., and Director of JointAllied Refugee Operations Cen-ter, Berlin, Germany.

Rodriguez is also a Cubannative, returning 42 years afterhe left the island with his parentsback in 1961.

“I am proud to be part of JTFGuantanamo with its extremelyimportant mission. It makes iteven better that I get to comeback to Cuba. My family and Iare also looking forward tobeing part of the Navy commu-nity as well,” Rodriguez said.

This will be a two-yearassignment for Rodriguez, who

is also accompanied by his wifeCatherine, and childrenChristina (12), Stevie (11) andAlexandra, “Ali” (3). Chrissyand Stevie are both avid soccerplayers, Ali loves to go swim-ming, and Rodriguez lovesspending time on the golf courseand tennis court.

JTF welcomes new JointInterrogation Group Chief

Mr. Esteban Rodriguez Jr.JTFJoint Interrogation Group Chief

Last chance for some of you!For the Northeast Gate Tour that is.

Every third Saturday of the month at the Marine Hill paradefield at 7:45 a.m.

For more info call X-2002

By Sgt. Erin Crawley

Sgt. 1st Class Felipe Garcia loves beinga part of the 240th Military Police Com-pany. He says it has been his second fam-ily since he joined the Army 27 years ago.

In that time, Garcia has seen the worldwith his second family. Over the years he’shad missions in places such as Saudi Ara-bia, Honduras, the Philippines, and Ger-many. With each mission Garcia gainedmore knowledge and more expertise.

Although Garcia says this mission forJTF Guantanamo has been challenging, hehas enjoyed it because he has learned a lotand had the opportunity to work with avariety of people from different parts of theUnited States. “One of the things I’velearned here is how to interact with peoplethat have different lifestyles than mine,”said Garcia.

His lengthy experience in the militaryhas also given Garcia the ability to have apositive perspective. “The deploymenthere in Cuba is easier than other deploy-ments I have been on. Like Saudi forexample – we worked endless hours,showered every four days, sleeping on thesand. Here it is more comfortable. We gethot water, transportation. In Saudi we hadno transportation,” Garcia said.

Another love of Garcia’s is his wife andthree kids, who he misses tremendously.Soon they will be reunited. He plans totake a few weeks off to spend with his fam-ily before returning to his civilian job as asupervisor at a juvenile institution.

While his wife and children are hisnumber one love, there is yet another love

in Garcia’s life and that is baseball. Hispride and joy is a 35,000 baseball card col-lection. Yes, you read that right – 35,000cards!

“I have a 22 foot by 14 foot room athome dedicated exclusively to my baseballcard collection and baseball memorabilia,”Garcia said.

Among his is most prized treasures arehis Mickey Mantle cards from the 1950’sand 1960’s, valued at approximately$2,000 each.

“I’ve been collecting cards since I was16 years old. My father gave me his col-lection and I’ve been adding to it eversince,” Garcia said.

Motivated by carrying on the traditionin memory of his father, his baseball cardcollection just keeps growing and growing.

“I plan to pass my collection onto my fourgrandsons someday.”

His favorite teams are the Yankees andthe Chicago Cubs, but his all time baseballhero is Roberto Clemente. “One of thereason’s Roberto Clemente is one of myheroes is because the first day of his MajorLeague career with the Pittsburgh Pirateswas on April 17, 1955, which is also thesame day my wife was born,” Garcia said.

“He [Clemente] has been a hero of minesince I can remember. My father was ahuge fan of his. So it started there. So I’mfollowing in my father’s footsteps.” Gar-cia laughs, “I remember when my fatherwas listening to the baseball game on theradio … if Clemente’s ball club lost, hewould hit the radio.”

In 1972, Garcia got the chance to meetClemente in person. “It was during a base-ball clinic held in Ponce (Puerto Rico). Iwas about 21 years old,” Garcia remem-bers.

Since Garcia is from Puerto Rico, it’sno surprise that many of his favorite base-ball players are also from Puerto Rico,such as Roberto Alomar of the ChicagoWhite Sox. Garcia knows Alomar person-ally, as they live near each other in PuertoRico. “I got this [baseball card he is hold-ing] signed at his house. I have about 15things autographed by him. He even gaveme a brand new glove. He’s a good friendand a good guy,” Garcia said.

So at the end of the day, Garcia cansleep easy at night knowing he has theprivilege of carrying on two great tradi-tions – collecting baseball cards and serv-ing his country.

Page 6 Friday, August 8, 2003

Soldier of 240th carries on two great traditions

Photo by Sgt. Erin CrawleySgt. 1st Class Felipe Garcia proudy displays twocards from his 35,000 baseball card collection. Onthe left is an autographed card of Garcia's all timefavorite baseball player, Roberto Clemente. On theright is an autographed card of Roberto Alomar, whenhe was playing with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Plans call for the construction of a newMini-Mart starting the first week of Sep-tember and opening for business by theend of October.

According to Mr. John F. Crotty, Gen-eral Manager, Navy Exchange, Guan-tanamo Bay, the new Mini-Mart will be a3,000 square foot structure consisting offive pre-fabricated foul-weather resistantbuildings. It will be located in the SeasideGalley parking lot behind the bus stopgazebo. Once in place, the pre-fabricatedstructure will stock more merchandise that

includes a bigger selection of health andbeauty aids, more soaps, shampoos, snackfoods, and new items like frozen foods,books, magazines, and casual civilianclothes.

“The new Mini-Mart will have someshoes. It will have some undergarments,underwear, socks, T-shirts, shorts, runningshorts, that sort of thing. It will have sixfeet of reach-in freezers for microwavedinners, TV dinners, and pizzas. It willhave 16 running feet of chill-space forsoda, beer, some cheeses and stuff like

that. Most of it is going to be drinks,Gatorade, Pepsi, Coke, and bottled beer,”said Crotty.

The Camp America Mini-Mart is basi-cally stocked by the troops. “If somethingisn’t moving, we pull it right out and ifthey want … (a particular item), the guy isout there right away,” said Crotty. “Wehave somebody ask for this, they write itdown, they give it to the supervisor and ifwe can, we get it in there as soon as possi-ble,” he said.

Mini-Mart expansion set for Camp America

Page 7Friday, August 8, 2003

Man on the Street

By Sgt. Erin Crawley

Since his arrival nine months ago, StaffSgt. Milton DeJesus, a supply sergeantwith the 240th Military Police Company,has been working out consistently for thefirst time in his life and has seen tremen-dous results.

“I changed my workout routine when Icame here because I wanted to gain bodymass. But I wasn’t exactly sure how to doit, so I got some assistance from one of theFitness Specialists here,” said DeJesus.

“I asked her [Fitness Specialist, KarissaSandstrom] how I was doing and how Icould improve. She told me I should workmore parts in one day, so that I could workthose parts more frequently throughout theweek. Now I have a well rounded work-out,” DeJesus said.

“One day I will work on my back,trapezoids, biceps and forearms. The nextday I will work on my legs and calves. Thenext day I’ll do my chest, shoulders and

triceps. My workout can last anywherefrom an hour to an hour and 45 minutes,”DeJesus said.

His dedication has resulted in a 15-pound increase in body mass - all muscle.Now he is working on improving his run.DeJesus scored 292 on his APFT test andran the two miles in 14 minutes and 18 sec-onds, but he wants to be faster. He says theextra muscle mass has made the run morechallenging.

Since DeJesus has been at GTMO, he’salso been eating much healthier. “I basi-cally stay away from saturated fats likehamburgers and hotdogs. The great thingabout eating at the Seaside Galley is usingthe green cards. They indicate low-fatfoods, so I stick with those,” said DeJesus.In addition, DeJesus takes protein supple-ments three times a day.

DeJesus feels that staying in shapeshould be a lifetime commitment. “Yourlife expectancy will be longer. You willlook better. It is a great satisfaction to seeyourself in the mirror, to see that you are inshape, and that you look good,” DeJesussaid.

The fountain of youth found: Consistency is the key

Photo by Sgt. Erin CrawleyStaff Sgt. Milton DeJesus, a supply sergeant with the240th Military Police Company says that consistencyis the key to any workout. Here he starts a three milerun as part of his regular work-out routine.

This week’s question:

What have you always wanted to know about JTF Guantanamo?

Spc. Ricardo Escobar240th MP Co.

Army Staff Sgt.Laura A. FrostHHC, 785th MP Bn.

Air Force Staff Sgt.Chad J. WittnebelJ-4 Motor Pool

"Will family members ofJTF troopers ever beable to come and visitGuantanamo Bay?"

Pfc. CharlieCamp “A” Mascot,785th MP Bn.

Compiled by Staff Sgt. Stephen E. Lewald

“Why aren’t theremore positive storiesabout the JTF missionbeing aired on thenews?”

“I’d like to know whythere are no militaryworking cats at theJTF?"

"Can anyone speculateon approximately howlong the JTF mission isgoing to last?"

Spc. Troy A. Copeland984th MP Co.

“Why aren’t there anyaffordable air flights offof Guantanamo Bay,for the lower enlistedtroops of JTF?”

MG Miller and CSM Nieves will answer your questions on the "JTF-Forum," the JTF's bi-weekly, live call-in radio talk show!Tune in to FM 103.1, "The Blitz," Wednesday, August 13, between 5 p.m and 6 p.m. Call the "JTF-Forum" at 2300 and 2351 and get the answers you want!

Friday, August 8, 2003Page 8

Worship ServicesCatholic

Main ChapelDaily 6:30 a.m. Mass

Cobre Chapel Wed. 5 p.m. R.C.I.A.

Cobre ChapelFri. 5 p.m. RosarySat. 4:30 p.m. Confession

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

11 a.m. Mass (Sanctuary B)

Camp AmericaSun. 5 p.m. Mass

Wooden Chapel

Protestant

Main ChapelMon. 7 p.m. Prayer Group

Fellowship*Wed. 7 p.m. Men’s Bible

Study*7 p.m. Spanish Group

390-Evan’s PtThurs. 6:30 p.m. Home Group

Nob Hill 5B7:15 p.m. Youth 7-12

Fellowship*Sun. 6:30 a.m. Praise and

Worship Servce9:30 a.m. Sunday School

11 a.m. Service/Sunday School

5 p.m. Bible Study** Fellowship Hall located in Chapel Complex

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

7 p.m. ServiceWooden Chapel

Church of Jesus Christ of LatterDay Saints

Sun. 9 a.m. Sanctuary A

IslamicFri. 1 p.m. Classroom 12

ChapelComplex

JewishFri. 8 p.m. Fellowship

Hall

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

8:15 a.m. Tierra KayThe bus will return immediately followingworship.

Chaplain’s CornerBy CH (LTC) Herb HeavnerJTF GuantanamoCommand Chaplain

Attention to detail. That is what theysay the military is all about. I have learnedthe reality of that all over again. One daythis week I was involved in helping pre-pare our "hummer" for shipment back tothe States. We were told that we had to getall the dirt off the vehicle. My assistantsworked diligently for more than an hourearly on the first day. Then they were toldit was a "no go." So, I directed my staff togo back to work on the cleaning task. Notwanting to appear an insensitive taskmas-ter I went back to my hooch, changedclothes, and got right down in the washrack pit with them.

We commenced to spray on degreaser,scrub and spray until we were convincedthe entire vehicle could be used as a posterchild for "Hummer, USA" magazine, ifthere is such a thing? Well, we wereincorrect in our assumption and discov-ered that there was much more work to bedone. Now let me say right here that myattitude on the requirement is no reflectionon our JTF members who set the standardfor cleanliness. They are simply doingtheir job in trying to help us pass the cus-toms inspection, and they are doing their

job very well. Nevertheless, I have neverseen such an emphasis on the demand fortotal cleanliness. I don't know how manymore hours of scrubbing it will take. I doknow that our efforts will result in a suc-cessful transfer of our vehicle back to ourhome station. And I know that this willhappen because of our paying attention todetail.

Paying attention to detail is importantin our lives in many more ways than inpreparing a vehicle for inspection. Payingattention to detail is important as we doendeavor to complete most tasks in ourlives. We pay attention to detail when wepurchase a new car, when we purchase anew home, or when we perform anyimportant task in our lives. I am glad tosay that this is not something that we haveto do alone; there is always the possibilityof the presence of the Divine Creator ofthe universe. He paid attention to detail inthat creation. I believe that He continuesto pay attention to the details of our lives.I believe that God is standing by, ready toassist each one of us with the importantdetails of our lives. There is no detail toosmall, nor is there any task so unimportantbut what He is not willing to help us.Trust Him. Rely upon Him. Let Godshow you how much he cares about thedetails of your life.

WANTED: Piano Player...... for the general Protestant Worship service at the Camp America Chapel.Should be able to play church music out of a hymnal and provide back-up for

choral and other special singers. Would need to be available from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30a.m on Sunday, and one other hour per week-time to be determined.

Please give the JTF Command Chaplain's office a call at 3202, 3203.

Catholic Holy Day of Obligation - Feast of the Assumption of Mary

Members of the Catholic community will celebrate the Feast of the Assumption ofMary next Friday, August 15. Mass for this holy day of obligation will take place in theNavBase Main Chapel at 6:30 a.m. In addition, there will be a Mass at noon at the littlewooden chapel at Camp America.

The NavBase Main Chapel will also offer a Mass on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. for thosewho cannot attend Mass on the 15th. The Feast of the Assumption celebrates the move-ment of the mother of Jesus from life in this world to full life with the Creator.

Page 9Friday, August 8, 2003

RECREATION & LEISURE

Camp Bulkeley

Fri., Aug. 88p.m. The General’s

Daughter R - 115min

10 p.m. Tears Of The SunR - 121min

Sat., Aug. 98 p.m. Hart’s War

R - 125min

10 p.m. Rules ofEngagement R - 127min

Sun., Aug. 108 p.m. Pearl Harbor

PG13 - 183min

Mon., Aug. 118 p.m. Enemy At The

Gates R - 131min

Tues., Aug. 128 p.m. Windtalkers

R - 133min

Wed., Aug. 138 p.m. We Were Soldiers

R - 138min

Thurs., Aug. 148 p.m. Black Hawk Down

R - 144min

Downtown Lyceum

Fri., Aug. 88 p.m. SeabiscuitPG13 - 130min

10 p.m. Dumb &Dumberer PG13 - 85min

Sat., Aug. 98 p.m. Hollywood

Homicide PG13 - 116min

10 p.m. Bad Boys IIR - 147min

Sun., Aug. 108 p.m. League of

Extraordinary GentlemenPG13 - 110min

Mon., Aug. 118 p.m. Dumb & Dumberer

PG13 - 85min

Tues., Aug. 128 p.m. 2 Fast 2 Furious

PG13 - 108min

Wed., Aug. 138 p.m. Hollywood

HomicidePG13 - 116min

Thurs., Aug. 148 p.m. Bad Boys II

R - 147min

Located at Camp AmericaThursday thru Saturday 5 p.m. to

11:30 p.m.Open to all NAVBASE and JTF per-

sonnel of all ranks.

Club Survivor

MovieMovieScheduleSchedule

LCN has been working with Sprintand is pleased to notify their cus-tomers that Sprint has created a spe-cial pricing plan for calling from theUSA to Guantanamo Bay Cuba. Thisplan covers Continental U.S., Alaska,and Hawaii. The specific pricingcomponents for Sprint's Global Sav-ings II Plan are:

Ø $7.95 Monthly ReoccurringCharge (MRC). $3. of the $7.95 willbe applied to long distance charges ifthe usage exceeds $50 in a month.

Ø State-to-state Dial 1 rate(USA to USA calling): 7 cents perminute

Ø USA to Guantanamo Bayrate: $.55 per minute.

In order to receive this low rate,personnel in the U.S. who desire thisservice should contact Sprint's Con-sumer Market's group at 1-800-977-4000 or contact them on their websiteat www.sprint.com to enroll in thisplan or for more information. If youhave any questions on this plan or anyquestions concerning long distancecharges, please feel free to contactLCN Site Manager, Bob Diamond atextension 3644.

As soldiers, sailors, and Marines,most of us lead active lives. Physicalfitness is a top priority in the military.However, today, many service mem-bers are turning to supplements in thehopes of enhancing their performanceand staying trim. You don’t have tolook far to find a colleague taking –Xenadrine, Hydroxycut, Ripped Fuel-Products whose ads promise to burnmore fat, build more muscle, andenhance energy. These products con-tain a dangerous combination ofephedra and caffeine.

From 1997 to 2001, 33 deathsamong active duty service memberswere attributed to ephedra use. Thisprompted the military’s exchanges topull products containing ephedra fromthe shelves. Deaths in NCAA andNFL athletes have resulted in ephedrabans in the NFL, NCAA, and theInternational Olympic Committee.After the death of a 16 year-old highschool football player last year, Illi-nois has recently made it illegal to sellephedra to minors.

There have been several medicalstudies of ephedra-containing sub-stances. Most are flawed by too fewparticipants or poor study conditions.The results of the studies have shownminimal, if any, improvements in

strength, speed, and endurance. Infact, the most consistent finding in allthe studies was an increase in heartrate. Yet the advertisements still makelofty claims about the effectiveness ofephedra.

The New England Journal of Med-icine reviewed 140 reported adverseevents of ephedra. It found 31 percentof the reports to be definitely or prob-ably related, and another 31 percent tobe possibly related to ephedra. Highblood pressure was the most commonevent, but abnormal heart rhythms,heart attacks, seizures, strokes, anddeath were all noted. There were 10deaths and another 13 permanent dis-abilities. The scary feature of thisreport was that nine serious eventsoccurred in people taking relativelylow doses of ephedra, who had noimportant medical risk factors. Of thesudden catastrophic events, 11occurred in previously healthy people.

How do products with such a poortrack record continue to sell billions?There are several reasons. Forstarters, U.S. law prevents the FDAfrom regulating diet and herbal prod-ucts unless they are proven unsafe.Since it is only voluntary for these

Ephedra: It is NOT safe

Sprint Global Savings II Plan

See Ephedra, page 11.

Summary by Sgt. Bob MitchellWhat do you do when your team is ranked dead last in virtually every offensive category in

the National League? The Los Angeles Dodgers decided to blame it on their hitting coach,which has obvious consequences. Sunday night the Dodgers gave the hook to hitting coachJack Clark , replacing him with George Hendrick, batting instructor for the club's Triple-Aaffiliate in Las Vegas. Ironically, Clark and Hendrick were teammates during their playingcareers for the St. Louis Cardinals.

On the links, the United States is dominating the world golf rankings. Five of the top eightplayers hail from the U.S.A. To no one's surprise, Tiger Woods has a solid lock on the top spot.Other Americans among the elite eight are Jim Furyk (3), Davis Love III (6), David Toms(7) and Kenny Perry (8). To further illustrate American domination, a total of eight golfersare in the top 14, including Phil Mickelson (11), Justin Leonard (13) and Chris DiMarco(14).

The pinup girl of professional tennis may be on the way out. Anna Kournikova's playingdays could be numbered due to a long-standing back injury. The 22-year old Russian did notplay in this year's French Open or Wimbledon because of the injury. She has participated injust five tournaments this year and has withdrawn from the U.S. Open. She has never won asingles title on the women's circuit, but has become wealthy through sponsorship deals.

Sports Highlights compiled from ESPN.com

Page 10 Friday, August 8, 2003

NATIONAL SPORTS

Sports HighlightsOn the MarkThe game is not thesame.By Sgt. Bob Mitchell

I figured out why I love sports somuch: great clichés. From "Noquestion about it" to "Ya gottabelieve" to "We have to play ourgame," there are more clichés insports than a Mel Brooks western.

Of course, the mother of allclichés is, "That's what it's allabout." This versatile phrase notonly applies to all sports but everyfacet of life itself. It's nothing tohear this mentioned in four differentTV reports from four differentsports. For example, Cardinals'reliever Jason Isringhausen comesout of the bullpen to end a ninthinning Cubs rally.

After the game, Cards’ managerTony LaRussa is interviewed andcompliments Isringhausen's clutchperformance on the mound saying,"Izzy came in and got the job done.Yup, great pitching. That's what it'sall about."

Atlanta Falcons' head coach DanReeves lauds the rifle arm of quar-terback Michael Vick. "We'll dowell if we protect Mike in thepocket. That's what it's all about."

In NBA action, the Spurs holdthe Nets' Jason Kidd to a sub parperformance. The Spurs' Tim Dun-can credits his team's defense forthe win. "We played together ondefense. That's what it's all about."

We turn to golf, where TigerWoods has just won the U.S. Open.He sank some long putts on the lastcouple of holes to pull out the win.In the post-tournament interview ElTigre talks about coming throughwhen it counts. Two guesses as towhat he says and the first one does-n't count.

I'll end this week's column onthat note because of space and anapproaching deadline. Time andspace. That's what it's all about.

By Spc. Mark Leone

To be a professional athlete in today’sworld, most sports require you to be the epit-ome of physical fitness. It takes a lot of hard

work and discipline tostay in shape so that youcan compete at a higherlevel than your oppo-nent. But who are thebetter athletes? Footballplayers take a beatingfor 16 weeks in a veryphysical sport, butcyclists that compete inthe grueling Tour DeFrance ride for three

weeks straight. So who are the better athletes?Cyclists like Lance Armstrong or footballplayers like Jerry Rice?

Sgt. Nikki Turner of the 384th MP Battal-ion believes cyclists racing in the Tour DeFrance endure much harsher conditions inthree weeks than football players do in 17.“The endurance, stamina, and strength neededto be a bicyclist like Lance Armstrong goesway beyond what a football player needs.Lance cycles for three weeks straight no mat-ter what the weather is. Plus they don’t get

breaks during a race. They have to keep ped-aling if they want to win, unlike football play-ers who either play on offense or defense.”

Turner isn’t the only person with an opin-ion on this subject. Airman 1st Class CorySundquist and Airman 1st Class Matt Sharentof J-4’s Motor Pool think that there is no com-parison between football players and bicy-clists as athletes. “Football players take abeating day in and day out,” said Sundquist.“Jerry Rice has been in the National FootballLeague for 21 years taking bumps and bruisesevery day. He has to be the greatest athlete ofall time.” Sharent went on to say that bicy-clists don’tendure so muchphysical contact.“All they have todo is ride a bike.The worst thingthat can happento them is theyfall off their bikeand hit theground. Footballplayers are defi-nitely better con-ditioned athletes,” said Sharent.

Airman 1st Class Cory Sundquistand Airman 1st Class MattSharent of J-4’s Motor Pool.

Sgt. Nikki Turner,384th MP Bn.

Head to head ... Who’s the better athlete?

Friday, August 8, 2003 Page 11

JTF SPORTS & FITNESS

Softball

1st GTMO Lite 8-12nd JTF HQ 8-13rd Hospital 7-24th Legion of Doom 7-25th JTF Ice Breakers 6-36th Cleveland Steamers 5-47th 303rd 4-58th Marines 3-69th NEX 2-710th NAVSTA Security 2-711th 2-116th Inf. 1-612th Brew Crew 1-8

Soccer

1st Island M 5-12nd NEX 5-13rd Kvaerner 5-14th Fire Storm 4-45th Hospital 2-66th SNAFU 1-67th MWR 0-6

Basketball

1st Trans 8-22nd Br-Bull Dog 8-23rd Untouchable 8-24th MIUWU 3-75th GTMO S 3-76th MARINES 0-9

Volleyball

1st Hospital 5-12nd Marines 4-23rd NEX 3-34th Naval Station 3-35th PWD 0-6

SummerLeagueFinalStandings

companies to report their adverse events, thereis scant information on the total problem. With-out any FDA regulation, the products can adver-tise and make unfounded claims with impunity.

It appears, however, that times are changing.Recently, Health and Human Services SecretaryTommy Thompson called for a governmentsponsored review of all the scientific data onephedra. The FDA is hoping this will lead totighter regulations. In addition to the athleticassociations noted above, Canada has bannedephedra use as well. Ephedra use is not author-ized for use by Navy pilots and air crews.

Here at GTMO, the side effects of ephedrause can be exacerbated by dehydration, a com-

mon result of the tropical heat. Numerous casesof heat exhaustion and kidney stones have beenattributed in part to ephedra use, and the con-sensus among Naval Hospital physicians is tostrongly advise against their use.

Based on the above findings, MG GeoffreyD. Miller, JTF Commander, passed a rule ban-ning ephedra use among JTF personnel.

The primary concern of the Naval Hospital isthe health of our soldiers, sailors, Marines, andairmen. There are many ways to stay in shape,but we urge you to avoid using ephedra. Ser-vice members have maintained physical fitnessfor years without it. So swim, bike, run, playsoftball, lift weights – but don’t let a seeminglyquick fix lead to a premature end to your mili-tary career.

By Spc. Alan Lee Knesek

One of the newest programs to establishitself in Guantanamo Bay is the KanagawaBushido Karate. The course is being taught atthe G. J. Denich Gym every Tuesday and Thurs-day by instructor Caesar Garcia, a fourth-degree black belt in Shotokan Karate, asecond-degree black belt in Jujitsu and a civil-ian contractor attached to JTF.

The course began a few months ago and hasgone from a small handful to a dedicated groupof Karate students. The course is held twonights per week from 6:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. inone of the racquetball courts.

During the two nights of instruction, stu-dents learn the martial arts form of KanagawaBushido Karate, which includes kicking andpunching techniques, how to fall, how to roll,how to toss someone, and everything else youneed to know to succeed in the program.

According to Spc. Charles N. Womack, “It’sa good workout. Learning how to do martialarts is something I’ve always wanted to do.”After only two months, Womack could see andfeel the difference in himself. Womack is onlya white belt now, but is preparing to test for hisyellow belt in the near future.

The majority of the students are first timers,

but there are a few experienced students withhigh-ranking belts who help Garcia teach andassist with demonstrations.

With popularity continuously growing, itseems that Garcia’s Kanagawa Bushido Karatecourse is here to stay.

Photo by Spc. Alan L. KnesekSpc. Charles N. Womack, JTF, practices kicking with hissparring partner, Spc. William Gray, 300th MP Bde., dur-ing last Thursday's class.

New karate class kicks its way into GTMO

Ephedra, From page 11.

Big Stick Battle of the BayArmy vs Navy, E-7 & Above Softball Game

Aug. 9, 2003, 6 p.m. @ Cooper Softball Field #4Come by and cheer on your favorite team!

Interview andphoto bySgt. Dan Johnson

Spc. José Rodriguez ofJuana Diaz’s 240th MPCo. is an eight-year vet-eran in the ArmyNational Guard whobrings a wealth of knowl-edge to his unit.Rodriguez joined theArmy as a medical spe-cialist and has becomequalified as a militarypoliceman and correc-tions specialist sincethen.

Q: What do you do fora civilian job?A: I work as an adminis-trative clerk in a humanresources office for the National Guard inPuerto Rico.

Q: Have you been to college?A: Yes. I have a bachelor's degree inmicrobiology from the University of PuertoRico. When I get back, I want to pursue amaster's degree in environmental engineer-ing.

Q: Why did you join the Army?A: My uncle was in the Army. He was asergeant in Vietnam, and he always told alot of stories about being in the Army whenI was a child. Since I joined the Army, I'veenjoyed working with the people I've met. Ilike the discipline and the Army values.

Q: Are you going to make a career of themilitary?A: I'd like to. I'm considering active dutyin the future, but for right now, I want tobecome an officer through Reserve Offi-cer’s Training Corps when I get my mas-ter’s degree. I have to research it morethough.

Q: What goals have you set for yourselfduring this deployment?A: My goal has been to grow. I've donemy best to improve myself, complete themission, and do the best that I can.

Q: What have you learned about your-self during this deployment?A: I've discovered abilities that I didn'tknow I had, and I've developed confidencein myself that I didn't have before I camehere. I've grown up, and I feel that I'vebecome more professional in my jobresponsibilities.

Q: What will you miss most about beinga part of JTF Guantanamo?A: Professionally, going from an office toworking in Camp Delta has been a hugechange for me, and I've enjoyed that. I'llmiss seeing soldiers from my unit, butbecause we're from a small island (PuertoRico), we can always visit, and I knowwe'll stay in contact.

Q: How would you say your experienceat JTF Guantanamo has changed you?

A: I've grown as ahuman being. I'vebecome more positiveand efficient, and I'mmore aware of my abili-ties. Now, I think thingsthrough better thanbefore, and I've matured.I'm stronger now …especially psychologi-cally.

Q: How have yourviews of America andfreedom changed sinceyou've been here?A: When you're serving,you know that whatyou're doing is extremelyimportant for yournation. It's not how, it'sthe reason "why" you'rehere, and that's the rea-

son why I stay motivated. We're savinglives … our families’ lives and I want tomake sure that freedom is solid from nowon. I'll make any sacrifice for freedom.

Q: What do you feel has been your mostsignificant achievement here at JTFGuantanamo?A: My most significant achievement hassimply been gaining experience herebecause it's made me more valuable to theArmy. I know this will not be my lastdeployment, and with this experience, I'llbe able to serve my nation better in thefuture. I've become a better soldier.

Q: As a soldier with multiple skills andMOS's, how else do you help out withmission aside from being a guard insideCamp Delta?A: I help out with the 240th's administra-tive duties also … I help provide a linkbetween the troops and the system. I workwith records and forms and help resolve sit-uations involving pay issues, medicalrecords, awards, Non-Commissioned Offi-cer Evaluation Reports, etc.

Spc. José Rodriguez demonstrates the fundamentals of firing an M9 pistol during Preliminary Marks-manship Instruction.

Spc. José Rodriguez240th MP Co.

For this MP, versatility is the key to growth

Page 12 Friday, August 8, 2003

15 Minutes of Fame...