Coming to grips with the UFC - Bataan remembered Soldiers march to commemorate heroism
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Volume 15, Issue 37 February 14, 2014 Bataan remembered Soldiers march to commemorate heroism New NCOs welcomed 525th MP Bn inducts new junior leaders Coming to grips with the UFC
Around the Bay
6
AND IN OUR PAGES
Gen. Dempsey visits Troopers
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff awards excellence
7 Army welcomes new NCOs
Inductees join “the backbone of the U.S. Army”
10
Marching in memorial
Soldiers pay homage to Bataan Death March
Other Stories
4 Command Corner
5 Reviews of the latest movies on base
12 Troopers keep in stride with sweethearts
14 Meals with Monroe
15 Cartoons and Chaplain’s Word of the Week
Cover photo by Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Hiler
UFC stars give base residents the chance to
put their skills to the test
PAGE 8
of the week
SSgt. Amanda Watson
Bay Wire Report
Joint Personnel Center
Sgt. Terrence Robinson
Tour the Northeast Gate 189th Military Police Company
The Marine Corps Security Forces
Company offers tours of Guantanamo’s
Northeast Gate every third Friday of the
month at 11 a.m.
Sign up at the Marine Hill Whitehouse.
Space for the tour is limited to the first 100
people who register.
For more information, call the MCSFCO
Operations Department at ext. 2279.
Hook, line and sinker
Mardi
Guantanamo Bay’s Liberty Center will host a night fishing trip
Friday, Feb. 21, at the marina beginning at 6 p.m. Don’t miss your
chance to reel in the big one. Pre-registration required.
Sign up for the trip by contacting the Liberty Center at ext. 77421
or by email at liberty@gtmo-mwr.org. Gras
& Admiral Bulkeley Parade
Everyone’s a winner
Marblehead Lanes will have gifts for the ladies Saturday, Feb. 15,
Saturday, March 1
from 6:30-9 p.m. just for enjoying a game of bowling. If she can
break 100 in a single game, the bowling alley will give her a free
CORRECTIONS Please report all corrections to thewire@jtfgtmo.southcom.mil
box of chocolates.
2 http://www.jtfgtmo.southcom.mil/xwebsite/index.html
THE WIRE Catholic Mass
Mon.-Thur. 5:30 p.m.
Pentecostal Gospel
Sunday 8 a.m. & 5 p.m.,
Protestant Worship
Sunday 6:40 a.m.
HQ Building, Camp America
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba Saturday 5 p.m. Room D Sunday 9 a.m.
Commercial: 011-5399-3651
DSN: 660-3651
Sunday 9 a.m. Sunday 7 p.m.
E-mail: thewire@jtfgtmo.southcom.mil LDS Service
www.jtfgtmo.southcom.mil/wire/wire.html Protestant Services Sunday 10 a.m., Room 19
General Protestant
Command Staff Sunday 11 a.m. Islamic Service
Gospel Worship Friday, 1:15 p.m., Room 2
Commander
Navy Rear Adm. Richard W. Butler Sunday 1 p.m.
Deputy Commander Seventh Day Adventist
Army Brig. Gen. Marion Garcia Friday, 7 p.m., Room 1
Sergeant Major Sabbath School: Saturday 9:30 a.m.,
Marine Sgt. Maj. Juan M. Hidalgo Jr. Room 1
Office of Public Affairs Director Sabbath Service: Saturday 11:00 a.m.,
Navy Cmdr. John Filostrat Room 1
Deputy Director
Air Force Maj. Christian P. Hodge
Command Information Officer
Army Capt. Brian Pennington
JTF PAO Senior Enlisted Leader
Army 1st Sgt. Patricia Kishman
Staff
NEX Express Bus
Editor 9:55 a.m. - 7:55 p.m.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Gina Vaile-Nelson Camp America - :00, :20, :40 Every hour at the stated times Sat. and Sun. only - Location #1-4
Copy Editor Gazebo - :01, :21, :41 Windward Loop
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the Troopers of JTF-GTMO. The contents of The Wire are not necessarily
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Return to Office
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Joint Task Force
Guantanamo
Safe Humane Legal Transparent
The Wire · February 14 3
Command
C
orner Leaders are not your fishing buddy
By Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Borlin to respond effectively and haircuts, trash in living areas,
SEL, Joint Detention Group operate independently in no headgear in uniform
So there I was, 1983 Fort an uncertain, dynamic, while in the housing areas,
McClellan, Ala., going and politically sensitive unauthorized sunglasses, etc;
through basic training on environment. Leaders then what is the standard(s)
the road to becoming an MP must maintain technical that is the breaking point
Soldier. I was not the only and tactical competence as the “likership” leader will
MP wannabe. I was with applicable in their career enforce? “Likership” has also
about 40 others who were fields, keep informed of, been known to use someone
looking forward to some cool and remain proficient in else’s rank or position to take
helmet liners that read “MP,” advances in information the burden off themselves to
carrying a baton and a Colt technology, and maintain carry out the order, i.e.“First
1911 .45 automatic. their knowledge of the Sergeant said we have to do
Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Borlin
We had two drill sergeants standards of conduct, it,” instead of using their
assigned to the platoon, policy, law, rules of own authority to execute
while operating to
and it was their duty to get engagement and the Geneva and enforce the order or
accomplish the mission and
us through Basic Training Conventions. Leaders must standard. “Likership” will
improve the organization.
and Advanced Individual be competent professionals never take the hill, put
U.S. Marines - 14
Training. Somehow, our who understand the strategic steel on target, effectively
Leadership traits, Justice,
training always included implications of their actions operate to accomplish the
Judgment, Dependability,
pushing the Alabama red as well as their subordinate’s mission, and will never earn
Initiative, Decisiveness,
dirt on a regular basis. actions, and how those a subordinates respect.
Tact, Integrity, Enthusiasm,
Many times, when we were actions affect strategic Eventually subordinates
Bearing, Unselfishness,
blessed with such attention, goals of the Department of grow into their own
Courage, Knowledge,
it seemed the drill sergeants Defense and our nation. leadership roles and they
Loyalty and Endurance aka
thought we wanted to be Leaders are not “fishing remember the leaders
“J.J. DID TIE BUCKLE.”
friends with them. They buddies.” Too much has that effectively led and
U.S. Navy - The art,
would always say: “Oh, you been invested in leader mentored them into the
science, or gift by which
think were fishing buddies,” development to allow leaders they are, and will be.
a person is enabled and
“What do I look like, your leaders to become a If you effectively practice
privileged to direct the
fishing buddy,” or “Oh, were “fishing buddy.” When “likership,” then you will
thoughts, plans, and actions
fishing buddies now, uh?” I leaders go down the road simply be an afterthought
of others in such a manner as
never understood why the of worrying about whether in those subordinates you
to obtain and command their
drill sergeants continued with or not their subordinates “liked.”
obedience, their confidence,
these comments; we were like them we get into the On the other hand,
their respect, and their loyal
never issued fishing poles, business of “likership” leadership is not effective
cooperation.
tackle or bait. Looking back and not leadership. There when carried out with
U.S. Air Force - The art
at this, their message was are times we see leaders terrorism or creating a toxic
and science of influencing
simple: I am not your buddy, use “likership” as a tool environment. On 11 August
and directing people to
I am not here to be liked, I because they do not want 1879, Major General John
accomplish the assigned
am here to lead and train you their subordinates to think M. Schofield addressed
mission.
to fight and win our nations badly of them. “Likership” Cadets on this matter and
U.S. Coast Guard - The
wars. often fails to understand or summed it up perfectly.
ability to influence others
So what defines a leader? enforce standards, which in “The discipline which
to obtain their obedience,
We often hear through itself, is a direct indicator makes the Soldiers of a free
respect, confidence, and loyal
various sources that leaders of their capability to lead. country reliable in battle is
cooperation.
are born. We have heard the We see “likership” pass by not to be gained by harsh
None of these definitions
phrase: “He/she is a born deficiencies or allow small or tyrannical treatment. On
indicates you are born with
leader.” However, what is a standards to slip in their the contrary, such treatment
leadership skills. Seniors,
born leader? Each branch of subordinates. Small slippages is far more likely to destroy
peers and subordinates
service has their definition of only lead to larger slides than to make an army. It is
develop the skills that
Leadership: until half the mountain has possible to impart instruction
define a leader through
U.S. Army - Influencing slid. When small standards and to give commands in
education, experience and
people by providing purpose, slip, i.e. unbuttoned buttons such manner and such a
development. We educate
direction and motivation, on uniforms, needing tone of voice to inspire in
our leaders to enable them
4 http://www.jtfgtmo.southcom.mil/xwebsite/index.html
News
F
eed
Dempsey recognizes Troopers
the Soldier no feeling but an
intense desire to obey, while
the opposite manner and
tone of voice cannot fail to
excite strong resentment and Story by Sgt. 1st Class Gina Vaile-Nelson to receive the award from such a high-rank-
Editor, thewire@jtfgtmo.southcom.mil ing official.
a desire to disobey.”
Remember that in the Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of “This is not so much my medal, this rep-
military, not everybody the Joint Chiefs of Staff, presented five Joint resents everyone I’ve worked with, everyone
gets a trophy. Leaders are Task Force Guantanamo Troopers with the who has accomplished the mission down
called upon to make the Joint Service Achievement Medal Feb. 11, here,” he said.
tough decisions. Leadership for their efforts in support of the JTF-GT- Van Buskirk said Dempsey’s visit and
isn’t about being everyone’s MO mission. awards presentation provided an air of legiti-
buddy or creating a toxic Petty Officer 3rd Class Azzaria Diaz, Spc. macy to the important mission here.
environment. Leaders must Charles Guray, Spc. Clinton Nosbish, Spc. “It increases the importance and shows
be direct and upfront and Damond Robinson and Petty Officer 2nd there are higher levels watching down on us,”
enforce “all” standards with Class Andrew Van Buskirk were honored in he said.
everyone and themselves. a ceremony outside of Camp 6. The JSAM is presented for outstanding
If a subordinate isn’t “I couldn’t express more, my apprecia- achievement or meritorious service and takes
carrying their weight and tion, for the fact that you do extraordinarily precedence before the achievement medals
meeting standards, it’s in the challenging and important jobs with such of the military services.
subordinate’s best interest to professionalism every-
know and improve on their day,” Dempsey told
shortcomings and this in the awardees and the
itself is the responsibility of JTF-GTMO Troopers in
the leader. attendance.
We cannot afford to have “I am very proud to be
Service members stumbling the chairman of the joint
along their career thinking chiefs, when I know that
they are meeting set I have men and women
standards; eventually they like you out here for our
will be called to task and nation,” he said.
when they cannot perform, Van Buskirk, a hospital
then the “whining” with corpsman for the Joint Photo by Sgt. Cassandra Monroe/The Wire
cheese and finger pointing Trooper Clinic said he Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, presents Spc. Charles
really starts. was completely surprised Guray with a coin following a presentation of the Joint Service Achievement Medal Feb. 11.
Dempsey presented five Troopers with the award.
Properly led and trained
warriors are the greatest
tool in our nation’s arsenal.
Good leaders recognize this Claudio awarded for excellence
and keep our warriors sharp Staff Report
and ready to deploy, engage, thewire@jtfgtmo.southcom.mil
and destroy, the enemies of
the United States of America Paula Claudio was recently awarded the U.S. Army Contracting
in close combat. Command’s Outstanding Contingency Contracting Civilian Award
for excellence in acquisition and contracting in support of the Joint
Hooah! Warrior 7 Task Force Guantanamo.
Indicators reveal the whole story Control access to your work space
The small pieces of information that you put together, like When you get up to make a run to the printer, the head, the cube
puzzle pieces, are called indicators. While they may seem next door or to grab a cup of coffee, you must be secure with your
insignificant by themselves, they can be very revealing when work space, and take your CAC with you.
pieced together; and they could compromise an operation. If your CAC is left in the reader while you’re not at your work space,
Patterns such as lights turned on at certain times, movements then you’ve invited anyone and everyone to browse your files. Not
from place to place and other indicators could provide only could that mean you’ve given access to personnel who aren’t on
adversaries with critical information. that need-to-know basis, but you’ve opened yourself up for others
Recognize and control your indicators. Be a hard to visit unauthorized sites using your log-in. Be security aware, and
target, and always use OPSEC. control your access.
Information Assurance
The Wire · February 14 5
Streep shines in a movie that could’ve
been made at your kitchen table
“Lego” builds a world for all ages Review by Sgt. Katherine Forbes
JTF-PAO, thewire@jtfgtmo.southcom.mil
Review by Sgt. David Bolton Beverly Weston (Sam Shepard) opens
Copy Editor, thewire@jtfgtmo.southcom.mil
“August: Osage County” with a mono-
“The LEGO Movie” pits the logue about how life is long. He accepts
main character, Emmet Brick- the wounds he and his wife Violet (Meryl Streep) have
owoski (Chris Pratt), against the inflicted on each other. Then, he disappears.
struggle of being lost in a sea of The rest of the movie centers around the reunion of his
yellow faces. three daughters who come home to help find their dad.
Throughout the film, The past is drudged up. Secrets are exposed. Guilt and
Emmet slowly love intermingle throughout the well-crafted dialogue. An
realizes his full academy-nominated cast fills the screen with funny, sad
potential and dis- and crazy scenes.
covers what it means The strangest thing about this film is the writer, Tracy
to be “the special” -- a Courtesy Warner Brothers Letts, seems to have snuck into our own family reunions.
generic theme to most It’s a film that lets
kid-friendly animation films. us see our own lives
Honestly, I really didn’t have too many hopes for this movie. I through different eyes,
figured, no pun intended, it would be a kids flick with stop-mo- and hopefully we can
tion animation. I could not have been more pleased to be wrong. walk away wiser and
Yes, there were some parts meant just for children, but the with a better sense of
situational humor of the film is what really sold it. Between the humor. For making me
amazing structures, Batman’s (Will Arnett) great one-liners, and smarter, or at least feel
the Millennium Falcon swooping in, this movie was a true feast smarter, I give this film
for the eyes. For rebuilding my faith in the plastic cubes, I give Courtesy Relativity Media five banana rats.
this movie five banana rats.
“Monuments Men” offers
awkward look at WWII history
Review by Sgt. 1st Class Gina Vaile-Nelson
Editor, thewire@jtfgtmo.southcom.mil
As an art lover, and fan of military history
films, George Clooney’s “The Monument
Men,” seemed like a good view. I mean, it has Bill Mur-
ray – in more than just a cameo – so that right there earned it
two rats.
Alas, I expected too much. Too much from Clooney to Courtesy Columbia Pictures
direct and act; and too much of history to cram into one hour
and 52 minutes. to cover entirely too much of the war, the art and the Soldier’s
It’s based on a true story. Of seven artists and art historians lives. There is a terrific cast, but it falls short of delivering
picked to serve the United States military, and the world’s anything more than an awkward look into this mission.
interest, by stealing back stolen artwork from the Nazi’s. But, it’s got Bill Murray. And it’s pretty historical. So for
Filled with one-liners, and a few action scenes, the film tries that, it gets three banana rats.
Hercules is nothing more than muscles and a few good scenes
Review by Sgt. Cody Stagner already betrothed to the ruler’s films.
JTF-PAO, thewire@jtfgtmo.southcom.mil first-born son, Iphicles (Liam The script seemed forced,
Garrigan). unwitting and awkward. You’ll
In “The Legend of Hercules,” I enjoyed the find several moments that
mythical Greek hero Hercules computer-generated mistakenly add comedic
(Kellan Lutz) is exiled by his imagery of epic battles value instead of sympathy,
stepfather, Amphitryon (Scott and landscapes, but the fear or suspense as the scene
Adkins), a tyrannical king, CGI was more on par intended.
Courtesy Lions Gate Films
for being in love with Princess with yesterday’s video games I give this one two banana
Hebe (Gaia Weiss), who is rather than today’s feature rats.
6 http://www.jtfgtmo.southcom.mil/xwebsite/index.html
Army NCOs
inducted at GTMO
Story and photos By Staff Sgt. Lorne Neff
Staff Writer, thewire@jtfgtmo.southcom.mil
The Joint Detention Group commit to the profession of arms,
held their quarterly Army quoting from speeches by former
noncommissioned officer induction Army Gen. Douglas MacArthur
ceremony in the Windjammer and Army Gen. John Schofield. He
Ballroom Feb. 7, at Guantanamo noted how his first NCO, his team
Bay, Cuba. The ceremony included leader, took him under his wing
32 Soldiers from Joint Task Force and pushed him to go to boards,
Guantanamo units with featured lead physical training and get his
guest speaker Army Command education, so that he was soon
Sgt. Maj. Michael Borlin, JDG surpassing his peers. He asked the
command sergeant major. inductees to do the same for their
According to Sgt. 1st Class Soldiers.
Llorito Todd, 591st Military Police “It’s a good feeling,” said Army
company, and event organizer, the Sgt . Jay Lenderman , military
ceremony is for those who recently police with the 189th MP Co. “I’ve
became an NCO, and is a historic always considered myself a leader,
ceremony designed to introduce even when I was a private, and now
Army Sgt. Jay Lenderman, military police, 189th MP Co., walks through the
them to the public. that I get to wear the stripes and be Noncommissioned Officer Gateway during the NCO Induction Ceremony
“This is a tradition-rich called an NCO. It feels good to be Feb. 7, at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The induction ceremony included 32
ceremony,” said Todd. “There are recognized by senior leadership.” Army sergeants from the Joint Task Force.
some Soldier requests and charges “It’s a proud moment
during the ceremony where the for these guys, just like
Soldier is asked to be awesome. anyone who goes through
Then you have first sergeant charges an NCOES school, or
where they ask the NCO to take basic and Advanced
charge. Yes, they may be lines, but Individual Training, this
they have meaning, and if they take is a ceremonial rite of
them seriously, it is the outline of passage to say ‘I am an
how an NCO should be.” NCO,’” said Todd.
Each Soldier stepped forward The ceremony concluded
during the ceremony, walking with all NCOs in the
through the NCO archway for crowd reciting the Army
recognition. NCO Creed, singing the
Borlin, during his speech, military police regimental An Army first sergeant charges the new inductees to take responsibility as Non
challenged the NCO’s to renew and march and Army song. Commissioned Officers. The induction ceremony included 32 Army Sergeants from
the Joint Task Force.
Call the Movie Hotline at ext. 4880 or visit the MWR Facebook page for more information
Stay classy, GTMO! No ALCOHOL or TOBACCO at the Lyceums!
at the Downtown and Camp Bulkeley Lyceums
14 FRIDAY 15 SATURDAY 16 SUNDAY 17 MONDAY 18 TUESDAY 19 WEDNESDAY 20 THURSDAY
Ride Along (New) Robocop (New) The Nut Job Grudge Match (LS) 47 Ronin (LS) The Monuments Men The Legend of Hercules
CAMP BULKELEY DOWNTOWN
PG13, 7 p.m. PG13, 7 p.m. PG, 6:30 p.m. PG13, 7 p.m. R, 7 p.m. PG13, 7 p.m. PG13, 7 p.m.
The Notebook August: Osage County The Lego Movie
R, 9 p.m. R, 9:15 p.m. PG, 8:15 p.m.
Robocop (New) Ride Along (New) 47 Ronin (LS) Lyceum closed The Legend of Hercules Lyceum closed The Monuments Men
PG13, 8 p.m. PG13, 8 p.m. PG13, 8 p.m. Note: Concessions at Camp Bulkeley PG13, 8 p.m. Note: Concessions at Camp Bulkeley PG13, 8 p.m.
When Harry Met Sally August: Osage County are also closed every night until are also closed every night until
R, 10:15 p.m. R, 10 p.m. further notice. further notice.
The Wire · February 14 7
The Octagon comes to GT
Story by Maj. Christian Hodge
Deputy Director, PAO, thewire@jtfgtmo.southcom.mil
“If you hit me ten times and I can hit you once, that’s
a good trade,” said veteran mixed martial artist Nate
Quarry to a potential rookie at a jiu-jitsu ‘rolling’ clinic
at the Denich Gym, Feb. 4.
Armed Forces Entertainment, in association with
Naval Air Station Guantanamo Morale, Welfare and
Recreation, sponsored a Fighters for Fighters tour
Feb. 3-Feb. 5 at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba with Quarry,
Mike Pierce, a welterweight
current light heavyweight fighter, Kyle Kingsbury and residents practice their comba
welterweight contender Mike Peirce.
“Fifteen months after I had a spinal fusion proce- for others. About my
dure, I was back in the cage and fought six times in the afraid of my own lim
UFC, two of them Fight of the Night performances,” Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Hiler/The Wire
For many UFC fan
UFC fighter Kyle Kingsbury shakes the hand of a Guantanamo Bay resident
said Quarry. “And you know, to get a Fight of the as mixed martial arts fans file through Denich Gym for autographs prior to a ing with a UFC fight
Night you are not fighting with an elusive style.” combatives workshop, Feb. 4. checked complete. It
Mixed martial arts, or MMA, is a relatively new mar- fans of other sports d
tial arts discipline that combines elements of boxing, UFC signing a television deal with FOX Sports last similar professional a
wrestling, karate, kick-boxing, jiu-jitsu and judo into its year. “If an NFL player
own unique sport. Fighters meet in a steel cage, nor- Moreover, MMA gyms are popping up all over the throw a pass to you.
mally for three, five minute rounds, and attempt to win country and supplanting traditional Tae-Kwon-Do he’s not gonna shoot
either by knockout, technical knockout, submission, or and other karate dojos for the attention of young heavyweight fighter K
the judges’ decision. people, and their parents’ dollars. to roll with you guys
The UFC is by far the world’s largest MMA orga- Approximately 50 Troopers showed up for the the mat with us, you
nization; essentially what the NFL is to professional event at Denich Gym to greet and ‘roll’ with profes- t-shirts. If you can su
football. The sport is growing, as evidenced by the sional cage fighters. you the shirt of his b
“For the clinic part of it, we do some jiu-jit-
su, some fighting, and then we’ll practice those
techniques,” said Steven Josephy, the Fighters for
Fighters tour director and Brazilian jiu-jitsu black
belt. “Then we’ll get with the troops and actually live
roll with them. It’s because we appreciate what the
troops are doing. That’s why we are here.”
Mixed martial arts, like with many sports, is really
what the individual learns about competition and his
or herself.
“I got into MMA because I saw the UFC on TV
and was just blown away by the athleticism, by the
camaraderie by the respect and honor they showed
one another,” said Quarry. “Seeing Ken Shamrock
Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Hiler/The Wire and Royce Gracie, this was kind of my dream, and Mixed martial artist Kyle Kin
Nate “The Rock” Quarry, a retired UFC fighter demonstrates a combatives wanted to see what I was capable of as a man, really. grapples for a better hold dur
technique to residents of Guantanamo Bay as part of a workshop sponsored by Guantanamo Bay’s Denich G
the Armed Forces Entertainment tour at Denich Gym, Feb. 4. MMA has taught me so much. Respect and honor
8 http://www.jtfgtmo.southcom.mil/xwebsite/index.html
TMO
Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Hiler/The Wire
t UFC fighter, watches as Guantanamo Bay
atives techniques at Denich Gym, Feb. 4.
y own limitations. And not to be
mitations.”
ns the chance to practice fight-
ter was a bucket list item now
t was something distinctive that
do not typically get to do during
athlete tours. There are some parallels between
comes here, he’s not gonna
MMA fighters and Service members,
If an NBA player comes here,
t hoops with you,” said light but you guys are the real deal.
Kyle Kingsbury. “We are here You guys are in war zones, you
s. For everyone that gets on are dealing with serious bad guys.
u will get one these shiny black We’re just locked in a cage for 15
ubmit Nate Quarry, he will give
minutes. The real difference is we
back.”
don’t have bullets flying at our
heads, just punches and kicks.
Mike Pierce
UFC mixed martial artist
Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Hiler/The Wire
ngsbury sweeps his opponent’s leg around as he
uring a demonstration of combatives techniques at
Gym, Feb. 4.
The Wire · February 14 9
Army Sgt. Jay Lenderman, right, military police with the 189th Military Police Company, 525th Military Police Battalion, runs past an opponent during the 525th’s Bataan Memorial Death
March tryouts, Feb. 7, at U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The goal of Soldiers who participated in the tryouts was to earn a spot on the five-person team that the 525th will send
to the annual Bataan Memorial Death March in White Sands, N.M.
Marching through the GTMO hills
Soldiers compete for spot at Bataan Memorial Death March
Story and photos by Sgt. Cassandra Monroe The 525th Soldiers took a trek through the base, starting and
Staff writer, thewire@jtfgtmo.southcom.mil ending at the 525th headquarters. Throughout the route the
participants marched to the top of John Paul Jones hill, across
Soldiers with the 525th Military Police Battalion ruck the ridgeline trail, and along the winding road to Windmill
marched their way through the hills of U.S. Naval Station beach.
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Feb. 5-7, during the 525th’s Bataan “Planning the route took time and a lot of thought and
Memorial Death March tryouts. effort,” said Webb. “I wanted to make the course challeng-
The tryouts were held in order to put together a team of ing and tough enough to weed out the Soldiers that were not
five to send to the march held March 23, in White Sands, serious about this. I walked this course four times prior to the
N.M. event and it’s tough.”
The Bataan Memorial Death March is held once a year The goal for the tryouts was to see which Soldiers would
and consists of a 26.2 mile course and a 14.2 mile route. The finish the race the fastest and place in the first five slots. The
course is a challenging march through difficult desert terrain weight of their ruck also went into the determining factor. The
and is conducted in honor of the heroic actions made by weight of the ruck must pass as the same weight before the
Service members who defended the Philippine Islands during march began.
World War II, many of which sacrificed their freedom and Thirty total Soldiers, 28 male and two female, participated
their lives. in the march. The Soldiers that placed and will be sent to the
“I think that this event pays tribute to the fallen men that death march in New Mexico are as follows: From first place
suffered at the Bataan so many years ago,” said Sgt. 1st Class to fifth place, Sgt. Ryan Padgett, HHC, 525th MP BN; Staff
Craig Webb, operations noncommissioned officer for Head- Sgt. Michael Ovalles, 491st Military Police Company; First
quarters and Headquarters Company, 525th MP BN. “For Lt. Daniel Baker, HHC, 525th MP BN; 2nd Lt. Cody Simula
Soldiers to go out knowing a little bit of the history of this, (female), 189th MP Co.; and Sgt. Terrence Robinson, 189th
and the ‘why,’ makes it even more important.” MP Co.
10 http://www.jtfgtmo.southcom.mil/xwebsite/index.htmlSpc. Crystal Pittman, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 525th Military Police Battalion, and Spc. Adam Leighty, enlisted aide to the Joint Detention Group commander, also with
HHC, 525th MP BN, march in a battle buddy team during the 525th’s Bataan Memorial Death March tryouts, Feb. 7, at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The goal of Soldiers who participated in
the tryouts was to earn a spot on the five-person team that the 525th will send to the annual Bataan Memorial Death March in White Sands, N.M.
A previous team from the 525th tryouts meant representing his company from our organization, other officers,
placed first in the military co-ed heavy- positively. noncommissioned officers, and Soldiers
weight (ruck) division. This new team “It makes me feel proud, I was glad of different MOS’s and skill sets. I think
will be competing in the same category I was able to [place first,]” he said. it’s a unique experience to be able to go
this year. “Hopefully we can win again this year. especially from somewhere like Guanta-
For Padgett, placing first in the It’s a good chance to meet other people namo Bay, Cuba.”
The Wire · February 14 11SFports
eed
Troopers share heart-healthy dates from afar
By Staff Sgt. Lorne Neff
Staff Writer, thewire@jtfgtmo.southcom.mil
Thirty runners pressed foot to pavement something together,” said Olivia, via he’s my sweetheart and told him that he
the morning of Feb. 7, to run four miles e-mail. could walk it if he wanted to,” said Navy
around Joint Task Force Guantanamo. “I sure wish I was running in the reservist, Petty Officer 2nd Class Janice
As fun runs go, this was a sweetheart of warm sunshine. I had to deal with the 20 Mason, a request for information manager
a race. degrees, snow and slush-filled streets of for the JTF. “They have an inside track
The run was coordinated by Navy Lt. New Hampshire,” she said. at Little Rock Air Force Base, so he’s
Cmdr. Cynthia Holland, deputy director Not everyone’s Valentine had to run in walking the four miles with me. He’s with
for personnel and manpower. Her the cold weather. me in spirit.”
husband, Guy, ran the Fredericksburg, “I told my husband I signed up for it; Scott Mace, a JTF team member, didn’t
Va., “Sweethearts 4ever 4 mile have to be separated from his family;
run”the same day. he ran with his 10-year-old daughter,
“I wanted to open it up to Sydney.
couples and others who are “I came out to support the troops
separated and enjoy running,” and do the run with her, she’s my
said Holland. “I just thought it sweetheart,” said Mace.
would be a special tribute to all Even the winner, Coast Guard
the sweethearts who are separated Reservist, Lt. Josue W Roman, a
by the deployment.” support officer with the MARSECDET,
Holland said doing the run was had long distance support. His friend
actually her husband’s idea, but it and her sister said they would run
blossomed to a community-wide four miles in upstate New Hampshire.
event for the JTF. Roman finished the race in 27 minutes.
“This is my second deployment Finishing behind Roman, in second
and I’m running with my place, was Air Force Capt. Preston
daughter who is an Army nurse,” Goodrich, officer in charge for the Joint
said Coast Guard reservist, Personnel Center, with a time of 29:13,
Lt. Cmdr. James Lovenstein, and Marine Sgt. Maj. Juan Hidalgo
engineering officer for the Jr., JTF GTMO senior enlisted leader,
Marine Security Detachment. finished third with a time of 29:28.
His daughter, Olivia, is a nursing “This was a true joint experience,”
student at the University of New said Holland, who noted that the fourth
Hampshire. She ran the campus. and fifth place finishers were Navy and
“Being able to do a race Army, marking all five services in the top
together, although many miles five spots.
away, it was a great experience Holland gave the top finishers ceramic
to know that we were doing medals she made herself.
Photo by Staff Sgt. Lorne Neff/The Wire
Scott Mace, a Joint Task Force Guantanamo team member, ran the
“Sweethearts 4-ever four-mile run” with his 10-year-old daughter, Sydney,
Feb. 9, at Camp America, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The run shadowed a
similar event in Fredericksburg, Va. the same morning.
Navy Reservist Lt. Cmdr. Allen Linken Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. James Lovenstein and
and his wife Lauren form a heart that his daughter, ROTC Cadet Olivia Lovenstein,
linked Cuba and Connecticut Feb. 9. pose for post-race pics at GTMO and snowy
New Hampshire
12 http://www.jtfgtmo.southcom.mil/xwebsite/index.htmlGuardsmen represent U.S. at Sochi Olympics
Staff Report
Compiled by reports from DoD News Services
With 230 athletes picked to represent the United States The coaching staff includes New Yorkers Staff Sgt. Bill
Olympic Team, nine of them also wear the U.S. Army uniform. Tavares, who will make his sixth Olympic appearance; Virginia
And of that small team of Warriors, eight are Citizen Soldiers National Guardsman 1st Lt. Michael Kohn, a two-time
assigned to National Guard units in New York, Kentucky, Utah competitor and debut as assistant bobsled coach; and skeleton
and South Carolina. coach Sgt. 1st Class Tuffield “Tuffy” Latour of the Vermont
When the American bobsled National Guard.
barrels down the ice this weekend, For Mortensen, the journey to the
it will carry New York Guardsmen Olympics has taken more than half of his
Sgt. Justin Olsen, 26, a 2010 life.
bobsledder and gold medalist; 2010 “I have been actively trying to make this
Olympic bobsledder Sgt. Nick Olympic team for 16 years now,” he said.
Cunningham, 27, and Kentucky Mortensen credits his military training
National Guardsman Sgt. Dallas with helping him reach his goal of
Robinson, 31. The sled will also becoming an Olympian.
have 2010 Olympic bobsledder Being competitive at this level of sport
Capt. Christopher Fogt, 30, on takes commitment, motivation, and hard
board. work, Mortensen said. And he was up to
The luge team includes 2006 that challenge.
Olympic luger Sgt Preston Griffall, 29, a Utah National As a soldier, an athlete, and as an individual, “it is an
Guardsman and Sgt. Matt Mortenson, 28, a New York incredible honor to be representing the United States in the
Guardsman. Olympics,” he said.
The Wire · February 14 13Who’s looking for a delicious side
dish? These Loaded Hasselback
Potatoes make a perfect side dish
for your weeknight dinner (or are
just as delicious on their own, for
you carb-o-holics.) I used Chung-
Ah’s recipe at www.damndelicious.
com (GREAT website for really
simple but delicious recipes) for
inspiration for each delightful
loaded bite of these potatoes.
Preheat oven to 400 F.
Using a sharp knife, make cross-
wise cuts in each potato, (you’ll Loaded Hasselback Baked Potatoes
need 4 russet potatoes,) about
1/8-inch apart, stopping about 1/4
inch from the bottom.
Add butter slices to between
the cuts; season with salt and pep-
per, to taste.
Transfer potatoes to a baking
sheet. Place into oven and bake
until the outsides are browned and
crisp, about 1 hour.
Spread 1 cup of shredded
cheese between all of the pota-
toes, and bake until melted, an
**
additional 5 minutes.
Heat a large skillet over medium
high heat. Add 4 slices bacon, and
cook until brown and crispy, about
6-8 minutes. Transfer to a paper p.s. As my deployment comes to a
(one last thing)
close, I just want to thank the
towel-lined plate. After they’re cool, Guantanamo Bay community for all
dice the bacon into bits. I want to hear from you! Did you try my recipe
of their support for these meals! It
was a really fun column to write and
Serve potatoes immediately, and loved it? Did you try my recipe and hated
take part of. As I redeploy home,
it? Well... that’s too bad but email me anyways!
topped with sour cream, diced If you have a recipe you’d like for me to try,
feel free to find me on pinterest or
twitter and follow my journey with
bacon and chives- or add extra contact me! cassandra.l.monroe@
food and recipes!
jtfgtmo.southcom.mil
cheese, like I do. Cheese is the best!
14 http://www.jtfgtmo.southcom.mil/xwebsite/index.htmlLife On
The Bay
THE DIVE By Army Sgt. Kenneth Tucceri
Chaplain’s ext. 2218
Happy Valentine’s Day
Iggy. I love you!
I love you too B. Rat!
Happy Valentine’s Day.
“Time”
Time is a limited and precious commodity
given to each of us. We have no guarantee of a
certain amount of it. Make the most of every
minute, every hour, every day.
Two years later... Seriously mom and dad?
What the heck!
Air Force photo by David Bedard/DVIDS
Facebook
/jointtaskforceguantanamo
Sgt. 1st Class Gina Vaile-Nelson Sgt. Cassandra Monroe Spc. Lerone Simmons
The staff of “The Wire”
would like to thank all the
Service members who have
allowed us into their lives.
We have enjoyed watching
your dedication and appre-
ciate being able to tell your
story. Thank you!
Capt. Brian Pennington Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Hiler Staff Sgt. Lorne Neff Sgt. David Bolton
The Wire · February 14 15BBack
urner
Looking for something to do this weekend or early next week? Check out these events:
The Bowling & Burger Bar will
TRIPLE B
be holding its Grand Opening
on Thursday, February 20 at
11 a.m. at the Marblehead
Lanes. Come out and see our
new menu!
Ping Pong
Tournament
“Less talkie-talkie, more ping pong!”
Camp America Liberty Center
d O pe nin g
Thursday, Feb. 20 at 7 p.m.
For more information call ext.2010
Gr an
Army Sgt. Katie Higgins caught this sea turtle as it emerged from the coral reef and headed for
Girl Scout Beach, Jan. 26.
Send your best photos to thewire@jtfgtmo.southcom.mil
16 http://www.jtfgtmo.southcom.mil/xwebsite/index.htmlYou can also read
