vol. 65 no. 18 friday, may 2, 2008 concert honors fallen...

Friday, May 2, 2008Vol. 65 No. 18

Concert honors fallen heroes

CONGRATS MASTER CHIEF — ITCS(SW/AW) Amanda Alston was frocked to the rank of masterchief petty officer at a pinning ceremony performed byNAVSTA Executive Officer Cmdr. Sylvester Moore andNAVSTA Command Master Chief Keith Carlson April30 at Bulkeley Hall.

Photo by MC1 Robert Lamb

Story, photo by MC2 Kimberly Williams

NAVSTA Public Affairs

GTMO residentspaid tribute to fallenheroes with the 'Saluteto Fallen Heroes' con-cert at the Windjam-mer Ballroom April 25.

The benefit was theidea of Army Pfc.Mercedes Diaz whoplanned the event andit was sponsored bythe Guantanamo BayAfrican American As-sociation.

“The Fallen Heroesconcept stemmedfrom the fact that Diazdoes non-profit workback in her hometownBoston, so she

thought it would be agood idea to do a ben-efit concert as a wayto give back,” saidArmy Sgt. LavelleJones, event master ofceremonies. “It is im-portant to increaseawareness about whatfamily members mayhave to deal withwhen they lose a lovedone,” said Jones. “Weare service membersand may have person-ally been affected bythis situation. It is niceto be able to help some-one else that may be inneed.”

Jones explained thatit was important to se-lect a charity that is sig-nificant in assistingServicemembers’families affected by theloss of a love one inbattle.

All proceeds fromthe benefit went to theIntrepid Fallen HeroesFund.

Pensacola nativeYeoman SeamanKatrina Mitchell, Na-val Station Guan-tanamo Bay (GTMO)Administration Depart-ment performed twosongs during the event

and explained her mo-tivation for supportingthe cause.

“This event showssupport for the troopsand that we are all herefor the same cause,”said Mitchell." I thinkwe should have moreevents like this in thefuture because it getstroopers from allbranches involved."

Concert headlinerAnjuli Stars, a musicianfrom the Berkley

School of Music inMassachusetts, flewto GTMO with backup vocalist ShakinahWilliams andkeyboardist ParisStrother to partici-pate in the event.

The group ser-enaded the audiencewith melodic hip hop,jazz and R&B tunesand ended their perfor-mance by givingthanks to allservicemembers for

their service.“We are thankful to

everyone that showedsupport for the event,”said Jones. “A warmheartfelt thanks goesout to all the local tal-ent that performed aswell as to Anjuli Starsand her crew for com-ing down to supportsuch a cause. Withoutthem this event wouldnot have been pos-sible."

Pfc. Mercedes Diaz rocks the crowd during her finalperformance at the 'Salute to Fallen Heroes' concert April 25.

Friday, May 2, 20082

Adm. William James Crowe Jr.

Navy News

Navy Reestablishes U.S. Fourth FleetStory by MC3 Alan Gragg,U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command Public Affairs

Chief of Naval Operations(CNO) Adm. Gary Rougheadannounced recently the rees-tablishment of U.S. 4th Fleetand assigned Rear Adm. Jo-seph D. Kernan, currentlyserving as Commander, Na-val Special Warfare Com-mand, as its first commander.

U.S. 4th Fleet will be re-sponsible for U.S. Navyships, aircraft and subma-rines operating in the U.S.Southern Command(SOUTHCOM) area of focus,which encompasses the Car-ibbean, and Central and SouthAmerica and the surroundingwaters.

Located in Mayport, Fla.,and dual-hatted with Com-mander, U.S. Naval ForcesSouthern Command(COMUSNAVSO), U.S. 4thFleet reestablishment ad-dresses the increased role ofmaritime forces in theSOUTHCOM area of focus,and demonstrates U.S. com-mitment to regional partners.

”Reconstituting the FourthFleet recognizes the immenseimportance of maritime secu-rity in the southern part of theWestern Hemisphere, andsends a strong signal to all thecivil and military maritimeservices in Central and LatinAmerica,” said Roughead.“Aligning the Fourth Fleetalong with our other num-bered fleets and providing thecapabilities and personnel area logical execution of ournew Maritime Strategy.”

U.S. 4th Fleet was originalestablished in 1943 as one of

the original numbered fleets,and was given a specific mis-sion. During World War II,the U.S. needed a commandin charge of protectingagainst raiders, blockade run-ners and enemy submarinesin the South Atlantic. U.S.4th Fleet was disestablish in1950 when U.S. 2nd Fleettook over its responsibilities.

Initially, the new 4th Fleetwill be headquartered withCOMUSNAVSO and take ad-vantage of the existing infra-structure, communicationssupport and personnel al-ready in place in Mayport. Asa result, U.S. 4th Fleet willnot involve an increase inforces assigned in Mayport.

”This is a significantchange and presents us theopportunity to garner theright resources for the mis-sions we run for SouthernCommand,” said Rear Adm.James W. Stevenson Jr. ,Commander, U.S. NavalForces Southern Command(NAVSO). “As a numberedfleet, we will be in a betterposition to ensure the Com-batant Commander has theright assets available whenneeded.”

U.S. 4th Fleet Commanderwill retain responsibility asCOMUSNAVSO, the Navycomponent command forSOUTHCOM. Its mission isto direct U.S. naval forcesoperating in the Caribbean,Central and South Americanregions and interact withpartner nation navies withinthe maritime environment.

USS CARR— The guided-missile frigate USSCarr (FFG 52), pulls into Naval StationGuantanamo Bay April 26 for fuel and supplies anda few days of liberty. The Carr continued on a tourof the Caribbean immediately after leaving GTMO.


Commanding Officer.....................................................................................Capt. Mark M. LearyExecutive Officer..........................................................................................Cmdr. Sylvester MooreCommand Master Chief...............................................................CMDCM(SW/AW) Keith CarlsonPublic Affairs Officer......................................................................................................Bruce LloydMass Communication Specialist/LPO...........................................................MC1 Robert lambMass Communication Specialist/Editor................................................MC2 Kimberly Williams

The Guantanamo Bay Gazette is an authorized publication for members ofthe military services and their families stationed at U.S. Naval StationGuantanamo Bay. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official viewsof the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. Navy,and do not imply endorsement thereof. The editorial content is prepared,edited and provided by the Public Affairs Office of U.S. Naval StationGuantanamo Bay. Questions or comments can be directed to the PAO. TheGazette staff can be reached by phone at ext. 4502; fax 4819; by email [email protected]. Get the Gazette online at www.cnic.navy.mil/guantanamo

GGGGGazeazeazeazeazetttttteteteteteGuantanamo Bay

Vol. 65 No. 18

Various operations includecounter-illicit trafficking,Theater Security Coopera-

tion, military-to-military in-teraction and bilateral andmultinational training.

Friday, May 2, 2008 3

Navy/MarineCorps

Relief SocietyRadio-Thon

May 12 - 16, 20088 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily

Looking for Volunteers to DJ, take phonerequests and collect pledges.

FMI call Chief Thomas 4325 or 84175.

This event is a fund-raiser for NMCRSwhich helps servicemembers and their

families in their time of need.

Donations to the society may be used toassist servicemembers and their families in

times of emergency.

Sailors can again takeACT, General EducationalDevelopment (GED) andSAT exams beginning May 1at their local Navy CollegeCenter after Defense Activ-ity for Non-Traditional Sup-port (DANTES) officials gavethe authorization to restart thetesting.

Other Defense Activity forNon-Traditional Support(DANTES) paper-based test-ing for the Navy, both ashoreand afloat, has not resumed.Sailors may take these testselectronically at NationalTesting Centers (NTC) lo-cated worldwide on numer-ous military installations.

ACT, GED and SAT testsare available only on paper.

“It was very important tostart administrating thesetests again so our Sailors cancontinue their educationplans. We will continue work-ing closely with DANTES toreestablish these testingprivileges on shore and onships,” said Ann Hunter, vol-

untary education servicechief.

Sailors applying for theSeaman-to-Admiral (STA-21) program should contacttheir local Navy College Of-fice immediately to schedulethe appropriate exam, sheadded.

All paper-based DANTEStesting was halted in late Feb-ruary after tests were lost atsome Navy installations andships.

“The Navy is aggressivelypursuing electronic testingthrough on-base NTCs,”said Hunter. “The advantagesof on-base NTCs are numer-ous, but the most significantto our Sailors is that they areable to deliver the results ofthe test immediately.”

For more information calltoll free the Navy College callcenter at 1-877-253-7122 orgo to https://www.navycollege.navy.mil/.

For more news from Chiefof Naval Personnel, visitwww.navy.mil/local/cnp/.

National testing centersresume ACT, GED , SAT

Story by Sharon Anderson

Chief of Naval Personnel Pubic Affairs

The musical '''''SecrSecrSecrSecrSecreeeeets Evts Evts Evts Evts EverererereryyyyySmarSmarSmarSmarSmart Tt Tt Tt Tt Trrrrraaaaavvvvveler Shouldeler Shouldeler Shouldeler Shouldeler Should

KnoKnoKnoKnoKnow'w'w'w'w'opens May 9

at W.T. Sampson High SchoolTickets are $5 each

FMI call 2480


By Tami Faram

LIFELines

There are a few different routesto becoming a Navy or MarineCorps officer, but the road thattravels through Officer CandidateSchool (OCS) is one of the mostchallenging an individual can take.

NavyThe Navy’s OCS is a 13–weektraining course offered at NavalAviation Schools Command inPensacola, Fla., to individualsaged 19 to 35. OCS is physicallyand mentally demanding fromday one. A prospective OCScandidate must pass physicalrigors and emotional stress on adaily basis before he or she iscommissioned as an ensign inthe United States Navy.

There are three phases to theNavy’s OCS training program.

The first week is the indoctri-nation phase. During this time, stu-dents pass through medicalscreening, take the entry-levelphysical readiness test, receivetheir uniforms, and learn basicmilitary procedures. It’s also thenthat students learn to follow basicorders.

The second to 10th weeks oftraining are the officer candidatephase, in which students take thebulk of their academic courses andcompete for individual teamawards in military training, aca-demic performance, and physicalfitness. Academically, candidateslearn about naval history, organi-zation, and warfare, seamanship,navigation, damage control, engi-neering, administration, militarylaw, and naval leadership.

Their military training consistsof drill, physical fitness, inspec-tions, and ceremonies.

“The physical demands aregreat,” says Cmdr. Bob Kallio, di-rector of OCS. “Many candidatesarrive at OCS totally unprepared

OCS: The Road to Leadership

for the physical demands of thecourse, despite guidance fromtheir recruiters and a rather com-prehensive website that lists theentry and graduation requirementsand a conditioning program to pre-pare an individual for OCS. Theregimented life-style, 24 hours aday for 13 weeks, is not suitedfor everyone.”

Kallio says that even an undis-ciplined person can become moredisciplined with the help of the“very capable staff” of fleet lieu-tenants, recruit division command-ers, chief petty officers, and sea-soned Marine Corps drill instruc-tors. Each OCS class of 50 can-didates is led by these individuals,who shape them into qualified of-ficers. Each year, OCS graduatesand commissions about 1,200Navy ensigns who will serve inone of 14 officer specialties. Onaverage, 10 percent of the studentpopulation per year are women.

Ensign Suzanne T. Hubner wascommissioned from OCS in Oc-tober 2001. Following OCS, shecompleted another course, theBasic Officer Leadership Train-ing Continuum. From there shewas headed for Survival EvasionResistance and Escape Schoolbefore entering training for herdesignated area as a cryptologicofficer.

“The greatest award OCS be-stows is a great feeling of accom-plishment and self-confidence,”says Hubner. “You realize that youcan do just about anything.” Andwhen it comes to overcoming thechallenges of OCS, Hubner says,“OCS is only as difficult as youmake it. If you are physically pre-pared and ready to endure someinconveniences, you will survive.The best thing to do is to remem-ber your goals, your reasons forbeing there, and that it can’t lastforever!”

Marine Corps

To become a Marine Corpsofficer through the OfficerCandidate School program,prospective candidates attendtheir initial training course inQuantico, Va.

There are two types of studentsat Marine Corps OCS — those inthe Platoon Leaders Class (PLC)and those in the Officer Candi-date Class (OCC). PLC studentscan be freshmen, sophomores, jun-iors, or seniors in college who havenot yet received their degree, whileOCC candidates have alreadyearned their bachelors degreefrom college.

The OCC classes are con-ducted three times a year in Janu-ary, June, and October. OCC can-didates are put through the rigorsin one 10–week course, whereasPLC students evolve through twosix–week training courses or acombined 10–week course, bothof which are conducted at OCSduring the summer.

PLC and OCC class sizes aretypically 250 to 300 students, bro-ken into four to six platoons. Theplatoons train in a physically de-manding environment where sleepdeprivation, military tasks, andmemorization are constantlyforced on candidates to test theirability to handle stress.

Fifty percent of the MarinesOCS training involves leadershipevaluation, 25 percent is academic,and 25 percent is physical fitness.

Once OCS training is com-pleted, the candidates are com-missioned as second lieutenantsin the Marine Corps. From there,the newly commissioned officersattend another six months of rig-orous training at the Basic School,also located at Quantico. The Ba-sic School is a strict learning envi-ronment where officers learn howto lead Marines in peacetime andwar. After Basic School, the Ma-rines head to their Military Occu-

pational Specialty School to learntheir specific job in the MarineCorps. From there, they enter thefleet.

“We’re looking for well-rounded individuals who are goodin almost anything they attempt,”says Capt Greg Corbett, an Of-ficer Selection Officer (OSO) in-structor. OSOs are Marine Corpsofficers who educate prospectivecandidates on the Marine CorpsOCS program before they entertraining.

“We’re really developing lead-ers,” Corbett says. “We wantpeople who want to become lead-ers and are willing to accept chal-lenges.” He says every prospec-tive Marine Corps OCS candidateis encouraged to find an OSO intheir region of the country whowill meet with them to explainwhat the Marine Corps expectsof its officers.

Capt Anita Weissflach is anOSO located in Hyattsville, Md.Her region covers Maryland,D.C., Northern Virginia, and partsof West Virginia. Weissflach saidthat, like a recruiters office, shedoes get some people walking intoher office who are interested inOCS, but most of her prospec-tive candidates are collegegraduates or college students.

“I tell people the best part ofthis job [as an officer] is that youget to lead Marines,” she says.“Marines work hard and playhard.” She adds that, for her, an-other advantage to becoming aMarine was that she gained a “lotof responsibility at a very youngage.”

Members of the Navy’s en-listed ranks who are interested inattending OCS can apply throughtheir chain of command using In-struction OPNAVINST 1420.1.Chapter 7 of the instruction spe-cifically addresses OCS.

5Friday, May 2, 2008

SpouseEducation,Training &Careers

MilitaryHOMEFRONT wishes to offera Special Announcement for MilitarySpouses! The Department of Defense ispleased to announce the Operation RE/MAX new awareness campaign.

This campaign coincides with the CAApilot program co-sponsored by the De-partment of Defense and the Departmentof Labor, which will provide educationalbenefits to qualifying military spouses.

Operation RE/MAX is an employmentrecruitment program, targeting militaryspouses, retirees, injured veterans andother ex-military personnel. Volunteer RE/MAX brokers agree to attend on-base jobfairs, sponsor informative “recruitingevents,” provide personal mentoring andschedule training as needed.

All of these activities are provided atno cost to military participants.

The RE/MAX broker also provides in-formation on possible employment in thereal estate industry, to assist program par-ticipants in deciding upon a career path.

If interested in pursuing a real estatelicense, the broker can also provide de-tailed information on local licensing re-quirements. In many cases, classroominstruction for obtaining a real estate li-cense can be paid for by GI Bill benefitsor with new CAA funds.

New Awareness Campaign - OperationRE/MAX initiated a new awareness cam-paign earlier this year, when redesignedmarketing materials will be sent to mili-tary installations around the country.

This new awareness campaign coin-

cides with the CAA pilot program co-sponsored by the Department of Defenseand the Department of Labor, which willprovide educational benefits to qualifyingmilitary spouses.

These new Operation RE/MAX mar-keting materials contain an informativebrochure, a wall poster, an introductorybooklet for the installation and one forpotential program participants.

As part of the new awareness campaignthe Operation RE/MAX website is beingupdated and will include a recently pro-duced promotional video that features tes-timonials from successful program par-ticipants. The website should be online inMay.

RE/MAX Is committed to support ourmilitary families through Operation RE/MAX and is continuing to provide the re-sources that will bring more success inits second year.

For more information about this pro-gram or searching career centers go tohttp://cs.mhf.dod.mil/content/dav/mhf/QOL-Library/MilitaryHOMEFRONT/243282.html or check out the May edi-tion of Military Spouse Magazine.

Story provided byMilitary OneSource

CatholicDaily Catholic Mass Mon. - Fri. 5:30p.m. (Main Chapel)Vigil Mass, Sat. 5 p.m. (Main Chapel)Sun. Mass, 7:30 a.m. (JTF-TroopersChapel)Sun. 9 a.m. Mass (Main Chapel)Protestant (GTMO Chapel)Sat. 11 a.m. Seventh Day AdventistService (Room B)Sun. 5:30 a.m. Iglesia Ni Christo(Room A)8 a.m. Pentecostal Gospel Temple(Room D)9 a.m. LDS Service (Room A)10 a.m. Liturgical Service (Room B)11 a.m. General Prot. Service11 a.m. United Jamaican Fellowship(Bldg 1036)1 p.m. Gospel Service1 p.m. LORIMI Gospel Service(Room D)7 p.m. GTMO Bay Christian Fellow-ship (Fellowship Hall)Friday Religious Services1:15 p.m. Islamic Service (Room C)7 p.m. Jewish Service (FMI call 2628)

Religious Services/JTF Troopers Chapel

Catholic ServicesWed. 11 a.m. Spanish Mass (New)Sat. 6:30 p.m. Vigil Mass (PPI Chapel)Sun. 7:30 a.m. Sunday Mass (New)

Religious Services/Base Chapel

Sailor of the Week

"I never expected toget Sailor of theWeek. I always try towork my hardest. Itsa good feeling to beSailor of the Week."

Photo by MC2 Kim Williams

MASN Brett WilderNAVSTA Security


“Get out of your barracks room,"said Jeffrey Shaw, Morale, Welfare andRecreation (MWR) Liberty Center co-ordinator. "We at the Liberty Centersaverage about four activities per week.Some are re-occurring like the upcom-ing movie night every Saturday andbowling every Wednesday," said Shaw,"but some events are less frequent, likeour quarterly poker tournaments andmonthly overnight trips to Leeward.We're always looking for feedback, thatis how many of our programs have be-come so popular."

Shaw explained that MWR looks fornew ideas and that suggestions from thecommunity have turned into reality.

"If an idea or program doesn’t work,

From NAVSTA Public Affairs

Liberty program offersLiberty program offersLiberty program offersLiberty program offersLiberty program offersactivities for servicemembersactivities for servicemembersactivities for servicemembersactivities for servicemembersactivities for servicemembers

we will restructure it and try it again acouple weeks/months later. Trendschange fast here, especially with ayoung demographic such as ours, cus-tomer feedback is essential to keep thepulse of what is new and exciting."

He also added that residents shouldtake advantage of GTMO's beautifulclimate.

"Our weather and outdoors are ourassets and you can’t enjoy them ifyou’re a barracks rat," said Shaw. "Timeflies when your having fun, so you justhave to get out there and find it.”

Residents can participate in individual,co-ed or captains-cup team sports, of-ficiate sporting events, or coach.GTMO has several fitness facilities in-cluding G.J. Denich Gym, Marine HillGym and Camp America Gym.

There are also two pools located onMarine Hill and behind the Windjammer

where locals can play water sports.Four Liberty Centers, housed at DeerPoint, Camp America, Tierra Kay andMarine Hill, have for all sorts of dailyand weekly activities.

During the months of May and June,the Liberty Centers have 38 activitiesscheduled.

“We have gone from two centers sup-porting primarily non-JTF personnel tofour centers with heavy support for ourJTF servicemembers," said Shaw."When I arrived, we had a monthly pa-tronage at our Liberty Centers of aboutfive thousand. Presently, we see on av-erage about 20 thousand per month."

Additions to the Liberty centers in-clude Satellite TV, wireless internet ac-cess, bigger lounge areas, doubled thenumber of video game stations andgames and extended the 8mm movieprogram to all center from just one.

“The program participation is upabout 400 percent and the number ofprogrammed activities have more thandoubled. New programs include over-night trips, beach bashes, Last Buck par-ties, Golf outings, 3-on-3 basketballtournaments and much more," saidShaw.

GTMO residents take advantage of the beaches surrounding theisland and kayak around the Guantanamo Bay. The Morale,Welfare and Recreation Center offers several water sports andother activities for servicemembers in search of activities.

LIBERTYPROGRAM

MAY EVENTS

May 5 Cinco de Mayo Cruise 7 p.m.-GTMO Queen

May 7 Liberty at the Lanes 6 p.m.-Bowling Center

May 8 Night Fishing 7 p.m.- Marina

May 10 Midnight Movie - BulkeleyLyceum

FMI Call 2010


It’s almost peak moving season againfor military families, and Defense Depart-ment leaders want families to know newresources are available to help.

“Plan My Move,” soft-launched in latesummer, is the next generation of DoD’sMilitaryHomefront tools to provide an in-tegrated “e-moving” solution, officialssaid.

Moving to a new community can be astressful event for all service and familymembers,” Leslye A. Arsht, deputyundersecretary of defense for militarycommunity and family policy, said. “Thistool helps to ease that burden. It will putour servicemembers and their families indirect contact with those who can helpevery step of the way, from their currenthome and community to the new one.”

When the user enters the current loca-

tion, the new location and the departuredate into the new application, it generatesinstallation overviews, a three-month plan-ning calendar, valuable travel and arrivalchecklists, as well as important points ofcontacts and family program information,Arsht said.

The Plan My Move tool is designed tocoach servicemembers and their familiesthrough the entire moving process, step-by-step. And while most moving takesplace over the summer, it’s never too earlyto start a plan, Arsht added.

Special features of Plan My Move in-clude:

— A planning calendar with useful in-formation that can be customized to meetthe unique needs of each move;

— Decision tools, such as best com-munities to live in, best schools, and af-

fordable housing, based on data from mili-tary and civilian comparative communitystudies;

— “Smooth move” tips;— Special calendars for moving to or

from an overseas location; and— Information about moving with a

special-needs family member.In addition, families will be able to ac-

cess 55 directories of programs and ser-vices on installations worldwide, from thebarber shop to DoD schools to the familycenter; maps and driving directions tomost locations on the installation; over-views, photo galleries and must-know in-formation for each installation included inthe database; current local weather con-ditions; and extensive local communitypoint-of-interest information.

DoD announces newrelocation tool for familiesStory by Barbara Goodno

Special to American Forces Press Service

8 Friday, May 2, 2008

The Guantanamo Bay(GTMO) Sexual Assault Vic-tim Intervention (SAVI) pro-gram held a 3-on–3 basket-ball tournament April 26 atG.J. Denich Gymnasium.The event was held to recog-nize Sexual Assault AwarenessMonth.

SAVI Program Coordina-tor James Mandley used theevent to increase awarenessamong the GTMO communityabout the occurrence ofsexual assault and its preven-tion.

He stated that the majorityof assaults in GTMO involvedthe misuse of alcohol.

“Sexual assault does happen… it is a crime and when yousee inappropriate behaviorphysical and verbal, take someactions [and] intervene,” saidMandley. “The worst thing aperson can do is ‘nothing’.“The best prevention is edu-cation … learning the risk fac-tors so as not to put yourselfat risk,” said Mandley.

According to the Rape,Abuse and Incest Nationalwebsite, almost 2/3 of rapeswere committed by someoneknown to the victim.

“I just tried to think of anactivity that would attractpeople … and basketball

SAVI hosts 3-on-3 basketball tournamentStory, photos by MC2 Kimberly Williams

NAVSTA Public Affairs

Sports

seemed to be a [good option],”said Mandley.

The tournament consistedof eight teams ranging fromhigh school students to mili-tary officers. The top threeteams won prizes includingathletic bags with water bottles,a book of NEX coupons T-shirts and three certificates fordinner at NAVSTA Command-ing Officer Capt. MarkLeary’s house.

‘Team Docs’ won the over-all tournament beating ‘TeamGoon’ 15 – 10.

“I think the event was greatbecause it brought awarenessto the base about sexual as-sault and that everyone is re-

sponsible for trying to limit thecauses leading to assault,” saidNavy Diver 2nd Class ClessieSimmons, member of ‘TheDocs’. “I definitely would par-ticipate in another event likethis. It is always good to getinformation out to everyone tochange old ways of thinkingabout sexual assault. I think theSAVI did a great job in the pro-duction of the 3-on-3 and theway he gave a speech on sexualassault before the event startedwas a really great idea,” saidSimmons.

To volunteer for the SAVIprogram, contact the Fleet andFamily Support Center 4141.

'Team Docs' member Clarence Lampkin drives through thelane for a layup during the GTMO SAVI 3-on-3 basketballtournament April 26 at G.J. Denich Gymnasium. The eventwas held to recognize sexual awareness month to inform baseresidents about the causes and prevention of sexual assault.

James Mandley educates the audience about sexualassault issues prior to the start of the 3-on-3 tournamentApril 26.


Center for Disease Controldiscusses childhood vaccinesStory provided by Navy One Source

A recent opinion column “GiveUs Answers on Vaccines” byDavid Kirby in the Atlanta Jour-nal-Constitution, which misinter-preted available information abouta case before the National Vac-cine Injury Compensation pro-gram, may have parents wonder-ing what is best for their childwhen it comes to immunizations.That is unfortunate, given that ournation’s childhood vaccines arevery safe and are proven to pro-tect and save lives.

Parents should know thatCDC, along with other agenciesin the U.S. Department of Healthand Human Services and the widerange of scientists and health pro-fessionals involved in the nation’simmunization programs take se-riously questions and concernsrelated to vaccine safety. Further-more, our efforts in vaccines, de-velopmental disabilities and thehealth of children go far beyondour professional interests- asmany of the dedicated profession-als involved are also parents andgrandparents.

Mr. Kirby’s column includedmany inaccuracies related to child-hood vaccines. As such, it illus-trates that when it comes to im-munizations, child developmentand specific medical conditionsthe best source of guidance is thechild’s health care provider. Par-ents should not be reluctant to asktheir child’s doctors or nursesabout any health concerns, includ-ing immunizations. Vaccines areoften given early in life in order toprotect against diseases that canseriously harm infants and youngchildren. The joint immunizationrecommendations of CDC, Ameri-can Academy of Pediatrics andAmerican Academy of FamilyPhysicians do recognize there are

instances when a child should notreceive a recommended vaccineor when a recommended vacci-nation should be delayed. Thosedecisions, however, are best madein consultation with the child’sdoctor.

As the column correctly noted,vaccine injury cases are oftenhandled through the National Vac-cine Injury Compensation pro-gram administered by HHS’Health Resources and ServicesAdministration (HRSA). This pro-gram is charged with determin-ing whether a claimed injury meetspre-established criteria or if vac-cination may have contributed toa child’s serious medical or healthcondition. If such a determina-tion is made, the program worksto provide timely and compas-sionate compensation.

Since 1988, HRSA’s vaccineinjury program has provided com-pensation in about 2,100 cases,including some that have involvedvaccines and encephalopathy (in-jury to the brain). While Mr.Kirby’s column suggested other-wise, to date, this program hasnever determined in any case thatautism was caused by a vaccine.In comparison, during this sametime period about 100 millionAmerican children received rec-ommended childhood vaccina-tions, and cases of vaccine pre-ventable diseases in the U.S. havedecreased to record or nearrecord lows.

Recently, mitochondrial disor-ders have become the focus ofmedia attention with respect tovaccine injury compensation. Mi-tochondrial disorders, which oc-cur very rarely in children, arebelieved to be genetic. Childrenborn with these disorders oftenappear normal through the first

years of life. When placed undersevere stress from such things asinfections, fever, dehydration,malnutrition or lack of sleep, chil-dren with these disorders oftenexperience loss of some brain andnervous system functions.

Some have suggested that in-fants and children be screened formitochondrial disorders beforegetting recommended vaccina-tions. Unfortunately, mitochon-drial diseases are very difficult todiagnose and it is usually not pos-sible to identify children with suchdisorders until there are signs ofdevelopmental decline. A defini-tive diagnosis often requires mul-tiple blood tests and may also re-quire a muscle or brain biopsy (re-moval of a portion for testing,usually under anesthesia). There-fore, providing routine screeningtests on children who have nosymptoms would bring othermedical risks and raise many ethi-cal questions.

At present, we do not knowdefinitively if vaccines can trig-ger neurological or developmen-tal declines among children withmitochondrial disorders. We doknow, however, that infectionscan cause neurological and devel-opmental declines among thesechildren—and we also know thatchildhood vaccinations protectchildren against some of the sameinfections known to cause devel-opmental decline among childrenwith mitochondrial disorders.These include vaccine-prevent-able diseases like measles,chickenpox and influenza.

In the case of children with mi-tochondrial disorders, we do notyet have sufficient evidence tomake general immunization rec-ommendations. Physicians whocare for children with these dis-

orders usually recommend thatthese children receive their child-hood vaccines, but depending onthe child’s health status or medi-cal condition, they may changewhen those vaccinations are pro-vided.

We recognize that develop-mental disorders whether relatedto mitochondrial disease, autismor other causes are a serious chal-lenge for many families. In thecase of autism, CDC has activelysupported vaccine safety researchin this area. To date, the best sci-ence indicates that there is no as-sociation between vaccines andautism. As part of our efforts tofoster understanding of autism,CDC is currently conducting thelargest study to date designed toidentify potential autism causesand risk factors.

We recognize that much of thesuccess of our nation’s immuni-zation efforts comes from thetrust of parents. We do not takethat trust lightly. Rather, CDC,FDA and other HHS agencies arecontinually working to expandefforts in vaccine safety researchand science as well as clinicianand parent input and involvement.Like parents, we want the bestinformation possible when itcomes to protecting and ensur-ing children’s health.

Our nation’s high immuniza-tion rates are the reason why veryfew children suffer from vaccinepreventable diseases that, in thepast, used to harm them in largenumbers. These high rates showthat parents realize the importanceof childhood vaccinations. CDCis committed to maintaining thathigh level of support as well asmaking sure all our efforts areworking to foster the health ofchildren.


MWRHappenings

DoDoDoDoDowntowntowntowntowntown Lwn Lwn Lwn Lwn Lyyyyyceumceumceumceumceum

Friday, May 2College Road Trip8 p.m., PG, 83 min.10,000 B.C.10 p.m., PG-13, 109 min.

Saturday, May 3Penelope8 p.m., PG, 83 min.The Bank Job10 p.m., PG-13, 110 min.

Sunday, May 4Vantage Point8 p.m., PG-13, 84 min.

Monday, May 5Nim's Island8 p.m., PG-13, 96 min.

Tuesday, May 6Definitely Maybe8 p.m., PG-13, 112 min.

Wednesday, May 7Semi-Pro8 p.m., R, 90 min.

Thursday, May 8Witless Protection8 p.m., R, 90 min.

.

.

A car dealer with a dodgy past and newfamily, Terry has always avoided major-league scams. But when Martine, a beau-tiful model from his old neighborhood,offers him a lead on a foolproof bank hiton London’s Baker Street, Terry recog-nizes the opportunity of a lifetime. Martinetargets a roomful of safe deposit boxesworth millions in cash and jewelry.

Generations ago, a witch placed a curseon the Wilhern family that would result inthe next girl being born into the clan hav-ing the face of a pig. For generations, onlysons were born into the family, until ap-proximately twenty-five years ago, whenPenelope was born, stricken with thecurse. The curse can only befted if one ofher own learns to love her, which is inter-preted by her parents to mean a blue-blooded.

Armed Forces Entertainment Presents:Soul Motion

INOBE

May 2nd - Tiki Bar - 2100

USO Meet and Greet with BRADLEYCOOPER

May 2nd - Camp America 1530, MarineHill Liberty Ctr 1630,

Goat Locker 1800

May 3rd -NEX Atrium 1400, Deer PointLiberty Ctr 1600,

Rick’s Lounge 1800

CINCO de MAYO

May 3rd

1800 to 2400 at the Bayview

Salsa and Guacamole w/French Chips,Roasted Pork Enchiladas, Tequila

Marinated Chicken, Mexican w/MexicanMole Sauce, Mexican Rice & Black Beans,

Grilled Corn on the Cob w/Garlic Butter andFresh Lime, Mexican Cornbread, ChocolateTres Leches Cake, Aqua Fresca Watermelon

Cost is $12.50

2008 SPRING 1/2 MARATHON

May 10th at 0600

Run starts at the Denich Gym

Sign up by May 9th

May participate individually or as a teamof two

FMI Call 77262 or email at

[email protected]

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH

1000 - 1400 At the Bayview

$11.50 for Mom

Full House $15.95

Children 6 & Under $7.50

Bank Job

Penelope

11Friday, May 2, 2008

(2) Sea and Sea underwater digitalcamera DX 8000G Islanderpackage. New! $1400. FMI call72900 or 77796.(2) internet DSL box with a powersupply for $60. FMI call 4519 or78690.(2) Wooden Futon w/ magazine,linen storage $150. Wooden Twinbunk bed set, upgraded mattresses,linens, and matching woodendresser $250. Glass-topped diningtable w/ dolphin base, 6 chairs w/sage covers $400. FMI call 77729/84716.(2) $250 Wii for sale with cables/documentation. No remote orgames. FMI [email protected](2) FORTEC STAR 1.8m (6’) C/KU Band Prime Focus FTASatellite Dish. Good condition,needs LNB. $325.FMI call 77182 .(2) Spear gun, Biller 42, originalcondition, $125. FluorescentLight bulbs, 42 watt, 150 wattequivalent, brighten up yourhouse, $15 each. Red Patioblocks, 18”x18”, over 200, $1each, or $150 for all, you pick up.FMI call 75815.(2) Sony 32" Trinitron TV - $175,Sony 5-Disc CD Player - $50, SonyVCR - $15. FMI call 72073 or 77898.(2) Blue sofa, $100.00; Glass topend tables and coffee table,$75.00; 25" Color TV, $50.00;Panasonic 5 CD stereo w/oakstand, $100.00; Sony Discman w/speakers, $35.00. FMI call 75779or 2276.(1) GE Washer and Dryer, goodcondition, both for $50, FMI call77134.(1) 80 Gigabyte external HardDrive (USB) brand new, still in thebox, $75. 6 X-Box 360 games, Likenew, in the original cases, $120.Please call for titles. FMI call77828.(1)Bunk-bed over deskcombination. Mostly metal andwood …$50. Excellent condition.FMI call 77877.(1) Timex alarm clock radio withCD player and nature sounds.$30. FMI call 9834.(1) Sony 32" Trinitron TV - $150,Sony Surround Sound and SonyReceiver, $100. FMI call 72073 or77898.

Vehicles & Boats(2) 84 Honda Civic, 4-door, coldAC, excellent gas mileage, 170miles, runs very well. $1700. FMIcall 75517.(2) 1992 FORD Bronco 4X4, 2002factory 302 (10K) New paint(2003), 8000# bpr winch, towhitch, 2" lift.$7000. Avail May.FMI call 77198.(2) 2001 4 door Saturn sedan,good condition with working A/C, 83,000 miles asking $5000; 1993Toyota 4 Runner 4door, faircondition, 200k+ miles, runsgreat, great for GTMO asking$2500 FMI call 77793(2) 1998 Ford Contour, V6, 84kmiles, cold a/c, great interior, newbattery. Great family car. $5000.FMI call 72073 or 77898.(2) 24ft Tracker Pontoon, 60hpMerc BigFoot 4 stroke (superquiet). Medium densitypolyethylene pontoons, perfectfor salt water because they won’trust or corrode. Motor $5000,plastic pontoons and mountinghardware $4000, total package$9000. Having a boat so you cango diving or fishing any time youwant to, priceless. FMI call 74097.(1) 1989 Dodge Ram 250 truck,custom, dependable, goodcondition, $2,500 OBO. FMI call79599.(1) 2007 BMS Moped only 190miles, $1500. FMI call 77265.(1) 2003 Ford Taurus SE, V6, 49 Kmile, excellent condition, asking$9,500 OBO. FMI call 77134.(1) 1987 Bayliner Boat, 26 foot,Good condition and good trailer.$8,000, OBO. FMI call 3472.(1) Tractor mower, good shape.Please give offer, it’s like new.FMI call 3472.(1) 1992 FORD Bronco 4X4, 2002factory 302 (less than 10K) newpaint (2003), 8000# bpr/winch, towhitch, 2" lift. $6000, Final Price!FMI call 77198.(1) 1998 Ford Contour, V6, 84kmiles, cold a/c, great interior, newbattery. Great family car. $5000.FMI call 72073 or 77898.

(2) Practical Nurse, LGS-0620-05/ LGS-0620-06. FMI pleasecontact the Ministry Of Labor,Kingston Jamaica.(2) Materials Handler, LWG-6907-07; Management Analysis,LGS-0343-05 / LGS-0343-07/ LGS-

For Sale

Employment

Announcements

Yard Sales

Misc. Ads

Steve Doherty(Retired Steve)

NAVSTA Ombudsman84882/77239

[email protected] Schiltz

NAVSTA Ombudsman84792/78519

[email protected] Amaio

US Naval HospitalOmbudsman

Pager 72090 #[email protected]

OmbudsmanCorner

0343-09; Office AutomationTechnician, YB-0326-01.FMI call CNRSE forwardDeployed Detachment Office at4441 to 4822.(1) Business Manager, YC-0301-02, FMI call 4441.

(2) American Red Cross CPR &First Aid Course May 13 at 6p.m. FMI call 5060.(1) Plant Nursery openings areMay 3rd, 10th & 17th. ClosesJune & July reopen in August,FMI call 75806.

(2) Lost backpack: Two tonedbrown containing 4 High Schooltext books, two red folders and ayellow calculator. Last seen atthe AMC flight terminal April 8.Reward!!! FMI call 4152.(2) Wanted - local beginning tennisinstructor for small child. FMI call77650.

May 3: Paola Point 18. 8 a.m. - 11 amMay 3: Villamar 20A. 8 a.m.May 3: Caribbean Circle 34D. 7 -11 a.m.

Marine HillMarine HillMarine HillMarine HillMarine HillSubwaySubwaySubwaySubwaySubway

is now opis now opis now opis now opis now openenenenenMon - TMon - TMon - TMon - TMon - Thurshurshurshurshurs

& Sun& Sun& Sun& Sun& Sun10 a.m. -10 a.m. -10 a.m. -10 a.m. -10 a.m. -10 p10 p10 p10 p10 p.m..m..m..m..m.

Fri & SFri & SFri & SFri & SFri & Satatatatat10 a.m. to10 a.m. to10 a.m. to10 a.m. to10 a.m. tomidnightmidnightmidnightmidnightmidnight

Odyssey of theMind IndoorFlea Market

May 10, 2008

8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Elementary SchoolGymnasium

Cost: $10.00 pertable

FMI call

Karl Kuehner

GTMO School of DanceSpring Recital

7 p.m. at the WindjammerMay 9

Admission is free!

GTMO Happenings

MILITARY CHILD— Jasmine Old Chief leads a parade ofGuantanamo Bay children, parents and Child and Youth Programstaff members during the annual Month of the Military Childcelebration April 25. The event ended with picnic at the base librarywhere children performed their talents for the audience and enjoyedfree cotton candy and snowcones.

Photo by MC2 Kimberly Williams

SEA CADETS GET NEWHOME— Members of the GTMO Seacadets, the Chief Petty Officer'sAssociation, Facilities AssesmentTeam, NMCB 74 and several othervolunteers, gut and clean the old GoatLocker building which will serve as theSea Cadets new home. Maintenance tothe building will continue through theSpring.

Photo provided by Jennifer Botkins

Derek Sode, age 12, pitches a piece ofmetal into a dumpster at FerryLanding Beach during GTMO'sEarthday clean-up. Thirty-onehundred pounds of wood waste; 3720lbs. of metal and 5484 lbs.of generalrefuse were collected, totaling about6 tons of trash.


vol. 65 no. 18 friday, may 2, 2008 concert honors fallen...

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