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Friday, November 14, 2003Volume 4, Issue 10 www.nsgtmo.navy.mil/jtfgtmo

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By SPC Katherine L. CollinsServing as a unit for the first time, the Army

Reserve’s Detachment 15, 368th Military Intel-ligence Battalion arrived in Guantanamo Nov.7 to continue the mission of gathering intelli-gence to win the war on terrorism. The team ofinterrogators and analysts joined from locationsthroughout the United States to replace the out-going 260th MI Bn.

“I’m excited to be here,” commented oneunit member. “I work in law enforcement, andthis is a different side of what I’ve been trainedto do. I expect to learn a great deal from thismission.”

Another member added, “Knowing that I’mgetting the chance to perform the job for whichI joined definitely helped soften the shock ofbeing mobilized.”

“This is an extremely important mission. Iam at the halfway point in my career, and this isdefinitely the highest point so far,” expressed athird soldier from the 368th MI Bn.

The unit arrived in Guantanamo seeming tobear the military experience, teamwork, train-ing and mental focus needed to succeed.

The 368th MI Bn. first learned in July 2003

of its intent to mobilize. At that point, many sol-diers who would later become part of thedeploying unit had already trained together

building their unit cohesion. “Our collectivefour-day training period in May, which con-sisted of weapons qualification and a soldier’sskills competition, helped immensely in build-ing camaraderie and teamwork,” said unit com-mander, MAJ Bjorn Hauerbach.

As the California-based unit learned moreabout its Guantanamo mission, it sought theassistance of other interrogators and analystsfrom throughout the United States. Various mil-itary intelligence soldiers joined the unit, creat-ing Detachment 15, 368th MI Bn. For the firsttime in history, the battalion also called activeGuard Reserve soldiers to mobilize, due to itslimited number of part-time interrogators andanalysts who were not yet deployed.

“Although the unit is a collection of inter-rogators and analysts from throughout theUnited States, we are now very much one unitbecause we’ve been able to maintain unitintegrity through the mobilization and trainingprocess,” said Hauerbach. According to Hauer-bach, the unit was the first military intelligenceunit to actually mobilize directly to Guan-tanamo Bay from Fort Huachuca after complet-

See 368th MI Bn., page 4.

Photo by Spc. Katherine L. Collins

"Vanguard of the Pacific, Pirates of the Caribbean,"Det. 15, 368th Military Intelligence Battalion joins JTFGuantanamo to fight terrorism in Operation EnduringFreedom. The mission of this California-based unit isto gather and analyze all intelligence, a major keyleading to the destruction of terrorism and spread ofworld peace.

Teaming up for success: 368th MI Bn. joins Guantanamo

Page 2 Friday, November 14, 2003

JTF-GTMO Command

Commander:MG Geoffrey D. MillerJoint Task Force CSM:CSM George L. NievesPublic Affairs Officer:Lt. Col. Pamela L. HartDeputy PAOLt. Cmdr. Robert W. Mulac70th MPAD Commander:Maj. Jonathan P. DolanCommand Information Officer / Editor:1st Lt. Tracy L. SaucyCirculation: 2,100 copies

The Wire StaffThe Wire NCOIC: Staff Sgt. Patrick ClowardEditor:Spc. Rick FahrLayout Editor:Spc. Tommi MeyerStaff writers and design team:Sgt. Jolene StakerSpc. Katherine L. Collins

Contact us:From Guantanamo:5239/5241 (Local phone)5426 (Local fax)From CONUS:Com: 011-53-99-5239DSN: 660-5239Public Affairs OfficeOnline:http://www.nsgtmo.navy.mil/jtfgtmo

The Wire is produced by the 70thMobile Public Affairs Detachmentassigned to the Joint InformationBureau at Joint Task Force Guan-tanamo. This publication is printedunder the provisions provided inArmy Regulation 360-1 and doesnot reflect the views of the Depart-ment of Defense or the personnelwithin.

Trooper to Trooper

Out with the old, in with the new. TheJTF is constantly going through person-nel changes. Units are rotating throughthe JTF on a regular basis. As the newmembers from the 368th Military Intelli-gence Battalion and members from theAir Force arrive on Guantanamo, we wantto welcome them and thank them for join-ing the JTF-GTMO team. Troopers whoare being replaced can see that their timein GTMO is coming to an end. Soonthese members of the JTF who haveserved their tour will go back to the statesand reunite themselves with family andfriends. However, there is still some workto be done. They must ensure theirreplacements are ready to assume themission. The process the JTF is using toget newly arrived personnel prepared isthe right seat/left seat ride program. I askall leaders to supervise the execution ofthis program so that we do not take a stepbackwards as the changeover occurs.

A heartfelt thanks from all the troopersof the JTF goes out to those who willsoon depart Guantanamo Bay. Your timehere has made a difference as we continueto win the war on terrorism. The dedica-tion shown has laid the foundation forothers to follow. Soldiers from the 368thand the airmen from different staff sec-tions have made a valuable contributionto the JTF and improved the way we dobusiness.

Since 9/11, the nation has been at warwith a new foe, and the challenges con-fronting our military are more complexand varied than at any time in its history.Do not forget what you have learned here,because your experience and leadershipwill be needed again as we continue thisfight.

This week our nation observed Veter-ans Day. I’d like everyone to keep inmind that our successes today and in thefuture are a reflection of our past. Ourveterans and retirees left the military bet-ter than they found it. We must endeavorto do the same. It is also important wetake time to remember our heritage andpay tribute to our fallen comrades. Wecannot forget their contributions and sac-

rifices. The willingness to pay the ulti-mate price for our way of life is some-thing we can never take for granted. Weall have to energize our efforts to not passby mistakes. Deficiencies need to be cor-rected. Training needs to be realistic andhard. Soldiers need to be inspected.Height and weight standards must be met.Force protection must remain rigid. I amnot talking about a revolutionary way ofdoing business. These are the basics andthat’s how we make our military and thisJTF better each day.

All of you are doing an absolutelygreat job, and I hope you would share thatwith every trooper in the JTF. The JTF ismoving at a tremendous pace these days,and I'm not seeing any evidence of the"toad-in-the-road" syndrome. Our troop-ers are genuinely excited about the direc-tion our military is traveling, and weremain the best fighting force in theworld.

My confidence in the JTF is rewardeddaily when I view the caliber, enthusiasmand dedication of the troopers of thisorganization. I can't thank you enough forthe help you give me in taking care ofthem each and every day of the week.

HONOR BOUND!

CSM George NievesJoint Task Force CSM

JTF Guantanamo

By CSM George Nieves

Friday, November 14, 2003Page 3

The JTF has veteran troopers who arefollowing in the footsteps of other militarymembers in their family. Serving in themilitary is truly a family affair for some.

Father served inGuantanamo in late 40’s

COL Nelson Cannon, Vietnam veteranand JDOG commander, finds himself servingin the same place his father, retired NavyChief Petty Officer Regis Cannon, WorldWar II veteran, served during the late 40’s.

“He did this as a young man and here Iam walking in the same places. Of coursewith his passing it makes it that much morereal for me. I wonder if he ever thoughthis kid would be here,” said COL Cannon.Regis Cannon passed away while COLCannon was serving here at Guantanamo.

“When my dad passed I took my boysdown the street from the funeral home inmy Dad’s hometown to a monument aboutthe World War II, Korea and Vietnamguys. It’s not just those who died but thosewho served. All the boys in my Dad’sfamily served.”

COL Cannon credits his Dad with mak-ing him want to join the military. “Heinstilled in us the sense that you have toserve your country. It’s an honor and priv-ilege to serve,” he said. COL Cannonserved with the Marines for three yearsand with the Michigan Army NationalGuard for 26 years. COL Cannon’sbrother, David Regis Cannon, also servedin the military.

The family tradition continues on with thenext generation as well. COL Cannon’s son,Nelson Cannon Jr., served four years in theMichigan Army National Guard. Anotherson, Joseph Cannon, an ROTC candidate,will graduate from Michigan Tech Universityas an engineer and be commissioned into theactive Army Dec. 13.

COL Cannon said, “We don’t encour-age or discourage our sons in their choicesabout the military.” But he added, “I thinkeveryone should serve their country insome way, shape or form. There’s some-thing you can do.”

As far as his own career he said, “I’mgoing to stay as long as they’ll have me; Ithoroughly enjoy this; it’s important to me.”

Two brothers, two branchesof the military, two fates

2LT Charles Caruana, of the 177th MPBde. and a Gulf War veteran, joined theMarines because his brother, retired SPCMike Caruana, joined the Army. Joining adifferent branch of the service did not keep2LT Caruana from ending up within 30miles of his brother while both were serv-ing in the Gulf War.

2LT Caruana was a Marine corporalintelligence analyst, and SPC Caruana wasa Bradley driver for the Tiger brigade.Although geographically close they werelogistically separated due to missions.They never saw each other.

It was in a phone call home that 2LTCaruana learned that his brother had been

injured when the truck he was riding in theback of hit a land mine. He went directlyfrom the phone tent to his chain of com-mand to let them know he had to find hisbrother. They took him to the Red Cross.

2LT Caruana borrowed the chaplain’svehicle and started looking for him.Everywhere he went he was one day

behind his brother until his brother left.“My original intention was to fly homewith him. That’s what my parentswanted,” 2LT Caruana said.

2LT Caruana stayed in country for aboutanother month to finish the mission. He suf-fered from survivor guilt for awhile. “Mybrother got hurt, and I couldn’t do anything,”he said.

While the accident shattered both hisheels, SPC Caruana is walking again eventhough doctors originally told him he would-n’t. He would like to get back in the military.2LT Caruana is working on that for him.

2LT Caruana got out of the Marines andthen joined the Army National Guard. Hisbrother now jokes with him about being inthe Army and tells him it’s good he finallycame around.

Even though 2LT Caruana served 15 yearsas an enlisted member, he plans to serve a full20 as an officer. “I can get out in four yearsif I want, but in four years will I have accom-plished the goals that I want to accomplish asan officer, I doubt it.”

2LT Caruana admitted that at times hedoes feel that he is serving for both he andhis brother, but there is still some siblingrivalry. “I tell him I have to stay in until Ihave a medal higher than his purple heart.”

Father and son both servein Global War on Terrorism

SPC Anthony Wynands the III, TaskForce Falcon-Kosovo veteran of the 169thMP Co., attached to the 217th MP Co.,joined the military because of his father’s

See Tradition on page 4

Photo by SGT Jolene Staker

COL Nelson Cannon pauses before the stainedglass window of a sailor in the chapel to rememberhis dad, retired Navy Chief Petty Officer Regis Can-non, World War II veteran. Regis Cannon had toldCOL Cannon about this stained glass window heremembered from serving here in the late 40’s andasked him to see if it was still here.

“I tell him I have to stay inuntil I have a medal higherthan his purple heart.”

2LT Charles Caruana

Military service: It’s a family traditionBy SGT Jolene Staker

ing its training. “This helped a lotin keeping the team together andsimplifying and streamlining thewhole mobilization and train-upphase,” he said.

Hauerbach praised the unit’sunifying efforts. “We’ve tried tofocus on teamwork and selflessservice, and our accomplish-ments are evident. This unit hasdemonstrated more integrityand esprit de corps than unitswe’ve mobilized that were 100percent internal. I’m very proudof that,” he said. “This team-work has pulled us throughevery step of our journey, and Itotally expect it to continue,pushing us forward on our pathof success.”

In addition to these soldiers’experience together as a team,the unit boasts individual expe-rience that will serve as a greatasset. The 368th MI Bn. servedin Bosnia in 1996, and Det. 15contains a few Desert Stormveterans as well.

As a group of reservists, theunit also carries a set of civilianskills benefiting the unit in itsmission. According to Hauer-bach, many of the interrogatorshold law enforcement back-grounds. “Others who havedone well through the training

program thus far have market-ing and sales type jobs,” headded. “Both involve socialskills, which is necessary ininterrogating.”

In further preparation, theunit underwent extensive train-ing at Fort Huachuca, readyingit for Guantanamo’s importantworld mission.

As the unit begins its mis-sion in Guantanamo, it willundergo the standard right-seat/left-seat program with the260th MI Bn. “Each interroga-tion team has already puttogether a right-seat/left-seatschedule, in which they willobserve, then be observed, andthe schedules vary by job func-tion. This training will reallyjust be an extension of whatthey learned at the ISCT schoolbut now in a live environment,”Hauerbach said.

Hauerbach commented onthe unit’s goals for itself whilein Guantanamo. “The first andprimary goal is to maintain unitintegrity without letting that getin the way of the fact that oursoldiers will be split up into dif-ferent sections with differentmissions and have different[officers in charge],” he said. “Ithink it’s one that we can dobecause we anticipated thiseven before we arrived here. We

plan to informally gather onceeach week at Club Survivor andgather once each month for amore formal time of sharingabout how the mission isgoing.”

1SG Aaron Calvert, 368thfirst sergeant, added his visionfor the unit. “Our unit faces thechallenge of having a com-mander and first sergeant thatwill hold positions outside theunit as well as within,” he said.They will oversee the jointinterrogation group (JIG) aswell as their unit. “MentallyI’ve got my soldiers mixed inthe big picture of the JIG, andit’s my goal, my job, to makesure all the soldiers are gettingthe same equal treatment,”Calvert said.

“In addition, as the actingfirst sergeant, the key thing I’vebeen telling them since wemobilized is that there’s a lot ofimportant work to be done here,so we just need to stayfocused,” said Calvert. “I tellthem, ‘Our goal is to mix insome fun activities while main-taining technical proficiency inour jobs. The war may not beover by the time we leave here.If our country calls us to furtherduty elsewhere after here, wemust be ready to go with fullforce,’” he said.

“Another goal I have is tokeep their morale up by focus-ing them on the fact that thismission is a great growth oppor-tunity for them in their militaryprofessions. It is the first bigshow for most of the unit mem-bers, and they can learn a greatdeal from it,” added Calvert.

Hauerbach said he views theunit’s greatest challenges inGuantanamo as accomplishingmore with fewer personnel.“We’ll definitely overcomeboth challenges,” he assured.

Some of Hauerbach’s confi-dence is rooted in his predeces-sors’ Guantanamo experience.“Our battalion has quite a bit ofexperience here. We are thethird rotation. Another reasonDet. 15 has been able to pulltogether so quickly and easily isbecause our other battalionmembers have returned able toexplain all the little nuances ofthe mission in Guantanamo thattake a while to learn,” he said.“We’ve got many assets to workwith, and we received the besttraining we could get. We’reready to get the job done. We’llbuild on our predecessors’accomplishments. Then, whenthe time comes, we’ll pass thetorch and all we’ve learned tothe next rotation, and so on untilthe mission is complete.”

Friday, November 14, 2003Page 4

influence. Now father and sonare both away from home servingtheir country during the GlobalWar on Terrorism.

Wynands III said of his dad,“He motivated me to do it by giv-ing a lot of advice and showingme his armory and how thingswork. He let me know what toexpect and what to be hesitant of.”

SFC Anthony Wynands Jr.,of B Co., 368th Combat EngineerBattalion, is the motor sergeantserving in Kuwait. Wynands, Jr.left for his tour of duty whileWynands III was still stationed inKorea. Due to an illness he washome on convalescent leave, sofather and son had some time tovisit before Wynands Jr. returned

to Kuwait and Wynands III cameto Guantanamo.

Wynands Jr. and Wynands IIIgot more from Anthony WynandsSr. than just their name. WynandsSr. also served in the Navy.

Wynands III mother, DawnWaites, has served in the army asa ballistic meteorologist. She gotout soon after Wynands III’sbirth.

“She is proud of me. She ishappy because she wishes shewas in my shoes again, still in themilitary,” said Wynands III.

Wynands III is proud of hisheritage and the men’s steps hewalks in. He knows he is cutfrom the same cloth as hisgrandfather and father. “It’s so

Photo by SGT Jolene Staker

SPC Anthony Wynands III writes his dad, SFC Anthony Wynands Jr., who isserving in Kuwait as a motor sergeant for B Co., 368th Combat Engineer Battal-ion. Wynands III also has three younger sisters, mom, and stepmom to write.

368th from page 1

Tradition from page 3

Friday, November 14, 2003 Page 5

LTC Kathy Platoni, Psy.D.OIC, 1972nd MedicalDetachment (CSC)

Stress: Can't live with it, can'tlive without it. To be stress-free,one must also be dead. This isnot a recommended route.

Each of us requires a certainamount of stress simply toremain sufficiently awake andalert to function. In its more pos-itive aspects, stress does permitus to focus and to attend to infor-mation. Positive stress canenhance performance and lead tooperating at peak efficiency.

No Olympiad can win therace without some degree ofpressure to perform. Positivestress or “eustress” allows thebody to meet immediate and rec-ognizable challenges and then todecompress from these stressorsonce the challenge has been metor the task, completed. Many ofus do our best work under pres-sure. Just ask any procrastinator.With positive stress, one can

relax and enjoy what has beenachieved after the test has beenpassed and the threat or stressfulevent, confronted and overcome.This allows the individual todevelop the necessary physicaland emotional reserves to tacklewhatever stressful life eventsmay follow; a key element ofeustress.

Stress takes on a far morenegative connotation when anindividual stays stuck on highalert status, unable to unwindafter the stressor has been methead-on. In today's society andeven more so, during deploy-ments, there are a multitude ofextraordinarily stressful eventsand situations that exact atremendous toll and "push ourbuttons" to the point that ourresources rapidly deplete them-selves. Living life in a continu-ous state of high gear has becomethe norm in this pickle; businessas usual. Negative stress or dis-tress can become a deadly stateof affairs and seriously damage

our health, welfare, and qualityof life. Left untreated, stress cankill. Medical researchers esti-mate that 50 to 80 percent of allillnesses and disease processesare stress-related. These are stag-gering figures.

That familiar and unremittingbombardment with endless stres-sors can readily lead to any num-ber of physical or psychologicalailments.

Cumulative stress, whichoccurs over a prolonged periodof time, can be a setup forburnout; a state of completephysical and mental exhaustion.Over the long hall and withoutmedical and/or psychologicalintervention, an individual mayexpect to experience feelings ofhelplessness, hopelessness, andpowerlessness. The desire toseek a "geographic cure" maybecome overwhelming, butswimming to Miami is not thebest option. Burnout frequentlyleads to clinical depression andconsideration of self-destructive

acts or the intent to self-harm.Although the burden of stress

may be equivalent to that relent-less 500 pound gorilla on yourback, there are other alternativesfor casting off the beast. Stressmanagement is a choice andburnout is not a sealed fate.Make a bargain with yourself tobecome adept at more effectivecoping.

Practice relaxation strategiesin your everyday life. Make thisa creative art form. Genuine,bona fide relaxation calls for anacute awareness of your ownbasic and personal needs forquiet reflection and finding apeaceful sanctuary in your ownmind. Forget pretending that theneed for decompression fromstress does not exist. Seek socialsupports. Ride a bike. Take aTae Kwon Do class. Learn salsadancing. Realize that thisdeployment IS time-limited andwill come to an end. And most ofall, remember that the CombatStress Police are watching.

How to deal with the gorilla on your back

obvious. You see our picture together. It’s thesame face — it’s just a younger, middle age,and older version, he said.”

Third generation veteran isproud of his heritage

SGT Stephen Dennis, Dynamic ResponseOperation veteran, of the 169th MP Co.attached to the 217th MP Co., is the third gen-eration veteran in his family.

Both Norman Dennis, grandfather andWorld War II veteran, and Michael Dennis,father and Vietnam veteran, were in theArmy. SGT Dennis joined the Marine Corpsfirst and then the Army National Guard.Admitting that his grandfather and father’sservice motivated him to join, he said, “I feltlike I needed to prove to them that I could doit as well.”

Norman Dennis was in the cavalry when itstill had horses and then he served under Gen.George S. Patton in Africa. About his grand-father’s stories SGT Dennis said, “I love talk-

ing to him. He’s like my best friend.”Michael Dennis could have played triple

A baseball with the Pawtucket Red Sox. Histhinking was he wasn’t tall enough to make itin the majors so he’d just waste his time so hejoined the Army.

SGT Dennis credits his grandfather’s andfather’s military bearing for motivating himto respect the military lifestyle. “If I got introuble in high school I would stack woodwhen I got home. There was always a conse-quence for my actions and always structure,”he said. “They raised me well.”

“Always means more to me when I gohome to my grandparents’ and see my grand-father, my dad, and myself up on the top ofthe mantle,” he said. “That’s when my her-itage hits home.”

“The men they are made me the man I amtoday,” he said.

Photo by Angela Dennis

SGT Stephen Dennis, Dynamic Response Opera-tion veteran with father (left), former SSG MichaelDennis, Vietnam veteran, and grandfather, formerSSG Norman Dennis, World War II veteran poseafter SGT Dennis’s promotion ceremony where bothfather and grandfather pinned him. Norman Dennisreminded his grandson, “I still outrank you.”

Tradition from page 4

A handful of Air Force troopers, sup-porting Joint Task Force Guantanamo, willbe giving us a fond farewell in the nearfuture.

The small, but important contingent ofenlisted and officers deployed from vari-ous air bases around the United States willbe finishing up their deployment times tomake room for their replacements.

“The Air Force is a contributing servicelike the other services,” said MG GeoffreyMiller. “They bring a special skill set.They’re part of our intelligence capabil-ity.”

One of those serving is Master Sgt.Andy Davis, NCOIC of the StrategicMobility Office. Coming from Pope AirForce Base in North Carolina, he has noth-ing but good things to say about his timehere.

“The unit rotations were the highlightsof my time here,” he said, of the more than2000 military service members comingand going during the transfer of JTFGTMO’s rotations three and four in thepast few months. “The amount of work-load was amazing.”

Living and working in a joint environ-ment is a new experience for many of theairmen.

“You get to learn a lot about the otherservices,” said Staff Sgt. Todd Cook, whois deployed from Wright-Patterson AFB,Ohio. His job is to in-process newcomersas part of the Joint Personnel ReceptionCenter. “You get to see how what you do inthe Air Force compares to the other serv-ices and how they go about their day-to-day business.”

1st Lt. Imelda LeMasters, StrategicMobility Officer and Logistics ReadinessOfficer for the Strategic Mobility Office,has found that the change in workload hasbeen invigorating.

“I’ve loved it here. It’s been amazing,”she said. “I’ve learned things here that I’venever had a chance to learn at my homebase [in Travis, Air Force Base, Ca.].”

While the work for most is more thansatisfying, many task force troopers areenjoying the conditions off duty. Tentshave given way to hardened structures,including some renovated Navy family

housing units, and there are plenty ofactivities on the island to keep peoplebusy.

Quality living is one benefit Miller saidhe believes the people deserve. Due to hisinfluence, task force operations have comea long way since starting in January 2002with hasty built structures.

“… We worked very hard to ensure thatour commitment to the (troopers mirrored)their commitment to winning the globalwar on terror,” Miller said.

The more than 40 Air Force troops atGuantanamo Bay who are helping developintelligence and detaining enemy combat-ants are earning that support by making themission a success.

“We get to see real product from ourjob,” said Davis, who coordinates themovement of all JTF members in and offbase. “We usually don’t get to see the fruitsof our job, so it was great to be able to seehow we affect the people that transfer inand out of here.”

“They have deployed to the fight. Theyare a great team and they have made ahuge difference,” Miller said to Air Forcepersonnel deploying back to the U.S.“Whether they are in the J-4 or the J-1.Whatever helm you have come to do, you

have made a difference, and we are proudto have had you in the JTF. You’re part ofthe family. The great news is you’realways to feel welcome to come back tothis organization.”

Friday, November 14, 2003 Page 6

A Special Thanks to Air Force Troopers

Photo By SSG Patrick Cloward

Master Sgt. Andy Davis, NCOIC of the StrategicMobility Office, comes from Pope AFB, N.C., towork as the Logistics Readiness NCO for JTFGTMO

By SSG Patrick Cloward andMSGT Tammy Cournoyer

Photo by SGT Jolene Staker

SGT William Reed of B Co., 1st Bn., 181st Inf. Regt., readies his weapon during rifle qualification atGuantanamo Bay. This type of training is invaluable to the infantry troopers. "If we came into enemycontact, this training is definitely valuable," Reed said. Training conditions here have been shown tooffer a variety of experiences for troopers deployed. “It’s good to be able to train in a different environ-ment,” said SPC Jeff Chartier of B Co., 1st Bn., 181st Inf. Regt., “I’ve never shot at a range with anocean in the background.”

Taking aim for training success

Friday, November 14, 2003 Page 7

Trooper on the Street

SPC Cheryl Kingham177th MP Bde.

J-4 Maintenance

SPC Daniel Crouch 463rd MP Co.

J-DOG

Air ForceSSG Charles Ballard

J-4 Supply

"Getting myself physical-ly and mentally in shapeto perform my Job to thebest of my abilities "

Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class

Virginio TorresJ-4 Supply

"Learning there is morethan one way to completea mission, and that allbranch of service havesimilar ways to completea mission."

"How to work with differ-ent branches of the mili-tary, and that no matterwhat the difference is, weare doing the same job."

"How to work with differentbranches of the military.”

SPC Desiree Timothy14th Finance Det.

J-8 Finance

"This deployment is theonly place I will ever getthe type of training neededto help with the JTF mis-sion.”

By SGT Jolene Staker

While the 216th MP Com-pany out of West Memphis,Ark., is a fairly new MP com-pany, the troopers are definitelynot the new kids on the block.Even though this unit formedin September 1999, its mem-bers have been continuallyserving since 9/11, giving themthe experience of seasonedMPs. Their success at Guan-tanamo has been a combinationof training, experience andplain ole Arkansas pride.

“I think the troops are doingan outstanding job. I think thatwe’ve come a long way sincewe are a new MP company.Everybody has pulled togetherand they are performing themission outstanding — theyare doing a great job,” saidCPT Betty Anderson, companycommander.

The unit was activated sixdays after 9/11 to provide secu-rity at Camp Robinson, theArkansas National Guard head-quarters located in North LittleRock. The unit provided MPsto the Little Rock National Air-port and Arkansas NuclearOne, a nuclear plant. Some unitmembers were on active duty

up until three months beforethey were activated to go toFort Leonard Wood.

In October of 2002, the unitwas activated to provide home-land defense at Fort LeonardWood, Mo., From there theywent home for a short leave,trained at Fort. Dix, N.J., andthen forward mobilized toGuantanamo in August.

“The guys are doing a fan-tastic job, especially since thisis a second deployment. It’shard to stay motivated, but theyare. They know what they aredoing is important to ournation, and they give theirbest,” said SFC Terry Robin-son, unit first sergeant.

Training has been ongoingfor the 216th since its begin-ning. “We started from scratchwith no MP-qualified folks atall. Everybody had to gothrough training,” said SGTJeff Shehan, JDOG S-2.

While at Fort LeonardWood the unit picked up 95Cas a secondary MOS. Theytrained at Fort Dix on the mockdetention facility, which gavethem the realistic feel of whatthey would be doing at CampDelta.

Experience has also been a

vital role in the 216th’s suc-cess. While the unit has onlybeen a MP Company since1999, there has been a unit atWest Memphis since 1959.About 33 percent of the unitmembers were in the unit whenit was field artillery. Whatthese members couldn’t con-tribute in MP experience theyoffer in military experience andthe experience of knowing howto grow and adapt.

SGT William Suggs, B teamleader in 1st squad, 2nd pla-toon, is one of these seasonedunit members. “Being on thismission has given us the oppor-tunity to bond as a unit andshow the military and the restof the world that the 216th is aNational Guard unit that istotally mission capable andproud to serve,” he said.

Unit members are proud toserve and excited to be a part ofhistory. “Other than beingaway from family, I feel goodabout being down here. I’mglad I have this opportunity toserve my country and be a partof history,” said 2LT DerrickWilliams, 1st platoon leader.

As proud as they are to behere they are also ready to getback to their loved ones. If younotice that the razorback ontheir unit headquarters is faceda different direction than theirunit patch, it is because therazorback on the building isheaded home. “I want to makesure I take care of my troops,accomplish the mission andreturn home safely,” said SSGTony Robinson, training, plansand operation NCO.

Razorbacks: proud to serve

This week’s question: What have you learned since deploying to JTF Guantanamo?

By SPC William Ingram

Photo by SGT Jolene Staker

SSG Doug Newsom worked a month on the unit headquarter’s sign. “I justwanted people to know that Arkansas is here on the ground,” he said.

Friday, November 14, 2003Page 8

Worship ServicesCatholic

Main ChapelWed. 5 p.m. R.C.I.A. (Cobre Chapel)Fri. 5 p.m. RosarySat. 4:15 p.m. Confession

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

10:15 a.m. Spanish Mass (Sanct. B)M-Fri. 11:30 a.m. Mass (Cobre Chapel)

Camp AmericaSun. 5 p.m. Mass

Wooden Chapel

ProtestantMain Chapel

Mon. 7 p.m. Prayer Group Fellowship*Wed. 7 p.m. Men’s Bible Study*

7 p.m. Spanish Group390-Evan’s Pt

Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Home GroupNob Hill 5B

Sun. 6:30 a.m. Praise and Worship Service

9:30 a.m. Sunday School11 a.m. Service/Sunday School5 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

New Life Community FellowshipMain Chapel

Sun. 12:45 p.m. Service*

Penecostal GospelSun. 8 a.m. Service (Sanc C)

5 p.m. Service (Sanc C)

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day SaintsSun. 9 a.m. Sanctuary A

IslamicFri. 1 p.m. Classroom 12

Chapel Complex

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 following worship.

THANKSGIVING WORSHIP SCHEDULEChristian Thanksgiving Eve Worship ServiceNov. 26, 7 p.m. at Seaside GalleyThanksgiving Day Mass (Catholic)Thanksgiving Day9 a.m. at TFS-2 (the clam shell tent)

Serving members of the JTF com-munity here at Guantanamo, ChaplainFelix Abreu has taken his new callingseriously.

An ordained Catholic priest since1989 and a chaplain for the Puerto RicoNational Guard since January 1993,Chaplain Abreu speaks only in the hum-blest of terms about his life and service.

“I never expected to be at GTMOdoing this job that I was trained for,” saidAbreu. “It is just an amazing opportunity.”

Opportunities have been many thatAbreu has participated in. Serving as amissionary in Brazil, Guyana, France,Haiti and the Dominican Republic have

been part of his dedication to spreadingthe word. He has been able to take theseexperiences and apply them here.

“I have been in service twenty-oneyears practicing to do a job,” he said.“For me it represents the amazingthings of the Army. You do your bestwhile practicing and sometimes youthink you will never use some skills.Suddenly you find yourself somewheredoing what you never expected; but itfeels good knowing that I am ready forit.”

As one of the newer members of theJTF chaplaincy, Abreu sees his contri-bution as a significant one.

“The high points are being able toapply all the knowledge that I have,military and civilian, and put them towork with my fellow soldiers and civil-ians,” he said. “I can contribute withthem because as a civilian religiousperson and military chaplain I posses abig knowledge on spiritual and familymatters that can help soldiers if theycome to face any of these situations.”

As a counselor to many here on base,he understands the stresses and emo-tional strains many troopers experiencebeing separated from their loved ones.

“As we have stated before, one ofthe big challenges is being away fromthe family. I have been able to addressit by having a strong and well-organ-ized mind supported by my beliefs andmoral values,” he said. “Taking care ofmy family by preparing them prior tomy departure and following up. Ialways make sure I do the things in away that keeps me out of trouble.”

Abreu sees JTF as amazing opportunity

Photo by SPC KatherineL. Collins

Chaplain Felix Abreu readies his equipment justprior to the chaplain’s ruck march.

We will survive!Need a spiritual lift? Join

Chaplain Daniel Odean andother JTF troopers for music

and fellowship during Soul Survivor.

Soul Survivor is at 7 p.m. everyWednesday at Club Survivor.

Join the fun!

By SSG Patrick Cloward

Survey ReminderSurvey forms were distrib-uted to section heads and unitcommanders last weekend. YOUR FEEDBACK ISIMPORTANT Completed forms should bereturned to any collection boxno later than Friday, 21 NOV03, located at the galleys,motorpool and JTF HQ

Friday, November 14, 2003 Page 9

RECREATION & LEISURE

Camp Bulkeley

Fri., Nov. 14 8 p.m. How to Deal

PG13 - 102 min

10 p.m. Bad Boys 2R - 146 min

Sat., Nov. 158 p.m. Batman Returns

PG13 - 118 min

10 p.m. S.W.A.T.PG13 - 116 min

Sun., Nov. 168 p.m. Pirates of the

CarribeanPG13 - 143 min

Mon., Nov. 178 p.m. Demolition

ManR - 115 min

Tues., Nov. 188 p.m. Open Range

R - 139 min

Wed., Nov. 198 p.m. Dirty Harry

R - 103 min

Thurs., Nov. 208 p.m. American

WeddingR - 102 min

Downtown Lyceum

Fri., Nov. 148 p.m. Secondhand

LionPG - 107 min

10 p.m. IntolerableCruelty

PG13 - 95 min

Sat., Nov. 158 p.m. Brother Bear

G - 80 min

10 p.m. Once Upon aTime in Mexico

R - 97 min

Sun., Nov. 168 p.m. Cabin Fever

R - 94 min

Mon., Nov. 178 p.m. Secondhand

Lion R - 107 min

Tues., Nov. 188 p.m. Once Upon a

Time in MexicoR - 97 min

Wed., Nov. 198 p.m. Matchstick

MenPG13 - 120 min

Thurs., Nov. 208 p.m. Runaway Jury

PG13 - 128 min

MovieSchedule

MNF at Club SurvivorClub Survivor invites you to watch the Monday

Night Football game in the company of fellow JTFtroopers. The game starts at 9 p.m., and refresh-ments will be available. Club Survivor also offersweekly Friday night karaoke for those wishing to

stretch their vocal cords!

JTF troopers have a tasty Thanks-giving meal in store.

The appetizer will be shrimp cock-tail with cocktail sauce and a salad bar.

Main courses will be roast turkeyand giblet gravy, baked Virginia hamand prime rib with au jus.

Side items will be glazed sweetpotatoes, snowflake potatoes, corn-bread dressing, seasoned green beans,O’Brien corn, pineapple raisin sauce,natural gravy, chilled cranberrysauce, chilled horseradish, smokedsalmon salad and Parkerhouse rolls.

Deserts will be fruit cake, pumpkinpie and whipped topping, pecan pie,apple pie, assorted fruit pies a la modeand assorted mixed nuts and candies.

Beverages will include egg nog, cof-fee, tea and beverage counter drinks.

The meal will be available at fourlocations – Leeward Galley, QuickHall, Seaside Galley and the troopfeeding tent inside the wire.

The meal will be available at anytime from lunch through dinner. Thedining facility inside the wire, how-ever, will close from 3 to 5 p.m.

Special Thanksgiving mealplanned at four locations

Basketball outreach

Photo by Spc. Rick Fahr

JTF chaplain LTC Michael Britton defends a shot by SSG Reeve Winters of JTF HHQ during athree-on-three basketball game Monday night. Britton uses such games as a unique way to ministerto troopers.

Friday, November 14, 2003Page 10

A Veterans’ Day softball tournament featured a number of JTF troopers. Picturedare: (top, right) SFC Danny Johns of the 177th MP Brigade prepares to pitchwhile MAJ Ray Roldan of the JIG stands on second base; (bottom right) SSGDuane Pike of the 177th runs to first base; (bottom) SSG Lee Arnold of the 177thtakes a big swing and (below) Roldan lofts a ball to the outfield;The double-elimi-nation tournament began Tuesday morning and culminated in the early eveing atCooper Field. More than half a dozen teams participated.

Photos by Spc. Rick Fahr

5K winners

Photo by Sgt. Jolene Staker

Winners of Saturday’s JTF 5Krun at Camp America were:(females from left) third place,CPT Betty Anderson of the 216thMP Company; second place,SGT Amy Ruggero of the 177thMP Brigade; first place, Jill Nel-son, FBI; (males from left) firstplace, SPC Tom Collins of 1stBattalion, 181st Infantry Regi-ment; second place, LTC StevenWestphal, J-3 headquarters; thirdplace, CPT John Crohan, 1st Bn.,181st Inf. Regt. Pictured with thewinners are BG Mitchell LeClaire(right), JTF deputy commander ofoperations, and CSMGeorgeNieves, JTF command sergeantmajor.

Troopers compete in tourney

Friday, November 14, 2003 Page 11

Sports highlightsChiefs continue roll to perfection

Trooperpicks

JTF personnel’s predictionsfor this week’s games

Air Force at New MexicoHouston at ArmyBYU at Notre DameAuburn at GeorgiaTexas Tech at TexasPackers at BucsCowboys at PatriotsLions at SeahawksRavens at DolphinsJaguars at TitansLast week’s recordOverall record

1st Sgt.Sandra Adams-Jones

273rd MP Co.

Craig BaselMWR director

Staff Sgt.Deon Lee

216th MP Co.

Staff Sgt.Stephanie Nielsen

384th MP Bn.

Air ForceHouston

BYUGeorgiaTexasBucs

CowboysSeahawks

RavensTitans

7-341-25

Air ForceHouston

Notre DameGeorgia

TexasBucs

PatriotsSeahawks

RavensJaguars

5-539-27

Air ForceHouston

Notre DameGeorgia

TexasBucs

CowboysSeahawksDolphins

Titans8-2

45-21

Air ForceHouston

BYUGeorgia

TexasBucs

CowboysSeahawksDolphins

Titans7-3

43-23

Games

Compiled bySpc. Rick Fahr

It’s safe to say that BobGriese won’t be inviting any ofthe Kansas City Chiefs overfor a cookout anytime soon.

Sitting at 9-0 and looking ata fairly weak November sched-ule, the Chiefs are probably theleast-favorite current NFL teamof any of the 1972 Miami Dol-phins, the only NFL team tocomplete a perfect season.

It’s no secret that those Dol-phins covet their place in his -tory, and they don’t like to seeunbeaten teams this late into anNFL season.

That hardly seems to matterto Dick Vermeil’s Chiefs.

Kansas City thumped theCleveland Browns on Sunday,41-20, and could be 12-0 whenthey go to Denver on Dec. 7. Ifthe Chiefs can make it to Dec.20 unbeaten, they’ll have the

Minnesota Vikings standingbetween them and perfection.

In other action on Sunday,several teams pulled off upsetvictories. Washington beatSeattle. San Diego outlastedMinnesota , and Jacksonvilleedged Indianapolis.

***It took one game for NBA

phenom LeBron James toprove he can play at the highestlevel. It took six games for histeam, the Cleveland Cava-liers , to win.

The Cavs outlasted theWashington Wizards on Satur-day night to give the team itsfirst win of the young season.Through six games, James aver-aged 17 points, eight reboundsand seven assists. CarmeloAnthony, the Denver Nuggets’heralded rookie, has put up 17points per game, while grabbingfive rebounds and handing outabout three assists.

For all the turmoil on andoff the court, the Los AngelesLakers won five of their firstsix games. Who’d a thunk it?

***In the college football

world, the Oklahoma Soonershave basically begun thecountdown to the national titlegame in the Sugar Bowl.

Three teams – USC, LSUand Ohio State – have insidetracks to join the Sooners.Which of those teams has theeasiest schedule remaining?LSU travels to No. 19 OleMiss and hosts Arkansasbefore perhaps playing in theSoutheastern Conferencechampionship game. OhioState hosts No. 10 Purdue andtravels to No. 5 Michigan.USC, though, has three gamesremaining. None are againstranked opponents.

Compiled from www.espn.com

661st makingvolleyball push

More than a dozengames into the Captain’sCup volleyball season, the661st MP Co. is two gamesout of first place in themen’s division.

The team’s record is 11-3. The only team with abetter record is HospitalDos, which has posted a12-1 mark.

JTF MP 38th is in thirdplace with a record of 8-5,while NEX is at 8-6.MCSF is 7-6, with one for-feit, and W.T. Sampson is6-8. Hospital Uno is 5-7,with one forfeit.

In the women’s division,the 661st MP Co. team is inlast place with a record of2-6, with one forfeit.

Hospital leads the divi-sion at 8-0. P.W.D. is insecond place at 5-3, withone record, and W.T.Sampson is in third at 4-4.

Friday, November 14, 2003Page 12

15 Minutes of Fame...With SGT Kevin Wallace, 216th Military Police Company

Husband, father and small-town friend, Wallace is a trooper looking to represent his family and fellow citizens inGuantanamo as he fights for freedom from behind the scenes. As an administrative specialist, he also seeks to make hischildren proud as he helps to better their future and the future of all mankind.

Q: What inspired you tojoin the military?

A: “When I was in highschool some of the older gentle-men in the 216th inspired me tojoin. I looked up to them, andtheir National Guard experiencesounded like something Iwanted to do.”

Q: What do you recall asyour best military experience?

A: “When my first-linesupervisor taught me a numberof things that have reallyhelped me in my military job,such as creating databases onthe computer. These skillshave greatly benefited me inmy civilian career as well.”

Q: How has your militaryservice impacted and moldedyou as a service member and aperson?

A: “Foremost, it’s given me alot of patience. In my job I haveto listen to and help a number ofsoldiers with pay and familyissues, trying to help them asbest as I can. I also do othertasks such as mail runs. Learn-ing to fit every task into myschedule has also taught me timemanagement. These are the twobiggest benefits, and they’veimpacted me all around.”

Q: In what ways have yourfamily, friends and civilianemployer supported you inyour active military career?

A: “They’ve all been behindme the whole time. It was hardfor my family and employer to

see me leave for Cuba right afterserving at Fort Leonard Wood[for 10 months], but they under-stood I had to go. My hometownhas shown great support too. Itran a piece in the paper about mydeployment service.”

Q: In what ways have youkept in contact with your fam-ily while here?

A: “We have a computer athome, so we instant messageeach other, and I’ve tried theDial Pad. My daughter alsosends me cards and pictures thatshe’s drawn. She sent me a cardthe other day that asked me,‘why won’t I come home.’ Thatwas nice.”

Q: What experiences andpersonal qualities do youbelieve have benefited youmost professionally and per-sonally on this deployment?

A: “I draw on my college

experience of dealing with lotsof different kinds of people. Ialso use thoughts of my familyto get me through each day. Ihave pictures of my wife andchildren as my screensaver. So Ilook at them every day as I amworking. It reminds me to keepmy mind focused on doing themission and getting back hometo them.”

Q: What do you do to relaxat home and on deployment?

A: “At home I play videogames and basketball and hangout with my fraternity brothers.As a family, we take trips to visitrelatives in northeasternArkansas. Here I play myPlayStation and watch movies. Ialso bowled for the first time.”

Q: What goals do you hopeto accomplish while in Guan-tanamo?

A: “One goal is to becomevery physically fit before I leave.

My other goal is to finish mymaster’s in my double major ofhuman resource managementand human resource develop-ment. I have just 18 hours left.”

Q: What do you find mostrewarding about this mission?

A: “This is a high profilemission. It’s great to just be apart of it. I am helping to makehistory even though I am notworking directly with thedetainees.”

Q: How do you think thismission will impact you whenyou leave Guantanamo?

A: “First, it will help meunderstand what our nation’sgoals are for freedom. Also, mybiggest growth will be in regardsto my family. When I returnhome it will have been almosttwo years that we have beenapart. Still, it will be an adjust-ment when we become a familyagain. Daddy will actually bethere, not just on the other end ofa phone.”

Q: Looking back on youroverall military experience,what makes you most proudto serve?

A: “The way my family andthe people in my town react tomy service, especially mydaughter. She’s very, very proudof me serving. Around the houseshe likes to play army and walkaround like daddy does. Thatmakes me feel good. Also, I feellike I am representing my townand I’m helping my children’sfuture by fighting for freedomhere.

Photo by Spc. Katherine L. Collins

SGT Kevin Wallace, of the 216th Military Police Company, serves with JTF Guan-tanamo as an administrative specialist. His military service consists of nine yearsin this field with the Arkansas Army National Guard. Wallace has been married fortwo years, and he is the father of two.

By SPC Katherine L. Collins