February 19, 2016• VOL. 73 • NO. 06• NAVY.MIL/LOCAL/GUANTANAMO • FACEBOOK.COM/NSGuantanamoBay
NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA • PSC 1005 BOX 25 • FPO, AE 09593 • 011-5399-4520
Reunion Group Returns for 2016 Trip
Members from the Guantanamo Bay Association take a tour of the North East Gate, Feb. 16, as part of their 2016 reunion group trip to Naval Station Guantanamo Bay. MC2 Kegan Kay Photojournalist
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aval Station (NS) Guantanamo Bay has a historic past not only as the oldest overseas Naval base but due to the conflicted history between the United States and Cuba. For members of the Guantanamo Bay Association the history we now read about was the reality of their time stationed or living here in Guantanamo Bay. Members of the association have traveled from around the U.S. just to be able to visit NS Guantanamo Bay once more as a chance to relieve their memories and to see the changes that have developed. Michael Warman, stationed at NS Guantanamo Bay from 1969-1972, described coming back as, “It’s like taking a bite of forbidden fruit and now getting back here to take a second bite is something we all want to do.” Their trip included a base tour with visits to the Lighthouse Museum, Radio GTMO, the North East Gate, Cuzco Wells Cemetery and other locations and the opportunity to experience the base on their own time. “Perhaps the mystic is we were young when we served here and it is so hard to get back,” remarked Warman. “The public perception when they hear Guantanamo is its association with the detention facility but for us that were station here years ago, long before the detention facility, it is just a quintessential small American city that we just enjoy.”
During their free time member took the time to check out the MWR craft fair, visit old work locations, former locations of barracks and houses and other nostalgic stops. For Jeff and Kathryn Mindrum, Windmill Beach is where they first met having been set up on a blind date by mutual friends and were married while still in Guantanamo Bay three months later. They were also able to see Kathryn’s old house that she lived in. The changes experienced not only encompass torn down buildings but the activities and people too. “When we were here the [Downtown Lyceum] was crowed every night,” remarked Kathryn. “It was like a community event.” “I can’t believe we drive through and see empty playgrounds, beaches, the lyceum,” added Jeff. With the trip coming to a close and reflecting on their time past and present, Warman offered some advice for everyone living here now, “Everybody lives in the moment. Try to preserve the moments and the time you are down here. Guantanamo is not only about the place but about the people so enjoy the people around you.” “Get out of your houses, turn off the tv and internet,” agreed Jeff, “There really is so much to see and do here, so just get out and do it.” For more information regarding the Guantanamo Bay Association please visit www.gitmobay.org.
PAGE 2• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE
NS Guantanamo Bay Commanding Officer, Capt. David Culpepper congratulates LS3 Borromeo on her selection as Sailor of the Week.
LS3 LYNIE BORROMEO
■Job/Department: Postal Clerk/ Supply/Post Office ■Age: 28 ■Hometown: Jersey City, New Jersey ■Hero: My parents ■TV Show: Pretty Little Liars ■Movie: Fast and the Furious ■Hobby: Bowling ■Sports Team: Golden Warriors ■Favorite Quote: “Life is too short to be anything but happy.” ■Sailors of the Week Because: LS3 Borromeo was nominated as Sailor of the Week for her untiring efforts and solid performance as Navy Supply Fleet Logistics Center Jacksonville Guantanamo Bay postal finance clerk. She exhibited phenomenal work ethics which resulted in the safe handling and processing of more than 20,000 lbs. of incoming and outgoing mail/cargo. Additionally, during the Army 814 unit’s mass check-out evolution, she single-handedly processed over $23,000 worth of stamps, money orders, and meter sales in support of the Army’s redeployment. LS3 Borromeo provided outstanding customer service that positively impacted the morale, as well as making a stressful transition to a smooth and painless transition process for the Army 814 Unit. VOL. 73 • NO. 06
COMMANDING OFFICER EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMMAND MASTER CHIEF
Guantanamo Bay Gazette
CAPT. DAVID CULPEPPER CMDR. AL ROSS CMDCM (SW/AW) RODD TOOKER
PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER GAZETTE EDITOR
NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA
MCC(SW/AW) KEITH BRYSKA MC2 KEGAN KAY
The Guantanamo Bay Gazette is an authorized publication for members of the military services and their families stationed at U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views of 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 Station Guantanamo Bay. The Guantanamo Bay Gazette is printed by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Document Services with a circulation of 535.
First African-American Woman from NROTC Selected for Nuclear Submarine Service
February 19, 2016• PAGE 3
Michael F. Miller Naval Service Training Command Public Affairs
The first African-American woman from Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) has been selected to serve aboard U.S. Navy submarines. Southern University and A&M College Midshipman 1st Class Nsombi Roberts, from Palm Bay, Florida, was interviewed Oct. 29 by Adm. James F. Caldwell, Jr., the director, naval nuclear propulsion program and the top Navy officer in the submarine force in Washington, D.C. After passing her technical interviews and the interview with Caldwell, Roberts was selected for submarine service. “I really liked the challenge, and that’s why I wanted to go nuclear sub,” said Roberts. “I really want to be on a fast-attack sub but my ultimate aspiration is to command a submarine.” Leadership at Southern University NROTC provides mentorship for all midshipmen leading up to their service selection. “We gauge incoming freshmen and let them know it’s okay to go the sub route and that a very select few are selected, so if given the chance, take it,” said Cmdr. Tremayne Criner, the executive officer at Southern University NROTC. “Interest in application and selection has gone up since the arrival of our nuclear programs officer, Lt. Kevin Zimmerly.” According to Roberts, she considers herself fortunate to have a nuclear programs officer at the university. “Midshipman Roberts was motivated the moment I met her and definitely excited about the nuclear submarine program,” said Zimmerly, who came from King’s Bay, Georgia, after being stationed aboard the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS West Virginia (SSBN-736). “I serve as mentor to our midshipmen and there is also a lot of support we receive from the NROTC program headquartered in Pensacola, Florida. Midshipman Roberts, who attended Bayside High School, also participated in the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training
Corps (NJROTC) program and ascended to the rank of battalion commander. She continues to be heavily involved in her school work and extracurricular activities in college. While majoring in chemistry with a minor in mathematics, she is also a member of the university’s quiz bowl team as well as Zeta Phi Beta sorority. “The NROTC program has allowed me to balance many things in my life,” said Roberts. “My father was in the Army and I’ve been taught to balance lots of things in my life. I feel the pressure to succeed but it is good and helpful pressure.” Midshipman Roberts is among more than 4,000 students enrolled in the NROTC program at 166 colleges and universities throughout the country. Upon graduation and completion of the NROTC program in May, she will commission as an ensign in the Navy. Following her commissioning and graduation, Roberts will attend Nuclear Propulsion School in Charleston, South Carolina, Prototype (Nuclear Power Training Unit) at one of several locations in the country and Submarine School in Groton, Connecticut, before being assigned to her first submarine. The whole training process is expected to take 15-18 months. The NROTC program, overseen by Rear Adm. Steven C. Evans, commander, Naval Service Training Command (NSTC) at Naval Station Great Lakes, Illinois, was established to develop midshipmen mentally, morally and physically and to imbue them with the highest ideals of duty, loyalty and Navy core values in order to commission college graduates as Naval officers. The officers will possess a basic professional background, are motivated toward careers in the Naval service and have a potential for future development in mind and character so as to assume the highest responsibilities of command, citizenship and government. NSTC oversees 98 percent of initial officer and enlisted accessions trmore than 600 high schools worldwide.
Guantanamo Bay Prepares for Military Saves Week Mike Rivera Personal Financial Specialist
Naval Station Guantanamo Bay Commanding Officer Capt. David Culpepper signs the Military Saves Week Proclamation, Feb. 19.
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ilitary Saves Week (February 22-27, 2016) is an annual opportunity for installations and organizations to promote good savings behavior and a chance for Service members and their families to assess their own saving status. Typically hundreds of organizations participate in the Week, reaching millions of people. Military Saves is a readiness initiative authorized by the Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness that encourages everyone to make an investment in themselves through savings. Remember that healthy finances and open communication about money contribute to marital stability and gives kids a solid foundation for their future. So, strengthen your future. This simple process has helped increase personal financial readiness. Fleet & Family Support Center’s (FFSC) Personal Financial Manager/Specialist provides Service members, DoD employees & their families different strategies and methods that encourage saving. FFSC also has classes that promote financial readiness through education and remediation. For more information on these classes, please contact 4141 or 4153. Take the pledge today! Let’s make Guantanamo Bay a savings community.
PAGE 6• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE
Chaplain’s
Corner
“We Are Here To Serve” CDR Daniel Mode
NS Guantanamo Bay Command Chaplain
ur base chapel and chapel annex are popular, O busy places and not just on Sunday! In the month of January 6,027 persons came through our
spaces for a variety of care and services. From religious services, bible studies, youth groups, AA meetings, and individuals coming to see a chaplain for counseling the chapel on the hill is a seven day a week buzz of activity. Throughout the weekend the chaplains and our appointed lay leaders offer 12 unique denominational services: Gospel, Contemporary Protestant, Liturgical Protestant, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal, LDS, Iglesia Ni Cristo, Lord Reigns International, Islamic, Guantanamo Bay Christian Fellowship, Jewish and Seventh Day Adventist. On average, during any given month an average of 3,052 persons participate in some religious service. We have more services and more people attending a worship experience than any other
base chapel program in Navy Region Southeast. The chapel offers more than just worship opportunities. We offer an extensive youth programs for middle and high school teenagers, a variety of small groups, and an extensive list of workshops and personal growth experiences with CREDO. Nearly 1200 people a month take advantage of these offerings. All of our special programs are advertised on the base “roller.” Finally, we open our spaces to all groups and units who need a place to meet or train. Every week we process on average ten requests to use our facilities. In January 1,098 personnel took advantage of our spaces for training. The bottom line—Chaplain Wise, RP1 Martinez, RP2 Lampkin, Chris Bell (Club Beyond), Bobby Hinton (CREDO), and I are here to serve. Give us a call and see how we can serve you: 2323.
February is Heart Health Month LCDR Jim Ripple U.S. Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay
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n ancient Greece, it was believed the heart was a repository for and source of emotions. This, along with an amalgam of other pagan beliefs all rolled up with a Roman Catholic Saint’s name has made February synonymous with (St.) Valentine’s Day. But maybe this February we should consider your real heart instead of all those red and pink decorations. Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of men and women in the United States, including heart disease and stroke. Heart disease alone is responsible for 600,000 deaths each year and is the number one cause of death of people of most ethnicity including whites, blacks and Hispanics. Cardiovascular disease costs the nation more than $300 billion each year (the entire defense budget was a little less than $600 billion in 2015). The three biggest contributors to cardiovascular disease are tobacco use, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. If you have one or more of these risk factors this is the month to make some changes! Tobacco use is on the decline, largely because there has been a big push in the last 30 years to publicize its negative health effects. If you still smoke or use oral tobacco there are numerous resources available from your doctor or local clinic. These range from online/mobile support groups to daily medications that reduce the urge to smoke. It is never too late to quit and each day after you do, your risk for heart disease will decrease. Have you had your cholesterol checked? Ask your health
care provider if you don’t know. Depending on your other risk factors, the age when screening should begin is different. The results of that cholesterol test should be discussed with your health care team as well. In general, your total cholesterol should be 200 or less. That total number is further broken down in to “good” and “bad” components that have different targets based upon your risk. Sometimes a medication is recommended to improve poor cholesterol, but maintaining a heart healthy diet low in carbohydrates and saturated fats is a great way to begin to positively impact your numbers. If you’ve ever been to a medical appointment, you have likely had your blood pressure checked. Blood pressure readings have a top number (systolic) and bottom number (diastolic) and are often written like a fraction (120/80 = systolic/diastolic). Normal blood pressure is a systolic less than 120 and a diastolic less than 80. Just like with cholesterol, blood pressure numbers can be interpreted differently for different people based on risk, but if you are over those goals you should ask your medical provider what you can do to improve. A diet low in sodium (less than 2000mg per day) is a good start, but just like with high cholesterol, high blood pressure often requires treatment with medication. Tackling these three risk factors can go a long way in preventing cardiovascular disease, as always if you need more information please contact your primary care provider!
MOVIES
The
a fundraising jog-a-thon on Feb. 27 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Naval Hospital. Prizes will go to the Top Fundraiser, Person with the most laps and the person to W.T. SAMPSON get the most sponsors. For more *Need a Big Mac, the W.T. information contact HN Culp at Sampson PTO is hosting a 72358 or LS2 Prendergast at “McTeacher’s Night” Feb. 2484364. 25 from 5-8 PM. This event is to support the W.T. Sampson TAX SEASON National Honor Society so please GTMO’s Tax Assistance Center come out and support. (TAC) offers self-service stations that all eligible residents can use CHECK IN TIME to prepare their own tax returns Check in for the AMC Rotator online with the assistance of IRSwill be from 1000-1500 for certified volunteers. All services passengers with Reservations are by appointment only and or on Funded Orders. Space there are some restrictions on “A” Roll Call will be held from services. Please call 4692 for 1500-1600. Space “A” Check more information. in for selected categories will be from 1600-1730. A list of BLACK HERITAGE BALL categories to be selected will be The Black Heritage Organization posted on the ANNEX DOOR is hosting a ball Feb. 27 at 6 p.m. at 1500. Passengers must be in the Windjammer Ballroom. present to be selected. For more Attire is formal and informal and information please contact 6305. dinner will be served. Tickets are $40 per person. To buy tickets or CSADD JOG-A-THON for more information please call The Coalition of Sailors Against Milta Dumas at 77619, or Chris or Destructive Decisions is hosting Wanda Caton at 79449.
Scoop
DRY CLEANER The Navy Exchange would like to inform everyone that they will not be able to do Dry Cleaning orders as of today. The motor in chiller burnt out and without the chiller operational, no Dry Cleaning can be done. They are currently working on repairing the motor and at this time, there is no ETA of when the machine will be up and running. Will update you when we have more information.
IBC AIRWAYS IBCAirways is expanding service to and from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to every Friday. The Friday flight will depart Fort Lauderdale at 7 a.m., arriving in Guantanamo Bay at 8:40 a.m. and then depart at 9:40 a.m. and arrive in Fort Lauderdale at 11:30 a.m. The Monday and Thursday flights will remain on their regular schedule. For more information call 74110, visit their site at www.flyibcair.com or check the base roller.
OMBUDSMAN CONTACT INFORMATION: NAVFAC: NAVSTA: Brittany Roley Laura McManus gtmopwdombudsman@gmail.com ombudsmangtmo@gmail.com Home: 78096 Cell: 84792 Home: 77182 Brittany Morrell nsgtmoombudsman@gmail.com Cell: 55268 Home: 77129
Naval Hospital: Lauren LaBoy Usnh.gtmo.ombudsman@gmail.com Home: 75877
February 19, 2016• PAGE 7
DOWNTOWN LYCEUM
FRIDAY 7 p.m.:
Race
Feb 19
PG13
Grandpa 9:30 p.m.: Dirty R
SATURDAY Feb 20 The 5th Wave 7 p.m.: PG13
9:30 p.m.: The Revenant R
SUNDAY 6:30 p.m.: Joy
Feb 21
PG13
9 p.m.:
Concussion PG13
MONDAY Feb 22 13 Hours: The Secret 7 p.m.: Soldiers of Benghazi R
TUESDAY Feb 23 Kung Fu Panda 3 7 p.m.: PG
WEDNESDAY Feb 24 The Big Short 7 p.m.: R
THURSDAY Feb 25 Norm of the North 7 p.m.: PG
CALL THE MOVIE HOTLINE @ 4880