July 24, 2015• VOL. 72 • NO. 29• NAVY.MIL/LOCAL/GUANTANAMO • FACEBOOK.COM/NSGuantanamoBay
NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA • PSC 1005 BOX 25 • FPO, AE 09593 • 011-5399-4520
Housing Conducts Renovations on Family Housing
RCI workers set up site to replace windows on houses in Caribbean Circle on Naval Station (NS) Guantanamo Bay, July 23. The work is part of an ongoing effort by the Housing Department to improve the living conditions of the families stationed at NS Guantanamo Bay. Harold Parker Housing Installation Program Manager
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ousing is working diligently to improve the living conditions of the families who reside in Family Housing on the Naval Station. Several renovation projects have started that can affect residents throughout housing. The projects include: - Replacement of windows in Caribbean Circle - Replacement of windows in Iguana Terrace - Exterior improvements to the older homes, to include installing solar hot water heaters in Marina Point, Paola Point, and Radio Point. If you live in an area with a project in progress and you are planning to go on vacation, please remember, you need to identify a person who can watch your house to allow the contractors access, if needed. We have also had an incident or two where a water leak occurred, no “house sitter” was identified, and the damage wasn’t noted until water was noted coming out the front door. All housing residents are to identify in writing who will watch their house. The absence from quarters form can be picked up at the housing office. In addition to the current active projects, the following projects have been approved and will begin in the near future. - New housing construction. Areas to be affected include Mobile Point, Caravella Point (Cinder brick buildings), and Marine Site (company grade homes).
Project will include demolition of the older homes and the building of newer homes. Homes would be for Company Grade (O1 – O3 or equivalent) and Field Grade (O4 – O5 or equivalent) personnel. - Replace HVAC systems in the older homes of Paola Point, Radio Point, Marine Site and Marina Point. - Kitchen and bathroom renovations in Evans Point and Caravella Point - Upgrade garages in West Iguana - Enclose carports in Evans Point - Roof repairs and carport enclosures in Center Bargo These are just the beginning of projects scheduled over the next year and there are several more on the shelf. Area Managers of our Family Housing Staff will be located at the NEX Atrium on Saturday, 25 July to be available to discuss your concerns. In addition, we will begin to hold Town Hall meetings on the last Thursday of each month beginning 30 July at the Community Center. The Town Hall meetings will begin at 4:00 p.m. We will discuss upcoming projects and take your concerns to help improve the quality of life. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our Housing Office at 4174.
PAGE 2• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE
NS Guantanamo Bay Commanding Officer, Capt. David Culpepper congratulates ND1 Cortez on his selection as the Sailor of the Week.
ND1 MATTHEW CORTEZ
■Job/Department: Dive Locker LPO/Port Operations ■Age: 31 ■Hometown: Cape Coral, Florida ■Goal: Be a Navy Master Diver. ■Heroes: Parents ■Sports Team: Florida Gators. ■TV Show: Walking Dead. ■Book: USN Dive Manual. ■GTMO Restaurant: Dive Locker Surf and Turf Cafe. ■Movie: Men of Honor. ■Hobby: Spear Fishing. ■Favorite Quote: “It’s hard to be humble” - MDSU-1 High Bay Quote ■Greatest Accomplishment: Graduating Dive School twice. ■Sailor of the Week Because: ND1 Cortez has been selected as Sailor of the Week for his dedication and willingness to meet challenges head on. He demonstrated great leadership as he coordinated four complex Quality Assurance emergent repairs of the hyperbaric chamber air system, resulting in a same day repair and recovery minimizing the impact on the Guantanamo Bay recreation diving community. Additionally ND1 Cortez has committed numerous volunteer hours to the Red Cross, FCOPA, Masonic Lodge and MWR. VOL. 72 • NO. 29
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 PHOTOJOURNALIST
NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA
KELLY WIRFEL 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.
July 24, 2015• PAGE 3
Fruits and Vegetable Provide Essential Vitamins and Minerals LT Timothy Kraynack USNH Guantanamo Bay Health Promotions
ost people are aware that eating a variety of fruits M and vegetables provides them with essential vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients that aren’t
found in other foods. It may be overwhelming to think about eating five fruits and vegetables every day, so to start, it is recommended to set a goal of having at least one piece of fruit or vegetable serving at every meal. One of the easiest ways to do this is at lunch or dinnertime. Begin with a vegetable course, such as a salad, then eat the main entrée, and end with fruit for dessert or as part of the dessert. There are many misconceptions that prevent Sailors, Marines and military families from getting the daily recommended intake of fruits and vegetables. The following addresses some of the most common: — Daily servings of fruit and veggies must come from fresh, raw produce. Not so! All forms count, including fresh, canned, dried, frozen and 100 percent juice. However, beware of canned and cupped fruit that is not packed in its own juice or water, as it may contain extra sugar which translates to added calories. If selecting 100 percent juice, it should be chosen for no more than one of the total servings for the day. — Vegetables are difficult and time-consuming to cook. This is simply untrue. Most supermarkets and commissaries sell packaged, pre-washed salads, as well prepared, ready-to-cook and bags of frozen vegetables that can be steamed in the microwave in just a few minutes. — For those who don’t like fruits or vegetables, just use a pre-packaged vegetable juice instead. This is tricky,
because pre-packaged vegetable and fruit drinks can be used as a substitute because they contain the same vitamins and minerals as fruits and vegetables, but they are missing the fiber, so people need to be careful not to use those types of drinks to cover all your daily servings. Fiber is important because it aids in digestion, and it keeps you feeling fuller, longer. These drinks may also be high in sugar and sodium, so check the label. — Fruits and vegetables are expensive. In reality, meat and dairy items are usually the most expensive parts of a meal. To accommodate the cost of buying more fruits and vegetables while maintaining your current food budget, It is recommended to slightly reduce the amount of meat and/or dairy products purchased. People can substitute two or three meat dishes a week with a bean, legume, or tofu dish, saving money, and providing good quality and beneficial protein as well. — It’s hard to eat healthy every day. Don’t pressure yourself to be perfect 100 percent of the time in eating the recommended number of servings of fruits and veggies every day. Getting the right amount the majority of the time, which is four out of seven days a week, is a great start to changing your health in a positive way. To learn more, please visit the Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center’s Health Promotion and Wellness Toolbox or contact Health Promotions at 7-2995. For tasty fruit and veggies recipes, check out www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/ and www. choosemyplate.gov.
Military Times Honors Service Members of the Year in DC MC1 Tim Godbee DMA
F
ive service members from all four branches of the Department of Defense and the U.S. Coast Guard were honored during the 2015 Military Times Service Members of the Year award ceremony in the Caucus Room of the Cannon House Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., July 21. The awardees were nominated for the awards by their peers for service to both their nation and communities. The Navy’s honoree was Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Sara Freeman, assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). “I was truly humbled and honored when I found out; I don’t feel like I should be here,” said Freeman. “I’ve done community work, worked hard every day and helped people at every opportunity, but that’s what being a Sailor is.” Though Freeman was humble about her selection, her chain of command is overwhelmingly impressed with her. She was nominated by her leading chief petty officer without her knowledge until she was pulled aside by her upper chain of command and told the news via a conference telephone call with the Navy Times editor. “I didn’t know what to do,” said Freeman. “I couldn’t hear or see anything at that point. I had to maintain my military bearing, but the shock was overwhelming.” The awardees received a weeklong, all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., a ceremony on Capitol Hill with numerous members of congress, high-ranking military officials and family in
attendance, $1,000 donated to their local MWR and a $30,000 scholarship to Kaplan University that can be used by themselves or a dependent. “HM3 Freeman has a little over five years in the Navy,” said Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, Integration of Capabilities and Recourses, Vice Adm. Joseph Malloy. “In this time she has done almost as much as the average senior chief. Her efforts as command pregnancy coordinator pushed women’s health readiness to 89 percent. She also administered 1,556 health assessments, nearly 4,000 immunizations, qualified 12 CPR instructors and 54 basic life support students, helping Ike net a 99 percent individual medical readiness rate - the highest in the fleet.” Freeman, a survivor of sexual assault prior to joining the Navy, also served on Eisenhower’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response team and volunteered her personal time to prevent sexual assault in the Hampton Roads area. As impressive as her resume may read, she accredits her recent success to being herself, genuinely caring, and working hard. “I wake up every day and I’m thankful for all of the small things I have - especially my son,” said Freeman. “Having a positive attitude and going into every situation knowing that you may not get what you want, but you’ll always have what you need is what keeps me going.” This year, the 15th Military Times Service Members of the Year ceremony, had the most applicants in the program’s history which increased competition for each of the service members selected.
Who Wants to be a Millionaire? MC2 Kegan Kay Photojournalist
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illionaire probably brings to mind many people and ideas but the question is, does it bring to mind yourself? The Navy and Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) would like Sailors to become more money savvy and one day become millionaires with the Million Dollar Sailor (MDS) program. “The MDS program is a standardized wealth-building program,” said FFSC Financial Counselor Mike Rivera. “It provides service members strategies on how to develop good financial habits, how to become savvy consumers, how to save and invest to possibly become future millionaires.” The program is a two day course and covers a variety of topics such as; techniques for budgeting, managing credit, savings and investment options, obtaining a loan, credit scores and reports, purchasing new or used cars, insurance, consumer rip-offs and military pay and allowances. “This two-day, personal wealth-building program helps service members and their families to successfully navigate the transitions of military life and the many financial challenges that come with military service,” remarked Rivera. While the course name is “Million Dollar Sailor,” it benefits more than just Sailors and service members, anyone can take advantage of the information provided to help meet their own personal financial goals. Life is full of unexpected moments and while deployed, overseas or even back home, emergencies can pop up and become an unanticipated financial burden but having
savings tucked away for these possibilities can be lifesaving. “Maintaining savings is important for those emergency "what if" moments in our lives,” advises Rivera. “As military members we are lucky to have additional resources, such as Navy & Marine Corps Relief Society, Army Relief, or Airman Emergency Relief.” Taking advantage of managing your credit and learning the tools of financial responsibility can have a positive effect on not only your personal life but the future of your military career. “Credit is extremely important as it plays a vital role in virtually everything we do, such as our security clearances for our jobs, renting an apartment, buying a house or car, even getting insurance,” said Rivera. Rivera also advises for people to develop a spending plan, pay down their debt and complete a “Full Steam” debt management plan with him or any of FFSC’s Financial Specialist. “As an Accredited Financial Specialist and Certified Credit Report Reviewer, I see many clients that unfortunately have been ripped off and taken advantage of with empty promises or they don't know where to go for good financial information or help with no strings attached,” added Rivera. “I have conducted this course and witnessed many successes over the years and all services provided by FFSC are free to all Guantanamo Bay residents.” The next Million Dollar Sailor two day course will be held at FFSC on July 29 and July 30 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and anyone interested in attending can call FFSC at 2135 or 4141.
PAGE 6• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE
Chaplain’s Corner
Chattanooga Law Enforcement Press Conference Navy Region Southeast Public Affairs
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ust six days ago, a senseless act of violence at both the Chattanooga Navy Recruiting Station and the Navy Operational Support Center claimed the lives of five members of our Department of Navy family. My deepest sympathies remain with the families of our Sailor and four Marines whose lives were taken during these unimaginable acts of violence. The grave impact reaches far and wide. On behalf of Navy leadership, I would especially like to thank the Chattanooga Police Department under the leadership of Chief Fletcher, and the first responders who reacted and responded with such veracity and determination that they most certainly saved lives. Additionally, the leadership from, and the coordination amongst the federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation are comprehensive and reassuring. We are committed to work with our partners in law enforcement represented here with me on this stage to investigate, review and guard against future vulnerabilities and to safeguard the security of our service members and their families. It is an absolute imperative. Throughout our nation’s history, Sailors and Marines have served overseas, in harm’s way, and have experienced the deep and lasting pain of combat loss. Today, here at home, we feel that pain. And, at the same time, we are reminded that we serve with and
alongside brave and valiant Sailors and Marines -- just like those at the Recruiting Center and Naval Operational Support Center who are well trained and responded courageously under fire -- the best our nation has to offer. In the days ahead, our priority will be to take care of the families of those affected. While the tragedy in Chattanooga is both devastating and senseless, the healing process is ongoing. We have brought to town a cadre of chaplains and grief counselors that are here to bolster our service members and their families, and to fold into the great efforts that are already being offered. The citizens of Chattanooga have been incredibly generous with their thoughts and prayers, which are foundational and continue to make a huge difference during the process of recovery. There is significant interest in the well-being of Petty Officer Smith’s family, and the same is true for the families of our fallen Marines. I have met with Mrs. Smith; she is a remarkable and resilient woman facing a horrific tragedy. She is appreciative of everyone who has expressed their concern, yet she asks for your understanding in respecting her privacy as she moves ahead during this difficult time. I can assure you, without a doubt, that we are honored and humbled to serve our nation, both at home and overseas. What Chattanooga has done to rally during this difficult time is the epitome of why we serve. God Bless America.
GTMO SHOPPER
E-mail classified ad submissions to
IOM JOB VACANCIES International Organization for Migration are now hiring Social Services Assistants and Social Services Admin Assistant. Interested applicants may contact Lori Seymour at 74788.
If sent to any other e-mail, it may not be published. Submit your ad NLT noon Wednesdays for that week’s Gazette. Ads are removed after two weeks. Re-submit the ad to re-publish. The Gazette staff and NS Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, page. The Public Affairs Office has final editorial discretion on all content. Call MCC Keith Bryska at 4520 with your questions or concerns. Please keep ads to a minimum of 5 items.
SISTERS IN ARMS July is Volunteer Month with Sisters in Arms and on July 25 they will be providing plant nursery support from 8 to 10 a.m. For more information please contact Ms. Misty Heath at misty.heath@gtmo.navy.mil
MOVIES
PAO-CLASSIFIEDADS@ USNBGTMO.NAVY.MIL
MISC
Navy Lodge is selling Mini Refrigerators for $25. There are only 8 left. If interested please stop by Navy Lodge or call 3103.
VEHICLES
2003 Suzuki GSXR 1000cc for $3500 OBO. Please call 76824 for more information.
The
Scoop
FIRE DEPARTMENT BBQ Safety- Never leave cooking unattended; Keep it fire safe and you won’t have unexpected guests for dinner. Cookouts are great fun and makes for great food, but it only takes a second for everything to go wrong. Safe BBQ is Good BBQ.
POWER OUTAGE There will be a power outage on Saturday, July 25 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Multiple areas will be impacted. Please check the roller for the places that will be effected. LANE/ROAD CLOSURE Sherman Ave Southbound lane and southbound entrance to marine hill will be closed due to repairs on Monday, July 27 thru Sunday, Aug. 2. Sherman Ave Northbound Lane will be open and the northbound entrance to Marine Hill will remain open. CSADD The Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions is hosting a Dodgeball tournament on Saturday, July 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Hockey Rink outside
July 24, 2015• PAGE 9
Denich Gym. Contact MA1 Towle at 55269 ASAP as limited spaces are available for you team of 5 people. Cost DOWNTOWN LYCEUM per team is $15. There will be FRIDAY July 24 prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd 8 p.m.: Max PG Place teams. Trainwreck 10 p.m.: R 53RD INDEPENDENCE Come celebrate the 53rd July 25 Jamaica Independence on SATURDAY Pixels Saturday, Aug. 1 at Phillips 8 p.m.: PG13 Park. There will be food, Ant-Man entertainment, door prizes 10 p.m.: PG13 and a night of celebration. SUNDAY July 26 JOG-A-THON Jurassic World 8 p.m.: The Navy Ball Committee R is hosting a Jog-A-Thon on August 1 from 6 a.m. to 6 July 27 p.m. Prizes will be awarded MONDAY Dope to: Top Fundraiser, Most Laps 8 p.m.: R and Most Sponsors. For more information please contact HM1 Benitez at 84682 or LS2 TUESDAY July 28 Prendergast at 84364. Ted 2 8 p.m.: R
TRASH Remember to pick up your trash and dispose of it in the WEDNESDAY Entourage proper receptacles. Help keep 8 p.m.: R our base looking clean.
July 29
THURSDAY July 30 SUN SAFETY Spy 8 p.m.: Stay in the shade, especially R during midday hours. Wear clothing that cover your arms and legs. Wear a hat. Wear sunglasses. Use sunscreen and of course remember to hydrate. CALL THE MOVIE HOTLINE @ 4880
Ombudsman Play Vital Roles in Installation Life Kelly Wirfel Public Affairs Officer
hroughout the years, ombudsmen have played T vital roles in keeping military families informed about their service members' commands. They are
the one to turn to whenever a helping hand is needed, lending support, guidance and a reassuring smile. The program was established 45 years ago by Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Elmo Zumwalt in order to provide a liaison between commanding officers and military family members. A command ombudsman is typically appointed by the commanding officer (CO) and is normally the spouse of an active-duty or selected reserve command member. The ombudsman supports the Navy’s mission by providing communications, outreach, resource referral and other important information to command families. They directly support the command mission by taking care of its families so that the service members are able to focus on their job. Coordinating this unique program is the Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC), Ombudsman Program coordinator. “Ombudsman are used here mostly during the permanent change of station (PCS) process. While a sailor's sponsor can help answer most questions, it's great to have a spouse to talk with as well regarding family life on island,” said Sara Van Gorder, Fleet and Family Support Center Education Services Facilitator and Ombudsman Coordinator. “Our ombudsman are all very familiar with the challenges of life at Naval Station (NS) Guantanamo Bay, but are also incredibly resourceful and happy to assist incoming sailors and families feel as comfortable and welcome as possible. They are also
Brittany Morrell, left, Laura McMannus, right and Phil Salcido enjoy a lunch at the Windjammer Cafe on July 21, while meeting to discuss the roles of the new and current Naval Station Guantanamo Bay Ombudsman.
very important links between sailors, families and the command. Even more so here, where we all live on base, the command needs to be kept aware of what's going great, and what's not.” Once the ombudsman is appointed by the CO, they are required to attend a 40-hour training session to teach them the basic skills needed for this job. Skills covered during the training include; communication skills, what they are required to report if necessary, confidentiality requirements and how to establish a working relationship with the families. “Like I tell all families, ombudsman do not solve problems, they provide families with tools to help themselves. Each of our ombudsman are highly trained to know all kinds of resources available on base and back in the states to help sailors and families,” said Van Gorder. “If nothing else, they are easy people to call up and share your concerns with. Whether it be a quality of life issue or you're just having a hard week, month, or even year, ombudsman are great listeners if that's what you need.” Below is a list of the current ombudsman serving at NS Guantanamo Bay; -Laura McManus (Ombudsman Assembly Chair) – ombudsmangtmo@gmail.com -Brittany Morrell – gtmoombudsman@gmail.com Serving as the ombudsman for U.S. Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay; -Lauren LaBoy – usnh.gtmo.ombudsman@gmail.com Serving as the ombudsman for Naval Facilities Engineering Command Guantanamo Bay; Brittany Roley – gtmopwdombudsman@gmail.com