June 24, 2016• VOL. 73 • NO. 19• NAVY.MIL/LOCAL/GUANTANAMO • FACEBOOK.COM/NSGuantanamoBay
NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA • PSC 1005 BOX 25 • FPO, AE 09593 • 757-458-4520
Corpsmen celebrate 118th Hospital Corps Birthday
U.S. Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay Command Master Chief Christopher Dingler cuts the Hospital Corps Birthday cake during the 118th Hospital Corps Birthday Ball held at the Naval Station Guantanamo Bay Windjammer Ballroom, June 18. Joycelyn Biggs USNH Guantanamo Bay PAO
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.S. Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay hosted the 118th Hospital Corps Birthday at the Naval Station Guantanamo Bay Windjammer Ballroom, June 18. Established in 1898, the hospital corps has evolved from a mere 25 apothecaries to more than 30,000 corpsmen dedicated to healing those in need around the world. During his speech, retired Senior Chief Kevin Robarge, emergency manager, Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay, gave a history lesson as he recounted major accomplishments of corpsmen. “Today, our corpsmen comprise the largest rate in the navy,” he said. Robarge also mentioned 22 corpsmen received the Medal of Honor, and since the end of World War I, 179 corpsmen being awarded the Navy Cross. Robarge continued with telling the crowd since World War II, more than 1,600 hospital corpsmen have been awarded a Bronze Star, 959 corpsmen have earned
a Silver Star and 20 naval ships have been named in honor of corpsmen worldwide. He then shifted gears and gave a little history of the Navy at the time he joined. “The year was 1987,” Robarge said. “Mike Tyson beat “Bonecrusher Smith” in 12 for the heavyweight title.” Robarge listed historical events relating to sports, music, movies and our nation. The walk down memory lane drew nods of agreement from seasoned guests. Younger guest, Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Nicholas Taha, primary care clinic, compared the speech to watching a movie. “It was interesting to hear about the old Navy in comparison to our generation,” he said. The celebration continued with the ceremonial cake cutting; and a raffle with gifts ranging from Navy Exchange gift cards to a 50 inch flat screen television. “It was a lovely event,” Taha said of the ball. The night ended with the guests heading to the dancefloor to show off dance moves.
PAGE 2• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE
NS Guantanamo Bay Commanding Officer, Capt. David Culpepper congratulates YN2 Mathews,left, on her selection as Sailor of the Week, June 14-20, and QM2 Lewis, right, on his selection as Sailor of the Week, June 21-27.
YN2 LILLIAN MATHEWS
■Job/Department: Admin Clerk/ Security ■Age: 32 ■Hometown: Palm Bay, FL ■Hero: My Mom, YNC (Ret) Joni Mathews ■Movie: Goonies ■TV Show: Big Bang Theory ■Book: “Outlander” ■Hobby: Reading history novels. ■Sailor of the Week Because: As the Navy Ball Committee Secretary, YN2 Mathews immediately updated the committee bylaws and has been an integral part of our fundraising campaign by organizing and running events. In support of the Security Department, she is solely carrying out the Administrative duties and responsibilities for 162 Master-at-Arms, superseding expectations of multiple YN’s to handle. Her drive, dedication and determination has resulted in the flawless processing of 68 (E4) evaluations, 4 End of Tour Awards, 6 Check-In’s, Sponsorship Coordinator and a SAPR Representative. VOL. 73 • NO. 19
COMMANDING OFFICER EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMMAND MASTER CHIEF
QM2 DAVONNE LEWIS
■Job/Department: Port Control LPO/ Port Operations ■Age: 29 ■Hometown: Lincolnton, NC ■Hero:The Hulk ■Movie: Art of War ■TV Show: The Black List ■Book: “48 Laws of Power” ■Hobby: Puzzles and Gaming ■Currently Working On: College Courses ■Favorite Quote: “Tough times don’t last, but tough people do.” ■Sailor of the Week Because: As Port Control LPO, QM2 Lewis has taken it upon himself to update and correct three Port Control instructions and the scheduling of the required Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response. He is currently the driving force behind the preparation for the upcoming Diesel Engine Inspection and Regional Training Team Annual Mission Readiness Site Visit, ensuring that all Port Operations Checklists are complete and 100% satisfactory.
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
JULIE RIPLEY MCC(SW/AW) KEITH BRYSKA MC1 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.
June 24, 2016• PAGE 3
Sailors Participate in a First Receiver Operations Training at NHGB Joycelyn Biggs U.S. Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay PAO
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.S. Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay (NHGB) staff attended a first receiver operations training June 9. The three-day course was to ensure medical first receivers can effectively triage and decontaminate victims from chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or other hazardous materials
Sailors attached to U.S. Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay attend a three-day First Receiver Operations Training, June 9. The course helps train medical first receivers to effectively triage and decontaminate victims from chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or other hazardous materials in a field environment.
in a field environment. “I want to ensure this team can assess and treat patients in outside a hospital facility to prevent staff inside from becoming casualties,” said T.J. Bocek, decontamination instructor. He said about 80% of contaminated patients will arrive at a hospital but those patients need to be cared for outside the facility to protect hospital staff. “The exercise is crucial in ensuring caregivers not become casualty which would prohibit them from providing treatment,” Bocek said. “The goal is to swiftly and smoothly coordinate that patient flow into the decon shelter, eliminate contaminates and move clean patients out the other side.” The team was required walk through the entire process twice before a timed inspection was performed, Kevin Robarge, the hospital’s medical emergency manager explained. Each time the team erected a decontamination tent, dressed-out in the protective gear, and treated ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients. During the test phase the tasks had to be successfully performed within 20 minutes. “Because we are isolated and in a remote area, we need to ensure we have trained personnel on call, ready to respond at all times, LCDR Brian Hower, Director for Administration said. The exercise provided hands on experience and gave administrators insight on the staff’s current capability level. At the close of training, the instructor gave the team praise for their performance.
June is Men’s Health Month Lt. Cmdr. Jacob Singer NHGB Family Medicine Physician
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any men are tough, manly men who don’t feel the need to see a doctor regularly. However, there are several medical topics that men should be aware of to ensure good health. One topic is tobacco, which is the leading preventable cause of death. A person’s health begins to improve almost immediately after quitting tobacco. Treatment options include medication & counseling, which are available here on base. Any male that has smoked in the past should undergo abdominal aortic aneurysm screening with an ultrasound between the ages of 65 and 75. Smoking increases the risk of an aortic aneurysm, or abnormal dilation of the aorta, which could catastrophically rupture if not repaired. Smoking is also a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the most common cause of death for males. Other risk factors for this condition include diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, physical inactivity, and heavy alcohol consumption. All of these can
be controlled with lifestyle changes and or medications. Excessive alcohol use can lead to hormonal disorders, decreased bone mass, accidents, trauma, violence, suicide or cancer. To avoid these conditions, the recommended alcohol intake per day for males is two alcoholic beverage equivalents (one equivalent is equal to 12 ounces of beer, five ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of spirits). Young males should be aware testicular cancer is the most common cancer in that demographic and is most commonly noticed as a painless mass in the testicle. For this reason it is suggested that all young men examine their testicles for any abnormal masses regularly. See a doctor immediately if any abnormality is detected. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in males and early symptoms from this cancer are rare. Any male over 40 years old should discuss the issue with a primary care provider. If you have questions about the above medical topics or any other health related concerns, make an appointment with your primary care provider.
CELEBRATING PHILIPPINE MCC Keith Bryska Gazette Editor
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esidents at Naval Station (NS) Guantanamo Bay came together to celebrate Philippine Independence Day, June 18. The event was hosted by the Guantanamo Bay Filipino-American Cultural Association. Independence was first proclaimed on June 12, 1898 while the Philippines were still under Spanish rule. That day also saw the unveiling of the national flag and the performance of the National Anthem “Marcha Filipina Magdalo” which is now known as “Lupang Hinirang” meaning “Chosen Land”. Capt. David Culpepper, Naval Station Guantanamo Bay Commanding Officer, was one of the guest speakers for the event and spoke highly about the Filipino traditions and the importance they have played in society and in Guantanamo Bay. “It’s important for me take the time to not only celebrate this event, but to spend
time with the Filipino community here at Guantanamo Bay,” said Capt. Culpepper. “The Filipino community here at GTMO is the backbone of the contractor workforce and without them, executing our various missions would be difficult.” The event was held to give all the residents a sample of Filipino culture that included Filipino dishes, cultural dances and a brief description of the history of the Philippines. Senior Enlisted Leader Joint Medical Group, Joint Task Force Guantanamo Bay, Master Chief Hospital Corpsman Jerry Cantorna, Jr. said he was surprise when they asked him to speak, but said it was definitely an honor to do so. “It was the first time in my life that I had the opportunity to be the guest speakers at an event like this so I was a little nervous and wanted to do well on my speech,” said Cantorna.
INDEPENDENCE DAY “Also, it was an honor to celebrate Philippine Independence day here in Guantanamo Bay. It not only reemphasizes Philippine independence from Spain but also provides an opportunity to educate other people about what Filipinos had to endure just over a century ago.” Although Independence was proclaimed in 1898 it was not recognized by Spain or the United States while they were engaged in the Spanish-American war. It was surrendered to the United States under the 1898 “Treaty of Paris” which officially ended the war. Even when the treaty was signed it was not recognized by the Philippine Revolutionary Government which held an uprising against American forces that began on February 4, 1899, known as the Philippine-American War that lasted until July 4, 1902 and kept the Philippines under American control. After World War II the United States granted
independence to the Philippines on July 4, 1946. The annual June 12 observance of Philippine’s Independence Day came back into effect after President Diosdado Macapagal signed the Republic Act No. 4166 regarding this matter on August 4, 1964 marking June 12 as the observance of the holiday. “Residents of the naval station know firsthand the contribution Filipinos make when they dine at our award-winning galley. Many of them have been here longer than any naval station employee or military personnel and represent a collection of ‘corporate knowledge’ that is invaluable to this base,” said Capt. Culpepper. “All of the sacrifices they make to work here, the fantastic work they have done to support the JTF and Naval Station, is invaluable. So my speech tonight consists of two words thank you.”
PAGE 6• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE
USFF Destructive Decision Workshop Brings Insight to Sailors MC1 Stacy D. Laseter Navy Region Southeast Public Affairs
hat is your definition of a destructive decision? W Is it drinking and driving? Is it an alcoholrelated incident? How about domestic abuse? U.S.
Fleet Forces Command recently visited with Naval Air Station Jacksonville Sailors to get them thinking about just those things. The event was hosted by Capt. Charles Marks, U.S. Fleet Forces Command Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) officer. Commander, Navy Region Southeast Rear Adm. Mary Jackson’s opening remarks emphasized the importance of understanding destructive behaviors and how leadership should own them. “When we start to peel back the layers of what a destructive decision is, lots of different things come to mind, including suicide, suicidal behavior, and alcohol. Even small things, such as the fast-paced and global way we communicate can be contributing factors to destructive behavior,” Jackson said. “We have come to the point where we realize that there are linkages between all of these destructive behaviors. As Sailors, we have to figure out how we are going to get in front of this.” Navy statistics show that an estimated 15 percent of Sailors wrestle with some form of destructive behavior: suicide or suicidal ideations, alcohol incidents, domestic violence, sexual assault, or prescription drug abuse. The Navy is working to help Sailors avoid destructive conduct by giving them and their leaders the tools needed to treat themselves and others with respect. The goal of the workshop is to teach Navy leaders prevention and awareness. According to Marks, the leadership teams of the CPO mess and wardroom should engage in a deckplate effort to reduce the number of destructive behaviors. “Culture change is not easy,” said Marks to the gathered leaders and Sailors. “It requires all-hands participation, starting with each of you.” The workshop contained content tailored to deckplate supervisors, command triads, and program managers, including command climate specialists, equal opportunity officers, drug and alcohol program advisors, sexual assault prevention and response points of contact, unit victim advocates, family advocacy program coordinators, urinalysis program coordinators, and suicide prevention coordinators. Yeoman 2nd Class Reaunta Evans, who attended the deckplate supervisor training, said that what she took away was a renewed sense of what could be considered destructive. “You don’t always think about the internet being destructive,” said Evans. “But if you stay up late browsing
Commander Navy Region Southeast Rear Adm. Mary Jackson speaks to a group of Sailors during the U.S. Fleet Forces Command Destructive Decision Workshop on board Naval Air Station Jacksonville. The workshop is geared toward awareness and prevention of destructive decisions in the Navy. (Photo by MC1 Stacy Laseter.)
and come to work late repeatedly, that is definitely not a good behavior, and needs to be addressed.” Janine Latus, author of “If I am Missing or Dead: A Sister’s Story of Love, Murder and Liberation,” was the keynote speaker and spoke about the physical abuse she endured, and the loss she felt when her sister was murdered by an abusive boyfriend. She explained the warning signs of an abuser. For example, isolation, either emotional or economic, as well as sexual abuse, can be part of an abuser’s pattern. An abuser may also use children, make threats, intimidate or may use male privilege to break down a significant other. During the second day of the workshop, motivational speaker and son of legendary boxer Sugar Ray Leonard, Ray Leonard Jr., spoke about his family and the destructive decisions that shaped his life. He explained how his father once beat his mom and how he felt guilty by not being able to step in to help her. He also spoke about his mother’s suicide attempt, and how he is now learning to use these stories to help others. “It’s about being strong,” said Leonard. “And coming from a boxing family, I don’t mean just physically. You have to be strong emotionally, and stand up. Become a beacon for someone else.” By changing approaches on interpersonal relationships and empowering Sailors with knowledge of their rights and boundaries, U.S. Fleet Forces Command is committed to positively changing these behaviors.
MOVIES
FVAP.COM TRAINING Please join us Thursday, June 30 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Bulkeley To place an ad please send an e-mail to Hall Auditorium for FVAP.com PAO@GTMO.NAVY.MIL training. Learn about the voting assistant program, absentee voting SALES Yard Sale on Saturday, June 15 and navigating the website. from 8 to 11 a.m. at Paola Point #3. DATING & RELATIONSHIPS Patio Sale on Sun., June 26 from 6 There will be a Dating and Relationship Forum for Singles and to 9 a.m. at VL35-C. Couples on July 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Chapel Annex Fellowship Hall. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Please register by June 28 by calling Bobby Hinton at 84149 or by e-mail at bobby.hinton@gtmo. U.S. CONSULAR VISIT The U.S. Consular Officers and navy.mil. USCIS will be in Guantanamo on June 28 to offer services for CAR BUYING PROGRAM regular passports, consular report For U.S. military or civilian of birth abroad, certification of true component (DoD or government copies, and questions regarding contractor) on active duty, immigration, naturalization and or member of the diplomatic social security benefits. Legal community on overseas you can assistance services will not be take part in the Overseas Military available throughout the visit June Car Buying Program from Military 27-29. Please contact legal at Autosource. To get a free Quote 4692/4834 or e-mail LN2 Taylor at contact Paul Borboa at 77372 or lorenzo.taylor@gtmo.navy.mil for 58322 or e-mail him at pborboa@ more information or to schedule an militarycars.com appointment.
THE CLASSIFIEDS
The
Scoop
June 24, 2016• PAGE 7
MISSOULA THEATRE Missoula Children’s Theatre will be performing Rapunzel this year. Auditions will be held at the Windjammer Ballroom on DOWNTOWN LYCEUM JUN 24 Sat., July 23 from 10 a.m. to 12 FRIDAY Independence Day: p.m. Rehearsal will be from July 8 p.m.: Resurgence 25-28 (time will be announced PG13 at a later date) Sessions for Money Monster different age groups will be a 11 p.m.: R the Windjammer Ballroom and the Youth Center Gym. SATURDAY JUN 25 POST OFFICE NEWS Finding Dory 8 p.m.: PG Attention Postal Customers- if you are mailing 2 or more TUFF Warcraft boxes you are encouraged 10 p.m.: PG13 to make an appointment between 8 and 9 a.m. before the post office opens. Making SUNDAY JUN 26 an appointment will prevent The Conjuring 2 8 p.m.: long waits in line during regular R hours of operation. Call LS3 Borromeo or Mr. Smith at 2156. MONDAY JUN 27 Captain America: 8 p.m.: ANNEX CLOSING Civil War The Annex will be closed PG13 Monday, July 4. Showtime for JUN 28 all passengers Tuesday, July 5 TUESDAY Ratchet and Clank 8 p.m.: at 8 a.m. Please take the 7:30 PG a.m. ferry. Please call 4850 or 6408 with any questions.
OMBUDSMAN CONTACT INFORMATION: NAVFAC: NAVSTA: Brittany Roley Jamie Yeich gtmopwdombudsman@gmail.com yeich6@gmail.com Home: 78096 Carrie McCormick Naval Hospital: carriehathaleeny@gmail.com Lauren LaBoy Usnh.gtmo.ombudsman@gmail.com Kendra Keesey Home: 75877 kkeesey03@gmail.com
WEDNESDAY JUN 29 Alice Through The 8 p.m.: Looking Glass PG
THURSDAY PT109 8 p.m.:
JUN 30
NR
CALL THE MOVIE HOTLINE @ 4880
Fleet and Family Support Center
UPCOMING CLASSES
E7 & SENIOR FAP TRAINING: June 27, 0900-1200 at Bulkeley Hall. Required for all newly arrived NAVSTA E7 and Senior Personnel. The class will cover the Family Advocacy Program, Domestic Violence Awareness, Child Abuse Awareness and Command responsibility and accountability to the prevention of, and treatment of, child abuse and domestic violence incidents. Must be taken within 90 days of arrival on island. SAPR C TRAINING: June 28, 0800-0900 at FFSC. This face-to-face training is mandatory for all new incoming DoD Civilians. Training includes a 30 minute video and class discussion. PERSONAL COMMUNICATION: June 29, 1100-1200 at FFSC. In this class you will learn about the types of communication and different communication styles, and you will directed in how to enhance your communication skills.
Hello
Charlotte Addison McCormick
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ongratulations to Navy Counselor 1st Class Sean McCormick and Mrs. Carrie McCormick, command Ombudsman, on the birth of their daughter, Charlotte Addison McCormick. Charolotte was born June 17, 2016 at 1:33 p.m. at the U.S. Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay. She weighed 6 lbs. 11 oz and was 19.3 inches long. All the best to the McCormick Family!
NEW TO NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY CLASS: June 30, 0815-1130 at FFSC. This orientation class provides new residents an introduction to key base personnel, a summary of base history, an overview of installation rules, and a base tour to familiarize them with locations and resources. ASSESSING HIGHER EDUCATION (must have completed TGPS): July 6-7, 0730-1630 at FFSC. Designed to guide participants through the complicated decisions involved in choosing a degree program, college institution, and funding, as well as completing the admissions process. Academic acculturation and connection to veteran student organizations is also a key part of service members’ academic success and is integrated into this course.
To register or for more information please call 4141 or 4153. Hours of Operation are: Mon-Fri., 0730-1630.
Navy Lodge Wins 2016 Golden Pineapple Award
MC1 Kegan Kay Photojournalist
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aval Station Guantanamo Bay’s Navy Lodge were awarded the 2016 Military Hospitality Training Excellence Golden Pineapple Award. “Personnally and professionally as the new manager of Navy Lodge Guantanamo Bay, I am very elated to be the winner of this award,” said Joycelyn Connage-Johnson. The American Hotel and Lodging Education Institute (AHLEI) presents the Military Hospitality Training Excellence Gold award annually to hotels throughout the world that meet certain standards and requirements. This year Navy Lodge Guantanamo Bay received the Golden Pineapple Award, the second highest award the AHLEI presents. The AHLEI presented three Navy Lodge properties with awards recognizing their commitment to supporting their employees and guests by providing access to continuing education, training, and professional certification, using AHLEI’s resources as part of a property-wide development
program. Having already won the bronze and silver pineapple awards and now the achievement of the gold under their belt, Connage-Johnson is ready to try for the larger awards. “This win will enable us to participate for the bigger awards such as the Edward E. Carlson Award, Hospitality Award, General Manager of the Year and Meritorious Award,” explained Connage-Johnson. The Carlson Award is given to a Navy Lodge for its achievements in PREMIER customer service, guest satisfaction, associate experience, commitment to quality and focus on providing outstanding value to the Navy and is the highest achievement to be awarded. “I just want to say many thanks to our guests near and far for their continued support and big thank you to my hospitality team,” said Connage-Johnson. “This would not have been possible without my excellent hospitality team.”