March 18, 2016• VOL. 73 • NO. 09• NAVY.MIL/LOCAL/GUANTANAMO • FACEBOOK.COM/NSGuantanamoBay
NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA • PSC 1005 BOX 25 • FPO, AE 09593 • 757-458-4520
SUDS Hits the Water Around Guantanamo Bay
Kevin Kroght, front, a paraplegic with Soliders Undertaking Disabled Scuba (SUDS) and instructor Tony Cerezo, go diving during a week long SUDS visit to Naval Station Guantanamo Bay. (Photo by Brian Teal. https://www.facebook.com/BrianTealPhotography) MC2 Kegan Kay Photojournalist
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oldiers Undertaking Disabled Scuba (SUDS) visit Naval Station Guantanamo Bay for the thirteenth trip According to the SUDS website SUDS is designed to help improve the lives of injured service through training in a challenging and rewarding activity it can help facilitate the rehabilitation process and promote mobility. Offering this venue provides the service member with a sport they can enjoy during their rehabilitation and throughout their life. “It shows you have no limitations,” said Daniel Burgess, SUDS member about the program. “It helps you remember that even though you do have a form of a disability now, that nothing can hold you back.” SUDS was started by John Thompson while based at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. The SUDS program is for Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom service members under physical therapy and occupational therapy care. “As soon as I walked in the front door,” said Jason Thompson, president of the SUDS. “I saw very young injured men and women and hit me pretty hard. I knew at that moment that I wanted to get involved but didn’t know what I had to offer.”
Starting off as in the aquatic therapy department, Thompson had the idea of using scuba to help recovering veterans and approached the chief of physical therapy with his idea and got the green light. The SUDS foundation makes yearly trips to many destinations with NS Guantanamo Bay being the only military base the SUDS members visit and according to Thompson is the most popular destination. This year’s trip marked the thirteenth visit since starting SUDS in 2009. “It has been phenomenal since we’ve been here,” said Burgess. “From the command to the community, they’ve welcomed us with open arms. It’s such a miraculous feeling of support and friendship.” This year SUDS brought six wounded warriors and three staff members to NS Guantanamo Bay to dive but the week long trip was exclusively about diving as the visitors had the opportunity to interact with community members and enjoy a BBQ and bon fire at Cable Beach. “It is an amazing thing to be apart of,” said Jessie Keenan, Dive Shop Manager. “It is just the best feeling in the world to be able to help somebody, especially our military.”
PAGE 2• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE
NS Guantanamo Bay Executive Officer, Cmdr. Al Ross congratulates MA2 Bowers with his military working dog, Kili, on his selection as Sailor of the Week.
MA2 MICHAEL BOWERS
■Job/Department: Military Working Dog Handler/ Security ■Age: 24 ■Hometown: Sherman, TX ■TV Show: Game of Thrones ■Movie: Tombstone ■Musician: Granger Smith ■Hobby: Physcial fitness ■Greatest Passion: Training Dogs ■How the Navy improved my life: The Navy gave me an opportunity to further my college education and a steady career that I truly enjoy. ■Sailors of the Week Because: MA2 Michael Bowers was selected as Sailor of the Week for begin instrumental to the success of the FY-16 Military Working Dog (MWD) NCIS Security Training Assistance and Assessment visit. The team consisting of MA2 Bowers and MWD Kili scored a 100% in all areas of Explosive Detection, Patrol/Aggression, and the admin portion of the inspection. MA2 Bowers also advanced Kili to Level 7 Patrol which makes him one of the highest certified dogs in CNRSE. His overall score attributed to a 97% passing rate which has given Naval Station Guantanamo Bay kennels the highest scores in CNRSE for FY-15 and FY-16. VOL. 73 • NO. 09
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
JULIE RIPLEY 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.
March 18, 2016• PAGE 3
Centerra Conducts Fall Protection Training Benjamin Miller Centerra Safety Manager
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ccording to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), every day in the United Sates, one-third of all construction deaths stem from falls from elevated heights. In an effort to curb these figures, 156 Centerra workers on Naval Station Guantanamo Bay just completed their Fall Protection training. The training encompassed a series of nine classes with each class lasting three hours. A total of 495 man hours were spent to ensure the safety of the employees when working at elevated heights. Safety in the workplace is Centerra’s primary goal and this training helps ensure everyone goes home at the end of the workday. Centerra’s Fall Protection training is designed to train its craftsmen the best practice methods of identifying and eliminating fall hazards. This training involved the use of lectures, demonstration and hands-on engagement. One work hazard employees face is when they are suspended in a harness; it may cause blood to pool in the veins of the legs possibly resulting in unconsciousness. If the individual is not rescued promptly, serious injury or death may occur. To provide better work conditions and increase the safety of their employees, Centerra recently purchased Suspension Trauma Safety Straps for all fall protection harnesses. These straps are designed to help a worker overcome potential negative health impacts of suspension trauma (otherwise known as Orthostatic Intolerance) when suspended from a height after a fall. The Suspension Trauma Safety Strap allows the suspended worker to stand up in their harness relieving the pressure being applied to arteries and veins around the top of the legs. With the right equipment and proper training Centerra hopes to meet their goal of safeguarding the workplace so all of their employees go home safe and healthy at end of the day.
Reggie Lanuza demostrates the use of the life saving Suspension Tramua Straps.
Sending Direct Mail to Cuba for the First Time in 50 Years Tanya Somanader Director of Digital Rapid Response for the Office of Digital Strategy
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letter from the President is making its way to a 76-year-old letter writer in Cuba via direct mail for the first time in 50
years. An American president has not traveled to Cuba in almost 90 years. But on March 20, President Obama will become the first president to set foot on the island country that’s only 90 miles off the coast of Florida. The visit is a historic milestone after more than a year of progress from the day in December of 2014 when the President first announced he was abandoning a failed, Cold War-era approach to Cuba in favor of a new course to normalize relations. Since then, we’ve restored non-stop flights between our two countries. We’ve helped facilitate more people-to-people interaction and commercial enterprise. We’ve allowed U.S. dollars to be used in more financial transactions with Cuba. And today, we’re restoring direct mail for the first time in 50 years. The first flight carrying that first batch of U.S. direct mail to Cuba took off yesterday -- a development that may please Ileana Yarza, a 76-year-old letter writer in Cuba who has been waiting for the President to visit for years. “I think there are not many Cubans
so eager as I to meet you in person,” she wrote on February 18. “Not as an important American personality, but as a charming president whose open smile wins hearts.” Yesterday’s flight carried a personal response from President Obama to Ileana, which will reach the island before he touches down in Havana on Sunday. The types of mail that customers in the United States can send to Cuba include First-Class Mail International items, First-Class Package International Service items, Priority Mail International Flat Rate Envelopes and Priority Mail International Small Flat Rate Priced Boxes. Employees at the United States Postal Service shared in a moment of excitement as they prepared to send the letter on its way. “I’ve worked for the Postal Service for 27 years, and this has been my goal for 26 years,” one employee shared. “So this is a pretty big day for me.” To learn more about the President’s Cuba policy and why he’s headed down to Havana, check out what the President’s Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes has to say about it by visiting http://www.medium.com/@rhodes44.
PAGE 6• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE
Chaplain’s
Corner
MOVIES
The
Scoop
VOLUNTERS NEEDED Volunteers needed for the Elementary School Field Day on April 7 from 7 to 10 a.m. at Cooper Field. The first 30 volunteers will be assigned stations. For questions contact susan.ramsey@am.dodea.edu or theresa.weber@am.dodea. edu or call 2207 or 3500.
Annex. Join in on free games and prizes, snacks, fun and meeting the Easter Bunny. For more information please contact RP2 Lampkin at 2323.
MEMORIAL SERVICE The Cuban Assistance Program will be holding a Memorial Service for Mr. Edbert Adolphus Derrick Richard on March 22 at the Base Chapel. Viewing will be at 11 a.m. with the service at 12 p.m. Uniform is Dress Whites for service members participating in the ceremony and EASTER EGG HUNT for those attending the service The Easter Eggstravaganza will may wear khakis for officers and take place on March 26 from chiefs and NSUs for E-6 and junior. 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the youth Civilians will be business attire. center. Bring the kids and have a fun filled morning with a special AFTERMATH PARTY appearance from the Easter CSADD is hosting an Aftermath Bunny. Easter Egg hunt begins Party on March 19 at the at 9:30 a.m. To make a donation Windjammer Pool Pavilion starting please contact SFC Dennis at at 10 p.m. All are invited. This is a 55175 by March 18. chance for Sailors who took the advancement exam to unwind and JEA EGGSTRAVAGANZA enjoy some free food and nonThe Junior Enlisted Association alcoholic drinks. is hosting their annual Easter Eggstravaganza on March 27 FILM FESTIVAL from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Chapel W.T. Sampson High School is
hosting their inaugural Film Festival on Friday, May 6 from 7:30 to 8 p.m. at the Downtown Lyceum. Everyone is invited to attend.
March 18, 2016• PAGE 7
DOWNTOWN LYCEUM
FRIDAY 8 p.m.:
MAR 18
The Divergent Series: Allegiant
ZUMBA FITNESS The Sexual Assault Prevention PG13 and Response team presents Witch Zumba Fitness on Tues., April 7 10:30 p.m.: The R at the Denich Gym at 7 p.m. led by Team Esto. Come celebrate SATURDAY Risen 8 p.m.: dance, life and you!
MAR 19
PG13
WATER OUTAGE Cloverfield Lane There will be a water outage on 10 p.m.: 10 PG13 March 22 for Caribbean Circle unts 19-30 and 37-42 from 7:30 SUNDAY MAR 20 a.m. to 5 p.m. 8 p.m.: Hail, Caesar! VOLUNTEERS FOR FFSC Fleet and Family Support Center are looking for volunteers for the following events; SAAM/CAAM 5K Fun Run on April 9 starting at 6:45 a.m. at Cooper Field. 50 Volunteers are Needed. MWR Day at the Bay- 50 to 75 Volunteers are needed for setup on April 29 and during/after the event on April 30. FMI please call FFSC at 4141 or 4153.
PG13
MONDAY MAR 21 Kung Fu Panda 3 8 p.m.: PG
TUESDAY The Choice 8 p.m.:
MAR 22
PG13
WEDNESDAY MAR 23 The Finest Hours 8 p.m.: PG13
THURSDAY 8 p.m.: Zootopia
MAR 24
PG
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
CALL THE MOVIE HOTLINE @ 4880