March 13, 2015• VOL. 72 • NO.10• NAVY.MIL/LOCAL/GUANTANAMO • FACEBOOK.COM/NSGuantanamoBay
NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA • PSC 1005 BOX 25 • FPO, AE 09593 • 011-5399-4090
USC Students Visit NS Guantanamo Bay
University of South Carolina students and faculty members give tips to Chief Aviation Structural Mechanic Chris Rice on how to maintain the historical items in the Lighthouse Historical Center, March. 12. Kelly Wirfel NS Guantanamo Bay Public Affairs Officer
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welve graduate students and three staff members from the University of South Carolina traveled to Naval Station (NS) Guantanamo Bay, March 6-13. The students are developing an exhibit on South Carolina’s military history and its relation to NS Guantanamo Bay. The exhibit will be installed at McKissick Museum, University of South Carolina’s campus museum during the fall of 2015 to accompany the traveling exhibit created by the Guantanamo Public Memory Program (a consortium of a dozen public history graduate programs). Also during their trip they spent countless hours interviewing and documenting the daily lives of base residents. “The trip is part of a graduate course I am currently teaching on historic site interpretation,” said Ms. Allison Marsh, PhD, University of South Carolina History Professor and trip coordinator. “Throughout the week the students collected oral histories of base residents to capture their everyday life here at the base.” They also received a base history tour which included stops
at the North East Gate, Cuzco Well’s Cemetery and the Lighthouse Historic Center. When they were not conducting interviews the students were volunteering at the Lighthouse Historic Center. “Overall this trip has been a fabulous experience for the students. There have been so many growth opportunities for them to learn here,” said Marsh. “Before we left I had my students write down what expectations were of the base and I am looking forward to reading those because I am sure their expectations are nothing like what they actually experienced.” During their visit the students also participated in multiple recreational activities to include snorkeling, boating and hiking. “Before we came we did extensive research on the history of the base but it was awesome to actually get to see some of the different locations such as Cuzco Well’s first-hand,” said Kyle Bjornson. “I was also very surprised at how spread out the base is and what a close knit community it is. It has definitely been an amazing experience and something that most people would never have the opportunity to experience.”
PAGE 2• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE
NS Guantanamo Bay Commanding Officer, Capt. Scott Gray congratulates YN3 Collins on her selection as Sailor of the Week. ■Job/Department: Admin Office ■Age: 21 ■Hometown: Fairfax, Virginia ■Goal: Be the MCPON ■Favorite Musician: Meghan Trainor, Sia ■Heroes: Mother, God Mother ■Favorite Movie: All Disney movies ■Working On: Advancing ■Favorite Hobbies: Writing ■Favorite TV Show: The Following, Modern Family, True Blood, Once Upon a Time ■Sailor of the Week Because: YN3 has done an excellent job at revamping the command awards procedures. She works closely with the Command Master Chief, Executive Officer and Commanding Officer on awards processing. As a motivated self-starter and superb attention-to-detail, she meticulously processed 29 awards from Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, Achievement Medals, and civilian longevity awards. She effortlessly adapted to the new awards process and flawlessly reworked all award revisions from the Executive Officer and Commanding Officer which decreased award finalization time dramatically. Bravo Zulu on a job well done.
YN3 PAMELA COLLINS
VOL. 72 • NO.10
COMMANDING OFFICER EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMMAND MASTER CHIEF
Guantanamo Bay Gazette
CAPT. SCOTT GRAY CMDR. AL ROSS CMDCM (SW) JEFFERY TIDWELL
PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER GAZETTE EDITOR
NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA
KELLY WIRFEL MCC(SW/AW) KEITH BRYSKA
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 670.
March is Traumatic Brain Injury Month
March 13, 2015• PAGE 3
U.S. Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay
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raumatic brain injuries, otherwise known as TBI’s, are a hot topic these days with lots of money and research being poured into the subject. There are stories almost daily covering the long-term effects of TBI on patients, whether they are professional athletes, or veterans who were involved in a blast or some other combat-related injury. A TBI is defined as any head injury that results in loss of consciousness (LOC), alteration of consciousness (AOC), or post-traumatic amnesia. Simply put, if someone hits their head and gets knocked out, sees stars, or has difficulty remembering the incident, they most likely have had some sort of TBI. TBI’s are classified into four categories: mild, moderate, severe, and penetrating TBI. Mild TBI’s, also known as concussions, account for 82.5 percent of all TBI’s, and are the most common in our active duty population. From 2000-2013, there were more than 273,000 TBI’s in our DOD active duty population. Of these, about 85% happened while members were off duty. While this may be surprising to some, military members as a whole are a very active population. Just drive by Cooper Field almost any night of the week and you can see multiple different intramural sports underway. While there is a lot of research being done currently, medical
professionals still do not know much about TBI’s. For instance, we know that patients who have a history of TBI’s can develop long term problems with memory, concentration, recurrent headaches, PTSD, and even chronic traumatic encephalopathy. What we do not know is if there is a certain number of TBI’s or certain severity of TBI that people have to suffer in order to develop these symptoms. For this reason, prompt diagnosis and treatment is key in managing any TBI. Anyone who has a head injury should be evaluated for a potential TBI. The most important part of treatment is rest. Just like someone who breaks a leg and walks on it, if someone suffers a TBI and try to get back to normal activity too soon, they can actually make the problem worse. While rest is sometimes hard to do, it is the mainstay of treatment. Education and open lines of communication with military leadership are also very important. Most times, there are no obvious physical signs of a TBI, which may raise questions concerning the injury if people are not open and up front with their commands. If anyone has any questions about TBI or information in this article, please see contact you Primary Care Manager at U.S. Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay. Remember, early intervention is the key to long-term treatment.
eDIVO Mobile App for DIVOs and CPOs Now Available From Sea Warrior Program (PEO EIS PMW 240) Public Affairs
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he Navy launched a new app today named eDIVO, designed to provide junior officers and chief petty officers with quick access to information and resources all conveniently located within one mobile application. The eDIVO app is the creation of two junior officers, Lt. Charlie Hymen and Lt. John Harry, who were frustrated with the arduous task of sifting through numerous websites and documents in search of military guidance. Today, their idea and determination has led to the eDIVO app, developed by the Navy and now available for free in the App Store and Google Play Store. The eDIVO app aggregates publicly available information providing quick access to more than 44 documents and 8,300 pages of information in one convenient place significantly decreasing the amount of time it takes to search for frequently needed information. In addition, the eDIVO app works disconnected thus enabling use anywhere, whether ashore or afloat. “The basic concept was to design a mobile app to help division officers and chief petty officers with their day-to-day management of personnel and divisional affairs, as well as give them the tools to succeed as effective leaders,” said Hymen. “Actually seeing our app turn into a reality is very fulfilling.” “We are thrilled to see this app launched today in both the Apple and Android platforms because we understand first-hand how this product will make life easier for the division officer,” said Harry. eDIVO is a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) tool available for smartphones and tablets, and allows the division officers to find applicable information such as basic military requirements, evaluation writing, sexual assault and harassment, legal issues,
enlisted advancement, equal opportunity, and navigation basics. It is designed to help DIVOs take the appropriate steps when faced with typical situations they encounter day-to-day. Beta testers of eDIVO have given the app positive reviews. Lt. j.g. David Galiyas, assistant plans and policies officer, Amphibious Squadron (COMPHIBRON) 6 said, “Instead of spending countless hours searching for instructions, forms and other essential administration, division officers have all of the necessary tools at their fingertips, and can spend more time leading and developing their Sailors. I can’t stress enough how much of a positive impact eDIVO will have on the Surface Navy.” Also included with the app is a Rules of the Road quiz that includes a question bank of more than 1200 questions (and answers) ensuring that those standing watch are equipped with the resources and training they need to keep their ships safe. Lt. j.g. Hans Lauzen, eDIVO tester and combat information center officer, USS Essex (LHD 2) stated, “eDIVO revolutionizes the way a DIVO can work, and brings being a naval officer into the 21st century. Being able to access key publications, helpful tips, and Rules of the Road quizzes from my phone, I am able to immediately make an impact within my division. It even works on airplane mode so I can use it on the high seas!” The division officer app was developed by the U.S. Navy Sea Warrior Program (PMW 240) and produced under an agile development process that allowed an operational utility prototype to be released within six months. This process was specifically designed to develop the eDIVO app, and future apps, on a short timeline and small budget. Tracen Technologies Inc., a company that specializes in integrated mobile and web solutions, was the software developer.
Dr. Seuss Fun Run
By MCC Keith Bryska Gazette Editor
Kids from W.T. Sampson Elementary and High School had the chance to enjoy a one mile Dr. Seuss fun run, March 7. The run was organized by members of the Parent Teacher Organization with help from volunteers and Marine Corps Security Force Company Guantanamo Bay. The run started at the North East gate and was open to parents as well. According to PTO member Laura McManus the 2015 Dr. Seuss Fun Run was a huge success. “It is always amazing to see our community of parents and volunteers come together to facilitate a great event for the children living here,” said McManus. “The PTO could not have made this event happen without the help of the Marines and our many military volunteers.” Many of the kids really enjoyed themselves and several participants dressed as their favorite Dr. Seuss characters. “Events like the Fun Run are great for our community because people from all different backgrounds and professions come together with one common goal, to support the kids of Guantanamo Bay,” said McManus. “This event is truly special because it is held at a place that is usually off limits and it combines physical fitness, base history, supports literacy and of course, celebrates Dr. Seuss’ birthday!”
PAGE 6• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE
Chaplain’s Corner
“It is all about blocking and tackling” CDR Daniel Mode
NS Guantanamo Bay Command Chaplain
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ince Lombardi once observed that “football is only two things—blocking and tackling,” which sounds incredibly boring. No great running plays? No exciting passes and amazing catches? How exciting could that possibly be? And who would ever watch such a game? Of course, one of the game’s greatest coaches does not intend to rob football of its excitement. Rather, his hyperbole simply means that the exciting things about football are impossible without the two most basic and least glamorous elements. This is a truth that every great athlete, musician, or military commander understands: without the basics, the big things will never be accomplished. We can all be overwhelmed with accomplishing our goals: advancing to the next rank, finishing that college degree or certification, buying a house for the first time—all great and lofty goals. However, if we fail to
do the basics day in and day the goal can often seem unattainable and simply overwhelming. I am sure you have heard the expression: “how do you eat an elephant?” “one bite at a time.” In order to accomplish our goals and tasks, we need to break them up into the basics—the “blocking and tackling” of the goal. What is one goal you want to accomplish while you are stationed at Guantanamo Bay? Take that goal and break it into its parts: what do I need to do first, set goals week by week to accomplish different tasks to achieve which will lead to the ultimate victory of the goal, and do the basic things well. In Sacred Scripture we hear these encouraging words: Luke 16:10: “He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much” Luke 19:17: “’Well done, my good servant!’ his master replied. ‘Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.”
You, Me, and Your Colon (Health) CAPT James Flint, MC, USN, General Surgeon, U.S. Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay
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id you hear the one about the lawyer and the proctologist? Ok…, so now I have your attention. Everyone likes to joke around about the colon and rectum, and I hear a new one from a patient every month or so. But neglecting this part of our body is no laughing matter. Did you know that colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death and both men and women? But like most cancers, if caught early, it can be cured. Often, by the time a patient has signs or symptoms from colorectal cancer, it is too late. Screening seems clear to me, but recent statistics reveal only 59 percent of people 50 or older have been properly screened for colorectal cancer. March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. The American Cancer Society recommends that anyone over the age of 50 should be properly screened for colorectal cancer. Additionally, there are some common conditions that prompt screening at age 40, or even earlier. These include certain races or ethnic groups, a family history of colorectal cancer, or having polyps removed in the past.
Your primary care provider can provide details, all you have to do is ask. In addition, I am available as the subject matter expert by default, since there is no gastroenterologist stationed here at Guantanamo Bay. Two highly sensitive ways to screen for colorectal cancer are the time-honored colonoscopy and the newer CT colonography (specialized CT scan). There is also a third option still in its infancy, called “capsule endoscopy” where a patient swallows a mechanized pill with the ability to film the interior of the intestines as it tumbles through the gut. Yes, we are entering into a new era of sophistication! Finally, the most common, least sensitive test is the chemical based stool blood test, which is easily obtained, office-based information. This article is primarily for those 40 years and older, but the younger population here on island quite likely has parents, friends, and even mentors, who could benefit from this little nudge. Suffice it to say, like anything in life, knowledge is power. The more YOU know about YOUR body, the better. Nobody discusses the colon and/ or rectum at cocktail parties or at the water cooler, but I’m talking about it now. Get screened! (It may save your life).
GTMO SHOPPER
MOVIES
E-mail classified ad submissions to
PAO-CLASSIFIEDADS@ USNBGTMO.NAVY.MIL 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.
MISC Single bed, Sauder entertainment center cabinet, piano, sofa and several bikes. Call 74499 after 5 p.m.
OUTDOOR REC 1998 Stapleford 19’ Center Console boat for sale. Seats 8 people, boat has been upgraded since new ownership. Serious inquiries only. Asking $6,500. Call 77212.
The
Scoop PHILIPPINES EMBASSY The Embassy of the Philippines will have representatives on island to renew passports for Filipino citizens April 1-2 and are being sponsored by Centerra. They have scheduled their
employees for passport updates and would like to also extend the offer to other Filipino’s who work for NEX and/ or MWR the chance to renew their passport. They will be located in the Centerra Conference Room, bldg. 2159. Those in need of these services are encouraged to stop by. TRAFFIC SAFETY Starting July 1st, 2015 Security Patrolmen will be enforcing the following Vehicle requirements. 1. Polaris Rangers must have netted doors installed while operating, per Owner’s Manual. 2. All vehicles operating on the road ways must have the following minimum requirements; a front windshield, a horn, 2 side view mirrors (except for Jeeps), a rear view mirror, headlights, tail lights, brake lights, and turn signals. If vehicle is a personally owned Vehicle, it must be inspected and registered to the current owner of the vehicle and the owner must have proof of insurance. 3. All non-Low Speed Vehicles must have doors installed. The only exception will be Jeeps. If your vehicle was manufactured with a
door, it must be installed. This requirement is federal regulation to prevent personnel from being thrown from the vehicle in the event of an impact or collision. 4. All trucks with seats placed into the bed of the truck, not installed by the manufacture of the vehicle must be removed. The seats and restraints do not meet the requirements of Federal standards and pose a serious risk to passengers
March 13, 2015• PAGE 7
DOWNTOWN LYCEUM
FRIDAY 8 p.m.:
Cinderella
March 13
10p.m.:
Run All Night
PG
R
SATURDAY March 14 McFarland, USA 8 p.m.: PG
10:15: p.m.: Hot Tub Time Machine 2 R
SUNDAY
March 15
TUESDAY Selma 8 p.m.:
March 17
8 p.m.: Jupiter Ascending FACILITIES PG13 Need to place a trouble call? MONDAY March 16 Facilities has changed their Chappie 8 p.m.: number. It is now 3694 for all R trouble calls.
AMC TERMINAL The air terminal wants to remind everyone that all passengers manifested on the AMC Tuesday or Friday rotator flights MUST check-in at the Windward Annex the day prior to their flight. Check in hours are scheduled from 1200 to 1800 at the Windward Annex. Passengers who do not comply with the mandatory check-in requirement will lose their seat. All open seats will be released to Standby and Space “A” passengers.
PG13
WEDNESDAY March 18 The Boy Next Door 8 p.m.: R
THURSDAY March 19 Seventh Son 8 p.m.: PG13
CALL THE MOVIE HOTLINE @ 4880
Guantanamo Bay Navy Chief Petty Officers 1ST ANNUAL GOLF OPEN Register at the golf course or contact HTC Whisenant to register in advance x84268
$50 per two man team includes cart. Lunch provided for players! Registration opens 0700, April 4th Fees will be collected NLT 0730 on April 4th *All proceeds to benefit the CPO Khaki Ball*
Two man scramble Trophies for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place
Retired Sailor Return for a Promotion of a Lifetime
By MC2 Jeff Troutman Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Hawaii
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hen retired Navy Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Jim Castaneda arrived on Ford Island at Pearl Harbor on the morning of March 8, he was under the impression he and his fellow brothers and sisters in the Navy Wounded Warrior-Safe Harbor program were attending a ceremony honoring the 2015 Wounded Warrior Pacific Trials being held in Hawaii. What he didn’t know was that the ceremony was for him, and the dream of a lifetime was about to become his, at last. Within the shade of a famous banyan tree marked with the names of service members past, and messages testifying to their bravery and courage, Castaneda was made an honorary chief petty officer during the surprise pinning ceremony. His long, eventful journey as a U.S. Navy Sailor was finally reaching its peak. “This feeling right now...there are no words for it,” Castaneda, fighting back tears, told the approximately 200 service members, active and retired, who came out to share in the joy of his finest Navy achievement. “This was my dream before I retired, to make chief petty officer. And now it’s finally a reality.” Castaneda’s dream had not come without incredible determination and heartbreaking sacrifice. Joining the Navy in 1990, Castaneda was approaching his 20-year mark of active duty service when he was diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder in June 2009, a direct result of his shipboard time performing recovery (bodies) operations off the coast of India. In 2010, while underway, Castaneda suffered a debilitating stroke onboard his ship, and his promising ascent to the rank of chief petty officer was cut short. He was granted an honorary medical retirement from active duty service, receiving a 100 percent Veterans Affairs rating for his disability. More heartbreak followed when, in 2012, he suffered a second stroke, which left him requiring the assistance of a wheel chair. Despite these setbacks, Castaneda’s spirit and pride in his dedication to the Navy remained undeterred, as he remained active within the Wounded Warrior-Safe Harbor community. His involvement and motivational performances in the 2012 Wounded Warrior Pacific Trials, the 2013 Wounded Warrior Pacific Invitational and the 2014 Warrior Games proved that Castaneda had plenty of fight left in him. Yet his greatest achievement and proudest career moment was still to come. “The journey to become a chief petty officer is not an easy one, and this man’s journey exemplifies that,” U.S. Pacific Fleet Master Chief Marco Ramirez told the onlookers at the ceremony. “Boats, as a leader and now a chief petty officer,
you are now hereby charged to ensure your Sailors and fellow service members alike have the tools needed to perform the tasks that are required and I know you will willingly accept this responsibility.” The words that Castaneda had longed to hear spoken to him, in the role of chief petty officer, were finally a reality. Members of the audience and the Chief ’s Mess alike teared up as Ramirez and Master Chief Cryptologic Technician (Control) Tara O’Brien pinned the golden anchors to his collar. Then, as Ramirez placed the chief petty officer cover atop Castaneda’s head, welcoming him into the Chief ’s Mess, the crowd erupted in applause. “This is...the proudest moment of my naval career, to accept him into the Chief ’s Mess,” O’Brien said afterwards. “It was long overdue. For this man to keep pushing forward, to stay motivated, to ultimately achieve this milestone; I couldn’t be more proud right now.” Castaneda’s son Junior echoed O’Brien’s sentiments. “I can’t put the feeling of pride into words,” said Junior. “I wanted to cry when I saw the look on his face, when they announced what the reason for the ceremony was. I know what this means to him, to finally be recognized as a Navy chief.” Castaneda’s first order as chief was to express his gratitude to the men and women who came out to support him on his greatest of days, as well as his brothers and sisters who had served with him in the past and continue to support him today. “I’m going to wear this everywhere, I don’t care what anyone thinks,” Castaneda said, referencing his chief ’s cover, as the crowd burst into laughter and applause. “But honestly, some of you took the time on your day off to come here and share this moment with me, and I can’t begin to explain how much I appreciate it. I’m not going to let you down.” Ramirez gave the new chief his full blessing as he began his new role. “The Chief ’s Mess is the heartbeat of the Navy. They personify the code of honor and commitment the Navy so strongly upholds,” he reminded the audience. Turning to Castaneda, he offered a final compliment, encapsulating a naval career more than 20 years in the making. “Your ongoing and steadfast commitment is inspiring to all, and these anchors and this cover you now wear is in recognition of your achievements and dedication to the world’s finest Navy.” And as another long round of applause was showered upon him, Castaneda could only smile. His dream of becoming a U.S. Navy Chief was finally a reality.
March 13, 2015• PAGE 7