March 6, 2015• VOL. 72 • NO.9• NAVY.MIL/LOCAL/GUANTANAMO • FACEBOOK.COM/NSGuantanamoBay
NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA • PSC 1005 BOX 25 • FPO, AE 09593 • 011-5399-4090
W.T. Sampson Students Learn About Green Energy
Mr. Mark Keels, Installation Energy Manager talks to students from Mrs. Batory’s high school class about the construction and operation of the Solar Array behind the Navy Exchange, March 5. Kelly Wirfel NS Guantanamo Bay Public Affairs Officer
W.T. Samspon High School students assigned to Mrs. Batory’s Green Technology class participated in an academic field trip to the base’s Photovoltaic System (Solar Farm) behind the Navy Exchange, March 5-6. “I arranged the tour to raise student awareness of the use of renewable energy in their local community and help them learn the importance of energy conservation,” said Batory. Fourteen students participated in the tour led by Mr. Mark Keels, Installation Energy Manager for Naval Station (NS) Guantanamo Bay’s Public Works Department. Mr. Keels talked to the student’s about how the solar arrays are constructed, how they capture the sunlight, the different parts of the array, how the energy is converted from Direct Current (DC) to Alternating Current (AC) and how the energy is used to power the Navy Exchange. “I feel that it is extremely important for kids to see these types of things firsthand,” said Batory. “In my experience, students learn from hands-on applications and are able to
apply the knowledge learned in the classroom to real word applications.” Throughout the school year, students enrolled in the Green Technology class also participated in field trips to the Solar Water Heater unit, the Power Plant, Water Desalination plant and the windmills.
PAGE 2• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE
NS Guantanamo Bay Commanding Officer, Capt. Scott Gray congratulates the Sailors of the Week for their hard work in keeping the base clean.
Congratulations to our Sailors of the Week; CE1 Matthew Robison, CE2 Adam Caballero, HM Hannah Sumrall, UTCA Nicholas Colfer, BU2 Jared Allbritton, UT2 Kyle Harrison, BU2 Jody Holland, MA3 Casey Anaya, MASN Seana Porter, MA2 Thomas Laban. Thank you for volunteering to come out and help with base beautification projects. Your countless hours while helping cut, trim and rake over 20 unoccupied houses around Villamar and Nob Hill will go a long way in making this base a better place. Bravo Zulu on a job well done. VOL. 72 • NO.9
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.
Making the Proper Decisions
March 6, 2015• PAGE 3
BM2 Kayla Shaheen NAVSTA Port Operations
Have you ever been responsible for something so contrary to your character that it is literally too painful to look others in the eyes? Even to be in the presence of those that you know and love, that it breaks your composure and you’re simply unable to maintain without emotional instability? Or how about if the offense affected you personally, causing an uncertain risk of jeopardizing all you’ve worked for in your career? It sounds quite confounding as to why anyone would choose such actions that would give them the realism of these repercussions. Thus it’s improbable that people deliberately choose to set themselves up for such extreme failure in their right mind; however, alcohol has the capability of impairing your proud virtue and ethic; causing you to reason with choices that you in your coherent state would know better than to even consider or ever attempt justifying. Every one of these aftereffects, and more, were the unfortunate reality that I was delegated to face from the foolish decision I made when I decided to drive a motor vehicle while intoxicated. Whether through school or from the military, it’s emphasized and trained upon to not drink and drive. Along with several other destructive decisions the military stands firm in educating on and preventing driving while impaired with a paramount priority. I support this because of my experience with the impact of consequences from my own very irresponsible choice that I made one night. It is my passion to now inform others of not only the overbearing shame and humiliation from having done this, but also the unfortunate results that can come from it career-wise and ultimately affecting your entire path towards the future, regardless what plans it holds for you. The night I faced one of the realist lessons I’ve yet to encounter, it started off as simply a plan for good times with some friends. As the night progressed, so did the alcohol consumption. With details of the evening being neither here nor there, fast forward to the moment my judgment was impaired to the point I would senselessly make a decision I am otherwise committedly an advocate against. Interesting enough, just moments before I reacted on my moronic impulse to get behind the wheel of a vehicle while being under the influence of alcohol, I found myself in a personal situation with another friend that I wanted to escape to avoid flaring attitudes and tension that I was conscious enough to understand would escalate with the alcohol emphasizing our reactions. Granted, the integrity within overcame that moment by choosing to walk away; but it was surely only for a moment. For whatever logic, one that I would never condone nor reason with because of the alcohol content alone, I foolishly gave into the reckless resolution to escape the situation by making the rash and impetuous decision to locate my car with the intent to drive away. As you could imagine, the night led to the right outcome of
my wrong actions so that I may reap what I have sown. My entire world, as I knew it, was dreadfully beaming before my existence. From the moment I was faced with the truth of my actions, I simply could not come to terms with the shock of my harsh reality. This couldn’t be happening! This was not me! The following morning, after having sobered up and now fully coherent and alert, was of the most crucial and nearly unbearable despair that was so foreign to me. The realization consisted of numerous awful compelling emotions; shame, guilt, embarrassment, disappointment, shock, confusion, disbelief, just such a jarring disturbance that struck to the core of my existence because I was unfamiliar with even my own behavior. Then it hit me even harder; the mere recognition of the role alcohol played this situation I was encumbered by. However, that’s not even what crushed me the most. To know that regardless of the understanding of alcohols impact on my decision-making that night, I was to face all those that had such a secure dependability and steadfast trust for my standard as a Sailor, my integrity and honor as a person was shot. For the next couple of days, I couldn’t bare to look at those that knew me, especially those that I worked for, and even more so those that worked for me. As I have always lived by the moto to live each and every day being the person you would want to look up to, it crushed me to have my actions represent the very opposite. Not to mention, I am going on 7 years in the service with a clean, no-foul record, that reputation and tradition I have always been proud to uphold. Having to carry out the proceeding days in company with those that I knew were of the most disappointed was a heavy tension I would never want for anyone. The days approaching my outcome in consequences was such a heavy burden, and something no one should face especially having committed an action so contrary to your own standards; it is utterly sickening when it’s simply not of your personality’s stature. It is my aching urge to stress not only the raw, inevitable inner battle of emotions that come with such destructive decisions, but also, the physical, uncontrollable outcomes that could play a potential role in the aftermath effect of such choices. An undebatable sacrifice that is a guarantee is your license will surely be suspended for a year from the date of the offense. That is just the beginning of turmoil of potential results your life could consist of. After all you’ve strived for and dedicated your name to, not only could the setback of dependability be an unavoidable factor, but all those things you’ve worked hard to achieve, could simply be taken right from your grasp; all from one decision. Should your career be stripped from your clutch, that you could imagine the frantic fight of having to revise your entire disposition towards your path for overall living stability. All the inconveniences that would stem from this aspect in itself could be more than overwhelming. Suppose your career is promised Continued on page 6
Girls Scout’s Host 50’s Dance
By MCC Keith Bryska Gazette Editor
R
esidents of Naval Station (NS) Guantanamo Bay enjoyed a 50’s themed sock hop sponsored by the Guantanamo Bay Girls Scouts, Feb. 28. The event was held at the W.T. Sampson High School and was open to all base residents. According to Guantanamo Bay Girl Scouts Cadet Troop Leader and Girl Scouts Registrar Vicki Vargas the Guantanamo Bay Girl Scouts council and leaders decided instead of a Father/ Daughter dance, as done in previous years, to host a family dance. “We thought, to make sure everyone would feel included (no matter if their father or mother was here or not) it would be a great idea to host a family dance, where all could come and have a good time,” said Vargas. “We wanted to create a fun energetic dance experience and the theme that came to our minds was a Sock Hop! We thought, how you could not have a good time dressing up and dancing to the music from the 50’s?!” The dance had everything kids loved from a hula hoop contest to hitting balloons around the gymnasium. Guests also had the opportunity to snack on hotdogs and popcorn. Chief Builder Joshua Kolenda believes the event was a huge success and his daughters really loved it. “I had a lot of fun, and the kids really enjoyed themselves.
I could imagine the NS Guantanamo Bay community having similar style back in the 50’s, but what I think would be interesting is to see how different a place like the Windjammer or Tiki Bar would look and sound on a Friday or Saturday night,” said Kolenda Kolenda loved the decorations of the theme and the food, but said it was the music that made it the most enjoyable. “The kids in attendance have probably never heard most of the songs played, but that did not stop them from getting out and having fun with their friends,” said Kolenda. I did see many of them even dancing to the songs along with their parents.” Every year the Guantanamo Bay Girl Scouts hosts an event to give back to the community. “We enjoy bringing families together and to thank them and our NS Guantanamo Bay community for everything they have helped our Girl Scouts achieve during the year. I think the event went great and everyone seemed to have a wonderful time,” said Vargas. “The only wish I would have would be that everyone understood the event wasn’t just for Girl Scouts but for the entire community! Could you imagine how big the event would be then? That would be wonderful!! Guantanamo Bay, look for our event next year and we hope you join the fun.”
PAGE 6• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE
Chaplain’s Corner
Praise: The Key To Open Any Heart
LT Baron Miller
NS Guantanamo Bay Command Chaplain
I
don’t know if there is a better way to get someone’s attention than with praise. I know it’s true with God; we read over and over in the Scriptures that God loves our praise. But I also believe it’s true with people. In fact, I would even go as far as to say that praise is the most absent yet most needed element in almost any relationship. Take marriage for example. If you and your spouse are in a rut, try more affirmation and less criticism. By intentionally looking for the things you appreciate and adore about your spouse, you’ll melt their frozen heart and find a fire being rekindled that has gone out. Fellas, you think you don’t need your wife’s affirmation, think again. Ask her what she loves about you and see if her adoration of you doesn’t give you a bit more confidence in your role as husband. Ladies, challenge your man to articulate for you the ways he adores you; give him a chance to make a deposit in your emotional love bank and see if you don’t view him with a softer set of eyes. Consider parenting or even military leadership for Continued from page 3
to be kept for you, or you’re given another chance to redeem yourself, yet with the possible threat of having your achievements stripped from you unquestionably; your rank and role of leadership, your finances, your benefits, and essentially your track of accomplishments of the current rate you’re on towards success. The setback itself is by no means in any realm to compare to having had made the accountable decision. When it comes to alternative means of transiting the base after having alcoholic beverages, the obvious conclusion is really any other option that simply does not include yourself behind the wheel! It is honestly as rudimentary as that principle. A designated driver is a popular vote, along with contacting a taxi. Here in Guantanamo Bay, as most of you are familiar with, there is Safe Ride, which is even better than most taxi options around the world, considering it’s FREE! Concentrating on the option to drink period, keep in mind to always have a limit that you’re confident will allow you to maintain your characters honest reliability given any circumstance. Never hesitate or be timid with the initiation to suggest having a trustworthy buddy to perhaps look out for you in case you are unsure of your own limit. Don’t forget others might need that buddy as well, in which you could dutifully take on to be a
that matter (both roles share similarities). They say we will communicate and receive criticism better if we buffer each critique with 10 compliments. Have you spent time just singing your kids praises lately? Have you invested in the development of their confidence with honest comments about what they do well? Military leaders; one of the best things you can do in developing your team is celebrating their victories. 10 affirmations to every criticism is a good rule even in the workplace. I’m not advocating for syrupy accolades that have no merit; but I do believe regular, positive feedback is one of the best developers you may have for your team, your marriage, and your children. So this week, make an honest attempt to praise more than criticize. Let those close to you, family or staff, know you appreciate their efforts. Actually try and give 10 atta-boys for every negative criticism and I believe you’ll see that the key to unlocking the heart and igniting its passion for work or relationship is praise. proactive assistant and leader! I also have fantastic, relieving news that there are in fact other options to a good time that does not include alcohol! The slew of MWR events would surely speak for itself which you could find schedules to in one of the base papers titled, “GTMO LIFE.” Remember, your career, your future, your reputation and your dependability and dignity comes with the price of owning immature, irresponsible, careless decisions. Keep close to the understanding that everything you stand for and represent in making the right choice and standing firm against destructive decisions, could be questioned and fiercely altered by even one wrong choice made, in one brief moment; that which alcohol has the upmost capability of possessing all ownership over if you do not take initiative in setting your limits and not allowing the alcohol to possess you and your character’s caliber and rightful position. Do not only set and speak on honest credibility, but maintain, DO, and live out each and every day’s situations taking authentic authority to represent the standard others would want to look up to so that you may never allow anything, including a disgusting substance, overrule and jeopardize everything you’ve diligently worked for and justly earned, and notably the plausible validity of your true inner beliefs and morals.
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.
VEHICLES
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ELECTRONICS HP Mini Notebook PC, Intel® Atom N270 Processor (1.60GHz), Genuine Windows 7® Starter (32-Bit) 160GB Hard Drive, 1024MB DDR2 SDRAM, 10.1 Diagonal WSVGA Rarely used, Looks like new, Asking $250, Call 78471 after 3:00PM or leave message. Gaming Laptop MSI GS60-003, Intel Core i7-4710HQ 2.5 GHz (6 MB Cache) up 3.5 GHz turbo boost, 16 GB DDR3L SDRAM, 1 TB SSD 840 Samsung Evo ,+ 128 SSd a total of 1,128TB SSD, 15.6-Inch Screen, NVIDIA Geforce GTX860M with 2GB GDDR5 VRAM, Windows 8.1 Full HD, Item is working properly And in Great shape, With Accessories. Price : $ 1,400 Negotiable. Complete with original packaging, Look For : Florence Call: 74506 or 78558
“Account Notification”.
“Dear Customer, Kindly download SECURE PDF file attachment to this email to upgrade our Navy Federal Credit Union account with your correct details. Failure to do this may result in account suspended. Yours Faithfully, Navy Federal Credit Union.” The email contains a PDF attachment with a link to http://x.co/7mwZt that redirects the user to a Navy Federal Credit Union phishing page. The malicious webpage is designed to steal users’ personal financial login information. Information Assurance is currently having this purged from being delivered to GTMO recipients however, users who have already received a copy should delete it immediately and contact Information Systems Department at X-5717 for further guidance. 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.
DOWNTOWN LYCEUM
FRIDAY 8 p.m.:
March 6
Jupiter Ascending PG13
10:15p.m.: Focus R SATURDAY Chappie 8 p.m.:
March 7
R
10:15: p.m.: Project Almanac PG13
SUNDAY 8 p.m.:
Seventh Son
March 8
PG13
MONDAY March 9 Black or White 8 p.m.: 3. All non-Low Speed Vehicles PG13
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.
TUESDAY Taken 3 8 p.m.:
March 10
PG13
WEDNESDAY March 11 The Wedding Ringer 8 p.m.: R
THURSDAY March 12 The Boy Next Door 8 p.m.: R
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 CALL THE MOVIE HOTLINE @ 4880 not meet the requirements of Federal standards and pose a serious risk to passengers You are invited to participate in the:
SISTERS IN ARMS
MISC
Senior Leader Panel:
Looking for a tutor in Spanish with good command of the grammar Call 77199 and leave message.
Standards of Professionalism
The
Scoop CYBER DEFENSE Navy Cyber Defense Operations Command has identified a spear phishing attack that has targeted over 3120 Navy users with a Navy Federal Credit Union account suspension theme. There are multiple senders and the subject line of the malicious emails vary but appear similar to “Account Alert”, “NFCU Notification”, “Notification Alert”, or
March 6, 2015• PAGE 7
(Overcoming Misperception with Reality) 12 MARCH 2015 1830-1930 hrs NAVSTA-GTMO CHAPEL (Fellowship Hall) The Sisters In Arms is an informal organization designed to equip service members with the tools to grow professionally while identifying and addressing challenges specific to women through coaching, mentorship and an environment of trust.
Do you need a ride? Please RSVP. FMI please contact: MAJ Gennelle Lee gennelle.j.lee@jtfgtmo.southcom.mil x3187 LTJG Andrea Green andrea.d.green@jtfgtmo.southcom.mil x4836 SFC Crystal Galloway crystal.a.galloway@jtfgtmo.southcom.mil x8326 SSG Rosemary Cortez rosemary.cortez@jtfgtmo.southcom.mil x9499
W. T. Sampson Students Excel in Model United Nations Competition By Cindy Gibson DoDEA Public Affairs Officer
In their first time participating and competing in a Model United Nations, four W.T. Sampson Unit School (WTSUS) students won awards in the Old Dominion University Model United Nations (MUN) Conference, in Norfolk, Va., Feb. 19-22, 2015. W.T. Sampson School is located at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Fifteen WTSUS students competed in oration, resolution writing, amending resolutions, passing directives and some even wrote and had their own resolutions passed, according to David Gertz, MUN instructor and advisor. “We had four students win individual awards, which is even more remarkable considering that it was their very first conference, and there were over a thousand students participating in the conference,” said David Gertz. The award winners are: Tyler Heath - Best Delegate (Netherlands - Cold War Crisis Committee). Nelson Arroyo - Delegate Best Representing the Spirit of the Committee” Book Award (Historical Crisis Committee - Powhattan Chiefdom). Ari Santana - Verbal Commendation (Cuba -Social, Cultural and Humanitarian Committee). Gray Lockwood - Verbal Commendation (Cuba -Social, Cultural and Humanitarian Committee). Tyler Heath earned the very elite Best Delegate Award, an award that only 10 delegates out of the over 1000 delegates from across the United States received.
Model United Nations, also known as Model UN or MUN, is an extra-curricular activity in which students typically role-play delegates to the United Nations and simulate UN committees. The hands-on learning allows students to confront a range of topics within the perspective of their assigned country or organization. Through these experiences - during preparation, in committee sessions, and even in hallway caucuses - students develop an appreciation of differing viewpoints, the frustration of negotiation, the rewards of cooperation and a broader view of the human side of international relations and diplomacy (For more information about MUN, please go to www.bestdelegate.com). Principal Brian Perry accompanied Mr. Gertz and the students on their trip to Virginia. The students had been preparing for the conference since October and had written position papers and research papers prior to the conference. Conference organizers said they were “shocked” that the students had never participated in a MUN, considering how wellprepared they were. Both Mr. Perry and Mr. Gertz are “very proud of our students.” As for the high participation rate for WTSUS students in the MUN program this year, Mr. Gertz said, “I believe that students want to get involved, and want to feel like their opinions matter, and that their voices are heard. MUN gives students the chance to tackle some of the most challenging issues facing the world today, and enables them to offer their own unique solutions. MUN is empowering, enlightening, and very entertaining!”
March 6, 2015• PAGE 7