November 6 2015• VOL. 72 • NO. 44• NAVY.MIL/LOCAL/GUANTANAMO • FACEBOOK.COM/NSGuantanamoBay
NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA • PSC 1005 BOX 25 • FPO, AE 09593 • 011-5399-4520
Naval Station Gets A New CMC For The Day
NS Guantanamo Bay Command Master Chief, Rodd Tooker and HM3 Aja Fillers read the base announcements during the weekly radio show, Oct. 27. MCC Keith Bryska Public Affairs Officer
M
any Sailors wonder what it’s like to be the Command Master Chief (CMC), but one Sailor had the opportunity to learn exactly what to expect as she filled in as acting CMC for the day for NS Guantanamo Bay Command Master Chief Rodd Tooker, Oct. 27. Hospital Corpsman Third Class Aja Fillers stationed at Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay earned the right during a fundraiser for the Navy Ball. “Being the CMC was enlightening, fun and intimidating all at once,” said Fillers. “Not only did I find out how busy the CMC was, but it also let me understand how things functioned on the Naval Station side of the house. Being stationed at the hospital I normally only see what happens at the hospital, I wasn’t too familiar with how different units and tenant commands all come together to make the base function properly.” While serving as CMC, Fillers had the opportunities to engage other Sailors, go to several meetings, and
read important information to the base during the commanding officers weekly radio show. “The meetings were not that bad, and I learned they were important because they ensured the base activities were all working together as a team and not interfering with each other,” said Fillers. Fillers said she enjoyed all the events, but her favorite parts were going on a ride along with Naval Security Forces Harbor Patrol Unit (HPU) and having the chance to visit the Goat Locker. “The ride along was enjoyable and I got to see a different aspect of the base to include the sunken crane,” said Fillers. “I’m also a history junkie so I was honored to have the chance to go to the Goat Locker and read about a bottle of beer that has been stolen and returned to the island multiple times.” At the end of the day Fillers said she realized how busy the CMC job was and she was grateful that the CMC allowed her the opportunity to tag along.
PAGE 2• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE
NS Guantanamo Bay Commanding Officer, Capt. David Culpepper congratulates YN2 Smithee and IC2 Roberts on their selection as Sailor of the Week.
YN2 ROGER SMITHEE
■Job/Department: BCO Admin/Front Office Manager ■Age: 26 ■Hometown: Arlington, TX
IC2 AMBER ROBERTS
■Job/Department: BCO Central Office Tech/Front Office Manager ■Age: 25 ■Hometown: Tacoma, WA ■Sailors of the Week Because: IC2 and YN2 are new additions to the NCTAMS family and have hit the ground running. Not only quickly learning their jobs which have been gapped for several months, but also sharing the Front Office Manager load at the BCO until filled. They have collectively completed over 1200 work order/trouble ticket submissions, allowing for communications throughout the island for both official and residential customers to operate with as minimal downtime as possible in addition to making thousands of updates to the BCO’s new information tracking system in preparations for future increased workload. VOL. 72 • NO. 44
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
NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA
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.
NEX Looks to Deter, Apprehend Shoplifters
November 6, 2015• PAGE 3
Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Paul Coover Naval Special Warfare Group ONE Public Affairs
A
ccording to the National Retail Federation and the University of Florida’s National Retail Security Survey, stealing by shoppers continues to cost merchants a staggering $14.6 billion per year, and represents the second largest source of inventory shrinkage. The Navy Exchange (NEX) is no different. During 2014, NEX Loss Prevention/Safety associates investigated and resolved 1,192 shoplifting cases. Of those cases, 26 percent were juveniles and 17 percent were active duty military. The merchandise departments that saw the most shoplifting investigations were computer hardware, computer peripherals, spirits, video games and video electronics. “The NEX Loss Prevention/Safety teams located within our stores worldwide are very good at protecting our merchandise from shoplifters,” said Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) Corporate Loss Prevention/Safety Manager Tom Ruane. “NEX Loss Prevention/Safety associates use many tools in an effort to apprehend shoplifters or prevent theft before it happens.” NEXs worldwide use electronic article surveillance systems for electronic and high value merchandise, as well as extensive closed circuit surveillance systems (CCTV). The CCTV systems, coupled with digital video recorders and remote viewing technology, gives
Fleet and Family Support Center Workshops 2nd – 6th
Please call x4141 to register
the NEX the ability to see everything within the store and identify incidents of theft. “CCTV continues to be an extremely effective tool in theft detection,” said Ruane. “In 2014, 76 percent of our apprehensions were through the CCTV systems. However, we still need our customers and associates to be alert to possible theft, and report any suspicious activity to the NEX management or the Loss Prevention/Safety manager.” If shoplifting is suspected, NEX Loss Prevention/ Safety associates turn all incidents over to base police and/or local law enforcement. In addition to possible disciplinary action and criminal prosecution, the Federal Claims Collection Act allows NEX to enact a flat administrative cost or civil recovery of $200 for each incident of theft. “People involved in shoplifting get caught, prosecuted and possibly banned from the NEX and, in some cases, the base itself, or end a military career,” said Ruane. The mission of the NEX is to provide quality goods and services at a savings and to support Navy quality of life programs. Seventy percent of NEX profits go to support Navy quality of life programs, while the remaining 30 percent is used to build or renovate existing stores. In FY14, NEXCOM gave over $46 million to Morale, Welfare and Recreation.
November
SAPR Victim Advocate Training - 0800 - 1600
3rd
Interviewing 360 - 1300 – 1500
4th
Capstone - 0900 - 1000
9th
Civilian Resume - 1300 – 1500 ***
12th
Navigating Federal Employment - 0900 – 1100 ***
16th
Social Media 101 - 1300 – 1500 ***
23rd
SAPR-C Training - 0800 - 0900
24th
10 Steps to a Federal Job - 0800 – 1500 ***
30th
Surviving the Holidays - 1100 – 1200***
***-Windjammer Classroom All Classes are FREE!! Call 4141/ 4153 to make class reservations as class dates, times, and locations are subject to change.
Fire & Emergency Services Recruit Academy Matthew R. Goldstein Asst. Chief of Training
N
aval Station Guantanamo Bay Fire & Emergency Services recently conducted a Firefighter Recruit Academy. The academy ran for six weeks of training that was conducted six days a week. The academy included the certification for Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Haz-Mat Awareness & Operations and Airport Rescue Fire Fighter. Eighteen Third County Nationals (Jamaicans) graduated the academy on October 28, 2015. Maryland Fire Rescue Institute (MFRI) provided instruction, testing and skills performance testing. Over 160 Live Fire Evolutions that met the National Fire Protection Associations (NFPA) Standard on Live Fire Evolutions were conducted. Additional skills performance testing was conducted on ladder evolutions, hose evolutions, search and rescue, ventilation, forcible entry, vehicle extrication, personal protective equipment that met the NFPA 1001 Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications. The recruits also met the requirements of NFPA 472: Standard for Competence of Responders to Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Incidents for the
Awareness and Operations levels. NFPA 1003: Standard for Airport Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications requirements was met to certify the recruits for working on the installation airfield. The academy was conducted with a flawless safety record for the recruits. The graduation ceremony included the presentation of the firefighter’s new badges and graduation certificates. Three special awards were present that acknowledged the highest grade point average, best improved grade average and an overall best performance by a recruit. NAVSTA Guantanamo Bay Executive Officer CDR Alonza Ross presided over the graduation ceremony with an invocation given by Chaplain LT Baron Miller. CDR Ross and Fire Chief Paul Pitrat presented the recruits with their certificates. Of the 18 newly graduated new firefighters, 9 began working their first shift immediately following the graduation ceremony. The added firefighters are a welcomed addition to the department’s staff to fulfill staffing requirements.
PAGE 6• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE
Chaplain’s Corner
Got Quality Time? LT Baron Miller
NS Guantanamo Bay Deputy Command Chaplain
A
s we approach the Thanksgiving/Christmas Holiday season there is one thing people commonly associate this time with: family and friends. People are accustomed to being with loved ones during the Holidays and that’s well and good; we should long to be with our family and friends while we share meals and cheer. However, I’ve observed an interesting phenomenon that occurs during the Holidays and that is the expectation of quality time spent with those we love. Everyone wants quality time; the problem is we want it like microwave food—fast, easy, and effortless. But guess what— relationships don’t work that way. Marriage and parenting doesn’t work this way either. If you want quality time, you must log in the quantity time. If you’ve ever deployed you probably understand this principle without even knowing it. Remember those first few precious days home and though you love the ones you’re with, the intimacy that you were used to sharing may have been absent and it took a while to regain; that’s because quality time comes as the expense of quantity time. If we’re not logging in the hours of quantity time it’s difficult to expect quality time to just appear; it must be nurtured and that comes with quantity.
I can remember sending post cards to my wife and kids on all my deployments. This may sound crazy but I would try and send a post card to my wife and both kids every day. I would buy huge quantities of silly and serious post cards and spend whatever was necessary on the postage. Daily I would write a sentence or two, that’s it, just to let them know I miss them and to keep myself fresh in their memory. A few words every day isn’t too difficult but it sure went a long way when it came to reintegrating after deployment. It was during this time I realized that I had spent the quantity time, even while deployed, that let to quality time when I had arrived home. Maybe you aren’t currently deployed and life is moving at a pretty normal pace. The danger of letting quantity time slip away is still present. We can get comfortable in routines and forget the ways we once showed those we love how much we value and appreciate them. We can forget it is in the simple, ordinary and even mundane rhythms of quantity time spent with each other that ripen situations for quality time. If you want the joy of intimacy that comes with quality time this Holiday season, whether in your friendships, your marriage, or with your kids, first put in the quantity time.
Navy Invests in Future with Fleet Scholars Education By Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs
T
he Navy is offering new graduate education opportunities for proven professionals, as part of the Fleet Scholars Education Program (FSEP) announced in NAVADMIN 254/15, Oct.29. The program is geared for junior and mid-level unrestricted Line (URL) and Information Dominance Corps (IDC) officers. Selections will be made and forwarded by community sponsors by Dec. 16. Communities have the following allocations: Aviation, 7; Surface, 7; Submarine, 4; Special Warfare, 3; Expeditionary Combat, 3; IDC, 6. FSEP selectees can choose any accredited graduate school in the continental U.S., Alaska or Hawaii, and attend for up to 24 months. Distance learning, medical and legal education programs aren’t allowed. Those officers who’ve already received an advanced degree funded by the Navy are not eligible; this does not include those who earned a degree using their G.I. Bill, tuition assistance or Navy College Program for Afloat College Education. “I think a lot of high-achieving officers have a
common draw toward civilian education at schools like Harvard or Yale. So there comes a time when they have to decide if it’s worth getting out to achieve that education that has always been a dream, or should they stay in and continue serving the Navy which is also a dream of theirs,” said Lt. Cmdr. Joel Jacobs, a postgraduate student at Harvard University. “FSEP fills both voids. You can take your [time to complete your degree], achieve that education, and still come back and continue your naval service.” Officers who are selected for FSEP remain on active duty and will incur a three-year active duty service obligation following graduation or withdrawal from the program. If a member does not complete that service obligation, they will be have to reimburse the Navy the cost of their education received. “Allowing people to pursue personal goals while staying in the Navy will increase retention and also maximize the quality of officers that the Navy is retaining,” said Lt. Keith Hollis, a postgraduate student at Dartmouth College.
GTMO SHOPPER
MOVIES
The
Scoop
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.
YARD SALE Garage Sale Nob Hill 24A— Pre-PCS sale—something for everyone! Clothes for men, women, kids, toys, bumper plates, work bench, cameras, little girls bike. Opens at 0800.
MISC Two seven foot medium action Hurricane Redbone fishing rods $75.00 each. Direct TV satellite with coaxial cables $250. OBO, call Carroll at 6766
FAMILY HOUSING Navy Family Housing has extended the time period for the Navy’s annual Resident Satisfaction Survey. Family Housing did distribute all surveys to residents of Guantanamo. If you did not complete a survey and wish to do so, you request an online survey by sending an e-mail to DONFHSurvey@ celassociates.com The resident will need to put their address in the e-mail, example: Radio Point 720, Guantanamo Bay Cuba. No names need to be added, just your unit number and Guantanamo Bay. You will receive an e-mail with a link to complete the survey and a passcode to enter the site. This is the resident’s opportunity to provide feedback to improve Navy Family Housing. GBCC The Guantanamo Bay Community
Club will be holding their annual tour of lights and decoration contest. Those wanting to participate must complete an entry form or be nominated by an admirer to be judged. Entry forms are available at Treasures and Trivia and from Nov. 2 to Dec.7. For additional questions see base roller or stop by Treasures and Trivia. VETERANS DAY The base Veterans Day ceremony will be held on November 11th at the Marine Hill parade ground. The ceremony starts at 0745 and is open to all residents. USNH Naval Hospital will be hosting the Fall Public Health Fair this Saturday from 9am-2pm at the NEX Atrium. The fair is open to all residents and will include representatives from MWR, FFSC, and the American Red Cross. Please come out and learn valuable information on health and safety issues.
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
November 6, 2015• PAGE 7
DOWNTOWN LYCEUM
FRIDAY 7 p.m.:
Nov 6
The Peanuts Movie G
9 p.m.:
Everest PG13
SATURDAY 7 p.m.: Pan
Nov 7
PG
9 p.m.:
The Martian
SUNDAY 6:30 p.m.:
Goosebumps
9:00 p.m.:
PG13
Nov 8
PG
The Intern
PG13
MONDAY 7 p.m.: TUESDAY 7 p.m.: 9:30 p.m.:
Black Mass
Nov 9
R
Nov 10
Maze Runner: Scorch Trials PG13 Casino Royal PG13
WEDNESDAY Nov 11 Quantum of Solace 7 p.m.: PG13
THURSDAY Skyfall 7 p.m.:
Nov 12
PG13
CALL THE MOVIE HOTLINE @ 4880
FCPOA ITALIAN CUISINE COMMUNITY CENTER SATURDAY NOV 7TH 1100-1400 LUNCH 1600-1900 DINNER MANACOTTI, BAKED SPAGHETTI AND LASAGNA $8 PLATES WITH GARLIC BREAD WHILE SUPPLIES LAST DINE IN OR CARRY OUT
Transferring Your Post 9/11 G.I. Bill E arning the Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit is automatic, but giving it away requires planning and action. There are several critical rules to follow to properly transfer your educational benefits, and I’ll explain the exact steps, but first, it’s worth noting that transferring the GI Bill can also be understood as “sharing” the benefit and gives the benefit a lot of fluidity. Here are some hypothetical examples of ways you can share this benefit: - You can transfer your Post-9/11 GI Bill to your child. - You can have another child and transfer half the benefit to your new child, so they each have 18 months respectively, assuming you don’t play favorites. - You can decide both your children are equally undeserving, and transfer the benefit back to yourself. - You can apply for the Career Intermission Pilot Program, use half of your benefit to finish up your bachelor’s degree, return to service and give the rest to your spouse. -Your spouse can use four months of the benefit to get a medical technologist certificate, and you can transfer the last 14 months back to your two children, who both seem a little more focused these days. These examples may not apply to you and your family, but these hypothetical examples are just to give you an idea of what is possible. Picture your 36 months of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit as three dozen eggs, and when you transfer your benefit, you’re free to divide those “eggs” among your dependent’s (or your own) baskets as you see fit, with the option to redistribute as your circumstances change. None of this flexibility, however, is part of the standard package. Transferring the Post-9/11 GI Bill is a retention tool that requires, at a minimum, a fouryear commitment on top of six years of service. Here are the basic eligibility rules to transfer your benefits, broken down by enlisted Sailors and officers: Enlisted: - Complete at least six years of service. - Have four or more years of service remaining on your enlistment contract, or reenlist so that your EAOS (end of obligated service) date is at least four years away. You will have 30 days from the date of reenlistment to apply to transfer your benefits. -Have at least one eligible dependent properly registered in DEERS (Defense Eligibility Enrollment Reporting System). Eligible dependents include a spouse or a child between the ages of 0 to 22. Note that children can’t use the benefit beyond age 26. Officers: - Complete six years of service. - Be eligible for partial or full Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. - Use a Page 13 entry to sign an agreement to serve an additional four years. - Have at least one eligible dependent properly
registered in DEERS. - If you meet these criteria, and want the flexibility to distribute this benefit among your family members, then it’s time to submit an application to transfer your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit. Ensure the requirements mentioned above are documented accurately in your Electronic Service Record and DEERS. 1. Sign in to the MilConnect website and complete a transfer of education benefits request. 2. It’s strongly recommended to assign at least one month of benefits to each eligible family member to ensure ease of redistribution as your situation dictates. 3. Submit the application and look for the status to read “Submitted.” 4. If the application doesn’t show as “Submitted,” there may be an error in your records. Correct any issues using MilConnect’s step-by-step guide and reapply. 5. Check back in five working days. The status should read “Request Approved.” 6. If your status reads “Request Rejected,” consult your career counselor to correct any issues and reapply. Once you complete the process to transfer the benefit one time, you will not need to reapply or reenlist to redistribute your 36 months between your dependents and yourself, or add additional eligible dependents. However, you can’t add additional dependents after separating from service, hence the recommendation to assign one month to each eligible dependent. You may redistribute or revoke these benefits from your dependents at any time by accessing the MilConnect website. These rules also apply to Reserve Component Sailors eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Each Sailor will have a unique situation and set of goals, and there are important considerations when deciding how to best use your transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. Here are a few more items to consider: - If your spouse is using the benefit while you are still on active duty, they will not receive a housing stipend. Your child in the same scenario would receive the housing stipend. - Spouses have 15 years from the date you separate to use the benefit. - Children do not have a 15-year time limit, but can’t use the benefit beyond age 26. - Spouses may use the benefit immediately after your transfer request is approved. - Children can use the benefit only after you have completed at least 10 years of service. - Divorce will not automatically revoke transferred benefits, but you have the right to revoke transferred benefits at any time. To get more information, visit the Post-9/11 GI Bill transfer FAQ on MilConnect or contact Veterans Affairs at 1-888-442-4551.