October 21, 2016• VOL. 73 • NO. 27• NAVY.MIL/LOCAL/GUANTANAMO • FACEBOOK.COM/NSGuantanamoBay
NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA • PSC 1005 BOX 25 • FPO, AE 09593 • 757-458-4520
Fiesta for Hispanic Heritage Month
Sailors and hospital workers watch as Petty Officer First Class Stephanie Acevedo is shown busting the pinata during the Hispanic Heritage Month event sponsored by the Diversity Committee at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, October 13. (Photo by SGT Natasha Price.) SGT Natasha Price Photojournalist
T
he Diversity Committee put together a celebration at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay for the recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15-Oct. 15. Sailors, civilians and hospital staff gathered to enjoy different Hispanic traditional foods that were made for the celebration while the guest speaker Chief Petty Officer Aldrin Inga, Naval Station Radiology, provided information on Hispanic Heritage Month. He discussed facts regarding the differences between Hispanic Americans and Latin Americans that are often confused in society. According to Petty Officer 3rd Class Jessica Washington, an X-Ray Technician at the Naval Hospital, who is a member of the Diversity Committee, stated that the committee started out doing cake cuttings and branched out to do more detailed events to celebrate different cultures and provide educational information as well. The committee tries to hold at least one event per month. “There are so many people from all over that it’s nice to actually
learn a little about each culture that comes here to the island and how different cultures make the base diverse,” said Washington. Seaman Allyshia Wallace, a Corpsman at the Naval Hospital, is also the treasurer with the Diversity Committee and has been involved with several events such as Women’s Equality Month, Hispanic Heritage Month and Asian Pacific Islander Month. “We do these types of events so that we can spread awareness and information so that people can be more involved in the community and learn other cultures as well,” stated Wallace. During the event people enjoyed different Hispanic foods while talking amongst one another and at the end a few people took a swing at the piñata. It was one of many events meant to bring people together to enjoy good food, fellowship and possibly learn something new. “To me, diversity is what makes everybody a little different,” said Washington. “Depending on where you grew up, you see things a little bit different and you can add a different experience.”
PAGE 2• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE
NS Guantanamo Bay Commanding Officer, Capt. David Culpepper congratulates PO2 Brandon Williams-Church, left, on his selection as Sailor of the Week, Oct. 4-10, and PO2 Shonda Spencer, right, on her selection as Sailor of Week, Oct. 11-17.
PO2 BRANDON WILLIAMS-CHURCH
■Job/Department: Radio GTMO/Video-TV Supervisor ■Age: 30 ■Hometown: Washington, DC ■Hero: My Mother and Wife ■Musician: Michael Jackson and Lil Wayne ■Book: Art of War ■TV Show: Brooklyn Nine-9 ■Hobby: Music and Media Production ■Crrently Working on: Becoming a healthier man ■Ambition/goal: To become a commissioned officer ■Quote: Philippians 4:13 ■Sailor of the Week Because: Petty Officer Williams-
Church volunteered to create a video documentary for the 60th Anniversary of Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay, donating 80 off-duty hours to filming, interviewing, historical photo scanning and the production of the full-length video highlighting the history of NHGB. His efforts were invaluable to the success of the ceremony and ensuring base residents were aware of the history of the hospital. VOL. 73 • NO. 27
COMMANDING OFFICER EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMMAND MASTER CHIEF
PO2 SHONDA SPENCER
■Job/Department: Emergency Management ■Age: 32 ■Hometown: Hampton, VA ■Hero: My Father, Isaiah Spencer ■TV Show: Game of Thrones ■Musician: Maxwell ■Hobby: Writing and Weightlifting ■Currently working on: MOVSM ■Greatest Passion: Doing good by others ■Sailor of the Week Because: While serving as
the Emergency Operations Center Manager, PO2 Spencer performed the duties normally carried out by a Chief Petty Officer in the absence of her LPO. During the preparations for Hurricane Matthew, she was thrust into an unfamiliar position with no training and excelled. She received over 400 individual requests for service and information. She was critical in the preparation, response and recovery effort for the storm and represented the command in an outstanding manner.
Guantanamo Bay Gazette
CAPT. DAVID CULPEPPER CMDR. DENNIS MOJICA CMDCM (SW/AW) THOMAS MACE
NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA
PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER/EDITOR GAZETTE EDITOR PHOTOJOURNALIST
JULIE RIPLEY PO1 KEGAN KAY ARMY SGT NATASHA PRICE
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.
PO2 RANDY GETTYS
October 21, 2016• PAGE 3
■Job/Department: Administration ■Age: 30 ■Hometown: Buena Vista, MS ■Hero: Single Parents ■Sports Team: MSU Bulldogs ■TV Show: Suits/ Million Dollar Listing ■Musician: Katy Perry ■Hobby: Instagram ■Quote: “Got to eat to live.” ■Greatest Passion: Being with Family ■Greatest Accomplishment: Making the decision of choosing the path other than what was offered. ■Sailor of the Week Because: Petty Officer Getty’s
leadership and can-do attitude was instrumental in identifying, planning and manifesting 717 military, civilian, contractors and their dependents for evacuation in anticipation of Hurricane Matthew’s landfall with only a 72 hour notice. He tracked, accounted and verified more than 5,200 personnel attached to NSGB through every phase of the emergency, providing timely and accurate updates to the commander. Additionally, his efforts resulted in all 717 personnel evacuated being manifested and returned safely with zero discrepancies.
NS Guantanamo Bay Commanding Officer, Capt. David Culpepper congratulates PO2 Randy Gettys, left, on his selection as Sailor of Week, Oct. 18-24.
Who Wants to be a Millionaire Mike Rivera Fleet and Family Support Center
N
ine Service members attached to Naval Station, Naval Hospital and Joint Task Force, Guantanamo Bay do. They attended the "Million Dollar Service Member" or “Million Dollar Sailor” course held at Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC). This 2-day course provides mini sections that encompass personal wealth building strategies that help enable Service members and their families to navigate their military lives and financial challenges. Mike Rivera, FFSC’s Personal Financial Specialist and course Instructor, strongly believes that with the information provided from the Million Dollar Sailor program, any Service member can develop the potential to be a millionaire by the time they retire. The program provides Service members information on how to cultivate good financial practices, become savvy consumers, and provide strategies on how to save and invest to become future millionaires. The key vision of the course is financial fitness through knowledge and the understanding of a variety of money related topics. “As an accredited financial counselor, I enjoy conducting the MDS course because it sets the groundwork for money management, consumer awareness and wealth building that ultimately empowers students with the opportunity to make wise financial decisions. It also helps them establish financial problem-solving skills and strategies for achieving that financial freedom, which leads to growth,” said Mike Rivera. A personal spending plan or budget should be fluid, flexible and afford for wants and needs; it doesn’t have to be restrictive. If it involves a family, then make it a family
spending plan and get everyone to understand it and agree to it. By involving everyone, you can establish short or long term goals that everyone can later enjoy. All spending must be accounted for and monies given a name, like: Groceries, car payment, TSP, IRA’s, movie tickets, Karate lessons, and so on. Giving your money a name gives it a designation and purpose. Knowing and deciding where you want the money to go, is vital to a successful spending plan; otherwise you’re just guessing. Many Service members have different perspectives when it comes to debt and debt management. According to one of the Students, “This course focuses on debt reduction, savings and investment strategies that we as younger people need to know to succeed financially.” Mike Rivera also stated, "The course for many is an eye opening experience when they see their Debt in black and white. The numbers don't lie and you can't expect any Debt Management Plan to work if they aren't able to measure their progress each month as they pay down their debts. Knowing exactly how much is debt is owed can be vital to their success and eliminating that negative compounded interest before starting a savings or investment plan." According to another student, “I enjoyed learning different strategies on how to save money and make money from compounded interest.” For more information on how you can start on your path to becoming a Millionaire, please contact or make an appointment to see to the Personal Financial Specialist at Fleet and Family Support Center at 4050 or 4141.
HURRICANE MATTHEW
SGT Natasha Price Photojournalist
pproximately 700 family members A were evacuated in preparation for Hurricane Matthew at Naval Station
Photos by Army CPT Frederick Agee
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba Oct. 2. The hurricane, which was estimated to be a category IV, was anticipated to reach Guantanamo Bay during the evening of Oct. 4. A plan went in place to get as many people off the island as possible in order to avoid any major devastation. According to Capt. David Culpepper, the Commanding Officer of Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, the preparations for the hurricane were routine with the ones that are made in the United States. Ensuring there are no items that could become projectiles during the storm, boarding up
W SWINGS BY GTMO
as many windows as possible and preparing all facilities for water and heavy wind intrusion. Also, having evacuation and shelter plans in place was a key element to the preparation. “While we had a standing plan in place, modifications were made to that plan during the process of execution within 24 hours,” stated Capt. Culpepper. Prior to hurricane season there are several public campaigns done across the base to ensure civilian and military personnel are informed so that they can be ready for what could possibly occur during a hurricane. According to Joseph McCullough, Installation Emergency Manager, the overall mission was a success, however things were learned from this storm that can be used in preparation for future inclement weather and will be implemented in future hurricane checklists. “I feel very confident with the planning that was done,” stated McCullough. “Any incident that we can walk away with no injuries, no deaths and no people missing is always the end of a good day.” Although there was plenty of time spent getting a plan in place for a hurricane, there were also many man hours put in by staff to help execute the evacuation plan. Petty Officer 2nd Class Davion Ware, Naval
Station Administration, was one of several Sailors who were involved with processing the individuals that were set to be evacuated to Pensacola, Florida. That department was responsible for building a manifest, getting all personnel to Bulkeley Hall when the time came, and out-processing those individuals before they reached the air terminal. Ware, as well as others in the Administration Department, worked close to 72 hours to ensure the evacuation mission was executed and they were on stand-by during the storm as well. “This experience was something new and everything has it’s pros and cons, but for this being an on the spot emergency situation I think it went very well,” said Ware. You can never be fully prepared for a hurricane so having a flexible plan in place is key. The direction of a hurricane can change and with that, the plan must change accordingly. Although Guantanamo Bay was prepared for the hurricane to hit dead on, it shifted 10 miles east which spared the base from any major damage. “I have an overall responsibility for everyone’s health and welfare,” stated Capt. Culpepper. “In the end we were successful with getting people off island and no significant damage was done to the base.”
PAGE 6• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE
Hardware Store Coming to NSGB! Tracye Miller Key Account Manager, Base Supply Center
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n Wednesday, October 26th NSGB’s Base Supply Center will unveil its new Grainger line. Grainger is North America's leading supplier of maintenance and repair products. Base Supply Center was formerly known as PaperClips--and carried mainly office supplies. But as of the end of this month, about a third of BSC’s retail space will be transformed into a hardware store. Think tools, lumber, fasteners, caulk, paint and more. Everything you need to unleash the DIY in you. BSC has been the quiet small store that has operated in relative anonymity in GTMO for 16 years. Recent informal surveys have revealed many GTMO residents don’t know where the store is located, and some do not know BSC is open to the public. Wesley Meeks is BSC’s Manager. He hopes the arrival of Grainger will help to put the store on the map. “We are open to everyone and take all forms for payment; cash, checks and credit cards. We’re hoping the Grainger line will bring new customers in the door to check out all the products this store carries.” Besides not knowing where BSC is located, and that it is open to the public… there is another little known fact about the store. That fact has to do with BSC’s mission. Every purchase at BSC goes toward creating employment opportunities for the blind and visually impaired.
BSC is operated by Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind, the largest employer of the Blind in the United States. WSIFB operates 20 office supply stores and optical centers across the U.S., including the one here at NSGB. Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind (IFB) is a nonprofit corporation founded in 1936 that provides employment, training and services for people who are blind or visually impaired. IFB operates manufacturing facilities in WinstonSalem, N.C., Asheville, N.C., and Little Rock, Arkansas. The majority of people working in those manufacturing plants are blind. Here in Guantanamo Bay, Luis Quiles is behind the counter at BSC ringing up the purchases of customers— most people have no idea Luis is legally blind. He started working at WSIFB in manufacturing and then jumped at the chance earlier this year to come to Guantanamo Bay to be a Sales Associate. “Industries for the Blind is an amazing place. It gives people like me the tools and opportunity to live independently and successfully.” BSC will unveil the Grainger line on Wednesday, October 26th at 11am. The GTMO community is invited to come out for the ribbon cutting and enjoy an authentic Jamaican jerk chicken lunch. Grainger Representatives will be there as well---raffling off power tools and other items from the new line-up of products. We hope to see you there.
MOVIES
THE CLASSIFIEDS
To place an ad please send an e-mail to PAO@GTMO.NAVY.MIL
The
Scoop
SMALL CUSTOMS The Post Office will offer the new PS Form 2976-ES, Small Customs Declaration Pouch, for use on small Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelopes and Small Flat Rate Boxes. Go to USPS.com and register with ClickN-Ship. Questions call 2156. TRUNK OR TREAT The 525th Military Police Detention Battalion Presents the 4th annual Trunk or Treat Oct. 29 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Downtown Lyceum. To enter your vehicle email jorge.s.medina.mil@mail.mil.
products is prohibited in all DONcontrolled spaces
LATIN NIGHT Come out on Friday nights to the Community Center from 8:00 p.m. ZOMBIE FUN RUN to 10:00 p.m. for Salsa and Bachata Come run with the zombies lessons. Oct. 29 at 6:00 p.m. at the Golf course. Register by Oct. 27 at SMOKING UPDATE Denich Gym. DON Military Personnel Tobacco Use. Per references (c) and (d), PUMPKIN PATCH when walking from point to point Oct. 29 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. while in uniform, it is inappropriate at the Youth Center. 1 free and detracts from military smartness pumpkin per family. There will for personnel to be smoking or using be a family craft booth as well tobacco products. Tobacco use is as bounce houses. only permitted in designated tobacco use areas. HEALTH FAIR Smokeless tobacco is not a safe The Naval Hospital will host alternative to smoking. It is no more a health fair Nov. 5 from 9:00 or less acceptable than smoking. a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Smokeless tobacco use is only NEX atrium. There will be permitted in designated tobacco use presentations as well as flu areas. Where smokeless tobacco shots beginning at 10:00 a.m. use is permitted, tobacco spit shall for ages 18 and older. be held in containers with sealing lids to prevent odor and accidental MAX PERFORMANCE spills. Tobacco spit and residue shall Come compete Nov. 12 at 7:30 be disposed of in a sanitary manner a.m. at Denich Gym. 16 team which prevents public exposure. max, 2 person teams. Register Per this policy, use of tobacco by Nov. 10.
OMBUDSMAN
CONTACT INFORMATION: NAVAL HOSPITAL: TC Bacon E-mail: Ombudsman.usnh.gtmo@gmail.com E-mail: ombudsmannsgb@gmail.com Phone: 55379 Phone: 84792 NAVSTA: Jamie Yeich Carrie McCormick Kendra Keesey
October 21, 2016• PAGE 7
DOWNTOWN LYCEUM
FRIDAY 8 p.m.:
OCT 21
Jack Reacher: Never Go Back PG13
10:30 p.m.: Snowden R
SATURDAY Storks 8 p.m.:
OCT 22
PG
10 p.m.:
Bridget Jones’s Baby R
SUNDAY OCT 23 8 p.m.: Deepwater Horizon PG13
MONDAY OCT 24 The Light Between 8 p.m.: Oceans PG13
TUESDAY 8 p.m.: Sully
OCT 25
PG13
WEDNESDAY OCT 26 8 p.m.: The Wild Life PG
THURSDAY OCT 27 8 p.m.: The Notebook PG13
CALL THE MOVIE HOTLINE @ 4880
Fleet and Family Support Center
UPCOMING CLASSES
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS & PREVENTION: Oct. 27, 1800-1900 at FFSC. This training is designed to provide the NSGB community with information, resources, and reporting options pertaining to incidents of domestic violence. The information obtained will allow community members to function as part of a multidisciplinary approach to domestic violence prevention, as well as enable each person to appropriately direct others to the correct resources for assistance or additional information. INTERVIEWING 360: Nov. 1, 0900-1000 at FFSC. In this class, participants will build confidence and gain crucial information by learning how to prepare, dress, give strategic answers, ask the right questions, and close with confidence for an interview. PAYING FOR COLLEGE: Nov. 2, 1130-1230 at FFSC. This class provides information on sources of funding for higher education, focusing on financial aid resources, college savings plans and tax incentives. Information on federal financial aid is available at www.fafsa.ed.gov and www.studentaid.ed.gov. This course also contains information for those entering college now or in the future, as well as information for those who want to save for their child’s future education. RESUME BASICS: Nov. 3, 0900-1100 at FFSC. For individuals who have completed the Transition Goals Plans Success. Students will work with staff to review the ITP, resume and budget to meet Career MILLION DOLLAR SERVICE MEMBER COURSE: Nov. 7-8, 0800-1630 at FFSC. A two-day interactive program for active duty service members, reservists, retirees and family members who are looking to be financially stable and desire information on topics such as understanding your pay, financial goal setting and implementation, debt reduction, savings, investing and long-term wealth building. LENDING/BORROWING BASICS: Nov. 9, 1400-1500 at FFSC. Learn the basics of installment loans. Define the types of loans available. Learn how to avoid the pitfalls associated with certain lending types. To register or for more information please call 4141 or 4153. Hours of Operation are: Mon-Fri., 0730-1630.
Energy Action Month POWER. PRESENCE.
Reduce the use of large equipment during peak energy hours, between 1500 and 1900, when energy costs more. Seal leaks regularly to avoid wasting water and energy. Close bay doors when using A/C or heat. Identify opportunities to shut down large machinery and equipment when not in use. Don’t let vehicles idle — a truck can burn approximately one gallon of diesel fuel for each hour it idles.