September 2, 2016• VOL. 73 • NO. 24• NAVY.MIL/LOCAL/GUANTANAMO • FACEBOOK.COM/NSGuantanamoBay
NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA • PSC 1005 BOX 25 • FPO, AE 09593 • 757-458-4520
New School Year, New Beginnings
Emilio Garza, Princicpal of W.T. Sampson High School is shown standing in front of the school on Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, August 23. (Photo by Army SGT Natasha Price.) Army SGT Natasha Price Photojournalist
ith a new school year beginning there will be several new W faces, and among those will be the new Naval Station Guantanamo Bay’s W.T Sampson High School Principal, Emilio
Garza Jr. Garza who has come from Camp Lejeune, North Carolina has been a school principal for almost 15 years. Initially, this was not a career path Garza had considered, but while working in the school system he was pitched the idea. Since Garza already had his college degree he decided to get the proper credentials needed to become a principal. “I get a great deal of satisfaction seeing students succeed, remarked Garza. “I enjoy knowing that they’re going to do well once they get out of school.” Garza also states how he enjoys working in this career because he gets to see the hard work from the teaching staff and the dedication they show each day. The parents don’t always get to see what goes on behind the scenes, but that he sees it directly and has been thoroughly impressed. He also appreciates getting to work with the parents in order to add to the success of his students. After the town hall meetings, Garza was able to receive input on things that the parents, students, teachers and community would like to come to pass. The program with the most anticipation is a sports program. Being on an island is a challenge when it
comes to competing, but Garza states he is looking at ways to overcome that challenge. “I want more opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities that align with what we are doing,” said Garza. Garza is also looking into programs or clubs that will allow students to travel back to the United States or bring other schools here and compete at different levels. Although the school is on an island with limited connections to the U.S., Garza insists that Guantanamo Bay should be a premiere place for education. There is also a plan in place to build a new school that will house elementary through high school students. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southeast awarded a $63 million contract June 29 to Munilla Construction Management, LLC of Miami for the consolidation and replacement of W.T. Sampson School, according to Sue Brink, NAVFAC Southeast Public Affairs. The school is expected to be completed by November 2018. According to Garza he is looking forward to the new school and the things he can do to improve the learning experience for his students in the next three years. “I am excited to see the growth of my students and possibly see the end result of the new school as well, said Garza. “Who knows, maybe I will stay longer.”
PAGE 2• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE
NS Guantanamo Bay Commanding Officer, Capt. David Culpepper congratulates MA2 Glenn Patton, left, on his selection as Sailor of the Week, Aug. 9-15, and MA3 Anthony Reynolds, right, on his selection as Sailor of Week, August 16-22.
NS Guantanamo Bay Commanding Officer, Capt. David Culpepper congratulates MASN Travis Whisman, left, on his selection as Sailor of the Week, Aug. 23-29, and GM2 Brittany Grace, right, on her selection as Sailor of Week, Aug. 30- Sept. 5. VOL. 73 • NO. 24
COMMANDING OFFICER EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMMAND MASTER CHIEF
Guantanamo Bay Gazette
CAPT. DAVID CULPEPPER CMDR. DENNIS MOJICA CMDCM (SW/AW) RODD TOOKER
NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA
PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER/EDITOR GAZETTE EDITOR PHOTOJOURNALIST
JULIE RIPLEY MC1 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.
MA2 GLENN PATTON
■Job/Department: Military Working Dog Handler/Security .■Age: 25 ■Hometown: Brooklyn, NY ■Hero: Kobe Bryant ■Movie: Kill Bill ■Book: The Mazerunner ■Hobby: Basketball ■Currently working on: Studying for First Class Exam ■Sailor of the Week Because: The Military Working Dog Handler CNRSE quarterly report released Aug. 4 named MA2 Patton Top MWD handler for the months of April and May competing against 31 handlers within CNRSE. He completed and exceeded all weekly and monthly training and utilization requirements by 150%. Additionally, his performance in May earned the NSGB Kennels the Top Kennel Honors out of 12 other MWD installations in CNRSE. For his actions and dedication to go above and beyond, he is being recognized for his outstanding performance.
MA3 ANTHONY REYNOLDS
September 2, 2016• PAGE 3
■Job/Department: Security Charlie Section ■Age: 24 ■Hometown: Douglas, GA ■Hero: Grandmother ■TV Show: Sports Center ■Hobby: Playing sports or with my kids ■Quote: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” ■Greatest Passion: Being a dad ■Sailor of the Week Because: On July 16 after section PT MA3
Reynolds observed a situation involving an intoxicated Sailor and his designated driver. MA3 stepped in and assisted the designated driver. MA3 attempted to calm the Sailor and explain that the designated driver was going to take him home and keep him safe at which time the Sailor became enraged and started yelling that he wanted to kill himself and then attempted to run away. MA3 was able to keep control of the Sailor until help arrived. MA3 Reynolds utilized his bystander intervention skills by recognizing a dangerous situation and stepping in.
MASN TRAVIS WHISMAN
GM2 BRITTANY GRACE
in the identification, transportation, collection, paperwork and the proper disposal of years of accumulated hazardous duty waste and useful electronic equipment. Whisman was also a key player in the documentation and proper transfer of over five tons worth of rotten wooden desks and chairs which were properly delivered to condemned structures for disposal. MASN Whisman’s can do attitude in helped in identifying Defense Reutilization and Management Office (DRMO). These materials will be assessed and the minimization of the Navy environmental impact foot-print at NSGB as well as the beautification of the same. Despite enduring intense heat and lengthy physical labor, he conducted himself in a cheerful and professional manner at all times.
■Currently working on: Principals of Biology ■Sailor of the Week Because: GM2 Grace is instrumental in
■Job/Department: NAVSTA CMAA ■Age: 20 ■Hometown: Clintonville,WI ■Hero: My Father, Donald Whisman ■Movie: Super Troopers ■TV Show: Band of Brothers ■Hobby: Sports ■Currently working on: Studying for Third Class Exam ■Sailor of the Week Because: MASN Whisman was essential
■Job/Department: Range Control/Weapons Department ■Age: 25 ■Hometown: Livermore, CA ■Hero: Camille LeBlanc-Bazinet and Christmas Abbot ■TV Show: Archer, New Girl ■Movie: Ace Ventura ■Hobby: Crossfit and Snorkeling ■Greatest Passion: Living Life to the Fullest
outlining training and maintaining records for the base’s Explosives Ordnance Handlers. She recently spent 15 hours conducting certification boards on 11 civilian explosive handlers, meeting the annual recertification requirements for Quality Assurance Safety Officer, Team Leader and Team Member positions while not impeding weekly range ammunition deliveries. Her hard work and due diligence ensure personnel maintain necessary certifications to continue base wide ammunition transportation and handling operations.
One ACT Starts with You! #BeThere LCDR Jo Ann Martinez Garcia Guantanamo Bay Behavioral Health Department
S
uicide Prevention Week is recognized during the month of September. Connect with #ThePowerof1network, create a message of hope and demonstrate to others and their loved ones how one small ACT can make a big difference! Write messages to others by filling out a CARE card for someone to receive. Engaging in behavior that demonstrates a genuine sense of concern is one optimal way that communities can bolster and promote individual resilience. Resiliency is the ability to bounce back and grow. People with high resilience have the capacity to withstand, recover, grow and function competently in the face of stressors, adversity and changing demands. When a community includes peers in activities, makes it a point of checking in on each other, and or participates in team-building, the protective factors against suicide are more likely to create an emotional/mental shield that will outweigh risk factors. According to a RAND Center for Military Health Policy Research study titled, “The War Within Preventing Suicide in the U.S. Military”, it is identified that while there are suicides disproportionately concentrated among lower ranks across services, differences are not great, and suicides occur among all ranks. Vulnerability to suicide was studied to be associated with societal risk
factors such as access to firearms, and interpersonal correlates like prior suicide attempts, and .substance abuse and associated disorders, and head trauma. However of all psychological correlates, hopelessness was the trait with a substantial body of evidence to link it to suicide. The RAND Center for Military Health Policy Research concluded with various implications for the Department of Defense. One of the implications was that those who deploy are at risk for developing certain conditions like PTSD and binge drinking behaviors and without intervention and management of these conditions among afflicted individuals, one might expect the number of suicides in the military to increase. Use your trained Gate Keepers! Contact a Chat Responder or take a confidential self quiz: • Call a Chat Responder at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and Press 1 • https://www.vetselfcheck.org/Welcome.cfm This self-quiz is brought to you by: The Department of Veterans Affairs, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. This is a voluntary and confidential service. Need Immediate Help? Contact your nearest duty Chaplain (2323), Behavioral Health team (72650), or go directly to the Emergency Room.
NSGB Dodges Stress MC1 Kegan E. Kay Photojournalist
H
earing the muffled sounds of feet hitting the track or the echoing of voices counting while exercising and Denich Gym reverberates with the humming of machines, the grunts of those working out and the clanking of weights is not unusual for a Wednesday morning as it’s a physical training (PT) morning for a lot of commands around Naval Station Guantanamo Bay (NSGB) and Joint Task Force Guantanamo Bay. NSGB decided to do something a little different for their command PT on Wed., Aug. 24, getting together with Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) the command participated in a “Dodging Stress” event. “The purpose of Dodging Stress was to offer a fun and educational activity, during FFSC’s Life Skills focus month, to help people take an active role in managing their individual stress,” remarked Emily Kolenda, FFSC Education Services Facilitator. “Since stress is experienced daily by every person, it is important to encourage and explore positive outlets or ways to cope. As an educator and firm believer in recreation as a tool for management of
stress, it was my main focus to have an event featuring an experience to share the information versus a PowerPoint classroom presentation.” For a passerby to watch the event they would see the chaos of multiple colored foam balls being lobbied back and forth across the basketball court, with much laughter and yelling going on. NSGB Sailors were playing an alternative version of the dodgeball called Crossover Dodgeball. Instead of a player having to sit on the sidelines after being “out,” they instead cross over to the other team’s side and playing, keeping the game going for a longer length of time. Kolenda said there were three main reasons why she chose dodgeball as the physical activing to relate to stress; first is because dodgeball can be supported by various command sizes, especially with alternative versions of the game. Second, when conducted during a command PT session it will still meet the PT objectives and keeps the service members more engaged and having fun than just doing traditional exercises. Third, dodgeball presents
With FFSC Eevent combines individual and team components which assist her in the exploration of leisure activities during conversations to assist in the coping process. “FFSC is always looking for ways to engage commands in our programming,” added Kolenda. “As a facilitator, it can be difficult for service members to participate in FFSC workshops due to work conflicts; utilizing the PT time is a dedicated time for the unit to come together making it easier for the service members to experience the FFSC programming. “ After the timed session of the game, NSGB Sailors lined up for a cool down and then sat upon the bleachers for the discussion portion of the event. Kolenda started off speaking about the different types of stress that people go through and that finding healthy ways of dealing with stress, including seeking help, was important in keeping a person healthy. Kolenda also offered mini dodgeball stress balls to Sailors who could name three healthy activities that help them relieve stress. She also spoke of other FFSC
program events, provided materials regarding managing stress, and FFSC class schedules. “FFSC offers monthly as well as individual Stress Management workshops to explore the Operational Stress Control continuum to utilize resources such as other FFSC workshops to help in specific areas of need, for example financial assistance, coping skills and tips to for establishing a positive work and life balance,” said Kolenda. “FFSC also offers clinical counseling for those who prefer to meet individually to talk about their specific stressors.” For commands, units or other groups interested in the Dodging Stress event can contact Emily Kolenda at 4329 or 4141 to get more information. For questions regarding the other services offered by FFSC please call 4141 or 4153 or stop by FFSC. “I would love for more Dodging Stress events,” concluded Kolenda. “FFSC is always exploring ways to promote our programming to the community. If commands or individuals have ideas, we are always open to exploring possibilities to see how we can best support. “
PAGE 6• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE
MOVIES
THE CLASSIFIEDS
To place an ad please send an e-mail to PAO@GTMO.NAVY.MIL
1993 Mercedes Benz, Black 4-door for sale. Call 77532 for more info. Lexmark Pro 715 Printer for sale. It copies, prints, scans and uses wifi. Please call 77532.
The
Scoop
DANCE LESSONS Interested in Salsa and Bachata dance lessons? Come to the Community Center Fri., August 5 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. There will be a social dance after the lessons from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m. Come put on your dancing shoes and learn something new. For more information please contact Chelsea Garcia at 75033 or 79065. PASSPORT INFO Passport waiver letters will no longer be issued. All civilian personnel travelling to/from Guantanamo are required to have a current/non-expired passport. For more information, contact the Legal office at 4834 or 4575.
access to massage chairs and Ballroom. For more info call therapy dogs. Open 8 a.m. to 12 2011. p.m. POWER OUTAGES INSTRUCTORS NEEDED There will be scheduled power Become a volunteer or contracted outages Sept. 6, 13 and 20 instructor for the Child and Youth from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Sept. Programs. Instructors are needed 10 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please visit for Ballet, Dance, Cheer, Volleyball the base roller on channel 4 or and Piano. Contact Karen Sloan at the Naval Station Guantanamo 2005 for more info. Bay Facebook page for areas and facilities affected. STUDENT MEALS FARM Applications for the SY 16/17 ADVANCEMENT EXAMS for free and reduced meals are now E-5 exam will be Sept. 8 and the available at the NEX Customer E-4 exam on Sept. 15. Doors Service Counter. Full price meals open at 6:30 a.m. and close are $2.50 for Elementary and $2.75 at 7 a.m. in the Windjammer for Middle/High School. Ballroom. Don’t be late! No food, drinks, wristwatches or any technology allowed. All test ADVENTURERS SOCIETY NSGB’s only open role playing takers must be in uniform and gaming group. New players have military ID. Call 4460 for welcome! For events and location any questions. contact us on FB at Adventurers Society or sean.mccorm77@gmail. POST OFFICE CLOSURE The post office will be closed com or 78590. Sept. 2-5 in observance of Labor Day. BECOME AN UMPIRE Make up to $75 a night or earn volunteer hours. No experience OPEN REC NIGHT required. Call 2113 or 3006 for Pizza and games Sept. 2 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Open to more information. kindergarten to 12 years old. Sign up by calling 4092. FURNITURE GIVEAWAY Used furniture will be given away at MaCalla Hanger Sept. 10 09 a.m. DANCE PARTY to 3 p.m. and Sept. 11 1200-1500. Sept. 9 at 8:30 p.m. and Sept. 10 at 8:30 p.m. at the Tiki Bar. Call 8732 or 8749.
JSMART SELF CARE DAY Come by and relax with yoga SWING & LINE DANCE starting at 9 a.m. on the waterfront Line Dance lessons Sept. 7 at 6 p.m. pavilion Sept. 10. You’ll also have and Swing dance lessons Sept. 14 at 6 p.m. in the Windjammer
OMBUDSMAN
CONTACT INFORMATION:
NAVSTA: Jamie Yeich
Carrie McCormick Kendra Keesey E-mail: ombudsmannsgb@gmail.com Phone: 84792
NAVAL HOSPITAL: TC Bacon E-mail: Ombudsman.usnh.gtmo@gmail.com Phone: 55379
September 2, 2016• PAGE 7
DOWNTOWN LYCEUM
FRIDAY 8 p.m.:
Nerve (NEW)
10 p.m.:
War Dogs
SEPT 2
PG13
R
SATURDAY SEPT 3 Anthropoid (NEW) 8 p.m.: R 10:30 p.m.: Lights Out PG13
SUNDAY 8 p.m.:
Ghostbusters (LS)
SEPT 4
10 p.m.:
Bad Moms
PG13
R
MONDAY SEPT 5 Suicide Squad 8 p.m.: R
TUESDAY 8 p.m.:
SEPT 6
Star Trek Beyond PG13
WEDNESDAY SEPT 7 The Infiltrator (LS) 8 p.m.: R
THURSDAY SEPT 8 Jason Bourne 8 p.m.: 9/11 MEMORIAL RUN R Sept. 11 at Cooper Field. Start time 6:30 p.m. Register by CALL THE MOVIE HOTLINE @ 4880 Sept. 8. Cost is $10.
Fleet and Family Support Center
UPCOMING CLASSES
SAPR C: Sept. 6, 0800-0900 or 1800-1900 at FFSC. This face to face training is mandatory for all new incoming DoD Civilians. Training includes a 30 minute video and class discussion. TGPS CAPSTONE EVENT: Sept. 7, 1300-1400 at FFSC. For individuals who have completed the Transition Goals Plans Success. Students will work with staff to review the ITP, resume, and budgets to meet Career Readiness Standards for transition. STRESS MANAGEMENT SERIES, 1 OF 4: Sept. 8, 1000-1200 at FFSC. This class provides a foundation of understanding what stress looks like, how it affects the body and mind, and what tools and resources are available in order to cope with life events. COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Sept. 12, 0900-1100 at FFSC. This class allows people to enhance communication skills to strengthen relationships at home and at work by practicing skills that build effective two-way communication. RESUME BASICS: Sept. 13, 1300-1500 at FFSC. Not sure where to start? Need a brief refresher on resumes? This class provides an overview of civilian and federal and federal resume formats. This workshop will help you construct a resume that gets you noticed! Includes info on writing your objective, accomplishing statements and knowing the focus of each resume format.
To register or for more information please call 4141 or 4153. Hours of Operation are: Mon-Fri., 0730-1630.
Article & Photos by U.S. Army Sgt. Sarah Kirby JTF-GTMO-PAO 118th MPAD
Q
uietly sitting at his fence-line out-post keeping watch on the waterway, a Marine hears an unexpected knock, pauses and then answers the door. Opening it he stands toe to toe with a shoeless man speaking Spanish and seeking asylum. “The drill that we just conducted was that of a Cuban Asylum Seeker (CAS); most of them are compliant because they are not looking for a fight they are trying to escape Cuba for a reason,” said Marine Sgt. Rene O. Puga Perea, the sergeant of the guard. “A person seeking asylum is someone who has left their country as a refugee. It is a part of our order to make sure we run drills like that twice a week to keep us on our toes because it is most likely to happen.” Marine Corps Security Force Company (MCSFCO) Guantanamo Bay conducts continuous security operations along shore side perimeter and directed waterside approaches between U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, (NSGB) and the Cuban territory according to their mission statement. “When directed, we provide contingency logistic support to Joint Task Force Guantanamo in support of mass migration operations,” said Puga Perea. “We also handle various responsibilities including the Northeast Gate meeting, which is held monthly between the Cuban and U.S. embassy, unauthorized landings, mounted and foot patrols and joint operations.” As MCSFCO covers security from shore to sea perimeter of NSGB, the U.S. Coast Guard maintains watch on the sea to shore perimeter with the same mission on their minds. “The Cubans really aren’t going to come in one day and charge the fence line. If we do see Cuban activity it is a CAS and there is a specific protocol that we have to do. We get them the proper care that they need and then turn them over to the proper authorities. Sometimes they gain asylum and sometimes they are just sent back, it mainly depends on why they left in the first place.”