The Observation Post, June 24, 2011

CCPPLL.. MMIIRRAANNDDAABBLLAACCKKBBUURRNNMARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE

MARINE CORPS BASECAMP LEJEUNE, NorthCarolina – Family emergenciescan happen while servicemembers are deployed.

During these times of cri-sis, American Red CrossArmed Forces EmergencyServices keeps military person-nel in touch with their familiesby delivering urgent messages– a service provided throughthe organization’s worldwidenetwork of staff and volun-teers.

There is now one single

number, 877-272-7337, to calland send an urgent message toa service member.

This is the telephone num-ber currently available world-wide.

Procedures for overseascalling will remain the same,with the option to call the newnumber directly, access thenumber through a militaryoperator or call the local RedCross station.

Even if service memberscall an old number, the RedCross staff will still be able toserve them immediately.

“We’re just trying tostreamline our business to givethe best service that we can

possibly give,” said JocelynTownsend, American RedCross senior station manageraboard Marine Corps BaseCamp Lejeune, N.C. “Theyshould see faster servicebecause now it’s one mainnumber, whereas before theyhad to call their local RedCross.”

With the new service inplace, the Red Cross has alsoset up four different call cen-ters, compared to the two theyhad in place before.

From start to finish, a serv-ice member should receivetheir Red Cross message with-

Excaliber comesto the desert,

page A3

Marines work to improveSt. Louis, page A6

June 24, 2011 Since 1957 Vol. 54 Issue 25

5/11 shows capabilities for EMVCCPPLL.. AANNDDRREEWW DD..TTHHOORRBBUURRNNCOMBAT CORRESPONDENT

The Marines and sailors withBattery T, 5th Battalion, 11thMarine Regiment, got achance to practice their craftwhile providing artillery sup-port for units training fortheir deployment duringEnhanced Mojave Viper June13 to 16, at the Quackenbushtraining area.

“Out here we have a lot ofunits calling for support, andthey run us though lots ofdifferent scenarios with whowe are supporting and why,”said Cpl. Ricardo Mange-Salinas, a section chief withBattery T, 5/11.

While adding to EMV’sdiverse training, the bat-tery received valuableexperience handling liveammunition with theirHigh-Mobility ArtilleryRocket System.

“Anytime we can get outand do our job [in the train-ing area] is twice as good as CCPPLL.. AANNDDRREEWW DD.. TTHHOORRBBUURRNN

The High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System with Battery T, 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, fires rocket-after-rocket in support of EnhancedMojave Viper at Quackenbush training area June 15.See EMV, A5

CCPPLL.. AANNDDRREEWW DD..TTHHOORRBBUURRNNCOMBAT CORRESPONDENT

Senator Jean Fuller, theCalifornia District 18 sena-tor, made her first visit to the

Combat Center June 17, tolearn more about the installa-tion’s award winning effortsto conserve energy and stayenvironmentally friendly.

“[The purpose is] to showthem the energy programs

and renewable energy we dofor the Navy and MarineCorps overall,” said GaryMorrissett, the CombatCenter’s energy manager.“[We want] to show themhow progressive we are inour programs and how weare trying to help the com-munity, state and federalgovernments out [while]meeting the requirements.”

Fuller and her aidesreceived a quick overview ofthe Combat Center’s mission,expansion plans and stepsbeing made to meet all feder-al energy mandates. they alsotoured the co-generationfacility, solar farm, archeolog-ical facility, and ExerciseSupport Division. An aerialtour of the installation gavethem a bird’s eye view of therest of the base.

“[I am] very pleased to behere, very impressed with thetour and the information andthe process in which it wasinvolved,” said Fuller, who isalso the vice chair for theSenate’s Energy, Utilities, andCommunications Committee.“This is my first visit outhere, and in addition to reallylearning a lot today, I am real-ly enjoying both the people

CCPPLL.. AANNDDRREEWW DD.. TTHHOORRBBUURRNN

Brigadier Gen. Stacy Clardy III, the Combat Center’s com-manding general, escorts Senator Jean Fuller, the Californiadistrict 18 senator, around the co-generation plant duringthe senator’s first visit to the Installation June 17.

District 18 senator makesfirst visit to Combat Center

See SENATOR, A5

New phone number expeditesurgent Red Cross messages

See RED CROSS, A5

LLAANNCCEE CCPPLL.. SSAARRAAHH DDIIEETTZZ

Major Gen. Michael R. Regner shakes the hand of Lt. Col. Mark Dietz, the exec-utive officer for Marine Corps Tactics and Operations Group, just before receiv-ing the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious actions in combat June 17 at theMCTOG compound aboard the Combat Center.

MCTOG Marine receives Bronze Star LLAANNCCEE CCPPLL.. SSAARRAAHH DDIIEETTZZ COMBAT CORRESPONDENT

Lieutenant Col. Mark Dietz, the executiveofficer of Marine Corps Tactics andOperations Group, was awarded theBronze Star Medal June 17 for meritoriousactions in combat during his tour inAfghanistan last year.

The commanding general of the 1stMarine Division, Maj. Gen. Michael R.Regner, presented Dietz with his awardcitation during a small, private ceremonyat MCTOG.

“I’m honored that you guys asked meto come up to do this,” Regner said. “It’s abig deal.”

Dietz helped ensure the rapid transi-tion from clearing actions to holding

efforts in Marjah, during the highly suc-cessful Operation Moshtarak, as stated inhis citation.

Dietz was also recognized for immedi-ately assuming command of 2nd battalion,2nd Marine Regiment, after their battalioncommander was wounded when his vehiclehit an improvised explosive device. Dietzmaintained the tempo of counterinsur-gency operations in Garmsir District.

“Battalion commanders gettingwounded or injured doesn’t happen veryoften. Sergeant Maj. Bill Heyob, [the bat-talion’s sergeant major], made it as painlessof transition as possible, so the credit goesto him. It was as smooth as it could begiven an unfortunate situation,” Dietz

See MCTOG, A5

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competitor5. Philanthropist

Yale10.It may be rigged14.Port of Algeria15.Successes for

Mariano Rivera16.Like unwashed

hair17.V-8 juice

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figure21.Theatrical pro23. Alcott’s “__Boys”24.Tuxedoed

wedding figure25.Horse laugh29.Japan’s largest

island32.It may be assumed33.Kim of “Vertigo”34.Not yet on the

sched.37.“Results may __”38.Like Cheerios

39.Old phone’s lack40.Ending with ethyl

or methyl41.Gem State product,

informally42.Spy in Canaan43.Former Israeli

prime minister Levi

45.$2 window action

46.Basil-based sauce48.Orienteering aid49.33’s and 45’s52.Overdue debts57.Like some

vaccines58.1955 Penguins

hit60.Popeye’s tooter61.Popeye’s archrival62.Wine’s partner63.Caught in the

act64.Romance

novelist Danielle

65.Pre-cable problem

ELEMENTARY

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Observation Post

The Observation Post is published by Hi-Desert Publishing, a private firm in no way con-nected with the Department of Defense or the United States Marine Corps, under exclu-sive written contract with the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center. This commercialenterprise newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services.Contents of the Observation Post are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by,the United States government, the DoD, or the United States Marine Corps. The appear-ance of advertising in this publication, including inserts and supplements, does not con-stitute endorsement by the DoD or Hi-Desert Publishing of the services advertised.

Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use orpatronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital sta-tus, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other nonmerit factor of the pur-chaser, user or patron. Editorial content is prepared by the Public Affairs Office,MCAGCC, Twentynine Palms, Calif. 92278. All photos, unless otherwise indicated areOfficial USMC Photos. Questions can be directed to the Public Affairs Office, locat-ed in building 1417, during normal working hours at 830-6213 or FAX 830-5474. TheObservation Post is made with 60 percent recycled paper.

DDOOWWNN1. Mother porkers2. QED part3. Scandal suffix4. From the top5. Money held by a

third party6. Adds bacon to7. “__ got it!”8. “__ real nowhere

man ...”9. It dissolved in Dec.

‘9110.In fashion11.Washington-New

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Blake18.Big Indians22.Mammoth tooth25.Collapsed under

pressure26.__ Bator27.Emergency exit of

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dalliance35.Buddy, Max, or Bugs36.Some Wall Streeters,

for short38.Symbol of strength39.Mattress problem41.Explorer Heyerdahl42.“It’s a Wonderful

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chop shop45.Campbell’s Soup can

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CCRROOSSSSWWOORRDD AANNDD SSUUDDOOKKUU PPUUZZZZLLEESS CCOOUURRTTEESSYY OOFF ©© 22001100 HHOOMMEETTOOWWNN CCOONNTTEENNTT

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SSEEMMPPEERRTTOOOONNSS:: CCRREEAATTEEDD BBYY GGUUNNNNEERRYY SSGGTT.. CCHHAARRLLEESS WWOOLLFF,, UUSSMMCC//RREETT..

SUDOKU #2214

Eagle

Eyes

Immediately report any suspicious activity whichmay be a sign of terrorism, including:

1. Surveillance2. Suspicious questioning3. Tests of security4. Acquiring supplies5. Suspicious persons6. Trial runs7. Deploying assets

830-3937

Combat Center Spotlight

Hot Topics

Marine Corps History

June 25, 1966

In Vietnam, Operation Jaybegan about 30 kilometers

northwest of Hue, and lastednine days. The 2nd Battalion,4th Marines, landed north ofthe North Vietnamese 812th

Main Force Battalion, and 2/7landed south of the enemy's

position. Caught in between thetwo Marine units, the enemy

suffered more than 80 dead innine days of fighting.

HHOOMMEE RRUUNN DDEERRBBYY

Join us for the Going YardClassic Home Run Derby June29 at 6 p.m. Felix Field.Divisions will be by weight class-es, and the number of roundsdepends on the number ofentries per division. Weigh-inswill be the same day at 5:30 p.m.Hitters will provide their ownpitchers. For more information,call 830-4092 or check http://www.mccs29palms.com.

WWOOMMEENN’’SS VVAARRSSIITTYYSSOOFFTTBBAALLLL TTRRYYOOUUTTSS

Tryouts for the Women’sVarsity Travel Softball Teamwill be at the Felix Field SportsComplex June 28 and July 7 at6 p.m. For more information,call 830-4092.

GGLLOOWW BBAALLLL TTOOUURRNNEEYY

There will be a glow ball tourna-ment at the Desert Winds GolfCourse today. Show time will beat 5 p.m., the game starts at6 p.m. Sign up as a four-manteam or as an individual and beplaced on a team. Play nine holesat twilight, break for dinner, thenfinish the last nine holes. Cost is$45 including green fees, cart,range balls, food and prizes.Golfers, bring your family to eatfor only $7 extra per guest. Call830-6132 for more information.

FFRREEEE KKIIDDSS BBOOWWLLIINNGG

Kids bowl free during the 60Days of Summer event at SandyHill Lanes Bowling Center, fromJune 13 to August 13. Childrenup to age 17. Those 18 year old,but still in high school are alsowelcome. Event runs 1 to 9 p.m.,seven days a week, with a two-game per day limit per child.Registration required. Kids mustbe accompanied by an adult.Standard shoe rates apply. Forinformation call 830-6422.

NNaammee:: Cpl. Alexander McDonaldHHoommeettoowwnn:: Sacramento, Calif.UUnniitt:: Phelps Mess HallJJoobb ttiittllee:: Food Service SpecialistJJoobb dduuttiieess:: Serves as Bake Shop noncom-missioned officer, helps produce all bakedgoods served, and teaches his junior Marines.WWhhaatt ddoo yyoouu lliikkee mmoosstt aabboouutt yyoouurr jjoobb??::“[I like] The people I work with, the friendsI have. Most of the time it doesn’t feel like Iam doing a job, because I enjoy doing it..”SSiiggnniiffiiccaanntt aacchhiieevveemmeennttss:: Studied at theCulinary Institute of America.WWhhaatt iiss yyoouurr mmoosstt mmeemmoorraabbllee mmeeaall yyoouuhhaavvee hhaadd ttoo mmaakkee??:: “My first meal withCIA. Because even with all the gunnery ser-geants and master sergeants with yearsmore experience than me in the class, all themeals still turned out subpar. It was then Irealized where I stood in my profession,and [it] was the turning point to improve myskills.”HHoobbbbiieess:: “Running, working on my car, listening to music, swimming and hangingout with family and friends.”WWhhaatt mmaaddee yyoouu ssttaarrtt ttoo ccooookk??:: “When me and my sister were left home alone, therewas not much to do besides [read] the cookbooks. Since we both had big sweet teeth, welearned how to cook everything.”TTiimmee aabbooaarrdd tthhee CCoommbbaatt CCeenntteerr??:: Two years, two months.

Opinions expressed in Centerspeak are not nec-

essarily those of the OBSERVATION POST, the

Marine Corps or the Department of Defense.

What is yourfavorite summer

activity?

LANCE CPL. ALEX SUMROW

3RD LIGHT ARMORED RECONNAISSANCE BATTALION

SGT. MIN LEE

COMPANY A, MARINE CORPSCOMMUNICATION-ELECTRONICS SCHOOL

“Ilike sea fishing from aboat.”

Centerspeak

“Ireally love playing bas-ketball outside.”

CPL. JUSTIN SYMMES

7TH MARINE REGIMENT

“My favorite summeractivity is goingswimming at the

beach.”

http://www.facebook.com/thecombatcenter

http://www.youtube.com/user/CombatCenterPAO.

Hey Combat Center fans!Check out the official MCAGCC

social media sites at:

PPuubblliicc AAffffaaiirrss OOffffiicceerr - Capt. Nick MannweilerDDeeppuuttyy PPuubblliicc AAffffaaiirrss OOffffiicceerr - 2nd Lt. Sin CarranoPPuubblliicc AAffffaaiirrss CChhiieeff - Gunnery Sgt. Sergio JimenezPPrreessss CChhiieeff//EEddiittoorr - Sgt. Heather GoldenAAssssiittaanntt EEddiittoorr -Lance Cpl. Sarah DietzBBrrooaaddccaasstt CChhiieeff - Lance Cpl. William J. JacksonLLaayyoouutt,, DDeessiiggnn - Leslie Shaw

CCoorrrreessppoonnddeennttssStaff Sgt. Lyndel JohnsonCpl. Andrew D. ThorburnLance Cpl. D. J. WuDiane DurdenEmily Anderson

http://www.flickr.com/thecombatcenter.


Meals, moves, together countsSSHHAARRII LLOOPPAATTIINNTRIWEST HEALTHCARE ALLIANCE

“For the first time in our history, American childrenmay face a shorter expected lifespan than their parents.”

That quote, taken directly from the Partnership fora Healthier America’s website, explains the essence ofa growing obesity problem across the United States.The partnership – which is headed by First LadyMichelle Obama – says that obesity rates have tripledin the past 30 years.

Obese and overweight children are more likely tosuffer academic, social and financial burdens through-out life. So, what can you do to prevent this from hap-pening to your children?

TTooggeetthheerr CCoouunnttssTriWest Healthcare Alliance, the company which

administers TRICARE in 21 western states, believesthat together, we can make a difference. That’s whyTriWest joined forces with Together Counts, a nation-wide program that inspires active and healthy living. Aspart of Together Counts, we challenge you:

Eat at least ONE healthy meal each week.Do at least ONE family activity each week.That’s it – Just one! It can be as simple as cooking

dinner together, then going for a walk. Or if you havekids, let them choose a fun activity. A picnic and a gameof Frisbee at the park? A barbeque followed by a fewhours in the pool?

Because, what it all boils down to is, we are a nationthat needs to move again.

WWhhaatt ccaauusseess oobbeessiittyy??According to the Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention, obesity now affects 17 percent of all U.S.kids and teenagers.

The CDC listed these as the most common causesof obesity:

• Energy imbalance. This means eating too many calories and not getting enough physical activityto burn them off.

• Genetics, which also affects metabolism (how fast one digests food), behavior (staying up late and sleeping in), environment (nowhere and no time toexercise), culture, and socioeconomic status.

• One’s behaviors and environment play the largest roles in causing obesity. These also represent the best areas for prevention and treatment.

WWaanntt mmoorree iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn??It’s easy to find! Learn more about Together

Counts, and how you can help, by visitinghttp://www.TogetherCounts.com. Find more healthyliving tips on TriWest’s Healthy Living Portal, athttp://www.triwest.com/HealthyLiving.

Marines with 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regimentclean the barrel of the M777 A2 Howitzer.

Marines with 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, takeapart the inside of the M777 A2 Howitzer to clean afterfiring. The excalibur round is rarely shot in trainingbecause of its $100,000 price tag.

OOBBSSEERRVVAATTIIOONN PPoosstt JJUUNNEE 2244,, 22001111 AA33

2nd Bn., 10th Marines, take excalibur to desertSSTTOORRYY AANNDD PPHHOOTTOOSS BBYY LLAANNCCEE CCPPLL.. SSAARRAAHH DDIIEETTZZCOMBAT CORRESPONDENT

Second Battalion, 10thMarine Regiment visited theCombat Center to test a newweapon in the most extremeof climates.

Shot from the M777 A2Howitzer, the excaliburround is a precision-guidedartillery round that uses theGlobal Positioning System tohit targets with pin-pointaccuracy. The round is nowbeing used in Afghanistan toreduce civilian casualtieswhile providing Marines witheffective fire support.

For the majority of thebattalion, this shoot was thefirst time they were able toexperience the new gun andmunitions.

Each round costs approx-imately $100,000, making itstime in training scarce.

“This is good hands-onexperience for our guys,”said Gunnery Sgt. KeithAllen, the battery gunnerysergeant for Battery E. “Weare trying to use them moreheavily in Afghanistan. Theyare more accurate, cuttingdown on casualties.”

Marines had the opportu-nity to explore the positivesand negatives of the newestversion of their lightweighthowitzer. The M777 A2 is animprovement over the M777as it incorporates a GPS inter-face and can be moved quick-ly, thanks to lighter materialused in its construction. Thetremendous force and pres-

sure from firing its ordnancecan increase the demands onthe gun’s crew, however.

“It’s dependable, but ittakes more to maintain,”Allen said. “It’s better, lighterand safer.”

The gun and the round

have more technology inthem than the predecessorM198 howitzer and its stan-dard high explosive rounds.Both the round and the gunhave computer chips andGPS units inside them, mak-ing them extremely accurate.

“It takes more [preparation]and more attention to detail,”said Cpl. T. J. Dye, the sectionchief for gun one in Battery E.“It’s not like the normal HEround. You have to hold it adifferent way, and you have tobe very careful with it.”

Dye said the round is usedon a case-by-case basis.Because the round doesn’thave a large kill radius, it ismore likely to be used wheninsurgents are in a compoundor similar area in order to avoidcivilian casualties, whereas a

normal HE round would beused if the insurgents arefound in an open field.

“This round is supposed tobe very reliable,” Allen said.“This is a great opportunityfor the Marines to get a goodfeel of what this round is like.”

Marines with 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, get ready to fire the M777 A2 Howitzer with the excalibur round June 17, in the Combat Center’sEmerson range training area. The majority of the battalion has never fired the excalibur round before.

Looking forthe right job

for you?

Check the Observation PostClassified section

DDIIAANNEE DDUURRDDEENNPUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

The six companies thatcomprise the 3rd LightArmored ReconnaissanceBattalion Wolfpack, accom-panied by the mountedcolor guard, aligned them-selves on the Lance Cpl.Torrey L. Gray Field to wel-come Lt. Col. Mark Clinganas the new leader of thepack June 17.

“I am very honored tostand in front of you todayas the newest member ofthe Wolfpack,” said Clingan,the newly-assigned battalioncommander, who was previ-ously assigned as the G-3,Current Operations Officerfor the Division (Forward),for 1st Marine Division.“We are all drawn to theMarine Corps because wewant to go out and make adifference, I look forwardto making a differencewith you all.

“Every Marine makes adifference as the motto ofthe battalion states,” he said.“The strength of the pack isthe wolf, and the strength ofthe wolf is the pack.”

The Marines and sailorswere also gathered to sayfarewell to another leader.

“Rich in history,” “steepin tradition” and “very proudof heritage” are just a few of

the phrases Lt. Col. KennethKassner, the outgoing battal-ion commander, used todescribe the unit as hesummed up his time spent astheir commander.

“[It’s been] a distincthonor and privilege to stand


SJA CORNER

What if your landlordsells your house?11SSTT LLTT.. NNAATTHHAANN DD.. AADDAAMMSSLEGAL ASSISTANCE OFFICE

What do you do if you find out that yourlandlord is selling the property you arecurrently leasing?

Fortunately, you are not going to behomeless and have to immediately startsearching for somewhere else to live.

New buyers to a piece of property buyit subject to the lease agreement you havewith the old owners.

First of all, the people buying theproperty will be on notice of a leaseagreement due to the fact that you areliving in the property. Any reasonableperson would ask, “Who is living inyour house, and why are you lettingthem live there?”

The lease agreement would then haveto be brought to the purchaser’s attention,and they would know about the lease.Second, the obligations associated with alease are tied to the property itself and notnecessarily the person you signed the leasewith. Because of this, if your landlordsells the property, the new owners areobligated to fulfill the lease agreement.

You will simply have to write your rentchecks to the new owners of the proper-ty instead of the previous owners. Yourrent check will remain the same, as well asthe same due dates, but you will just bewriting the check to the new owners.

One cautionary note, THIS IS NOTTHE CASE DURING A FORECLO-SURE! If your property is being fore-closed on, and if the new owners are plan-ning on moving into your residence, youwill have 90 days to move out of theproperty no matter how much time youhave remaining on your lease. For all thespecifics of your rights as a lessee duringa foreclosure, please refer to the SJACorner’s earlier article entitled “Tenantsof foreclosed properties have rights.”

If you have any issues with your land-lord, whether the property is sold, fore-closed on, or any other issues, the LegalAssistance Office is here to help youknow your rights and how to best handlethe situation. Call 830-6111 and make anappointment as early as possible.

CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS

SUDOKU SOLUTIONS

DDIIAANNEE DDUURRDDEENN

The mounted color guard, based at Marine Corps Logistics Base,Barstow, Calif., provided a unique aspect to the Wolfpack’s change ofcommand ceremony. This color guard is the only remaining such unitwithin the Marine Corps.


Incoming commander for 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Lt. Col. Mark Clingan, tells hisMarines and sailors he looks forward to making a difference with them during a change of command cer-emony held at Lance Cpl. Torrey L. Gray Field June 17.

3rd LAR gets new pack leader

See 3RD LAR, A7

in 24 to 48 hours from thetime their family membermakes the call.

These urgent messages cankeep service members intouch with their families, relay-ing important news.

The Red Cross providesthese services to service mem-bers and their immediate fami-ly members.

“If it’s an aunt, uncle orcousin, we’ll have to haveextenuating circumstances,”said Townsend. “What that

means is there’s somethingthat would require them tocome home, whether theiraunt raised them or theircousin lived in the home withthe service member for anindefinite amount of time.Once those requirements aremet, then we can do a RedCross message.”

Communication servicesare also available toDepartment of Defensecivilian contract workersworking on military installa-tions overseas.

If family members are in

a situation where they can-not reach their deployedservice member directly andneed to send an emergencymessage, they should havethe following informationreadily available: full name,rank, branch of service,Social Security number ofthe service member, mili-tary address of the servicemember, and informationabout the deployed unit andlocation of the rear detach-ment unit.

“If we have all the correctinformation, we can easily

RED CROSS, from A1


being at the gun park atCamp Pendleton just run-ning though dry-fire mis-sions,” said Cpl. AdamChristman, a section chiefwith Battery T, 5/11. “For alot of the guys who haven’tshot a lot of rockets, it willbe good for them when thelauncher starts acting funny,and they will be able to trou-bleshoot [the problem] inthe real world. You learn byexperience in this job, so thefield is definitely the place tobe for HIMARS.”

The training 5/11 conduct-ed aboard the Combat Centerwas a change of scenery fromthe normal training they per-form at Marine Corps BaseCamp Pendleton, Calif.

“It is the best time for usto come out and do ourtraining, coming out fromthe backyard at Pendleton,”said Christman. “Once weget in country, this is whatwe can expect.”

With their upcomingdeployment, the trainingalso serves to advertise theHIMARS capabilities tothe units they may beworking with.

“Many don’t know ourcapabilities, don’t knowwho we are or what wecan do, so we are trying toput ourselves out there.”Mange-Salinas said.

Battery T, 5/11 will begintheir pre-deployment train-ing later this summer and arescheduled to ship out earlynext year.

EMV, from A1


A High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System with Battery T, 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, fires a M-22 rocket in supportof Enhanced Mojave Viper at Quackenbush training area June 15.

and the opportunity tolearn more.”

The Combat Center hadFuller’s attention before she

even set foot here.“They initially made a

visit to my office to createa personal relationship andopen communication onwhat both sides might

want to accomplish by hav-ing this visit,” she said.“Some of those same peo-ple that had greeted us hadgiven a more in-depthbriefing with Power Points

on the bus so our ‘downtime’ wasn’t specificallydown time, but was point-ed to some of the ques-tions we had asked in ourfirst relationship.”

An unanticipated out-come ended up being one ofthe most beneficial.

Fuller said she enjoyedhaving multiple expertsimmediately available for her

group. Having their informa-tion and knowing the bestperson to contact will helpsimplify working on futureprojects between her officeand the Combat Center.

SENATOR, from A1


Senator Jean Fuller [back, center], the California district 18 senator, and her aides takean aerial tour of the Combat Center during her visit June 17.


Aides for the California district 18 senator, Senator Jean Fuller, listen to a specialist at theCombat Center’s co-generation plant durin their tour of the Combat Center June 17.

Drug Education for YouthPPRREESSSS RREELLEEAASSEEROBERT E. BUSH NAVAL HOSPITAL PUBLIC AFFAIRS

The DEFY program is starting up againthis year. The year-long program isdesigned to strengthen protective factorsthat increase the likelihood that youth willlead healthy, drug-free lives. DEFY focuseson 9-12 year-old youth and has proven tobe an effective early intervention for youthin the target age group who are at-risk forfuture involvement with drugs and gangs.Our goal is to empower military youth to

build positive, healthy lifestyles as drug-free, successful citizens. For more informa-tion, please contact Navy Chief TerryMorocco at 830-2539 and [email protected] or Petty Officer 3rdClass Courtney Marsh at (520) 252-5517and courtney.marsh@med. navy.mil.

Camp dates are July 31 to Aug 5. We willbe accepting the first 20 applicants. You canfind applications and more information onthe program at http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/support/nadap/Pages/DEFY.aspx.

said. “Lt. Col. McDonoughis a personal friend, and theprofessionalism with whichthe Marines adapted to thechange mid-deploymentand continued on with themission is a tribute to agreat battalion.”

For Lt. Col. Kevin Harris,the Marine who replacedDietz as the executive officerfor Regimental CombatTeam 7, Dietz’s leadershipwas a key factor in the suc-cess of the mission at hand.

“He absolutely is deservingof the award,” Harris said. “It’sa tough task to go to a battal-ion half way through thedeployment to become theirbattalion commander. He hadbig shoes to fill because Lt. Col.

McDonough was a very effec-tive battalion commander, andhe was hard to replace. Dietzdid it, and he did it in a fantas-tic way.”

“He kept the battalion oper-ating,” McDonough said. “It’s atough task for any infantry offi-cer to keep a battalion running.He never lost focus, and hisguys kept taking the fight to theenemy. That is a direct reflec-tion of his leadership.”

Dietz credited the unit’ssuccess to his fellow Marinesand colleagues who assistedhim during the tour.

“One guy gets a little bit ofrecognition and a decorationthat is really representative ofthe efforts of a large numberof folks,” Dietz said. “It’smuch more about teamwork,and group of great Marines.”

MCTOG, from A1get verification,” saidTownsend. “That’s ourjob. We’re here to provideemergency messagingand valid, verified mes-sages.”

The changes allow localRed Cross chapters to pro-vide vital services with apersonal touch, includinghospital programs and out-reach to reserve families, byfreeing up resources fromcall-intake functions.

According to a releasefrom the American RedCross aboard MCB CampLejeune, “The improve-ments we are makingtoday are the foundationfor continued qualityservice delivery to ourmen and women in uni-form and their families.”

Whatever you’re looking for, you can

find it in theObservation PostClassified section


Marines get dirty to clean up St. LouisLLAANNCCEE CCPPLL.. CCHHRRIISSTTOOFFEERR PP.. BBAAIINNEESS,, LLAANNCCEE CCPPLL.. JJAACCOOBB DD.. OOSSBBOORRNNEEHEADQUARTERS MARINE CORPS

ST. LOUIS — Marines from 3rd Battalion, 24th MarineRegiment, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task ForceMarine Week, brought the famous Marine work ethic to thelargest urban park in America and several community gardensto restore and beautify these locations June 20-26.

Boy Scout Troop 981 joined the Marines June 20, and dur-ing similar events throughout the week hundreds of native St.Louisans sweat alongside the Marines while improving neigh-borhoods throughout the city.

Marines are going to start helping the community, andhopefully the people of the city will pick up where the Corpsleaves off, said Cpl. Jerod Richardson, squad leader, CompanyI, 3/24. It shows the Corps cares.

Near Hyde Park, St. Louis, Marines removed weeds, laiddown burlap and mulch, and prepared a community gardenfor planting. This garden will be used to teach youngteenagers agricultural skills.

Jason Calahan, missionary and program director for SunMinistries, said the Marines did impressive work, through the heatand humidity with the determination one only finds in a Marine.

In Forest Park, Marines refinished trails and built abridge. They also dug trenches to keep it dry and laid mulch.With Troop 981’s help, they completed the task within a day.

“Boy Scouts are working with the Marine Corps onsome service projects throughout Marine Week,” said IkeEicher, an adult leader of Troop 981. “I think the BoyScouts look up to them. Here’s someone who gives back totheir community, gives back to their country.”

It wasn’t just the neighborhoods that reaped the rewards. TheMarines also walked away with more than when they arrived.

“Makes me proud, lets me know we are helping out,” said

Lance Cpl. Westley Martinez, rifleman, Company I, 3/24.Throughout Marine Week, the Corps will continue to

give back to St. Louis. Other events throughout MarineWeek will include urban clean-ups, hospital visits, gar-

den maintenance and a blood drive.For more information on Marine Week St. Louis, visit

http://www.marines.mil/marineweek or http://www.Facebook.com/Marines.

LLAANNCCEE CCPPLL.. CCHHRRIISSTTOOFFEERR PP.. BBAAIINNEESS

Lance Cpl. Jonathan James, a rifleman with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 24th MarineRegiment, trims branches from an overgrown tree near a community garden duringMarine Week St. Louis June 20.

LLAANNCCEE CCPPLL.. CCHHRRIISSTTOOFFEERR PP.. BBAAIINNEESS

Jason Calahan, a missionary and program director for Sun Ministries, changes a drill bit as Marines help him con-struct a frame for tomatoes to grow on at a community garden in St. Louis, June 20. Throughout Marine Week,Marines will participate in outreach events aimed at improving local communities.

LLAANNCCEE CCPPLL.. JJAACCOOBB DD.. OOSSBBOORRNNEE

Lance Cpl. Erik S. Potts pounds in a length of rebar into a log to hold it into place forone of the drainage ditches at Forest Park in St. Louis June 20. The Marines and BoyScouts worked together to fix the trail. Marine Week provides an opportunity to increasepublic awareness of the Marine Corps’ value to our nation’s defense and to preserveand mature the Corps’ relationship with the American people.


TThhee ddeeaaddlliinnee ffoorr ssuubbmmiittttiinnggTTrraaddeerr AAddss iiss nnoooonn WWeeddnneessddaayy,,ffoorr tthhee uuppccoommiinngg FFrriiddaayy’’ss nneewwss--ppaappeerr..Trader Ad forms are available at the Public

Affairs Office and may be filled out duringnormal working hours at Bldg. 1417. Ads

may also be submitted through e-mail, butwill only be accepted from those with [email protected] address. If you are active duty,retired military or a family member and donot have an @usmc.mil address you can goto the PAO page of the base Web site at:http://www.29palms. usmc.mil /dirs/pao/

and complete a request to publish an ad.The limitations for ads are: 15-word limit,

limit of two ads per household and theTrader may be used only for noncommercialclassified ads containing items of personalproperty offered by and for individualsauthorized to use this service. Such ads must

represent incidental exchanged not of sus-tained business nature. AAddss ffoorr hhoouussiinngg rreennttaallss wwiillll nnoott bbeeccoonnssiiddeerreedd ffoorr tthhee CCoommbbaatt CCeenntteerrTTrraaddeerr..

To have a “House For Sale” ad run in theObservation Post, applicants must provide

Permanent Change of Station orders andhave the ad approved by Base Housing. Thisensures the Combat Center Trader is notused for commercial real estate endeavors.

Ads are run on a first-come, first-serve,space available basis. If you have questionsplease call 830-6213.

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SSTTOORRAAGGEE CCOONNTTAAIINNEERR.. An 8 x 10 footrollup locking door, steel container inexcellent shape. $2,800. Call 362-5293.

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COMBAT CENTER RELIGIOUS SERVICES

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IImmmmaaccuullaattee HHeeaarrtt ooffMMaarryy3:30-5:30 p.m. - MilitaryCouncil of Catholic WomenWWeeddnneessddaayyIImmmmaaccuullaattee HHeeaarrtt ooffMMaarryyFirst Wednesday, 6 p.m. -Baptism preparation classand 7 p.m. - Knights ofColumbusTThhuurrssddaayyIImmmmaaccuullaattee HHeeaarrtt ooffMMaarryy9 a.m. - Adult Class6 p.m. - Children RCIA6:30 p.m. - RCIA (Sept.-April)7 p.m. - Gr. 7 andConfirmationFFrriiddaayyIImmmmaaccuullaattee HHeeaarrtt ooffMMaarryyFirst Friday each month,12:15 p.m.,4:30 p.m. - Exposition/Adoration Most BlessedSacramentLLeeggeenndd* Indicates child care isprovided+ Call 830-6456/6482 for confession appointments

in the ranks with thesemen,” said Kassner, who isleaving the Combat Centerto attend classes at theArmy War College inCarlisle, Pa.

With the battalionbeing the last of themounted cavalry, a mount-ed color guard seemed asignificant inclusion in theceremony, said Sgt. Maj.John Elliott, the pack’ssergeant major.

The mounted colorguard, based at MarineCorps Logistics BaseBarstow, Calif., is the onlyremaining such unit withinthe Marine Corps.

3RD LAR, from A4


The Marines and sailors of the 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion Wolfpack,accompanied by the mounted color guard, march onto Lance Cpl. Torrey L. Gray Field towelcome Lt. Col. Mark Clingan as the new leader of the pack June 17.

Visit the official

MCAGCC facebookpage at

http://www.facebook.com/thecombatcenter

June 24, 2011 Since 1957 Vol. 54 B SECTION

“Super 8” is supersummer cinematic

entertainment,page B2

Thunder Horse Ranch, near Julian, Calif., is a 300-acre lot full of extensive trails, tracks and jumps. Semper Ride, ahandful of professional motocross riders, and Marines and sailors from the West Coast installations came together forthe first off-road safety event of its kind June 17 and 18.

Marines, sailors learn to ride from prosSSTTOORRYY AANNDD PPHHOOTTOOSS BBYYLLAANNCCEE CCPPLL.. WWIILLLLIIAAMM JJ.. JJAACCKKSSOONNBROADCAST CHIEF

Professional motocross ridersfrom West Coast installationscame together for the firstever Semper Ride off-roadtraining and safety event nearJulian, Calif., June 17 and 18.

The Marines and sailorspacked up their all-terrainvehicles, dirt bikes and camp-ing equipment and headed tothe 300-acre Thunder HorseRanch, an oasis of trails, tracksand training.

Early Friday morning, thecrowd of riders and their fam-ilies rallied around a Red Bullbus to get word on the eventsof the day.

“Get out there, have funand be safe,” said Jeff Tilton,the project manager for theevent and a former profes-sional motocross rider, to themass of riders in attendance.Tilton also mentioned classesthe Marines and sailors couldsign up for to polish their rid-ing techniques.

“I’ve been pushing off-road for a long time and final-ly it’s here,” he said. It’s been alot of hard work, a lot of timeand energy put into it and a lotof passion.”

Tilton works withHeadquarters Marine Corpsand with base safety onMarine Corps bases aroundthe world.

The event hosted up to 100riders each day and invitedthem to take as much trainingas they could from the profes-sional riders as well as the otherriders in their own groups.

“It’s awesome to see sucha wide variety of riderswanting to learn,” said

Steven Haughelstine, a pro-fessional motocross rider atthe event. “You can see adifference in how they rideeven after a couple of run-throughs with them.”

Haughelstine, who’s beenriding since he was a kid,teamed up with X-games goldmedalist Ronnie Renner togive tips on cornering and han-dling jumps during the classes.

“Guys who aren’t used toriding in the ‘attack position’,they get tense,” Rennerexplained to the handful ofriders in front of him,” whilestressing the importance ofstanding up in the attackposition on a track. “It willtire you out.”

Most riders came to enjoythe chance to ride on a newtrack. Corporal Andrew Walsh,an amphibious assault vehiclecrewman with Company D,3rd Assault AmphibianBattalion, came to ride withhis co-workers.

“I’m out here to have fun,”Walsh said. “I’ve been ridingfor a while, and you can alwayslearn something new.”

In addition to June beingRiders’ Safety Month, SemperRide has set the bar high for anew curriculum for teachingriders the basics and safetyprecautions to keep theirinterest in the sport.

“I think what’s cool aboutSemper Ride is that it’s a com-pletely different way thatspeaks to the rider,” Tiltonsaid. “It’s not someone yellingat you or trying to scare you.It’s professional riders andyour peers talking to youabout what the sport is andhow to get into it correctly.The ultimate goal here is tomake these guys lifetimemotorcycle riders.”

1st Tanks crush VMU-1

EEMMIILLYY AANNDDEERRSSOONN

A player from the 1st Tanks team [right] leaps to head the ball.


Carlos Iruegas, a player for 1st Tanks, steals theball shortly before VMU-1 can get a handle on it.


A player from the VMU-1 team retrieves the ballfrom the goal after being scored on by the 1stTanks. The 1st Tanks won the game 6-0.


Isaac Solorio, a player for 1st Tanks, holds possession of the ball during their Commanding General’sIntramural Soccer League game at Felix Field Tuesday. The 1st Tanks team is undefeated.

An ATV rider hits a 15 foot “table top” on Thunder HorseRanch’s advanced track. Thunder Horse Ranch hostedup to 100 riders a day.

Ronnier Renner [right], an X-Games gold medalistexplains the “attack position,” and how to properly handlea jump on a track, to a group of riders.

NNEEIILL PPOONNDDAMERICAN PROFILE

“Super 8”Starring Elle Fanning, JoelCoutenay and Kyle Chandler Rated PG-13

Some young teens witnesssomething sensational –and terrifying – in “Super8,” the new collaborationfrom director-writer J.J.Abrams and producerSteven Spielberg that’smuch richer, much deeperand much more movingthan its “monster movie”premise might suggest.

Abrams’ resume includesthe hit TV series “Lost” andthe 2009 big-screen revivalof “Star Trek.” Spielberg, asmost of the world knows, is

the moviemaking iconbehind a long line of block-busters, including “Jaws,”“Close Encounters of theThird Kind” and “E.T.: TheExtra-Terrestrial.”

This is the first sharedproject for the two success-ful director/writer/produc-ers, and it’s really an affec-tionate, loveably geeky hom-age to both filmmakers’wonder years, when movieswere gateways to worlds ofimagination, mystery, dan-ger, romance and good, old-fashioned, scare-your-pants-off terror.

“Super 8,” set in the late1970s, involves a train acci-dent, something big andnasty that escapes from thewreckage and a reel of homemovie film that accidentally

captures it all.But it’s really a movie

about movies, riffing onvintage 50s monster andsci-fi themes, and builtaround a group of kidsmaking a movie. And it’smeticulously stamped, topto bottom, with the imprintof two guys who both gottheir first taste of filmmak-ing by shooting with homemovie cameras and theKodak film from which“Super 8” takes its name.

The terrific cast of like-able young newcomersincludes 13-year-old ElleFanning, Dakota’s little sis-ter. And, alongside her, 15-year-old Joel Coutenaymakes a most impressivescreen debut that providesthe movie’s essential emo-tional center.

The kids are working on ahomemade zombie flick –inspired by GeorgeRomero’s no-budget “Nightof the Living Dead” – whentheir camera captures some-thing else, something farscarier … and somethingpossibly quite scared itself.

Even though Spielberg

isn’t behind the camera,“Super 8” frequently evokessome of his greatest cre-ations. It often seems, infact, that the whole movie isAbrams’ tribute to classicSpielberg-ian moments,emotions, techniques andingredients.

The movie does a greatjob of capturing the lookand feel of its time andplace, from hairstyles andclothing to bicycles,walkie-talkies, SonyWalkmans and radios blar-ing Blondie, Cheap Trick,The Commodores, TheKnack and other artistswho ruled the airwaves inthe late 1970s.

But what it captures bestof all is the pure rush ofadrenalized entertainmentthat a movie can provide, asthe plucky teens find them-selves swept into an ulti-mately uplifting adventurebeyond their wildest movie-making dreams.

And, by the way, theyeven finish their zombieproject. Stay for the creditsand you’ll see it in its glori-ous, three-minute entirety.

BB22 JJUUNNEE 2244,, 22001111 OOBBSSEERRVVAATTIIOONN PPoosstt

Liber t y Call

Lower Desert

PPaappppyy aanndd HHaarrrriieett’’ss WWeeeekkeenndd LLiinnee--UUpp::

BBrriiaann WWrriigghhtt aanndd tthhee SSuummnneerr BBrrootthheerrssPlaying a mix of Americana, folk and rockWhen: 8 p.m., Friday, June 24TThhee FFlleesshhttoonneess wwiitthh gguueessttss tthhee FFoorrttyy NNiinneetteeeennssThe Americana, garage pop band performsWhen: 8 p.m., Saturday, June 25Where: 53688 Pioneertown Road, PioneertownFor more information, call 365-5956 or visit http://www.pappyandharriets.com.

WWiilllliiee BBooyy’’ss WWeeeekkeenndd LLiinnee--UUpp::TTeessllaa TTrriibbuuttee BBaannddThe hard rock band receives a fitting tributeWhen: 7 to 10 p.m., Friday, June 24GGhhoosstt TTrraaiinn The popular psychedelic rock/folk band performsWhen: 9 p.m., Saturday, June 25Where: Willie Boy’s Saloon and Dance Hall, 50048 Twentynine Palms Highway, Morongo Valley For more information, call 363-3343 or visit http://www.willieboys.com.

SSuummmmeerr MMoovviieess iinn LLuucckkiiee PPaarrkkThe Last AirbenderWhen: 8:30 p.m. Thursday, June 30Where: Luckie Park near the corner of Utah Trail and JoeDavis Drive in Twentynine Palms on the north-facing wallof the racquetball courts.

RRooddnneeyy CCaarrrriinnggttoonnThe comedian, actor, singer performsWhen: 9 p.m., Friday, TonightWhere: Morongo Casino Resort and Spa49500 Seminole Drive, CabazonFor more information call 800-252-4499 or visithttp://www.morongocasinoresort.com.

TThhee MMoonnkkeeyyssThe comedic television band performsWhen: 9 p.m., Friday, July 15Where: Morongo Casino Resort and Spa49500 Seminole Drive, CabazonFor more information call 800-252-4499 or visithttp://www.morongocasinoresort.com.

TTeessllaaThe rock band presents their Forever More Tour When: 9 p.m., Sunday, July 8Where: Agua Caliente32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho MirageFor more information call 888-999-1995 or visit http://hotwatercasino.com.

Sunset Cinema

Local Events

EExxccuurrssiioonnss EEnnlliisstteedd CClluubbFriday: Your Favorite T-shirt Night. Social Hour with food, 5to 7 p.m. DJ Gjettblaque, 8 to 11 p.m., Ladies NIghtSaturday: Variety Night with DJ Gjettblaque 8-11 p.m.Thursday: Social Hour, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

BBllooooddssttrriippeess NNCCOO CClluubbFridays: Social Hour with food, 5 to 7 p.m.Monday: Free gourmet bar food 5 to 7 p.m.Wednesday: Free gourmet bar food, 5 to 7 p.m.Thursday: Social Hour, 7 to 9 p.m.

HHaasshhmmaarrkkss 2299 SSNNCCOO CClluubbFridays: Dinner, full menu, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., Social Hour,5:30 to 7:30 p.m.Monday: Steak night and full dinner menu 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.Monday-Friday: All-Hands lunch, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.Wednesday: Full dinner menu, 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.Thursday: Social Hour, 5 to 7 p.m.

CCoommbbaatt CCeenntteerr OOffffiicceerrss’’ CClluubbMonday-Friday: All-hands lunch, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.Monday: Steak night, 5 to 8 p.m.Thursday: Taco Night, 5 to 7 p.m.

For complete calendars visit http://www.mccs29palms.com.

Combat Center Clubs

FFrriiddaayy,, JJuunnee 2244 6 p.m. – Hoodwinked Too, Rated PG9 p.m. – Water for Elephants, Rated PG-13Midnight – Madea’s Big Happy Family, Rated PG-13SSaattuurrddaayy,, JJuunnee 225511 a.m. – FFrreeee MMaattiinneeee.. Toy Story 3, Rated G2 p.m. – Rio, Rated G6 p.m. – Prom, Rated PG9 p.m. – Something Borrowed, Rated PG-13Midnight – Thor, Rated PG-13SSuunnddaayy,, JJuunnee 22662 p.m. – Hoodwinked Too, Rated PG6 p.m. – Jumping the Broom, Rated PG-139 p.m. – Bridesmaids, Rated RMMoonnddaayy,, JJuunnee 22777 p.m. – Water for Elephants, Rated PG-13TTuueessddaayy,, JJuunnee 22887 p.m. – FFrreeee SSnneeaakk PPrreevviieeww Transformers 3: Dark of theMoon, Rated PG-13WWeeddnneessddaayy,, JJuunnee 22997 p.m. – Rio, Rated GTThhuurrssddaayy,, JJuunnee 33007 p.m. – Madea’s Big Happy Family, Rated PG-13

Sci-fi adventure recalls geeky wonder years

CCOOUURRTTEESSYY PPHHOOTTOO

“Super 8” is really a movie about movies, riffing on vintage 50s monster and sci-fi themes, and built around a groupof kids making a movie. The cast of plucky teens find themselves swept into an ultimately uplifting adventurebeyond their wildest movie-making dreams.

CCOOUURRTTEESSYY PPHHOOTTOO

“Super 8,” set in the late 1970s, involves a train acci-dent, something big and nasty that escapes from thewreckage and a reel of home movie film that acciden-tally captures it all.

SSTTOORRYY AANNDD PPHHOOTTOOSS BBYYSSGGTT.. HHEEAATTHHEERR GGOOLLDDEENNEDITOR / PRESS CHIEF

I’ve been asking my co-workers if they’d like a dateall week.

Then I point to the box ofdates (the fruit) I broughtback from this week’sDetour – the Shields DateGarden in Indio, Calif.

I never knew there was somuch to know about dates,or so many varieties, or somany uses. Being a native ofTexas and not California, Ialso didn’t know this areawas known as the “DateCapital of the World,”according to some sources.

Shields takes that distinc-tion to the max, with its owngroves, a café, an ice creamparlor, a store and a theater,all dedicated to dates.Shields also boasts the “bestdate shake” in the area.

The claim does notcome without some cre-dentials. It was named oneof the top four places inthe country to get a dateshake by renowned roadfoodies, Jane and MichaelStern, in their book “500Things to Eat Before It’sToo Late: and the Very BestPlaces to Eat Them.”

With all this hype, I want-ed to try one for myself.

If you have a taste forsweets, then the date shake,which tasted slightly likecaramel, is the summertreat for you. The one Itried at Shields was a littletoo sweet for my liking, butI’m not much of a sugareater in the first place.

Enjoying one of Shields’shakes involves practicallyall of your senses, though.It’s dreamily creamy, andthe combined scent ofdates and vanilla ice creamwas strong enough to waftthrough the plastic lid andup the straw. And with out-door temperatures reach-ing above 100 degrees here,the coolness was a wel-come and refreshingrespite from the heat.

They also offer other fla-

vors, including chocolate,strawberry and mango.

If milkshakes aren’t yourthing, this place is still inter-esting enough, in a touristykind of way.

The café, open from 8a.m. to 2 p.m. daily, featuresall the basic breakfast andlunch foods, from eggs,pancakes and French toast,to salads, soups and sand-wiches. Of course there areseveral house specialtiesfeaturing their famousdates, like the Shields DatePancakes, Shields SignatureSalad and Shields SignatureDate Burger.

The store area of themini-complex, whichhouses the ice creamcounter and the theater, isopen from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.daily. There you can tasteand purchase any of theirdate-infused products, likedate bread made at thefacility, and the 10 vari-eties of dates grown onlocation, including twokinds invented by Shields’original owner and threekinds that are naturallysafe for those with sugarsensitivities.

All of their dates and sev-eral other date products, likesugar substitute and datecrystals (used to make theshakes and for toppingyogurt, cereal and ice cream),

OOBBSSEERRVVAATTIIOONN PPoosstt JJUUNNEE 2244,, 22001111 BB33

Desert Detours: Shields Date Garden

Welcome to “Desert Detours,” a series that follows ourcorrespondents around on their explorations of southernCalifornia. The “out-of-five” palm tree rating scale offers aglance at how worthwhile the writer considers a place tobe. Locales will be judged on their accessibility, atmos-phere, fun, cost and facilities. Keep an eye out every weekfor new shenanigans and hot tips on cool things to do.

AADDVVEERRTTIISSEEMMEENNTT

Combat Center Leisure

The iconic Shields knight positioned along Highway 111 in Indio, Calif., points the way to the Shields Date Garden.

Outdoor café seating is located behind the store andfeatures a view of the date palm groves out back.

Dates grown at on-location groves are available for purchase,including two kinds invented by the former Shields owner.See DETOURS, B4

are available via mail order.Check out their full productlist and the café’s menu athttp://www.shieldsdategarden.com.

The Romance Theatre islocated at the back of thestore, heralded by a largeyellow sign in the cornerabove the nondescriptdoor. One movie plays on

repeat – “Romance and SexLife of the Date” – andtells the story of the datepalm’s cultivation cycle.

In just a few minutes, Ilearned that the “date is theoldest known cultivatedtree crop,” is also one ofthe most expensive to pro-duce, and that one “male”date palm can pollinate upto 49 “female” palms.

I don’t want to spoil the

ending though, so you’ll haveto go see it yourself. If youhappen to miss it or youdevelop a date infatuation,never fear. Copies of themovie are sold at the register.

Despite all the tasty appealof Shields, it rates a mere twopalms. An hour and a half isa bit too far to drive for amilkshake and what amountsto a documentary about thedate palm’s love life.

However, if you happento find yourself near LaQuinta or Indio, Shields isnot a bad stop to make.

Editor’s Note: “Desert Detours”is a weekly series exploring opportuni-ties for Marines and sailors froma firsthand perspective. Allmaterial included therein is theopinion of the writer and doesnot imply an endorsement by theU.S. Marine Corps or theDepartment of Defense.

DETOURS, from B3

BB44 JJUUNNEE 2244,, 22001111 OOBBSSEERRVVAATTIIOONN PPoosstt

NNaammee:: Eric ArthurUUnniitt:: Company A, Marine Corps Communications-Electronic School HHoommeettoowwnn:: Manchester, NHPPoossiittiioonn:: 3rd baseman for the MCCES RedsRReeccooggnniittiioonn:: His defensive efforts led to the MCCESReds place in the Commanding General’s IntramuralSoftball League ChampionshipsWWhhaatt iiss yyoouu ffaavvoorriittee ppaarrtt ooff tthhee ssppoorrtt??:: “I just likecompeting with other players that enjoy playing thegame as much as I do.”DDoo yyoouu hhaavvee aannyy aaddvviiccee ffoorr aassppiirriinngg aatthhlleetteess??::“Practice. Practice. Practice.”

LLAANNCCEE CCPPLL.. DD.. JJ.. WWUU

Athlete of the Week

SSGGTT.. HHEEAATTHHEERR GGOOLLDDEENN

Shields Date Garden patrons can learn all they ever wanted to know about the cultivation cycle of date palms duringfree, continuous showings of “Romance and Sex Life of the Date” at the Romance Theatre.

The Observation Post, June 24, 2011

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Transcript of The Observation Post, June 24, 2011