Friday, April 11, 2008Vol. 65 No. 15

Read the CO's Holiday Message, Page 2

'Devil Dog' discusses time in Iraq

The workday in Iraq, as withmany deployments, ends differently each day depending on the

military's mission. In al-Anbar province, lo-cated alongside Iraq's Euphrates valley, themen and women of the American ArmedForces and their international allies work dayand night to return peace of mind and struc-ture to a province once governed by turmoiland fear.

During the Iraq war’s five-year span, Ma-rine Capt. Jason Snyder, MCSF CO GTMOexecutive officer has deployed to the regiontwice, once to the al-Anbar province and onceto the city of Ar Ramadi.

Each deployment, said Snyder, was uniquelydifferent.

Different in that during his first deploymentin 2004, the region was more "kinetic andvolatile" but by the end of his second deploy-ment, Ar Ramadi and al-Anbar saw a sharpdecline in violence and crime.

Al-Anbar province was the original launch-ing pad for the insurgency in Iraq five yearsago.

Snyder volunteered to deploy to the regionin February 2007 after receiving a call fromhis parent command in Norfolk.

“In the Marines, there are ways for peoplewho never been to Iraq to volunteer to go IA.There is a process that they volunteer andwill be sent," said Snyder. " I literally got acall from my battalion back in Norfolk and

they said we need to know in about 24 hrs ifyou want to go to Iraq. At the time we thought

Story , photo by MC2 Kim Williams

NAVSTA PAO

"You take the good with thebad. I thought I was doing

one thing for seven monthsvice one year, but if there areMarines and Soldiers doingthe job, I want to be there."

the Marines mission in GTMO was going

Marine Capt. Jason Snyder recently participated in the Bataan Memorial DeathMarch run in honor of fallen Marines and Sailors from his battalion killed inaction during their deployment to al-Anbar Province in 2004.

See IRAQ, page 9

Friday, April 11, 20082

Commanding Officer.....................................................................................Capt. Mark M. LearyExecutive Officer..........................................................................................Cmdr. Sylvester MooreCommand Master Chief...............................................................CMDCM(SW/AW) Keith CarlsonPublic Affairs Officer......................................................................................................Bruce LloydMass Communication Specialist/LPO...........................................................MC1 Robert lambMass Communication Specialist/Editor................................................MC2 Kimberly Williams

The Guantanamo Bay Gazette is an authorized publication for members ofthe military services and their families stationed at U.S. Naval StationGuantanamo Bay. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official viewsof 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 StationGuantanamo Bay. Questions or comments can be directed to the PAO. TheGazette staff can be reached by phone at ext. 4502; fax 4819; by email atpao@usnbgtmo.navy.mil. Get the Gazette online at www.cnic.navy.mil/guantanamo

GGGGGazeazeazeazeazetttttteteteteteGuantanamo Bay

Vol. 65 No. 15

Adm. William James Crowe Jr.

President of the United States George W. Bush

What is the best thing aboutbeing a military dependant?

Navy News

"The best thing aboutbeing a dependant of amilitary servicememberis that it's a newexperience every timewe move. You get tosee new places, but youlose all your friends."

Ma Mimiko Ocampo,8th Grade Student

"The best thing is thatI get to meet newpeople and newcultures."

Hali Hearn,11th Grade Student

"The best thing aboutbeing a militarydependant was thatwhen we lived in Guam,we lived right by thebeach in a condo with apool."

Matt Devine,8th Grade Student

"It's good in two waysto be a militarydependant. I likeseeing new places andmeet new people. I dolike to travel, but Idon't like losing myfriends."

Chelce Hardin,9th Grade Student

The Department of Defense,military services and commu-nities around the world onceagain are set to recognize theimportance of military childrenwhose parents serve theircountry.

The month-long recognition,first celebrated in 1986, is es-pecially important today as re-silient families manage longseparations, said Leslye A.Arsht, deputy under secretaryfor military community andfamily policy.

“Our military children areproud of their moms and dadsfor their brave defense of ourgreat country,” Arsht said.“The Month of the MilitaryChild events and activities letus show the youngest mem-bers of our military family – thechildren – how proud we areof their contributions, too. Our

military children are unsungheroes. This is our chance tothank them for being so sup-portive of their parents.”

Growing up in a militaryfamily offers some challenges,but it also provides some spe-cial rewards and pride for theirparents’ service, she said.About half of military children,or 1.2 million, have had a par-ent deploy.

Kick-off ceremonies andspecial activities will be heldacross the world at many mili-tary installations, schools andlocal communities throughoutthe April Month of the MilitaryChild. Arsht encourages fami-lies to participate.

“We are grateful to our manycommunity partners who joinin this salute,” she says.“Families also serve – includ-ing the children.”

Month of the Military Child

Three localchildren frolic in afield of grass at theCDC playground.

Friday, April 11, 2008 3

Local news

Any process that makes it easier to fly inor out of Guantanamo Bay (GTMO) is wel-come news.

Most residents of GTMO spend hoursupon hours at the Leeward Air Terminalwhen they’re trying to fly off the island,either on Saturday, every other Tuesday oreven Wednesdays. Well that’s all about tochange with the new Windward PassengerTerminal Annex (WPTA), located in theparking lot of the Downtown Lyceum.

This is a major quality of life concern;the new building will eliminate standingaround the terminal and even eliminate haulingpersonal luggage from one side to the other.

AMC Terminal Manager, Mark Veditz,says the newly constructed WPTA was es-tablished to eliminate the need to hand carrybaggage on the ferry crossing to the mainpassenger terminal and to reduce the pre-boarding/processing time prior to all AMCcharter flights.

Here’s how it will work: if you’re flyingout on a Saturday, and you’ve already beenauthorized to fly, meaning you have a paidticket, you’ll be able to stop by the WPTAthe day before your departing flight, between3:30 and 8:30 p.m. and check in your bagsand receive a boarding pass for the nextday’s flight. The AMC contractor will trans-port your luggage the next day and you’llbe able to catch a ferry ride over and arrivesometime later in the morning.

“The passengers who check in their lug-gage the day before a flight at the WPTAwill be able to check in a couple of hourslater, maybe around noon, said Mark Veditz,AMC Terminal Manager. "Show time willremain the same, so if you don’t check in atthe Windward annex, you’ll still need tocome over and check in by 10 a.m. on Sat-urdays, 11 a.m. for the alternating Tues-day rotator and 11 a.m. for the Wednes-day flight to Jamaica,” added Veditz.

When you check into the WPTA you’llneed to have your bags, orders (extra copy),cash, ticket, any travel documents that younormally would need in the past,” said Veditz.

The WPTA will be staffed and operated

to service departing passengers on the dayprior to all AMC charter flights, Special As-signment Airlift Missions, or as directed bythe Government. Additionally, baggage de-liveries from the Leeward main passengerterminal to the WPTA will be required im-mediately after the arrival of such flights.The contractor will transport AMC charterbaggage to the Windward side for pick-upat the WPTA.

The WPTA will be open for arriving anddeparting passengers to drop off and pickup their baggage for a minimum of twohours after the baggage arrives and becomesavailable for pick-up.

Passenger checked baggage will be storedinside of the WPTA, or in a locked closedcontainer truck parked within the annexperimeter security fencing. All vehicle pe-destrian gates will be secured when the an-nex is closed.

Because you checked in at the WPTA,AMC personnel will check off your namewhen you arrive the day of your flight onthe Leeward side and you will have to com-ply with all Federal Aviation guidelines asnormal.

New terminal annex eases travel woesStory, photo by MC1 Robert Lamb

NAVSTA PAO

The new Windward Passenger Terminal Annex (WPTA) will affect alltravelers except those flying out Space - A. Returning passengers willbe able to pick up their luggage at the WPTA, regardless of how theydeparted GTMO.

“We will not be doing Space –A Travel atthe WPTA, because Space-A Travel is seatsavailable. If there is only 10 - 15 seats openon the Space - A list we still actually have todo a Space - A list roll call, so you’ll haveto come over around 10 a.m. to get a board-ing pass. Smaller lines and less people onthe ferry at that time, but we're trying towork out something with that, so residentsneed to pay attention to the 'roller' for fur-ther updates,” Veditz said.

If for some reason you checked in at theWPTA, the day before, in preparation forthe next day’s flight and you get delayed oreven cancelled, you’ll have to notify theLeeward Air terminal at 6305 or 6006, assoon as possible to make arrangements toreceive your luggage the next day.

The new Windward Passenger TerminalAnnex (WPTA) is scheduled to open June1, 2008.

CorrectionLast week's photo of the golf

course should have been attributedto Marianne Mabbitt. We're sorry

for the incorrect photo credit.

Friday, April 11, 20084

Military personnel serving in combat zoneshave the option of including their nontaxable com-bat pay on their 2007 or 2008 income tax returnsif it helps their eligibility for the 2008 economicstimulus payments.

To receive the stimulus payment this year,combat zone personnel or their spouses mustfile a 2007 income tax return by Oct. 15. Other-wise, they can claim the economic stimulus pay-ment on next year’s income tax return.

“The last thing we want our troops in Iraq orother war zones to worry about are their taxreturns. But we do want the troops, and theirfamilies stateside, to know they may qualify forthe economic stimulus payment,” said Linda E.Stiff, Acting Commissioner of the Internal Rev-enue Service.

Starting in May, the IRS will issue economicstimulus payments of up to $600 ($1,200 formarried couples) plus a $300 payment for eachqualifying child younger than 17. The paymentsare based on 2007 income tax returns. The pay-ments for individuals will begin to phase out start-ing at $75,000 in adjusted gross income($150,000 for married couples).

Even individuals and families who normallydo not file a tax return because they have no filingrequirement may qualify for an economic stimuluspayment. They may be eligible for the minimumpayment of $300 ($600 for married couples)plus the $300 for each qualifying child youngerthan 17.

People must have at least $3,000 in qualifyingincome to get a payment. Qualifying income isdefined as any combination of earned income(such as wages or taxable income from self-employment), nontaxable combat pay and cer-tain benefits from Social Security, Veterans Af-fairs and Railroad Retirement.

Military personnel who normally would notfile an income tax return because their 2007 in-come is not taxable can file a simple Form 1040Awith the IRS if they want to receive the eco-nomic stimulus payment. They should report theirnontaxable combat pay on Line 40b of the Form1040A to show at least $3,000 in qualifying in-come. The Department of Defense lists theamount of excluded combat pay on line 12, boxQ of Forms W-2 received by military personnel.

If a military person is serving in a combat

zone, his or her normal tax filing requirement isextended until at least 180 days after leaving acombat zone. However, spouses or others witha power of attorney can prepare and file a 2007income tax return on their behalf so that the stimu-lus payment is received this year.

The IRS has developed Package 1040A-3,an 8-page publication containing tax tips, a sampleForm 1040A and a blank Form 1040A. The pack-age, available at www.irs.gov, contains every-thing needed to file the return immediately.

To ensure that a stimulus payment will bereceived in 2008, the return must be filed by Oct.15 to allow sufficient time for processing.

There are a number of special tax code provi-sions that apply to members of the military serv-ing in combat zones. They include:

All military pay earned by enlisted personnelor warrant officers is excluded from gross in-come;

- Monthly pay of up to $6,867.60 earned bycommissioned officers is excluded from 2007gross income.

- All military pay earned by enlisted personnelhospitalized because of injuries sustained in acombat zone is excluded from gross incomeduring the period of hospitalization. The exclu-sion is limited to two years after the date of thetermination of combatant activities in the combatzone.

- Commissioned officers hospitalized becauseof injuries sustained in a combat zone have amonthly maximum exclusion of $6,867.60 for2007 and have the same two-year limitation.

- Military personnel who miss a tax filing dead-line because they are in a combat zone have 180days after they leave that combat zone to file atax return, if they have taxable income.

All the provisions also apply to members ofthe Reserves and the National Guard.

The IRS reminds filers that they can get theirstimulus payments faster by using direct depositwhen they file their tax return.

In addition, the IRS urges people to file elec-tronically. For people who normally are not re-quired to file a tax return, the IRS and the FreeFile Alliance have a special program set up toallow for free electronic filing.

For more information, visit IRS.gov.

Combat pay considered foreconomic stimulus pay outStory provided by the IRS

IMPORTANT!!base

insurancenews

Due to a change in underwriter(a circumstance beyond the con-trol of the Naval Station), the localinsurance provider is presentlyunable to issue or renew policiesfor drivers who are not active-dutymilitary.

Policies that have already beenissued remain valid until their nor-mal expiration dates.

This change of circumstancesaffects insurance policies and reg-istrations for POVs; drivers withvalid driver licenses are still ableto drive corporate or governmentvehicles covered by fleet insurancepolicies (in a manner consistentwith the policies of the vehicle’sowner).

The Naval Station is research-ing what, if any, alternatives exist.Affected drivers are encouraged toseek insurance coverage fromother sources, provided that thepolicy coverage is valid in Guan-tanamo Bay, Cuba.

Registrations for POVs withoutcurrent valid insurance policies areinvalid.

This is a military-wide require-ment set forth in OPNAVINST11200.5D, a joint-service directive.

Therefore, any vehicle withoutcurrent valid insurance is subjectto citation per the Guantanamo BayMotor Vehicle Code(NAVSTAGTMOINST 11200.1).No exceptions can be made.

For more information, contactVehicle Registration at 4410 or thebase auto insurance provider at75579.

5Friday, April 11, 2008

CatholicDaily Catholic Mass Mon. - Fri. 5:30p.m. (Main Chapel)Vigil Mass, Sat. 5 p.m. (Main Chapel)Sun. Mass, 7:30 a.m. (JTF-TroopersChapel)Sun. 9 a.m. Mass (Main Chapel)Protestant (GTMO Chapel)Sat. 11 a.m. Seventh Day AdventistService (Room B)Sun. 7 p.m. Filipino ChristianFellowship (Room A)8 a.m. Pentecostal Gospel Temple(Room D)9 a.m. LDS Service (Room A)10 a.m. Liturgical Service (Room B)11 a.m. General Prot. Service11 a.m. United Jamaican Fellowship(Bldg 1036)1 p.m. Gospel Service7 p.m. Iglesia Ni Cristo (Fellowship Hall)Friday Religious Services1:15 p.m. Islamic Service (Room C)7 p.m. Jewish Service (FMI call 2628)

Religious Services/JTF Troopers Chapel

Catholic ServicesWed. 11 a.m. Spanish Mass (New)Sat. 6:30 p.m. Vigil Mass (PPI Chapel)Sun. 7:30 a.m. Sunday Mass (New)Protestant (GTMO Chapel)Sat. 11 a.m. Seventh Day AdventistService (Room B)Sun. 5:30 Filipino Christian Fellowship(Room A)8 a.m. Pentecostal Gospel Temple(Room D)9 a.m. LDS Service (Room A)10 a.m. Liturgical Service (Room B011 a.m. General Prot. Service11 a.m. United Jamaican Fellowship(Bldg 1036)1 p.m. Gospel service8 p.m. Iglesia Ni Cristo (Room B)

Religious Services/Base Chapel

Sailor of the Week"I am verythankful tohave beenselected asSailor of theweek. I willcontinue to domy best and bea model to mybattalion."

Photo by MC2 Kim Williams

NewCNICLogo

If anyone needs aJPEG copy of this new

Commander NavalInstallations Command

(CNIC) logo, pleasecontact the NAVSTA

PAO at 4502 or atpao@usnbgtmo.navy.mil

Patriot Express-Rotator FlightUpdate

Continental Airlines has picked up the Saturday Rotatormissions for 12, 19, 26 April and 3 May. NAVSTA is stillworking to confirm whether Continental will also pick-upthe remaining Saturday flights for the year (after 3 May),

but they are confident that they will be accepted byContinental or another carrier.

The Saturday Rotator schedule for next Saturdaythrough the first Saturday in May will be a Continental

flight following the same arrival, departure and show timesas normal. Please continue to consult the Roller Channel

for any additional updates.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Respectfully,

Capt. Leary

Petty Officer3rd ClassBrandonHardyNMCB 74

- Do not drink in situations that would place youor others in danger.

- Do not drink every day. You should abstainfrom drinking alcohol at least 3 or 4 days per week.

- 0 Drinks if you are underage(20 and below). Those of age should act respon-

sibly and not contribute to the deliquency of a minorby supplying them with alcohol or situations that

promote drinking.- 1 drink per hour for a maximum of three

hours (3 drinks).- If you follow these guidelines your risk for an

alcohol related incident is very low.FMI about alcohol related concerns, call the

SARP at 72128

The SARP's CornerThe SARP's CornerThe SARP's CornerThe SARP's CornerThe SARP's CornerApril is Alcohol Awareness Month

GTMO MWR School of Dance2008 Spring Recital

Friday, May 9at the Windjammer Ballroom, 7 p.m.

Featuring: Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hiphop, Irish StepAdmission is free!

Friday, April 11, 20086

News

Story by Kristine M. SturkieNEXCOM PAO

Helping Sustain Our Environment

Ethanol based fuel is currently available at many NEXgas stations.

Thus, the NEX can be energyefficient from the time it opensits doors.

In an effort to help the De-partment of Defense (DoD)and Navy meet its objective ofreducing the reliance on petro-leum and meet the require-ments of Executive Order13423, NEXCOM has intro-duced several alternative fuelfacilities at Naval installationsacross the country. Biodiesel20 (B20) is now offered atNaval Station Norfolk and Na-val Air Station Oceana, Va.,Quarters K, Arlington,Va., Na-

val Surface Warfare Division,Crane, Ind., Naval WeaponsStation Charleston, SC, NavalSubmarine Base Kings Bay, Ga.and Naval Academy Annapo-lis, Md. Ethanol 85 (E85) isalso offered at Quarters K andCrane, Ind. as well as NavalAir Station Jacksonville andNaval Station Mayport, Fla.Compressed natural gas(CNG) is the alternative offer-ing at the Quarters K gas sta-tion in Washington, DC.

See Green, page 7

As good stewards of theSailors’ dollars, the Navy Ex-change Service Command(NEXCOM) is always lookingfor ways to save money. How-ever, NEXCOM is alwayslooking for ways to help sus-tain the environment as well.

“NEXCOM’s strategy tohelp the environment is verymuch aligned with the Navy’sstrategy and theme ‘Sustain-ing Our Environment - Pro-tecting Our Freedom,’” saidRear Adm. Robert Bianchi,Commander, NEXCOM.“Nearly every facet of theNavy Exchange System is in-volved in conserving our natu-ral resources for the future. It’ssomething we’ve been practic-ing for the past several years.”

NEXCOM vending was oneof the first military exchangeprograms to install energy-ef-ficient vending machine tech-nology, the VM2IQ™VendingMiser®, to help lowerenergy costs. The VM2IQ™is designed to be installed in-side existing vending machines,and is capable of reducing en-ergy consumed by about one-third, saving about $100 pervending machine per year (de-pending upon local Kilowattper hour rate). Using a motionsensor, VendingMiser® pow-ers down a vending machinewhen the surrounding area isunoccupied and automaticallyre-powers the vending ma-chine when the area is reoc-cupied. In addition, theVendingMiser® is designed toautomatically activate the ma-chine to power up to ensureproduct within the machine isalways cold.

NEXCOM’s distribution

centers also have worked toreduce energy consumption.At the Southeast distributioncenters in Pensacola, Fla., andNorfolk, Va., its high intensitydischarge fixtures were re-placed with six fluorescenttube hi-bay fixtures that havea higher lamp life for half thecost. NEXCOM estimates a33 - 37 percent savings peryear respectively. In theChino, Calif., distribution cen-ter warehouse, 490 light fix-tures were replaced.

In addition, since the Chinodistribution center has sky-lights, light fixtures with pho-tocells were installed so thatduring the day, the lights willautomatically turn off. Thesechanges should bring a 30 per-cent savings of around$87,900 per year.

The Great Lakes, Ill., dis-tribution center will soon re-ceive 180 new lighting fixturesas well. In addition, all fourwarehouse facilities have orwill have installed motion sen-sors controlling the new lightfixture and therefore, will onlybe used when actually needed.The total annual electric usesavings for these warehouseswill approach $400,000 peryear.

Several Navy Exchanges(NEXs) have also completedenergy retrofits, which includeinstalling power factor correc-tion devices on air condition-ing units and devices on thelight fixtures to reduce voltageand lighting levels.

As new NEXs are built,some of the technology thathas been incorporated in theretrofitted stores is automati-cally put in the new stores.

Friday, April 11, 2008 7

NEXCOM recentlyawarded a multi-award con-tract for the supply and infra-structure development of E85and B20 alternative fuel.

This contract is a delivery-order contract enabling expan-sion opportunities at siteswhere alternative fuels are re-quired including other militaryexchanges.

“This contract will reinforcecollaboration / cooperationwith Chief of Naval Installa-tions Command (CNIC) in pro-viding alternative fuels to sup-port Navy-wide fuels pro-gram,” said Larry Boone,NEXCOM’s Automotive Pro-gram Manager. “Further,DoD’s biofuels study, underH.R. 5122 National DefenseAuthorization Act of 2007 rec-ommends that DoD use mili-tary exchanges for developingbiofuels infrastructure. Thiscontract enables the first steptoward that development.”

Navy Exchange (NEX)Autoports or auto service cen-ters also do their part in recy-cling materials. Everythingfrom used oil and antifreeze toworn tires to replaced oil andair filters get recycled insteadof being thrown in the landfill.

NEXCOM’s Ship’s StoreProgram has introducedOzone washing technology tothe fleet as a way to save en-ergy and cut down on theamount of chemicals usedaboard shipboard laundries.

Currently, three Navy shipshave modified their ship’s laun-dry washers to add Ozonetechnology to the wash cycle.

These new washers take inair from the ship’s atmosphereand along with a power cell“charge” the air using ultravio-let light to create ozone. Theozone is then injected into thecold water cycle. Because it

is so reactive, ozone readilyattaches itself to fatty and othersoils that bind dirt to clothing,destroying them rapidly at themolecular level.

Ozone washing is extremelyvaluable to the fleet in a num-ber of ways: Ozone acts as asanitizing and bleaching agentthat makes the clothing whiter,brighter and smell nicer; it al-lows ships to reduce theamount of standard chemicalsbeing used which is good forthe environment; it allows shipsto wash in cold water reduc-ing the need for ships to pro-duce large amounts of hotwater with associated costs;and the product is biodegrad-able as it reverts back to “air.”The washed garments arecleaner and have no heat dam-age which makes Sailors’ gar-ments last longer.

The Navy Lodge Programhas several programs in placethat emphasize the importanceof water and energy conser-vation.

The Good Earthkeeping Pro-gram gives guests the optionof reusing their towels duringtheir stay, the Energy Manage-ment Program is designed toreduce energy cost while theLaundry Management Pro-gram works on reducing wa-ter usage and chemical use inthe laundry operations.

The potential for savings isgreat since water consumptionfor in-house laundry is re-duced, as are energy costs andchemical use.

In addition, Navy Lodgesare installing energy efficientlight fixtures and light bulbs,motion detection light switchesin all public restrooms and stor-age rooms as well as installingan energy management systemto control heat and air condi-tioning in guest rooms.

Each Navy Lodge room hasalso had low flow water fau-cets and shower heads installedto save on water consumption.

In NEXs, customers alsohave the option of purchasingNEX Green bags to use insteadof plastic bags.

These reusable/recyclablebags are made of a sturdymesh, sewn from 100 percentpolypropylene that can with-stand repeated usage and canbe recycled when no longerusable.

Its sturdy straps carry a lot

of weight without tearing andeach bag’s flat bottom helpsprevent the bags from tippingover.

As part of each Naval instal-lation, NEXs worldwide alsoparticipate in various recyclingand environmental protectionprograms.

Base clean up efforts, treeplanting initiatives and educa-tion programs are just part ofwhat NEXs do to support theNavy, its customers and thecommunity to help protect theenvironment.

'Green', from page 6

In NEXs, customers also have the option ofpurchasing NEX Green bags to use instead ofplastic bags. These reusable/recyclable bags aremade of a sturdy mesh, sewn from 100 percentpolypropylene that can withstand repeated usageand can be recycled when no longer usable.

8 Friday, April 11, 2008

Story, photo by MC1 Robert Lamb

NAVSTA Public Affairs

“It’s all about the quality of life hereand after two and a half years of consid-erable effort of all involved it’s finallyhere,” said Naval Station GuantanamoBay’s Commanding Officer, Capt. MarkLeary, just moments before cutting theribbon of the new Taco Bell Express.

Yes, time does fly by or things justseem to take a little longer to accomplishhere in Guantanamo Bay (GTMO), butthey finally did it. Taco Bell Express!

Everyone who had anything to do withgetting this project up and running wantedto witness the grand opening of this longawaited project, Tuesday, April 8.

Craig Basel, Morale, Welfare and Rec-reation Director summed it up in a fewwords. “Lots of man hours, lots ofmoney and lots of personnel were in-volved in this project.”

Before the ribbon was cut, Capt. Learywanted the large crowd, which was linedup around the building, located next tothe Bowling Center, to understand exactlyhow complex this project was to com-plete.

“Before we could start we had to do afood service survey. Then we had to findthe money, and find a contractor to bringmore power to this place and of coursethe approval to have Morale, Welfare andRecreation maintenance staff and foodservice folks to bring it all together,” headded.

Head of line privileges for the grandopening went to Leroy Davis. Actually itwent to the Davis family.

“I was totally surprised when I foundout I won the first in line ticket, becauseI didn’t even buy the ticket, my wife did,”Davis said.

Angela Davis bought three tickets. Oneeach for her husband Leroy, son Kingstonand herself. Leroy was the big winnerand while standing at the head of theline he had one thing in mind. "I hopethey have crunchy tacos on the menu."They do.!

“I like crunchy tacos,” said Davis. Themenu appears to be a little bit shorter thanback in the states, but as long as theyhave crunchy tacos, I’m happy. WOW!They have crunchy Taco Supremes too,great.”

Master minding the ‘First in Line’ privi-lege for the grand opening was the 2008Navy Ball committee.

“Really, the ‘First in Line’ drawing forTaco Bell was the idea of Lisa DeGroff, amember of the Navy Ball Committee,” saidNavy Ball Committee Chairman, ET1Michael Schiltz. “It (Taco Bell) had po-tential to be big buzz since it looked like itwas going to open for real this time. Sowe decided to sell tickets. We sold over400 tickets and raised over $870 for the2008 Navy Ball. We, at the Navy BallCommittee would like to thank everyonethat was part of making this fundraiser agreat success. Especially the Davis fam-ily," Schiltz said.

Not to upset the Colonel, KentuckyFried Chicken is also up and running aswell. Bones and all.

Leroy Davis, who won the right tobe the first customer in line at thegrand opening of the GTMO TacoBell Express courtesy of the 2008Navy Ball committee, places hisorder at the restaurant's grandopening April 8.

For whom 'the bell' tollsNews Feature

Iguana Crossing CoffeeHouse open for use

Story, photo by MC2 Kim Williams

NAVSTA Public Affairs

The Iguana Crossing Coffee Shop,located in the Chapel Hill Annex's mainentrance, is now open for use.

The colorful, cozy space can serveas a meeting place for friends, col-leagues or a quiet study room for a troopin need of some 'space.'

"Iguana Crossing is a place to so-cialize, not hermitize," said Lt. DavidMowbray, NAVSTA Chaplain and IguanaCrossing volunteer. "The space isequipped with two internet stations, barstyle seating with tables and living-roominspired gathering area. "We encouragepeople to use Iguana Crossing to breakbetween classes and it is also a greatplace for kids to hang out," saidMowbray. "It is a ministry of the churchprovided by the Chapel."

Volunteers at the facility said thatIguana Crossing was once a very ac-tive location in years past, but when thestaff who managed the shop left island,the shop ceased operations.

"It [Iguana Crossing] is an untappedresource that we wanted to revamp andrevitalize," said Chief Interior Commu-nications Electrician Eric Jorgenson, vol-unteer. "We are looking for volunteersto help keep the shop going."

Local servicememebrs new toGTMO see the coffee shop as a jewelin the community and are excited to as-sist in it's preservation.

"I felt it was a place that I could talkwith someone that may need to vent orjust have a cup of coffee and chit-chat,"said Navy Diver 2nd Class ClessieSimmons, volunteer. "It's somewhere togo relax that you don't have all of thepeer pressures that come along withhanging out at other places on base andin GTMO, or anywhere, that's an in-valuable thing to have."

For more information about sched-uling the space or volunteering at IguanaCrossing, call 2088.

Friday, April 11, 2008 9

The water is warm and it'srelaxing, but sometimes youmay feel a little irritated by it.

If you're swimming in theGuantanamo Bay in and aroundone of our beautiful beachesand you start feeling that you'rebeing stung by a jelly fish, youmight be right but it's morelikely Hydroids.

They seem to come aroundevery April and this year is nodifferent.

If you would like more in-formation about Hydroids,please contact the Environmen-tal Department at 4662. Ac-cording to studies, Hydroidsare jelly fish like creatures, butthey are very hard to see andto detect.

Hydroids have two bodyforms. One is the medusa, ajelly-like, umbrella-shaped,freely swimming form with amouth and tentacles that face

Hydroids: Hydrozoa are here againHydroids: Hydrozoa are here againHydroids: Hydrozoa are here againHydroids: Hydrozoa are here againHydroids: Hydrozoa are here againStory by MC1

Robert Lamb

NAVSTA PAO

Many local divers suggest using topical vinegar to neutralize undischargednematocysts and remove remaining tentacles then flush with sea water ratherthan fresh water.

Creature Feature

down. The other is a colonyof polyps, or tube-shaped sacsthat have a mouth and tentaclesthat face up. The polyp formis fixed to the material on

which it lives. Most hydroidshave both a medusa and apolyp stage.

If you are stung by a Hy-droid, Remove any remnant of

allergen wash out wounds orinjury with vinegar or sea wa-ter. Call for help andimmediatetransportation to the nearestmedical facility.

away."We thought the Navy MAs would takeover the mission here on the fenceline and wewould be moving to Guam, but that changedand when I came back, I found out we[MCSF GTMO] weren’t going anywhere,"said Snyder.

Snyder's 2007 deployment reflected theprogress made since his previous stint inIraq.

"It was a good time to be there [Iraq]. Upuntil mid 2007, al- Anbar was considered theworst province in the country. In 2004 my bat-talion had one of the highest casualty rates in theentire military. We had 34 marines and Sailorskilled and a third of the battalion was wounded inseven months, but by the time we left in 2007, it

was considered the model province," said Snyder."The violence levels dropped off and being ableto see what they dealt with and how the mis-sion changed to an economic and governmentengagement—the insurgency was reallypushed out of Al Anbar.

"The focus among the population shifted.First it was security related concerns but bythe time we left we shifted to food, we onlyhave eight hours electricity."

Snyder stated that contrary to what manymedia and indivduals state-side and around theworld believe, as of late, the region has seen alot of economic engagement and teaching. Heexplained that Soldiers are teaching Iraqis howto mange themselves and noted that violence

Iraq from page 1

levels have dropped and petty trade has beganto flourish.

"Servicemembers cleared Ar Ramadi in 2007,said Snyder. "People are now out in the streets.In 2004 you ran from your vehicle because youwere getting shot at every time—now wewalking around with our flack jacketsoff," said Snyder.

Snyder cautions that while things are look-ing up in some parts of Iraq, there is still a warto fight and that servicemembers should beprepared to stay the course until the job is done.He explained that he wanted to share his expe-rience to give curious troops , and civiliansalike, insight about life when your 'boots areon ground.'

10 Friday, April 11, 2008

MWRHappenings

DoDoDoDoDowntowntowntowntowntown Lwn Lwn Lwn Lwn LyyyyyceumceumceumceumceumFriday, April 11Welcome HomeRoscoe Jenkins8 p.m., PG 13, 114 min.Definitely Maybe10 p.m., PG 13, 112 min.

Saturday, April 12Step Up 28 p.m., PG 13, 97 min.Jumper10 p.m., PG 13, 90 min.

Sunday, April 13Fool's Gold8 p.m., PG 13, 109 min.

Monday, April 14Untraceable8 p.m., R, 101 min.

Tuesday, April 15Welcome HomeRoscoe Jenkins8 p.m., PG 13, 114 min.

Wednesday, April 16Over Her Dead Body8 p.m., PG 13, 95 min.

Thursday, April 17Shine A Light8 p.m., PG 13, 95 min.

Step Up 2

Definitely,maybe

LIBERTY APRIL EVENTS

Apr 11th Night Fishing 1900 at theMarina

Apr 12th Golf Tournament 0800 atthe Golf Course

April 14th Last Buck Party 1900 AllCenters

April 16th Liberty at the Lanes 1800at the Bowling Center

FMI Call 2010

MWR COMEDY SHOW

Daniel Dugar, Robert Hawkins, ChrisStrait, Patrick DeGuire

April 10th Bayview 2000

April 11th Windjammer 2000

LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL

Ages 4 to 14 years old

Clinic will be at Zaiser Field for 11 to14 year

olds at 1300 to 1400 and at BrandonField

for 7 to 10 year olds at 1400 to 1500on April 19th

Sign up at the Base Gym by April 18th

$25 Registration Fee

FMI contact Karissa at 77262 or byemail at

SandstromKA@usnbgtmo.navy.mil

WANTED: LITTLE LEAGUECOACHES

Sign up by April 18th at the Base Gym

Coaches Clinic April 19th

FMI contact Karissa at 77262

Genre: romantic comedyCast: Ryan Reynolds, Rachel Weisz,Elizabeth Banks, Isla Fisher, andAbigail Breslin.Will Hayes (Ryan Reynolds) is a 30-something father who is in a midst of adivorce. His 10 year old daughter Maya(Abigail Breslin) lives with her mother butis with him once or twice a week. On oneof these occasions she questions himabout his life before marriage.

Genre: DramaCast: Briana Evigan, Channing Tatumand Robert Hoffman.The Streets, follows Andie (Briana Evigan)as she pursues her dream of becoming adancer. and pursue the title of theillegal competition ‘The Streets’.

11Friday, April 11, 2008

(2) Xbox 360 Games - Gears of War $20,Saints Row with Guide $20 FMI call77344.(2) 32” Sony TV /stand $300.00Compaq Computer/ monitor $500.00;Complete Dive Gear set with divecomputer $1000.00; Mini Fridge $50.00.FMI call 75724.(2) 100 used golf balls $20.00 FMI call77120.(2) Custom Tim Nolte Surfboard 5’10"$100 OBO; Trek 7300 road bike $200OBO. FMI call 77218.(2) Shipped by mistake, Att: PorcelainDoll Collectors, high end porcelain dolls,retails at over 200.00 ea. Will sell for 75.00ea. Must see to appreciate (4) available.FMI call 75655.(2) Furniture grade hardwood for sale.Walnut 21 board feet, $100; Mahogany32 bdft, $170; Red Oak 14 bdft, $66;Poplar 39 bdft, $150, Hickory 7.6 bdft,$37; Birch 18 ½ bdft, $93. Mahogany isrough cut and other is surfaced on twosides. Each wood sold only by thewhole unit, or buy the lot for $550. Firboards for sale, $125 OBO. ButcherBlock Maple Table tops. (one) 26”x48”x2” for $125, and (one) 24”x30”x1 ¼inch thick for $75, or make an offer. Knifeand long blade grinder, Grizzly 24”, witha gallon of concentrated water basedoil, $150 OBO. Game table, foosball,pool, hockey, great shape, $100 OBO.FMI call 75815.(2) Woodworking table saw, Grizzly1023SL cabinet saw, with outfeed table,Forrest Woodworker II blade, extrainserts, mobile base, hold-downs, sleds,and more. $850 or OBO. FMI call 75815.(1) Grade three and five Abeka homeschool books. All books half of theAbeka list price. Reading books, teacherbooks, workbooks etc. Size 7/8 girlclothes $1 a piece. All prices are firm.FMI call 77344.(1) Fisher Price baby swing 8-speeds;lights and music Baby Einstein bouncyseat that vibrates; lights and musicEvenflo car seat with base, dark blueand tan with teddy bears, $20 each or$50 for all 3; baby boy clothes 0to3months; size 12 halter style formal sagegreen with shoulder wrap, $75 OBO.FMI call 77069.(1) Tosiba labtop for sale 15.4 brightview,wireless, 1.6 ghz $625, ge washer anddryer both for $70, camera $30, ide harddrive $60, dvd burner, ddr memory,wireless amplifier, wireless antenna,flash drive, brand new diabetes monitor,iron, toaster FMI call 77116.(1) Queen size bed $500; 32” Sony TV

w/stand 300; Dive gear complete set $1000. FMI call 75724.(1) Tony Little "Gazelle". Get a low-impact, full-body workout with thisfold-flat piece which would cost youover $200 in the U.S. Hardly used andselling for $100; FMI 4127.(1) Four piece queen bedroom set,stylish dark wood, inlaid leatherheadboard, excellent condition, Queenmattress, 15” TV, vertical rotating fan(grey), light wood chest (still in originalbox) FMI call 77052.(1) Dell 1501 lap top for sale greatcondition, windows xp, one year nortonvirus protection, dvd and cdburner,$650. FMI call 4222/ 77590.(1) Minnkota Endura 30 electric trollingmotor $30 OBO. Various Plants FMIcall 8188 or 84233.(1) 7 Men shirts size medium - 3 linen $20ea, 4 cotton $10 ea, 4 Men dress pantssize 36/32 - 2 linen $25 ea, 2 cotton $20ea. FMI call 75811.(1) Sea and Sea underwater digitalcamera DX 8000G Islander package.New! $1400; Downriggers Penn electric,few hours, like new. 48" 2 available $500each OBO. FMI call 72900/77796.(1) New black futon, $50. FMI call 4444.

(2) 1995 Chrysler Concorde, turns overbut does not start, needs minor work torun A/C, CD $650 OBO FMI call 77940.(2) 1985 Red Hot Toyota Pickup GoodCondition, Runs Well $2500 OBO FMIcall 2351/77415.(2) 1985 2-door Chevy Sprint, tintedwindows, low milage, fairly new parts,very good on gas. Manual transmission.$1800 OBO. FMI call 79088.(2) 2005 Harley Davidson 1200 Roadster$7,000 OBO FMI call 77218.(1) BMW sedan 4door 1982Must go! The best price in GTMO$1700. FMI Call 75849.(1) For Sale Must Go Now! 1987 626Mazda, standard. $1500 OBO.Serious enquires only. FMI call 4700.(1) 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport-2-door,blue, soft top - black, $8700 OBO.Mileage 83,911. FMI call 9819 or 79567.(1) 1988 Audi 80 sedan, 5 spd manual,A/C, new radiator, other new parts,$2500 OBO, FMI 75808.(1) 2005 eco-friendly electric scooteronly used for 3 months asking $1500.FMI call 77345.(1) 2007 BMS Moped only 190 miles,$1500. Call 77265.(1) ' 93 Jeep Cherokee $4,600. FMI call75724.(1) 20ft center console Fishing / Diveboat with 2002 Evinrude 90hp OB. VHF

radio, depth sounder w/fish finder,dive ladder, am/fm/cd radio w/2speakers, dual batteries, dual anchors,and forward seat cushions. Trailerincluded $5500. FMI call 2234, 84052,or 75860.(1) 1995 Honda Civic EX 152,000 Miles,Black, Tinted Windows, Sunroof - ACRims and Low Pro Tires, Alpine CDA,IPod ready/ $5,500 OBO; 18ft. 1980Aquasport Center Console with trailer,$4500 OBO; FMI call 84261 or 74844.(1) Ford Explorer green, great condition,good mileage 2 owners only. 5200OBO FMI call 77957.(1) 85 Ford Bronco 4x4 Wagon$600 OBO. Parafoil 272 Black rigged forParasailing, $500, FMI call 9741/77349.(1) 14ft Boston Whaler Fiberglass boatw/2005 Mercury outboard engine.Great bay boat for inshore fishing anddiving. Well maintained. $3000 OBO.FMI call 8188 OR 84233. (1) Fiberglasscenter console boat custom built forfishing. Fully loaded turn-key w/2006Yamaha 40 hp OB. $6,500.00 OBO. Call84040 FMI.(1) Yamaha Wave Runner III Jet Skiwith Shorelandr Trailer. Runs greatand in very good condition. $3200.00.Call 8188 OR 84233.(1) 2002 Toyota Sequoia SR5, powereverything, 59,000 miles, greatcondition, $17,500 FMI please call75811, please leave message.(1) '87 Bayliner. Good cond. New trailer.FMI and price call 3472/2531.

(2) Columbia College at GuantanamoBay is looking for a Director. As aDirector this individual will oversee thedelivery of the curriculum at the locallevel as well as monitor the adjunctfaculty. He/she will serve as a liaisonwith appropriate private, state, andfederal agencies. This individual willalso work in coordination with the VicePresident for Adult Higher Educationto project income and expendituresduring the budget year, provideinformation on any policy/proceduresof Columbia College to comply withlocal law or regulations, and developand execute a marketing plan forrecruitment of students. MinimumQualifications: Master’s degree, someexperience in Higher Education.Preferred Qualifications: The idealcandidate will be results-oriented withexcellent oral and writtencommunication skills. The candidatemust have the ability to workindependently and as part of a team.Experience in academic advisement/

For Sale counseling, strong computer literacy,and marketing experience would be aplus. Some evening or weekend workmay be required. To apply send coverletter, resumes and application to:Columbia College, Human Resources,1001 Rogers Street, Columbia, MO 65216by fax 573.875.7266, or visit our websiteat www.ccis.edu.(1) Sure Start Aid, salary: YB 1 Part-time/Temporary 16-38 hours per week. Cut-off date: 17 APR 2008. Your officialapplication can be picked up andsubmitted to the W.T. Sampson HSmain office. FMI call Deana, ext. 3500.

(2) The Jamaica Independence DayCommittee(JIDC) is looking forvolunteers for this year 2008 celebrationFMI call Everton Hylton at 2285 orBenford Taylor at75041.(1) The Teen Center will be having aPoetry Slam April 18, 2008 at 1500 -1700.Teens must Sign up at the Teen Centerby April 17, 2008. Poetry Theme “Life asa Military Child.” Grand Prize- DigitalCamera. FMI call 2096.(1) GTMO's got talent too. Showdisplaying a variety of talent. April 26,7 p.m. Ages six years to 17 years. FMIcall Sunni Malone 77957.(1) Burns and Roe Leaders Leaguewould like to invite the GTMOcommunity to its “Kabayan Night:Talent Competition”, to be held atSunken Garden (behind GHT) April 12,8 p.m. FMI 90413 or Pencille at 3871.

(1) $100 Reward for 1st info resulting inrecovery of a blue-green Ocean KayackScrambler, brazenly stolen from theSailing Center. FMI call 4420.(2) Lost: left-handed Wilson adultbaseball glove-light in color. FMI call77311.

(1) Wanted: Mosquito Magnet Promachine with instruction book. Originalbox preferred, but not necessary.Propane tank optional. FMI call 77642.(1) Found: Camera March 30 GlassBeach Cannon Digital camera. FMI call9876.(1)Looking for a good home: CockerSpaniel needs a good home. Owner hasallergy so avail ASAP. FMI call 77957.

April 12 & 13: Villamar 718 C , 7 a.m. tonoon. Multi family Indoor yard sale.April 12: Villamar 41 C, 7 - 10 a.m.April 12: Center Bargo 1155 8 a.m. - noon.

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Sail away - Sailboats took advantage of the 5 -15 knot winds on Saturday, April 5, as private andMorale, Welfare and Recreation sailboats sailedaround Guantanamo Bay, during a SailingRegatta.

Photo by Christopher Hileman

Photos by MC1 Robert Lamb

Quick changeartist - The StacieCollins Band turnedout to be the lead acton Tuesday, April 7.Due to aircraftmaintenanceproblems Lou Grammwas unable toperform so the venuewas changed andStacie and her bandplayed to a crowdedWindjammerBallroom instead.

Photo byBMSNTiffanyScott

Beach Clean up - Members of the GTMOFCPOA and BJA take a moment to relax duringtheir beach cleanup at Hospital Cay. The twoassociations along with the CPOA came togetherto clean up more than 20 bags of trash from thelocal beach.