volume 3, issue 20 friday, april 18, 2003 family support...

Story Sgt. Erin Viola

Just like Joint Task Force Guan-tanamo continues to find ways tosupport the troopers here, familiesback home are doing the same. Vari-ous Reserve and National Guardunits deployed here have excellentFamily Support Groups that familiesare using, not only to support thetroops here, but to support each otherback home.

These active family supportgroups provide anything from unitnewsletters to care packages totroopers, and from fun events forchildren to self-defense classes forspouses. It's all for a good cause. It isall for the well being of the familiesand the servicemembers.

Many family members expressed that this isnot an easy time, but those same family mem-bers have also stepped up to the plate anddecided to put a positive spin on things. Byparticipating in family support group activities,family members get to know each other betterand find comfort in spending time with others

who are going through the same thing - missingtheir servicemember, dealing with householdissues, raising children while mom or dad isaway, shoveling snow off of the roof, finances,and everything else that life presents to them.

Keeping busy is the key. Terry Laster, theFSG Coordinator for the 438th Military Police

Company, of Murray, Ky., under-stands this all too well. Her hus-band, Staff Sgt. David Laster andher son, Spc. Michael Laster, areboth deployed here with the 438th.

Mrs. Laster has organizedpotluck socials, pizza parties, andinformative meetings with guestspeakers from groups like theAmerican Legion and AmericanRed Cross. Additionally, sheorganized the "Adopt a Soldier"program, which was a huge suc-cess. This program involves localindividuals and organizations fromthe surrounding communities, whovolunteered to adopt a soldier inthe 438th and show their supportby sending packages and letters tosoldiers here.

"Salute to Our Soldiers" is the latest projectMrs. Laster is putting together. Sponsored bythe Murray Women's Club, it involves thewhole community and 438th MP families. Thisevent will be a special tribute to the 438th sol-

Published in the interest of personnel assigned to JTF Guantanamo and COMNAV Base Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

“ Honor Bound to Defend Freedom ”Volume 3, Issue 20 Friday, April 18, 2003

Inside the Wire...

Page 111Page 5Page 5Page 3Page 3

Fleet and Family Support CenterInfantry train for EIB Sizzling steaks at Seaside

Family Support Groups forge bonds on home front

See FAMILIES, page 4

Photo courtesy of the MIUWU 212

MIUWU 212 Family Support Group members Angie, wife of Chief PettyOfficer Jerrold Patterson (left), and Shirley, wife of Petty Officer 2nd ClassCarrie Bosarge, grill up some burgers at their most recent picnic.

When peo-ple cometogether fromvarious walksof life to joinin a commoncause andserve theirnation, theyquickly bondand become asecond family.In fact, troop-ers tend to seeone anotherhere more than

they would even see their real family, werethey back home. We work together, eattogether, play together and share living quar-ters with one another. We form a sense ofcamaraderie that comes from knowing we areserving our nation, and we build friendshipsthat will last a lifetime.

But our JTF family stretches far beyond theshores of this island. For every trooper behindthe wire, pulling security on land and sea, orsupporting the force in every way possible,there are people who love them back home

and who will always be there to support them.They are parents, spouses, siblings, and chil-dren. They are the flesh-and-blood reminderof why we commit ourselves to defendingfreedom every day. And we must never forgetthe sacrifices that they too are making for ournation.

There is no reason for any family memberback home to feel as if they are carrying theirsacrifices alone. Every unit has a Family Sup-port Group that can provide help when needed.It can be particularly challenging for familiesof troopers in the National Guard and Reserve,though, who come from a variety of placeswhere other military families may not be read-ily at hand. This is why it is even more impor-tant for us here to find ways to stay connectedwith our larger JTF family, remembering thatthe people we work and live with each dayhave concerns that stretch beyond the missionat hand.

If there are families who feel they aren'tconnected or that they have no one to turn tofor help, troopers must make it known andleaders must fix the problem immediately.Our JTF leadership makes a covenant with ourtroopers and families - we ask for their verybest every day and we owe them our very bestto take care of them. Our families and lovedones may simply need a phone call or a letter,reminding them they are part of an importantstruggle in which our nation will ultimatelyprevail. Or they may need much more as theydeal with life at home. No matter what theyneed, we must extend our collective hand tothem, offering help and understanding. This isthe standard of a great organization and whatwe will work hard to do every day.

Our JTF motto is "Honor Bound to DefendFreedom." Let us not forget that we are alsohonor bound to care for one another, to includeour loved ones back home. There are timeswhen they will feel alone, but we must letthem know that they are not. They are a partof our JTF family and we care for our own.

Honor Bound!

JTF-GGTMO CommandCommander:MG Geoffrey D. MillerJoint Task Force CSM:CSM George L. NievesPublic Affairs Officer:Lt. Col. Barry JohnsonDeputy PAO / 362nd MPAD CommanderMaj. Paul J. CarusoCommand Information Officer / Editor:Capt. Linda K. SpillaneCirculation: 2,100 copies

The Wire StaffThe Wire NCOIC & Layout Editor:Staff Sgt. Stephen E. LewaldStaff writers and design team:Sgt. Erin P. ViolaSpc. Delaney T. JacksonSpc. Lisa L. GordonSpc. Alan L. KnesekSpc. George L. AllenContact us:5239/5241 (Local phone) 5426 (Local fax)Joint Information Bureau/HQ Annex

Online:http://www.nsgtmo.navy.mil/jtfgtmo

The Wire is produced by the 362nd MobilePublic Affairs Detachment assigned to theJoint Information Bureau at Joint TaskForce Guantanamo. This publication isprinted under the provisions provided inArmy Regulation 360-1 and does not reflectthe views of the Department of Defense orthe personnel within.

Friday, April 18, 2003

From the Top

MGGeoffrey D. MillerJoint Task Force Commander

JTF Guantanamo

From the Field

According to the JTF J1, the Unfunded Environmental Morale Leave(EML) procedures are as follows:

1. Complete the SC Form 101-R2. Complete the leave form that corresponds to your branch service

and in the box for the type of leave check other and put "EML" inremarks.

3. Complete the EML authorization memo signed by the CompanyCommander or J Staff.

4. Bring the packet to the J1 JPSC in the Headquarters Building forleave control number.

5. Fax the packet to the hanger at x6170.

“From the Field” is a weekly feature addressing questions from servicemembers on policy, procedures and other topics of interest to Joint TaskForce Guantanamo. If you have a question for “From the Field,” sub-mit it to [email protected] or call The Wire at 5239.

How can I take advantage of the Unfunded Environmental Morale Leave?

“Our JTF leadership makes acovenant with our troopers andfamilies - we ask for their very bestevery day and we owe them ourvery best to take care of them.”

Story & photo by Spc. Lisa L. Gordon

The soldiers of Bravo Co. 2-116th Infantry,recently conducted training at Bulkeley Field inpreparation for Expert Infantry Badge (EIB)testing later this year when the unit returnshome.

In order to obtain an EIB, an 11-series sol-dier (infantryman) must pass a series of testsover the course of almost a week. In addition tofirst aid stations, tasks relating to properlyreacting to nuclear, biological, and chemicalattacks, day and night land navigation, a 12mile ruck march, and many others, the soldiersmust pass an Army Physical Fitness Test with aminimum score of 70 percent in each event. Allevents are timed and soldiers must get a go ateach and every station in order receive thebadge.

According to Sgt. Adrian Lewis-Walker,getting an EIB is very difficult, but well worth

the effort. "Approximately 11 percent of acompany will pass the EIB … It's like getting aSpecial Forces tab. Not everybody can do it.It's personal pride … you put yourself througha world of hurt to do this. You've taken a lot oftime to train for this; mentally and physically …

It's not a mandatory thing to get the badge, butit's something that everybody strives for,"Lewis-Walker said.

During their red cycle, Bravo Co. frequentlytrains on infantry and soldier tasks that will helpthem when it comes to EIB testing. This timearound, the soldiers conducted functions checksand loading and unloading of the 50-calibermachine gun and the 240 Bravo machine gun.They also trained on NBC tasks such as individ-ual decontamination of self and equipment andprotecting oneself from a chemical or biologi-cal attack. Soldiers also reviewed the properprocedure for using Single Channel Ground andAirborne Radio System (SINCGARS) for com-munication in a field environment.

Sgt. Lewis-Walker said that the company'sfrequent review of EIB tasks will help the sol-diers have a higher than average passing ratewhen it is finally testing time. Bravo Co. sol-diers will test for the EIB after they havereturned to their home station in Lexington, Va.


2-116th practices infantry skills for future EIB test

(From left) Spc. Paul Ufema gets instruction from Spc.Aaron Wallace on the proper procedure for disas-sembling the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon duringBravo Co. 2-116th Expert Infantry Badge training atBulkeley Field.

Story by Spc. Mark Leone

During peacetime or war, the AmericanRed Cross is the communication linkbetween United States servicemembersand their loved ones back home.

According to Denise A. Clark, RedCross station manager here, the Red Crossassists more than 4,000 American familiesdaily. From urgent messages regarding aserious illness, death of a loved one or thejoyous birth of a child, the Red Cross is thenetwork that links members of the militarystationed anywhere in the world (includingships at sea, embassies and isolated mili-tary units) with their loved ones, 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week.

Through their morale visits, the Guan-tanamo Bay Red Cross station managerand volunteers give them a small piece ofhome and let troops know that they carewhen they go out to meet soldiers, sailors,airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, orfirefighters where they work. "The mostrewarding aspect of our day is a moralevisit," says Clark. “It gives us an opportu-nity to talk and get a feel for what thetroops are going through.”

In addition to visiting troops down inCamp America, they distribute goodies.

“We go out and distribute a gift from thegenerous American people like gum, ChapStick, cards, or just a Tootsie Pop,” addsClark.

Clark advises, “When a family crisisarises, family members must contact their

local Red Cross, relay the situation andservicemember's full name, Social Secu-rity number and military address.” In addi-tion, depending upon the circumstances,family members must also be prepared toconvey the relationship of immediate fam-ily members to the service member, the

name of the doctor, hospital or funeralhome.

Troops can also turn to the Red Cross toaccess emergency financial assistance. “Ifno other financial resources are available,the Red Cross now administers a newassistance program that National Guardand Reserve troops can tap into,” saidClark.

The face of the military is changing andmany civilians are being called to serviceand leaving their daily roles of parent, co-worker, neighbor or friend. These mem-bers of the National Guard and Reserve areoften unaware of the valuable Red Crossservices until mobilization. The Red Crossalso helps the Guard and Reserve membersand their families cope with separation andother special needs related to service in theArmed Forces.

Many of the Red Cross chapters andstations across the United States are spon-soring family support groups. Families ofNational Guard, Reserve and Active Dutyservice members attend meetings to learnto cope with separation.

Red Cross chapters are listed in localtelephone books and on the American RedCross web site at:

http://www.redcross.org/where/where.html.

American Red Cross: linking families to servicemembers

diers where the community will gather togetherand offer items and letters of encouragement tothe soldiers here.

Angie Patterson (wife of Chief Petty OfficerJerrold Patterson), the ombudsman for MobileInshore Undersea Waterfare Unit 212 of Gulf-port Miss., with the help of volunteer supportcoordinators Kathleen Kent (wife of Cmdr.Craig Kent), and Shirley Bosarge (wife of PettyOfficer 2nd Class Carrie Bosarge), worktogether to provide support to family membersof MIUWU 212.

Mrs. Patterson said that during their firsttwo family support group meetings, they mostlyoffered tips on things like 'who has the best tele-phone long distance plan to Cuba.' They alsoused those meetings to take care of any admin-istrative issues, and each meeting was followedby a dinner. Since then, they have held a fam-ily picnic and plan on giving classes on self-defense and hurricane preparedness.

"I am constantly looking for informationthat may be useful to the spouses indifferent situations that may arise,"said Mrs. Patterson. "Most of ourhusbands handle the big preparations.We will now have to handle all thepreparations. So there is now a needfor each of us to develop a hurricaneplan. I'm also looking into a summerprogram for working mothers."

The night before the family pic-nic, the MIUWU 212 volunteersorganized an outing to the MobileBay Bears opening game, whereservice families were given free tick-ets. "There were fireworks and after-wards they displayed pictures on thescoreboard of the deployed servicemembers. It was wonderful, yet veryemotional," said Mrs. Kent.

Families need to know that they can reachout and take advantage of the many opportuni-ties offered by family support groups, and thatemotional support is an added bonus.

"The support and knowledge we havegained from each other has been wonderful.We also have a few laughs. We know we canpick up the phone and someone is there to lis-ten, or lend a hand if need be," said Mrs. Patter-son.

Emotional support is especially important tofamilies who may not have been prepared fortheir service members to stay in Cuba longerthan expected. Overall, most families are doingwell, knowing that their loved ones are not halfway around the world, but in the sunny

Caribbean instead.Mrs. Kent said she was happily surprised

with the views of the MIUWU 212 familymembers. "We only found out a few daysbefore (the picnic), but after the few allowable'woe me's,' we turned to productive questionsabout employer leave, employer notifications,things like that. Angie reminded us that theservice member is probably reacting to thenews the same as we are, and not to blame themfor the extension," said Mrs. Kent.

Another fringe benefit of making it througha deployment is that we are all learning newthings about ourselves. "One of the most chal-lenging things is understanding that thingschange at the last minute and you have no con-trol over them," said Mrs. Bosarge. "Thisdeployment has had its ups and downs, butthrough it all I've learned that I am a muchstronger person than I ever realized."

Mrs. Bosarge is putting some of her energiestowards organizing beneficial activities for theyounger children and teens, as well as makingpreparations for the long awaited homecoming.

"We are in a situation where our family, friendsand neighbors don't fully understand what weare going through, and it's nice to have someonewho can relate," said Mrs. Bosarge.

The 2-116th Infantry has a strong familysupport group as well. Last Christmas, theyheld a potluck dinner where donated gifts werepassed out to the children. The Brigade Execu-tive Officer and Chaplain attended the dinnerand offered an open forum where theyanswered questions from the families. Lastweek the family support group held a basketBingo event that helped raise money for thewelcome home party.

Future meetings for 2-116th family mem-bers will include free massages contributed by alocal massage school, followed by a meeting to

discuss more details about the extension here.Next month, in celebration of Memorial Day,they plan to have a free picnic catered by a localsteak house.

Crissy Tolliver, wife of Sgt. Stephen Tol-liver of the 300th Military Police Brigade, isand active volunteer with her family supportgroup. Last December, the 300th FSG organ-ized a Christmas party for the families of thedeployed reservists as well as for the soldierswho remained behind. The party featured a din-ner, arts and crafts for the kids, a masseuse anda consultant from a major cosmetics company.

The 300th FSG also has a website wheresoldiers, families and friends can view and postpictures, inspirational messages and events.

"We are working on making a psychologistavailable to meet with the families who have aservice member deployed. This may help themwith any problems they may be facing. We arealso organizing a babysitting co-op," said Mrs.Tolliver.

To cope, Mrs. Tolliver also tries to keepbusy. She understands her husband's mission

and is grateful that he is not in a com-bat zone and that she can communi-cate with him often. "I am veryproud that my husband has chosen toserve our country. He takes his jobseriously and gives it 100 percent. Iam honored to have the opportunityto contribute to defending the free-dom of our country. It is a sacrificethat most generations since the birthof the United States of America havebeen called upon to make. It is a sac-rifice we are willing to make as afamily to ensure our children and ourchildren's children will have thatsame freedom," said Mrs. Tolliver.

Family support groups can alsoprovide contact information regard-

ing TRICARE, Red Cross, legal aid and otherresources. Mrs. Tolliver recommends that fam-ilies of deployed servicemembers accept offersfor help from friends and family, and to takethose offers seriously. "Many of them (friendsand family) want to do their part to support ourtroops, too. When soldiers know their familiesare being taken care of, it makes the deploy-ment a little easier for them as well. Have a listof needs handy so that when someone offers tohelp in any way, the offer is not forgotten. Helpcan come in all forms, from home maintenanceto babysitting, to lending an ear," said Mrs. Tol-liver.


FAMILIES, from page 1.

Photo courtesy of 300th Military Police Brigade Family Support GroupWives of deployed soldiers gather at a recent 300th Military Police BrigadeFamily Support Group function. (From left to right) Deberia Witherspoon,Delaney Provencher, Kristy Midora (husband Capt. Troy Midora is deployed toJTF Guantanamo), Joyce Fabian (husband Maj. Norman Fabian is deployedat JTF Guantanamo), and Cindy DeSousa.

See FAMILIES, page 7


Fleet and Family Support Center offers variety of servicesStory & photo by Sgt. Erin P. Viola

Deployments are challenging in many ways.Sacrifices are made by service members and byfamilies; people's lives are put on hold. Beingaway from home is not easy, and many timestroops as well as families need guidance andassistance during times like these. The Fleet &Family Sup-port Center atGuantanamoBay can do justthat. They pro-vide a widevariety of serv-ices to helpJoint TaskForce Guan-tanamo servicemembers cope.

Ray White,Joint TaskForce Guan-tanamo Liai-son for Fleet &Family Sup-port Center, said his office works as a team withthe JTF 85th Medical Detachment CombatStress Control Team and the JTF Chaplains toprovide as much support to the troops as possi-ble. "If a trooper needs any assistance we canoffer, we will bend over backwards to get it tothem. That is why we now have two additionalstations at Camp America (Building 3103), andafter normal duty hours at the Joint Aid Stationin Tierra Kay," said White.

The FFSC staff is warm, friendly, profes-sional and has extensive training, according toWhite. Confidentiality is one of their top prior-ities. "We treat all our clients with respect anddignity," said White.

The numerous services offered by FFSCinclude individual private counseling sessions,group sessions, and even classes. Most likely,if you have an issue that you are trying to dealwith, FFSC can help you.

Some FFSC services most applicable to JTFtroopers at this time are: Personal FinancialManagement, Personal and Family Counseling,and Anger and Stress Management.

A wide variety of personal and financialmanagement classes are offered to provideadvice on things like checking account manage-ment, savings and investments, credit manage-ment and more. During deployments it isimportant for families to have open lines of

communication when it comes to finances.Using the Family Financial Check List as aguide can help. It addresses budgeting tasks,utility bills, long distance bills, rent and/ormortgage, and more.

FFSC also offers a Command Financial Spe-cialist Training class which is basic training forcommand members on how to counsel subordi-

nates on financialissues. Topicsinclude: pay andallowances, con-sumer issues,communicationskills, and reha-bilitative fin-ances.

The personaland family coun-seling that isoffered can be ofgreat benefit to atrooper in need,but also to thattrooper’s spouse.Spouses can also

take advantage of family support services at apost or base closest to their home. For example,if the trooper is in the Army, and the closestbase to their spouse's home is an Air Force base,the spouse at home can seek counseling at thatbase. Likewise, the trooper can receive coun-seling here.

Counseling services offered here are numer-ous, but a brief listing includes: short termcounseling, marriage/family issues, parentingissues, couples communication classes, angermanagement, and stress management.

The anger management class offered isdesigned for people who want to control theiranger both in work and social/family settings.The stress management class teaches troopershow to keep stress from accumulating. Sincestress can cause other problems such as healthconcerns, mental confusion and relationshipconflicts, this class is important for troops whoare suffering from stress and may be havingtrouble staying focused at work.

The list goes on regarding what the FFSChas to offer to JTF servicemembers here. Theimportant thing for troopers to know is thatassistance is available 24 hours a day. JTFGuantanamo cares about it's soldiers, sailors,airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen, andthis is just one of many ways in which they canreceive help.

Joe Black, Director, Fleet and Family Support Center (far left) leads agroup meeting before the Fleet and Family Support team starts theirday. From left to right: Paul Walker, Lillie Johnson, Brenda Kittrell,Cendy Sheldon, and Bill Barber.

Air Force Crossroadswww.afcrossroads.com

Army & Air Force National Guardwww.arng.army.mil

Army and Air Forcewww.guardfamily.org

Army Reservewww.army.mil/usar

Coast Guard Reservewww.uscg.mil/hq/reserve/reshmpg.html

Department of Defense (DOD)www.defenselink.mil

Employer Support of the Guard andReserve

www.esgr.orgLIFElines

www.lifelines2000.orgMarine Reservewww.mfr.usmc.mil

MFRC (Military Family Resource Center)

http://mfrc.calib.comNaval Reserve

www.navres.navy.mil/navresforReserve Affairs

(Office of the Assistant Secretary ofDefense)

www.defenselink.mil/ra/TRICARE

www.tricare.osd.milUnited Concordia

www.ucci.comVirtual Army Community Service

Linkhttp://trol.redstone.army.mil/acs/virtual2

Individuals with prolonged reactionsthat disrupt their daily functioningshould consult with a trained andexperienced mental health profes-sional. JTF Guantanamo resourcesinclude Fleet & Family Support Center4141/4153, for Mental Health, callcentral appointments at 72110, Chap-lain call 2323, and Rapid InterventionTeam (SPRINT) call 5251/81160.

F a m i l y S u p p o r tWe b S i t e s


JTF servicemembers survive tax seasonBy Army Maj. Jo Irby Chief Legal Assistance/Tax Officer

This was the first season of free tax preparation for the service mem-bers of the Joint Task Force (JTF) at Guantanamo Bay. Despite this, theexperience and professionalism displayed by the IRS Volunteer IncomeTax Assistors and unit representatives made this tax season a completesuccess. The season began with a three-day training seminar for 19 vol-unteers and a week of continuous familiarization and practical exercises,including reviewing the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), deliver-ing pamphlets of duties and responsibilities to the representatives, andadvertising the free tax preparation service.

Although this was the first tax center for the JTF, it was not the firsttax preparation experience for most of the volunteers. The volunteersconsisted of individuals from a variety of backgrounds, includingaccountants, CPAs, attorneys, brokers, investors, IRS employees, com-puter technicians, linguists, counselors and administrators. The volun-teers prepared over 165 tax returns, saving the service members well over$18,000 in tax preparation fees and resulting in refunds totaling over$114,000.

Most taxpayers were accustomed to the April 15th tax-filing deadline;

therefore, as that date quickly approached, they hurried to the tax centerto avoid filing late. Surprisingly, many taxpayers did not know that oneof the benefits provided service members who are overseas on the datethat taxes are due, is eligibility for an automatic two-month extension toJune 15th, 2003. In order to take advantage of this extension, soldiers(who paper file) need only attach a statement to their return explainingthat their duty assignment is outside of the United States. Although theextension allows you to file on June 15th, however, the IRS charges inter-est on any amount owed and not paid by the regular April 15th due date.Soldiers can also request an additional extension to October 15th by com-pleting Form 2688 and enclosing a letter to the IRS.

Tax season at JTF Guantanamo was made easier thanks to the volun-teers who assisted other service members in preparing their taxes. Onesoldier stated, "You're a lifesaver," as he handed the necessary paperworkto one of the assistors. The tax office (located at bldg #2300 in CampAmerica) will remain open throughout the month of April and will con-tinue to provide assistance to JTF members as long as tax assistance isnecessary. The hours of operation will be Monday through Friday (8 a.m.to 5 p.m.) and appointments may be made by contacting the tax center at3637 or 3563.

Don’t sit at home and be bored!You are invited to have fun with us at the Christian Night Club

This Saturday, April 19, at 8 p.m.

All are wlecome!The Christian Night Club is sponsored by the Joint Task Force

Guantanamo Unit Ministry Team

Contact Staff Sgt. Mike Montgomery at 3202 / 3203

By Spc. George Allen

The Secretary of the Air Force recently approved a 'mass waiver' thatextends JTF Guantanamo airmen beyond 179 days. According to AirForce Maj. Tim Newman, JTF GTMO J-1, airmen are "frozen in placeindefinitely."

Air Force officials in Washington say that during this time of height-ened readiness, the personnel process will be adjusted to accommodatethe priority of the Aerospace Expeditionary Force and focus the priorityon the war.

Regardless of Air Force Specialty Code, all personnel who aredeployed in support of JTF Guantanamo are stop-lossed for the durationof their deployment. For most of the 49 Air Force personnel here, it'll bebusiness as usual; nothing has changed and the stop loss remains in effectuntil further notice. This only affects active duty members in AerospaceExpeditionary Force 7 and 8.

"Personnel with PCS assignment conflicts will be worked on a case-by-case basis by their own MAJCOMs," said Newman. According to therecent message put out by Headquarters, Department of the Air Force,assignments and reporting dates will be adjusted on a case by case basis

by the Air Force Personnel Center assignment teams in cooperation withcommanders, members and gaining and losing major air commands. Thisincludes join-spouse assignments and permanent changes of station(PCS). Rather than being PCS-ed directly to one's next assignment, air-men will return to their current units to out-process. In all cases, thedesires and needs of the Air Force member will be taken into considera-tion.

Newman pointed out that staff sergeant selectees who have notattended Airman Leadership School may request a waiver, through theirhome station commander, to pin on the rank prior to completion of ALS.

For those airmen who are asking the question, "What is indefinite?,"Maj. Newman says we just "don't know the answer," but you can be restassured that officials here will stay in close contact with the SouthernCommand J-1 and keep the JTF airmen abreast of when relief will be sentin.

Within Joint Task Force Guantanamo, questions should be directed tothe Joint Personnel Reception Center at x5395. For other specific ques-tions or concerns, you can check out the Air Force Personnel Center website at www.afpc.randolph.af.mil.

It's business as usual for JTF airmen

Special Announcement for the Catholic CommunityAll Catholic religious services during Holy Week will take place at theNAVBASE Main Chapel. This will enable the entire Catholic community atGuantanamo Bay to come together for these sacred celebrations.

Good Friday 3 p.m., April 18Holy Saturday 8:30 p.m., April 19Easter Sunday 9 a.m., April 20

Please remember to abstain from meat on the Fridays of Lent. Also rememberthat Good Friday is a day of fast and abstinence.


Deployment is "family affair" for 344th MP soldierStory by Sgt. Robert Mitchell& photo by Spc. Jared Mulloy

Nine years ago, John Biehn volun-teered to enlist in the United StatesArmy. Less than a year ago his wife,Jen, volunteered her services to the344th Military Police Company'sFamily Support Group.

Staff Sgt. John Biehn is a 95B,Military Police Officer with the344th. For him, it was a simple caseof patriotism. "I joined the Armybecause I wanted to serve my coun-try," he said. Jen's reason was similar."My husband asked me if I wanted tovolunteer for his unit's Family Sup-port Group. I accepted with honor."

To paraphrase Garth Brooks,"They're two of a kind, working on afull house." A full house is preciselywhat the Biehns have back in Bridge-port, Conn. The couple has four chil-dren, which is a full-time occupationfor Jen, especially while John isdeployed to Joint Task Force Guan-tanamo. However, she has a true vol-unteer's attitude. "Although the time awayfrom my husband is very hard, I feel com-fort knowing that I'm helping other peoplegoing through the same things. I havemade lifelong friends and will continue todo so as time goes on," she said. "I've alsolearned to appreciate what our soldiers sac-rifice when they go to war to protect us."

While Jen is looking after their off-spring at home, John is keeping a close eyeon his soldiers at JTF Guantanamo. "Mybiggest challenge here is coordinating withS3 trying to make improvements insideCamp Delta to make better working condi-tions for soldiers working there," he said.

Staff Sgt. Biehn serves as a police offi-

cer for the city of Bridgeport, Con-necticut, in his civilian occupation.He is also a scuba diver for theBridgeport P.D. Search and RescueSquad, which qualifies him to enjoysome of his precious few leisurehours in the blue waters in andaround Guantanamo Bay. He spokewith great pride about his wife andthe energy with which she has tack-led her role in the Family SupportGroup. "My wife is currentlyinvolved in the Family SupportGroup phone tree," he explained. "Ifa situation occurs here, like theextension a couple of weeks ago,she'll contact another family supportgroup member, who will contactanother member and the tree willtake effect so that everybody's noti-fied."

Not coincidentally, Jen spokewith great respect for her husbandand his unit. "It (the deployment)has made me see what a great coun-try we live in … they (344th MP Co.)have a mission to do and they are the

best unit to do it." Whether Staff Sgt. Biehn and his wife,

Jen, are together in Bridgeport or separated2,000 miles by a military deployment, onething is certain: they'll both perform theirduties with patriotism and pride. After all,they're both volunteers.

The family support groups will also be thereto help families during the transition period thattakes place when the service member comesback home. There will be more challenges thatlie ahead. "I will have to be willing to releasemany things I now have control over. I willhave to remember that I have to consider myhusband when making plans. He will have tobe willing to realize that I may have done thingsdifferently than he would have. In some casesI could only do the best I could do, and that hadto be enough," said Mrs. Tolliver.

Melissa Saren, wife of Capt. Jeffrey Saren,303rd Military Police Company, has beenorganizing family support group activities forthe 303rd for some time now. She says they are

geographically challenged because the familiesare spread out all over Ohio and parts of Indi-ana. To meet this challenge, Mrs. Saren hasconcentrated on bringing together small groupsthat are closer in proximity and it’s been work-ing well. The 303rd FSG is also working onactivities for the children. "We have someonewho has volunteered to have the children gofishing at their pond soon. We also plan to havea family support picnic when the weather gets alittle nicer," said Mrs. Saren.

Mrs. Saren said some of the families find itbeneficial to just get together on the weekendsand have their kids play together, then perhapsgo to dinner and take in a movie.

During future meetings, the 303rd FSGplans to have guest speakers and subject matterexperts discuss issues relating to family separa-tion and how children deal with a family mem-

ber being deployed.Overall Mrs. Saren says that the families of

the 303rd are dealing with the deploymentfairly well. "I believe that the family membersof the 303rd are extremely proud of their sol-diers. If they didn't realize the sacrifices of asoldier and a military family … believe me …we all feel it to the core now. Deployments forReserve families have their own unique issuesthat make it extremely hard," said Mrs. Saren.

Although Mrs. Saren and Mrs. Tolliver don'tknow each other and have never met, they agreeon a unique point - learning to accept help fromothers. "I would suggest (to family members),that they swallow their pride and ask for helpwhen someone offers up a helping hand. Peo-ple want to help. It makes them feel good," saidMrs. Saren.

FAMILIES, from page 4

Staff Sgt. John Biehn communicates with the 344th MP Co. Com-mand Post.


By 2nd Lt. David Dabbs Joint Task Force Guantanamo Environmental Health Officer

It seems like every time there is a torrential rainfall, thosepesky little biting nuisances, the mosquito, comes back with avengeance to wreak havoc on our quality oflife here at Joint Task Force Guantanamo.Well, not anymore! How do I prevent mosqui-toes from biting me you may ask? Wellwhether you're just out for a walk, working onthe block, out at the beach, or barbecuing onthe back patio, the following suggestions willhelp to optimize your personal protection:

(A) Military uniforms should be treatedwith premethrin aerosol. This service is pro-vided by the Preventive Medicine (PM) per-sonnel and can be arranged by contacting7-2990.

(B) Liberal applications of DEET cream to unprotected areas.Reapply as needed due to excessive sweating. DEET cream isavailable on island through the normal supply system for troopswho have used or misplaced their initial issue. Other alternatives

include the use of Deep Woods Off® or Avon’s Skin So Soft®which are available at the NEX.

(C) The high grass areas need to be cut down to deny the mos-quitoes a place to live and breed.

(D) Once the grass is cut down, optimal effectiveness of mos-quito control by way of fogging application can be achieved.

(E) All trashcans need to have proper fittinglids on them to prevent possible breeding sites.

(F) Recyclable containers need to be emptiedand rinsed before placing in recyclable bins.Birdbaths need to be rinsed and sanitized withbleach solution, as both could be a place ofharborage for mosquitoes.

(H) Lastly, for those of you who prefer a holis-tic approach to pest control, the intake of dailygarlic pills may help - although not proven. Anote of courtesy - just always be downwind whentalking to your fellow trooper.

So let’s make our life here bearable by protect-ing ourselves with what the former COMNAVBASE Commander,Capt. Buehn, called the official cologne of Naval Base Guan-tanamo - Deep Woods Off®. Charlie Papa!

JTF Health Source

Mosquitoes: a pest to protect yourself from

Compiled by Army Spc. Delaney Jackson

Man on the StreetThis week’s question: What does it mean to you personally to have a good family support group?

Army Sgt. Al Lamont,785th MP Bn.

“Good family support groupsare a necessity. In having thisI am able to focus on my mis-sion here knowing my wifehas an entire battalion to leanon."

Petty Officer 1st Class AnaCalidonio, J-4 Supply

"As a single parent it helps youto stay close to your child'sactivities, his personal com-plaints, and his welfare. Byknowing what's going on athome you're able to focus onyour mission here with a littlemore ease.”

Army Sgt. Ruben Aquino,240th MP Co.

"Family is the number onemotivation for our mission,doing the job, accomplish-ing the mission. It helps toknow that the family sup-port group can get together,talk to each other and sup-port each other while weare away."

Spc. Denise Haynes,J-1

"I'm new to the Army, and this ismy first deployment. I'm alsothe mother of three children,and it's good to know that thefamily support group is there toassist my husband with anyproblems that may arise.”

Air Force Staff Sgt. VichittasukHebel,86th Logistics Readiness Sq.

"It keeps the communicationlines open between familiesand service members, theyalso have family counseling."


Worship ServicesCatholic

Main ChapelDaily 6:30 a.m. Mass

Cobre Chapel Wed. 5 p.m. R.C.I.A.

Cobre ChapelFri. 5 p.m. RosarySat. 4:30 p.m. Confession

5:30 p.m. MassSun. 9 a.m. Mass

Camp AmericaSun. 10:45 a.m. Mass

Wooden Chapel5 p.m. Mass

Wooden Chapel

ProtestantMain Chapel

Mon. 7 p.m. Prayer GroupFellowship*

Wed. 7 p.m. Men’s Bible Study*

7 p.m. Spanish Group390-Even’s Pt

Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Home GroupNob Hill 5B

7:15 p.m. Youth 7-12 Fellowship*

Sun. 6:30 a.m. Praise and Worship Servce

9:30 a.m. Sunday School11 a.m. Service/Sunday

School5 p.m. Bible Study*

* Fellowship Hall located in Chapel Complex

Camp AmericaWed. 7 p.m. ServiceSun. 9 a.m. Service

White Tent7 p.m. Service

Wooden Chapel

Church of Jesus Christ ofLatter Day Saints

Sun. 9 a.m. Sanctuary A

IslamicFri. 1 p.m. Classroom 12

ChapelComplex

JewishFri. 8 p.m. Fellowship

Hall

Camp America Church Bus schedule:Sun. 8 a.m. Windward Loop

8:15 a.m. Tierra KayThe bus will return immediately followingworship.

Chaplain’s CornerBy CH (LTC) Herbert Heavner Joint Task Force GuantanamoCommand Chaplain

What Easter Means To MeI posed this question to three of our

chaplains here at Joint Task Force Guan-tanamo: What does Easter mean to you?In this article I do not mean to excludethose who do not come from a back-ground where Easter means the celebra-tion of the premier event on the Christiancalendar; however, since it is a majorevent in the lives of so many I feel that itis appropriate to address this celebration.

CH (LTC) Raymond Bucon respondedto my question in this way: Twenty-fouryears ago I made a list of 50 things Iwanted to experience before I die. Someof the more secular events included walk-ing on China's Great Wall, skiing in theAlps, scuba diving at the Great BarrierReef in Australia. Visiting Cuba was alsoon my list but I had the city of Havana inmind, not Guantanamo Bay. My list'sfinal item is to experience Easter. I wantto do more than celebrate and rejoice in it.I want to experience Easter by rising withJesus, having complete understanding andperfect ability to love and be loved. Iwant to know complete peace, joy, andtruth. I want to live in God's freedombecause time and space do not limit hisfreedom. His freedom is everlasting. OnApril 20th this year the majority of Chris-tians celebrate Christ's resurrection. Wegain a glimpse of what can be when thefuture and the present come together withthe past and are sanctified in Christ. Mayall who celebrate Easter this year beencouraged by Christ's message of hope

and eternal peace.CH (MAJ) John Terrill writes: Grow-

ing up, Easter was a time for family togather together, to enjoy a day of worshipand fellowship (for me personally thatwas eating and games). Now, Easter,means for me power. Resurrection powerthat, 'Christ in me,' gives to me. Realizingthat if Christ had not resurrected I wouldhave no power to make it through the day,to talk to people about Christ, or to standbefore people with a message from theBible, God's Word.

To me, Easter will always celebrate thevision of new life. Easter comes in thespring, and in most places back homespring means new growth. Most trees andthe lawns return to a beautiful shade ofgreen. Many trees produce beautiful blos-soms that are as pretty to look at, as theyare aromatic to smell. There is that samesense to the celebration of Easter. Theman who was the fulfillment of so manyancient scriptures offered the hope of newlife through belief in who He was and inwhat He represented. The apostle Paulwrote that through that belief we becomenew creatures. The very essence of ourspiritual being is transformed through thepower that was unleashed on that firstEaster Sunday. We have always beenindividuals destined to an eternal exis-tence. It is through belief in Jesus that oureternal existence has real meaning andhope. For all the soldiers and others hereat JTF Guantanamo I think this helps us todefine the meaning and hope that we needto hold on to in the months ahead.Because He lives, we do have hope, notonly for today but also for tomorrow andfor all eternity!

U.S. Army Chief of Chaplains, CH (MG) Gaylord T. Gunhus will visit JointTask Force Guantanamo as the featured speaker at two prayer breakfasts spon-sored by the JTF Guantanamo Unit Ministry Team. The first prayer breakfastis Friday, April 25; the second will be on Saturday, April 26. On both days, thebreakfast begins at 6:45 a.m. at Seaside Galley. The formal program begins at7:30 a.m. and ends at 8:30 a.m. Friday's focus is on E-2s through E-6s; andSaturday's focus is on E-7s and above, to include all officers. If you can attendon one day and not the other-please come regardless of your rank!

Seaside Galley to host prayer breakfast

After securing the top seed in the NBA Eastern Conferencewithout Ben Wallace, the Detroit Pistons expect to have theirrebounding machine back for game one of the playoffs this week-end against Milwaukee or Orlando. Wallace has missed the pastfive games with a sprained medial collateral ligament in his leftknee, which was injured in a home loss to San Antonio on April6 when teammate Tayshaun Prince fell into his knee. MichaelJordan's final comeback has come to end. Jordan played his lastgame Wednesday night with the Washington Wizards againstthe Philadelphia 76ers.

In National Hockey League news, the NHL playoffs beganlast week and the Boston Bruins and the Detroit Redwings areon the brink of elimination. The Bruins are down three games toone to the New Jersey Devils and the Redwings are down threegames to zero to the eighth-seeded Anaheim Mighty Ducks. Inthe West, Colorado leads Minnesota two games to one, St.Louis leads Vancouver two games to one, and Edmonton andDallas are tied up at two games a piece. In the East, the Wash-ington Capitals lead Tampa Bay two games to one, Torontoleads Philly two games to one, and the Islanders lead Ottawatwo to one.

In Chicago, an unruly Major League Baseball fan grabbed anumpire. On Tuesday night, first base umpire Laz Diaz turned towatch a fly ball that was hit along the right-field line. A split-sec-ond later, a fan was grabbing him around the waist. Just seven


NATIONAL SPORTS

Hootie & the Blowfishin concert

Sunday, May 4, 2003at 8 p.m.

Downtown Lyceum

Next Malanga Time is at the Windjammer Saturday, April 19, at 8 p.m. Performances by: Bryan V. Randall (Red Eyes), Melvin Rodriguez (Rappero Latino)

The Electric Slide & The Cha Cha Dance Swing, Salsa, & Merengue dance competition

Comedy Interludes by Johnny Header's (Malanga) One trophy for each category, T-shirts, Surprises and much more. Master of ceremonies: From New York USA Juana Lynn Gonzalez

Cantina: Open Throughout the eventThe music of: DJ Jose Cruz, Otto and the latest hits of Radio & Video

Come participate, be a fan, have the greatest time of your life right here in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

Special announcement for the JewishCommunity

For anyone wishing to meet with or counsel with a JewishRabbi, the Naval Base Chaplain section will have one

available through April 30th. To request a time with theRabbi please contact the Naval Base Chaplain section at

2323.

months after Kansas City coach Tom Gamboa was assaulted bya father and son who ran onto the same field, another fan at theChicago White Sox's home park attacked Diaz. A police spokes-woman said police are leaning toward a charge of aggravated bat-tery, a felony, but that must be approved by the prosecutor's office.The fan's name will not be released until he is formally charged.The New York Yankees are off to their best start in franchise his-tory at 11 wins and two losses after a stellar outing from pitcherMike Mussina. Mussina went eight innings, allowed no runs andstruck out nine.

The Masters Tournament went on as planned, despite protestsfrom Martha Burk and Mike Weir is very happy about that.Weir became the first lefty to win a major championship in 40years. He also became the first Canadian to wear the covetedGreen Jacket. Wier shot a final round 68 to take Len Mattiace toa one-hole playoff where Weir took the championship and a mil-lion dollar purse.

In the National Football League the San Diego Chargerstraded all pro linebacker Junior Seau to the Miami Dolphins.Seau will go to the Dolphins in exchange for a sixth-round draftpick in 2004 that could upgrade to a fifth-rounder depending onplaying time.

Sports highlights compiled from ESPN.com.

In the headlines.....


JTF SPORTS & LEISURE

Camp Bulkeley

Fri., Apr. 188 p.m.Batman

PG13 - 105 min. 10 p.m. NARC

R - 106 min

Sat., Apr. 198 p.m. Two Week Notice

PG13 - 101 min.10 p.m. Darkness Falls

PG13 - 85 min

Sun., Apr. 208 p.m. and 10 p.m.

LOTR The Two TowersPG13 - 179 min

Mon., Apr. 218 p.m. National Security

PG13 - 90 min

Tues., Apr. 228 p.m. Adaptation

R - 114 min

Wed., Apr. 238 p.m. AliensR - 137 min

Thurs., Apr. 248 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Catch Me If You CanPG13 - 140 min

Downtown Lyceum

Fri., Apr. 188 p.m. The Jungle Book 2

G - 72 min10 p.m. Darkness Falls

PG13 - 85 min

Sat., Apr. 198 p.m. Shanghai Knights

PG13 - 111 min10 p.m. Dark Blue

R - 118 min

Sun., Apr. 208 p.m. Dreamcatcher

R - 134 min

Mon., Apr. 218 p.m. Biker Boys PG13 - 107 min

Tues., Apr. 228 p.m. Dark Blue

R -118 min

Wed., Apr. 238 p.m. Dreamcatcher

R - 134 min

Thurs., Apr. 248 p.m. DaredevilPG13 - 105 min

Seaside Galley grill-outSeaside Galley diners were treated to the first Joint TaskForce Guantanamo grill-out on Saturday, April 12. The inau-gural grill-out featured distinguished guests preparing steaksfor JTF Guantanamo troopers. JTF Guantanamo Comman-der, MG Geoffrey D. Miller along with Deputy Commanderfor Operations BG James E. Payne and Navy Capt. AlbertJ. Shimkus, Jr., were among the distinguished chefs whofired up the grills at Seaside Galley. Future grill-outs at Sea-side Galley will be from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on April 16,April 22, May 4, May 8, May 17, May 21 and May 27.

There will be a special sunrise celebration of the resurrection on JPJ Hill at 6 a.m.Easter Sunday, April 20. Transportation will be provided from the NAVBASE Chapelat 5:30 a.m. Bus transportation will be provided from JTF Guantanamo housing areason the following schedule:

Windward Loop 5 a.m. - 5:35 a.m., housing office.Tierra Kay 5 a.m. - 5:35 a.m., main bus stop.Camp America 5 a.m. - 5:35 a.m., main bus stop.

For details please call the JTF Guantanamo chaplains' office at 3202, or theNAVBASE Chapel office at 2323.

photo by Spc. Delaney T. Jackson

Sunrise Easter service at JPJ Hill

There will be a special Easter Sunday Protestant Worship service with specialmusic and a special Easter message by CH (LTC) Herb Heavner, the JTF Guan-tanamo Command Chaplain this Sunday at 9 a.m. at the Camp America WorshipTent.

Softball rained out!By Spc. Mark A. Leone

All softball games have been postponed until further notice. In addition,all softball fields are closed due to the rain accumulation. When the fields arein game condition, gym personnel will notify the coaches and games willresume.

*Teams will play out the existing schedule*


Interview by Sgt. Benari Poulten

It’s hard enough when one member of yourfamily gets deployed, but when both your hus-band AND your son get deployed in supportof Operation Enduring Freedom, it takes aspecial person to make the best of the situa-tion. Terry Laster of Murray, Ky., is just sucha person. She is not only the current Presidentof her local family support group, but she’sthe wife of Staff Sgt. David Laster and themother of Spc. Michael Laster, a father-sonteam serving Joint Task Force Guantanamoin the 438th Military Police Company.

Q: Why did you want to become a family sup-port group coordinator?A: My husband has been in the service for 18years and I just wanted him to know that I wasvery supportive of what he is doing ... then whenmy son enlisted it just made me very proud. Themilitary has become such a big part of our lives.I think what the American soldiers are doing iswonderful, and I just want to do my part.

Q: How long have you been involved in thefamily support group?A: Eighteen-plus years.

Q: What is the hardest part about being afamily support group coordinator?A: It is hard not to get discouraged. I feel thatfamilies should be very supportive of what theirspouses/family members are doing and the sup-port just doesn’t seem to [always] be there duringa time like this. I am not doing any of this for theglory and recognition, I am doing this because Isincerely care for the soldiers and their families. Iknow how hard it is when your spouse/familymember is goine for an extended time and I needthe support, so I guess I feel everyone else does,too.

Q: What has the biggest challenge been so far?A: Getting families involved, and trying to pleaseeveryone ... that is impossible!

Q: What’s the best thing about being presi-dent of this family support group?A: The 438th is made up of some of the best sol-diers I have ever had the honor to know. I feel likethey are my extended family, and I truly care foreach and every one of them.

Q: Is it hard to have both your husband andyour son on a deployment?A: I won’t lie!!! It has been very difficult, espe-cially with my husband and son being gone. I justtake one day at a time and keep in mind that whatthey are doing for our country is worth the sacri-fice.

Q: Is this the first time they’ve been deployed?A: Yes.

Q: Has the recent extension affected familysupport group activities?A: It really hasn’t affected our activities, it justmeans we will have more time together for sup-port. It gives us more time to plan for their “Wel-come Home!”

Q: How does your family feel about you beingso involved in the family suppport group?A: As far as I know, they are very supportive ofthe time it takes of me. My daughter, whom asmarried two days prior to her father and brotherleaving, is very supportive. She attends mostevery meeting and function with me; she’s a

trooper and very supportive of her fatherand brother. My daughter-in-law Jen-nifer, Michael’s wife, is also very activein the support group, and that helps her tocope with this deployment. She andMichael were married in December,2001, and Michael was deployed 10months later.

Q: How did your family react to thenews that both your husband and sonwould be extended?A: Well, I guess we weren’t really sur-prised ... With the war, we pretty muchexpected this to happen. The way welook at the extension is, I would rather

them go ahead and stay where they are instead ofcoming home a few months and then have toleave again! We are all very proud of our soldiers.

Q: Do you think it’s significant that they havebeen extended as part of Operation EnduringFreedom?A: They are doing what they are trained to do.

Q: How do you plan to improve the readinessof your family support group in the next fewmonths?A: I will just keep in touch with families, via amonthly newsletter and emails, etc. The onlything we can do is pull together and be here forone another.

Q: How will you keep your family supportgroup motivated during the deployment?A: We will keep activities planned, and just keepcommunicating.

Q: What keeps you and the members of yourfamily support group motivated?A: We all have the same thing in common and it’sa good feeling to get together and talk with eachother.

Q: What words of advice could you offer tomembers of other family support groups?A: We all need to keep our goals in focus ... Sup-port our Troops, so they can support us!!!!

15 Minutes of Fame...with Terry Laster

President of the 438th’s Family Support GroupCaring for her extended family

Terry Laster, relaxing here with her husband Staff Sgt. David Laster,says she is very proud of her soldiers.

volume 3, issue 20 friday, april 18, 2003 family support...

Documents