VOLUME 50 NUMBER 19 MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, JAPAN MAY 27, 2005

INSIDE...Skate or die!

Station youthstake advantageof MCCS Youthand Teen Center

trip to OkayamaSport Park.

Page 6-7

Bamboo: lean, mean, cuisineService members andfamilies participate in abamboo shoot harveston Suoh-OshimaIsland.

Page 8

One, two, three, Knock Out!Marines and sailors watch MuayThai fight-night in Thailand,

provided bythe SingleMarineProgram.

Page 12

LANCE CPL. LUKAS J. BLOM

Combat Correspondent

ROYAL THAI AIR STATION, UDON THANI,Thailand — More than 300 Marines and sailors withthe 1st Marine Aircraft Wing made their way backhome to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, May 21,after exercise Cobra Gold 2005 came to a close.

Cobra Gold 2005 was the 24th installment of thejoint-combined multi-national training exercise heldthroughout the Royal Kingdom of Thailand whichteamed up Thai, Singaporean and Japanese forces toconduct land, sea and air training operations.

“Our job was to represent the (Aviation CombatElement) by conducting air-to-air and air-to-groundtraining with the Royal Thai Air Force,” said 1st Lt.Brandon Linton, Marine Forces ACE logistics officer.

Iwakuni Marines, sailors return home from Cobra Gold 2005

LANCE CPL. LUKAS J. BLOM

Combat Correspondent

ROYAL THAI AIR STATION, UDON THANI, Thailand —Maj. Gen. Duane D. Thiessen, commanding general of the 1stMarine Aircraft Wing, visited the Marines representing the1st MAW during Cobra Gold 2005 here, May 6-10.

Along with taking time to meet and discuss operations

General reaches milestone with 1st MAW

Lance Cpl. Lukas J. Blom

Cpl. John G. Sanderson, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 plane cap-tain, salutes Maj. Gen. Duane D. Thiessen, commanding general of 1stMarine Aircraft Wing, as he prepares to take his last flight with 1st MAW. see GENERAL Page 5

“This exercise definitely enabled a lot of Marines topractice their (Military Occupational Specialty) in afield environment. This was also a chance for goodteam building with our allies, the Thais, and enablesthem to understand how we operate.”

Leading the ACE element of Cobra Gold 2005 werethe Green Knights of Marine Fighter Attack Squad-ron (All Weather) 121, who employ the F/A-18D air-craft, and the Sumos of Marine Aerial Refueler Trans-port Squadron 152, from Marine Corps Air StationFutenma, Okinawa, with the C-130 aircraft.

Completing more than 300 flight hours through-out Cobra Gold 2005, the Green Knights were able toconduct large-force exercises, air-to-air combat, air-to-ground combat and forward-air-control airbornetraining with the F-16s and the Alpha jets of the RoyalThai Air Force, Wing 23.

The Sumos were able to use the wide airspace andimpact ranges to conduct air-delivery missions, andthey also flew aerial refueling missions alongsideVMFA(AW)-121.

The Marines on the ground supporting the air-craft also obtained crucial training throughout the ex-ercise.

“This was a fantastic opportunity for our Marinesto train in another country and work with our Thaiallies,” said Capt. Greg Lewis, Marine Wing SupportSquadron 171 detachment commander. “The Marineshad a chance to see what kind of issues arise in a fieldenvironment and how to solve them without all theequipment and support readily available to them backin Iwakuni. The Marines did a great job out here;when plans changed and problems arose they re-sponded and basically just ‘got ‘er done’.”

with the Marines of the Aviation Combat Element of CobraGold 2005, Thiessen also reached a milestone in his duty asthe commanding general by taking his last flight aboard an F/A-18D as commander before being reassigned as the com-manding general of Marine Forces Korea.

“It’s very hard to beat this assignment,” said Thiessen.“It’s a great environment, great people and great deploy-ments.”

The Marines of Marine FighterAttack Squadron (All Weather) 121were chosen to escort Thiessen onhis last airborne experience with the1st MAW.

1st Lt. Raymond S. Collins,VMFA(AW)-121 pilot, was given theprivilege to be the pilot that the gen-eral sat behind.

“This was a huge honor for me,”said Collins. “I thought the (com-manding officer of VMFA(AW)-121)would’ve put a senior pilot with thegeneral, but he had faith in our train-ing and let me, a pretty junior pilot,have the honor of taking him up. Iwas little bit nervous, but he(Thiessen) told me to go out thereand have a good time and do my nor-

Commandant’s vision focuses on Marines, extends Corps’ capabilities for future conflictsSTAFF SGT. CINDY FISHER

Public Affairs, HQMC

HEADQUARTERS MARINE CORPS,Washington — The single most impor-tant weapons system in the MarineCorps’ arsenal is the individual Marine,and the Corps’ resources are aimed atenhancing this core capability.

That is the thrust of All Marine Mes-sage 018/05, signed April 18 by Com-mandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. MikeHagee.

“We can talk about aircraft; we can

talk about howitzers; we can talk abouttanks; but the individual Marine is themost important part of the Corps,”Hagee said.

To remain the nation’s force-in-readiness and meet the emerging chal-lenges of the 21st century, the Corpsneeds to reorganize to maintain a rapid-response capability and technologicaledge. The commandant’s Vision and In-tent will do this through a focus on train-ing, educating and equipping the indi-vidual Marine, in order to expand theirbattlefield capabilities. see COMMANDANT Page 5

“The Corps’ continued priority is theGlobal War on Terrorism, and Marinesare doing a tremendous job in this con-flict,” Hagee said. But, the Corps alsohas an obligation to prepare for the fu-ture and “we believe that our future willbe characterized by irregular wars,” asstated in the ALMAR.

“During Operation Iraqi Freedomwhen we marched to Baghdad, it waspretty much platoon against platoon,squad against squad, battalion againstbattalion,” the commandant said. “Inour case, sometimes, it was platoon

against company and platoon againstbattalion – our platoon, their battalion.It was no match – they lost.

“The enemy learned that and theydon’t want to take us on in normal for-mation. They don’t want to take us onone-on-one. So they are attacking usasymmetrically,” he said.

Examples of this type of irregularwarfare are improvised explosive de-vices the propaganda insurgents areusing in Iraq and the Oct. 12, 2000 at-tack on the USS Cole in the port of

PAGE 2 OPINIONTORII TELLER, MAY 27, 2005 NEWS PAGE 3TORII TELLER, MAY 27, 2005

MAJ. MATTHEW D. RAZVILLAS

Station InspectorThis week’s column is commonly asked questions of the base

veterinary clinic. The questions are answered by Army Captain SandiK. Parriott, Iwakuni Veterinary Clinic.

1. What are the import requirements for animals?The import requirements will tighten up on June 6. Every

dog and cat entering Japan must have a Fluorescent Anti-body Viral Neutralization blood test. The FAVN is a rabiestiter test. In other words, how well an animal is protectedagainst the rabies virus.

It is recommended to have the test done about 180 daysbefore entry into Japan. If this is done and all the other re-quirements are met, there is no quarantine. The home quaran-tine time will be calculated from the time of FAVN blood col-lection to entry. This can range from 0-180 days of quarantinetime.

All the animals must have a microchip inserted prior toentry. There is no specific time limit on when he/she needs tobe chipped before arriving in Japan.

The rabies vaccine must be more than 30 days but lessthan 365 days old. The owners must also get a health certifi-cate within 10 days of arrival. More specific details on these

Ask the Inspector

PSC 561 Box 1868FPO AP 96310-0029

Phone 253-5551Fax 253-5554

The Torii Teller wel-comes Letter to the Editorsubmissions. Letters mustinclude a full name andunit, if applicable. Anony-mous letters and commentswill not be published. Let-ters are the opinion of thewriter only. Submissionscan be edited for clarity andspace. Letters can bedropped off at the PublicAffairs Office or sent via e-mail to hercherdj@iwakuni.usmc.mil or coakleylj@iwakuni.usmc.mil.

"It’s here after 28 years of waiting, fans around the globe rejoice as the Star Wars saga wraps up with the premiereof Star Wars Episode III, Revenge of the Sith. But all is not well with the Force as arguments arise and Jedis takesides over which trilogy is best, new or old. So we hit the streets of Iwakuni to find out...”

“The old ones are betterbecause they were originaland the camaraderie andslapstick between Han andChewbacca. A New Hope isthe best because it set thewhole plot.”

“I like them both, they'reboth different but havegreat story lines. Returnof the Jedi is the bestbecause I like theEwoks.”

“Return of the Jedi is thebest. Two words; Sala-cious Crumb. ThatKowakian Monkey-Lizard had me at hello.”

GunnerySgt. JamesM. ClarkLouisville,Ky.

Lance Cpl.Elizabeth A.Stein,Homer N.Y.

“Return of the Jedi, theoriginal one not the newerone, because of the senseof victory, right over wrongand Luke's integrity. Ittold a story of redemption.”

Lt. Cmdr.Brent D.JohnsonWilliston,N.D.

LanceCpl.Christo-pher J.StankiewiezDalton,Mass.

Commanding Officer/Publisher

Col. Michael A. Dyer

Public Affairs OfficerMaj. Stewart T. Upton

Public Affairs ChiefMaster Sgt. Lesli J. Coakley

Press ChiefSgt. David Hercher

Operations ChiefCpl. Dave Boni

Combat CorrespondentsLance Cpl. Cristin K. Bartter

Lance Cpl. Lukas J. BlomLance Cpl. Mark Fayloga

Information/EditorialSpecialist

Yukiko Mitsui

“This weekly newspaper is anauthorized publication for membersof the military services stationedoverseas and their families. Its con-tents do not necessarily reflect theofficial views of the U.S. Govern-ment, the Department of Defenseor the U.S. Marine Corps, and doesnot imply endorsement thereof.”

Editorial content is edited, pre-pared and provided by the PublicAffairs Office of Marine Corps AirStation Iwakuni, Japan.

All queries concerning newsand editorial content should be di-rected to the Public Affairs Office,Building one, Room 216, MCASIwakuni, Japan. Call 253-5551.

Headquarters sword ofleadership is passed

Which trilogy and movie are the best?

CHATTERBOX

see INSPECTOR Page 4

LT. TIMOTHY D. GAULT

MAG-12 Chaplain

St. Paul encouraged a young pastornamed Timothy saying, “Do your bestto present yourself to God as one ap-proved, a workman who does not needto be ashamed…” (2 Timothy 2:15). Pas-tor Timothy needed encouragement tocontinue on in the work he was given.Perhaps you also need encouragement.If so, consider this story from NapoleonHill.

R. U. Darby’s uncle had “gold fe-ver” in the old gold-rush days in theWild West. So, he staked a claim andwent to work digging with pick andshovel in the hills of Colorado. R. U.Darby went along to share in the painand … in the profits.

Once they started digging, theyfound that they had indeed one of the

Chaplain’s Corner: Don’t give up on your goals!richest mines in Colorado! They dugdeeper and deeper. Purchased moreelaborate equipment. They could seetheir profits even before they had minedthe gold! Down went the drills. Up wentthe hopes of Darby and his Uncle. Thensomething happened. The vein of goldore disappeared! Their mine had liter-ally gone bust—or so they feared. But,they drilled on, desperately trying topick up the vein again—all to no avail.

Finally, they decided to quit, to mini-mize their losses and preserve what littleprofits they had left. So, they sold theremaining assets from the mine to ajunkyard dealer.

The owner of the junkyard hired amining engineer—an expert in mineraldeposits. The engineer surveyed thesituation and calculated that the goldvein would start up about three feet fromwhere the others had stopped digging.

The mine was reopened, and thejunkyard owner took millions of dollarsworth of gold from the vein that “disap-peared.”

What is it that you are about to giveup? Is it worthwhile? Is it honorable?Have you done your best? Have youreally reached a time when you need tochange course or are you discouraged?Who have you consulted that may beable to help you over the obstacles youface?

You might be closer than you thinkto accomplishing your goals. If you areworking toward something that is inkeeping with our Core Values, keepworking. If you are stalled, get the helpof those who are experts in the areas inwhich you are having trouble. Whetheryou are three feet or three monthsshort—don’t quit. Don’t give up onyour goals! You will be glad you didn’t.

NEWS BRIEFSOUTDOOR POOLS OPEN

Both all ranks outdoor pools openSaturday. The Main Pool hours ofoperation that weekend, includingMemorial Day, are noon to 6 p.m.

The hours for the all ranks pool at ClubIwakuni that weekend, includingMemorial Day, are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

CULTURAL EXCHANGE OVERNIGHT

TRIP TO TOKUJI CAMP SITE

The Cultural Exchange Programis looking for 20 youth in the third gradethrough sixth grade to participate in theovernight cultural exchange June 4-5.

Registration is available in Building411, room 107. Seats are limited. Sign upbefore Tuesday. For details, call SchoolAge Center at 253-4769.

MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCE

There will be a Memorial Dayobservance today at 3 p.m. The event isopen to the Iwakuni community and islocated at the Vietnam Memorial, acrossthe street from the Commissary. Theobservance will last approximately 45minutes with a brief history, a firing detailand the playing of taps.

MCCS IRONWORKS GY M

RECREATION CENTER HIKING TRIP

The IronWorks Gym recreation centerwill be hosting a hiking trip on OshimaIsland, Saturday. The bus will depart fromthe gym at 8:00 a.m. For more details,contact Philip Beal at 253-3822.

requirements can be found by going to Japan District Veteri-nary Command website or the MCAS Iwakuni website underwelcome aboard information.

2. If people have allergies but still want to own a pet, what doyou suggest?

For those with allergies to dogs, it is recommended to geta breed with hair rather than fur. The difference is hair contin-ues to grow whereas fur has a pre-determined length andthen is shed. Those with fur have a higher percentage ofdander that can cause allergic reactions in those that are sen-sitive. Some breeds that have hair rather than fur are: Poodles,Maltese, Bichon Frise, Schnauzers, Yorkshire Terriers, WestHighland Terriers, Lhaso Apso, and Shih Tzu.

For the cat lovers with allergies, finding the right breedcan be much harder. There are some breeds considered“hypoallergenic.” Examples of these are the Devon Rex andthe Sphinx.

There are several methods to reducing the hair and dan-der in the environment. The first would be to brush the petoften. This will reduce the amount of hair shed and keepdown the dander by stimulating the natural oils in the coat.Shaving a cat or dog can also reduce the hair in the environ-ment. Finally, shampooing with a gentle hypoallergenic sham-poo can also help reduce allergens.

Green Knights touchdown at Cobra Gold ‘05LANCE CPL. LUKAS J. BLOM

Combat Correspondent

ROYAL THAI AIR STATION, UDON THANI, Thai-land — The lead Squadron of the Aviation CombatElement of Cobra Gold 2005, Marine Fighter AttackSquadron (All Weather) 121, completed their final train-ing flight of the exercise, May 13.

Logging more than 300 flight hours throughoutthe annual training exercise, the Green Knights ofVMFA(AW)-121 were able to conduct large force ex-ercises, air to air combat, air to ground combat andforward air control airborne training with the RoyalThai Air Force, Wing 23.

“When we came out here, we wanted to get asmuch training for our young Wizos (weapons systemsoperators who ride in the back seat of F/A-18D’s), saidMaj. Jeff Ertwine, VMFA(AW)-121 operations officer.“We were able to get that knocked out and also gotsome good experience with different aircraft of a dif-ferent country.”

Employing F/A-18D aircraft, the Green Knights flewside-by-side with the Alpha Jets and F-16s of the RoyalThai Air Force.

“During the large force exercise we had our (F/A-

18D’s) flying with the Alpha Jets and F-16s all onthe same side vs. other (F/A-18D’s), Alpha Jets andF-16s that were plying the role of enemy forces,”said Ertwine. “We basically got to see how effec-tive we could be when we integrate our forces.”

Although the pilots representing two differentcountries did not speak the same language, theyunderstood each other through flight.

“Communication was not a problem,” saidErtwine. “They spoke a little English, so as long aswe talked slow and deliberate there were no compli-cations.”

Taking the role of teacher, the Marines demon-strated certain tactics unfamiliar to their Thai coun-terparts.

“We were basically exposing them to how theMarine Corps conducts Forward Air Control Air-borne,” said Ertwine. “I was really surprised at theirprofessionalism in training and impressed by their de-sire to learn more about close air support.”

When the Green Knights were not flying, they hada unique opportunity to meet some of Thailand’syounger residents.

“Going out on the orphanage visit Chaplain DanReardon and Jay Stovall (Single Marine Program coor-

Official USMC photoThe Green Knights were the lead squadron ofthe Aviation Combat Element of Cobra Gold2005, a joint-combined multinational trainingexercise held throughout the Royal Kingdom ofThailand which teamed up Thai, Singaporeanand Japanese forces to conduct land, sea andair training operations.

dinator) was probably the biggest thing we did outhere, I just hope we made a couple kids’ day,” saidErtwine. “Training is great, but bringing a little happi-ness to those kids was the highlight of this exercise.”

“This was a very successful (deployment),” saidErtwine. “We got a lot of good training for our youngguys and got to experience the Thai culture.”

LANCE CPL. MARK FAYLOGA

Combat Correspondent

Marine Corps Air Station IwakuniHeadquarters and Headquarters Squad-ron posted a new sergeant major during apost and relief ceremony in the BuildingOne Auditorium, due to inclement weather,May 18.

Sgt. Maj. Roland J. Daniel was relievedas H&HS sergeant major by Sgt. Maj. JerryL. Bailey.

“It is a bittersweet day, and theweather is reflective of the mood,” saidLt. Col. James C. Stewart, H&HS com-manding officer. “We hate to say goodbyeto Sgt. Maj. Daniel. He has molded theMarines of H&HS for the past three gen-erations, under my command and my twopredecessors.”

This is Bailey’s first time being sta-tioned in Iwakuni, and also his first timeserving as sergeant major.

“I’m looking forward to serving as theH&HS sergeant major,” said Bailey. “It’salways exciting to come to a new duty sta-tion and take on new duties, meet newMarines and have the opportunity toguide them and structure them.”

Bailey added, “What I’ve seen fromthis squadron in the time I’ve been here isoutstanding. I just want to keep every-thing going as smooth as it’s going rightnow.”

May 1985 was when Daniel receivedhis first three-year tour to Iwakuni and inJune 2002, Daniel returned to Iwakuni toserve as sergeant major for H&HS. He willreport to 2nd battalion, 25th Marines, Gar-den City, N.Y. to serve as the Inspector-Instructor ser-geant major. “I’m looking forward to my new duty station,” saidDaniel. “I’ve never worked with a reserve unit, so thisgives me the opportunity to see the other side of theMarine Corps, expand my horizons and see what the

Lance Cpl. Mark Fayloga

Lt. Col. James C. Stewart, Headquarters & Headquar-ters Squadron commanding officer (right) passes thesword to Sgt. Maj. Jerry L. Bailey posting him as thenew H&HS sergeant major, during a post and relief cer-emony, May 18.

reserves has to offer.” Daniel departs Japan with wordsof advice for the non-commissioned officers ofIwakuni. “For most of my time here, I’ve dealt with myNCO’s and they are the future leaders of the MarineCorps,” said Daniel. “They need to mentor and leadyoung Marines down the right path.”

PAGE 4 FEATURETORII TELLER, MAY 27, 2005 FEATURE PAGE 5TORII TELLER, MAY 27, 2005

LANCE CPL. CRISTIN K. BARTTER

Combat Correspondent

On July 16, 2004 Misty Fetkowalked into her son’s room to kiss himawake, a special act the two sharedeach morning. His body lay motion-less. Her heart began to beat faster. Hewas dead. The autopsy revealed thather 18-year-old son, scheduled toleave for college in two days, hadoverdosed on drugs. It wasn’tcocaine, ecstasy, PCP or heroin.

In fact, the drugs that caused hisdeath weren’t even purchased from adealer. They were purchased from apharmacy. His death was attributed tothe ingestion of a large amount ofcough syrup.

Currently, Station officials areseeing a rise in the number of teensabusing over-the-counter, prescriptionand illegal drugs here.

“Naval Criminal InvestigativeService is currently conducting aninvestigation on Station teens abusinga variety of drugs to include: prescrip-

Station sees rise in prescription, cough medicine abusetion drugs, marijuana andother controlled sub-stances,” said DavidTruesdale, NCIS agent.

According to the U.S.Department of Health andHuman Services, some ofthe most abused prescrip-tion drugs are Demorol,OxyContin, Tylenol withcodeine, and Vicodin.

These drugs, ifmisused, can lead totolerance, physicaldependence, addiction,severe respiratorydepression, brain damage,and life threatening circumstances oreven death.

Along with abusing the use ofprescription drugs, one of the mostreadily available drugs that teens areabusing on the Station is common,over-the-counter cough syrup.

Dextromethorphan can be found insome brands of cough remedies suchas: Robitussin, Delsym, Pertussin,

Drixoral, Vicks Formula 44, SudafedCoricidin, Contac, and other genericbrands. Most DXM medicines arelabeled as DM or maximum strength.

“Some of the overdose symptomsof DXM are coma, convulsions,depression, high fever, irregularheartbeat, nausea, panic, rapidbreathing, tremor, vomiting or evendeath,” said Lt. Cmdr. Mladen K.

Lance Cpl. Cristin K. Bartter

Station officials are seeing a rise in thenumber of teens abusing over-the-counter,prescription and illegal drugs, according toDavid Truesdale, NCIS agent.

l A petty officer 2nd class, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron,was found guilty at a General Court Martial of wrongfully receiving andpossessing child pornography. The petty officer was sentenced to confine-ment for 36 months and reduced to the rank of seaman recruit. He will forfeitall pay and allowances and was awarded a Dishonorable Discharge.

l A sergeant, Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, was found guilty at aSpecial Court Martial of violating a lawful general order, adultery andfraternization. The sergeant was reduced to the rank of corporal, repri-manded and will forfeit $400 pay per month for three months.

l A private, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12, was found guilty ata Special Court Martial of violating a lawful general order, assault and beingdrunk on duty. The private was sentenced to confinement for eight months.He will forfeit $823 pay per month for eight months and was awarded a BadConduct discharge.

l A corporal, Marine Aircraft Group 12, was found guilty at a SummaryCourt Martial of larceny. The corporal was sentenced to 60 days restrictionand reduced to the rank of private first class. He will forfeit $923 pay permonth for one month.

Courts Martiall A lance corporal, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, was found

guilty at a Summary Court Martial of violating a general order, hazing andassault. The lance corporal was sentenced to 30 days confinement andreduced to the rank of private first class. He will forfeit $923 pay per monthfor one month.

l A private first class, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, wasfound guilty at a Summary Court Martial of wrongful use of marijuana. Theprivate first class was sentenced to 30 days confinement and reduced to therank of private. He will forfeit $823 pay per month for one month.

l A staff sergeant, Marine Aircraft Group 12, was found guilty at aSummary Court Martial of violating a lawful general order, adultery. Thestaff sergeant was reduced to the rank of sergeant and sentenced to 60 daysrestriction.

l A corporal, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, was foundguilty at a Summary Court Martial of violating a lawful general order, hazing,assault, and making a false official statement. The corporal was sentenced to15 days confinement, reduced to the rank of lance corporal and given 30days restriction. He will forfeit $1,031 pay per month for one month.

INSPECTOR from Page 2

Photo provided by Sgt. Maj. Devell Durham

Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12Marines stand at parade rest behind theirassigned seats waiting the night to begin attheir 2nd Annual Field Mess Night.

LANCE CPL. CRISTIN K. BARTTER

Combat Correspondent

Dressed in green utilities, 782 gear and facepaint, Sgt. Adam Baldwin, Marine Aviation LogisticsSquadron 12 I-level harrier engine mechanic, stoodat the position of attention awaiting the chargesagainst him. One of his Marines, who he believedframed him, Cpl. Robert F. Sosa, MALS-12 I-levelHarrier engine mechanic, called him out for bringingan unauthorized guest (a shirtless photo of DavidHasselhoff) to the “MALS-12 only” meal.

When asked how he could do such an thing,Baldwin, spinning in a world of confusion andembarrassment, couldn’t think of a good explana-tion.

His fine - $5 to the fine box.Over 500 Marines enjoyed a night of laughter as

they celebrated a time-honored tradition in theCorps, the 2nd Annual MALS-12 Field Mess Night,hosted in the North side pavilion, May 19.

The Mess Night is a time for Marines to revisitwith the traditions and customs of the Marine Corps,said Sgt. Maj. Larry W. Morris, Marine FighterAttack Squadron 122 sergeant major and honoredguest at the event. Mess nights give young Marinesthe opportunity to see brothers and sisters of theCorps bond and strengthen that everlasting camara-

derie.The night began with opening remarks from Lt.

Col. Harold D. Johnson III, MALS-12 commandingofficer and president of the mess.

Lt. Cmdr. Brent Johnson, Station chaplain,followed with the invocation. From there the floorwas open for the sidesplitting and uproarious part ofthe night – the fines.

A Marine could charge another mess memberwith an offense to the president of the mess who

would decide if their accusation was valid enoughfor a fine.

With all cases, evidence was required. In order tostate a situation, mess members would have to standat the position of attention and ask the vice presi-dent, Sgt. Sheena Dowd, MALS-12 corrosion controlfacility corrdinator, for permission to address themess. If permission was granted, they could statetheir case. Case after case, mess members wererolling on the floor from laughing so hard.

“This was my first Field Mess Night and Ithought it was hilarious,” said Lance Cpl. WendyBurgess, MALS-12 I-level F-404 mechanic. “Every-one – officers, staff NCOs, NCOs and below can’tstop laughing at the pranks the Marines are playingon each other.”

What goes up, must come down. As the laughterlowered to a chuckle, the night ended with toasts tothe battles of the past and present, and to the futureof the Marine Corps. The solemn moments of thenight included a toast to the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action and fallen soldiers tables. Theroom was silent as they tables were explained, thelast toasts of the night.

“Events like tonight are meant to remind you ofyour roots,” said Burgess. “It is also meant to honorthose who have perished before and those fightingnow.”

Marines, sailors motivate at Field Mess NightVranjican, Branch Health Clinicpharmacy officer. “The commonside effects of DXM can last for aslong as six hours. The psychoac-tive effects of DXM kick in whenan individual abuses the legal drugby taking massive amounts,”Vranjican added. “You’re notgetting any healthier or stronger byabusing them. It’s destructive.”

Prescription and over-the-counter drugs have all been provensafe and effective for treatment ofspecified ailments. However, whenindividuals take them in abusiveamounts, drugs of any kind can bedeadly.“Talk with your children about the

negative effects of drug and alcoholuse,” said Navy Lt. Joel Peterson,BHC general medical officer. “Thismay prevent many difficulties in theirfuture lives. Also, explain to them theimportance of not abusing legalmedications such as cough medicine.”

COMMANDANT from Page 1

3. What are the shot requirements for cats and dogs?Rabies vaccines are given initially at 12 weeks of

age or older and then annually for all dogs and cats. Ifan animal has been vaccinated with a three-year vac-cine in the states, they must still be given a rabiesvaccine yearly in Japan to conform to the governmentof Japan regulations.

Other vaccinations required would be distemperfor both dogs and cats. Dogs, if they board, will needto get a Bordatella vaccine (aka Kennel cough) everysix months and any cats going outside should be givenFeline Leukemia vaccinations annually.

4. If a dog is purchased in Japan, what are the steps toget the animal registered and able to go to the States?

The animals purchased in Japan need the samevaccines as those mentioned above along with a mi-crochip. To leave Japan, they would also need to have

a health certificate within 10 days of leaving. Thosepets already here and those acquired while in Japando not need a FAVN test at this time unless they aregoing to Hawaii, Guam, New Zealand, United King-dom or Australia.

To register a pet on base, just drop by housing orthe veterinary clinic and pick up a form. The form willbe signed and dated by the owner. The veterinarystaff will fill out the vaccination, microchip, and neuterinformation. The form is then turned over to housing.

To register a pet off base, forms are also availableat the veterinary clinic. These must be filled out andreturned to Iwakuni City Hall with a fee of about 3,500Yen.

5. Are there any places around base that sell ani-mals?

There are no places on base that sell pets. Accord-ing to base regulations, there should be no breedingof animals while living in base housing. There are sev-eral pet stores in and around Iwakuni. The animals

from the pet stores are extremely expensive. For ex-ample, a puppy that is sold at $200 to $400 in the Stateswill be sold at $1000 to $1200 in Japan.

6. If there is an emergency, who should be contacted?The Iwakuni Veterinary Treatment Facility is con-

sidered a full-service clinic. The veterinary technicianand the veterinarian are on call 24-7 for emergencypurposes.

After working hours, call pager number 253-9000and enter #169. The veterinary technician will returnyour call and do a brief triage. He will then contact theveterinarian for treatment options.

7. Are surgeries offered at the VTF?Full service clinic means all routine surgery includ-

ing spay, neuter, declaw, etc. Specialty operations,such as orthopedic work will depend on the skill of thedoctor. For specific questions on specific procedures,call 253-3588 during 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday throughFriday.

GENERAL from Page 1

mal procedures so he put me at easepretty quick.” Testing the limits of the aircraft, andthe general, Collins streaked across thesky at an altitude of 500 feet and a thun-dering speed of more than 540 mph. During their flight, Collins andThiessen worked together in Close AirSupport tactics, aerial refueling and for-ward air control tactics.

They also practiced their aerialmarksmanship by dropping two 500-

Yemen, the general said.To combat irregular warfare, “we are going to bet-

ter equip, better train and better educate our Marinesso that they can work faster than the bad guys,” thegeneral said.

For example, to combat IEDs the Corps is devel-oping technology to locate IEDs where they are as-sembled rather than wait until they have been emplacedon the battlefield.

Marines can also expect more cultural educationat centers such as the Training and EducationCommand’s “Center for Advanced Operational Cul-ture Learning” scheduled to begin operation in Octo-ber at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va.

“A better understanding of the people we are try-ing to help and the people we are fighting – their cul-ture, what they think is unimportant, what they thinkis important – will help us,” said the general.

The general is determined that his Marines will bethe fastest on the battlefield. Sea- basing is one of theconcepts that will ensure this, he said.

In January 2003, the Navy and Marine Corps teamput 70,000 Marines with all their equipment and sus-tainment into Kuwait in less than 60 days. Sea basingwill increase this capability, the general said.

“(Sea basing) is going to make us faster. Sea bas-ing is going to give us the capability to put a MarineExpeditionary Brigade of about 15,000 Marines any

pound High Explosive bombs on targetsdetermined by a forward air controlleron the ground directing their fire.

“Once we got in the air, he (Thiessen)was just another aircrew member,” saidCollins. “He assisted me with the pre-flight, maintained sight on the lead andtalked my eyes onto the target.”

After landing the aircraft with a suc-cessful mission under his belt, Thiessenwas greeted by Marines of VMFA(AW)-121 with an aviation tradition.

Bringing a bottle of Champagne ontothe flightline, the youngest aviator in

the Squadron and the youngest Marine,of legal drinking age, shared a drink withthe general to pay their respect for hiscontributions to the Marine Corps aswell as the 1st MAW.

“Sharing a drink after an aviators lastflight is an old tradition,” said 1st Lt.Christopher Allain, VMFA(AW)-121 pi-lot who shared a drink with the generalafter his flight. “It’s the old turning overto the new.”

“It was a huge honor for me to beable to be a part of the general’s lastflight,” said Lance Cpl. Anthony

Poznanski, VMFA(AW)-121 airframemechanic and the youngest Marine oflegal drinking age in the squadron whoalso shared a drink with the general.

Although Thiessen is preparing totake over a new command, the Marinesof the 1st MAW have left an indelibleimpression on him.

“I’ve got some mixed emotions withleaving 1st MAW,” said Thiessen. “I’mlooking forward to my new assignmentin Korea, but I have enjoyed command-ing the Marines of the 1st MAW verymuch.”

place in the world in 10 to 12 days,” the general said.If the Corps can do that, “we change the entire

conflict equation,” he said.“Ten to 15 years ago, we didn’t have the real tech-

nology to enable us to take advantage of what theindividual Marine can do,” the general said. “We havethat technology today.”

To better meet the demands of future battles, theCorps is also shifting some of its capabilities, the gen-eral said. During the next four years, the Corps is sched-uled to stand up two additional active duty infantrybattalions, three light armored reconnaissance com-panies, three reconnaissance companies, two forcereconnaissance platoons and an air and naval gunfireliaison company.

On the reserve side, the Corps plans to stand upan anti-terrorism battalion, two light armored recon-naissance companies and an intelligence support bat-talion.

To accommodate this change there will be a re-duction in the number of artillery, tank and low-alti-tude air defense units. Military occupational special-ties totaling about 6,000 Marines will also be affectedby the changes. Expect an increase in specialties suchas intelligence, satellite communications, explosivesordnance disposal and civil affairs. A reduction infields such as food specialist and fabric repair are alsoanticipated. But Marines should know that the Corpsis going to take care of them, Hagee said. “If they aredoing a good job and they want to stay in the Marine

Corps, then we are going to ensure that happens.”The Corps will also expend more effort to increase

its counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism and inter-nal defense of partner-countries.

Though the Corps spends a lot of time talkingabout and preparing for major combat operations, itspends a lot of time performing at the other end of thespectrum – small contingencies, Hagee said. “Weshould spend more time on cooperative security, train-ing partner-nation armed forces so that they can bet-ter address any security issues that they have. So ... ifwe have to go in, they ask us to come in and help, wealready have a working relationship with them, andwe can better help them. That’s why we’re standingup this Foreign Military Training Unit.”

The commandant has given the deputy comman-dants and Marine Forces commanders various mis-sion tasks to implement his vision, but it doesn’t endthere. The general charges every Marine to read theVision and Intent.

“Truly read it and truly understand it,” Hagee said.“Then, you will have an idea of where we are reallygoing to put our resources, ... and you’ll see that a lotof that has to do with education. A lot of that has todo with increasing our cultural understanding of otherpeople, other religions and that’s also education. Andyou’ll also see that we are going to spend more timeon equipping the individual Marine to be successfulin the type of battlefield that we think he or she isgoing to be on the future.”

PAGE 6 FEATURETORII TELLER, MAY 27, 2005

STORY AND PHOTOS BY

LANCE CPL. MARK FAYLOGA

Combat Correspondent

Marine Corps Community Services Youthand Teen Center brought 60 Iwakuniyouths to Asia’s largest action sports

park, Okayama Sport Park, Saturday.The trip was just one of the many services

offered by the Iwakuni Teen Center.“We are proud to have the best teen center in

the Pacific,” said Eugene Clark, MCCSyouth activities coordinator. “Wehave plenty of activitiesandevents forthe youthto beinvolvedin and it’s in a supervised and safe environment.”

The center, which is located behind Torii Video,offers billiards, computers with Internet access,video games, movies, instruments with lessons anda number of other various programs and activities.

All new programs and items added to thecenter are decided on by the

youth themselves.

“It’s a place where teens can go hang out,have fun, be around a friendly staff andjust, like chill,” said Cassandra C. Dahl,13. “The trips we take are really great too,

because it’s a chance to get together withfriends and go out and see something

besides the Station.”All

eventsandactivities

involvedwith the

teen center directly represent the choice of theteens.

“We have a keystone club, made up of theyouth, who attend the center with elected officialswho get together and vote on new things for thecenter,” said Clark. “That’s the great thing about thecenter. The kids get what they want.”

The center hosts many clubs and it only takesthree people to start a new club. After a hobby hassupport from three people their new club is thenrecognized by the center and can lobby for newequipment or trips to support their club.

“Teens should come in to the center becausethere is always something exciting to do and it’s afun environment to hang out with your peers,” said

Clark.The center is open seven

days a week Mondaythrough Thursday from 2:30to 9 p.m. Friday from 2:30 to11 p.m. Saturday from 12 to11 p.m. and Sunday from 12to 5 p.m.

For more informationabout the center contact 253-5072.

TOP: Crystal L. Ortiz, MCCS youth and teen center op-eration assistant, warms up for a climb on one of thesmaller walls available at the park, Saturday. LEFT:Iwakuni youth go for a skate during a trip to theOkayama Sport Park. FAR LEFT: Chris A. Lupton, 15,braces himself for landing, after completing a front flipin the park’s foam pit. The pit allowed the skaters topractice tricks without risk of injury.

TORII TELLER CLASSIFIED ADSTo submit your ads or announcements: Torii Telleraccepts ads/announcements from nonprofit organizationsand groups only. Briefs run on space-available and time-

priority basis. Deadline for briefs is noon Thursday. ToriiTeller reserves the right to edit to fit space. Stop byBuilding 1, Room 216 to fill out a form.

PAGE 8 FEATURETORII TELLER, MAY 27, 2005 CLASSIFIED PAGE 9TORII TELLER, MAY 27, 2005

OUT THE GATENote: Japanese who do not

speak English may answer thephone numbers provided.

Bonsai Plant DisplayA display is scheduled at the

Hiroshima Botanical Garden, exhi-bition building, Saturday throughThursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Approxi-mately 100 pots of wild grass bonsaiplants, similar to miniature garden,will be displayed in the exhibitionbuilding. Admission fee is requiredto enter the garden. For further in-

formation, call 082-922-3600.

Plaza FestivalIwakuni City Recycle Plaza is

offering a festival Saturday, 9 a.m.to noon in the parking lot of the Re-cycle Plaza. Inside, there will be afashion show and baskets, potteriesand patchworks for sale. There alsowill be a toy repair shop. This eventwill run rain or shine. Call 32-5371for more details.

Japanese Calligraphy DisplayNearly 80 pieces of Japanese

calligraphy will be on display at theexhibition hall in Sinfonia Iwakuni to-

day and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.,and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Somepieces are decorated inside frames,written on folding screens or hang-ing scrolls. Admission is free. Call46-1032 or 31-3514 for more infor-mation.

Japanese Traditional Chant andDance Performance

A Japanese chanting of a Nohdrama text with a dance perfor-mance by Kita school will be held atSinfonia Iwakuni, multipurpose hallSunday, from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.Admission is free. For details, call21-6560.

Call Sean or Jolyn at 253-4729 dwh or 253-2291 awh.

Misc., Farberware Red 10speed hand mixer with at-tachments, stil l undermanufacturer warranty,bought for $25 in Feb.,$20; Farberware Red micro-wave oven, .6 cubic feet,17x11 1/2x10”H, boughtfor $80, barely used, $60.Call Sherry at 253-2607.

Misc., Woodland digitalcammie pants, used but nofading, size med-X-short,$20 obo. Call 253-2661.

Misc., La-Z-boy recliner-rocker, great condition,$100 obo. Call Lt. Peddenat 253-2634.

Misc., 12 ft. boat, inserts,new battery, trolling mo-tor, $1,500. Call MGySgt.Fung at 253-6417 dwh or253-2807 awh.

Misc., kerosene heater,Toyotomi, excellent con-dition, digital, $90.; Nor-dic Track Treadwill, WalkFit 4000, $80. Call MarkNedzbala at 253-5353 dwhor 253-2217 awh.

Misc., Whirlpool washerand dryer, washer worksfine, dryer needs a part,$200. Call 253-5197 dwh or253-2566 awh.

Misc., O’Sullivan T.V.stand with storage, $50;free dining room set,

Nissan Skyline, 1991, 2door, turbo charged, newparts, JCI until Aug. 2006,$1,500. Call Dave at 253-5551 dwh or 253-7694 awh.

Nissan Laurel, 1993, mid-size, JCI until July 2006,$1,200 obo. Call Capt.Turkal at 253-5133 dwh or253-7723 awh.

Nissan Prairie , 1990,van, very clean, cold A/C, JCI until Dec. 2005,$1,400. Call Gene at 253-3419 dwh or 253-2132 awh.

Mitsubishi RVR , 1993,green 3 door, full-time4WD, diesel, 4 passengermini van, CD/tape player,great condition, JCI untilJuly 2006, $1,200. Call Laraat 253-4768 dwh or 253-2084 awh.

Blackbird, 1999, 1,100cc,black, gold details, lowmileage, great condition.Call Vincent at 253-2084.

Nissan Terrano , 1988, red4WD, 2 door truck, Pio-neer CD player, great con-dition, JCI until Sept.2006, $1,500. Call Vincentat 253-2084.

Nissan, Prairie, 1991, 4door, good condition, 3rdrow seating, sliding doors,newly replaced fuel injec-tors, JCI until April 2006,$750. Call Iain at 253-2634.

Nissan Skyline , 1993,

great condition, low km,well maintained, recyclefees/road tax paid, JCIuntil 2006, $1,800. CallSean or Jolyn at 253-4729dwh or 253-2291 awh.

Nissan Skyline , 1993,GTS25, 4 door, gray, A/C,Kenwood AM/FM/CD/cassette, remote, JCI un-til Nov. 2006, $2,000. Ifpurchased with the fol-lowing Toyota Pruminent,$2,200. Call Lacy or SSgt.Wilson at 253-4197 dwhor 253-2317 awh.

Toyota Pruminent, 1992,white, CD changer/radio/cassette, good condition,clean interior, 4 door, re-cycle fee/road tax paid,JCI until March 2006,$300. If purchased withthe above Nissan Sky-line, $2,200. Call Lacy orSSgt. Wilson at 253-4197dwh or 253-2317 awh.

Nissan Laurel, 1993, newtires, dark grey, 4 doors,JCI unt i l Aug. 2006,$2,250 obo. Call 253-2144.

Harley Davidson, 1200Sportster XL Custom,2003, 1,200cc, 2,350 miles,one original owner, extrachromes, 100th year anni-versary edition, JCI untilJune 2005, $8,250. CallPeter at 253-6909 dwh or090-9415-4075.

Harley Ultra Glide, 1988,great condition, low km,road tax paid, well main-tained, JCI till 2006, $7,500.

table, 6 chairs. Call TinaCorbeill at 253-2498.

Misc., look ing to pur -chase a lawn mower,cheap but works. CallMGySgt. Fung at 253-6417 dwh or 253-2807 awh.

Native American Man-agement Services, Inc.

Part time Career Transi-tion Trainer is needed tofacilitate training semi-nars. Must have knowl-edge of U.S. labor marketand experience in jobsearch techniques. E-mailresume to ssauntry@namsinc.org or fax to (703)821-3680. Call 253-6439for details.

SATO TravelTravel agent position isopen. Pick up applicationor drop off resume at SatoTravel, in the Building1100. Call 253-3572 for fur-ther information.

English InstructorFor 1 hour per week in yourhome, 4-5 young studentsat ¥1,000 per child. Call 253-3822 dwh or 32-4753 awh.

English InstructorFor off base company, al-ternate one of twoevening classes until midJune then assume bothclasses, experienced andprofessional teacher only.Call 253-2144.

AUTOMOBILES

OTHER ITEMS

FRIDAY - 11 a.m./5 p.m. Catch Me If You Can (PG-13); 2

MOVIE SCHEDULE

FRIDAY - 7 p.m. Star Wars: Episode III (PG-13); 10 p.m.The Upside Of Anger (R)SATURDAY - 1 p.m. Ice Princess (G); 4 p.m. Guess Who(PG-13); 7 p.m.; Fever Pitch (PG-13); 10 p.m. Sin City (R)SUNDAY - 1 p.m. Star Wars: Episode III (PG-13); 4 p.m.Fever Pitch (PG-13); 7 p.m. Sin City (R)MONDAY - 11 a.m. Star Wars: Episode III (PG-13); 4 p.m.Star Wars: Episode III (PG-13); 8 p.m. Star Wars:Episode III (PG-13)TUESDAY - 7 p.m. The Upside Of Anger (R)WEDNESDAY - 7 p.m. Guess Who (PG-13)THURSDAY - 7 p.m. Ice Princess (G)This schedule is submitted by the Sakura Theater and issubject to change. For show times call the Sakura Theaterat 253-5291.

JOB OPENINGS

p.m./8 p.m.Elecktra (PG-13); 11 p.m./5 a.m. I HeartHuckabees (R); 2 a.m. Basic (R)SATURDAY - 11 a.m./5 p.m. I, Robot (PG-13); 2 p.m./8 p.m.Meet The Fockers (PG-13); 11 p.m./5 a.m. Seed OfChucky (R); 2 a.m. Black Knight (PG-13)SUNDAY - 11 a.m./5 p.m. Star Wars II: Attack Of TheClones (PG); 2 p.m./8 p.m. Ocean’s Twelve (PG-13); 11p.m./5 a.m. The Count Of Monte Crisco (PG-13); 2 a.m.American Wedding (R)MONDAY - 11 a.m./5 p.m. Miss Congeniality (PG-13); 2p.m./8 p.m. Spanglish (PG-13); 11 p.m./5 a.m. FrightNight (R); 2 a.m. Captain Corelli’s Mandolin (R)TUESDAY - 11 a.m./5 p.m. Mr. 3000 (PG-13); 2 p.m./8 p.m.Hearts In Atlantis (PG-13); 11 p.m./5 a.m. Closer (R); 2a.m. Eurotrip (R)WEDNESDAY - 11 a.m./5 p.m. Aristocats (G); 2 p.m./8 p.m.Four Feathers (PG-13); 11 p.m./5 a.m. All About TheBenjamins (R); 2 a.m. Ghostworld (R)THURSDAY - 11 a.m./5 p.m. Fat Albert (PG); 2 p.m./8 p.m.After The Sunset (PG-13); 11 p.m./5 a.m. Bridget Jones:Edge Of Reason (R); 2 a.m. Blow (R)

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

CHRO Trainingn Acculturation Program Training : June 10, 8 a.m.to noon.n Organizational Communication: Effective Pre-sentations : June 20-22, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.n How To Catch Yourself “Leading Right”: Aug.24-26, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information andnominations, call 253-6828 or send e-mail toshiomuram.jp@iwakuni.usmc.mil. Classes will be heldat CHRO training room. Building one, Room 102.

Club Iwakuni (253-3727)n Country Western Dance Party: Saturday 9 p.m.all ranks in the Club Iwakuni Ballroom. Adults only.n Latin Dance Party: Saturday, 9 p.m. all ranks in theClub Iwakuni Ballroom. Adults only.n Sunset Garden: Sunday, 6-9 p.m. Display yourtalent to the Station plugged or unplugged, on the ClubIwakuni verandah. All are welcome.

MCX (253-5641)n Memorial Day Sale: Now through Monday. Dis-count on Coleman products.n Father’s Day Sale: June 9-19. Discounts on elec-tronics, apparel, men’s gift sets and more.

Single Marine Program (253-3585)n Universal Studios: Sunday, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. $20transportation fee due at sign up. Bring yen for admis-sion, lunch and souvenirs.

Youth & Teen Center (253-6454)n Monthly Birthday Party: Saturday, 3-5 p.m. Cel-ebrate your birthday with cake and ice cream for every-one as we honor the members born this month.n Passport To Manhood Meeting : Sunday, 3-5 p.m.Males ages 13-18 are invited to the Teen Center for plentyof free food and an afternoon of fun.n Teen Keystone Meeting : Every Friday, 5-7 p.m.Teens interested in making the Teen Program even betterare invited to join the committee. Call 253-6454 for de-tails.

Sponsorship TrainingThursday, 10-11 a.m. Attend this mandatory class tolearn what it takes to effectively sponsor someone trans-ferring to MCAS Iwakuni. Call 253-3311 for details.

Play MorningTuesdays, 9:30-11 a.m., and Thursdays, 10-11:30 a.m.at the Building 657, community room. Call 253-6553 tosign up. Kids enjoy crafts, free play and songs.

Home Buying WorkshopThursday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A great workshop for firsttime and experienced homebuyers alike. For more infor-mation, call 253-6250.

Free Camping And Recreational GearOutdoor Recreation in the IronWorks Gym lends theStation residents camping, picnic and recreational gearfor three days, free of charge. The gear includes tents,sleeping bags, coolers, water jugs, propane stoves, pro-pane lanterns, electric lanterns, backpacks, ISO mats,tables, chairs, canoes and kayaks for rivers, lakes, anddams and much more. All items are available year-round.Ocean kayaks, jet skies and a pontoon party boat can berented at the Marina. Call 253-3822 for details.

JAS Japanese ClassesThe Japanese American Society is offering two classesfor any level of learner. Classes are offered on Thursday,11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., and Saturday, 10-11 a.m. Fee is$20 per month plus a small fee to join JAS. For details,call 253-4771 or e-mail jasiwakuni@mx5.tiki.ne.jp.Classes will begin when five or more have registered.

OTHER

CHRO

MCCS

SAKURA THEATER

MCTV CHANNEL 19

WANTED

LANCE CPL. MARK FAYLOGA

Combat Correspondent

Bamboo is an extremely versatilematerial and has many uses. In Japan itcan serve as a tool, a toy or a decoration.

Recently Station service members andtheir families participated with JapaneseMaritime Self Defense Forces and theirfamilies in a bamboo shoot harvest onSuoh-Oshima Island. An annual event,the harvesting of bamboo shootsregulates the bamboo population andcelebrates the versatile plant.

“Bamboo grows very rapidly,” saidMinoru Yasumoto, Japanese farmer. “Itwould take a pine tree ten years to growthe same size it takes bamboo one year togrow.”

Japanese Timber Bamboo(Phyllostachys bambusoides) can grow12 inches a day and reach a final size ofover 70 feet with a 6-inch circumference.

“The rapid growth of the bamboo canwipe out the other plant life in the area,” saidMinoru. “So, we (Japanese farmers) get together toregulate the growth of the bamboo by removing thebamboo shoots, before they can mature andspread.”

A bamboo shoot is the root of the bamboo plantand is also edible. It is the crunchy and creamy whitevegetable often found prepared in Asian food. It’s

Bamboo- the universal use plant

surprising how many people have eatenbamboo shoots without even knowing.

“The food was awesome,” said Sgt.Anthony J. Adamson, Headquarters andHeadquarters Squadron production chief.“The meal (takenoko-gohan rice seasonedwith soy sauce and boiled with meat, bambooshoots and other vegetables) they made was

the best rice I’ve ever tasted. Thebamboo shoots were great too.”

During the harvest, newlysprouting bamboo shoots weredug up and cooked. The shootswere sliced and cooked and addedto a variety of dishes which wereeaten out of bamboo bowls withbamboo chopsticks and washeddown with a beverage out of abamboo cup. Children also playedwith toys made of bamboo andpatrons tried their hand at creatingbamboo items.

“I enjoyed seeing how versatilebamboo is,” said Adamson. “They used itfor all sorts of things, they made mydaughter a basket and I attempted tomake a flower pot.”

The event was enjoyed by all who

Japanese children smooth their bamboo bowls outwith sandpaper. Bamboo was used to make anassortment of items ranging from dishware to toys.

Photos by Tadahiro Ozako

ABOVE: Thomas J. Coakley, 11, enjoys his mealof bamboo shoots, rice and chicken out of hisbamboo bowl during a bamboo shoot harvest atSuoh-Oshima Island. RIGHT: Sgt. Anthony J.Adamson, Headquarters and HeadquartersSquadron, Combat Visual Information Centerproduction chief, excavates a bamboo shoot withthe help of his daughter, Ivy L. Adamson, age 4.

participated and was a unique experience for theAmerican guests.

“The thing I liked the most was the fact that thebamboo was like a weed to them,” said Adamson.“But rather than just cutting it all down and burningit, they used it to have a really great day.”

PAGE 10 COMMUNITY BRIEFSTORII TELLER, MAY 27, 2005 SPORTS PAGE 11TORII TELLER, MAY 27, 2005

SCUBA CLASSESThe Basic Open Water class is held on Mondays, lasting for seven days

and costs $260. Sessions are held continuously through autumn. Advancesign-up is required. Gear rental is available for individual divers. Call theScuba Locker at 253-6058 for more information.

YOUTH BASEBALLThe closing ceremony takes place June 4, 9:30 a.m. at Monzen Field.

MEMORIAL DAY BOWLING SPECIALMonday, 1-9 p.m. Games cost $1. For details, call 253-4657.

SUMMER SLAM DODGEBALLCoaches meet Wednesday in the IronWorks Gym Wellness room at

9:30 a.m. Join in the fun, Summer Slam Dodgeball Tournament, June 11 at

9 a.m. on the IronWorks Gym Sports Courts. For further details, call 253-5777.

ALL MARINE GOLFAthletics is accepting resumes for the All Marine Golf. The trial will be

held in June. Resumes must be submitted no later than Wednesday. Call253-5777 for more information.

BASEBALL AWARDS BANQUETThere will be Matthew C. Perry School baseball dinner and award pre-

sentations for all baseball team members, their families, school administra-tion and faculty at the Building 1200, community room Thursday, 6-7:30p.m. Cost is $7.50 per person and dress semi-casual. Menu includes enchi-ladas, vegetable, salad, roll, dessert, punch and water. RSVP Mr. Curtis bySunday. Call 253-6830 or e-mail brett_curtis@pac.dodea.edu.

IWAKUNI SPORTS SCENE

Nihongo de...

Week Of May 30 - June 3Monday – No School (Memorial Day)Tuesday – Cheese Pizza, Carrot & Celery Sticks, Ranch Dress-ing, Seasoned Green Beans, Fresh Fruit, MilkWednesday – Sloppy Joe on a Bun, Tomato, Cucumber, Curly

Fries, Seasoned Corn, Chilled Fruit Mix, MilkThursday – Chicken Nuggets, Potato Wedges, Garden Salad,Ranch Dressing, Awesome Applesauce, MilkFriday – All Beef Hot Dog, Carrot & Celery Sticks, Baked Beans,Cheddar Crackers, Chilled Pears, Milk

M. C. Perry School Lunch Menus

Mess Hall Lunch MenusWeek Of May 30 - June 3Monday – Seafood Newburg, Country Style Steak,Oven Glo Potatoes, Macaroni and Cheese, HushPuppies, Broccoli Combo, Wax Beans, Dinner RollsTuesday – Lasagna, Roast Pork, Mashed Potatoes,Toasted Garlic Bread, Whole Kernel Corn, Mixed

Vegetables, Chicken Gravy, Cheese BiscuitsWednesday – Baked Tuna Noodles, Bratwurst withSauerkraut, Garlic Roasted Potatoes, Carrots, MixedVegetables, Hot Dinner RollsThursday – Split Pea Soup, Chicken Parmesan,Italian Sausage, Buttered Pasta, Oven Browned

Potatoes, Eggplant Parmesan, Cauliflower Gumbo,Alfredo Sauce, Marinara Sauce, Garlic BreadFriday – Chicken Gumbo, Southern Style FriedCatfish, Chicken Cacciatore, German Griddle Cakes,Steamed Rice, Candied Sweet Potatoes, SouthernStyle Greens, Jalapeno Corn Bread

CHAPEL RELIGIOUS SERVICES

Roman CatholicSaturday

4:30 p.m. Confession5:30 p.m. Mass

Sunday8:45 a.m. Mass10:05 a.m. CCD

ProtestantSunday

9 a.m. Sunday School & AdultBible Fellowships

10:15 a.m. Non-DenominationalChristian Worship

11:45 a.m. Gospel Worship Service

Cooperative Chapel MinistriesWednesday

6:30 p.m. AWANA Children’sProgram

3rd Saturday8 a.m. Men’s Fellowship Breakfast

LAY LED RELIGIOUS SERVICES

JewishFriday

6 p.m. Shabbat Service

Seventh-Day Adventist2nd & 4th Saturday

9:30 a.m. Sabbath School/Worship

EpiscopalSunday

7 p.m. Worship Service

Church of ChristSunday

10:30 a.m. Worship ServiceWednesday

7 p.m. Bible Study

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day SaintsWeekdays

6:30 a.m. SeminarySunday

1 a.m. Priesthood, Relief Society &Sunday School

3 p.m. Sacrament Meeting

OTHER SERVICES

IslamicFriday

12 p.m. Prayer

To confirm current schedule ofservices at the Marine MemorialChapel, call 253-3371.

Photos by Lance Cpl. Cristin K. Bartter

ABOVE: Matthew S. Dewitt cannonballs into the refreshing water at the Main Pool located across the street from Crossroads. TOP:Keiichiro Chida, a 6-year lifeguard, sits on post for the Main Pool. Each pool has a certified lifeguard watching the water.

LANCE CPL. CRISTIN K. BARTTER

Combat Correspondent

The steaming asphalt melts thebottoms of sneakers as the blazingsun scorches everything it touches.As the mercury rises in backyardthermometers, the same questionbounces around in every ones mind—when do the local pools open?

The two Station all-ranks pools areopening on May 28 for everyone tocannonball in.

The Club Iwakuni pool, which is 25meters long, is located behind theOfficers Club and the main pool, whichis 50 meters long, is located across thestreet from Crossroads.

Kids 10 to 15 years old must passthe Marine Corps Community ServicesAquatics swim test in order to enjoythe pools without a parent or guard-ian.

For children nine and under, if theypass the test, they must have a parentor guardian with them when entering

Summer begins with a splash at Iwakunithe poolfacilities butmay jump intothe pool ontheir own.

If anyoneunder the ageof 15 doesnot pass thetest, they arerequired tohave an adultwithin arms’reach while inthe water atall times.

There is apoolsidemenuavailable atthe ClubIwakunioasis. Water-lovers cansplash to their hearts’ content andthen call the club to place an order

that will bedelivered tothem. Forthe mainpool,patronsmust bringin their ownfood.

Eachpool has adesignatedeating area.If hungry foran indoormeal,rememberthat aswimsuit,towel andfloatie arenot a goodcombinationfor proper

civilian attire.“Don’t forget to bring sunscreen

and sunglasses,” said Kari Hemund,MCCS IronWorks Gym aquaticsdirector. “And keep in mind that thepools are dry when it comes toalcohol.”

During the opening weekend, themain pool, behind Crossroads, will beopen from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday,Sunday and Monday.

The E-Club pool, behind theOfficers club, will be open from 11 a.m.to 9 p.m.

The 50-meter main pool hours forMondays, Wednesdays and Fridays,are from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Tues-days and Thursdays it is open from 11a.m. to 8 p.m. On Saturdays, Sundaysand holidays it is open from noon to 6p.m.

The 25-meter E-Club pool hours onMondays, Wednesdays and Fridays,are from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. On Tuesdaysand Thursdays it is open from 11 a.m.to 6 p.m. On Saturdays, Sundays andholidays the pool is open from 11 a.m.to 9 p.m.

PAGE 12 SPORTSTORII TELLER, MAY 27, 2005

Marines get kick out of Muay Thai exhibitoncans to their feet as theycheered the Muay Thaiwarriors.

The final fight of thenight was the only match thatdid not end in a knock out.

Punishing his opponentwith his quick fists for fivethree-minute rounds,Dounudorn So-Somporn wasunanimously named the victorby the on-looking judges.

“The last match was thebest,” said Smith. “Half of thepeople at my table wererooting for the guy in the redtrunks, and the other half wasgoing for the guy in the blue.That fight was a lot of fun towatch.”

When the final fight ofthe night was finished, it wasthe American’s turn to getcompetitive and try their handin the Arm Wrestling Competi-tion.

“During the Arm Wres-tling Competition, theMarines got very vocalshowing their enthusiasticsupport of their unit favor-

ites,” said Jay Stovall, SMP coordinator. “I wasquite surprised how some of the smaller-lookingMarines did extremely well against the biggerweight-lifting types. The winner looked like a lean,fighting machine,” said Stovall referring to thewinner of the contest, Cpl. Boyd Wolff, MarineAviation Logistics Squadron 12 ordnance techni-cian. At the end of the night, all the Muay Thaispectators moved to the lobby of the Hotel andbegan telling stories of the night’s fights.

“The combination of a foreign audience, the waythe Marines were cheering and possibly the airconditioning really motivated the fighters,” saidStovall. “The fighters wanted to put on a goodshow for us, and they did. This was the first time inmore than 100 Muay Thai shows I’ve seen, wherealmost all the matches ended in knockouts. It wasincredible.”

STORY AND PHOTOS BY

LANCE CPL. LUKAS J. BLOM

Combat Correspondent

ROYAL THAI AIR STATION, UDON THANI,Thailand — More than 100 Marines and sailors withthe 1st Marine Aircraft Wing were treated to aspectacle, courtesy of the Single Marine Program,which has been a part of Thai culture for more than1,000 years at the Napali Hotel here, May 15.

Muay Thai is a form of martial arts that combinesgrace, agility and power. It was developed by theancestors of the Thai people and has continued tobe an essential piece of their culture to this day.Muay Thai is more than just a fighting technique, it

ABOVE: Yodying Singnawa, red trunks,defends himself with a knee to the body ofSuperman Sosomporn, blue trunks, duringthe Muay Thai fights at the Napali Hotelcoordinated by the Single Marine Program.RIGHT: Pongpisit Thipsahapamya, bluetrunks, sends Machechai So-Somporn intothe ropes with a knee to the chin during thedemonstration fight of the way Muay Thaiwas practiced by their ancestors.

Pongpisit Thipsahapamya, bluetrunks, and Machechai So-Somporn,red trunks, are entranced in focusduring an ancient Muay Thai ritual.Before each match the fightersexecute a dance to show respect totheir teachers and each other.

involves many rituals andtraditions older thanThailand.

The evening began withtwo Muay Thai fightersstaging a demonstration ofhow traditional Muay Thaiwas practiced by theirancestors. Without thesafety of boxing gloves or areferee to control the match,the acrobatic display kickedoff with the two fightersreacting to each other’smovements as if captivatedin an elegant yet violentdance.

“The first match wasawesome, even though itwasn’t a real fight,” saidPetty Officer 3rd ClassFrankie K. Smith, MarineFighter Attack Squadron 121hospital corpsman. “Theywere both very fast andextremely fit. They knewexactly what each other wasdoing. I was very im-pressed.”

Although the first matchwas staged, the eagerservice members did not have to wait long to see thereal capabilities of trained Muay Thai fighters.

The first real fight of the night pitted 17-year-oldYodying Singnawa against 18-year-old SupermanSosomporn. Throughout the first three rounds, thetwo fighters traded kicks, punches, and throwsneither able to gain a significant edge on the other.When the bell rang beginning the fourth round,Superman stormed his opponent unleashing adevastating series of knee strikes to the opponent’sbody. Taking a step back and then unloading a kickto his opponent’s chin, Superman sent his chal-lenger to the canvas unconscious.

The loud applause of the foreign audiencebrought a smile to Superman’s face as the refereeraised his arm signifying his victory.

The following three fights ended in the samefashion as the first, knock out, bringing the Ameri-