iii marine expeditionary force and marine corps bases japan

october 16, 2009 www.okinawa.usmc.mil

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MARINE CORPS FORCES JAPAN COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN ‘09• The goal is 100 percent unit member contact• As of Monday, 246 unit members were contacted, approximately 1.7 percent of the total personnel goal.

Love of game crosses cultural barrier, builds bondsMarines, local nationals live different cultures but play same game.PG. 12

Lance Cpl. Justin R. Wheelerokinawa marine staff

CAMP FOSTER — Domestic violence is a major problem that exists within all communities, including military communities, say victim advocates here.

Reports of domestic violence have increased in 2009, but millions more remain unreported every year, according to the U.S. Department of Justice Web site.

October is Domestic Abuse Awareness Month, and counselors and victim advocates with Marine Corps Community Service's Counseling and Advocacy Program on Camp Foster are spreading the word about domestic violence and how to get help on Okinawa.

The counselors and victim advocates work year-round to spread this message and work that much harder during October to educate people about the issue, counselors said.

Intimidation or emotional, psychological or physical abuse of one intimate partner against another to gain financial control or interference

Assistance available for domestic abuse victims

see AWARE pg �

Lance Cpl. Dengrier M. Baezokinawa marine staff

CAMP FOSTER — More than 100 Okinawa-based service members and one child realized their dreams of becoming American citizens during a naturalization ceremony at the Camp Foster Theater Oct. 2.

The troops came from all four services and 20 countries including Haiti, Russia, Romania, Vietnam, China, South Africa, Mexico and the Republic of the Philippines.

The youngest new citizen was four and the oldest 44.

Each new American traveled a different path to citizenship. Lance Cpl. Lorena Salamea's path started in Cuenca, Ecuador.

The administrative clerk with In-

stallation Personnel Administration Center, Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, remembers her country of birth vividly. Ecuador's beautiful his-torical sites, rivers and forests are still embedded in her mind, she said.

The difficult memories of life in Ecuador are also embedded in her brain, Salamea, 19, said.

“Life was not easy for my family. We would move constantly looking for a lifestyle with more stability,” Sal-amea said. “The country’s economy was not at its best, and that brought along a lack of job opportunities for struggling families.”

Her grandfather, a U.S. citizen since 1996, persuaded his daughter, Salamea’s mother, to come to the

Troops attain American dream

Danica Grace, 3, stands beside a pile of trash accumulated on her street in Barangay Olandes, Marikina City, Manila, Republic of the Philippines. The debris is being removed by the combined efforts of the Philippine and U.S. military working in conjunction with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Ketsana. Marines and sailors are also providing humanitarian aid and disaster relief in Indonesia, which was struck by a 7.6 magnitude earthquake. SEE STORY AND PHOTOS ON PAGES 6-7 Photo by Lance Cpl. Stefanie C. Pupkiewicz

U.s. troops provide relief in Philippines, Indonesia

1.7%

see CITIZEN pg �

�

LIVEALance Cpl. Dengrier M. Baez

veryone has dreams and aspirations, but sometimes obstacles make it harder to achieve your dreams.

As an immigrant to the United States, you are pretty much an out-

sider, and labeled an alien.And, that’s pretty much how you feel being

in a new country.Imagine coming into a culture and

a language of which you are completely oblivious:

The food tastes different, the climate is different, people wear unfamiliar clothing and you don’t understand your new friends’ conversations.

That was how I felt as a young child migrating to the United States from the Dominican Republic.

At first, I didn’t understand what was go-ing on around me, but I observed and learned everything at a rapid pace. There was no other choice.

I relied on friends and family for most of my needs. They helped me with things like boarding a bus in the Bronx to attend school in Manhattan, New York, or simply ordering at a restaurant.

I learned the language quickly and adapted to my surroundings as I grew up. Being placed in an all-English class where only some kids spoke Spanish seemed harsh, but I took to the new language rapidly. Within a couple of months I was able to go to the store and buy an item with ease and even order my own meal.

As a child, it was easier for me to adapt, but imagine how hard it is for an adult who has left everything and everyone behind to find a better life in a different land. It’s not easy. People take for granted what they’ve always had and for which they’ve never struggled.

And then there are people who live their lives in the shadows, afraid of what might happen to them if they were found to be in

this country illegally. Some of those people work two or more jobs at minimum wage with no benefits because they don’t have proper documentation.

Lucky ones like me get the opportunity to be a legitimate citizen through the long, strenuous immigration process. Until that happens, the fact is you are not an American citizen.

The naturalization process is the ultimate step to achieving your dream. The realization of that dream means having the same rights and opportunities as an American-born citi-zen, rights like voting, bearing arms, social security benefits, health care and retirement benefits.

Becoming a naturalized citizen is not as

easy to do as it may sound. Immigration regu-lations require applicants to live a certain number of years in the states and there are other requirements that must be fulfilled for naturalization.

Depending on an immigrant’s legal status, it could take three to five years, and you must speak the English language fluently. Candi-dates have to pass a civics test as well.

Serving in the military can speed up this process to just a year instead of five, which is more convenient.

However, the question is: Are you willing to give your life for a dream?

A lot of service members seem to think the possible sacrifice is worth being an American citizen.

I think it’s worth it, and I’m fight-ing to defend what I’ve come to regard as my country.

I’m not saying everyone feels the same way I do, but there has to be some sense of pride that you can raise your right hand and swear to the American flag that you will “defend the nation against all enemies, foreign and domestic.”

To me, the concept of serving America, even before you are officially an American citizen is best summed up by former President John F. Kennedy when he said “And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.”

Baez is a combat correspondent with the Okinawa Marine.

okinawa marine | OPInIOn & edITORIAL | october 16, 2009

The Okinawa Marine is published by Marine Corps Community Services under exclusive written contract with Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler, Okinawa, Japan.

The editorial content of this newspaper is edited and approved by the Consolidated Public Affairs Office of Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler.

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The appearance of advertising in this newspaper, including inserts of supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense,

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Central BureauCamp Foster

DSN 645-7422

northern BureauCamp HansenDSN 623-4054

Commanding general Maj. Gen. Mary Ann Krusa-Dossin

puBliC affairs direCtor Lt. Col. Douglas M. Powell

press offiCer 2nd Lt. Jordan R. Cochran

press Chief Gunnery Sgt. Cindy Fisher

design editor Audra A. Satterlee

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Q:A:

fAct check

As a foreign-born service member, when can I start the application process to become a naturalized American citizen?

According to the Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 329, military members who serve during times of war are eligible to apply for naturalization after one day of honorable service. This applies to service members who served at least one day on or after Sept. 11, 2001, as stated in Executive Order Number 13269 signed July 2, 2002. INA Section 329 also applies to those who served during World Wars I and II, the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts and Operations Desert Shield or Storm. If already discharged from the Armed Services, you must show Form DD 214 with honorable or general discharge specification.

NaturalizatioN ProCESS

EdIToRIAl People take for granted what they’ve always had and for

which they’ve never struggled.

”“

Journey to merican DreamE

�okinawa marine | neWs | october 16, 2009

merican Dream CAMP DWYER, Helmand province, Afghanistan — The Marines of Regimental Combat Team 3’s Mine-Re-sistant Ambush Protected Vehicle Company, parts of the regiment’s headquarters and Afghan National Army soldiers conducted Operation Gator Crawl – a rolling convoy patrol in areas near Camp Dwyer Sept. 23-25.

Operation Gator Crawl al-lowed Marines and ANA sol-diers to tour villages in Nawa District where NATO and Afghan government forces had not visited in years. The operation was a chance to gain understanding of an area about which little was known and to interact positively with the people living there, Ma-rine leaders said.

MRAP Co. often conducts patrols on its own, but for this mission, it had additional support from civil affairs, intelligence, a female en-gagement team and an ANA detachment. The patrol was broken into smaller sections, allowing the force to operate over a greater distance and interact in different villages simultaneously.

“Our mission during this operation was to provide se-curity,” said Staff Sgt. Justin Andrew Park, section leader with MRAP Co.

Marines talked with the locals and assured them, they and the ANA were there to provide security and assis-tance, Parks said.

A s Ma r i nes pat rol led through villages, they spoke with local men and women to determine the local populace’s concerns. They learned that

clean water and education head the list of concerns.

“We were there to do sev-eral different things,” said Lt.Col. Leonard J. DeFran-cisci, 4th Civil Affairs Group detachment commander. CAG Marines worked to establish relationships with locals, identify key village leaders and research which issues, such as education, security or clean water, most concerned locals.

The operation was also intended to bolster the image and confidence of the ANA, according to DeFrancisci. To reinforce this, Afghan sol-diers distributed supplies to locals, he said.

To further bolster confidence in the ANA, when Marines, ANA and attached personnel planned to spend the night in an abandoned compound, nearby village elders spoke with the ANA about moving the camp site to a location fur-ther from the village.

DeFrancisci said, “We could have stepped in, but we want-ed it to be an Afghan answer

to an Afghan problem.”The convoy did face one

challenge as it departed the area to return to Camp Dw-yer. Insurgents opened fire with AK-47s on what they thought was only a small group of Marines on one side of the last village the convoy visited.

“I heard a couple of pops, and at first I thought it was just some of the local kids playing,” said Cpl. Justin Lee Lail, an MRAP Co. vehicle commander.

“Then I heard the pops again, and that is when I real-ized it was small arms fire,” he said.

Within seconds, two other MRAPs and more Marines rounded a corner to add their firepower to the fight. Two of the insurgents were observed running away and one was killed. No friendly forces or civilians were hurt.

“The reason the movement to fire went so well is because of small unit leadership,” Lail said. “I couldn’t be more proud of them.”

marines, Afghan soldiers conduct Operation Gator Crawl

Mine Resistant Ambush Protective Vehicle Company, Regimental Combat Team 3, forms a circle so MRAP Co. Marines can rest Sept. 23 in Helmand province, Afghanistan. Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Christopher A. Davis

Cpl. Joseph Leffer with Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle Company, Regimental Combat Team 3, helps hold rear security with his shadow, an Afghan National Army soldier, Sept. 23 during Operation Gator Crawl in Helmand province, Afghanistan. Photo by Cpl. Daniel A. Flynn

An Afghan National Army soldier, right, speaks with the elder of one of the villages near Camp Dwyer, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Sept. 23 during Operation Gator Crawl. Photo by Cpl. Daniel A. Flynn

Cpl. Daniel A. Flynnregimental combat team 3

�

Pfc. Aaron D. Hostutlerokinawa marine staff

CAMP FOSTER — The Ameri-can Red Cross on Okinawa is always looking for a few good volunteers, according to Red Cross officials here.

The American Red Cross, which was founded in 1881 by Clara Barton, has been one of the nation’s leading emergency response organizations dedicat-ed to providing relief to victims of disaster and emergencies. It branches out from U.S. borders to locations where U.S. military personnel are stationed around the world including Okinawa. But no matter where the loca-tion, the American Red Cross is run almost entirely by vol-unteers.

“What we do here couldn’t be done without the hard work of volunteers,” said Michelle Mays, the senior station man-ager for the Red Cross on Camp Foster. “They are the ones who enable all of our programs to take place.”

The Red Cross has several volunteer opportunities for Ma-rines and sailors who want to make a difference, she said.

“There are so many ways to make a contribution,” said Mays, who has worked with the Red Cross for more than 14 years.

“Some people want to work with their hands and stay as far away from a desk as possible. Others work really well with computers and want to help out that way. No matter what a person’s specialty may be, we can find something for anyone,” she said.

One opportunity is the Disas-ter Action Team, a team that re-sponds to local disasters such as typhoons or fires. Free training is available for anyone interested in being a part of the team.

“It gives you a break from your typical duties, but you get a real sense of helping out,” said Sgt. Alvin Magneson, an aviation communication system technician with Marine Air Support Squadron 2, Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Ma-rine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and a DAT volunteer.

Another opportunity is cer-tification as a health and safety instructor, to teach people valu-able skills including cardiopul-monary resuscitation, pet first aid and the use of an automated external defibrillator, a medical tool used to repair irregular heart beats.

“You’re basically teaching people to save lives,” Mays said. “You never know when someone is going to pass out at

the commissary or an accident will happen right in front of you on Highway 58. The Red Cross focuses on preparedness. You never know when the knowl-edge will be useful, but it’s best to always be ready.”

Other volunteer opportuni-ties include helping at the U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa and Department of Defense Depen-dent Schools.

“It can be a lot of fun,” said Magneson. “You get to meet a lot of different people, do a lot of different things and see a lot of different events. I enjoy it every time I go out."

Volunteering also benefits the volunteer in other ways.

Volunteers gain valuable job experience in several different areas and recognition for time spent volunteering and also develop a sense of pride for their efforts, Mays said.

“A main benefit I have no-ticed is a sense of satisfaction in knowing you are part of some-thing bigger than yourself,” Mays said.

Volunteer orientations are hosted the first Tuesday of each month at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. and every third Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the American Red Cross on Camp Foster.

For more information, call 645-3800.

Camp Courtney Christmas festivalThe Camp Courtney Christmas Festival

game and food booth drawing scheduled for Oct. 8 was changed to 9 a.m. on Oct. 29 at the Awase Meadows Restaurant.

For more information, call 645-5828.

patriot express route ChangesSpace A is no longer available on the

Patriot Express from Okinawa to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni. There are now two Patriot Express routes:

The Okinawa route originates in Seattle, stops in Anchorage, Alaska, and Yokota, Japan, then lands on Kadena Air Base, Okinawa at noon on Fridays. It departs the same day back to Yokota and Anchorage and lands in Seattle at 4:45 p.m. on Fridays with the time difference.

The mainland route originates in Seattle, stops in Anchorage, Misawa, Japan, and Yokota, then lands at MCAS Iwakuni at 3:45 p.m. on Mondays. It departs the next morning at 6:30 a.m. back to Yokota, Misawa and Anchorage then lands in Seattle.

volunteers needed at Camp hansen usoCamp Hansen United Service

Organizations is looking for volunteers to help with the following events:

Volunteers are needed to dress up in Halloween costumes and give away candy to Kin City children Oct. 30 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Those interested should meet at 1 p.m. Oct. 19 at the Camp Hansen USO for more information.

Volunteers are also needed to help serve food at the Thanksgiving meal Nov. 25 and Christmas meal Dec. 25. Those interested should meet at 1 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Camp Hansen USO for more details.

foster fright night trunk-or-treatCelebrate Halloween by participating

in Trunk-or-Treat Oct. 30 at building 5965 near Gunner's Gym on Camp Foster. Volunteers are needed to decorate their vehicles, and prizes will be awarded for the top three best decorated vehicles. The event is open to all Status of Forces Agreement personnel. Volunteers must register by Oct. 24.

Group and individual volunteers are needed for the Haunted House. For more information, call 645-7317.

afn has new satellite radio stationsFour new Armed Forces Network satel-

lite radio services are now available: Grav-ity, featuring rhythmic/contemporary hits; Drive-FX, featuring trance/techno music; Jack FM, featuring a mix of 70s, 80 and 90s hits; and Classic Rock, featuring American and British hard and progressive rock hits from the early 60s to 80s. Gravity will also feature “The Kidd Kraddick Show.”

All AFN services are available to listen-ers using an AFN decoder and satellite dish. Music from the stations will be fea-tured on the local AFN station, Wave 89.1.

okinawa marine | neWs | october 16, 2009

TO SUBMIT A BRIEF, send an e-mail to okinawamarine.mcbb.fct@usmc.mil, or fax your request to 645-3803. The deadline for submitting a brief is noon every Friday. The Okinawa Marine reserves the right to edit all submitted material.

briefs

Lance Cpl. Jeffrey Corderookinawa marine staff

CAMP FOSTER — The Chaplain of the Marine Corps visited with chaplains and religious pro-gram specialists on Okinawa during his first tour of Okinawa as the Corps' top chaplain Sept. 29.

Rear Adm. Mark L. Tidd, Chaplain of the Ma-rine Corps and deputy chief of Navy Chaplains, visited Marines, sailors, soldiers and airmen, but mainly focused on religious program personnel. He discussed his philosophies on providing re-ligious ministry to service members and shared some of his field experiences.

Tidd, who said he was last in Okinawa serving as a chaplain on Camp Schwab 20 years ago, also traveled to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Naval Air Facility Atsugi and Yokosuka Naval Base on mainland Japan, where he spent the last days of his trip.

Tidd talked with religious program personnel about the importance of being the only spiritual representative for a unit.

He told them it is important for them to re-main healthy and maintain physical and mental preparedness because at any point they must be ready to handle any situation a fellow service member has and provide the proper spiritual guidance to help them.

“We are a very important part of the Marines and sailors we are attached to,” Tidd said in his speech.

In the end, Tidd thanked the sailors for their continued service and assured the sailors they are making a difference for the better.

“We have been doing a great job,” Tidd said. “Let’s focus on maintaining the things we are doing rather than changing them.”

Corps' top chaplain visits Okinawa

Rear Adm. Mark Tidd, middle, Chaplain of the Marine Corps and deputy chief of Navy Chaplains, talks with Navy Lt. Jeff Perry, left, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler chaplain, and Navy Lt. Dan Vanbrunt, chaplain for 3rd Combat Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group. Tidd visited Okinawa to speak to religious program personnel about his philosophies in providing religious ministry to service members. Photo by Lance Cpl. Jeffrey Cordero

marines can make difference via Red Cross

�okinawa marine | neWs | october 16, 2009

with personal liberty is considered domestic violence, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

These behaviors are chargeable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Service mem-bers accused of abusing families can be charged with a multitude of articles, including Articles 134, the general article, and 128, assault.

Because physical abuse is the abuse that grabs the spotlight, emotional abuse is often overlooked, said Nicole Morrill, family advo-cacy case manager, Counseling and Advocacy Program on Camp Foster.

Emotional abuse can include withholding a spouse’s identification cards or restricting the spouse’s access to places on or off base. These actions force a spouse’s isolation, said Morrill. Help is available for victims on Okinawa, she said.

Victims have the option of making restricted or unrestricted reports, said Morrill.

With restricted reports, victims contact a victim advocate at Camp Foster by calling 645-2915. Victims can also make restricted reports when calling the Provost Marshal’s Office by requesting to speak to a victim advocate.

Victims can file unrestricted reports by informing their spouses’ command or by con-tacting PMO.

With restricted reports, no official complaint is filed against the abusive spouse, law enforce-ment is not involved and the chain of command is not informed. This type of report allows victims to get the medical and psychological help they need, but it also means there are no repercussions for the offender, Morrill said.

Unrestricted reports are just that, unre-stricted. The abusive spouse’s chain of com-mand is informed, and law enforcement may be involved, Morrill said. Unrestricted reporting ensures victims get the help they need and holds abusers legally responsible for their actions.

Cases in which child abuse is suspected and cases reported by a witnessing third party are always considered unrestricted reports.

For cases in which abuse cannot be substan-tiated, the investigation is closed and suspects are not punished, said Yemanja Krasnow, a prevention specialist at the Counseling and Advocacy Program.

Regardless of the outcome of an investiga-tion, counseling is still offered to the victims,

so victims should not fear the reporting process, she said.

“People feel like our intervening hurts their family, but not doing anything about it is far worse,” said Morrill.

Service members who are the victims of do-mestic abuse also have the option of contacting their unit’s uniformed victim advocate. These advocates perform the same functions as a ci-vilian victim advocate, but are also active duty Marines or sailors who can relate to a service member from a military perspective.

The services offered by counseling and ad-vocacy victim advocates include healthy think-ing groups, couples communication groups, nurturing parenting groups, women’s educa-tion groups, sexual assault support groups, Japanese spouses support groups, separate domestic violence intervention programs for men and women and individual and marriage counseling, all of which can be accessed by speaking with a victim advocate.

Victims are not the only ones who can report domestic violence, advocates said.

Those in uniform or employed by the De-partment of Defense who witness domestic violence are mandated to report the incident, Krasnow said. In addition to reporting the incident, witnesses should direct victims to speak to local domestic violence advocates and seek immediate help, she said. The com-munity needs to recognize domestic violence as everyone’s business. It’s not just a “family matter,” said Krasnow.

If a couple separates because of domestic abuse, the dependant spouse, if no longer under Status of Forces Agreement, is returned to the states by the active duty spouse’s command.

“The command is responsible for that spouse,” said Morrill. “The command will work with the spouse to ensure they return safely to their home of record.”

Domestic violence affects everyone, Kras-now said. “The cycle of violence is not limited to a single relationship, but travels from one relationship to the next, from one generation to the next,” said Krasnow. “It is a problem that requires a total community response.

“By working as a community, we can hope-fully eradicate this problem,” she added.

To report domestic abuse or to get help, call the Counseling and Advocacy Program at 645-2915.

AWARE from pg 1United States with her family for the promise of living the American dream, she said. Salamea and her family moved to Queens, New York, where a large Hispanic community resides, when she was 16 years old.

“My first impression of New York was that people were always busy and weren’t kind, unlike the people in my native city,” said Salamea. “And the language was really difficult to learn.”

In the beginning, Salamea said it was difficult adjusting to the hectic city, but high school teachers, friends and two American-born cousins helped.

“My two cousins were a lot of help to me, from the language to proper clothes to wear and even managing myself in the city,” Salamea added.

Salamea adjusted to life in America and after high school had to decide what to do with her life. She said her life decisions always included how she could help her family.

“My family has done a lot for me, and I just wanted to give some of it back to them," she said. "I want to help my father especially, who is not in the best of times right now.”

Although her father and mother divorced early in her life, both made her the person she is today, she said. Salamea saw joining the military as an opportunity to help her family and make them proud, she said. She thought of the Army, but never even talked to an Army recruiter because her attention was caught by a Marine Corps re-cruiting poster featuring a Marine wearing dress blues. So she talked with a Marine recruiter and was inspired by that recruiter, also a woman of Ecuadorian descent. It cemented her decision to join the Corps, she said.

“My mother said to me on graduation day in Par-ris Island that she always pictured me as her little girl, but now I was more than that. I was a Marine,” Salamea said. “She was so proud of me that she was crying when she saw me in my uniform, and I couldn’t resist. I started to cry as well.”

Now that Salamea is a U.S. citizen, she has gained some new rights, she said. She can vote and obtain a higher security clearance, which will allow her more opportunities to deploy and take on higher bil-lets in her occupation. But she plans on maintaining dual citizenship, she said.

“I’m proud to be a Marine serving my country, and I’m proud to be Ecuadorian,” she added. “I want to give back to the nation that has done so much for me. I’m fighting for this nation, so I wanted to represent it well as an American citizen.”

CITIZEN from pg 1

Brig. Gen. James B. Laster, second from left, commanding general of 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, salutes morning colors during a formation at the 3rd MarDiv morning colors formation Oct. 1 at the division headquarters building on Camp Courtney. After morning colors, the general promoted the division chaplain, presented medals and recognized 3rd MarDiv's Marine and Sailor of the Quarter. The general plans to hold a morning colors formation monthly, schedule permitting, to recognize the accomplishments of his Marines. Laster took command of 3rd MarDiv Aug. 20. Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Cindy Fisher

�rd mardiv general holds first monthly formation

�

Navy Lt. Mike Moreyamphibious force 7th fleet

Relief efforts in West Sumatra prov-ince of Indonesia continue after a 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the

region Sept. 30.The Indonesian government requested

U.S. assistance with humanitarian efforts following the earthquake which killed more than 750 people, collapsed thousands of buildings and triggered landslides that en-gulfed entire villages and destroyed roads.

The USS Denver with embarked elements of the 31st MEU was diverted from the Phil-ippines and arrived offshore of West Sumatra Oct. 9 along with the Navy destroyer USS McCampbell.

Within hours, helicopters from both ships began flying emergency supplies to remote areas of Western Sumatra. In coordination with USAID, Marine Corps CH-53E helicop-ters delivered more than 9,000 pounds of relief supplies to the remote mountain village of Koto Tingii.

Close coordination is taking place be-tween U.S. military officials, the Indonesian Armed Forces, USAID and local leaders to schedule military airlift and apply other military capabilities.

By Saturday, Marines assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265 Rein-forced, 31st MEU, had transported about 4,500 lbs of rice, 4,000 pounds of engineering equipment and 9,000 lbs of relief supplies to drop points near affected areas, according to USS Denver officials.

Navy helicopters also provided airlift for USAID officials to survey outlying areas that

Lance Cpl. Abigail M. Whartoniii marine expeditionary force

Since Oct. 1, Marines and sailors with III Marine Expeditionary Force and ships carrying the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit have worked

with their counterparts in the Armed Forces of the Philippines to assess damaged areas, clear road ways, deliver relief supplies and provide medical aid to victims of Tropical Storm Ketsana which struck the region Sept. 26. Early efforts focused on flooded areas in and around the republic’s capital city of Manila.

U.S. relief efforts moved to East and West Panga-sinan, hours north of Manila, when the Philippine government requested additional assistance after Ty-phoon Parma made landfall Oct. 3 causing mud slides and additional flooding.

USS Harpers Ferry and USS Tortuga moved from Subic Bay to the Lingayen Bay Oct. 9 to assist in relief planning and provide ship-to-shore rescue operations.

Some flooding of the northern Philippine areas was caused as water was released from reservoirs above dams in the rainfall of Typhoon Parma.

“In the aftermath of flooding from the release of reservoir water to overt the catastrophe of breaking dams, the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade relocat-ed and commenced operations to provide emergency rescue capabilities and support the Armed Forces of the Philippines Friday,” said Brig. Gen. Mark A. Brila-kis, commander of the 3rd MEB, III MEF. “Addition-ally, we flew reconnaissance missions to ascertain the extent of destruction and flooding in able to formulate a plan of action.”

“Most importantly, we and the AFP established a Combined Coordination Cell at Camp Servillano Aquino in Tarlac City, the headquarters of AFP north-ern command,” Brilakis added.

“Since we don’t have identical procedures, this facilitates coordination and interoperability,” said Col. Roldolfo Santiago, head of the Armed Forces of the Philippines CCC site.

“The current task is to assess sites to conduct a medical relief program to (serve) those requiring im-mediate medical attention,” Santiago said.

“The mission will require unique support from both land and sea,” said U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Raphael Hernandez, operations officer for Humanitarian As-sistance and Disaster Relief, CCC.

The combined capabilities of the Landing Craft Air Cushioned of Amphibious Squadron 11, Expeditionary Strike Group 7, Commander Task Force 76, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s CH-46 Sea Knight he-licopters will provide a significant positive impact in rescue operations, Hernandez said.

Several teams of AFP troops and U.S. Marines have surveyed areas near Lingayen Bay for medical, transportation and engineering problems.

“The general assessment of both sides is that there can only be limited engineering intervention, but we will deploy our assets as needed,” Santiago said.

Relief efforts continue but the storms have left damage in terms of human pain and suffering that cannot be measured, said U.S. Marine officials.

“This was horrible,” Brilakis said. “Combined effects of the hurricane and typhoon can be mea-sured in pesos, man hours and relief goods, but the misery it has brought to the Filipino people is incalculable. However, the spirit of the (Filipino) people and their ability to smile in the face of such adversity has been incredible for me to witness.

“The cooperation and professionalism of the AFP has been superb,” Brilakis said. “III MEB could not conduct such quick and effective missions as it does without the AFP. From private to general officer, they have proven to be great partners and professionals.”

In northern area relief efforts, Marines and sail-ors convoyed by vehicle about 33.5 tons of food, and 2,000 sacks of clothing to Lingayen, Pangasinan province, Sunday. Additionally, Marine helicop-ters delivered 18,500 pounds of relief supplies to northern Luzon. Marines and sailors also provided medical aid to 1,340 patients and dental aid to 37 in Pangasinan province Sunday.

In last week’s metro Manila relief efforts, Ma-rines and sailors delivered more than 39,000 food packages, 2,900 boxes of cloths, 650 cases of water and 1,000 blankets. Additionally, 8,850 individuals received medical care and 357 received dental care.

U.S. military helicopters flew more than 85 sorties and delivered more than 61,000 pounds of cargo. Marines and sailors also helped remove more than 1,385 cubic meters of debris, clearing 2,650 meters of road.

okinawa marine | FeATURe | october 16, 2009

U.S. troops provide aid in aftermath of natural disasters

West Sumatra province, Indonesia

Republic of the Philippines

A U.S. Marine Corps bulldozer backs away after depositing a load of debris in Barangay Olandes, Marikina City, Manila in the Republic of the Philippines Oct. 7. The debris was left from floods that swept through the area after Tropical Storm Ketsana. Photo by Lance Cpl. Stefanie C. Pupkiewicz

Maj. Resty Tablico, left, operations officer for 51st Engineer Brigade, Armed Forces of the Philippines Army, speaks to a barangay leader with the support of 1st Lt. Joshua McIlvoy, right, with 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, III Marine Expeditionary Force, in the Republic of the Philippines Oct. 5. Photo by Lance Cpl. Stefanie C. Pupkiewicz

More than 2,000 Okinawa-based Marines and sailors are providing aid to people in the Republic of the Philippines, in the aftermath of storms that flooded areas of the country Sept. 26 and Oct. 3, and Indonesia, following a 7.6 magnitude earthquake that rocked the region Sept. 30.

7okinawa marine | FeATURe | october 16, 2009

U.S. troops provide aid in aftermath of natural disasters

West Sumatra province, Indonesiahave been difficult or impossible to reach since the earthquake.

“These helicopters are a key enabler of the relief effort,” said Rear Adm. Richard Landolt, Commander, Amphibious Force, 7th Fleet, Expeditionary Strike Group Seven. “Our In-donesian hosts have been appreciative of the U.S. military’s flexibility, and our willingness to help in any way. We are working closely with the Indonesians, the State Department and non-governmental organizations to maxi-mize the assets we have among us."

Throughout Saturday, helicopters, includ-ing Navy SH-6B Seahawks of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light 51, Commander, Naval Forces Japan, based at Naval Air Facil-ity Atsugi, aboard USS McCampbell, flew supplies and surveyors from international aid agencies into remote areas to complete relief assessments.

Amphibious Force 7th Fleet is responsible for all aspects of the U.S. military’s partici-pation in the relief efforts, which currently includes two Navy ships; a U.S. Air Force humanitarian assistance rapid response team mobile hospital, which has treated more than 400 patients in its first three days of opera-tion; and elements of the 353rd Special Opera-tions Group, Air Force Special Operations Group, based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan.

It’s a deeply felt mission, said Air Force Capt. Tony Truong, a physician with Special Operations Group 353.

“The earthquake that went though Indone-sia touches everyone worldwide,” said Truong.

“In conjunction with the Indonesians, we’re here to help as many as we can in the areas that need it most,” he said.

Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit return to the USS Denver Oct. 9 from the first of many flights in support of humanitarian relief efforts in the West Sumatra province, Indonesia, after an earthquake rocked the region. The MEU Marines are using CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters to assist the Indonesian government in heavy-lift operations. Photo by Sgt. Rodolfo Toro

Maj. Resty Tablico, left, operations officer for 51st Engineer Brigade, Armed Forces of the Philippines Army, speaks to a barangay leader with the support of 1st Lt. Joshua McIlvoy, right, with 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, III Marine Expeditionary Force, in the Republic of the Philippines Oct. 5. Photo by Lance Cpl. Stefanie C. Pupkiewicz

Air Force Capt. Tony Truong, assigned to the 353 Special Operations Squadron, checks a child’s ears during a free visiting medical clinic Oct. 9 in West Sumatra province, Indonesia, following a 7.6 magnitude earthquake. U.S. and Indonesian military personnel are responding to a request from the Indonesian government for assistance and support for humanitarian efforts. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class

Byron C. Linder

U.S. Air Force personnel and U.S. Marines unload a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265 Reinforced, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, with relief supplies for remote areas of West Sumatra province, Indonesia, following an earthquake. Amphibious Force, 7th Fleet is directing the U.S. military response to after receiving a request from the Indonesian government for assistance and support for humanitarian efforts. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Byron C. Linder

More than 2,000 Okinawa-based Marines and sailors are providing aid to people in the Republic of the Philippines, in the aftermath of storms that flooded areas of the country Sept. 26 and Oct. 3, and Indonesia, following a 7.6 magnitude earthquake that rocked the region Sept. 30.

� okinawa marine | FeATURe | october 16, 2009

Story by Pfc. Jovane M. Hollandokinawa marine staff

More than 60,000 pairs of eyes and ears see or hear these troops’ work every day.

The Marines and airmen of Ameri-can Forces Network Okinawa are responsible for what is heard on Wave 89.1 FM and Surf 648 AM, the local AFN radio stations. These service members also produce the local news and command messages seen on the AFN-provided television channels.

AFN is a worldwide radio and televi-sion broadcast network that broadcasts command information and popular American radio and television pro-grams from the major U.S. networks. It serves American service members, Department of Defense civilians and their families stationed overseas.

AFN Okinawa has been provid-ing command information, military news and entertainment programming to Okinawa-based troops since May 17, 1945, said Air Force Master Sgt. Dorlinda A. Barker, AFN Okinawa’s affiliate superintendent.

The Okinawa affiliate of AFN serves an audience of about 60,000 service members, their families, civilians, contractors and retirees on 11 different military installations island-wide. The affiliate also has an audience within the local population, Barker said.

The Okinawa affiliate, located on Camp Foster’s Plaza Housing, is manned by 11 Marines, seven airmen and three local Japanese staff.

“Teamwork is a must with every-thing we do here,” said Cpl. Denmark Knapik-Christensen, an AFN-Okinawa broadcaster and the news department noncommissioned officer-in-charge.

Though broadcasters and support staff are from different services, the AFN affiliate is united to fulfill one mission, said Cpl. Daniel Malta, an AFN Okinawa broadcaster.

Malta said his "primary mission is to provide access for worldwide, regional and local command information spots.

Command information spots range from reminding service members to vote and promoting local command-sponsored recreation events to posting sea conditions and providing the yen (to dollar) rate and other important information.”

AFN Okinawa broadcasters said providing news and entertainment via radio and television can be extremely challenging at times.

“Trying to make everyone happy is the most challenging part,” said Cpl. Mandy “Mandy-at-the-Mic” Castillo, AFN Okinawa’s morning announcer and assistant radio department non-commissioned officer-in-charge. “We have a broad spectrum of viewers and listeners, from students to retired ser-vice members. Sometimes it’s hard to find a happy medium.”

Despite the challenges, the AFN group agreed being here definitely has its benefits.

“We have the opportunity to explore what we’re interested in,” said Lance Cpl. Michael Krysinski, an AFN Oki-nawa broadcaster. “We have the ability to experience all the units and their happenings in the Corps, and that’s what makes this job great.”

Just completing AFN Okinawa’s mission and keeping people informed is a validation in itself, said Knapik-Christensen.

“We are the voice of the command,” said Knapik-Christensen. “We are the immediate source on Okinawa for news, entertainment and information.”

Job satisfaction doesn’t come from just voicing command messages and providing radio entertainment, it comes from a genuine concern for the welfare of their audience, agreed AFN Okinawa staff.

“We want our viewers and listeners to know we’re here for them,” Krysinski said. “We want to tell their story and make sure they’re in-the-know about what’s happening at home.”

AFn is lifeline to information

Air Force Staff Sgt. Joe Woolston, radio department noncommissioned officer-in-charge, American Forces Network Okinawa, checks the white balance on a video camera at AFN's studio on Camp Foster's Plaza Housing. Photo by Lance Cpl. Paul D. Zellner II

Cpl. Denmark Knapik-Christensen, American Forces Network Okinawa’s news department noncommissioned officer-in-charge, monitors fellow news department broadcaster Cpl. Daniel Malta through the Globecaster, a machine used to observe material shot by broadcasters, at AFN Okinawa’s station at Camp Foster’s Plaza Housing. Knapik-Christensen said it is important for every Marine to be able to operate every piece of equipment. Photo by

Lance Cpl. Jovane Holland

Cpl. Daniel Malta, a news department broadcaster at American Forces Network Okinawa, speaks on camera for a news break spot at AFN Okinawa’s station on Camp Foster’s Plaza Housing. Photo by Lance Cpl. Jovane Holland

�okinawa marine | FeATURe | october 16, 2009

The Cleveland native, a combat photographer with Headquarters and

Service Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, is like any other hard-charging Marine.

Except Meitzer just released his first hip-hop album through his own label, Kiem Media, on an Internet music store and has air space on radio stations across the Pacific.

The album, "Chivary, Solem-inity, and other bad ideas," hit virtual shelves in July. Meitzer said he received positive feed-back from Okinawan and Fili-pino disk jockeys who played his music on their radio stations.

"I share store space with Beyonce; it's cool stuff," Meitzer joked.

Meitzer, or D'Meitz when on stage, started on his path of musical passion at an early age.

Meitzer's mother told him he used to take telephones off their cradles, wait until they started beeping and then start dancing.

"I've always been into mu-sic ... or just sound in general," Meitzer said.

Meitzer started free-style rapping in second grade, but his music took off during his teen-age years, which were punctu-ated with free-styling competi-tions in Cleveland, Detroit and New York.

Despite a promising career ahead of him, Meitzer said a matter of opinion is what landed him, then 20, in the Marine Corps almost three years ago.

"I wasn't in college, and I wanted to support the war" in the Middle East, Meitzer said. "I figured I should be doing some-thing about it."

His choice of service was easy."My grandfather was in the

Army during Korea," Meitzer explained. "He always held Marines in high esteem. So, one month after his death, I joined."

Meitzer's family legacy of military service continued with his father who served in the Navy during the Vietnam War.

"I figured, I'd try to one-up him," Meitzer added smiling.

Meitzer arrived at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Is-land, S.C., Feb. 12, 2007, exactly

one year after his grandfather's death.

But, Meitzer didn't want to quit his music career while serv-ing in the Corps.

Now, Meitzer's days start early since he has a little more on his plate than the average Marine.

Most of his label business takes place on the Internet, so he's up about 4:45 a.m. daily to check e-mail.

He takes care of any pressing paperwork after morning physi-cal training and during lunch.

Meitzer then spends evenings

writing lyrics and music for his second album, which he antici-pates releasing next July.

His days typically end be-tween 11 p.m. and 2 a.m.

"I essentially have no life, but I enjoy what I do very much," he emphasized.

His current album is a fu-sion of "acid-jazz, hip-hop and American folk," he said.

His lyrics have American folk stylings. The instrumental music relies heavily on small ensemble jazz influences, and the presentation of it all is in

hip-hop format, he explained."They are three American

elements put together as a way to reintroduce America to itself," he said.

Meitzer became attracted to hip-hop because he likes the "delivery, vocals, emotion and movement of the lyrics," he said.

"That's what I love about hip-hop," he explained. The lyrics "can be a clear thing, and then you can dissect it and find out what else they are talking about. It just resonated with me."

Meitzer said he has sacrificed more than sleep and free time

to achieve his dream.

His album and label require a constant flow of funding and pro-motions, and his success has so far

cost about $15,000. His business expenditures include computer and musical equipment, lawyer fees, studio time, clothing, adver-tising and entertaining potential business associates.

Though, news of his album is still fresh, and he hasn't broken even on his initial payout, over-coming these and other obstacles will be well worth it, he said.

"I wanted a legal way to protect and fully own myself and my mu-sic," he said. "I enjoy the freedom of controlling myself. I don't owe anybody any money and I have a

positive bank account."Meitzer said he has big plans

for his future, although he is taking it slow, at least for now.

"I would like my company to do more later on, but right now, it is solely D'Meitz," he said.

"I like the idea of slow, steady growth that can be managed," he added.

His immediate goals include selling 10,000 copies of his first album within a year and releas-ing his as-yet-unnamed second album in July 2010. He has already sold about 100 copies of the first album.

"Whatever you want to do, it can be done," he said, speaking to any Marines with dreams bigger than themselves. "Every-thing is easier than what most people think it is. Whatever your dream is, whatever your goal is—as long as you do what you love, that's success."

Meitzer is now stationed at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va.

arine BIG making itM on road to

ance Cpl. Derek Meitzer isn’t exactly singing the blues.

in musicCpl. Heather Goldenokinawa marine staff

L

Lance Cpl. Derek Meitzer, a combat photographer with Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, also called D'Meitz on stage, released his first hip hop album, "Chivalry, Solemnity, and other bad ideas," on an Internet music store in July. Photo courtesy of Lance Cpl. Derek Meitzer

I share store space with Beyonce; it's cool stuff.

- Lance Cpl. Derek Meitzer ”“

Lance Cpl. Derek Meitzer, a combat photographer with Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, performs during one of his last shows on Okinawa at Cotonoha ArtSpace Cafe Sept. 26. Photo courtesy of Lance Cpl. Derek Meitzer

10 okinawa marine | FeATURe | october 16, 2009

Lance Cpl. Abigail M. Whartonokinawa marine staff

The 4th Marine Regi-mental Schools on Camp Hansen offers

a pre-deployment training package to prepare Marines for the combat environment.

The three-week training package specifically benefits individual augments who are about to deploy with an-other unit, said Sgt. Anthony Moran, chief instructor, 4th MRS, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

“It can be difficult for the Marines, because they aren’t used to working together, so they have to learn that teamwork makes everything easier and then develop it,” Moran said.

On average, 4th MRS offers 8-10 training packages a year.

During the first week, Marines learn the laws of war, rules of engagement and basic combat aid and psychi-atric care.

The students also partici-

pate in Humvee Egress As-sistance Trailer training that uses a rolling simulation de-vice to train students to react calmly to a vehicle rollover.

Week two includes in-depth improvised explosive device training, marksman-ship, close-quarters battle techniques, conducting live fire with weapons at distanc-es of seven to 50 yards and firing medium machine guns.

During week three, Ma-rines practice close quarters battle techniques against mock aggressors with simulation rounds, convoy operations and setting up and working vehicle check-points.

Marines do receive basic training on the tactics and laws of war in Marine Combat Training, but this training package teaches more in-depth subjects to Marines who don’t receive this kind of training on a regular basis, Moran said.

“This is almost a refresher from MCT,” said Lance Cpl. Kristofer Kerns, special intel-ligence communicator, 3rd Intelligence Battalion, III MEF. “Sergeant Moran has been around quite a bit, so he has a lot of knowledge he’s been able to share with us in smaller groups.”

The package also allows Marines not typically ex-posed to this training to have a group of Marines to train with before a deployment.

“I believe this training is very important, because it’s for Marines who don’t have a unit to do this type of training with,” Moran said.

“It gives them unit-type training without joining another unit,” he added.

“This is giving me the confidence that I could go into combat and do my job well,” Kerns said.

The classes prepare Marine riflemen for the challenges they will face in combat, Mo-ran said.

“This takes Marines from different military occupation specialties, such as supply, administration or the air wing, that don’t normally get to do this kind of training and reinforces that every Ma-rine is a rifleman by giving them the skills that a rifle-man needs,” Moran said.

PTP prepares marine riflemen for combat

Marines in the 4th Marine Regimental Schools pre-deployment training package storm onto a training range at Camp Hansen to clear a building. The training allows Marines destined for individual augment billets to participate in combat-oriented training before a deployment. Photo by Lance Cpl. J Nava

Staff Sgt. Michael Freemanokinawa marine staff

The Kadena Special Olympics committee is calling for vol-unteers to support this year's

Olympic games on Kadena Air Base. KSO committee members say they

are expecting a record turnout of athletes for the KSO Sports and Arts Festival at Kadena's Risner Athletic Center Nov. 14. This marks the 10th year Kadena has held these games.

The inaugural KSO games were held in 2000 with about 100 athletes, according to the organization’s Web site. Last year, more than 1,000 athletes competed and 360 special needs artists displayed their work for public viewing. Historically, the event increases in size by about 10 percent annually.

The organization is seeking 2,000 volunteers for Nov. 14, at least 500 of which it hopes will come from Navy and Marine Corps personnel, said Chip Steitz, who has been a commit-tee member since its inception and now serves as its senior advisor.

Master Sgt. Monte Stevens, facili-ties maintenance and repair chief for Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, and the KSO Marine volunteer coor-dinator, estimated that about 200 Marines and sailors have already stepped up to the plate, but more volunteers are needed.

“Volunteering is a Marine Corps tradition,” said Stevens. “We have a great opportunity to enrich people’s lives by participating in this event. We’re also going to be strengthening the bonds between us and the host nation by giving back to the local community.”

KSO volunteers can be "huggers," the ones to encourage and offer gen-eral assistance to athletes or they can provide entertainment, act as crisis action team members, tent monitors, work with the art show or help at opening and closing ceremonies.

“The most rewarding jobs will be

the huggers and tent monitors,” Ste-vens said. “That’s where we’re going to need the most volunteers because we’re going to have more than 900 athletes who need encouragement, a good pat on the back and some moti-vation throughout the day.”

Steitz added he has witnessed re-lationships between volunteers and athletes stand the test of time.

“It’s truly amazing,” he said. “I’ve seen bonds form that can literally last a lifetime.”

Those who cannot dedicate an af-ternoon to the event can still volun-teer at the final fund-raising event. The Chili’s restaurant on Kadena is hosting a Tip-A-Cop event Oct. 30. Participants can enjoy their favorite meal served by law enforcement personnel. All tips will be donated to the KSO.

Regardless of the specific level of involvement, the more people get involved, the more athletes will benefit, said Steitz.

“Some of the money from the fund-raisers is used to send athletes to the national and world games,” Steitz said. “It will also be used to provide T-shirts for each athlete, a free lunch, and we periodically buy new athletic equipment for the athletes.

“A lot of families here who have special needs children don’t have a lot of money, so we do whatever we can to offset some of their costs,” he added.

For many athletes, the opportuni-ty to compete is enough, said Steitz.

“We give them one whole day that is only about recognizing them and their abilities,” he said. “It’s something that crosses all political borders and geographical lines and is just about recognizing them for who they are and what they can do.”

The KSO’s reach extends to more than 75 schools and special needs workshops throughout Okinawa and is open to both American and local athletes. To volunteer, call 645-9180, 630-4981 or 634-5814.

Special Olympics seeks volunteers

An athlete, middle, participates in an event at the 2008 Kadena Special Olympics as volunteers encourage him. Special Olympics officials said this year's Special Olympics will need 2,000 volunteers to support the expected number of athletes. Photo courtesy of Kadena Special Olympics

11okinawa marine | mARKeTPLACe | october 16, 2009

'91 NissaN fairlady 300zJci Jun 2011,$5,000 OBO(098)890-0910

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Movie schedule is subject to change without notice. Call in advance to confirm show times. For a complete listing, visit http://www.aafes.com.

FOsTeR 645-3465

KAdenA634-4422

Ads appearing in the Okinawa Marine are a free service to active duty military and their dependents, DoD employees and retirees. Ads are restricted to personal property or service of incidental exchange. Ads are run on a space-available basis. The deadline for ads is noon Fridays. The Okinawa Marine reserves the right to edit ads to fit available space. Please include your name and the phone number you wish published. The Okinawa Marine makes every effort to ensure accuracy but assumes no responsibility for services offered in ads. Submit ads by fax to 645-3803, or send an e-mail to okinawamarine.mcbb.fct@usmc.mil.

In TheATeRs OCTObeR 1� - OCTObeR ��

COURTney622-9616

FUTenmA622-9616

AUTOmObILes

CLAssIFIed Ads

TODAY surrogates (PG13), 6 and 9 p.m.

SATURDAY Bandslam (PG), noon; G.i. Joe: the rise of cobra (PG13), 3 and 6 p.m.; the Goods: Live Hard, sell Hard (r), 9 p.m.

SUNDAY Bandslam (PG) 1 p.m.; G.i. Joe: the rise of cobra (PG13), 4 p.m.; Zombieland (r), 7 p.m.

MONDAY a Perfect Getaway (r), 7 p.m.

TUESDAY the Goods: Live Hard, sell Hard (r), 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY a Perfect Getaway (r), 7 p.m.

THURSDAY Zombieland (r), 7 p.m.

TODAY the time traveler's Wife (PG13), 6 p.m.; the Goods: Live Hard, sell Hard (r), 9 p.m.

SATURDAY the surrogates (PG13), noon and 3 p.m.; the Goods: Live Hard, sell Hard (r), 6 and 9 p.m.

SUNDAY surrogates (PG13), 1 and 4 p.m.; the Goods: Live Hard, sell Hard (r), 7 p.m.

MONDAY closed

TUESDAY closed

WEDNESDAY closed

THURSDAY closed

TODAY G.i. Joe: the rise of cobra (PG13), 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY Zombieland (r), 4 and 7 p.m.

SUNDAY the final Destination (r), 4 p.m.; a Perfect Getaway (r), 7 p.m.

MONDAY Jennifer's Body (r), 6:30 p.m.

TUESDAY closed

WEDNESDAY closed

THURSDAY closed

TODAY Zombieland (r), 6:30 and 9:30 p.m.

SATURDAY Bandslam (PG), 2 p.m.; G.i. Joe: the rise of cobra (PG13), 7 p.m.

SUNDAY Jennifer's Body (r), 7 p.m.

MONDAY a Perfect Getaway (r), 7 p.m.

TUESDAY closed

WEDNESDAY the surrogates (PG13), 7 p.m.

THURSDAY closed

hAnsen623-4564

KInseR637-2177

TODAY the Goods: Live Hard, sell Hard (r), 6 p.m.; the collector (r), 9 p.m.

SATURDAY Jennifer's Body (r), 6 p.m.; the Goods: Live Hard, sell Hard (r), 9 p.m.

SUNDAY Post Grad (PG13), 2 p.m.; the Ugly truth (r), 5:30 p.m.

MONDAY Zombieland (r), 7 p.m.

TUESDAY Zombieland (r), 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY the time traveler's Wife (PG13), 7 p.m.

THURSDAY surrogates (PG13), 7 p.m.

TODAY District 9 (r), 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY Post Grad (PG13), 3 p.m.; the Goods: Live Hard, sell Hard (r), 6:30 p.m.

SUNDAY Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (PG), 3 p.m.; the time traveler's Wife (PG13), 6:30 p.m.

MONDAY closed

TUESDAY the Goods: Live Hard, sell Hard (r), 6:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY cloudy with a chance of meatballs (PG), 3 p.m.; Zombieland (r), 6:30 p.m.

THURSDAY the time traveler's Wife (PG13), 6:30 p.m.

the UsO hosts movie nights at the locations below.

for schedules and start times, call:

CAMP SCHWAB 625-3834

MCAS FUTENMA 636-2113

CAMP HANSEN 623-5011

KADENA AIR BASE 632-8781

UsOMovie nights

sChWAb625-2333

TODAY Jennifer's Body (r), 7 p.m.

SATURDAY G.i. Joe: the rise of cobra (PG13), 5 p.m.

SUNDAY a Perfect Getaway (r), 5 p.m.

MONDAY-THURSDAY closed

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mIsCeLLAneOUs

for more information or to sign up, contact the single marine Program

office at 645-3681.

HIJI FALLS OKUMA: OCT. 24• Bus departs camp Kinser at 8:55 a.m., marine corps air station futenma at 9:20 a.m. and camp foster at 9:35 a.m. cost is $10 bus fee and ¥200 entrance fee to Hiji falls.

DISCOVER SCUBA PROGRAM• Learn the basics of scuba diving. Put on the gear, jump in the pool and see if it's right for you. Discover scuba will be scheduled on a case-by-case basis, 10 participants minimum. for more information, call the smP office. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES• spend some time giving back to the local community by volunteering with clean-up at the ai no mura nursing Home the fourth friday of every month from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. for more information, call 636-3092.

• the marine thrift shop on camp foster requests two volunteers from each camp on a weekly basis.

The Marine Thrift Shop supports the SMP, and by staying thrifty, so can you!

marine thrift shopcamp foster, Building 5691 645-6025

tues-Wed-thurs: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., sat: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.www.marinethriftshopokinawa.org

shop - Donate - volunteer

sInGLe mARIne PROGRAm evenTs

all bus pick-up points will be at semper fit gyms or the foster

fieldhouse.

Camp FoStEr | 645-7486• Catholic: Mon.-Fri., 11:45 a.m.; Sat., 5 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.• Christian Science: Sun., 11 a.m., Bldg. 442• Eastern Orthodox: Sun., 9:30 a.m., Sun. Vespers, 5 p.m.• Gospel: Sun., 11:30 a.m.• Hindu: Sat., 3:30 p.m.• Jewish: Fri., Traditional, 6 p.m.; Informal: 1st, 3rd Fri., 6:30 p.m.• Muslim: Fri., Prayer, 12:45 p.m.• Protestant: Sun., 8:30 a.m.• Seventh Day Adventist: Sat., 10 a.m.

Camp SChwab | 622-9350• Catholic: Sun., 5:30 p.m.• Protestant: Sun., 9 a.m.

Camp CoUrtnEy | 622-9350• Catholic: Sun., 8 and 11:15 a.m.; Mon.-Fri., 11:45 a.m..• Protestant: Sun., 9:30 a.m.

Camp KInSEr | 637-1148• Catholic: Sun., 11 a.m.• Protestant: Sun., 9 a.m.

Camp hanSEn | 622-9350• Catholic: Sun., 10 a.m., E. Chapel• Protestant: Sun., 11 a.m., W. Chapel

KadEna aIr baSE | 634-1288• Catholic: Sun., 8:30 a.m., Mass, Chapel 3; Sun., 11:30 a.m., Reconciliation, Chapel 3; Sun., 12:30 p.m., Mass, Chapel 3; Sun., 5 p.m., Mass, Chapel 2; Daily Mass, Mon.-Fri., noon, Chapel 2• Contemporary: Kadena High School; Sun., 10:30 a.m.• Gospel: Chapel 3; Sunday School, 8:45 a.m., Bldg. 856• Inspirational: Chapel 2; Sun., 8:30 a.m. • Protestant: Sun., 10:30 a.m. • Traditional: Chapel 2; Sun., 10:30 a.m.• Wiccan/Pagan: Fri., 7 p.m., Bldg. 856; Sat., 6:30 p.m., Bldg. 856

Camp LEStEr | 643-7248• Catholic: Sun., 8 a.m., Lester Chapel Tues., 7:15 a.m., Thurs., 9 a.m., Liturgy of the Word • Non-Denominational: Sun., 9 a.m., Hospital Chapel; Sun., 10 a.m., Lester Chapel

Camp mctUrEoUS | 622-9350• Gospel: Sun., 12:30 p.m.• Lutheran: Sun., 9:30 a.m.• Protestant Lethurgical: Sun., 6:30 p.m.

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ChAPeL sChedULe

1� okinawa marine | sPORTs | october 16, 2009

Lance Cpl. Antwain Josef Grahamokinawa marine staff

Culturally, Americans and Japanese are very different, so opportunities to mingle and develop common bonds are

important, say Americans living on Okinawa.The Okinawa Lacrosse Club uses its sport

to break through the culture barrier between Marines, sailors and local nationals in a fun and friendly way, said club members.

Lacrosse is a team sport played using a small solid rubber ball and a long-handled stick with a net attached to one end called a lacrosse stick. The game's goal is to catch, carry and pass the ball across a field to ultimately score by hurling the ball into an opponent's goal.

This traditional Native American sport allows both male and female service mem-bers, their children and the local citizens to interact and learn about each other in an energetic environment, said Senkei Yoshido, club coordinator and the primary translator for the Japanese players of the OLC.

“It’s a great way for the two cultures to come together and in such an interesting way,” Yoshido said.

Retired Sgt. Maj. Jim Peterson started the club more than six years ago to play lacrosse against Japanese students and offered to teach anyone else with the desire to learn, said Peg-gy Stolzenberg, the women’s lacrosse coach.

Japanese players come from Ryuku Uni-versity in Nishihara and Americans come from various military units and Department of Defense Dependent Schools on military installations here.

Club members practice and play scrim-mage games every Sunday outside Gunner’s Gym on Camp Foster.

Sometimes Japanese lacrosse teams from mainland universities fly down to play against them, said Yoshida.

“The universities we play against bring a great group of guys down with tremendous skill sets,” said Richard Kuzmanoff, an OLC player. “The teams are very disciplined and always provide us with a hard fight.”

The club creates a bond between the dif-ferent players and builds something that will last forever, Kuzmanoff added.

OLC isn't just for experienced players. Those new to the game are encouraged to participate.

“I didn’t have a clue what lacrosse was before I joined and now I just love it,” said Michael Dinardi, a new OLC member.

“When I started playing, I was new to this game,” said Azusa Shiroma, a Japanese female

OLC player. “Now I see my skills increasing, and I’m learning a lot by being around more skilled players, American and Japanese alike.”

Based on numerous claims from its mem-bers, the OLC is proving that it builds strong bonds amongst its players, some members said.

“I enjoy playing with the Americans, be-cause they have such a strong sense of team-work and camaraderie,” said Shibo Yoshi-michi, a Japanese OLC player.

The OLC is currently trying to build up membership and is open to all service mem-bers, Department of Defense civilian employ-ees, family members and anyone else with the desire to play or learn the game.

Members are asked to supply their own gear to include, face guards, protective pads and a lacrosse stick.

okinawa Lacrosse Club creates unique unspoken bonds

Okinawa Lacrosse Club players shake hands with Otemae University lacrosse team members, from the Kansai region of mainland Japan. Photo by Lance Cpl. Abigail M. Wharton

crossingCulture

Barriers

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Michael Dinardi, a new member of the Okinawa Lacrosse Club, challenges a Japanese player from Ryukyu University for possession of the ball during a scrimmage game Sunday outside Gunners Gym on Camp Foster where the club always holds practice. Photo by Lance Cpl. Antwain J. Graham