1st maw hits 69th birthdaystatic.dvidshub.net/media/pubs/pdf_6833.pdfplaced flowers, origami cranes,...

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iii marine expeditionary force and marine corps bases japan JULY 2, 2010 WWW.OKINAWA.USMC.MIL IN THIS ISSUE Dive in to training Motor T mechanics get a turn behind the wheel at Humvee qualification course PG. 12 “Okinawa Sumo” Schwab Marines and family members participate in annual tournament. PG. 10 Lance Cpl. Terry Martin, a maintenance management specialist with 3rd Intelligence Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force, subdues a mock attacker with the help of Lance Cpl. Joshua Johnson, a special intelligence systems administrator and communicator, 3rd Intel. Bn., during an Oleoresin Capsicum Level-1 contamination course on Camp Hansen, June 23. SEE MORE PG 9 Photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Freeman Lance Cpl. Jovane M. Holland OKINAWA MARINE STAFF ITOMAN CITY — A somber, melancholy air resonated throughout the crowd as more than 5,000 gathered at Okinawa Peace Memorial Park for the 2010 Okinawa Memorial Service for All War Dead in Itoman City, June 23. The event represented the 65th anniversary of the conclusion of the Battle of Okinawa, one of the bloodiest battles of World War II. Erected in 1995, Peace Memorial Park is lo- cated at the site of the last recorded fighting in southeastern Okinawa. It stands as a tribute to the more than 200,000 Japanese, American, Korean, Taiwanese and British military and civilian personnel who perished during the battle. Those paying their respects to the fallen placed flowers, origami cranes, food and bottles of water under their loved one’s names at the Cornerstone of Peace – a stone monument bear- ing the 240,931 names of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice during the battle. The large memorial ceremony, which in- cluded the presence of Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan, featured a Memorial Day address, a peace declaration, an offering of flowers to the memory of fallen service members and the recitation of a peace poem and memorial messages. Earlier in the day, in a small ceremony near the American portion of the cornerstone of peace U.S. service members who had lost their lives were recognized. Surrounded by American service members, World War II veterans, civilians and the Honor- able Raymond Green, American Consul General of Naha, Lt. Gen. Terry Robling, commanding general, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and commander, Marine Corps Bases Japan, spoke on behalf of the U.S. service members who lost their lives at a smaller ceremony afterwards. “All Americans sleep peacefully because of the courage and commitment of these brave fighters who put it all on the line,” Robling said. SEE MEMORIAL PG 5 Battle of Okinawa commemorated at last battle ground 1st MAW hits 69th birthday On July 7, 1941, the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing was activated at the Marine Corps Base in Quan- tico, Va. Almost immediately, elements of the 1st MAW began preparing to support the Corps’ island-hop- ping campaign of World War II. The first official battle for a 1st MAW squadron was Guadalca- nal. Since then, the Wing has par- ticipated in combat operations in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghan- istan – as well as humanitarian assistance operations throughout the Pacific region and bilateral support and training operations that continue today. The 1st MAW is headquartered at Camp Foster here on Okinawa, but has subordinate groups and squadrons at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, and Marine Corps Air Facility Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.

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  • iii marine expeditionary force and marine corps bases japan

    july 2, 2010 www.okinawa.usmc.mil

    in t

    his

    issu

    e Dive in to trainingMotor T mechanics get a turn behind the wheel at Humvee qualification

    course

    PG. 12

    “Okinawa sumo”Schwab Marines and family

    members participate in annual tournament.

    PG. 10

    Lance Cpl. Terry Martin, a maintenance management specialist with 3rd Intelligence Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force, subdues a mock attacker with the help of Lance Cpl. Joshua Johnson, a special intelligence systems administrator and communicator, 3rd Intel. Bn., during an Oleoresin Capsicum Level-1 contamination course on Camp Hansen, June 23. SEE MORE PG 9 Photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Freeman

    Lance Cpl. Jovane M. Hollandokinawa marine staff

    ITOMAN CITY — A somber, melancholy air resonated throughout the crowd as more than 5,000 gathered at Okinawa Peace Memorial Park for the 2010 Okinawa Memorial Service for All War Dead in Itoman City, June 23.

    The event represented the 65th anniversary of the conclusion of the Battle of Okinawa, one of the bloodiest battles of World War II.

    Erected in 1995, Peace Memorial Park is lo-cated at the site of the last recorded fighting in southeastern Okinawa.

    It stands as a tribute to the more than 200,000 Japanese, American, Korean, Taiwanese and

    British military and civilian personnel who perished during the battle.

    Those paying their respects to the fallen placed flowers, origami cranes, food and bottles of water under their loved one’s names at the Cornerstone of Peace – a stone monument bear-ing the 240,931 names of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice during the battle.

    The large memorial ceremony, which in-cluded the presence of Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan, featured a Memorial Day address, a peace declaration, an offering of flowers to the memory of fallen service members and the recitation of a peace poem and memorial messages.

    Earlier in the day, in a small ceremony near

    the American portion of the cornerstone of peace U.S. service members who had lost their lives were recognized.

    Surrounded by American service members, World War II veterans, civilians and the Honor-able Raymond Green, American Consul General of Naha, Lt. Gen. Terry Robling, commanding general, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and commander, Marine Corps Bases Japan, spoke on behalf of the U.S. service members who lost their lives at a smaller ceremony afterwards.

    “All Americans sleep peacefully because of the courage and commitment of these brave fighters who put it all on the line,” Robling said.

    see MEMORIAL pg 5

    Battle of Okinawa commemorated at last battle ground

    1st MAW hits 69th birthday

    On July 7, 1941, the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing was activated at the Marine Corps Base in Quan-tico, Va.

    Almost immediately, elements of the 1st MAW began preparing to support the Corps’ island-hop-ping campaign of World War II. The first official battle for a 1st MAW squadron was Guadalca-nal.

    Since then, the Wing has par-ticipated in combat operations in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghan-istan – as well as humanitarian assistance operations throughout the Pacific region and bilateral support and training operations that continue today.

    The 1st MAW is headquartered at Camp Foster here on Okinawa, but has subordinate groups and squadrons at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Marine Corps Ai r Stat ion Iwakuni, Japan, and Marine Corps Air Facility Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.

  • Pfc. Garry J. Welchokinawa marine staff

    Why do some people feel the need to con-sume energy drinks? There are many different reasons. If I am feeling tired or having trouble concentrating, an energy drink is just what I need to get going.

    Sometimes I get them just because I like the kick of adrenaline.

    They help me concentrate and meet dead-lines much faster than if I am tired.

    For me, work goes by much faster and is more enjoyable if I am not tired all day.

    The down side to these energy drinks how-ever, is they contain large amounts of sugar or caffeine.

    When you consume significant amounts of sugar or caffeine, you may get a short burst of energy, but when the extra energy wears off, you get what is called a “crash,” leaving you feeling worse than you did before you con-sumed the added sugar or caffeine.

    In addition to containing a lot of sugar, en-ergy drinks contain large amounts of sodium that can potentially dehydrate you.

    In the heat and humidity of Okinawa, consuming them can increase your risk of becoming a heat casualty if you’re not properly hydrating.

    According to www.cdc.gov it takes one half to one quart of water to replace the water lost after drinking a 16-ounce energy drink.

    If you drink a lot of energy drinks like I do, after a while you start to build up an immu-nity to them. It takes more and more drinks to get the same effect.

    From my experience, if you start every morning off with an energy drink, and one day you skip drinking them, you don’t feel right compared to the days you do have them.

    If you don’t drink them already, I would say you are better off without them.

    It’s an expensive habit to start, with the average price at about $2 to $3 for a 16-ounce can.

    If you get one a day all week, that’s $14 to $21 on something that leaves you feeling worse then before you drank them, unless you keep drinking them all day.

    A healthy alternative to get some natural energy into your body is eating healthy meals throughout the day. The naturally occurring sugars in fruits and vegetables come without the crash.

    In addition to eating healthy, you can also do a little extra physical training.

    Whenever I find myself in a position where I have time to take a few minutes, I do a few workouts to get the blood flowing. I do some pull-ups and some push-ups. I find this is a pretty good way to wake up.

    PT can even help improve your physical fitness test scores depending on what exercise you choose to do and how often you do them.

    Another thing you could do is get more sleep at night so you don’t need to buy energy drinks at all.

    From my experience, irregular sleeping hab-its can be pretty rough on you. If you don’t get enough sleep you’re going to be tired, there’s really no way around it.

    If you enjoy drink-ing energy drinks, then keep drinking them – I know I will.

    But while you do, drink them in mod-eration, and be sure to hydrate with plenty of water.

    EdItORIAL

    okinawa marine | OPiniOn & eDitORiAL | july 2, 2010

    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 Consoli-dated Public Affairs Office of Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler.

    This newspaper is an authorized publication for members of military services stationed overseas, at sea and their families. Its contents do not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense or the U.S. Marine Corps and do not imply endorsement thereof.

    The appearance of advertising in this newspaper, including inserts of supple-ments, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the U.S.

    Marine Corps, Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler or Marine Corps Com-munity Services of the products and services advertised.

    Everything advertised in this newspaper shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the publisher shall refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected.

    All photos, unless otherwise indicated, are “official U.S. Marine Corps photos.” For more information, e-mail us at [email protected] or write to us at Public Affairs Office, H&S BN MCB PAO, Unit 35002, FPO AP 96373-5002.

    okinaWa marine neWspaperH&S Battalion MCB PAO

    Unit 35002FPO AP 96373-5002

    Central BureauCamp Foster

    DSN 645-7422

    northern BureauCamp HansenDSN 623-4224

    Commanding general Maj. Gen. Mary Ann Krusa-Dossin

    puBliC affairs direCtor Lt. Col. Douglas M. Powell

    press offiCer 2nd Lt. Lindsay M. Pirek

    press Chief Master Sgt. Chris W. Cox

    design editor Lance Cpl. Stefanie C. Pupkiewicz

    hAve A sAysenD yOuR OPiniOn tO [email protected]

    Okinawa Marine reserves the right to choose material and edit as necessary.

    July 2, 2009 – Shortly after 1 a.m., more than 4,000 Marines and sailors with Task Force Leatherneck and attached Afghan National Security Forces executed Operation Khanjar throughout Helmand Prov-ince, Afghanistan. The insert into territory that had been Taliban con-trolled since their fall from power in 2001, was the largest helibourne assault since the Vietnam conflict.

    July 3, 2008 – Members of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit - deployed to Kandahar, Farah and Bakwa Provinces in Afghanistan - receive official word that their deployment, scheduled to end in October, would be extended by 30 days. The 24th MEU and 1st Battal-ion, 7th Marine Regiment, based in Helmand Province at the time, were operating throughout the entire area now covered by I Marine Expe-ditionary Force (Forward).

    July 4, 1801 – President Thomas Jefferson reviewed the Marines, led by the Commandant of the Marine Corps, Lt. Col. William W. Burrows and the Marine Band, on the White House grounds. The smartly uni-formed Marines performed drills and fired various salutes in ob-servance of the new nation’s 25th anniversary.

    July 5, 2002 – AV-8B Harrier pilots assigned to Marine Medium Heli-copter Squadron 261 flew their first combat mission over Afghanistan as part of the 22nd Marine Expedi-tionary Unit. The pilots conducted a reconnaissance mission, The Harri-ers launched from the amphibious ship USS Wasp.

    U.S. Marine CorpS HiStory DiviSion

    i challenge all Marines to re-kindle

    ‘making a difference’ by taking one weekend out

    of the month and offering a helping hand.

    ”“

    Adrenaline rush or caffeine crash?

    Energy drinks: what you don’t know

  • �okinawa marine | neWs | july 2, 2010

    Gunnery Sgt. J. L. Wright Jr.okinawa marine staff

    Editors Note: The following is the second in a series of articles highlighting various aspects of the Liberty Campaign Order to help educate our readers about its major elements.

    CAMP FOSTER — Marines have a reputation for taking care of their own. This is evident on the battlefield as well as in garrison. Marines, regardless of rank, are charged with looking out for one another and ensuring each other’s well-being. Liberty is no excep-tion to this rule. Marine Corps Bases Japan/III Marine Expedi-tionary Force Order 1050.7 Liberty Campaign Order serves as a rule and guide for accomplishing this task.

    According to the order, red liberty card holders must refrain from public consumption of alco-hol each night after midnight.

    “Public consumption means any consumption of alcohol off of a U.S. military installation except when in an off-base private resi-dence,” the order defines.

    While the midnight cut-off time is the same for gold liberty card holders, they retain the privilege of overnight liberty and “may purchase and consume alcohol at eating facilities where alcohol is served as an accompaniment to food services,” the order ex-plains.

    In addition to the regulation governing public consumption of alcohol after midnight, the order also prohibits all uniformed per-sonnel from entering any off-base establishments, bars or nightclubs

    after midnight where the primary business is the sale and consump-tion of alcohol.

    According to Sgt. Maj. Cevet A. Adams, sergeant major, Ma-rine Corps Bases Japan, Marines have an obligation to do the right thing when it comes to the use of alcohol.

    “Marines have a moral respon-sibility to do the right thing on and off duty, 24/7,” Adams said. “This includes, but is not limited to drinking in moderation and not to abuse alcohol.”

    While the minimum age for the possession and consumption of alcohol remains 20 years old for military and civilian person-nel assigned to MCBJ/III MEF, the order explains specific guidance surrounding quantity and type of alcohol allowed by those of age.

    E3 and below (or equivalent)The consumption or possession

    of hard liquor is not authorized for E3s and below in the barracks, re-gardless of age. However, each le-gal-aged occupant is authorized to possess up to six 12-ounce beers, wine coolers, malt liquor bever-ages or one 750-milliliter bottle of wine, the order explains.

    In addition, E3s and below are authorized to purchase and con-sume hard liquor in an on-base or off-base club or restaurant for the “immediate responsible consump-tion at that location,” the order clarifies.

    Responsible hard liquor con-sumption may also be authorized at unit functions such as birthday balls or mess nights.

    E4 and E5s (or equivalent)The consumption and posses-

    sion of hard liquor is authorized for non-commissioned officers

    and petty officers who reside in the barracks; however, each legal-aged occupant is limited to one liter bottle of hard liquor, twelve 12-ounce beers, wine cool-ers, malt liquor beverages or two 750-millileter bottles of wine. In addition, if NCO’s and Petty Of-ficers desire to have hard liquor in the barracks, they are required to lock it up when it is not being consumed.

    The order also explains that “any Marine or sailor who knows that another Marine or sailor is consuming alcohol while under-age or in a manner otherwise pro-hibited by this order and fails to stop or report it to proper authority may be subject to administrative and/or disciplinary action …”

    “Many careers have ended prematurely due to irresponsible drinking,” Adams said. “Use these examples as living proof to steer your career in the right direction. Always lead by example using the Core Values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment as your guide.”

    The order also states that the possession or consumption of al-coholic beverages in any public or working area on board U.S. Bases Japan is not authorized unless it takes place within authorized U.S. Forces clubs, messes, exchange facilities, or common areas such as pavilions or barbecue areas.

    Personnel are not authorized to consume alcoholic beverages at spectator-type events, public gatherings or assemblies unless such beverages are dispensed to the general public by an activity authorized by competent author-ity.

    Consuming alcohol from an individual’s personally-owned

    bottle while on the premises of a club or mess on a military instal-lation, or off-base bar, cabaret or restaurant is prohibited. The only exception to this policy is while attending a private party that is held in a rented or leased public establishment where individuals bring their own alcoholic bever-ages.

    Consuming alcoholic bever-ages in motor vehicles, military aircraft, or aboard military vessels is prohibited. This includes both the driver and any passengers in vehicle.

    It is unauthorized to transport or possess alcoholic beverages in a vehicle after the container has been opened, unless it is stored in a storage compartment not accessible without stopping the vehicle.

    Consumption of alcohol dur-ing Tropical Cylone Condition of Readiness 1, TCCOR 1 Caution, TCCOR 1 Emergency, TCCOR 1 Recovery and Storm watch is pro-hibited. This includes all on-base or off-base living quarters.

    Personnel must refrain from the use or consumption of alcohol 8 hours prior to assuming a duty status.

    Public intoxication and miscon-duct arising from consumption or the abuse of alcohol will not be tolerated.

    The MCBJ/III MEF Order 1050.7 Change 3 Liberty Campaign Or-der can be accessed on-line at the Camp Butler adjutant Share-Point homepage at the following CAC-protected site: https://wss.mcbbutler.nmci.usmc.mil/G1/Ad-jutant/default.aspx. Look under “Announcements” for a link to the Liberty Campaign Order.

    1st MAW Change of Command

    Major Gen. Raymond C. Fox passes on his duties as commanding general of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing to Brig. Gen. William D. Beydler during a change of command ceremony on the Futenma flight line Monday.

    Fox is slated to go to Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va. where he will take on duties as the commanding general of Training and Education Command. Beydler, his successor, was formerly the director of Strategy and Plans, Policies and Operations at Headquarters Marine Corps.

    During Beydler’s time in the Marine Corps, he has accumulated approximately 4,000 flight hours in tactical jet aircraft with 3,000 in the F/A-18. Photo by Pfc. Garry Welch

    Liberty campaign plan spells out alcohol possession, consumption regulations for III MEF Marines, sailors

  • fourth of July holiday hoursCamp Foster’s Provost Marshals Office, Joint Service

    Vehicle Registration Office will be closed Monday and Tuesday in observance of the Fourth of July. Normal business will resume Wednesday.

    Marine Corps Post Offices will have altered hours of operation in observance of the holiday.

    Saturday -Parcel pick-up 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Retail Service 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Monday - ClosedTuesday - Parcel pick-up 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Retail Service 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

    family readiness assessment surveyThis service-wide survey for Marines, sailors, family

    members and staff is used to help develop and improve the family readiness program. The survey is open until July 10.

    Commander team Survey:http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/command-team-surveyFamily readiness officers’ survey:http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/fro-ig-surveyMarine and family members survey:http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/fr-marines-andfamilies-surveyMarine Corps Community Services family readiness support personnel survey:http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/mccs-and-fr-support-surveyVolunteer survey:http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/fr-volunteer-survey

    Brazilian soCCer CluB and kuBasaki high sChool soCCer day Camps

    The Brazilian Soccer Club and Kubasaki High School are kicking off this summer with Soccer Camps on Camp Foster. Sessions are broken down into age groups, the first one beginning July 12. Any players age 5 through 15 are welcome to join.

    Players will receive individual attention in developing their tactical and team technical skills. There are morning and evening sessions available for each age group.

    Each 5-day session for children ages 5-6 years old costs $60 per session. For players ages 7-15 years old each session costs $100 per player. Each player receives a camp shirt. Space is limited to the first 20 players for each age group.

    Register online at www.BrazilianSC.com or e-mail [email protected] for more information.

    pilot program for toll-free expressWayOkinawa’s Expressway currently has toll-free opera-

    tions through March 31. All sections of Okinawa Expressway from Naha to

    Kyoda interchanges are part of this toll-free program. Normal road rules apply during the toll-free pilot pro-gram.

    Proceed through toll gates during the toll-free pilot program just as you would when paying tolls. Tickets will be issued and collected to gather data on volume of traffic, vehicle categories and the sections used.

    ETC vehicles will insert their ETC cards in the in-vehicle device and drive slowly through the ETC (or mixed) gate. Non-ETC vehicles will take a ticket at the entry gate and hand it in at the exit gate.

    Two-wheel vehicles 125 cc and below, bicycles and pedestrians are prohibited by law. Maintain a safe speed and distance at all times. When joining the end of a traffic queue, apply your hazard lights to warn vehicles behind you.

    okinawa marine | neWs | july 2, 2010

    briefs

    TO SUBMIT A BRIEF, send an e-mail to [email protected], 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.

    Sumos fly “Team Mercy,” deliver aid in CambodiaLance Cpl. Abigail M. Whartonokinawa marine staff

    RATANAKIRI, Cambodia — Eight mem-bers of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 transported a medical team and their supplies to Ratanakiri, Cambodia, in support of a Pacific Partnership 2010 medical civil action project, June 16.

    The squadron, also known as the “Su-mos,” transported 18 medical personnel and medical, dental, optometry and phar-macy supplies for the team’s 12-day civil action project, said Navy Lt. John Dischet, assistant officer in charge, U.S. Pacific Command PP-10 team, U.S. 7th Fleet, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

    VMGR-152 transported the medical team nicknamed “Team Mercy,” who be-gan their journey aboard the United States Naval Ship Mercy, from Sihanoukville International Airport to Ratanakiri.

    Other teams will be transported to Palau and Papua New Guinea on smaller ships, Dischet added.

    “Supporting the Mercy Medcap gave the squadron an opportunity to practice a critical expeditionary capability of operat-ing in and out of austere, short airstrips,” said Lt. Col. John Peck, the commanding officer of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Ex-peditionary Force.

    In addition to supporting PP-10, VMGR-152 was able to certify a low-level flying route through Cambodia for future train-ing opportunities.

    “We plan on returning … to conduct personnel airdrops in support of bi-lateral training with the U.S. Army and Cambo-dian forces,” Peck said. “Participating in these events helps build relationships with partner nations in the region and paves the way for interoperability between the U.S. and Cambodian forces.”

    One member of the crew especially en-joyed flying the low-level flight path.

    “It was cool to be able to see so much of the countryduring the low-level flight,” said Lance Cpl. William Fenton, load mas-ter student, VMGR-152.

    He also appreciated being able to be part of the mission.

    “I knew we were flying a mission to support U.S. and Cambodian relations and it’s a good feeling to fly to a remote location where the whole town comes out to look at your plane and you know that you’re delivering medical supplies and personnel for that town,” the Fresno, Calif. native added.

    During the trip, VMGR-152 was able to coordinate with the Cambodians to ensure mission success.

    “The Cambodians have been very gra-cious hosts,” Peck said. “We look forward to working with them again in the future.”

    Marines from Marine Aerial Refuler Transport Squadron 152, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and members of Pacific Partnership 2010 unload a KC-130J Hercules full of medical supplies, June 16. Photo by Lance Col. Abigail M. Wharton

    CAB passes from Yaroslaski to MullinsLt. Col. Daniel L . Yaroslaski passed command of Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, to Lt. Col. Kirk D. Mullins Thursday during a ceremony at Lower Ramp, Camp Schwab. Mullins comes from Marine Corps Systems Command where he was the Future Upgrades Team Leader for Program Manager, Assault Amphibious Vehicle Systems. Yaroslaski is going to Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va. where he will be a student at the Marine Corps College of War.

    Lt. Col. Daniel L. Yaroslaski Lt. Col. Kirk D. Mullins

  • Pfc. Garry J. Welchokinawa marine staff

    TORII STATION — Retired Gun-nery Sgt. Paul Moore returned to the island of Okinawa for an awards ceremony more than 65 years after taking part in the fight for it.

    Moore was working as a copy boy in Washington, D.C., in 1941 when the bombing at Pearl Harbor occurred.

    “After the bombing everyone

    wanted to fight, including me. So I went down to Marine Corps Headquarters and enlisted,” said Moore. “I went with the Marines because they’re the best.”

    Before enter ing the f ight, Moore was trained as an avia-tion mechanic, and later sent to enlisted flight training school. Shortly after arriving, Moore was informed the school had an ex-cess of students, and if they went overseas they could complete the training there.

    “I jumped at it,” said Moore. “Shortly after completing my training I got promoted to staff sergeant and became a section leader.”

    Moore was then sent to Palau, an island in the Pacific close to the Philippines, where his squad-ron flew patrols and attacked the island of Yap that had about 6,000 Japanese troops on it.

    In April 1945, Moore and the Marines in The Flying Tigers Squadron fought in the battle

    of Okinawa and operated out of a coral airstrip on Kadena after it was captured from the Japa-nese.

    For the duration of the war, Moore flew as a crew chief with Marine Torpedo Bombing Squad-ron 232, “The Red Devils.”

    Moore went on to serve a 21-year career that included fighting in World War II and a combat tour in Korea. As a civilian, Moore was in Vietnam 1964-1968, serv-ing with an Air Force advisory group.

    “It is a very sobering experi-ence [fighting in a war]. It gives you maturity and appreciation for your country,” said Moore.

    During an awards ceremony here June 25, Moore was pre-sented with the flag that had been flying over the base.

    “He got the flag because he is the senior war veteran here,” said Army Sgt. Maj. Birdel L. Campbell, operations sergeant major, 10th Support Group. “He also had the highest rank during the time of the battle. I think it’s important to honor them and the memory of what they did over 65 years ago. They deserve it! Events like this tragic battle paved the way for where we are today.”

    The awards ceremony was unique because the Army spon-sored World War II veterans to attend, and some of them haven’t been here since the war, said Campbell.

    “It felt great to receive this flag,” said Moore. “I will pass it on to my son and grandson.”

    okinawa marine | neWs | july 2, 2010

    MEMORIAL from pg 1“Because of their sacrifice, we can look forward to a peaceful

    future with Japan,“ Robling said.Eighty-eight year old Teruto “Terry” Tsubota, who interpreted

    for American forces during the infamous battle, said the ceremony filled him with mixed emotions.

    The Pahoa, Hawaii, native was selected to fill the role of combat translator with the 6th Marine Division in 1945.

    Hailed as a local hero, he is credited with saving the lives of thou-sands of Okinawans without firing a single shot by assuring them that they would not be harmed if encountered by the Americans.

    “Coming to this ceremony every year makes me feel many things,” said Tsubota, who has attended every Memorial Day ceremony at the park with his wife Kiyoko except one since it’s inception in 1995.

    “I am sad that so many lives were lost, but I am also happy that we all have come together to remember them,” Tsubota said.

    Jarrett Ota, director of United Service Organizations Okinawa and coordinator for the smaller American ceremony, said the fact that the memorial itself honors warriors on every side goes a long way to restoring the peace.

    “This is an international memorial,” Ota said. “The names of all nationalities that lost their lives are represented here, and it’s a testament to the ultimate sacrifice each person made. It’s sobering and inspiring all at once.”

    Coincidentally, this year’s Memorial Day coincided with the 50-year anniversary of the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty, which provided the initial basis for Japan’s security relations with the United States.

    American veterans of the Battle of Okinawa lay a wreath before a portion of the “Cornerstone of Peace” memorial inscribed with the names of fallen U.S. service members. Okinawa Peace Memorial Park is made up of sections of these memorials commemorating the lives of those who died during the battle of Okinawa in World War II. Photo by Lance Cpl. Michael G. Iams

    Retired Gunny returns to Okinawa 65 years after battle

    Brig. Gen. Mark A. Brilakis, the deputy commanding general, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and commanding general, III Marine Expeditionary Brigade, thanks retired Gunnery Sgt. Paul Moore for his service during an awards ceremony on Torii Station June 24. Photo by Pfc. Garry J. Welch

  • 6 okinawa marine | feAtuRe | july 2, 20106

    Lance Cpl. Michael G. Iamsokinawa marine staff

    Fireworks, barbecues and camp fires are just a few common activities held during the 4th of July holiday celebrating America’s independence.However, for service members and their families stationed here, this year will be a different celebra-tion than what many remember from their childhood. Officials with Marine Corps Base Camp Butler want to provide some information to ensure a safe and happy Fourth of July.

    According to Marine Corps Bases Japan Order 11320.1, Fire Protection Regulations and Instructions for Marine Corps Bases Japan:

    “…The use of fireworks is prohibited. The term ‘fireworks’ includes blank cartridges, fire crackers, torpe-does, skyrockets, Roman candles, sparklers, or similar items capable of producing a visual or audible effect by combustion or detonation.”

    The most important thing Status of Forces Agreement personnel need to be aware of is that some tradi-tions they may have in the United States cannot be done in Japan.

    SOFA personnel are subject to disciplinary action for violating Aaron Davis, lead occupational safety and health specialist for Camp Kinser, emphasized that fireworks are prohibited for all SOFA members to purchase or use.

    “Everyone can watch and enjoy a fireworks show,” said Davis. “Kadena displays a show of fireworks every Independence Day.”

    This year there will be two fireworks shows. One at Torii Beach Saturday at 8 p.m. after the “All American Beach Party” which starts at noon, and one Sunday at Kadena Air Base’s Marek Park at 8:30 p.m. after the July Fourth Celebration which starts at 3 p.m.

    Camp fires are another hazardous activity safety officials are concerned with during the upcoming holiday.

    “Open camp fires are frowned upon by the Marine Corps Base,” said Michael Joseph, assistant fire chief for the Marine Corps Bases Japan Fire Department. “You will need to get a burn permit from the fire preven-tion section to be able to have an open fire of any kind.”

    Camp fires are prohibited because they can become out-of-hand and the embers can be blown by the wind into surrounding vegetation and cause a wildfire, said Joseph.

    Other holiday activities that are not as hazardous as an open campfire but are covered in the order are barbecuing and outdoor grilling.

    “Grills are fine to have at base housing,” said Davis. “They are even allowed at base enlisted quarters and base officers’ quarters.”

    Joseph recommends owners keep the grill away from any housing structures and make sure there are no combustible overhangs such as branches, canopies, cabanas or canvas.

    According to the order, grilling units “are not to be used in the confines of any building or housing unit and should be at least 10 feet away from the building …”

    Owners should inspect their grills before they begin to cook anything on it, advised Joseph.“Do not use gasoline when starting a grill,” said Joseph. “Be sure to use the approved starter fluid.”“You have to give yourself enough time to barbecue,” said Davis. “It takes patience to barbecue, and you

    need to have some preparation time before you start grilling. You need to allow enough time for the charcoal to get to a good temperature for cooking your food. You don’t want to tell everyone that the barbecue is at 8 a.m. and when they start arriving you don’t even have the grill started.”

    Do not spray fluids on a grill because they can cause severe burns, warned Joseph.Davis also advised owners to use the proper equipment when grilling. An apron should be worn to

    protect the body and clothes from any burns, and long forks and tongs to handle food without touching the flame.

    “You need to properly dispose of the charcoal when you are finished using the grill,” added Joseph. “Do not just throw away charcoal in the trash can because it can catch fire. Also, do not pour water on the char-coal as you can get steam burns from the steam it will produce.”

    Owners will need to wait 24 hours before disposing of the charcoal from the grill, said Joseph.In case of an accident, emergency numbers should be easily accessible. If calling from any base phone,

    dial 911. If calling from off base or a cell phone, dial 098-911-1911.For more information on fire safety tips, contact the Base Safety Office at 645-3806.

    Keep yourself, family, friends safe this Fourth of July holiday weekend

    Events around OkinawaJuly 3-4, 1 p.m.: okinawa’s peaceful love rock festival: Okinawa’s biggest music festival Where: field stage of okinawa City athletic field (near kadena air Base, gate 5) Cost: ¥4,300 at gate, ¥3,800 advance ticket available at lawson or family mart, ¥6,000 for two-day pass The Peaceful Love Rock Festival is an outdoor concert with performances by domestic and international artists. July 3, noon - 8 p.m.: all american Beach party Where: u.s. army garrison torii station, torii Beach Cost: free All-day event with music, food, water park and fireworks at 8 p.m.

    July 3, 3 - 9 p.m.: fox Beach party in okinawa Where: tropical Beach, ginowan Cost: free All-day event with music, food, water park and fireworks at 8 p.m.

    July 4, 3 - 9 p.m.: July fourth Celebration Where: kadena air Base, marek park Cost: free Local musical groups will be performing throughout the day. Carnival games, a climbing wall and paintball area will be available for entertainment. The fireworks commence at 8:30 p.m. Parking is available at the Olympic Mall and Education Center. An hourly shuttle will run from the event to these locations starting at 3 p.m.

    Do this:• Get out of the house and experience some real weekend activities. There are plenty of things to see and do over the holiday. Somebody’s going to ask what you did last weekend. Do you really want to be the only one in the shop who says, “Nothing” when asked what you did last weekend?• Use sunscreen• Eat regular meals and stay hydrated.• Have a recall roster on you in case you need a safety net while on liberty.• Have a workable plan to get everyone home safe if you’re going to be drinking. • Know how III MEF/MCBJO 1050.7, “Liberty Campaign Order,” applies to you. • Take 10 seconds to think before jumping into unfamiliar or risky situations. • Remember what will happen when you get back to work if you get in trouble today.

    Not this:• Don’t buy or shoot fireworks. It’s against Marine Corps Bases Japan Order 11320.1, “Fire Protection Regulations and Instructions for Marine Corps Bases Japan.” • Don’t drink irresponsibly. It will only get you into trouble.• Don’t go into the water without a buddy watching your back.

    Keep these in mind this weekend

    Celebrating Independence Day with family, friends far from home

  • �okinawa marine | feAtuRe | july 2, 2010 �

    Events around OkinawaJuly 3-4, 1 p.m.: okinawa’s peaceful love rock festival: Okinawa’s biggest music festival Where: field stage of okinawa City athletic field (near kadena air Base, gate 5) Cost: ¥4,300 at gate, ¥3,800 advance ticket available at lawson or family mart, ¥6,000 for two-day pass The Peaceful Love Rock Festival is an outdoor concert with performances by domestic and international artists. July 3, noon - 8 p.m.: all american Beach party Where: u.s. army garrison torii station, torii Beach Cost: free All-day event with music, food, water park and fireworks at 8 p.m.

    July 3, 3 - 9 p.m.: fox Beach party in okinawa Where: tropical Beach, ginowan Cost: free All-day event with music, food, water park and fireworks at 8 p.m.

    July 4, 3 - 9 p.m.: July fourth Celebration Where: kadena air Base, marek park Cost: free Local musical groups will be performing throughout the day. Carnival games, a climbing wall and paintball area will be available for entertainment. The fireworks commence at 8:30 p.m. Parking is available at the Olympic Mall and Education Center. An hourly shuttle will run from the event to these locations starting at 3 p.m.

    Do this:• Get out of the house and experience some real weekend activities. There are plenty of things to see and do over the holiday. Somebody’s going to ask what you did last weekend. Do you really want to be the only one in the shop who says, “Nothing” when asked what you did last weekend?• Use sunscreen• Eat regular meals and stay hydrated.• Have a recall roster on you in case you need a safety net while on liberty.• Have a workable plan to get everyone home safe if you’re going to be drinking. • Know how III MEF/MCBJO 1050.7, “Liberty Campaign Order,” applies to you. • Take 10 seconds to think before jumping into unfamiliar or risky situations. • Remember what will happen when you get back to work if you get in trouble today.

    Not this:• Don’t buy or shoot fireworks. It’s against Marine Corps Bases Japan Order 11320.1, “Fire Protection Regulations and Instructions for Marine Corps Bases Japan.” • Don’t drink irresponsibly. It will only get you into trouble.• Don’t go into the water without a buddy watching your back.

    Keep these in mind this weekend

    Celebrating Independence Day with family, friends far from home

  • � okinawa marine | feAtuRe | july 2, 2010

    Cardboard boats carried on current of competition

    Lance Cpl. Stefanie C. Pupkiewiczokinawa marine staff

    marines from Camp Schwab turned out with their families to watch and participate in Henoko’s annual Okinawa Sumo Wrestling Tournament June 12.

    Five Marines participated in the Friendship Competition with members of the Henoko Young Men’s Association; and two family members participated in the Children’s Competition.

    Okinawa sumo wrestling is a combi-nation of western wrestling, judo and Japanese sumo, according to Fumio Iha, the community relations specialist for Camp Schwab and the commentator for the sumo competition.

    To participate is relatively straightfor-ward. Two opponents wear a fabric belt around their waists and they each must maintain a two-handed grip on their opponent’s belt throughout the prog-ress of the match. The goal is to get the opponent’s back on the ground, awarding one point to the successful wrestler. The opponents reset to the original position of gripping each other’s belts and compete again. The first to score two points wins the match, according to Iha.

    Oliver Spencer Jr., 9, and his brother Clayton, 13, both competed in the Chil-dren’s Sumo competition. This is their second year competing, according to their father, Lt. Col. Oliver Spencer, future op-erations officer, G-3, MCB Camp Butler.

    “They’ve been looking forward to this for a long time,” Spencer said.

    Oliver and Clayton both won their pre-liminary matches but were defeated by their age groups’ champions in the second round.

    Following the Children’s Competition, the Friendship Competition took place. Five Marines squared off against five members of the Henoko Young Men’s As-sociation. The Marines were all defeated with varying degrees of efficiency. Some of them were dispatched by being physi-cally picked up and then body slammed into the sand of the ring.

    Pfc. Travis Pruitt, a field radio operator with 3rd Reconnaissance Bn., 3rd Ma-rine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, lasted the longest out of all of the Marines.

    Pruitt did not come to the tournament expecting to wrestle but took the opportu-nity when it was announced, he said.

    “My plan was to stay low and keep my legs as far away as possible,” Pruitt said.

    His plan worked well until he saw his opportunity to try and sweep his oppo-nent’s legs. “I went for the shot, and he took me down,” he said.

    Pfc. Marcus Denell, a supply admin-istration and operations specialist with Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd MarDiv, did not have much of a chance in his match against the 256-pound former high school champion of Okinawa, but he wasn’t in-timidated, he said.

    “Marines don’t get intimidated, but I knew I was about to get embarrassed,” Denell said.

    Despite the outcome of the matches the Marines did have fun and are looking forward to participating in events similar to this in the future, said Pruitt.

    The Marines of Schwab-based units have been invited to participate in this event since 1973, and a sumo competition of some sort has been held for hundreds of years in Henoko, said Iha.

    Oliver Spencer Jr., 9, has his legs swept out from under him during the children’s competition of the annual Okinawa Sumo Wrestling Tournament. Spencer went on to win this match but lost in the second round of competition for his age group. Photo by Lance Cpl. Stefanie C. Pupkiewicz

    Marines, family members pound sand in annual sumo tournament

    Lance Cpl. Stefanie C. Pupkiewiczokinawa marine staff

    Marines with Marine Air Support Squad-ron 2, Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Ex-peditionary Force, came together at Oura Wan Beach, Camp Schwab for their annual beach day, June 18.

    The main event of the day was a cardboard boat race where the three companies that make up MASS-2 including Headquarters and Service Co., Air Support Co. and Communications and Electronics Co., competed against each other for best design, best decoration and fastest in a race.

    Air Support Co. created Pontoon 1, a blue boat with two triangular pontoons as its hull. The explanation for the design came from Lance Cpl. Cameron Wickersham, the pilot of the craft and an air support operations operator with Air Support Co. The original design called for one large pontoon but then “we realized the stability issues would be prevalent, especially for this water,” Wickersham said.

    The boat took last in decoration but first in design. “It doesn’t need to be pretty or look like anything other than a raft,” Wickersham said.

    Communications and Electronics Co.’s boat had a “V”-shaped hull and appeared to be mod-eled after a Viking long boat, including a dragon mounted to the bow.

    “I gave it eyelashes to give it a sense of speed,” explained Lance Cpl. Adam Whitmer, a data network specialist with Communications and Electronics Co.

    It did not garner any support or fear from its competitors.

    “I’m guessing within the first 30 seconds it’s going to take on water,” Wickersham said of the boat’s design.

    The dragon boat took second in both design and decoration.

    Cpl. David Hughes, a refrigeration and air conditioning technician with Headquarters and Service Co., explained their craft was “basically a Humvee.”

    The front end had a piece of paper under-neath the hood depicting an engine, it also had a steering wheel in the cab behind the window that had rearview mirrors mounted to it.

    The Humvee boat took first in decoration and last in design.

    The race itself proved that despite taking first for design, Air Support Company’s boat was not water ready.

    It did not even make it to the finish line before capsizing and being dragged to shore by team members.

    The dragon boat, which was scorned by the other competitors, completed the course, tak-ing on minimum water and receiving the most substantial damage to its cardboard hull as it came ashore.

    The Humvee boat took a substantial lead in the beginning and made steady progress from the starting line to shore before it was proudly beached as the winner of the first cardboard boat race of MASS-2’s beach days.

  • 9okinawa marine | feAtuRe | july 2, 2010

    Lance Cpl. Thomas W. Provost okinawa marine staff

    Fourteen motor transport mechanics from Motor Transport Company, Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, Ma-rine Wing Support Group 17, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, recently took part in the Advanced Motor Transport Operators Course on the Camp Schwab ranges.

    The purpose of the course is to give Marines real world scenarios to overcome and build confidence in themselves and their vehicles, said Staff Sgt. Candace J. Burgess, 1st MAW licensing official.

    Putting into practice their basic vehicle operation training, the mechanics were tasked with maneuvering over and through multiple obstacles.

    The first obstacle to conquer was four concrete blocks the Ma-rines had to drive over without smacking the undercarriage of the Humvee. The next challenge was called the “serpentine,” where students must safely drive across a concrete ramp angled at 30 degrees and then up a steep concrete hill.

    After coming down from the hill, students drove across several ditches simulating large pot holes.

    Next, students demonstrated

    careful steering on a narrow curving hill.

    Carefully coming down from the hill the students rounded a bend to find a 2-foot-6-inch deep pool of water they had to safely maneuver through to complete the first part of the course.

    The second stage began with a vehicle lane control obstacle de-signed to give students practice in keeping the Humvee straight while driving. Coming out of the lane control obstacles, students drove into a maze of high walls sporting tight turns that created a challenge to not touch the concrete walls while turning.

    The last two obstacles the students navigated through were three large, consecutive hill moguls and a water lane control trench where the right side tires dipped down into a one foot deep, water-filled trench.

    The Marines now have experi-ence with encountering differ-ent obstacles they may find in a combat zone, said Burgess.

    “If we approach an obstacle in combat we will now be able to overcome it with confidence,” said Cpl. Dennis W. Emke, one of the drivers. “So we can effectively get out of the line of fire.”

    In addition to gaining confi-

    dence, the Marines overcame a tendency to hesitate when faced with an obstacle in their path.

    It is very important to keep one’s mind right while driving in a war zone and be able to think on the move, said Pfc. William W. Watson, a motor transport me-chanic with maintenance platoon.

    The course also offered the Ma-rines a brief hiatus from their usual work schedule in the motor pool.

    “We fix [Humvees] all day and now we get to drive them,” said Watson.

    “It is something different than just working on the vehicles,” added Emke.

    Mechanics take on challenging Humvee course

    A Humvee maneuvers over four concrete blocks during an Advanced Motor Transport Operators Course. Fourteen motor transport mechanics from Motor Transport Company, Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, Marine Wing Support Group 17, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, participated in the course. Photo by Lance Cpl. Thomas W. Provost

    Lance Cpl. J Navaokinawa marine staff

    Oleoresin Capsicum spray, more com-monly known as OC spray, is one of many non-lethal weapons in the Marine Corps’ arsenal. Apart from its practical purpose as a non-lethal deterrant, it also becomes a train-ing tool for Marines. It allows them to test their fortitude, mental and physical toughness and determination. Several Marines from 3rd Intelligence Battalion, III Marine Expedition-ary Force, tested themselves by completing the OC level-one contamination training on Camp Hansen, June 23.

    The Marines say the course offers more than just physical training. It also gives them a newfound confidence in themselves and their abilities.

    “The purpose is to let you know you can fight through it,” said Lance Cpl. Paul Kistler, special intelligence communicator. “In case you’re ap-prehending a suspect and you get some on you, you’re confident in your abilities to perform and take him down even with the pain.”

    There are three levels of contamination for OC certification.

    Level one OC contamination certification includes fight-through drills, handcuff posi-tions, verbal commands, mechanical advantage control holds and several additional techniques

    used during suspect apprehension.The Marines had two days of training which

    stressed their understanding of the proper use and escalation of force in order to better under-stand how to use the least amount of force to handle a conflict.

    “The training helps us understand how bad OC would hurt someone,” Kistler said. “That way we don’t spray someone unless they’re committing major offenses.”

    The course consisted of five stations where Marines fought and apprehended multiple sus-pects after being sprayed with the OC.

    The course’s degree of difficulty and intense physical strain provides Marines with a large amount of confidence, said Cpl. Matthew Gar-

    cia, a military policeman with Marine Corps Base Provost Marshals Office.

    “It’s basically a confidence-builder course,” Garcia added. “Knowing that after you’ve been sprayed you can fight through this and you will fight through this.”

    When coupled with their basic training as warriors, the confidence the Marines get through this course gives them a sense of as-surance in their abilities during gas attacks, fire-fights and other combat related situations, explained Garcia.

    “It’s about Marines being able to look inside themselves and know that a situation is going to get bad,” Garcia said. “But, they know that they can fight through it.”

    �rd intel Marines get contaminated, gain confidence

    Cpl. Matthew Garcia, a military policeman with the Marine Corps Base Provost Marshals Office sprays Lance Cpl. Robert Plant, a telephone systems and personal computer intermediate repairer with Oleoresin Capsicum spray, as part of an OC course on Camp Hansen, June 23. Photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Freeman

  • 10 okinawa marine | feAtuRe | july 2, 2010

    Lance Cpl. Kentavist P. Brackin and Lance Cpl. Michael G. Iams okinawa marine staff

    Whether on the front line or in garrison, Marines have a reputation for making an impression everywhere they go. For Corporals Michael P. Comerford and Travis L. Carter, their outgoing personality, engag-ing disposition and unrivaled work ethic is noticed by both their superiors and junior Marines.

    “We have certainly been blessed here in [Combat Logistics Regiment 35] with some young [noncommissioned officers] that are excellent Marines,” said Col. James L. Rubino Jr., regimental commanding officer for CLR-35, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. “They are just a large part of Marines that are out there doing phenomenal things for the Marine Corps. They have certainly stood out among their peers and helped increase our operational capabili-ties as a force in readiness.”

    Pfc. Herbert A. Littleton TrophyComerford, a ground radio

    intermediate repair operator with Electronics Maintenance Company, CLR-35, was awarded the annual Pfc. Herbert A. Littleton Trophy for his development and installation of communications on Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacements in Afghanistan.

    The 7-tons were the vehicle of choice to complete the mission in Afghanistan but there was a prob-lem – no radio connections set up between them. The Trenton, N.J. , native stepped up and took charge of making it possible for Marines to communicate on the more heavily armored vehicles.

    The Littleton Trophy is given to honor noncommissioned officers and staff noncommissioned officers for operational communications excellence and electronics mainte-nance excellence.

    Master Gunnery Sgt. Phillip E. Bush, a communication electron-ics maintenance chief with 7th Communication Battalion, III MEF Headquarters Group, noticed the 27-year-old’s superior operational communications abilities and nominated him for the award.

    “He was uncharacteristically confident even as a lance corporal,” said Bush. “When he spoke it was as if he ran the place.”

    Comerford was not alone in his efforts to accomplish his missions. He had the help of three other Marines from his unit; Corporals Sheridan Davis and Danial Lara-mie and Lance Cpl. Jason Amos also helped in his endeavors.

    Through teamwork and dedication, they were able to complete the task of setting up the high-powered radio assets in the 7-tons.

    “It should have been a team award,” said Comerford. “We all work well together. It really was a team effort working and ac-complishing the mission while deployed.”

    Comerford also helped to solve a communication issue involving the mobile trauma units, new to the combat zone at the time, that were used by Navy doctors to medically assist front line operational forces.

    The problem was that the medi-cal staff couldn’t communicate at all with the frontline, so he was put on the case to solve the prob-lem, according to Comerford.

    He realized that there was a problem with the polarization of some wiring and the 42-foot cable connecting the trauma unit to its transportation unit was not grounded properly after spending time troubleshooting the equip-ment.

    “After realizing what the prob-lem was it was an easy fix,” he said. “I submitted trouble tick-ets and then we got sent around Helmand Province to fix the mo-bile trauma units.”

    Gunnery Sgt. W. H. Yasko, a communications maintenance chief with ELMACO, said he was impressed one of his junior Ma-rines was being recognized for an award.

    “It is outstanding that he accom-plished an achievement like that,” Yasko said. “Cpl. Comerford is an outstanding Marine who knows his job well. He jumps in where the workload is heavy and makes sure his Marines know what to do. He is just where a corporal should be.”

    Just like everyone else, Comer-ford came to his first duty station here not knowing what to expect. As a junior Marine, he took the initiative and found a motivated mentor to show him the ropes and help him do his job well.

    “Lance Cpl. Tyler Smilie helped me a lot while I was here,” said Comerford. “He showed me how to do the paperwork here and gave me a breakdown on how things work. If there is ever a problem, I now know how to fix it.”

    “He is professional with ev-erybody … a good leader, always working hard and always making sure junior Marines are getting the job done,” said Lance Cpl. Joshua R. Sowders, a generator mechanic for Engineering Co, Maintenance Bat-talion, CLR-35. . “He will try to let you figure it out on your own and if you can’t, that’s when he jumps in.”

    Marine Corps Maintainer of the Year

    Carter received the Marine Corps Maintainer of the Year award in May for his leadership abilities and accomplishments as a generator mechanic from April 2009 to March 2010.

    The award was presented to the 22-year-old by project manag-ers for Mobile Electric Power, a Department of Defense group that recognizes outstanding maintain-ers and leaders from each service.

    “Cpl. Carter was chosen be-cause he consistently achieves ex-ceptional results and accomplish-es the mission,” said Master Sgt. Jeffrey W. Staines, the Utilities Maintenance Platoon commander for Engineering Co. “I feel excited that a Marine from our section beat out other Marines from the

    utilities community Marine Corp-swide. It’s like your kid hitting a homerun.”

    Worthy accomplishments for re-ceiving nomination for the award include delivering valuable service and results in challenging/crisis situations, demonstrating skills and abilities above and beyond the nominee’s grade or position or recognized as the ‘go-to’ person for power generation issues or chal-lenges, according to his award citation.

    The Troutville, Va., native said, he was honestly surprised he was even selected for the award.

    “I actually failed my small engines class when I was in high school, but when I enlisted I chose this [military occupational specialty] because I wanted to do something challenging,” said the James River High School graduate. “It has its bad days like everyone else’s job but I enjoy taking some-thing that is broken and making it work again.”

    Carter said he learned basic troubleshooting with generators while attending MOS school at Camp Lejeune, N.C., from Febru-ary to June 2008.

    From there he was sent to his first duty station, Okinawa, where he learned the majority of his troubleshooting and mechanics from his mentor of two years, Sgt. Kevin P. Delancey.

    “He had a lot more experience than I did with mechanics being in the fleet longer, so he basically took me under his wing,” said Carter.

    From there Carter continued to improve his ability to maintain not just generators, but a multitude of other equipment during his two years on island.

    Many of Carter’s accomplish-ments included his performance while deployed to Iraq where he cross trained in four additional MOSs, instructed more than 20 Marines on proper generator op-erations and served as the senior generator mechanic, quality con-trol and floor chief with Utilities Platoon, Combat Logistics Battal-ion 4, in Baharia, Iraq.

    The additional MOSs he cross-trained with included: 1141 electrician, 1161 refrigeration mechanic, 1171 water equipment repair and 1341 heavy equipment operator.

    According to Carter, being able to support military personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan by keeping generators up and running was one of his biggest accomplish-ments during his time as a me-chanic.

    “I just did my job,” said Carter, “to the best of my ability.”

    Marines awarded for outstanding accomplishments

    No chores go unnoticed

    Corporals Michael P. Comerford and Travis L. Carter, from Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, were recognized out of the entire Corps community for standing out among their peers while helping the Marine Corps maintain its operational capabilities as a force in readiness. Photo by Lance Cpl .Kentavist P. Brackin

  • 11okinawa marine | cOMMunity PLAce | july 2, 2010

    In Theaters NowfOsteR

    TODAY Toy Story 3 (G), 3 p.m.; Marmaduke (PG), 6 p.m.; Why Did I Get Married Too (PG13), 9 p.m. SATURDAY Marmaduke (PG), noon; Furry Vengeance (PG), 3 and 6 p.m.; A Nightmare on Elm Street (R), 9 p.m. SUNDAY Marmaduke (PG), 1 p.m.; Knight & Day (PG13), 4 and 7:30 p.m.MONDAY Marmaduke (PG), 1 p.m.; Furry ven-geance (PG),4 and 7 p.m.TUESDAY Kick-Ass (R), 7 p.m.WEDNESDAY Furry Vengeance (PG), 7 p.m.THURSDAY Toy Story 3 (G), 3 p.m.; Knight & Day (PG13), 7 p.m.

    schWAbTODAY The Karate Kid (PG), 7 p.m.SATURDAY The Losers (PG13), 5 p.m.SUNDAY Death at a Funeral (R), 5 p.m.MONDAY-THURSDAY Closed

    cOuRtneyTODAY Knight & Day (PG13), 6 and 9 p.m.SATURDAY Oceans (G), 2 p.m.; Death at a Funeral (R), 6 p.m.SUNDAY The Karate Kid (PG), 2 and 6 p.m.MONDAY The Losers (PG13), 7 p.m.TUESDAY ClosedWEDNESDAY Toy Story 3 (G), 7 p.m.THURSDAY Closed

    kADenATODAY Grown Ups (PG13), 6 and 9 p.m.SATURDAY Toy Story 3 (G), noon and 3 p.m.; Furry Vengeance (PG), 6 p.m.; Grown Ups (PG13), 9 p.m.SUNDAY Toy Story 3 (G), 1 and 4 p.m.; Grown Ups (PG13), 7 p.m.MONDAY Toy Story 3 (G), 3 p.m.; A Nightmare on Elm Street (R), 7 p.m.TUESDAY The Karate Kid (PG), 3 p.m.; Toy Story 3 (G), 7 p.m.WEDNESDAY Furry Vengeance (PG), 3 p.m.; The Karate Kid (PG), 7 p.m.THURSDAY The Karate Kid (PG), 7 p.m.

    kinseRTODAY A Nightmare on Elm Street (R), 6:30 p.m.SATURDAY Furry Vengeance (PG), 3 p.m.; A Nightmare on Elm Street (R), 6:30 p.m.SUNDAY Furry Vengeance (PG), 3 p.m.; A Night-mare on Elm Street (R), 6:30 p.m.MONDAY ClosedTUESDAY Grown Ups (PG13), 6:30 p.m.WEDNESDAY Knight & Day (PG13), 3 and 6:30 p.m.THURSDAY Furry Vengeance (PG), 6:30 p.m.

    hAnsen TODAY A Nightmare on Elm Street (R), 6 and 9 p.m.SATURDAY The Karate Kid (PG13), 6 and 9 p.m.SUNDAY Furry Vengeance (PG), 2 p.m.; Hot Tub Time Machine (R), 5:30 p.m.MONDAY Knight & Day (PG13), 4 and 7 p.m.TUESDAY Knight & Day (PG13), 6 and 9 p.m.WEDNESDAY Grown Ups (PG13), 7 p.m.THURSDAY Grown Ups (PG13), 7 p.m.

    futenMATODAY The Losers (PG13), 6:30 p.m.SATURDAY Knight & Day (PG13), 4 and 7 p.m.SUNDAY Death at a Funeral (R), 4 p.m.; Iron Man 2 (PG13), 7 p.m.MONDAY Grown Ups (PG13), 6:30 p.m.TUESDAY ClosedWEDNESDAY ClosedTHURSDAY Closed

    theAteR DiRectORyCAMP FOSTER 645-3465

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    CAMP KINSER 637-2177

    CAMP SCHWAB 625-2333(USO NIGHT) 625-3834

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

    July 2 - July 8

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    chAPeL scheDuLeCamp 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., Vespers, Sat., 5 p.m.• Gospel: Sun., 11:30 a.m.• Hindu: Sat., 3:30 p.m.• Jewish: Informal: 1st, 3rd Fri., 6:30 p.m.• Muslim: Fri., Prayer, 12:45 p.m.• Protestant: Sun., 8:30 a.m.

    Camp sChwab | 622-9350• Catholic: Sun., 5:30 p.m.• Protestant: Sun., 4 p.m.

    Camp Courtney | 622-9350• Catholic: Sun., 8 a.m.;• Protestant: Sun., 9:30 a.m.

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

    Camp mctureous | 622-9350• Gospel: Sun., 12:30 p.m.• Lutheran: Sun., 9:30 a.m.

    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: Sun., 10:30 a.m., Kadena High School• Gospel: Sunday School, 9 a.m., Bldg. 856; Service 10:30 a.m., Chapel 3• Inspirational: Sun., 8:30 a.m., Chapel 2; • Protestant: Sun., 10 a.m., Chapel 2;• Traditional: Sun., 10:30 a.m., Chapel 2;• Wiccan/Pagan: Sat., 2 p.m., Bldg. 856

    Camp Lester | 643-7248• Catholic: Sun., 8 a.m., Lester Chapel Mon., 10 a.m., Thurs., 9 a.m., Liturgy of Word at Hospital Chapel • Non-Denominational: Sun., 9 a.m., Hospital Chapel; Sun., 10 a.m., Lester Chapel

    mCas Futenma | 636-3058• Catholic: Sun., noon• Contemporary: Fri., 7 p.m.; Sun., 9 a.m.

    Camp Kinser | 637-1148• Catholic: Sun., noon• Protestant: Sun., 9 a.m.

    For more activities and information, contact the Single Marine Program at 645-3681

    All bus pick-up points will be at Semper Fit gyms or the Foster Fieldhouse.

    FOREST ADVENTURE PARK: JULY 17• Okinawa’s newest thrilling athletic park. Test your courage on the zip slide ride, the Amazon Rope bridge, the Tibetan bridge and all the other exciting obstacles. The bus will leave Camp Kinser at 9 a.m. and Marine Corps Air Station Futenma at 9:30 a.m. It will return at 3 p.m. Contact the SMP for more information.

    rifle rangeCpl. Ozie Brown,7th Communication Battalion, 339

    pistol range no detail this week

    June 21 - 25

    Arm cHAIrS, $25 eA.FIle cAbINet, $35FIle cAbINet, $25deSk, $20book cASe, $25FoldINg tAble, $35deSk tAble, $40reFrIgerAtor (16.4 cubIc Ft), $225eNtertAINmeNt ceNter, [email protected]

  • 1� okinawa marine | sPORts | july 2, 20101�

    Some may even use yoga as rehabilitation from injuries or sustainment while healing.

    “After I injured my lower back I went through years of chiropractic treatment and tons of Motrin and muscle relaxers. Nothing seemed to work,” said Walter Meier, yoga student.

    “I started practicing yoga about 10 years ago. I found the benefits of yoga outweighed all the other treatments,”said Meier.

    As Meier continued doing yoga he began to find the spiritual and relaxing element in yoga and began attending classes two and three times a week.

    “When you get into life’s frustrating situ-ations, yoga gives you tools to use,” said Alexandra McLaurin, a yoga instructor at Gunner’s Gym here. “It’s been shown that the yoga breath helps lower blood pressure. It helps releases the endorphins that help you relax.”

    In yoga, proper breathing is essential and part of the practice.

    According to healthandyoga.com the full yogic breath is the basic building block of powerful yoga breathing techniques.

    It is designed to dramatically reduce emo-tional and nervous anxiety, calm the mind and integrate mental and physical balance. It is also used to count how long positions are held, according to the website.

    “I use it daily in ways I’m not aware of to

    calm myself down if there’s a stressful situa-tion,” said McLaurin.

    “During yoga my mind just goes, it can be the most relaxing time of the week for me,” said Meier.

    Although yoga does not involve as much kinetic motion as other physical activities, it still involves risks that can cause serious injuries.

    “You really need to watch your alignment. Just like with any other exercise program, if you do a movement incorrectly, you can re-ally do some damage to your body.

    “When I’m teaching the classes, I make sure I focus on one posture a month so the class can explore and learn that posture cor-rectly,” said McLaurin.

    “Yoga takes a lot of strength to do. It’s something you need to start with slowly and build your strength up,” said McLaurin.

    “The classes are challenging,” said Meier. “If you’re not in shape, yoga isn’t the sport you want to start with.”

    McLaurin teaches five of the six classes weekly at Gunner’s Gym.

    Classes are also available on Camp Kins-er, Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Camp Lester and Camp Courtney.

    The available classes are Beginners Yoga, Prenatal Yoga, Intermediate Yoga and Yoga Flow for advanced yogis.

    To view the schedule for yoga classes and other fitness classes available through Ma-rine Corps Community Services Semper Fit visit the website http://www.mccsokinawa.com, click on the Semper Fit link and the Fitness Class Schedule.

    Reiko Hatchette practices “Downward Facing Dog” during a Yoga Flow class at Gunner’s Fitness Center. She has been doing yoga for 34 years.

    The yoga sequences in the Yoga Flow class have varying levels of difficulty to accommodate different levels and flexibility. In this pose, some class members reach for their ankle while others place their hand on the floor.

    Yoga builds mind, bodyDon’t forget to breathe

    Story and photos by Lance Cpl. Heather N. Choateokinawa marine staff

    Over the past years yoga has become more popular in western culture, with its spiritual element, flexibility and physical fitness being the participant’s inspiration.