iii marine expeditionary force and marine corps bases japan

july 29, 2011 www.okinawa.usmc.mil

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e K9 Unit trains with partnersMarines conducted search and aggression training and building raids with working dogs to maintain deployment readiness.

Pg. 9

see DADT pg 5

Jim Garamone american forces press service

WASHINGTON — Based on recommendations from military leaders, President Barack Obama has certified to Congress that the U.S. Armed Forces are prepared for repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law.

There is a 60-day waiting period before the repeal goes into effect, so the law will officially come off the books Sept. 20. After that date, gay service members can be open about their sexual orientation.

The president signed the certification and deliv-ered it to Congress July 22.

Congress passed the repeal law in December. The legislation gave the military time to prepare the force and said repeal would happen only after the president, the defense secretary and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff certified the force as ready for repeal.

The Defense Department chartered a repeal imple-mentation team to coordinate the necessary changes to policy and regulations, and to provide education and training to service members. The team worked to ensure the smoothest possible transition for the U.S. military to accommodate and implement this important and necessary change, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said.

“Today, as a result of strong leadership and proac-tive education throughout the force, we can take the next step in this process,” the secretary said. “The president, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff,

Don’t ask, don’t tell repeal certified by President Obama

Marines Learn tO sUrViVeJungle survival course teaches MWCS-18

Marines the basic tools to survive in a jungle environment.

PgS. 6-7

III MEF Band delivers world-class performance

Cpl. Anthony Ward Jr.okinawa marine staff

USS BLUE RIDGE, Australia — As the Marine Forces Com-mand for Talisman Sabre 2011, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Bri-gade, part of III Marine Expedi-tionary Force, has contributed to the success of the exercise.

TS ’11 is a U.S. Pacific Command theater-security cooperation exercise that trains PACOM forces in short-warning, power-projection scenarios involving a com-bined task force and improves combat training, readiness and interoperability of U.S. and Australian forces.

Operating as the Combined Forces Land Component Com-mand, 3rd MEB was given the chance to show how they operate.

All the Marines involved with TS ’11, including for-ward-deployed Marines on-board the USS Blue Ridge and

3rd MeB wraps up ts ’11

Lt. Col. Aisha M. Bakkarpao, marine corps activity - guam

HAGATNA, Guam — The III Marine Expeditionary Force Band delivered world-class performances here July 20-21 as a favored participant in Guam’s 67th Liberation Day Celebra-tions themed “Our Manamko, Our Legacy.”

“Manamko” is the Chamorro word for the elderly and wise. July 21 marked the anniversary of Guam’s liberation from the Japanese occupation of the island during World War II. The Chamorros, Guam’s indigenous people, who survived the occupation were the event’s celebrated “Manamko.”

Col. Robert D. Loynd, officer-in-charge of Marine Corps

Activity-Guam said, “There was something very special and important about this year’s celebration. As the focus and theme of the parade was the elderly – the “Manamko” – one couldn’t help but think about those still-living Chamorros who were liberated by the Marines of the 3rd Marine Divi-sion and 1st Marine Provisional Brigade 67 years ago.”

A memorial wall overlooking the Marines’ amphibious landing beach at Asan Bay, contains 16,142 names of Cham-orro and American casualties who suffered or died during the war on Guam.

The III MEF Band maintained its traditional place of honor as it led the Liberation Day Parade that drew a crowd

see 3RD MEB pg 5

see BAND pg 5

Marines and Navy Corpsmen with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, treat a simulated casualty during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011 in Camp Growl, Queensland, Australia, July 25. TS ‘11 is a biennial, combined-training activity designed to train Australian and U.S. forces in planning and conducting Combined Task Force operations to improve combat readiness and interoperability. Photo by Lance Cpl. Garry J. Welch

A percussionist with the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band performs at Guam’s 67th Liberation Day Celebration in Hagatna, Guam, July 21. Photo courtesy of III MEF Band

Debbie Soderlund

Where do we learn about relation-ships? Most of us didn’t have a healthy dating class during

school, so much of our exposure to relation-ships begins in our childhood homes with our families. For some, these were not the best examples of healthy relationships.

Another major source of information is the media. What are we learning about re-lationships from Snooki and The Situation? What we see on television can normalize inappropriate and damaging behavior.

One thing often overlooked is that it is very difficult to have a healthy relation-ship with another person if you don’t have a healthy relationship with yourself. Many people spend years, even decades, looking for Mr. or Ms. Right, when they could have been working on themselves. Being self-assured and confident will not only attract similarly positive mates but will likely amount to an improvement in every aspect of one’s life.

We are all ultimately responsible for our own happiness.

So what can we hope for from a relation-ship? A reasonable expectation is to have someone to communicate with, to laugh and cry with, a friendly ear and a compan-ion. Much of our happiness is determined by having realistic expectations and having them met in our relationships. Once we learn to create our own personal happiness, we are better prepared to share that hap-piness with a partner in a loving, healthy relationship.

Another aspect of a healthy relationship is acceptance. We have all seen partners that spend years trying to nag a particular personality trait out of a partner. Our energy is much better spent correcting our own

behavior and personality traits, rather than working to improve others. When one part-ner commits to personal change without being nagged or coerced, the relationship improves, which spurs the other partner to make their own personal changes. For the most part, our partners always know which things we’d love to change about them.

Healthy problem-solving skills are key to resolving inevitable disputes that partners have with one another. In fact, a healthy relationship is marked by the ability to suc-cessfully negotiate disagreements. Conflict resolution involves honesty and respectfully expressing feelings. It requires respectfully listening to your partner’s beliefs and feel-ings. It doesn’t involve repeatedly bringing up past misdeeds or assuming that you know the other person’s intentions.

Everyone can improve conflict resolution skills with practice and guidance. Some-times, it’s best to agree to disagree on topics that do not cause damage to the relationship or those issues which do not have a clear right or wrong outcome.

Sometimes, couples need assistance breaking old, unhealthy communication habits or conflict management patterns. Fortunately, counseling is available on Okinawa through the Counseling and Ad-vocacy Center, with your chaplain or with a Military and Family Life Consultant; all of which can provide tools for building your relationship skills and happiness.

In the end, a great relationship incor-porates love, respect, acceptance of self and others and positive conflict-resolution skills.

For more information, call the Counsel-ing and Advocacy program at 645-2915.

Soderlund is a prevention specialist with the Counseling and Advocacy Center.

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 okinawamarine.mcbb.fct@usmc.mil 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 645-9335

northern BureauCamp HansenDSN 623-4224

southern BureauCamp KinserDSN 637-1092

Commanding general Maj. Gen. Peter J. Talleri

puBliC affairs direCtor Lt. Col. David M. Griesmer

press offiCer 2nd Lt. Evan A. Almaas

press Chief Gunnery Sgt. J. L. Wright Jr.

design editors Audra A. Satterlee Lance Cpl. Erik S. Brooks Jr.

AroundCorpst

he

Marines with the 11th Marine Expeditionary U n i t , I M a r i n e Expedit ionar y Force , launch a balloon-tethered communications relay system during a training exercise at Camp Del Mar, Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 14. The balloon is designed to float up to 80,000 feet, extending the communication coverage to an area of 600 miles in diameter. Photo by

Lance Cpl. Claudia M. Palacios

Marines with Division Schools, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, and Infantry Training Battalion, School of Infantry-West, fire a 6 0 m m m o r t a r system aboard Camp Pendleton July 21. The training provided hands-on experience with the new system which replaces the World War II-era M2 Mor tar and M119 Mortar systems. Photo

by Cpl. Salvador R. Moreno

1st Lt. Paul Mooney loads a 50-kilogram bag of wheat grain in Lashkar Gah in Helmand province, Afghanistan, for transportation to Garmsir district July 21. Mooney is the assistant civil affairs team leader for 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. The battalion’s Embedded Training and Civil Affairs Teams joined Afghan National Army soldiers in Lashkar Gah to receive the grain. The Government of Afghanistan funded the purchase and plans to distribute the grain to local farming communities in Garmsir district for Ramadan. Photo by Cpl. Colby Brown

2 okinawa marine | OPINION & EDITORIAL | July 29, 2011

Healthy relationships take understanding

3okinawa marine | NEWS | July 29, 2011

Lance Cpl. Mark W. Stroudokinawa marine staff

CAMP SCHWAB, Okinawa — Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172 trained with the Shoulder-launched Multipurpose As-sault Weapon at Range 10 here July 20, firing both training and high-explosive rockets.

The MWSS-172 Marines, part of Marine Wing Sup-port Group 17, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, were staying at a bivouac site near the range July 18-22 and con-ducting crew-served weap-ons training on several of the Marine Corps’ weapons systems including the M249 squad automatic weapons, M240B medium machine guns, MK19 grenade launch-ers and SMAWs.

C om b at en g i ne e r s , utilities specialists, motor transport operators, heavy-equipment operators and armorers from the squadron conducted the training to-gether, according to Sgt. Eric D. Currier, combat engineer

foreman, MWSS-172.“The more that we pre-

pare the Marines with a broad-spectrum of cross-training the (better),” said Currier. “It is not just the in-fantryman going outside the wire in combat. You have all different types of (military occupational specialties) that go on convoys and will eventually be a gunner in a turret.”

The crew-served weap-ons training consisted of both classroom and practi-cal application lessons al-lowing the Marines to learn the weapons operations beginning with the basics.

“We use building blocks; we start off teaching the classes, and we go into dry firing the weapon, doing the immediate and remedial ac-tions and developing muscle memory, so once we get up here to practical application it just clicks with the Ma-rines,” said Currier.

Combining both class-room sessions and live-firing at the range was im-portant in developing the Marines’ confidence in the

weapons system according to some instructors.

“You can have classes on it, but, unless (the students) gets hands-on time, the Marines are not going to feel confident,” said Cpl. Samuel R. Holthouser, combat engi-neer, MWSS-172.

The SMAW is of par-ticular importance to com-bat engineers and combat

engineer support elements because the weapon sys-tem is one of their standard capabilities, according to Holthouser.

“The SMAW is organic to combat engineers and as-saultmen,” said Holthouser.

The Marines of MWSS-172, despite having never fired the weapon before, showed proficiency, quickly

learning its terminology, immediate and remedial actions and use, according to Holthouser.

“It is a very user-friendly weapon. Through the train-ing that we gave them and the hands-on before actu-ally firing it, they were able to put rounds on target ev-ery time,” said Holthouser.

Marines looking to keep their newfound skill-set fresh have follow-on train-ing opportunities available to them at the indoor-simu-lated marksmanship trainer on Camp Foster, according to Currier.

The ISMT allows the Marines to practice on a virtual firing range with the weapons, Currier said.

The chance to come out to the field and learn how to operate these weapons systems was a welcomed opportunity for the Ma-rines, including Lance Cpl. Derek W. Schultz, combat engineer, MWSS-172.

“No one joined the Corps to sit around, we want to come out here and do this kind of stuff,” said Schultz.

Marines improve crew-served capabilities

Lance Cpl. Erik S. Brooks Jr.okinawa marine staff

URASOE CITY, Okinawa — Marines with Head-quarters and Headquarters Squadron from Marine Corps Air Station Futenma joined together to clean up Chuo-Ikusei-En home for the disabled here July 25.

Chuo-Ikusei-En is a home for Okinawa commu-nity members with mental and physical disabili-ties. The facility houses Okinawans of all ages.

During the visit, the Marines washed walls, cleaned windows and performed yard mainte-nance.

The Marines all volunteered for the cleanup, said Lt. Cmdr. Kobena K. Arthur, the command chaplain for MCAS Futenma.

“This is a great opportunity for the Marines to get off base and help out the local community,” said Arthur. “They are doing something that makes a difference. This kind of work shows the other side of Marines; it shows we are not all just fighting.”

When the Marines first arrived, the residents of the home were hesitant around the group of new faces, but it did not take long for them to warm up.

“The people here are very thankful of the help from the Marines,” said Ritsuko Higa, the office manager for Chuo-Ikusei-En. “The interaction between the Marines and residents is really ap-preciated.”

As the Marines cleaned, residents started open-ing up to them. They even started to lend a hand.

The community members were not the only ones to benefit from the event, the Marines did too.

“It feels great to help out the people from the home,” said Cpl. Mario Morales, a weather fore-caster with the squadron. “Playing with the kids while cleaning was just a bonus.”

This was the first time that Marines came to the home, according to Elena Takaho, a community relations specialist with MCAS Futenma.

“This is the start of a better relationship with the home,” said Takaho. “We will continue to

come out here and help them.”This work for the community is very important

for the Marines, said Col. James G. Flynn, com-manding officer of MCAS Futenma.

“Developing trust and friendship with the com-munity is always a good thing,” said Flynn. “We as Marines operate around the community and if cleaning buildings is what it takes to build a better relationship, then we will continue to do it.”

Marines assist with maintenance at Okinawan home for disabled

Lance Cpl. Derek W. Schultz, combat engineer, Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, Marine Wing Support Group 17, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, fires a Shoulder-launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon at Camp Schwab July 20. Schultz spent the week at the range training on the M249 squad automatic weapon, M240B medium machine gun, M2 .50-caliber Browning machine gun and the MK19 grenade launcher. Photo by Lance Cpl. Mark W. Stroud

Marines with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, wipe down windows alongside residents from Chuo-Ikusei-En in Urasoe City July 25. The Marines were part of a volunteer group that went to the home to lend a hand with daily maintenance. Photo by Lance Cpl. Erik S. Brooks Jr.

Okinawa yOuth fOOtballOkinawa Youth Football is looking for

children ages 5-13 who weigh less than 185 pounds for teams at Camps Courtney and Foster. Cheerleaders are also being sought. There are three remaining opportunities to sign up:

July 30 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Kadena Base Exchange, Aug. 13 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Camp Foster Post Exchange and Aug. 15-19 from 6-8 p.m. behind the Kadena softball fields.

E-mail: okinawayouthfootballleague44@yahoo.com for more information.

JOint-service walk-in spOrts physicals at kadena clinic

U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa and the 18th Medical Group will offer walk-in sports physicals at the Kadena Medical Group Clinic Aug. 13 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

The annual walk-in clinic for sports physicals is a joint effort to offer a convenient way for parents to prepare youth sports participants for the upcoming school year. The event is open to children 6-17 years old eligible for care at military medical facilities on Okinawa.

Students need to bring all necessary forms required for each sports activity and their most up-to-date immunization record to be reviewed. All participants are required to wear a shirt and athletic shorts and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

For more information, contact Lester Family Medicine Clinic at 643-7517, Lester Pediatric Clinic at 643-7304, Kadena Family Practice at 630-4817 (press 1, then select option 1), or Kadena Pediatrics at 603-4817 (press 1, then select option 2).

Marine cOrps ball facebOOk updatesFor those who plan to attend one

of the Marine Corps ball celebrations on Okinawa this year, visit www.facebook.com/marinecorpsballs. At this page, communication, questions and information will be transmitted regarding the specific events.

“Like” the page, then go to the events section to RSVP to your ball. This will not confirm your attendance, but it will provide ball-specific updates as they become available.

For more information, contact 645-3193.

wide area wOrkflOw trainingThe Regional Contracting Office-Far

East will conduct training for Wide Area Workflow Training Aug. 10 from 1:30-4:30 p.m. at the Camp Foster Education Center, building 5642, across from the Camp Foster Commissary.

WAWF is designed to eliminate paper from the receipts and acceptance process of the DOD-contracting lifecycle.

This training is mandatory for all units that request supplies or services via PR Builder to RCO-FE.

The training will cover registration, overall system function, an overview of the user’s role and the step-by-step processing of invoices. To register, e-mail mcbb_g4_rco_waw@usmc.mil.

Briefs

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 Friday. Okinawa Marine reserves the right to edit all submitted material.

4 okinawa marine | NEWS | July 29, 2011

KozenieskyJohnson

Col. Anthony J. Johnson assumed command of the Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, from Col. Craig S. Kozeniesky during a ceremony at Camp Fuji July 14. Kozeniesky has commanded CATC, Camp Fuji since July 2010 and is scheduled to become the branch head for the Current Operations Branch, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps Plans, Policy, and Operations Department at the Pentagon in Washington D.C. Johnson’s previous assignment was at the U.S. Marine Corps Artillery Detachment in Fort Sill, Okla., where he served as the commanding officer since July 2008.

CatC Camp fuji welcomes Johnson

Capt. Caleb D. Eames31st meu

SAM HILL, QUEENSLAND, Aus-tralia — The Marines got the disturbing intelligence in the early morning here July 21. A lo-cal source said a mass grave was nearby, and 1st platoon was tasked with finding and securing it.

Marines and sailors of Com-pany G., Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regi-ment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, moved quickly in amphibi-ous assault vehicles to locate the mock mass grave site, marked by upturned earth in the middle of the Australian bush.

As part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011, the Australian Defence Force Investigative Service, Aus-tralian Federal Police, U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Marines of the 31st MEU came together to ensure the mock grave site was secured and processed, and possible victims identified.

“What is believed to be a mass grave has been discovered by the U.S. Marines,” said Sgt. Rod Anderson, disaster victim identi-fication team leader with the Aus-tralian Federal Police. “We are now conducting a forensic examination of the scene to assist in identifying the deceased that may be here.”

A five-person FBI rapid de-ployment team from Los Angeles worked closely with counterpart groups from the AFP and ADFIS to conduct the investigation. The LA office of the FBI has rapid response capabilities within the Pacific region. They deployed in 2008 to investigate American citizen deaths after the Mumbai, India, terrorist attacks, said Mer-edith Burke, FBI special agent and evidence response team leader.

“This is the first time we’ve worked together with the Austra-lians during a field exercise. So far, everything is going great, and we seem to be on the same page. Our protocols are the same” said Burke.

The bilateral disaster-victim

identification team worked side-by-side to survey the site.

“We approach the scene care-fully, we properly document the scene, we ensure we search slowly and carefully, collecting our evi-dence in the best way in order to prosecute any possible criminal acts,” said Burke.

Next, the team carefully marked off the area, searched the surroundings for evidence, and then processed the site.

“The search needs to be me-thodical, it needs to very carefully examine not only where human remains are, but the circumstanc-es of how they are found,” said Anderson. “This process would normally take quite a long time.”

As the U.S. and Australian forces operate in unstable environ-ments around the Pacific, the in-teroperability within investigative and military services is critical, Anderson commented.

“It is vitally important that the Marines secured the site initially,” said Anderson. “The forensic value of the scene is really based on how intact we find it. The Marines have done quite well.”

The end result is to identify the people involved, and if there have been any crimes involved, who may be responsible, said Anderson.

The Marines guarded the site for several days while the U.S. and Australian investigative team worked together to get the job done.

“After we got the intelligence on the situation, we were told to find the site, and then form a perimeter in order to allow the FBI and the Australian agencies to investigate the scene,” said U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Jose M. Cueva, platoon ser-geant, 1st platoon, Company G, BLT 2nd Bn., 7th Marines.

Cueva added that in addition to holding security, his Marines were also assisting by conducting small patrols through the surrounding bush to ensure no one contami-nated the area or tampered with the evidence.

This is a great opportunity for our agencies to all work together, to iron out any issues and network, said Anderson.

The simulated mass grave site scenario was part of the larger U.S. and Australian cooperation in TS ’11, in which 14,000 U.S. and 9,000 Australian personnel are participating.

“I am very impressed with the way the Australian and U.S. mili-tary are working together, and so it is very exciting for us to have that same opportunity from the law enforcement side,” said Burke.

Marines guard simulated mass grave

Lance Cpl. Sam T. Owens, a team leader with Company G, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, provides security as U.S. and Australian investigative agencies search for evidence around a mock mass grave during a stability and support operation July 21. Photo by Lance Cpl. Kevin M. Smith

and I have certified that the implementation of re-peal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell is consistent with the standards of military readiness, military effective-ness, unit cohesion and recruiting and retention of the armed forces.”

Panetta said he believes the repeal is essential to the effectiveness of our all-volunteer force. “All men and women who serve this nation in uniform – no matter their race, color, creed, religion or sexual orientation – do so with great dignity, bravery, and dedication,” he said in a written statement on cer-tification.

Panetta pledged to support a military free from personal, social or institutional barriers that prevent service members from rising to the highest level of responsibility that their talents and capabilities warrant.

“They put their lives on the line for America, and that’s what really matters,” he said. “Thanks to the professionalism and leadership of the U.S. military, we are closer to achieving the goal that is at the foun-dation of America — equality and dignity for all.”

The services put together training courses for the force and more than 1.9 million service members have now received that training. DOD and service officials also looked at regulatory and legal changes that repeal entailed.

“I am comfortable that we have used the find-ings of the Comprehensive Review Working Group to mitigate areas of concern, and that we have developed the policy and regulations necessary for implementation – consistent with standards of military readiness, military effectiveness, unit cohesion and recruiting and retention,” Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said in a written statement.

Certification is not the end of the road. The department, the services and the combatant com-mands must work “to train the remainder of the joint force, to monitor our performance as we do so, and to adjust policy where and when needed,” Mullen said.

Mullen said he believes soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines can handle the changes.

“My confidence in our ability to accomplish this work rests primarily on the fact that our people are capable, well-led and thoroughly professional,” he said in his written statement last week. “I have never served with finer men and women. They will, I am certain, carry out repeal and continue to serve this country with the same high standards and dignity that have defined the U.S. military throughout our history.”

Marines at the main Command Operations Center back on Camp Courtney, did a superb job, said Col. Craig Q. Timber-lake, commander of 3rd MEB.

During the exercise, 3rd MEB was given ample op-portunity to hone their skills and display their warfighting acumen.

“One of our main priorities was to demonstrate we would be able to command and con-trol from the USS Blue Ridge, while the main was still set up on Camp Courtney,” said Timberlake.

This was a task 3rd MEB handled effectively, according to Timberlake. The success of this exercise illustrates the operational importance of the MEB and aligns III MEF’s

command and control with the Commandant of the Marine Corps’ vision.

“This shows that no mat-ter what 3rd MEB is involved with, whether it be humani-tarian assistance and disaster relief operations or a kinetic fight, the unit is able to func-tion across the broad spectrum of mission assets,” said Lt. Col. Stephen P. Armes, operations officer for 3rd MEB.

This cross-functionality includes interacting with other services, including the Austra-lian forces.

“It was good,” said Austra-lian Navy Petty Officer Oliver Stojanovski, an electronic war-fare specialist. “This wasn’t just the U.S. Navy or the U.S. Army; it was all the different services. It was a real coalition.”

It has been great to come into a combined-joint environ-ment and see the different way other forces do things, said Maj. Mark E. Halverson, commu-nications officer for 3rd MEB.

“It was my first time in this area of responsibility and do-ing this exercise,” said Chief Petty Officer Odis D. Bell, a chief master-at-arms. “It was a good experience, a learning experience.”

Scenarios explored dur-ing TS ’11 were a great way to prepare for real-life events that could involve U.S. and Australian Forces, added Bell. Coming together, communicat-ing and putting minds together to accomplish the mission should aid in the chemistry the two countries will possess in the future.

5okinawa marine | NEWS | July 29, 2011

DADT from pg 1

3RD MEB from pg 1

of almost 46,000 from a population of 180,000. Brig. Gen. William Beydler, 1st MAW commanding general, was in at-

tendance to celebrate the event. “This performance was unique as it was performed on a U.S. Territory

in front of a large audience liberated by U.S. Marines 67 years ago this month,” said Beydler. “For the people of Guam, the III MEF Band represents those Marines that were their liberators and remain their protectors. The III MEF Band performs throughout the region to remind their audiences of the history of our Corps and its continuing presence supporting peace and stability in the Pacific.”

Immediately following their landing, the band was escorted along Marine Corps Drive by the Veterans of Guam Motorcycle Club and Guam Highway Patrol to the Liberation Day Carnival Main Stage in Hagatna where they performed with the Guam Symphony Orchestra.

“The sounds that filled the air at the 67th Guam Island Fair on the eve of Liberation Day were that of the visiting Marine Corps Band. The beautiful music was enjoyed by all in attendance,” said Melissa Savares, Village of Dededo mayor and president of the Mayor’s Council of Guam.

“This year, we were privileged to witness today’s Marines – the Marines of the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band – march and perform on this important Guamanian holiday and in tribute to the surviving Manamko of the actual Liberation itself,” Loynd said.

“For me there was a real symbolism on display, a sense of continuity and

lasting legacy of freedom and democracy. After playing the National Anthem and the Guam Hymn, the III MEF Band conducted a facing movement, broke into the Marines’ Hymn, and marched off with roaring applause coming from both sides of Marine Corps Drive,” said Loynd. “At that very moment I knew that this legacy of valor and sacrifice by Chamorros and Marines on Guam is lasting and unshakable.”

“During this special time of year for our island, we remember how im-portant the presence of the U.S. Marine Corps is to our community. Thank you for sharing in our island’s freedom, Happy 67th Liberation Day!” con-cluded Savares.

BAND from pg 1

Pfc. Micah Dumais, left, and Pfc. Sergio Vargas, right, both supply administrative specialists with Headquarters Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, conduct a wall-to-wall inventory audit of all the supplies within the CLR-37 supply warehouse at Camp Kinser July 19. Supply personnel gain 100 percent accountability for all gear each time the unit has a change of command, when the warehouse receives a new officer-in-charge and during the end of the fiscal year. Another takes place at the beginning of each fiscal year to project spending costs. Photo by Lance Cpl. Kris Daberkoe

wall-to-wall audit accounts for gear

Members of the brass section with the III MEF Band perform at Guam’s 67th Liberation Day Celebration in Hagatna, Guam, July 21. Photo courtesy of III MEF Band

okinawa marine | NEWS | July 29, 20116

Lance Cpl. Mark W. Stroudokinawa marine staff

JUNGLE WARFARE TRAIN-ING CENTER, CAMP GON-SALVES, Okinawa — Marines with Marine Wing Communi-cations Squadron 18 finished a five-day jungle survival course at the Jungle Warfare Training Center July 22.

“They (focused) on aspects of survival. Just basic steps that people in a survival situation would be confronted with,” said Lt. Col. Trent Blackson, commanding officer, JWTC, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

The Marines of MWCS-18, part of Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III MEF, were the first to go through an updated and improved version of the course, according to Sgt. Joshua R. Mathes, chief survival instruc-tor, JWTC.

“We’ve done a lot of work on the course,” said Mathes. “We’ve revamped a lot of the previous classes, updated a lot of the information and put a brand new face on the survival course.”

The Marines engaged in both academic and practical-application sessions, allowing the Marines a chance to prac-tice what they had learned.

“You can’t do survival train-ing in the classroom only; you have to have practical applica-tion,” said Blackson. “You have to actually enter the environ-ment and physically do those things to master those skills.”

The Marines were given a chance to prove their mastery of survival skills during the

three-day final exercise.“When we got to the (final

exercise) they are basically surviving on their own,” said Mathes. “Each team (had) an instructor with them 24/7 to ensure that all training is being conducted safely.”

The Marines were required to show proficiency in each survival area.

“(During the final exercise), they make two movements, which are two to three (ki-lometers) f lat-line distance, where they have to navigate through the jungle without the aid of a compass,” said Mathes. “They use different methods of determining directions via the sun, moon, stars and dif-ferent plants and trees that grow in specific directions to determine what azimuth they are on.”

The Marines were also re-quired to build a different type of improvised shelter every night, demonstrate proficiency in constructing a water purifi-cation system and light camp fires using multiple methods, according to Mathes.

All food the Marines eat af-ter the second day of the course were a result of jungle survival skills.

“There is a reward system where students accomplish tasks, and they get rewarded with dif ferent amounts of food,” said Mathes.

On the final day, they were rewarded with the meal their field-expedient traps caught.

The instructors reminded the students that it was best to pre-pare for the worst and hope for the best, rather than to let a bad situation catch them unaware.

“Today we are fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq, tomor-row we may find ourselves in the jungle. There is the tropi-cal zone that exists between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, where there are over 50 countries we are operating in, or have operated in in the past,” said Mathes. “They are riddled with jungle environments. Just because we are not in that kind of war does not mean that we will not be operating in one in the future.”

The students have adopted the mentality.

“I volunteered to come out here. It is a good learning ex-perience,” said Pfc. Nicholas A. White, satellite operator, MWCS-18. “Some of it looks difficult, but I think it will be worth the challenge because you never know when you are going to need this out in the real world.”

wing Marines learn to survive jungle

A Marine with MWCS-18, Marine Air Control Group 18, inspects the contents of a jungle survival kit at the Jungle Warfare Training Center July 18. The compact survival kit is meant to be carried on a person at all times in case of a survival situation. Photo by Lance Cpl. Mark W. Stroud

Sgt. Joshua R. Mathes, chief survival instructor, JWTC, 3rd Marine Division, III MEF, demonstrates to a group of Marines how to start a fire using bamboo at the JWTC July 18. The instruction came during a five-day course on survival training. Photo by Lance Cpl. Mark W. Stroud

Pfc. Julian Smith, a satellite communications operator with MWCS-18, utilizes the analog watch method to navigate through the jungle at the JWTC during the Jungle Survival Course July 22. Photo by Lance Cpl. Kris Daberkoe

okinawa marine | NEWS | July 29, 2011 7

Pfc. Nicholas A. White, satellite operator, Marine Wing Communications Squadron 18, Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, collects water from a field-expedient water purification system during the Jungle Survival Course, a five-day survival course, at the Jungle Warfare Training Center July 18. The three-tiered purification system was composed of a top layer of grass, a middle layer of sand and a bottom layer of charcoal. Photo by Lance Cpl. Mark W. Stroud

Sgt. Joel A. Hinton, a data specialist with MWCS-18, checks to see if the chicken his squad caught is ready to eat during the Jungle Survival Course at the Jungle Warfare Training Center July 22. Photo by Pfc. Matthew J. Manning

Pfc. Julian Smith, a satellite communications operator with MWCS-18, utilizes the analog watch method to navigate through the jungle at the JWTC during the Jungle Survival Course July 22. Photo by Lance Cpl. Kris Daberkoe

8 okinawa marine | FEATURE | July 29, 2011

Pfc. Mike Granahan okinawa marine staff

The Blue Dress uniform, worn by Marines, is steeped in history, with roots dating back to 1798 when the Secretary of War au-thorized the wearing of a blue uniform with red trim. Blue was chosen to represent the Marine Corps’ naval ties, the red to express

sentiment for the British Royal Marines’ traditional colors. The collar resembles that of the Continental Marines who wore high

leather collars during the American Revolutionary War to serve as protec-tion from sword blows, birthing the Marines’ nickname Leathernecks.

The 13 buttons representing the 13 original colonies and emblazoned with the Eagle, Globe and Anchor have been part of the uniform since 1804, making it the oldest insignia still in use today.

The blood stripe worn on the trousers by noncommissioned officers, staff NCOs and officers originated in 1847, and was originally created to honor the bloodshed during the Battle of Chapultepec, but it now honors all fallen Marines.

If it were not for those Marines that came before us the Marine Corps wouldn’t be what it is today, said Capt. Greg Obar, commanding officer of Com-pany B, Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler.

“I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished, I’m proud of what the people that have gone before us have accomplished,” said Obar.

The Blue Dress uniform is one-of-a-kind and well known throughout the world, according to Staff Sgt. Donald A. Bartlett, a mess hall manager with 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

The Blue Dress uniforms are almost unmistakable, not just for those in the armed forces but civilians as well, said Bartlett. “Before joining, I thought of the uniform as the vision of Marines, I saw it and immediately thought Marines, wearing it makes me feel the most amount of pride possible.”

Marines take pride in every uniform they wear, but there is something special about the Blue Dress uniform, said Lance Cpl. Andrew J. Scheibner, a legal clerk with HQSVC Bn.

“When I earned my Eagle, Globe and Anchor, and the Blues I got issued at boot camp there was a sense of pride,” said Scheibner. “It is a very profes-sional and clean-cut look.”

Until recently, the Blue Dress uniform was not a required item; however, with the release of Marine Administrative Message 504/07, the uniform will become mandatory for all Marines starting Oct. 1

All Marines are required to have the uniform. For those who were not issued the uniform, it is recommended to purchase it using their annual clothing allowance. Those needing to purchase the uniform can find everything they need at the military clothing store. However, Marines are reminded that special orders for sizes not normally carried may take up to three months for shipment.

Blue Dress uniform represents Corps’ history

Marine Blue Dress coat with medals and cover. All Marines are required to have Blue Dress uniforms by Oct. 1. Photo illustration by Pfc. Mike Granahan

Corps’ amphibious roots on displayAmphibious assault has long been a part of Marine Corps tradition, demonstrated first during the landing at New Providence Island, Bahamas, in 1776 and utilized during many major conflicts of World War II and the Korean War. “Our nation’s amphibious capability remains the Corps’ priority. In the complex security environment we face, the execution of amphibious operations requires the use of the sea and maneuver space,” said Gen. James F. Amos, commandant of the Marine Corps during a recent press release. Below, an amphibious assault vehicle carrying elements of Company G, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, demonstrates the Corps’ unique capability when it charged onto Freshwater Beach in Queensland, Australia, during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011. Photo by Lance Cpl. Garry J. Welch

okinawa marine | FEATURE | July 29, 2011 9

Pfc. Daniel E. Valleokinawa marine staff

Dogs have often been referred to as man’s best friend, but the K-9 working dogs at the Provost Marshal’s Office,

Headquarters and Service Battalion, are referred to as partners.

Marines, with the PMO K-9 unit on Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, con-ducted a search and aggresion exercise on Camp Foster July 29 to keep their dogs ready to go at a moment’s notice.

The training is crucial to the devel-opment of diligent working dogs, said Lance Cpl. Austin Nelson, a military working dog handler for PMO.

“(The training) allows us to find whatever we are searching for faster and it is very good training for both us and our dogs,” said Nelson.

The training covered carious sub-jects, including building clearing.

“We conducted a building search and found the suspect inside, escorted the suspect out of the building, then continued our search of the building with the dogs,” said Lance Cpl. Samuel H. Dunaway, a military working dog handler for PMO.

The Marines feel safer when their dogs are around because they know the dogs are highly trained and will

respond with no hesitation to their han-dler’s commands, according to Nelson.

“He is my partner, I love this dog. We are together day in and day out,” said Nelson. “There is a lot of effort put into training these dogs. We’re always com-ing in during our off time, staying late and coming in early because our dogs come first.”

The Marines agree that training with the dogs has developed a closer relation-ship between them.

“I love being able to work with our dogs. They pick up on things that humans don’t. For example, if someone is in an aggressive stance, they pick up on that and prepare to defend us,” said Dunaway

Watching the training, one can see the relationship between trainer and animal, said Cpl. Fidel E. Rodriguez, a military working dog han-dler with PMO.

“It’s the loyalty these dogs have for us. (The dog) will do anything for you; if someone has a weapon of any kind he will protect you without any hesitation,” he said.

The rapport with the handler and

dog is amazing because it will show people that they can trust them to work together, according to Rodriguez.

“The best part is seeing the handler and the dog working together,” said Rodriguez. “The teamwork with each other is incredible; it shows all the training we put into the dogs and that they can work together. Just like us they are part of the Marine Corps. They truly are devil dogs.”

K-9 unit trains to protect Marines, public

Lance Cpl. Samuel H. Dunaway, a dog handler with Marine Corps Base Camp Butler Provost Marshal’s Office, trains one of his dogs to bring down a mock suspect during search and aggresion training on Camp Foster July 25. Marines with the K-9 unit conducted this exercise to keep their dogs ready to

go at a moment’s notice. Photo by Pfc. Daniel E. Valle

Lance Cpl. Mark W. Stroudokinawa marine staff

Specialized search dogs have become a new weapon in the war on improvised explosive devices, roving more than 100 meters in

front of their handlers to find the deadly devices before they can be triggered.

SSD handlers with Military Police Support Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Head-quarters Group, III MEF worked with their dogs to perfect their detection abilities at Oura Wan beach at Camp Schwab July 26, clearing desig-nated lanes of travel of explosive devices planted for training purposes, much as they would do on a combat deployment.

“We set up scenarios such as a possible IED lane that friendly forces need passage through. The SSD handlers needed to clear the passage-way prior to the friendly forces going through,” said Cpl. Anthony J. Manfredini, combat track-ing dog handler, MP Support Co. “We set up what we call ‘aids’. They are live explosives with-out the initiating system and I can either bury them or hide them under something.”

SSDs and their handlers also train to be able to identify other threats and bomb-making mate-rials along with IEDS.

“Our dogs are trained to find different types ammunition, explosives, IEDs, weapons caches, whether they be freshly dug or hidden for a long time. They are also trained to find homemade explosives,” said Lance Cpl. Joel Juarez, special-ized search dog handler, MP Support Co.

It is the ability of the dogs to be released from the leashes to move freely in front of their han-dlers that makes them unique.

“Most dogs in the military working dog pro-gram work on-leash, and there is always a limita-tion there. Even though they have leashes that go from six-feet to 50-feet, there is still a limitation, so SSDs were implemented into the military working dog program to extend those limita-tions,” said Juarez. “That provides a safety barrier for the handler. When the handler is working on-leash, he is always in greater danger because he is right up there with the dog finding the IEDs.”

SSDs are only one of the tools in the fight against IEDs, but their ability to remotely detect explosives saves lives.

“SSDs are not the answers to everything even though they are very effective. They are just one of the tools we have, and they, along with military working dogs in general, save lives,” said Juarez.

To achieve this level of effectiveness, extreme care must be taken in the dogs’ training, accord-ing to the handlers.

“We always take notes (on the dogs’ training), The handlers post records everyday of exactly what kind of training they did and the proficien-cy and deficiencies they have with their dog,” said Manfredini. “The records let them know what their dogs need to work at and what they are good at.”

The bond between an SSD handler and their dog is unlike that of other military working dogs and their handlers.

“One of the unique things about SSD handlers is that they usually stay with their dogs for the course of their careers,” said Juarez. “Almost from day one, a handler is assigned two dogs, and throughout the training the handler take cares of his dogs and trains his dogs as best as possible.”

The IED-detection training here served to make the bond stronger, helping prepare the dogs and their handlers for potential service in Afghanistan.

The specialized search dogs did very well locating the bomb-making materials that were planted, according to Manfredini. He went on to say that the dogs demonstrated a good ability to determine their own search patterns and focus on high-probability areas for improvised explo-sive devices.

Specialized search dogs add new weapon to fight against IEDs

Lance Cpl. Joel Juarez, a specialized search dog handler, Military Police Support Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF, shows his dog Benny a route to be searched for improvised explosive devices at Oura Wan beach on Camp Schwab July 26. Photo by Lance Cpl. Mark W. Stroud

Lance Cpl. Heather N. Choateokinawa marine staff

Many service mem-bers consume energy drinks in an

attempt to stay awake or get an extra boost of energy to propel them through their day.

Although this may seem like an appropriate solution to mid-day drowsiness, there are sev-eral health risks associated with drinking energy drinks, according to Ashley Eisen-beiser, a health promotion specialist with U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa.

“The main reason someone consumes an energy drink is often for caffeine,” said Eisenbeiser. “Consuming excess caffeine may cause heart palpitations, seizures, strokes and even sudden death in some in-dividuals. On top of that, energy drinks also contain unregulated herbal stimulants like taurine, guarana, creatine and B vitamins.”

For Lance Cpl. Dustin Hawkins, a patrol-man with the Provost Marshal’s Office, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, energy drinks are a constant indulgence due to his work schedule.

A lot of people in demanding jobs, such as military police, consume energy drinks to maintain and “edge” and stay alert, said Hawkins.

Energy drinks are filled with empty calo-ries, according to Eisenbeiser. Most drinks average around 200 calories. If someone is drinking more than one energy drink per day, those calories can start to add up and may contribute to weight gain.

Energy drinks are packed with many ingredients which bolster that kick of

energy and adrenaline, however, some of the ingredients can be harmful, and none are beneficial to the body, according to Lt. Cmdr. Gail M. Strong, the department head of Combined Food Operations and a regis-tered dietitian at USNH Okinawa.

Alcohol-infused energy drinks, which have become increasingly popular, pose the greatest risk, said Eisenbeiser.

“When someone consumes an alcoholic energy drink, there is a decreased aware-ness of intoxication which may lead to the overconsumption of alcohol, which can lead

to injury or death,” said Eisenbeiser.Many consume energy drinks due to

changes in the day-to-day pace of life, said Strong.

“I think energy drinks have increased in popularity over the last 20 years due to the changes in our lifestyle,” said Eisenbeiser. “We are continuously on the move and con-stantly being asked to do more and more. Sleep does not fit into our lifestyle anymore. Consequently, we are left feeling run down and in need of any extra boost we can get.”

Although energy drinks are convenient and have an immediate effect, there are healthier ways to achieve an energy boost.

“The point of these drinks is to give you ‘energy,’ which is a measure of your body burning calories and comes from food and drinks. Therefore, if something has calories – it has energy,” said Strong. “The best way to get energy is to get enough sleep, exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet.”

For more information, contact the Health Promotions Office at 643-7906.

10 okinawa marine | FEATURE | July 29, 2011

energy drinks bring potential health risks

E ne rgi zer i g h t

Service members should use caution when consuming energy drinks due to their potential health risks. Most drinks average approximately 200 calories, which can lead to weight gain. Photo illustration by

Lance Cpl. Heather N. Choate

The best way to get energy is

to get enough sleep, exercise

regularly and eat a balanced diet.- Lt. Cmdr. Gail M. Strong

Rifle RangeCpl. Zachary Taylor, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, 372

Pistol RangeGunnery Sgt. Osvaldo Perez,3rd Marine Logistics Group, 334

July 18 - July 22

In Theaters Now July 29 - AugusT 5

FosterTODAy Transformers: Dark of the Moon (PG13), 3, 6:30 and 10 p.m.SATURDAy Closed SUNDAy 2011 Far East Body Building CompetitionMONDAy Transformers: Dark of the Moon (PG13), 3 and 7 p.m.TUESDAy The Hangover Part II (R), 7 p.m.WEDNESDAy Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (PG13), 7 p.m.THURSDAy Captain America: The First Avenger (PG13), 3 and 7 p.m.

kinserTODAy The Hangover Part II (R), 6:30 p.m.SATURDAy Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (PG13), 3 p.m.; The Conspirator (PG13), 6:30 p.m.SUNDAy Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (PG13), 3 p.m.; The Conspirator (PG13), 6:30 p.m.MONDAy ClosedTUESDAy ClosedWEDNESDAy Captain America: The First Avenger (PG13), 3 and 6:30 p.m.THURSDAy Horrible Bosses (R), 6:30 p.m.

kadenaTODAy The Conspirator (PG13), 6 p.m.; Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (PG13), 9 p.m.SATURDAy Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (PG13), noon, 4 and 8 p.m.SUNDAy Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (PG13), 1, 5 and 9 p.m.MONDAy Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (PG13), 3 and 7 p.m.TUESDAy Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (PG13), 3 and 7 p.m.WEDNESDAy Horrible Bosses (R), 7 p.m.THURSDAy Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (PG13), 7 p.m.

FutenmaTODAy Thor (PG13), 6:30 p.m.SATURDAy Captain America: The First Avenger (PG13), 12:30, 4 and 7:30 p.m.SUNDAy Bridesmaids (R), 4 p.m.; Thor (PG13), 7 p.m.MONDAy ClosedTUESDAy ClosedWEDNESDAy Captain America: The First Avenger (PG13), 3 and 6:30 p.m.THURSDAy Horrible Bosses (R), 6:30 p.m.

courtneyTODAy Captain America: The First Avenger (PG13), 6 and 9 p.m.SATURDAy Thor (PG13), 2 p.m.; Bridesmaids (R), 6 p.m. SUNDAy Horrible Bosses (R), 2 and 6 p.m.MONDAy Thor (PG13), 7 p.m.TUESDAy ClosedWEDNESDAy Harry Potter and the Deathly Hal-lows: Part 2 (PG13), 7 p.m.THURSDAy Closed

Hansen TODAy The Conspirator (PG13), 6 p.m.; The Hang-over Part II (R), 9 p.m. SATURDAy Horrible Bosses (R), 7 p.m.SUNDAy Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (PG13), 2 p.m.; The Conspirator (PG13), 5:30 p.m.MONDAy Captain America: The First Avenger (PG13), 6 and 9 p.m.TUESDAy Captain America: The First Avenger (PG13), 7 p.m.WEDNESDAy The Hangover Part II (R), 7 p.m.THURSDAy Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (PG13), 7 p.m.

scHwabTODAy Horrible Bosses (R), 7 p.m.SATURDAy Bridesmaids (R), 5 p.m.SUNDAy Thor (PG13), 5 p.m.MONDAy-THURSDAy Closed

tHeater directoryCAMP FOSTER 645-3465

KADENA AIR BASE 634-1869(USO NIGHT) 632-8781

MCAS FUTENMA 636-3890(USO NIGHT) 636-2113

CAMP COURTNEy 622-9616

CAMP HANSEN 623-4564(USO NIGHT) 623-5011

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 www.shopmyexchange.com.

11okinawa marine | COMMUNITY PLACE | July 29, 2011

visit: www.marines.mil/unit/mcbjapan/pages/aroundmcbj/chapel.aspx

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., Building 442• Eastern Orthodox: Divine Liturgy, Sun, 9:30 a.m.; Vespers, Sat, 5 p.m.• Gospel: Sun, 11:30 a.m.; 2nd, 3rd Sun, Children’s Church, 11 a.m.• Jewish: (Informal) Fri, 6:30 p.m.• Latter Day Saints: Mon, 6:30 p.m.• Lutheran DVD Worship: Sun, 4 p.m.• Muslim: Prayer, Fri, 12:45 p.m.• Protestant: Sun, 8:30 a.m.• Seventh Day Adventist: Sat, 9:30 a.m., at Torii Station 644-5701/644-4281

Camp sChwab | 622-9350• Catholic: Thurs, 11:30 a.m.• Protestant: Sun, 4 p.m.

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

Camp Lester | 643-7248• Catholic: Sun, 8 a.m.• Non-Denominational: Sun, 9 a.m., Hospital Chapel; Sun, 10 a.m., Lester Chapel

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

Camp Courtney | 622-9350• Catholic: Sun, 8 a.m.• Protestant: Sun, 10:45 a.m.

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

Camp Kinser | 637-1148• Catholic: Sun, noon• Protestant: Sun, 9:30 a.m.

Kadena air base | 634-1288www.kadenachapel.org • Catholic: Sun, 8:30 a.m., Mass, Chapel 1; Sun, 11:45 a.m., Mass, Chapel 1; Sun, 4 p.m., Mass, Chapel 1; Daily Mass, Mon-Fri, 11:30 a.m., Chapel 1; Reconciliation, Sun, 3:15 p.m., Chapel 1• Contemporary: Sun, 10 a.m., Chapel 1• Gospel: Sun, 10:30 a.m., Chapel 3• Protestant Bible Institute: Tues, 6 p.m., Chapel 1• Traditional: Sun, 9:30 a.m., Chapel 2• Wiccan/Pagan: Sat, 2 p.m., Building 856

for upcoming special worship services and events for all marine corps base chapels

Japanese phrase of the week:

Mention of any company in this notice does not constitute endorsement by the Marine Corps.

For more information, or to sign up, contact

the Single Marine Program at 645-3681.

singLe marine

program

FOREST ADVENTURE TRIP - AUG. 13• Single Marines and sailors from Camp Courtney are invited to swing through the treetops on zip-lines, swing across ravines on tarzan swings and test their courage on suspended bridges and rope ladders at Okinawa’s thrilling athletic park, Forest Adventure Park. Sign up deadline is Aug. 10. Bus will leave the Camp Courtney Gym at 11:50 a.m. Contact the SMP office for more information or to sign up.

TOKASHIKI ISLAND SNORKELING TRIP - AUG. 13• Single Marines and sailors from Southern Camps are invited to grab their fins and get ready for some fun. Bring your snorkeling set and wetsuit if desired. Flotation devices are mandatory for all identification card holders. Sign up deadline is Aug. 10. Bus will leave Camp Foster Field House at 7:45 a.m., Marine Corps Air Station Futenma Gym at 8:05 a.m. and Camp Kinser Gym at 8:35 a.m.

SMP NEW REPRESENTATIVE TRAINING - AUG. 15• The SMP New Representative Training willl be held at the SMP Main Office, Camp Foster building 5674 at 3 p.m. Aug. 15.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES• MCCS Library Summer Fest: Volunteer to assist the MCCS Library Summer Fest Aug. 6 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Camp Foster Community Center. Duties will include helping children with arts and crafts, helping with carnival games, face painting and balloon twisting.

“Oshiete kudasai” (pronounced o-she-et-te ku-da-sigh) It means, “Please tell me.”

E ne rgi zer i g h t

12 okinawa marine | SPORTS | July 29, 2011

Pfc. Brianna Turnerokinawa marine staff

The crowd cheered as two teams met midfield to kick off the beginning of the Courtney Open 6-on-6 tournament cham-

pionship soccer game at the Courtney Bowl On Camp Courtney July 23.

Happy Feet, one of the competing teams, swept the competition, going undefeated the entire tournament and winning the champion-ship game 4-0.

Eight teams, made up of service members, ci-vilians and family members, entered the compe-tition in hopes of claiming the first place trophy.

Marine Corps Community Services holds sporting competitions monthly to provide Marines, sailors and their families with morale-boosting, recreational activities while stationed

on Okinawa, according to Brian White, the sports coordinator for MCCS on Camp Courtney.

Although Happy Feet was undefeated, the tournament was very competitive.

“There was not an expected winner. This tournament had really good teams with gifted soccer players. It was definitely up for grabs,” said White.

Both of the final teams trained hard in prepa-ration for this tournament, and there are no hard feelings despite the loss, according to Emmanuel K. Agbemble, the coach of team Base.

According to Jennifer R. Abel, a player on Happy Feet, their team did not have formal prac-tices, but they trained individually on their own.

Happy Feet was not the only team putting their heart and soul into the tournament.

“My team gave all that they could until fatigue and exhaustion just set in, I’m proud of them,”

Agbemble said. “It was a lot of hard work and they did well for playing four games back-to-back.”

Despite not winning first place, Agbemble is proud of his team for making it to the champion-ship game.

“This tournament felt really good, especially because we beat a team that has beaten us in the past,” said Agbemble.

Most of the members of Happy Feet have been playing together since high school and get togeth-er for every tournament.

The team has played in six tournaments this year and has won three of them, placing second in the others.

“Even though we have played in lots of tournaments this one was especially gratifying because there were so many teams that entered,” said Abel. “The competition was great.”

Happy Feet kick their way to championship victory

Players compete for the ball during a soccer tournament at the Courtney Bowl on Camp Courtney July 23. Marine Corps Community Services holds tournaments monthly to provide morale-boosting recreational activities for service members, civilians and family members. Photo courtesy of MCCS

Healthy competition