Hawaii MARINE · 2014-08-29 · Wahid spoke to the crowd of people, which included local Iraqi Security Forces, Iraqi govern-ment officials and Marines. Sheikh Mishan, the preeminent

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MM A R I N EA R I N EVOLUME 38, NUMBER 18 WWW.MCBH.USMC.MIL MAY 2, 2008

IslandWarriors open‘Road to Peace’

Pegasus returns

Post and Relief

HMH-463 crewmembers advance back to K-Bay

IED, VBIED laden road now stable, allows town’s return

to ordinary life

K-Bay welcomes new sergeant major, bids farewell to Fierle

Petraeus visitsIsland Warriors,tours battlefield

In Your Honor

Cpl. Chadwick deBreeCombat Correspondent

KARMA, Iraq – The small city street clamoredwith singing, dancing and rejoicing. It was atime of celebration.

Marines with 2nd Battalion, 3rd MarineRegiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, localIraqi Security Forces and community officialscelebrated the opening of al-Tareq Ela al-Salaam,which translates to “The Road to Peace,” hereApril 14.

Karma Mayor Kamal Abd Al Salam Abd AlWahid spoke to the crowd of people, whichincluded local Iraqi Security Forces, Iraqi govern-ment officials and Marines.

Sheikh Mishan, the preeminent sheikh in thearea, then blessed the road as the Iraqi Policemoved the barriers that have been there forapproximately three years.

“Due to the (observation post) being so closeto the road, in the past there was a great threatof (vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices)and (suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosivedevices),” said Capt. Phil Dykeman, command-ing officer, Fox Company, 2/3. “The road neededto be closed to protect the Marines that livedand operated out of OP Omar.”

In order to reopen the road to the local popu-lation, the situation in the area had to be stableenough so the risk was minimal. Combat engi-neers also had to make new entry control pointsso Marines could enter and exit the observation

No mythological creatures were needed tofly 51 members of Marine Heavy HelicopterSquadron 463 back to Hawaii. The Pegasuscrew just caught a plane.

Deployed at Marine Air Corps StationFutenma in Japan for six months, HMH-463 isthere as part of the Unit DeploymentProgram. The Pegasus squadron’s advanceparty landed Friday in Honolulu before travel-ing by bus back to Kaneohe. Waiting with tileaf lei and pizza, family and loved onesreunited at Hangar 105.

“We’re happy to see the advance partyreunite with their families,” said Cheryl Roy,readiness and deployment support trainer,Marine Corps Family Team Building. “Otherswho are still waiting for the rest of Pegasus tocome home — don’t worry. They’ll be homesoon.”

Roy said her office brings together volun-teers from the Key Volunteer Network andLifestyle Insights, Networking, Knowledge

and Skills to fund and support reunions forreturning service members. A local businesssupplied the warrior lei, and spouses of thedeployed baked cookies for returning single

service members. The U.S. Marine CorpsForces, Pacific Band played as Sailors andMarines stepped off the bus. Petty Officer 2ndClass James Newman, religious program spe-

cialist, Base Chapel, gave out flags for lovedones to wave.

“Working with the Marines, it’s our job togive them the moral support they need,” hesaid. “Our hearts are completely into makinga homecoming they deserve.”

In June 2007, the unit previously trained atMarine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., for sev-eral months. While deployed last month, thesquadron helped coach Republic of KoreaMarines. The Pegasus crew showed the ROKMarines several techniques for helicopter mis-sions. The Marine squadron’s counterpartsalso learned new ways of transporting sup-plies and personnel where they’re needed.

Working in Japan was a change of pace forMaj. Steve Brzostowski, executive officer,HMH-463. He tried out local culinary delightssuch as soba, a Japanese noodle dish servedhot or cold. The executive officer also dared totry some of the region’s more exotic desserts.

“I tried some ube ice cream,” he said. “It’sice cream made from purple sweet potatoes. It

Cpl. Chadwick deBreeCombat Correspondent

KARMA, Iraq – General David H. Petraeus,commanding general, Multi-National Forces-Iraq, visited Marines and Iraqi Police at thepolice headquarters here, April 23, to surveyprogress in the area.

Petraeus met Marines with 2nd Battalion, 3rdMarine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1,who conduct operations out of the IP stationand presented them each with a coin.

The MNF-I commander also spoke with thelocal Iraqi Police to tell them about the fine jobthey have been doing in taking control of theirarea, ridding it of al-Qaeda in Iraq and bringingpeace back to the region.

After speaking with the Marines and IraqiSecurity Forces, Petraeus met with Mayor KamalAbd Al Salam Abd Al Wahid, Sheikh MishanAbbas Al-Jumayli, the preeminent sheikh of thearea, Gen. Sa’Dun Talib Al Jumyli, and Lt. Col.Dhalaf Rashed Muhammad to discuss the issuesconfronting the tribal and city leadership indeveloping the economy of the greater Karmaarea.

Petraeus then walked through the streets tocatch a glimpse of the local population conduct-ing daily business. The walk through the localmarketplace allowed Petraeus to observe howwell the Marines, ISF and civilian governmentofficials work hand-in-hand, bringing stabilityback to the area.

Petraeus assumed command of MNF-I inFebruary 2007, and was recently nominated tobecome the next commander, U.S. CentralCommand.

A post and relief ceremony atDewey Square Thursday bidfarewell to the base sergeantmajor, and welcomed a new oneto Marine Corps Base Hawaii,Kaneohe Bay.

Sergeant Maj. Daniel Fierlewas relieved by Sgt. Maj. JamesSutton Thursday. Fierle left MCBHawaii to become sergeant majorof III Marine ExpeditionaryForce. Fierle posted as base ser-geant major May 15, 2006. Hewas assigned as training centersergeant major at Marine CorpsMountain Warfare TrainingCenter, Bridgeport, Calif., beforecoming to MCB Hawaii.

“I will miss working with thestaff,” Fierle said. “It’s been alearning experience on both

sides, from the chief of staff tothe Marines I work with on adaily basis. It’s been a pleasure tobe a part of the team – winningawards, chow hall, safety, envi-

ronmental – and it’s not becauseof me, but the professionals Iworked with.”

Fierle was responsible forimportant changes to the base,

including improving family ori-ented events like OperationHomefront, and helping estab-lish regulations for new basehousing being built.

“Having [MCB Hawaii] be amodel for every other base says alot,” Fierle said. “We must bedoing something right.”

Fierle passed his duties to thenew base sergeant major, wel-coming Sutton and his wife toHawaii.

Sutton arrived to MCB Hawaiiafter a tour as Marine AircraftGroup 31 sergeant major atMarine Corps Air StationBeaufort, S.C. He said he is happyto be back in Hawaii, havingonce served with 3rd MarineRegiment.

“We’re excited to be back,” hesaid about himself and his wife.

See PEACE, A-5

Cpl. Chadwick deBree

General David H. Petraeus, commanding general,Multi-National Forces-Iraq, listens to Lt. Col.Dhalaf Rashed Muhammad, police chief, at the IraqiPolice station in Karma, Iraq, April 23.

Lance Cpl. Achilles Tsantarliotis

Colonel Mark Dungan, Sgt. Maj. Daniel Fierle, and Sgt. Maj. James Suttonsalute the colors during the pass in review, concluding the change of com-mand ceremony and officially welcoming Sutton as the new base sergeantmajor of MCB Hawaii, Thursday, at Dewey Square.

Lance Cpl. Ronald W. Stauffer

Marines and spouses listen as the Hawaii Pacific University International Vocal Ensemble light up the stage in song during the opening ceremony forHawaii Military Appreciation Month held at the USS Missouri in Pearl Harbor April 24. More than 800 service members, their families, businesses andother distinguished guests participated in the state’s 23rd celebration of appreciation for the country’s military services. ‘Spend one minute a day to thinkabout where service members are, what they’re doing and how they’re risking their lives,’ said Linda Lingle, Hawaii’s governor. FFoorr mmoorree sseeee PPaaggee AA44..

Christine CabaloPhotojournalist

Our hearts are completely into making

a homecoming they deserve.

— James Newman

“

”See PEGASUS, A-5

Lance Cpl. Regina A. RuisiCommunity Relations NCO

See POST, A-5

Cpl. Mark FaylogaPress Chief

Representatives from theUnited Services OrganizationHawaii presented Marines assignedto Wounded Warriors Company-Hawaii, Wounded WarriorsBattalion-West, a small gift to sym-bolize the beginning of OperationEnduring Care during an informalceremony at the WoundedWarriors barracks here April 23.

Nicole Darity, acting director,USO Hawaii, heard aboutOperation Enduring Care inOctober of last year, and withclose ties to the Marines (her hus-band recently retired fromCombat Service Support Group 3)she immediately jumped at theopportunity to help Marines.

“The USO approached the com-pany saying, ‘hey, we would like toprovide this program for you inorder to support the WoundedWarriors,’” said 1st Lt. Nicholas B.Perkins, commanding officer,Wounded Warrior Company-Hawaii. “Over the course of thenext few months, we worked outthe specifics of the program andexactly how much funding wouldbe set up. We just recently gotapproval from the assistant com-mandant of the Marine Corps andafter clearing it through all thelegal avenues — the program wasapproved.”

Each month the USOwill present the companywith gifts designed to keepthe Marines entertained(portable DVD players,gaming systems, televi-sions), but the primarycontribution from theorganization will be in theform of funding for theMarines’ weekly venturesoff base.

As a means of raisingmorale and assisting withthe medical transitioninto the WoundedWarriors Company, theMarines assigned to thecompany conduct weeklyoutings, said Perkins.With limited funding, theWounded Warriors have

had a narrow choice of activitiesto participate in and have also hadto pay out of pocket on occasion.The Marines are thankful for thenew support from the USO and

the opportunities it will open up.“It’s a huge asset for us in pro-

viding recreation for the Marines,”said Perkins enthusiastically. “As arule, we try to get the Marines insome sort of activity off base hereon Hawaii once a week. Rightnow, without the funding we’re alittle bit limited in what we canparticipate in, ranging in anythingfrom free hikes to going down toHanauma Bay and snorkeling outthere, and now with the USO pro-grams in place, and the funding itprovides, we can expand our hori-

zons.”The program has currently been

approved for a year, but Darity iseager for the relationship to last“hopefully longer than that.” For

Darity, the program is all abouttaking care of the WoundedWarriors’ needs. She said theopportunity to help out theMarines and provide for their wel-fare and morale is “indescribable.”

Marines, like Sgt. Jeremy J.Landen, who fervently look for-ward to the weekly outings, partic-ularly appreciate the program.Landen is currently attached toWounded Warriors Companywhile trying to get reassigned toCommunications Company,Headquarters Battalion, 3rd

Marine Division, but he antici-pates being medically separatedfrom the Corps.

Landen, who has been with thecompany since February, sufferedinjuries as a result of a motorcycleaccident while in Okinawa lastyear after a driver cut him off onthe highway.

“She didn’t bother to look; shesaid she never looked in the mir-ror or anything,” Landen said,recalling the accident. “I flippedmy bike twice, crushed my pelvisand flew off the bike across twolanes of traffic. On the way over,another car hit me in the head,crushing my helmet. I continuedspinning until I hit the curb,bounced off the curb into a storeand that’s where they found me.At first I was pronounced dead atthe scene.”

Landen underwent multiplesurgeries before arriving to Hawaii,and just recently had another sur-gery on his knee. As a result of hisinjuries, he occupies a wheelchair,and said he spends the majority ofhis time hanging around the bar-racks. If it’s a nice day, he said hecan make a trip to the store downthe street, but it’s difficult for himto get around to do things on hisown. He looks forward to the tripsoff base that “keep the guys’morale up.”

Landen has always viewed theUSO as a place he knew hecould go and feel comfort-able when travelingthrough airports. Now,with Operation EnduringCare, he is grateful for theirsupport and the newprospects it will open upfor Marines like himselfwho are limited in mobili-ty.

“Seeing this just reallyshows the USO is there tosupport the Marines nomatter what they’re goingthrough,” he said. “This islike our one trip a week weget out somewhere besidesthe hospital. It means a lotto us. We can’t do a lot ofstuff on our own, so whenthey take us places it’s thebiggest highlight of ourweek.”

A-2 • MAY 2, 2008 HAWAII MARINE

www.mcbh.usmc.mil

HHaawwaaii iiMMAARRIINNEE

Today Saturday Sunday

Day — Isolated showers. Partly cloudy,with a high near 80. East wind around 14mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Night — Scattered showers. Mostlycloudy, with a low around 68. East windaround 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is30%.

High — 80

Low — 68

Day — Isolated showers. Partlycloudy, with a high near 80. East windbetween 11 and 13 mph. Chance of pre-cipitation is 20%.

Night — Scattered showers. Mostlycloudy, with a low around 69. East windaround 11 mph. Chance of precipitationis 30%.

High — 80

Low — 69

Day — A 20 percent chance of show-ers. Partly cloudy, with a high near 81.East wind between 11 and 14 mph.

Night — Scattered showers. Mostlycloudy, with a low around 69. East windaround 11 mph. Chance of precipitationis 30%.

High — 81

Low — 69

Weekend weather outlook

Marine Corps League

The Marines Corps League, Aloha Detachment,is encouraging Marines, Fleet Marine Force corps-men and anyone who has the desire to preservethe traditions and promote the interest of the U.S.Marine Corps to join the Aloha Detachment onOahu.

For more information, contact John Ah Chickat 227-9115 or 261-9693.

Shelter Management Training

Marine and Family Services will conduct MCBHawaii annual Shelter Management trainingWednesday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., at Building 267in class room 2.

If you’re interested in volunteering, contact JimGardner at 257-7794.

BayFest 2008

Tickets for the 19th Annual BayFest 2008 go onsale for the general public Saturday beginning at 9a.m. Two types of tickets will be available for theevent: the BayFest ticket, which allows one-dayaccess to the carnival fairgrounds, contest, mili-tary static displays and the Island LifestyleExposition. The all-inclusive ticket, which pro-vides patrons with the same one-day access as theBayFest ticket, will also include concert admis-sion.

This year’s lineup will include Rodney Atkins,Everclear, Little Big Town, Live and 3 DoorsDown.

Tickets are available at Ticketmaster or yourlocal Information, Tickets and Tours office. Formore information, contact your local ITT office orMarine Corps Community Services.

Pacific War Memorial Association

Bricks will soon be placed around the Pacific WarMemorial located at the front gate. Order forms areavailable at the gatehouse, or Online athttp//:www.pacific warmemorial.org. The formsmust be postmarked no later than Thursday.

For more information, contact the association at533-3759.

Channel 2 Survey

Combat Camera is conducting a survey to gatherinformation about usage of the Base Commander’sChannel, Channel 2. Combat Camera is using theinformation to improve the service in order to betterserve the base community.

For more information, call Gunnery Sgt. Schellen-bach at 257-1365, or to take the survey visithttp://ice.disa.mil/svy.cfm?channel2.

CLICK IT or TICKET

Hawaii Marine urges its readers to buckle up.It’s an easy habit to learn that some day may saveyour life and the life of your passenger(s).Remember, each and every time you get into yourvehicle, reach for your seatbelt. Make it one ofthose good habits that you won’t want to break.

Important Phone Numbers:

On-Base Emergencies 911Military Police 257-7114Child Protective Service 832-5300Fraud, Waste, Abuse & EEO 257-8852Business Management Hotline 257-3188Pothole & Streetlight Repair 257-2380Base Information 449-7110MCBH Duty Chaplain 257-7700DEERS 257-2077

Chaplain’s Corner

Operation Enduring Care

Most people are familiar withthe Ten Commandments givento Moses on Mount Sinai asrecorded in the Bible (Exodus 20:1-21; Deuteronomy 5: 1-21), buthave you heard of the Second TenCommandments? Many yearsago, I came across a delightfulpamphlet in which a cardiologistby the name of Steven R. Yarnallgives the following advice forhow one can be at their very bestphysically, mentally, emotionallyand spiritually.

As you will find, the following“Second Ten Commandments”are “10 suggestions” of a cardiol-ogist for giving one the edge onliving a long and healthy life.

Taking good care of ourselves ismost often good old fashioned com-mon sense, but here are Dr. Yarnall’s“10 Health Commandments.”

Thou Shalt…EXERCISE THY BODY –

There’s no need to climb moun-tains as Moses did, but if youdon’t use it; you’ll lose it. It has

been said, “If exercise came in apill bottle, it would be the mostwidely prescribed medicine ofall.”

EXERCISE THY MIND - Asound mind is a sound body.Again, if you don’t use it; you’llloose it. Read. Write. Go back toschool. Exchange ideas. Be cre-ative. Be reflective. Learn some-thing new everyday. Share whatyou learn with others.

EXERCISE THY SPIRIT -Read inspirational and/or scrip-tural books. Don’t be afraid to beopen and loving. Give and allowothers to give to you. Be surethere’s balance in your life: timealone; time with one other per-son; and time with two or morepeople (group activities).

EXERCISE THY WILLPOW-ER - Examine your habits, theones you want to develop andthe ones you want to change,then set goals and make thosechanges.

HAVE A HAPPY HEART -Laugh. Live. Create. Share sur-prises. Help others find joy andpurpose in their lives.

PLAY- Schedule time for pureplay, and find ways throughoutyour day to have fun.

EAT, DRINK, AND BEMERRY- SENSIBLY - Don’t eator drink or do anything else toexcess. Don’t smoke cigarettesor use harmful drugs. Don’t takeunwise chances.

GIVE UP GUILT, REGRET,AND DEPRESSION – Let go ofthe past, and move on! Decidewhat’s wrong (not who’s wrong),and take action.

FEAR NOT THE FUTURE –The best thing about the futureis that it comes only one day at atime. The future’s not totally inyour control, but if you take careof today, most of the future willtake care of itself.

LIVE NOW – Learn from thepast, plan for the future, and livein the present. Love others (andyourself) appropriately - now.Look for leaders (living, dead, orimagined) who are worthy ofadmiration, and imitate theirgood qualities.

Pursue and preserve healthyrelationships; you become like

those you are with.As you may recall the Ten

Commandments were given toMoses for the Israelites, theirchildren, and their children’schildren as a standard to teachand live by so they would have along and fulfilling life once theyarrived in the land God prom-ised to them.

God has given us the gift oflife – body, mind, and soul. Iwant to suggest, as well, these 10Health Commandments whichmay be helpful for a healthierand happier life.

The 2nd 10 Commandments

Wounded Warriors receive support, funding from USO Hawaii

WILSON

Commanding Officer Col. M. A. DunganBase Sergeant Major Sgt. Maj. Erik ShirreffsPublic Affairs Officer Maj. Christopher M. PerrineDeputy Director 1st Lt. Binford R. StricklandPublic Affairs Chief Gunnery Sgt. Demetrio J. EspinosaManaging Editor Sgt. Macario P. Mora Jr.Press Chief Cpl. Mark FaylogaLayout/Design Editor Priya S. JenkinsPhotojournalist Christine CabaloCommunity Relations NCO Lance Cpl. Regina RuisiCombat Correspondent Sgt. Sara A. CarterCombat Correspondent Cpl. Chadwick deBreeCombat Correspondent Lance Cpl. Brian MarionCombat Correspondent Lance Cpl. Alesha R. GuardCombat Correspondent Lance Cpl. Achilles Tsantarliotis

Hawaii Marine is an authorized publication for membersof the Department of Defense.

Hawaii Marine is published by MidWeek Printing, Inc., aprivate firm in no way connected with the U.S. MarineCorps, under exclusive contract to the U.S. Marine Corps.

Contents of Hawaii Marine are not necessarily the officialviews of, or endorsed by, the United States Government, theDepartment of Defense or the U.S. Marine Corps.

The appearance of advertising in Hawaii Marine, includinginserts and supplements, does not constitute endorsement bythe DoD, Department of the Navy or the U.S. Marine Corpsof the products or services advertised.

Everything advertised in Hawaii Marine shall be madeavailable for purchase, use, or patronage without regard torace, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status,physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other nonmer-it factor of the purchaser, user or patron.

Editorial content or public service announcements (i.e.,all content other than paid advertisements) is edited, pre-pared and provided by the Public Affairs Office aboardMarine Corps Base Hawaii. Opinions expressed are not to beconsidered an official expression of the DoD, DoN or theUSMC.

Submit items for Hawaii Marine to the managing editor nolater than noon on the Friday prior to publication, using thefollowing address:

HAWAII MARINE, BOX 63062, BUILDING 216, MCB HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, HAWAII 96863

E-MAIL: [email protected]

FAX: 257-2511, PHONE: 257-8836

Cpl. Mark Fayloga

Nicole Darity, acting director, United Services Organization Hawaii, presents Marinesassigned to Wounded Warriors Company-Hawaii, Wounded Warriors Battalion-West, witha small gift to symbolize the beginning of Operation Enduring Care during an informal cer-emony at the Wounded Warriors barracks here April 23.

It’s a huge asset for us inproviding recreation for theMarines.

-- Nicholas B. Perkins

“

”

Lt. Cmdr. Diane WilsonBase Chaplain

HAWAII MARINE MAY 2, 2008 • A-3

Prying a tree from its plastic planter, MALS 24 volunteers try not to damage its roots. The volunteers dug holes around Kainalu Elementary School's campus and tilled soil sostudents could plant native Hawaiian greenery. A total of $4,000 worth of plants were donated through the Joint Venture Education Forum, a program that partners militaryunits with the community to improve local schools.

Compressing dirt with her feet, Sherry Caldeira (standing),second-grade teacher, and her students plant yellow hibiscusbushes. Each class planted trees, flowers and other greeneryaround the school campus.

Sherry Caldeira, second-grade teacher, Kainalu ElementarySchool, and her students pat down the topsoil to keep a yel-low hibiscus bush upright.

Planting native Hawaiiangreenery took root at KainaluElementary School with helpfrom Marine Aviation LogisticsSquadron 24 volunteers.

Volunteers plowed and trans-ported seedlings April 22 so stu-dents could plant $4,000 worth ofnew native Hawaiian greeneryaround their school campus. Theservice members also clearedrocks and weeds in preparationfor the big Earth Day event.

“It’s been a community effort,”said Jenny Mansfield, ParentCommunity Network coordina-tor, Kainalu Elementary. “We hadvolunteers from MALS-24 evencoming in during their free timeto help out. Our local soccer team,who sometimes uses our field topractice, came in during theweekend to help too.”

The school also received dis-counts from a local nursery, so thestaff could buy as many plants aspossible. School staff funded theEarth Day project with supportfrom the Joint Venture EducationForum, a program that partnersmilitary units with nearbyschools. An estimated 20 percentof students attending KainaluElementary are children of par-ents stationed at Marine CorpsBase Hawaii. Petty Officer 2ndClass John Trumata, storekeeper,MALS-24, said he was happy tohelp out since he went to KainaluElementary in the fourth-grade.

“The hardest challenge is we’redoing a lot of manual labor,”Trumata said. “It’s tough workbecause you’re trying to soften upthe settled soil or uproot plantsthat get transplanted somewhereelse.”

Trumata and other MALS-24volunteers began the day at theschool’s cafeteria, where theyloaded carts full of pikake, ginger,hibiscus and other plants. A few12-foot trees barely fit in theroom, and several volunteers wereneeded to haul the heavy saplings

to the school’s back courtyard.Once volunteers transported thetrees and bushes to their designat-ed spot, they started digging. Thestudents worked together to covereach plant with topsoil outside oftheir classrooms or in the school’sopen courtyard.

Sherry Caldeira’s second-gradeclass, like Kainalu Elementary’sother classes, learned about plantsystems before getting in the field.Dozens of students took field tripsto the Hawaii Nature Center to seehow native Hawaiian plants func-tion in the wild and observe howplants grow. Before her studentseach planted their own nativeseedling, Caldeira held up a yellowhibiscus for her class to study.

“This plant has very fragileroots,” the second-grade teachersaid. “We need to make sure theplants will stay straight and notget trampled on. If we do it right,then maybe the little bloom wehave on this bush will open upovernight.”

School staff, communicatingby walkie-talkie, coordinated allthe classes to simultaneously startplanting outside of their class-rooms. After students finished,each school grade gatheredtogether to spread topsoil over adesignated tree. Mansfield saidthe school lacks shady areas, andthe trees will grow to give stu-dents a cool spot to relax. Onceclasses completed their individualtasks, teachers toured with theirstudents around campus to viewthe finished work. As the school’sfirst large-scale planting project,Mansfield said she’s eager to plannew projects military units canhelp with.

“The military has offered ourschool such incredible support,”said Paul Graham, vice principal,Kainalu Elementary. “They’retough guys to run such heavyequipment. It’s great to see themcome out to help improve thecommunity and the school.”

Give trees achance

MALS 24 plants seeds of conservation

Story and Photographs by



HONOLULU – U.S. Marine Corps Forces,Pacific Marines and area service memberstook precedence on the dock of the USSMissouri here April 24.

Civilians and service members attendedthe opening ceremony for the 23rd consec-utive celebration of Hawaii MilitaryAppreciation Month.

The month-long celebration is hostedby the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaiiand led by the Military Affairs Council tohonor those who serve and fight for theircountry.

Filling the space inside a tent, 800 peo-ple including service members in uniform,military family members, civilians and rep-resentatives from supporting businesses,took their seats as the prelude was playedby the Pacific Fleet Band.

"This is my first time attending such aglorified ceremony," said Lance Cpl. HectorPortillo, company office clerk,Headquarters and Service Battalion,MarForPac. "It shows the true patriotism ofthe people and the reason we serve."

Portillo said the ceremony shows thepeople [of Hawaii] care about what we do,and it gives us a chance to get to knowthem better.

"It encourages us to do a good job andbetter ourselves," Portillo said.

As the ceremony commenced, thesound of a light pitter-patter could beheard overhead as rain hit the tent’s thickcanvas roof. But, the rain didn’t dampenthe crowd’s spirits.

As the masters of ceremonies Carole Kaiand Danny Kaleikini, took their places, thejovial words of Kaleikini, in his Hawaiiantongue, flowed over the crowd as he gave a

big "Alohaaaaaaaaaa!"The presentation of the colors conduct-

ed by a joint service color guard was fol-lowed by a live performance of theNational Anthem and the Hawaiiananthem, “Hawaii Pono'i,” sung byKaleikini with the Hawaii PacificUniversity International Vocal Ensemble.

"This is the fourth year [performing at]the event and we're very honored to behere," said Nicholas Walters, core managerof the ensemble and former Marine.

Walters said he was enlisted for fouryears, and it's a great honor to give backand be able to do what people have donefor him.

After the retiring of the colors, thenumerous names of dignitaries wereannounced and an invocation was givenby Navy Cmdr. Steven Unger, StaffChaplain, Navy Region Hawaii.

A grand welcoming was given by JimTollefson, president and chief executiveofficer, Bank of Hawaii; Mayor MufiHannemann, City and County ofHonolulu; Navy Adm. Timothy Keating,commander, U.S. Pacific Command; HawaiiGovernor Linda Lingle, and many others.

"Spend one minute a day to think aboutwhere service members are, what they'redoing and how they're risking their lives,"Lingle said. "The military is needed andshould be acknowledged and appreciated."

With the closing of the ceremony, theservice members and supporters were giventhe opportunity to socialize, tour theMissouri, dance the night away with thePacific Force's "Hana Hou Combo," andexplore cuisines and refreshments offeredby local restaurants.

The next event being held will be aCombined Military Band Concert at theBlaisdell Concert Hall May 16. The concertis free to the public and will begin at 9 p.m.

As Dr. Robert O. Fisch recalled his horrific experi-ence during the Holocaust, one word echoed throughhis soft, sweet accent - humanity. Recalling his timein a Nazi concentration camp, he explained how wecan learn from our past to make a better future.

A remembrance ceremony held at the base chapelTuesday featured Fisch as a guest speaker in honor ofthe Holocaust, the time of Jewish persecution by NaziGermany during World War II.

“Today we remember those who suffered, thosewho fought and those who died,” said Sgt. RexGonzales, legal noncommissioned officer,Headquarters Battalion. “He introduced the history ofthe European Jews, and how only 60 years ago, theHolocaust shaped their history and changed themforever.”

“It’s humanly incomprehensible what [the Nazi’s]did,” said Fisch, a native of Budapest, Hungary. “Itwas a brutal system where they wanted to kill andtake anything."

Fisch described his nightmarish experience in the

concentration camp to the entranced audience andread excerpts from his book “Light from the YellowStar : A Lesson of Love from the Holocaust.”

“The smell of decomposing bodies and incinera-tion containers full of human excrement was inde-scribable,” Fisch read. “In the darkness, we had noway to distinguish the dead from the dying. Millionsof lice had invaded us . . . My suspicions about ourdestiny were confirmed.”

Fisch eventually escaped the prison camps and fledto Minneapolis. He eventually became a professor inpediatrics at the University of Minnesota where heteaches to this day. He said his book shares how hecame to understand the power of love and freedomafter surviving the Holocaust. Good can be learnedeven from one of the worst human tragedies, he quot-ed from his book.

“I am a very happy person, and I’ve realized suffer-ing is not necessarily a bad thing - all this (suffering)opened a door for me and gave me a new life,” Fischsaid. “As beautiful pearls are produced by the suffer-ing of an oyster, so the Holocaust created beautifulheroes . . . Even among the most sorrowful memories,the humanitarian acts performed by compassionate

individuals shine above the dark side of brutality.” Fisch said he has realized everyone is able to do

good and bad things, and it's their choice which paththey take.

“We have to make a choice either to become a sup-pressor, taking advantage of the misery of others - orto remain humane even in an inhumane environ-ment,” he said.

The Holocaust survivor said we all have to learnhumanity, because it isn’t inherited. For any leader,he said, the best way to teach humanity is by exam-ple.

“When we reach the end of our days and make aninventory of our actions, we should conclude: ‘I didthe right thing – for myself and for others,’” he said.“My time was spent well and my life has been valu-able and worthwhile.’”

After Fisch’s story and discussion, Lt. Col. WilliamPerez, commanding officer, Headquarters Battalion,presented him with a plaque of appreciation.

“We as individuals have to keep our ethicalhumanity, and as leaders we must learn about it,”Perez said. “Today you’ve taught us all about human-ity, and we thank you for that.”

Hawaii honors those who serve

Holocaust RemembranceSurvivor recalls Nazi concentration camp

experience, speaks of humanity

Service members, locals gather at USS Missouri to kick-off Hawaii’s 23rd Celebration of our nation’s military services

Lance Cpl. Ronald W. StaufferU.S. Marine Forces, Pacific

Lance Cpl. Alesha R. GuardCombat Correspondent

Photos by Lance Cpl. Ronald W. Stauffer

Marines and spouses attended the opening ceremony for Hawaii Military Appreciation Monthheld at the USS Missouri April 24. (Below) Service members of the joint service color guard present the colors during the U.S.National Anthem and the Hawaii Pono'i, the former national anthem of Hawaiian, during theopening ceremony for Hawaii Military Appreciation Month.

Lance Cpl. Alesha R. Guard

Dr. Robert O. Fisch stands with Lt. Col. William Perez, commandind officer, Headquarters Battalion, during the Holocaust remembrance ceremony at the base chapel Tuesday.The ceremony honored of all those who fought and died during the Jewish persecution by Nazi Germany during World War II.

HAWAII MARINE MAY 2, 2008 • A-5

post in a way safe for both service membersand local Iraqis.

Engineers attached to 2/3, worked tirelesslyday and night to make sure the road openingwent off without a hitch.

“Opening (the road) wasn’t as easy as youwould think,” said 2nd Lt. Kevin Ritchie, pla-toon commander, Engineer Platoon,Headquarters and Service Company, 2/3.

“We made countless round trips deliveringdirt and gravel. It took about a week to buildnew posts and reorganize the barrier structure,”Ritchie said. “The platoon was up there untilthe day prior making sure everything was inplace. We also received help from (CombatLogistics Battalion 1) and (Combat EngineerBattalion, RCT-1). They loaned us personneland equipment, and Trucks Platoon lent usdrivers and vehicles to help us get this accom-plished. It was a lot of organizations comingtogether to help get this done.”

With the mission in Iraq now focused onturning the country over to the Iraqis, thereopening of the road is just one of the manysteps to return life back to normalcy and bringstability to the region.

“We’re at the point where our convoys canpass alongside civilian traffic on (the road),”Ritchie, a native of Worcester, Mass., said.“Now the local civilians can drive throughKarma like anywhere else without taking a longdetour. It’s good to see that kind of consisten-cy.”

This project was a main priority for both thelocal Iraqi government and the battalion.

When the road was closed, local Iraqis wereforced to take a detour that was narrow anddangerous for large vehicles and added moretime for them to get to their destination,Dykeman said. Opening the road was a causefor celebration for both the Marines in the areaand the local Iraqis.

“The Iraqis were very happy that the road isopen,” said the native of Central Square, N.Y.“There was music and dancing. The first vehi-cle through the road was an Iraqi Police vehi-cle, which is symbolic since they are instru-mental in the security.”

The Island Warriors and ISF are workingside-by-side on a daily basis in order to bringstability back to the region. This is all part ofthe mission the Marines are charged with dur-ing their deployment in support of OperationIraqi Freedom.

PEACE, from A-1

Cpl. Chadwick deBree

An Iraqi Police vehicle drives down the street during the opening ceremony April 14, in Karma, Iraq. Thestretch of road has been closed to the public due to the Marines having an observation post close to it.The IP vehicle being the first vehicle to drive down it was symbolic because the local Iraqi SecurityForces are instrumental to security in the area.

Christine CabaloO

After a six-month deployment, 51 Peagsus crew members came home Friday to their family and lovedones at Hangar 105. Local elementary schools colored in cards tied to fence garlands, thanking Marinesand Sailors for their service. Cookies, juice and pizza were on hand for the returning crew members toenjoy.

was delicious, and I’ll have totry to find some here inHawaii to get for my chil-dren.”

His wife said the deploy-ment was less difficult for herfamily because they could do awide array of activities duringthe year. She and her childrenspent time at the beach enjoy-ing Hawaii’s good weather.The major said he’s glad to behome again, and he’s eager forpool time with his family.

It was easier for Brzostowski

and his wife to stay connectedduring the deploymentbecause they used webcams totalk. During the major’s lastdeployment, the family senteach other simple text e-mail.

“This time we used Skype— it’s a free program,”Brzostowski’s wife said. “Withthe program you can talk toeach other using video. Hewas able to sing ‘HappyBirthday’ to our daughterwhile he was away.”

Sharon Sharkey, family

readiness officer, Marine AirGroup 24, said every home-coming event is a team effort.Sharkey notices so many peo-ple volunteer their time toprepare for returning Marinesand Sailors. The family readi-ness officer said she’s happy tosee base command officialsconsistently come out to per-sonally welcome home thedeployed.

“We’re just glad to havethem home,” she said. “We’realways thankful they’re back.”

PEGASUS, from A-1

Lance Cpl. Achilles Tsantarliotis

Sergeant Maj. James Sutton speaks to guest at a post and relief ceremony at Dewey Square, Thursday.Sutton, previously stationed in Beaufort, S.C., replaced Sgt. Maj. Daniel Fierle as the new base ser-geant major for MCB Hawaii. Fierle is now the sergeant major for III Marine Expeditionary Force.

“We enjoyed the previous tour with 3rdMarines and didn’t know if the opportunitywould ever come up to come back to Hawaii.But it did, and we’re very excited and enthu-siastic to come back.”

Sutton’s wife plans to get involved withfamily related events, and is happy to be backin Hawaii.

“Who wouldn’t be?” she said. “I think thething I have to do is get here and access whatways I can be most useful. I do like to seewhere I can be of assistance to the families.”

Sutton said his goals for the base werefocused around Marines, Sailors and theirfamilies, and he feels it’s important toimprove the lifestyles of the base’s residents.

“As base sergeant major, my main goal isto improve and maintain the lives of theMarines, Sailors, dependents and retireeswho live here on Marine Corps Base Hawaii,”he said. “My goals for the Marines are forthem to strive for mission accomplishmentand excel in everything they do, carry on thetraditions and values the Marine Corps haslived by and excelled at since its beginning.I’m enthusiastic and motivated to be here,and I hope the Marines feel the same way.”

POST, from A-1

Cpl. Erik VillagrinRegimental Combat Team 5

HIT, Iraq — Corpsmen know they’re responsi-ble for keeping Marines in the fight. The corpsmenin 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, RegimentalCombat Team 5, relish the idea of being dependedon.

The battalion corpsmen are spread throughoutthe area of opera-tions in Hit andHaditha, Iraq.

Having such alarge area to coverhas increased theresponsibility ofeach corpsmen andadded pressure toprovide the samelevel of service to theMarines with adecreased staff.

“It’s a big billet tofill,” said PettyOfficer 3rd ClassChristopher J. Cook,23, from Oakland, Calif., a corpsman with 3/4. “It’sa lot to ask of from a small group of people, but thetraining we got prepared us.”

The battalion aid station handles, on average,12 patients a day.

This high level of service requires everyone todo more than their part.

“The experienced corpsmen really take theyoung guys under their wing,” said Navy Lt. j.g.David M. Viayra, 36, physician assistant, 3/4, from

Norwalk, Calif.The junior Sailors have really benefited from the

experience of the senior, more knowledgeablecorpsmen.

“We have two objectives,” Viayra said. “One,we’re a force in readiness. We’re open (all the time)for the Marines. Our second is to support the com-mand; however they see fit to use us as an asset.”

Corpsmen have treated civilian contractors,Iraqi Army andPolice, Marines andin some situationsIraqi civilians. Theyhave worked oneverything fromsprained ankles to agunshot wound,Cook said.

“IPs and someMarines have had(staphylococcus)infections,” Viayrasaid. “For those, youhave to cut themopen, dig (the infec-tion) out and start

them on antibiotics. That seems to be the biggestproblem out here right now.”

Despite having to see some nasty infections andbad symptoms, these corpsmen don’t mind. It’s allin a day’s work.

“I love what I do,” Cook said. “I changed jobs tobecome a corpsman.”

With the battalion’s corpsmen dedicated totheir work and ready for anything, Marines arereassured that they will be taken care of if anything

goes wrong.“We take care of Marines, and they take care of

us,” Cook said. “That way everyone’s happy, andwe all make it home.”


AROUND THE CORPSDocs keep Marines in Fight: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Cpl. Erik Villagrin

Lieutenant j.g. David M. Viayra, physician assistant, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, RegimentalCombat Team 5, from Norwalk, Calif., examines the armpit of a patient in the Battalion Aid Station atCamp Hit, Iraq, April 22. Corpsmen with 3/4 treat everything from sprained ankles to gunshot woundsand are available 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

We take care ofMarines, and they takecare of us. That wayeveryone’s happy, andwe all make it home.

-- Christopher J. Cook

“

”


Golf enthusiasts and would-be golfers needlook no further than the base golf course to

find a full-service facility to accommodate theirdesire to hit the links.

The Kaneohe Klipper Golf Course complex is aprestigious facility, once used for Professional Golf Associationevents. Dignitaries such as President Dwight D. Eisenhower haveplayed its greens, and it consistently ranks among the top coursesin the Department of Defense.

For those new to the sport, the course is a smart stepping stone asit provides everything needed to begin a life-long relationship withgolf. It’s an especially smart choice for junior enlisted service mem-bers as it boasts among the lowest rates on the island.

“We take care of the young enlisted, the E-5s and below, and youcan tell that just by our fee structure,” said Todd Murata, generalmanager and head golf professional, Kaneohe Klipper Golf Course.“Their golf fees are discounted tremendously, by almost 50 percentover your higher rank officers, then in addition to that, it alsomakes them eligible for our free range balls program.”

To qualify for free range balls, golfers must watch a video on golfetiquette by the PGA and complete a short test. The entire processtakes just less than an hour, Murata said. Following completion ofthe test, golfers are given an etiquette card allowing them one freebucket of range balls a day, Monday through Friday.

The complex has a wide range of lessons available for those ei-ther looking to learn the game or for those looking to fine-tunetheir skills. Men, women, youth classes — the complex has classesavailable for everyone. Additionally, new special programs are al-ways taking place. Murata recommends that anyone new to thesport sign up for lessons.

“Most beginner golfers are very intimidated by the game,” hesaid. “Coming into the facility, they see the golfers out, and I thinkthe first impression they get is that everyone knows what they’redoing out there. Then to jump into that mix, it’s an intimidating

experience. For the beginner golfers, I suggest taking a golf clinic.The teaching pros are there to assist — they’re there to service thecustomers. The lessons are at the convenience of the student.”

One student particularly found the lessons and the complex as awhole very convenient. Dave Wilson, an avid golfer and native ofAlbuquerque, N.M., came to Hawaii six months ago to assist hisdaughter-in-law with her newborn baby while his son is deployedto Iraq. It had been a while since he last golfed, so he visited thecourse and signed up for lessons.

“Signing up for lessons is really easy,” he said. “[Leeland Lindsay,teaching professional, Kaneohe Klipper Golf Course] was excellent.I’ve been playing for like 12 years. I’ve taken lessons from half-a-dozen pros, and he was the best by far. If anyone wants to improvethier game, just call Leeland up.”

The course staff was able to assist Wilson with more than just les-sons. The staff sponsored Wilson for the Friends of K-Bay programso the golfer could get on base without needing to sign in each day.Wilson said he’s appreciative of all the effort the course staff makesto ensure golfers’ enjoyment.

“The people here have just been dynamite,” he said. “[Staff] inthe snack bar and the pro shop — they’re just really friendly. Thecart guys and the staff are really friendly. It’s really just a pleasantexperience. My stay out here has been really great. Golf is addict-ing. It’s all you want to do. You can be in paradise and where doyou hang out? At the golf course.”

Wilson will be leaving Hawaii soon, and although he spent themajority of his time on the golf course, he got to see plenty of thebeach as the course’s back nine holes offer stunning views of thebeach and surfers riding waves. In ealier months of the year it isn’t

uncommon to see Humpback Whales out in thewater.

“The water holes are just spectacular,” he said.“The groundskeepers and the greenskeepers keepit immaculate. It’s always in really good shape.It’s a great golf course, definitely all the golfcourse I need.”

Wilson isn’t the only fan of the back nine.Lindsay, who has been teaching at the course for the past year andhas been a pro for 30 years, believes the course is best representedby the thirteenth hole.

“Thirteen is my favorite,” he said. “It’s got the beauty. It’s got thedifficulty and it’s forever changing: the wind conditions, the greenand the conditions of the hole itself. They change the pin place-ment to change it up every week. It’s our signature hole in myopinion.”

The beauty of the course doesn’t come without hard work from allstaff involved and recent changes. According to Murata, “Over thelast 10 years there has been tremendous change to the golf course.”

A new irrigation system has been put in over the past few years aswell as a new cart system. All of the course’s greens and tee boxeshave been converted to Seashore Paspalum, a type of grass that fairswell on coastal golf courses.

“Seashore Paspalum is very tolerant to salt, so during the wintermonths our greens are still very pristine,” Murata said. “When weused to have the Bermuda grass, we’d lose our greens every winter.”

Murata said they are slowly converting the entire course toSeashore Paspalum. Other renovations will be taking place includ-ing: an improved clubhouse, updated pro shop and sleeker lockerrooms. Hopefully, a renovation of the driving range may also takeplace within the next two years. With a history as pristine as thecourse’s greens, now is a great time for newcomers to try their handat golf. While Murata admits the game can be difficult, golfers keepcoming back for more.

“Golf is just a challenging game,” Murata said. “You have yourgood days, and your bad days. I think with most golfers, there’s justone shot that keeps you coming back.”

LL I F E S T Y L E SI F E S T Y L E SMM A R I N EA R I N E

HAWAII MARINE B SECTION WWW.MCBH.USMC.MIL MAY 2, 2008

Hawaii

Photos by Cpl. Mark Fayloga

Ellis Georgia, a retired petty officer 3rd class and golf enthusiast, prepares to tee off Friday at the 13th hole of the Kaneohe Klipper Golf Course complex. Ellis plays the course twice a month. The 13th hole hasbeen boasted as “the best hole in the Department of Defense.” The course’s back-nine holes offer scenic views of the Koolau Mountains and the Pacific Ocean.

GETTINGINTO THE

Leeland Lindsay, teaching professional, Kaneohe Klipper Golf Course, hits a ball on the course’s driving range during a brief practice session Friday. Lindsay has been teaching at the course for the past year.

Dave Wilson, an avid golfer and native of Albuquerque, N.M., warmsup Friday at the Kaneohe Klipper Golf Course driving range.

Kaneohe Klipper Golf Course offersnew golfers way to break into game

SWING OFTHINGS

Sgt. Macario P. Mora Jr.Managing Editor

Watching a film is like readinga book in that viewing a motionpicture accomplishes one of twogoals — the film entertains orstimulates the viewer intellectually.

Occasionally, a movie accom-plishes both. “Harold and Kumar:Escape from Guantanamo Bay,”does not. However, anyone famil-iar with the stoner duo’s 2004cult classic “Harold and Kumar:Go to White Castle,” alreadyknew what to expect before pur-chasing a ticket for the secondgo-around with our generation’shomage to our parent’s lovablelosers — Cheech and Chong.

The film doesn’t disappoint.The movie kicks off where

the last film ended, and aftera few stiff moments tryingto decided if it’s okay tolaugh at the raunchy,moronic humor; yousettle into your skin andignore the socialnorms, political cor-rectness and mannersthat weigh on youdaily.

Oddly enough, thelow level humor is ther-apeutic, letting you laughamongst the nameless faces in acrowded, stuffy theater withoutconsequence of others judgingyou for laughing at socially awk-ward situations. Who doesn’twant to laugh at the kid whopasses out in formation or thestaff noncommissioned officerwho awkwardly tries participat-ing in a game of football.

The movie begins with the twohurriedly making their waythrough an airport to findHarold’s (John Cho) love interest,from the first movie, in Amster-dam. While in flight, Kumar (KalPenn), an intellectually giftedmed-school drop out, decides toself-medicate. Unfortunately, hisself-medication tool looks similarto a bomb, and he looks Arabic.

The two are apprehended andtaken into custody where they’reinterrogated. The moronic antag-onist, Ron Fox, (Rob Corddryfrom “The Daily Show with JonStewart”) disregards Harold andKumar’s explanation and sendsthem to Guantanamo Bay.

They spend a day at “G-Bay”before escaping and hitching aride with Cuban immigrants on a

makeshift raft headed toward Mi-ami.

When they arrive, they decidethe only way to clear their namesis to travel to Texas and seek helpfrom Kumar’s ex-girlfriend’s fi-ancé, who happens to work forHomeland Security.

Along the way, they encounterdifficulties and take part in aplethora of eventful adventures.The funniest, is their second en-counter with Neil Patrick Harris,better known as Doogie Howser,M.D.

Harris takes the two on anotherdrug-induced adventure that in-cludes mythological creatures,the Unicorn, and ultimately endswith Harris’ demise.

The pair finally makes it toTexas, but instead of receiv-ing help, they’re tricked bythe fiancé back onto a plane

to “G-Bay.” The duoworks their magic andescapes from the plane,crashing through the Pres-ident’s roof.

To my amazement,the movie doesn’t por-tray the President in anegative light. In-

stead, he givesHarold and Kumar a bit

of insight. After all the trou-ble the two go through with thegovernment, they’re understand-ably mistrusting. However, thePresident puts them at ease whenhe tells them he doesn’t trust thegovernment either, even thoughhe works for it, but that as long asyou believe in and love the coun-try it makes you a good Ameri-can.

The movie is dumb. The acting,story and plot are typical.

Amazingly, the film somehowincorporates a bit of patriotism,though the movie centers aroundthe country’s, un-d e r s t a n d a b l e ,post-9/11 para-noia, and oureveryday preju-dices.

If you want torelax your brainfor a couple ofhours, and canenjoy tasteless hu-mor, then I sug-gest heading tothe theater tocatch this flick,but don’t bring adate along.


Imagine being a child, un-wanted by your father, unlovedby your mother, striving fortheir affection. All you want istheir love and their attention,to be part of their lives, in re-turn you’re sold to the first manwho comes along when you’re15 years old.

Imagine being an educatedwoman, brought up believingyou can be whatever you wantwhen you grow up, brought upknowing you deserve every-thing a man has, then havingthat swept out from under youby your own government.Everything you wanted for yourfuture is gone with thebombing of your city, themurder of your par-ents and the loss ofyour friends.

These are the un-fortunate descrip-tions of the twomain characters’lives in KhaledHosseini’s “A Thou-sand SplendidSuns.” The novel,much like Hosseini’sfirst novel “The Kite Runner,”begins during Afghanistan’sgolden years in the late 1970s.Unlike “The Kite Runner,” how-ever, it’s told through the eyesof two Afghan women who suf-fer through the hardships of acrumbling society.

Subject to the harsh culturalviews of womenin the society, thewomen endurethe hardshipswith grace and si-lence. A war-strewn nation,Soviet occupationand Taliban op-pression are thebrutal backdropto arranged mar-riages, abusivehusband andthreatened preg-nancies. The per-sonal stories of

the two main characters are fas-cinating, exciting and sad. Hos-seini does a wonderful jobpulling the reader into the char-acters’ hearts and minds, shar-ing their heartaches, joys,failures and triumphs. WhileHosseini’s first novel was capti-vating, “A Thousand SplendidSuns” exceeds the first by amile, proving the author ismore than a “one hit wonder.”

It’s hard to imagine how Hos-seini can personally relate tothe struggles women endure inAfghanistan, but his writingmakes the characters comealive, and leaves the readerwondering if the women werereal. From an American point ofview, it’s horrific to think

women have to live likethat; have to have opera-

tions without drugs,have to tolerate beat-ings from Talibantroops for walkingalone, have towatch their chil-dren starve beforetheir eyes becauseof the country’spoverty. From anAmerican point

of view it’s hard to en-vision a country falling apartbefore your eyes in a few years,but the real women Hosseini’scharacters represent did.

“A Thousand Splendid Suns”is an entrancing read and prom-ises to captivate your emotions.Personally, I couldn’t put thebook down, reading into thelate hours of the night wantingto know what happened next— what more the womenwould be forced to endure —questioning my own fortitudeagainst theirs. I found myselfwondering if, were I in thesame situations, could I handleit with the courage they did.

The novel leaves the readerwanting nothing, and makesme, as an American woman,grateful for the freedoms I en-joy in this country, and proudto serve a country who wants tohelp change things for sup-pressed women elsewhere.

B-2 • MAY 2, 2008 HAWAII MARINE

RUISI

MORA

Lance Cpl. Regina A. Ruisi believes“a good book can take you out ofreality.” She is proud to say she’s readevery Harry Potter book a dozen times(they’re not children’s books!) and isreading them to her self-proclaimed illit-erate husband. She thinks trying to com-pare books to their movie counterparts isridiculous, as the book is usually a thou-sand times better (examples: the “Potter”books and “Gone With the Wind”).

Sgt. Macario P. Mora Jr. believes“movies are a reprieve from ourdaily routine.” He views movies fromtwo perspectives – as pure entertainmentor intellectual stimulant, and believes afilm rarely contains both. As an introvert,one of his favorite pastimes is spending aday at the theater movie-hopping. Hebelieves “Eternal Sunshine of the SpotlessMind,” to be the epitome of great filmmaking.

Better KnowA Critic

TALK

*

*[tôk stôreï] Hawaiian slang for an informal, lengthy conversation. Often used as a method to bond, or a good way to kill time.

STOR

Y

What do you like bestabout Cinco de Mayo??

"Easily, it's the food. You can alwaysfind good Mexican food during theday."

— Sgt. Heath Smith

"It's nice just seeing people. It's good to celebrate an

important date and tradition."— Julia Friedrick

“For those who don't know, Cincode Mayo is not Mexico'sIndependence Day, which hap-pens on Sept. 16. The holidayactually memorializes Mexico'svictory in 1862 against invadingFrench forces at the Battle ofPuebla. With Monday approach-ing as a special day to celebrateMexican pride, we wondered ...

”I like watching thedancing during Cincode Mayo. The (bailefolklorico) makes youwant to join in.

— Cpl. Desi Shedrick

Second Opinion

Your weekly guide to all aspects

of entertainmentWelcome to the Pass In Review, your num-

ber one source for cinema, music,videogame and book reviews. The Pass InReview crew consists of more than 10 critics,each with their own idea of what makes amovie, album, game or book great. So be sureto take advantage of the Better Know A Criticsection, which spotlights this week’s critics tobetter help you choose the critic with opinionsmost like your own. Using our breakthroughfour point scale system you can quickly deci-pher what is worth your time and what isn’t, orread the full review for an in-depth analysisand explanation of the rating. The rating sys-tem uses ammunition and range terminology,so if you’re not familiar, here’s a quick break-down of the ratings ...

1/4 — No Impact, No IdeaHorrendous. Among the worst of theworst in its genre. Dedicating time to thisis not only wasteful, but unforgivable.Avoid at all costs.

2/4 — High And To The RightMediocrity at its best. Lacks a few thingsthat might have made it really good. Adecent time waster, partake only if youhave nothing better to do.

3/4 — On TargetPraiseworthy. A great endeavor, notquite an instant classic but still veryentertaining. This is a sound invest-ment of your time.

4/4 — Confirmed KillGenius. In the top 10 percent of itsgenre. This is the stuff legends aremade of. Missing out on it would bea disservice to yourself.

So, there you have it and we hope you enjoyour weekly reviews. Don’t forget, The HawaiiMarine accepts submissions from its readers soif you consider yourself a film buff, music afi-cianado, gaming geek or bookworm feel free tosubmit your own reviews. Or, if you disagreewith a review published and want fellow read-ers to know the real scoop, send in a condensedreview and we’ll run it as a second opinion.

I have yet to see this film, which one would think makes me unqualified to review it, butone would be wrong. I had the misfortune of watching the predecessor to this movie,

“Harold & Kumar Go Act Like Morons,” or some-thing similar to that. After having suffered

through that, and seeing the previews forthe current installment, I feel completelyconfident in saying this film is horrendous.It’s a throwaway flick in the worst kind of

way, without any lasting impact or genuinelaughs. There are far better films at the box officeright now, and more coming out. Give those a

gander, you’re better than watching this.

“Harold & Kumar”1 out of 4 (No Impact, No Idea)

— Cpl. Mark Fayloga

Hapless duo returnfor second adventure

‘Splendid Suns’ warms hearts, opens minds

HAWAII MARINE MAY 2, 2008 • B-3

Fake soccer tryouts that turned into an enlistment in theIraqi Army, landed Farook on the receiving end ofenemy bullet fire. He narrowly escaped an ambush,only to be imprisoned by his fellow soldiers for losing

his weapon. He longed to leave the country, but he had towait for his opportunity.

‘It was stupid’With only his family anchoring him from leaving his serv-

ice early, Farook couldn’t leave. He knew the consequences hisfamily would face, and continued forward, never even tellinghis ‘anchor’ of life in the war.

“Almost a [decade] of fighting in the front lines,” he saidcalmly, his eyes bold and hair ruffled. “Being shot twice in thearm and leg,” he pointed to his arm, where a clearly visible

scar left its reminder. Hairless and slick, the scar covered near-ly half his arm across. “I left Iraq as soon as I could. I spent somuch of my life in war. I wanted to raise a family and livehappy.”

For being opposed to the war before it started, there wereno words to describe his mentality after participating, andeven being shot in a war that held a remarkable similarity toWorld War I. Tactics like trench warfare, bayonet charges andmachine-gun nests were all components accurately describingthe brutality of the war.

“It was stupid,” he said angrily. “So stupid, people shootingat me – no one benefited from the war, and you could notleave; no one was allowed to leave the country. You weretrapped. That’s why I try to help Marines, everyone in Iraqwants democracy, and they [help] us – I want them to finish

as soon as they can. They can come back to their families.They are good people; I want them to enjoy their lives.”

A new beginningHis journey for a free life began in the early months of

1990, he said. “I left for the first time in April 1990,” he recalled. “I went

to Athens, Greece – it was wonderful. I could not believe howthe people, the culture, the life were so beautiful. It was verydifferent from Iraq, everyone was so relaxed, and you felt likea normal citizen, like you were welcomed there no matterwhere you were from. In Iraq, you are looked at [poorly] if youwere not Muslim. I was born Catholic, and there was a lot of


Since 1965, the Marine Corps has effectivelypreserved its history through the Marine Corps OralHistory Branch. The corps-wide program is con-ducted here by Lt. Col. Tim Crowley, the historicalprogram officer, who documents the accounts ofHawaii’s service members. The warriors’ stories arecollected orally and join the ranks of thousands ofMarines and Sailors who’ve come before them, dat-ing back to the Vietnam War.

“Desert Diaries” tells the personal stories ofpride and loyalty, humor and sadness, and the gloryand horror of America’s wars. The stories are pro-vided by the base historian, and are published tohelp share our warriors’ stories with the public.

Thirteen-year-old Stacy Lehfeldt knew hewas going to be a Marine the day he saw agunnery sergeant at his 7th grade career day.Years later, with enlistment papers signed andready to go, he gave up on his dream to acceptan athletic scholarship to college. He assumedthe Marine Corps would always be there.

“It was,” he said. “College was when I fig-ured out what I actually wanted to do.”

The North Dakota native enlisted, and isnow Sgt. Maj. Lehfeldt, sergeant major, 4thMarine Regiment.

After training at Marine Corps RecuitDepot, San Diego, and military combat train-

ing, Lehfeldt went to his military occupation-al specialty school in California to become anaviation ordnance technician. Out of school,he was sent to various units on the East Coastbefore being accepted as a drill instructor.

After DI training in 1990, he served on thedrill field from 1991 to 1993. After his tour, hewent to Marine Corps Base Hawaii; became aninstructor at the Staff NoncommissionedOfficer academy inCalifornia; was assig-ned to a MarineExpeditionary Unitout of North Carolinaas a first sergeant anddeployed from there toIraq in 2003.

After his firstdeployment in supportof the Global War onTerrorism, he was sta-tioned in Okinawa andreassigned in October2005 to his current billet. He deployed toAfghanistan while with 4th Marine Regiment.

The 10-month deployment in support ofOperation Enduring Freedom put Lehfeldt inthe position as command advisor to the 201stCorps of the Afghan National Army. His pri-mary mission was advising the Corps’ command sergeant major, therefore affecting policy and tactics throughout

Central and Eastern Afghanistan.Beside his mission with the ANA, Lehfeldt

was also responsible for Marine EmbeddedTraining Teams who advised and trainedAfghan soldiers in remote areas of the coun-try.

“It was a very successful deployment,”Lehfeldt said. “It was a very important mis-sion. Marines on the ETT preformed magnifi-

cently. In a lot of cases,they were two-manteams out in the hillsassigned to a platoon orcompany.”

Because the Marineswere few and farbetween, they were allresponsible for goingoutside their MOS toaccomplish the mis-sion.

“They were actuallywell outside of their

comfort zone in their MOS, but they wereaccomplishing everything that had to beaccomplished,” Lehfeldt said. “A motor trans-port Marine by MOS may become, very quick-ly, a communications technician. They wereall very responsible.”

“They had to rely heavily upon each otherto get the mission accomplished, becausethere was very little support at the remote

[forward operating bases] out there,” headded.

The Afghan sergeants major Lehfeldtworked directly with were lifelong profession-al soldiers and were proud to work with theMarines.

“We were the only Marine advisors in thecountry, so the 201st Corps had a pride aboutthat fact, in that they were the only Afghansoldiers to have Marine advisors,” Lehfeldt said.

One of the most important thingsLehfeldt’s Marines trained the Afghan soldiersin was the importance of NCOs in a unit’s suc-cess. The existing relationship betweenAfghan officers and NCOs resulted in officerstreating their NCOs and SNCOs like personalassistants instead of professional advisors.

“Most of their officers were trained by theSoviet regime, so they were very authoritarianand didn’t understand the role of the NCOs,”Lehfeldt said. “We did a good job of breakingthrough that, helped them start using theirNCOs the way they were supposed to be used.Now they weren’t just using them to servetheir chai. ‘Chai-boys,’ that’s what we calledthe ones who were being improperly used. Forthe most part, the training that we incorporat-ed, the way we conducted business, the exam-ple our NCOs and SNCOs set, the Afghan offi-cers were able to see that and see it wouldbenefit them and the ANA, and they startedincorporating that into their command.”

MMOVIEOVIE TTIMEIMEDr. Suess’ Horton Hears a Who (G)The Bank Job (R)Penelope (PG)10,000 BC (PG13)Dr. Suess’ Horton Hears a Who (G)College Road Trip (G)The Bank Job (R)Never Back Down (PG13)Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns (PG13)

Prices: Friday and Saturday 7:15 p.m., shows are $3 for adults and $1.50 for children. Sunday matinee is shown at 2p.m. Shows are $2 for adults and $1 for children. Evening showings on Sunday and Wednesday are at 6:30 p.m. and lateshows are shown Friday and Saturday at 9:45 p.m. Cost is $2 for adults and $1.50 for children.

For ticket pricing, the Base Theater Box Office defines an adult as a patron 12 and older and defines a child as a patronfrom 6 to 11. Children 5 and younger are admitted free of charge. Parents must purchase tickets for R-rated movies in personat the box office for children 16 and younger. Patrons must present their military identification card when purchasing tickets.

Call 254-7642 for recorded information.Sneak Preview Policy: One hour and 45 minutes prior to the movie, tickets will be issued to first priority patrons wait-

ing in line, then second and third priority patrons. In an effort to prevent piracy, the following security measures will be enforced on base for sneak preview screenings: bag

checks, confiscation of cameras or cell phones with picture taking capability (items will be returned after screening), magne-tometer wanding, audience scanning with night vision goggles during screening.

The Base Theater and film companies thank you in advance for your cooperation and hope you will enjoy the show. Forrecorded information, call the Base Theater at 254-7642.

Today at 7:15 p.m.Today at 9:45 p.m.Saturday at 7:15 p.m.Saturday at 9:45 p.m.Sunday at 2 p.m.Sunday at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.Friday at 7:15 p.m.Friday at 9:45 p.m.

“

”

They had to relyheavily upon each otherto get the missionaccomplished, becausethere was very littlesupport at the remoteFOBs out there.

A Day in the Life

Samey Farook was conscripted during the early ‘80s to serve as a soldier in Iraq’s war with Iran. After serving nine years in trench warfare, he made his way to America, eventually working withMarines as an Iraqi role player. As a role player, he participates in training with Marines to help them gain a better understanding of Iraqi culture.

Editor’s note: A Day in the Life highlights military occupational specialtiesand Department of Defense jobs throughout the Marine Corps. This seriesgives appreciation to the thousands of service members, DoD employees andcivilians who make Marine Corps Base Hawaii an installation of excellence.

More than an act scene two

Tricked by his country into fighting on the frontlines of a bloody war, he honorably finished hisservice to an army without honor. With arequest for asylum in America and freedomwithin reach, we now reach the conclusion ofthe drama of Samey Farook, an Iraqi roleplayer.

Story and photo byLance Cpl. Achilles Tsantarliotis

Combat Correspondent

See FAROOK, B-5


ON BASEON BASEWWORDORD TOTO P PASSASS

OONN THETHE M MENUENUATAT A ANDERSONNDERSON H HALLALL

MMARINEARINE M MAKEPONOAKEPONOHHAWAIIANAWAIIAN FORFOR “M “MARINEARINE B BARGAINSARGAINS””

Friday

Lunch

Oven roast beef

Baked tuna & noodles

Steamed rice

French fried cauliflower

Vegetable combo

Brown gravy

Chilled horseradish

Banana coconut cream pie

Chocolate chip cookies

Carrot cake

Cream cheese frosting

Vanilla/chocolate cream pudding

Lime/strawberry gelatin

Dinner

Sauerbraten

Baked knockwurst with sauerkraut

Scalloped potatoes

Noodles Jefferson

Green beans with mushrooms

Creole summer squash

Brown gravy

Desserts: Same as lunch

Saturday

Dinner

Swiss steak w/mushroom gravy

Pork chops Mexicana

Mashed potatoes

Spanish rice

Mexican corn

Peas & mushrooms

Brown gravy

Cheesecake with cherry topping

Fruit nut bars

Chocolate/vanilla cream pudding

Lemon/lemon gelatin

Yellow cake

Sunday

Dinner

Beef pot pie

Baked ham

Boiled egg noodles

Baked macaroni & cheese

Club spinach

Cauliflower au gratin

Cream gravy

Bread pudding with lemon sauce

Vanilla cream pie

Vanilla cookies

Pineapple upside-down cake


Strawberry/orange gelatin

Monday

Lunch

Teriyaki chicken

Salisbury steak

Mashed potatoes

Steamed rice

Simmered carrots

Simmered lima beans

Brown gravy

Chicken gravy

Pumpkin pie

Chocolate cookies

Easy choc. cake with chocolate butter

cream frosting


Strawberry/raspberry gelatin

Dinner

Roast turkey

Hungarian goulash

Wild rice

Parsley buttered potatoes

Green beans with mushrooms

Simmered corn

Brown gravy

Chicken gravy


Tuesday

Lunch

Chicken adobo

Pepper steak

Buttered egg noodles

Potatoes au gratin

Glazed carrots

Black eyed peas

Cream gravy

Strawberry glazed cream pie

Brownies

Devils food cake with mocha butter

cream frosting


Cherry/lime gelatin

Dinner

Swiss steak with tomato sauce

Lemon baked fish

Lyonnais potatoes

Steamed rice

Southern style green beans

Vegetable combo

Brown gravy


Wednesday

Lunch

Baked ham

Chili macaroni

Candied sweet potatoes

Grilled cheese sandwich

French fried okra

Cauliflower au gratin

Pineapple sauce

Bread pudding with lemon sauce

Peanut butter brownie

Banana cake with butter cream frost-

ing


Orange/raspberry gelatin

Dinner

Baked stuffed pork chops

Turkey pot pie

Calico corn

Simmered peas and carrots

Boiled Egg Noodles

Mashed potatoes

Brown gravy

Thursday

Lunch

Sweet and sour pork

Baked tuna and noodles

Shrimp fried rice

Corn on the cob

Club spinach

Corn bread dressing

Peach pie

Snicker doodle cookies

German chocolate cake


Lime/strawberry gelatin

Dinner

Swedish meatballs

Caribbean chicken breast

Steamed rice

Paprika buttered potatoes

Simmered Brussels sprouts

Simmered summer squash

Chicken gravy

Desserts: same as lunch

Christine Cabalo

Wally Amos, founder of Chip and Cookie Handmade Cookies, plays 'Happy Birthday' on his kazooto a children's reading group Wednesday at the Base Library. The library features Amos during itspreschool storytelling hour, and the first book he read was ‘A Birthday for Cow’ by Jan Thomas.

Feeding the reading habitSea Life Park Military Promotions

May is military appreciation month atSea Life Park.

The park is offering a free HawaiianRay Encounter or a free sea lion feedingwith the purchase of any dolphin inter-active program.

For more information, call JohnHobus at 259-2503.

Mongolian Barbecue

Mongolian Barbecue is now availableat Camp Smith’s Sunset Lanai everyWednesday from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The bar-becue will cost 80 cents an ounce.

For more information, contact MarineCorps Community Services at 484-9322.

Crafters Wanted for AnnualPu’ohala Elementary School

Concert and Craft Fair

The 15th annual 'Imi Pono Concertand Craft Fair will be held Saturday,2008 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Pu'ohalaElementary School.

We are looking for crafters for ourevent.

Crafter fees include a $10 deposit feeand a booth fee ranging from: $30 for alawn area, $40 for a covered walkwayand $50 for the cafe.

For an application or more informa-tion, contact Nita at [email protected].

Baby Boot Camp

The Base Chapel will host Baby BootCamp Tuesday and Wednesday from 9a.m. to 3 p.m.

The class will educate on childbirthand infant care to prepare expectant par-ents for labor and delivery, newborn care,postpartum changes and breastfeedingbasics.

The class is open to all active duty andtheir spouses, and a reservation isrequired.

For more informationabout the pro-gram, contact the New Parent SupportProgram at 257-8803.

Cinco de Mayo at the O Club

A Cinco de Mayo celebration will beheld at the Officers’ club today, startingat 4:30 p.m.

The event is sponsored by MarineCorps community Services and officersfrom Combat Service Support Group 3.The event is open to all officers and spon-sored guests.

For more information, contact DonFigueira at 254-7650.

SAT (Scholastic AptitudeTest)/Joint Education Center Bldg

220, Classroom A/0745

College-entrance test required by somecolleges & universities and officer candi-date programs.

USMC or Navy will pay for one ACT orone SAT for active duty personnel.

For more information, contact MariaFullenwider, 257-2158

Cinco de Mayo at Kahuna’s

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo today atKahuna’s Bar and Grill.

Open to E-5 and below, as well as spon-sored guests. Entertainment by musicalact, Analog.

United Services MilitaryApprenticeship orientation

Earn a Department of LaborJourneyman Certificate by loggingMarine Corps military occupational spe-cialty or Navy rating work hours.

For more information contact CraigLockwood at 257-2158.

Single Marine and Sailor Programshark cage excursion

Open to all single Marines and SailorsE-5 and below. The cost is $85 per personand includes two-hour tour and trans-portation.

The trip is limited to six participants.For more information contact Marcella T.Cisneros at 254-7593.


Online training is getting an update with new courses and plansfor an upcoming computer lab hosted by 3rd Marine Regiment.

A total of 20 additional computers will be available to users asearly as next year, to keep up with higher demand for Internet edu-cation in Hawaii. The new Learning Resource Center is one of sev-eral expansions for the Marine Corps College of ContinuingEducation.

“With MarineNet, any type of online training is possible,” saidTim Keefe, customer outreach coordinator, CCE. “We have OfficerProfessional Military Education courses and seminars with videosthat are completely Web-based. Many courses use Blackboard, thesame program that other universities use for their online classes.”

Hawaii and Okinawa are among the Corps’ facilities toured byCCE representatives yearly to help develop plans for its LearningResource Centers. Keefe said Hawaii’s facility has great commandsupport for online education, with 40 computer terminals cur-rently available for use. The center also provides proctors who cansupervise online exams.

Keefe said use of the center and online courses are free, andMarineNet account holders can also work on courses from anycomputer that can access the Internet. Service members can log onfor instruction specific to their military field and pre-deploymenttraining, such as coursework studying heavy machineguns.

“Online classes give a renewed focus for practical applicationslike marksmanship,” said Capt. James Lester, infrastructure branchofficer, CCE. “It makes the time at the range more meaningful andefficient.”

The current course catalog also includes classes that are accred-ited by the American Council on Education and can be used forcollege credit. Lester said this year many courses previously offerednow have updated information.

There are also many new courses highlighting important securityinformation, such as terrorism awareness. The online training class

features photographs of known terrorists and information fromSen. John McCain.

Service members and civilian users keep Adam Wazzan, seniornetwork analyst, Learning Resource Center, busy daily ensuringcourses are properly completed. The senior network analyst saidcenter usage has increased by 210 percent from December 2007 toJanuary 2008.

“(Two weeks ago) we had 440 exams taken in just one day,” Waz-zan said. “That’s the most exams we’ve ever had.”

More than 1,000 patrons used the center lastmonth, he said. Some patrons are civilians whostudy Marine Corps organizations or use the cen-ter to lead seminars for their office training. Waz-zan said the center’s flexibly accommodatesindividual users and units requesting special timefor entire platoons to train together. Free printingand Internet access make the center a hub forservice members who need a place to study, hesaid.

With new online training in continual develop-ment, Keefe and Lester said MarineNet userscould expect an even wider variety of availablecourses. The customer outreach coordinator saidthe U.S. Navy is developing classes for MarineCorps Martial Arts Training and cultural classesdesigned to help service members better under-stand the conditions of where they deploy. Sug-gestions for courses are welcomed, Keefe said, andthe Training and Education Command holds ayearly board that examines suggestions.

“Five or six years ago, not many people knewwhat MarineNet was,” Keefe said. “Our challengenow is continuing to provide good service with-out any gaps.”

The Learning Resource Center is located in

Building 221, near E Street and behind the Joint Service EducationCenter. The center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information about distance learning, log on to http://www.tecom.usmc.mil/cce. To submit a proposal about potential online training courses, download the forms athttp://www.tecom.usmc.mil/cce/programs/coursewaredev.asp.

HAWAII MARINE MAY 2, 2008 • B-5

Adam Wazzan, senior network analyst, Learning Resource Center, examines severalcharts tracking usage. Wazzan said from December 2007 to January 2008, user rateswent up 210 percent. Computer users have access to free printing and Internet accessat the center.

Train hard with new lab, class

Marines and civilians can use the Learning Resource Center's computers to complete Marine Corps Institute online training andaccess the Internet. Headphones are also available for users to access audiovisual material used in online courses.

Christine Cabalo

Theresa Johnson, manager, Fisher House Tripler Army Medical Center, takesseveral staff and residents for a ride to the hospital in their new six-seatelectric car. The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund provided the financial sup-port to purchase and ship the car to Hawaii.

Cool Car

discrimination, a lot of prejudice.You could feel the freedom inGreece, and I wanted that. It wastotally [an] eye opener.”

He later decided to continue onto America, a nation he heard wasfilled with opportunities.

“I went to embassy in Greeceand applied for political asylum,”he explained. “It took me twoyears to get interview, and Ipassed. They let me come toAmerica. They asked who had fam-ily there, and my sister was thereso I was able to come. I came toSan Diego in 1992, and the differ-ence between Iraq and America –the difference was everything. Thepersonality of the people, theculture – when you walkedon the street [in Iraq] you feltlike a stranger. In Americayou felt like you were walk-ing with brothers, I loved it.No one cared where you werefrom; you were one ofthem.”

In the eyes of mostAmericans, Farook’s string ofjobs isn’t highly regarded,yet to him there was nothingelse he could ask for.

“You have a very hard lifein Iraq,” said David Ablahar,a close friend of Farook sincehe arrived in America. “Tohave come from such a life,such experience as [Farook]did – to him working inAmerica was the best. He wasalways very happy and fortu-nate to have job and home.He never complained. Noone really did that camefrom Iraq like he did, afterseeing life in Iraq, if yousleep good, work good – youhave nice life.”

After years of working var-ious jobs, always appreciativeand enthusiastic, afterbecoming accustomed to“the way life should be,” andafter the terrorist attacks onthe World Trade Center – andthe following invasion of

Iraq, he said he heard a companywas looking for Iraqis who werefluent in the culture and language.

“I heard about the job,” he said,suddenly empowered and animat-ed, vigorously shaking his fist ashe spoke. “I said I will do it; I willhelp the Americans take the cor-rupt government out, and estab-lish democracy, and I will do it formy family.”

It soon became apparent whyhe was infused with such emotionas I asked about the war in Iraq,and if he had any family left. As hespoke, there was no questionwhere his alliance lay, no questionif he was a “double agent.” Forsuch a humble and generous man,a man who in some eyes is deemed

a traitor, he took a very firm, pas-sionate stance on Operation IraqiFreedom.

“Those [expletive] killed mybrother,” he said, in a way onlysomeone from such a backgroundcould say. “He was a mechanic,and he just went to the market tobuy parts to fix a car, and those[expletive] terrorists sawAmericans coming, and he blewhimself up – he killed 50 people.For what?”

Farook continues with a job heloves, for a country he loves. Heonly struggles to find work whenthe contractors aren’t needed. “If Icould do this job all year I would-n’t want anything else; it’s thebest, and I’m very happy.”

FAROOK, from B-3

Photos by Christine Cabalo


AROUND THE CORPS

Lance Cpl. Paul TorresRegimental Combat Team 5

HIT, Iraq — The future of any society lies inthe development of its children.

To encourage the further development of the ed-ucation system within the Hit district, Marineswith the Regimental Combat Team 5 Civil AffairsGroup are funding a project to renovate the HitTeachers Institute.

“Right now, there is a shortage of teachers,” saidLt. Timothy J. Rajcevich, 25, from Waukegan Ill.,civil affairs team leader, Detachment 1, Civil Af-fairs Team 3, 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regi-ment, Regimental Combat Team 5. “Most of theteachers have to go to Rawah (Iraq) to be trainedand a lot of the time they will not come back toHit to teach.”

The four-story building that will be the home forthe institute had previously been used as a militaryoutpost by Coalition forces within the city of Hit.

“When the building was demilitarized, we set upa project to fix it up so that it could be used as aplace to educate teachers,” said Cpl. Brendan A.Ryan, 26, from Hammond, Ind., who is the secu-

rity chief with Detachment 1, CAT 3. “There was alot of damage, and they have pretty much had tostrip everything out from the roof down.”

A local contractor was hired to renovate thebuilding, and CAT 3 has overseen the work.

“The building’s structure was fine. Much of therenovation consisted of repairing the windows,rewiring the electricity, restoring the plumbingand the erection of a wall around the building,”said Rajcevich. “When it is finished, the buildingwill be able to train 300 teachers at any giventime.”

The building is expected to be finished in June,and the construction has been progressing alongquickly.

“We hired a contractor who knows what he isdoing and takes pride in his work,” said Rajcevich.

The institute will train teachers for grade schoollevels of education. Upon completion of theschool, the teachers will be spread throughout theHit district to meet the demand.

“There are plenty of schools and children whoare in need of a (teacher),” said Rajcevich. “The re-furbishment of the Hit Teachers Institute will se-cure the development of the Iraqi students.”

Hit gets an A+New Institute to train teachers

Lance Cpl. Paul Torres

Workers, who were hired by a local contractor, put some of the finishing touches on the wall that willsurround the newly refurbished teachers institute in Hit, Iraq, April 13. The institute is expected to becompleted in June and will be capable of training 300 elementary level teachers at any given time.

Third Radio Battalion defeated Combat Service Support Group 3 Outlaws, 2-0, Wednesday in the final game of the best-of-three finals series of the Intramural Baseball League playoffs. Third Radio Bn., won the series2-1. For the complete story, see next week’s edition of the Hawaii Marine.

SS P O RP O R T ST SHAWAII MARINE C SECTION WWW.MCBH.USMC.MIL MAY 2, 2008

HawaiiMM A R I N EA R I N E


Children are getting hooked on thefairway and learning how to be a links prowith lessons from Kaneohe Klipper GolfCourse instructors.

Accepting children as young as 5 yearsold, the course’s Junior Golf Program pro-vides beginning and advanced classes.Students learn the game’s basic rules andproper Professional Golf Association eti-quette around the green.

“Safety always comes first duringclass,” said Jonathan Radke, instructor,Kaneohe Klipper Golf. “People don’t nec-essarily think golf can be dangerous, butwe show the younger children how to becareful. We show them how to standproperly when people take practice shots,how to hold a club and remind them tocheck for others standing nearby beforeswinging.”

Teaching golf is par for the course forRadke. His father, Maurice “Mo” Radke, isdirector of instruction and inspires him.Maurice Radke, a PGA teaching profes-sional, taught him how to play the gameas a child. Both are well familiar with theKaneohe Klipper Golf Course, playing atthe greens since Maurice Radke was stillan active-duty service member.

“We’re teaching children how to begood golfers and good citizens,” the direc-tor of instruction said. “They know theyneed to be respectful and quiet for otherswhile they’re playing.”

During the three-month sessions, stu-dents can practice with instructors twotimes a week. The children exercise their

ball driving ability and putting skills dur-ing one-hour classes on Wednesday andSaturday. Students are also welcomed torepeat the program or test for theadvanced level. Jonathan Radke said dur-ing putting green sections of the class, hepairs up students to play a few holes andwork on strategies.

Instructing children in sports educa-tion since his days as a Youth Activitiesgymnastics instructor, Jonathan Radkesaid students stay focused whenthey’re having fun. Theinstructor said showingstudents they’replaying ing a m e s ,instead

o fd r i l l s ,

keeps themencouraged. Glad

to pass on the loveof golf to younger

children, Jonathan Radkesaid he hopes to instillvalues he learned fromhis father.

“The biggest lessonhe’s taught me is toalways be prepared,” hesaid. “I want to pass onthat idea of preparationto my students. Theyshould always cometo class with every-thing they needand be on time.”

Both golferssaid more chil-

dren and young adults are becominginterested in the sport. More boys andgirls are interested in the game’s strategy,Jonathan Radke said, and nowadays noone is teased about playing golf like whenhe was as a teenager.

“Growing up today, children see howfun golf can be with role models like TigerWoods and Michelle Wie,” he said. “It’sbecome pretty cool to golf.”

Students in Jonathan Radke’s class saidthey learn a lot while having fun. In thelast game of their April 16 lesson, the chil-dren took turns testing their ball drivingability and accuracy. Targeting a puttinggreen hole about 25 feet away, studentseach took a shot hitting their ball asclose as they could. After every studenttook a shot, Noah Ahlgren wasdeclared the winner.

“I knew I couldn’t do a little babyputt,” Ahlgren said. “It had to be reallyhard for the ball to get close.”

Golf is exciting as an individualsport, Jonathan Radke said, becauseplayers make their own decisions inwhat approach to use for a win.Whenever he plays the back nine atKaneohe Klipper Golf Course, JonathanRadke said he feels young and full ofenergy. Maurice Radke said showing stu-

dents how to be better golfers stirs up acarefree feeling for him as well.

“It’s nice, at the end of the day, to bewith the children,” Maurice Radke said.“You hear their thoughtful conversations,and it makes you feel good you’re their

mentor. As they practice, they just getbetter and better.”


Triathletes and triathlete hopefuls, breakout your running sneakers, swimsuits andbikes, and get ready for the oncomingtriathlon season which begins Saturday atthe Marine Aircraft Group 24 SprintTriathlon here.

The 550-meter swim, three-mile run and12-mile bike ride require adequate training,so proper diet, exercise and racing gear areessential.

“It’s intuitive to do a balanced schedule,”said Kurt Chambers, manager, MomentumMulti-Sport in Kaimuki, sponsor of theMAG-24 Sprint Triathlon. “Doing a bit of thethree disciplines every week is good training.Athletes will gather the most benefits fromathletic specific training, like running, swim-ming and bike riding. One thing to remem-ber is a lot of people have weaknesses withone of the events, so putting more traininginto that area is a good idea.”

Chambers recommends aspiring triath-letes do one workout a day, six days a week

beginning a minimum of two months beforea Sprint triathlon. Olympic triathlons takefour months of training, and the longest,Iron Man triathlons require training up to ayear before hand.

Chambers recommends athletes focus onthe three disciplines instead of strengthtraining at the gym with machines.

“If scheduling forbids you from gettingoutside to train, a stationary bike can helptrain for the bike, and a treadmill can helpprepare for the run,” Chambers said.

One of the most difficult parts of the race atriathlete faces is switching from one portionto another smoothly, so incorporating thesetransitions into a workout is important andsmart, Chambers said. Going from a swim toa bike, or bike to a run helps athletes preparefor a smooth transition during the triathlon.

Having proper gear also prepares triath-letes for a better performance during atriathlon.

“For the swimming portion, an athleteneeds nothing more than what they nor-

Fore Fun: Junior golfers swing into action

Run, bike, swim yourway to triathlon glory

Christine Cabalo

A total of 2,500 Marines and Sailors from 3rd Marine Regiment work up a sweat April 25 as they reach theintersection of Third and E streets. As part of a motivational run, the regiment ran a route following MokapuRoad past the unit's headquarters.

Lead the way

Christine Cabalo

Junior Golf Program students practice at the driving range duringtheir April 16 class at Kaneohe Klipper Golf Course. Students maysign up for single classes or the program's full 10-week session, end-ing with a player tournament.

See Triathalon, C-5

3rd Radio defeats Outlaws

Lance Cpl. Brian A. Marion

said the biggest struggle with the run, aside from thehills, was pushing himself.

“The most difficult part was my fitness — to keeppushing the pace, setting the pace and just keep it go-ing,” he said. “Those hills on the backside of the courseare no slouch. Considering how hilly the course is, I’mdefinitely happy with my time. The win feels good.”

Cochrane was the front-runner for the majority ofthe race. During the first half-mile a group competedfor the lead spot, but it was Cochrane and men’s overallsecond-place winner, Alex Eile, who broke away.Cochrane and Eile stayed together for the first half ofthe race until Cochrane began to break away runningup Daly Hill.

The hills on the course challenged all competitorsand were even taxing on All-Marine runner andwomen’s overall winner Heather Pine. Pine conceded,“The hills were the toughest part of the course,” but shestill managed to take the win with a time of 39:42.

Daly Hill was even tough on a family of runners whoshare its namesake.

“The hills were a little difficult but once you got upDaly Road it was all good,” said Lynne Daly, first placein the women’s 35-39 age group with a time of 45:23.“Life was good going down the hills.”

Lynne Daly ran along with her husband Rich, whopushed infant daughter Katelyn along in a stroller. Thefamily enjoys running together even though KatelynDaly, snug in the stroller positioned in the lead, “Al-ways beats us,” Lynne Daly said.

The run was Katelyn Daly’s tenth race with her par-ents and second time running this race, although lastyear, “She was in here,” said Lynne Daly while pointingto her stomach. While the family mainly runs for en-joyment, and to hopefully instill a love of running intheir daughter, they still try to do well in their agegroups.

C-2 • MAY 2, 2008 HAWAII MARINE

More than 150 service members, familymembers and locals laced up their run-ning shoes and made their way to PopWarner Field Saturday morning to stretch

their legs during the 15th Annual 3D Marines 10K Run,an event in the Commanding Officer’s Semper Fit Se-ries.

“The whole commanding officer’s fit series is a wayfor Marine Corps Base Hawaii to set a precedence of afitness lifestyle,” said Meghan Brophy, event coordina-tor for the run. “The races are very affordable comparedto out in town. They’re all family friendly, and it’s achance for community relations.”

For civilians competing in the race, the run providesan opportunity see more of the base and the militarylifestyle as well as the chance to compete alongsideservice members.

“Civilians come on base and they get to run along-side Marines,” Brophy said. Everybody wants to know ifthey can do it as fast as a Marine. Marines definitelybring a personality to the race. There is always some-body out there chanting and there’s a lot of ooh-rahs.”

It wasn’t a Marine runners had to worry about keep-ing up with, but a Sailor. Rich Cochrane, the overallmen’s winner and a lieutenant commander assigned toCommander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing Two,came blazing across the finish line in a time of 32 min-utes, 29 seconds.

Cochrane ran competitively before, including anoverall win in the 2000 Marine Corps Marathon. Hisdeployment to United States Central Command formore than two and a half of the past three and a halfyears has kept him busy. Cochrane said he hasn’t beenable to maintain the level of training he would like andis just recently getting back into running.

“I’m just getting back into the swing of things,”Cochrane said. “It feels good to be back training.”

Even though he’s just getting back into running,Cochrane had little competition during the race. He

NAVY, MARINE CORPS TAKE 10K TOP HONORS

10K RUN. NO SWEAT. PUSH YOURSELF.TAKE THE HILL. STRIDEIT OUT. DON’T LET UP. KEEP

WINNER.THIS IS WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A

THE PACE. PUMP YOUR ARMS. INTHROUGH THE NOSE, OUT THROUGH THE

MOUTH. ONE MORE HILL. ALMOST THERE. POUND

THE PAVEMENT. FINISH IN SIGHT. RUN ALL THE WAY THROUGH.

Rich Cochrane, men’s overall winner, clocked a time of 32:29. Heather Pine, women’s overall winner, clocked a time of 39:42.

See 10K, C-5

Louis Tomsic, 1st place in the men’s 40-44 age group with a time of 41 minutes, 4 seconds, stretches Saturday morning just minutes prior to the start of the 15th Annual 3D Marines 10K Run.

It’s just fun to run.

— Justyn Raymond

“”

A run participant checks the results for her time.



HAWAII MARINE MAY 2, 2008 • C-3

ON SPORTSON SPORTSSSPORTSPORTS B BRIEFSRIEFS Ike’s tree

Cpl. Mark Fayloga

The Eisenhower tree is located on the fourth hole of the Kaneohe Klipper Golf Course. According to Todd Murata, general managerand head golf professional, Kaneohe Klipper Golf Course complex, the story goes that when President Dwight D. Eisenhower cameout to play the par three, he continually hit the tree located in front of the green. The rumor is he ordered someone to get rid of thetree. Later, the tree was destroyed in a storm and because the Eisenhower story was so popular, the command at the time had orderedto make sure the tree be replaced, which now is now the royal palm on the fourth hole. The story bears striking similarities to that ofthe Eisenhower tree at the Augusta National Golf Course. The two may have been confused, or maybe the former president hit a lotof trees.

Registration begins in July

Season runs Sept. 27 through Nov. 15

Practice starts Sept. 2

For more information, call YouthSports at 254-7611.

Youth In-

Line Hockey

Coaches Soccer Organizational Meeting

A coaches soccer organizational meeting will be heldMay 6 at 2 p.m. in the Semper Fit Center basketball gym.

For more information, call Joe Au at 254-7591.

Coaches Volleyball Organizational Meeting

A coaches volleyball organizational meeting will be heldMay 13 at 2 p.m. in the Semper Fit Center basketball gym.

For more information, call Joe Au at 254-7591.

Beginner Outrigger Canoe Paddlers Wanted

Windward Kai Canoe Club in Kailua recently pro-vided beginner outrigger canoe paddling classes forMarines from Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

Several Marines are now training for the summerracing season. WKCC practices at Kailua Beach andwelcomes active duty and family members (18 andolder) to participate in this Hawaiian sport and cul-ture.

The club is especially seeking to field a beginnerwomens’ crew to race this summer. No experience isnecessary and all training and equipment are provid-ed.

For more information, call Derrel at 383-0400 orGreg at 255-9977.

Day on the Docks

The Base Marina will host “Day on the Docks,” May4, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The family fishing event willteach the ecological significance of the oceanic envi-ronment. The cost will be $12 per child and includeslunch.

For more information, contact Neil Morgan at 254-7667.

Spring Swim Lesson

The Main Pool will begin spring swim lessons May6 through 16, from 1 to 5:30 p.m. The lessons areopen to the base community and will provide watersafety instruction for all ages.

For more information, contact Kari Hemund at 254-7655.

Dodgeball Tournament

The Single Marine and Sailor Program will host aDodgeball tournament May 6 at the Semper Fit Centerfrom 5 to 7 p.m. The event is open to all singleMarines and Sailors E-5 and below. There will be a $10entry fee for teams of 6. Teams must register by May 1.

For more information, contact Marcella T. Cisnerosat 254-7593.

Women’s Base Softball Team

The women’s base softball team is looking for play-ers. Anyone interested can attend their practice everyThursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Annex Softball field.

For more information, contact Meghan Brophy at254-7590.

All-Marine Women’s Softball

The All-Marine Women’s Softball coach will be herefrom April 29 through May 5. He’ll be looking forplayers for the All-Marine team.

For more information, contact Meghan Brophy at254-7590.

Goju-Kan Karate

Aspiring martial artists can participate in Goju-kanKarate Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 5:30 p.m. atBuilding 1090’s multi-purpose room (the old BaseChapel).

For more information or to sign up at YouthActivities, call 254-7610.

Youth Gymnastics/Dance Class

Youth of all ages can attend gymnastics and a vari-ety of dance classes Monday through Saturday atBuilding 1090. Classes are at varying times in themorning, afternoon and evening, so interested par-ents and youth should stop by Youth Activities formore information. Classes include dance, hula, tum-bling and more.

For more information, call 254-7610.

Parents for Fitness

The Parents for Fitness Program is a cooperativebabysitting effort available at the Semper Fit Center,here for all active duty service members and their fam-ilies. The PFFP participants are required to volunteerbabysit three times per month and is open for chil-dren 6 weeks and older.

2008 Intramural Baseball Playoffs 3rd Radio Takes Championship

Amanda GardnerHealthDay Reporter

Cancer survivors who eat more fruitsand vegetables, stay physically active andavoid tobacco have a higher quality of lifethan those who don’t do these things.

The bad news is that many cancer sur-vivors aren’t eating right and aren’t exer-cising enough, although a good three-quarters do follow recommendations notto light up.

“We all know that living a healthylifestyle, eating well, being physicallyactive and not smoking reduces the risk ofphysical problems and improves overallphysical health,” said Kevin Stein, directorof Quality of Life Research at the AmericanCancer Society’s Behavioral ResearchCenter. “Here we have additional evidencethat it not only reduces disease burden butalso improves emotional health and quali-ty of life and, moreover, the effect appearsto be cumulative. The more you comply,the better your quality of life.”

Stein is senior author of a new studydetailing the findings, published in theMay issue of the Journal of ClinicalOncology. Yet the message doesn’t seem tobe getting through.

“When I sit down and talk to patientsabout changing their lifestyle after treatingthem for cancer, a lot of times you’re glar-ing into people’s eyes, and they don’t real-ly believe what you’re telling them,” saidDr. Jay Brooks, chairman ofhematology/oncology at Ochsner HealthSystem in Baton Rouge, La. “I don’t thinkreally people really grasp the importance ofwhat they do in their lives in terms of howit affects what happens to them.”

That would include behaviors engagedin both before and after a cancer diagnosisand treatment.

More than 10 million Americans arecancer survivors, making them more vul-nerable to other healthconditions such as heartdisease, osteoporosis,diabetes and, more gen-erally, a reduced health-related quality of life.

The American CancerSociety recommendsthat cancer survivorsengage in 30 minutes ofexercise at least fivetimes a week, eat at leastfive servings of fruits

and vegetables a day, and not smoke.Previous studies have shown that a

healthy lifestyle can prevent cancer recur-rence and prolong survival, yet many ofthese studies were conducted at elite can-cer treatment centers, Stein said.

The new study aimed to get a more real-istic portrayal of the issue by asking morethan 9,000 survivors about their quality oflife. Participants were either two-, five- or10-year survivors of six different types ofcancer.

Only 14.8 percent to 19.1 percent of sur-vivors were meeting the five-a-day fruitsand vegetables recommendation, while29.6 percent to 47.3 percent were meetingthe physical activity recommendation. Onthe other hand, 82.6 percent to 91.6 per-cent didn’t smoke.

But a mere 5 percent were meeting allthree recommendations, up to 12.5 percentweren’t complying with any lifestylebehavior recommendations, and less than10 percent were meeting two or more.

The findings echoed a recent study thatfound that cancer survivors have rates ofobesity and physical inactivity similar tothose of the general population. Thatstudy, published in the June 1 issue ofCancer, found that less than one-quarter ofcancer survivors were regularly physicallyactive, and more than 18 percent wereobese.

“We want to focus on survivors becauseof their increased risk for other conditionsas well as cancer recurrence,” Stein said.“In addition, they’re in the health-care sys-tem, so this is a teachable moment,” headded. “We have an opportunity to talk tothem about their health, communicate tothem, ‘Hey, you’ve dodged a bullet thistime, here’s an opportunity for you to livea healthy lifestyle and reduce the risk of asecond cancer or another co-morbid condi-tion and also improving your quality oflife.”


HEALTH AND WELLNESS

healthy lifestyles

Too Few

pursuecancer survivorscancer survivors

healthy lifestyles

Too Few

Pursue

A new study shows one-fourth of cancer survivors aren't continuing a healthy lifestyle with exercise, according toreports from the American Cancer Society's Behavioral Research Center. More than 10 million Americans havedealt with cancer, and researchers say they are even more vulnerable to other chronic diseases.

Christine Cabalo

HAWAII MARINE MAY 2, 2008 • C-5

mally have,” Chambers said. “For the bike portion, having somekind of properly working road bike, tuned up, is important. Makesure it’s the right size.”

Chambers recommends serious triathletes invest in a custom-fitbike, which experts like himself adjust to an individual to compli-ment the way their body moves. Experts can also help athletes findthe proper shoes to fit their needs

“Triathletes shouldn’t feel the need to get special shoes,” Cham-bers said.

He recommends serious athletes invest in shoes made fortriathlon runners that are lightweight, made for running withoutsocks (which is caused by transitioning from the swim portion intothe run), and can be taken off quickly (to put on special bikingshoes or to prepare for a swim).

The most important piece of gear a triathlete has is their body,and taking care of it is most important.

“Hydration is definently a major concern in racing,” Chamberssaid. “Drink a lot of water and sports drinks.”

Because Sprint triathlons are the shortest form of triathlons,Chambers said athletes shouldn’t feel the need to supplement a lotwith power bars and sports drinks.

“A lot of people feel like they need to supplement, but because ofthe short distance of that race they don’t need to,” he said. “Oversupplementing can actually inhibit your performance.”

Chambers’ advice for aspiring triathletes - “Work your way up,” he said. “Don’t jump into a long triathlon

first. Begin with the Sprint and keep training to advance.”

TRIATHALON, from C-1

Lance Cpl Regina A. Ruisi

Kristy Rice gives the "hang loose" sign as she starts out the run, the finalportion of a triathlon, during last year’s triathlon season.

Competitors begin the race Saturday morning during the 15th Annual 3D Marines 10K Run, an event in the Commanding Officer’s Semper FitSeries, which started at Pop Warner Field. More than 150 people participated in the run.


Justyn Raymond was one runner whodid well in his age group, considering hispeers made up a small percentage of run-ners present. At 13 years old, Raymondwas the youngest runner in the race by atleast five years, and placed second in the19 and under division with a time of45:48.

Raymond has been running since hewas 6 years old and enjoyed the 10Kcourse. He said he has no heartache overplacing second because for him, as well asmost of the runners present, it’s not aboutwinning but about having fun. As he putsit — “It’s just fun to run.”

Brophy encourages service memberswho possess a high level of athleticprowess to compete in events like the 10Kso they might be identified as a potentialAll-Marine athlete. As an All-Marine ath-lete, Marines get the opportunity to repre-sent the Marine Corps in competitionsagainst other service teams.

“Races like this are a great opportunityfor [potential All-Marine athletes] to comeout and take advantage so we can see theirtalent,” Brophy said. “If they can’t make itout, they can always call our office. If aMarine has the talent, we’ll get them

where they want to be.”For more information about upcoming

events in the Commanding Officer’s Sem-per Fit Series or on All-Marine programscontact Marine Corps Community Ser-vices Athletics at 254-7590.

Children dash down the track at the start of the fun run, which took place after the 10K.

10K, from C-1

SSttrreesssseedd??

Speak with MCCS Health

PromotionProgram officialswho can help. formore information,

call 254-7636


AROUND THE CORPSLance Cpl. Tyler J. HlavacOkinawa Marine

CAMP SCHWAB, Okinawa -- The 3rd Marine Division's MarineCorps Martial Arts Program received a needed boost April 18 with thegraduation of 27 Marines from a MCMAP instructor course here.

The Marines, all from various units within 3rd MarDiv, spent threeweeks completing the mentally and physically challenging course to be-come instructors at the green, brown and black-belt level.

The instructor course was taught by three instructor-trainers from 3rdMarine Regimental Schools based at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. TheHawaii Marines were brought in to help the division meet its currentMCMAP goals, said Gunnery Sgt. Eric Johnson, a black-belt instructor-trainer and 3rd Marine Regimental Schools' Instructor Course director.

Johnson said the division lost many of its MCMAP instructors to de-ployments to Afghanistan. Without enough instructors, the division was

hard pressed to meet the MCMAP objectives set by the commandant ofthe Marine Corps. The commandant directed in All Marine Message034/07 that all combat arms Marines have a grey belt by the end of 2008and all infantrymen have a green belt by the end of 2008.

Johnson said with the new instructors, he’s completely confidentabout the future of the 3rd MarDiv MCMAP.

The course was a challenge for the Marines as they had to learn how

to balance the mental and physical disciplines of MCMAP, said Sgt.Tyrell Hicks, the heavy equipment operations chief for 12th Marine Reg-iment and new green-belt instructor.

"I originally decided to be an instructor because I wanted to challengemyself and help advance my own Marines," Hicks said. "In addition tolearning MCMAP moves, we were always doing some form of physicaltraining and learning about leadership. There were some pretty toughdays, but we all pulled together as a team, motivating and pushing eachother on."

Johnson said all the Marines did very well, and he’s certain each willbenefit from the program along with the division overall.

"The Marines really built on their confidence as well as their mentaland physical leadership skills," he said. "These Marines, especially thejunior noncommissioned officers, are going to go back to their units asbetter leaders."

Hawaii Marines help 3rd MarDiv create MCMAP instructors

The Marines reallybuilt up their confidence.

-- Eric Johnson

“”

Documents

Hawaii MARINE · 2014-08-29 · Wahid spoke to the crowd of people, which included local Iraqi Security Forces, Iraqi govern-ment officials and Marines. Sheikh Mishan, the preeminent