Serving the U.S. Army Japan community

www.torii.army.milVOL. 38, NO. 22June 3, 2010

INSIDE the TORII2 News 4 Calendar

5 Community6 Classifieds

7 Sports8 Travel

Photos by Dustin PerryCAMP ZAMA – (From front): Edward Ortiz, Thomas Gunter and Maximillian Curtner, each assigned to the U.S. Army Japan Band, lead their team in a tug-of-war championship match against I Corps (Forward) Thursday morning behind Yano Fitness Center. Along with the competition, a two-mile run and an event-filled organizational day hosted by USARJ were held to celebrate Memorial Day.

USARJ-hosted event honors Memorial Day

By Dustin PerryTorii Editor

Organizational day features friendly competition, food, fun

Capt. Marlon Walker, assigned to the 78th Signal Battalion, juggles a soccer ball during the U.S. Army Japan organizational day held Thursday behind Yano Fitness Cen-ter to celebrate Memorial Day.

CAMP ZAMA – An afternoon-long event held Thursday on Camp Zama and hosted by U.S. Army Japan invited the installation’s Soldier, civilian and Japanese communities to come together in celebration of the Memorial Day holiday.

Dubbed an “organizational day,” the event began in the morning with a motivational two-mile run and a t ug -o f -wa r competition, participated in by Army, Air Force and Japan Ground Self Defense Force units on Camp Zama.

The event was meant to serve as a sa-lute to fallen comrades and the service-members of all the armed services, said C o m m a n d Sgt. Maj. Jef-fery Nall, the G-3 command sergeant ma-jor for USARJ and I Corps (Forward).

“We had a large formation, played some inspirational music for the Soldiers, and then we went into playing taps to honor the fallen comrades of all the services of this nation,” said Nall. “Then we went on a two-mile run … and ended the event with a great tug-of-war event.”

Beginning in the afternoon, the field behind Yano Fitness Center was transformed into a fairground-like area filled with various attractions for the entire

community. Inside the Yano gym-nasium, a health and safety fair included static displays and hands-on training opportunities. Various commanding officers and noncom-missioned officers – including Maj. Gen. Francis Wiercinski, commander of USARJ and I Corps (Forward) – offered the chance to be dunked into a tank full of water by bidders whose monetary dona-tions went toward Camp Zama’s Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers program.

A c h i l i cook-off fea-tured seven competitors who offered their distinct recipes for judgment on the dishes’ taste and cre-ativity. The w i n n e r o f the cook-off was Staff Sgt. Gary Hop-kins, assigned to the 78th Aviation Bat-talion, whose “Ninja Chili” took home the top prize.

“This is my mom’s recipe,” Hop-kins said after

the competition. “The way I make it changes every time, so I was happy to win.”

Events like the organizational day are important because they get everyone on Camp Zama to come together and show cohesion among the community, said Nall.

“Without things like this, units tend to kind of do their own thing, and we forget about the big picture of what we’re doing here,” said Nall. “That is, in my opinion, why it is so important to do events like these.”

2 June 3, 2010 TORII www.torii.army.milNEWS

Zama Briefs

Shuttle service for ZAHS graduation ceremonyA shuttle service will be available for those attending the June 12 graduation ceremony for Zama American High School seniors at Harmony Hall. The service will begin at 1 p.m. at the Camp Zama Community Club parking lot. The service is encouraged, as parking at Harmony Hall will be limited. Attire guidelinesNew clothing guidelines have been mandated by the commander of U.S. Army Garrison-Japan for all Status of Forces Agreement personnel and their family members while patronizing AAFES facilities on Camp Zama and Sagamihara Family Housing Area. Approved: Clean, serviceable shirts – with or without collars – are required. Shirts will be buttoned and tucked-in unless they are square-cut and designed to be worn outside trousers or shorts. Clean, serviceable trousers or shorts with a belt (if belt loops are present) are the standard.Not approved: Tops that are immodest, provocative or suggestive; uniform undershirts (green, white or brown) or T-shirts designed for wear as undergarments, with or without unit logos; tank top-type shirts, sleeveless “muscle” shirts, see-through mesh and net shirts, halter tops, tube tops and swimsuit tops; exposed midriffs and pants off the waistline; cut-off shorts, “short” shorts and swimming shorts; shirts exposing the abdomen; and clothing with obscene or vulgar language or imagery.

Family Matters BlogA former editor and writer for the American Forces Press Service has launched the Family Matters Blog to provide resources and support to military families as well as encourage a dialogue on topics ranging from deployments to the challenges of everyday life. The blog features current, up-to-date postings that matter to military families. To view the blog, go to http://afps.dodlive.mil/.

Lodging InformationLodging renovations are complete. As of May 14, the front desk and offices have relocated back to Bldg. 552. The temporary bus stop located on Sand Road, between Bldgs. 552 and 780 were removed and relocated to Bldg. 552 as of May 17. All lodging phone numbers will remain the same, with the front desk reachable at 263-3830.

DOL Office ClosureThe DOL offices on Camp Zama, Sagami General Depot and Yokohama North Dock will be closed June 11 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. for an official function. Service-oriented facilities such as the DFAC, laundry pick-up points at Camp Zama and SFHA, the GSA Mart, Motor Pool and CIF will be minimally staffed. ATO Zama (travel, personal property, freight) will be closed, therefore please plan accordingly. In the event of an emergency, call 090-6139-1246.

'Army Strong' blog opens to world

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Armystrongstories.com, an Army blog previously limited to Soldiers and civilian employees, is now open to anyone who wants to tell an Army story.

Launched in January 2008 by Army Accessions Command as a social media outreach effort, Armystrongstories.com also has an updated look, easy-to-navigate layout, and greater integration with video and Facebook.

“Everyone connected to our Army is invited to visit Armystrongstories.com and share their story,” said Lt. Gen. Benjamin Freakley, Army Accessions commander. “Your experiences – as a spouse, parent, grandparent, child or friend of our men and women in uniform – are invaluable to all Army supporters. We’re pleased to offer a program that brings these stories to life in an online platform that encourages conversation and participation.”

As of the first week of May when the website relaunched, more than 160 Soldiers with backgrounds ranging from medical and human resources to legal and public affairs have written more than 860 blog posts.

One of those Soldiers is Staff Sgt. Gen-evieve Chase, a Reserve Soldier with the 301st Military Intelligence Battalion.

“Soldiers should join Army Strong Sto-ries for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that the Army doesn’t always do the best job at telling its own story,” she said. Online and in the media, the nega-tive stories are always given a platform. Soldiers, every one of us, have some of the best stories to tell.”

Born at Fort Campbell, Ky., and raised around and on military bases, Chase brings many perspectives to her blogging: NCO, Afghanistan deployment veteran, female, and active-duty and Reserve service.

“Soldiers see things the average Ameri-can never gets to see or experience. We’ve been places and done things that 95 percent of Americans will never do or see,” Chase said. “We learn to not take our liberties,

By Brian LepleyU.S. Army Accessions Command

our freedoms, our families, our lives for granted. Communicating that experience to Americans can help narrow the gap be-tween what they don’t know and what they should know about the military, Soldiers, and the world.”

The service range of the Armystrongsto-ries.com contributors is wide. From Chase’s 10 years, to Col. Thomas Palmatier at 32 years, to Pvt. Robin Davis, who joined the Army in 2009, the blog’s voices are diverse.

“I was looking to write about my experi-ence in joining the Army,” Davis said. “I found a few websites and decided to sign up for this one (armystrongstories.com).”

The 20-year-old from Soldotna, Alaska, was not aware that the website was asso-ciated with the Army. His online writing experience did not begin on Armystrong-stories.com.

“I started blogging on a Facebook per-sonality page I created,” he said. “I was in advanced English classes in high school. I

write when I am inspired to do so.”Davis has time to blog as he is awaiting

the start of his AIT at Fort Meade, Md. He said he appreciated that the website’s intent was “To present the inside, unfiltered side of a Soldier’s story.”

Freakley realizes that open, honest com-munication on Armystrongstories.com is a benefit for both the Army and American citizens. He encourages Soldiers to join the site and watch a video at armystrongstories.com/about-site/.

As the higher headquarters for U.S. Army Recruiting Command and U.S. Army Cadet Command, Accessions Command is made up of more than 18,400 Soldiers and civilians that have more direct contact with the American public than any other Army command.

“We anticipate this platform will contain topical, relevant and realistic discussions about issues and events facing our Soldiers and those influenced or impacted by their service to this nation,” Freakley said.

Courtesy graphicThe home page of Armystrongstories.com, an Army blog previously limited to Sol-diers and civilian employees, recently expanded to include input from any user.

NEWSwww.torii.army.mil

This Army-funded newspaper is an authorized publication for the members of the Army community in Japan in accordance with Army Regulation 360-1. Contents of the TORII are not necessarily the official view of, or endorsement by, the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, Department of the Army or the U.S. Army Garrison Japan command. It is published weekly by the TORII staff of the USAG-J HNR/Public Affairs office, APO, AP 96343-0054, phone 315-263-5978.

This publication, with a weekly circulation of 2,000, is printed by Pacific Stars and Stripes, Tokyo. All photos are U.S. Army photographs unless otherwise indicated. The newspaper uses military news services including American Forces Press Service and Army News Service.

Story and photo submissions not pertaining to commercial advertising may be sent to the USAG-J HNR/PAO TORII Office at least two weeks prior to the desired publication date. The TORII Newspaper is distributed every Thursday. Submissions may be e-mailed to the deputy public affairs officer at christopher.i.bush@us.army.mil. The Torii editor reserves the right not to publish submissions not in accordance with Army Public Affairs regulations and standard operating procedures. Editorial offices are located in room A-208, Bldg. 102, South Camp Zama, Japan.

T RII Newspaper

Do you have a concern or an issue on your mind? Are you seeking a channel for your voice to be heard? Look no further. The Torii Newspaper welcomes all letters regarding issues or concerns involving the Camp Zama community as a whole. Critical letters should offer suggestions for resolutions as applicable. Letters or e-mails must be signed, but names will be withheld in publication upon request. The Torii Newspaper will protect the names of its sources if they so desire.

Letters may be edited for content and length according to the Associated Press Stylebook and the Torii Style Guide.If you would like to have your voice heard in the Torii Newspaper, e-mail your letters to the deputy PAO at christopher.i.bush@us.army.mil, or send by regular mail to:

HNR / Public AffairsU.S. Army Garrison JapanATTN: TORII EditorUnit 45005, IMPC-JA-HNR/PAAPO AP 96338

Commanding General: Maj. Gen. Francis J. WiercinskiGarrison Commander: Col. Perry HeltonGarrison Public Affairs Officer: Edward H. RoperDeputy Public Affairs Officer: Christopher BushEditor: Dustin PerryStaff : Tetsuo NakaharaOkinawa Bureau: Lauren Hall

Sound Off!

TORII June 3, 2010 3

Army Traffic Safety Training Program saves lives

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On the way to pick up his brand new Honda Fury mo-torcycle from the dealership, Sgt. Richard Welshan beamed with excitement.

This was his first street bike, and tips he had learned during recent motorcycle training at Fort Stewart, Ga., ran through his head.

Riding motorcycles wasn’t something new to the Soldier; he had ridden dirt bikes growing up. And he had the good sense to realize there was a distinct difference be-tween the two types of motorcycles when it comes to handling.

More importantly, he had the good sense to enroll in an installation riding safety course.

“All I can say is ‘thank you, thank you, thank you’ to my instructors, Bobbi and Merland, for the training I received ... and for all the great things everyone at the training center does for Soldiers,” said Welshan.

The sergeant credits the staff members, along with skills learned at the training center, for saving his life – twice.

The first time was minutes after picking up his new bike.

The story: The streets were a little slick from a recent rainfall when he left the dealer-ship, with traffic being a little heavy. Only five minutes had passed from the time he left the dealership when out of nowhere a woman in a Suburban whipped out in front of him. Surprisingly, Welshan didn’t panic – his training kicked in – as he maintained control of the motorcycle, stopping just short of the SUV’s rear bumper.

With everything happening so fast, Welshan believes he would not have made it home if he had not taken that course.

The second event occurred after duty when a young man suddenly darted across two lanes of traffic right, finding himself directly in Welshan’s path. The Soldier im-mediately applied the front and rear brakes, causing the front wheel to lock up, causing him to lose control. He released the brakes,

By Dan MecurioIMCOM Public Affairs

regained control of the motorcycle and was able to stop about a foot away. What could have been a tragedy ended up with a smile, an apology and a handshake. All because of skills learned in that initial course.

In 2007, Installation Management Com-mand executed the Army Traffic Safety Training Program. It provides standardized, privately owned vehicle and motorcycle safety training, based on a series of courses critical to the Army’s Driving as a Life Skill initiative.

Those courses are:Basic Riders Course – a three-day

session course designed for novice riders, covering basic fundamentals to develop students’ capabilities in becoming safe and responsible riders. It provides the opportu-nity to learn the physical and mental skills important for operating a motorcycle.

In the classroom, students learn ways to minimize risk and to handle special riding situations.

During the course’s riding portion, students develop the physical skills of ba-sic control when operating a motorcycle. Soldiers and civilians wanting to ride their bikes on an installation must take this course or show proof of attending an acceptable equivalent motorcycle rider course.

Local Hazards Course – a 30-minute installation course designed for all new arrivals unaware of local driving hazards. Soldiers, family members and civilians employees must attend shortly after their arrival, along with anyone who is on tem-porary duty for 30 days or more.

Intermediate Driver Training – a course, which runs for two and half hours, that builds on themes introduced during a basic-training introductory class, or Advanced Individual Training, providing an expanded opportunity for interaction and discussion. Soldiers younger than 26 must attend.

Experienced Riders Course – a one-day course, meant for licensed motorcyclists, it provides continued rider education and training. The training is designed for licensed riders, who have previously com-

pleted the Basic Riders Course, on their own motorcycles.

Military Sport Bike Riders Course – a one-day course designed specifically for sport bike riders to enhance their skills and to instill a greater sense of competency and confidence.

Students, who learn street survival and cornering techniques, discuss the psychology of riding high-performance motorcycles.

Motorcycle Refresher Training Course – a two-hour course designed for licensed motorcyclists returning from extended deployments, or those who have not rid-den for several months, to refresh their motorcycle-driving skills. It provides basic skills and includes individual rider assess-ments conducted by certified trainers.

Overall, IMCOM has developed a mobile surge capability of trainers, motorcycles and portable classrooms meant to satisfy additional demands.

The primary means for completing such courses is through classroom training pro-vided by contracted instructors at selected Army installations. An alternative learning method is available via a single DVD with instructor training support package, but it should be used only at locations that do not receive the contracted supported training.

“ATSTP administrators are firmly com-mitted to supporting Army senior com-manders for all their driver training needs,” said Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch, commander of IMCOM. “It is all about taking care of our IMCOM community Soldiers, families and civilians; one fatality is one too many.”

U.S. Army photoSgt. Richard Welshan credits motorcycle safety training with saving his life – twice. He first implemented his training minutes after leaving a dealership on his newly pur-chased motorcycle by avoiding a collision with a car that darted in front of him.

“All I can say is ‘thank you, thank you, thank you’ ... for the training I received.”

Sgt. Richard Welshan

4 June 3, 2010 TORII www.torii.army.mil

Community Calender

Hisano yamazakihisano.yamazaki.jp@yokota.af.mil

What’s Happening Outside the Gate?

eagle 810, aFn tokyo

SCHOOL NEWSOnline tutoringRound-the-clock professional tutors who can assist with homework, studying, test preparation, résumé writing and more are available at tutor.com for children of ser-vicemembers and eligible Department of Defense civilians assigned here. Active-duty servicemembers, National Guard and reserve personnel on active-duty deployed sta-tus, and DoD civilians on a deployed status are eligible to participate in this program. The site is open to students of any age, from kindergarten to high school, for one-on-one help in math, science, social studies and English. To use the site, students simply choose the subject for which they need help and type in their question. To learn more, visit the Web site and click on “Tutor.com for the Military.”

Zama Child Development Center: 263-8081 June 4 : Army Ball Care, 5:00 p.m. - 11:30 11:30 p.m June 8: Library Time, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

SHA Child Development Center: 267-6153 June 8: Crazy Hair June 9: Read to Me Day

SaS open recreation Program: Parents! Are you looking for programs that your school-aged children can participate in? Children! Are you looking for things that will keep you active and busy outside of the house? If so, then the Open Recreation Program events are for you! All events guarantee fun! School Age Services is offering open recreation opportunities in the weekday and Saturday afternoons for youth currently enrolled in grades one to six.

registration: To register your child or for more information please stop by the CYS Central Enrollment Registry Office in Bldg 533 on Camp Zama, or call 263-4125 or SAS at 267-6013.

John O. Arnn Elementary: 267-6602 Visit the Web at www.arnn-es.pac.dodea.edu for information pertaining to John O. Arnn Elementary.

Sure Start:Sure Start applications for the 2010-2011 school year are now available

at Arnn Elementary School. Families whose children will be 4 years old by Sept. 1 and meet some of the eligibility criterion are encouraged to apply. These criterion include: children of low birth rates, child has a parent who was a teenager when the first child was born, child has a parent whose primary language is not English, child has a parent who has not graduated high school, child is in family headed by a single parent or dual military, child in a family with E-1 to E-4 or GS-1 to GS-4 or NSPS pay band 1 or NAF-1 or NAF-2 equivalents take first priority. (E-5 to E-6 or GS 5 to GS 6 or NAF 3-4 take second priority, E-7 to E-9 or GS-7 to GS-9 or NAF 3-4 rank equivalents take third priority). For more information, call the school at 267-6602.

Zama American Middle School: 263-4040 Zama american middle School Parent teacher organization (ZMS PTO) is accepting membership applications for the current 2009-2010 school year and the upcoming 2010-2011 school year. Parents and teachers of current seventh- and eighth-grade students at Zama Middle School, as well as parents of current sixth-grade students (future ZMS students) are encouraged to join and support the ZMS PTO. Please contact the ZMS PTO at: zmspto@gmail.com

Zama American High School: 263-3181ZaHS 2009-2010 yearbook: ZAHS has begun taking orders for its 2009-2010 yearbook. The book will be the largest ever produced in the school’s history and the largest in the Pacific: 276 full-color pages, an embossed cover, and customized artwork on each page – produced by the largest yearbook staff in the Department of Defense Education Activity. The cost is $85 per book (cash or check made payable to “Zama American High School”) and they are expected to sell out soon. Books are scheduled to be distributed the first week of June. For more information, call Richard Rodgers at 263-5300.

Child, Youth and School Services: 263-4500u-turn Program: A new program starting today aims to help the Camp Zama community’s youth succeed academically. The U-turn program is designed for youths to get peer tutoring; get help with college preparation and career exploration; scholarships and financial aid application assistance; and staff and volunteer support. A bus back to SHA and Atsugi will be provided every night at 8 p.m. The U-turn program will be available at the Camp Zama Youth Center every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 6 – 8 p.m. For more information, call 263-4500.

UpcomingOngoing EventsPost-Combat Stress SupportA special support group to assist those experiencing symptoms of post-combat stress is offered from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays in the community room at Army Community Services. For more information, call Gary Woods at 263-8091.

CLEP and DANTES TestingCollege-Level Examination Program (CLEP) and Defense Activity for Non-traditional Education Support (DANTES) testing sessions are held at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Wednesdays. To schedule an appointment, call 263-5379 / 4691 or e-mail dspivey@asia.umuc.edu. To study for the CLEP tests, visit www. petersons.com. To study for the DANTES exams, visit www.getcollegecredit.com.

New Parent Support ProgramThe New Parent Support Program, a division of the Family Advocacy Program, specializes in assisting and offering services to new and expecting parents. Play Morning, an interactive playgroup for parents and children up to age 6 is held 10 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays at the EDIS Building at Arnn Elementary School. and the same time every second, third and fourth Thursday at SHA CDC. Breast Feeding Support Groups are held on the first Thursday of the month, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at ACS and the third Monday of the month, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at SHA CDC. Baby Bundles is a program that provides information and supplies for new and expecting parents.They are available, along with electric breast pumps, for loan by contacting 263-2382.

The Department of Veterans Affairs

Coordinator will be at the Camp Zama Transition Service Center located in Bldg 102, room M-107 on 7 & 8 June 2010. If you would like to schedule an appointment to discuss Veterans Benefits you may be entitled to such asapplying for disability compensation, education benefits such as the Montgomery and new Post 9/11 GI Bills, the VA Home Loan Guaranty Program, etc., please call 263-3940 or 263-3513. 30 minute appointment slots are available however if you think you may need more time, let us know when scheduling your appointment and we’ll try to accommodate you.

Motorcycle Training at Sagami DepotWhen Friday, June 4, 2010Time: 13:00- 1500 (check – in 12:45 – 1255)Where: Sagami Depot Limited seats available, for registration email : ktuskey@capefoxit.comAll licensed SOFA, MLC, DAC are invited to attend and participate. All participates must ride their own street legal, properly registered Motorcycles. All participates must wear full riding PPE.

Spiritual Orientation Tour to Kama-kura, June 1818 June 2010 from 0730-1630To visit two Buddhist sites (Daibutsu and Hase Kannon Temple) and Hachimangu Shinto Shrine. Please sign up at USAG-J Chaplain’s Office at 263-4898

Japan Beer Festival @ YEBISU Garden Place, Tokyo Jun 5-6

His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Public Teaching and Talk @ Pacifico Yoko-hama (tickets on sale now), Jun 26

Disney Easter Wonderland @ Tokyo Disney Land, Now-Jun 30

Yokohama Central Town Festival “Y151”, Jun 4-6Celebrate the 151th Anniversary for Yokohama Port Opening, Road to the 200th Anniversary! Yokohama Bashamichi Street: Jazz Festival, Yamashita Koen Dori Ave.: International Flea Market, China Town: Y151 Celebration Parade, Live Music & Dance Performances and more in the Kannai, Motomachi, Yamate areas

The New Generation World Hobby Fair @ Makuhari Messe, Jun 19-20The biggest cartoon exhibition for kids in Japan. Kids can play the latest video games and may find toy and character items of their favorite heroes such as Detective Conan, Pokemon, Duel Masters and more. Admission is free.

Communitywww.torii.army.mil TORII June 3, 2010 5

Safety and Health Fair draws big crowd

Camp Zama community mem-bers learned about the importance of safety during the Spring Safety and Health Fair held Thursday and hosted by the U.S. Army Garrison Japan Safety Office at Yano Fit-ness Center.

More than 700 Soldiers, De-partment of the Army civilian employees, family members and Japanese master labor contract employees attended the event, which featured various attractions and displays concerning safety issues.

The purpose of the event was to gather the units and organiza-tions on Camp Zama in order to keep the community safe and give them the opportunity to see what is available to make staying in Japan safer, said USAG-J Safety Office Director James Brouillete.

The safety fair is held twice a year before prime vacation times because most injuries take place during recreational activities, said Brouillete.

“For example, people should not be climing Mount Fuji on their own,” said Brouillete. “Prior to the climb, they should receive an outdoor lecture from MWR. The safety fair gives an overview of what’s available, and what we consider to be hazards in Japan. Safety is common sense. People just get habits on certain things

[regarding safety], and sometimes ... they just need a reminder.”

A safe community requires its members to remain vigilant and constantly aware of various safety concerns and for that reason, Camp Zama community members were exposed to a number of topics including fire safety, health con-cerns, water safety, hand washing, and the dangers of drinking and driving.

During the fair, the Camp Zama

Fire and Emergency Services Department also displayed some of their firefighting equipment and gave community members a chance to learn how to perform CPR and use a fire extinguisher.

The Sagamihara City Office brought in an earthquake simula-tor, which allowed community members to get an idea of the dangers posed by earthquakes, and truly made the safety fair a bilateral event.

By tetsuo nakaharaTorii Staff

Good catch!Photo by Tetsuo Nakahara

Photo by Tetsuo NakaharaCamp Zama community members receive a basic physical checkup from staff at the Host Nation Employee Dispensary at Yano Fitness Center during the Spring Safety and Health Fair held Friday. More than 700 Soldiers, Department of the Army civilian employees, Family members, and Japanese master labor contractors attended the event.

End-of-year event showcases Arnn students’ progress

Photo by Dustin PerryMorgan Goodrow, right, a first-grader at Arnn Elementary School, recites to her mother Jin a story she wrote and illustrated in class at the Arnn end-of-year showcase Thursday. Projects from students in each grade were on display at the event.

By dustin PerryTorii Editor

Parents of students at Arnn Elementary School got a glimpse of the progress their children made throughout the past nine months during an end-of-year showcase held Thursday at the school.

Projects exhibiting the kindergarten through sixth-grade students’ skills in writing, illustrating, critical thinking and computer applications were on display in the school’s library, the walls and tables of which were crowded with the students’ creative efforts.

The idea for the showcase came from Arnn teachers and faculty members who make up the school’s Continuous School Improvement leadership team wanting to share with parents how they were working toward meeting their accreditation goals, said Tammy Williams, a first-grade teacher who helped organize the event.

“It kind of came out of a brainstorming session, knowing we wanted to do some-thing and to collaborate on it,” said Williams. “It was a way to kind of showcase all the efforts that both the teachers and students have been putting in and combine that into one big event to bring our parents in and

let them know what we’ve been doing all year.”

The various works on display included homemade books, travel brochures, com-puter-created animation and video projects. The showcase was a great example of all the unique ways the students were able to integrate the skills they learned into their everyday instruction and curriculum, said Williams.

“[This event] showcases the creativity of not only the teachers who are leading the students, but the students, too,” said Williams. “It was very interesting to see all the different ways that the students thought about writing and critical thinking and ap-plied them in the classroom.”

Several parents noted how surprised they were at the level of quality and creativity in their children’s projects. Jill Moore, whose son Nathan and daughter Madeline are fourth- and fifth-grade students at Arnn, respectively, said she was impressed by not only her children’s progress, but also the other students’ work.

“I thought the projects looked great; I’m impressed with what children are learning these days,” said Jill. “There is so much new technology out there, that [children today] are going to have to learn it.”

Williams described the progress her students have made since the school year began last September as “amazing.”

“At the beginning of the year, I was working on making sure my students could write a complete thought, and now they’re

writing eight-page books and using a variety of words and similes and metaphors and onomatopoeia,” said Williams. “I was very excited to see the growth of my students. We are proud of that, as teachers, to showcase what our students are able to do.”

Four children from the Camp Zama Youth Center field balls at Yokohama Stadium May 26 before the start of a game be-tween the Yokohama Bay Stars and the Orix Buffaloes. About 20 children from Kanagawa Prefecture attended a children’s baseball practice as the pre-event of the game.

Classifieds & Movies 6 June 3, 2010 TORII www.torii.army.mil

friday6:30 p.m...Prince of Persia: Sands of Time (PG-13) 116 minutes9 p.m...Why Did I Get Married Too? (PG-13) 121 minutes

saturday6:30 p.m...Prince of Persia: Sands of Time (PG-13) 116 minutes 9 p.m..............Hot Tub Time Machine (R) 100 minutes

sunday3:30 p.m...How to Train Your Dragon (PG) 98 minutes6:30 p.m...Prince of Persia: Sands of Time (PG-13) 116 minutes

Movie sCHedUle aTsUGi Cinema 77

https://www.atsugi.navy.mil/ATSUGI/Mwr/index.html264-3789

saGaMiHaRa

7 p.m..................Shrek Forever After (PG) 93 minutes9:30 p.m...............Sex and the City 2 (R) 147 minutes

saturday4:30 p.m...How to Train Your Dragon (PG) 98 minutes7 p.m........Prince of Persia: Sands of Time (PG-13) 116 minutes9:30 p.m..............................Kick Ass (R) 117 minutes

sunday3 p.m..................Shrek Forever After (PG) 93 minutes5:30 p.m...Why Did I Get Married Too? (PG-13) 121 minutes8 p.m....................Sex and the City 2 (R) 147 minutes

friday

for your Tv schedule, visit www.myafn.net

Classified ads not pertaining to commercial profit are free to military personnel, DA Civilians, Family members and MLC/IHA employees. Ads should be 20 words or less with non-workplace E-mail or phone numbers listed. To submit a classified ad, E-mail tetsuo.nakahara4@us.army.mil. However, the Torii Newspaper reserves the right not to publish inappropriate advertisements. Deadline is no later than noon Mondays. Military community classified ads can also be placed for free on a commercial Web site at www.mymilitaryclassifieds.com/xzclf/162_Camp_Zama_ARMY_/.

Appropriated Fund (APF) and Nonappropriated Fund (NAF) job announcements and application instructions are available at http://cpol.army.mil. For questions regarding APF vacancies, please call 263-3608. NAF MWR job announcements and required forms are also available at http://www.usarj.army.mil/information/zama/employ.htm. For questions regarding NAF vacancies, please call 263-5800.

Non-appropriated fund Pacific Stars & Stripes job announcements are available online at http://cpol.army.mil. For more information, call the Job Information Center at 229-3163.

Japanese national position vacancies are posted on the Internet at http://www.usagj.jp.pac.army.mil/ima/sites/jeso/rp_jjobs_list_j.asp. Application forms are available on the same site. Selection status can also be checked. For more information, call 263-3325.

Jobs Others

Wanted

Other local positions

Pets

Vehicles for sale

http://www.aafes.com/ems/pac/zama.htm267-6111

animal adoption: Dogs and cats are available for adoption at the Camp Zama Veterinary Clinic. For more information, call 263-3875

ZaCsa’s east Meets West shop: located behind the dry cleaners on Camp Zama, carries vintage Japanese items and collectibles. Store hours are every Tuesday and the 2nd and 4th Saturday’s of the month from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Profits from the shop go back to the community in scholarships and welfare grants. For additional information please call 263-5533. Stop on by and check it out.

The Women, infant, and Children, (WIC) overseas program at Camp Zama offers valuable nutritional information and food subsidizes. For more information, call 263-8960.

JaPaNese sPoUse ClUB: Would you like to socialize with other Japanese spouses, learn more about being a military spouse, share your experiences and support with others? If so, please call Meg at 263-8327 or e-mail jsczama@gmail.com for more information.

fUReai, Japanese Personnel Newsletter is issued and distributed electronically. This newsletter is for MLC/MC/IHA personnel and US personnel who have Japanese subordinate employees. It is available at https://intranet.zama.army.mil/?linkid=fureai.

Rising Sun Lodge 151, F&AM. Stated Meeting 1st Thursday of every month at the Masonic Bldg, Sagami Depot. For more information contact: rsl151@gmail.com; website: risingsunlodge151.com; or call Dave 080-3467-7881.

U.s. army Garrison Japan Postal service Center : Volunteer opportunities are available in the USAGJ Postal Service Center, we will provide you with valuable training in Post Office and Unit Mailroom operations. Please contact Army Community Services at 263-8087 for details and assistance on volunteering your services.

Guitar Teacher: For two Camp Zama boys (12, 9) for 60 - 90 minute lessons once per week starting ASAP. $ 20/hour. Day/time is flexible. Boys have own Epiphone acoustic guitar. Call Paul 263-3387 (O) or 263-8143 (H).

english teachers: A small off-post home school(about 200 students) near Sagami Depot. First time teachers welcome! Classes available Mon. – Thu. 1pm to 9pm (No weekends or Fridays!) Call for details. Derek Partington English School, home 042-756-4483; cell 090-3082-4439 or E-mail: partngtn@jcom.home.ne.jp

Part-time english teacher: Pay is ¥16,000 to

work four times per month. Two Mondays from 4 – 6:10 p.m., one Tuesday from 9 – 10 p.m. and one Friday from 7 – 8 p.m. Located 15 minutes driving distance from SHA in Minami-Rinkan area. For more information, E-mail Kaz at superkids-csc1190@nifty.com.

sports photos: The Torii Newspaper wants to publish your action sports photos for sports of all ages, all seasons. To showcase your team or your child’s team, e-mail your digital action sports photos less than two weeks old (with captions) in .jpg format of 3mb or more to tetsuo.nakahara4@us.army.mil.

Child and Youth Program assistant (level 2-4), (CYS, Zama & SHA), CY-1/2, RFT/RPT, $9.58 - $17.09, Closes: Open Continuous

Cook (CYs), NA-04, Flex, $10.01, Closes: Open Continuous

Recreation assistant (lifeguard/Pool operator), RD, NF-02, $9.26, Closes: Open Continuous

Recreation assistant (lifeguard), RD, Flex, NF-02, $9.29, Closes: Open Continuous

food service Worker (Bowling), BD, Flex, NA-02, $8.77, Closes: Open Continuous

operation assistant (Community Club), BD, Flex, NF-1101-01, $9.00, Closes: Open Continuous

Hotel desk Clerk (lodging), BD, RFT, NF-01, $7.25 - $9.00, Closes: June 4, 2010

Hotel desk Clerk (lodging), BD, RFT, NF-01, $7.25 - $9.00, Closes: June 4, 2010

lead Child and Youth Program assistant (sHa) (CYs), RFT, CY-02, $13.14 - $17.09, Closes: November 17, 2010, Open until filled

anti-Terrorism/force Protection instructors wanted. Positions are available with Firearms Academy of Hawaii, Inc. Duties include instruction of marksmanship, watch standing and tactical team movements. Position location is Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan. Marksmanship instructor experience is a must. Tactical team movement experience is desired. Qualified candidates may call Christopher at 243-6171 or send resume to yeagleycj@yahoo.com.

substitute teachers: Zama American High/

Middle School are currently accepting applications for substitute teachers. U.S. citizenship and a high school diploma or GED are required. For more information or any questions, please call 263-4005.

Physical Therapist, intermittent (240 hours): Provides physical therapy service in the areas of physical disabilities, neuromuscular and psychosocial dysfunctions in patients ranging from adolescence to the very elderly. Must have license to practice physical therapy in the U.S. This is a contract positions open to SOFA status applicants. Resumes may be sent to Yoshiyasu.Aoki@us.army.mil. ALL applicants shall register in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) at www.ccr.gov.

Physical Therapist, intermittent (240 hours): Provides physical therapy service in the areas of physical disabilities, neuromuscular and psychosocial dysfunctions in patients ranging from adolescence to the very elderly. Must have license to practice physical therapy in the U.S. This is a contract positions open to SOFA status applicants. Resumes may be sent to Yoshiyasu.Aoki@us.army.mil. ALL applicants shall register in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) at www.ccr.gov.

instructor/facilitator: Camp Zama Education Center is looking for a Instructor/Facilitator to conduct daytime Online Academic Skills Course formerly called FAST. Bachelor’s Degree and Teaching License/Certificate preferred.Will be paid for 240 classroom hours per year. Call 263-5055 for more information.

instructor/facilitator: Torii Station Education Center is looking for a Instructor/Facilitator to conduct daytime Online Academic Skills Course formerly called FAST. Bachelor’s Degree and Teaching License/Certificate preferred.Will be paid for classroom hours taught per year.Call 263-5055 for more information.

04 Nissan skyline fairlady Z/350Z: Dark Metallic Grey, Nismo, auburn leather seats, Excellent condition, 20/19” VIP Luxury Wheels, HKS exhaust system, 4” tips, Drill/Slot Rotors, Power everything, New JCI, TV, NAV, Mini Disc, Keyless, 6CD, PCSing: $14.500 OBO. Call 090-8517-9568

98 Honda Civic: CD/AC 23,000 (Not a Misprint)KM JCI unitl 10/2011. Well Maintained. 08050134892 or email mike8992005@yahoo.com PCSING available 6/14 (2)

96 Mitsubitshi RvR: Excellent condition, new $300 battery, new $500 Alternator, newer tires, Power windows, AC & Heat work perfectly, retractable mirrors,keyless entry,car rack. JCI until Apr 2011, Road Tax paid until Mar 2011. $2000/OBO. Call Don at 09098404592;263-7648 or email: donald.dais@yahoo.com

95 subaru legacy 250T: Sedan, V6 AWD w/traction control, extremely low mileage, stereo with CD/Tape/AM/FM, auto climate control w/outside air temp, PW/PL, A/C & heat work perfectly, keyless entry, and more. Available on/after 4 Jun 10. Asking $2,000 OBO. Call Jim at 267-6363 or email: Jim2Jodi@aol.com (4)

94 Honda ascot; JCI to 23 Apr 11. Silver; good condition. $1,800 DSN 263-4354.

93 Honda legend: 110,000 Km / 68,000 Mi, Dark Blue, 4 Door Sedan, PW, PL, AC, PS, PB, Good Condition, Runs Good, JCI until Nov 2010, Avail 18 June 2010. $500.00. Call 263-7495 (leave message) or email: n3876h@tampabay.rr.com (2)

04 Yamaha, YZf R1: Immaculate Condition, Drk Grey,13km, Carbon Fiber parts, Garage kept,TOCE Extreme 4/quad pipe exhaust, Vortex racing sprocket/gold chain, Double wind screen, Pilot Power 2CT Tires, New JCI, Plus much more $7,800. PCSing: Call 090-8517-9568

sPoRTs & fiTNessTORII June 3, 2010 7www.torii.army.mil

Yano Pool reopensAll aquatic services at Yano Fitness Center – including the swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room – reopened March 25 after having been closed for three months due to annual maintenance. The pool is open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call 263-3954.

Your Weekly Dose

May is Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. Asthma is a disease of the lungs in which the airways become blocked or narrowed, caus-ing breathing difficulty. It is unfortunately quite common and can be exacerbated by physical and some environmental factors that can be found in this part of the world. If you have asthma or allergies, ensure that you collaborate closely with your physician. Some causes of asthma include allergens, irritants in the air, respiratory infec-tions, exercise, weather, expression of strong emotions, and certain medications. Treatment of asthma includes long-term controllers or steroi-dal medications, and quick-relief medications. To help prevent asthma, know your triggers and limit exposure, take medications as prescribed, monitor your asthma and recognize early signs of worsening, and know what to do when it worsens. More information can be found at http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=8&cont=9.

Access to care at BG Sams U.S. Army Health Clinic is avaialble 24/7. The clinic is not open 24/7 but our triage line is available 24/7. When calling the clinic at 263-4127, our staff will notify a provider who will call you back. The provider will advise you if you can wait till the clinic opens, or if you need to seek medical care at either Yokosuka Navy Hospital, Yokota AFB Hospital or at a Host Nation Hospital or Clinic.

Recently we have noticed an increase of calls to the “911” number. This is the emergency number which activates the MPs, our ambulance, EMTs and translators. Of course, if you have a life threatening medical emergency such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or trauma, please call “911” on post or “119” off post. If you are feel-ing sick, or have an injury that does not meet the criteria for life, limb or eyesight, please call the clinic first at 263.4127 and push option 1 for triage nurse or 24/7 medical advice. Our provider on call will advise you on what options are available, such as Yokota AFB hospital, Yokosuka Navy Hospital or a local Host Nation clinic/hospital, in which case we would arrange for a translator to assist you.

Sports Briefs

Six-Person SoccerA six-person soccer tournament is scheduled to be held 9 a.m. June 12 at the Yano Soccer Field. The event is open to all military personnel in Camp Zama, Sagami Depot, and Sagamihara Housing Area; retirees, DoD and Department of the Army civilians, AAFES employees, family members (18 years of age or older and not in high school), JGSDF members, and MLC employees. Teams may be all male, mixed or all female. Please register at the Yano Fitness Center issue counter by 5 p.m. on June 10. There is no fee for this tournament. Awards will be presented to the first- and second-place teams. Commander’s Cups points will be awarded for this event. For more information, call 263-4664 or 263-7980.

Photo by Dustin PerryRobert Chance, left, of MWR, leaps to spike the ball as Tetsuo Noguchi of the USARJ Spartans reaches to block it during the intramural volleyball championship match held Thursday at Yano Fitness Center. The Spartans won the match in three sets.

USARJ Spartans emerge as volleyball champsBy dustin PerryTorii Editor

The two biggest rivals of this year’s in-tramural volleyball season faced each other twice last week during the championship, and in both cases the winning team – U.S. Army Japan – came from behind in stun-ning fashion.

Both the USARJ Spartans and the equally aggressive and talented Morale, Welfare and Recreation squad were undefeated when they met May 24 at Yano Fitness Center for a semifinal match. MWR won the first set but were upset by USARJ in the last two, a scenario that was mirrored in Thursday’s final when the Spartans earned consecutive 25-20 and 15-5 victories.

Much like they did during the semifinal match, MWR – aided by key attackers Dale Jorgenson and Robert Chance – displayed a knack for starting strong in the champion-ship. Trailing by three points late in the first set, MWR put their front line to work and rallied to overtake the lead. The Spartans’ Luis Caraballo landed a lightning-fast spike, but MWR otherwise continued their hot streak and won the first set 25-21.

If USARJ could be said to have any deficiencies, it was their inconsistent lineup throughout the season. But despite the several occasions when some of their best players were unable to participate, the Spartans always seemed to make the most of the squad they had.

“At the beginning [of the set] we started a little cold because some of our players hadn’t played for awhile, but as soon as we started coming together and talking to each other, we stayed on top,” said Caraballo.

Manny Colon, another of the Spartans’ formidable offensive stars, referred to the seven who represented the USARJ in the championship as the team’s “core group.”

“We never gave up,” said Colon. “We had a great group of guys who, once we came together, we were in sync and we were playing great. Every single person contributed.”

The Spartans jumped to an impressive five-point lead in the second set. The team’s bump-set-spike sequences settled into a workman-like groove, and their defensive line put down several of Jorgenson’s un-characteristically flawed attacks. Sporadic MWR teammate Tawn Koyama earned back-to-back points with a devastating spike, followed by a perfect defensive block, but the Spartans were in too fine a form to be stopped. If MWR were breathing a sigh of relief after winning the first set, their 25-20 loss in the second surely knocked the wind out of them.

“Those first two sets were amazing, just to see the score go back and forth,” said Chance. “But if you win that second set, that’s usually great momentum for going into the third. We went in still feeling posi-tive, but we didn’t have enough left in the tank to finish out the game.”

The final set in the best-of-three match is an abbreviated 15-point game, and the Spartans all but secured their victory by bursting out of the gate and leading 8-1 at the halfway split. At that point the MWR

team was tired and “just trying to fight back,” as Chance explained.

“Our strategy was to keep the momen-tum, never let up, and to keep pushing,” said Chance. “It didn’t happen, but I’m very happy we had the opportunity to play.”

Jorgenson agreed that, in a matchup like the one between his team and USARJ, finding a good rhythm and maintaining it is a crucial advantage.

“It’s [all about] momentum swings in volleyball; with rally scoring, your opponent

can get two, three, four points on a serve and before you know it, you’re down by five or six and it’s hard to come back,” said Jorgenson. “If the momentum had gone the other way, we could have won this, but the Spartans have a lot of talented players.”

MWR continued to play strong, but their deficit against the Spartans was too much to overcome. In addition to claiming the championship trophy, USARJ were also named the regular-season winners with a perfect 8-0 record.

“We had a great group of guys who, once we came together, we were in sync and we

were playing great. Every single person contributed.”

Manny ColonUSARJ Spartans

8 June 3, 2010 TORII www.torii.army.mil

Travel & CulTure

Lazy summer days in Izu

Wh i t e s a n d b e a c h e s , c r y s t a l c l e a r w a t e r a n d u n t o u c h e d n a t u r e i s what you’ll find on this side of Japan. It’s the Shimoda region of the Izu Peninsula, located approximately three

and a half hours by car from Camp Zama. Shimoda is known as the city of the Black Ship, which was

the U.S. Naval fleet led by Commodore Perry, who arrived in the Shimoda port in 1854. It was here that Japan finally opened up her gates to trade from the outside world as she emerged from the secluded Edo Period. For the first time in history, it was here that the U.S. began its diplomatic relations with Japan.

A trip to Izu is also accessible by train, but in a car, you can easily enjoy the beautiful coastline while driving. You’ll see striking rock formations amidst a deep ocean blue. On a clear, sunny day, the drive will almost have you feeling as if you’re on an exotic island far, far away from civilization.

Shirahama Beach is the most popular in Shimoda because it’s closest to Tokyo. It has the longest stretch of white sand in the area. This beach gets most crowded during the summer with younger crowds, especially since the summer services draws them in. They like the convenience of the concession stands, beach parasol and cold drinks available right on the beach.

Therefore, if you’re looking for a more quiet, relaxing time, the best months to visit Shirahama are May, June and September, when you can go surfing, body boarding and swimming without having to fend off the crowds.

The coastline becomes rocky and steep around Tsumekizaki Beach. This is the one of the least crowded areas in Shimoda. There is a 2.8-kilometer oceanfront sidewalk with plenty of stairs and dramatic views.

A recommended starting point is from Suzaki Kaigan, where you can catch a bus. However, plan on taking an hour to reach the lighthouse, where you’ll find a secret beach called Kujyuppama, which is very small but has super crystal emerald green water. The parking lot here is five-minute hike from the beach.

About two kilometers south of Shimoda Station, the next two beaches also good for swimming and surfing are Tatadohama and Iritahama. However, the sand and surf are the only draws here, since they are void of the many shops and hustle characteristic of Shirahama Beach.

As you drive further south, Ohama and Toji are foreign tourist favorites for their quiet atmosphere and pristine white sands. Ohama is ideal for a family barbecues because the parking lots and beach are very close.

Toji beach offers visitors the thrill of sand skiing, where you can slide down a 45-meter long natural slope of sand, made by strong seasonal winds blowing inland. If you are hungry, there are some laid-back beach cafés nearby, such as the small, but very tasty South Café and the Spice Dog, which has tasty Indian curries and pasta, frequented by the local surf crowd and musicians.

You can also enjoy some onsen (“hot spring” in Japanese) around the Shimoda area. After a long day of sun bathing and soaking in the salty ocean, a dip in fresh water springs is quite refreshing.

Getting there: Shimoda is located approximately 175 kilometers from Tokyo. The drive is about three hours along the Tomei Expressway, Odawara-Atsugi Highway and the Manazuru Highway, depending on traffic. For more information on the Izu Peninsula, visit www.japan-guide.com/e/e6305.html.

Photo and story by Tetsuo NakaharaTorii Staff