VOLUME 49 NUMBER 19 MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, JAPAN MAY 21, 2004

INSIDE

www.iwakuni.usmc.mil

IWAKUNI WEATHERTodaySunnyHigh: 76

SaturdaySunnyHigh: 78

SundaySunnyHigh: 78

Station celebrates Earth DayMarines and Sailors clean up the Sta-tion in celebration of Earth Day.

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Camaraderie shared at mess nightMarine Aviation Logistics Squadron12 says good-bye to commanding of-ficer during field mess night.

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With the many water-based recre-ational activities Japan offers, Stationresidents must be aware of the dangersthat exist before diving in.

For the past three years, the Stationhas been fortunate enough to proclaimzero deaths from drowning incidents.

“The last time anyone from the Sta-tion has died from drowning was 2000,”said Patrick Brown, safety program ad-ministrator.

There are several preventative mea-sures that can be taken in order to pre-vent any incidents involving water ac-tivities.

“It is important before going any-where that you check the weather,” saidBrown. “It is dangerous to go after rainand typhoons. The water is unsafe toswim in because of the water currents. If

Station drown-free for 3 yearsLANCE CPL. GIOVANNI LOBELLO

Combat Correspondentinto the water or eat too much, said ChrisYoneda, safety trainer.

Japan’s beaches often have signsdisplaying whether or not the water issafe to swim in.

“The beach may have warning signsout,” said Yoneda. “Even though thewriting is in Japanese, the signs havepictures indicating what the danger is.”

Despite the preventative measuresswimmers should also remain cautiousabout sharks.

“There have been from three to fourhammer heads spotted at one time on abeach,” said Yoneda. “Ever since thespotting of the sharks, it has been de-termined that they are moving in closerto the shoreline.”

Regardless of sharks and any otherdangers, swimming is in no way discour-aged to Station residents.

going swimming, pick a spot where thereare lifeguards.”

“Sometimes currents are strongenough that they will take you awayfrom the shore. If you’re ever caught inthat situation, just swim sideways andthen swim back instead of against thecurrent. This is the way people get tiredand can drown.”

The Station Safety Center, in con-junction with Semper Fit, have a controlmeasure in place to prevent any unnec-essary accidents.

Gear will not be issued before anybad weather, said Brown. This is for thesafety of Station members.

Yoneda advised if going somewhereto take any form of communication pos-sible.

People should bring their cell phonesin order to contact the base in case ofan emergency said Yoneda.

Do not drink alcohol before going see DROWNING Page 5

For many families, summer marksan exciting time full of adventure,family vacations, and well-deservedrelaxation for all. However, for ser-vice members and Department ofDefense employees stationed atMarine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, italso heralds the stresses of prepar-ing for peak season permanentchange of station moves.

Planning for a change in assign-ment can be quite daunting, espe-cially where pet travel is involved.For this article, the term “pet” refersto domesticated dogs, cats, birds,rabbits, and other warm-bloodedmammals (excluding primates) con-sidered to be personal pets, showanimals, or exhibition animals. Thechallenge for summer movers lies inhow to accompany animals from Ja-pan to their new home.

As with all successful PCSmoves, anticipating options for pettravel can make an easier transitionbetween duty stations. Many offi-cial travelers mistakenly believe that

Summer airtravel for pets

CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER

JILL E. SMITH

Traffic Management Officer

see PET Page 5

Air Force Master Sgt. James E. Lotz

Combined-joint forces present colors during the opening ceremonyfor Cobra Gold 2004 at Wing 1 in Korat, Thailand May 13.

KORAT, Thailand (May 13, 2004) — With a display of inter-national military drill, members of the armed forces of TheKingdom of Thailand, Singapore, Mongolia, Philippines andthe United States commenced Exercise Cobra Gold 2004 dur-ing opening ceremonies here this morning.

More than 18,500 service members from the five countrieswill spend the next two weeks conducting training and drills

COBRA GOLD 2004 COMBINED INFORMATION BUREAU

Cobra Gold ‘04 kicks offdesigned to strengthen bonds between the regional allies.Mongolia and the Philippines will participate in the CommandPost Exercise for the first time.

“(Cobra Gold) is the best exercise in the South East ofAsia,” said CG ’04 Supreme Commander Lt. Gen. HernWannaprasert, Royal Thai Army 2nd Corps Commander. “Allof our nations’ militaries are coming together to find a com-mon virtue of compassion, cooperation and goodwill.”

But there is more on the exercise agenda than militarymaneuvers. A United Nations-spon-sored peace enforcement mission inconjunction with humanitarian opera-tions and disaster relief will be a majorfocus of CG ’04.

“This year’s exercise is designedto provide relevant training to meet themost likely contingency operations,”Marine Maj. Gen. Emerson N. Gardner,CG ’04 U.S. Commander told ceremonyattendees at the headquarters build-ing. “To the service members of Thai-land, United States, Mongolia,Singapore and the Philippines, yourcritical efforts during the executionphase of this exercise culminates a yearof planning and development and isevidence of the importance and abili-ties of our multilateral relationships. Itwill shape the future to come in thegreater region and global arena.”

Since the first Cobra Gold exercisein 1982, training has varied from yearto year, and U.S. Ambassador to Thai-

see COBRA Page 5

Commanding Officer/Publisher

Col. Dave Darrah

Public Affairs OfficerCapt. Stewart T. Upton

Public Affairs ChiefMaster Gunnery Sgt.Constance S. Dillard

Press ChiefStaff Sgt. Brenda L. Varnadore

Operations ChiefStaff Sgt. Nicholas P. McLaren

Combat CorrespondentsCpl. Robert W. Wynkoop

Cpl. Dave BoniLance Cpl. Giovanni Lobello

Lance Cpl. David RevereLance Cpl. Ruben D. Calderon

Pfc. Lydia Davey

Information/EditorialSpecialist

Yukiko Mitsui

“This weekly newspaper is anauthorized publication for membersof the military services stationedoverseas and their families. Its con-tents do not necessarily reflect theofficial views of the U.S. Govern-ment, the Department of Defense orthe U.S. Marine Corps, and does notimply endorsement thereof.”

Editorial content is edited, pre-pared and provided by the PublicAffairs Office of Marine Corps AirStation Iwakuni, Japan.

All queries concerning newsand editorial content should be di-rected to the Public Affairs Office,Building 1, Room 216, MCASIwakuni, Japan. Call 253-5551.

PSC 561 Box 1868FPO AP 96310-0029

Phone 253-5551Fax 253-5554

NEWS BRIEFSTOKYO EMBASSY

The Immigrant Visa Section of theU.S. Embassy in Tokyo will be closedduring the month of July. A newcomputer software system is beinginstalled. Accordingly, there will be noimmigrant visa interviews or issuesconducted at the Tokyo Embassy inJuly. For more information, call the officeof the Station Judge Advocate at 253-5591 or 253-5594.

HORNET’S NEST

Hornet’s Nest is looking for a fewgood men/women to work. This is agreat opportunity to help your fellowMarines here, be a tour guide on ourtrips around Japan, work with manycommunity action projects and get afew extra dollars to put in your bankaccount. Fill out an application atMCCS personnel, second deck at theCrossroads Mall. Do not call the Hornet’sNest.

AUTOMATED TIME/TEMPERATURE

ANNOUNCEMENT SYSTEM

Dial 112 to hear the current time andtemperature in English, and dial 115 tohear them in Japanese. Call theTelephone Office at 253-5555 if you haveany questions.

PAGE 2 OPINIONTORII TELLER, MAY 21, 2004 NEWS PAGE 3TORII TELLER, MAY 21, 2004

The Torii Teller wel-comes Letter to the Editorsubmissions. Letters are theopinion of the writer only.Submissions can be editedfor clarity and space. Let-ters can be dropped off atthe Public Affairs Office orsent via e-mail to varnadorebl@iwakuni.usmc.mil ordillardcs@iwakuni.usmc.mil.

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni was graced withthe presence of a Roman Catholic Church bishop, April28 through the 30.

Bishop Joseph Madera, the Auxiliary Bishop forthe Roman Catholic Archdio-cese (the area for which anarchbishop has clerical re-sponsibility) for the MilitaryServices, toured differentbases to give confirmationsto devout Catholics.

Bishop Madera made vis-its to 18 different militarybases in Hawaii, Singapore,Korea, Guam and Japan fromApril 12 to May 13.

“The bishops in the Mili-tary Archbishop’s office alsotravel throughout the U.S. andEurope,” said Navy Lt. ShaunS. Brown, Marine AircraftGroup 12 chaplain. They alsovisit Army, Navy, Air Force,Coast Guard and Veterans Ad-ministration facilities.

“The Pacific is BishopMadera’s territory this year.When the bishops are back at home, they also helpout the ‘civilian’ bishops in Washington D.C., andArlington, Va., with confirmations,” stated Brown.

The last time Bishop Madera was here was threeyears ago. “Actually, a father of one of the youthsConfirmed by Bishop Madera here this year was alsoconfirmed by Bishop Madera several years ago! Smallworld!” exclaimed Brown.

At the end of Bishop Madera’s confirmation tour,more than 100 people will be administered the sacra-ment, Brown said.

“Bishop Madera is the only bishop in the MilitaryArchdiocese’s office not to have served as a military

Bishop confirms IwakuniLANCE CPL. RUBEN D. CALDERON

Combat Correspondentchaplain, but he takes to the people of the militarycommunity like a duck to water,” Brown mentioned.

This is the second time that Brown and the bishophave met and the respect and love is as fresh as it wasthe first time. “He is genuinely a pastoral man. Thepeople love him and he loves them. It’s almost likehaving your grandfather visit: It’s always special. And,

even when he’s not here, he’san advocate for the men andwomen of the military, and ourfamilies back at home. Heknows this is a family voca-tion.

“Even though he belongsto a particular faith group, hehas a special place in his heartfor all who wear a U.S. militaryuniform. Even though he isout of our sight, and we his,we’re never out of his mind.He holds us, our families, andthe sacrifices we make nearand dear to his heart,” saidBrown.

“Bishop Madera’s visitsare pretty incredible, actually.He is usually in and out of aninstallation in less than 48hours. He accomplishes somuch and visits so many

people. One of his favorite times is when he can visitthe commanding officers of a base, especially whenthe CO’s are supportive of their chaplains, as Col.Darrah and Col. Pomeroy are. Few things instill asmuch gratitude in the Bishop’s heart as when the peopleand the Commands support their chaplains.”

“I’ve been to a lot of bases and I must say that Ihave never been to one where the commanders caredso much for their troops,” said the bishop. “I am happyto be here.”

Bishop Madera administered more than 20 confir-mations here, April 29, at the Station chapel.

Lance Cpl. Ruben D. Calderon

Bishop Joseph Madera, AuxilaryBishop for the military services, madean appearance in Iwakuni, April 28-30.

Do you remember the scene inCrimson Tide when the actingcommanding officer makes the call to‘close the hatch’ in order to save theboat? It seems an easy call to make.An engineering space is taking onwater. You either seal the hatch orlose the boat.

The problem lies in the fact thatthe CO still has men in that compart-ment. In order to serve a greater good,he has to sacrifice the lives of some ofhis men.

This is an example of yet anothergrid for making choices. It is knownby a number of names (utilitarianism,consequentialism) but I prefer to call it“results-based thinking.”

The chief determinant for whetheran action is right or wrong is nothingmore that what result the action willbring.

A lot of people like this one. Theyare comfortable with whateverproduces the greatest good for thegreatest number. If you have to let anemployee go for the good of thecompany – so be it.

It is the moral equivalent of cost-benefit analysis. You examine thepossible results and pick the one that

Assignment of choice: ResultsCHAPLAIN STEPHEN COATES

The fourth in a series of 10 articles oncharacter.

produces the most good over thebroadest range.

Sometimes we apply this method inevery day situations. Should I get outof my rack and go to work today?Many people answer “yes” notbecause they are internally convincedit is the right thing to do. They simplyweigh the possible consequences anddecide to comply.

Should I stay in the Marine Corpsafter my obligation? What will I gainby staying in? What is the cost ofcontinuing to serve? Beyond myself,what is the benefit to my country andto my world by continuing to serve?Am I even willing to sacrifice myselffor the greater good of humanity?

Those are good questions and itsounds noble simply to ask them.

But are there any downsides tothis basis of ethical decision-making?I will let you decide but I do have acouple questions.

First, how do you know whatconsequences your actions willbring? You may have some successin predicting possibilities but you donot have exhaustive knowledge ofwhat the future holds. Letting thatone employee go may have greaterramifications than simply freeing up afew payroll dollars.

Second, can you be sure the endsyou desire justify the means to get

there? How will you decide? Lastcentury, some leaders thoughteveryone would be served better ifprivate property and personal rightswere abolished.

They justified the systematicmurder of millions in an attempt toachieve a greater good. Whatsafeguards will you put in place tomake sure the end you desire justifiesthe actions you take to get there.

What about dropping an atomicbomb on a city of military strategicsignificance that is also home tothousands of innocents? I can’tspeak with absolute certainty but Ipresume the decision to drop thatbomb was made primarily on utilitariangrounds.

Only terrorists would argue that itis always right and proper to dropatomic bombs on large cities.

Whether or not you support thedecision is not my focus. I am simplysuggesting that those who made thegut-wrenching decision did sobecause of results-based thinking.

Perhaps they were attempting tohasten the end of the war or to savethousands of lives in the long term.

The consequences of that deci-sion, both good and bad, still endure.The same can be said of the choicesyou make here in Iwakuni, the assign-ment of choice.

Every May 22 marks the celebrationthroughout the world in which peopletake a day to take a little extra time asideand do something positive for the Earth.

Station Marines and Sailors per-formed the annual sea wall clean up incelebration of Earth Day May 14. Theycollectively helped pick up trash whichaccumulated throughout the year.

Once a year, citizens throughout theworld schedule certain events to helpmaintain the Earth cleanliness.

This year Marines and Sailors facedan uphill battle with the amount of trashfound on the sea wall.

“If trash was thrown away properly,then there would not have been as muchtrash accumulated on the sea wall,” saidPaul Hudson environmental protec-tion specialist.

Cleaning up Station one piece at a timeLANCE CPL. GIOVANNI LOBELLO

Combat CorrespondentEven though

the annual eventtook place May 14,a couple days be-fore Earth Day, thatdid not stop Ma-rines and Sailorsfrom being goodSamaritans.

“We usuallydo this on EarthDay but becauseof schedulingproblems we had todo it a couple daysbefore,” saidHudson. “Clean-ing up is some-thing we do once ayear, but it reallyshould be something that we do everyday of the year.”

Pvt. Clarissa Rowley, food service

specialist, said, “I am very happy to behere today. Cleaning up is somethingthat helps out the environment.”

Lance Cpl. Giovanni Lobello

Station Marines and Sailors performed the annual seawall clean up in celebration of Earth Day May 14.

In conjunction with cleaningthe Earth at least one day of theyear, a positive message is con-veyed. “Since we are ambassadors ofthe United States, it is nice toshow everyone that we alsocare,” said Rowley. “Also, whenMarines see this maybe it willmake them want to also helpout.” For some this was the firsttime volunteering to clean uptrash. “This was my first time vol-unteering to help clean up trashfor Earth Day,” said AirmanKaren Monroe, Navy Station fu-els. “I would definitely volunteerif something like this comes up

again. It’s great to be doing somethingpositive and volunteering time and mak-ing the Earth look better.”

Sitting through safety stand downs can be extremelymonotonous. They are held twice a year, and most of theinformation is the same. Minds tend to wander and eyesgrow weary during them and often you hear senior Marinesyelling at younger Marines to stand up in the back if theyare tired.

The importance of the messagenever changes.

Of all the statistics shown, not toomany people on this Station can saythey weren’t almost a statistic them-selves. I will say that we are lucky,because Iwakuni does not have theaccidents and deaths many otherStations and bases endure.

Despite the warnings and factualinformation presented, many will stilljump off cliffs into water with unknowndepth, they will still swim into strong currents and drivetheir cars as fast as they can.

Why will they do this? The same reason they becameMarines. They are thrill seekers. Life without danger is notvery exciting to someone who is ultimately trained fordangerous situations. When you train or work hard, itmakes sense to play hard too right?

With a little bit of alcohol and goading from friends, thetestosterone levels soar and we become invincible. Super-men, if you will.

But, that is not the only subject.

Be safe, but only out in townCPL. DAVE BONI

Combat CorrespondentIn one of the briefs, heat stroke was the topic of

discussion. Some of the symptoms were dizziness, nauseaand headaches.

Now, how many Marines on this base do you think feelthat way every day during physical training? I would saymore than a few. If you drop out of your run, you’re in for atalking to by your staff noncommissioned officer.

This goes on unnoticed every Monday, Wednesdayand Friday, or whatever your physical training schedule

may be. But when we have a safetystanddown, service members are told to“stay within your abilities” when theyare working out, or “seek medicalattention when your body is overheat-ing.” Obviously none of these “experts”have seen a motivated gunnerysergeant during a regular PT session orgone on a conditioning hike for 25miles.

We as Marines are safe, safe in combat when we aretaking care of our fellow Marines and Sailors. Of course, ifgetting the mission accomplished means not stretchingbefore we run across the battlefield, then so be it.

If the matter of safety is being shoved down Marines’throats, then let’s be consistent. Because, how are Marinessuppose to take care of themselves when they’re having fun,when nobody is taking care of them when they are training.

They say Marines are the Corps most valuable assets,but maybe if the Marines knew that, jumping off a cliffwouldn’t seem so worthwhile.

“If the matter of safety isbeing shoved down

Marines’ throats, thenlet’s be consistent.”

Cpl. Dave BoniCombat Correspondent

PAGE 4 FEATURETORII TELLER, MAY 21, 2004 FEATURE PAGE 5TORII TELLER, MAY 21, 2004

In an effort to assist local schools with basicneeds, Station chaplains have designed a partner-ship program for service members involving 16preschools in the Iwakuni area.

“Earlier this year, the (chaplains) put out a feeleraround the Iwakuni area to see if any schools wouldhave an interest in partnering with individuals at(Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni), to have anongoing relationship with people on base,” said Lt.Stephen Coates, Station protestant chaplain.

“About 16 preschools responded. Theseschools are primarily for children whose parentsboth work. We’ve asked them what we can do, andthey have responded according to their needs.”

According to Cmdr. Donald P. Fix, MCASIwakuni command chaplain, the chaplain’s office will

Preschools, Station develop friendshipSTORY AND PHOTOS BY

LANCE CPL. DAVID REVERE

Combat Correspondent

Children like these from Iwakuni's Mangyoji HoikuenPreschool love attention from Station service members.

Gunnery Sgt. Jason E. Vinson, food services manager,entertains a child from Mangyoji Hoikuen Preschoolin Iwakuni.

set up a date to meet with an area schoolfor those interested and determine whatthey can do over the course of a year.Throughout the year, a Japanese liaison atthe office will notify the responsiblecommand element of any special issuesthat arise.

“Our hope is to find a department orwork center that would like to adopt aparticular school,” said Fix. “These 16schools have been divided between(Marine Aircraft Group 12) and the sistersquadrons.”

Coates said that visiting the children isa rewarding experience for all involved.

“I’ve had a chance to visit three of theschools myself,” he added. “It’s been apleasure. The children are very friendlyand very fun.”

According to Coates, the needs varydepending on the school.Some schools want a fewpeople to come in and teachbasic English. A few arelooking for a little physicallabor. Others are looking forspecial appearances at schoolfunctions. “This is a great way to reachout in a thoroughly positivemanner,” said Coates. “It’snever a negative consequenceto do good to other people.This is an opportunity affordedus by the Iwakuni schooldistrict to reach out withgenuine American generosityto young children.”

For more information or to arrange

“We just want to make sure that everyone has fun, we’re nottrying to scare people off. We just ask people to take the right stepsand enjoy the beach safely.”

Weather information can be found at http://weather.iwz.usmc.mil.In case of an emergency, the Emergency Control Center can be con-tacted in Japan at 0827217700.

DROWNING from Page 1

PCS transfers include pet transportation atgovernment expense. Pets are solely themember’s responsibility – not thegovernment’s – so verifying all reservations,shipping costs, and health requirements be-fore traveling is critical. Whether the servicemember is scheduled to leave Iwakuni viacommercial or government air, the TrafficManagement Office is here to help.

Usually, commercial airlines will not acceptpet shipments between June and mid-Septem-ber. While some airlines have announced theirrefusal to impose embargoes this year, all car-riers can refuse pet shipments due to fore-casted high temperatures, type of pet (snub-nosed dog and cat breeds), or travel throughany transfer or stopover location exceeding85 degrees.

These annual pet embargoes take manyanimal owners by surprise, and cause plan-ning pitfalls when arranging air movement fortheir four-legged family members.

The government does not consider petembargoes or non-availability of governmentair pet spaces when scheduling official travel,which makes planning a PCS with your petmore complex.

A viable option for moving those belovedpets during summer is by using Air MobilityCommand’s Patriot Express. Each month, duty

PET from Page 1

“Mr. Vice! Gunnery Sgt. Boganrequests permission to address thepresident,” screamed the gunny.

“Whisper in my ear too, GunnerySgt. Bogan,” replied Mr. Vice.

Marine Aviation LogisticsSquadron 12’s field mess night wasthe only time Sgt. Victor M. Sandoval,MALS-12 Avionics noncommissionedofficer in charge, otherwise known asMr. Vice, had the pleasure of putting astaff NCO in his place.

“I was a bit power happy,”admitted Sandoval. “It was kind ofnice being able to tell anybody exactlywhat you wanted to say.”

Sandoval’s role as facilitatorbetween the troops and the presidentof the mess was just one of the time-honored traditions observed May 12.

According to the Department ofthe Navy’s Mess Night Manual, themess night is a military customsteeped in tradition. These specialdinners honor military heroes,customs and courtesies, and otherspecial occasions with strict formality.

Camaraderie served at mess nightSTORY AND PHOTOS BY

LANCE CPL. DAVID REVERE

Combat Correspondent

“It is a military formation, as oldand as rich in tradition as the quarter-deck or the mounting of the guard,and as essential to a close-knit,smooth-performing unit as are drills,inspections and military ceremonies,”the manual states.

According to Lt. Col. James P.VanEtten, MALS-12 commandingofficer and president of the mess, thesquadron hosted the event in order to

provide camaraderie and instill a senseof tradition in all the Marauders.

“We went the whole week prepar-ing for it,” said Sandoval. “I think theexperience as a whole broughtcamaraderie to the squadron.”

The event, attended by 520service members, was specificallyqualified as a field mess. Marinescame out with boonie covers, 782 gear,and camouflage paint.

“I had an awesome time,” saidLance Cpl. Michael A. Bennett,MALS-12 electronic counter measuressystems technician. “The camaraderieof being out there together in the fieldmade it special. We had a lot of goodlaughs and enjoyed some good timesand traditions.”

The service members also enjoyeda delicious dinner catered by ClubIwakuni, with a beef roast as the maincourse.

In keeping with tradition, thepresident of the mess first asked forthe beef to be presented. Aftertasting, he declared it fit for consump-tion by the members of the mess.

The dinner was highlighted by thepresence of special guests, includingSgt. Maj. Ralph J. Guerrero, 1st MarineAircraft Wing sergeant major, as wellas an appearance by comedian ColinQuinn, expressing his appreciation ofthe service member’s service.

“It was an outstanding experi-ence,” said Sgt. Anthony R. Merchant,MALS-12 electronic countermeasurestechnician. “It’s something we don’tget to do that often. It was a chanceto get in touch with our inner warrior.”

passengers can expect two or three govern-ment air missions bound for Seattle and LosAngeles.

Pet spaces are very limited on each mis-sion, so it helps tremendously to plan far inadvance. Passengers in a PCS status canrequest two pet spaces per family and addi-tional “space available” pet slots as needed.All pet spaces must be included in the portcall request. For more information on theAMC Space Available Pet Program, contactthe Air Terminal Division at 253-5509/3818 orTMO Passenger Travel Office at 253-3985/3986.

There are many benefits in using govern-ment air for summer pet transportation.AMC does not impose seasonal embargoeson pet shipments, so dogs and cats can flywith owners year-round to Seattle or LosAngeles. AMC charges $90 for pets in ken-nels weighing up to 70 pounds, $180 for 71 to140 pounds, and $270 for pets in kennels upto the 150-pound maximum.

Commercial carriers have varied pet ac-ceptance criteria, fares, and policies, so it’sbest to research each one before confirminganimals.

For booking pets domestically through-out the United States (reptiles, amphibians,and fish may be categorized as pets on somecarriers), contact the individual airline for anyrestrictions and shipping costs.

Lance Cpl. David Revere

Marines enjoy a meal catered by Club Iwakuni for Marine AviationLogistics Squadron 12's mess night May 13.

COBRA from Page 1

land Darryl N. Johnson said the exercise is continuously changes toreflect current events.

“Each year, Cobra Gold renews the United States’ commitment toour friends and allies in the Asia-Pacific region” Johnson said. “Co-bra Gold is constantly evolving to meet the national security needsof all of our countries. What started as a small naval task forceexercise in the early ‘80s has evolved into a multinational, multifac-eted event promoting regional stability and security.”

None of the nations are new to working with the U.S. Thailand,Mongolia and the Philippines currently have contingents participat-ing in the U.S. led coalition in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

A full slate of military and community relations events are planneduntil the exercise’s closing ceremonies May 27. An array of com-bined medical and dental civil action programs (MEDCAPS) will takeplace throughout Thailand. Myriad civil engineering and publicworks projects are scheduled throughout the nation during CG ’04.

In addition to the Thai-Singapore-U.S. participation, 10 other coun-tries will observe the daily events. Delegates from Australia, France,India, Japan, Indonesia, South Korea, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, China andVietnam fill out the list of observers.

a visitation with a local school, call Noriko Yamada atthe Station chaplain’s office at 253-3371.May is Asian Pacific American Heritage month

and a time for those who have overcome obstaclesto be honored for the progress that has been madeover the years. This year’s theme is “Freedom for all.A nation we call our own.”

Overcoming the odds and bettering his lifewould be something that Filipino native, Cmdr. DonCenon B. Albia, officer in charge of the BranchMedical Clinic, would know first hand about.

Albia was born in Iriga City, Philippines, July 9,1954. For Albia, the Philippines offered rice fieldsand poverty, and he took the opportunity to leavethe tough lifestyle. In his third year as a mechanicalengineer in the Philippines at Bicol University, hedecided to enlist in the United States Navy.

“To enlist in the Navy, I had to submit a 2 by 3picture with my name, address and date of birth,”said Albia. “At the time of processing we had topass a written and oral exam. Out of the 300 peoplethat took the written exam, only 25 passed. Thenfrom the 25 that passed the written portion, only 12were able to pass the oral exam.”

Volunteers were only referred to by their identifi-cation number throughout the process. The factorthat differentiated Albia from the rest of the volun-teers was his number, 13441.

Albia vowed to serve faithfully in 1974 when heofficially enlisted in the Navy and was sent off toboot camp in May to San Diego.

“This was my way out of poverty. There was noway I would mess up this once-in-a-lifetime opportu-nity to help support me and my family,” said Albia.

After completing boot camp, Albia no longer hadto worry about receiving a paycheck, as he was paid

A testimony that nothing ever lands on your lapLANCE CPL. GIOVANNI LOBELLO

Combat Correspondentregularly for the first time inhis life.

After eight years in theservice, in 1984 while servingat Fleet Marine Force at CampPendleton, Albia picked upthe rank of chief petty officer.

“Making chief was notbecause I was Filipino. Itwasn’t just handed to me tofill minority quotas; I workedvery hard and I was gratefulfor the opportunity,” saidAlbia.

Before completing hisbachelor’s degree, Albiawas commissioned alieutenant junior grade. Atthis time he now had thepower to have more of animpact on the Sailors he wasin charge of.

“I would consider him thebest boss I have ever had,and a good mentor to bothofficers and enlisted members,” said Chief PettyOfficer Gilbert Ramos. “He is very open to every-body. Only officer in charge I’ve seen that walksaround and is open to suggestions.”

“Since I was enlisted I know what it’s like, and asan officer I have been given the opportunity to havean impact on the people I am taking care of,” saidAlbia.

Now, Albia is in charge of the Branch MedicalClinic, where his positive influence can be felt bymany Sailors and Marines.

“It’s best to take advantage and embrace every

situation and try to be a part of as much as possibleto continue moving on.”

Ramos added, “Cmdr. Albia always tries to makesure that everyone is happy and in good spirits.Sailors were not entirely happy with his presencebefore. Now Sailors are extending more than beforebecause of his good leadership style.”

The Station will celebrate Asian/PacificAmerican Heritage Month today with performancesat the Sakura Theater at 3 p.m. All are welcome toattend, as well those Asian/Pacific Americans withspecial talents who would like to perform.

Lance Cpl. Giovanni Lobello

“Making chief was not because I was Filipino. It wasn’t just handedto me to fill minority quotas; I worked very hard and I was grate-ful for the opportunity,” said Cmdr. Don Cennon B. Albia, BranchMedical Clinic officer in charge.

PAGE 6 FEATURETORII TELLER, MAY 21, 2004

Propped up in a shimmering pool of highlycombustible fuels, the blackened mock cockpit waitsfor another encounter with blistering heat andtowering flames. Off to the side, a small test fire islit. A cloud of thick smoke rolls toward the flightline, and the crew chief shakes his head. Until thewind changes, the main fire won’t be ignited. Rulesforbid training from taking place if smoke willobscure a pilot’s view of the runway.

Minutes later, another small fire is lit. This time,the results are good; the wind has shifted. Afirefighter touches a flame to the main fuel pool, andwithin seconds, a tower of dark smoke and orange

Training ignites friendship between Japanese, American firemenSTORY AND PHOTOS BY

PFC. L YDIA DAVEY

Combat Correspondent

flames is reaching to the sky.Seventeen firefighters from the Yamaguchi Fire

Department joined forces with Station firefightersduring a recent training exercise here. The day’sexercise was part of a six-day training cycle that theJapanese nationals conduct jointly with Marineseach year, said Toru Miyoshi, Yamaguchi Fire Chief.

Yamaguchi firefighters look forward to the annualtraining as an opportunity to test new equipmentand hone their skills, said Miyoshi. This year, theytested a new air foam nozzle.

Joint training between local fire departments andStation Marines was birthed during an event thatoccurred more than 40 years ago, Miyoshi said. Afire began directly outside of the main gate, andJapanese and U.S. firefighters rushed to put out theblaze together.

“There are no borders for firemen,” said Miyoshi.“Japanese and American firemen are brothers.”

Crash Fire Rescue Marines agree.Although Japanese and Marine firefighters use

varying techniques and a variety of differentequipment, “They’re certified firefighters just likeus,” said Lance Cpl. Jesus Sosa, Headquarters andHeadquarters Squadron CFR training clerk.

“I love training,” said Lance Cpl. MorganHurndon, H&HS aircraft rescue firefighter. “Ifsomething bad happens, we’re ready for it.”

Firefighters worldwide face challenging situa-tions daily, and Station Marines are no different. Buta unique test faces Marines here in Japan – thelanguage barrier.

“That’s the biggest challenge,” said Sgt. BrianDunkley, H&HS CFR training noncommissioned

officer. During training exercises, the Iwakuni CityFire Department Chief translates. However, in thecase of a major joint operation, other translatorswould be supplied, stated the New York native.

Marine Corps CFR crews complete a three-monthtraining cycle at Goodfellow Air Force Base in SanAngelo, Texas, said Hurndon.

“The school is awesome,” she stated. “With thecertifications I received during training, I plan to geta job as a structural firefighter once I separate fromthe Marine Corps.”

Lance Cpl. Zachary Briscoe, H&HS aircraftrescue firefighter, is appreciative not only of hisschooling, but also the training CFR is involved in.

“I’m completely confident in my abilities, and theabilities of everyone else here,” said the Cullman,Ala., native.

As a final measure of safety, crash crew members drench the training cockpitin water for a second time.

A firefighter battles a blaze at the Station's fire trainingpit. Flames reaching more than 40 feet challenged Sta-tion and local Japanese firefighters.

A fireman spreads foam over a mixture of fuels surrounding the blackened mock cockpit that crash crew trains with. The fireman was involved in the jointtraining exercise here between Japanese fire departments and Marine Corps crash crews.

With the exercise complete,a set of firefighting gearrests on the soaked groundsurrounding the training pit.

Lance Cpl. Zachary A. Briscoe, fire crewman, secures a hatch on a Stationfirefighting vehicle after the training fire has been extinguished.

Mazda Lantis, 1995, 4door, tinted windows, A/C works great, 6 disc CDchanger, sunroof, auto-matic, JCI until Feb. 2005,$2,500. Call Max or Nancyat 253-2455.

Toyota Marino , 1997, 4door, sedan, 82k kilome-ters, dark red, CD/cassetteplayer, new tires, JCI untilJune 2005, $1,500. CallParlene at 253-2044.

Suzuki Escudo , 1991, JCIuntil Sept. 2004, $1,500 obo.Call Thomas at 253-2384.

Nissan Vanette , 1989,fully loaded, JCI until Dec.2004, $2,000 obo. CallThomas at 253-2384.

Toyota Land Crusier ,1991, 6 passenger, A/C,

Honda Ascot, 1991, CD/mini disk/cassette/TV, JCIuntil Jan. 2005, $1,000obo. Call Brenda at 253-4601 dwh or 253-7963 awh.

Toyota Windom, 1992, se-dan, CD player, V-6 en-gine, t inted window,power everything. JCIuntil March 2005, $1,700obo. Call 253-6313 dwh or253-2057 awh.

Toyota Surf, 1992, CDplayer, custom rims &tires, well maintained SUV,JCI until March 2006,$3,500. Call Sean or Jolynat 253-5549 dwh or 253-2291 awh.

Nissan Cedric, 1992, JCIuntil June 2006, $2,500

TORII TELLER CLASSIFIED ADSTo submit your ads or announcements: Torii Telleraccepts ads/announcements from nonprofit organizationsand groups only. Briefs run on space-available and time-

priority basis. Deadline for briefs is noon Thursday. ToriiTeller reserves the right to edit to fit space. Stop byBuilding 1, Room 216 to fill out a form.

obo. Call Sean or Jolyn at253-5549 dwh or 253-2291awh.

Honda Ascot , 1991, 4 door,sedan, JCI until July 2005,$950 obo. Call Rey or Coraat 253-6527 dwh or 253-2262 or e-mail espinor@nhyoko.med.navy.mil orcorajun86@yahoo.com.

Toyota Town Ace, 1990, 4door, van, must sell, JCIuntil Nov. 2004, $550 obo.Call Rey or Cora at 253-6527 dwh or 253-2262 ore-mail espinor@nhyoko.med.navy.mil or corajun86@yahoo.com.

Subaru Legacy, 1992, allwheel drive, CD/mini discplayer, $2,000. Call Capt.Jolliff at 253-4528 dwh or090-4108-5147.

4WD, new batteries/tires,6 CD changer, JCI for 24months, $3,600. CallMSgt. Darby at 253-4120dwh or 253-2180 awh.

Toyota MPV, 1994, 4 door,JCI unt i l Aug. 2004,$1,500. Call 38-0289.

Nissan Serena , 1993 7 pas-senger van, new brakesFeb. 2004, runs great, goodair conditioner, JCI untilFeb. 2006, $2,500 obo. CallJan or Jim 253-2996

Misc., green, three-wheelinfant jogger, used twiceon seawall, $50 obo. CallJon at 253-2511.

Misc., girls Schwinn hy-brid/mountain bike, $65

AUTOMOBILES

PAGE 8 FEATURETORII TELLER, MAY 21, 2004 CLASSIFIED PAGE 9TORII TELLER, MAY 21, 2004

FRIDAY

11 a.m./5 p.m. Shrek (PG)2 p.m./8 p.m. O Brother Where Art Thou (PG-13)

11 p.m./5 a.m. Gothika (R)2 a.m. Snatch (R)

SATURDAY11 a.m./5 p.m. Secondhand Lions (PG)

2 p.m./8 p.m. The Recruit (PG-13)11 p.m./5 a.m. Final Destination 2 (R)

2 a.m. Deuces Wild (R)

SUNDAY

11 a.m./5 p.m. The Princess Bride (PG)2 p.m./8 p.m. Out Of Time (PG-13)

11 p.m./5 a.m. Kill Bill: Volume 1 (R)2 a.m. Boiler Room (R)

MONDAY

11 a.m./5 p.m. Lady And The Tramp (G)2 p.m./8 p.m. How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days

(PG-13)11 p.m./5 a.m. Open Range (R)

2 a.m. Art Of War (R)

TUESDAY11 a.m./5 p.m. Where The Heart Is (PG-13)

2 p.m./8 p.m. A Guy Thing (PG-13)11 p.m./5 a.m. The Missing (R)

2 a.m. Two Can Play That Game (R)

WEDNESDAY11 a.m./5 p.m. Relative Values (PG-13)2 p.m./8 p.m. Intolerable Cruelty (PG-13)

11 p.m./5 a.m. Bad Boys 2 (R)2 a.m. Hollow Man (R)

THURSDAY11 a.m./5 p.m. Get Over It (PG-13)2 p.m./8 p.m. Beautiful Mind (PG-13)

11 p.m./5 a.m. Freddy Vs Jason (R)2 a.m. Murder By Numbers (R)

MOVIE SCHEDULESAKURA THEATER

NEVER DIE ALONEA film noir centering around a hard-boiled,

stylish kingpin drug dealer, called King David,who returns to his hometown seeking re-demption—but ends up only finding violentdeath. King David’s final moments are spentwith Paul, an aspiring journalist who knewhim for just a few minutes; yet King Davidwould forever more have an impact on Paul’slife. (82 minutes)

THE LADYKILLERSThe plot of an eccentric professor-

turned-criminal-mastermind to commit themassive heist of a New Orleans riverboatcasino appears to be thwarted by the actionsof Mrs. Munson, the seemingly-innocentlittle old landlady of the house that he andhis three accomplices are staying in, andwhich is integral to their scheme. They wantto dig a tunnel from it to where the casino’smoney is kept. (104 minutes)

DIRTY DANCINGKatey brings a curiosity to her new life

in Cuba’s capital, where her father has takenan executive posting at Chrysler. Schooledby her parents in the art of ballroom dancing,Katey is expected to join the smart set ofAmerican teenagers who are her neighbors.But Katey finds herself drawn instead to theproud, purposeful Javier—a waiter who alsohappens to be brilliant dancer. (86 minutes)

FRIDAY7 p.m. Never Die Alone (R)

10 p.m. The Ladykillers (R)

SATURDAY1 p.m. Agent Cody Banks 2 (PG)4 p.m. Dirty Dancing: Havana

Nights (R)7 p.m. Never Die Alone (R)

10 p.m. Taking Lives (R)

SUNDAY4 p.m. Hidalgo (PG-13)7 p.m. Dawn Of The Dead (R)

MONDAY7 p.m. The Alamo (PG-13)

TUESDAY7 p.m. Dirty Dancing: Havana

Nights (R)

WEDNESDAY7 p.m. Never Die Alone (R)

THURSDAY7 p.m. Secret Window (PG-13)

OUT THE GATEpostponed to the following Sundayin case of inclement weather. Call53-2066 for details.

Recycle Plaza FestivalThere will be a festival, including

flea market, recycled items auctionand toy hospital, held in the parkinglot of the Iwakuni City Recycle Plaza,Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Toyhospital’s reception starts 9:30 a.m.It will not be cancelled due to rain.Call 32-5371 for detail.

Patchwork DisplayThis display will be held at

Shunan Cultural Hall’s Exhibition

Note: Japanese who do notspeak English may answer thephone numbers provided.

Hachigamine Rose FestivalThis festival will take place at the

Hachigamine Sogo Park in Wakitown, Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Therewill be stage performances, includ-ing band concerts and jazz dances.All rides will be free. Five pairs ofcouples will conduct wedding. A fleamarket and booths are scheduled.The admission is free. It may be

Room #2, Wednesday to May 28, 10a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Approximately 150pieces of patchwork arts, such astapestries, bags, and coasters, aredisplayed. The admission is free. Formore information call 0834-32-6474.

2004 Summer Meeting In OshimaTournaments of paragliding and

hanggliding are scheduled Saturdayand Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. atTachibana Wind Park on the OshimaIsland. Nearly 80 people will com-pete. They may be cancelled due torain or heavy wind. The admissionfee is not required to watch. Call0820-77-5501 for more information.

obo; v in tage 4 pos te rpineapple bed, rockmaple, double 52, $175without mattress or $250with nice Serta mattress &box spring. Call Stacey at253-2374.

Misc., Coleman Jon boat,trolling motor, livewell anddolly, $500. Call John Wa-ters at 253-6772 dwh or253-2544 awh.

Misc., two Japanese styleheaters, $100 for both;dining table with butter-fly leaf & six chairs, $200;oak roll top computerdesk, $600. Call RuthSweeney at 41-2173.

Misc., Ashley furnitureset, couch/loveseat, $800obo; bench craft reclinere,$150 obo. Call Sean orJolyn at 253-5549 dwh or253-2291 awh.

Misc., three keroseneheaters with cans andguard gates, $250 for allor also sold individually;27” JVC color TV with

OTHER ITEMS

JOB OPENINGS

stand, mint condi t ion,$150. Call 38-0289.

Wanted., double or queensize bedroom set, mat-tress, box spr ing andframe in good condition.Call Sean or Jolyn at 253-5549 dwh or 253-2291 awh.

Matthew C. Perry HighSchoolPart time/Licensed Regis-tered Nurse is needed.Apply online at http://w w w . o d e d o d e a . e d u /pers/employment/appli-cation/. Call 253-5449 fordetails.

Torii Tunes/Torii VideoFull and part-time job open-ings. Stop by Video Storeor MCX for application.

Navy Federal CreditUnionTeller positions are open.Call 253-4794 or 253-4797for more information.

WANTED

Thousands of Japanese gathered at the KintaiBridge April 29 to celebrate the 26th Annual KintaiBridge Festival.

Among the locals, service members and familymembers from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuniattended the festival to not only experience theculture, but participate as well.

The Daimyo and Young Warriors ProcessionParade, the main attraction of the festival, featuredhundreds of Japanese locals clad in traditionalJapanese costumes and weaponry alongside 10Americans from the Station adorned in the samefashion.

Side by side during the parade, the Japanese andAmericans marched across the bridge and throughthe streets around the Kintai bridge.

“We dressed up like samurai guards,” said LanceCpl. John Inabinet, visiting aircraft line aircrafthandler. “It’s the equivalent to a private throughlance corporal in the Marine Corps.”

The sight of Americans dressed in feudalJapanese costumes was quite a hit, according toInabinet.

“The people were a blast,” he enthused. “Theywere waving at us, hooting and hollering andlaughing.”

“I often imagine myself on the red carpet atHollywood,” added Lance Cpl. Patrick J. Gerow, VALaircraft handler. “Once you leave Japan, you’reprobably never coming back, so do whatever youcan to experience Japanese culture.”

America goes way of SamuraiSTORY AND PHOTOS BY

LANCE CPL. DAVID REVERE

Combat Correspondent

“I was really lucky and fortunate tohave that opportunity to interact withthe local community,” Inabinet af-firmed. “It was a great experience toget out of the work environment andsee the surrounding culture. It was achance to see what they have to offerand show them we’re interested too.”

Yoko Seo, Station culture specialist,said that the expressed Americaninterest was appreciated by theJapanese.

“I think it’s great that the commu-nity asks for volunteers from the baseand invites them as a guest to sharetheir traditions,” said Seo. “It’s nicethat the Americans show they appreci-ate the Japanese enough to be in theparade. Not only did they wear thecostumes, but they communicated withpeople throughout the day.”

Inabinet agreed the day’s focuswas about fostering friendships with the hostcountry.

American Samurai guards parade down thestreet en route to the Kintai bridge.

Lance Cpl. John P. Inabinet, Headquarters & Headquar-ters squadron visiting aircraft line mechanic, dons theuniform of a samurai guard in preparation for the KintaiBridge Festival parade.

As the final piece of the Daimyo costume parade, the "Lord of Iwakuni Castle" walks acrossthe Kintai bridge with other participating Station residents, who acted as his maids, April 29.

“Basically it was all about walking and smilingand connecting with the people,” said Inabinet.

PAGE 10 COMMUNITY BRIEFS

Test ScheduleTuesdays/Fridays - CLEP,DSSTMonday - EDPTWednesday - DLPTThursday - AFCT

For more information, call253-3855.

CHRO Trainingn Effective CommunicationSkills: June 21-23, 8 a.m. to 4:30p.m.n Privacy Act: June 24, 1-2p.m.n Human Resources 101:July 6-9, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For

FITNESS WEEKs Saturday, 9-11 a.m. Free yoga workshop in the Aerobics Room.Sign-up by today.s Sunday, receive 20 percent off all personal training on this day.s Monday, 8-9 a.m. Receive free Mini Fitness Assessments in theWellness Room. First come, first served. 5:30-7 p.m. Enjoy a MasterBlast Fitness Class with multiple instructors, variety, fun and challenge.s Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Mini Health Fair, talk to a personaltrainer and receive free cholesterol, body fat, and blood pressure test-ing at Crossroads Mall, 5-6 p.m. Express Circuit Class in the NewCircuit Training Room. Limited space available.s Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Free lunch time Fitness Chal-lenge at the IronWorks Gym. Men and women’s divisions apply. Prizesfor top competitors. Also 20 percent off all personal training.s Thursday, 10-11 a.m. Express Circuit class in the New Circuit Room.

5-7 p.m. Free mini fitness assessments in the Wellness Room. Firstcome first served.s May 28, 11 a.m. Free Memorial Day 5K Fun Run on the seawallbehind the IronWorks Gym.

SPRING INVITATIONAL SKATEBOARD COMPETITIONSaturday, 1-5 p.m. Free and open to the Station residents and their

guests. Skaters compete in beginner and advance categories at the SkatePark. In the event of rain, the competition will take place Sunday. Call253-3727 for details.

SUMMER BASKETBALLCoaches meet June 1, 10 a.m. in the IronWorks Gym Wellness Room.

The season begins June 7. Sigh-up at the IronWorks Gym. For moreinformation, call 253-5777.

IWAKUNI SPORTS SCENE

TORII TELLER, MAY 21, 2004 SPORTS PAGE 11TORII TELLER, MAY 21, 2004

COMMUNITY BRIEFSdah. Tickets cost $20 in advanceor $25 at the door. All ranks.

Single Marine Program (253-3891)n Yakiniku Dinner, Sunday,6 p.m. $10 transportation. Bringlots of yen for dinner.n Fukuoka Sea Hawks Town ,May 29, 7 a.m. $20 transporta-tion. Bring at least ¥10,000 forlunch, shopping and souvenirs.n Universal Studios Trip,May 30, 5 a.m. $20 transporta-tion fee. Bring at least ¥10,000for souvenirs and lunch.

Youth Center (253-4769)n Monthly Birthday Party:Tuesday, 4-5 p.m. Help us cel-ebrate members born this monthwith cake and games. Birthdayboys and girls receive a cou-pon redeemable at Iwakuni’sRoute 2 McDonald’s.

Teen Center (253-6454)n Monthly Birthday Party:Saturday, 3-5 p.m. Help us cel-ebrate members born this monthwith cake and games.n Passport To Manhood Meet-ing: Sunday, 3-5 p.m.

University of MarylandRegistration for Term 5 is untilMay 28. Term dates are May 31through July 24. First-time stu-dents enrolling in college mathor English are required to take a

more information and nomina-tion, call 253-6828 or send e-mailto shiomuram.jp.@iwakuni.usmc.mil. Classes will be heldat Building one, Room 102.

Career Resource Manage-ment Center (253-6439)n Transition Assistance Pro-gram: Monday through Thurs-day, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.n Job Interview Skills: June3, 1-3 p.m.

Club Iwakuni (253-3727)n A Touch Of Class: Enjoyjazz under the stars with theband Just As Nice, May 30, 8p.m. on the Club Iwakuni Veran-

EDUCATION

placement exam prior to regis-tration. Course offerings in-clude System Analysis & De-sign, Technical Writing andBusiness Finance. For a com-plete list of courses, pick up aschedule in Building 411 or call253-3494 for more information.

Mini Health FairTuesday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. atCrossroads Mall. Talk to a per-sonal trainer and receive freebody fat, blood pressure andcholesterol testing, and infor-mation. Call 253-6359 for details.

PCS With Success WorkshopThursday, 1-4 p.m. For more in-formation, call 253-3311.

Craft Fair & Flea MarketSaturday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at theMAC Dome. Open to the Sta-tion and local residents. U.S.and Japanese currency is ac-cepted.

On-Base Taxi ServiceThe taxi operates on the StationFriday & Saturday, 7 p.m. to 3:30a.m. Rides cost $1 per person(minimum $3.) Call 253-5954 or(98)090-8248-0856 for dispatch.

Iwakuni City InternationalYouth ProgramJapanese students, 13-17 yearsold, are looking for severalAmerican families, living onbase, to help them experiencethe American lifestyle in the af-ternoon on June 19. Contact the

Wednesday Night Live ForThe Station Residents

Station residents packedinto the Club Iwakuni Ballroomto witness first hand the Com-edy showcase with ColinQuinn. Quinn who can be rec-ognized mostly for his hilariousperformances on SaturdayNight Live came with RobertKelly and Nick Dipaolo. Thethree comedians had the Clubin tears with laughter as theydazzled the crowd with theirunique humor. Quinn, picturedleft, entertained the crowd withhis sarcastic humor.

Public Affairs Office at 253-5344/5551 for more information.

Air Strike QuiltersThere will be a meeting Satur-day, 11 a.m. in Building 655. CallPat at 253-5647 for details.

Crime StoppersIf you have any informationpertaining to a crime please call“Crime Stoppers” at 253-3333.Crime Stoppers is an answeringservice designed for anony-mous callers to give informationthat would assist the ProvostMarshal’s Office in solving andpreventing crime.

Thrift StoreThe Thrift Store is open Mon-days from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.,Wednesdays from 5-8 p.m. andthe last Saturday of each monthfrom 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Build-ing 1117, located next to theChapel. Volunteers and dona-tions are always welcome. Call253-4721 for more information.

Iwakuni ToastmastersToastmasters (TM) Interna-tional provides an excellent op-portunity to learn and practiceproper public speaking and in-valuable leadership skills. TheTM experience also looks verygood on your resume. Theclass meets every 2nd Thurs-day evening and 4th Friday atlunch. Japanese with interme-diate or better English skills arewelcome. Call Sallie Donahueat 253-5328 for more informa-tion.

MCCS

COMMUNITY

CHRO

Roman CatholicSaturday 4:30 p.m. Confession

5:30 p.m. MassSunday 9:30 a.m. Mass

10:45 a.m. CCD

ProtestantSunday 8 a.m. Non-Denominational Christian

Worship Service9:30 a.m. Sunday School/

Adult Bible Fellowships11 a.m. Gospel Worship Service7 p.m. Liturgical Divine Worship

(1st Sunday of the Month)

Cooperative Chapel Ministries3rd Saturday 8 a.m. Men’s Fellowship Breakfast

CHAPEL SERVICES

Church of ChristSunday 9:30 a.m. Bible Study

10:30 a.m. Worship ServiceWednesday 7 p.m. Bible Study

Jesus Christ ApostolicSunday 12:30 p.m. Worship ServiceThursday 6:30 p.m. Bible Study

Seventh-Day Adventist2nd & 4th Saturdays

9:30 a.m. Sabbath School/Worship

JewishFriday 6 p.m. Shabbat

Latter Day SaintsSunday 1 p.m. Priesthood/RS Meeting

2 p.m. Sunday School3 p.m. Sacrament

For information regarding divine services, religiouseducation or any other Command Religious Program/Chapel activity, call the Station Chapel at 253-5218.

LAY LED SERVICES

After 28 weeks of Winter Bowling League action,3 Ballers, led by Eric Krievs, emerged from roll-offcompetition defeating the vaunted Pin Basherstwice in the double elimination tournament.

The irony in the surprising win by the 3 Ballerswas the fact the team was not supposed to be inpostseason action in the first place.

“The top eight teams make the playoffs, andwhen the eighth place team didn’t show up weopened their spot to the next seed who was inattendance at the roll-offs,” said Joseph Boland,league secretary. “We finally got down to the 10thplace team and Eric Krievs, who happened to comeby the bowling alley for a cheeseburger, said hewould like to be in the playoffs.”

Krievs, bowling by himself, proceeded to blowthe competition away solely on his scores and theaverages of two absent bowlers. After a few shortweeks, 3 Ballers, with a full team, found themselvescompeting for the championship.

“We were a little nervous at first, but I just toldthe guys to give everything you got,” said Krievs,who entered the playoffs with a 164 average duringthe season.

Due to one loss in the playoffs, 3 Ballers hadlittle room for error as they prepared for the first ofthe three-game set against the Pin Bashers who hadno losses, and were led by anchor bowler TravisWalker.

“We’re not worried,” uttered Walker just beforethe start of the game.“They have to beat ustwice.” Like many last wordsuttered in sports, thosewords would come backto haunt Pin Bashers. Inthe 10th frame of the finalgame, with 3 Ballers downby 41 pins, the champion-ship rested in the handsof two final bowlers. AfterPin Basher Daniel Salinasfailed to close out all threeframes, Krievs had hischance for a miraculous

3 Ballers defy odds, take championshipCPL. DAVE BONI

Combat Correspondent

comeback. Already bowling a strike in the ninthframe, Krievs needed three more strikes to win.

“I know what I have to do. I live for this stuff,”Krieves declared before bowling three perfect pocketshots, all resulting in strikes, and the 3 Ballerswinning by one pin.

The dramatic victory seemed to turn all themomentum toward the 3 Ballers as the secondmeeting was not nearly as close with the 3 Ballersdefeating the Pin Bashers by a total of 102 pins.Although 3 Ballers were the new champs, they notedthe enjoyment they had throughout the wholeleague.

“The whole league was a blast,” said Krievs. “Itwas great to win, but the sportsmanship was reallysomething. Even during the championship, Walkerwas giving my guys tips. Everyone was just out herehaving fun.”

Lance Cpl. Giovanni Lobello

Daniel Wagner, Headquarters and Headquar-ters Squadron Follow Me bowler, throws acouple warm-up balls before one of the semi-final games at the Southside Bowling Center.

Cpl. Dave Boni

From left to right, Mike Roybal, Eric Krievs and Russell Blattner, the Pin Bashers, show theirchampionship trophy, after becoming the 2003-2004 Winter Bowling League champions.

Cpl. Dave Boni

A bowler checks hisgrip before throwingtheir ball during theroll-offs.

Lance Cpl. Giovanni Lobello

PAGE 12 SPORTSTORII TELLER, MAY 21, 2004

Joe Rutherford went 4-4, givingnew definition to the “hot corner,”(third base.) As Crash Crewoverpowered Marine CorpsCommunity Services First Pitch 17-8 in intramural softball action May12.

Under the lights at the Mainsoftball field, Crew started at ablistering pace as Rutherford Crewcenter fielder connected for a tripleto clear the bases and bring in tworuns. After the dust cleared, Crewhad a five-run lead to open thegame.

The second inning Crewcontinued their onslaught with fourmore runs.

Marine Corps CommunityServices First Pitch stormed rightback in the bottom half of theinning scoring seven runs, whilebatting around in the order.

“We got a little worried (aboutthe rally) but the biggest thing wasto not worry too much,” saidMichael Jones, Crew right fielder.

In the third inning the CrashCrew kept their cool and momentumgoing by answering MCCS’ rally withan impressive five-run show of theirown.

After Crash Crew left fielder DanielF. Wagner’s double drove in a run, thescore was First Pitch 7 and Crew 16through four and a half innings.

“Even though we were down, weweren’t about to quit,” said JuanitaHunter, catcher, MCCS.

The game would end in a lopsidedvictory for Crew 17-8.

“We usually do not have a lot ofruns. The eight we got today issomething to be excited about,” saidHunter. “As the season progresses,

Crew crashes on First PitchSTORY AND PHOTOS BY

LANCE CPL. GIOVANNI LOBELLO

Combat Correspondent

we are all doing muchbetter.”

Despite the victory,the Crew expected a littlemore out of theirperformance coming intothe game.

“Our strategycoming into the gamewas to pour it on MCCSby hitting the ball hard,”said Jones. “We didn’thit the ball hard like weusually do, but we stillhad a good gamecoming out with a win.”

Daren Monroe, who played with First Pitch be-cause of a shortage of players, misjudges a ballhit deep into center field as it slid off his gloveand body for a Crash Crew base hit.

Michael Jones, Crash Crew right fielder, swings with all his might contributing to histeams blowout win over First Pitch in softball action May 12 at the Main softball field.

Kenneth Snook, First Pitchleft fielder, lasers the ball tothird base for the out.

Mary Braun, Marine Corps Community Services First Pitch pitcher, swings with all her strength in an attemptto get on base and motivate her team during an Intramural Softball game May 12 at the Main softball field.