AUGUST 2, 2013 • VOL. 70 • NO. 26• NAVY.MIL/LOCAL/GUANTANAMO • FACEBOOK.COM/NSGuantanamoBay
NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA • PSC 1005 BOX 25 • FPO, AE 09593 • 011-5399-4090
Sailors Volunteer To Support Base Operations
Sailors from Naval Station Guantanamo Bay receive their graduation certificates from the Auxiliary Security Force Academy on July 26. The purpose of the ASF is to help support Naval Security Force’s in times of heightened security. MCSN Jason Bawgus Photo Journalist
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ailors assigned to Naval Station (NS) Guantanamo Bay, Cuba graduate from Auxiliary Security Force (ASF) Academy July 26. ASF’s purpose is to support Naval Station Security Force’s in the event of heightoned security needs. “The purpose of ASF is to augment Naval Security Force units when we are in need of additional personnel for manning,” said Chief Select Master-At-Arms Joshua Bright. “This typically happens when our Force Protection is raised to a higher level such as Delta and we inherit additional watch stations.” The course is three weeks long and goes over some of the basics that are covered at the Master at Arms “A” school. “The course covers Unarmed Self Defense, Use of Force/ Deadly Force, OC Spray certification, Baton Training, and weapons qualifications for the M9, M500, and M16/M4,” said Bright. “Additionally there is training for Basic Security Reaction Force, which includes initial Close Quarter Combat training.” Not all skills learned at the ASF Academy are taught directly, but must be learned through practice and having a willingness to take every mock situation as serious as possible. “The three weeks of training were all incredibly interesting, I really enjoyed learning how to control a non-compliant subject and the week spent at the range,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Margaret Lampe. “My favorite part of the training, however, would have to be learning Tactical Team Movement with the
other members of my class. We learned many important aspects, but learning how to communicate and take cues from our teammates was most important. These Sailors volunteer from different rates and offices around the base just so they can do their part in protecting Guantanamo Bay. “When I arrived here, I asked my chain of command what sort of security and anti-terrorism qualifications I could receive while on island,” said Lampe. “I volunteered for the ASF Academy after the previous ASF member in my division transferred.” For some of the Sailors this was not their first experience with training in security. “It is an exciting prospect being apart the ASF,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Daniel Hernandez. “Coming from Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) I was trained for Maritime Security Operations but have learned even more from the instructors here.” The instructors expressed how they were very pleased with this graduating class and the enthusiasm with which they completed the class. “This class did very well throughout the entire academy and was very quick to learn and apply all the information they were given,” said Bright. “These ASF graduates will be standing posts with our NSF personnel twice a month and are completely capable of standing those watches in the most vigilant of ways.”
PAGE 2• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE
f o e n i r a M k e e W e h t
NS Guantanamo Bay’s Commanding Officer, Capt. J.R. Nettleton congratulates Sgt. Michael Kelly on his selection as Marine of the Week.
SGT MICHAEL KELLY
■Job/Department: Weapons Department/Range Liason ■Age: 34 ■Hometown: Philadelphia, PA ■Favorite Musician: Led Zepplin ■Favorite Movie: Dumb and Dumber ■Favorite Book: Killer Angels Favorite Sports Team: Yankees ■Favorite GTMO Restaurant: Jerk House ■Goal: 20 or more years of military service ■TV Show: Seinfield ■Hero: General James “Mad Dog” Mattis ■Marine of the Week Because: Sgt. Kelley has been TAD from MCSFCO to NAVSTA Weapons Department where his energetic self starting attitude has been an immediate asset to the division. He meticulously managed over $115,000 worth of range issue and target material impacting daily range events for all branches of service. Sgt Kelley is also a dedicated and active member of NAVSTA’s Junior Enlisted Association. VOL. 70 • NO.26
COMMANDING OFFICER EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMMAND MASTER CHIEF
Guantanamo Bay Gazette
CAPT. JOHN NETTLETON CMDR. COLIN CASWELL CMDCM (SW/EXW/AW) ROSS CRAMER
PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER GAZETTE EDITOR PHOTOJOURNALIST
NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA
KELLY WIRFEL MCC(SW/AW) KEITH BRYSKA MCSN JASON BAWGUS
The Guantanamo Bay Gazette is an authorized publication for members of the military services and their families stationed at U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. Navy, and do not imply endorsement thereof. The editorial content is prepared, edited and provided by the Public Affairs Office of U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay. The Guantanamo Bay Gazette is printed by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Document Services with a circulation of 1,000.
MILES Auto Loan Refunds for Servicemembers
AUGUST 2, 2013• PAGE 3
By: LT Maren Sheppard, JAGC, USNLegal Assistance AttorneyGulfport Legal Assistance Office, RLSO SE
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ave you obtained an auto loan through the Military Installment Loans and Education Services (MILES) auto loan program since 2010? If so, you could be one of approximately 50,000 servicemembers who will receive refunds from U.S. Bank and Dealer Financial Services (DFS) for extra costs related to their use of deceptive marketing and lending practices under MILES. Why Am I Getting a Refund? On June 27, 2013 the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) ordered U.S. Bank and DFS to refund $6.5 million dollars to servicemembers who obtained subprime auto loans through MILES. The MILES program was conditioned on payments being made by allotment; however borrowers were not informed of the extra costs associated with the allotment and the method for processing payments. Specifically, the CFPB found that the finance charges (such as the allotment fee), annual percentage rate, payment schedule, and total payments for the loans were not disclosed to borrowers. In addition to refunding the extra costs charged due to these omissions, the CFPB also ordered U.S. Bank and DFS to stop deceptive practices, provide refunds or credits without any further action by consumers, stop requiring the use of allotments for future loans, improve disclosures, and require reporting on their redress plans. How Much Is My Refund and How Will I Receive it? If you have an outstanding MILES auto loan and you obtained it after January 1, 2010, you are likely entitled to a refund. According to the American Forces Press Service approximately 50,000 servicemembers will get refunds averaging $100 and some will receive refunds that are much higher. The refunds will be provided to the servicemember by U.S. Bank or DFS in the form of an account credit or by a check in the mail. This should require no further action on your part BUT you should call MILES to ensure they have your current address on file, especially if you have moved since you received your loan. To do so you can call the MILES Allotment/ Service Contract/GAP Assistance hotline at 800-2932040. They will ask for your social security number to access your account and it will also probably be helpful to have your account information on hand when you contact them. Should I Set Up an Allotment in the Future? Allotments have traditionally been helpful to military members because they ensure payments are automatically made even if you deploy or move. A creditor may actually require a military member to pay by allotment.
Before you set up an allotment, the CFPB cautions against several factors. First, be aware that there may be extra costs associated with third parties processing your payment. Second, you will have less flexibility in the event of a financial emergency. Because the payments come directly from DFAS it will be more difficult to adjust your budget than if the payments were being pulled from your bank account. Third, you will not be able to contest an allotment payment as an unauthorized charge as you would be able to if sent from a bank account. Finally, lenders may set up a separate bank account in your name to receive the allotment payment from DFAS – this may result in a variety of additional fees. If the creditor will allow it, a good alternative to an allotment may be setting up an Automated Clearing House (ACH) payment which draws money from your bank account rather than directly from your pay. This method is usually free, easy to set up, and will give you more control over the transfer of your money. A Word of Caution for ACH Accounts. While an ACH account has various advantages when compared to an allotment, there are a few potential drawbacks to using ACH accounts. First, an ACH is actually a debit that gives creditors access to and information about your bank account. Second, a creditor or business may incorrectly bill you. Third, you might overdraw your account if there is not enough funding to cover the amount billed (whether the business bills you correctly or you are overcharged). Therefore, if you choose this option it is important to be vigilant of charges to your bank account so you can correct any potential errors that occur. As with any transaction, it is important to review and research the transaction, including the manner of payment and any possible issues with the manner of payment. Finally, no matter how you pay for a transaction, always scrutinize your billing statement and ask about items on that billing statement that you question or do not understand. Do not be afraid to challenge items on your billing statement. You may win and get the payment reduced. Where to Go for Additional Information. Additional information on MILES auto loan refunds can be found on the CFPB website www.consumerfinance.gov. If you would like to set up an appointment with a legal assistance attorney for further guidance, Region Legal Service Office Southeast is here to help you. Please visit us at http://www.jag.navy.mil/legal_services/rlso/rlso_ southeast.htm to find the location of the legal assistance office closest to you.
“Keep What You’ve Earned” Campaign MCC Keith Bryska Gazette Editor
Sailors stationed on Naval Station (NS) Guantanamo Bay get behind the Navy’s “Keep What You’ve Earned” campaign. According to the Navy’s Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention (NADAP) website the “Keep What You’ve Earned” campaign seeks to encourage responsible drinking among Sailors by celebrating the achievements in their Navy careers. Through recognition of their hard work and dedication, Sailors are reminded of their accomplishments—and how much they have to lose if they make poor choices regarding alcohol. The campaign actively engages Sailors as advocates for responsible drinking. Chief Select Master-At-Arms Jessica Brown say’s the program is to inform Sailors on what it means to drink responsibly, educate them about the consequences of poor decisions, encourage alternatives to drinking, and enable leadership to assist with educating their Sailors. According to NS Guantanamo Bay’s Command Drug and Alcohol Program Advisor (DAPA) Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Equipment Jayson Kumar, if a service member is looking for help they can visit their Command DAPA, Chaplain, Hospital and Chain of Command and get that help. “It is very important for them to know about the three types of referral options,” said Kumar. “The three referrals are Self, Command and Incident.” Self-referral is when a service member knows or thinks he or she has a problem and wants to get help for it. Help will be provided for the service member with no reprisal.
Command-referral is when the service member’s chain a command notice that the member may have an alcohol or substance abuse problem and recommend him/her for treatment before an incident occurs. Incident-referral is when an Alcohol related incident occurs and the Commanding Officer recommends the service member for treatment. “It is important for service members to know that the first two referrals will not affect the service member’s military record, however if treatment is recommended and the member fails then it will be annotated in their record,” said Kumar. “The third referral is automatic and will be added to their military record”. According to Cmdr. Colin Caswell, Executive Officer Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba the Navy has came a long way on how we view alcohol. “Years ago, when I was a young Boatswain’s Mate, we mistakenly thought alcohol abuse was a tradition. Today we realize that the irresponsible use of alcohol has a negative influence on personal growth, family, and mission readiness,” said Caswell. “We’ve come a long way since every ship’s and division party featured alcohol, and now we try to highlight more positive ways to enjoy time off.” “Alcohol is the lubricant for many bad decisions. There is nothing wrong with the responsible use of alcohol, but excessive alcohol use impairs judgment and leads to bad decisions,” said Caswell. “I don’t have all the statistics Navy wide, but 80% of the sexual assault report that crossed my desk involved the irresponsible use of alcohol.”
PAGE 6• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE
FLEET BELDO TALKS POST-9/11 GI BILL TRANSFER Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jonathan Sunderman Defense Media Activity
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he world’s economy has fallen on uncertain times. Families are struggling to save money for emergencies, let alone retirement or college plans. It is for this reason that many joined the Navy, either anxious to pay off accrued college loans or looking to get an education without the huge price tag. However, for those who do not plan on using their college money for themselves, and whose only option in the past was to just let the money sit idly by, the option to transfer those educational benefits to a family member has become popular. In fact, since the Post-9/11 Bill became law, more than 75,000 requests have been processed. However, a small number of requests have been denied due to missed windows for transfer and errors in applications. Fleet Master Chief April Beldo discussed important tips on this program to ensure this small number of denied requests is eliminated. First, a Sailor must complete a minimum of six years of active service in order to be eligible for the transfer. “After you’ve served actively for six years you are now eligible to transfer your Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits to your family members. Service members automatically receive 100 percent of their education benefits after three years of service. However, family members will only be eligible after the service member has completed six years of service. After the transfer Sailors are required to serve an additional four years of
service,” said Beldo. If during that additional four year period a Sailor is sent home for any reason, the benefit will no longer transfer. “Sailors must apply and follow the correct process to transfer their Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits to their spouse, children or dependents,” said Beldo. “For example, a petty officer first class has eighteen years in and decides they want to transfer their Post 09/11 GI Bill, they would not meet the right criteria because they would not be able to serve an additional four years of active duty service if they were already at the eighteen year mark,” she continued. Beldo urges Sailors to take the time to understand the guidance provided for transfer of the Post-9/11GI Bill benefits and carefully follow the process to ensure their family receives the benefits that service members expect. Career Counselors can help service members through the process and help answer questions. Sailors can also find information on the Navy Personnel Command website at www.npc.navy.mil. Click on Career Info, then Education, and select GI Bill in the left panel. For additional information, Sailors are encouraged to call NPC’s customer service desk at 1-800-UASK NPC. Sailors can also apply for the transfer of benefits and check the status of transfer applications at the milConnect website.
Troop 435 Senior Patrol Leader Ben Frasco presents a paddle to Mike Thurlow of IAP for their support of scouting pioneer program. Troop 435 is sponsored by the Chief Petty Officer Association and actively participate in various activities and community relation projects in support of the GTMO community.
GTMO SHOPPER
E-mail classified ad submissions to
PAO-CLASSIFIEDADS@ USNBGTMO.NAVY.MIL If sent to any other e-mail, it may not be published. Submit your ad NLT noon Wednesdays for that week’s Gazette. Ads are removed after two weeks. Re-submit the ad to re-publish. The Gazette staff and NS Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, page. The Public Affairs Office has final editorial discretion on all content. Call MCC Keith Bryska at 4520 with your questions or concerns. Please keep ads to a minimum of 5 items.
VEHICLES 2003 Kawasaki ninja ex500 low miles maintenance done regularley asking $2000 call 77795-Steve 1996 Chevrolet S-10 Pickup Teal and Silver Approximately 182,000 miles 5-Speed Transmission 2 new tires A/C CD/USB/AUX Radio and Speakers Asking $2,200Call Jason 3192 1800-2100- 78647 2002 Chevy Impala, ex. condition, 44,000 miles A/C $4500 OBO 1998 Plymouth Voyager, excellent condition, recently tuned up $3250 contact Nada 78236 or 8235 after 3pm or on weekends. 2005 Nissan Murano AWD V-6 72,000 miles, Leather Interior, Moon Roof, Power Window and Locks $13,500
HOUSEHOLD GOODS Entertainment Centre $60, Small coffee Table $20, Clothes Dryer $150, Large Wall Mirror $15 -- Call Esaleta at 77148 Blender $15, 10 cup Hamilton Beach Food Processor $20, Cool Daddy Fryer $15, Power Juicer $40, Red Sofa with 2 pillows $100, Living room table $40, 200 count DVD shelf $20, Computer Table $25, All in one HP wireless printer $25 -- Call Tony at 77106 after 1500 $5 EACH: backpack, white bathroom scale, large picture frame W/ out glass, tan bathroom rug, set of 5 nylon hibiscus totes, star pattern tote, bath & body works colorful handbag, blue plaid Aeropostale tote, vintage Coach handbag, beach bag, hibiscus backpack, set of curtain rods. $10 EACH: gray bathroom rug, tan Justin boots sz 8 B, Reebok hiking boots sz 8 1/2, Bunn coffee maker (needs pot) $15 EACH: Zip It swing bag/tote, area rug approx. 55 in. X 30 in. $70: Very gently used black Coach leather handbag, no scuffs or stains $100 firm: Custom made, never used, ships wheel shadow box If interested, please contact Lori @ 77749
OUTDOOR REC Boat for sale, 19’ CENCON Stapleton, 130 Honda Motor, Radio, fish finder/GPS and mp3 player included. Asking $8K call Lara Tur at 75578.
Front Bumper for 4X4 Jeep Wrangler model 2010 for $150 Briggs & Stratton 500 Lawn Mower, Paulan Weed Eater and Black & Decker Cordless Broom for $150 call Ed at 90025 email at edballesteros@brgtmo.com
motorcycle run? Twenty riders are needed to organize the event. If you are interested email Erano Vasquez at erano.vasquez@gtmo. navy.mil.
$275 firm: Seac Caccia 135 pneumatic speargun with high/low regulator. Only in the water 1 time and only shot 3 times. This is currently the largest speargun manufactured If interested, please contact Lori @ 77749
Just a safety reminder that we are in the middle of summer so residents need to be adhering to the heat index flag conditions. The flags will be flying at Cooper Field and at the corner of Sherman and Recreation Road, across from the beach closure sign, so before partaking in any exercise please look to see what color flag is flying. Black flags indicate that all strenuous activity should be halted by all personnel. Red Flags indicate limited activity for those acclimatized and no activity for those not acclimatized by at least 30 days. Yellow flags indicate that strenuous activity should be shortened for non acclimatized personnel and unrestricted for those acclimatized. Green flags indicate that heavy exercise should be conducted with caution and the buddy system is recommended.
Charbroil Grill, Bycycle car capacitor, 2200 watt Car Amp two 900 watt 12 DC speakers prices negotiable call JR at 90139
ELECTRONICS 32 GB Ipod 4th Gen. with accessories $150 call robert at 77075 or 4165 Panasonic 42” Plasma HDTV and home theater system. DVD/Blu-Ray player with iPod dock and Netflix/ Youtube streaming, 6 speakers, manuals, 2 remotes. New list prices are TV $499, theater system $399. Selling set for $500 OBO. Contact Greg, 84656/dixongregory@gmail. com.” 4FT Direct TV Satellite that receives HD signal from 99,101,103 at the same time, includes SWM and power inserter. Works in GTMO and yes you will receive all the HD channel the Direct TV offers. Asking for $500. Available July, 11th 3D Samsung Blu-Ray Player with built-in wireless. $80 All in one HP printer available July, 11th for $25 Call Tony at 77106 after 1530 or by email Satcat661@gmail.com
SUMMER SAFETY
SPLASH PAD
The Splash Pad is now opened at the youth center for all base residents to use. The hours are Tuesday – Friday 2:00-6:00, Saturday 12:00-6:00 and 10:00-4:00 on holidays. Please come out and bring the family so they can cool down on those hot Guantanamo Bay summer days.
SCSI modem including accessories $50, Cisco linksys E2500 router in original box $50, both for $90 Call john at 84645 between 7 a.m and 6 p.m. Bose Companion 3 series II speakers $175 - HP Pavilion Laptop 6 GB Ram, 500 GB harddrive, 17” Screen $450 call Abdul Rassard 78680
The
scoop SAFE RIDE
Out drinking? Put the keys down and call Safe Ride at 84913 or 84781. Don’t drink and drive.
WATER RESTRICTIONS
The Naval Station is currently experiencing water production limitations and is under a tight water restriction. We are asking all residents to adhere to the following rules; no lawn watering, no vehicle washing at homes, limit plant watering, no washing of sidewalks with potable water and residents are asked to report possible leaks to the Public Works Department at 4535.
GTMO BIKE RUN
Interested in participating in a
Local 24/7 Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program Contact #:
84578
Your Installation Sexual Assault Response Coordinator’s Contact #:
84577
AUGUST 2, 2013• PAGE 7
MOVIES DOWNTOWN LYCEUM
FRIDAY Aug. 2 8 p.m.: Smurfs 2 (NEW) PG
105 min.
10:30p.m.: The Heat R
117 min.
SATURDAY 8 p.m.: The Wolverine
Aug. 3
PG13
129 min.
10:30 p.m.: The Lone Ranger PG-13
135 min.
SUNDAY Aug. 4 8 p.m.: White House Down PG-13
137 min.
MONDAY Aug. 5 8 p.m.: Pacific Rim PG13
131 min.
TUESDAY Aug. 6 8 p.m.: This is the end(LS) R
107 min.
WEDNESDAY Aug. 7 8 p.m.: Man of Steel (LS) PG-13
143 min.
THURSDAY Aug. 8 8 p.m.: Monsters Universiry G
102 min.
CALL THE MOVIE HOTLINE @ 4880
Congratulations FY 2014 Chief Selects MAC(SEL) Jessica Brown, BMC(SEL) Bob Didier, NDC(SEL) Christopher Kerr, UTC(SEL) Jacob Waggoner, AMC(SEL) Christopher Rice, MAC(SEL) Joshua Bright
Chaplain’s
Corner
Cmdr. Gabriel Mensah NS Guantanamo Bay Command Chaplain
“Be Unique” Grow ing up as child ren, ma ny of us ha d p are n ts w h o i ns t i lle d i n u s a sense of confid enc e – the t h i n k i n g t hat no m atter how blea k things we re , the y co u l d o nly ge t be t t er. I w ill never for get grow i n g u p a s a l i tt le boy, whe never I lost a soccer ga me, m y Dad w ou l d com e up t o me a nd pa t me on the bac k an d s a y : “ Don’t worr y, son, we w ill get them nex t ti m e .” Wi th out t h e s uppor t a nd encour a gement m o s t o f u s g ot as childre n from our pa rents, gr a n d p are n ts a n d f a m ily, our li t t le w or ld s would ha ve spu n o u t o f co n t ro l . Bu t now t h at we a re a d ults, wha t d o we d o w he n circ u ms t ance s m ak e it look like the wa lls a re c avi n g
i n ? W hat d o we d o w he n c hao s an d tu rmo i l s e e m t o b e the n o r m ? Pe r hap s s o m e o f u s have g o n e t h ro u g h a tr age d y that has tu r n e d o u r l i ve s an d t h o s e o f o u r f am i l i e s u p s i d e d ow n . T hi n ki n g ab o u t a l l t h e c h a o s an d tu r m o i l m i g ht m ake o n e w o n d e r w h e t h e r t h e re i s l i ght at the e n d o f the tu n n e l . Le t m e m ake a s u g ge s ti o n . Rathe r t h a n t r y i n g t o c o m e u p w i th an s we r s as to w hy tr a g e di e s e x i s t i n o u r l i ve s , p e r hap s we c an m o d i f y how we re s p o n d w he n tr age d y s tr i ke s . In s te ad o f t h row i n g o u r han d s u p i n the ai r an d g i vi n g u p, we c a n re l y o n Am e r i c an i n ge n u i ty an d re s i l i e n c y. Re me mb e r w h a t hap p e n e d r i ght af te r 9 / 1 1 twe l ve ye ar s a g o ? W h e n a l l s e e m e d b l e ak, we p u l l e d to ge the r as a n a t i o n , a n d we s u c c e e d e d . T hi s i s w hat Am e r i c an s d o b e s t !
Cm d r. Gab r i e l Me n s ah
AUGUST 2, 2013• PAGE 7