InsI

deIII Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Corps Bases Japan

October 12, 2007 www.okinawa.usmc.mil

the law of averagesBLT 2/1’s Average Joes rally for a 10-6 victory over the Hard Dawgs from 7th Comm. in the Northern

Commanders’ Cup title game.pg. 17

endurance testMore than 250 long-distance

runners battle strong winds and humidity in the Camp Kinser

Half Marathon. pg. 14

red rIbbon campaIgnOfficials from all U.S. services on

Okinawa kick off Red Ribbon Week by signing a drug abuse prevention

proclamation on Camp Foster.pg. 8

Lance Cpl. David Rogersokinawa marine staff

CAMP HANSEN — As a small convoy of buses pulled around the corner, the crowd cheered and whis-tled as if a group of rock stars was arriving. The 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company was home.

More than 180 Marines and sail-ors with 5th ANGLICO, III Marine Expeditionary Force, returned to Camp Hansen from a seven-month Iraq deployment Oct. 2.

During the deployment, the unit supported the 1st Army Brigade Combat Team and Iraqi Security Force soldiers, provid-ing support and control of air and artillery firing operations for missions throughout the Anbar Province, according to Lt. Col. Joseph Shrader, the company’s commanding officer.

The company and its adjacent units returned control of Ar Ra-madi, the province’s capital city,

see return pg 6

Lance Cpl. David Rogersokinawa marine staff

CAMP FOSTER — Taxi compa-nies that provide on-base service at Camps Foster and Courtney increased their fares by 12.4 percent Oct. 1.

The decision to increase the fares was made by the Okinawa Prefecture General Bureau of Transportation, according to Jerry Broccoli, area manager for the Army Air Force Exchange Services’ Okinawa branch. As a result of the fare increase, most taxi companies on Okinawa raised their baseline charge from ¥450 to ¥500.

The increase was based on an appeal by taxi corporations, according to Broccoli.

“The original request for a fare increase was from 16.8 to 25.4 percent, but that increase was considered too high. The current increase was negotiated down to 12.4 percent,” Broccoli said.

All taxi companies on Marine Corps bases in Okinawa are under contract with AAFES, which specifies that fares will be governed by the Okinawa Prefecture General Bureau of Transportation, according to Broccoli.

“The General Bureau con-ducted a survey on the need for a fare hike in January,” Broccoli said. “The transportation office itself noted in its authorization order that the drivers’ salaries are currently very low, and a raise was needed.”

see taXI pg 6

5th ANGLICO returns from Iraq

Taxi companies on Okinawa increase fares

Kick-starting cultural exchange

Maj. Phil Kendro embraces his fiancée, Navy Lt. Jill Maddox, after his return to Camp Hansen Oct. 2 from Iraq with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company. Photo by Lance Cpl. David Rogers

A member of the Republic of Korea martial arts team breaks boards using a split kick during a demonstration for 9th Engineer Support Battalion as part of a leadership exchange program with ROK Marines at Camp Mujuk, Pohang, Republic of Korea. SEE STORY ON PAGE 10. Photo by Lance Cpl. Bobby J. Yarbrough

Okinawa Marine | news | October 12, 2007 �

Around the

CorpSFor more Marine Corps stories and photos,

visit http://www.marines.mil

MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND

COMBAT CENTER

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif.

Lance Cpl. Keith Ulrich,

a machine gunner with E Company,

2nd Battalion, 24th Marine

Regiment, and Lance Cpl. Truc

T. Nguyen, a rifleman, clear

a house at Combat Center

Range 225 Sept. 27. Photo by

Lance Cpl. Nicholas M. Dunn MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. | Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 24,

24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, assess a simulated victim after establishing a security perimeter during a mass casualty drill Oct. 1. Photo by Lance Cpl. Alex C. Guerra

TAqADDUM, Iraq | Sgt. Joe Thomas, a crew chief with Marine Light Attack Squadron 369, sights in on targets with a M2 .50 caliber machine gun at an aerial gun range Oct. 4. Photo by Lance Cpl. Robert S. Morgan

FALLUJAH, Iraq | Marines with Engineer

Company, Combat

Logistics Battalion 8, 2nd Marine

Logistics Group, work

to remove concertina wire Sept. 30. Photo by Cpl. Andrew Kalwitz

The Okinawa Marine is published by Marine Corps Community Services under exclusive written contract with Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler, Okinawa, Japan.

The editorial content of this newspaper is edited and approved by the Consolidated Public Affairs Office of Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler.

This newspaper is an authorized publication for members of military services stationed overseas, at sea and their families. Its contents do not necessarily ref lect the official views of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense or the U.S. Marine Corps and do not imply endorsement thereof.

The appearance of advertising in this newspaper, including inserts of supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense,

the U.S. Marine Corps, Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler or Marine Corps Community Services of the products and services advertised.

Everything advertised in this newspaper shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the publisher shall refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected.

All photos, unless otherwise indicated, are “official U.S. Marine Corps photos.” For more information, e-mail us at okinawamarine.mcbb.fct@usmc.mil or write to us at Public Affairs Office, H&S BN MCB PAO, Unit 35002, FPO AP 96373-5002.

Commanding general Maj. Gen. Mary Ann Krusa-Dossin

publiC affairs direCtor Lt. Col. Douglas M. Powell

press offiCer 1st Lt. Adrian J.T. Rankine-Galloway

press Chief Gunnery Sgt. William J. Ray

editor Sgt. Ethan E. Rocke

design editor Justin Zaun

okinawa marine newspaperH&S Battalion MCB PAO

Unit 35002FPO AP 96373-5002

Central bureau ChiefCpl. Warren Peace

Camp Foster, DSN 645-7422

northern bureau ChiefCpl. Juan D. Alfonso

Camp Hansen, DSN 623-4054

Okinawa Marine | opInIon & edItorIal | October 12, 2007 �

to submIt an opInIon or edItorIal, e-maIl us at oKInawamarIne.mcbb.fct@usmc.mIl

If I have to order special footwear, such as orthopedic boots, will I have to pay for it?

MARINE CORPS FACT CHECKfootwear

No. According to Marine Corps Order 5004.3.A, if medical personnel prescribe the footwear, it will be provided as a medical item at no charge to the individual. When orthopedic alterations are necessary for standard footwear, the individual will be required to pay only the standard footwear price, not the price of the alteration.

A:Q:

Master Gunnery Sgt. Hafiz Camp

ramadan is the ninth month of the lunar calendar, and it is significant to the Muslim world because they believe

this is the month that the Holy Quran was revealed by God to the prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel. From Sept. 13 to Oct. 12, Muslims observe a month of fast-ing. During this time, Muslims refrain from drinking, eating and sexual activity from one hour and a half before sunrise until after sunset. This is roughly a 12-13 hour period and it demonstrates remarkable dis-cipline, restraint and sacrifice. They believe if you are able to control your drinking, eat-ing and sexual urges, you can conquer any situation.

Muslims fast to humble themselves. The Holy Quran demands a fast in order to feel the same conditions that people might feel

in poor countries where a meal is not taken for granted. Muslims are also required to be especially nice to everyone and to maintain extra patience. This type of behavior should be exemplified year-round, not just during the month of Ramadan. Muslims all strive to improve their weaknesses with God’s help.

In the event that Muslims cannot fast due to medical problems, they are to feed three poor people for every day that they do not fast. This can be done by taking them food or inviting them to their home. Fasting is not supposed to hurt a Muslim.

At sunset, Muslims have what is called Iftar. This is the time to break the fast for that day. They break the fast with tradition-al dates and milk or dates and water. The prophet Muhammed used to break his fast with 3-4 dates and milk or water.

Every night during the month of Rama-dan, special prayers called Tarawee are

conducted after Iftar. Since Ramadan is the month that Muslims believe the Holy Quran was revealed, Muslims are required to read the entire Quran during that month. The Quran is broken into 30 parts, and one part is read each night during Ramadan. It is more fitting to say that one part is recited each night because around the world there are Muslims who have memorized the en-tire Quran and can quote it verbatim, many of whom are children.

Before the 30th day of Ramadan, Muslims are required to pay Zakat, a charity that is given to the poor. It amounts to a small per-centage of their annual savings.

After the 30 days of Ramadan, a feast is observed called Eid Ul Fitr, or Feast After the Fast. This is where the entire commu-nity gathers with their families to celebrate the ending of the month of discipline, re-straint and sacrifice.

understanding the Islamic tradition of ramadan

sempertoonsCreated by Gunnery Sgt. Charles Wolf

� Okinawa Marine | news | October 12, 2007

professional dinnerMarine Corps Air Station Futenma will

host a Sergeants Major and Master Gunnery Sergeants Professional Dinner at the Habu Pit Oct. 26 at 6 p.m. For more information, call 636-3110.

halloween Costume ContestMihama American Village will host a

Halloween costume contest Oct. 31 at the Performance Square near the Ferris wheel at 6 p.m. Registration is from 3 to 6 p.m. Cash prizes of $300, $200 and $100 will be awarded for first, second and third place. For more information, call (098) 926-3838.

marine Corps ball fund raisingAs Marine Corps Ball season approaches,

Marine Corps Community Services would like to remind everyone that all fund-rais-ing activities on Marine Corps Bases Japan must comply with MCBJ Order 5340.1B, Fund Raising Activities Aboard Marine Corps Installations. A request to hold a fundraiser must first be submitted at least 14 days in advance to the appropriate camp or station commander. Forms are available online at http://www.mccsokinawa.com/mccs.asp?id=659. Once the endorsement is received from the camp commander, it must be submitted with the original request to Stephanie Johnson, the MCCS community relations specialist for legal review by fax at 645-0974 or by e-mail to johnsons@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. For more information, call 645-2494.

Command and staff CollegeThe 2008 academic year for Expeditionary

Warfare School and Command and Staff College will be from October through May. To enroll in a class, please contact the College of Continuing Education office at 645-2230.

reCruiter assistantsMarine Corps Recruiting Station Twin

Cities is looking for motivated Marines (sergeant and below) to assist the recruit-ing effort for 30 days by serving as re-cruiter assistants for North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Marines interested may request permission from their command. Composite score bonus points, Meritorious Masts, Certificates of Commendation and many other incentives are available to successful applicants. For more information, call (612) 725-3209/3236 or e-mail trulson-lindseybg@marines.usmc.mil.

okinawa laCrosse Club The Okinawa Lacrosse Club plays men’s

and women’s games each Sunday from noon to 2:30 p.m. on the multi-purpose fields next to Gunners Gym on Camp Foster. Anyone interested in playing is invited. Players new to the sport are also welcome.

tmo group CounselingThe Traffic Management Office offers group

counseling on how to prepare for a PCS move off Okinawa for unaccompanied Marines and sailors each Monday and Wednesday starting at 7:45 a.m. Participants should bring six cop-ies of their PCS orders. For more information, call 645-3899.

brIefs

TO SUBMIT A BRIEF, send an e-mail to okinawamarine.mcbb.fct@usmc.mil, or fax your request to 645-3803. The deadline for submitting a brief is noon every Friday. The Okinawa Marine reserves the right to edit all submitted material.

return from pg 1to the ISF soldiers shortly before leaving, and Shrader said the turnover was a significant success because Iraqi control has been a long-standing goal for III MEF.

“It was a very successful deployment,” Shrader said. “We did our mission, and we brought everybody back safe, sound and all in one piece.”

The return was a much anticipated and excit ing event for the families of the Marines.

Rachael Morales, the wife of Capt. Nathan Morales, a firepower controller with the unit, says their daughter Nicole has grown a lot over the past seven months. She sits up and interacts with people much more than when her father last saw her.

Their daughter was born during ANGLICO’s last deployment to Iraq in 2006, and he has

had very little time to get to know Nicole due to frequent training that has kept him away for weeks at a time in between deployments.

“It’s like he doesn’t even know what it’s like to be a dad,” Morales said. “But I’m excited that he’ll get to know her and the fun things she does.”

Navy Lt. Jill Maddox has been planning a wedding while her fiancé Maj. Phil Kendro, an AV-8B Harrier pilot with 5th ANGLICO, was gone. They plan to get married in Las Vegas, pos-sibly by a Navy Chaplain, within the next year.

“I’m not sure if it was him being gone that was the hardest part or if it was trying to plan our wedding in Japan without him here,” Maddox said.

The reunited famil ies headed home happy to be together again.

“I’m looking forward to just being a family again,” Rachael Morales said.

taXI from pg 1The appeal also cited in-

creases in fuel costs and the usage of rental cars on Okinawa. An increase in business for rental car com-panies inevitably means a decrease of business for taxi companies, Broccoli said.

The increase wil l have a significant effect on the personal budgets of service members here, said Anthony Green, a personal financial management specialist with the Marine Corps Communi-ty Services Personal Services Center on Camp Foster.

“I’ve actually had people who find they spend $400 a

month on taxis,” he said.Green said at least one-

third of the single Marines who at tend h is persona l financial management class list taxi services as one of thei r top th ree expendi-tures. Despite that, he said he doesn’t expect a fare hike to sway too many single Ma-rines from using a taxi.

Lance Cpl. Rachael Hamm, a single Marine who uses tax-is on a regular basis, doesn’t expect the new fares to deter many Marines.

“ I th ink most Mar ines a ren’t too wor r ied about it ,” sa id Hamm. “They ’l l continue to use the taxis as

usual.”Along with the increase in

their baseline fare, taxi com-panies also shaved 42 meters from the distance traveled before an additional ¥60 is charged. The idle-waiting time was also shortened by 15 seconds before an addi-tional ¥60 is charged.

In addit ion, the higher nighttime rates now begin at 10 p.m. and end at 5 a.m. Previously, the nighttime 20-percent rate increase began at 11 p.m. The night differential charge covers the higher wages drivers make as an incentive to work late-night and early-morning shifts.

Capt. Nathan Morales meets his wife, Rachael, and his daughter, Nicole, on Camp Hansen Oct. 2 after a seven-month deployment to Iraq with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company. Photo by Lance Cpl. David Rogers

“It was a very successful deployment,” Shrader said. “We did our mission, and we brought everybody

back safe, sound and all in one piece.”

—Lt. Col. Joseph Shrader

Okinawa Marine | news | October 12, 2007 7

Cpl. Bryan A. Petersonokinawa marine staff

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA — A new, more advanced model of cargo aircraft is giving 1st Marine Aircraft Wing a technologi-cal boost, but with the added capabilities comes the need to educate its crew.

Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 added a second new KC-130J Super Hercu-les to its inventory this week. The first aircraft arrived in June and since then, the squadron’s Marines have been training and adapting to the aircraft’s new crew configuration.

More automated controls and a computer system that troubleshoots in-flight mechanical problems has eliminated the need for a naviga-tor and merged two other crew positions into one. The six-man crew needed for the KC-130 Hercules is shrunk to four for the J-model, with the flight mechanics and flight engineers needed to man the KC-130 merged into a single crew chief position.

The old model’s crew consisted of two pilots, a tactical systems operator, flight engineer, flight mechanic and a loadmaster. The new model’s crew is two pilots, a crew chief and a loadmaster.

Since May, the squadron has brought 15 pilots, eight loadmasters and four crew chiefs up to speed on the new aircraft. The squadron’s remaining air crew personnel are scheduled to be fully trained by October 2008. The squadron is scheduled to have eight J models by then.

Before the J model arrived, a team of Marines and civilians with the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training from Pensacola, Fla., came to MCAS Futenma to train 20 flight engineers and flight and ground mechanics. The Marines spent two months learning about the new aircraft through the on-site initial accession school.

“(Previously) the flight engineer’s job was to troubleshoot a problem, and the flight mechanic would fix it while the (aircraft) was in the air,” said Lt. Col. Dwight C. Neeley, VMGR-152’s com-manding officer. “Both jobs are now one because the new model is so automated and … there is no

more need for a navigator on board because the plane has its own navigation system.”

Flight engineers and mechanics with the squadron now travel to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., to attend the initial accession school. They learn to perform the functions of a crew chief, which consist of monitoring the J model’s computer system. After Marines finish the school, they either go back to their duty sta-tion or to another station temporarily to get flight time, Neeley said.

“Being that we’ve only had one KC-130J (Super Hercules) here, we’ve had limited time to get the new crew chiefs up in the sky,” Neeley said. “But units back in the states, such as VMGR-352 at Miramar, Calif., are where a lot of them go to get their flight portion out of the way.”

Cpl. Christopher C. Hampton, a former flight mechanic turned crew chief, said he enjoys the responsibility of becoming a crew chief.

“Before I could be looking at gauges on the plane on one side of the aircraft and then on another,” he said. “This computer system has ev-erything on one screen that eliminates me from going back and forth. Learning the computer was a bit confusing, but I do like the fact that I am controlling the maintenance of the aircraft. ”

While the flight engineers and mechanics are still being molded into crew chiefs, pilots are also getting some time up in the air with the new aircraft at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark.

Marines coming to the squadron straight from military occupational school or stateside VMGR squadrons do not require retraining. Stateside VMGR squadrons were the first to get the new models, and the school houses are now training Marines exclusively on the new J-models.

“That makes this process so much easier be-cause we don’t need to send the new or (inbound) veteran Marines anywhere,” Neeley said. “They can also help out other Marines who might have questions. With all of this happening, we can expect to have less time on the ground and more in the air.”

VMGR-152 is scheduled to have 10 of its 12 total aircraft replaced with KC-130J models by December 2008.

refueler transport squadron transitions to new aircraft

Gamers line up for Halo 3 video game

Sgt. Michael J. Schernikau explains how to fix a problem on a KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft using its computer system. Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 received a second new KC-130J Super Hercules this week. The first arrived in June and since then, aviation Marines have been training for and adapting to the new aircraft model. Photo by Cpl. Bryan A. Peterson

Lance Cpl. Kevin M. Knallayokinawa marine staff

CAMP FOSTER — The release of the popular Xbox game Halo 3 drew enormous crowds at Army and Air Force Exchange facilities all over Okinawa Sept. 25, and the game quickly disap-peared from exchange shelves.

Halo 3 earned the title of biggest entertain-ment product launch in American history after it became the highest grossing release, earning approximately $170 million in U.S. sales within 24 hours and then $300 million after its first week of release, according to a Microsoft news release.

Halo 3 dethroned previous records set by entertainment products such as the blockbuster theatrical release “Spider-man 3” and the novel “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.”

AAFES exchanges on Okinawa received roughly 500 copies of the top-selling game. Some stores, such as the exchange on Kadena Air Base, sold their share of 120 within an hour of opening.

The first-person shooter follows Master Chief, which featured a cybernetically enhanced char-acter on a mission to defeat an opposing alien force. Most of the game’s action takes place on foot, but vehicular combat is included.

“We knew (Halo’s) release was going to be huge, and we had to get as many copies as pos-sible for our customers,” said Patrick Sprow, the store manager for Camp Foster’s exchange. “Unfortunately, Microsoft decides how many AAFES receives. Then our headquarters de-cides how to distribute them to (the branch stores).”

The scene at the Camp Foster store resembled other high-profile, stateside releases such as the iPhone, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 or World of Warcraft, with eager consumers waiting in line outside the store hours before it opened.

“The first (customer) showed up around 4:15 a.m.,” Sprow said. “There were about 65 people, most of them high school students or younger Marines, in front of the doors waiting to get to the display we had at the front of the store.”

Sprow feels that the store was able to meet the demands of the “hardcore gamers” but not that of the casual gamers who are still looking to see the conclusion to Master Chief’s trilogy.

Cpl. Jason Terriquez, a network administrator with Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, was one of the unfortunate few who did not get their hands on the first batch of Halo 3 copies.

“I tried to grab (Halo 3) from the PX,” Ter-riquez said. “I woke up around 9 or 10 a.m. and ran up there, and they were already out.”

AAFES officials said they know there are still customers, like Terriquez, wanting to get their share of virtual head shots and melee at-tacks, which is why AAFES personnel placed a follow up order at the same time they ordered the initial shipment of the maximum number of units allowed per AAFES store.

AAFES spokesman Air Force Master Sgt. Donovan Potter said the Kadena exchange re-ceived an additional shipment of Halo 3 units Sept. 26, and those also sold out. The Foster exchange received 60 units Tuesday, and the Kadena exchange was expected to receive 89 units by Thursday or Friday.

8 Okinawa Marine | news | October 12, 2007

Cpl. Bryan A. Petersonokinawa marine staff

CAMP COURTNEY — Before Maj. Chris M. Zuchris-tian deployed to Iraq, he was serving as the division engineer for 3rd Marine Division. But in February 2006, he embarked on a year-long deployment with the responsibility to train one of the war-torn nation’s police force brigades — not an easy task.

His work proved vital in building the 5th Brigade of the Iraqi National Police. It was so vital that he earned the Bronze Star Medal for his service. Maj. Gen. Robert B. Neller, commanding general of 3rd Marine Division, presented Zuchristian with the Bronze Star in the division’s headquarters on Camp Courtney Sept. 27 in front of Zuchristian’s family, friends and peers.

Neller, who served with Zuchristian in 1999 during Operation Dynamic Mix in Greece, wasn’t surprised when he presented the prestigious award to Zuchris-tian, who led a team of 11 Marines in Baghdad.

“In 1999, Marines deployed to Greece and (then) Capt. Zuchristian was tasked with setting up a camp for the Marines there,” Neller said. “He literally built Camp Sparta in an area where there were nothing but goats and sheep. He was responsible for setting up chow halls, an area where tanks were kept, and for building a (helicopter pad). He also set up living quarters, which housed more than 2,000 Marines. He got the job done.”

In Iraq, Zuchristian and his Marines were advisers to a brigade of Iraqi police officers. His team was re-sponsible for teaching infantry tactics and making the brigade capable of handling operations on their own.

“We trained them to the utmost of our ability, and when the time came to conduct raids against the insur-gents, they were the ones who went in and took care of business,” Zuchristian said. “At the beginning, we were involved in the operations, but as time progressed, we did less and less each time because the Iraqi’s confi-dence and skills were building up. We watched them and provided them with what they couldn’t provide for themselves.”

According to the citation, Zuchristian’s leadership, bravery and personal efforts directly contributed to the team’s accomplishment of more than 200 combat operations, which included 20 raids that netted 25 in-surgents and the discovery of 15 weapons caches and various improvised explosive devices.

3rd MarDiv major receives Bronze Star

Lance Cpl. Robert C. Frenkeokinawa marine staff

CAMP FOSTER — Officials from all four U.S. services on island came together Sept. 28 at Marine Corps Bases Japan Headquarters on Camp Foster to sign a drug prevention proclamation for the Joint Service Red Ribbon Week.

The week’s theme, which goes from Oct. 23-31, promotes family and individual responsibilities for living a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.

The Red Ribbon campaign fo-cuses on drug abuse prevention throughout the United States and on Department of Defense installa-tions worldwide.

The annual event began after the brutal murder of Drug En-forcement Administration agent and former U.S. Marine, Enrique

Camarena, in 1985. The National Family Partnership organized the first nationwide Red Ribbon Cam-paign in 1988. Since then, the cam-paign has reached millions of U.S. children, according to John Velker, the director of Marine Corps Com-munity Services’ Substance Abuse Counseling Center and the Marine and Family Services Branch.

Goals for this year’s campaign are to get families, schools, businesses and as many people as possible involved in all aspects of this cam-paign, according to Velker. Velker and his organizations are also try-ing to create an environment that promotes the awareness, education and programs to aid in the preven-tion of illegal drug use.

“A recent Department of Health and Human Services national survey on drug use and health

indicates that 11 percent of 12- to 17-year-olds are current drug users,” Velker said. “20 percent of 18- to 25-year-olds use drugs. 28.8 percent of 12- to 20-year-olds reported drinking alcohol the month prior to the survey, and 22 million Americans were classified with either substance abuse or dependence.”

Before signing the proclamation, Lt. Gen. Richard Zilmer, the III Marine Expeditionary Force com-manding general, commented on the prevention of drug abuse in the Okinawa community.

“Statistically, bad things happen to our children,” Zilmer said. “But we are fighting one issue here today. We are going to take action in our community and homes. We will protect our children by making a drug-free environment.”

Campaign to focus on drug abuse prevention

Cpl. Bryan A. Petersonokinawa marine staff

CAMP FOSTER — On Oct. 8, 1871, the Great Chicago Fire caused more than 250 deaths, left more than 100,000 people homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 struc-tures and burned more than 2,000 acres, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

Since 1922, fire departments throughout the U.S. recognize the second week in October as Fire Prevention Week in memory of the victims.

Marine Corps Bases Japan Fire Department personnel are recog-nizing the week with the theme “Practice Your Escape Plan.” Fire-fighters want to ensure service members living on and off Marine Corps installations on Okinawa know how to prevent a fire and have a plan to escape.

“If we can reach all the service members either directly or indi-rectly, then we have achieved part of our goal,” said Recil Mabry, the MCBJ Fire Department’s assistant fire prevention chief. “The other part is getting them to develop an escape plan. Most households do not have escape plans and they need to be prepared.”

A survey conducted by the NFPA found that 77 percent of households in the U.S. have not developed an escape plan. Mabry said the key to surviving a fire is to not only have a plan, but also conduct drills often.

Mabry said the fire department stresses three easy steps in the event of a fire: call 911; attempt to extinguish the fire, if it is small; and evacuate family, friends and any pets. Safety is the most impor-tant thing, he said.

Fire department officials also say people should routinely test fire alarms and replace batteries once each year, make sure fire ex-tinguishers are charged, clean the lint trap in dryers and never store flammables in the home.

But most importantly, people should practice safe measures on a daily basis to prevent fires, he said.

“Little things such as watching the stove and oven when it is be-ing used, making sure to blow out candles at night and before you leave the house are just a couple of the things we can all do to prevent property damage and possibly death,” Mabry said. “If people are more cautious about things that can cause fires, then we will be better off.”

MCBJ Fire Dept. observes Fire Prevention Week

His efforts, along with his team, reduced insurgent activity in their assigned areas of operation and in-creased the Iraqi National Police’s security posture.

Zuchristian did not accept the Bronze Star without crediting his Marines first.

“We were a team of individual augments — guys that didn’t know each other before deploying,” he said. “But we all came together within a couple of months, individually and collectively. These guys were the backbone of 5th Brigade’s success. They all worked together thoroughly.”

Zuchristian’s experience in working with the 5th Brigade was something he will never forget.

“This job was very demanding and rewarding, but it wasn’t easy,” he said. “To see the Iraqis’ willingness to bring stability to their country was remarkable. Their determination to make Iraq safer made us more at ease. They are survivors, and they want a safe environment to live in.”

Maj. Gen. Robert B. Neller shakes hands with Maj. Christopher M. Zuchristian after Neller presented him with the Bronze Star Medal Sept. 27 at the 3rd Marine Division headquarters. Photo by Cpl. Bryan A. Peterson

Okinawa Marine | feature | October 12, 2007 �

Lance Cpl. Bobby J. Yarbroughokinawa marine staff

CAMP MUJUK, POHANG, Republic of Korea — Ma-rines from 3rd Marine Logistics Group’s 9th Engineer Support Bat-talion conducted a bulk-fuel operations course for Republic of Korea Marines with Amphibious Support Group Sept. 28. During the bilateral exercise, 17 bulk-fuel Marines worked alongside and taught ROK Marines how to construct and operate a fuel farm and how to maintain a hose reel system.

“It’s an enlighten-ing experience to work

with the ROK Marines,” said Lance Cpl. Garrett J.M. Sheaffer, a bulk-fuel specialist with 9th ESB. “They’re hard workers and are eager to learn.”

For most ROK Marines, bulk-fuel operations are a new concept. U.S. Marines spent their time teaching the different jobs associ-ated with the system. Through broken English and hand signals, Marines explained such basic bulk-fuel skills as how to operate a pump and repair a torn storage bladder.

“This is usually not our job,” said ROK Marine Cpl. Jung, a food preparation technician with ASG. “Our

Lance Cpl. Bobby J. Yarbroughokinawa marine staff

CAMP MUJUK, POHANG, Re-public of Korea — Marines from 3rd Marine Logistics Group’s 9th Engineer Support Battalion put their engineering abilities to the test Sept. 1-5 by building a combat outpost at Shang Sha Ri, Republic of Korea.

Teaming up with Republic of Korea Marines from Amphibious Support Group’s 1st Engineering Battalion, the Marines used Hercu-les Engineering Solutions Consor-

tium barriers to assemble and build a fortified position.

The five-day, bilateral exercise simulated an engineering mission the Marines could be called on to carry out in a combat environment.

While most of them were new to building defensive positions, the project provided the Marines with valuable experience and knowl-edge of engineering principles.

“We have a lot of junior Marines in the company right now,” said 1st Lt. Erik M. Loftis, 9th ESB’s as-sistant logistics officer. “They got to set up and prepare a fortified posi-

tion, and the training helps ensure that when they are tasked with a comparable mission in a combat situation, they can successfully plan and execute the build.”

The engineers started the project by joining and setting up wire containers. Next, they filled the HESCO barriers with dirt and started building protective positions. Finally, they added key engineering features to the COP by erecting a machine gun nest and installing concertina wire as a protective boundary.

During the project, the rela-

tionship between the two Corps units was one of cooperation and effectiveness, according to Pfc. Tremayne C. Baker, a combat engi-neer with 9th ESB.

“Working hand-in-hand was a real success,” Baker said “It started off slow, but in the end we worked exceptionally well together and had fun doing it.”

The building project was part of the Korean Interoperability Training Program, which allows 9th ESB to conduct bilateral en-gineering exercises with the ROK Marine Corps.

9th ESB, ROK Marines conduct bulk-fuel training course

u.s., roK engineers team up for building project

Marines with 3rd Marine Logistics Group’s 9th Engineer Support Battalion, along with Republic of Korea Marines, build a combat outpost at Shang Sha Ri, Republic of Korea, Sept. 1-5. Photo by Lance Cpl. Bobby J. Yarbrough

Marines from 3rd Marine Logistics Group’s 9th Engineer Support Battalion conduct a bulk-fuel operations course for Republic of Korea Marines with Amphibious Support Group Sept. 28. Photo by Lance Cpl. Bobby J. Yarbrough

jobs are mostly computer programming and food preparation. I am glad Marines are taking time to

teach us a new skill.”The Marines built a

terrain model and used it in a presentation to show

Col. Son, the commanding officer of ASG, how a bulk-fuel system works. With help from an interpreter, both ROK and U.S. Ma-rines demonstrated each section of the 1.1 mile hose reel system and why it’s important in the success of the overall operation.

Son expressed his grati-tude for 9th ESB’s train-ing and for allowing his Marines to work on the fuel farm.

“Combined training is essential to building a strong relationship,” Son said. “We look forward to building camaraderie and working with 9th ESB in future exercises.”

Okinawa Marine | feature | October 12, 200710 Okinawa Marine | feature | October 12, 2007

A member of the Republic of Korea martial arts team round-house kicks another ROK Marine during a one-on-five martial arts demonstration Oct. 5. Marines from 3rd Marine Logistics Group’s 9th Engineer Support Battalion and ROK Marines from Amphibious Support Group’s 1st Engineering Battalion participated in a leadership exchange program Oct. 2-5 at Camp Mujuk, Pohang, Republic of Korea. Photos by Lance Cpl. Bobby J. Yarbrough

A Republic of Korea Marine

breaks a cement block using his

head during a martial arts

demonstration.

U.S. and Republic of

Korea Marines indulge in

a Korean barbeque Oct.

5 at a local restaurant in

downtown Pohang,

Republic of Korea, at the conclusion of

the leadership exchange program.

Okinawa Marine | feature | October 12, 2007Okinawa Marine | feature | October 12, 2007 11

Lance Cpl. Bobby J. Yarbroughokinawa marine staff

Marines from 3rd Marine Logistics Group’s 9th Engi-

neer Support Battalion and Republic of Korea Marines from Amphibious Support Group’s 1st Engineering Battalion participated in a leadership exchange program Oct. 2-5 at Camp Mujuk, Pohang, Republic of Korea.

The three-day lead-ership course enabled noncommissioned officers from both services to in-teract, develop cultural ap-preciation for one another and establish camaraderie among the Marines.

“It is a great opportunity to exchange knowledge with the Marine Corps and understand more about their ideology on leader-ship,” said ROK Marine Sgt. Maj. Jae H. Kim, the sergeant major with 1st EB. “To understand will better enable us to work more efficiently and be more productive in future opera-tions.”

The Marines began the program by participating in leadership characteristic classes that reminded Ma-rines about the importance

NCOs have on the success of operations. The class-room instruction went over topics such as counsel-ing Marines, the meaning of honor, courage and commitment, and how to develop a per-sonal leader-ship strategy.

After the classroom instruction was over, the Marines were invited to the ASG base to see the day-to-day op-erations of the ROK Marine Corps. The US Marines got an inside look at the equip-ment the ROK Marine engineers use for their projects, toured the facilities of the base and visited the base museum to learn the history of 1st EB.

Marines were also treated to a demonstra-tion of the Korean martial arts program by a group of NCOs with black-belts in Tae Kwon Do. Then a team of 9th ESB Marines

demonstrated Marine Corps martial arts program tech-niques, explaining and per-forming moves from each

belt level. To end the

program, the ROK Marines treated the engineers to an evening of Korean barbeque at a restaurant in downtown Pohang. Marines in-dulged in tra-ditional local food while learning the courtesies and etiquette of Korean dining.

Sgt. Maj. John P. Plosk-onka, the ser-geant major

of 9th ESB, expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the ROK Marines.

“We are thankful to have the camaraderie of the ROK Marine Corps,” Ploskonka said. “We have had 50 years of fellow-ship with the ROK Marine Corps. We can look for-ward to that friendship for years to come.”

U.S., Republic of Korea Marines exchange cultural appreciation, develop camaraderie

the art of leadership

A member of the Republic of Korea martial arts team round-house kicks another ROK Marine during a one-on-five martial arts demonstration Oct. 5. Marines from 3rd Marine Logistics Group’s 9th Engineer Support Battalion and ROK Marines from Amphibious Support Group’s 1st Engineering Battalion participated in a leadership exchange program Oct. 2-5 at Camp Mujuk, Pohang, Republic of Korea. Photos by Lance Cpl. Bobby J. Yarbrough

Marines explored the Republic of Korea Marine Corps Amphibious Support Group’s museum to learn about the history of the ROK’s 1st Engineering Battalion.

“We have had 50 years of

fellowship with the ROK Marine

Corps. We can look forward to that friendship

for years to come.”

— Sgt. Maj. John P. Ploskonka

12 Okinawa Marine | feature | October 12, 2007

Cpl. Juan D. Alfonsookinawa marine staff

since the Marine Corps began enlist-ing women in 1918,

female Marines have steadily risen to in-creased levels of respon-sibility and continuously distinguished themselves throughout the Corps.

Sgt. Maj. Romona D. Cook earned a place in Marine Corps history this year when she took the helm as director of Marine Corps Base Camp Butler’s Staff Noncom-missioned Officers Academy, earning the distinction of first female director at any Staff NCO Academy.

Hand-picked by former Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps John L. Es-trada, Cook was selected as a standout among her peers.

“I remember receiving a phone call from Sgt. Maj. Estrada,” Cook said.

Estrada said he was looking for a well-quali-fied Marine, and I was

the first person that came to his mind, she said.

The Los Angeles native’s career began Sept. 26, 1982 when she reported for recruit train-ing at Marine Corps Re-cruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. After that, her career took off, sending her to units under every major subordinate command within the Marine Air-Ground Task Force.

Among her many as-signments in the Corps is a tour as a drill instruc-tor at Parris Island. And in February 2003, she de-ployed to Kuwait in sup-port of Operation Iraqi Freedom as the sergeant major for Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. A year after she re-turned from Kuwait, she was deployed to Bagram, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

After more than 25 years of service, her variety of experiences leading Marines, both in

and out of combat, gave her a better sense of what Marines do every day at all ranks and billets.

“I’ve been fortunate to have been to places that have let me see all the different sides of the Ma-rine Corps,” Cook said. “It’s part of why I enjoy being the director. I have a little bit of experience in all the different back-grounds that the students come from. It helps me understand where they’re coming from when they have a problem and what difficulties they face every day as NCOs and Staff NCOs.”

Since she assumed her duties as director, she has made several changes that have led to increased morale of both the students and her staff, according to Sgt. Ana M. DelValle, the Staff NCO Academy’s administra-tion chief.

“I’ve been here through a lot of directors, and she is nothing but good for the academy,” DelValle said. “Since she got here,

Lance Cpl. David Rogersokinawa marine staff

With five big screen televi-sions, a plasma screen, a projector, an Xbox 360,

a PlayStation 3, arcade games, a dance floor and plenty of free food and drinks, how could any teen not want to live at the Kinser Teen Center?

That’s the question on the mind of Christian Hofmann, a Marine Corps Community Servic-es teen supervisor at the center.

“If I was a child, I would spend the whole day here; breakfast, lunch and dinner,” Hofmann said.

The center moved into a newly renovated building in December 2006, according to Cullen Ohashi, the child development service program coordinator for the MCCS Children, Youth and Teen Program. MCCS upgraded the fa-cility and purchased new equip-ment before opening the center.

Typically only three to eight children visit the center on a daily basis, but during special events, such as parties, when children are bused from other camps, the center has hosted 40

female staff nco academy director makes history

Kinser Teen Center offers hang-out sanctuary

she’s been tweaking the academy, looking at ev-erything across the board and making things better for everyone.”

Cook’s duties often lead to counseling staff and students who are experiencing troubles in their lives, either profes-sionally or personally. She proves herself daily as a Marine leader with how she handles any issue that may arise, ac-

cording to her staff.“She’s a very approach-

able leader,” DelValle said. “I haven’t met many sergeants major who can put their Marines at ease as easily as she does. If we come to her with something, it gets taken care of. She’s not just a great role model; she’s a great Marine.”

Cook says being direc-tor isn’t about being a woman or the role model others see her as; it’s about the students and what they get out of the academy.

“I love mentoring Marines,” Cook said. “That’s why I enjoy being a director. I remember when I was a young NCO. The rank didn’t give me confidence; it was my first taste of profes-sional military education – my first NCO course. That’s what I want every NCO and Staff NCO to leave the academy with, a sense of confidence in their leadership that they can pass on to their Marines.”

Sgt. Maj. Romona D. Cook displays a plaque from the Marine Corps Base Camp Butler Staff Noncommissioned Officer Academy. Cook was recently named the Academy’s director. Photo by Cpl. Juan D. Alfonso

to 50 kids.Hofmann said he thinks more

people would frequent the center if they knew about the many ame-nities it offers.

“The kids don’t really know what this place is,” Hofmann said. “They hear ‘teen center’ and they think ‘Oh, sounds kind of boring.’”

Hayato Johnson, a seventh-

grader who has lived on Kinser for four years, just recently found it when his family moved near the center. Johnson and his neigh-bor Kevin Cox, an eighth-grader on Kinser, visit the center several times a week when they find themselves with free time after school. They spend their time enjoying the games and free food.

“The people here are really

nice,” Johnson said. “They’re always by your side to make sure you have enough food.”

Attendance has improved over the past six months, according to Hofmann. When he started working at the center in March, the center would sometimes go as long as two weeks without pa-trons. He made flyers advertising the free food and games and put them up around the camp.

“We’ll have one kid come in and check it out, and he goes and tells his friends,” Hofmann said. “(Johnson and Cox are) new, but they have friends too. One day they’ll bring another kid, then another. It’s getting bigger, but it takes time.”

Hofmann said he understands that a lot of kids have so much of their own entertainment equip-ment at home they don’t feel the need to come to the center, but he is always looking for ways to bring more people in.

Hofmann and his fellow teen supervisors at the center are currently planning a Halloween party and possibly an after-party for an upcoming skate-boarding tournament on Kinser.

Kevin Cox (left) plays a video game on a large-projector screen Oct. 5 at the Kinser Teen Center while Hayato Johnson (center) and Christian Hofmann, Marine Corps Community Services teen supervisor, look on. Photo by Lance Cpl. David Rogers

Okinawa Marine | feature | October 12, 2007 1�

Cruising for a causeVets motorcycle club shares passion for open road, fallen brothers Lance Cpl. Daniel R. Toddokinawa marine staff

Covered in tattoos and wearing a jacket flaunting a motorcycle club patch, a

seemingly indifferent man enters the bar. As he pulls his silver hair into a ponytail, he orders a shot of whiskey.

Willy Brandon, with his gruff appearance, often draws atten-tion. Yes, he belongs to a motor-cycle club, the Far East Chapter of the Vietnam Vets Motorcycle Club, and tonight he is meeting with his brothers at their local hangout.

Tough bikers getting together and drinking, sounds like a motorcycle club cliché, but their club is about much more than that.

The Vietnam Vets Motorcycle Club takes on a difficult mission and is more concerned with veter-ans’ issues than customizing Har-leys. It was only three and half years ago the Far East Chapter was established, but the history of the Vietnam Vets Motorcycle Club dates back to more than 20 years ago.

In the mid 1980s, veterans who

shared the same love and passion for motorcycles formed the Viet-nam Vets Motorcycle Club. From the beginning, their mission was to change the way Americans treated returning veterans and the way government handles pris-oners of war and issues pertain-ing to those missing in action.

Kevin Freeland, president of the club, said during the Vietnam War era service members received little respect and could often be seen rushing to restrooms to rip off their uniform as soon as they got off a plane to avoid harassment.

Members of the club agreed there was little being done to find out what happened to their POW and MIA brothers.

Realizing something should be done, they pledged to contribute their time, energy and resources to build a better future for all veterans and their families, Freeland said.

They also made it their mis-sion to do whatever is necessary to bring all of their brothers home and insist on full accountability from government officials, he said.

“These are our brothers we have lost and not knowing what happened to them is very tough to

deal with,” Freeland said. “I can’t count how many times I have seen these tough, grown men cry-ing their eyes out and embracing each other because they can’t deal with it anymore.”

They wanted to make sure their brothers are recognized so they began organizing charity rides to raise money, going to the post offices to make sure the POW/MIA flag was displayed and organizing events to help veterans who cannot help themselves.

As members of the Vietnam Vets Motorcycle Club got older and it became more difficult to carry out their mission, they de-cided in the late 1980s to expand their membership by including Legacy Vets. Legacy Vets include veterans of all conflicts after Vietnam.

Now, as one of the largest mo-

torcycle clubs in the world with chapters in Europe, Asia and all 50 states, its members are spread-ing their message more than they ever imagined when they started.

“There are still (thousands of service members) missing, and those families deserve to know

what happened to their (loved ones) and have some closure,” Freeland said with a trem-bling voice and teary eyes. “We can’t let this die. It is for all of our brothers and sisters who are lost.”

It is a mis-sion that will continue for many years, but members of

the club said they will always be around to make sure it is carried out.

And they will continue to ride the open road, honoring their fel-low service members and making everyone they cross paths with aware of veteran issues.

(From left to right) Robert Holt, Kevin Freeland, Bobby Cobb, Roger Shelton and Franklin Leonard, all members of the Far East Chapter of the Vietnam Vets Motorcycle Club, take a break from riding Oct. 8 at Cape Zanpa in northern Okinawa. Photo by Lance Cpl. Daniel R. Todd

“These are our brothers we have lost and

not knowing what happened to them is

very tough to deal with.” — Kevin Freeland

President, Vietnam Vets Motorcycle Club

14 Okinawa Marine | feature | October 12, 2007

Lance Cpl. Kevin M. Knallayokinawa marine staff

the 18th Annual Camp Kinser Open Half Marathon drew more than 250 runners Oct. 7.

Taking home top honors in the men’s di-vision, with the best overall time at 1:17:36, was Thomas Kunish, who finished 4th last year. Kunish averaged just under six min-utes per mile. Miya Amibayashi finished at 1:33:17, earning top honors in the women’s division with an average of about seven minutes per mile.

“The weather was a little less than ideal for the runners, but overall the race went really well,” said Maggy Skinner, a sports coordinator with Marine Corps Community Services, the organization that hosts the race.

The course, which was roughly 13 miles long, consisted of two laps covering many of the roads on Camp Kinser and included many turns and hills. The terrain and weather proved to be the most tiring chal-lenge for the runners.

“The wind, heat and humidity were the toughest things,” Kunish said. “If I had done a run like this back in the states, I probably would have run 10 minutes better.”

Sandy Burks, the winner of the female

Lance Cpl. Robert C. Frenkeokinawa marine staff

While it’s part of any Marine’s physical

training regimen, run-ning takes passion and dedication to continu-ously improve, and one Okinawa Marine’s exceptional running ability and dedication recently earned him a spot on the All-Marine Running Team.

Cpl. Thomas Kunish, a fiscal technician with III Marine Expedition-ary Force Disbursing, was the only Marine from Okinawa chosen for the team.

Kunish is a mem-ber of the Free Run Okinawan running team, a group of Japa-nese and American runners who compete in races all over Okinawa and on mainland Japan.

Kunish’s command and Marine Corps Com-munity Services Semper Fit nominated him for the team, submitting his

application to Headquar-ters Marine Corps Sem-per Fit. The application highlighted his running accomplishments over the past two years and his last finishing time for a half marathon.

“He’s an outstand-ing runner,” said Corey Carter, a sports special-ist with MCCS Semper Fit here. “He finishes in at least the top 15 in every race he competes in.”

Kunish took home top honors at the Camp Kinser Open Half Marathon, Oct. 7, with the best overall time at 1:17:36. He averaged a pace just under six minutes per mile, run-ning on a hilly, winding course with high winds.

“My command has been really supportive of me,” Kunish said. “It’s an amazing opportu-nity.”

Kunish, a 27-year-old native of St. Petersburg, Fla., says he was in-spired to become a run-ner by his older brother, who ran cross country

runners go the distance at Kinser half marathon

Okinawa Marine selected to All-Marine Running Team

in high school. “Like most little

brothers, I wanted to be like my older brother,” Kunish said. “So, I started running.”

Kunish began run-ning in middle school in 1993 and has contin-ued on that track ever since. He received an academic and athletic scholarship to Florida State University, where he was a member of the varsity track & field and

cross country teams. He was also a member of the 2002 Atlantic Coast Conference Champion-ship Team.

Kunish graduated from Florida State in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs with a minor in geography. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2006.

“I needed a change in my life,” Kunish said. “The Marine Corps of-

fered me the ability to do something different with my life.”

Kunish has com-mitted a lot of time on Okinawa to improving himself as a runner. He said he runs an average of 80 to 100 miles per week.

“Running is an addic-tion,” he said. “If I don’t run in the morning, all I can think about throughout the day is that I have to run 14 miles tonight.”

While Kunish is training, he focuses on positive visualization — a technique of creating a clear image of what he wants combined with a strong, positive emotion.

“I put a goal in my mind — like coming in first place — and focus on that,” he said. “I try to only focus on good things.... I seem to move a lot faster.”

Kunish will compete with the All-Marine team at this year’s Armed Forces Marathon Championship in Wash-ington, D.C. Oct. 28.

Thomas Kunish, who was recently selected to the All-Marine Running Team, cools off during the 18th Annual Camp Kinser Open Half Marathon Oct. 7. Kunish finished first overall with a time of 1:17:36, averaging less than six minutes per mile. Photo by Lance Cpl. Kevin M. Knallay

46-50 age group, echoed Kunish’s assess-ment.

“The wind was one of the harder parts about the course,” Burks said. “Also, all the turns and hills the second time around were rough.”

Many of the runners, such as Kunish and Burks, saw the event as an opportunity to

train for the Marine Corps Marathon.“This was just a training run,” a confi-

dent, but tired Kunish said. “This will help gauge myself for the Marine Corps Mara-thon. Coming out here and putting a good 10 miles or so in will help me out.”

The Marine Corps Marathon is scheduled for Oct. 28 in Washington, D.C.

Runners in the 18th Annual Camp Kinser Open Half Marathon begin the race Oct. 7. The hilly, 13.1-mile course consisted of two laps, weaving through several streets on Camp Kinser. Photo by Lance Cpl. Kevin M. Knallay

Okinawa Marine | sports | October 12, 2007 17

Cpl. Bryan A. Petersonokinawa marine staff

the Average Joes, with Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion,

1st Marine Regiment, used an efficient offense and a strong defense to dispose of the Hard Dawgs of 7th Communi-cations Battalion 10-6 in the Northern Command-ers’ Cup softball tourna-ment Oct. 8.

After beating Muz-zlebreakers, with 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines 13-2 in their first game of the tournament, the Hard Dawgs looked strong. But the Average Joes turned the tables on the Hard Dawgs, sending them into the losers’ bracket with a 13-2 loss in the Hard Dawgs’ second game.

The Hard Dawgs met the Muzzlebreakers again and sent them packing once more with another convincing 13-2 victory,

earning another shot at the Average Joes.

The Hard Dawgs came out strong in the cham-pionship game, stunning the Average Joes with six straight hits and four earned runs in the first inning. The Joes chipped away at the lead through the second and third, adding one run in each inning.

Going into the top of the fourth with a 4-2 lead, Hard Dawgs coach and pitcher Stephen M. Gruelich thought his team would force its opponents into a third meeting for the day. But the Average Joes turned their game around, tying it up at 4-4 in the fourth.

“We were hitting the ball well and playing good defense up until then,” Gruelich said. “Af-ter they tied the game, we couldn’t get the lead back. We made errors and left runners on base after that

BLT 2/1 rallies to claim Northern Commanders’ Cup title

not your average Joes

and never could regain the lead.”

The Hard Dawgs began to fall apart as the Joes added three runs in the top of the fifth. The Dawgs answered with two runs in the bottom of the fifth, cutting the Joes’ lead to one.

The Dawgs couldn’t contain the Joes’ bats in the sixth, and the Joes put the game out of reach for

good. Joes’ first baseman Michael Overton knocked in two runs with a triple into right field, and Travis Adams hit a sacrifice fly that brought another run in, making it 10-6.

“We kept it close at first,” Gruelich said. “But we just lost our momentum.”

Average Joes’ shortstop Anthony J. Velarde said his team’s determination in every game they play

keeps his team strong.“Our performance

might be down some-times, but we never keep our heads down,” Velarde said. “We tell ourselves to always keep our heads up. Sure, things might not go our way all the time, but that’s natural. But we came through today.”

Average Joes’ coach and pitcher Larry F. McCon-nell said he felt his team went into the champion-ship overconfident, but they switched their at-titude when they saw how hard the Hard Dawgs were playing.

“After our last game with these guys, we felt we were going to do the same damage,” McCon-nell said. “They were tired, but they showed us up in the first half of the game. They definitely caught us off guard, but we all came together collectively and started playing like a team.”

The Average Joes, with Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, celebrate their win on the pitcher’s mound after beating the Hard Dawgs 10-6 in the Northern Commanders’ Cup softball tournament at Camp Schwab Oct. 8. Photos by Cpl. Bryan A. Peterson

BLT’s Travis Adams sends a ball into left field during the championship game.

18 Okinawa Marine | marKetplace | October 12, 2007

CAMp FOSter | 645-7486/7487• Catholic: Mon.-Fri., 11:45 a.m. Sat., 5 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.• Eastern Orthodox: Sun., 9:30 a.m.• Gospel: Sun., 11:30 a.m.• Hindu: Sun., 3:30 p.m., Bldg. 455• Jewish: Fri., traditional, 6 p.m.; informal, 6:30 p.m.• Latter-day Saints: Sun., 2 p.m., Bldg. 455• Muslim: Friday prayer at 12:45 p.m.• Protestant: Sun., 8:30 a.m.

CAMp LeSter | 643-7226• Catholic: Sun., 8 a.m., Lester Chapel Wed., 11 a.m., Hospital Chapel• Protestant: Sun., 9 a.m., Hospital Chapel Sun., 10 a.m., Lester Chapel

CAMp HANSeN | 623-4694• Catholic: Sun., 10 a.m., East Chapel• Protestant: Sun., 11 a.m., West Chapel

MCAS FuteNMA | 636-3058• Catholic: Sun., noon Mon., 5 p.m.; Wed., 5 p.m.• Lutheran: 11:30 a.m. • Contemporary: Sun., 9 a.m.

CAMp SCHwAB | 625-2644/2866• Catholic: Sun., 8:30 a.m.• Protestant: Sun., 11 a.m.

CAMp MCtureOuS | 622-7505• Lutheran: Sun., 9:45 a.m.• Gospel: Sun., 12:30 p.m.

CAMp COurtNey | 622-9350• Catholic: Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri., 7 a.m. Sun. 8 a.m., 11:15 a.m.• Protestant: Sun., 9:30 a.m. Liturgical, 6:30 p.m.

KADeNA AIr BASe | 634-1288• Catholic: Sun., 8:30 a.m., Mass, Chapel 1 Sun., 11:30 a.m., Reconciliation, Chapel 1 Sun., 12:30 p.m., Mass, Chapel 1 Sun., 5 p.m., Mass, Chapel 1 Sun., 10:30 a.m., CCD, Amelia Earhart School Daily Mass, Mon.-Thurs., noon, Chapel 2

• Protestant: Sun., Contemporary, 10:30 a.m., Chapel 1 Sun., Project 196 (Contemporary), 7:06 p.m., Chapel 1 Sun., 8:30 a.m., Inspirational, Chapel 2 Sun., 10:30 a.m., Traditional, Chapel 2 Sun., 1030 a.m., Gospel, Chapel 3 Sunday School, 8:45 a.m., Bldg. 856

• Wiccan/Pagan Women’s service, Thurs., 6:30 p.m., Chapel 2 Open circle service, Fri., 7 p.m., Chapel 1 Wiccan/Pagan service, Sat., 6:30 p.m., Religious Education Center, Bldg. 856

CAMp KINSer | 637-1148• Catholic: Mon., Wed., Thurs., Fri., noon, Chapel 2 Sun., 11 a.m., Chapel 1• Gospel: Sun., 8 a.m., Chapel 1• Protestant: Sun., 9:30 a.m., Chapel 1

In theaters oct 12-18

The USO hosts movie nights at the camps below. For schedules and start times, call:

Movie schedule is subject to change without notice. Call in advance to confirm show times. For a complete listing, visit http://www.aafes.com.

schwab625-2333

FRIDAY The Game Plan (PG), 6 p.m.; Resident Evil: Extinction (R), 9 p.m.

SATURDAY The Game Plan (PG), noon; Rush Hour 3 (PG-13), 3 p.m.; The Kingdom (R), 6 p.m.; Resident Evil: Extinction (R), 9:30 p.m.

SUNDAY The Game Plan (PG), 1 p.m.; Resident Evil: Extinction (R), 4 p.m.; The Kingdom (R), 7 p.m.

MONDAY The Kingdom (R), 7 p.m.

TUESDAY Rush Hour 3 (PG-13), 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY Stardust (PG-13), 7 p.m.

THURSDAY War (R), 7 p.m.

FRIDAY Rush Hour 3 (PG-13), 7 p.m.; The Kingdom (R), 10 p.m.

SATURDAY Daddy Day Camp (PG), 1 p.m.; Stardust (PG-13), 4 p.m.; Rush Hour 3 (PG-13), 7 p.m.; The Brave One (R), 10 p.m.

SUNDAY Bratz (PG), 1 p.m.; No Reservations (PG), 4 p.m.; The Heart-break Kid (R), 7 p.m.

MONDAY Rush Hour 3 (PG-13), 7 p.m.

TUESDAY The Bourne Ultimatum (PG-13), 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY Rescue Dawn (PG-13), 7 p.m.

THURSDAY The Heartbreak Kid (R), 7 p.m.

Kadena634-4422

foster645-3465

uso movIe nIghts

futenma636-3890

courtney622-9616

KInser637-2177

FRIDAY The Heartbreak Kid (R), 6:30 p.m., 9:30 p.m.

SATURDAY Daddy Day Camp (PG), 2 p.m., 6 p.m.; The Simpsons Movie (PG-13), 9 p.m.

SUNDAY Bratz (PG-13), 7 p.m.

MONDAY The Simpsons Movie (PG-13), 7 p.m.

TUESDAY Closed

WEDNESDAY The Kingdom (R), 7 p.m.

THURSDAY Closed

FRIDAY Daddy Day Camp (PG), 7 p.m.

SATURDAY The Heartbreak Kid (R), 4 p.m., 7 p.m.

SUNDAY The Simpsons Movie (PG-13), 4 p.m.; Bratz (PG), 7 p.m.

MONDAY Resident Evil: Extinction (R), 6:30 p.m.

TUESDAY Closed

WEDNESDAY Closed

THURSDAY Closed

FRIDAY Stardust (PG-13), 7 p.m.

SATURDAY Rescue Dawn (PG-13), 7 p.m.

SUNDAY Rush Hour 3 (PG-13), 7 p.m.

MONDAY The Heartbreak Kid (R), 7 p.m.

TUESDAY The Kingdom (R), 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY Closed

THURSDAY Closed

FRIDAY Hairspray (PG), 3 p.m.; Rush Hour 3 (PG-13), 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY Rush Hour 3 (PG-13), 7 p.m.; Rescue Dawn (PG-13), 6:30 p.m.

SUNDAY Shrek the Third (PG), 3 p.m.; The Brothers Solomon (R), 6:30 p.m.

MONDAY Closed

TUESDAY Closed

WEDNESDAY Ratatouille (G), 3 p.m.; The Heartbreak Kid (R), 6:30 p.m.

THURSDAY Closed

chapel schedule

For more information, contact the Single Marine Program

Office at 645-3681.

OCTOBER 17-18 | SOUTHERN HIGHLIGHTS TOUR• On Oct. 17, the Sports, Tours and Recreation Program will host a tour of Okinawa’s southern highlights, including Peace Memorial Park and the Ryukyu Glass Factory. On Oct. 18, the program will instruct island explorers on how to navigate Okinawa’s public bus system. • Bring yen for lunch and personal purchases.

• Depart Camp Kinser at 7 a.m., MCAS Futenma at 7:30 a.m. and Camp Foster at 7:55 a.m.

OCTOBER 20 | TRIP TO HIJI FALLS• Take a two-mile hike through beautiful greenery, culminating in a fantastic view of Hiji Falls. • ¥200 per person • Bring lunch, sunscreen and a camera.

• Depart Camp Courtney at 9:30 a.m., Camp Hansen at 10:15 a.m. and Camp Schwab at 10:45 a.m.

’96 nissan prairie minivan jCi Aug. 09, $1,900 OBO. 622-6888’89 toyota ace van jCi March 08, $2,200. 636-2027’91 mazda eunos roadster jCi july 08, $1,200 OBO. 622-5221’95 toyota estima van jCi june 08, $2,000 OBO. 633-1005’94 nissan laurel jCi Sept. 08, $1,900 OBO. 634-0855’96 toyota celica jCi Feb. 08, $1,800 OBO. 623-4111’97 toyota camry

jCi April 08, $2,000 OBO. (080) 3171-3710’97 suzuki wagon jCi Sept. 08, $1,800 OBO. 634-2336’97 mitsubishi pajero mini jCi Nov. 08, $2,200 OBO. 634-2336’97 nissan skyline jCi Oct. 08, $6,500 OBO. (090) 9787-2243’95 toyota exiv jCi july 09, $1,500 OBO. 626-2337’98 honda capa jCi july 09, $3,000. 646-3799’93 toyota emina jCi july 08, $1,900. 646-4102’94 nissan largo

van jCi Nov. 07, $1,500 OBO. 622-5423’94 toyota mark ii jCi jan. 09, $1,500 OBO. 636-3613’96 honda integra jCi Feb. 08, $1,700 OBO. 646-4449

classIfIed ads

Ads appearing in the Okinawa Marine are a free ser-vice to active duty military and their dependents, DoD employees and retirees. Ads are restricted to personal property or service of incidental exchange. Ads are run on a space-available basis. The deadline for ads is noon Fridays. The Okinawa Marine reserves the right to edit ads to fit available space. Please include your name and the phone number you wish published. The Okinawa Marine makes every effort to ensure accu-racy but assumes no responsibility for services offered in ads. Submit ads by fax to 645-3803, or send an e-mail to okinawamarine.mcbb.fct@usmc.mil.

automobIles— HP laptop, $500 OBO, (090) 1949-2762— Two Whirlpool dehumidifiers, $250; two black gaming chairs, $50; oak chair, $30. 637-4214— Two twin-sized mattresses, $40 each; antique China cabinet, $175. 926-

2732— Hitachi 19-inch computer monitor, $125 OBO. 622-8280— 100-foot fence, $150. 646-5388— Men’s Nike cleats, size 10.5, $20. 622-8280— TaylorMade R7 460 driver, $275 OBO. 646-4449

mIscellaneous

motorcycles’05 harley-davidson sportster 1200xl $7,500. 622-5423’06 harley-davidson fat boy $17,500. (080) 1763-1286’05 harley-davidson v-rod $13,000. 622-7093

CAMP SCHWAB 625-3834MCAS FUTENMA 636-2113CAMP HANSEN 623-5011

KADENA AIR BASE 632-8781• The Camp Hansen Theater is closed for renovation.

sIngle marIne program events

All bus pick-up points will be at Semper Fit gyms or the

Foster Fieldhouse.