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iii marine expeditionary force and marine corps bases japan
www.okinawa.usmc.mil
july 3, 2008
COMMANDING PRESENCE
Commandant, sergeant major of the
Marine Corps tour Okinawa, get to the
bottom of Marines’ questions, concerns
President Bush
gives go ahead
to new GI bill
Lance Cpl. Corey A. Blodgett
okinawa marine staff
Lance Cpl. Daniel A. Flynn
okinawa marine staff
Inside
CAMP FOSTER — General James T. Conway, commandant of the Marine Corps, and Sgt. Maj. of the
Marine Corps Carlton W. Kent spoke to and heard from
Marines and sailors across Okinawa during their visit
here June 26-27.
The visit provided an opportunity for the Corps’
top leaders to interact with Marines and sailors, share
developments from Washington D.C. that affect the
Marine Corps and gather feedback from active duty
personnel and family members alike on a host of issues and concerns.
The two covered topics such as the war in Iraq and
Afghanistan, new technology on the battlefield and
future plans for the Marine Corps.
“The war in Iraq is going very well; it is much more
peaceful than it has been in the past,” Conway said.
The commandant stated that in contrast, more Marines
were killed in Afghanistan than in Iraq during June,
marking the first month that happened.
The commandant went on to say the lengthy mission underway in Iraq is not the kind of operation the
Marine Corps is suited for while continuing to root out
insurgents in Afghanistan is. He hinted at a possible
increase in the number of Marines in Afghanistan
stating more can be deployed if additional forces are
requested by area commanders.
The commandant also spoke about new technology the Marine Corps is using in the Global War on
Terrorism.
He said Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles
are “saving lives,” citing that an MRAP was recently
hit by a 300-pound improvised explosive device,
thrusting it into the air causing it to land upside down.
Inside the vehicle were four Marines, none of whom
were seriously injured.
Possible weapons changes are underway too, the
commandant said.
The Corps is considering replacing the M-16A4
service rifle with a larger caliber rifle named the SOF
Combat Assault Rifle, or SCAR, which fires a 7.62
mm round and offers more stopping power than the
current 5.56 mm round. Another option is a new 5.56
mm round that is reported to be far more effective in
taking down an adversary, he said.
After each brief, the commandant and sergeant
General James T. Conway, the 34th commandant of the
Marine Corps, speaks to Marines June 26 on Camp Hansen.
Conway, as well as Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps Carlton W.
Kent toured Marine installations on Okinawa June 26-27,
speaking about and answering questions concerning the
future of the Corps. Photo by Lance Cpl. Joseph A. Cabrera
major opened the floor for questions.
Questions regarding the combat fitness test, such
as when it will start being required, and how it will
affect the scoring system for the physical fitness test,
were common.
The commandant responded, “soon,” as details are
still being worked out on how it will conjoin with the
PFT. “One possibility we are looking at is conducting
a PFT for one half of the year and conducting a CFT
for the other,” he said.
The sergeant major rallied Marines at every stop
during the visit, instilling a sense of ‘esprit de corps’
by sharing his impassioned views on a few issues that
are quite noticeably important to him.
Marines know their history and demonstrate a
sense of pride about who they are, which sets them
apart from the other service branches, Kent said.
see VISIT pg CAMP FOSTER — The Post
9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2008 was signed
into law by President George W.
Bush June 30, as part of a nearly
$162 billion war supplemental
spending bill.
The act significantly boosts
veterans’ education benefits,
supplementing the old Montgomery GI Bill with a $63 billion overhaul.
The Post-9/11 Veterans Educat iona l A ssi sta nce Ac t of
2008, commonly referred to as
the new GI Bill, expands the
educational benefits for service
members who have served on
active duty since Sept. 11, 2001,
including activated reservists
and National Guardsmen.
Prerequisites of the new bill
replace those of the old GI Bill,
requi r i ng ser v ice members
to have served at least three
months post-9/11 active service
to receive partial benefits, and
at least three years post-9/11
active service to receive full
benefits.
Benefits include tuition for
four years up to the cost of the
most expensive in-state public
university, a monthly stipend
equivalent to housing costs in
the area, costs of books, tutoring services as well as licensure and certification tests.
The benefits will begin in
Aug. 2009.
However, according to the
bill, those currently enrolled
in college will see a 20 percent
boost in benefits.
The bill also facilitates a
dollar-for-dollar program in
see EDUCATE pg BREAKTHROUGH ARTISTS
FOR LOVE OF THE GAME
PG. 5
PG. 8
Firefighters from the Marine Corps Bases
Japan Fire Department practice “getting in”
through the mother of all doors
MLB International coach travels to
Okinawa to conduct a baseball clinic
for service members’ children
okinawa marine | OPINION
& EDITORIAL | july 3, 2008
Loyalty, trust equal survival in combat
Story of brothers illustrates
meaning of friendship
Cmdr. Harold H. Caserta
You’ve probably heard powerful stories coming out of World War I of deep friendship
between two soldiers in the
chaplain s trenches. One such story concorner
cerns two buddies, Bill and Jim,
who served together in the mud and misery of
that European stalemate (one version of this
story even identifies them as actual brothers.)
Month after month they lived out their
lives in the trenches; in the cold and mud,
under fire and under orders.
From time to time, one side or the other
would rise up out of the trenches, throw
their bodies against the opposing line and
retreat back to lick their wounds, bury their
dead and wait to do it all over again. In this
process, Bill and Jim became particularly
close. Day after day, night after night, terror
’
after terror, they talked of life, of families,
of hopes, of what they would do when, and
if, they returned from war.
On one more fruitless charge, Jim fell,
severely wounded. Bill made it back to the
relative safety of the trenches, where he took
cover while Jim lay suffering beneath the
night flares, between the trenches, alone.
The shelling continued. The danger was at
its peak. Between the trenches was no place
to be. Still, Bill wished to reach his friend, to
comfort him, to offer the encouragement only
a friend could offer. The officer in charge refused to let Bill leave the trench. It was simply
too dangerous. As the officer turned his back,
however, Bill went over the top and sprinted
across the open field. Ignoring the smell of
cordite in the air, the concussion of incoming
rounds and the pounding in his chest, Bill
made it to Jim.
Sometime later he managed to get Jim back
to the safety of the trenches — but it was too
late. His friend was gone. The officer, seeing
Jim’s body, asked Bill if it had been ‘worth the
risk.’ Bill’s response was without hesitation.
“Yes, sir, it was,” he said. “My friend’s last
words made it more than worth it. He looked
up at me and said, ‘I knew you’d come.’”
Loyalty, friendship, trust and commitment
are words we deeply understand. Taking care
of the man on your right and on your left is
not just a recommendation, but a must for
survival in combat. To get back home safely
demands we take care of one another, we look
after one another and, at times, we step in and
carry our friend to safety.
When we return home, commitment and
loyalty continues to be essential to survival.
Just because we are back in garrison,
does not mean danger ceases. We must
continue to look out after the “Jim’s” and
“Bill’s” in our lives — to take care of them,
and, just as in combat, see to it they receive
the care they need when they are hurting.
We get them to the “Doc” or the “Chaplain”
to get help.
Loyalty, friendship, trust and commitment
are the core of what Jim believed, “I knew
you’d come.”
Are there any Bills out there?
Caserta is the chaplain of Marine Special
Operations Command in Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Deadly dextromethorphan abuse puts adolescents at risk
David Leon
Editor’s note: This is the third of
four articles addressing the problem of adolescent drug abuse.
Reports of adolescent drug use
on Okinawa are on an increase.
However, the drugs our youth are
currently using are not the usual
suspects such as marijuana,
cocaine or ecstasy. Teens have
been experimentcommunity ing with and
abusing common over-the-counter medications which contain
dextromethorphan. Dextromethorphan, also known as DXM, is
found in many over the counter
cold and cough products such as
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Cough
Medicine, Coricidin HBP Cough
and Cold, Dayquil LiquiCaps,
Dimetapp DM, Robitussin cough
products, Sudafed cough products, Triaminic cough syrups,
Tylenol Cold products, Vicks 44
Cough Relief products and Vicks
NyQuil LiquiCaps. There also
are a number of store brands that
contain DXM.
DXM, when taken as directed
is considered a relatively safe
cough suppressant with minimal side effects. When used at
a dosage level beyond what is
recommended, DXM can produce
some particularly dangerous side
effects. Signs and symptoms of
DXM abuse include feelings of
disorientation and confusion,
sweating, numbness, dizziness,
blurred vision, dilated pupils,
drowsiness, impaired speech
patterns, impaired physical
coordination, pain in the abdominal area, nausea, vomiting,
and tachycardia. Most products
containing DXM also contain
acetaminophen which, following
prolonged use, has been shown
to cause permanent damage to
vital organs in the human body
including the liver.
There are reports of adolescents who have consumed products that contain DXM at such
a high level that the acetaminophen included in the medication
permanently destroyed the liver,
thus sending the adolescent into
liver failure and in need of a
liver transplant. At high enough
doses, DXM alone can suppress
the central nervous system. If
this happens, the brain can stop
telling the lungs to breathe, and
death can occur. It has also been
reported that chronic use of DXM
can create brain lesions and
memory loss.
Slang or street names used by
teens when talking about DXM
include “C,” Triple C, Robo, skittles, tussin, and Dex. Terms for
using dextromethorphan include:
Robo-tripping, robodosing, dexing and skittling. Typically, teens
who abuse DXM get the product
through purchases at local stores,
shoplifting, from peers or from
their parents’ drug cabinet.
There is a perception among
parents that this kind of substance abuse is isolated to teens
that have a history of getting into
trouble. However, DXM abuse has
been noted to include all levels
of adolescents including athletes,
honor students and those with no
history of poor conduct. Adolescents are reporting that peer
pressure, boredom and curiosity
are reasons why they are using
DXM. Some teens reported they
believed it couldn’t harm them
because it was sold in stores, and
some have the perception that it
is less harmful than alcohol or
other substances.
There are many resources
that are available to parents and
adolescents to learn more about
DXM abuse and the effects of
DXM. Some recommended Web
sites include: http://www.dxmstories.com, http://www.drugfree.org
and http://www.checkyourself.
com. Parents should be aware
that Web sites such as http://
www.youtube.com have some inaccurate information and videos
promoting the use of DXM.
For more information on this
topic or other substance abuse
issues, please contact your local
Adolescent Substance Abuse
Counseling Services office at
645-3153.
Leon is a liscensed mental
health counselor with ASACS.
fact check
headgear in vehicles
Q:
Do I have to wear my cover while driving my
privately-owned vehicle?
A:
No. Wear of headgear in privately-owned vehicles
is not required, according to Marine Administrative
Message 322/05. However, headgear will be worn in nontactical government vehicles on military bases and installations,
except when doing so would present a hazard to safe driving.
More information may be found in paragraph 3005 of Marine
Corps Order P1020.34G, Marine Corps Uniform Regulations.
to submit an opinion or editorial, e-mail us at [email protected]
okinawa marine | NEWS | july 3, 2008
1st Lt. Calvin Parsons, an intelligence officer with Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, speaks with college freshmen June 26 at Meio University in
Nago. Marines volunteered at the university to help freshman English students improve their language skills. Photos by Pfc. Jeffrey Cordero
Schwab Marines tutor collegiate Okinawans
Pfc. Jeffrey Cordero
okinawa marine staff
NAGO — Eight Marine volunteers from Camp Schwab
had a chance to spend several hours with students in
a freshmen English class
June 26 at Meio University
here and help the students
strengthen their linguistic
abilities.
Interacting with fluent
speakers helps the students
improve their English lang uage skills, according
to Caroline C. Latham, a
professor of English and
foreign languages at Meio
University.
The students were put
into groups of approximately three to five people,
including one Marine. The
students practiced what
they learned in class by
asking the Marines quest ion s i n E ng l ish about
t hei r backg rou nd, li festyles, interests and pastime activities.
The questions asked in
the groups revealed more
than just what the simple
responses elicited. Conversations often diverted
from assignment topics to
personal curiosities which
displayed an underlying
desire to learn.
Visiting the school was
an opportunity for both
groups to learn more about
the others’ culture, according to Mr. Fumio Iha, a
community relations spe-
cialist at Camp Schwab.
“It gives students and
Marines the opportunity
to share the commons of
daily life such as musical
interest, sports and other
things,” he said.
The questions were prepared as part of a class assignment, however, the context of the questions allowed
for a deeper understanding
of each others’ life.
The more interaction between Marines and locals,
the better our understanding of each, said Cpl. Seth
S. French, a volunteer from
Combat Assault Battalion,
3rd Marine Division.
Marines are always willing to help where they can,
he said. They volunteer at
different times of the year
and at different schools.
The event provided an
opportunity to continue
cultivating good relations
between Meio students
and Marines, Iha said.
“We are working toward
creating an international
friendship,” he said.
Lance Cpl. Zachary D. Kemp, an ammunition technician with
Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3rd Marine Logistics Group,
answers a question for freshman Hisako Shimabukuro June 26.
Fire department officials advise observing fire, barbecue safety
Lance Cpl. Robert C. Frenke
okinawa marine staff
CAMP FOSTER — During the summer, many people enjoy their time
camping and barcritical days
becuing with famof summer
ily and friends.
H o w e v e r, du r i n g s u m m e r
months, the number of burn injuries increase from activities such
as barbecuing, playing with fireworks and lighting camp fires.
Status of Forces Agreement personnel on Okinawa are not authorized to purchase or use fireworks,
according to Larry Beal, the chief
fire inspector of Marine Corps
Bases Japan Fire Department.
But while fireworks may be out
of the question, barbecues and
camping trips are more frequent
du r i ng su m mer mont h s, a nd
proactive fire safety measures
should be observed while cooking
outdoors, he said. It’s important
that hot charcoal and items used
to keep a fire lit are monitored
when in use and properly stored
when not.
Flammable materials must be
away from fires when barbecuing
and camping outdoors. Children
and pets should never be left unattended near fires.
“When people go outdoors, they
need to remember fire safety,” Beal
said. “Just like the stove or oven,
don’t leave the grill or camp fires
unattended and make sure charcoal and flames are completely out
before leaving.”
If an accident occurs, call 911;
if it is small, attempt to extinguish
the fire; and evacuate family,
friends and pets from the area.
People’s safety is most important.
For more safety tips and information on how to prevent fires,
call the MCBJ Fire Department
Fire Prevention Office at 645-2900
or visit http://www.nfpa.org.
okinawa marine | NEWS | july 3, 2008
RANGE HIGH SCORES
June 23-27
KD27
Cpl. Closon, C.J.
12th Mar. 332
PD15
Lt. Col. McQuary, J.P.
3rd MarDiv 368
briefs
NMCRS After-hours contact number
The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
has a new after-hours contact number. The
number’s use is limited to emergency transportation requests due to illness or death of an
immediate family member or grandparent.
The number is (090) 9574-2673.
HOUSING FLIGHT CLOSURES
The Kadena Housing Flight, as well as the
Camp Kinser and Camp Foster satellite offices and furnishings management self-help
warehouses, will close July 3 for a family day;
the Camp Courtney housing office will also
be closed July 7 for a family day.
For emergency assistance, dial 634-4663.
CREDO okuma FAMILY RETREAT
The Chaplains’ Religious Education
Development Operation is sponsoring a family
retreat at the Okuma Recreation Facility July
10-12. Families with children 5 and older are
welcome to attend. Space is limited.
For more information or to sign up, call
CREDO at 645-3041.
MULTIcultural day planners wanted
The Multicultural Heritage Day Celebration
committee is seeking volunteers with diverse
backgrounds from all over the world to assist
in planning and executing a multicultural
event aboard Camp Foster on Oct. 3.
To volunteer, contact the Marine Corps
Base Equal Opportunity Advisor, Gunnery
Sgt. Pamela A. Davis, at 645-3555.
2008 SUMMER HIRE PROGRAM
The 2008 Marine Corps Summer Hire
Program runs June 23 through Aug. 15 for
middle and high school-aged students and
May 27 through Aug. 15 for college students.
The program is open to DoD dependents ages
14-23.
Students can pick up applications at the Job
Information Center in Building 495 on Camp
Foster. For more information, call 645-5432.
correction
In last week’s edition, a story about the
U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa’s medical call
service stated a corpsman will recommend a
home remedy or advise a hospital visit after
taking down a patient’s information.
Although callers can expect a corpsman
to take their contact information, a physician or nurse practitioner, either from USNH
Okinawa or the 18th Medical Group, will
then contact the caller and recommend home
treatment or advise a hospital visit.
The call center number is 645-4245.
TO SUBMIT A BRIEF, send an e-mail to
[email protected], 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.
EDUCATE from pg 1
wh ich t he gover n ment
m atc hes volu nt a r y contributions to veterans by
private institutions whose
tuition is more expensive
than the maximum educational entitlement provided
under the act.
Under the new bill, vetera ns have up to fif teen
years after leaving active
service to use educational
benefits.
Under a provision of the
bill, service members can
transfer benefits to dependants if the service member has served six years of
service in the armed forces
a nd has entered i nto a n
agreement to serve at least
four additional years.
For more detailed information, see the text of the
Post 9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2008,
which can be found in Title
III – Veterans Educational
Assistance of House Resolution 2642 at the Web site
http://www.opencongress.
org/bill/110-h2642/text.
Golden takes charge of CATC Camp Fuji
Consolidated Public Affairs Office
CAMP FOSTER — Col. Kenneth X. Lissner
passed command of the Combined Arms
Training Center at Camp Fuji to Col. Robert G.
Golden during a ceremony here, June 27.
Lissner will be moving on to become the
chief of staff of 3rd Marine Division.
Golden comes to Fuji after serving at U.S.
Forces Korea as the chief of current operations, deputy chief of current operations for
United Nations Command and Combined
Forces Command, Seoul, Korea.
After graduating from Kean University in
Union, N.J., in January 1985, Golden was commissioned through the Marine Corps Platoon
Leaders Course.
After completing The Basic School in Quantico, Va., Golden was assigned to Ft. Sill, Okla.
where he attended the Field Artillery Officers
Basic Course.
In February 1986, Golden was assigned to
the 10th Marine Regiment, Camp Lejeune,
N.C., where he served as the forward observer,
fire direction officer, platoon commander and
executive officer for D Battery and deployed to
the Mediterranean Sea with the 26th Marine
Amphibious Unit in 1987 and to Okinawa,
Japan in 1989 as part of the unit deployment
program.
In October 1989, Golden reported to 12th
Marine Corps Recruiting District in San
Francisco, Calif. as the officer in charge of the
District Contact Team until March 1993.
Golden was then sent to Ft. Sill, Okla. to
attend the Field Artillery Officers Advanced
Course, and after graduating in September
1993, was assigned to 1st Bn., 12th Marines to
assume command of Headquarters Battery.
He was then assigned the billet of battalion
operations officer.
In January 1995, he assumed command
Golden
Lissner
of C Battery and was reassigned as the battalion logistics officer after being promoted
to major.
In June 1996, he reported to the 1st Marine
Corps Recruiting District and assumed command of Recruiting Station Springfield, Mass.
Golden graduated from the Naval War College in Newport, R.I., in June 2000, and was
assigned to be the executive officer of 1st Bn.,
10th Marines at Camp Lejeune, N.C.
He moved on to became the deputy director for manpower at Marine Corps Base
Camp Lejeune, N.C. in July of 2001. There he
deployed to European Command, Stuttgart,
Germany in support of Operation Enduring
Freedom from Dec. 2001 to June 2002.
He assumed command of 1st Bn., 10th Marines in July 2003, and he stayed there until
June 2005 when he was sent to Maxwell Air
Force Base, Montgomery, Ala. for Top Level
School at the Air War College and earned a
second Master of Arts degree.
Golden’s personal decorations include the
Defense Superior Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with two gold stars, the
Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Navy
and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with
gold star and the Navy and Marine Corps
Achievement Medal.
Expressway management stresses yen only
Pfc. Antwain J. Graham
okinawa marine staff
CAMP FOSTER — Only yen
and credit cards are accepted
at toll gates in Okinawa.
In June, an average of 60
drivers a day arrived at the
Ok i nawa E x pressway tol l
gates with only dollars, said
Akira Shimojo, manager of
West Nippon E x pr essway
Company Limited.
Patrons using the express-
way are expected to abide by its
policy of accepting only yen, he
said. When drivers only have
dollars, they are now instructed by the toll collector to go
into the toll office to exchange
their dollars for yen.
The driver’s commute is
interrupted and the flow of
traffic at the gate is halted.
A lot of time can be wasted
exchanging dollars for yen,
said Ken Yakabi, base Japanese Police Liaison.
To help resolve the issue,
signs were placed at each
toll gate on the expressway
to en su r e c u stomers who
pass through are aware of
the policy.
Since the signs have been in
place, the number of occurrences has dramatically decreased,
he said, however, many are still
arriving with dollars.
It is an unnecessary waste
of time for both the commuter
and toll office,” Shimojo said.
okinawa marine | NEWS | july 3, 2008
Chikanori Miyagi, a firefighter with the Marine Corps Bases Japan Fire Department, uses a circular saw June 25 to destroy a lock during forcible entry training.
The department trained on a device called The Inforcer, a steel door with interchangeable parts that can be swapped out for repeated use. Photos by Lance Cpl. Tyler J. Hlavac
MCBJ firefighters practice eliminating obstacles, getting inside
Lance Cpl. Tyler J. Hlavac
okinawa marine staff
CAMP FOSTER — Thirty firefighters with
Marine Corps Bases Japan hacked, cut and
pried their way through one of the toughest
doors around during forced-entry training at
the MCBJ Fire Department June 25.
The point of entry was an 850-pound trainer called The Inforcer, which provides some of
the best forced-entry training to firefighters
due to the level of difficulty.
“The Inforcer door is modeled after one of
the toughest doors a firefighter can encounter,
namely a steel door with a steel frame, with
a masonry foundation,” said class instructor
Craig Walker, president of The Inforcer Company as well as a captain with the Austin,
Texas Fire Department.
In the past, firefighters trained on any
doors and structures that were available, but
the doors would wear out after a few training
cycles and have to be discarded.
The Inforcer’s replaceable hinges, locks
and pins allowed firefighters to repeatedly
practice entry techniques using a chain saw,
axe and halligan tool — a fork shaped device
with a pike on one end used to hammer and
pry open doors
“This door allows any number of firefighters to train over and over until they build the
technique and finesse they need to complete a
quick, forced entry,” Walker said. “Firefighters
today need absolute realism in their training,
and often, they don’t get that.”
Under the guidance of Walker, the firefighters set to work on breaching the door. They
began using inboard and outward swings to
bend hinges enough for the door to be pried
open. The firefighters then attached chains
and padlocks to the door and cut through
them with chain saws.
Junya Miyagi, one of two battalion training
chiefs with the fire department, said the door
stood up well in the training, and he wished
he had one to practice on when he started
fire fighting.
“We are always adding new techniques and
technology which will aid us in our mission
of saving lives,” Miyagi said. ”The door is easy
and quick to learn on and allows us to save
time we would normally spend having to find
doors to train on.”
For some firefighters, forced entry was a
new experience.
“I’ve never broke down a door before, so this
was a lot of fun for me,” said firefighter Kawabata Daiki. “I feel more confident about having
to break down a door during a real fire.”
The MCBJ firefighters use a halligan tool and axe to pry open The Inforcer.
okinawa marine | FEA
VISIT from pg 1
Kent kept the Marines motivated when he voiced his displeasure over a few recent articles
in Marine Corps Times.
One article used the term
“baby NCOs” in identifying
junior noncommissioned officers in the Marine Corps,
which the sergeant major calls
an insult, and another article
talked about the death of the
term “Devil Dog.”
Kent charged all Marines
to remain proud of the title
that was first bestowed on
the Marines at Belleau Wood
during World War I and to
ensure the name maintains its
proper place amongst Marine
customs and traditions.
The commandant and sergeant major rarely had a spare
minute during their visit as
they got out and met as many
personnel as possible visiting
every major Marine Corps installation on Okinawa.
The visit was well received
by the Marines who do not often get the chance to meet the
Marine Corps’ commandant or
sergeant major.
“I appreciate the commandant
and the sergeant major coming
to Okinawa and talking to us,”
said Lance Cpl. John M. Martin,
an intermediate mechanic with
Motor Transportation Mainte-
nance Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 35. “Having them
come all the way to Okinawa lets
me know they care about all the
Marines in the Corps.”
After each brief, the commandant presented coins to
10 pre-selected Marines from
each camp. The presentation
was followed by a photo opportunity for the Marines and
sailors with the commandant
and sergeant major.
The 34th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. James T. Conway, speaks with Marines and sailors June 26 at the Camp Courtney theater. During the two-day vis
Kent toured each Marine camp to speak about and answer questions concerning the future of the Corps. Photo by Lance Cpl. Joseph A. Cabrera
Corporal Marissa Y. Hernandez, a motor transportation operator with Headquarters Battery,
12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, asks the commandant about the midnight curfew
during a question and answer session June 26 on Camp Hansen. Photo by Lance Cpl. Daniel A. Flynn
Sergeant Maj. of the Marine Corps Carlton
Hansen during the visit June 26. Photo by Lan
ATURE | july 3, 2008
The challenge
coin’s origins
are shrouded
in mystery, yet
it has carried
powerful
meanings
through several
generations of
the proud few.
Photo illustration by
Cpl. Eric D. Arndt
Accepting the challenge
Coins pass on heritage, history of Marine Corps
Lance Cpl. Joseph A. Cabrera
okinawa marine staff
C
sit, Conway and Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps Carlton W.
n W. Kent provides motivation to the Marines of Camp
ce Cpl. Joseph A. Cabrera
hallenge coins are
minted military
coins embossed with
a unit’s insignia and commander’s billet and are often
given to service members by
commanders to boost morale
and honor service.
During a two-day visit to
Okinawa by Commandant
of the Marine Corps Gen.
James T. Conway and Sgt.
Maj. of the Marine Corps
Carlton W. Kent, several
Marines from various units
received challenge coins in
recognition of outstanding
work performance.
“It is a great sign of accomplishment,” said Lance Cpl.
Leenard Benologa, a supply
administration clerk with
Combat Logistics Regiment 35.
Benologa, like many others, received a challenge
coin from the commandant.
“I think it’s a huge honor,”
said Cpl. Jill Allred, a Marine
Corps integrated maintenance
management system specialist with CLR 35. “It’s pretty
cool to get the highest one.”
The origin of the tradition
cannot be traced to a specific
time and place. There are
several stories about how the
tradition of challenge coins
came into existence, some
dating back to World War I.
In one story, according
to a 2005 article “History of
the Challenge Coin,” written by Cpl. Wil Acosta and
published on Marine Corps
News, during World War I,
members of one American
flying squadron received
unit medallions embossed
with the unit’s insignia from
their commander. One of the
unit’s pilots kept the medallion in a leather pouch worn
around his neck.
While flying a mission,
his plane was shot down by
German forces, and he was
captured. To discourage the
pilot from tying to escape,
the Germans took the pilot’s
identification.
While en route to a prisoner of war camp, the pilot did
manage to escape. He dressed
in civilian attire to evade
capture by the Germans.
The pilot was later found
by French troops who had
recently been advised to
watch for German soldiers
dressed in civilian attire.
Unable to prove his identity, the pilot faced certain
death. His life was spared,
however, when the insignia
on the unit medallion was
recognized as an American
flying squadron.
Instead of executing the
American pilot, they gave
him a bottle of wine. After
hearing of the pilot’s story,
service members began
carrying the medallion,
and when challenged, any
member not in possession of
the medallion would have to
buy the challenger a drink.
In another story, according to http://www.globalsecurity.org, the tradition of
challenge coins may have
originated during the Vietnam War. Service members
with free time would indulge
in a variety of activities, to
include drinking at bars.
They formed what was
called bullet clubs. Service
members on the front lines
often carried a separate bullet
to use on themselves to avoid
being captured by the enemy.
While in the bar, the service members would often
challenge each other to see
who was carrying that extra
round of ammunition.
Anyone who could not
produce the round bought
drinks the rest of the night.
If the challenged person was
able to produce the round
then his bar tab would be
covered by the challenger.
Service members began bringing larger caliber
rounds to the bars as a sign
of machismo, even cannon
and artillery munitions.
To avoid the accidental
discharge of the ordnance,
bullets were replaced with
coins bearing the units
insignia.
Today, the tradition of
using the coins to challenge
one another is familiar to
many Marines, yet is not
commonly witnessed.
For Capt. Edward McDonough, the commanding
officer of Headquarters Battery, 3rd Bn., 12th Marines,
the coins hold a different
value — sentimental. His
collection is a reminder of
former units and friends.
“It is so you can remember the Marines to your
right and left, and the guys
you served with,” he said.
okinawa marine | FEATURE | july 3, 2008
Baseball coach David M. Palese shows children a proper baseball swing June 14 during a baseball clinic on Camp Courtney. Palese has coached Major
League Baseball and college and high school baseball for more than ten years. Photos by Pfc. Jeffrey Cordero
MLB International coach
teaches children baseball
Professional league instructor
visits Okinawa to give back to
service member families
Pfc. Jeffrey Cordero
okinawa marine staff
T
he goal was to teach baseball, but one
coach saw it as an opportunity to give
back to the troops.
David M. Palese, a baseball coach for
Major League Baseball International,
recently visited Okinawa to help children
of service members improve their baseball
skills during a two-day clinic hosted by
Marine Corps Community Services.
“Just being here with the kids, I feel
like I am doing something for the service,” Palese said.
Back when Palese coached a college
baseball team, one of his players, Eric
Snell, enlisted in the Army. During a deployment in support of operations in Iraq,
Snell was killed.
As a tribute to Snell, and in support of
all service members, Palese is giving back
in his own way.
“I feel like I brought a little bit of home
with me and shared it with the kids,”
Palese said.
MCCS officials described the event as
an exceptional opportunity.
“We are giving (the children) the opportunity of a lifetime by learning baseball
from a professional coach,” said Emily
Callaway, an education technician for the
Children, Youth and Teen program.
Palese shared insight about baseball with the kids and practiced with
them for more than six hours each day
working to improve their technique. He
demonstrated proper batting stances,
swinging techniques, base running,
fielding and ball throwing.
“I think it was good,” said Keith
Grossbeck, one of the children at the
event. “We did a lot of exercises, and I
learned a lot of things.”
Palese has coached at high school
and college levels but said he feels privileged to work overseas with children
of service members.
“I choose to come here because being
an influence to these children is great,”
he said. “Just being here with these
kids is a blast.”
MLB International was formed in 1989,
and focuses on worldwide growth of the
game, according to the MLB Web site.
Delvis Sanchez, one of many participating children, races
to first base during one of the clinic’s exercises.
okinawa marine | FEATURE | july 3, 2008
The student becomes the teacher
First sergeant uses deadly expertise
to improve Corps, pupils, family
Lance Cpl. Ryan Wicks
okinawa marine staff
1
st Sgt. Charles H.
Hutto first took an
interest in martial arts
as a child, watching it on
television and admiring
its discipline, unknowing
of the fact that he would
one day become a master
of multiple styles of martial arts and become an
instructor of instructors for
the Marine Corps Martial
Arts Program.
Hutto, the company first
sergeant for Headquarters
and Service Company, 2nd
Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, aggressively works
to spread his expertise as a
Marine Corps Martial Arts
Instructor Trainer. His
battalion is currently the
31st Marine Expeditionary
Unit’s battalion landing
team.
Hutto’s passion for
martial arts began at the
age of 13 with the study
of Tae-Kwon Do. He later
branched out into Shoin
Ryu Karate, Kickboxing,
Muay Thai, combat Karate,
Jiu-jitsu and Kendo.
He carried his love of
martial arts with him into
the Corps, and in May of
2001, during his tour as a
drill instructor at Marine
Corps Recruit Depot, San
Diego, Calif., he added to
his passion by becoming a
green belt-level martial arts
instructor in MCMAP. But
he didn’t stop there.
At that time, according
to Hutto, MCMAP was in
its infancy and instructors
were a necessity.
“By November 2001,
I earned my black belt
instructor status,” he
added. “In the span of
about 10 months, I went
from a tan belt to a black
belt-level instructor
trainer. This was in large
part to having a civilian
martial arts background.”
As a martial arts instructor trainer, the most
important thing he ensures
is that proper training is
passed down the line.
“I teach instructors so
that they can teach the up
and coming Marines and
sailors,” Hutto said.” I want
to make sure the Marine
Corps continues to train
Marines in MCMAP the
right way and uphold its
traditions.”
Hutto’s students speak
on his behalf, in that he is a
great mentor and teacher.
“He goes by the book,
and he cares about the
caliber of his students,”
said Sgt. Isaac Perez, a legal
chief with the BLT 2nd Bn.,
4th Marines. “He always
puts those around him
before himself and shows
great attention to detail
when he teaches. I learned
a lot from him while assisting him with a green belt
instructor course. He kept
all the Marines motivated,
and no one dropped out.”
Along with teaching
Marines martial arts, Hutto
has also instructed young
aspiring martial artists in
the civilian world.
“The most unique place I
have taught was at the Boys
and Girls Club in Vista, Calif., for the underprivileged
1st Sgt. Charles Hutto, the Headquarters and Service Company first sergeant, 2nd Battalion,
4th Marines, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Battalion Landing Team, performs a round
house kick in the gym of the USS Essex (LHD 2), June 1. Photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan Wicks
children of the area,” Hutto
said. “They didn’t have
any money for classes so I
taught them free of charge.
It was very rewarding, and
it made me feel good to
help teach the kids how to
1st Sgt. Charles Hutto displays a split in his Shoin Ryu karate dojo with two of his three
daughters, Logan (left), and Katie. Photo courtesy of 1st Sgt. Charles Hutto
properly defend and protect
themselves.”
But Hutto’s drive to teach
doesn’t always take him
away from home. His family participates in martial
arts with him, and they understand how it can impact
someone’s character.
“I liked being taught
martial arts. It is more than
just kicking and punching,”
said Logan Hutto, 13, one
of Hutto’s three daughters.
“It’s about learning your
strengths and weaknesses.
I like learning martial arts
with my dad because he
will always be there to help
me train, and I think it’s a
great way to bond.”
A job that lets him
teach and mentor those
at work, off duty and at
home is always something
Hutto has aspired to.
“I joined the Marine
Corps to make a better
life for me, my wife and
my future family,” said
Hutto, a Noblesville, Ind.,
native. “I didn’t want to
stay in my same hometown, doing the same
job as everyone, having
an average life. I wanted
to make a difference in
my life and the lives of
others.”
In the end, Hutto has
a great sense of pride in
martial arts and believes
that it is a very important
skill one which he hopes to
teach for years to come.
“You can’t beat that,
teaching people how to
defend themselves in all
situations, whether it’s in
combat or back home.”
okinawa marine | FEATURE | july 3, 2008
10
Exploring Okinawa by means of local public transportation is not difficult, but does require a basic knowledge of the procedure. Photos by Lance Cpl. Tyler J. Hlavac
Take a ride on Okinawa’s vehicles of mass transportation
Lance Cpl. Tyler J. Hlavac
okinawa marine staff
A
s a junior Marine stationed
on Okinawa who does not
own a vehicle I have often
found myself spending $10, $20,
$30 or more on a taxi to get around
off base.
A cheaper, more practical
solution I discovered is Okinawa’s
public bus system. Four different
bus companies operate along routes
in Okinawa providing affordable transportation. Bus stops are
located outside the gate of most
military bases on Okinawa.
To begin your journey by bus,
you must first determine which
bus to take. At every bus stop is a
map of the island complete with
routes. None of the information
is in English, so having a general
idea of the direction to travel will
help. Many of the bus drivers speak
a bit of English and may be of assistance. Buses run every hour and
frequent the more popular destinations, such as Kokusai Street.
After boarding a bus, you must
take a ticket from the dispenser located next to the driver. Each ticket
has a number which corresponds
with a numbered box on the
electronic fare display above the
windshield. This numbered box
will continuously update throughout the trip.
An electronic voice will say
the name of each upcoming stop.
When arriving at the desired destination, push one of the buttons located on the window at every seat.
This signals the bus driver to stop
at the next stop. Also, check the
numbered box on the windshield
display for fare owed.
To pay, deposit money (yen only)
the trip in a BUS
STEP 3
stopping
Press the red window button
located near your seat as you
approach your destination.
Okinawa’s bus system is fairly straightforward, provided you know the method.
It’s easy - just follow these steps.
STEP 1
pick your route
Route maps indicate
bus stops, and show
the courses each
bus line takes. On
the opposite side
of the sign is a bus
schedule.
into the same device you took the
ticket from. If you do not have the
exact amount, a change dispenser
is available.
Okinawan buses are also
relatively inexpensive; Catching a
lift from Kadena Air Base to Naha
International Airport, for example,
can cost ¥5,000 by taxi, whereas a
bus rider would pay around ¥800.
The best way to master and
build confidence in the bus system
is to use it, and soon traveling long
distances to places such as NEO
Park, Nago City and the Gyokusendo Caves will be within easy reach.
STEP 2
take a ticket
This machine is the key.
As you enter the bus,
take a numbered ticket.
When you depart, deposit your fare and ticket
into the top slot. You can
also insert ¥1000 bills to
receive change.
STEP 4
render payment
On your way out, match your
ticket number to the corresponding
number on the electronic panel - the
price listed below is your fare.
okinawa marine | MARKETPLACE | july 3, 2008
single marine program events
in theaters
July 3-10
NEW Smp MEEting schedules
• First Tuesday of the month: Camp Kinser, 9:30 a.m. at Kinser
Surfside Club; MCAS Futenma, 11 a.m. at the USO; Camp
Foster, 2 p.m. at Building 5674.
Movie schedule is subject to change without notice. Call in advance to
confirm show times. For a complete listing, visit http://www.aafes.com.
Foster
645-3465
634-1869
thursday Kung Fu Panda (PG), 3
p.m.; Baby Mama (PG13), 7 p.m.
Friday Kung Fu Panda (PG), 1 and 4
p.m.; Get Smart (PG13), 7 and 10 p.m.
Friday Made of Honor (PG13), 3 p.m.;
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the
Crystal Skull (PG13), 6 and 9 p.m.
saturday Wall-E (G), noon, 3 and
6:30 p.m.; Made of Honor (PG13), 10 p.m.
Saturday Speed Racer (PG), noon;
Get Smart (PG13), 4 and 10 p.m.; Made
of Honor (PG13), 7 p.m.
sunday Wall-E (G), 1 and 4 p.m.;
Deception (R), 7 p.m.
sunday Speed Racer (PG), noon; Get
Smart (PG13), 4 p.m.; Made of Honor
(PG13), 7 p.m.
monday Speed Racer (PG), 3 p.m.;
The Forbidden Kingdom (PG13), 7 p.m.
monday Wall-E (G), 7 p.m.
tuesday Made of Honor (PG13), 7 p.m.
Tuesday Wall-E (G), 3 and 7 p.m.
wednesday Deception (R), 7 p.m.
Wednesday Made of Honor (PG13),
3 p.m.; The Incredible Hulk (PG13), 7 p.m.
thursday Wall-E (G), 3 p.m., Made
of Honor (PG13), 7 p.m.
thursday Made of Honor (PG13), 3
p.m.; The Incredible Hulk (PG13), 7 p.m.
Futenma
courtney
636-3890
622-9616
thursday Closed
thursday Closed
Friday Deception (R), 6:30 p.m.
Friday Wall-E (G), 6:30 p.m.; Deception (R), 9:30 p.m.
Saturday Iron Man (PG13), 4 and
7 p.m.
Saturday Penelope (PG), 2 p.m.;
Baby Mama (PG13), 7 p.m.
sunday Baby Mama (PG13), 4 p.m.;
Deception (R), 7 p.m.
sunday The Incredible Hulk (PG13),
7 p.m.
monday The Incredible Hulk (PG13),
6:30 p.m.
monday Deception (R), 7 p.m.
Tuesday-thursday Closed
tuesday Closed
Wednesday Closed
wednesday Nim’s Island (PG), 1
p.m.; Get Smart (PG13), 7 p.m.
thursday Closed
thursday Closed
hansen
623-4564
thursday The Incredible Hulk
(PG13), 7 p.m.
• First Wednesday of the month: Camp Schwab, 9 a.m. at
Building 3509; Camp Hansen, 11 a.m. at the Palms; Camp
Courtney, 2 p.m. at Barracks 4433.
Kadena
thursday Get Smart (PG13), 3 and
7 p.m.
Kinser
637-2177
The Camp Kinser theater
is scheduled to be closed until July 11
Friday Made of Honor (PG13), 6 p.m.;
Stop Loss (R), 9 p.m.
Saturday The Incredible Hulk
(PG13), 6 and 9 p.m.
For more information,
contact the Single
Marine Program Office
at 645-3681.
Camp Kinser | 637-1148
• Catholic: Sun., 11 a.m.
• Gospel: Sun., 8 a.m.
• Protestant: Sun., 9:30 a.m.
Camp Hansen | 623-4694
• Catholic: Sun., 10 a.m., E. Chapel
• Latter Day Saints: Sun., 3 p.m., W. Chapel
• Protestant: Sun., 11 a.m., W. Chapel
MCAS Futenma | 636-3058
• Catholic: Sun., noon
• Contemporary: Sun., 9 a.m.
Camp Schwab | 625-2644/2866
• Catholic: Sun., 5:30 p.m.
• Protestant: Sun., 11:30 a.m.
Camp Foster | 645-7486/7487
• Catholic: Mon.-Fri., 11:45 a.m.;
Sat., 5 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.
• Christian Science: Sun., 11 a.m., Bldg. 442
• Eastern Orthodox: Sun., 9:30 a.m.
• Gospel: Sun., 11:30 a.m.
• Hindu: Sat., 3:30 p.m., Bldg. 455
• Jewish: Fri., Traditional, 6:00 p.m.;
Informal (first and third Friday), 6:30 p.m.
• Muslim: Friday prayer, 12:45 p.m.
• Protestant: Sun., 8:30 a.m. Camp Lester | 643-7248
• Catholic: Sun., 8 a.m., Lester Chapel
• Protestant: Sun., 9 a.m., Hospital Chapel
Sun., 10 a.m., Lester Chapel
Tue., noon, Hospital Chapel (Eucharist)
Camp Courtney | 622-9350
• Catholic: Sun., 8 and 11:15 a.m.;
Daily, 11:45 a.m.
• Protestant: Sun., 9:30 a.m.
• Episcopal: Sun., 6:30 p.m.
Friday The Incredible Hulk (PG13),
7 p.m.
Saturday Baby Mama (PG13), 5
p.m.
Kadena Air Base | 634-1288
• Buddhist: Sat., 10 a.m., Bldg. 856
• 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., 10:30 a.m., Contemp., Chapel 1
Sun., 8:30 a.m., Inspirational, Chapel 2
Sun., 10:30 a.m., Traditional, Chapel 2
Sun., 10:30 a.m., Gospel, Chapel 3
Sunday School, 8:45 a.m., Bldg. 856
• Wiccan/Pagan: Fri., 7 p.m., Chapel 1
Sat., 6 p.m., Bldg. 856
classified ads
Automobiles
thursday Street Kings (R), 7 p.m.
thursday Closed
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
• The Marine Thrift Shop on Camp Foster requests two
volunteers on a weekly basis from Camps Kinser, Foster,
Courtney, Hansen and Schwab and MCAS Futenma. Contact
your SMP representative for more information.
chapel schedule
WEDNEsday The Ruins (R), 7 p.m.
625-2333
• Bus departures: Camp Schwab, 7 a.m.; Camp Hansen, 7:30
a.m.; Camp Courtney, 8:15 a.m.
All bus pick-up points
will be at Semper Fit
gyms or the Foster
Fieldhouse.
monday & tuesday Never Back
Down (PG13), 7 p.m.
Schwab
JuLY 18 | northern Camps Discover Golf
• Free class at Awase Golf Course teaches you about setting up
a tee time, cart and club rental, club types, swing techniques
and putting styles.
Camp McTureous | 622-7505
• Gospel: Sun., 12:30 p.m.
• Lutheran: Sun., 9:30 a.m.
sunday Speed Racer (PG), 2 p.m.;
Made of Honor (PG13), 5:30 p.m.
11
uso
movie nights
The USO hosts movie nights
at the locations below.
For schedules and start times, call:
Camp Schwab 625-3834
mcas futenma 636-2113
sunday Deception (R), 5 p.m.
Camp Hansen 623-5011
monday-Thursday Closed
Kadena air base 632-8781
’98 nissan skyline
jci Dec. 09, $3,200
OBO, (098) 936-6865
’96 toyota curren
jci Jan. 09, $1,300 OBO,
(080) 3540-6130
’96 nissan rasheen
jci Mar. 09, $3,000
OBO, (090) 9141-7128
’94 toyota celica
jci Oct. 09, $1,750 OBO,
(080) 3459-2680
’95 honda domani
jci June 10, $2,000
OBO, 646-3715
’93 TOYOTA lucida
jci Aug. 09, $1,000
OBO, 646-3715
’95 TOYOTA celica
jci June 10, $2,000
OBO, 633-1593
’93 TOYOTA lite-ace
jci May 10, $999 OBO,
636-3100
’95 NISSAN CEFIRO
jci July 09, $2,000 OBO,
646-8325
’94 Toyota CRESTA
jci May 09, $2,000
OBO, 646-8325
’96 honda odyssey
jci May 09, $2,600
OBO, 646-8136
’96 honda odyssey
jci July 09, $2,300 OBO,
637-2658
’97 honda inspire
jci June 10, $2,500
OBO, (090) 9830-4496
’94 Toyota estima
jci May 10, $2,300
OBO, 633-7114
’98 toyota noah
jci Oct. 09, $2,500,
(090) 6860-0764
’94 Toyota WINDOM
jci Oct. 09, $1,800
OBO, 622-9867
’93 Toyota previa
jci July 08, $1,450,
(080) 3459-2685
motorcycles
’05 Harley
Davidson 883
SPORTSTER
$8,000 OBO,
(098) 879-2999
’04 Harley
Davidson XL 883
SPORTSTER
JCI March 09, $5,500,
(080) 3487-2975
’02 Harley
Davidson 883 JCI
Oct. 09, $6,000 OBO,
(080) 3521-0995
MISCELLANEOUS
— Bechtel Elementary
spirit wear (Medium
size): Red polo, white
short-sleeve T-shirt, gray
long-sleeve T-shirt, $25
for all three; Toddler
high-back booster seats:
tan Alpha Elite Apex,
gray plaid Eddie Bauer
brands, $30 each or $50
for both, 622-5168
— Six-drawer girls’
dresser with mirror,
four-drawer girls’ dresser,
$100 for both, 646-5405
— Full size mattress set,
one year old, $200 OBO,
633-1027
— Remote control
motorcycle, $50;
420 watt Pioneer car
speakers, $40, 633-1593
Ads appearing in the Okinawa Marine are a free service 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 accuracy but assumes no responsibility for services offered
in ads. Submit ads by fax to 645-3803, or send an
e-mail to [email protected].
12
okinawa marine | SPORTS | july 3, 2008
ONE IN A
MILLION
Awase Meadows scramble tournament
turns out winners in more ways than one
Paul Rimington outshined the competition, not because his team came in first place, but because he sank a hole-in-one on the ninth hole during the
two-person scramble tournament at Awase Meadows Golf Course June 28. Photos by Lance Cpl. Daniel A. Flynn
Lance Cpl. Joseph A. Cabrera
okinawa marine staff
Paul Rimington chips onto the 14th green June 28 during
a two-person scramble tournament at Awase Meadows
Golf Course. Despite sinking the day’s most stunning
shot, a hole-in-one on the ninth hole, Rimington’s team
did not defeat the competition.
C A M P F O ST E R — A lthough it would not save
his team in the long run,
Paul Rimington’s hole-inone on the par-3 ninth hole
June 28 proved to be the
highlight of a two-person
scramble golf tournament
at the Awase Meadows Golf
Course.
Rimington had no idea
he hit a hole-in-one, saying
it appeared as if the ball
rolled off the green.
“I didn’t t hin k t hat I
made it. I thought it went
off the green until I drove
up and saw that it went
in,” he said. “I thought that
stuff only happens in video
games.”
Rimington seized closest
to the pin for that hole and
his team went on to finish
28th in the non-handicap
category and 17th in the
handicap category.
For ty-si x tea ms com-
peted in one division with
two categories: handicap
and non-handicap.
Gross scores were used
to compute the scores in
the non-handicapped category while the scores in the
handicapped category were
figured using 25 percent of
each team’s handicap, according to Jeff Baker, lead
marshal at Awase Meadows
Golf Course. This allowed
for a more leveled playing
field between novice and
experienced golfers.
Chris Howard and Russell Spratt were the winners in the non-handicap
category while Mark Kitashima and Terry Cooper
took first in the handicap
category.
“We won by taking advantage of birdie opportunities and making birdie
putts,” Spratt said.
Cooper credited his team’s
win to good teamwork.
“I chipped well, and he
(Kitashima) made the me-
Commanding General Maj. Gen. Mary Ann Krusa-Dossin
public affairs Director Lt. Col. Douglas M. Powell
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 reflect 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,
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If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser
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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.
[email protected] or write to us at Public Affairs Office, H&S BN MCB PAO,
Unit 35002, FPO AP 96373-5002.
Press officer 1st Lt. Doy T. D. Demsick
Press chief Gunnery Sgt. William J. Ray
DESIGN editor Cpl. Eric D. Arndt
editor Sgt. Rodolfo E. Toro
dium shots. When I missed
putts, he made putts,” he
said.
The tournament also included three “closest to the
pin” holes. Rimington taking the ninth hole, Jimmy
Visser on the 15th hole and
Rudy Reyes on the 18th.
In two-person scramble
golf, each player tees off to
start the hole. The players
then choose the best ball
locat ion a nd play t hei r
next shot from there. This
process continues until the
ball is holed.
The runners up in the
non-h a nd ic ap c ategor y
wer e Z ac h a r y L ay a nd
Jeremy Visser, and Brad
Lay with Russ Normandin
took third.
The runners up in the
handicap category were
Don Allen and Marshall
Si m mon s, a nd t he t wo
teams that tied for third
wer e To dd Br au n w it h
Matt Pampush and Mark
Starosik with Keith Oki.
okinawa marine newspaper
H&S Battalion MCB PAO
Unit 35002
FPO AP 96373-5002
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