Serving the U.S. Army Japan community Serving the U.S.

Army Japan community

Aug 13, 25, 2010 February2009

VOL. 38, NO. 8

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Mixed emotions

Photo by Dustin Perry

CAMP ZAMA (Center, from left): Maiko Goto and Chiharu Iwama, both reserve candidates for the Japan Ground Self Defense Force, react as they watch Sgt. Pirun Mom, a medical readiness noncommissioned officer, administer an intravenous line to Staff Sgt. Rhonda McIntyre, the noncommissioned officer in charge of the Family Practice Clinic, during a tour Thursday at BG Sams U.S. Army Health Clinic here. For more on this story, see Page 2.

North Wind 2010 exercise wraps up in Sendai

By Spc. Brad Mincey
108th Public Affairs Detachment

SENDAI, Japan With tired feet and sore backs, Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 118th Infantry Regiment, completed the 2010 North Wind exercise Feb. 15 and left the Ojojiara Maneuver Area to return to South Carolina. The mission of North Wind was two-fold: to train the Guardsman and the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force, and to build

camaraderie and confidence between the two forces. The South Carolina National Guard holds an overseas deployment training conference each year. This conference decides where Solders are sent to train, and how to enhance it. Japan is our ally; theyre on our side and on our team, so this allows me to get my Soldiers out of the same routine and provides some high adventure for them, said Lt. Col. Michael Krell, commander of

the 1-118th. Most have not had a chance to leave [South Carolina] unless its for a deployment. As well as receiving cold-weather training from the Japanese, the U.S. Soldiers trained their counterparts in areas such as protection against nuclear, biological and chemical threats, and combat lifesaving skills. By building these relationships they and we know each others capabilities and know that, Ive trained with these guys

before and I know what they can do, said Krell. But training each other was not the only reason Soldiers from both nations worked together. I believe the biggest thing we are doing here is building trust, said Command Sgt. Maj. Roger Watson, command sergeant major of the 1-118th. Politically, we have a lot of trust, and this will help build that trust See NORTH WIND, Page 3

I NSIDE the TORII

2 News 4 Education 6 Community 8 Sports 11 Calendar 12 Travel / Culture

2 February 25, 2010

TORII

NEWS

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Zama Briefs
Narita Bus Schedule Undergoes Changes

Since Feb. 1, the schedule for the bus to Narita Airport changed as follows: A bus now leaves Bldg. 780 (Army lodging) on Camp Zama at 8:45 a.m. and 12:45 p.m.; the Camp Zama Community Club at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.; and the Sagamihara Housing Area bus stop at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. A bus now leaves Naritas Terminal 1 parking lot at 4 and 7 p.m., delaying departure until 8:30 p.m. for late-arriving manifested passengers.

Autism Support Meeting

Camp Zamas Autism Parent Support Group will hold its next meeting Sunday beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the Camp Zama Chapels Fellowship Hall. The topic for this months meeting is Autism and Puberty, and it will be presented by Yasmine Reinhard, a psychologist for Zama American Middle and High schools. Child care will be available, with reservations, during the meeting. Call Dee Saari at 263-8255 for more information.

(From left): Yoshiya Takamatsu, a reserve candidate for the Japan Ground Self Defense Force, has electrodes attached to his body by Sgt. Taro Onodera of the JGSDF during an electrocardiogram demonstration Thursday at BG Sams U.S. Army Health Clinic while Sgt. Derrick Yabut, the assistant noncommissioned officer in charge of the Family Practice Clinic, supervises.

Photo by Dustin Perry

Road closure

A portion of the road near the corners of 1st Avenue and I Street on Camp Zama are scheduled to be closed from Tuesday through April 16. The purpose of the closure is to replace a sewer line along the south side of Bldg. 101. Flagmen will direct the flow of vehicular traffic during the period of closure. Drivers are advised to use caution when near the construction site. For more information, call 263-5931.

U.S., Japan reservists gain insight on dual missions during Zama tour
By Dustin Perry
Torii Editor

Road Tax Program

The 2010 Road Tax Program, consisting of the collection of this years road tax and the issuance of this years U.S. Forces Japan decal, is scheduled to be held from 9 to 11 a.m. and 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. on the following dates inside the Firelite Lounge at the Camp Zama Community Club: March 16 for drivers with last names A through E; March 17 for drivers F through K; March 18 for drivers L through R; March 19 for drivers S through Z. The date for drivers of smaller, yellow-plated vehicles and motorcycles is April 23. Call 263-4337 for more information.

Womans History Month

Camp Zama will observe Womens History Month with its annual celebration, scheduled to be held March 19 from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Community Activity Center here. The guest speaker has yet to be determined. The event is free and open to all members of the community.

A group of reserve candidates for the Japan Ground Self Defense held their first of three scheduled annual visits to Camp Zama on Thursday in order to gain a clearer picture of their U.S. counterparts mission in Japan. The 10 candidates toured the BG Sams U.S. Army Health Clinic and received a briefing that detailed the organizational structure of the Army Reserve and National Guard and the training its Soldiers conduct here, said the senior Reserve Component adviser for the U.S. Army Japan and I Corps (Forward). We want them to see what kind of units we have here and what we do such as supporting Army exercises and also understand the roles of the Reserve Component in working closely with the Japanese in bilateral events [and] supporting one another, said Lt. Col. Harry C. Blanco. The candidates, all of whom possess English-speaking skills and will likely work as translators once they enlist, arrived early to eat breakfast before heading to BG Sams for a tour of the clinic. Split into groups, the candidates were led to separate wings of the building and were given hands-on demonstrations of some of the procedures performed by the medics and specialists who work there. In one small room, the candidates crowded around a table with a complexlooking machine set up next to it. Sgt. Derrick Yabut, the assistant noncommissioned officer in charge of the Family Practice

Clinic at Sams, asked a male volunteer to take off his shirt and sit on the table so that Yabut could demonstrate how to apply 10 electrodes to different parts of the body to perform an electrocardiogram, a procedure that measures the electrical activity of the human heart. The candidates also watched as two Soldiers demonstrated the proper way to administer an intravenous line to a patient. Sgt. Pirun Mom, a medical readiness NCO, showed how to find a vein in the arm of Staff Sgt. Rhonda McIntyre, the Family Practice Clinic NCOIC, before piercing it with a needle and connecting the line. When the candidates visit, the one aspect of the Army they most often ask about is the training Soldiers receive, said Blanco. It is because of this interest that tours to Camp Zamas many unique facilities was incorporated in the visits to the installation, he said. We show [the candidates] how U.S. Army Soldiers train and what kind of specialties they have, said Blanco. I think that is so beneficial for them. Training is really what they want to see, so along with observing the training at MEDDAC, we also brief them as to how we train as part of the Reserve component. The Soldiers assigned to USARJs Reserve Component have many missions here. They predominantly augment active-duty units in support of military exercises such as Yama Sakura, Keen Edge and North Wind, said Blanco. The overall intent of working closely with the JGSDF is to enhance the Reserve system, he said. This is the first time these reserve can-

didates have ever put on a uniform, so they make sure they get a basis understanding of the mission theirs and ours the structure, the training and the benefits of being in the Reserves, said Blanco. Lt. Col. Shinichi Kiku, commander of the 117th Training Battalion at Camp Takeyama, said a close relationship between U.S. and Japanese military forces is very important both in the event of a future contingency here, or during bilateral training. There is a need for medical experience in situations like those, and having interpreters there to assist is critical, he said. JGSDF translators need to have a working knowledge of the medical field in the U.S. Army in order to help, so todays tour was a good opportunity for them to gain a better understanding of that, said Kiku. I think todays visit strengthened the relationship between our two forces. Kiku praised the U.S. Soldiers for the level of expertise they displayed during their medical demonstrations. The variety of specialties offered within the Army is also significantly more than that of the JGSDF, he said. The amount of training a reservist receives in the U.S. Army versus the JGSDF cannot be compared, said Kiku. The Soldiers he were very skilled at their jobs, and Kiku said his wish is to one day have training on par with theirs made available to his unit. We learned a lot and it was very beneficial, so we hope we can continue this bilateral exchange from now on, added Kiku. And also, if we have the opportunity, I would like for a group of U.S. Soldiers to visit the JGSDF to learn what we do.

Torii Talk

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INSIGHT

TORII

February 25, 2010

And the Oscar goes to...

By Tetsuo Nakahara
Torii Staff

he 82nd annual Academy Awards will be held March 7. There are 10 nominees in the Best Picture category, the first time since 1943 that there have been more than five. Lets hear some predictions from Camp Zama community members as to which movie is going to be named Best Picture.

I think that best picture will be Avatar, says Sgt. Herica Bonilla, a human resources noncommissioned officer assigned to the 78th Signal Battalion. The story was excellent, it used a lot of high-tech special effects, and it really changed industry. It blows a lot of peoples minds.

I hope The Hurt Locker will win, because I dont think Avatar deserves to win, says Jim McGee, broadcast chief for U.S. Army Garrison Japan. I think it would be nice if a woman [Hurt Locker director Kathryn Bigelow] beat her ex-husband [Avatars James Cameron] for the Oscar. Our relationship has truly become more bilateral, said Col. Craig Agena, G5 for U.S. Army Japan. Before, we would do our mission, they would do theirs and we would meet in the field. Now, we get together and plan our missions as one. Agena said he was also very impressed with the capabilities of the South Carolina Guardsmen. These guys have been to Afghanistan and Iraq and have the experience and the training, he said. I would go to war any day with these guys. Part of the training consisted of a company movement to enemy contact. The

I think The Hurt Locker will win, says Van McCrae, a supply technician for Camp Zamas Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command. It was a good movie. I believe that The Hurt Locker, Inglourious Basterds and Avatar will be the top three [contenders]. infantry Soldiers moved in a coordinated attack with the Japanese army and took out an enemy. Each element had its own type of formation, but the basic idea was the same: to move from one point to the next while keeping a secure perimeter. This gives us an opportunity to work through the language barrier, said Krell. Even though techniques may be a little different, the goals are the same. During the day, there were marksmanship competitions where Soldiers shot 10 rounds at 300-meter targets and had to fire all 10 shots within 25 seconds. In the eve-

I think Avatar or Inglourious Basterds will win, said Willis Wheeler, a purchasing agent at FMWR. Brad Pitt played a good role in Inglourious Basterds. He plays a southern boy from Tennessee and Im from Tennessee. He plays the Southern accent really well in the movie. nings, there were also competitions in the Friendship Hall. One evening, targets were set up and origami shuriken were thrown at the targets for prizes. Although many Soldiers are ready to get back home and see their families after being away for two weeks, there was a sense of longing to stay a while longer. Im a little disappointed about leaving, said Spc. Billy Hanby, a rifleman and driver assigned to the unit. I would really love to see more of the culture and continue relationship building. This has been a very positive experience.

NORTH WIND, From page 1

with our militaries, because you never know when we are going to be on the battlefield together. Soldiers dont make policies, they simply implement them. And even though several changes have happened in both the U.S. and Japanese governments in the recent year, the military wants to continue to build upon the relationships that have grown since 1966 especially with the National Guard, which has had little interaction with the JGSDF.

o you have a concern or an issue on your mind? Are you seeking a channel for your voice to be heard? Look no further. The Torii Newspaper welcomes all letters regarding issues or concerns involving the Camp Zama community as a whole. Critical letters should offer suggestions for resolutions as applicable. Letters or e-mails must be signed, but names will be withheld in publication upon request. The Torii Newspaper will protect the names of its sources if they so desire. Letters may be edited for content and length according to the Associated Press Stylebook and the Torii Style Guide. If you would like to have your voice heard in the Torii Newspaper, e-mail your letters to the deputy PAO at christopher.i.bush@us.army.mil, or send by regular mail to:

HNR / Public Affairs U.S. Army Garrison Japan ATTN: TORII Editor Unit 45005, IMPC-JA-HNR/PA APO AP 96338

Sound Off!
This publication, with a weekly circulation of 2,000, is printed by Pacific Stars and Stripes, Tokyo. All photos are U.S. Army photographs unless otherwise indicated. The newspaper uses military news services including American Forces Press Service and Army News Service. Story and photo submissions not pertaining to commercial advertising may be sent to the USAG-J HNR/PAO TORII Office at least two weeks prior to the desired publication date. The TORII Newspaper is distributed every Thursday. Submissions may be e-mailed to the deputy public affairs officer at christopher.i.bush@us.army.mil. The Torii editor reserves the right not to publish submissions not in accordance with Army Public Affairs regulations and standard operating procedures. Editorial offices are located in room A-208, Bldg. 102, South Camp Zama, Japan.

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

Commanding General: Maj. Gen. Francis J. Wiercinski Garrison Commander: Col. Perry Helton Garrison Public Affairs Officer: Edward H. Roper Deputy Public Affairs Officer: Christopher Bush Editor: Dustin Perry Staff : Tetsuo Nakahara

NEWS
4 February 25, 2010 TORII

Black History Month observance honors those who Built Nation from Beginning
By Dustin Perry
Torii Editor

www.torii.army.mil

The millions of African-Americans, who have contributed to the defense of the United States, from the Revolutionary War to today, were honored during Camp Zamas Black History Month observance. Held Friday at the Community Cultural Center here, the event recognized the many black servicemembers who have continually served in each branch of the U.S. military for more than 200 years. Speaking at the event was Lawrence N. Self, director of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity Management for the National Institute of Health in Washington, D.C. Self detailed the struggles faced by black Americans who wanted to serve their country in the military since the earliest years of its founding. Subject to a policy known as recruit, reject and recruit, blacks were barred from military service except when, as Self described it, warm bodies were needed to fight another war. Following the Civil War and continuing through the Civil Rights movement, blacks slowly began to be seen as equal among their fellow servicemembers, said Self. Their heroic actions and dedicated service led to several notable moments in the history of the U.S. military: the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry of the Civil War; the 9th and 10 Cavalry regiments also known as the Buffalo Soldiers of the Reconstruction Era; and the 332nd Fighter Group, or Tuskegee Airmen of World War II. It is my opinion that we must continue to focus our attention on the contributions of our black Soldiers, Airmen and Sailors, and we must continue to integrate black history into our culture so that it becomes commonplace, said Self.

Sgt. Jose Aboy, left, dips the U.S. Army flag as Spc. Edgar Sneed attaches a battle streamer to it in honor of the contributions black servicemembers have made to every major conflict involving American military forces since the Revolutionary War. The ceremony was part of Camp Zamas Black History Month Observance, held Friday at the Community Cultural Center here. The guest speaker was Lawrence N. Self, director of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity Management for the National Institutes of Health in Washington, D.C.

Photo by Dustin Perry

Deployed spouse luncheon

Photo by Tetsuo Nakahara

Jeannine Wiercinski, wife of Maj. Gen. Francis Wiercinski, the U.S. Army Japan and I Corps (Forward) commanding general, speaks to spouses of deployed servicemembers and civilians during the Camp Zama Deployed Spouse Appreciation Luncheon, hosted by Army Community Service at the Camp Zama Community Club Friday. The luncheon is held quarterly to give spouses the opportunity to talk with members of the command, discuss issues and bring the community together. More than 80 people participated, including 17 spouses.

Arnn students learn proper dental care

By tetsuo Nakahara
Torii Staff

www.torii.army.mil

EDucatioN
TORII
February 25, 2010

The students at John O. Arnn Elementary School received a free dental screening and tips on oral health Feb. 16 through Thursday in conjunction with National Childrens Dental Health Month. Every year, U.S. Army Dental Activity-Japan and Arnn representatives coordinate the event during February to raise awareness of childrens dental health and to offer dental education. The students were led, one class at time, into a room that had been turned into a makeshift exam lab. First, a dental education video was shown to the children. After the video a lecture on how to properly brush and floss ones teeth, followed by the basic dental screening, was given by Dr. (Capt.) Salil Sodhi, a dental surgeon, and Spc. Sarah Bigford, both assigned to DENTAC-J. Its good to get the kids involved in oral hygiene and get them used to seeing us, said Sodhi. They have no problem opening their mouth and showing me their teeth while sitting in this room. I hope they carry it over the clinic, because at the clinic, they get a little scared of the chair, the light in their face, [and seeing my] gloves and mask. The children who received the free dental screening were required to submit a permission slip signed by their parent, authorizing the examination, after which they were given a certificate of achievement. If Sodhi determined that a child had any dental concerns, he advised the childs parents in writing to schedule an appointment at the Camp Zama Dental Clinic. Students in higher grades were shown a series of photo slides that provided a more in-depth look at various oralhygiene problems that can result from poor dental care, including cavities, tooth decay, crowns and bridges, root canals and tobacco-related damage. Ill start to brush my teeth twice every day, said Pablo

Pablo Ortiz, a fifth-grader at John O. Arnn Elementary School, demonstrates how to floss under the instruction of Spc. Sarah Bigford, assigned to U.S. Army Dental Activity-Japan in a makeshift clinic at the school Thursday. Soldiers from DENTAC-J gave a dental health lecture and free screenings at Arnn Feb. 16 through Thursday in conjunction with National Childrens Dental Health Month.

Photo by Tetsuo Nakahara

Ortiz, 11, a fifth-grader at Arnn. I learned from the slide show that no one should smoke tobacco because if the symptoms get worse, you may lose your jaw. I dont think anyone would want to lose their jaw. At the end of the presentation, each child received a small

bag filled with a two-minute brushing timer, toothpaste, a toothbrush and dental floss. The children are in very good [oral] health and asked many good questions, said Sodhi. The school has been very helpful, and we are more than happy to come.

SCHOOL NEWS
Zama Child Development Center:263-8081 SHA Child Development Center: 267-6153
School Age Services (SAS) supplements the school schedule with a wide variety of after school activities for youth from 1st grade through 6th grade.SAS offers care for Before/After school, Hourly care Open Recreation Program, School Day Out and Summer Camp Program. Before/After school with options for before school only or after school only. Each of these options entitles program participants to full day care services during out of school periods, excluding Federal Holidays, during the school year. Additionally, separate SAS Camps were operated during Winter and Spring breaks for those patrons who normally do not require daily before and after school care. During the Summer Month, SAS operated a full day camp option, in eleven, one-week sessions. SaS oPEN REcREatioN PRoGRaM: Parents! Are you looking for programs that your school-aged children can participate in? Children! Are you looking for things that will keep you active and busy outside of the house? If so, then the OPEN RECREATION PROGRAM events are for you! All events guarantee fun! School Age Services is offering open recreation opportunities in the weekday and Saturday afternoons for youth currently enrolled in grades one to six. Registration: To register your child or for more information please stop by the CYS Central Enrollment Registry Office in Bldg 533 on Camp Zama, or call 263-4125 or SAS at 267-6013.

Zama American Middle School: 263-4040 Zama American High School: 263-3181
Visit the Web at www.zama-hs.pac.dodea.edu/ for information pertaining to Zama American High School. Sports Physical: A physical sports exam is required for any student to participate in team sports before practice begins, according to DoDEA regulations.

School Age Services: 267-6013

School Transitions: What Every Parent Should Know

Camp Zama will host a Parent to Parent Workshop that will feature a seminar that focuses on the social and academic impact on school transitions for children of all ages. The workshop will also feature numerous break out sessions that will cover a wide variety of topics. The workshop will be held Feb. 9 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Camp Zama Community Club and then from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at John O. Arnn Elementary. For reservations, call 263-3241.

Financial Aid Seminar

A seminar on the process for applying for federal student financial aid will be held tonight at 5:30 at ZAHS. The seminar will demystify the most popular financial aid program and prepare you to complete and file your FAFSA. Other tools to assist families in the financial aid process will also be covered to help families estimate the true costs of higher education.

John O. Arnn Elementary: 267-6602

University of Phoenix - Asia: 263-5846

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

To apply online, visit https://myapply.phoenix.edu/apply/register. asp?TeamID=109397

CAMP ZAMA HOSTS GIRLS FAR EAST BASKETBALL TOURNEY

6 February 25, 2010 TORII www.torii.army.mil TORII February 25, 2010 7
By Dustin Perry
Torii Editor

SPORTS & FITNESS

Seoul American HS claims AA title in long-awaited victory over Faith Academy

he title game of the 2010 Far East Basketball Championship involved the same two girls teams and the same final score as last years but on Saturday, a team that had been cursed with coming up short finally earned its long-awaited spot on top. The Falcons of Seoul American High School edged past the Faith Academy Vanguards from the Philippines by a score of 50-47, capping a weeklong series of intense basketball at Yano Fitness Center with a knuckle-biting finale. Sixteen teams from across the Pacific region, including Zama American High School, also competed in the tournament. Seoul American advanced to the finals Friday evening after winning a similarly close game against the Panthers of Okinawas Kadena High School, while later that same day Faith Academy beat the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame High School, a private Catholic school in the Philippines. The two teams facing each other in the championship had been in the same situation before both undefeated, both knowing a tough game lied ahead of them but the Falcons had always finished second during the combined tenures of head coach Bill Ratcliff and assistant coach Jesse Smith. The start of the game saw an energized and confident Seoul American squad taking the court, with junior Destinee Harrison earning seven of her teams 15 points in the first quarter. The Vanguards trailed only slightly, thanks to a scoring streak that brought them to within four points of their opponents. Neither team was willing to concede to the other as the game continued. Movement on offense was quick and calculated; turnovers were met with renewed and aggressive defense. We had a couple of turnovers, but we prevented

[Faith Academy] from making too many transition baskets; that really helped us a lot, said Smith. Grace Fern of Faith Academy sank a pair of three-pointers, while Harrison added two consecutive field goals to her growing number of points. By halftime, Seoul Americans lead shrank to a single point; the score was 24-23. The Vanguards dominated the first half of the third quarter, earning 10 straight points and putting them briefly ahead of the Falcons. Seoul American came back, however, with an outstanding performance on offense from Liz Gleaves and teammate Diamond Person. The two scored a combined eight points, closing the gap between them and the Vanguards, who led 36-34 at the end of the quarter. As the pressure mounted in the final quarter, so too did the number of fouls committed by each team. But this proved to be the only weak point for both the Falcons and the Vanguards, with the former only sinking two out of seven free throws and the latter only earning one out of four. The minutes raced by as both teams fought relentlessly to gain a lead comfortable enough to carry them to the end. The Vanguards were trailing by five when Lauren Cleope received a pass from the outside arc and landed a gorgeous three-pointer that brought her team to within a more manageable gap. With only 7.6 seconds remaining, this forced Faith Academy to either get the ball back or stop the clock, which they did by fouling Seoul Americans Diedre Jones. She sank a free throw her teams final point and the Falcons saw their championship title materialize. From the first day of tryouts, we knew we had a great team, said Gleaves, the 2010 Far East MVP. Throughout the season we faced teams we couldnt really compete with but we always played hard no matter what, and we always worked as a team.

Liz Gleaves, right, of Seoul American High School, charges past Tashalyn Palomo of George Washington High School in Guam during a game held Thursday at Yano Fitness Center here. SAHS was undefeated, and Gleaves was named MVP of the championship game.

Photo by Anastasia Rodgers

Destinee Harrison of Seoul American High School shoots between two Faith Academy defenders during the final game of the 2010 Far East Basketball Championship, held Saturday at Yano Fitness Center here. Seoul American won the game by a score of 50-47.

Photo by Nick Jorgenson

Grace Fern, right, of Faith Academy, wrestles the ball away from Destinee Harrison of Seoul American during Saturdays Far East basketball championship game at Yano Fitness Center.

Photo by Dustin Perry

Aaliyah Daniels of Zama American High School charges the basket during a Thusday game against Notre Dame High School.

Photo by Heather Coe

Reanna Angoco, center, of the Academy of Our Lady Guam, fights for possession of the ball against Yokota High Schools Anissa Fitz, left, and Bria Pressley during a game Friday.

Photo by Lewis Hahn

8 February 25, 2010 TORII

COMMUNITY

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USARJs 78th Avn. Bn. awarded Best in Class

By Maj. Jim Crawford
USARJ Public Affairs

U.S. Army Japans 78th Aviation Battalion beat out all competitors to win first place in its category in the Armys 2009 Combined Logistics Excellence Awards. The awards are given out annually during a ceremony that combines the Army Award for Maintenance Excellence, the Deployment Excellence Award and the Supply Excellence Award. Sponsored by the chief of staff of the Army, CLEA honors installations and units excellence in maintenance, deployment and supply operations. The 95 units chosen in 50 different categories represented logistics programs that are the best in the Army and have contributed significantly to Army readiness. The honorees were from the Armys active-duty, Reserve and National Guard installations and units from around the world. The 78th won best in class in the Active Army, Level I, TDA Unit category. The units command group will receive the award in a special ceremony scheduled to be held June 2 in Washington, D.C. I am extremely proud of each and every unit being honored at the CLEA, said Lt. Gen. Mitch Stevenson, deputy chief of staff of the Army for logistics. These units and more importantly, the logisticians within them that are being recognized are the best of the best, and I commend their ingenuity, determination, teamwork and skill, and I also thank them for setting the standard in logistics excellence for our Army. The battalions crewmembers are well experienced and diversified with previous assignments covering the globe from Europe, to Central America, North America, Asia and

the Middle East. Combat experience includes campaigns in Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, Desert Storm, Somalia, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan. The battalion is self-supporting and includes instructor pilots, instrument examiners and maintenance test pilots. An operational air traffic control tower controls Kastner Army Heliport at Camp Zama, as well as landing sites throughout the Kanto Plain. Alpha Company is the UH-60 flight platoon supporting a wide variety of missions and a maintenance platoon that provides unit- and intermediatelevel maintenance on the aircraft, as well as limited depot-

level maintenance with DynCorp contractors. The Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment provides airfield support services, such as flight operations and airfield maintenance. The Fixed Wing Detachment attached from A Company, 6th Bn., 52nd Aviation Regiment, 17th Aviation Brigade-Korea, provides fixed-wing support. The 78th Aviation Bn. originated in Yokohama, Japan, as part of a small flight detachment of Army Forces Far East in January 1953. The unit was known as the U.S. Army Aviation Detachment-Japan until 1986, when it was redesignated as the 78th Aviation Battalion (Provisional).

78th Signal Soldiers attend tech conference

By Capt. Alexander Vukcevic
287th Signal Co.

CAMP KURIHAMA, Japan The Japanese Ground Self Defense Forces ninth annual Signal School Fair was held earlier this month, during which the military applications of the latest and most advanced commercial and civilian technologies the world has to offer were put on display. For the second year in a row, Soldiers assigned to the 78th Signal Battalion stood shoulder to shoulder with the biggest names in the telecommunications industry as they showed off the U.S. Armys newly fielded Secure and Non-Secure Internet Protocol Router Access Point, or SNAP. The primary mission of the SNAP at Camp Zama is to deploy at a moments notice to support the JGSDF and the people of Japan in the event of a natural disaster.

JGSDF generals and civilian executives alike said they were impressed with the systems mobility and durability for the amount of communication support it was able to provide. On the final day of the fair the Command Sgt. Maj. Tyronne Smoot, command sergeant major of the 78th Signal Bn., spoke to a gathered audience. The development of noncommissioned officerss in the JGSDF has been critical to its transformation in recent years as the advancement of their communications equipment is rapidly occurring, he said. This has been a great honor for us, said Smoot. Weve exchanged so much great technical and professional information over the weekend that this conference is quickly becoming a developmental cornerstone of our bilateral partnership with the JGSDF.

SpOrTS & FITNeSS

Aikido: A Way of Life

By Tetsuo Nakahara
Torii Staff

www.torii.army.mil

TORII

February 25, 2010

Your Weekly Dose

H1N1 reminder for children 6 months to 9 years

Members of the Camp Zama Aikido Club always begin and end their practice sessions with rei, a bow that conveys respect and gratitude among Japanese. It has been almos 12 years since Yotaro Mukai, a rokudan black belt, began offering Aikido lessons at Camp Zama, presently at Yano Fitness Center. Mukai began learning Aikido almost 45 years ago when he was a member of the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force. It has always been fun doing Aikido, said Mukai. Aikido has no limit. You just keep improving as long as you practice. And you can keep practicing even though you get older. It is really fun to see yourself improve. You dont see a big change all the sudden; you just have to improve little by little. I am still learning even as I teach. Ill continue Aikido until they day I die. Aikido is more than a physical art, though, says Mukai. Into its techniques are woven elements of philosophy, psychology and dynamics. It is a way of life that unifies life energy, ki, a way of being in harmony with ones environment and centered within oneself, he says. At its highest levels, it is an effective discipline for the development, integration and utilization of all of ones powers mental as well as physical. There are various organizations within Aikido. The club here follows the Aikikai Foundation, which is the biggest organization of Aikido. Currently, the club has approximately 10 members. Mukai offers nine weekly lessons, which he voluntarily instructs at Yano. The lesson schedule is from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Monday through Friday; 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; and 10:15 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday. It is sometimes difficult for

A second dose of H1N1 is required to ensure immunity for children ages 6 months to 9 years. The doses must be a month apart from the initial H1N1 shot. As with all vaccines, you can be late; just not early.

Suicide Prevention

The USARJ Community has 24/7 access to assistance for suicide prevention by dialing 911 for immediate on-site assistance for those who may hurt themself or someone else, call 263-4127 for medical, behavioral or chaplain advice, or 145 for direct access to Military OneSource. Military OneSource representatives will provide support through advice and counseling to the population previously listed. These services are also available for our USARJ community members in Okinawa.

BG Sams Clinic

Photo by Tetsuo Nakahara

Camp Zama Aikido Club instructor Yotaro Mukai, a rokudan black belt, trains with one of his students during practice Monday at Yano Fitness Center here. Mukai offers volunteer Aikido lessons there nine times throughout the week.

BG Sams Clinic will be at reduced operations on 12 & 15 February 2010 in observance of the Training Holiday and Presidents Day. There will not be any appointments. Professional Medical Advice is available by calling 263-4127Dial 911 (119 off-post) if any medical emergencies.

students to continually practice because of their personal schedules; however, Mukai said he recommends practicing at least twice a week to remain proficient. Ive been doing Aikido under Mukaisensei for five and half years, said Eric Lampkin, a nidan black belt, who is assigned to the Japan Engineer District of the U.S. Army Corps Engineers. I like Aikido because of its spiritual aspect. Ive found the techniques I learn for blend into my personal life and my work. My goal through Aikido is to maintain good health and to be a better person. I want to teach Aikido some day. Im lucky to learn under

Mukai-sensei. Mukai has a few students who have gone on to teach Aikido in the U.S. after leaving Camp Zama. It is pleasant for him to hear that former students continue to train, he said, and some of them visit him to pay their respect. Aikido develops your way of life, said Mukai. Being physically strong doesnt mean anything in Aikido. Its painful and difficult, and takes long time to learn. But its something you can find yourself and keep progressing forever. For more information, visit http:// campzamaaikido.blogspot.com.

Emergency Numbers

In case of a medical emergency, all cell phone users stationed on mainland U.S. Army Japan installations may program the following number on their speed dial: 046-407-2911. Land line users on all U.S. Army Japan and Garrison installations, including those located outside the Kanagawa Prefecture, may dial 911. SOFA-status members living off-post may dial 119.

Medical Advice

For expedient medical advice 24/7, call the BG Sams Health Clinic at 263-4127. After hours, calling is faster than walking to the clinic.

Sports Briefs
35 & Over Basketball
The 35 & Over basketball league is currently holding weekly games at Yano Fitness Center. Games will be held every Sunday at 3 p.m. through March 28. For more information, call 263-7980.

Racquetball tournament

The singles racquetball tournament is scheduled to be held March 6 at Yano Fitness Center. Registration will be by March 5. For more Information, call 263-7980.

Sports Photos Wanted

The Torii Newspaper wants to publish your action sports photos for sports of all ages, all seasons. To showcase your team or your childs team, e-mail your digital action sports photos less than two weeks old (with captions) in .jpg format of 3mb or more to Tetsuo.Nakahara4@us.army.mil

Classifieds & Movies

10 February 25, 2010 TORII
Classified ads not pertaining to commercial profit are free to military personnel, DA Civilians, Family members and MLC/IHA employees. Ads should be 20 words or less with nonworkplace E-mail or phone numbers listed. To submit a classified ad, E-mail tetsuo. nakahara4@us.army.mil. However, the Torii Newspaper reserves the right not to publish inappropriate advertisements. Deadline is no later than noon Mondays. Military community classified ads can also be placed for free on a commercial Web site at www. mymilitaryclassifieds.com/xzclf/162_Camp_ Zama_ARMY_/. Middle School are currently accepting applications for substitute teachers. U.S. citizenship and a high school diploma or GED are required. For more information or any questions, please call 263-4005. Physical Therapist, intermittent (240 hours): Provides physical therapy service in the areas of physical disabilities, neuromuscular and psychosocial dysfunctions in patients ranging from adolescence to the very elderly. Must have license to practice physical therapy in the U.S. This is a contract positions open to SOFA status applicants. Resumes may be sent to Yoshiyasu. Aoki@us.army.mil. ALL applicants shall register in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) at www.ccr.gov. Physical Therapist, intermittent (240 hours): Provides physical therapy service in the areas of physical disabilities, neuromuscular and psychosocial dysfunctions in patients ranging from adolescence to the very elderly. Must have license to practice physical therapy in the U.S. This is a contract positions open to SOFA status applicants. Resumes may be sent to Yoshiyasu. Aoki@us.army.mil. ALL applicants shall register in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) at www.ccr.gov. instructor/facilitator: Camp Zama Education Center is looking for a Instructor/Facilitator to conduct daytime Online Academic Skills Course formerly called FAST. Bachelors Degree and Teaching License/Certificate preferred.Will be paid for 240 classroom hours per year. Call 263-5055 for more information. instructor/facilitator: Torii Station Education Center is looking for a Instructor/Facilitator to conduct daytime Online Academic Skills Course formerly called FAST. Bachelors Degree and Teaching License/Certificate preferred.Will be paid for classroom hours taught per year.Call 263-5055 for more information. Health Promotion assistant: $13.00 hr, 1624 hours per week, Must obtain a bachelors degree, open until filled. Questions regarding the position please call 263-2004.

www.torii.army.mil

For sale
New Bicycle: New Japanese folding bicycle with carrying bag. Paid $250 but am asking $125, Call 263-5979 Tv: 32 HDTV JVC LCD Flat Screen TV w/ HDMI. $275.00 OBO, Call: 0462-93-2979 or 263-4619, Email: arjay@jcom.home.ne.jp 1 ea afN decoder to receive afN Tv Channels off-Base: $275.00 OBO.Tel: 2634619 or 046-293-2979. email: arjay@jcom. home.ne.jp

women would like to meet every Monday, time and place is negotiable. Please contact Denise at denisemrobertson@yahoo.com english teacher: Sagami Home English School is looking for Native English speakers to teach English in their homes on the weekends. Please contact Alma Smith at: a_rosa_s@yahoo. com. instructor: Arts and Crafts Center seeks instructors to teach sewing, water color painting, washi paper craft and/or acrylic paint arts. Also looking for contracted framer who has at least three years experience in framing production. For more information, call Nodera-san at 2634412.

Jobs
Appropriated Fund (APF) and Nonappropriated Fund (NAF) job announcements and application instructions are available at http://cpol.army.mil. For questions regarding APF vacancies, please call 263-3608. NAF MWR job announcements and required forms are also available at http:// www.usarj.army.mil/information/zama/employ. htm. For questions regarding NAF vacancies, please call 263-5800. Non-appropriated fund Pacific Stars & Stripes job announcements are available online at http://cpol.army.mil. For more information, call the Job Information Center at 229-3163. Japanese national position vacancies are posted in the Microsoft Exchange public e-mail folders and on the Internet at www.usarj.army.mil/ scripts/jn/cpo/index.asp. Application forms are available on the same site. Selection status can also be checked. For more information, call 263-3325. Child and Youth Program assistant (level 2-4), (CYS, Zama & SHA), CY-1/2, RFT/RPT, $9.58 - $17.09, Closes: Open Continuous Cook (CYs), NA-04, Flex, $10.01, Closes: Open Continuous Recreation assistant (lifeguard/Pool operator), RD, NF-02, $9.26, Closes: Open Continuous Recreation assistant (lifeguard), RD, Flex, NF-02, $9.29, Closes: Open Continuous Hotel desk Clerk (Zama lodging), BD, RFT, $7.25 - $9.00, Closes: Open Continuous food service Worker (Bowling), BD, Flex, NA-02, $8.77, Closes: Open Continuous operation assistant (Community Club), BD, Flex, NF-1101-01, $9.00, Closes: Open Continuous Business Manager (food services), (Golf course), RFT, NF-3, $28,000 - $32,000, Closes: March 21, 2010 Recreation assistant, (outdoor), RFT, NF-2, $9.29, Closes: March 5, 2010

Wanted
english teachers: A small off-post home school(about 200 students) near Sagami Depot. First time teachers welcome! Classes available Mon. Thu. 1pm to 9pm (No weekends or Fridays!) Call for details. Derek Partington English School, home 042-756-4483; cell 090-3082-4439 or E-mail: partngtn@jcom. home.ne.jp Part-time english teacher: Pay is 16,000 to work four times per month. Two Mondays from 4 6:10 p.m., one Tuesday from 9 10 p.m. and one Friday from 7 8 p.m. Located 15 minutes driving distance from SHA in Minami-Rinkan area. For more information, E-mail Kaz at superkids-csc1190@nifty.com. Officials: Officials for all intramural sports (flag-football, softball, basketball, & volleyball), aerobic & yoga instructors, fitness trainers and massage therapists. For more information, call 263-4664 / 7980. sports photos: The Torii Newspaper wants to publish your action sports photos for sports of all ages, all seasons. To showcase your team or your childs team, e-mail your digital action sports photos less than two weeks old (with captions) in .jpg format of 3mb or more to tetsuo. nakahara4@us.army.mil. esl teacher: Seeking ESL teachers for two conversational group classes. One requires travel to Tama and is very accessible by car. Meeting times are the 1st and 3rd Sat. from 10:30 a.m. noon for one class and Sat. from 3 to 4 p.m. for the second. Pay is 7,500 and 3,000 per hour respectively. Call 090-549-6725 or e-mail shantee12@yahoo.com. english teacher wanted: Seeking conversational English teacher for the summer. A group of five

Others
ZaCsas east Meets West shop: located behind the dry cleaners on Camp Zama, carries vintage Japanese items and collectibles. Store hours are every Tuesday and the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Profits from the shop go back to the community in scholarships and welfare grants. For additional information please call 263-5533. Stop on by and check it out. The Women, infant, and Children, (WIC) overseas program at Camp Zama offers valuable nutritional information and food subsidizes. For more information, call 263-8960. JaPaNese sPoUse ClUB: Would you like to socialize with other Japanese spouses, learn more about being a military spouse, share your experiences and support with others? If so, please call Meg at 263-8327 or e-mail jsczama@gmail. com for more information. fUReai, Japanese Personnel Newsletter is issued and distributed electronically. This newsletter is for MLC/MC/IHA personnel and US personnel who have Japanese subordinate employees. It is available at https://intranet. zama.army.mil/?linkid=fureai.

Vehicles for sale

05 Nissan skyline fairlady 350Z: Nismo body, Dark Met Grey with heated auburn leather Seats, showroom condition no dents/scratches, 20 ,Petrol Luxury Wheels, HKS exhaust system, 4 ,Titanium tips, Drill/Slot Rotors, Power everything, New JCI, DVD, TV, NAV, Mini Disc, 6CD, 64klm; The best looking Z on the streets for, $18,500. Call 090-8517-9568 (5)

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

Movie sCHedUle
saGaMiHaRa
http://www.aafes.com/ems/pac/zama.htm
267-6111

aTsUGi Cinema 77
https://www.atsugi.navy.mil/ATSUGI/Mwr/index.html
264-3789

Other local positions

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

friday 6:30 p.m...............Valentines Day (PG-13) 90 minutes 9 p.m................Sherlock Holmes (PG-13) 128 minutes saturday 6:30 p.m...............Valentines Day (PG-13) 90 minutes 9 p.m....................................Precious (R) 109 minutes sunday 3:30 p.m......Did You Hear About the Morgans? (PG-13) 88 minutes 6:30 p.m...............Valentines Day (PG-13) 90 minutes

friday 4 p.m.................................Leap Year (PG) 97 minutes 9:30 p.m.......................Up in the Air (R) 109 minutes saturday 2:30 p.m...........The Lightning Thief (PG) 118 minutes 7 p.m...........Did You Hear About the Morgans? (PG-13) 88 minutes 9:30 p.m......................Youth in Revolt (R) 90 minutes sunday 2:30 p.m...........The Lightning Thief (PG) 118 minutes 5:30 p.m............................Leap Year (PG) 97 minutes 8 p.m. ........................Youth in Revolt (R) 90 minutes

for your Tv schedule, visit www.myafn.net

CoMMUNiTY CaleNdaR
www.torii.army.mil TORII
February 25, 2010

11

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

Free Bowling Thursdays

Zama Bowling Center is open for free bowling from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursdays to promote family time. Free bowling is also offered from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday with a lunch purchase of $4.50 or more. Pre-paid bowling cards are also available. For more information, call 263-4780.

Whats Happening Outside the Gate?

Hisano Yamazaki
Eagle 810, AFN Tokyo

hisano.yamazaki.jp@yokota.af.mil

New Parent Support Program

Beginners Japanese Class

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

Beginners Japanese class is available at Army Community Service every Tuesday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. For more information, call at 263-8091.

Floating Hina Dolls Edo NagashiBina in the Azuma-bashi Bridge area in Sumida Park, Tokyo Feb. 28

Army Family Action Plan

* Traditional Japanese event to wash away the spirit of misfortune and to wish for their children to avoid diseases and disasters by floating paper hina dolls on the river.

AFAP is a year-round process. To submit and AFAP issue, log onto http://www.mwrjapan.jp.pac.army.mil and click on Submit an AFAP Community Idea/Concern. Issues can be submitted anonymously and will be sent directly to the AFAP program manager. Beginners Japanese Class

Daruma* Doll Fair @ Jindai-ji Temple, Chofu City, Tokyo Mar. 3-4

Cooperative Work Program

CLEP and DANTES Testing

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

What: Co-Op Oral presentation: My sponsor unit, When: March 9, Time: 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., Place: Camp Zama Community Cultural Center, POC: G5 NCOIC Sfc. Eric Rodriguez, 263-2747

* Daruma is a doll of bright red likenesses of an Indian monk founded Zen Buddhism in the sixth century. Legend has it that the monk sat meditating in a cave for nine years that he lost the use of his legs. Daruma is also a good luck charm that helps people fulfill their wishes; it encourages us to keep working toward our own goals even when others are trying to knock us over.

Fire Walking Festival @ Mt. Takao Yakuo-in Temple, Tokyo Mar. 14

Everyone is invited to join the fire-walking, no reservation needed.

St. Patricks Day Parade on Omotesando Ave., Tokyo Mar. 14

FamilyBuat et Hob Nob the

Friday, 26 February, 5-8 pm
Baked Meatloaf BBQ Chicken White Rice Mashed Potatoes w/ Gravy Vegetable of the Day Rolls & Butter Sheet Cake
Adults: $9.95 Youths 4-12: $5.95 Youths 3 & Under: FREE All Tickets $3 More At The Door Available At CZCC & Hob Nob

MENU

For more information, please call CZCC 263-4547, or Hob Nob 267-6097

Girls grow with Hina-Matsuri

By Tetsuo Nakahara
Torii Staff

12 February 25, 2010

TORII

Travel & CulTure

www.torii.army.mil

As spring slowly approaches, families with daughters begin to take out an elaborate set of dolls they have stored in the back of their closet in order to celebrate Girls Day. The Hina-Matsuri, or Dolls Festival, is held annually on March 3. Hina means girl or princess. The holiday is meant to pray for a young girls growth and happiness. In the traditional Edo period, some people believed the hina dolls possessed the power to contain bad spirits, thus protecting the owner. This ancient custom is traced back to the Japanese tradition of Hina-nagashi (doll floating), in which paper dolls were put into a boat and sent down a river to the sea, taking troubles or bad spirits with them. Hina dolls are typically displayed on multiple-tiered platforms covered with red cloth. The top tier holds two dolls representing the Dairi-sama (Emperor) and O-Hina-sama (Empress). The second tier holds three of the San-nin kanjo (court ladies), each holding a sakefiller. The third tier holds five of the make go-nin bayashi (musicians), each with a musical instrument. If you look carefully, you find the singer holding a fan without any instrument. The remaining tiers on the platform hold a variety of miniature furniture, tools and carriages with two of the Zuijin (ministerial dolls), which may be displayed to the right and left of the fourth tier. The popular superstitious belief states that if the family forgets to retire the whole doll display before the evening of March 4, the familys eldest daughter will not marry before the next year. During the festival of Hina-Matsuri, people generally have a good time, drinking a sweet sake and eating Chirashi-sushi, or red, white and green lozenge-shaped rice cakes, and Hina-Arare (colorful popped rice). The red rice cakes are for warding off evil spirits, the white ones symbolized purity, and the green ones are for good health. Very often, a dish containing clams is included, such as clam soup with spring herbs. If you want to see what Hina dolls look like, a beautiful set of them is currently being displayed at the Camp Zama Library.

Photos by Tetsuo Nakahara