Serving the U.S.

Army Japan community

April 28, 2011

VOL. 39, NO. 17

www.torii.army.mil

Family members return to Japan

Operation Homecoming welcomes back voluntary departees
By Dustin Perry
Torii Editor

The first of more than 300 U.S. Army Japan family members who voluntarily departed Japan last month began returning April 20, five days after the Department of Defense ended the authorization it enacted in response to the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. USARJ and U.S. Army Garrison Japan volunteers were at Narita International Airport every day throughout the past week to greet returning personnel and assist them with their requisite in-processing as part of an ongoing initiative known as Operation Pacific Homecoming. The purpose of the reception team is to make sure that we receive the families, assist them, make sure they get back to Camp Zama in a safe manner, and that we account for everyone, said Command Sgt. Maj. Scarlett Stabel, USAG-J command sergeant major. We just want to make sure theyre received back into the community and we can ease whatever anxieties they may have with the transition. Returning family members were bused back to Yano Fitness Center here, where they were briefed and processed by personnel from various key organizations, much like they were during preparations for their March 25 departure from Japan at Yokota Air Base. Just as we prepared for their departure to make sure it was organized, safe and efficient, the same energy and thought was put into the process of bringing these families back, said Stabel. We knew the moment we made the plan for family members to depart, they would be coming back. We were well prepared. The entitlements available to family members who relocated to the U.S. or other authorized locations ended Monday, 10 days after the lifting of the departure order. Although many of personnel are estimated to have returned during that window, others are expected to follow suit beginning in late May and on through the summer due to various circumstances, said Stabel. We have some family members who enrolled their children in school elsewhere when they departed Japan to make sure their academics were not disrupted, said Stabel. To make sure we dont interrupt them again, the Department of State has

Photos by Dustin Perry

Lisa Marie Roberts, far left, is greeted by Command Sgt. Maj. Scarlett Stabel and other Operation Pacific Homecoming representatives at Narita International Airport upon her return to Japan on April 27. More than 300 U.S. Army Japan family members who left the country in late March following an authorized voluntary departure are expected to return here through June.

said that those families who have children enrolled in school can stay until the day after their school year ends. Though she admits she is not a fan of the many aftershocks Japan has been experiencing following the 9.0-magnitude earthquake, family member Lisa Marie Roberts said she was prepared to come back because the overall situation here seems to have stabilized. As soon as they gave us the go-ahead [to come back], I was in constant contact with my boss and my husbands unit, said Roberts after in-processing at Yano on April 20. I think if we were not safe, they would not send us back. Melody Dickerson, who also returned last week, agreed, saying the choice for her and her children to return was an easy one. It went very smooth, I think, said Dickerson. There were no complaints.

Volunteers carried incoming family members luggage upon their arrival in Japan.

I NSIDE the TORII

2 News 4 Calendar 5 Community 6 Classifieds 7 Sports 8 Travel

April 28, 2011

TORII

NEWS

www.torii.army.mil

Zama Briefs
AOSA scholarships
The Atsugi Officers Spouses Association will be making scholarships available for seniors attending Zama American High School and spouses of servicemembers assigned to Naval Air Facility Atsugi. Applications are available at www.atsugiosa. org. The deadline to apply for AOSA scholarships is Friday. For questions, contact the AOSA scholarship chair at AOSAScholarshipChair@yahoo.com.

You Made the Grade

Now in its 10th consecutive year, the You Made the Grade program recognizes Camp Zama students who achieve a B average or better with a benefits-filled booklet. Exclusive offers include a free Burger King kids meal or a Subway sixinch combo, video rental and $2 off any new release DVD at the Power Zone, to name a few. Students who make the grade also can register for a drawing to win a savings bond worth up to $5,000. To receive the You Made the Grade booklet, students simply present a valid military ID card and proof of an overall B or better average to the Camp Zama Exchange. Students may receive one coupon package for every qualifying report card, but may enter the savings bond drawing only once per calendar year. Camp Zama families can contact the Exchange at 263-5585 for more information about You Made the Grade.

Hand-picked blossoms

Photo by Tetsuo Nakahara

Laura Wallace, a resident at Sagamihara Family Housing Area, selects flowers Thursday during the annual Earth Day flower giveaway service at the SFHA Self-Help Store. Flowers were available for pick-up by community members at Camp Zama, SFHA and Sagami General Depot from Thursday through Wednesday.

Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program

Those aware of a sexual assault should report it immediately. It is punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice and other federal and local civilian laws. USAG-J Camp Zama Sexual Assault Hotline: 882# or 090-9395-8909 (24/7 response). USAG-J Torii Station: 090-6861-8042 (24/7 response). Army Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program website: http://www. sexualassault.army.mil.

New Parent Support

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 is an interactive play-group session for parents and children up to 6 years old that brings families together by engaging them in play. Play Morning is held twice a week, every Tuesday from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the Zama Chapel day care facility and on the second, third and fourth Thursday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Arnn Elementary School in EDIS. One-time registration is required. Breastfeeding support groups are held on the first Thursday of the month at Army Community Service from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. and on the third Monday of the month at the Sagamihara Family Housing Area Child Development Center from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Baby Bundles, a starter kit that provides information and materials for firsttime expecting mothers, can be picked up at ACS during regular business hours.

www.torii.army.mil

NEWS
manages to surface on the beach. Yutaka Shingaki of the MWR Financial Management Branch was one of the volunteers who helped clean the beach on Earth Day. Im a member of MWR, so I think keeping Torii Beach clean is our responsibility to the community, said Shingaki. Torii Beach is a nice place to visit and spend the day with friends and family. We need to keep it clean all the time. Shingaki, who went to the north end of Torii Beach, said he picked up mostly driftwood and seaweed. Other volunteers found fishing nets, cans, broken glass, plastic bottles, a milk jug, cardboard, aerosol cans, cigarette butts, bottle caps, pieces of Styrofoam, paper cups and plates, and even a sandal. We should call this Human Sustainability Day because we need to take care of each other and the environment in order to live longer, healthier lives, said Hickman. Earth Day was founded by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson in 1970 as a way to increase awareness and appreciation for the Earths environment. In 1990, the original national coordinator, Denis Hayes, took Earth Day to the international level and it is now celebrated in more than 175 countries.

Volunteers clean Torii Beach on Earth Day

By Lauren Hall
Torii Station Public Affairs

TORII

April 28, 2011

TORII STATION, Okinawa Nineteen volunteers from Torii Stations Department of Public Works, Fire Department and Morale, Welfare and Recreation combed Torii Beach on Friday, looking for trash and debris in an effort to help the environment and celebrate Earth Day. The Army celebrates Earth Day at approximately 200 major commands, installations and organizations throughout the U.S. and at its bases around the world, including here. Roland Hickman from the DPW Okinawa Environmental Branch, helped organize the Torii Beach cleanup. We have gloves, bags, water and sunscreen for everyone, Hickman told volunteers. Were going to split into two groups, with one going north, the other going south. If any hazardous materials are found, well take care of it. The shores of Torii Beach span nearly a mile along Okinawas coastline facing the East China Sea. During the summer, Torii Beach maintenance staff members clean the beach almost daily with a beach cleaner that sifts trash out of the sand, but trash still

A pile of trash and debris that was removed from Torii Beach by volunteers.

Yutaka Shingaki, Torii Station MWR, adds the bag of trash he collected from Torii Beach to the back of a pickup truck during the Torii Beach cleanup on Friday.

Photos by Lauren Hall

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 dustin.perry@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 is distributed every Thursday. Submissions may be e-mailed to the editor at dustin.perry@us.army.mil. The 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. Michael T. Harrison Sr. Garrison Commander: Col. Perry Helton Garrison Public Affairs Officer: Edward H. Roper Editor: Dustin Perry Staff: Tetsuo Nakahara Okinawa Bureau Chief: Anastasia Moreno Okinawa Bureau Staff: Lauren Hall

Community Calendar
4
April 28, 2011

TORII

www.torii.army.mil

UpcomingOngoing Events
Energy-saving notice
Due to the current state of emergency and the limited electrical power generation capability across Japan, the following measures will be implemented immediately: 1. Turn off all unnecessary lights, especially in unused office spaces, classrooms and conference rooms, and turn down all remaining individual lighting levels where possible. 2. Turn off Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems. If shutdown is not possible during this heating season, turn thermostats down to 68 degrees or below. Reduce settings to 55 degrees at the end of the day. 3. Turn off all office/home appliances when not in use. 4. Maximize use of natural ventilation where feasible and dress appropriately to maximize individual comfort. 5. Clean or replace your air-conditioner filters. 6. Maximize use of day-lighting in work areas an classrooms (use of sunlight in lieu of conventional power). 7. Set computers, monitors, printers, copiers, and other business equipment to their energy-saving modes, and turn them off if not in use and at the end of the day or as instructed by the 78th Signal Battalion. 8. Minimize energy usage during peak demand hours from 5 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. The major peaks occur from noon to 6 p.m. during normal work and school hours. The energy use during this period can be reduced by load shedding, thereby reducing the demand at the time the Garrison needs it the most. 9. Use laptop computers (preferably on battery power when possible). They consume 90 percent less energy than standard computers. 10. If possible, do not make photocopies or print documents, and conduct all business electronically. Use e-mail instead of sending memorandums and faxing documents. 11. Limit the use of your vehicle. If vehicles will be used, implement carpooling and plan your trips accordingly. Use the public mass transportation system when available. 12. Conserve water.

Training DVDs available

Shoulder to Shoulder: I Will Never Quit on Life is a 16minute documentary video that features Soldiers who received help for personal distress or who assisted a fellow Soldier. These stories help reduce the stigma associated with personal distress, and inspire individuals to get the help they need. For Department of the Army civilians, the video is followed by a five-minute video module designed specifically for them. It features individuals who are committed to the wellbeing of the entire Army family or who found assistance and support within the Army. The Home Front is a unique tool for education in the areas of suicide-risk awareness, suicide prevention and the promotion of a positive behavioral health lifestyle. Also available are suicide awareness pamphlet guides. For copies of these materials, visit the Training Support Center located at Bldg. 102, Room 207.

Whats Happening Outside the Gate?

eagle 810, aFn tokyo

Hisano yamazaki

hisano.yamazaki.jp@yokota.af.mil

Japan Hobby Show @ Tokyo Big Sight, April 28, 29

www.hobby.or.jp/hobbyshow/2011/about/english

Japanese Anime One Piece Dome Tour @ Tokyo Dome, April 28-May 1 Baby Crying Sumo Wrestling @ Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo, April 30

Post-Combat Stress Support

A support group to assist those experiencing symptoms of post-combat stress is offered from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Army Community Service.

CLEP and DANTES Testing

Two college-age sumo wrestlers hold and rock babies in their arms to make them cry. The baby who cries first or screams the loudest is the winner. This event is held to wish a healthy childhood for babies. It is reputed that crying is beneficial for babies and signifies a surplus of energy when babies cry hard. Some believe babies drive evil spirits away with powerful crying.

College-Level Examination Program and Defense Activity for Non-traditional Education Support testing sessions are held at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Wednesdays. To schedule an appointment, call 263-5379 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.

Sharaku, one of the greatest masters of traditional Japanese woodblock printing @ Tokyo National Museum, May 1-June 12 Samurai Warrior Parade @ Odawara Castle, Odawara City, Kanagawa, May 3
*Some events may be cancelled or postponed at the last moment.

Foreign Born Spouse Support Group

Whether your question concerns immigration and naturalization, learning the English language, or how to take local transportation, the Army Community Service Relocation Program provides assistance, weekly classes and referrals. The support group is held on the third Wednesday of every month from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the ACS Outreach Room. Call 263-HELP (4357) for pre-registration.

SCHOOL NEWS
Zama Child Development Center: 263-4992
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. 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. children under 3 years of age, call EDIS at 267-6545 to schedule an appointment. GradeSpeed: DoDEA has implemented GradeSpeed in all fourth- through 12th-grade classrooms worldwide. GradeSpeed is a web-based program that enables parents to log in and view grade and attendance data for their students. GradeSpeed will be the only authorized and supported grade book used by DoDEA employees in these grades. All teachers have secure access to GradeSpeed through the use of an Internet web browser. Teachers use the grade book portion of GradeSpeed to enter assignments, grades and to maintain grade calculations. Teachers are also able to e-mail progress reports to parents through GradeSpeed. For more information, go to http://www.dodea.edu/back_to_school/ gradespeed.cfm or contact Brandy Bell, educational technologist, at brandy.bell@pac. dodea.edu.

SHA Child Development Center: 267-6348

John O. Arnn Elementary: 267-6602

Science Fair: Arnn Elementary Schools Science Fair and Invention Convention is scheduled to conclude with a special session from 2:45 to 4:30 p.m. today, for interested parents to view student projects. All students in grades kindergarten through sixth will receive assistance and guidance from their classroom teachers, with students from grades fourth through sixth also having specific directions from their teachers to work as individuals or in pairs on their science experiment or invention. Students in grades kindergarten through third will work on their projects in large group settings. All projects will be seen by USAG-J military judges on April 28. For more information, call Beth Hauck at 267-6602. PSCd Screening: Your child or someone elses may qualify for Preschool Services for Children with Disabilities. Screenings for children ages 3 to 5 are held twice a month at AES to locate and identify children who may have developmental delays. Call Arnn Elementary School at 267-6602 to make an appointment if you suspect your child has a delay in language, physical, cognitive, social or adaptive behavior development. For

Zama American Middle School: 263-4040 Zama American High School: 263-3181

Visit the Web at www.zama-ms.pac.dodea.edu/ for information pertaining to Zama American Middle School. Visit the Web at www.zama-hs.pac.dodea.edu/ for information pertaining to Zama American High School. u-turn Program: This program is designed for youths to turn themselves around and get the help they need to graduate from high school and move on to higher education. Its up to U to turn yourself around. The teen center staff is here for U! Join us Tuesdays and Thursdays nights form study groups; work together with your classmates; get help from staff and other volunteers; tutor classmates; get S.A.T. tutoring / practice tests; use this time to work on scholarships and other financial aid applications. There will be a return bus to SHA for those youth who participate in the U-Turn Program.

Child, Youth and School Services: 263-4500

Community
www.torii.army.mil TORII
April 28, 2011

R DE

BICYCLE SAFETY

April 25 at Sagamihara Child Development Center

A rider stops at an intersection and looks both ways during a safety course held Monday as part of a bicycle rodeo coordinated by the USAG-J Safety Office and held at the Sagamihara Child Development Center here.

Photos by Dustin Perry

Susumu Kamishima of Sagawa Express Co. demonstrates the improper practice of riding a bicycle while talking on a cell phone during a safety rodeo held Monday at the Sagamihara Child Development Center. Sagawa regularly assists the USAG-J Safety Office with the event.

Riders begin a bicycle safety course during which they practice stopping at traffic signals, negotiate a slalom, check for obstructions at intersections, and finish at a stop sign, all while maintaining safe cycling practices.

Classifieds & Movies

6
April 28, 2011

TORII
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. 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. 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. 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. instructor: If you interested to teach Hula, Jazz, Piano, Drum classes please contact Community Activity Center at 263-8892 or 3939 JaPaNese visa assisTaNCe: I am in the process of preparing the paperwork to sponsor my new Filipino wife for a Japanese Tourist Visa. If you have been thru this process, please call Jeff at 090-9102-2117

www.torii.army.mil
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. Table Top Miniatures: Do you play Warhammer 40K or Fantasy? Other miniature games? Well contact me and lets roll some dice! Please email James @ ngolmo@gmail.com 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. Catering services: The Catering Office is open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., plus it is open on Wednesdays by appointment only. For additional information and assistance, please call at 263-4204. PWoC Bible study Thursday morning Watch Care from 9:30 11:30am.: Needs to be CPRcertified and first aid-certified. Paid position. Call Camp Zama Chapel at 263-3955.

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_/.

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 on the Internet at http://www.usagj.jp.pac. army.mil/ima/sites/jeso/rp_jjobs_list_j.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, $9.59 - $17.09, Open Continuous Child and Youth Program assistant (level 2-4), (CYS, Zama & SHA), CY-1/2, Flex, $9.59 - $17.09, NTE: 9/30/2011, Closes: July 27, 2011 CYs Program associate Homework lab, CYS, NF-03, RPT/RFT, $24,000 - $25,000, Close: April 29, 2011 CYs assistant director, CYS, NF-03, RFT, $28,000 - $34,000, Close: April 29, 2011 CYs sports and fitness assistant (equipment & facilities), CYS, NF-03, NTE 30SEP2011, $23,000, $25,000, Close: June 15, 2011 Business Manager (food service), BD, NF-03, RFT, $29,000 - $40,000, Close: June 15, 2011 Recreation assistant (lifeguard/Pool operator), RD, NF-02, $9.29, Close: May 6, 2011

Wanted
football Coaching: Volunteer Assistant Football Coaches are being sought for Zama High School. Interested individuals should consider their availability for daily after-school practices (1500-1730) as well as spring and preseason practices and games. Coaches meetings begin soon. For more information please contact Coach Merrell at 263-3181 or steven.merrell@ pac.dodea.edu. Taekwondo instructor: Child Youth & School Services SkiesUnlimited program is looking for a certified ATA Taekwondo instructor. If Interested please Contacted Nicholas Andrews, instructional program specialist, at 263-4125 volunteer at U.s. army Garrison Japan Postal service Center : Volunteer opportunities are available in the USAGJ Postal Service Center, we will provide you with valuable training in Post Office and Unit Mailroom operations. Please contact Army Community Services at 263-8087 for details and assistance on volunteering your services. 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

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

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. 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. Rising Sun Lodge 151, F&AM. Stated Meeting 1st Thursday of every month at the Masonic Bldg, Sagami Depot. For more information contact: rsl151@gmail.com; website: risingsunlodge151. com; or call Dave 080-3467-7881. fUReai, Japanese Personnel Newsletter

ATTENTION
Due to the recent contract with Allied Telesis, residential phone numbers with 263- and 267prefixes have changed. If you are currently running a classified ad in the Torii that lists an out-of-date residential number as a point of contact and would like to change it to your new extension, send an e-mail to tetsuo.nakahara4@ us.army.mil with the updated phone number. The Torii staff will work to ensure these changes are reflected in future issues of the publication.

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

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/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.

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

friday 6:30 p.m.........................................Rio (G) 96 9 p.m............................Unknown (PG-13) 113 saturday 6:30 p.m.........................................Rio (G) 96 9 p.m...............Take Me Home Tonight (R) 97 sunday 3:30 p.m.........................................Rio (G) 96 6:30 p.m........................Unknown (PG-13) 113

minutes minutes minutes minutes minutes minutes

friday 7 p.m.............................................Rio (G) 96 9:30 p.m...The Adjustment Bureau (PG-13) 106 saturday 4:30 p.m...............Mars Needs Moms (PG) 88 7 p.m.............................................Rio (G) 96 9:30 p.m..............................Hall Pass (R) 105 sunday 3 p.m....................Mars Needs Moms (PG) 88 5:30 p.m........................................Rio (G) 96 8 p.m...............Take Me Home Tonight (R) 97

minutes minutes minutes minutes minutes minutes minutes minutes

for your Tv schedule, visit www.myafn.net

sPoRTs & fiTNess

www.torii.army.mil TORII
April 28, 2011

To vaccinate, or not to vaccinate?

By Brandy Gill
Carl R. Darnall ARMC Public Affairs

Your Weekly Dose

Access to care at BG Sams U.S. Army Health Clinic is available 24/7. The clinic is not open 24/7 but our triage line is available 24/7. When calling the clinic at 263-4127, our staff will notify a provider who will call you back. The provider will advise you if you can wait until the clinic opens, or if you need to seek medical care elsewhere. Host-nation hospitals do not operate in the
same manner as in the U.S. Local hospitals do not have to see you when you present at their ER. That is why we want you to call us first. If our provider thinks this is a medical emergency, that provider will engage our EMS staff including a translator. Please carry an emergency wallet card with information on who to call for medical assistance. These cards are available at the clinic and at various community events such as CIE and Medical Morning.

FORT HOOD, Texas Childhood immunizations may possibly be the worst part of becoming a new parent, and they are certainly the low point of all well-baby appointments, but most parents view them as a necessary evil. But are they really necessary? Lt. Col. (Dr.) Joseph Llanos, chief of Preventive Medicine at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, says yes. It really is important for people to get vaccines to prevent infection, Llanos explained. Immunizations lower the risk of very serious illnesses like polio, invasive haemophilus influenza type b, and measles, and the vaccines are leading to the eradication of some of these major illnesses too. Poliomyelitis, more commonly known as polio, is one of those eradicated illnesses. It was the worst pandemic in American history with more than 57,000 reported cases in the early 1950s. Polio attacked mostly children, killing more than 3,000 and leaving 21,000 others disabled or paralyzed. Haemophilus Influenzae Type b, which was a leading cause of meningitis and pneumonia in children before a vaccination was implemented in the 1980s, is heading in the same direction as polio, Llanos said. Since routine vaccination began, the incidence of Hib disease has decreased by greater than 99 percent in children younger than 5 years old, he said. Despite these well-known success stories, some vaccines still have a bad reputa-

Levi Stevens, new son of Sgt. Joshua and Hollie Stevens, 664th Ordnance Company, 180th Transportation Battalion, at Fort Hood, Texas, sleeps peacefully just seconds before getting a Hepatitis B vaccine on the day of his birth, April 14.

Courtesy photo

tion especially that for the measles, mumps and rubella, or MMR. Certainly, the possible secondary effects of measles alone, which include diarrhea, ear infections, blindness, encephalitis or pneumonia, are enough to send most parents running for the immunization clinic. Some parents, however, are still afraid to give their child the MMR vaccine because of speculation it may be connected to autism in young children. Parents should not skip this important vaccine, Llanos said. An increased number of cases of autism in the 80s was thought to be linked to the MMR vaccine, but at this time there is no proven scientific evidence that links immunizations with any neurodevelopment abnormalities, he said.

Vaccines do have side effects, but for most they are minor and may include tenderness, swelling, redness, itching or bruising at the injection site or a low-grade fever, headaches or fatigue. More severe reactions like hives, seizures, breathing problems or loss of consciousness require immediate medical attention. So the evidence shows that, like them or not, vaccines have played a major role in the development of an overall healthier and protected public. Llanos encouraged parents who still have concerns to do their research, and if they still have questions, talk to their childs pediatrician. Parents should not fear vaccinations; [they are] a preventive measure, he said. Parents need to be proactive.

Recently we have noticed an increase of calls to the 911 number. This is the emergency number which activates the MPs, our ambulance, EMTs and translators. If you have a life-threatening medical emergency, call 911 on post or 119 off post. If you are feeling sick or have an injury that does not meet the criteria for life, limb or eyesight, call the clinic at 2634127 and push option 1 for triage nurse or 24/7 medical advice. Our provider on call will advise you on what options are available.

Sports Briefs
Singles tennis tournament
A singles tennis tournament is scheduled to be held 9 a.m. on May 7 at the Zama Tennis Courts. The event is open to all military personnel on Camp Zama, Sagami Depot, and Sagamihara Housing Area, retirees, DoD civilians, AAFES employees, family members (18 years of age or older and not in high school), JGSDF members, and MLC employees. Register at the Yano Fitness Center issue counter by 9 p.m. on May 6. Awards will be presented to the first- and second-place finishers in both the mens and womens divisions. Commanders Cup points will be awarded for this event. For more information, call 263-4664 or 263-7980.

Rucksack bowling

A Rucksack Bowling Challenge is scheduled to be held at 6 p.m. on May 11 at the Camp Zama Bowling Center here. Participants must wear a 30-pound rucksack while bowling. The event is open to activeduty military personnel assigned to Camp Zama, and registration is open to the first 10 five-member teams to sign up. There is a $20 team registration fee. The first-place team will win $100, while second-place will win $50. For more information, call 263-4780.

Water aerobics

Whats up, dock?

Photo by Lauren Hall

The Torii Knights mens dragon boat team prepares for race day on the floating dock at Kadena Marina on Friday under the guidance of their coach, Capt. George Williams, assigned to 1st Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery Regiment. The Naha Dragon Boat Race is scheduled to be held at Nahas Aja Port on May 5.

Water Aerobics classes are from 9 to 10 a.m. Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays at Yano Fitness Center. For more information, call 263-3348.

Travel & CulTure

8 April 28, 2011 TORII

www.torii.army.mil

During the spring season, bamboo shoots begin to sprout from the ground in bamboo groves. Bamboo shoots are beloved as a seasonal delicacy in Japan.

Photos by Tetsuo Nakahara

Power of Bamboo
By Tetsuo Nakahara
Torii Staff

n Japan, a bamboo forest can be seen in many places such as public parks, schools and in the mountains. They sometimes surround a shrine as part of a sacred barrier against evil. Bamboo is a longstanding part of Japans unique culture, and non-natives may notice that a variety of bamboo products are used in daily life here. Bamboo is known as one of the fastest growing plants in the world, and some species can grow as much as one meter per day. It can release up to 35 percent more oxygen than an equivalent stand of trees. Its wide-spreading root system helps prevent massive soil erosion and it doesnt require as much water. Japanese legend even says that because of its strong roots, a bamboo grove is the safest place to be during an earthquake. Japanese use bamboo to make everything from toys and furniture to musical instruments because of its strength and flexibility. It has even been used to build wheelchairs, enabling users to pass more smoothly through metal detectors at security gates. Recently, bamboo charcoal (or takesumi), has garnered attention as an ecological product. Bamboo charcoal can be used to purify water and eliminate organic impurities and smells. Bamboo charcoal is known

to be very porous, allowing various impurities and foreign matter such as radiation to be absorbed over the wide surface area of the charcoal. It also helps to adjusting the humidity in the air. It has a wide range of applications, including cosmetics, insecticides, deodorants, food processing, and agriculture. Of course, it can also be used as fuel for cooking. Bamboo is also a common dish with meals during the spring season. In April, young bamboo shoots (or takenoko) begin to sprout from the ground in bamboo groves. Many look forward to harvesting this seasonal delicacy. Bamboo shoots need to be peeled and prepared before cooking. Do not eat bamboo shoots raw, as they are bitter tasting and can be hard to digest. You need to cook bamboo shoots in boiling water in an uncovered pan for 20 minutes. If there is any bitter taste to the shoots after cooking, boil them in fresh water for five more minutes. The shoots will still be crisp and crunchy after being cooked. Once ready, the shoots can be served with steamed rice, stir-fried or in a soup. Bamboo also makes an important appearance in the Japanese folktale Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, in which a princess from the moon emerges from a shining bamboo reed. In ancient Japan, bamboo was seen as having magical powers, and this carries on today.

Bamboo charcoal made by Endo Takesumi no Kai in Fujisawa City helps purify water and eliminate organic impurities and smells.

Freshly harvested bamboo shoots are ready to be peeled and cooked.

Mariko Tsunashima harvests bamboo shoots, or takenoko, from her grove.