Category sponsored by Ann Goss In memory of Frank Goss

1st Place: LCpl. Bryan Carfrey, Defense Media Activity Marine Corps
Carfrey, said working at the Division of Public Affairs, Headquarters, Marine Corps, “gave me the opportunity to work with some of the best in our field, many of which had gone through the journalism program at Syracuse University. This allowed me to learn a lot in a short period of time.”

2nd Place: LCpl. Alesha R. Guard, MCB Hawaii

Honorable Mention: LCpl. Graham Benson, MCAS Yuma

Award-winning stories are published below

1st Place: LCpl. Bryan Carfrey, Defense Media Activity Marine Corps
(Note: We are sure LCpl Carfrey wrote stories that earned him a first place, unfortunately, they were not included on our CD for publication…)

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2nd Place: LCpl. Alesha R. Guard, MCB Hawaii

Commentary:

Keep Your Guard Up

Get it right, Get it tight: Salvaging your hair from Corps Damage 
Helpful how-tos, tips and advice on young Corps’ life from your friendly neighborhood lance corporal

While by no means “salty” with Marine Corps experience, the young Lance Cpl. Alesha R. Guard is adept at providing helpful and useful advice. Even if the subject is not one of her areas of expertise, she’s adamant about doing the research to provide the most beneficial tips, tenacious even. Think of her as a Dear Abby in a Marine Corps uniform… and able to take out a target from 500 yards away. If you’ve got a quandary you could use some friendly advice about, send her an e-mail at aguard@hawaiimarine.com

One of women’s favorite features is often their hair. While heredity and climate are big factors on your hair’s makeup, there are things you can do to keep your gorgeous locks strong and shiny.

Toward the end of boot camp, I remember noticing a trend in some of the drill instructors’ hair – it was either badly thinning or receding. I’ll admit I was scared it could happen to me. After slathering tubs of gel on my hair until I had a slick, tight helmet on my head everyday, I’m surprised my hair made it through boot camp. Three months of alcoholladen gel and tight-tight buns, I noticed my hair was dry and brittle after leaving the island.

Looking at pictures before boot camp made me realize I’d better start doing something to salvage my badly damaged hair. During military occupational school I began reading up on ways to save my hair, and began a shopping spree of different hair products. After about a year and a half of trial and error, I’ve found what works for me.

Numerous articles and many hairdressers all suggested shampooing hair only two or three times a week. They all swore that shampooing only three times a week is ideal to keep your hair strong and prevent premature hair loss. After much skepticism, I finally tried the three times-a-week shampoo schedule. You’re probably thinking, “But I workout all the time! We’re freaking Marines!” Yes, I thought the same thing. I can’t go to work without showering -especially the way I sweat (They call me Sweat Hog.) Instead of shampooing my hair every time I showered, I’d condition it thoroughly and only use shampoo a couple times a week. It made a huge difference! My hair became less and less dry, and began getting its shiny luster back. I also noticed I wasn’t pulling out as much hair on my brush after showering.

Another trick a friend taught me at MOS school was to switch your part each day throughout the week. Instead of parting it on the right all the time, switch it up and part it on the left. If you part your hair straight back, try a diagonal part or no part at all. Switching your part is supposed to promote hair growth and prevent hair loss. I’ve seen female Marines who part their hair the same way day in and day out. This can lead to stress on the same area of the scalp, eventually causing a balding spot beginning at the part. This can also happen with men who comb their hair to the same  side each day.

After reading about conditioning products you leave in your hair overnight, I wondered if I could do that during the day. After showering in the morning, my hair still wet, I dumped even more conditioner on my head while I brushed it. The conditioner kept my hair saturated, so I didn’t have to use as much gel when putting it in a bun. This not only saved me money on gel, but also saved the ends of my hair. When I took my hair down at the end of the day, it looked like it had just gotten a deep conditioning treatment.

The last tip I’ve recently tried is finding a non-alcoholic gel or mousse. The alcohol in hair gel is primarily what dries out your hair. Theses products are usually a bit more expensive, but you’ll save your hair in the long run. I use a non-alcohol mousse. After I saturate my hair with conditioner and smooth it out, I dab just a little mousse over the top of my hair. It keeps my hair “nice and tight” without having a “boot helmet head.” It looks much more professional, and feels much more natural.

While putting your hair in a bun or up-do for work each day can be damaging, it doesn’t have to be.

By taking a little extra time each day to care for your hair, you can keep it healthy and save yourself money in the long run.

(Note: To read this article as it ran, go here http://www.mcbh.usmc.mil/news/Apr11A8.pdf)

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Feature Article:

Funeral Detail: Giving Marines their final salute

“I know our dad was with us that night, standing there proudly with a smile on his face and a tear in his eye to have such an honor bestowed upon him. I’m so thankful to have witnessed this ceremony in our dad’s honor. And I’m especially thankful to the Marines who took the time to prepare and perform this memorable ceremony. I will never forget it,” said Cindy Rose P. Barrows, daughter of U.S. Marine George Wong.

Barrows father, Pfc. George Wong, passed away Oct. 15, 2008. He served his country and Corps in the 1950’s and was honored, Oct. 20, by the Marine Corps Base Hawaii funeral detail who gave him his final salute.

Each month a new detail of Marines is assembled from various units aboard base to come together and conduct military burial honors for funerals throughout the islands of Hawaii.

With Marines’ daily job occupations not normally including skills needed to perform in the ceremonies such as precision rifle handling, flag folding and pall bearing, detail members must attend rigorous practices to quickly learn and perfect the ceremony.

“Marines get a great sense of pride from doing the funeral detail,” said Lance Cpl. Joseph D. Avery, retirements and separations clerk, Installation Personnel Administration Center. “It shows another side to the Corps that you don’t get to see very often.” Lance Cpl. Michael Burkes, lithographer, Combat Camera, said being apart of the detail reminded him that Marines are part of a special few, an idea that all too often is forgotten during day-to-day work in the Corps.

“I think giving junior Marines this opportunity allows them to understand the concept of ‘Once a Marine always a Marine,’” said Staff Sgt. Jonathan Brady, company gunnery sergeant, IPAC. “It also gives them the chance to see how much of an impact this [ceremony] can have on a family, local community and the public.”

Brady said being a part of funeral details provides Marines with an opportunity to learn about the path their brothers before them have paved through their sacrifices for our country and Corps.

“These junior Marines get to see that no matter how long you have been away from the Marine Corps, we will always be here for you and your family,” Brady said. Burkes said Brady motivated him during the long practices by reading the history of the deceased Marine’s service in the Corps.

“We were always told the great things the Marines did before we performed the ceremony for them,” Avery said. “We knew their grade, how long they were in and what they did. It made us want to do great things for them and for their families.”

Sgt. Melissa Hernandez, military police officer, Provost Marshal’s Office, said throughout October’s details, many of the Marines were Vietnam or Korean War veterans. She believes junior Marines can associate them with building the Corps into the strong fighting force it is.

 “Because they served honorably, they should get full honors from those of us that are now carrying on the legacy,” Hernandez said.
With a new detail assembled each month, Marines practice daily until each movement is perfected, and even then, they continue to drill.
“I tell my Marines that they need to practice perfection because these Marines are why we are still here today,” Brady said. “I tell them they should be [performing the ceremony] as if they were doing it for the person to the left and right of them, because there is no telling if they will be here tomorrow.”

Although the Marines often have to juggle their daily workload on top of long practices, to them, it is well worth the extra time and effort.
“Staff Sgt. Brady loves the Marine Corps and he makes the funeral detail a great place to be,” said Avery. “It’s a lot of practice and usually extra hours during your free time, but it’s a great honor.”

The Marines not only practice perfection, but must also perform with steadfast bearing, often having to stand for hours without moving throughout the funeral as a sign of respect for the late Marine.

“While standing there waiting to fire, you think about how badly your feet hurt or about the bug crawling on your neck,” said Cpl. Jordan T. Lake, supply chief, Base Property. “That all changes really fast when you see the family members in tears – you begin to think of your thoughts as being insignificant. Suddenly you feel incredibly proud to give this Marine their final salute and any other thoughts of discomfort vanish.”

Many Marines agreed with Lake, saying it is the honor they feel conducting the ceremony for their late brothers’ families that drives them to perform with steadfast bearing.

“What drives me to make each funeral memorable for the family is that I know this is what this Marine would have wanted,” Brady said. “It’s like when you are forward deployed receiving your patrol order prior to departure and this is that Marine’s last order which he is given. You have done everything to keep him safe, but unfortunately, the stars did not align and now you’re focused on getting him home in one piece so his family can see him one last time.”

Brady said he wants to make sure the deceased Marine’s relatives realize how proud their Marine was to serve his Corps and family.

“They came before, saw and did many things that a lot of us take for granted,” Avery said. “I feel a great sense of pride being able to give them their final salute as a thanks to them for their years of service. I also want [to honor them] for their families, for being there for them throughout their lives.”

Avery said he feels every Marine should get the opportunity to be a part of a funeral detail. It was a great honor, he said, and something he will never forget.

Senior Marines who have lost brothers to combat said the ceremony takes on additional meaning for them.

“There have been times of loss during our current conflict that I have not been able to give a Marine [I knew] their final salute before they were laid to rest in front of their family, loved ones and friends,” Brady said.

Brady said being a part of the detail allows him to ‘make it up to them’ by honoring other Marines through the tradition of the highly esteemed Marine Corps burial service.

“Although it may not have the same meaning because we did not fight next to each other, there is a connection … it’s like I am doing it for my boys,” Brady said. “In my mind, I [imagine] it is one of them, so I get to pay respect to both Marines and give them my final salute.”

For Cindy Barrows, the funeral detail made that moment beautifully memorable for her and her family, and said she knows her father would have been proud to be honored in such a special ceremony.

“Seeing the men in uniform, I envision my father dressed like them,” Barrows said. “I saw a glimpse of his life I wasn’t there for, and I was very proud of him.”

(Note: To read this article as it ran, go here http://www.mcbh.usmc.mil/news/Nov21A8.pdf)

Sports:

Sweating off the pounds… temporarily

The benefits of saunas have been argued and continue to be tested while many athletes use them for health benefits as well as quick weight loss.
 As saunas prove to be beneficial, it’s important to know how to use them safely to prevent serious health risks.

 “Some service members use the sauna to lose a few pounds right before a weigh-in,” said Tina Lui, assistant manager, Semper Fit Center here. “This can be very hard on theirbody especially if done before a physical fitness test. The weight loss comes from losing water weight, ultimately dehydrating the body and causing them to be fatigued for the PFT.”

Wrestlers and boxers also use saunas to get their weight down for weigh-ins, but usually have enough time to rehydrate their body before they compete, said Morris Watson, personal trainer, Semper Fit Center. If you weigh in right before a PFT, you won’t have time to re-hydrate your body.

“The weight you lose in a sauna is only a temporary loss of water weight from your body, essentially dehydrating your body,” Watson said. “As soon as you drink water, you’ll gain that weight right back.”

Although permanent weight loss isn’t one of them, the sauna can provide other benefits, Watson said. Some people find sitting in the heated
room therapeutic as they feel their body sweat and their muscles warm.

“Sweating itself is a good way to detoxify the body,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Edward Hanson, general duty corpsman, military medicine, base health clinic. “Sitting in a sauna forces your body to sweat-out toxins while increasing your circulation. It can be beneficial after a workout because it helps relieve lactic acid, which is what makes your muscles sore after physical activity.”

Malia Benzmarrs, Maui native, said she enjoys the sauna post-workout. She uses Semper Fit’s sauna after a workout to help release toxins in her body and relax her muscles.

“While it feels like it’s warming your muscles, it isn’t preparing them for a workout,” Lui said.

Although the sauna may heat your muscles, it doesn’t prepare them for physical activity and is not a substitute for a warm-up routine, said Crystal King, personal trainer, Semper Fit Center.

“You should not use it as a pre-workout routine,” King said. “You still need to get your heart rate up, and prepare your body for a workout with cardio and stretching.”

For long-term weight loss, you will have to lose it the old fashioned way with diet and exercise, King said. While your body may feel fatigued after using the sauna, sweating alone doesn’t burn calories.

“If you do use the sauna, you need to limit your time to 20 minutes,” Watson said. “Staying in there longer than recommended can lead to you passing out or possibly having a stroke.”

Wear breathable clothing and be well hydrated before using the sauna, Lui said.

“Extra clothes clog pores, so your body can’t naturally evaporate sweat into the environment,” Lui said. “When that happens, your natural body heat regulation is thrown off.”

After using the sauna, be sure to replace your lost fluids with water or a sports drink to replenish lost electrolytes, Hanson said.

Because there are many misconceptions of sauna’s health benefits, the personal trainers agree you should consult your personal physician about other potential health benefits.

As far as your next PFT, save the sauna for afterwards, and hydrate your body beforehand for optimum performance.

(Note: To read this article as it ran, go here http://www.mcbh.usmc.mil/news/Apr18C8.pdf)

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News:

Embedded Training Team Returns home

Marines and Sailors from Embedded Training Team, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Hawaii returned from an eight-month deployment to
Afghanistan Friday in support of the Global War on Terrorism.

The Marines volunteered for the deployment to be embedded with Afghan National Army units and help train them to become a stable, self-sufficient military.

“The Embedded Training Team goes over there to train the Afghan National Army in everything we do as Marines – weapons, tactics, weapon systems,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Charles B. Van Allen, ETT coordinator, Hawaii teams, 3rd Marine Regiment.

The Marines are the Afghan’s link to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, said Sgt. Ian Parrish, ETT assistant coordinator, Hawaii teams, 3rd Marine Regiment. The ETT coordinates patrols for the Afghan Army, and goes out on missions with them. In most parts of the country the Afghan soldiers aren’t allowed to go out unless an ETT is with them. This is in case U.S. troops go out and don’t know who the Afghan troops are, they can contact the ETT Marines.

“If they’re on a deployment, we’ll go out with them and patrol, or if they’re doing training, we’ll go through the training cycle with them,”
Parrish said.

Most of the predeployment training was done here, but they also went to the Mojave Viper Exercise at Marine Corps Air Ground Center, Twenty-nine Palms, Calif., said Van Allen.

“The pre-deployment training was basically more advanced infantry tactics,” Parrish said. “When you’re out there, you’re the only thing they have – you’re their radio operator, their corpsmen – if something goes wrong, then you’re going to have to fix it.”

Parrish said the Afghans greatly value relationships. Once they realized the Marines were there to train them and share their knowledge,
he noticed they were more attentive and willing to learn.

“The ETT Marines are out with Afghans all day, constantly building relationships with them, with no U.S. troops around most of the
time,” Parrish said. “You make such good relationships with the Afghans, and they care about you so much that they would do anything for you.”
Parrish said it was an Afghan soldier who came to him first when he was hit while deployed with them.

“They believe we are helping them for their cause as well as our own,” Parrish said. “I think the ETT as a whole is probably one of the most important jobs, because if we do our job and train their army to be more tactically proficient, we don’t have to go over there and do their job for them. I think it’s a great job, and I’d suggest it to anyone.”

The ETT Marines are striving for the Afghan Army to be able to eventually function independently.

“I volunteered because I wanted to give a deprived country a better chance,” said Staff Sgt. Nicholas Dospital, staff noncommissioned officer, ETT, 3rd Marine Regiment. “I wanted to help them be able to accomplish the mission themselves. The deployment was very physically and mentally challenging, but overall was very rewarding.”

The ETT team had to rush Parrish home after being hit, and lost two of their own in combat, Petty Officer 3rd Class Mark Cannon, 5-2 ETT, 3rd Marine Regiment, and Sgt. Phillip Bocks, 1-9 ETT, 3rd Marine Regiment.

A memorial service will be held today at the base chapel at 1 p.m., to honor the fallen heroes. Following the service, a state representative from 34th District, Hawaii, will present Cannon and Bocks’ families the Hawaii Medal of Honor at the Iwo Jima Memorial here.

(Note: To read this article as it ran, go here http://www.mcbh.usmc.mil/news/Apr18A8.pdf)

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News:

Remembering ‘Maui’s Own’

WAILEA, Maui – Marines, veterans and friends celebrated the construction of a new memorial in the Kai Malu residential project in Wailea Saturday.

The memorial was erected to honor the 4th Marine Division Marines after project directors unearthed a Marine bunker during the construction of the Kai Malu at Wailea residential area.

“ … As we gather here to remember those who served in the 4th Marine Division, we are reminded of the complex world we live in,” said Reverend Kealahou C. Alika of Keawalai Congregational Church in Makena. “It is here that those who trained for combat left for Roi-Namur, Saipan, Tinian and Iwo Jima during World War II. We come to honor their heroism, sacrifice, and achievement.”

Bob Armstrong, developer of Kai Malu project and head of Armstrong Companies, began the ceremony by thanking the Marines and veterans in attendance to help celebrate the memorial.

“It’s been about 40 years since I’ve been around Marines, so this is really thrilling for me,” he said. “ … Let us also take this opportunity to renew the ties between the 4th Marine Division and the people of Maui, who fondly called them ‘Maui’s Own’ and changed Maui’s famous slogan to let the world know ‘Maui Marines No Ka Oi’.”

Alika followed with a blessing of the newly constructed memorial, hoping it will remind America’s future of our nation’s past.

“My hope is that our dedication here today will help us be mindful of the many men and women who continue to serve in the Marines and other branches of the military,” Alika said. “May we honor them then today, not only with our words but with actions. They deserve nothing less.”
He then called Lt. Gen. John F. Goodman, commanding general, U. S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, to join him at the memorial to help bless it.
“We offer a blessing . . . to keep safe all who come and go and for this monument to the people we have come to remember and to honor . . .” Alika said.

After the Hawaiian blessing, a retired Marine spoke about the 4th Division’s colorful history.

“We want to thank you for putting down a footprint for us,” said Dale Cook, president, 4th Marine Division Association. “The past few years we’ve been putting up flags in various parts of Wailea, and we would like to be remembered.”

Cook then handed the microphone over to Goodman, to speak to the Marines, young and old.

 “Mr. Armstrong and Mr. Cook, I have to tell you, you have touched all the Marines deeply by taking the time and remembering those who came befor us,” Goodman said, speaking of the retired Marines present at the ceremony. “And that’s one of the most important things we can do is remember.”

Goodman said he couldn’t think of a more fitting place, where the camp and base training area are located, to erect a memorial.
“This is a special site,” Goodman said. “It is peaceful, it is extraordinary here today. And it is the place where young men and women from the United States were transformed into warriors and defended our country.

“This is a very meaningful ceremony to all of those who fought, for those who have given their lives, and for those who are here representing who they fought with and defended our country with,” Goodman said.

Before “Anchors Away” and the “Marines Hymn” played, Goodman closed the ceremony saying, “On behalf of United States Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, I’d like to thank all of you for coming. Mahalo and Semper Fidelis.”

(Note: To read this article as it ran, go here http://www.mcbh.usmc.mil/news/May9A8.pdf)

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Honorable Mention: LCpl. Graham Benson, MCAS Yuma

Fearing restrictions, Marines load up on firearms

Since the Nov. 4 presidential election, firearm and ammunition sales are up across the country, and the air station is no exception.

The increase can be attributed to the fears of future legislation restricting gun access, following the recent Congressional and presidential elections.

Sgt. Gregory D. Hill, the sporting goods area sales manager for the station exchange, has seen the dramatic increase firsthand.

“I came in Wednesday morning, the day after the election, there were lines at the counter already,” said Hill. “It didn’t just start after the election though; we’ve seen a steady rise in sales all year as the election got more and more attention.”

The most sought-after weapon in the recent surge has been the AR-15 rifle, since it represents the kind of weapon that has been talked about being banned for some time now, said Hill.

The station exchange has also seen an increase in ammunition sales as well.

“We’re selling at least three times as much ammunition as usual,” said Hill. “It’s gotten to the point now, where we are out of the weapons most customers are asking for, and won’t be able to have any in stock for several months.”

With the increase in gun ownership, Marines should know the rules for firearm and deadly or dangerous weapon possession on- and off-base.

Marines living in the barracks who own weapons must register them with the pass and registration department of the provost marshal’s office in building 952 within 24 hours of the first working day after bringing the weapon on station. Once registered, the weapon must be stored in the Marine’s unit armory.

According to station order 5510.8F, deadly or dangerous weapons include handguns, sporting rifles, shotguns, knives that are mechanically operated or which have blade over four inches, bow and arrows, dart guns, CO2 and compressed air weapons such as BB guns, pellet guns and paintball guns.

Marines who live in military housing or off station must also register their weapon with PMO, adhere to Arizona state laws for firearm ownership and follow station guidelines when bringing the weapon on station.

The registration process involves PMO recording a description of the weapon, the serial number, make, model and caliber if applicable. After registering, the Marine is given a permit for each weapon, which must be with the weapon when transporting it on and off station.

“The area we usually have problems with is Marines transporting their weapon on and off station. You have to keep the proof of registration with the weapon,” said Sgt. John Foster, the noncommissioned officer in charge of pass and registration.

The ammunition and the weapon must also be stored in separate compartments while traveling, said Foster.

Marines should also inform the gate sentry that they have a weapon upon entrance. Marines wishing to use the pistol range for recreational shooting may do so, but their handgun must be inspected at the armory first and they must give the marksmanship training unit 48 hours prior notice.

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No holiday break for station safety

The Marine Corps safety programs in Yuma are switching over with the seasons to prepare Marines for threats commonly encountered in the winter months.

Many Yuma squadrons are all preparing for the challenge of keeping their Marines safe throughout the holiday season.

All of the units’ ground safety managers are stressing to their Marines the threats presented by increased traffic caused by winter visitors, the off-road recreational opportunities available in the cool winter months, and driving after drinking are year-round issues. The holiday breaks many Marines will have throughout the winter present opportunities for Marines to drive for unsafe periods of time and through hours when they would normally be sleeping.

Marines also need to be prepared to travel into areas with much harsher winter conditions than Yuma, said Cpl. Christopher Dickens, the Marine Air Group-13 ground safety clerk. Various weather scenarios always should be taken into consideration, not just what the weather is like in Yuma.

MAG-13 emphasizes awareness of threats Marines will face during their time in Yuma from their initial safety briefing and believes that this is an effective strategy year-round.

As a result, they had only one driving under the influence incident during fiscal year 2008.

“We make sure the Marines have a clear picture of what dangers they’re going to be faced with,” said Staff Sgt. Troy Connor, the MAG-13 ground safety manager. “From their initial briefing, the Marines are aware of how to prevent those dangers from affecting them.”

The programs do not change much from year to year, said Cpl. Henry Downing, the Marine Air Control Squadron-1 ground safety manager. It’s a matter of making sure that everyone is fresh on what we’re supposed to be doing, rather than teaching new material.
The success of the safety programs depends on every Marine’s willingness to give the process a chance to work, said Connors.

For more information about winter safety policies and procedures contact your unit’s ground safety manager.

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Station to receive eco-friendly BEQ

Groundbreaking began last week on the new Bachelor’s Enlisted Quarters here.

The BEQ located on Shaw Street, south of the North Gate entrance, will be different from any other building on station. It will be the first to earn the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design silver rating.

The LEED program states its goal is to include “green-building methods” in all new construction projects. Studies have shown that the design of the interior of a building has a direct effect on the health, well-being and productivity of its occupants.

“This is significant because the Department of Defense as a whole is moving in the direction of making all their new buildings as environmentally friendly as possible,” said Mark Dewald, the station architect and project manager. “The important thing is that we’re not just trying, we’re doing it right now.”

The new BEQ also earned points towards the silver rating by using low-emitting materials in its paints, adhesives, carpeting and thermal management systems.

“The building is in the design phase right now,” said Dewald. “We’re using the fast tract construction method, so that while the design process is under way, the groundbreaking and site preparation is happening at the same time.”

The $20 million, 150-room, two-story BEQ will be the second building here that is part of the Marine Corps’ $2 billion BEQ Campaign Plan. The plan, which began in 1999 under the former Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Michael Hagee, aims at improving living conditions for single Marines across the Corps.

The Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13 barracks was also built under this program.
By 2012, the Corps plans to fully institute the 2+0 Standard, which states no more than two junior Marines will share a room and a bathroom with no more than two other junior Marines.

Corporals and sergeants are slated to have private rooms, and share the bathroom with no more than one other NCO.

“The new barracks is being built with a college-type design,” said Capt. John Jedra the deputy director of Installation Logistics. “The first floor will have a large common area and also a large laundry room with a vaulted, glass ceiling looking up to the second floor. There’s going to be more parking than the current barracks and recreational areas including a volleyball court, horseshoe pit and covered barbecue areas as well.”

The barracks will also receive over $120,000 worth of new furniture for the rooms.
“We want the rooms to have a more home-like feel to them,” said Jedra. “The furniture will be brand new and all wood.”

The outside appearance of the building will look very similar to building 859, Jedra said.
“The inhabitants of this barracks have been identified and units are being selected,” said Jedra. “The project is scheduled for completion by October 2009, and the Marines will be moving in throughout November and December.”

The design process is scheduled to be completed by the end of November 2008 and construction of the barracks will begin soon after.

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Black Widows tangle Falconers in web, 19-18

Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13 ordnance squeezed by Marine Air Control Squadron 1 in the 2008 intramural flag football championship 19-18 at Field 425 Monday.

The Black Widows set the tone on their first possession as quarterback Alex Garcia completed a long throw over the middle of the field putting them in excellent scoring position. From there, they established their running game as John Teixeira rushed for the 8-yard touchdown. The extra point pass attempt fell incomplete, leaving the score at 6-0.

MACS-1 answered, with a 30-yard completion along the sideline to wide receiver Juan Saucedo, putting the Falconers on MALS-13’s 5-yard line. After being held by the Black Widows’ defense for three downs, Falconers quarterback Mark Sorden scrambled into the end zone on fourth down for the tying touchdown. The pass attempt for the extra point was incomplete, leaving the score tied at 6-6, midway through the first half.

After the score, the Falconers turned up their defensive intensity, stopping MALS-13 from reaching first down to regain possession.

MACS-1 used another big reception by Juan Saucedo to advance back into Black Widow territory. They rushed to the end zone to grab the 12-6 lead with just four minutes left in the half.

MALS-13 offensive woes continued on their ensuing possession, dropping passes and a handoff. MACS-1 safety Tyaquan Gilliam intercepted Garcia’s long throw on third down to end the first half.

The staunch defensive tone ended the first half and continued into the opening of the second half. The Black Widows stopped the Falconers on downs on the MACS-1 35-yard line, leaving them in excellent field position on the 80-yard field.

Garcia’s quarterback option pitch to Teixeira on MALS-13’s first play after regaining possession went 35-yards for the tying touchdown. Another unsuccessful extra point attempt left the score 12-12.

MACS-1 answered quickly with a score of their own on a 60-yard touchdown throw from Sorden to Gilliam, putting them ahead 18-12 with just nine minutes left in the game.

MALS-13 took control of the ball on their 27-yard line. They continued to employ the quarterback option tandem of Garcia and Teixeira, slowly advancing the ball to the MACS-1 12-yard line.

MACS-1 defense tightened and held them for three downs, bringing up a crucial fourth down play with just five minutes left to play.

Garcia was pressured by the MACS-1 pass rush and was forced to scramble, however, he was able to find an open receiver in the back of the end zone for the touchdown. The extra point attempt was successful, for the first time in the game, and MALS-13 ordnance took the 19-18 lead.

The ball went back to MACS-1, with the game on the line and four minutes left on the clock.

They began the drive successfully, completing a 20-yard throw on their first play. However, their championship hopes ended suddenly when an overthrown ball drifted into the hands of a Black Widow safety.

MALS-13 ordnance was able to use their run game to exhaust the remaining time on the clock and claim the championship trophy.

 “We lost the first game of the regular season, and we haven’t lost since,” said MALS-13 team captain Antonio Rodriguez. “We’ve never been the most athletic team in this league. It’s been about consistent preparation and team play. There are no superstars; it’s a complete team with us, the real Marine Corps way.”

The championship game brought an end to the intramural flag football season which began Aug. 25. The season featured 39 games and 13 teams.

 “This was all in all a great season,” said Walter “Ski” Sosinski, station athletic director. “We had more teams in it this year than ever before, and competition remained high throughout the year. Even the teams who didn’t win very often seemed to have a great time with it this year.”

 “The key to winning it all is consistency, and MALS-13 ordnance was definitely the most consistent team this year. They earned it,” said Sosinski. This is MALS-13’s third intramural flag football championship in the last four years.

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Hellfires smoke MWSS-371, move on to finals

The intramural flag football playoffs continued with a 13-6 Marine Air Control Squadron 1 Hellfires victory over Marine Wing Support Squadron 371 A-Team in the winner’s bracket semifinals on field 425 here Tuesday.

Offensive success was hard to come by for both teams early in the first half. The first four possessions for both teams ended in punts.

After the Hellfires failed to complete on fourth down, the A-Team gained control of the ball with excellent field position, looking to score the first points of the evening.

Hellfires defender Tyaquan Gilliam foiled their plans, with an interception and a 35-yard return, putting his team in perfect position to gain control of the game. On their first play on the drive, MACS-1 went right back to Gilliam for the 2-yard touchdown catch. They failed to convert their extra point attempt, putting the score at 6-0 at the end of the first half.

Though only one touchdown in the first half, both teams focused their halftime adjustments on defensive strategy. “We’re going to try to put some height covering their faster receivers,” said John Williams of A-Team. “We also have to protect the quarterback better. The plays are there; we just have to give him time.”

Gilliam also saw the need for defensive improvement in the second half. “We’re going to tighten up on defense and try to take away the short gains they’ve been getting,” he said.

The defensive adjustments paid off for MWSS-371 shortly into first half’s action. MACS-1 threw an interception on their fourth down attempt from their own 20-yard line.

Needing something to get the offense moving, the A-Team used a hard snap count to draw two Hellfires defenders offsides. Two plays later, on fourth down, quarterback Michael Smith launched 60-yard bomb to Williams, who, despite double coverage, caught it for the game-tying touchdown. MWSS-371’s extra point pass fell incomplete leaving the score tied 6-6 with seven minutes left in the game.

The Hellfires took no time to respond, completing a 10-yard throw and running for 70 more for the touchdown on their first play after regaining the ball. This time their extra point attempt was successful and they pulled ahead 13-6.

The A-Team attempted to even the score on their next two possessions, but two open touchdown opportunities were both dropped in the end zone by their receivers.

The Hellfires walked away with the 13-6 victory, in a competitive defensive struggle. They will move on to the winner’s bracket finals, where they will face off against Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13 Ordnance on Nov. 18.

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