Torii U.S. Army Garrison Japan Weekly Newspaper, Aug. 19, 2010 Edition
Torii U.S. Army Garrison Japan Weekly Newspaper, Aug. 19, 2010 Edition
Torii U.S. Army Garrison Japan Weekly Newspaper, Aug. 19, 2010 Edition
www.torii.army.mil
A show of hands
CAMP ZAMA Children from Camp Zama and Naval Air Facility Atsugi dance and sing together Thursday at the Camp Zama Chapel during the floating finale, held at the end of every day during Vacation Bible School. More than 120 children attended the event Aug. 9 through Friday. For more on this story, see Page 5.
The senior enlisted leader for U.S. Pacific Command underscored the importance of a military presence in the region Friday during a visiting to Camp Zama and a tour of the installation. Our presence here in Japan is needed, said Command Sgt. Maj. Iuniasolua Savusa. This is one of the cornerstone countries we have here for regional security of the Pacific. Its critical that we maintain our capabilities here so that our bilateral relationship with the countries here in the region continues. Shortly after receiving a command brief during which he was told U.S. Army Japans capabilities and the role they play in providing regional security to the Pacific, Savusa
said he was very impressed with what he learned and that he felt confident with the information hell be able to bring back to Navy Adm. Robert F. Willard, PACOM commander. Im very impressed with what our senior-enlisted [noncommissioned officers] have done with their relationship with the Self Defense Forces of Japan and how they maintain that relationship, said Savusa. We have enjoyed the relationship with the Japanese for many years now, and their support to our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines here is phenomenal. Commenting on the most important issues facing servicemembers today, Savusa said it is critical that U.S. forces remain trained and ready to deploy to any contingency and maintain security around the
world. The well-being of military families is just as important, Savusa added. Our focus is to ensure our leadership provides the capabilities to assist and support our families not only families that are here, but troops who are preparing to deploy, said Savusa. [We also need] to ensure that they are taken care of once they return. From what Ive seen so far, our leadership is turning over backward to ensure that every servicemember receives the same care at the different installations. Savusa also urged servicemembers to keep the faith in what were doing here in Japan, and trust [in] the leadership that they will be provided the care they need. Savusas visit in Japan also included stops at Yokota Air Base and U.S. Fleet Activities Yokosuka.
TORII
NEWS
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Zama Briefs
Housing Reminders
The commander and command sergeant major of U.S. Army Garrison Japan would like to remind housing residents that mold can become a problem during the hot and humid summer season in Japan. Mold needs moisture and a food source (cloth, wood, drywall) to grow. Residents can help eliminate mold by: keeping indoor humidity low (below 60 percent if possible); not setting the air-conditioning thermostat too low (this causes condensation to develop, which can help develop mold); cleaning air-conditioning filters monthly; keeping bathroom exhaust fans running for several minutes after showering to remove humid air; allowing sunlight in by opening blinds and curtains; not leaving windows wide open while running the air conditioner (open windows allow humid air to enter, while allowing cool air to escape); using dessicants (available at the Self-Help stores) in closets and other small, confined spaces; and reporting roofing and plumbing leaks as soon as they are detected.
Exceptional Family Member Program Respite Care is a program that provides a temporary rest period for those who are responsible for the regular care of someone with disabilities. Eligibility is based on EFMP enrollment and the family members medical and educational conditions. If you are interested in being an EFMP respite care provider, you must be 18 years or older and posses a Social Security card. Training will be provided by Army Community Service. Call ACS at 263-4572 for more information.
Maj. Gen. Francis Wiercinski, commander of U.S. Army Japan and I Corps (Forward), receives a flu vaccine Tuesday in his office from Spc. Rick Cantu, assigned to the BG Crawford F. Sams U.S. Army Health Clinic here. Flu vaccines are available at the clinic. For more information, call 263-4028.
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.
The Defense Logistics Agency is the new name of the organization formerly known as the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office. The local site is now called DLA Disposition Services. DLA will continue to provide the same level of quality service and support to their customers as before.
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NEWS
statements, which coincided with the Go Green initiative of Maj. Gen. Francis J. Wiercinski, USARJ and I Corps (Forward) commander. The units efforts in designing and creating an online request system for official vehicles led to U.S. Army Garrison Japan winning an Army Community of Excellence Award. Not surprisingly, some of 78th Signals own accolades from the previous year were included in their submission packet. The units Defense Switched Network Team, which maintains voice, data and video communications for the Department of Defense, was named the best in the Pacific the first time in 11 years an Army unit had received the honor. Once again winning the NEC of the Year Award is a tremendous accomplishment, said Maj. Brent Skinner, the units executive officer. To win it once was great, but to win it twice in a row is a true testament of the hard work and dedicated effort of every member of the battalion, said Skinner. Because the personnel within 78th Signal handle such a wide of services and responsibilities, winning the award was a true team effort, added Skinner. On all levels of the battalion to include the Soldiers, local national employees, the [Department of the Army] civilians there are just so many things that go on here that people dont even realize, said Skinner. There is so much behind-the-scenes work. The units executive officer lauded the tireless work ethic and added that they are constantly looking for ways to make things better, improve efficiency, maintain a positive command climate, and make their customers happy. One of the most important things is communication, said Skinner. Its one of the key assets that commanders can have in any situation, and thats what we try to provide.
TORII
For the second straight year, the 78th Signal Battalions Network Enterprise Command was recognized as one of the Armys best outside the continental U.S. Senior leaders from the Camp Zama unit accepted the 2010 NEC of the Year Award in the OCONUS-Small category during a ceremony held Aug. 5 at the LandWarNet Conference in Tampa, Fla. The award recognizes excellence in the vital field of communications, which encompasses a broad range of services to include landline and mobile telephones, e-mail usage and Internet access. The 78th Signal Bn.s NEC personnel are responsible for maintaining those services and many more, and it is their proficiency in doing so which unquestionably led them to be recognized, the units commander said. I am truly proud to be a member of such a great organization and am amazed by the level of commitment the employees have to their customers and the community, said Lt. Col. Curtix Tygart who, along with Command Sgt. Maj. Tyronne Smoot, accepted the award in Tampa on the units behalf. Competing for the NEC of the Year Award requires putting together a submission packet in which a units accomplishments must be listed for an extensive list of criteria. Among those listed for 78th Signal were several firsts for both the unit itself and the entire Army. Last year the unit successfully fielded the first tactical communications equipment to the Pacific region in the form of the Secure and Non-secure Internet Protocol Router Access Terminal, which provides mobile access to the SIPR and NIPR networks. The billing procedure for every home and personal telephone system within U.S. Army Japan was revamped by the 78th Signal NEC team to eliminate paper
Masayoshi Sotoma, the inside plant chief for Camp Zamas DSN telephone system, installs a new line in the Main Distribution Frame room at the 78th Signal Battalion Headquarters. There are 5,000 active DSN numbers maintained in the MDF room.
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 Okinawa Bureau: Lauren Hall
Community Calendar
4 August 19, 2010 TORII
www. petersons.com. To study for the DANTES exams, visit www.getcollegecredit.com.
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UpcomingOngoing Events
SHA CDC End-of-Summer Block Party
An End-of-Summer Block Party is scheduled to be held today at the Sagamihara Child Development Center. The event will include music, games, jumping castles, a petting zoo, food and information display tables. The event celebrates the end of summer and the beginning of the school year.
The Camp Zama Dental Clinic will be operating with reduced staffing Friday in observance of the training holiday. Service for after-hours dental emergencies will be available by calling 263-4127.
Zama American High Schools homecoming parade is scheduled to be held Sept. 28 beginning at 3 p.m. 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.
The commander and command sergeant major of U.S. Army Garrison Japan would like to remind all housing residents that portable basketball goals are to be erected for immediate use only, and are to be removed and stored immediately after use. Basketball goals are not permitted to be erected in parking lots or on streets. They should also not be set up in a manner where players will be running and shooting from the street. For identification purposes, all basketball goals are to be labeled with the sponsors name and dwelling unit number. Unlabeled basketball goals left in common areas may be confiscated and disposed of. Residents are also reminded to always be courteous of their neighbors and that quiet hours from 10:30 p.m. to 9 a.m. are to be observed. Parents are also reminded to appropriately supervise their children and that any damages to vehicles or other property will be their responsibility. Please consider utilizing the basketball courts available at Yano Fitness Center, the Youth Center, or at school grounds.
Hisano yamazaki
hisano.yamazaki.jp@yokota.af.mil
Nebuta Festival @ Odakyu Train Line MustuaiNichidai-Mae Station, Fujisawa, Aug. 22-23
The Nebuta Festival is originally one of the most famous festivals in Japan, held in Aomori Prefecture. It features a parade of huge lanterns in the shape of samurai warriors. The lanterns are made with wooden or bamboo frames and covered with brightly colored washi paper. Most of the warriors depicted are historically famous generals or characters from well-known kabuki plays.
Harajuku Super Yosakoi Dance Festival @ Harajuku Ave., Tokyo, Aug. 28-29
For the first time in Japan, American Red Cross will be offering CPR and first-aid training in Spanish. Sept. 8: First-aid, 5 to 10 p.m. Sept. 9 : CPR, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Call 263-3166 for more details.
The Yosakoi Festival originated in Kochi Prefecture on Shikoku Island. Dancers at the festival hold a clapper called a naruko in both hands and are free to arrange the music any way they want, as long as the team incorporates the festival music called Yosakoi Bushi.
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
One of the largest anime character goods and item events in Japan, including a gathering of amateurs dressing up in anime costumes.
Brazil Festival @ Yoyogi Park Outdoor Stage area, Tokyo, Sept. 4-5
Community
www.torii.army.mil TORII
August 19, 2010
By tetsuo nakahara
Analise Stuart balances a cup on her head at the Camp Zama Religious Education Center Thursday during Vacation Bible School. More than 120 children from Camp Zama and Naval Air Facility Atsugi took part in the weeklong event.
Camp Zama Community Club & Child, Youth and School Services
Fashion Show, Entertainment & DJ Face Painting & Tattoos Bouncy Castle Food, Back to School Items & Door Prizes
For more information, please call 263-4547
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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
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, $9.58 - $17.09, Closes: Open Continuous Recreation assistant (lifeguard), RD, Flex, NF-02, $9.29, Closes: Open Continuous lead Child and Youth Program assistant (sHa) (CYs), RFT, CY-02, $13.14 - $17.09, Closes: November 17, 2010, Open until filled
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. PCSing? I recently arrived and would love to have your flowers (potted or planted) for my quarters. Email me tsinjapan@gmail.com. Keyboardist, drummer wanted: (B3 organ/ piano). Zama-based rock band looking for mature musicians to play rock, blues, and country. Equipment and gig availability required. For more information, call Ron at 263-8277. 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.
Pets
animal adoption: Dogs and cats are available for adoption at the Camp Zama Veterinary Clinic. For more information, call 263-3875.
Wanted
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
friday 6:30 p.m..........................Toy Story 3 (G) 103 9 p.m..................The Other Guys (PG-13) 107 saturday 6:30 p.m.......................Jonah Hex (PG-13) 81 9 p.m..................The Other Guys (PG-13) 107 sunday 3:30 p.m..........................Toy Story 3 (G) 103 6:30 p.m.............The Other Guys (PG-13) 107
friday 6 p.m..................Eat, Pray, Love (PG-13) 9:30 p.m..................The Expendables (R) saturday 4:30 p.m..........................Toy Story 3 (G) 7 p.m..................Knight and Day (PG-13) 9:30 p.m..................The Expendables (R) sunday 2 p.m.......................The Karate Kid (PG) 5 p.m..................Eat, Pray, Love (PG-13) 8 p.m.......................The Expendables (R)
133 minutes 103 minutes 108 minutes 110 minutes 103 minutes 140 minutes 133 minutes 103 minutes
Approximately 30 Soldiers from units at Camp Zama and Sagami General Depot battled each other using learned combat skills Friday during the annual U.S. Army Japan Combatives Tournament at Yano Fitness Center here. The purpose of the event was to instill in Soldiers the Warrior Ethos, recognize champions in the community, and identify those with the ability to compete at the All-Army level. The tournament followed standard combatives rules, meaning no strikes were allowed and matches were based entirely on grappling and submissions. There were five different weight categories under which participants could compete for the title of champion. A majority of the competitors in the tournament were certified in combatives at some level, but there were also those who were first-time participants in the physically demanding event, said Ralph Alfonso, USARJ senior combatives instructor. Everybody did very well at tournament, said Alfonso. The biggest thing you need in combatives is confidence. A lot of people get scared that theyre going to get hurt, are afraid that they dont know enough, or that they cant keep up with other competitors or other Soldiers in their unit. Thats not true at all. Just like [physical training], you can do [combatives] every day, added Alfonso. The more you do it even if you lose every fight you ever get into, youre going to do better than in the previous fight. The winners of the tournament were selected as members of the USARJ team for an Army-wide tournament that is scheduled to be held at the end of September in Fort Benning, Ga. More than 100 Soldiers came to watch the tournament, including Command Sgt. Maj. Ianiasolua T. Savusa, the senior en-
Tamron Dubois, top, of the 78th Signal Battalion, tries to escape a choke hold from opponent Crystal Chhan of the Japan District Veterinary Command during the annual USARJ Combatives Tournament Friday at Yano Fitness Center.
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. Of course, if you have a life threatening medical emergency such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or trauma, please 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, please call the clinic first at 263.4127 and push option 1 for triage nurse or 24/7 medical advice. Our provider on call will advise you on what options are available, such as Yokota AFB hospital, Yokosuka Navy Hospital or a local host nation clinic/hospital, in which case we would arrange for a translator to assist you.
listed leader of U.S. Pacific Command. A demonstration was also given using new USARJ combatives equipment, tactics, techniques and intents of the Army Combatives Program. It feels really good to win, but it was tough, said Rafael Rodriguez, winner in the heavyweight division and assigned to the Japan District Veterinary Command. Im a light-heavyweight; they merged lightheavyweight and heavyweight together, so it was little bit tougher. I encourage others out here at Zama to come in and volunteer and join Army combatives because its really fun and a good morale booster, added Rodriguez. I want to invite everybody to come here next year, too.
Sports Briefs
Labor Day 5K Run
A Labor Day 5K Fun Run is scheduled to be held Sept. 4 beginning at 8 a.m. at Yano Fitness Center here. There is no fee to enter this event. Register at the Yano Fitness Center issue counter by 5 p.m. Sept. 3. There will be no registration on the day of the race. The packet pick-up will be Sept 4. between 7 and 7:55 a.m. at Yano. Awards will be presented to the top two adult men and women per age category. The age categories are 18 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59 and 60-andabove. Entrants who are 18 years must be out of high school. Commanders Cup points will be awarded for this event. For more information, call 263-4664 or 263-7980.
There will be a Punt, Kick and Toss Competition on Monday, 8 Sep 2010, 1800 at Rambler Field. The event is open to all Military personnel in the Camp Zama, Sagami Depot, and Sagamihara Housing Area, retirees, DOD/DAC, AAFES, family members (18 years of age or older & not in high school), JGSDF, and MLC employees. There will be a Mens and Womens Division. Please register at the Yano Fitness Center Issue Counter Tuesday, 7 September, 2100. There is no fee for this tournament. Commanders Cup points will be awarded for this event. For more information call 263-4664/7980.
There will be a Bash for Cash II Open Softball Tournament 10-12 September. The tournament is open to any team. Participants must be 18 years of age and older and not in High School. Team trophies will also be presented to the first and second place teams. The first place teams will receive $500. The second place team $400 and the 3rd place team $300. Entries are due to the Yano Fitness Center Issue Counter, Wednesday, 1 September, 1700. Entry Fee is $20 per person per team. The tournament format will be pool play and double elimination. This will be an all day- all night tournament. For more information please call 263-4664/7980.
TORII
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Deryk Langlais, a self-described paintball entrepreneur, fires from behind a barrier during a match at the opening-day event for the Bullseye Paintball facility.
Eric Coleman, assigned to the Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Department at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, fires at an opponent while crouched behind a protective barrier during a match Saturday at Sagami Depots new Bullseye Paintball facility.