Field of Dreams
By Mass Communication Specialist First Class Brett Custer
JTF Guantanamo Public Affairs
Being a deployed reservist during football season might seem like a negative to some people; to me, it’s a benefit.
Having the promise of watching multiple powerhouses collide each weekend presents a light at the end of each work-week tunnel.
However, there is one thing better than watching the weekly battles on AFN; competing against other servicemembers on GTMO’s gridiron, Cooper Field. I have to admit, I was truly impressed when I first laid eyes on the superior astro turf sports complex.
The football field here is nicer than most fields I encountered during my days as a high school defensive end.
Even though I wasn’t sure there was a legitimate league here, I sent a premature email home requesting my wife send my football and turf shoes. I’ve even begun online research for team jerseys.
I guess my next and more important step would be actually recruiting co-workers who share my enthusiasm for throwing around the pig skin.
Even though I have only been on GTMO for a few weeks, I have already crossed off most of the normal bucket list items. I’ve been fishing, snorkeling, and boating thus far, leaving one key bucket list item to accomplish; a Naval Station Guantanamo Bay flag football championship.
Get an Education
By Sgt. 1st Class Richard McNamara
JTF Guantanamo Public Affairs
Although Guantanamo Bay offers a long list of opportunities and experiences, my bucket list while I’m here consists of personal improvements. The most important being the continuation of my Master’s Degree. I got it - it’s not very exciting. While everybody else is diving and playing with sharks and turtles, I’m locked away in my room reading about strategic communication and working on my next assignment. In the end though I’ll have that piece of paper saying I graduated from Gonzaga’s School of Professional Studies and a class ring.
You’re probably thinking that there is no way that college can take up all of my free time, and I’d say you’re right. So the other day I jumped on Amazon and accidently bought a guitar – I didn’t know I had speed checkout turned on. Now there is a guitar on its way out here and I have no idea how to play it. So a new item is added to my bucket list. I’m going to “learn” to play guitar so I can compete with my kids for the most noise produced by a person in our house. While at the same time serenading my wife with a voice meant for print journalism.
Go Northeast Young Man
By Army Sgt. Landis Andrews
JTF Guantanamo Public Affairs
We spend months at Guantanamo Bay and we end our tours without the ability to answer the most popular question: “What was Cuba like?” The closest we get to Cuba-proper is the North East Gate tour which is why it is on my GTMO bucket list.
At 11 a.m. on the third Thursday of every month, the Marine Corps Security Forces Company takes a group of people up to the northern entry point to give us a glimpse of a country we aren’t allowed to visit.
Along with the visuals, the tour guide drops knowledge on the tourists. You learn about the treaty between the U.S. and Cuba that allows us to stay here. You see the broken water main that stands as a myth buster from when Fidel Castro said we were stealing freshwater.
We can’t all go with the Naval Station captain on his bi-monthly meetings with the head of the Cuban military on the other side of the wire, so you might as well get as close to Cuba as possible.
I'm Sailing Away
By Army Sgt. Dani White
JTF Guantanamo Public Affairs
As far back as I can remember I have always loved being around water. My mom would call me a “water rat” because she had a hard time getting me to come back to land when I was out swimming at our favorite camp site. It came as no surprise when I became fascinated with sailing. Sailing came to my attention while watching John Cusack in “One Crazy Summer”. Watching Hoops McCann (Cusack) and his gang racing in their makeshift sailboat in an epic race appealed to my desire to be out in the water and going really fast.
Growing up near the Great Lakes and then being stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, I always see the white sails out in the water and watch them for as long as I can before I can’t see them anymore or I am pulled away. I just picture myself hoisting up the sail, and running up and down the ship to ensure everything is secure while I speed out into the water, and then steering to whatever destination my little heart wants.
So before I leave I have every intention to take advantage of the free sailing lessons the MWR offers. I couldn’t forgive myself if I didn’t finally fulfill my lifelong dream.
And mark my words, there will be a stuffed Oddie doll tied to the front of the boat.
Be a Weekend Warrior
By Mass Communication Specialist First Class D. Keith Simmons
JTF Guantanamo Public Affairs
As an avid outdoorsman, I came to GTMO searching for any opportunity to embrace the wild side of Cuba.
As it turns out, this place is a playground for those of us who enjoy all things wild.
First on my list to get into was fishing. Perhaps the most basic of outdoors activities, there are several achievements to check off: fish from a boat; from the pier or shore; catch a snook, a tarpon, a shark, and a jack or snapper larger than five pounds.
The next activity also involves the beautiful waters here on the Cuban shores. Snorkeling and diving has been the most unique experience I’ve done since I’ve been here. The fish and reefs here are incredible and you have to see them to believe them. Here’s the list of things to accomplish: get SCUBA certified and choose your level of expertise (open water, advanced or instructor/master diver); go to every beach (Windward and Leeward); go spear fishing; see some of the underwater wildlife including a sea turtle, a barracuda, an eel, and a lionfish.
Between dives or snorkeling, while you’re resting and catching your breath, look around for sea glass and sea shells. You can collect these to make necklaces or other decorations for your mom, wife, daughter or someone else in your life as a personalized souvenir.
Exploring and hiking the wilderness here is a great way to be active and see the Cuban wildlife. Attempt to do the following before you leave these private lands: hike every trail; kayak around the bay; explore Hospital Cay, Hicacal Beach, Conde Beach; take the History Hike; see a snake, a deer and a tarantula; and go bird-watching to see a Northern Caracara, a Cuban Pygmy-Owl, an American Kestrel, and a Bee Hummingbird (the world’s smallest bird).
Finally, as an outdoor enthusiast, be respectful of the places you go. Never forget to be courteous and safe, and if you find trash along your way, pick it up and keep GTMO clean.