June 4, 2010 Serving The Twentynine Palms Community Since 1957 Vol. 53 Issue 22

MM aa rr ii nn ee CC oo rr pp ss AA ii rr GG rr oo uu nn dd CC oo mm bb aa tt CC ee nn tt ee rr

w w w . 2 9 p a l m s . u s m c . m i l w w w . O P 2 9 o n l i n e . c o m

Shocking training ~ See A3 Reaching out ~ See A7Ace arrives ~ See A5 Fitness frenzy ~ See B1

Joint team nabstop drug lord

Marines, Romanian forces wrapup initial phase of training CCPPLL.. RR.. LLOOGGAANN KKYYLLEEBLACK SEA ROTATIONAL FORCE

BABADAG TRAINING AREA,Romania – Romanian Marines andsoldiers topped off two weeks ofpeacekeeping operations trainingwith U.S. Marines and sailors atRomania’s Babadag Training Area

with a final exercise, May 27, and aceremony marking their accom-plishment, May 28.

Lt. Col. Tom Gordon, the com-manding officer of Black SeaRotational Force, said he was proudof all the hard work put in by hisMarines and the Romanian troops.

“If we, as a band of brothers,

find ourselves together in combat,I’ll be proud to serve alongsideRomanian forces,” said Gordon, aBoston native, while giving aspeech during the ceremony.

Marines participating in thetraining said the Romanian forcesworked hand-in-hand with 1stTank Battalion’s scout platoon,honing their skills in combatmarksmanship, convoy operations,military operations on urbanizedterrain, martial arts, nonlethalweapons techniques and otherareas. Scout platoon serves as theground combat element of theSecurity Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force currentlydeployed to Eastern Europe forBlack Sea Rotational Force.

“These guys worked hard thewhole time they were here,” saidCpl. Devin Bullard, an assaultmanwith scout platoon. “No matterwhat we threw at them, they wereready, willing and motivated to try.”

During the training, theRomanians logged more than 14hours of Marine Corps MartialArts Program instruction, wereexposed to Tasers and Oleoresin

SSTTAAFFFF SSGGTT.. CCHHRRIISSTTOOPPHHEERR FFLLUURRRRYY

A U.S. and Romanian Marine say goodbye following the ceremony, May 28, closing two weeks of peace-keeping operations training. U.S. forces of Black Sea Rotational Force will now conduct peacekeepingoperations training with Macedonian forces, and the Romanian forces are slated to begin airborne trainingwith Black Sea Rotational Force’s air combat element.

GGUUNNNNEERRYY SSGGTT.. MMAATTTTHHEEWW BBUUTTLLEERR

An Afghan Counter Narcotic National policeman holds the Afghangovernment’s primary drug kingpin in Marjah, Afghanistan, May 18.The mission, a team effort between the Marines, Drug EnforcementAdministration and Counter Narcotic Police of Afghanistan, nabbedhigh-level drug traffickers.

See ROMANIAN, A6

GGUUNNNNEERRYY SSGGTT.. MMAATTTTHHEEWWBBUUTTLLEERRI MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (FWD)

MARJAH, Afghanistan – A swift anddecisive pre-dawn raid on a knownTaliban commander’s compoundsnared the Drug EnforcementAdministration’s and the Afghan gov-ernment’s primary drug and terroristtarget in Marjah, May 18.

During four other simultaneoushits in Marjah, the DEA, 1stBattalion, 6th Marine Regiment, andthe Counter Narcotic Police ofAfghanistan netted other high-valuetargets and seized narcotics,weapons and explosives as evidence.

Approximately 2,344 kilogramsof opium, 16 kilograms of heroin,27 kilograms of morphine, 5 kilo-grams of suspected methampheta-mine, 3 kilograms of hash, 5 kilo-grams of poppy seeds, 65 kilo-grams of marijuana seeds, 502pounds of homemade explosives,more than two tons of ammoniumchloride, other HME makingchemicals and weapons and cashwere seized as evidence.

For two months, DEA specialagents from the Kabul CountryOffice Strike Force partneredwith investigators from theAfghan Ministry of Interior’sCounter Narcotic Police SensitiveInvestigative Unit to build solidcases against multiple terroristand drug traffickers in Marjah.

Intelligence was gathered inMarjah prior to the Feb. 13 OperationMoshtarak push by Marines ofRegimental Combat Team 7 to clearthe area of Taliban insurgency in the

opium-growing belt of the HelmandRiver Valley. Leading up to theFebruary clearing mission, DEAinformants identified 21 pages worthof improvised explosive deviceemplacements, Taliban commandersand their headquarters and pinpoint-ed other threats.

“I think it’s good. The DEA isgetting the intel to prosecute targetson opium producers and distributors.We all know they are linked to theTaliban or are Taliban,” said StaffSgt. Stephen Vallejo, platoon ser-geant, 2nd platoon, Company A, 1stBn., 6th Marines.

The Taliban and drug traffickinghave long been connected. TheTaliban uses the rich and illicit poppygrowing fields in Helmand provinceto fund the insurgency through theprofits from the byproduct of poppyopium. Local farmers have longgrown the crop because they havebeen forced to and because it hasproven as the best way to provide fortheir families, though it be illegal,explained a DEA agent.

Under the cover of darkness,Vallejo’s company led the foot patrolfrom Patrol Base Littlefoot to theprimary target’s compound whereinformants said they could find theTaliban high-value drug kingpin.

Combined with the Marinepatrol were two DEA specialagents – the case leader on theentire case from the DEA’s KabulCountry Office Strike Force and aspecial agent from the ForeignAdvisory Support Team – and ateam of Afghan Counter Narcotic

GGUUNNNNEERRYY SSGGTT.. MMAATTTTHHEEWW BBUUTTLLEERR

A Drug Enforcement Administration special agent [right] and Cpl.Michael Zarate, 22, from Chula Vista, Calif., and his patrol drug-detec-tion dog, Roy, search a structure for drugs and anyone evading arrestat the compound of a known Taliban commander and drug traffickerin Marjah, Afghanistan, May 18.

See DRUG, A5

Upcoming road show simplifiespromotion boards, fitrepsSSGGTT.. HHEEAATTHHEERR GGOOLLDDEENNPRESS CHIEF/EDITOR

Headquarters Marine Corps ishosting a Promotion/ PerformanceRoad Show at the Combat CenterThursday.

The road show is scheduled tobe held at the Protestant Chapel at8 a.m. The annual event offers in-depth information on how to pre-pare for promotion boards, theresponsibilities of each Marine,what board members look for inpackages and fitness reports andhow to read and understandOfficial Military Personnel Files.For new sergeants just venturinginto the world of fitness reports,there will be information on whatthey need to do to set themselvesup for success in the future, said

Master Sgt. Patrick Whitaker, theCombat Center’s career planner.

Although every installationacross the Corps has career plan-ners to help answer questions relat-ing to promotions and boards, theultimate responsibility lies witheach individual Marine to have afirm grasp on his or her owncareer, and how they are represent-ed in their OMPFs, said Staff Sgt.Xavisus Gayden, the HeadquartersBattalion career planner.

“I get sergeants in here all thetime who have been in their pres-ent rank for two or three yearsand have never pulled [theirOMPF],” said Gayden, fromHouston. “Most Marines don’tknow how to.”

The spectrum of informationavailable has a little something for

everyone, whether it is a sergeantwho has never been in zone or asenior field grade officer with morethan 20 years in the Corps, addedWhitaker, who has been a careerretention specialist for 14 years.

Other than knowing what todo for their own promotions,officers also need to be awarehow to prepare their enlistedMarines’ fitness reports, saidWhitaker, a San Diego native.

This information is comingstraight from the “horse’s mouth,”so to speak, Whitaker added.

“These are the experts up there[who oversee promotions],” hesaid. “Just get there. This is some-thing for your career.”

For more information on theroad show, contact Whitaker at830-6171.

CCPPLL.. RR.. LLOOGGAANN KKYYLLEE

Romanian Marines arrive via tactical vehicles to conduct militaryoperations in urbanized terrain during the final training exercise oftheir peacekeeping operations training, May 27. Romanian Marinesand soldiers capped off two weeks of training with U.S. Marines andsailors with a final exercise and ceremony.

ACROSS1. Vocally twangy6. Bearded Smurf10.Bump off14.Make amends15.Series-ending

abbr.16.Putt destination17.Movie’s music19.Hayworth of “Pal

Joey”20.Turns up21.Mad Magazine

pieces23.Bad fortunes25.Like neon26.“And how!”30.Rural swimming

place33.Name in mattresses34.Fearsome dino35.Chums39.Andean of old40.1814 treaty city41.Much of an atlas42.Proofreader’s

“leave it”43.Bog fuel

44.Do something about

45. Downs (race site)47.January honoree,

formally48.Picketer provokers51.Coal-rich German

region53.Adds up56.Emulate, on

Halloween61.Cinders of old

comics62.Small IHOP order64.A util.65.Phone sound66.“The Yankee

Years” author Joe67.Colonel or

corporal68.Watergate’s __

Throat69.Acted the mole

AA22 JJUUNNEE 44,, 22001100 OOBBSSEERRVVAATTIIOONN PPOOSSTT

IN THE SACK

Public Affairs Officer - Jennie E. HaskampPublic Affairs Chief - Gunnery Sgt. Sergio Jimenez

CCoommmmaannddiinngg GGeenneerraall BBrriigg.. GGeenn.. HH.. SSttaaccyy CCllaarrddyy IIIIII

Observation Post

The Observation Post is published by Hi-Desert Publishing, a private firm in no way con-nected with the Department of Defense or the United States Marine Corps, under exclu-sive written contract with the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center. This commercialenterprise newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services.Contents of the Observation Post are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by,the United States government, the DoD, or the United States Marine Corps. The appear-ance of advertising in this publication, including inserts and supplements, does not con-stitute endorsement by the DoD or Hi-Desert Publishing of the services advertised.

Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use orpatronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital sta-tus, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other nonmerit factor of the pur-chaser, user or patron. Editorial content is prepared by the Public Affairs Office,MCAGCC, Twentynine Palms, Calif. 92278. All photos, unless otherwise indicated areOfficial USMC Photos. Questions can be directed to the Public Affairs Office, locat-ed in building 1417, during normal working hours at 830-6213 or FAX 830-5474. TheObservation Post is made with 60 percent recycled paper.

1

14

17

20

26

33

39

42

48

53

61

64

67

2

27

49

3

28

50

4

29

45

5

23

46

18

40

43

54

62

65

68

6

15

34

55

7

24

30

51

63

8

21

31

52

56

9

32

47

22

25

44

66

69

10

16

19

35

41

57

11

36

58

12

37

59

13

38

60

DOWN1. Canaveral org.2. Perched on3. __ Nazi (“Seinfeld”character)4. Name of two of

Henry VIII’s six5. Ushered out6. In and of itself7. “Now __ theater

near you!”8. DC donors9. __-Seltzer10.Clear, tight wrapping11.River of Tours12.Let out or take in13.Brewery need18.2004 Brad Pitt movie22.Reason for sudden

death, in sports24.Primal therapy

sounds26.Horned goddess27.Period following

Mardi Gras28.Add kick to29.Dark purplish shade31.Flat payment

32.Phone no. follower34.Baseball exec

Epstein36.Source of Italian

bubbly37.L. Frank Baum’s

coward38.Acted the fink40.Non-specializing

MDs44.Slaps the cuffs on46.Abbr. on auto tires47.Missile typically

thrown eight feet48.Beef on the hoof49.Showy lily50.Gracie or Woody52.Madison Ave. figure54.Business sign abbr.55.Comic strip populated

by birds57.Word in an octagon58.Rani’s wrap59.Farm land division60.Depot posting,

informally63.Formula __ racing

1 2 3 44 5 6 7

7 8 29 5 7 3

8 46 2 8 5

3 1 75 4 2 8

4 9 5 6

Hot TopicsVVEETT CCLLIINNIICC

SSEERRVVIICCEESS LLIIMMIITTEEDDFull veterinary services forprivately-owned animals willnot be available until August.Limited relief veterinaryservices will be available forprivately-owned animals July7-9. Pet owners are advisedto seek care for their animalsfrom a local veterinarian inthe surrounding communi-ties. Contact 830-6896 formore information.

OOPPEERRAATTIIOONN DDRRIIVVEEOONNEE

Ford is hosting OperationDrive One for the CombatCentre community todayfrom 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in themain exchange parking lot.Participants will get thechance to drive new Fordmodels and meet formerwrestling champion BillGoldberg while raisingmoney for the NationalMilitary Family Association.

SSCCIIOONN BBAATTTTLLEE OOFFTTHHEE BBUUIILLDDSS

Scion, in conjunction withMWR and MCCS, is offeringa car design contest for allactive duty, reserve andNational Guard personnel.The top designers from eachbase will be given money tobuild their dream cars and flyto Vegas for the final contestin November. Teams musthave 5-8 people. Registrationdeadline is June 11. Go tohttp://www.battle ofthe-builds.com for more details.

GGOOLLFF SSCCHHOOOOLLDesert Winds Golf Courseis offering Golf School Costis $100 for adults and $50 forjuniors. Adults start at 8:30a.m. and juniors at 10:30 a.m.Cost includes use clubs, balls,greens fee and six weeks ofinstruction. For more infor-mation, call 830-6132.

Marine Corps History

June 2, 1918

At dawn, the German 28thDivision attacked along theaxis of the Paris-Metz road.

The 4th Marine Brigadeopened with deadly rifle fireand set the stage for Marine

victory at Belleau Wood.CCRROOSSSSWWOORRDD AANNDD SSUUDDOOKKUU PPUUZZZZLLEESS CCOOUURRTTEESSYY OOFF ©© 22001100 HHOOMMEETTOOWWNN CCOONNTTEENNTT

Opinions expressed in Centerspeak are not nec-essarily those of the OBSERVATION POST, theMarine Corps or the Department of Defense.

WWhhoo iiss yyoouurr ffaavvoorriittee mmiilliittaarryy wwaarr hheerroo aanndd wwhhyy??

STAFF SGT. CHARLES BUTCHER

BATTERY I, 3RD BATTALION, 11TH MARINE REGIMENT

LANCE CPL. SHANE BROWNLEE

COMPANY D, 3RD ASSAULT AMPHIBIAN BATTALION

“Lt. Baldomero Lopez. Whenno one would go over the

seawall in Korea, he did. He led hisMarines.”

LANCE CPL. COREY WHIDDEN

COMBAT INSTRUCTOR COMPANY, INSTRUCTOR BATTALION

“John Basilone, because he is amachine gunner like me, and

he won the Medal of Honor.”

[[PPuuzzzzllee ssoolluuttiioonnss oonn AA66]]

SSEEMMPPEERRTTOOOONNSS:: CCRREEAATTEEDD BBYY GGUUNNNNEERRYY SSGGTT.. CCHHAARRLLEESS WWOOLLFF,, UUSSMMCC//RREETT..

Press Chief/Editor - Sgt. Heather GoldenLayout, Design - Leslie Shaw

SUDOKU #1831

Eagle

Eyes

Report any suspicious activity immediately whichmay be a sign of terrorism, including:

1. Surveillance2. Suspicious questioning3. Tests of security4. Acquiring supplies5. Suspicious persons6. Trial runs7. Deploying assets

830-3937

Combat Center SpotlightNNaammee:: Cpl. Charles LondonHHoommeettoowwnn:: Montgomery, Ala.UUnniitt:: Staff Judge AdvocateJJoobb ttiittllee:: NCOIC of military justiceJJoobb dduuttiieess:: Assist all units with legal questions and court mar-tials, and serves as the platoon sergeant.WWhhaatt ddoo yyoouu lliikkee mmoosstt aabboouutt yyoouurr jjoobb?? “The mass amountof knowledge, because you never know it all, and when you dothey change it on you. It is a heavy mental challenge.”SSiiggnniiffiiccaanntt aacchhiieevveemmeennttss:: NCO of the Quarter for theCombat Center and rifle range coachHHoobbbbiieess:: Body building, learning war history and drill.MMiilliittaarryy sseerrvviiccee:: Three years, eight monthsTTiimmee aatt CCoommbbaatt CCeenntteerr:: Three years

Centerspeak

School Liaison InformationQQuueessttiioonn:: How can I help prepare my child for kindergarten?

AAnnsswweerr:: There are several ways.• Talk with your child about what to expect. A few weeks beforethe beginning of the year, start discussing plans for the first day.Make a big deal of shopping for school supplies and schoolclothes. Talk about what will happen at school – lunch, recess,

the teacher, the playground and the school bus.• Visit the school together. Go meet the teacher with your child. He will feel much bet-ter when he recognizes the familiar face on the first day. Take a tour of the school anddon’t forget the trip around the playground. Meeting the principal and secretaries mighthelp too and help you feel more comfortable about leaving your child on the first day.• Help with social skills. This is a topic you can discuss frequently with your child. Theywill feel more confident and comfortable on that first day of kindergarten (or any newsituation for that matter) if they have some idea as to how to introduce themselves andmake friends. For example: If they know to ask another child what their name andfavorite color is, they may just come home that first day with a new best friend.

For more information, please contact smbplmsmccsschoolliaison@usmc.mil or call 830-1574.

TRICARE tips to tame travel troubleBBRRIIAANN PP.. SSMMIITTHHTRIWEST HEALTHCARE ALLIANCE

Whether you’re leaving on vacation or changing dutystations, TRICARE is here to keep you medicallycovered. Take a few steps now to help make sureyour coverage remains constant during your travels.

KKeeeepp DDEEEERRSS uuppddaatteeddNo matter which TRICARE program you use,

your Defense Enrollment Eligibility ReportingSystem record is the key to keeping your eligibili-ty. If your address changes for more than 30 days,update DEERS.

Go to http://www.tricare.mil/DEERS orupdate your information online using theBeneficiary Web Enrollment application athttp://www.triwest.com/bwe.

When changing addresses, don’t withdrawfrom TRICARE Prime. You can transfer yourenrollment and choose a new primary care man-ager. You can use BWE or fill out the TRICAREPrime Enrollment Application & PCM ChangeForm. Find it at http://www.triwest.com by click-ing the “Find a Form” tab.

GGeett rroouuttiinnee ccaarree aatt hhoommeeBefore you hit the road, take care of your fam-

ily’s routine health care, such as annual exams andrequired immunizations at home.

This doesn’t just help you focus on your jour-ney, but can help you avoid claims issues and out-of-pocket expenses.

KKnnooww yyoouurr uurrggeenntt aanndd eemmeerrggeennccyy ccaarreeooppttiioonnss

Emergency care is covered for conditionswhich could result in a loss of life, limb or sight.Urgent care covers those issues which requiremedical attention in 24 hours, such as a risingfever, sprain or sore throat.

To avoid extra out-of-pocket costs, TRICAREPrime enrollees should contact:

• Your PCM before receiving urgent care• Your PCM within 24 hours of receiving

emergency care• TriWest at 1-888-874-9378 if you are admit-

ted to a hospital• TriWest if you do not have a PCMTRICARE pharmacy deliversWhen you get your medications through the

TRICARE mail order pharmacy, remember to getyour refills before you leave.

Need medications away from home? TRI-CARE pharmacy can deliver to a temporaryaddress. To register for home delivery and tomanage your prescriptions online, visithttp://www.express-scripts.com/TRICARE orcall 877-363-1303.

LLooccaattee aa pprroovviiddeerrIn the West Region, you can find network

medical providers (with maps and driving direc-tions) at http://www.triwest.com/providerdirec-tory. Outside of the 21-state West Region, go tohttp://www.tricare.mil/findaprovider.

“Senator Dan Inouye of Hawaii,because while in the Army, he

won the Medal of Honor. He alsostarted from humble beginnings,

became something special and did itwith one arm.”

SSTTOORRYY AANNDD PPHHOOTTOOSS BBYYCCPPLL.. RR.. LLOOGGAANN KKYYLLEEBLACK SEA ROTATIONAL FORCE

Marines and sailors fromHeadquarters and ServiceCompany, 1st Tank Battalion,and Romanian Marines andsoldiers experienced theeffects of two nonlethalweapons systems during anexercise at Babadag TrainingArea, Romania, May 25.

“The purpose of thisexercise was to teach theRomanians nonlethal tech-niques, tactics and proce-dures to subdue violent orpotentially violent aggres-sors,” said 1st Lt. MarshallHand, the nonlethal weaponsofficer-in-charge for H and SCo., 1st Tank Bn.

During the training, theRomanians were exposed toOleoresin Capsicum, morecommonly known as OCspray, and also had theopportunity to feel theeffects of a Taser.

“They were very motivat-ed and eager to learn how toemploy nonlethal weaponssystems so they can protect

themselves and fellow sol-diers without permanentlyharming the target individ-ual while still maintainingcontrol of the situation,”said Hand, a native ofMahopac, N.Y.

Corporal Richard Chavez,a field radio operator withscout platoon, H and S Co.,1st Tank Bn., said despite ini-tial fear, the Romaniansshowed a lot of courage byvoluntarily getting Tased.

“I thought they were veryprofessional about it,” saidChavez, a native of ColoradoSprings, Colo. “Even thoughthey didn’t necessarily enjoyit, they now know the affect itcan have on another person.”

The Taser works by send-ing electric pulses throughan individual for about fiveseconds, and the pain endsjust after the current stops.However, OC spray broughta much different and longer-lasting pain.

“It was probably theworst feeling I have everfelt,” said Romanian soldierSgt. Vasile Bogdan, withthe 1st Company, 341st

Battalion of the RomanianLand Forces. “It burnedmy face for about 45 min-utes, and isn’t something Icare to experience again.”

Nonlethal weapons cours-es have been a vital part ofthe peacekeeping operationstraining U.S. and Romanianforces have conducted sinceMay 17. The RomanianMarines and soldiers arescheduled to graduate May28 and U.S. Marines andsailors will immediately rollinto peacekeeping operationstraining at Babadag withMacedonian forces May 31.

U.S. Marines and sailors areworking in the Black Sea,Balkan and Caucasus regionsto promote regional stability,build enduring partnershipsand build the capacity of part-ner nation’s military forces.They are serving as the firstSecurity Cooperation MarineAir-Ground Task Force in theregions, known as Black SeaRotational Force 2010.

OOBBSSEERRVVAATTIIOONN PPOOSSTT JJUUNNEE 44,, 22001100 AA33

U.S. Marines, Romanian troops train with nonlethal weapons

Corporal Mitchell Staats, an assaultman with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion,subdues an opponent after being sprayed with Oleoresin Capsicum, more commonly known as OC spray, during anonlethal weapons exercise at Babadag Training Area, Romania, May 25.

Staff Sgt.Troy Ferderer, left, a nonlethal weapons instructor with Headquarters and ServiceCompany, 1st Tank Battalion, demonstrates how to properly employ a Taser on Cpl. MitchellStaats, an assaultman withscout platoon, H and S Co.,1st Tank Bn., during a non-lethal weapons exercise atBabadag Training Area,Romania, May 25.

Romanian Land Forces Sgt. Vasile Bogdan, 1stCompany, 341st Battalion, is sprayed with OleoresinCapsicum, more commonly known as OC spray, during anonlethal weapons exercise at Babadag Training Area,Romania, May 25. Romanian Marines and soldiersreceived nonlethal weapons familiarization training aspart of their peacekeeping operations course.

As a Federal Employee, your retirement is important to us at Kirk Financial Group

Do you have questions? I have answers for

James Kirk, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF Owner tel (760) 255-2776 fax (760) 256-8261 222. E. Main, Suite 205 Barstow, California 92311 james.kirk@netfinancial.com www.kirkfinancialgroup.com

Call for your personalized one on one FREE analysis of your

employee benefits

• Retirement Eligibility for CSRS and FERS Employees

• Military Buy Back • Survivor Benefits • Federal Employees Group

Life (FEGLI) • Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) • Flexible Spending Account

(FSA) • Pensions Offset • Social Security

KIRK FINANCIAL GROUP OUR BEST INVESTMENT IS IN YOU

Kirk Financial Group is not an affiliate of NEXT Financial Group, Inc. Securities offered through NEXT

Financial Group, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC.

Visit the officialMCAGCC Facebookpage by seaching

“The Combat Center at Twentynine Palms”

on Facebook

MCCS provides easy way to send care packagesPPFFCC.. SSAARRAAHH AANNDDEERRSSOONNCOMBAT CORRESPONDENT

A care package sent to lovedones overseas contains morethan simple supplies and treatsfrom home. To the Marinesand sailors on the receivingend, those care packages rep-resent love and support fromthe homefront.The Combat Center’s MarineCorps Community Services’Care Package Program makes iteven easier for family membersof deployed service members

to send their loved ones sup-plies and pieces of home.

The mission of the CarePackage Program is to raisemorale, send love and reminddeployed servicemembers theyare in the thoughts of theirfamilies and friends.

“It’s support from thehomefront,” said Jessica M.Arthur, the supervisor admin-istrative assistant for theMCCS Retail Division. “Whodoesn’t want to know some-one back here is thinkingabout them? We don’t know

what kind of day they’ve had.Some days are okay, somedays are horrible, so the bestthing they can receive is thatmorale boost.”

The Care Package Programwill box items, tape them upand mail them for their cus-tomers. The mailer does haveto pay postage, but will receive a$10 coupon for the MainExchange for every packagemailed, said Alisi Tuioletai, thegeneral clerk for the RetailDivision administration.

“You get a free box, fill it,and you get a $10 coupon. Youcan’t get that at the postoffice,” Arthur said. “SinceDecember 2009, the programhas mailed almost 450 pack-ages to deployed Marines andsailors. We have an impressiveaverage of approximately 38care packages mailed out eachweek for the past eight weeks.”

The cost of sendingpackages should not hinderthe deployed service mem-bers from receiving mail,Arthur said.

“This is so families canafford to send care packagesto their loved ones,” sheadded. “I remember beingmarried to a lance corporal,and we didn’t have money. Atleast this way, maybe I pay bycash or check, but at least I getsomething [back in the formof gift certificate].”

Anyone interested in usingthe Care Package Programcan stop by the RetailDivision’s office behind theMain Exchange.

For more information onthe Care Package Program,contact the Retail Divisionadministration by calling 830-6163. Their offices are openfrom 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

AA44 JJUUNNEE 44,, 22001100 OOBBSSEERRVVAATTIIOONN PPOOSSTT

Assembly of God Church Pastor Frank Ferrandini Sunday School 9:30 am

Sunday Worship Service 10:30 am Wed. Service 7:00 pm

73331 Sullivan Road, 29 Palms • 367-9973

Spirit and Truth Worship Center S ervice Times:

Sunday Morning Worship 9:45 Wednesday Night Bible Study 7:00

Perry L. Ford, Senior Pastor

(760) 361-2450 4751 Adobe Rd.

29 Palms, Ca. 92277 spirit_truthworshipcenter@yahoo.com

JOIN US IN WORSHIP IS PROUDLY SPONSORED BY: VALLEY INDEPENDENT PRINTING - COPIES, COLOR COPIES, COMMERCIAL PRINTING AND MORE!

56445 29 Palms Hwy., Yucca Valley • 365-6967 • Military and Church Discounts Available

This Week’s Spotlight Church

Sunday Bible Study 10 :00AM Sunday Morning Worship 11:00AM Sunday Evening Worship 5:00PM Wednesday Bible Study 6:00PM

367-9400

29 PALMS CHURCH OF CHRIS T 72309 Larrea Ave. (1 block up from KFC)

OASIS COMMUNITY CHURCH 6631 Utah Trail, 29 Palms

Service Times Sunday 9:00 am

Nursery provided at 9:00am 367-7812

www.oasiscommunitychurch.com

Yucca Valley Church of Religious Science

Healing Lives & Building Dreams Reverend Ron Scott Sunday Celebration & Junior Church 10 AM

7434 Bannock Trail, Yucca Valley 365-2205

yvcrs.org

St. Martin-In-The-Fields EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Sunday School 10:00 am • Holy Eucharist 10:00 am Sunday Bible Study 9:00 am

We’re Here for Everyone Phone (760) 367-7133

72348 Larrea Road (2 blocks up from KFC), 29 Palms www.stmartinschurch29.org

DESERT CONGREGATIONAL CHURC H

Call for free van ride Sunday 10:00 A.M. - Worship Sunday School ages 4-10 yrs

Visitors Welcome Sunday Concert Series • Call for info

29 Palms • 5688 Sunrise Drive • 361-0086

St. Joseph of Arimathea Episcopal Church

God Loves You As If You Were His Only Child.

Holy Eucharist 10:00 A.M. Onaga at Church St., Y.V.

365-7133

United Methodist Church of Twentynine Palms

6250 Mesquite Springs Road Phone: 367-7338

Sunday School: 8:00 a.m. - Worship: 9:00 a.m. (Child Care Provided)

Reverend Lynn Reece “open hearts, open minds, open doors”

First Baptist Church of 29 Palms Childcare Available

Sunday Services Sunday School 9:15 a.m. Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

Evening Service 6:00 p.m. Wednesday Services Prayer/Bible Study 6:30 p.m.

Young Married Couples Ministry 6:30 p.m. www.fbc29.org

6414 Split Rock Ave., 29 Palms, CA 760-367-7561

Join Us In W orship

CCome Pray With Us jCome Pray With Us j

Skyview Chapel Church of God

Worship Service 10:30 A.M & 6:30 P.M. Wed. Bible Study 6:30 P.M.

7475 Sunny Vista Rd., Joshua Tree Pastor Abe Casiano

Church (760) 366-9119

Two Mile Apostolic Tabernacle 74301 Two Mile Rd., 29 Palms

(Next to Lucky Park) “Where Jesus Embraces You” Sundays 10:00 am 6:00 pm

Wednesdays 7:30 pm Website: TwoMileApostolic.com

760-367-0080 Acts 2:38

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

Truth Tabernacle Apostolic Church 73493 29 Palms Hwy., 29 Palms, Ca

367-4185 Pastor Titus R. Burns Sunday Service: 10:00 AM Wednesday Night Bible Study: 7:00 PM

SUNDAY Bible School . . . . . . . . 9:30am Worship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10:45am

FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH 365-4014

(Missouri Synod)

WORSHIP SERVICE 9:00 AM SUNDAY SCHOOL 10:30 AM

WE PREACH CHRIST RISEN

59077 Yucca Trail, Yucca Valley CHURCH: 365-2548 Preschool & Daycare: 369-9590

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST SUN. SERVICE & SUN. SCHOOL... 10 AM

WEDNESDAY MEETING ... 7 PM READING ROOM Tues.-Thurs. 12-3 PM

Sat. 9-Noon (Except Holidays) 56039 Santa Fe Trail • 365-4185

Corner Apache Trail, Yucca Valley DESERT

CONGREGATIONAL CHURC H Call for free van ride

Sunday 10:00 A.M. - Worship Sunday School ages 4-10 yrs

Visitors Welcome Sunday Concert Series • Call for info

29 Palms • 5688 Sunrise Drive • 361-0086

6740 Sunset Rd. 366-3704

Joshua Tree

Bible School 9:00 AM Worship Service 10:30 AM Wednesday 6:15 PM

First Baptist Church

PPFFCC.. SSAARRAAHH AANNDDEERRSSOONN

Jessica M. Arthur, the supervisor administrative assistant forthe Marine Corps Community Services Retail Division, packsa care package for her husband in Afghanistan at the RetailDivision administration building Wednesday.

AMCC sailors, staff keep Marines in fightPPFFCC.. SSAARRAAHH AANNDDEERRSSOONNCOMBAT CORRESPONDENT

With few staff members andlimited space, the sailors at theAdult Medical Care Clinic getthe job done.

The AMCC has 25 totalstaff members – one branchhead, one permanent activeduty nurse, two temporarynurse practitioners on loanfrom the Robert E. Bush NavalHospital, two independentduty corpsmen certified todiagnose patients and prescribemedication, two administrativeclerks and 12 working corps-men. The final five sailors arecurrently deployed.

With an average of 100-130 patients a day fromHeadquarters Battalion andMarine Corps Communications-Electronics School, these fewkeep themselves busy.

“It’s incredibly busy,” saidPetty Officer 3rd Class EvanCofer, a hospital corpsman atthe AMCC. “We are open allday, so [the clinic staff] needsto know how to do everythingso we can cover each other togo to lunch. It’s been to thepoint where we couldn’t go tothe bathroom, because therewas no one to cover for us.”

Another corpsman, Petty

Officer 3rd Class ChristineWallin, said life can get crazyat times, especially since she isthe only female corpsman atthe AMCC.

“When appointments getbooked up, I take the over-flow of patients,” Wallin said.“I am the only female downhere, so for female issues I’mbeing pulled to do standbys.”

On average Wallin sees 10-20 patients a day, she said.

An older, cramped work-ing space also keeps the groupon their toes, said Lt. Cmdr.Joseph A. Gomez, the branchhead of AMCC.

“We have an old building.We are limited in space,” hesaid, explaining they are antici-pating a new building in theyear 2013.

However, Gomez saidnothing can slow his staffdown, adding he has full con-fidence in them to get the jobdone to the highest level ofquality possible.

“Some days it can be reallyhectic,” said Gomez. “Despitethe number of corpsmen,everybody steps up to theplate. Everybody knows anddoes everybody’s job.Everyone knows we need tocome together as a team toaccomplish our number one

priority, and that is taking careof the Marines.”

Despite the short staff,busy days and confined workspace, the corpsmen create anenvironment where it is easyto work together as a team,Cofer said.

“Morale is really high. We

are all getting along reallywell,” he said.

Gomez said he is proud ofthe effort his staff puts out ona day-to-day basis.

“We have great staff here.My corpsmen here are out-standing corpsmen. They areall eager and willing to learn,

[and] they question what theyare unsure of,” he said. “Myjob is to make sure they arewell educated, so when theyare out with Marines, theyknow what to take care of.”

“I’ve been in 29 years, andI’ve served with a few corps-men, and these guys are by far

the best,” Gomez added.If you’re at the AMCC

for an appointment, be ontime and be patient - and beassured you are in for quali-ty care.

To schedule an appoint-ment at the AMCC, call830-2621.

PPFFCC.. SSAARRAAHH AANNDDEERRSSOONN

Seaman James Louck, a hospital corpsman with the Adult Medical Care Clinic, takes a blood sample from Pfc. LyleAnderson at the clinic Wednesday.

Police National InterdictionUnit. A Marine dog handlerand his patrol drug-detectioncanine helped complete thesearch of the compound.

The team of Afghan NIUagents armed with automaticweapons and search-and-arrestwarrants led the forced entry into the compound. The DEAand Marine dog handler andhis canine followed behind.

The rest of the Marinesfrom Co. A surrounded andsecured the outside of thecompound, ready to provideadditional firepower ifrequired inside.

Soon after the NIU teamentered the compound, abearded man confrontedthem. He initially resisted thecommands to surrender.While the NIU detained theman, the DEA agents and thedog handler cleared each roomand searched possible hidingspots for Taliban fighters.

Still unaccounted for wasthe primary target. With onedetainee secured, the NIU,DEA and Marine canineteam continued to searchthe compound through asecond entrance.

Moments later, radio chat-ter from the 1st Battalion, 6thMarine Regiment, Marines,who were securing theperimeter, said they haddetained a man attempting toflee the compound.

The Marines had securedthe DEA’s most wanted manin Marjah. With flexi cuffson, the man was turned overto the NIU.

“The reason I’m doing this,is you know the drug traffick-ers and the Taliban are bothconnected. The Taliban aregetting their financing fromthe drugs,” said a special inves-tigator with the SIU. “The caseworked. We arrested the guysand got the seizure.”

“This is all task and pur-pose,” said Sgt. Patrick Main,1st squad leader, 2nd pla-toon, 1st Bn., 6th Marines.“If we’ve got to set a cordon[perimeter] for the DEA, oranother squad, or ourselves,

it’s pretty much the same.”Main underplayed the

importance of their part ofthe mission. His Marines’ cor-don nabbed the primary tar-get as he attempted to escape.

This was a joint operationwith Marine forces, explainedthe Afghan special investiga-tor through a translator.

“I’m very happy with thecooperation and success,” saidthe SIU agent. “The good partwas the Afghans searched thecompounds, and the Marinesset up the cordon around theperimeter. The search and evi-dence collection was all theAfghans. This is very good for

Afghan culture, and becausewe did the searches, theAfghan people respect theMarines a lot, and there wereno civilian casualties.”

“I think any little bit willhelp, especially with thedrugs because if you take thedrugs you take their money,”said Main, a 28-year-old,from Eagle River, Wis.,before the raid.

With the primary target incuffs and the team’s spiritshigh on that knowledge, theworst fears of everyone whogoes on patrol happened. TheMarines providing rear-endsecurity were hit by an IED.

Main, a 10-year, battle-hard-ened infantry veteran, hadbeen within five meters of theblast and was down. One ofMain’s Marines, just feet away,sustained severe injuries.

The corpsman treatedMain’s wounds, but the Marinewho took the brunt of theIED was seriously injured. Anhour later the bad news wassent down to Co. A the Marinehad died.

It was Co. A’s first loss oflife.

Company A’s hearts wereheavy, but the Marines main-tained the resolve to protectthe local population.

“Right now it’s hard forthem. It’s hard for all of us,”Vallejo said. “The best thing Ican tell them is we are outhere and we have a job to do.Mourn the loss, but we’ve gotto stay focused at the sametime. It’s sounds very cliché,and you hate to be the one tosay that to them. There’s stilla mission to be done hereand that’s the truth of it.”

The Taliban is going to dowhat the Taliban is going todo. Today we caught one ofthem and we also saw upclose and personal what theydo,” Vallejo added firmly.

This was the first opera-

tion we have done inHelmand province and espe-cially in Marjah district. Fromour sources, all of the drugtraffickers keep moving fromMarjah to other places andprovinces and trying to go toother countries,” said theAfghan drug police officer.

With the drugs and evi-dence seized, the men are fac-ing a minimum 10-yearprison sentence in the Afghanjudicial system.

“We will keep workinghard to get rid of the drugsand drug traffickers fromAfghanistan,” said theAfghan SIU agent.

OOBBSSEERRVVAATTIIOONN PPOOSSTT JJUUNNEE 44,, 22001100 AA55

Parker, Arizona Parker, Arizona Parker, Arizona On the Colorado River

F o r co o l pl a ces to sta y

a n d f u n thin gs to do !

Ca l l 92 8.6 99.6 511 or visit our w ebsite w w w .parkerareatourism .com

JUST TW O H OURS AW AY!

HI-DESERT PHYSICAL REHABILITATION GROUP, INC.

YUCCA VALLEY 56299 29 Palms Hwy

Yucca Valley, CA 369-1743

29 PALMS 5930 Adobe Rd.

Twentynine Palms, CA 367-1743

Hours: Mon-Thur. 7:30AM-5PM • Fri.7:30AM-4PM Visit our Website at:

www.hdprg.com

Locally Owned & Operated

• PHYSICAL THERAPY • OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY • SPEECH THERAPY

Did you know that you have the right to choose your therapist? You can have the best therapy

right here in town!

Two Convenient Locations To Serve You:

KC130-T unit arrives to support Black Sea Rotational ForceCCPPLL.. RR.. LLOOGGAANN KKYYLLEEBLACK SEA ROTATIONAL FORCE

MIHAIL KOGALNICEANU AIRFIELD, Romania –Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler TransportSquadron 452, based out of Newburgh, N.Y.; and VMGR-234, from Fort Worth, Texas, arrived at MihailKogalniceanu Airfield, Romania, May 28 to support BlackSea Rotational Force as the air combat element of theSecurity Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force cur-rently deployed to Eastern Europe.

The ACE’s mission is to provide the Marines and sailors ofBlack Sea Rotational Force with air resupply operations andtroop transport support, as well as to provide support ofRomanian special forces airborne training, said Maj. GeorgeChristel, a pilot with VMGR-452.

“It feels great, and we’re excited to be here,” said Christel,a native of Clinton, N.Y. “I think for all of us, it’s our first timein Romania, and we’re looking forward to the experience.”

The Marines arrived with their compliment of twoKC130-T Hercules aircraft, which they will use to supportseveral flight operations scheduled throughout BSRF. BothKC130-T squadrons are composed of reserve and active dutyMarines from 4th Marine Aircraft Wing.

The Marines are working in the Black Sea, Balkan andCaucasus regions to promote regional stability, build endur-ing partnerships and build the capacity of partner nations’military forces. The Security Cooperation MAGTF isMarine Corps Forces Europe’s commitment to a rotatingpresence of Marines in Eastern Europe to meet U.S.European Command’s theater security objectives – the firstof its kind in the region.

For some Marines, like Sgt. Geoff Boreman, a flightmechanic trainee with VMGR-452, this deployment will alsoserve as a valuable training experience.

“I’m in training to become a flight mechanic,” saidBoreman, a Newburgh, N.Y., native. “I’ve gone throughabout five months of ground training, and I’ll learn moreabout the different systems on the plane while I’m here.”

CCPPLL.. RR.. LLOOGGAANN KKYYLLEE

An air traffic controller for the Mihail Kogalniceanu International Airport, Romania, guides a KC130-T aircraft with MarineAerial Refueler Transport Squadron 234, 4th Marine Air Wing, based out of Fort Worth, Texas, upon arriving at the airportMay 28.The unit, along with Marines with VMGR-452, 4th MAW, out of Newburgh, N.Y., is supporting Black Sea RotationalForce 2010 as the air combat element of the Security Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force.

DRUG, from A1

GGUUNNNNEERRYY SSGGTT.. MMAATTTTHHEEWW BBUUTTLLEERR

The seizure of drugs and the arrest of key drug traffickerswas the culmination of months of undercover work by theAfghan Counter Narcotic Police and Drug EnforcementAdministration special agents. The drugs in this photohave a street value of more than $500,000, dollarsaccording to a DEA special agent. More than 2,344 kilo-grams of opium, 16 kilograms of heroin and 27 kilogramsof morphine were seized during the raids.

AA66 JJUUNNEE 44,, 22001100 OOBBSSEERRVVAATTIIOONN PPOOSSTT

(800) 608-2996

N

A

S

A

I

S

I

S

S

T

E

E

R

A

T

O

P

L

E

N

T

C

A

L

L

A

S

O

U

P

L

A

C

E

A

L

L

E

N

A

N

N

E

S

L

A

T

E

B

L

A

C

K

L

E

D

A

W

A

Y

P

S

I

T

R

O

Y

G

P

S

E

S

T

D

P

E

R

S

E

T

H

E

O

S

H

O

E

A

T

A

S

C

R

E

A

M

S

O

N

E

P

A

C

S

R

E

N

T

A

D

R

E

P

A

L

K

A

E

X

T

D

A

R

T

T

I

E

A

R

R

E

S

T

S

S

H

R

I

N

K

P

A

C

K

S

T

O

P

L

O

I

R

E

A

S

T

I

S

A

R

I

A

L

T

E

R

L

I

O

N

A

C

R

E

Y

E

A

S

T

S

A

N

G

S

K

E

D

CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS

7 6 1 2 9 3 4 5 82 4 8 5 1 6 9 7 35 3 9 7 4 8 2 1 69 1 5 8 7 4 3 6 23 8 2 6 5 9 7 4 14 7 6 3 2 1 8 9 5

8 9 3 1 6 7 5 2 46 5 7 4 3 2 1 8 91 2 4 9 8 5 6 3 7

SUDOKU SOLUTIONS

Capsicum spray, and patrolledthe fields and MOUT townsthroughout the training area.

Pvt. Marius Dumitru,a Romanian Marine withAmphibious Co., 307thBn., was given a challengecoin during the ceremonyfor his exemplary perform-ance and willingness tolearn throughout the train-ing evolution.

“I really didn’t expect thatto happen,” said Dumitru,referring to the momentGordon called him front-and-center. “This is a greathonor for me. It’s really moti-vating for me and feels goodto be appreciated.”

The commanders of theRomanian Marines and LandForces soldiers were alsopresented with plaques, con-gratulating them on theirhard work. But these weren’tordinary plaques. They weremade from fallen trees fromthe World War I Battle ofBelleau Wood, France, thebirthplace of the Marinenickname “Teufel Hunden,”more commonly known as“Devil Dog.”

The Marines received thetitle after the ferocity andrelentlessness they exhibitedduring the battle, and thewoods have become knownas the “Bois de la Brigade deMarine,” or “Wood of theMarine Brigade.”

First Tank Battalion is cur-rently deployed to the BlackSea, Balkan and Caucasusregions as the core of aSecurity Cooperation Marine-Air Ground Task Force,known as Black SeaRotational Force 2010. TheMarines and sailors have themission to train with partnermilitaries, provide humanitar-ian support, promote stabilityin the region and build endur-ing partnerships with nationsin the regions.

Macedonian forces areslated to arrive at Romania’sBabadag Training Area May31 for two weeks of peace-keeping operations training,and the Marines and sailorswith scout platoon said theylook forward to continuingtraining with partner nationsin the region.

Romanian forces arescheduled to continue train-ing with U.S. forces duringthe coming with weeks,beginning with airbornetraining with Black SeaRotational Force’s air com-bat element, a detachment ofKC 130-T Hercules aircraftfrom Marine Aerial RefuelerTransport Squadron 452 andVMGR-234.

ROMANIAN, from A1

Need work?

Check the Observation PostClassified section

CCPPLL.. RR.. LLOOGGAANN KKYYLLEE

Romanian Marines move into position during the military operations on urbanized terrainportion of their final training exercise May 27. Throughout two weeks of training with theU.S. Marines and sailors of Black Sea Rotational Force, the Romanian troops practicedMilitary Operations in Urban Terrain training, nonlethal weapons use, martial arts and otherskills crucial to peacekeeping operations.

SSTTAAFFFF SSGGTT.. CCHHRRIISSTTOOPPHHEERR FFLLUURRRRYY

Lt. Col. Tom Gordon, the commanding officer for BlackSea Rotational Force, gives a challenge coin to Pvt.Marius Dumitru, a Romanian Marine with AmphibiousCompany, 307th Battalion, during a ceremony concludingtwo weeks of peacekeeping operations training May 28.

SSTTOORRYY AANNDD PPHHOOTTOOSS BBYYLLAANNCCEE CCPPLL.. MMEEGGAANNSSIINNDDEELLAARRCOMBAT CORRESPONDENT

NAW ABAD, Afghanistan –Marines and medical officersfrom Brigade HeadquartersGroup and 3rd Low Altitude

Air Defense Battalion, IMarine Expeditionary Force(FWD), and an AfghanNational Army medic fromCamp Shorabak, Afghanistan,set up a village medical out-reach May 15 outside the vil-lage of Naw-Abad, to providemedical care to the people of

that area.The Marines and sailors

set up a medical tent andaided more than 35 men andchildren who traveled fromtheir homes down to themedical site.

Lieutenant Cmdr. AaronR. Huber, 3rd LAAD Bn.medical officer, said his teamprovided excellent health careand worked to their limits.

Huber, from Southaven,Miss., also said most illnessestreated were acute.

Locals were also given ashort class on preventativemedicine to encourage dis-trict well-being.

Before the villagersreturned home, they weregiven hygiene items such astoothbrushes, toothpaste andlotion to take back to theirfamilies. Solar-powered radioswere also handed out so thevillagers would be able to lis-ten to their local radio stationfor information on upcomingvillage medial outreaches.

The Naw Abad villagemen have little access tohealth care, but as the womenvery rarely leave their com-pounds, most of them havenever seen a physician.

Navy Lt. Michelle M.Lynch, a medical officer withMarine Medium TiltrotorSquadron 261, 3rd MarineAircraft Wing, led a femaleengagement team insideeach compound to give thevillage women much neededhealth care.

“They are kept away frommainstream culture,” Lynchsaid. “Their needs are easilyoverlooked.”

Lynch noticed a lack ofnutrition in pregnant andbreast-feeding women whileshe was conducting the pre-vious outreach, so this timeshe brought and distributedCarnation Instant Breakfast

packets to the women tohelp keep them and theirchildren healthy.

She was able to look at17 women, 18 children andtwo men while she traveledthe compounds. The FETentertained the childrenand interacted with thewomen while they werewaiting to be treated.

Lynch and members ofthe FET handed out toys,hygiene items and lotion tothe children before leavingeach compound.

After completing themedical outreach, Marinesand members of the ANAdistributed corn seed and fer-tilizer throughout the district.

Huber said distributingthe corn seed and fertiliz-er shows the local people

the International SecurityAssistance Force has aninterest in what they do.

The ISAF plans to provide

medical help around Helmandprovince to continue to buildgood relations with the peopleof Afghanistan.

OOBBSSEERRVVAATTIIOONN PPOOSSTT JJUUNNEE 44,, 22001100 AA77

TOUGH MINDED OPTIMISM by Lou Gerhardt

Dr. Lou can be reached at 760-367-4627 800-995-1620

res19mxc@verizon.net

My ego was really dealt a body blow last Thursday when a lady connected with the radio industry in our High Desert told me she didn’t read the local newspapers and knew nothing about my weekly column except for a casual comment from a friend who said I was writing a “little something” that appeared in this newspaper.

Now the fact is that many people tell me daily what they like or don’t like about my weekly columns that appear twice a week in the Hi Desert Star in addition to the Desert Trail and the Observation Post.

I have been writing this column for 18 months and I am having a great time.

Thanks to Cindy Melland and the good people of Hi Desert Publishing I have raised considerable money for my non-profit activities and I have met many wonderful people in Morongo Valley, Yucca Valley, Joshua Tree and Twentynine Palms.

This column is all about maintaining an optimistic attitude even when times and personal experiences are difficult and challenging

I am not Pollyanna-ish. Nor am I Panglossian. (That’s a new word I just learned the other day. It means given to stubborn and undue optimism.)

Let me put it this way. I do not believe that every thing happens for the best, but I do believe that something good can come from every thing that happens.

So I hope you will keep reading the column, support my sponsors, and continue to contribute to my non-profit projects.

34500 Gateway Drive, Suite 110

Town Center Mall 57725 29 Palms Hwy., Yucca Valley, Ca

(Across from Applebees) June 19-20,

Show Hours: Saturday 9 A.M. - 5 P.M. Sunday 9 A.M. - 4 P.M.

Admission fee $5.00 per person (Children under 10 free) • Free Parking

Contact Information Ann Mistal or George Mistal

(760) 369-GUNS www.grizzlygunshows.org • E-mail:

beararmsyv@roadrunner.com

GRIZZLY GUNS SHOWS P resented by Ann Mistal

TThhee ddeeaaddlliinnee ffoorr ssuubbmmiittttiinngg TTrraaddeerr AAddssiiss nnoooonn WWeeddnneessddaayy,, ffoorr tthhee uuppccoommiinnggFFrriiddaayy’’ss nneewwssppaappeerr..Trader Ad forms are available at the Public Affairs Office

and may be filled out during normal working hours at Bldg.1417. Ads may also be submitted through e-mail, but willonly be accepted from those with an @usmc.mil address.

If you are active duty, retired military or a family memberand do not have an @usmc.mil address you can go to thePAO page of the base Web site at:http://www.29palms.usmc.mil /dirs/pao/ and complete arequest to publish an ad.

The limitations for ads are: 15-word limit, limit oftwo ads per household and the Trader may be used

only for noncommercial classified ads containingitems of personal property offered by and for indi-viduals authorized to use this service. Such ads mustrepresent incidental exchanged not of sustainedbusiness nature. AAddss ffoorr hhoouussiinngg rreennttaallss wwiillll nnoott bbee ccoonn--ssiiddeerreedd ffoorr tthhee CCoommbbaatt CCeenntteerr TTrraaddeerr..

To have a “House For Sale” ad run in the ObservationPost, applicants must provide Permanent Change ofStation orders and have the ad approved by Base Housing.This ensures the Combat Center Trader is not used forcommercial real estate endeavors.Ads are run on a first-come, first-serve, space availablebasis. If you have questions please call 830-6213.

AAUUTTOOMMOOTTIIVVEE

11999988 3311’’ CCOOAACCHHMMEENN 55TTHHWWHHEEEELL RRVV.. Low usage, largeslide-out, ducted heat and A/C,queen bed, microwave, propanestove/oven, large fridge, HDradio/CD-satelite ready, move-inequipped. Great condition.$7,000 to $7,500. Call Col.Apicella. 822-5884. 5/7/10

11995577 NNAASSHH EEXXEECCUUTTIIVVEE MMOODDEELLPPRROOJJEECCTT CCAARR.. Registered, com-plete engine, $650 OBO.5 rims, size15.6 lug, off-road heavy duty. $180.OBO. Call Jose 361-3509. 4/23/10

11996633 CCHHRRYYLLSSEERR 330000.. 2 door,413 cui engine with push but-ton transmission not running.$2,000. Don 830-5581. 4/16/10

11996699 CCHHEEVVRROOLLEETT CCAAPPRRIICCEE.. 454cui. Not original motor. With TH400.2 door. Don 830-5581. 4/16/10

22000022 CCRR225500RR DDIIRRTT BBIIKKEE..Eline stater, FMF pipe andsilencer. Paddle tire for thedunes. Runs very good, hardlyriden. $3,000. 910-3979.4/9/10

22000022 PPOONNTTIIAACC GGRRAANNDD PPRRIIXXGGTT.. Leather interior, loaded,alloy wheels, V-6 3.8L, 77,000miles. Selling for payoff. $6,000.Call Dane at 368-9535. 3/26/10

22000099 HHOONNDDAA SSHHAADDOOWW FFOORRSSAALLEE.. Great condition, low miles,never dropped. Black with flamepin stripes. $5,250 OBO. CallLogan. 423-504-6926. 3/12/10

MMIISSCC.. __________ TTWWOO PPAAIINNTT HHOORRSSEESS.. Forlease or sale. $225 per monthlease. 367-0831. 4/16/10

PPIINNEE FFOOUURR DDOOOORR EENNTTEERRTTAAIINN--MMEENNTT CCEENNTTEERR.. Holds 32 inch TV.Tall corner unit, chestnut finish.$100. O.B.O. Contact 368-9535.3/26/10

1199 IINNCCHH SSOONNYY TTRRIINNIITTRROONN TTVV..Silver with remote. Asking $50O.B.O. Contact 368-9535.3/26/10

88 XX 2200 CCOONNEEXX BBOOXX.. $1,750.Call 219-2184. 2/12/10

FFOOOOTTBBAALLLL,, BBAASSEEBBAALLLL AANNDDSSCCIIEENNCCEE FFIICCTTIIOONN CCAARRDD CCOOLL--LLEECCTTIIOONN.. A huge collection ofover 50,000 cards. Mid ‘80s to mid‘90s football and baseball.Star Trekand Star Wars cards. For sale byteams, individual players, sets orthe whole collection. Call Stephen567-7921. 3/26/10

YYOOUURRAADD

HHEERREE

Combat Center Trader Ads

Village medical outreach provides care to Afghans

Navy Lt. Michelle M. Lynch, flight surgeon medical officer with Marine Meduim TiltrotorSquadron 261, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force (FWD), passes outtoys May 15 while conducting a village medical outreach outside Naw Abad, Afghanistan.

Afghan National Army Sgt. Maj. Yaseen, a medic fromJalalabad, Afghanistan, checks a child’s ears duringa village medical outreach May 15 at Naw Abad,Afghanistan.

Navy Lt. Jason P. Rice, flight surgeon with Marine HeavyHelicopter Squadron 466, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, IMarine Expeditionary Force (FWD), checks a child’sheartbeat May 15 during a village medical outreach out-side Naw Abad, Afghanistan. Marines and medical offi-cers from Brigade Headquarters Group and 3rd LowAltitude Air Defense Battalion, I MEF (FWD), and anAfghan National Army medic from Camp Shorabak, setup and conducted the outreach to provide medical careand assess the area’s long term medical needs.

Prefer your newsfrom the web?

Visitop29online.com29palms.usmc.mil

AA88 JJUUNNEE 44,, 22001100 OOBBSSEERRVVAATTIIOONN PPOOSSTT

56637- 29 Palms Hwy. P.O. Box 1707 Yucca Valley, CA 92286

Phone (760) 365-1511 CA Contractors Lic. #461612

Certified Nurseryman #448

Landscaping for a Wedding to Remember

Make Your Garden Wedding

flowers • greenery • trees • and more

Let Us Create A Garden Utopia For Your Wedding!

Courtyard Garden & Poolside Weddings & Joshua Hall Receptions

WEB: hidesertresort.com • E-Mail: travelodge75@gmail.com

Travelodge Inn & Suites 54850 Twentynine Palms Hwy, Yucca Valley, CA 92284

Hotel: 760-365-3311 • Fax: 760-228-1509

Accomodations for your entire Wedding Party & Guests

Celebrate Celebrate Celebrate your with us!

Happily Ever After

Sportsmans Club of Joshua Tree

6225 Sunburst Ave., Joshua Tree, CA 92252

Having a Wedding, Quinciera, Family Reunion or a large group

gathering. We have Banquet Hall facilities available Year Round for rental call for more

information.

760-366-2915

The Flower Fairy will work within your budget

for your Special Day

Y ucca V alley F lorist 55755 20 P alm s H w y. Y ucca V alley, C A 92284

760.365.9779

H ours M on day-F riday ~ 8:30 to 5:00

S aturday ~ 8:30 to 2:00 �

1-760-228-1080 56994 29 Palm s H w y., Yu cca Valley

SIN CE 1984 • w w w .trophyexpress.com

• C ak e K n ife • Server Sets • C h am pagn e F lu tes • W in e G ift Bo xes • Perso n alized G ifts • C u sto m E n gravin g • Laser E n gravin g - G lass E n gravin g • A n d M u ch M o re!

Custom Gifts f or a Day t o Remember~

Invitation s; RSVP Cards; N am e Cards; Save the Date; N apkin s, Bride & Groom Glasses; Cake K n ifes an d m uch m ore !

56445 29 Pa lm s Hwy. (next the Hi-Desert Star)

Y u cca Va lley CA 92284 76 0-3 6 5 -6 96 7

V ALLEY I N DEPEN DEN T P RIN TIN G

For Your

Special Day…

Personalized engraving & Custom design available

Starlite Party and Events

Rentals . Planning . Decorating Everlasting Moments for Every Event

7350 Acoma Trail Yucca Valley, CA 92284

starlitepartyandevents@yahoo.com

760.365.228 1

We Like to Party!

Invitation Problems

If you don’t want children at your wedding, you have 2 options: • When addressing your invitations, leave the

children’s names off it and also don’t mention them in the invitation.

• Have friends and family pass the word around that you don’t want children there. FB Says: How many people know or understand etiquette. In some cases you have to cut straight to the chase and say what you mean. We suggest adding one of these phrases to the bottom of your reply card :

• Adult Reception • We hope that the (# of) of you will be able to join us • (# of) seats have been reserved in your names Other invitation stuff: • If someone hasn’t responded to your invitation,

1 week past the “Reply by” date, call him or her and confirm over the phone.

• Children over the age of 16 get their own invitations. ( FB thinks 18 is sufficient )

• Your officiant and their better half get an invitation • Send your parents and wedding party invitations,

as a keepsake. They don’t have to reply. • You have to put return postage on your RSVP’s.

Wedding Gifts • It is considered rude to put “cash only gifts”,

or other wording meaning the same thing on the invitation.

• You’re not supposed to put registry information on your wedding invitation. It’s left up to friends and family to inform everyone. However, you can put gift information on an insert in your bridal shower invitations. FB Says: If you have a personal wedding website with info for bridal party and guests (and gift registry info), you can include an insert with the link to your website in your wedding invitation.

• You’re not required to open your gifts at the reception or in front of anyone.

Here are some tips to help plan your big day and help avoid wedding day blues.

Bride’s Family • All Reception Costs • Church Fees • Groom’s Rings • Invitations • Flowers for Church,

Bridesmaids and Reception • Music for Ceremony • Transportation for

Bridal Party • Gifts for Bridal Party • Groom’s Gift • Lodging for Bridesmaids,

if necessary Bridal Party • Your Attire • The Shower • If you are from out-of-town,

Transportation to the Town the wedding is in

• Gift for the Couple

Groom’s Family • Bride’s Ring • Clergy Fees • Bride’s Bouquet,

Corsages and Boutonnieres • Rehearsal Dinner • Transportation for

Groomsmen • Gifts for Groomsmen • Bride’s Gift • Lodging for Groomsmen,

if necessary Groomsmen • Your Attire • The Stag • If you are from out-of-town,

Transportation to the Town the wedding is in

• Gift for the Couple

Okay, The Really Big Question? Who Pays For What?

Source: www.frugalbride.com

7345 Church St. Yucca Valley (760) 369-4247

the hair experience day spa

We Come to You with our

Mobile Services

Full Hair and Nail Services Clip On Extensions • Make-up

Pedicures • Spray Tanning

MM aa rr ii nn ee CC oo rr pp ss AA ii rr GG rr oo uu nn dd CC oo mm bb aa tt CC ee nn tt ee rr

w w w . 2 9 p a l m s . u s m c . m i l w w w . O P 2 9 o n l i n e . c o m

June 4, 2010 Serving The Twentynine Palms Community Since 1957 B1

Aerobics program keeps CombatCenter families on healthy track

CCPPLL.. MMOONNIICCAA CC..EERRIICCKKSSOONNCOMBAT CORRESPONDENT

Music reverberated through-out the gym as sweaty riderscycled their way throughmiles of calories during aspin class offered through theMarine Corps CommunityServices’ Aerobics Program.

The program offers awide range of classes nearlyevery day of the week,including classes for newmothers such as mommyand baby, and stroller class.Other classes include step,spin, muscle mania, Pilates,stability ball, power yoga,Zumba, kickboxing andwater aerobics.

“The program is a greatway to get yourself into ahealthy lifestyle,” saidYvonne Warfield, the aero-bics coordinator for theCombat Center. “It is a greatway to relieve stress and startyour day off right.”

The East and West Gymand Fitness Centers, the

CCPPLL.. MMOONNIICCAA CC.. EERRIICCKKSSOONN

Trisha Kelly, an aerobics instructor, leads a group ofwomen through a power yoga class at the CommunityCenter Wednesday. Power yoga is one of many aerobicsclasses available to the Combat Center communitythrough the Aerobics Program.

CCPPLL.. MMOONNIICCAA CC.. EERRIICCKKSSOONN

Women race through an intense part of a spin class at the East Gym and Fitness CenterWednesday. Spin is one of the many classes available through the Aerobics Programaboard the Combat Center.

See AEROBICS, B4

Holly Finnesy, a player on the Navy Sharks football team, attempts to power her way through two Marines during a pow-der puff football game against the Marine Panthers at Felix Field May 27. The annual game resulted in a Marine Panthervictory 40-12.

Navy Shark cheerleaders form a basic pyramid torouse the crowd’s excitement during a Marine versusNavy powder puff football game at Felix Field May 27.

Marines dominate during powder puff gameSSTTOORRYY AANNDD PPHHOOTTOOSS BBYYPPFFCC.. SSAARRAAHH AANNDDEERRSSOONNCOMBAT CORRESPONDENT

The gridiron erupted in full-fledged inter-service rivalryas the Marine Panthers andNavy Sharks battled it outfor year-long bragging rights

and the trophy during theCombat Center’s annualpowder puff football gameat Felix Field May 27.

A powder puff game isone in which roles arereversed. Women take it tothe field while the men takeon cheerleading.

The game is a great wayfor the women of theCombat Center to get somecompetitiveness out oftheir system, said Tu Tran,the coach for the Panthers.

“It’s one of thosethings, inter-service rivalry;we want to beat the Navy,”

Tran said. “They lovecompetition.”

The Sharks used thegame as a fundraiser fortheir Corpsman Ball laterthis month, whereas theMarines just came to playfor some good, ol’ fash-ioned, rough-n-rumble fun.

“We have been practic-ing twice a week for about amonth,” Tran said. “Wewant to win.”

The Sharks said they cameto represent what they con-sider to be a strong minorityaboard the installation.

The Navy is a very small

group aboard the CombatCenter, and being femaleswe are part of an evensmaller group, so this is anawesome chance for us tocome out here are representthe Navy, said Sheena

See GAME, B4

SMP amps up summer fun

JJuunneeThe monthly freepizza and bowling atthe Sandy Hills Laneshas already past, butthe SMP has moreevents scheduled forthe month of June. AllSMP events are opento active duty servicemembers with priorityspace given to singleand geo bachelorMarines and sailors.Rally point for allSaturday trips is infront of The Zone.• Tomorrow - Oceankayaking. SMP willhead out at 8 a.m.Cost is $25.• June 12 - Mini-NASCAR. Participantswill depart at 8 a.m.Cost is $35.• June 16 – DesertMail Call. The SMPwill start packing fortheir next shipment at4 p.m. Care packageswill be sent out June18 at 8 a.m.• June 19 –Disneyland.Participants willdepart at 7 a.m. Costis $68.• June 26 – RagingWaters. Participantswill depart at 7 a.m.Cost is $25.

JJuullyyAll SMP events are opento active duty servicemembers with priorityspace given to single andgeo bachelor Marines andsailors. Rally point for allSaturday trips is in front ofThe Zone.• July 3 – All-you-can-eatSix Flags BBQ.Participants will depart at 7a.m. Cost is $35.• July 3 – Free pizza andbowling. The event will beat the Sandy Hills Lanesstarting at 7 p.m.• July 9-11 – Las Vegasroad trip. Participants willdepart at noon. Cost is$310 and includes a two-night stay at a hotel and theBlue Man Group tickets.• July 17 – RagingWaters is scheduled forSaturday. Participants willdepart at 7 a.m. Cost ofthe trip is $25.• July 21 – Desert MailCall. The SMP will startpacking for their next ship-ment at 4 p.m. Care pack-ages will be sent out July23 at 8 a.m.• July 24 - ComicCon.SMP will host its firstComicCon, starting at12:30 p.m. Participants areencouraged to dress up astheir favorite comic heroand help solve a mystery.

TThhee ZZoonnee The Zone is ahotspot for Marinesto relax, socialize,watch movies andplay video gamesFriday throughSaturday 10 a.m. tomidnight and Sundaythrough Thursday 10a.m. to 10 p.m.The Zone has a 100percent ID check pol-icy at the front count-er for service mem-bers in civilian cloth-ing.The Zone featuresinclude:• The Core gam-ing area with morethan 30 gamesavailable • Four TVs for gamesystems and videogames• Movie theater-styleseating with hundredsof movies to choosefrom• Two foosball andping-pong tables.• Five billiard tables• Dance DanceRevolution and otherarcade games• Snacks and drinksavailable at the frontcounter

FFrreeee sshhuuttttllee bbuuss pprrooggrraamm The Single MarineProgram provides afree shuttle bus pro-gram available forMarines and sailors.The shuttle route fea-tures stops at theCommissary, MainExchange, foodestablishmentsaboard the CombatCenter or just back tothe barracks. Keep aneye out for the buseswith “Single MarineProgram” writtenacross the sides.

For more information visithttp://www.mccs29palms.com.

To sign up for a trip, call 830-4767.

NNEEIILL PPOONNDDAMERICAN PROFILE

“Robin Hood”Rated PG-13

The Olde English folk iconRobin Hood has beenromanticized in song,dramatized in print anddepicted by some ofHollywood’s most dashingleading men throughoutthe years, including ErrolFlynn, Sean Connery andKevin Costner.

Russell Crowe is the lat-est actor to step into thebig-screen boots of thePrince of Thieves, fabledsince medieval times forrobbing from the rich togive to the poor.

Was there was ever areal-life person with thatname, or even resemblingthe character? That’sdebatable. But the new“Robin Hood” posits himin the historical context ofEngland circa 1100 forthis back-story tale abouthow Robin became aheroic hood.

We meet Robin, akaRobert Locksley, as anarcher in the service ofKing Richard theLionheart, now driving histired and tattered armyhome after spending 10years and most of hishomeland’s resources onthe Crusades.

The king’s death duringan attempted castle siegebegins Locksley’s transfor-mation into a crusadingwoodland warrior with aquiver full of bad news forbad guys, which in thiscase includes a prissyBritish tyrant, a traitorous

plotter, various murderousminions and a beach full ofpesky invading Frenchmen.

Yes, this Robin Hoodhas his hands full – evenmore so after he comesacross a damsel in distress,the resourceful maidenMarion Locksley, played byCate Blanchett.

Ten years ago, Crowemade another big-budgetblockbuster about a formersoldier who squared offwith a monarch, and thatmovie made him a house-hold name and a superstar.The long shadow of“Gladiator” looms largeover “Robin Hood,” notjust because both depictbrawling, brawny lead char-acters in historical settings,one with a broadsword andthe other with a bow andarrow. Both movies share

the same director, RidleyScott, who seems like he’strying to “out-Gladiator”himself here, with more ofpractically everything:more plot, more charac-ters, more star power(award-winning actors Maxvon Sydow and WilliamHurt bring a somber“Masterpiece Theater”vibe) and more action.

But sometimes more isless, and “Robin Hood”sags from its bloat. It’soverly long, overly compli-cated, overly staged and, infar too many scenes, awashwith British-burr grunts,whispers and growls aspart of a bombastic soundmix that over-amps everywhisking arrow, everycrackling fire, every horseclop. It’s a strain just tryingto follow what’s happen-

ing, who’s who and what’sbeing said.

The grand vistas of lushBritish Isles scenery, andScott’s knack for showingthe muddy, messy details oflife in the 12th century,make it a handsomeenough spectacle. But it allcomes across as a heavy-handed hodgepodge, tooweighted down with itsblockbuster pedigree to beas much pure fun as itmight have been.

Hollywood sometimesforgets a good, solid storydoesn’t have to be a spec-tacle that takes itself soseriously. Walt Disney cer-tainly got it. Just look at his1973 adaptation of RobinHood. It was a cartoon,Robin was a fox, and youcould understand himwhen he talked.

BB22 JJUUNNEE 44,, 22001100 OOBBSSEERRVVAATTIIOONN PPOOSSTT

Cinema 6 Showtimes Effective 6/4/10 - 6/10/10

1 (760) 365-9633 w ww.cinema6theatre.com

Shrek (PG) Everyday: 1:30, 4:00, 6:30, 9:00

Splice (R) Everyday: 1:30, 4:00, 6:30, 9:00

Sex & The City 2 (R) Everyday: 1:30, 6:00, 9:00

Prince Of Persia (PG13) Everyday: 1:30, 4:00, 6:30, 9:00 The Sands of Time

Roadrunner Dunes Golf Course 4733 Desert Knolls • 29 Palms

760-367-5770 www.RoadRunnerDunesGolf.com

Mad Monday’s Active Duty Military

Play Free Golf

Expires June 28

with the purchase of a large bucket of range balls for $10

SELF STORAGE SELF STORAGE SELF STORAGE

A T L A S

A T L A S

A T L A S

367-2510

• Ground Level Units • Controlled Gate Access • Large Moving Truck Friendly • Month-to-Month Rentals

5020 Adobe Rd • 29 Palms

State Of The Art Security Control With Full Time Resident Managers Household Storage, RV, Boat & Auto

SPECIAL MILITARY PRICING ON ALL

UNITS!

STORAGE STORAGE WITH 24 HOUR “REAL TIME” SECURITY WITH 24 HOUR “REAL TIME” SECURITY

Get To Palm Springs!

The Reliable, Easy and Economical Way to Go!

Fares from 29 Palms One-way Regular Fare $20.00 Round Trip Regular Fare $25.00

F or more information call MBTA C ustomer Service at 760-366-2395.

MCAGCC- Palm Springs F riday

Base Post B uilding S ubway 29 Palms 29 Palms J oshua S tater Bros P alm Exchange 1664 C ommunity S taters T ree W al M art S prings

Center P ark Blvd. Airport 5:00 5:25 5:30 5:40 5:45 6:00 6:10 7:00

MCAGCC- Palm Springs F riday

MCAGCC- Palm Springs

MCAGCC- Palm Springs

15

15

15

15

Base Post B uilding S ubway 29 Palms 29 Palms J oshua S tater Bros P alm Exchange 1664 C ommunity S taters T ree W al M art S prings

Center P ark Blvd. Airport 10:00 10:25 10:30 10:40 10:45 11:00 11:10 11:45 4:00 4:25 4:30 *4:40 *4:45 *5:00 *5:10 *5:45

Saturday/ Sunday*

Saturday/ Sunday*

Palm Springs Indian Canyon Indian Canyon S tater Bros MCAGCC Airport & Andreas & Tacheva W al M art

(Casino) (Hospital)

7:00 7:10 7:15 7:50 8:30

Palm Springs Indian Canyon Indian Canyon S tater Bros MCAGCC Airport & Andreas & Tacheva W al M art

(Casino) (Hospital)

12:00 12:10 12:15 12:50 1:35 *6:00 *6:10 *6:15 *6:50 *7:35

*SUNDAY SERVICE BEGINS AT 29 PALMS COMMUNITY CENTER. A ll weekend service is for S aturday only except for the final return trip which includes both S aturday and S unday service.

Liber t y Call

Lower Desert

TTwweennttyynniinnee PPaallmmss SSttrreeeett FFaaiirr aanndd CCaarr SShhoowwDescription: A showcase of custom and classic vehiclesWhen: 6 to 10 p.m., Friday, June 4Where: Twentynine Palms Chamber of Commerce73491 Twentynine Palms Highway, Twentynine PalmsFor more information call 367-3445 or visithttp://www.29chamber.org.

MMiigguueell GGaarrcciiaa aanndd TThhee VVaarriittoonneessDescription: Self described as a Baja-Western bandWhen: 8 p.m., Friday, June 4TThhee SSaaddiieess wwiitthh TTiimm EEaassttoonnDescription: An alternative country/rock bandWhen: 8 p.m., Saturday, June 5Where: Pappy and Harriet’s53688 Pioneertown Road, PioneertownFor more information call 365-5956 or visit http://www.pappyandharriets.com.

JJoosshhuuaa TTrreeee CCeerrttiiffiieedd FFaarrmmeerrss MMaarrkkeettDescription: An open air market with fresh produceWhen: 8 a.m.-1 p.m., every SaturdayWhere: Turtle Island; Twentynine Palms Highway indowntown Joshua Tree.

MMoovviieess iinn tthhee PPaarrkk ““IImmaaggiinnee TThhaatt””Description: Free movies shown at Luckie ParkWhen: Nightfall, approx. 8 p.m. Thursday, June 10Where: Luckie Park at the corner of Two Mile Roadand Utah Trail, next to the racquet ball courts.For more information call the Recreation Departmentat 367-7562.

DDoonnnnaa SSuummmmeerrDescription: The disco star performs her hitsWhen: 8 p.m., Saturday, June 19Where: Fantasy Springs Resort Casino 84-245 Indio Springs Parkway, IndioFor more information call 800-827-2946 or visithttp://www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

TThhee ccoommeeddyy ooff HHoowwiiee MMaannddeellDescription:Television show host and comedian performsWhen: 8 p.m., Saturday, June 26Where: Morongo Casino Resort and Spa49500 Seminole Drive, CabazonFor more information call 800-252-4499 or visithttp://www.morongocasinoresort.com.

BBaadd CCoommppaannyyDescription: The rock ‘n’ roll stars perform their hitsWhen: 8 p.m., Friday, July 16Where: Fantasy Springs Resort Casino 84-245 Indio Springs Parkway, IndioFor more information call 800-827-2946 or visithttp://www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

JJaayy LLeennooDescription: Tonight show host performs stand upWhen: 8 p.m., Saturday, June 12Where: Agua Caliente32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho MirageFor more information call 888-999-1995 or visit http://hotwatercasino.com.

Sunset Cinema

Local Events

EExxccuurrssiioonnss EEnnlliisstteedd CClluubbFridays: Salsa dancing, 7 to 8 p.m., ladies’ night, 8 to10 p.m. and DJ Vlad, 8 to 11 p.m.Saturdays: Variety Night with DJ Bones 8 to 11 p.m.Wednesdays: DJ Gjettblaque, 8 to 10 p.m.

BBllooooddssttrriippeess NNCCOO CClluubbMondays: Free chicken nuggets/nacos, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.Wednesdays: Free, Italian sausage with peppers,onions and green salad.

HHaasshhmmaarrkkss 2299 SSNNCCOO CClluubbFridays: DJ at 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.All Hands Lunch, Monday-Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.Mondays: Steak Night, 5 to 8 p.m.Wednesdays: Karaoke, 5 to 7 p.m.

CCoommbbaatt CCeenntteerr’’ss OOffffiicceerrss’’ CClluubbLunch served Monday-Friday, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.Mondays: Steak night, 5 to 8 p.m.

For complete calendars, visit http://www.mccs29palms.com.

Combat Center Clubs

FFrriiddaayy,, JJuunnee 446 p.m. – Why Did I Get Married Too?, PG-139 p.m. – Clash of the Titans, Rated PG-13Midnight – Kick -*ss, Rated RSSaattuurrddaayy,, JJuunnee 5511 a.m. – Free Matinee, Shrek, Rated PG2 p.m. – Date Night, Rated PG-136 p.m. – Back Up Plan, PG-139 p.m. – The Losers, Rated PG-13Midnight – Death at a Funeral, Rated RSSuunnddaayy,, JJuunnee 662 p.m. – Furry Vengeance, Rated PG6 p.m. – Clash of the Titans, Rated PG-139 p.m. – Nightmare on Elm Street, Rated RMMoonnddaayy,, JJuunnee 776 p.m. – Kick -*ss, Rated RTTuueessddaayy,, JJuunnee 887 p.m. – Date Night, Rated PG-13WWeeddnneessddaayy,, JJuunnee 997 p.m. – Clash of the Titans, Rated PG-13TThhuurrssddaayy,, JJuunnee 11007 p.m. – Why Did I Get Married Too?, PG-13

More is less in ‘Robin Hood’ remake

CCOOUURRTTEESSYY PPHHOOTTOO

Russell Crowe is the latest actor to take on the fabled medieval task of robbing from therich to give to the poor.

CCOOUURRTTEESSYY PPHHOOTTOO

Robin Hood has his hands full – even more so after hecomes across a damsel in distress, the resourceful maid-en Marion Locksley, played by Cate Blanchett.

OOBBSSEERRVVAATTIIOONN PPOOSSTT JJUUNNEE 44,, 22001100 BB33

NNaammee:: Jessie DewittHHoommeettoowwnn:: Brownsburg, Ind.UUnniitt:: Marine Wing Support Squadron 374JJoobb ttiittllee:: Engineer equipment chiefRReeccooggnniittiioonn:: “Most Valuable Player” for the 374 #2 teamFFaavvoorriittee aassppeecctt ooff tthhee ssppoorrtt:: “Having fun.”AAddvviiccee ffoorr aassppiirriinngg ppllaayyeerrss:: “It’s all about having fun.”

Athlete of the Week

Combat Center Sports

Intramural softballstandings

TEAM WINS LOSSES

MCCES Red 10 13/11 9 1Tanks 10 2ESD 10 2374 #1 9 3ATG 9 3PMO 7 3MCCES C Co. 6 4Mojave Viper 5 5AAV 5 6IPAC 5 6MCCES White 5 83rd LAR 5 6CLB-7 4 7MCTOG 4 7MCCES Maint 3 9374 #2 2 11Hospital 3 9CMA 1 10Dental 1 11

LLAANNCCEE CCPPLL.. AANNDDRREEWW DD.. TTHHOORRBBUURRNN

Hospital first baseman Eric Vaught catches the ball as Jessie Dewitt, a runner for374 #2, also known as Mad Dogs, runs across the base during a CommandingGeneral’s Intramural Softball game Wednesday at Felix Field.

LLAANNCCEE CCPPLL.. AANNDDRREEWW DD.. TTHHOORRBBUURRNN

Hospital player Marc Maxwell prepares to hit a long ball down cen-terfield during a Commanding General’s Intramural Softball gameagainst 374 #2 Wednesday at Felix Field.

Intramural soccer standingsTTEEAAMM WWIINNSS LLOOSSSSEESSMCCES 2 0CLB-7 2 1HQBN 1 1MWSS-374 0 11st Tanks 0 2NHTP 0 1

PPFFCC.. SSAARRAAHH AANNDDEERRSSOONN

Mike Muller, a player for the HQBN team, attempts toscore, but is shut down by goal keeper AJ Wilson, a play-er for CLB-7 during a Commanding General’s IntramuralSoccer League game at Felix Field Wednesday. Thegame ended in a tie, but CLB-7 ultimately won in a sud-den-death shootout.

PPFFCC.. SSAARRAAHH AANNDDEERRSSOONN

Daniel Martinez, a player for the HQBN team, attempts tocontrol the ball during a Commanding General’sIntramural Soccer League game against CLB-7 at FelixField Wednesday. The game ended with CLB-7’s victoryin a sudden-death shootout 7-6.

Chiropractic, Homeopathy, Acupressure, Reflexology,

Massage, Nutrition,

Herbs, and Vitamin

Counseling Anti-Aging

Rehabilitation Weight Control

FIRST EXAM ONLY

$ 25 00 With this coupon Expires 6-30-10

We accept: Medicare, Personal Insurance, Workers Compensation, Auto Insurance and

cash plans.

Dr. Lupe V. Trelles, D.C . Holistic Individual Care

for men, women and children

365-4415

(Old Southwest Fetish Bldg.)

Chiropractic for Women MEDICINE WOMAN

Yucca Valley Office 56872 29 Palms Hwy.

Save & Share Your Precious Memories

Limit 20 Total Copies

VALLEY INDEPENDENT PRINTING 56445 29 Palms Hwy, Yucca Valley

Limit One Coupon Per Customer Valid through June 30, 2010

(760) 365-6967

V alley I ndependent P rinting V alley I ndependent P rinting AND COPY CENTER

• Color Copies • Printing • Copying • Graphics rrs TM

COLOR COPIES

BUY ONE GET ONE FREE

“The Bitcons are back!” Larry & Lloyd Bitcon formally of Bitcon Eng. has teamed up with the staff of French’s Auto Parts

Sam Larry Ross Lloyd Dave Staff Bitcon Owner Bitcon Mgr .

56572 29 Palms Hwy., Yucca Valley 365-0645

• Engines Sold & Installed

• Parts • Repairs • Sandrails • Bajas • Air Cooled Your off road Specialists!

rrs TM

FRENCH’S AUTO PARTS & SERVICE

Specializing in Custom Built Baja/Sandrails Stock VW’s, Hard To Find Parts Rebuilt Engines - Sold and/or Installed Tune-ups • Brakes • Electrical • Tires Custom Welding & Fabrication Bosch • NGK • Mr. Bug • EMPI • KYB Shocks Restore Old VW’s & Custom Sandrails

VW Special ists Parts and Service

365-0645 WWW.vintagevw.homestead.com

M-F 8:30-5 • Sat. 9-2 56572 29 Palms Hwy., Yucca Valley

“From Mild to Wild!”

(Can not be installed in the Town of Yucca Valley due to their ordinances) Installation available in all other areas.

56572 29 Palms Hwy., Yucca Valley 365-0645

★ Come in for free brochures ★

FREE Installation on your level land

on cement slabs

★ 18x21 starting at $ 895 00

Frenchs Auto Parts authorized dealer for:

Metal Car Ports & Garage’s

WHO’S YOUR BUGMAN? WHO’S YOUR BUGMAN? WHO’S YOUR BUGMAN? $ 10 00

OFF One Time Service*

w/coupon

T ransfer service. N o start up fee.

E xp. 7/1/10 • We treat ants, spiders, bees, mites, rodents and other pests.

• No contracts • Competitive prices • One time service or monthly service available • Same day service • Termite inspections • Water heater strapping

• Pre-treats for new construction

It’s that time of year again... the creepy crawlers will be out in full force. Call the “Bugman”

$10 Off One Time Service with this coupon

DESERT PACIFIC EXTERMINATORS LLC 365-4912 or 365-BUGS (2847)

Local Coupons!

BB44 JJUUNNEE 44,, 22001100 OOBBSSEERRVVAATTIIOONN PPOOSSTT

Y.V. Chrysler 29 Palms Service Department

*On approved credit. Plus government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document prepar ation charge, and any emission charge. Exp. 6-9-10* See dealer for details.

We service We service We service all makes all makes all makes

and models and models and models 72878 29 Palms Hwy 1-760- 367-1919

10% 10% 10% MILITARY MILITARY MILITARY DISCOUNT DISCOUNT DISCOUNT

CALL TODAY! CALL TODAY! CALL TODAY! 1-760-367-1919 1-760-367-1919 1-760-367-1919

FREE CAR WASH

W/30-60-90K SERVICE

FREE RIDE FROM BASE • MILITARY DISCOUNT

72878 29 Palms Hwy. Twentynine Palms (760) 367-1919 • FAX (760) 367-4430

THE THE THE LARGEST LARGEST LARGEST SELECTION SELECTION SELECTION OF OF OF PRE- PRE- PRE- OWNED OWNED OWNED VEHICLES VEHICLES VEHICLES IN THE IN THE IN THE HIGH HIGH HIGH DESERT DESERT DESERT

Open 7 Days

Open 7 Days

Open 7 Days

A Week A Week A Week

#8S027219 #8S027219

08 SUZUKI SX4

# 85105217 # 85105217

08 FORD ESCAPE 4X4

# 8KA64084 # 8KA64084

0% FINANCING FOR SELECT MILITARY PERSONNEL

29 Palms 29 Palms 29 Palms Yucca Valley Chrysler Yucca Valley Chrysler Yucca Valley Chrysler

Sales Open 7 Days a Week Service Dept. 8am - 5pm Mon. - Fri.

1-760-367-1919 1-760-367-1919

GOOD CREDIT! BAD CREDIT! NO CREDIT! NO* PROBLEM! GOOD CREDIT! BAD CREDIT! NO CREDIT! NO* PROBLEM! GOOD CREDIT! BAD CREDIT! NO CREDIT! NO* PROBLEM!

08 JEEP WRANGLER RUBICON

#86572268 #86572268

OFF OFF OFF ROAD ROAD ROAD

READY READY READY

$20,888 $20,888

MANUAL MANUAL MANUAL TRANS TRANS TRANS

LOW LOW LOW MILES MILES MILES

$12,888 $12,888 09 DODGE CHARGER

# 9h584811 # 9h584811 $15,888 $15,888

# 94147370 # 94147370

SPORTY SPORTY SPORTY

$13,888 $13,888

09 PONTIAC G6

#9F164208

09 CHEVY MALIBU

$14,888 $14,888

$15,888 $15,888

FULL TANK OF GAS WITH EACH PURCHASE FULL TANK OF GAS WITH EACH PURCHASE FULL TANK OF GAS WITH EACH PURCHASE FREE CARFAX REPORT! FREE CARFAX REPORT! FREE CARFAX REPORT!

WE MAKE IT EASY AT WE MAKE IT EASY AT WE MAKE IT EASY AT

# 7N475476 # 7N475476

NICE NICE NICE

$15,888 $15,888

07 NISSAN ALTIMA

# 8D757343 # 8D757343

LOADED LOADED LOADED

$11,888 $11,888

08 DODGE CALIBER

# 78246838 # 78246838

LOADED LOADED LOADED

$23,888 $23,888

07 HUMMER H3

XLT XLT XLT NICE NICE NICE

FAMILY FAMILY FAMILY SIZED SIZED SIZED LIKE LIKE LIKE NEW NEW NEW

FAMILY FAMILY FAMILY SIZE SIZE SIZE

Hayes, the quarterback forthe Sharks.

In the heat of friendlycompetition, the MarinePanthers jokingly talkedup their game before thekick-off. Marine IrinaJones commented, “BAS[battalion aid station] is

going to be full in themorning.”

However, the NavySharks were preparedwith their own batteryof remarks.

“If we injure them, wehave to deal with them inour clinic on Wednesday…that’s what happenedlast year,” countered Navy

player Kameryn Hughes.With neither team able

to claim home field advan-tage, it started out as any-body’s game.

However, the Sharks’bravado proved to be afalse front as soon as thecoin was tossed. A combi-nation of aggressive, well-executed plays and quickthinking kept the Panthersleading the scoreboard.

The Sharks made aminor attempt at a come-back during the third quar-ter, but by then, it was toolate. The Panthers clamedvictory 40-12.

Sergio Romero, theSharks coach, said hebelieves this game is animportant event the girlslook forward to every year.

Tran added he looks atthe powder puff game asan opportunity for the girlsto showcase their talent ontheir own stage.

“It’s a great way for thegirls to learn [traditionally]male sport,” Tran said,“They watch it, and they[normally] don’t get to playit in an organized fashion.”

The sailors also stayexcited for the powder puffgame all year, Hughes said.

“This is probably, for thefemales at the hospital, oneof the most fun things wedo all year,” Hughes said.

GAME, from B1

PPFFCC.. SSAARRAAHH AANNDDEERRSSOONN

Kayla Erianne, a player on the Marine Panthers powderpuff football team, dives to save the ball during gameagainst the Navy Sharks at Felix Field May 27.

Community Center and theFamily and Officers’ Poolsare all used for various class-es. Units can also request atraining session in any of the

classes throughout the week.Warfield said many

Marines prefer using theAerobics Program becausethey are a lot more fun than aregular run, which makes theunit as a whole more willing

to put forth an effort duringphysical training.

“Sometimes we get guysout here who think a certainclass is going to be easy, butonce they do it, they find it alot more difficult than theythought,” said Warfield, a SanFernando Valley, Calif., native.“Those guys always leavewith a new-found apprecia-tion for what we do.”

Nickie Dietz, who partici-pates in the spin class threetimes a week, said the wholeprogram is awesome, but isespecially impressed with thespin class.

“It’s great to be able tocome out here and burn ahigh amount of calories inonly a little bit of time,” saidDietz, from San Antonio.

Heather Mitchell, wholeads a spin class, said herclass was great for everyonebecause it was based on howthe cyclists rate their ownstrength on a one-to-ten scale.

“When I say go to a six,there isn’t a set number on thebike,” Mitchell said. “It is allwhat you perceive your six is.So my six is going to be com-pletely different from [others’].”

For more informationabout the program or toschedule a session for unit PT,contact Warfield at 830-3381.To view the aerobics calendar,visit http://www.mccs29palms.com/calendars/aerobics.html.

AEROBICS, from B1

CCPPLL.. MMOONNIICCAA CC.. EERRIICCKKSSOONN

Nickie Dietz keeps a steady pace during a spin classWednesday morning at the East Gym and FitnessCenter. Spin, power yoga, Pilates, kickboxing and danceZumba are a few of the aerobics classes availableaboard the Combat Center.