Photo By Spc. Eric Liesse | (From left), Army Sgt. Arthur Pacheco, Spc. Dominic Dominguez, Lt. Col. Joe Romero,...... read more read more
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By Eric Liesse
Joint Task Force - Guantanamo
GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba – Whenever Joint Task Force Guantanamo has distinguished visitors come to view operations first hand, there are many scheduling and logistic needs required. Handling these tasks is the mission of the tight-knit, seven-person Joint Visitors Bureau team.
The JVB works with fluid precision as a single unit to accomplish its mission of caring for distinguished visitors while they are guests of the JTF. Although the logistics of their tasks can seem overwhelming – as some guests have told the JVB personnel – the team steps as one to accomplish their massive mission.
"I can't think of anybody on the island whom we don't work with," said Army 1st Lt. Sonya Montoya, the JVB officer who works primarily with non-governmental organizations.
Whether working with organizations from U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay for additional housing needs, or arranging facility use with Morale, Welfare and Recreation, the JVB's mission is all about logistics.
"We work with the visitor from the moment their plane hits the island until the moment they leave," Montoya said.
The JVB is responsible for all the logistical needs of any DV. They handle the obvious needs: lodging if they stay overnight, transportation between each location, and planning schedules with room for change.
However, JVB personnel also have to keep in mind small things such as food allergies while being able to anticipate problems and scheduling stalls.
"When people take the time to get down here, we pack their schedule with stuff," said Army Lt. Col. Joe Romero, the director of the JVB. "Fifteen minutes can make a difference."
A huge variety of DVs tour through JTF's facilities. Romero has seen "lots and lots and lots of flag officers," the U.S. Attorney General, many congressmen, among others.
JTF Commander Navy Rear Adm. David M. Thomas, Jr. often stresses in his messages that the open transparency of the JTF mission is vital to its success and support back home. The JVB is a critical part of that openness.
"The Admiral is very big on transparency. He said anyone can come down here, whether a four-star admiral or a Hollywood celebrity," Romero said.
Montoya often works with NGOs visiting to see the military commissions process and monitor its effectiveness. Representatives from internationally recognized organizations such as the Human Rights Watch and the American Civil Liberties Union regularly come to watch the proceedings.
The International Committee of the Red Cross is also a regular visitor here, coming quarterly to deal "almost exclusively" with detainee living conditions and environment. The JVB handles many of their needs while they are on island.
JTF has also seen celebrities visiting for the Guantanamo Troopers. Even entertainers' perspectives are important, as they offer a distinct kind of voice.
"[Celebrities] can reach a whole different group of people, and have a whole different kind of credibility," said Navy Lt. Brian Abbott, the JVB officer who deals with MWR guests. "They get the real message of Gitmo; see what really goes on here."
"I've never had anyone come through [the detention camps] and not say 'Whoa, I didn't know they were treated so well,' " added Romero.
So far this year, the JVB has seen approximately 700 guests over 100 visits – not including the steady stream of NGO representatives. For such a small team, the JVB uses its efficiency and close teamwork to accomplish one of the most high-profile missions of the JTF.
www.jtfgtmo.southcom.mil
| Date Taken: | 11.21.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 11.24.2008 09:59 |
| Story ID: | 26725 |
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| Web Views: | 258 |
| Downloads: | 215 |
This work, Daunting Mission Success Through Teamwork, by SPC Eric Liesse, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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