The Bug Man Cometh

Photo By Spc. Carlynn Knaak | Air Force Staff Sgt. James Keel, an entomologist from the 474th Expeditionary Civil Engineering Squadron, lays down a rat trap inside one of the Camp Justice tents here, Dec. 19. The 474th supports Joint Task Force Guantanamo's detention missions by maintaining Camp Justice and the Expeditionary Legal Complex's infrastructure. JTF Guantanamo conducts safe, humane, legal and transparent care and custody of detained enemy combatants, including those convicted by military commission and those ordered released. The JTF conducts intelligence collection, analysis and dissemination for the protection of detainees and personnel working in JTF Guantanamo facilities and in support of the Global War on Terror. JTF Guantanamo provides support to the Office of Military Commissions, to law enforcement and to war crimes investigations. The JTF conducts planning for and, on order, responds to Caribbean mass migration operations.  

12.19.2008

Story by Spc. Carlynn Knaak 

Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs

By Carlynn Knaak
Joint Task Force Guantanamo

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba – While driving around the base at night, seeing the glowing eyes of nocturnal rodents called Hutias, or banana rats, is not uncommon. However, thanks to Air Force Staff Sgt. James Keel, these timid creatures are about the only rodents you'll come across at Camp Justice, inside as well as out.

Keel, an entomologist from the 474th Expeditionary Civil Engineering Squadron, works in Camp Justice's Pest Management shop to ensure that Troopers, media, attorneys, and civilian contractors are protected from rodents and annoying insects.

"I make sure the troops are safe from disease-ridden rodents," said Keel. "I spray dust for ants, dispose of bee hives, and even fix the bat problem in the hangar. I help make sure your places are safe to live."

Keel's hard work and dedication was evident when he treated 183 living and work areas for ants and some commonly known insects.

Armed with his personal protection gear, explained Tech. Sgt. Chad Leblanc, the superintendent of the Pest Management shop for the 474th ECES, Keel hit the ground running and placed insecticide underneath thousands of sand bags that line 183 living and work quarters.

Not all the work that Keel does utilizes chemicals to exterminate troublesome rodents and insects. Initially non-chemical methods are used to dispose of the creatures, such as brooms to knock down bee hives or biological control for plants – a method of controlling pests that relies on predation.

Through these techniques Keel protects the health and welfare of Troops by maintaining a clean, hygienic area to live and work.

"With his atypical attitude toward his mission requirements as well as volunteering for additional duties, [Keel] has allowed the 474th ECES mission to be accomplished in a smooth flowing manner from day one of his arrival," said LeBlanc.

"I don't ask for any accolades for what I do, but my job is sort of taken for granted," said Keel. "I take care of the things that people don't want to."

Keel leaves no sandbag unturned, no dark corner or dumpster unlooked. Although many might not realize the job he's doing around Camp Justice, it just means that the bug catcher is doing his job well.

http://www.jtfgtmo.southcom.mil/

• Date Taken: 12.19.2008
• Date Posted: 12.22.2008 14:58
• Story ID: 28031