Radio Gitmo Rocks to Support Morale Welfare and Recreation

Photo By Emily McCamy | Army Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Anaya, right, pictured with Joint Task Force Guantanamo's Morale, Welfare and Recreation representative Sgt. Brandin Schumann, a New Mexico National Guardsman deployed to the JTF, used his best pirate talk to win one of many Radio Gitmo contests held Sept. 15, 2008 at the JTF's Kittery Cafe. Anaya opted for a Radio Gitmo coin because it is unique. JTF Guantanamo conducts safe and humane care and custody of detained enemy combatants. The JTF conducts interrogation operations to collect strategic intelligence in support of the Global War on Terror and supports law enforcement and war crimes investigations. JTF Guantanamo is committed to the safety and security of American service members and civilians working inside its detention facilities.  

GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA

09.20.2008

Story by Staff Sgt. Emily McCamy 

Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs

GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA – Joint Task Force Guantanamo's Morale Welfare and Recreation teamed up with Radio Gitmo to entertain Troopers at the JTF's Kittery Café with music and contests to cultivate interest in upcoming MWR events.

Army Sgt. Brandin Paul Schumann, MWR representative for the JTF, realized the potential for bringing the radio station to the café.

"This is a morale builder for the troopers. It's good advertisement for the program and gives troopers a chance to win or buy Radio Gitmo t-shirt, and listen to some good jams," said Schumann. "The mission is to advertise MWR events and get the word out to JTF Troopers, especially those who work in the camps because they haven't been getting the word about events that take place."

Radio Gitmo, a Naval Station asset, has had little direct involvement with the JTF in the past.

"Planning and coordination has been the biggest obstacle we've had. We didn't have a point of contact for the JTF before Sgt. Schumann. Hopefully we can do this more often," said Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Camerino Pagan, officer in charge of the radio station.

Despite some minor technical difficulties, the radio station worked hard to pull off a successful and engaging event for the Troopers.

"We don't have the technology to do live shows [onsite], so we call in to the radio station and do a radio remote [show]," said Navy Seaman Apprentice Christina Gabaldon, a radio personality who worked the event. "JTF Troopers have a hard time getting Radio Gitmo T-shirts so we came to them. We're having contests to see who can speak like the best pirate, and giving away T-shirts, coins, and bags."

"The day was very successful–we got a lot of MWR info and made some Troopers happy," said Pagan.

"Sgt. Schumann is making it happen, and we're glad to support him," he added.

• Date Taken: 09.20.2008
• Date Posted: 09.23.2008 08:46
• Story ID: 24027
• Location: GUANTANAMO BAY, CU