Photo By Emily McCamy | Members of Joint Task Force Guantanamo gather at O'Kelly's Irish Pub to view the...... read more read more
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GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba— You could hear a pin drop in the unusual silence at U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay's O'Kelly's Irish Pub, April 5, when National Geographic Channel aired the two-hour show, "Explorer: Inside Guantanamo."
The documentary, which reveals the day-to-day life of the detention center guards at Joint Task Force Guantanamo, provided a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the world's most talked about detention operation.
The show was highly anticipated by members of the JTF. The pub was full — standing room only — for two hours. With special consideration from Morale, Welfare and Recreation Food and Beverage Manager Eric Nikkel, Troopers were able to watch the special, which aired only on satellite TV.
As the show began, Troopers held their breath in anticipation of how the JTF would be portrayed.
"I believe that this show was created with an un-biased perception," said Air Force Tech. Sgt. Thomas Cougill, a member of the Office for the Administrative Review of the Detention of Enemy Combatants. "It showed the truth about the lives and emotions of the guards here at GTMO, while at the same time it had to be 'politically correct,' showing the lawyers' and detainees' point of view that they were being 'unlawfully confined and mistreated.' I had a lot of mixed emotions."
National Geographic Channel's ability to capture the story while maintaining an overall delicate political balance was evident, yet made some viewers question the message of the documentary.
"I thought [National Geographic] did a good job representing the guards and what they do," said JTF Guantanamo Senior Enlisted Advisor, Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Brian T. Schexnaydre. "However, I was disappointed by some of the comments the lawyers made. I felt that they put a negative spin toward the end of the show on what the reality is here, leaving the general public in question as to whether we're doing the right thing, or whether it should be closed."
According to JTF Commander, Navy Rear Adm. David M. Thomas Jr., there is no question when it comes to doing the right thing. Our mission is safe, humane, legal and transparent care and custody of detainees.
"Showing the public that these guards aren't all big burly men mistreating detainees was a relief," Cougill said. "These guards can be young males or females with families, who are not able to live a normal life outside the wire. My heart and prayers go out to these young troopers who have this on their shoulders, and their minds."
"We as a joint task force know what the guards go through and what they do on a daily basis," Schexnaydre said. "I think the coverage on what they do was pretty thorough; however, I don't feel they should take any negativity from the show to heart because they do a hell of a job here, regardless of what is portrayed to the public."
For more information, visit: http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/explorer/4085/Overview#tab-Overview.
The Web site offers an abundance of supporting information, including: a brief explanation of each camp, photographs, Guantanamo Bay history and documentation about life at Guantanamo Bay, including views from human rights activists. Check the Web site for upcoming show times.
For more information about Joint Task Force Guantanamo, visit the Web site www.jtfgtmo.southcom.mil.
| Date Taken: | 04.17.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 04.21.2009 12:17 |
| Story ID: | 32661 |
| Location: | GUANTANAMO BAY, CU |
| Web Views: | 321 |
| Downloads: | 261 |
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