Following the Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month Observance at Thunder Mountain Activity Centre, May 21, the audience got to taste Asian American and Pacific Island ethnic food during a special sampling created just for this event.

The Fort Huachuca Military Equal Opportunity Office and the United States Army Intelligence Center of Excellence, or USAICoE, hosted an Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Observance at Thunder Mountain Activity Centre, May 21, to recognize the accomplishments of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in American history.

In 1978, Congress passed a joint Congressional Resolution to designate the first week of May as Asian American Heritage Week. In 1992, Congress expanded the celebration to a month, and it was officially titled Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.

In his proclamation, President Barack Obama said, “Each May, our nation comes together to recount the ways Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders helped forge our country … their story is the American story, and this month, we honor them all.”

The 2013 theme is “Building Leadership: Embracing Cultural Values and Inclusion.”

During his opening remarks, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Joe Okabayashi, USAICoE, said, “We encourage and allow people to step forward and take lead in their lives and endeavors that are larger than the individual. We are the one true melting pot of the world. And at times, that blending process has been, and can be, painful. But in the end, especially in today’s times, we strive for inclusion.”

Young students attending Hubble Masters Academy, Sierra Vista, present a taekwondo martial arts demonstration before the audience attending Tuesday’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Observance at the Thunder Mountain Activity Centre.

Following the invocation given by Chaplain (Capt.) Taylor Kim, 305th Military Intelligence Battalion, and the singing of the National Anthem, by Buena High School students, a taekwondo martial arts presentation was provided by Hubble Masters Academy, Sierra Vista.

Introducing his young students, Tony Hubble, Hubble ATA owner, said, “These are my students here today and I feel that we fit this theme of leadership appropriately because that is what we do at Hubble ATA – we train leaders.”

The guest speaker for the event was Clyne Namuo, department chair for Information Systems, Cochise College. Namuo comes from Honolulu. He said, “If someone takes an interest in Hawaii, or the Hawaiian language, or is simply asking me where they should go the next time they are in Hawaii, I take an interest right back.

“For those of you who have moved away, and through moving away have grown closer to your culture, welcome those who take an interest in your culture.”

The observance ended with an ethnic food sampling, consisting of foods from various Asian American and Pacific Island cultures.
 

Photos by Maranda Flynn

Chief Warrant Officer 5 Joe Okabayashi, U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence, presents Tony Hubble, owner, Hubble American Taekwondo Academy, with a Certificate of Appreciation and a cultural martial arts bow, at the Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month Observance at Thunder Mountain Activity Centre, May 21. Hubble was among several presenters who received special awards.

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of the summer period which unfortunately is the deadliest time of year for Soldiers off duty. Every year as our Nation honors our veterans and welcomes the summer season, we lose Soldiers in accidental deaths involving cars, motorcycles, watercraft and alcohol-related incidents. As we prepare for the coming holiday weekend, we must do what we can as leaders to preserve our Nation’s most valuable asset – its Soldiers.

Holiday weekends significantly increase the number of travelers on the road across the Nation. I urge you all to talk to the Soldiers and civilian employees in your organizations about the risks of hazardous driving. While Soldiers and Families are eager to reunite over the holiday weekend, speeding, texting and driving, alcohol consumption and fatigue are all factors that increase the risk of vehicular accidents. I encourage you all to drive safely and emphasize the importance of safe travel with your Soldiers and civilians.

Remember the most important aspect of Memorial Day weekend is that we honor those who gave their

lives for our country. As we reflect on their sacrifice, we must do everything we can to safeguard the lives

of those who serve today. Have a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend, and remember that our

Army and our Nation need you.

Always Out Front! Army Strong!

During the 2-13th Aviation Regiment change of command Wednesday in hangar 1, Col. Brian Bennett, reviewing officer (center), receives the colors from outgoing Commander, Lt. Col. Victor Hamilton 2-13th Avn. Reg. (right), and passes them to incoming Commander, Lt. Col. Clinton Conzemius (left). This key event in a change-of-command ceremony symbolizes the transfer of leadership from outgoing to incoming commanders.

The unit formerly known as the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Training Battalion chose a fitting location for its change of command ceremony Wednesday. A small crowd gathered inside hanger 1 at Libby Army Airfield to witness the 2nd Battalion, 13th Aviation Regiment’s change of command. Lt. Col. Clinton Conzemius assumed command from Lt. Col. Victor Hamilton, whose new assignment will be as the deputy brigade commander, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, in South Korea.

“I am honored to have had the opportunity to command one of the greatest organizations within the Army,” Hamilton said.

One of the highlights of the ceremony was the passing of the colors between the outgoing and incoming commanders.

“It was a great passing of the colors and a great tradition to be a part of,” said Capt. Tyler Penn, commander, Company. A, 2-13th Avn. Reg.

During his farewell speech, Hamilton mentioned how he became 2-13th Avn. Reg. commander almost two years ago. Previously, he commanded the Region-West Afghan Security Force Assistance Team in 2009. In 2010, he was assigned as commander and professor of Military Science at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kan.

Conzemius is a master Army aviator. Among others, he attended the Airborne, Air Assault, John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center-Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape-level C, Combined Arms Services and Staff courses, and the United States Air Force Joint Firepower Controller courses. His most recent assignment began in July 2010, serving as commander of the Supreme Headquarters, Allied Powers Europe Flight Detachment in direct support of the Supreme Allied Command throughout Europe. He now commands the aviation battalion here.

The 2-13th Avn. Reg. trains military operators and maintainers on the use of the MQ-1C Gray Eagle, RQ-7B Shadow, MQ-5B Hunter and MQ-1B Warrior Alpha unmanned aircraft systems.

Soldiers from the entire 2nd Battalion, 13th Aviation Regiment, participate in the change of command ceremony held Wednesday. Appropriately, this event was held inside hangar 1 which houses the Gray Eagle unmanned aircraft system at Libby Army Airfield.

“He frequently stopped by my office to update me with the latest status of his platoon, or whatever he was working on that day and just before leaving. He would tell a quick joke that would leave us laughing,” said Capt. Tyler Penn, Company A, 2-13th Avn. Reg. commander.

However, Kiser’s dedication to the Army was no laughing matter. After graduating from Keystone High School in Wellington, Ohio, he joined the Army as a 14S, an air and missile defense crewmember. He spent nearly 15 years as a 14S serving at Fort Hill, Okla.; Fort Campbell, Ky.; Camp Stanley, South Korea; and Larson Air Force Base, Germany.

In 2007, Kiser became a 15W unmanned aerial vehicle operator at Fort Huachuca. He served as a member of Task Force Odin (Observe, Detect, Identify and Neutralize) at Fort Hood, Texas, and later with Co. A, 2-13th Avn. Reg. as an instructor and platoon sergeant. Kiser’s awards include the Bronze Star along with multiple campaign medals and awards.

“What I’d like everyone to leave here knowing, is that it was Sergeant Kiser’s wish in life to be a Soldier and a noncommissioned officer,” Penn said. “He spent over 20 years of life fulfilling this dream and if it were up to him, he would have spent his very last day on earth in ACUs (Army combat uniforms), at Alpha Company, in front of his troops.”

During the eulogy, Sgt. 1st Class Jo Enamorado, Co. A, 2-13th, Avn. Reg., described how Kiser would motivate each student and instilled a sense of pride in everyone, whether Soldier or civilian. She commented on how he could see each person’s different learning style and adjusted his training methods accordingly.

Kiser died April 25 after a year-long battle with cancer. Enamorado said that although the illness affected his body, it never hindered his spirit. She compared his death to turning off a lamp at the light of dawn.

“ … on April 25, he closed his eyes for the last time, he turned off that lamp, he opened them right back up to the dawn of heaven,” Enamorado said, bringing tears to the eyes of those who attended. “I can only imagine that the good Lord saw Sergeant Kiser and quoted him and said, ‘Welcome to the Hope platoon, troop.’”

Kiser was preceded in death by his father. He is survived by his mother, three brothers, two sisters-in-law, three nieces and two nephews.

U.S. Army Garrison Commander Col. Dan McFarland presents Margaret Mills, U.S. Army retired, with a riding crop with her initials engraved in the handle, in honor of her graduation from the Ladies Auxiliary Side Saddle Riding School, May 17, on Brown Parade Field. In the background, from left, B Troop Riding School graduates Staff Sgt. Mark Conde, Gray Eagle unmanned aircraft systems student; Vincent Wong, electronics engineer, U.S. Army Information Engineering Command; and Kate Via, Class A professional, Ladies Professional Golf Association, stand at the position of attention.

The Fort Huachuca United States Army Garrison hosted the B Troop, 4th Cavalry (Memorial) Riding School Graduation Ceremony, May 17, on Brown Parade Field to honor the newest graduates.

The B Troop Cavalry Riding School graduates were: Staff Sgt. Mark Conde, Gray Eagle unmanned aircraft systems student; Vincent Wong, electronics engineer, U.S. Army Information Engineering Command; and Kate Via, Class A professional, Ladies Professional Golf Association. The Ladies Auxiliary Side Saddle Riding School graduate was Margaret Mills, U.S. Army retired.

Guest speaker Col. Dan McFarland, commander, U.S. Army Garrison, said, “Troopers, you look fantastic today … you represent the greatness of this post, and our Army and all that we do. It takes special commitment and dedication to be a B Troop trooper. Your willingness to take on this special duty embodies the Army values of Loyalty, Duty and Selfless Service.”

Each graduate completed four months of B Troop Cavalry School training dedicated to bareback riding, horse care and maintenance, mounted pistol carry and fire, sidesaddle and ceremonial riding, the cavalry history and organization, and successfully passed a written and riding test.

In honor of B Troop’s history, the new troopers conducted their first open field charge led by B Troop Commander Troy Wilcox. Each B Troop Cavalry Riding School graduate received a set of brass spurs, and the Ladies Auxiliary Side Saddle Riding School graduate received a riding crop with her initials engraved.

B Troop, 4th Cavalry (Memorial) relies solely on volunteers to continue on its legacy. It is made up of active duty, reserve and retired military, Department of Defense civilians and military dependants, 18 and older. The Ladies Auxiliary supports B Troop by wearing authentic period clothing, riding sidesaddle in parades, and often helping care for the horses.

McFarland said, “The unit has grown smaller, and we desperately need volunteers with daring, dash and discipline to step forward and commit to being a standard-bearer for this rich, Army tradition. … Help us keep this proud heritage alive.”

B Troop, 4th Regiment, U.S. Cavalry (Memorial) is accepting applications for the next Cavalry Riding School which begins on July 9 and continues through October. Classes will be held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. For more information or to request an application, go to http://www.huachuca.army.mil/pages/btroop.

Courtesy of Rosamaria Anzai, Komori’s daughter

In honor of Asian American/Pacific Islander observances this month, the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence Command History Office staff submits the following extract from a letter written by Army Chief Warrant Officer Arthur Komori in 1949 to the commanding general of the Counter Intelligence Corps (CIC) Center, Camp Holabird, Maryland. It describes the varied critical and often dangerous duties of a CIC agent during World War II.

“I enlisted on March 13, 1941, for duty with the Corps of Intelligence Police, or CIP, at Fort Shafter, [Hawaii], together with … Richard Sakakida. We both volunteered for duty in the Philippines for an undercover assignment. We were appointed sergeants on the day of enlistment.

On April 22, 1941, I commenced my duty with the CIP unit, G-2, Headquarters, Philippine Department, Fort Santiago, in an undercover capacity. I was registered at a Japanese hotel in Manila and assumed a role of a civilian looking for a job. In secret meetings with my commanding officer, I learned the techniques of undercover investigations. …

… I was never detected as a spy by the Japanese. When war broke out, I voluntary had myself placed in internment together with the Japanese people in order to seek information concerning the war capability and plans of the enemy. That placed me at the mercy of the Philippine constabulary guards, since I was considered no different than the other Japanese … In spite of the danger, I stuck to my undercover role until I was relieved of that assignment and delivered from internment about a week after the outbreak of war.

I participated in the Evacuation of Manila, Battle of Bataan and Battle of Corregidor. … Until I escaped from Corregidor on orders of Gen. Jonathan Wainwright on April 13, 1942, I participated in front-line interrogation and translation of Japanese information or prisoners of war. I was the only CIC agent authorized to escape to Australia upon the Fall of Bataan.

On reporting for duty to the assistant chief of staff, Intelligence Headquarters, whose name was Maj. Gen. Charles Willoughby, on April 16, 1942, after making good my escape from Corregidor, I was able to write various reports on the operations of a CIC unit in combat, which were highly considered by Willoughby. …

On or about Sept. 1, 1942, I led a newly arrived group of Nisei interpreters from America from Melbourne to Brisbane to set up a new allied unit in G-2, GHQ. I was the noncommissioned officer in charge of the Allied Translator and Interpreter Unit, and helped to lay the foundations of the unit which eventually helped shorten the war, according to Willoughby, by several years, by its intelligence work on enemy documents and prisoners of war. Upon completing my assignment, I returned to my CIC duties as a special agent on Dec. 13, 1942. …

Upon my return to G-2, HQ, United States Army Services of Supply … Sydney, Australia, I engaged in headquarters loyalty and security investigations. It was my duty to maintain security of the installation by disseminating security information to every division of the headquarters, as well as conducting active investigations to search out security leakages. All personnel in sensitive duties were investigated for their loyalty and … reports were submitted on them. Whenever Japanese intelligence information was required, I was called upon to furnish assistance to the requesting agencies. …

I was a radio monitor and in that capacity monitored and evaluated the radio broadcasts of Radio Tokyo. The information gained from such broadcasts was widely disseminated throughout the various intelligence agencies. …

From April 6 to August 25, 1945, I was engaged in interrogating captured enemy soldiers and spies and obtained information concerning their subversive missions. Other duties I performed were those of translating and interpreting Japanese documents and information in the Counter Intelligence Section HQ, United States Army Forces in the Far East.

On Aug. 25, 1945, I was the only special agent detailed to enter Japan on the first shipload of troops entering Tokyo Bay. I acted as the interpreter for Brig. Gen. Elliot Thorpe, chief, CIC; Col. Jennis Galloway, commanding officer 441st CIC Detachment; and Col. Donald Hoover, chief censor, on our dash into Tokyo on Sept. 3, 1945, the day after the surrender of Japan. Until Nov. 15, 1945, I engaged in translator and interpreter duties in the Counter Intelligence section. …

Thorpe submitted a recommendation for the award of the Bronze Star to me, and it was duly authorized in December 1945.”

Komori survived the war, continued to serve the Intelligence field, and was inducted into the MI Hall of Fame in 1988. He died in 2000 at 85. This is only part of his story.

Neal Snyder

JB San Antonio 2013 Soldier of the Year Spc. Austin Hunsaker, 525th Military Police Company, Guantanamo Bay Detention Center, plots his course during the land navigation event at the Joint Base San Antonio Best Warrior Competition May 11 – 17.

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO – “Together Everyone Accomplishes More” was heard frequently as 36 Soldiers and noncommissioned officers from across the Army gathered at Camp Bullis for the first Joint Base San Antonio Best Warrior competition May 11 – 17.

Five commands headquartered on Fort Sam Houston – U.S. Army Installation Management Command, U.S. Army North, U.S. Army South, Southern Regional Medical Command and U.S. Army Medical Department Center and School – teamed up to choose their Soldiers and NCOs of the Year.

Replacing separate command competitions, the partnership formed to maximize the training experience and get the most out of each organization’s budget for the annual competition say senior leaders.

“The Best Warrior Competition is important,” IMCOM Command Sgt. Maj. Earl Rice said. “I was on a rope next to a Soldier this morning and she said, ‘I can’t quit, I can do this!’ That’s why we’re out here. You’ve got Soldiers depending on you at the other end – it’s about training how you fight and providing the most realistic experience possible. While budgets may be shrinking, training value remains critical,” he said.

With the number of competitors and tasks, staging the event took a lot of work. The effort proved successful, said Walton and the other coordinators.

“This year is different because we pooled units, resources and cadre together to put on a joint competition,” said SRMC Command Sgt. Major Marshall Huffman. “We fight together, we should train together, and I definitely think this is something we need to continue in the future.”

The commands chose their own Soldiers and NCOs of the year, and jointly recognized overall JB San Antonio winners – the highest-scoring Soldier and NCO of all competitors.

The JB San Antonio 2013 Soldier of the Year is Spc. Austin Hunsaker, 525th Military Police Company, Guantanamo Bay Detention Center, and the JB San Antonio NCO of the Year is Sgt. 1st Class Gregory Corbitt, an AMEDD instructor at Ft. Sam Houston.

Command NCOs and Soldiers of the Year are: Sgt. Bryan Teneyck of USAG Benelux and Spc. Jesse Kane of USAG West Point, IMCOM; Staff Sgt. Jason Ruiz and Spc. Malcolm Knox, ARNORTH; Staff Sgt. Jacob Dipietro and Spc. Austin Hunsaker, USARSO; Sgt. Benjamin Taylor and Spc. Connor Loehr, SRMC and Sgt. 1st Class Gregory Corbitt, AMEDD.

Thirty-six competitors representing different military occupational specialties and units from around the globe arrived May 12 to begin the week-long competition which tested the limits of their knowledge, strength and endurance. Thirty-four finished the competition. Day one started easily enough with in-processing, orientation, height and weight measurements and media training. From that point on, days become longer, nights shorter and tasks harder.

Day two started with a 5 a.m. Army Physical Fitness Test, quickly followed by an oral board review, where a panel of sergeants major scrutinized each NCO and Soldier’s record, military bearing, appearance and knowledge of Army history, regulation and current events.

Sleep deprivation tested competitors as they moved to night and day land navigation events and the mystery event tasks, which included assembling an M9 pistol, M4 rifle and M249 light assault rifle. Other major events throughout the competition included Army combatives, the obstacle course, warrior task testing in an urban environment, a timed 12 mile road march and a written exam.

After all the preparation and the grueling competition, the winners were in awe standing on stage before their comrades-in-arms. “I kind of knew where I was in some of the physical events, but you never know how you did in some of the other events,” Corbitt said with an enthusiastic smile and a fist pump. “I have to admit that the 12-mile road march took me by surprise. Normally I run the entire 12 miles and after the whole week’s events, we were exhausted. I’m fit, I was as ready as I could be, but still feel surprised to be up here.”

IMCOM winners will move on to compete at the Army level in October.

The best warriors were announced May 17 at a ceremony hosted by IMCOM at the Fort Sam Houston Theatre followed by a barbecue at U.S. Army North headquarters on the Quadrangle. Retired Army Sgt. Tomas Fajardo, a veteran of WWII, Korea and Vietnam, was an honored guest at the festivities. His humble words and salute to the competitors drew a standing ovation.

Rice echoed Kane’s sentiments as the festivities concluded. “Truly, it is a great day to be a Soldier and a great day to be in the Army!”

Gabrielle Kuholski

Eighth grade students dress up and celebrate their final days at Colonel Smith Middle School at their eighth grade dance. The event took place May 17 inside the Student Union.

Fort Huachuca drivers will need to be a bit more cautious when driving near housing and other populated areas on Fort Huachuca. School’s out for the summer and children are at play!

While students look forward to a few months of freedom from the school grind, here is a look back at some highlights of activities at Fort Huachuca Accommodation Schools this past academic year.

Colonel Johnston Elementary School

This year, students in kindergarten through second grade were introduced to project-based learning methods. This is hands-on learning and helps students to think creatively.

“Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their learning,” said Ida Pedrego, school guidance counselor.

According to Pedrego and Lisa Graeme, Colonel Johnston Elementary School technology integration specialist, the goal of this style of learning is to develop a well-rounded student who can not only display critical thinking skills but have a basic knowledge of today’s technology. For example, with the guidance of teachers, students are encouraged to create their own movies, music clips and Powerpoint(r) presentations.

Another highlight was the science fair on April 30, which included student projects focusing on science technology, engineering and math. Queen Mine Tours from Bisbee and students from The University of Arizona gave presentations to those attending the event.

Gabrielle Kuholski

Fourth grade student Madison Whitworth plays a Celtic song on the violin during the General Myer Elementary School’s talent show. Students performed in front of the school and parents on Monday.

Pedrego’s advice to students and parents this summer is to keep the learning going. She hopes students will put their newly acquired critical thinking skills to work, and stop and think before they act. She hopes parents will continue to engage in fun learning activities with their children while they are out of school.

General Myer Elementary School

Myer School students had their most successful Accelerated Reading Auction this year. Students read books at their level and took quizzes on what they read. They earned points for their knowledge and later exchanged the points for dollars to be spent on auction items.

According to Connie Johnson, General Myer Elementary School principal, out of approximately 335 students, 300 participated in this year’s program and earned more points than in years past.

“We have been doing [Accelerated Reading Auctions] for about eight years but this year, it’s the biggest auction we’ve ever had, … which means our kids have done a lot of reading and understand what they have read,” Johnson said.

Johnson hopes the students’ reading trend continues over the summer.

Back by popular demand, the annual talent show took place May 20. Students in third through fifth grades put on 25 different acts for their peers and Family members.

Jennifer Lubba

Kindergarten students in Colonel Johnston Elementary participate in a farmer’s market, which took place last fall as a learning project to help younger children understand farming and where their food comes from. The youth raised $182 from selling student-prepared items at the event.

Colonel Smith Middle School

Students at the middle school proved themselves to be worthy academic adversaries this year. Eleven students took awards at the Cochise County Youth Engineering & Science Fair held on March 7.

Six students competed in the Future City Competition Arizona Region winning three different awards. Student teams worked with a teacher and volunteer engineer teams to design and build their vision of a future urban world. The competition took place in Phoenix Jan. 26.

“We have amazing students doing amazing work that have been recognized in so many events,” said Colonel Smith Middle School Principal Nancy Nicholson, Ph.D.

In other competitions, eighth-grader Kristen Wiman took second place in the Cochise County Law Day Essay Contest and presented her essay at the Bisbee courthouse on May 1. Seventh-grader Garrett Chambers competed in the Arizona finals of the National Geographic Bee held in Tucson on March 30.

Some school-wide highlights included the diabetes awareness run on April 26 and the new Virtual Reality Club, where students learn 3D animation. Classes also partnered with Water Wise and Energy Smart educators, part of The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, and increased their knowledge about water and energy conservation.

Sue Higgins

Children practice their kicks during a swimming class at Irwin Pool. The outdoor facility opens on Saturday for the summer and swim classes, offered through SKIESUnlimited, begin in June.

When Fort Huachuca youth left school yesterday for the last time this school year it meant the long-awaited summer vacation has arrived!

Tomorrow, they can get in deep water and make their first outdoor splash on Fort Huachuca. Irwin Pool reopens for the summer.

Hours will be: Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. for lap swim only, and 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. for open swim; and federal and training holidays, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. for lap swim only, and 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. for open swim.

The pool has five lifeguards with two on duty at all times, per American Red Cross standards, making for safer swimming conditions. Swimmers can add kickboards and pool buoys to their workouts, and children can increase their swimming confidence by wearing one of the youth life vests available at Irwin Pool.

Don’t enjoy swimming? Come relax in the lounge chairs. Picnic tables and a shaded patio also provide places to relax or socialize.

According to Brittany Whiteley, Fort Huachuca aquatics manager, the pool is a very popular summer spot and busiest on Saturdays. While no new attractions have been added to the pool this year, the recently-installed brick wall surrounding the pool helps keep it cleaner than it was when the facility was enclosed by wire fencing. In earlier years, keeping the facility free of blowing dust was a challenge.

“One goal this year is to keep the pool as clean as possible,” Whitely said. “It’s much easier now than it was in the past.”

Sue Higgins

A swimmer relaxes in the water while others catch the rays from lounge chairs available for use at Irwin Pool.

She also said the pool staff has set another goal – to keep the pool covered for as long as possible before opening time each day so the water warms up as much as possible before swimmers get in. This is to keep people from experiencing an initial shock of entering 70 to 78 degree water when it is really hot outside.

“That’s been the biggest complaint,” Whiteley stated.

The water slide is a favorite. One recently added popular addition among both young children through middle-aged adults is the rock climbing wall. Climbing begins in the pool. The wall is angled so if people fall, they will land safely in the water.

“It amazes me that the wall is popular with so many adults,” she said, adding that people as old as 50 climb on it.

The pool will be closed to public use during summer youth swim lessons scheduled through SKIESUnlimited. Several levels of instruction will take place from 10 a.m. through 1:45 p.m. June 10 – 13, June 17 – 20, July 8 – 11 and July 15 – 18. For more information about the classes, call 538.6219/6319.

Irwin Pool is open to all authorized Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation patrons, and there is no charge for use. As in the past, the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation staff may offer poolside evening movies or other recreational activities at the facility.

Steve Neito

Mohammed Hansen, a former Fort Huachuca lifeguard, attempts to reach the top of the ‘rock’ wall at Irwin Pool. Along with the slides, the wall is a popular attraction for children and adults alike.

Because Irwin Pool can be reserved for special events such as Soldier training, Whiteley suggests users call ahead of their planned swim to ensure the pool is available.

For more pool information, call 533.3858 or visit the Fort Huachuca sports program Facebook page, Hua Sports and Fitness.

Cassandra Aspeytia, a 10-year lifeguard on Fort Huachuca, is one of several lifeguards who staff Barnes and Irwin Pools. She will also teach swim classes to youth this summer.

After school ends, and with warmer weather, people head to the pool to cool off. They can rest assured that Fort Huachuca has a cadre of highly trained lifeguards on duty at the pools.

The dedicated lifeguards who work at Barnes Field House and Irwin Pool are there for the safety of the swimmers, allowing those who use the aquatic facility the full enjoyment or relaxation they came for.

Brittany Whiteley, certified lifeguard instructor and Fort Huachuca aquatics manager, said, “Lifeguards protect you. They are there to prevent any serious injuries that may happen and save lives.”

All lifeguards on Fort Huachuca are required to take the Lifeguard, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and First Aid training class instructed by Whiteley, and then pass the written and physical tests. Upon successful completion, they are considered certified lifeguards, and the certificate is good for two years.

Whiteley explained that while this job is attractive to many young adults, it is a big responsibility.

Cassandra Aspeytia, a 10-year lifeguard on Fort Huachuca, said, “To me, a lifeguard is someone that is there to protect the patrons swimming at the facility, enforcing rules and keeping the pool safe.

“I have been a swimmer my whole life. I love the water and the pool, and that is why I am still here,” she said.

Aspeytia started as a lifeguard on Fort Huachuca when she was 16. She completed her Water Safety Instructor certification last week, and will be teaching swimming lessons at Barnes Field House this summer.

Like all lifeguards, safety is her main goal, but to Aspeytia, it is more than that. As a lifeguard, she watches for behavior that could hinder safe water fun, such as disobeying the lifeguards, running, pushing people in the water and other inappropriate behavior. Then, she acts to ensure this type of behavior ends.

Helping young people learn how to swim is her favorite part about being a lifeguard. “I have a five year old, so to me, it’s important to know the safety … it’s not just important for the kids to know the safety, but for the parents as well,” Aspeytia said.

Lifeguard opportunities are often available on Fort Huachuca. For more information, call 533.3858.