Special Operations.Com
MORALE, WELFARE AND RECREATION
(MWR)
The personnel assigned to Fort Sherman and
the Jungle Operations Training Battalion (JOTB) continue
to enjoy outstanding MWR activities. Both the Ocean
Breeze recreation center and the Shimmey Beach complex
provided numerous outdoor activities that all on Fort
Sherman were able to enjoy.
The end of the fiscal year brought a great
improvement for indoor activity, with the opening
of the new JOTB nautilus room and free-weight room.
Both of these facilities contain the latest state-of-the-art
exercise equipment for the soldiers use. This improvement
has allowed the battalion to drastically upgrade the
rotational weight room by utilizing the equipment
that was on hand before the modernization project.
The soldiers of the JOTB also enjoyed the
new library and education center now relocated at
the Ocean Breeze Recreation Center. The new library
not only moved, but was revitalized with new materials,
equipment, and furniture. This has been a real plus
for both permanent party and rotational units. The
DCA personnel actively support the command and look
for ways to improve their programs to better support
the soldiers. The JOTB currently has an outstanding
relationship with Central Texas Community College
with over ten percent of JOTB’s soldiers enrolled
in ASEP or College Outreach Programs. Many soldiers
have earned enough credits to receive initial college
evaluations and have earned ten or more college credit
hours. This is a great plus for both professional
and personal self development.
The monthly "Hail and Farewell’s"
continued to provide entertainment and promote esprit
de corps These night time gatherings were held at
the community club to welcome all newly assigned personnel
and say "hasta luego" to those soldiers
departing the command.
Alpha Company
Alpha Company Recreational events included
but were not limited to various scuba qualification
classes and activities, fishing tournaments for salt
and fresh water, and boating excursions to and around
Fort Sherman. Other significant highlights involved
Recreational Transisthmian Rucksack Forced Marches
and runs from the Pacific to the Atlantic and everywhere
in between. Long and short distance adventure swims
were conducted in, around, and through the Chagres
River, Caribbean Sea, and Gatun Lake.
Last but definitely not least, Ciricito Village
in Colon Province remained the target JOTB sponsorship
community. Nestled deep within the rain forest on
the Atlantic side, the poor but proud township continued
to improved its standard of living and with help during
the year was able to make critical repairs to the
grade school and health clinic.
In closing, Alpha Company trained literally
thousands of soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen
in jungle combat techniques, survival, and the art
of jungle warfare. In keeping with this training,
numerous end of tour awards, impact awards, certificates,
and plaques were given to truly outstanding A Co,
JOTB Instructors. The PT Streamer from USARSO for
physical excellence was won by the men. Also 1st Place
Team was awarded to A Co. for the USARSO Bridge of
Americas Run. Next fiscal year is almost upon us and
A Co. will go forth and do great things as always.
HHC
HHC MWR events both entertained and challenged
the soldiers of HHC. The events included but were
not limited to the following events: Bn Fishing Tourney,
BOSS Jungle Tour and Native Village Fishing Trip,
HHC Soldier of The Cycle Awards, Scuba Course, and
the Christmans Sponsorship Program (Cericito).
HHC continues to hold the sports day crown.
The soldiers of HHC are still the Post Softball Champions
and are looking to defend this title at all costs.
The HHC also had the opportunity to recognize and
reward many of its outstanding soldiers. The HHC soldier
of the Cycle program was established and many outstanding
soldiers have recieved plaques and certificates for
their dedication and hard work.
HHC also had some personnel who competed
or participated in MWR events such as the Bridge Of
The Americas Run in which 2LT Tamara A. Haylette was
first place for the females in her age group. While
others participated in the Ocean to Ocean bicycle
ride or in the SwimAcross Panama.
HHC is aggressively looking forward to next
year. There will be bigger and better trips and events
planned. More soldiers will be invited to attend or
participate in the planned activities. HHC will continue
to support its soldiers and try to make this tour
in Panama at the JOTB both productive and enjoyable.
STABO Training at JOTB
