Joint Task Force Guantanamo Essay

Traditionally, a folded flag in the symmetrical triangle often means the remembrance of a loved one lost in a military conflict while defending our country’s way of life. More recently, the flags have been displayed in shadow boxes and adorned by military challenge coins and accompanied by a decree of retirement. There is only one other way to receive a flag of this kind and Joint Task Force Guantanamo has three flying programs available for Troopers. Flying a flag during a deployment is a way to have a one of a kind souvenir from various locations and they make a special personal gift to relatives or close friends. “It’s not something you can buy,” said Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Michael Wills, a Commissions Liaison Office Security personnel.
“It’s a great way for us to say thanks to the people who have supported us or helped us without any indication that they expected recognition or reward in return,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Nathan Poppink, lead petty officer for the waterside security division of Port Security Unit 313. Poppink said the two groups that gave the most during his time here at JTF GTMO were the Girl Scouts and the U.S. Senate Page School.
“Guantanamo bay is one of those places that, outside of a select few, people don’t get to go to,” said Poppink. “The historical significance of the base is in and of itself unique especially with its history and the North East Gate.”
Poppink said the most notable flag request in the past eight months was from a coworker to present a flag to his acquaintance James Hetfield the co-founder of Metallica. The members of PSU 313 also flew a flag and were going to present it to emcee, Jon Stewart at the annual USO-Metro Annual Awards Dinner but their candidate was edged out at the last minute by another