Photo By Tech. Sgt. Angela Ruiz | Petty Officer 2nd Class Joni Winkler poses for a photo in front of his office, April...... read more read more
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GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba - Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Joni Winkler, yeoman, feels proud of the part he plays in supporting Joint Task Force Guantanamo's mission. Winkler, a Freedom of Information Act clerk for the Joint Detention Group, helps ensure the transparency of the entire JTF mission, while safeguarding vital information.
For his efforts to protect vital information, Winkler has earned his 15 minutes of fame.
"FOIA allows various groups and individuals to request information, ranging from that of detainees to service members here," said Winkler. "It is my job to support that request, review the information, and ensure that all identifiable information regarding service members and camp regulations is safeguarded."
This is important, because if identifiable information of military members were to be released, it could fall into the wrong hands.
"The reality is, if I did not safeguard this information, personnel here and their family members could possibly become targets of our adversaries," Winkler said. "Without this office, a lot of service members' information could fall into the wrong hands."
"This office is very important in supporting the JTF mission of transparency. We could not do the job we do without Winkler," said Petty Officer 1st Class Brandy Elliott, yeoman, lead petty officer of the FOIA office. "I have complete confidence in his ability to do the job."
Although he has been in the Navy for five years, this is Winkler's first deployment. He is also experiencing separation from his wife for the first time, even while she is pregnant with the couple's first child.
"It has been difficult, but I am able to talk and see her every day using a webcam, so I am able to see her as the pregnancy progresses," Winkler said. "Because we are able to talk every day, we were able to choose a name, and I can see the things she is buying for the baby."
Along with the excitement of returning home to his wife, Winkler will also be happy to return to his duty station in the Administrative Department of the Navy Operational Support Center at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego. His leadership will be happy to have him back, as well.
"Winkler's work performance is outstanding. He is truly an asset to North Island's Administrative Department and has been greatly missed," said Yeoman Sarah Benoit, the Administrative Department lead petty officer at NOSC North Island. "Winkler hit the ground running upon checking aboard and set the standard for excellence. He has always been a team player with a positive attitude."
Along with his duties in the Administration Department, Winkler is the command color guard coordinator and the NOSC's Morale, Welfare, and Recreation treasurer.
As Winkler's time at the JTF draws to a close, he looks forward to going home to begin his new role as a father, and reflect on his time here.
"It was a good experience. I can now say I have been deployed. I feel like I was able to take advantage of many of the unique opportunities Guantanamo has to offer," Winkler said. "I made many new friends, and was able to meet people from all branches of the military. I think this was a rewarding experience that will benefit my career as I move forward in the Navy."
| Date Taken: | 04.30.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 05.05.2010 09:50 |
| Story ID: | 49164 |
| Location: | GUANTANAMO BAY, CU |
| Web Views: | 192 |
| Downloads: | 157 |
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