WHAT VFMs DO WHEN WAR COURT IS CLOSED
Good afternoon from JTF- (Joint Task Force) Guantanamo. What do VFM’s (Victim Family Members) do when pretrial hearings are unexpectedly recessed?
Shop for sundries at the NEX. Shop at the Military gift shop for stuffed Iguanas and T-shirts. Tour the @41sq miles of landscape, including abandoned prison sites, on an air-conditioned passenger bus accompanied by cheerful reserves. Tour Radio GTMO and purchase Fidel Castro bobbleheads and T-shirts. Visit the Windward Lighthouse and Museum to explore the history of Guantanamo Bay (land of the Taino people) from Columbus to American Occupation, and pocket a beach-glass souvenir and purchase T-shirts. Tour the immaculate firehouse and buy T-shirts. Visit the Dive Shop and buy an insulated wine tumbler. Tour, explore, and swim the bay and surrounding beaches on a pontoon piloted by the VWAP Rep. and a full reservist concierge, snorkeling gear, and an icy cooler packed with water and whatever we wish to chill. Deepening our burn at one of the beaches. Wash laundry at the complimentary facilities in the Navy Gateway Hotel. Visit Marine Hill, buy T-shirts, and meet the Marines who will escort VFM’s to visit the Northeast Gate, where the entry to the Naval base and Cuba is guarded by the Marine Corp.
We vote whether to eat at the Galley, Bayview, or O’Kelly’s Irish Pub. And, perhaps stroll over to the Gourmet Bean Café for a cappuccino, pastry, and ice cream.
We also meet with the prosecution and defense teams to hear details of the current and anticipated hearings, witnesses, and “extraordinary” cirumstantials. Having the opportunity to ask questions, express concerns or grievances, and hear the questions posed by fellow VFM’s is paramount to the state-side remote hearing site experience, exclusive to the 9/11 community.
The most important and enriching activity VFM’s benefit from during off times at war court, is the engagement we have with each other in safe spaces and in the company of the wonderful staff counselor who share’s our journey.
It is the downtime on the patio, overlooking the bay, sharing our common and unique 9/11 experiences, where new connections are made with VFM’s outside of our intimate demographic circles.
All of the above is made possible and palatable by the compassionate staff of the VWAP (Victim Witness Protection Program) based in Washington DC, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and at select bases scattered along the East Coast. They make it possible for VFM’s to witness and be active participants at war court, in the battle for justice for the ceaseless murder of our loved ones, and still be okay.
JTF-GTMO is a blurred spot on the map in the Caribbean Sea where the most heinous terrorists in global history are detained, rulings are contested, and witnesses are sequestered for the murders of our loved one’s 23-years ago. It’s also where VFM’s bring their unique stories about the one, single day that has bound us together.
© Deborah Garcia 2024, all rights reserved
