After two tours in Iraq and two tours in Afghanistan as a combat correspondent, Amy Forsythe is now telling stories from the calm island waters of Guam for the Department of Defense.
“The beaches are just what you see in a postcard. The water is amazing. Crystal Clear. Warm water,” Forsythe said. “There’s never a shortage of stories to tell for the military that are stationed here on Guam.”
Including a personal one of hers -- how her grandparents met during World War II.
“My grandfather was a Marine and my grandmother was an Army nurse. They met on Guam during the war,” Forsythe said.
Now the latest headline: North Korea could be ready to strike Guam mid-August. Caught in the middle of an escalating war of words between the U.S. and North Korea, the some 160,000 U.S. residents on the island are concerned, but have heard this story before.
For Forsythe and her colleagues on base: “Everyone is going about their daily business. Although this is nothing new, there have been previous threats throughout the years.”
For civilians and the community, leaders like the Governor of Guam are reassuring their safety for now, especially after reports of nuclear missile testing.
“This is not a time to panic. There are many statements that are being made out there by a very bellicose leader. At this point there has been no change in the security situation here in Guam,” said Eddie Calvo.
Forsythe said with the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, the Navy and the Coast Guard all based in Guam, “America’s best kept secret” may be the best protected.
“Luckily I’ve had a first hand seat in watching equipment and troops evolve over the years and knowing their capability in how serious this particular threat is,” Forsythe said.
But there is always a slight worry in the back of her mind -- could this be real?
“So people are a little bit on edge and wondering what will become of this. Are these just empty words or is this something to be concerned about in the months or weeks ahead,” Forsythe said.