SIGNATURE THE
SIGONELLA, SICILY
November 28, 2014
Vol. 31 No. 45
cnic.navy.mil/sigonella
NAS Sigonella be warned! Secure your social media profiles By Lt paul newell NAS Sigonella Public Affairs Officer
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - With the ease and access of using social media these days, communicating has never been easier; but it’s also never been so dangerous. Identity theft by way of social media against those who unabashedly post their personal identifiable information (PII) remains common malpractice with unsuspecting users. Phishing schemes, fraud, and data mining are also normal threats that come with the joy of connecting online. Mediabistro. com reports that 78 percent of burglars admit to using Facebook and Twitter as well as online maps to select victims’ property. Fifty-four percent of those thieves say posting status and whereabouts on social media is the biggest mistake made by homeowners. What’s more unnerving – Mediabistro reports that in 50 percent of all sex crimes against minors the offender(s) obtained information and/or photos from the victim’s social media profile. And then there are the recent warnings about terrorist groups using PII to stalk with the intent to harm U.S. military and their family members. While these mainstream media reports may border on fear-mongering, at the very least they drive home the idea that service members and their loved ones need to safeguard any information that makes them a potential target. “There’s a lot of scary stuff out there happening” said Aviation Electronics Technician 3rd Class Shayne Rollings, an augmentee with Patrol Squadron (VP) Four. Rollings said he began using Facebook not too long after its inception. As the years have passed, so too, he says, have the security measures he adheres to. “Before I joined the military I was very lax with who could access my profile,” said the Kuna, Idaho native. “But with my job and being in the military I began to hear about other military members who were being targeted. I also am very self-conscious of strangers having access to things I say. I highly-advise putting tight controls on your page and thoroughly screening those who send you friend requests.” To provide guidance on how best to protect you and enhance OPSEC, the FBI and NCIS have created "Smart Cards" for social media use. These tip sheets show how to configure settings for popular social media applications in order to alleviate risks associated with information exploitation. Cards are available for Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and LinkedIn. Because Facebook and Twitter are the most common sites where social media crimes are committed, below are a few of the Smart Card suggested security tips to minimize the chances of being victimized: Facebook: With more than 1.3 billion active users, this is the world’s more popular social media site. It also means that your info is potentially available to one-quarters of the earth’s population. But "Social media" continued on page 15
SPMAGTF-CR-Africa celebrates Marine Corps 239th Birthday By Cpl Shawn Valosin
SPMAGTF-Crisis Response-Africa Public Affairs
Gunnery Sgt. Eric Brancheau reads the Marine Corps Birthday Message (Marine Corps Order no. 47) at the Sheraton Hotel in Catania, Sicily, Nov. 14, 2014, during the celebration of the 239th Marine Corps Birthday Ball. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Corporal Shawn Valosin/Released)
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – Brig. Gen. Charles Chiarotti, Commanding General, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, visited Naval Air Station Sigonella, Nov. 12-14, as the guest of honor for the 239th Marine Corps Birthday Ball and to meet the service members of Special Marine Air Ground Task Force Crisis Response Africa (SPMAGTF-CR-AF). Chiarotti thanked the Marines, Sailors and Coast Guardsmen for their hard work and complimented them for the great job they’ve been doing in Italy and Africa. “You are doing an outstanding job, not only with mission performance, but the way you interact with the local community, the way you carry yourself as Marines, Sailors and Coast Guardsmen of this MAGTF,” Chiarotti said. “I’m very thankful for that because you’re highlighting what’s really great about our service.” On Nov. 1, 1921, Gen. John A. Lejeune issued Marine Corps Order number 47, Series 1921, which provided a summary of the history, mission and traditions of the Corps. This tradition has continued every year since 1921 throughout the Corps. On Oct. 28, 1952, Commandant Gen. Lemuel C. Shepherd, Jr. directed that the celebration of the Marine Corps Birthday be formalized throughout the Corps. The details were included in the Marine Corps Drill Manual approved in 1956. Gen. Shepherd’s order helped bring together the inclusion of a cake cutting ceremony and See 'Birthday' page 10
Around Sigonella
Thanks:
See what's happening around NAS Sigonella!
From a grateful
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nation!
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Sailors share:
NAS Sigonella Sailors visit Istituto S. Giuseppe Casa Del Fanciullo
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Scan for direct links to NAS Sigonella
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U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA Commanding Officer Capt. Chris Dennis Executive Officer Cmdr. Charles G. McKinney II Command Master Chief CMDCM Mike Kaszubowski
EDITORIAL Public Affairs Officer Lt. Paul Newell paul.newell@eu.navy.mil Editor M. Todd Butler michael.butler@eu.navy.mil Community Relations Officer Dott. Alberto Lunetta alberto.lunetta.it@eu.navy.mil PAO Staff Writers \ Photographers MC1 Tony D. Curtis anthony.curtis@eu.navy.mil MC3 Ramon Go ramon.go@eu.navy.mil YN3 Gabrielle Milly gabrielle.milly@eu.navy.mil
CONTACT US Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily thesig@eu.navy.mil DSN 624-5440; 095-86-5440 PSC 812 Box 7, FPO, AE 09627-0001 PUBLISHER Stampa Generale S.r.l., Sig. Bruno Brandi, Publisher, Naval Support Activity Capodichino (Naples), Italy stampagenerale@tin.it Tel. 081-568-7884 Fax 081-568-7887 This civilian enterprise (CE) newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services overseas. Contents of The Signature are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense (DoD), or the U.S. Navy. The appearance of advertising in this newspaper, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the DoD or Stampa Generale S.r.l., of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factorof the purchaser, user or patron. A confirmed violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser will result in the refusal to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected. The Signature is published weekly by Stampa Generale S.r.l., Sig. Bruno Brandi, Publisher, Naval Support Activity, Capodichino (Naples), Italy. Tel. 081-568-7884. Fax 081-568-7887. E-mail: stampagenerale@tin.it. Editorial submissions are welcomed from all Naval Air Station Sigonella departments, divisions and tenant commands. Editorial submissions should be sent to the Public Affairs Office via thesig@eu.navy.mil, guard mail stop #68 or hand-delivered to our office no later than the close of business on the Friday proceeding the expected publication date. All articles submitted by non-staff members will be considered contributing writers. The Signature will not publish anyanonymous articles. All advertisements in this publication are the property of Stampa Generale S.r.l. Any reproduction of advertisements in The Signature is unauthorized without the written consent of the publisher.
cnic.navy.mil/sigonella
Direct Line
Commanding Officer, Capt. Chris Dennis “Earn this.” This simple sentence and the story it represents may be one of the most profound sentiments ever spoken in film. The setting for this quote: events of June 6, 1944, the Allied invasion of Normandy commonly known as “D-Day,” claim three of four Ryan brothers while the fourth, Pvt. James Ryan, is missing in action. Gen. George Marshall, Army Chief of Staff, learns of the situation, eerily similar to that of the grieving Civil War mother, Mrs. Bixby, who it was believed at the time lost all five of her sons in that war. Marshall then initiates the order that Ryan be recovered and returned to his family. Whether fair or not, Capt. John Miller, who successfully led his company through the hell that was “D-Day” and is looking forward to some semblance of rest, must now lead seven of his soldiers back through hell to recover Ryan on this impromptu mission. Miller and his men ultimately complete the task, but six men, including Miller, are killed in the effort. As Miller’s life is expiring, he looks to Private Ryan and with his last breaths says, “James…earn this...earn it.” Six men die saving Private Ryan. Did he deserve to be saved? Does it matter? In the end, the rest of Private Ryan’s life was given to him in grace. This is a powerful reminder to us all. We all are given things in grace throughout our lives. Many have helped each of us arrive at this moment. The question we must answer is, what do we do with these gifts of grace? Do we live lives that express an appreciation for the freedom and opportunities we’ve been given? Have we earned it? Are we earning it? On this Thanksgiving, I would like sincerely to thank those who made the film Saving Private Ryan, for the beautiful and challenging retelling of this true story of humanity and grace paid at the ultimate cost. This story inspires me and countless others, and I hope I do live up to the Captain John Millers from my own life as I hope the same for each of us. In each of our lives, we must “earn this.” I submit, the best way we can show
our gratitude to our Captain Millers – those who have through grace, generosity, and sacrifice delivered us to the lives and opportunities we have today – is for each of us in turn to be a Captain Miller to another. Being generous, sacrificial, and graceful to our fellow brothers and sisters is how we earn what we have been given. Thank you to all the Captain John Millers in our community and in my life. Happy Thanksgiving, Sigonella!
DRIVE SAFELY SIGONELLA
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November 28, 2014
NASSIG WORSHIP SERVICES
ROMAN CATHOLIC
Sunday ■ 9 a.m. Catholic Mass (NAS 1 Chapel) TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY ■ 11:30 a.m. Catholic Mass (NAS 2 Chapel) Sacraments of Reconciliation/Penance precede each Mass FRIDAY ■ 11:30 a.m. Catholic Mass (NAS 1 Chapel) PROTESTANT NAS 1 Chapel Saturday ■ 6:30 p.m. Contemporary Worship Services SundaY ■ 12 p.m. Sunday School ■ 11 a.m. Traditional Worship
LATTER-DAY SAINTS SUNDAY at 1:30 p.m. (NAS 1 Chapel) Contact: sigonellalds@gmail.com or 624-9049 JEWISH SHABBAT LAY SERVICE FRIDAY at 5:30 p.m. (NAS 1 Chapel) NIGHT STUDY ■ Italian Class Tuesday at 7 p.m (Classroom at NAS 1 Chapel) ■ AA Meetings: MONDAY at 5:30 p.m. (NAS 1 Chapel) second deck; Thursday at 7 p.m. (NAS 2 Chapel) ■ Glee Club Tuesday at 12 p.m. (NAS 1 Chapel) ■ Awana Club Tuesday at 4:45 p.m (NAS 1 Chapel) NAS Sigonella Religious Ministries Department Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NavalAirStationSigonella Chapel
Chapel Offices: NAS I 095-56-3975, NAS II 095-86-9049, DSN: 624-3975, CHAPLAIN DUTY: 335-831-4493 RP DUTY: 335-786-1950
November 28, 2014
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NAS Sigonella Sailors support DeCA offers scholarships massive Etna Park clean-up effort to Military children By Cherie Huntington DeCA Public Affairs
MT. ETNA, Sicily - Sailors from Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station Sigonella and Sigonella's First Class Petty Officer Association clean-up Etna Park on Nov. 22 as part of the ongoing NAS Sigonella Public Affairs Office (PAO) Community Relations (COMREL) project. (Photos by Irene Campanella) By Alberto Lunetta NAS Sigonella Director of Community Relations
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - On Nov. 22, a group of about 30 Sailors from NCTS and Sigonella's First Class Petty Officer Association, led by NAS Sigonella (NASSIG) Chaplain, Lt. Cmdr. Edward Erwin and accompanied by Base Director of Community Relations (COMREL) Dr. Alberto Lunetta, “made community relations ‘history” by taking part in Sicily’s largest known volunteer effort, a 1,000-volunteer strong cleanup of Mt. Etna. The initiative, called “Meglio Parco che sporco” which loosely translates to “It’s better to have a clean park than a dirty one,” was carried out by the large cadre of volunteers dispersed throughout several towns surrounding Etna. This environmental-awareness event was organized by the Etna Park Authority and sponsored by Catania Regional Province. Over 50 teams of volunteers from 20 towns surrounding the Etna volcano joined together to remove several tons of trash from Etna Park roads, nature trails, and near camping and parking areas. Sigonella Sailors split into two groups to clear areas around the most visited locations, both the northern (Linguaglossa and Piano Provenzana) and southern (Nicolosi and Sapienza Shelter) flanks of the volcano. The team, which cleaned the Nicolosi area, partnered with a group of Sicilian volunteers from the FGCT-Team Italia. The second group met in Linguaglossa. From there, a caravan of cars followed park rangers (Guardie Forestali) up to the 6,000-feet high Piano Provenzana, guiding the group along a panoramic forest road of beech trees, which turned into ample expanses of lava rocks and volcanic sand. Sixteen Sailors cleaned the area surrounding the new tourist facilities built to replace those destroyed by the October 2002 eruption. Volunteers collected several bags of refuse while Mt. Etna treated the cleanup crew to a show of billowing smoke from its northeast crater. Once again Sigonella’s service members took pride in making a real difference by amplifying support to the local effort, thereby helping protect and preserve wildlife dear to this island’s cultural heritage. After the cleanup, Sailor enjoyed visiting Etna Park. “Litterbugs were taught a good lesson today by hundreds of volunteers,” said Marisa Mazzaglia, President of the Etna Park Authority. “I’m deeply grateful to the dedicated and caring American service members from Sigonella who helped us to make this inspiring environmental awareness event a success.” “Today we are enjoying this beautiful volcano park on an idyllic autumn day and we are honored to be part of this community’s effort to keep it clean,” added Erwin.
FORT LEE, Va. – As the Scholarships for Military Children Program enters its 15th year, more than 8,000 students have shared nearly $13 million in scholarships. Applications for the 2015-2016 school-year awards become available starting Dec. 15 at commissaries worldwide or on the Internet at http://www.militaryscholar.org. As one of last year’s recipients said, the scholarship will help her fulfill her dream of becoming a surgeon. “Receiving your scholarship makes me more determined to attain high academic standards and accomplish my dream,” the student wrote in a letter to the Defense Commissary Agency. “Thank you again for your generosity and believing in me.” Starting last year, each award amount rose to $2,000 from the previous $1,500, and the program awards at least one scholarship at each commissary with qualified applicants. An applicant must be a dependent, unmarried child, younger than 21 — or 23, if enrolled as a full-time student at a college or university — of a service member on active duty, Reserve or Guard member, retiree or survivor of a military member who died while on active duty, or survivor of a retiree. Applications must be turned in to a commissary by close of business Feb. 13, 2015. Packages must be hand-delivered or shipped via U.S. Postal Service or other delivery methods, not emailed or faxed. Applicants should ensure that they and their sponsor are enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) database and have a military ID card. The applicant must attend or plan to attend an accredited college or university, full time, in the fall of 2015 or be enrolled in studies designed to transfer to a four-year program. Applicants who are awarded a full scholarship or receive an appointment to one of the military academies or affiliated preparatory schools are not eligible to receive funds from this program. A full scholarship is usually defined as one that provides for payment of tuition, books, lab fees and other expenses. Fisher House Foundation, a nonprofit organization that helps service members and their families, administers the program. Scholarship Managers, a national, nonprofit, scholarship management services organization, manages and awards the scholarships. Commissary partners and the general public donate money to the program; every dollar donated goes directly to funding scholarships. Supporters are recognized at four levels of donations, with Four Star business partners contributing more than $50,000 annually, and One Star donors giving between $2,000 and under $10,000. For more information, students or sponsors should call Scholarship Managers at 856-616-9311 or email them at militaryscholar@ scholarshipmanagers.com.
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November 28, 2014
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Nov./Dec.
2014
DEC 1
Monday
Command Financial Specialist Training 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Dec. 1 - 5 FFSC
8
Stress Management 1 - 3 p.m. FFSC Transition GPS 8 a.m - 4 p.m. Dec. 8 - 12 FFSC
2
Tuesday Pre Deployment Class 9 - 11 a.m. FFSC Post Deployment Class 1 - 3 PM FFSC
9
ICR 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. FFSC
3
Wednesday
4
Thursday
Employment NetworkingElevator Speech 9 - 10 a.m. FFSC
ICR 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. FFSC
11
28
Catania by Night: History and Wine Tasting 4:30 p.m. - midnight ITT
Saturday 29
Sunday
Palazzolo Acreide 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. ITT
30
Chiaramonte Gulfi & Olive Oil Tasting 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. ITT Budget Bowling Sundays 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Sparetime Bowling
Anger Management Series Command Financial Spe1 - 3 p.m. cialist Forum FFSC 8 - 9 a.m. FFSC
10
Friday
ICR 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. FFSC
5
Arrivederci Class 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. FFSC Sig Safe 07:45 a.m. - 4 p.m. FFSC Tree Lighting Ceremony 5:30 p.m. Midtown
12
Sponsor Training 9 - 11:30 a.m. FFSC Anger Management 1 - 3 p.m.
IMPORTANT EXTENSIONS:
6
Pancake
Breakfast with Santa 7 - 9:30 a.m. Chart Room, NAS 1
7
Olive Oil Tasting and Patrician’s Villa 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. ITT
Winter Wonderland 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. NAS 1 Gym
13
Siracusa & Saint Lucy Festival 8 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. ITT
November 28, 2014
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Commanding Officer's Suggestion Box There are two ways to submit feed back to Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella Commanding Officer Capt. Chris Dennis. Visit The Interactive Customer Evaluation (ICE) home page on a One-Net computer at: http://ice.disa.mil, All Sigonella services are found under the Navy Europe Listing in the scroll-down menu. Also, visit NAS Sigonella's website www.cnic.navy.mil/Sigonella, go to the "About" drop down menu and click on " CO Suggestion Box". The Signature will anonymously publish comments and responses for the benefit of the Sigonella community. If you are submitting a "BZ", we ask that you provide your name in order for us to properly recognize employee. Please make sure your comments and suggestions are constructive. In other words, "BE NICE ON ICE."
Comment regarding Hospital Parking:
Is there any hope of having the parking enforced at the hospital? Every time I take my child to EDIS for an appointment, all of the patient parking is full. I have watched hospital personnel walk to their cars parked in those spots at the end of the day. It's quite a hike to park at the very bottom parking lot, pregnant, and carrying your 30-pound child up to the EDIS building.
Response:
14
Hike Rifugio Galvarina with Sicilian BBQ Lunch 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Outdoor Rec
FFSC: x4291 ITT : x4777, x4396 Liberty/Connections/Take 5: x4246, x5602 Outdoor Rec: x4777, x4396 Fitness: x4483, x5243 Midtown 2 Theaters: x4248 American Red Cross: x4900
Does your command or organization have an event you’d like to see on the Community Calendar? Email us at thesig@eu.navy.mil and let us know!
Thank you for providing this feedback. I am very sorry for the inconvenience you and your family endured during your visit to the hospital. I want to reiterate that I am a committed to making parking a priority for customers across the NASSIG community. I have spoken to the hospital leadership and they have learned that customer parking signs for EDIS patients have been painted on the ground. To help clarify parking, the hospital is having sign pole parking signage placed at these same designated parking spots. In response to your comment about hospital employees violating patient parking, Security and Hospital partner with our customers to enforce parking compliance and will issue tickets when appropriate. Hospital staff will continue to conduct checks for illegal/ unauthorized parking and contact us for enforcement. If any customer notices an improperly-parked vehicle in patient parking or anywhere else throughout the installation, please notify Emergency Dispatch at DSN 624-5225 or commercial at 095-86-5225. Again, I thank you for your comment.
Comment regarding Hospital Parking:
Personnel are running day and night in preparation for the PRT. With the clock going back an hour and the sun setting earlier, it's becoming a safety hazard for personnel running near or alongside roadways. Can we publish a notice or somehow inform all hands to run with a reflective belt or the reflective Navy PT shirt?
Response:
Thank you for your observation regarding personnel jogging on Naval Air Station Sigonella. While it's great to see personnel maintaining their physical fitness, when it comes to outdoor exercise there are specific requirements to adhered to, especially, as you pointed out, on or alongside the road. Guidelines are set forth in OPNAVINST 5100.12J and are as follows: 1) At night, or during periods of reduced visibility, personnel are encouraged to wear brightly colored, fluorescent or other reflective garments when running, jogging, walking, or traveling near roadways. 2) Applicable brightly colored, fluorescent or reflective PPE shall be provided to and used by all personnel who are exposed to traffic hazards as a part of their assigned duties (e.g., gate sentries, troops in marching formations, traffic control personnel, road construction crews, electricians, or telephone repair personnel working on outside overhead lines). 3) Individuals are not authorized to run, jog, or walk in the roadways during high traffic density and peak traffic periods. Installation commanders shall designate roadways and times where restrictions apply. 4) Personnel jogging on a Navy installation roadway shall jog facing oncoming traffic, in single file, and obey traffic rules. 5) Wearing portable headphones, earphones, cellular hands-free devices, radios, recording devices or other portable listening devices while running, jogging, walking, bicycling, skating, or skate boarding in roadways and streets impairs recognition of emergency signals, alarms, announcements, and the approach of emergency vehicles. Use of these devices while performing the noted activities on Navy installations is prohibited. In addition to posting these guidelines in "The Signature," we will also be sending an "All Hands" email detailing the above requirements. Thank you again for sharing your concerns regarding our personnel safety.
Need an appointment at the hospital? Call DSN 624-CARE (2273) or commercial 095-56-2273, M-F: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. For non-emergent medical questions that arise over the weekend, holidays, or after office hours, please call 335-578-8077 if you are normally seen at the hospital or 335-578-8150 if you are normally seen at the Flight Line Clinic.
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November 28, 2014
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U.S. Navy HEADLINES Navy releases guidance for reducing access to firearms
2014 top Christmas markets in Italy Croce Square from the city of Heidelberg for years. The stands sell decorations for Christmas trees and homes, Christmas cakes such as Stollen accompanied by the restorative Glühwein (mulled wine); visitors will enjoy not only Christmas food but only German food (especially wurst and sauerkraut) at Santa Croce Square. If you are planning to spend Christmas in Florence, be sure to add a concert or opera to your itinerary. Teatro Verdi will host one of the most beloved concerts in the city, the Orchestra della Toscana, conducted by the master Daniele Rustioni with music by Beethoven, Brahms, and Dvorak. On Wednesday, Dec. 24, at 5 p.m. Ticket price: € 20/17. More info available at http://en.comune.fi.it/
Christmas markets at the Dolomites Mountains areas are visited every year by thousands of people. They start at the end of November and last until the beginning of January. Many cities and villages in South Tyrol, Trentino and Bellunese turn into wonderful big Nativity Scenes , where you can experience the typical Christmas atmosphere and the old traditions. Squares are filled with wooden houses offering craft made products, typical food, gift ideas and much more Christmas markets were probably born in the 14th Century, when goods, objects and agricultural products were only sold in fairs: the Advent market was the most important fair in the whole year. (Photo by http://blog.dolomiti.it/)
From christmasmarkets.com Christmas Markets in Italy are popular both with the locals and visitors from all over the world. The markets known in Italian as Mercatino di Natale are not as numerous or on the same grand scale as the network of markets in Germany. Nevertheless, a visit to an Italian Christmas Market is one to remember, whether it be the Piazza Navona in Rome or one of the smaller Italian Xmas Markets in the Italian Alps, for example the Trentino region. The Italians pride themselves on the elaborate and nativity scenes on display at many Italian Christmas Markets. As with any Christmas Market the Italian stallholders will have mouth-watering displays of local food and drink plus of course the usual array of locally manufactured seasonal gift items. Trento Christmas Market (Open from Nov. 22 - Jan. 6) The Trento Christmas Market with over 70 wooden huts, has made the town of Trento one of the top destinations for holidaymakers looking for a Christmas atmosphere. Wooden huts sell traditional decorations for Christmas trees and nativity scenes, crafts, cakes, local products, original gift ideas, andgourmet specialities in a special food section. In keeping with tradition, at the middle of the main square, a gourmet section will be dedicated to the specialities of Trentino. There will be several wooden huts hosting the "Flavours of the Christmas Market", where you can taste apple strudel, "treccia mochèna" (plaited pastry cake), "polenta brustolada" (grilled polenta), traditional recipes (sweet and savoury) from the Trentino and the Tyrol regions and local dishes such as "tortel di patate" (potato cake). There are many more mouth-watering treats including organic cheese and goat cheese, "goulash zuppe" (goulash soup), "speck" (smoked ham), "canederli" (dumplings) and filled pasta, as well as sweets, pastries and hot chocolate. Drinks include the very popular "vin brulè"(mulled wine) of Trentino and "parampampoli" (hot toddy). Turin Christmas Market (Open From Nov. 22 - Jan. 6) The 13th edition of the Christmas market in Turinis nearly upon us. This year, visitors will experience an event full of atmosphere where stalls and chalets will offer the best of decorative Christmas Italian and foreign. Ornaments, lights, activities and exhibitions will be the corollary to one of the most intense moments of Christmas. In areas of Borgo Dora fine handicrafts and gourmet products from 14 Italian regions and 8 foreign countries, create a path of strong aggregation and attraction for families, groups of friends and tourists. Florence Christmas Market (Open From Nov. 28 - Dec. 15) In Florence, the Weihnachtsmarkt, a German word that means Christmas market, has come to Santa
The Christmas Market in Bolzano (Open from Nov. 27 - Jan. 6) The Christmas Market in Bolzano in South Tyrol is Italy's biggest Christmas market. For almost two decades now it has attracted countless visitors every year to the magnificently decorated Piazza Walther, with its uniquely special Advent atmosphere. So Bolzano is one of most popular holiday destinations in Europe during the winter romantic Christmas time. For almost a month, festive aromas fill the streets and picturesque alleyways in South Tyrol's regional capital; the shimmering sparkle of romantic lamps and flickering candles bathes Bolzano in a magical light for a short period. Even when Mother Holle turns Bolzano with some snowflakes into a white winter splendor the winter fairy tale is perfect! If group travels, couples or families with children: The Christmas market in Bolzano offers for everyone magic and unforgettable moments. Christmas Market in Rome (Open from Nov. 27 - Jan. 6) Christmas markets just aren't as much of a thing in Rome as they are in cities elsewhere (especially further north) in Europe. For years, when it came to mercatini di Natale, as Italians call them, the main event really was just the Christmas market at Piazza Navona. The Piazza Navona Christmas market (which runs daily, and until 1am, from Nov. 25 - Jan. 6) remains the largest in Rome's center. Every Roman (and visiting) family stops there at some point during the Christmas season. Stalls sell Christmas decorations, gifts and sweets and street performers juggle and dance, all under the gloriously-lit fountains and Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone. For atmosphere and convenience, the 100-year-old Christmas market is a good bet. But. Most of the gifts for sale there are mass-produced, made-inChina items — and a far cry from the kind of artisanal gifts you can so easily find elsewhere in Rome. So here are some other top bets for the 2014-15 seasons. Although these other markets are slightly out of the heart of the center, if you're looking for a truly authentic Christmas market experience — one full of Roman families and locally-made goods — they're worth the trip. Arti & Mestieri Expo : Last year, this market had some 300 different stalls selling artisanal goods and foodstuffs, from ceramics to leather to olive oil to chocolate. And since all of the products are made in Italy, it's a great place to find local, one-of-a-kind gifts to bring back home. The market, which is free to enter, is at the Fiera di Roma, about a 20-minute train ride from the center of Rome; just hop on the same regional train that you can take from the Trastevere or Ostiense train stations all the way to Fiumicono Airport (the Treno FR 1) and get off at the Fiera Roma stop. For 2014, the Arti & Mestieri Expo takes place from December 11 to 14. Villaggio di Natale in Via Oderisi da Gubbio : Located in Piazza della Radio and hailed as the largest Christmas fair in Rome, this "Christmas village" has games, a living nativity scene, choir concerts and, yes, a Christmas market, selling food and gifts. Piazza della Radio is located just south of the Trastevere train station, an easy tram or bus ride from Largo Argentina in the heart of Rome's center; entry is free. In 2014, the Villagio di Natale takes place on December 7- 8.
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From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy released guidance for commanders and health professionals on reducing access to lethal means as related to suicide prevention through voluntary storage of privately-owned firearms Nov. 18. This guidance is part of a broader Department of Defense strategy to prevent suicide and related tragedies in the military as promulgated in a recent memorandum from the Under Secretary of Defense (Personnel and Readiness). "Firearms were used in half of all Navy suicide deaths in 2012 and 2013, and continue to be the primary method used in both military and civilian suicides," said Capt. Mike D. Smith, director, Navy Suicide Prevention Branch. "Reducing access to lethal means has been proven to save lives. These voluntary measures are intended to help Sailors avoid taking such irreversible actions to end their lives, and provide the opportunity for intervention and care." NAVADMIN 263/14 states that commanders and health professionals may ask Sailors, who are reasonably believed to be at risk for suicide or causing harm to others, to voluntarily allow their privately-owned firearms to be stored for temporary safekeeping by the command. The decision is entirely up to the Sailor, and the commander or health care professional shall not offer incentives, disincentives or coerce the Sailor into turning over their firearm. If the Sailor agrees to surrender their firearm temporarily, the commander must ensure that the rights of the Sailor are protected. The weapon may be safeguarded on the installation or other storage location in coordination with local authorities, and returned upon request unless a predetermined storage period is agreed upon between the commander and the Sailor. Causes of suicide are complex, but consist of a chain of events leading an individual to feel distress and hopelessness, in combination with the capacity to take lethal action. Research indicates that immediate availability of lethal means directly
increases the chance of a lethal attempt during a high-risk period. "Commanders and health professionals must identify Sailors at risk and provide all available assistance while maintaining Sailors' rights," said Smith. "Just as a person should be willing to turn over the car keys when not fit to drive, one should be willing to turn over their firearm for safekeeping until he or she feels fit again." Warning signs that may indicate suicide risk include expressing thoughts of hurting oneself; developing plans and acquiring means to take lethal action; giving away possessions; engaging in uncharacteristic destructive behavior such as substance abuse or violence; changes in mood including anger or anxiety; loss of connection to others; and/or expressing feelings of hopelessness, purposelessness or feeling like a burden to others. If a Sailor objects to storage of their privatelyowned firearm, commanders may ask the Sailor to voluntarily dismantle their firearm and allow the command to store critical pieces, ask the Sailor to store the firearm with a safety-lock device and provide the key to a trusted adult, or ask the Sailor to store the firearm and/or ammunition in the care of a trusted adult. In all situations where there is an immediate risk to life, commanders and health professionals must take immediate action to ensure the Sailor receives the necessary care, support and treatment to prevent harm and promote recovery. Guidance set forth by NAVADMIN 263/14 takes effect immediately and is in accordance with Section 1057 of the National Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 2013. For more information, visit Navy Suicide Prevention at www.suicide.navy.mil or the Defense Suicide Prevention Office at www.suicideoutreach. org. Help is always available. Visit the Military Crisis Line at www.veteranscrisisline.net/activeduty.aspx or call 1-800-273-8255 (Option 1). For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnp/.
Changes to Senior Enlisted Academy From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy Senior Enlisted Academy (SEA) is expanding its delivery format to afford every senior chief petty officer the opportunity to attend the SEA prior to selection to master chief petty officer. This change aligns with the Chief of Naval Operations' vision set forth in the Navy Leader Development Strategy and the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy's focus on developing leaders. Starting in Fiscal Year 2017, all newly selected senior chief petty officers will be required to complete the SEA in Newport, Rhode Island, or attend either the Air Force Senior Enlisted Academy, Marine Corps Senior Enlisted Academy, Coast Guard Senior Enlisted Academy or Joint Special Operations Forces Senior Enlisted Academy, in order to be eligible for advancement to master chief petty officer. Currently, the SEA resident course is six weeks. To meet the increased resident demand without compromising content, the SEA will modify its delivery format to nine weeks of distance learning online, prior to three weeks of resident education in Newport. By October 2015, all active duty personnel attending the SEA will be required to complete newer, longer requirement, followed by the three-week residence. During the nine weeks of distance learning, each senior chief should expect to spend approximately three to five hours per week on assignments. Reducing the resident portion to three weeks allows the SEA to increase the number of classes per year without increasing the SEA's footprint requirements for base infrastructure. The shorter course also reduces the Sailor's time away from home and parent command, while not compromising educational content. The present SEA blended course format, six weeks of distance learning followed by two weeks of rigorous in resident education, will continue to be the primary method to attend the SEA for Reservists. The enrollment requirements remain the same. Those Sailors who have already earned the rank of senior chief or are selected prior to the FY17 board will be grandfathered under the old policy and will not be required to attend the SEA. The course still remains a requirement for those who have been selected to become a command senior chief, command master chief or chief of the boat. Additionally, senior chiefs who are selected from the FY17 selection board will have to attend the SEA in order to be eligible for master chief. Limited funding will be available during a permanent-change-ofstation transfer. The vast majority of senior chiefs will attend the SEA on temporary-assigned duty orders. The primary funding for the program will come from the Naval War College. As a prerequisite to attending the SEA, students must have completed the required 70 hours of online Primary Professional Military Education via Navy Knowledge Online. It is mandatory that this work be completed prior to arrival at the SEA. The DoD Cyber Awareness Challenge and the Personally Identifiable Information training modules are also mandatory for all users of DoD information systems as required by the Federal Information Security Management Act. All students must provide a printed certificate of completion upon check-in at the SEA. Students must also be within body composition assessment standards upon arrival. Any student arriving to the SEA out of standards will not be enrolled and required to wait 12 months prior to re-enrollment in the course. Any student who fails the course due to academic performance will also have to wait 12 months to re-enroll. In general, waivers will not be approved. However, exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis to deal with any extenuating circumstances. Additional information can be found in NAVADMIN 266/14.
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Messages were sent to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society to thank Sigonella service members and families stationed around the world who may not be able to be home for Thanksgiving this year. More than 300 messages were sent. Here are but a few showing appreciation during this Thanksgiving holiday for all you do. "I wish you shipmates a very happy Thanksgiving and I am thankful to have you brothers and sisters as my shipmates. Thank you for all that you guys do for your country. Coming a military family to another one, may God always bless you no matter where you are and may you be safe always. " -The Gonzalez family "Thanks everybody for all that you do. God bless you and your families during these trying times." - YNCS(ret) Jeff Pinkerton "Thank you for your selfless sacrifice in all that you do. I pray you are blessed this holiday season and may you feel the love of our nation in your heart and soul! God Bless you and God Bless America!" - Hope Palmer "Thinking of you this holiday season and grateful that you have blessed us with your courage. Thank YOU for all that you are doing to keep our country safe and at peace. You are not forgotten, but treasured in our hearts. Blessings to you always." -RDML and Mrs. Craig Faller "Happy Holidays, shipmates! Thanks for taking the watch and carrying on our proud tradition." -Anne M. "Thank you for carrying on the proud
tradition of protecting our way of life. Your dedication to duty, your pride in what you do, and your commitment to yourself, your family and your Country deserves a big THANK YOU!" -James Bertine "Happy holidays, my friends! My heart breaks for you at this time. Yet I am so grateful for the sacrifices you make so that I can spend the day eating pumpkin pie. I am truly so grateful for you. Never forget you have at least one person back home remembering you this season." -Joanna Horrar "Thanks for your service around the world to people at home and abroad. No one appreciates freedom like a military member who lays their life on the line for others. Happy Thanksgiving." -Sandra Shaw
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defend and protect our nation. You are greatly appreciated. Happy Thanksgiving!!!" - Devon Bice
pride in their hearts for your selfless oath to protect and serve the principles of our great nation!" -Roldan Castillo
here at home. Saying 'Thank You' seems so small compared to the sacrifices you each make every day. You are loved, missed, and admired by all of us and we do thank you for all that you do. Please be safe and know that we will be thinking of you over the Holiday Season." - Greg Brown USN CPO (Ret.) Seabees
"Thank you for the sacrifices you are making this holiday season, being away from friends and loved ones is hard, especially during this time of year. I have been there." -Randy Fellows, Retired Navy Veteran
"I know it's hard being without your family because I was a Devil Dog. That Marine or Sailor beside is your family for eight now so enjoy the holidays and God bless Semper Fi. Be safe and Happy Thanksgiving!" - Tony Knox
"Happy Thanksgiving! Thank you for your service to our country! Hope you get time with your family soon." - Alison Balboa
"Thank You for watching over all of us ! When I worry about the fate of the U.S. the only way to calm my troubled mind is remembering YOU are out there protecting our Country. I appreciate your work and dedication. From the bottom of my Heart God bless and keep you safe!" - Shirley Solberg
"Dear Marines & Sailors: I wish I could give each one of you a BIG hug. I am truly grateful for your service and sacrifice for me and our nation. You all are "true" heroes. Now and always. May your Thanksgiving be happiest ever. Divine peace and protection surround you every day. 'Once Marine. Always Marine.' " - Ackerlene Watson
"God bless our country and the people like you who serve for the freedom we all share. Thank you for your service. May God bless you and watch over you." - Kenneth Finney, Navy Veteran 1982-1987
"Thanks for serving and protecting our freedom. You are part of only a small percentage of people who have volunteered to serve in the military. May God watch over you and keep you safe while you stand watch over us. Go Navy Beat Army!" - Bob McAfee USNA '60
"As you stand the watch this holiday season, please know how appreciated you are. Our family has seen many holidays come and go with my husband on the watch and now my eldest son joining him; know that yes the families left at home are not only missing you, but holding an immense amount of
"Dear Service member, thank you so much from the bottom of my family's hearts! May God bless you and your colleagues on Thanksgiving and forevermore. What you do is so vitally important to all of us; your family, your friends, those of us who have gone before you, and the rest of them
"Season's Greetings and thank you for all you do for us! Know that all of you are always in our thoughts and prayers and your sacrifices are never taken for granted. Take care, be safe and come home soon. Happy Holidays!!" - Ed and Rene Burgess "Your service is appreciated; wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving and know that many are thinking of you." - Larry Gable "Thank you for all that you sacrifice to
"Happy Thankgiving and thanks for serving our country. Thank you stay safe your in our prayers. God bless all of you." - Sharmeka Roane
"Hey guys, I'm sorry you have to be away for the holidays but those of us not deployed are thinking about you and we appreciate your sacrifice. Be safe out there. May the Lord protect and richly bless you and your family as you serve our nation. Semper Fi, one and all." - Bryan Cortez "Thank you for all that you do! The military is always in my prayers and I am thankful to spend my first Thanksgiving in five years with my cousin, a veteran. I pray that you will get to spend this time with your family soon. I thank all the Sailors and Marines for their dedication in protecting all nations. Anchors Aweigh and Semper Fi. In God We Trust!" - Mark W. Jacobs & the Jacobs Family "During my 28 years of active service I missed my share of holidays. I know how tough it is to think about family and friends at Thanksgiving and not be able to share good food and camaraderie with them. Please know that we are with you in
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spirit and that we pray for your well-being and safe return to your loved ones. Be careful out there. Thank you for enabling the rest of us to have a safe holiday. Thanks for your service and your sacrifices. Happy Thanksgiving." - Gary Tornatore "Thank you so much for your dedication and sacrifice that ensures the freedoms we enjoy. Words can never express our gratitude for the personal sacrifices you have made in being away from your family, friends, and way of life. Please know you are remembered and appreciated every day, especially during the holiday season." - Lynn Catoe "Thank you all for your service. The sacrifice and dedication is very appreciated. Keep your heads held high during the holidays because you are never alone. God is watching over you. Stay safe and it'll soon be over. Have a very Happy Thanksgiving guys! We miss you and hope you return safely!" - Maria Ortiz "Thank you so much for all you do! It's never said enough but I still feel it! You all sacrifice so much and WE appreciate it! Make the Holidays the best you can! Remember you all are giving the U.S. a gift by what you are doing! Many thanks." - Deanna Jones "As a retired USN officer, I spent many Thanksgivings away from family and I sincerely appreciate your sacrifice." - Alan Miller
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'Birthday' continued from page 1 other traditions still held every year at the Marine Corps Birthday Ball. Held at the Sheraton Hotel in Catania, Sicily, Lt. Cmdr. Danny Purvis, chaplain for SPMAGTFCR-AF, started the ball with a prayer. “For 239 years whenever tyranny has reared its head, or whenever liberty has been threatened by those who wish to remove it, a familiar refrain has been repeated; ‘Send in the Marines,’” said Purvis. “It is fitting that we should celebrate this birthday near Veteran’s Day, a time for us to give thanks … for the service and sacrifice of every single person who ever wore the uniform, those who have served and suffered, and bled and died, to uphold the principals of this great nation, as a beacon of liberty around the world. Even as we celebrate tonight, we yet have comrades who in this moment serve in harm’s way, who are not home with their families and friends, who will not be home for Thanksgiving, who will not be home for Christmas, who are placing their lives on the line for our way of life.” Following the prayer there was a moment of silence for the fallen service members not present, but never forgotten. “Ladies and gentlemen, as you entered this banquet hall, you should have noticed that before us tonight stands an empty chair and a single lone table draped in black, signifying all of our fallen comrades who are not with us this evening, because they have given the full measure of devotion to our country and to our beloved Corps,” said Staff Sgt. Rebekah Hennessy, ball narrator. ”The single-lighted candle reminds us of the flame of eternal life and that the memory of our fallen comrades will be with us always. The Purple Heart medal is displayed to reflect the shedding of blood and the ebb of life in battle. The identification tags are blank, yet they could bear the name of any of us here tonight.” The commanding officer of SPMAGTF-CR-AF, Lt. Col. William C. Stophel, spoke after [that], thanking service members for everything they do, and then welcomed Chiarotti. “The ceremony that you saw here tonight was not just about eating a piece of cake,” said Chiarotti. “It’s about symbolism; the symbolism of tradition being passed, where the oldest Marine passes on to the youngest Marine everything that he holds sacred. Everything that is most important to us, our values of honor, courage and commitment. As we gather here tonight I can assure you that across the globe, whether in Iraq, Afghanistan, South America… Marines are gathered. They’re gathered just like we are, some dressed up, some not, some just in their utilities with a flak jacket on and an M-4 or M-16 [service rifle] by their side, and they stop and pause to give celebration for the birth of our Corps.” Chiarotti also took a moment to recognize Lance Cpl. Seth Mitchell, the MAGTF Planner for SPMAGTF-CR-AF and awarded him the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for performing above-and-beyond the expectations of a Marine in his grade. “Its individuals like Lance Cpl. Mitchell who are the unsung heroes,” said Chiarotti. “As a result of what he’s done, you’re here tonight.” After the speeches and the award ceremony finished, Marines, Sailors and Coast Guardsmen of SPMAGTF-CR-AF and their guests enjoyed food and fellowship, remembered the fallen, and continued the tradition of camaraderie and esprit-de-corps in celebrating the birthday of the Marine Corps and the honorable service of those who came before.
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Lt. Col. William C. Stophel cuts the first piece of cake during the 239th Marine Corps Birthday Ball at the Sheraton Hotel in Catania, Sicily, Nov. 14. Stophel is the commanding officer of SPMAGTF-Crisis ResponseAfrica. This act is a tradition in the Marine Corps that dates back to 1952 when Commandant Gen. Lemuel C. Shepherd, Jr. directed the celebration of the Marine Corps Birthday be formalized throughout the Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Corporal Shawn Valosin/Released)
A formal color guard marches with the American flag and Marine Corps flag during a Marine Corps Birthday Ball ceremony at the Sheraton Hotel in Catania, Sicily, Nov. 14. The Marines of SPMAGTF-Crisis ResponseAfrica celebrated their 239th birthday alongside Coast Guardsmen and Sailors who are attached to the unit. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Corporal Shawn Valosin/Released)
Friday, November 28 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Oven fried Bacon, Chicken Tocino on Garlic Fried Rice Brunch: Eggs to Order, Oven fried Bacon, Chicken Tocino, Roast Turkey, Dinner: Baked Tuna and Noodles, Cantonese Spareribs
Wednesday, December 3 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Oven Fried Bacon, Creamed Ground Beef on Toast Lunch: Roast Pork, Baked Fish Speed Line: All American Grilled Burgers Dinner: Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Cajun Chicken Sandwich
Saturday, November 29 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Oven fried Bacon, Corned Beef Hash Brunch: Eggs to Order, Oven Fried Bacon, Corned Beef Hash, Turkey Pot Pie Dinner: Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Fishwich
Thursday, December 4 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Oven Fried Bacon, Grilled Minute Steak Lunch: Sauerbraten, Barbecued Chicken Speed Line: Panini Bar and Philly Cheese Steak Sub Dinner: Chef Russo’s Home Made Meat Loaf, Chef Melo’s Chicken Alfredo w/ Penne Pasta
Sunday, November 30 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Grilled Minute Steak, Oven Fried Bacon Brunch: Eggs to Order, Grilled Minute Steak, Oven Fried Bacon, Corn Dogs Dinner: Chicken Parmesan, Chef Ignazio’s Home Made Lasagna Monday, December 1 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Oven Fried Bacon, Minced Beef on Toast Lunch: Jerk Roast Turkey, Beef Meatball Stroganoff Speed Line: Chef Salvo’s Freshly Made Pizza Dinner: Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Teriyaki Chicken Tuesday, December 2 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Biscuits and Gravy, Oven fried Bacon Lunch: Taco Tuesday Speed Line: Pasta Bar with choice of Freshly Made Pasta Sauce Dinner: Lemon Baked Fish, Pizza Casserole
Friday, December 5 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Oven fried Bacon, Chicken Tocino on Garlic Fried Rice Lunch: Chef Francesco’s Home Made Lasagna, Baked Fish Speed Line: Chef Gigi’s Freshly Made Pizza Dinner: Savory Baked Chicken, Baked Italian Sausage A reminder to please adhere to our galley uniform rules below: 1. No sleeveless shirts or tanks tops (including basketball jerseys) 2. No shower shoes or flip-flops (wearing socks with flip-flops does not count) 3. No sweat pants or cut-offs 4. No white or blue undershirts 5. No PT/gym shorts or shorts without pockets 6. No hats (unless you are in the performance of your duty/ work) 7. No torn or dirty clothing 8. Uniform must be clean 9. Uncover before entering galley 10. No combination of military and civilian clothing 11. Boots and shoes must be free of dirt and mud Also, the taking of food out of the galley is strictly prohibited.
As a reminder, all dependents are always welcome at the galley! Please provide any negative or positive feedback. There is a suggestion box near the entrance to the galley, next to the serving line.
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NAS Sigonella Sailors share Thanksgiving meal with Sicilian Children By MC3 Ramon Go NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – Base service members and families shared some time-honored Americana with children from the Instituo S. Giuseppe Casa Del Fanciullo when they prepared a Thanksgiving meal for 20 orphans Saturday. The 30 NASSIG volunteers prepared the feast, and then brought the food along with Christmas gifts to the children’s home located in Giovanni La Punta. “The purpose was to interact with local communities to show them that we are giving back,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuels) 2nd Class Michael Evans, Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center community relations coordinator. “We show our gratitude by coming out here and playing with the children, serving them food, and giving them a taste of Thanksgiving.” Five turkeys of three variations were prepared for the meal: a traditional oven baked turkey, a smoked turkey, and a deep-fried gobbler. The delicious bird was served alongside dressing, stuffing, macaroni, roast ribs, lasagna, SAN GIOVANNI LA PUNTA, Italy (Nov. 21) U.S. Sailor addresses the children during a Thanksgiving community and dessert. relations (COMREL) event. Sailors and Air Force volunteers, from Naval Air Station Sigonella, exchange cultural “The kids are always happy to have Americans here relations with a local orphanage through a Thanksgiving meal and Christmas gift-giving at Istituto Giuseppe because of how the Americans treat them with kindness Casa Del Fanciullo. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ramon G. Go/Released) and affection,” said Sister Superior Maria Aurelia, head of the orphanage. “I’m thankful for what Americans do for the kids ; it’s as if they do it for us. The boys are like my kids, when you do something for them, we are happy because we see them happy.” Istituto S. Giuseppe Casa Del Fanciullo was founded in 1951 by Mary Marlett for boys with troubled or broken backgrounds. The orphanage currently is home to children ranging in from 7-to-18 years old. “We are lucky to have these sisters who provide for children in need, who have been neglected and abandoned by the people who are supposed to care for them,” said Lt. Cmdr. Brad Brooks, supply officer of the NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center. “We take this opportunity during Thanksgiving not only to introduce a meal, but also to create an intercultural presence for the kids. Christmas gift-giving was also celebrated when Sailors gave each of the children a gift labeled with their names. Smiles, laughter and most importantly, hugs, were shared between U.S. forces and Sicilians. “It’s always a great experience to celebrate with the Americans here,” said Aurelia.
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GAME ZONE Thanksgiving (U.S.) Find and circle all of the words that are hidden in the grid. The remaining 26 letters spell a popular Thanksgiving Day event.
ANNUAL AUTUMN CELEBRATION CORN CRANBERRY FAMILY FEAST FESTIVAL FOOD FOOTBALL FRIENDS GATHERING
GRAVY HARVEST HOLIDAY LONG WEEKEND MASHED POTATOES MEAL NOVEMBER PARADE PILGRIMS PLYMOUTH
PUMPKIN PIE RELATIVES REUNION SQUASH STUFFING SWEET POTATO THURSDAY TRADITION TRAVEL TURKEY WAMPANOAG YAMS
DIFFICULT
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MEDIUM
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EASY
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Elevator Speech do’s and don’ts By Fleet and Family Service Center NAS Sigonella
Taken from an article by Katharine Hanson, Ph.D
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - Here are the keys for job-seekers to successfully develop and use elevator speech in the job-search. Follow these simple rules and guidelines and you should achieve success with this important job-hunting networking tool. •Do make your Elevator Speech sound effortless, conversational, and natural. •Do make it memorable and sincere. Open a window to your personality. •Do consider including a compelling "hook," an intriguing aspect that will engage the listener, prompt him or her to ask questions, and keep the conversation going. •Do practice your speech. Experts disagree about whether you should memorize it, but you should know your speech well enough so you express your key points without sounding as though the speech was memorized. Let it become an organic part of you. Many experts suggest practicing in front of mirrors and role-playing with friends. Certified Professional Virtual Assistant Jean Hanson advises practicing in the car on the way to networking events. •Don't ramble. Familiarizing yourself as much as possible with your speech will help keep you from getting off track. •Do be warm, friendly, confident, and enthusiastic. A smile is often the best way to show friendliness and enthusiasm, while a strong, firm voice the best way to express confidence. •Do take it slowly. Don't rush through the speech, and do pause briefly between sentences. Breathe. •Do project your passion for what you do. •Do maintain eye contact with your listener. •Don't get bogged down with industry jargon or acronyms that your listener may not comprehend. •Don't hesitate to develop different versions of your Elevator Speech for different situations and audiences. •When developing an Elevator Speech for a specific employer you've targeted, do research the organization and incorporate that knowledge into your speech. See our Guide to Researching Companies, Industries, and Countries. •Do incorporate examples and stories to help support your
Intl & foster care adoptions, home studies, post adoption services. Hague accredited agency. www.adopt-abroad.com - US 1-888-687-3644.
points. Provide examples of successful outcomes of deploying your skills. Stories make your speech memorable. •Do focus on how you can benefit employers and help them solve their problems. Remember as you deliver your Elevator Speech that the listener may be mentally asking, "What's in it for me (or my company)?" Author Carole Kanchier especially suggests that your benefits include how you can save an employer time and money, help people feel good, or expand markets. •Don't forget to update your speech as your situation changes. Having a well written, precise elevator speech will increase your networking abilities and interactions with other professionals. Utilizing this tool effectively during social situations will enable you to capture the attention and leave a memorable impression with decision maker and centers of influence. Want to learn how to write your own elevator speech? Sign up for the FREE Social Networking class at FFSC on December 4 from 9 - 10 a.m.
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Commissary Value Brand returns for more savings By Kevin L. Robinson
DeCA Public Affairs
FORT LEE, Va. – In response to growing patron demand for products comparable to the low-cost private label items sold in civilian stores, the Defense Commissary Agency is reenergizing an “old friend” known as Commissary Value Brand. Starting in December, commissaries worldwide will highlight about 300 Value Brand products in 33 categories such as frozen vegetables, pizza and entrees; pet foods; health and beauty care; cereals; cleaning supplies; soft drinks; coffee; canned fruit, soup and fish; disposable lunch and storage bags; condiments and more. The average savings for Commissary Value Brand items will be about 25 percent when compared to the store brand and private label items found in commercial retail stores, said DeCA Director and CEO Joseph H. Jeu. In some instances, savings will be as much as 50 percent. “We are rolling out a renewed program that will offer consistent, quality, everyday low-cost pricing on name brand products equal to or better than private label items in commercial stores,” said DeCA Director and CEO Joseph H. Jeu. “In essence, we are a making a good deal of a commissary benefit even better.” Now when customers venture into their commissary they will see select items on the shelf identified by an orange “Value” sign. They will also see posters, banners, buttons and danglers that point the way to these extra savings. The resurgence of the Commissary Value Brand comes as more and more customers are asking their commissaries to have products at prices similar to the private label savings they see off post, said DeCA Sales Director Tracie L. Russ. “We first began what was then known as the ‘Best Value Item’ program 14 years ago, and now the time is right for a comeback,” Russ said. “Over the years, what we called BVI took on
many forms and eventually splintered into many individual savings venues. Today, we have once again gathered the best of the best under one ‘Commissary Value Brand’ sign.” Russ said this program wouldn’t be possible without the agency’s industry partners – manufacturers, vendors and suppliers – whose representatives worked with her category managers to identify the brands from industry proposals that best met the Commissary Value Brand criteria. Every six months, patrons may see products added or subtracted to DeCA’s Value Brand inventory based on price, sales performance and market changes. “Those products are subsequently guaranteed to be on our shelves at everyday prices for a minimum of six months that’s consistently equal to or lower than the store brand and private label products downtown,” Russ said. Commissary patrons looking for Commissary Value Brand items will see new shelf signage and, in some instances, special displays. Shoppers who venture on DeCA’s website, commissaries. com, or stay tuned to the agency’s social media outlets, especially Facebook and Twitter, will also be able to get a heads up on value deals before they hit the store. In addition to Commissary Value Brand items, shoppers will continue to see biweekly promotions and other special sales that offer targeted discounts. However, when it comes to comparing prices with commercial store brand or private label products, the Commissary Value Brand will take savings to a consistent, everyday low price, Jeu said. “Some things never go out of style and our Commissary Value Brand program is one of them,” he said. “So we’re dusting it off, giving it a new look and bringing back even more savings for our service members and their families who’ve earned this benefit.”
"Social media" continued from page 1 Facebook also has hundreds of privacy controls for the user to pair with their profiles. Here are a few tips for using this mega-popular website: • To change your settings click the upside down triangle on the top right portion of your page. Click “Settings” and on the left you will see a “Security” link. Click it, choose what setting you’d like to view, and make your desired changes. • For your personal profile set your “Default privacy settings” to “Friends Only.” If your default settings are made “Public,” any person with a Facebook account can view your profile. • Limit the audience for “Old Posts” to “Friends Only.” Otherwise other people who are not your friend but are tagged by your friends will be able to see old posts. • Under the “How you Connect” setting, limit those who can send you friend requests. • Check out the NAS Sigonella Facebook page (www.facebook.com/nassigonella) for a more thorough Facebook security settings tip sheet. Twitter: Twitter has approximately 230 million active users today. “Tweets” are short text-based messages – up to 140 characters – that users post to Twitter. A "Tweet" can refer to a post as well as the act of posting to Twitter. Tweets are public, indexed, and searchable unless protected by the user. Many users never Tweet, choosing only to follow persons or topics of interest. • Twitter users should be very cautious when tweeting specific personal or current geographical information that allows followers to know where the user is located and what they’re doing. • Twitter users are warned not to post their Tweets to Facebook. • Use general locations, such as a country or metropolitan area. • DO NOT use a face photo for your profile. • Use nicknames, initials or pseudonyms on for your profile name. • Check out the NAS Sigonella Facebook page (www.facebook.com/nassigonella) for a more thorough Twitter security settings tip sheet. General social media tips: • Only establish and maintain connections with people you know and trust. Review your connections often. • Assume that ANYONE can see any information about your activities, personal life, or professional life that you post and share. • Ensure that your family takes similar precautions with their accounts; their privacy and sharing settings can expose your personal data. • Avoid posting or tagging images of you or your family that clearly show your face. Select pictures taken at a distance, at an angle, or otherwise concealed. Never post Smartphone photos and don’t use your face as a profile photo, instead, use cartoons or avatars. • Use secure browser settings when possible and monitor your browsing history to ensure that you recognize all access points.
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