The May 6 issue of The Signature

Vol. 28 No. 17

may 6, 2011

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Author Kimberly Willis Holt visits NAS Sigonella

By Tracie Barnthouse The Signature Editor

Kimberly Willis Holt autographs one of her books for a Stephen Decatur Elementary School student at Family Story Time at the Marinai Community Center April 28.

Pajama-clad kids with books in their hands came out to Family Story Hour at the Marinai Community Center on April 28 to meet Piper Reed series author, Kimberly Willis Holt, listen to her read one of her stories, enjoy some milk and cookies, and snag the ever-important autograph.

During the Family Story Hour, Willis Holt shared experiences from her childhood and encouraged the children in attendance to pursue their dreams and to enjoy their lives as military children. . “It was an honor to work with your kids this week,” said Willis Holt. “It made me think of my own childhood and how special being a Navy kid was.

Being a military kid gives you opportuPIPER, continued on page 12

U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella celebrates Nurses Appreciation Week

By Lt. Cmdr. Laura L. McMullen U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella

Naval Hospital Sigonella will be paying tribute to the approximately 5,000 men and women of the Navy Nurse Corps and civilian nurses during National Nurses Week from May 6 through May 12, culminating in a ceremony commemorating the 103rd birthday of the Navy Nurse Corps on May 13.

Formally established in 1908 in conjunction with the birthday of the founder of modern day nursing, Florence Nightingale, the Nurse Corps began with the first female nurses in the Navy the “Sacred Twenty” and had continually provided professional nursing care and health promotion to uniformed service personnel, retirees, and their families.

Described as both an art and a May 6 H: 74 update L: 51

top StorieS

Weather

Feeling a little sneezy lately? It’s springtime in Sicily, and that means pollen in the air that could mess with your system. Check out the Health Watch column for tips on how to tolerate seasonal allergies.

iNSide

PAGE 2 Direct Line 2

science, nursing is a profession that attracts dedicated people with diverse interests and strengths because of the many opportunities and wide variety of experiences the profession offers. As military nurses, we work in hospitals, clinics, in the operational theater, and on ships. We have many roles – from staff nurse to educator to nurse practitioner and nurse researcher – and serve all of them with enthusiasm for the profession and with a strong commitment to caring for our Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, and Airmen, in and out of harm’s way.

Lt. Adam Haines from the Emergency Department, said that he always wanted to join the military “for the pride and adventure” and in college decided that military nursing was the path he would pursue. “I’ve always found medicine interesting

May 7 H: 75 L: 51

May 8 H: 77 L: 51

Just like on Sept. 11, 2001, everyone will remember where they were when the heard the news that Osama bin Laden was killed. Read reactions from members of the NAS Sigonella community.

PAGE 3 Navy News 3

NAS Sigonella Executive Officer, Lt. Cmdr. Scott Hottenstein leads the Sexual Assault Prevention walk alongside Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, Angela Dooney on April 29 on NAS I.

NAS Sigonella brings awareness to Sexual Assualt Prevention

By MCSN Cameron Bramham The Signature Staff Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella’s Executive Officer, Lt. Cmdr. Scott Hottenstein joined Sigonella Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, Angela Dooney as members of the Sigonella community came out in force at the annual Sexual Assault Prevention and Response

Be sure to attend the first edition of the Sagra della Ricotta or Ricotta Cheese festival running this weekend in a Maniace, a town located in the Catania province.

PAGE 6 Community Calendar 4

May 10 H: 74 L: 56

WALK, continued on page 12

Are your whites ready for summer?

with a lot of different experiences and avenues for career paths, so I was drawn to the Emergency Room because of that. But my main inspiration was Meet the Fockers. I thought, ‘Why not be a Murse?!’”

Nurses are an integral part of the healthcare team. Cmdr. Kevin Buckley, Director of Medical Services for Naval Hospital Sigonella, says, “nurses are my frontline for the medical team - they are the first and last people my patients interact with when they come to the hospital. They are my right hand…and they smell good.” Cmdr. Paul Allen, Head of the Emergency Department an Emergency/Trauma Nurse Practitioner, couldn’t agree more. When asked why he chose to practice nursing, he said, “Nurses are great… we’re kind of a big deal!” Happy Nurses Week, Sigonella Nurses!

May 9 H: 71 L: 55

(SAPR) Walk Apr. 29 outside of the Fleet & Family Support Center on NAS I. “I wanted to thank all the Sigonella community members who took time out of their Friday and come out here and show their support in preventing sexual assault,” Hottenstein said. “For

U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Jonathan R. Kulp. (RELEASED)

Sailors assigned to Fleet Activities Sasebo, Japan, stand ready to be inspected by Capt. Michael James, Commander Fleet Activities Sasebo. Capt. James conducted a service dress white uniform inspection.

We don’t know the date yet, but with summer approaching, Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella will be moving to whites as soon as our host nation

May 11 H:74 L: 53

Take a little break and get off the island by visiting Rome. Cheap flights, nice hotels, and culture await you!

PAGE 8 MWR Corner 11

does. Are yours ready to go? Refer to Basic Military Requirements Chapter 10 for more information.

Traffic Numbers

May 12 H: 72 L: 57 Does your command have what it takes to rise to the top and take the Command Challenge title? Find out how to enter and other registration information on MWR’s page.

PAGE 11 Il Mercato 14

Jan. 11 Apr. 11

Jan. 10 Apr. 10

Accidents

133

104

Injuries

21

15

DUIs

5

2

Traffic Deaths

0

0

please, don’t become a statistic!

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may 6, 2011

DirecT LiNe Grazie. Tak. Merci. Teşekkür ederim. Tack. ‫اركش‬. Thanks, eh…

I want to express my sincere and heartfelt thanks to each and every one of my coalition partners who are working closely together here at Sigonella, every day, to make our common mission a success. The world may know that our current mission is in support of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973 and is called Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR; however, what the world doesn’t know is that the secret to our success is the phenomenal teamwork each of you continuously demonstrates to make all of this possible.

A little background is helpful for perspective. As recently as February of this year, the airbase at Sigonella was a fairly quiet one, supporting a few Atlantiques on the ITAF side, a P-3 or two on our side, as well as a small assortment of other aircraft and rotational passengers. While the NASSIG enduring mission of

NaS SigoNella CommaNdiNg offiCer, Capt. SCott Butler

supporting NATO, SIXTH Fleet, and combatant commanders has not changed, the operational tempo is drastically different. At any one time, we now have over 45 aircraft and 1000 personnel from eight different nations operating together seamlessly. This is no small feat – it is a testament to the professionalism of the personnel from each nation who are here with us in Sicily.

For the better part of the last two months, I have held a daily meeting at the Emergency Operations Center which included leadership from the Base and representatives from every country. While the cooperation involved in the meeting has been impressive itself, it is the oneon-one meetings that were held afterwards that are truly the hallmark of this operation. Regardless of national background, each and every one of you has worked closely with your Italian and American counterparts to translate political and military objectives into cohesive and

Health Watch Seasonal allergies got you down?

By Lt. Cmdr. Dave Agey, PA-C

Springtime in Sigonella, many of us welcome it but those of us with seasonal allergies often begin to suffer.

Springtime allergies are usually the result of pollen from flowering trees and grasses. Pollen can travel great distances through the air and pollen levels will vary from day to day depending on wind direction and weather conditions. Not only does this yellow stuff land on our cars, it gets on our skin, in our eyes, nose and lungs. Symptoms of seasonal allergies may include runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, sore throat, post nasal drainage and itching of the eyes and nose. For some, it may make asthma symptoms worse.

How can pollen exposure be miniCommanding Officer Capt. Scott Butler Public Affairs Officer Lt. Matt Knight Deputy Public Affairs Officer Dott. Alberto Lunetta Editor Tracie Barnthouse Staff Writers/ Photographers MC1 Christopher Delano MC2 Gary Prill GM2 Kris Carmody MCSN Cameron Bramham The Signature editorial office is located at: Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily PSC 812 Box 3020, FPO, AE 09627 Telephone: 095-86-5440: DSN 624-5440

mized? You can start by keeping windows and doors closed and staying indoors when the pollen count is high. Pollen is usually released from plants early in the morning, so planning your outdoor activities later in the day may help. Changing the air filter in your house or using a HEPA filter will help to decrease your exposure.

Exposure control can be difficult and often ineffective thus requiring medications to control symptoms.

Antihistamines, nasal steroids and allergy eye drops are often needed.

If you find yourself suffering this spring contact your Medical Home Port provider at the Flight line Clinic (624-5455) or the Primary Care Clinic at the hospital for an appointment.

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 factor of 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

executable daily tasks. You have each provided critical support, and made necessary compromises, to keep the missions on track. You have found ways to successfully operate from a base that was designed for a much smaller operational footprint and have, in fact, helped transition NAS Sigonella from a patrol aircraft and logistics hub into one of the premier fighter bases in the Mediterranean. You have accomplished all of this in a matter of weeks.

Your willingness to work with my staff, work with one another, and ultimately find common ground even when it is not convenient – is a testament to both your professionalism and commitment to the mission.

I also have to say how incredibly proud I am of the American community at NASSIG, especially those departments and tenant commands that have made the seemingly impossible a reality. From late February, when discussions about

operations in North Africa were just beginning, you have stepped up to the plate and delivered in ways I could not have imagined.

You have found a way to overcome difficulties that might have caused the mission to unravel and you have done all of this with great, good cheer. Against odds that would have intimidated even me, if I had stopped to actually think about it, we have continued to provide unwavering support as the coalition requirements increased. The success we have achieved here in such a short time is a testament to the unparalleled quality of personnel stationed here. You have much of which you should be proud.

Thanks again to you all – American, Italian, or coalition partner – for your continued hard work, your willingness to endure cramped condi-

tions and less-than-ideal workspaces, and your ongoing commitment to finding the common ground necessary to make things work. Simply put, we couldn’t do it without you!

NASSIG WORSHIP SERVICES Chapel Offices: NAS I 095-56-3975, NAS II 095-86-9049 PROTESTANT ROMAN CATHOLIC Sunday Sunday 1045 Protestant Worship (NAS I) 0900 Catholic Mass (NAS I Chapel) Wednesday 1200 Catholic Mass (NAS II Chapel) 1700 Fellowship Meal Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 1800 Adult Bible Study 1130 Catholic Mass (NAS II Chapel) Youth Group JEWISH LAY SERVICES Children’s Class First Friday CHURCH OF CHRIST LAY SERVICE 1800 Shabbat Service (NAS I Chapel) Sunday sigshalom@yahoo.com 1300 Bible Study (NAS I Chapel) 1330 Worship Service Call 624-5128 or 338-736-3061 OTHER SERVICES/ACTIVITIES POINTS OF CONTACT Muslim Prayer Room, open for daily prayers, NAS II Chapel, x9049.

Latter-day Saints: Sunday 1300 Catania Chapel, shefchik@hotmail.com; 624-1393 AA Meetings: Monday,Wednesday, Friday – 1900, NAS II Chapel, 346-840-7745

Service second to none LSC Logistics Support CW04 Tony Lastrella NAS Sigonella Supply Supporting the war fighter and allies is the primary mission of Logistics Support Center Sigonella. A division of Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Sigonella (FISCSI), and a component of the Naval Supply System’s command (NAVSUP), the FISCSI Logistics Support Representatives (LSR’s) provides logistical support to visiting US Navy, Military Sealift Command (MSC) ships, Marine Expeditionary Units, and allied forces during joint operations.

The scope of this logistics support includes the loading/offloading of cargo, Brandi, Publisher, Naval Support Activity, Capodichino (Naples), Italy - Tel. 081568-7884, 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 any anonymous 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.

provisions, mail, and critical aviation and surface parts, as well as HAZWASTE and Depot Level Retrogrades (DLR) carcass. LSC also coordinates services with local Husbanding Contractors such as trash removal, rental vehicles, lifting cranes, and CHT removal.

In their operations, LSR’s serve as the face of NASSIG and FISC to any and all ships in Augusta Bay, a NATO pier, and other ship activity.

One of the many accomplishments LSC division accomplished was coordination of personnel coordinate was the recently-completed load out of EOD Mobile Unit Eight’s homeport shift to Naval Station Rota, Spain. The unit’s oversized equipment was concurrently loaded onboard MSC vessels at the Augusta Bay, with another MSC vessel being simultaneously loaded with much needed cargo, provisions, mail, and small arms ammunitions. LSC was supported

through this massive undertaking, and coordinated efforts with Security, the local NCIS office, Air Terminal, Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR); and other tenant commands such as Defense Logistics Agency-Sigonella, Navy Munitions Command, the Fleet Mail Center, and other local authorities such as Carabinieri, and local police agency.

Customs Clearance services is another service provided by LSC. United States Department of the Defense incoming cargo, including government-owned vehicles and high priority items in support of the US Navy’s overall mission in Europe, Middle East, South West Asia and Africa are inspected and cleared for entry and departure from the area. Indeed, everyone at NASSIG and its tenant commands are affected by these services every day.

LSC, continued on page 12

CNE-CNA-C6F/CNREURAFSEA IG Hotline It’s everyone’s responsibility to report fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement in Navy activities to: Office of the Inspector General, Naples, Italy Leave a recorded message 24/7: DSN 626-2983, Comm: 081-568-2983 Speak to the Investigator: DSN 626-2964, Comm: 081568-2964 Email: ighotline@eu.navy.mil Website: www.cnic.navy.mil/europe/index.htm You can choose to remain anonymous or confidential.

may 6, 2011

page 3

Bin Laden buried at sea

By Jim Garamone American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON (NNS) -Osama bin Laden received a Muslim ceremony as he was buried at sea, a senior defense official said in Washington, D.C., May 2.

The religious rites were performed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) in the North Arabian Sea and occurred within 24 hours of the terrorist leader's death, said the official.

"Preparations for at-sea [burial] began at 1:10 a.m. Eastern Standard Time and were completed at 2 a.m.," said the official.

The burial followed traditional Muslim burial customs,

Emergency Management Office Be prepared to be on your own for at least three days. Seven is better! The BASIC FIVE: Water, Food, Heat, Cash, Radio; Family Communications Plan: Phone Numbers & Rally Points; Public Protection Strategies: Evacuation and Shelter-in-Place; Web info: Ready.gov; Emergency info: AFN 106.0 FM; Questions? Call the EM Office at 624-2630, 8265 or 2621.

and bin Laden's body was washed and placed in a white sheet, said the official.

"The body was placed in a weighted bag. A military officer read prepared religious remarks, which were translated into Arabic by a native speaker," the official added.

Afterward, bin Laden's body was placed onto a flat board, which was then elevated upward on one side and the body slid off into the sea.

The deceased terrorist was buried at sea because no country would accept bin Laden's remains, a senior defense official said.

Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Defense Department officials are sure it was

the body of bin Laden. CIA specialists compared photos of the body with known photos of bin Laden and said with 95-percent certainty it was the terrorist leader, a senior intelligence official said.

In addition, bin Laden's wife identified the al-Qaida leader by name while the strike team was still in the compound, said the intelligence official.

CIA and other specialists in the intelligence community "performed the initial DNA analysis matching a virtually 100-percent DNA match of the body against the DNA of several of bin Laden's family members," the official added.

For more news, visit www.navy.mil.

Bravo Zulu - Top 5 Large Commands > 100 personnel leading in Individual Medical Readiness AIMD 94.9% NAVCOMTELSTA 91.4% NAVHOSP SIG 92.9% SECURITY 90.4% NAS Sigonella 85.8% Brought to you by your Flight Line Clinic, Medical Home Port

What do you think of the news of Bin Laden’s death?

“I awoke Monday morning to the news that Osama bin Laden had been confirmed killed. I took that news with mixed feelings. Obviously a sense of great pride with our forces that helped achieve this goal but it was also a reminder of the sacrifices that so many have made and continue to make in pursuit of men like Osama bin Laden.

Capt. Scott Butler “My first thought honestly went back to the morning of Sept. 11, 2001 when I was deployed in a squadron that was returning from the Gulf abroad the USS Enterprise (CVN 65). I watched with horror as the aircraft designed by the plan of Osama bin Laden crashed into the World Trade Center.

“Like many Americans, I lost some good friends that day so I’m glad to be able to close that part of my life and I hope that this news heard not only in America but around the world can bring satisfaction to everyone who lost family and friends on Sept. 11, 2001 and throughout the War on Terror.”

ITC Terry Doud

GM2 Kris Carmody

“It’s something we have been waiting for for a long time but it’s far from over and I think there could be some potential problems in the future as a result of this news.”

“I just keep thinking of the Team America theme song.”

Second Lieutenant Reiss Oltman

CNEN Clayton Taylor “Obama got Osama!!!”

“It’s been a long time, but it’s a great day to feel proud that we finally got him. We still have a lot of work to do but a great day none the less.”

Perrotta Picciolo

Dott. Stella

page 4

may 6, 2011

Arrivederci Class 8 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

FFSC

NMCRS Thrift Store Open 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

CPR Certification 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Successful Parenting 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

FFSC

NMCRS Volunteer Orientation 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Budget for Baby Class 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

NMCRS

Ombudsman Assembly 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. x4291

Pre-Deployment Brief 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

FFSC Post-Deployment Brief 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

FFSC

Effective Communication 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

FFSC

Survive & Thrive 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

FFSC

Healthy Pregnancy, Healthy Baby 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Red Cross

FFSC can be reached at x4291 American Red Cross at 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!

Pantellaro

Chiechio

Oxidiana

Gelso Bianco

may 6, 2011

page 5

Fleet and Family Support Center Administration Building Bldg. 319 (NAS I) Monday–Friday 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

DSN 624-4291 Commercial 095-56-4291

Marchi

Empower. Enrich. EDUCATE. Reverse Culture Shock Relocation Assistance Program Article provided by FFSC Sigonella Returning home can be as great an adjustment as going abroad. Just as most of you had a period of adjustment upon arrival abroad, many of you also may experience a period of transition and readjustment to the United States.

During your time away, you no doubt gradually adopted or accepted many of the ways of your host country, maybe without even realizing it. This new cultural perspective often leaves people feeling somewhat ambivalent about being back in the States; while happy to see family and friends, it sometimes may seem that you were strangely more at home abroad. Such senti-

Motta

ments, often referred to as reverse culture shock or re-entry shock, are common.

Like culture shock, which you experienced while abroad, re-entry shock, too, has distinct stages.

Stage One: Disengagement may happen before you leave your host country and often occurs because of the pace of final goodbye dinners. As a result, you begin to distance yourself from friends and host-country nationals.

Stage Two: Initial euphoria also may occur as a result of leaving your host country and returning to the United States. This is where you may have formed idealistic views of home and what will happen upon your return. You are happy to be home! This feeling of eupho-

Citta del domani

Mojito

Pentagon

ria may last a few weeks but may inevitably give way to feelings of loneliness.

Stage Three: Irritability and hostility may occur when you realize that life at home went on without you, and as you were learning new things and making subtle changes, they were too. You may feel that friends and family don’t understand or want to hear what you experienced abroad.

The Challenges: Back on U.S. soil, you may experience a number of challenges, including: • Boredom • Restlessness

SHOCK, continued on page 12

page 6

may 6, 2011 Alberto Lunetta The Signature Staff

Mona Lisa tomb hunt starts: Experts Ricotta cheese festival in hoping to reconstruct famous face Maniace this weekend

By ANSA Florence - A hunt started last Wednesday for the tomb and possible remains of the model for Leonardo's Mona Lisa in an ex-convent in her home town, Florence.

If enough is discovered, experts may be able to reconstruct the woman's face and find out more about that famous smile.

"I'm reasonably confident we're going to find something," said Silvano Vinceti, an art historian who has found the bones of Caravaggio and reconstructed the faces of other artists based on their skulls.

Vinceti and his team will be using a 'georadar' device to scan underneath an ex-chapel in the old convent of St Ursula for the next three days, and will then move onto the cloisters.

"We're looking underneath the cement that was laid down when the convent was supposed to be turned into a barracks in the 1980s. Eventually we'll start digging," he said.

The aim is to find the DNA of Lisa Gherardini Del Giocondo and compare it with that of two her children buried in Florence's Santissima Annunziata church.

"Subsequently, we're hoping to reconstruct her physiognomy," Vinceti said.

Media from around the world converged on the ex-seat of the Ursuline nuns Wednesday to cover the start of the search.

Crews from Russia, Japan, France, the UK and the Arab world were among those filming as Vinceti and his team began their scanning. Despite being in the heart of Florence, the ex-convent is now an extremely run-down, almost dilapidated building.

The sprawling three-story Sant'Orsola building dates back to 1309 but ceased to be used as a convent in 1810, when it was turned into a tobacco factory.

It was used to shelter WWII refugees in the 1940s and '50s before housing university classrooms in the following decades and then falling into disuse and becoming a dump.

The site has stood semi-derelict with its windows bricked-up since building work to re-develop it as offices for Ita-

Eno

ly's Guardia di Finanza tax police were abandoned in 1985.

Leonardo sleuth Giuseppe Pallanti has published a book arguing the former

convent "must be" the last resting place of La Gioconda.

Pallanti, who unveiled his findings in 2007, said he was "sure she's down there".

The excavations were the "natural continuation of my archival work", he said.

"I've pored over thousands of archive pages and I'm convinced the remains of Lisa Gherardini were buried there".

Pallanti has said his research has wiped away all doubt about the identity of La Gioconda, as the Italians call the Mona Lisa because of the surname of her husband, Giocondo.

"It was her, Lisa, the wife of the merchant Francesco del Giocondo - and she lived right opposite Leonardo in Via Ghibellina," Pallanti said.

IDENTITY NOW AGREED ON. Most modern scholars have now agreed with Pallanti that the Mona Lisa sitter was Lisa del Giocondo, who according to the Italian researcher became a nun after her husband's death and died in the convent on July 15, 1542, aged 63.

The couple was married in 1495 when the bride was 16 and the groom 35.

It has frequently been suggested that del Giocondo commissioned Leonardo to paint his Mona Lisa (Mona is the standard Italian contraction for Madonna, or "my lady,") to mark his wife's pregnancy or the recent birth of their second child in December 1502.

Although pregnancy or childbirth have frequently been put forward in the past

as explanations for Mona Lisa's cryptic smile, other theories have not been lacking - some less plausible than others.

Some have argued that the painting is a self-portrait of the artist, or one of his favorite male lovers in disguise, citing the fact that Da Vinci never actually relinquished the painting and kept it with him up until his death in Amboise, France in 1519.

The most curious theories have been provided by medical experts-cum-art lovers.

One group of medical researchers has maintained that the sitter's mouth is so firmly shut because she was undergoing mercury treatment for syphilis which turned her teeth black.

An American dentist has claimed that the tight-lipped expression was typical of people who have lost their front teeth, while a Danish doctor was convinced she suffered from congenital palsy which affected the left side of her face and this is why her hands are overly large.

A French surgeon has also put forth his view that she was semi-paralyzed, perhaps as the result of a stroke, and that this explained why one hand looks relaxed and the other tense.

Leading American feminist Camille Paglia simply concluded that the cool, appraising smile showed that "what Mona Lisa is ultimately saying is that males are unnecessary".

Photo by www.30giorninews.com Be sure to attend the first edition of the Sagra della Ricotta or Ricotta Cheese festival running this weekend in a Maniace, a town located in the Catania province.

This family oriented event will be held in the town historic center will kick off tomorrow (Saturday, May 7th) at 9 a.m. Highlights include the “Mescita” (the preparation of ricotta that will be performed by local cheese

Wild West

makers in the old traditional way) that will take place on the following days: May 7, 10 a.m./1 p.m. and 3 to 7 p.m.; May 8 10:30 a.m./1 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m.

Folklore shows will be staged on May 8 at 5 p.m. For more information and festival schedule details visit www.comune.maniace.ct.it

may 6, 2011

page 7

Italian women 'forced to Venice mayor lauds flood control project, choose' job or kids, High risk 'Extraordinary project', says mayor they will 'not have children at "I had seen this many times in the project's New Venice photos, but the real impression Consortium said 60% of the Venice - The ambitious all', says OECD is much stronger," he said. "The construction budget had MOSE project which is desiBy ANSA

By ANSA Paris - Italian women have a hard time combining maternity and paid work and are often forced to choose between a job or having children, according to a report by the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD).

The report, entitled 'Doing Better for Families', was released in Paris Wednesday and examines the conditions of working families among its 34 member countries.

It found that Italian women "don't have many children" and the 48% employment rate for women in Italy is lower than the OECD average of 59%.

"Young women prefer to acquire a good working position first and therefore they postpone having children", the report said.

"This increases the chance that they will

not have children at all". As a consequence, fewer Italian women have children, and 24% of women born in 1965, for example, are childless, against just 10% in France. The OECD points out that the situation is complicated by the limited flexibility in working hours for parents. "Fewer than 50% of companies offer flexible hours, and 60% of workers have no control over their working hours," the report said.

The alternative is part-time work, a choice made by 31% of working women in Italy, against 7% of men.

The OECD found that poverty is also having a greater impact on families and noted Italy spent only 1.4% of its GDP to support families with children, considerably less than the OECD average of 2.2%. There are no targeted tax incentives for families in Italy, unlike in other OECD countries, it said.

Uffizi “winning War on Woodworm”

By ANSA Florence’s famous Uffizi Gallery is winning its war on woodworm, officials said last week. “Safeguarding (from woodworm) is enhancing the works too, even though it doesn’t get in the papers as much,” said Museum Director Antonio Natali, noting that 400 works including Botticelli’s glorious Coronation of the Virgin (1490-92) had been saved from the chomping pests in the last three years. Natali said experimental methods tried out on Lorenzo Monaco’s monumental late-Gothic polyptych Coronation of the Virgin (1414) had “proven successful” and had been used to beat the bugs on the Botticelli last year, as well as on another large-scale master-

piece, Flemish master Hugo van der Groes’ Portinari Triptych (1483).

“These were urgent and extremely delicate interventions which we carried out without moving the works and without disturbing the public,” he noted. The protection of the giant altarpiece by preRenaissance giant Monaco had been “particularly useful” in finding new ways to fend off the attack of the worms, Natali said.”We placed a sheet of special material in front of the five-metre high painting in such a way as to form a bag where we pumped in nitrogen to wipe out the larvae and eggs present in the wood. “Then we put a customized varnish on the work to protect it from future assaults”.

gned to control flood levels in Venice is making major progress in the popular tourist destination.

The 4.7-billion-euro MOSE project involves the construction of an elaborate system of mobile gates designed to isolate the Venice lagoon from the Adriatic Sea. It is due to be completed in 2014. "The construction of the MOSE is absorbing enormous resources, but it is an extraordinary example of the organizational capacity that Italy is giving to the world," Venice Mayor Giorgio Orsoni said after an inspection of the construction site Thursday. Orsoni said he was impressed by the works he saw during his visit at the mouth of the lagoon and paid tribute to the government and the city for producing "a work of extraordinary engineering, one of the most important works of this type in Italy, perhaps in the world".

Sicily Outlet

fundamental point is the government's commitment to protecting the lagoon and the city of Venice which has carried out a remarkable effort.

"We consider ourselves a special city, but the MOSE is a work that goes beyond the expertise and capacity of any city and can only be done by the state" he said. "We are grateful to the national government for the efforts to protect the city with such an extraordinary action also for its environmental protection, and wanting to preserve the environment's longterm balance." The main problem facing Venice, which draws around 20 million visitors each year, is rising water levels as it also struggles to cope with the impact of tourism.

The city was particularly hard hit by 'acqua alta' last winter and pontoon walkways in St Mark's Square were removed in December because they risked being swept away.

Architect Flavia Faccioli from

been spent.

"The progress of the construction works, proceeding at the mouth of the three ports of Lido, Malamocco and Chioggia, is equal to 60% in terms of the cost and 90% of the area," Faccioli said.

The project is expected to cost 4.67 billion euros.

The MOSE project is opposed by environmentalists, conservation groups and many locals, who are angry over the costs and the environmental impact but the project's supporters insist it is the only way to make Venice and its lagoon safe in the future. Experts believe there are three underlying reasons for high water in the city: the rising floor in the lagoon caused by incoming silt; the undermining of the islands by the extraction of methane gas outside Venice; and the overall increase in sea levels caused by global warming.

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april 29, 2011

Roam Rome like the Romans

By Tracie Barnthouse, The Signature Editor You shouldn't let time go by during your tour here in Sigonella without taking a side trip up north to Rome, the capital of Italy. The great thing about Rome is; there's enough stuff to see and do that you can spend a whole week there, but you can also go all out over a long weekend and see just as much. It's really up to you as to how packed or relaxing you want your itinerary to be.

To say Rome’s history as a city is impressive is putting it mildly. It spans over two and a half thousand years as one of the founding cities of Western Civilization. It's hard to put into words just how many historical sites there are to see in Rome. Each turn gives a glimpse of something new… you could spend days wandering around and seeing the sites. The city was at one point the center of the Roman Empire, which dominated Europe, North Africa and the Middle East for four hundred years from the 1st Century BC until the 4th Century AD. Rome is the home of the Roman

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Catholic Church and the site of the Vatican City, an independent city-state run by the Catholic Church.

Site: Where to start? There is so much to see in Rome, and it seems like everywhere you turn, there's something else to marvel at, which is why it ranks five out of five stars. From the Trevi Fountain, with its cameos in various famous movies such as "Le Dolce Vita" and the tradition of throwing a coin over one's shoulder to ensure a return trip to Rome to the awe-inspiring Colosseum, built in 7080 AD, the largest amphitheatre ever built in the Roman Empire, capable of seating 60,000 spectators and used for gladiatorial combat, it is thought to be the symbol of Rome. Palatine Hill, the Pantheon, Roman Forums… if you love history, you'll love Rome. Even if you don't love history, you'll surely find yourself sucked in and marvel at the amazingness of the city's past.

Don't love history? No worries.

Rome has so many stores and is quite metropolitan in its offerings. You'll definitely be busy hoofing it up and

down the main shopping district with its mainstream stores. Just make sure you bring plenty of Euro!

A trip to Rome shouldn't be complete without a visit to Vatican City, officially the State of the Vatican City. It is a landlocked sovereign citystate whose territory consists of a walled enclave within the city. The Vatican is about 110 acres with a population of around 900 and is the smallest country in the world by both population and area. The Vatican City is where the Roman Catholic Church reigns. The Pope is the man of the Vatican. He holds total legislative, executive and judicial power over Vatican City and is elected for a life term. Either join up with a tour to browse St. Peter's Basilica, the tombs of past Popes, and the Sistine Chapel, which is in the Vatican Museum and houses works of artists such as Botticelli, Bernini, Raphael, and Michelangelo.

The Vatican is served by an independent telephone system, the Vatican Pharmacy and a post office. They also have the Vatican Radio and a newspaper called L'Osservatore Romano. A

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visit to the Vatican on Sunday might grant you a view of the Pope as he gives his weekly sermon when he's in town. On Sundays, chairs line the square as thousands gather to listen to the Pope's message.

If you're a foodie, and even if you're not, Rome is the place for you.

If you've been in Sicily for awhile, chances are you're getting a little tired of the same 'ol same 'ol for dinners out in town. In Rome, choose from American style restaurants such as Hard Rock Café to Japanese, Thai, and Mexican. There's something for every taste bud. There are gelato shops all over the place to cap off your dinner, too.

Family Friendly: This is a tough one, because on one hand, the city is extremely child friendly, but on the other, Rome is crowded, so maneuvering the city with a stroller can be frustrating and difficult, which is why it ranks three out of five stars. The transportation system is quite easy to navigate, but unless you want to pay every time you go somewhere, you're going to have to do a lot of walking. Keep that in mind when deciding to bring your young ones with you. Of course, you could always strap your baby in a wearable carrier and call it a day.

Older kids will enjoy seeing and learning about the historical sites and you should take the opportunity to teach them about Rome's historical past. As with most places in Italy, the restaurants are extremely family friendly and will welcome children of all ages. Just use common sense. If you visit in the summer, check out the Villa Borghese. With its 80 hectacres and 35 fountains that encourage splashing, it's a good place to set the kids loose after you see the sites.

Rome also has a children's museum and is a great place for the kids, as is

Luna Park, which is the only entertainment park where you can still find rides, a haunted house, games and more.

Accessibility: From Catania, getting to Rome is a cinch. There are literally dozens of flights daily with various airlines and you can usually find fares for a pretty decent price, so it rates four out of five stars. There are a few ways to get from the airport to the city, and it's really up to you to decide which you are most comfortable with. Taxis cost around 40 euro and can be found outside of the airport. Or, you can take the Leonardo Express train, which takes you into the city and catch a cab from there. It costs around 10 euro for the train and it departs on a regular basis. If you'd rather forgo taxis altogether, once you get off the train, you can walk to the Metro station and take the Metro to your hotel. Just a word of warning, though; it is easy to get lost, so don't be afraid to pull out a map of the city to make sure you're headed in the right direction. Getting around the city is quite easy, but definitely pack your walking shoes, as you'll be logging some miles to get around. There are also many open-air hop on, hop off busses that go around the city and they are a great way to see the sites without having to deal with the crowds or getting too tired. As for hotels, there are a lot of them, from high end to low end hostels. Do you research on sites such as tripadvisor.com to find the best place for you and your family.

Travel Time: Since you'll be traveling most likely on planes, trains, and automobiles, the travel time rates two out of five stars. The flight from Catania is about one hour, 20 minutes and then navigating into the city takes another hour or so.

Angela

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Sigonella Swordfish Tryouts May 9 & 10 for new swimmers May 11 & 12 for returning swimmers Time: 3:30 p.m. - 5 p.m. at Splashers

Photo by Lt. Matt Knight, NASSIG Public Affairs Officer

Photo by Tracie Barnthouse, The Signature Editor

St. Peter’s Basilica is a must see during a vacation to Rome. The walls feature ornate carvings and intricate and detailed frescos.

Trajan's Column was built by Emperor Trajan in 113 A.D. as a future burial site for himself and his wife. The hollow tower hides a staircase which gives access to the top and its exterior depicts the two Trajan wars. The tower originally was topped by a statue of the emperor but was replaced in 1578 by a stature of St. Peter.

Please email sigonellaswordfish@ gmail.com for more information

Good Luck!!

Alcoholics Anonymous Alcoholic Anonymous meeting will be held on Monday evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the NASII Chapel.

If additional meetings are needed or for more

Photo by Lt. Matt Knight, NASSIG Public Affairs Officer

(Left)The Arch of Constantine is a large triumphal arch next to the Colosseum constructed in 315 A.D. The arch commemorates the Battle of Milvian Bridge that led Emperor Constantine to convert to Christianity which was a major turning point in the history of the western world.

Magnolia

Photo by Lt. Matt Knight, NASSIG Public Affairs Officer

Trevi fountain is one of the most famous and beautiful fountains in Rome. The fountain was constructed in 1762 and is fed by an aqueduct which was constructed in 19 B.C.

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information please call x3267

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*Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Sausage Links, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Waffles, Asstd Doughnuts, Apple Fritters. *Lunch: New England Clam Chowder, Lemon Baked Fish, Grilled Pork Chops w/ Mushroom Gravy, Steamed Rice, Garlic Roasted Potatoes, Asparagus, Creole Green Beans, Sugar Cookies, Cheese Cake, Vanilla Cream Pudding.

Speed line: Grilled Hamburger/Cheeseburger, French Fries, Baked Beans. *Dinner: Vegetable Supreme Soup, Teriyaki Chicken, Oven Browned Potatoes, Spinach, Oriental Stir Fry, Sugar Cookies, Cheesecake, Vanilla Cream Pudding.

*Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Grilled Minute Steak, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, French Toast, Asstd Doughnuts, Kolaches. *Brunch: Breakfast Items, Bean & Bacon Soup, Cheddar and Chicken Broccoli, Rosemary Potato Wedges, Steamed Brussels Sprouts, Glazed Carrots, Hermits, Velvet Pound Cake. *Dinner: Pepper Pot Soup, Jaegerschnitzel, Rice Pilaf, Cauliflower Polonaise, Seasoned Succotash, Garlic Bread, Hermits, Velvet Pound Cake.

*Breakfast: Farina, Oven Fried Bacon, Baked Sausage Patties, Biscuits and Gravy, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Waffles, Asstd Doughnuts, Butterfly Rolls. *Lunch: Arroz Caldo Soup, Chicken Adobo, Beef Caldereta, Steamed Rice, Cut Green Beans, Steamed Carrots, Fruit Cocktail Upside Down Cake, Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Speed line: Italian Sausage W/ Pepper & Onion, Oven Fried Potatoes. *Dinner: Manhattan Clam Chowder, Lasagna, Cream Style Corn, Baked Hubbard Squash, Fruit Cocktail Upside Down Cake, Chocolate Chip Cookies.

*Breakfast: Hominy Grits, Corned Beef Hash, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, French Toast, Asstd Doughnuts, Pineapple Carrot Muffin. *Lunch: Corn Chowder Soup, Pineapple Chicken, Beef Sauerbraten, Orange Rice, Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Asparagus, Summer Squash, Devils Food Cake, Fruit Nut Bar. *Speed line: Assorted Pizza, Chicken Drum. *Dinner: Beef Noodle Soup, Chicken Parmesan, Steamed Rice, Steamed Broccoli, Seasoned Carrots, Devils Food Cake, Fruit Nut Bar.

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*Breakfast: Farina, Grilled Ham Slices, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Buttermilk Pancakes, Asstd Doughnuts, Butterhorns. *Brunch: Breakfast Items, Cream of Mushroom Soup, Baked Tuna and Noodles, Pork Fried Rice, Cajun Oven Fries, Steamed Broccoli, Glazed Carrots, Almond Cookies, Blueberry Pie. *Dinner: Logging Soup, Beef Stir Fry, Steamed Rice, Peas, Corn Whole Kernel, Almond Cookies, Blueberry Pie.

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*Breakfast: Hominy Grits, Minced Beef w/ Toast, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, French Toast, Asstd Doughnuts, Butterfly Rolls. *Lunch: Cream of potato Soup, Pasta Carbonara, Yankee Pot Roast, Southwestern Rice, Parsley Buttered Potatoes, Calico Cabbage, Sprouts Superba, Almond Cake, Peach Crunch, Butterscotch Pudding. *Speed line: Assorted Pizza. *Dinner: Beef Noodle Soup, Salisbury Steak, Brown Rice w/ Tomatoes, Collard Greens, Lyonnaise Wax Beans, Almond Cake, Peach Crunch, Butterscotch Pudding.

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*Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Creamed Ground Beef, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Blueberry Pancakes, Asstd Doughnuts, Danish Diamonds. *Lunch: Mulligatawny Soup, Roast Turkey, Pasta al Forno, Steamed Rice, Mashed Potatoes, Chicken Gravy, Peas & Carrots, Steamed Cauliflower, Sweet Potato Pie, Shortbread Cookies, Peach Gelatin. *Speed line: Grilled Cheese/Hamburger, Baked Beans, French Fried Potatoes. *Dinner: Chicken noodles soup, Fish Breaded, Steamed Rice, Lima Beans, Vegetable Stir Fry, Sweet Potato Pie, Shortbread Cookies.

Hours of Operation Mon-Fri: 6 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. (Breakfast), 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

(Lunch), 4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. (Dinner) Sat, Sun, Holidays: 7 a.m. - 9 a.m. (Breakfast), 11 a.m.

- 1 p.m. (Brunch), 4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. (Dinner)

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mWr

Check out what’s going on with MWR Grill Your Own Steak Night With summer coming soon there is nothing better than a BBQ. Join us as we provide the BBQ, sides, and all the necessary tableware. All you need to do is show up with your meat of choice!

Tuesday, May 10, 1600 at Take 5 Monday, May 23, 1600 at Connections

Friday Night Destinations and Dinners with Liberty

Does your command have what it takes?

The Command Challenge is back and this is not your average challenge. In honor of Armed Forces Day, the Sports & Fitness Staff invite commands to submit their team to compete for command recreation funds. Full event packets available at the NAS I or II fitness desk. The event is Friday, May 13 on NAS II.

midtoWN moVie theaterS SChedule & deSCriptioNS

FAST FIVE- Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris

Friday, May 6 5:00pm Fast Five PG-13 PREMIERE 8:00pm Battle: Los Angeles PG-13 Saturday, May 7 2:00pm Rio G 4:30pm Red Riding Hood PG-13 PREMIERE 7:00pm Fast Five PG-13 Sunday, May 8 2:00pm Rango PG 4:00pm Red Riding Hood PG-13 6:30pm Battle: Los Angeles PG-13 Tuesday, May 10 5:00pm Fast Five PG-13 7:30pm Battle: Los Angeles PG-13 Wednesday, May 11 5:00pm Red Riding Hood PG-13 7:30pm Take Me Home Tonight R Thursday, May 12 5:00pm Fast Five PG-13 7:30pm Hall Pass R LAST SHOWING Friday, May 13 5:00pm Thor PG-13 PREMIERE 7:30pm Fast Five PG-13

Since Brian O'Conner and Mia Toretto broke Dom Toretto out of custody, they've blown across many borders to elude authorities. Now backed into a corner in Rio de Janeiro, they must pull one last job in order to gain their freedom. As they assemble their elite team of top racers, the unlikely allies know their only shot of getting out for good means confronting the corrupt businessman who wants them dead. But he's not the only one on their tail. Hard-nosed federal agent Luke Hobbs never misses his target. When he is assigned to track down Dom and Brian, he and his strike team launch an all-out assault to capture them. But as his men tear through Brazil, Hobbs learns he can't separate the good guys from the bad. Now, he must rely on his instincts to corner his prey... before someone else runs them down first. (130 min.)

RED RIDING HOOD- Amanda Seyfried, Shiloh Fernandez, Max Irons, Julie Christie, Gary Oldman

For decades, the people of the village of Daggerhorn have maintained an uneasy truce with the werewolf, who prowls at every full moon, by offering the beast a monthly animal sacrifice to quench its appetite. But under a blood red moon, the wolf changes the stakes by taking the life of one of their own. The victim is the older sister of Valerie, a beautiful, young woman, who has just found out that her parents have arranged for her to marry Henry, the scion of the town's wealthiest family. But Valerie wants only Peter, the poor woodcutter she has loved all her life. Unwilling to be parted, the couple was planning to run away together, but, in a horrifying instant, the wolf changes everything. As the townspeople hunger for revenge, famed werewolf hunter Father Solomon is summoned to Daggerhorn to kill the beast once and for all. But Solomon's arrival brings only more turmoil as he warns everyone that the werewolf takes human form by day and could be any one of them. No one is above suspicion. Panic grips the town as the death toll rises with each red moon, tearing apart the once close-knit village. But it is Valerie who discovers she has a unique connection to the wolf that inexorably draws them together, making her both suspect... and bait. (100 min.)

THOR- Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Hopkins, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Idris Elba

Thor, a powerful but arrogant warrior, is sent down to Earth as punishment for reigniting a reckless war. But after a dangerous villain from his world sends the darkest forces of Asgard to invade Earth, the hammer-wielding Thor will learn what it takes to be a true hero in order to save mankind. (115 min.)

RANGO- Johnny Depp, Alanna Ubach, Abigal Breslin, Isla Fisher, Alfred Molina Rango is a sheltered chameleon living as an ordinary family pet facing a major identity crisis. After all, how high can you aim when your whole purpose in life is to blend in? When Rango accidentally winds up in the gritty, gun-slinging town of Dirt, a lawless outpost populated by the desert's most wily and whimsical creatures the less-than-courageous lizard suddenly finds he stands out. Welcomed as the last hope the town has been waiting for, new Sheriff Rango is forced to play his new role to the hilt until he starts to become the hero he once only pretended to be. (107 min.)

Movie schedule is subject to change. Please call to confirm.

Movie Hotline: 624-4248

Make Liberty part of your Friday Nights! Join us as we experience local cuisine and explore different venues around Sicily. Departing every Friday night! All you need to do is call Take 5 by the Thursday before each outing to sign up.

Friday, May 6 we will be visiting Catania. This is your chance to explore the city. From Elephant Square (the main square) you can walk straight up the main street to find anything you can think of.

Friday, May 13 Sal & Brasa is the restaurant of choice. If you are a meat lover than this restaurant is perfect for you! The restaurant over looks the ocean in Catania is very good!

Friday, May 20 Taormina is the city we will be visiting. Don’t forget your camera as it is very beautiful and you will be very sad if you do.

Friday, May 27 Craving mexican food while in Italy? Carlitos Mexican Restaurant has you covered.

Take 5 Volunteer Day Wednesday, May 11 Come out to help the Liberty program clean out the sports shed!

We will have a BBQ for all the volunteers after the clean up. Sign up today at Take 5.

ITT Trips Catania By Night: History, Wine Tasting, & Restaurant Friday, May 6 Most Sigonellan’s have seen Catania by day, but to see Catania by night is really something special. Spend the night admiring magnificent monuments from the Medieval periods before sampling wine at a local Enoteca. Then, enjoy a typical Sicilian dinner at a local restaurant.

Piazza Armerina Town & Imperial Roman Villa Saturday, May 7 Come with ITT to visit the Roman Villas of Piazza Armerina, which is famous for its mosaics. These mosaics will give you the feel of what life was like under the Big Roman Empire. Then you will have time to visit the town.

Madoine Park: Pollina & St. Stefano di Camasta Shopping Sunday, May 8 In Madoine Park visit the medieval town of Pollina, and explore the castle and ampitheater with our tour guide. You will also have some time to shop for ceramics in St. Stefano which is famous for its ceramics.

Trecastagni Garlic Festival Tuesday, May 10 Calling all Garlic Lovers!!! Come with ITT to experience the Annual Garlic Festival. The festival features a vast number of “pilgrims” making their yearly patronage for St. Alfio. The piligrams ands sicilian carts are adorned in garlic, which is a symbol of good health and protection in Sicily.

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PIPER, continued from page 1

WALK, continued from page 1

nities that a lot of the other kids never experience in a lifetime, and they will always have some stories to tell.”

The visit to NAS Sigonella was coordinated by Lucia Saperstein, Stephen Decatur Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization Vice President.

Saperstein contacted Willis Holt last year to inquire about the possibility of Willis Holt visiting NAS Sigonella.

“Never underestimate the power of a determined mom,” said Willis Holt.

“Lucia has some military skills of her own. She’s very organized, industrious, and charming.”

As the daughter of a service member herself, Willis Holt relates to military children. “Military children are my favorite audiences. Speaking to them gives me an opportunity to share my own military childhood experiences and how those experiences have a lot to do with the writer I am today."

During Family Story Hour, Willis Holt read from her new book “The Adventures of Granny Clearwater & Little Critter.” Following the reading, participants were treated to milk and cookies and Willis Holt signed autographs.

anyone to try and take power over another person in a manner of assault, in any physical manner is completely reprehensible to me.”

The SAPR Walk, formerly the Sexual Assault Victim Intervention (SAVI) Walk, is an annual event held during Sexual Assault Awareness Month to bring awareness to the prevention of sexual assault.

Many members who participated in the event agreed that the walk was a great way to bring the community together while raising awareness for prevention against sexual assault.

“An event like the SAPR walk really shows how much the military and this command especially really care about issues with sexual assault,” Aviation Maintenance Administration 2nd Class Anna Finch said. “It shows that people should not be afraid to come out and support causes like this one, and I think the more we have events on base, the more people will begin to show up.”

Sigonella Middle/High School Teacher Allison Cashman said she believes the walk is a great way to get information to the Sigonella community.

“I think it’s good to raise awareness and get the community involved in a continuing problem world-wide and shows that there is a variety of people who were here and all feel that sexual assault is a very important issue that needs to be dealt with everywhere,” Cashman said. “Putting the information out there and letting people know there are places like Fleet and Family Support Center for them to go if they have questions or just need help.”

Dooney said she was pleased with the turnout of the walk and believes it is a step in the right direction in order to promote awareness of this reprehensible crime. Sexual assault hurts one, but its far-reaching ripple affect impacts the entire community and beyond.

“We’ve had over 400 signatures throughout our information table venues of community members taking the pledge to stand up against sexual assault,” Dooney said. “I want to thank everyone for showing support for this most important cause. I, again, want to thank the community members who came out to support the walk and I would especially like to thank the victim advocates who volunteer to respond to cases of sexual assault 24/7.”

Hottenstein said as a member of such a small community, he believes that every person here has an obligation to look out for one another. Hottenstein also added that any type of assault, where ever it is, is completely unacceptable and should be met with conse-

LSC, continued from page 2 LSC works in conjunction with the Priority Material Office Det Sigonella for tracking and expediting high priority items called CASREPS for surface ships and submarines. This partnership has enhanced the tracking visibility and streamlined the flow of these items through the AOR, it is part of a global network working together to ensure the US Navy’s mission is carried out.

During FY`11, the Logistics Support Center Sigonella has provided Fleet Transient support to over 340 service members, many of them in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn and Unified Protector. Some of the units supported include the USS Barry (DDG-52), USS Stout (DDG-55) USS Kearsarge (LHD-6), USS Mount Whitney (LCC20), USS Ponce (LPD-15), USS Vella Gulf (CG-72), USNS Lewis & Clark (T-AKE-1), USNS Robert E. Peary (TAKE-5) USNS Grasp (T-ARS-51) and US Marines from the 22nd and 26th Marine Expeditionary Units (MEU).

Perhaps one of the most gratifying accomplishments by the LSR’s is ensuring a visiting US or USNS ships comes into port, are provided 100% customer service as being fully stocked with provisions, repair parts are loaded onboard on time and on schedule to get ship back into the fight quickly. Recently one individual, Logistics Specialist Second Class (SCW/FMF) Erik Sinks was recognized by the Commanding Officer of the USS Stout (DDG-55) as their assigned LSR by providing round the clock support. Even during underway periods LS2 Sinks expedited, tracked important shipboard materials, ensured these items and incoming transient personnel were standing by to be received onboard, and helped Stout to accomplish her mission in direct support of Commander, Sixth Fleet missions, Operation ‘Odyssey Dawn’, and Operation ‘Unified Protector.’

The men and women of FISC Sigonella’s LSC division stands ready to assist at a moment’s notice, in an effort to deliver resources effectively, and is at the forefront of the dynamic and demanding world of Naval Logistics.

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quences.

“I think it’s important as brothers and sisters that we come together for a common mission against sexual assault,” Hottenstein said. “So, we’re all gathered to let everyone know that taking power over another individual no matter what the case is not acceptable.”

SHOCK, continued from page 5 • Realizing that people at home do not appear to think beyond the U.S. bubble • Realizing you cannot fully articulate your experience • Realizing relationships have changed • Homesickness for your host country • The belief that people misunderstand • Feelings of alienation These are all natural reactions to having spent a great deal of time and energy in adapting to a new country, culture, language and way of life, only to pack up and leave four months later. It takes time to process what you have experienced and the sense of loss once you leave.

For many of you it may be months or even years before you truly can express how this experience has shaped your values, beliefs, politics and goals for the future. But you will come through it, and below are a number of tips on staying connected without alienating those around you.

Managing Stage Three: Irritability and Hostility • Stay connected with host-country nationals you befriended as well as the U.S. students with whom you have shared this experience.

• Share your experience with others who were abroad at the same time.

• Like you may have done while you were abroad, continue to write in a journal about your new journey at home.

• Try to be patient with friends and family who may appear uninterested or who want to talk about what happened to them while you were abroad • Read a book in your host-country language or rent a foreign movie.

Stage Four: Readjustment and adaptation. Patience and continued reflection will lead to Stage Four. You may see the world through a different lens now but are quick to find that the cultural differences you once thought so great are, in reality, infinitesimal. You have learned to incorporate the changes you’ve made within yourself, into new goals and ideas that don’t negate your own culture’s norms and values. You have attained a balance between both cultures.

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for Announcement Healthcare contract position at U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella Contracting Office, FISC Sigonella, is soliciting for the following personalized healthcare contract position at the US Naval Hospital Sigonella Italy: one full-time Registered Nurse.

Closing date 20 May 2011.

Sources must be U.S. citizen and be eligible for U.S. employment. For further information please contact Mr. Giuffrida at 095-865725 (DSN 624-5725) or Ms. Randazzo at 095563792 (DSN 624-3792).

Commissary Jobs Two Part-Time Vendor Stocker Positions open at the Commissary.

Looking for U.S. military or spouses.

Please contact Gary Bufalo at Gary.Bufalo@deca.mil or 335706-5400 if you have any questions, or are interested in either of these positions. Experience preferred.

Geico

6, 2011

NAS Sigonella’s Joint Reception Center Mandatory check-in for all coalition forces supporting OPERATION UNIFIED PROTECTOR Location: NAS II Chapel (Bldg 742) In the parking lot of the Gateway Inn and Suites Contact Phone: 624-9049 Purpose: To maintain accountability for all coalition personnel affiliated with Operation Unified Protector. The JRC is also a one-stop shop to provide all operational and recreational points of contact that deployed units will need. The JRC maintains up-todate MWR activities, Red Cross contact information, base maps, bus schedules, and information for the Fleet & Family Support Center here at NAS Sigonella.