The Oct. 7 issue of The Signature

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Vol. 28 No. 38

OctOber 7, 2011

http://www.cnic.navy.mil/sigonella

Sigonella goes green

NAS Sigonella pledges to prevent domestic abuse

Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations and Environment, Jackalyne Pfannenstiel, NAS Sigonella Commanding Officer, Capt. Scott Butler and representatives from Public Works Department Sigonella cut the ribbon on Sept. 29 for a set of new solar panels that will save both money and energy for the base.

By MCSN Cameron Bramham NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations and Environment, Jackalyne Pfannenstiel visited Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella Sept. 29, to participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony officially celebrating the new addition of fully operational solar panels. These solar panels, along with the addition of electric vehicles, are a part of the steps that NAS Sigonella have completed to meet Executive Order 13423, established by the Department of the Navy in 2007.

Executive Order 13423 is a set of aggressive goals to increase combat effectiveness. The main objectives of these goals are to increase tactical and shore energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. “Energy is a very important strategic resource for the Navy,” Pfannenstiel said. “We use a lot of it and we need to make sure we’re using it as economically, as efficiently and as strategically as we can. Besides, we spend a lot of money on energy so we are always looking for ways to make it less expensive for us.” ENERGY, continued on page 12

Sigonella Ombudsmen honored at luncheon

NAS Sigonella Commanding Officer, Capt. Scott Butler (sitting) along with NAS Sigonella Command Master Chief David Graham (far right) welcomed Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) members (from left to right) Karen Warner, Counseling and Advocacy Program (CAP) Manager, Elinor Cantrell, Kevin Callan, FFSC Director Dr. Marlene Casel, Monica Trouth and Melisa Ram to sign an annual proclamation designating October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, in the CO’s conference room Sept. 12.

By MCSN Cameron Bramham NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella Commanding Officer, Capt. Scott Butler joined members of Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) in the CO’s conference room Sept. 12 for the signing of the Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) Proclamation which runs through October. According to http://dvam.vawnet.org/, DVAM evolved from the "Day of Unity" in October 1981 conceived by the National Coalition against Domestic Violence. The intent was to connect advocates across the nation who were working to end violence against women and their children. The Day of Unity soon became an entire week devoted to a range of activities conducted at the local, state, and national levels. So far this fiscal year, there have been 16 reports of domestic violence

throughout the NAS Sigonella base. This year’s theme for DVAM is “One Voice, Against Domestic Violence”. “What I would like to see this year is that one person, whether it be a mother, father, aunt, uncle, co-worker, Airman, Marine or Sailor standing up and making their voice count,” Counseling and Advocacy Program (CAP) Manager Elinor Cantrell said. “That voice can make a difference in saving a life.” This year is also focused on the national symbol against the domestic violence, the purple ribbon. According to the website, there are a number of sources who have been credited with the creation of the purple ribbon and its significance towards DVAM. However, according to Cantrell, the meaning comes from the tragic story of Lisa Bianca who lived during the 1980’s and had two children and a very abusive husband. When Bianca left her husband and got a re-

straining order against him, he reacted by kidnapping the two children before being caught and sentenced to prison for two years. When the husband was released, he tracked down Bianca once more and this time, he murdered her. Bianca’s favorite color was purple and at the time of her death was working at a women’s shelter, so the women at the shelter made purple ribbons in honor of Bianca which the community stood behind, and the purple ribbon has been the main symbol against domestic violence since. “Today, we do the Purple Ribbon Campaign which you will be able to see all over base for the month of October,” Cantrell said. “You can also come by Fleet and Family and pick your own purple ribbon at the front desk.” For more information on what you can do to help prevent domestic violence, contact Cantrell at 624-4291 or visit the website at http://dvam.vawnet.org/.

Ombudsmen from NAS Sigonella and its tenant commands were honored at luncheon on Oct. 4 to recognize their role in the Navy. The event was hosted by FFSC and is held annually during the month of October.

NMCB-5 at Sigonella Seabees from NMCB-5 have completed their first “green” deployment in two years.

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Cook like an Italian!

Job searching?

Learn the tips and tools of the cooking trade and see how to make the most perfect bruschetta.

MWR Sigonella has many opportunities for those looking for employment at Sigonella.

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Scan for direct links to NAS Sigonella


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