CREDO:
Health Promotion:
Offers ASIST Training Monthly
Upcoming Events
Religious Ministries Dept.: Vacation Bible School a Success
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JULY 28, 2017
Vol. 34 No. 29
NAS Sigonella Hosts Regional Ombudsman Training Story by MC2 Christopher Gordon NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – The Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) hosted a regional Certified Ombudsman Training (COT) course for the first time aboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella. The only two Region Train the Trainers (RTTs) in the Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia region, Agata Carnazza and Angel Rivera, taught the three-day course in the FFSC building on NAS 1. “This training can only be taught by the Regional Train the Trainers and we’re lucky because one of the trainers, Agata, works at FFSC here in Sigonella,” said Regina Fivella, Director of Fleet and Family Support Center. “It’s very special because ombudsmen can’t be
ombudsmen without the training that the COT students will receive this week.” Five Ombudsmen from the region, one from Sigonella, one from Naples, two from Rota, and one from Bahrain, participated in the course to become Certified Ombudsmen Trainers (COT). “It’s an honor because these two are the only ones who can train these folks to become COTs,” said Fivella. “Then these COTs are the only ones who can train new ombudsmen back at their respective bases, so it’s very important.” There are three types of ombudsmen in the Navy, the typical ombudsman who works as a liaison between the commanding officer and families, then there’s the COT ombudsman who is also certified to train those that want to become an ombudsman, and then there’s
SIGONELLA, Sicily (June 21, 2017) – Agata Carnazza, one of only two Regional Train the Trainers in the Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia region, teaches the Regional Certified Ombudsmen Training on board Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella.
the Region Train the Trainer who trains ombudsmen to become COT ombudsmen. “I’ve been with the Ombudsman Program for over 10 years so when I was asked to become an RTT it was an honor for me to say yes,” said Carnazza. “The class we teach consists of two days of training where Angel and I teach adult learning theories and techniques, then the third day is the teach back lesson where every student teaches back the ombudsmen training modules.” The COT courses usually only happen once a year, so getting ombudsmen to the training is critical to continue the necessary training required for proper ombudsmen programs region-wide. With 13 ombudsmen, two COTs, and our very own RTT, NAS Sigonella has a very healthy ombudsman presence. “Sigonella is the best prepared center to host this training this year and to have a Regional Train the Trainer as a staff member is a great benefit to have,” said Rivera. “It’s a big savings cost to be able to do this training here opposed to sending however many people over the Atlantic and holding it back in the States.” Along with being a liaison, helping families with different crises or giving assistance or referrals, the NAS Sigonella ombudsmen host monthly meetings with guest speakers to address local questions and concerns. Additionally, the ombudsman population on NAS Sigonella is unique due to the presence of NATO spouses taking on the challenge and becoming ombudsmen, a role most commonly seen as solely Navy spouses. “The ombudsmen do a lot of special things on base, they make sure our families are prepared and are ready for anything,” said Favella. “I think we’re all very proud of our ombudsmen and their programs here at NAS Sigonella.” For more information on the ombudsman program or Fleet and Family Support Center services, you can go to the Fleet and Family Support Center Facebook page at Ffsc Sigonella, visit www.cnic.navy.mil/Sigonella, or call at 095-56-4291.
NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Sigonella’s Command Master Chief Retires By Tia Nichole McMillen Public Affairs Officer
SIGONELLA, Sicily (NNS) -- Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Sigonella Command Master Chief Tony Bernard retired after 30 years of naval service during a ceremony at Naval Air Station Sigonella, July 20. More than 100 guests celebrated with Bernard and his family. Capt. Dion English, commanding officer, Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Sigonella, provided opening remarks. He thanked Bernard’s family for their support stating, "Those of us who have raised our hands to serve in the Navy know that we serve at the pleasure of the President; but we also know that that’s true only to the extent that we’re allowed and enabled to serve by the support of our families.” Family, faith, and service remained constant themes throughout the ceremony. Cmdr. Onofrio Margioni, executive officer, Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Sigonel-
la, served as the guest speaker, sharing stories about his time with Master Chief Bernard. During his remarks, Bernard thanked his family saying, "Growing up in a large family, there was always someone to turn to to show you right and wrong.” Bernard entertained the audience, sharing his story of how he joined the Navy. “Thirty years of service started with the power of a thought,” he said. “Fixed in my memory is a scene from a day in 1987 when a young boy finally realized that he needed to do something with his life—I joined the Navy.” Bernard closed his remarks by thanking the Chief’s mess and presenting a shadow box to his wife for her support and for her service as a veteran. In closing, he said, “Was it hard? It was tough, but only in the way that all things worth fighting for are tough. The Navy calls out the greatest parts of you, the parts you might be afraid of. It tests your courage, the very fibers of your being. When I think back to my most fulfilled
Command Master Chief Tony Bernard thanks his family during his retirement ceremony with help from Capt. Dion English, Commanding Officer, Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Sigonella.
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Direct Line
Lt. Lloyd Wicker, NAS Sigonella Staff Chaplain Greetings Sigonella! After months of anticipation, I am grateful to finally call Sicily home. Upon joining the Navy as a chaplain just three years ago, my family and I hoped to experience a tour together overseas. I am so grateful that Sigonella was one of those possibilities. I’m joined by my wife and 3 children, who are equally enthusiastic about this new place we call home. While each place we’ve lived has a special place in our hearts, we are always excited to meet new people and experience new places. It has been my joy to pastor churches in Illinois, Michigan, Washington and California over the course of 17 years prior to joining the Navy as a chaplain. That time has included volunteering as a chaplain and crisis responder with fire and police departments, and hospitals. Upon commissioning as a chaplain, I was assigned to First Ma-
rine Division where I served with 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines (infantry) with whom I deployed in 2016 as part of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Soon after returning, I was reassigned to 1st Battalion, 11th Marines (artillery) to finish out my tour at Camp Pendleton before moving here. As chaplains, we offer many ways to meaningfully contribute to a sense of purpose and quality of life. Being religious professionals, we, not surprisingly, offer religious services—directly providing services out of our own traditions while facilitating for the religious needs of sailors regardless of their tradition. Chaplains provide care and confidential counseling, so you can be assured there is a safe place you can turn to talk about anything that may be on your mind. Anything you share with a chaplain in counseling is absolutely confidential—without exception.
Finally, chaplains can be a good resource to seek advice and sound wisdom. If you are seeking guidance or simply wish to bounce some of your ideas by an objective third-party, we stand ready and willing to walk with you. Over the past year, it has been my pleasure to help integrate throughout the Marine Corps a new measure of fitness within the Corps—spiritual fitness. It captures an individual’s overall spiritual health and reflects how spirituality helps someone cope with and enjoy life. It is in addition to other long-standing emphases on physical, mental and social fitness–maintaining that these areas collectively contribute to the overall well-being of every individual. Together, they contribute to our ability to grow, develop, recover, heal and adapt and fits nicely into our own core values of honor, courage, and
commitment. It will serve us well in uniform, but also into the future when we return to the civilian sector. Shipmates, these are the things that motivate me throughout the week and make me grateful to put on a uniform and come alongside you each day. I look forward to meeting you whenever and however our paths may cross.
Commanding Officer's Suggestion Box The ICE/CO Suggestion Box is for our community and Commanding Officer to discuss, with an eye toward constant improvement, how we are excelling* and how we can improve**. The community is strongly encouraged to leave contact information when submitting comments. This ensures that a response will come directly to you. The Signature and NASSIG Facebook Page typically publish comments and responses for the benefit of the Sigonella community. Comments/suggestions are useful when objective, constructive, and specific. ICE/CO Suggestion Box is NOT a forum for mean-spirited attacks. Anonymous comments will be published only if they benefit the greater community at large. * If you submit a "BZ" about a specific person or department, PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR NAME in order to ensure comment authenticity and therefore publicly recognize employees or organizations. ** The Commanding Officer will ensure a response to all signed comments/suggestions and the vast majority of anonymous ones but reserves the right to disregard those comments/suggestions disinterested in the spirit of the program! There are two ways to submit; go to: 1) 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. – or – 2) NAS Sigonella's website www.cnic.navy.mil/Sigonella, go to the "About" drop down menu and click on "CO Suggestion Box".
Interactive Customer Evaluation Comment regarding “Garbage pickup procedures and Recycling”:
Good Evening Sir, I just wanted to bring it to your attention that the recycling bins are not being used effectively when being picked up by the garbage personnel. My roommate and I are very big on recycling and putting material into the proper dumpsters. The other day I was taking out my trash and the garbage personnel told me not to bother separating my trash. I was just wondering if there is anything we can do about this situation. It's was pretty alarming to me when I was told not to separate my trash. The garbage bins are labeled for a reason and I believe the trash should be getting separated once picked up by the garbage personnel. Thank you so much in advance!
Response:
Thank you for your comment and inquiry regarding waste management procedures. NAS Sigonella has a vested interest in recycling and proper waste management. We take this topic very seriously. Our Public Works Department provides us with this service through a waste management contract. We reached out to the service provider regarding this situation and their response was as follows. “We believe our efforts concerning recycling and waste management, during the course of the contract, have always been evident. Our personnel, from management to field operators, are focused and committed on increasing recycling rates and improving the quality of service. The trash, once picked up, is brought to larger containers dedicated to each type of material, and our operators have always reported improper mixing of recyclables and/or improper disposal of trash in general. It is important to point out that, based on the cur-
rent contract; trash must be properly separated by the trash generators (persons, departments on base and so on) before being disposed of in the dedicated containers. Our basic practice is to report any non-compliance when it is identified by our operators. We believe this is a testament to our operators' mindset about the whole recycling program and proper trash management. We hereby confirm our commitment towards recycling, environmental-friendly procedures and constant improvement of the Integrated Solid Waste Management in NAS Sigonella. We thank you for reporting this and giving us the opportunity to provide a response." For further questions regarding waste procedures or to report situations of non-compliance I encourage Sig’ Citizens to contact the Public Works Department Waste Disposal Contract Manager, Ms. Alexandra Ebejer at Alexandra.Ebejer.IT@eu.navy.mil. Again thank you for your concern and attention to this very important program.
Comment regarding “Rude customer service at Autoport”:
I went in to the Autoport for an oil change and the lady at the front desk told me that they could do it right away. As I went back to my car to get my wife and small children, I was then told they could not change my oil right away because my car was on and it would be an hour and a half before they could change my oil. I informed her I could not do that and she promptly got upset and rude with me. She told me to leave and come back on Wednesday at 9 am. I have never been told my oil could not be changed because my car was running. I have gone to 15 min. oil change locations while my car was hot and had the oil changed with no issues. I also didn't like the attitude problem the staff lady had because I
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THE SIGNATURE U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA Commanding Officer Capt. Brent Trickel Executive Officer Cmdr. Charles G. McKinney II Command Master Chief CMDCM Mike Kaszubowski
Name: Religious Program Specialist 2nd Class Vincent Burkett Department: SPMAGTF Hometown: Laughlin, Nev. Along with hosting a variety of NATO forces, Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella hosts the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force (SPMAGTF) Marines. Those Marines aboard NAS Sigonella wouldn’t be able to operate as effectively without Sailors like Religious Program Specialist 2nd Class Vincent Burkett. Burkett is one of less than 25 Sailors attached to the SPMAGTF Battalion on NAS Sigonella, and has enjoyed being deployed here. “I love Sicily, I don’t like the traffic, but I really like this place,” said Burkett. “I am ready to go home though and see my wife back in Camp Lejeune.” The Marines are scheduled to rotate out in the end of July, and Burkett is slated to leave as early as Friday, July 28. Since being deployed to NAS Sigonella in January 2017, Burkett participated in 31 Community Relation (COMREL) programs, going out to the local community and helping in various ways with his fellow service members. “My favorite part about being here was doing the COMREL’s to the
EDITORIAL Public Affairs Officer Lt. Andriana Genualdi andriana.genualdi@eu.navy.mil Community Relations Officer Dott. Alberto Lunetta alberto.lunetta.it@eu.navy.mil Editor MCC Jessica Vargas Jessica.Vargas@eu.navy.mil PAO Staff Writer \ Photographer MC2 Christopher Gordon Christopher.Gordon@eu.navy.mil
schools, seeing the little kids excited about seeing the Marines come to the schools and reacting to them,” said Burkett. “There were times when the kids were waving little American flags and singing our national anthem for us; it was very welcoming.” When he’s not volunteering his time in COMREL’s, Burkett can be found studying or in the gym. “With the Marines they take personal appearance pretty big,” said Burkett. “I like to work out and really better myself physically so I can fit in
"ICE" continued from Page 2 could not accommodate her and her mechanics scheduled at that time. If they didn't want to do the job, then they should have told me they didn't want to do. If I knew I would be treated this way I would have done the job myself in the first place.
Response:
Thank you for your comment regarding the service received at the Autoport on NAS 2. First let me apologize for your poor experience. While there is some time needed for the car to cool prior to an oil change for safety reasons, this should have been communicated from the onset of the conversation. Regarding the time frame needed to cool, the normal cooling time is roughly 15-20 minutes. This information also should have been communicated at the beginning of the conversation. We have communicated with our Autoport contractor regarding the service level, and have been assured this will be addressed promptly. In addition, we will be administering Premiere Customer Service training to all of our Contracted locations and concessionaires to ensure the Navy Exchange level of service expectation is met and delivered to our patrons. Once again, I apologize for your experience, which I believe could have been avoided with a higher level of communication. Thank You again for bringing this to my attention allowing me to address and improve, and for Your Service. If ever in the future you have a concern with any of the NEX operations, please feel free to contact me directly at 624-4379 or at john.sisson@nexweb.org.
Comment regarding “Parking tickets”:
I have a compliant. The other day I received a parking violation in a small parking lot on base where I noticed 3 other
better with the marines. They’re always striving to be better with that aspect.” During his deployment, Burkett arranged a United Through Reading program where around 13 Marines read a book in front of a camera in a private room. Then Burkett burned the video onto a DVD and sent the disc out to their family or friends. “Being a Sailor attached to a Marine battalion isn’t much different than other commands,” said Burkett. “I wear the same uniform and I try to hold myself to the same standards that they do.”
cars were blatantly parked illegally at the same time I parked my car. They were all parked in fire lanes, which could be easily seen upon entering the parking lot. Upon returning to my car though, I found a ticket, but none of the other cars were ticketed and they were still parked illegally. I have no problem with receiving a ticket, because honestly I was parked also illegally, but what I don't like is the fact the other cars weren't. If I feel like I am targeted again, I will file a formal compliant with the SECO against the person who issued me a ticket. Thank you! I think this should be a topic at Security’s training Tuesday.
Response:
Thank you for your comment. Since you admit you willingly parked illegally you won't get any sympathy from me for receiving a ticket. You did not provide any specifics regarding a time, date, or location so I can't give you a specific reason as to why you were ticketed and others were not. The likely scenario is that the Security Forces were called away for a more pressing matter before they had time to ticket the other vehicles. Since you bring up illegal parking let me address this issue AGAIN. I have taken a keen interest in parking on NASI and at the MVRO at NASII which honestly is completely ridiculous. All of us have better things to do with our time than worry about violations of parking rules which are probably the easiest rules of all to follow when it comes to operating a motor vehicle on base. Signs are clearly marked in areas where parking is restricted whether it is customer parking with limited hours, School Age Care drop off/pick up parking, Commissary/NEX customer parking, Commissary/NEX employee parking, CDC drop off/pick up parking, parking for parents of small children, handicap parking, DODDEA school employee parking, Store
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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 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.
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Vacation Bible School a Success By Lt. Myers, Brian Religious Ministries Department
The NAS Sigonella Religious Ministries Department hosted the Protestant Vacation Bible School (VBS) at the Chapel recently. The theme for VBS this year was “Paul and the Underground Church” simulated experience. As children arrived at the gates of the Chapel they were welcomed by their “Roman Families.” These families, led by about 15 volunteers, traveled through Ancient Rome together. They ate dinner in the “Market Place,” had a worship session in the “Piazza,” did arts and crafts while observing live drama in the “market place,” met the Apostle Paul and his Roman Guard, and went into a “cave” to learn about the early Christian Church in Rome.
Each day ended with “Family Time.” This is when the Roman families spread their large blankets and sat to discuss the Bible lesson of the day, talk about their meeting with Paul and the Underground Church, and have indepth conversations about what it was like to be a Christian during Ancient Rome. On the last day of VBS, all of the children were encouraged to bring their parents and siblings to participate in a family night. The children took their parents and siblings to visit Paul and the Underground Church, meet the worship ladies in the Piazza, and gather their crafts from the Market. The children enjoyed showing off their hard work to their parents and eagerly introduced them to Paul, Brutus, Marcus, and Lucia (characters
played by Jered Miller, Chaplain Brian Myers, and Madeline Myers). Meanwhile, the drama team stayed in character to greet the children and their families and maintain the ambiance of Ancient Rome. After dinner, everyone gathered in the “Piazza” to watch the children perform their VBS songs with the worship team (Heather Wilson, Charlie White, and Sarah Hill), watch a slide show from the week in review, and listen to a short message given by Chaplain Myers. As the family night concluded, most of the families stayed to help tear down decorations and setup the Chapel for its normal weekend routine. The Chapel would like to extend a warm thank you to the more than 40 volunteers who helped make VBS a success.
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"ICE" continued from Page 3 parking, and the most obvious one of all - parking along a designated fire lane where there is a painted red curb. I realize people make honest mistakes but in my opinion the majority of the parking violations are due to people being inconsiderate, lazy, or both. Aside from special events (Red/White/Boom, Autunmfest, Safety Standdowns, Petty Officer Exams, etc.) there is plenty of parking on NASI without breaking the rules. I recently changed the instruction regarding parking violations by increasing the punishment since previously a parking ticket was essentially meaningless. Points will now be deducted for all parking violations with no grace period or "freebie." I am also at liberty to take more severe action such as taking someone's base vehicle pass(es) for 30 days on the spot for a parking violation. For a quicker response on future concerns regarding parking or Security please contact my Security Officer LCDR Allen Richmond at allen.richmond@eu.navy.mil.
Comment regarding Bravo Zulu for MWR Employee:
The MWR Facilities aboard NAS Sigonella are excellent. Specifically, the SpareTime bowling staff has stood out. Natale Salvadio and Guillermo Rivero go above and beyond with regards to customer service. As a weekly patron of SpareTime, they have always made us feel welcome which has gone a long way with the Marines serving here. I, and others Marines, will certainly miss and remember our time here. Sincerely, Daniel Cain Andrews
Response:
The Vacation Bible School Drama Team poses for a group photo. From left to right, Mrs. Cathy Constantine, Miriam Stewart, James Walton, Lt. Cmdr. Jason Constantine, Joshua Walton, Air Force Staff Sgt. Bennett Eggar. (Photo by Leigh Ann Steele)
Dear Mr. Andrews, Thank you for your patronage and feedback regarding MWR's SpareTime Bowling Center and two of their outstanding employees. The entire team works very hard to ensure that every Sigonella citizen receives excellent customer service. In fact, all MWR staff complete a 16-hour customer service training to ensure the best service possible for our community. I am pleased to pass along the comment to both of them as well as the rest of the team. Thank you again for your valued feedback. BZ to the MWR Bowling team!
JULY 28, 2017
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Locker Room Letter By Dana McCormack
It’s time to have an awkward conversation; you know the one about feminine products. But we aren’t talking about what products are the most breathable, have the softest liner, or are made from sustainable organic cotton. We are talking about what products are causing problems in the women’s locker room toilets at the NAS 1 Fitness Center. All those absorbent products we rely on to stop embarrassing leaks are also really effective at clogging pipes. When the pipes get clogged, everything that goes down has to come right back up. EVERYTHING! It is beyond gross and the smell is horrendous. The PWD staff are getting an education in women’s output and feminine products that no one should ever have a need to know. After the pipes get unclogged, others have to go in there and clean feces, used toilet paper, tampons, and toilet water off the floor. Bottomline (yes, that was intended as “punny”), sanitary products are creating very unsanitary conditions. Many of us are conscientious people who, at one time or another, have spent time cleaning up after other people, like children, spouses, siblings, friends, roommates, etc. As such, nothing is more disheartening than spending valuable time cleaning or fixing something only to have someone else come behind you and destroy it. In the case of the NAS 1 Fitness Center’s women’s locker room, that’s exactly what’s happening when
ladies continue to flush feminine products down the toilets; whereby making a huge mess and expecting someone else to fix it and to clean it up. Since April of this year, there have been 12 emergency plumbing incidents in the NAS 1 Fitness Center with sewage backing up in the women’s locker room; and zero incidents in the men’s locker rooms during the same time frame. Collectively these emergency calls are costing Sigonella a lot of time, effort and money. So much spent needlessly, so please, please, stop putting tampons, wipes, pads and diapers in the toilet and start using the trash receptacles. Sincerely, A Fellow Sigonella Lady
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Sigonella Marines support domestic violence awareness event in Fiumefreddo and honor Sicilian judge killed by the Mafia Photo and Story NASSIG COMREL Director Alberto Lunetta
During the July 19th commemoration of murdered anti-Mafia judge Paolo Borsellino 25 years after his death, which was hosted by Fiumefreddo Mayor Sebastiano Nucifora, Sigonella Marines and sailors with Special Purpose Marine Air–Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Africa Logistics Combat Element took part in a volunteer project called “Red Bench” as part of the NASSIG PAO COMREL program. The “Red Bench” project is part of a national campaign consisting of painting red one bench of as many as possible public gardens and parks across Italy that has been launched a few years ago to raise public awareness on the “femminicidio”, (in English femicide), a term that refers to a worrisome number of cases of extreme violence of the physical, psychological, economic, and systemic kind perpetrated by males against women because they are women in Italy. Marines and local volunteers teamed up to conduct a park cleanup while Alfredo Quattrocchi, a local artist, painted a bench red to remember all the women who are victims of domestic violence and murder and in particular Giordana Di Stefano, a 20-year-old woman who was brutally killed in 2015 by her former 24-year-old boyfriend in her car with 48 stabs in the town of Nicolosi, in the Sicilian province of Catania. Vera Squatrito, Giordana's mother who leads a group of volunteers and survivors committed to preventing Domestic Violence and remembering the victims, attended the event as a guest speaker and thanked all participants for helping her to raise awareness on family violence issues and defending women and girls from abusive relationships. Maria Azzia, the Fiumefreddo councilor for sports, trade and events, organized the event. Sigonella Marines already participated in another “Red Bench” project that was held in Linguaglossa a few months ago. Their symbolic presence at those events helped and helps organizers, including the parents of the victims, to amplify the important message of speaking out about domestic violence, a silent crime that often goes unnoticed, and gaining support, followers, and actually getting public policies changed. As reported by Rassegna italiana di criminologia, in the 2000/2012 12-year periods, 2200 women were murdered in Italy, an average of 171 per year, or one woman every two days. Femicide in Italy, as in most countries of the European Union, occurs principally in a domestic situation, with women representing 7 out of 10 victims of domestic homicide. Women murdered by their partners (husbands, boyfriends) or ex-partners represent 66% of family homicides. Over 100 women are killed in Italy by men each year, the vast majority by their partners or ex-partners. In the first nine months of 2016, 116 women were victims of femicide (defined as murder of a woman related to her gender.
Catania Mayor aims to stop 'vigilante' anti-immigrant activists from docking in Sicily Story by The Independent A ship chartered by activists hoping to hamper the rescue of refugees in the Mediterranean will not be welcome in the Sicilian port city of Catania, its mayor has said. Enzo Bianco said he will fight to keep the C-star ship rented by a group calling themselves “The Identitarians” from entering the city’s port and “pouring fuel on the fire”. “They are like vigilantes, people who take the law into their own hands without having any authority,” he said. ”The situation is too tense to be turned into the Wild West.” He added: “The people on this boat are not welcome and I will certainly be asking the authorities to stop, for reasons of public safety, its docking at our port. “Catania, in these years,
has received thousands of desperate people fleeing war and hunger, people saved from death by European ships in the Mediterranean who often have lost one or more loved ones crossing the sea. To talk of the ‘defense of Europe’ is demagogic and self-serving.” The city’s port has taken in 10,000 migrants this year, and Mr Bianco admitted it was starting to have “serious difficulties” coping with the influx – but does not want far-right groups taking matters into their own hands. The activists have crowd funded more than £67,000 to hire the boat, calling their scheme “Defend Europe”. They accuse non government organization search and rescue boats of being in cahoots with people smugglers in working to transport illegal immigrants to Europe from Africa. Sea migrant arrivals to the whole of Italy are approaching 100,000 this year – an increase of 17 per cent on last year. A poll last week found 78 per cent of
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President Trump Commissions USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) By Ens. Corey Todd Jones
NORFOLK -- President Donald J. Trump commissioned the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) at a commissioning ceremony July 22. A commissioning is a day of celebration, and honors the dedication, team work, and collaboration of Sailors, legislators, shipbuilders, program managers, and the ship's sponsor in delivering the ship to the fleet. Trump landed on the flight deck in
Marine One and was greeted by Secretary of Defense James Mattis, Acting Secretary of the Navy Sean Stackley, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson, and USS Gerald R. Ford Commanding Officer Capt. Rick McCormack. Over 10,000 friends and family members attended the event, watching the festivities from the hangar bay, the pier and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Distinguished members of the par-
NORFOLK (July 22, 2017) Sailors man the rails of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) during its commissioning ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk, Va. Ford is the lead ship of the Ford-class aircraft carriers, and the first new U.S. aircraft carrier designed in 40 years. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Andrew J. Sneeringer/Released)
ty offered remarks to honor the occasion. "Wherever this vessel cuts through the horizon, our allies will rest easy and our enemies will shake with fear because everyone will know that America is coming and America is coming strong," said Trump. "Our true strength is our people. Our greatest weapon is all of you. Our nation endures because we have citizens who love America and who are willing to fight for America." He continued, "We are so very blessed with warriors who are willing to serve America in the greatest fighting force in history, the United States military. Today this ship officially begins its role in the noble military history of our great nation." Stackley also addressed the crowd. "So skipper, as we marvel at the technology and the daunting numbers that measure this ship, never lose sight that in times of crisis, you will be the first to respond, and when called upon, you will deliver the final word in the bidding of our nation," said Stackley. "Whenever you sail, wherever you sail, you will be a symbol of Unites States resolve and you will be a symbol of the man whose name you bear." After the ship's sponsor and President Ford's daughter Susan Ford Bales gave the traditional command to "Man our ship and bring her to life," Ford Sailors ran up the brows and manned the rails as the band played "Anchor's Aweigh."
McCormack expressed his pride in the work his crew has done to get the ship ready to serve in the fleet. "The Sailors aboard today are among our nation's finest," said McCormack. "They are talented, driven, innovative, dedicated, and passionate about what they do and I am very proud to be their commanding officer. Team Wolverine, I have the utmost faith and confidence in your abilities to handle any challenge ahead, and I can think of no better team to take this ship to sea." After the ceremony, the ship was opened to the general public for tours, which included the flight deck, the commanding officer's in-port cabin, pilot house, mess decks, fo'c'sle, and the newly opened tribute room. USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) is the lead ship in theUSS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) is the lead ship in the Ford-class of aircraft carrier, the first new class in more than 40 years, and will begin the phased replacement of Nimitz-class carriers. CVN-78 honors the 38th president of the United States and pays tribute to his lifetime of service in the Navy, in the U.S. government and to the nation. During World War II Ford attained the rank of lieutenant commander in the Navy, serving on the light carrier USS Monterey (CVL 26). Ford became president in the aftermath of the Watergate scandal and served in the country's highest office from 1974-1977.
As Restoration Nears Completion, Old Ironsides Returns to Boston Harbor By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Charlotte C. Oliver Defense Media Activity
CHARLESTOWN, Mass.-After a two-year restoration at historic Dry Dock 1 at Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston National Historical Park, America's oldest commissioned warship, USS Constitution was refloated July 23. Since entering dry dock on May 18, 2015, ship restorers from the Naval History and Heritage Command Detachment Boston, and teams of Constitution Sailors have worked tirelessly side-by-side to bring Old Ironsides back to her glory. Captain Robert S. Gerosa, Jr., commanding officer of Constitution, said he was proud of the hard work and dedication of his Sailors during the restoration. "The significance of the water coming in the dry dock is the start of the evolu-
tion," said Gerosa. "It's the start of getting Constitution back in the water. This is it, this is what we've been striving for the last 26 months. We are again in the water where ships need to be." The restoration saw the replacement of 100 hull planks and the required caulking, the re-building of the ship's cutwater on the bow, and the on-going preservation and repair of the ship's rigging, upper masts and yards. Richard Moore, Naval History & Heritage Command Detachment Boston director, was extremely pleased with the undocking of Constitution. "All of the Detachment Boston employees take great pride in the work accomplished," said Moore. "The ship restorers, riggers and blacksmith are a group of skilled craftspeople who have put
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BOSTON (July 23, 2017) USS Constitution is ready to leave Dry Dock 1 at the Charlestown Navy Yard (U.S. Navy Photo by Arif Patani/Released)
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Congratulatio
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ons Awardees!
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NAS SIGONELLA COMMUNITY PAGE All Hands News Bulletin: BECOME AN MWR CONTRACTOR Command, Department or Organization: MWR Date of Event: Monday 31 July Location of Event: Navy Community Recreation Point of Contact Name: Bill Gatlin Point of Contact Phone Number: 624-0504 Point of Contact Email address: William.Gatlin@eu.navy.mil Additional Information: Are you crafty? Can you start with a pile of stuff and make something amazing? We are looking for the arts and craftiest in Sigonella to teach those of us who are less crafty. We looking for people who would like to teach sewing, painting, fiber arts, jewelry making, and other artisan crafts. We would like to see resumes, pictures of your work, and your fees (ie what you want to charge) and please, tell us a bit about the class you want to teach. Please provide your qualifications to Navy Community Recreation office Monday-Friday 9:30-5:30. Deadline for submissions is 31 July. Sigonella Religious Ministries Department Worship Services Phone Numbers: NAS I 095-56-3975, NAS II 095-86-9049, Chaplain Duty: 335-831-4493, RP Duty: 335-786-1950. Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Naval Air Station Sigonella Chapel
NAS 1
Mondays AA Meeting: . . . . . 1800-1900 Tuesdays Protestant Women of the Chapel: . . . . . . . . . . 0900-1100 Daily Mass: . . . . . . . 1130-1230 AWANA: . . . . . . . . . 1645-1900 Youth for Christ (YFC) Youth Meeting: . . . . . . . . . 1200-1430 Wednesdays Protestant Men of the Chapel: . 0600-0700 Daily Mass: . . . . . . . 1130-1230 Catholic Ladies' Guild (3rd Wednesday): . 1600-1800 Thursdays Daily Mass: . . . . . . . 1130-1230 Youth for Christ (YFC) Youth Meeting: . . . 1200-1530 Choir Practice: . . . . 1630-1800 The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA): . . . . . . . . . . 1800-2030 Fridays Daily Mass: . . . . . . . 1130-1230 First Friday Mass and Holy Hour: . . . . . . . . . . . . 1700-1830
For more formation see our website at http://www.navymwrsigonella.com/recreation-leisure/service-providers
SPONSOR CLASS Command, Department or Organization: FLEET & FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER Date of Event: 04 Aug 2017 Location of Event: NAS 1, Bldg. 319 Time of Event: 0900-1200 Point of Contact Name: Andrea Carobene Point of Contact Phone Number: 624-4291 Point of Contact Email Address: andrea.carobene.it@eu.navy.mil. Additional Information: This class is offered on a monthly basis in addition it is also offered quarterly at AIMD. The purpose is to train future sponsors to be better prepared once they are assigned a sponsoree. Additional seats are still available to take this course. For any information feel free to contact us.
Weekly Traffic Report: July 10 - July 17, 2017
Saturdays First Saturday Rosary and Mass: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1100-1200 Sundays Catholic Mass: . . . . 0900-1000 Catholic Religious Education (DoDDS): . . . . . . . . 1045-1200 Protestant Service: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1100-1200 Latter-Day Saints Service: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1330-1600
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Wednesdays Knights of Columbus (1st Wednesdays): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1700-1800 Protestant Women of the Chapel (PWOC): . . 1800-2100 Thursdays AA Meeting: . . . . . . 1800-1900 Sundays Protestant Service and Fellowship: . . . 1800-2000
Ristorante Bella Etna
As a reminder to everyone: There are no PTUs allowed at the Galley. Appropriate athletic gear is authorized at the discretion of the Galley staff. Please remember that for sanitation purposes and for the consideration of other customers, if you have been out for PT, been working out at the gym, or have just been engaged in any physical activity where you and or your clothing has become soiled or sweaty you will be asked to turn around.
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Applied Suicide Intervention Training Offered Monthly From Chaplains’ Religious Enrichment Development Operative
Rich Graves, Chaplains’ Religious Enrichment Development Operative (CREDO) facilitator for Naval Air Station Sigonella, is offering Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training workshops monthly. ASIST is the world’s leading suicide intervention skills workshop. Developed in 1983 and regularly updated to reflect improvements in knowledge and practice it has become the “go to” Suicide Prevention program for the US Military. During the two-day interactive session, participants will learn to intervene and help prevent the immediate risk of suicide. The workshop is open to all personnel at NAS Sigonella. This includes all uniformed and civilian personnel (to include NATO) as well as dependents and local nationals. The CREDO goal is to train and certify as many people as possible in in the program and process of ASIST to expand awareness of suicidal ideations and behaviors in the workplace and home, and to teach people the skills and confidence to interact with someone who may be suicidal, so that they have the knowledge to provide immediate care and assist the individual in receiving the help they require. For more information in ASIST or any of the Living Works programs that
"Restoration" cont’ from Page 7 their talents to great use during Constitution's dry dock restoration. Tonight's successful undocking is the culmination of the Detachment Boston's hard work on Old Ironsides over the past 26 months." Restoring the ship in keeping with the tenets of her original design was an important objective said Naval History and Heritage Command Director Sam Cox. "When she was built, Constitution was among the best-designed ships in the world, she could outrun anything she couldn't outgun and outgun anything she couldn't outrun," he said. "Expanding that advantage has been the objective of Navy shipbuilders since Constitution's keel was laid," Cox continued. "Just yesterday, the Navy commissioned the USS Gerald R. Ford, a technological marvel of today. Ford and her crew will make history in new and innovative ways and can trace their lineage back to USS Constitution and the Sailors who first took her to sea in 1797." One of the most highly anticipated tasks was the replacement of Constitution's copper sheathing below the waterline. Copper sheathing has covered the lower hull since her launch in 1797, as protection against ship worms that could damage the wooden hull. This was one part of the restoration that saw Constitution Sailors get hands-on with preservation work to America's Ship of State. Sailors helped the Naval History and Heritage Command Detachment Boston ship restorers replace 2200 sheets of copper and the felt that is installed behind it. "It's an incredible feeling to be a part of the team to work on Constitution," said Aviation Ordnanceman Hunter Sensign. "Every day I came to work and it really sinks in that I'm working on a ship that's 219 years old." As the tide in Boston Harbor turned and began to rise, shipyard workers opened the valves in the caisson, the "floating gate" that has held back the harbor water and Dry Dock
are offered here at NAS Sigonella please contact Richard Graves at DSN: 314-624-5231, Personal Cell: 345-307-8460 or e-mail: richard.graves. ctr@eu.navy.mil Available CREDO programs can also be viewed on the CREDO Sigonella Facebook site.
1 flooded. It was the first time the sea has touched Constitution's hull in 26 months. It was a long day for the Naval History and Heritage Command Detachment Boston, Constitution's Sailors, and the staff from the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard as the dry dock flooded and a team of Portsmouth Shipyard divers checked her hull. Constitution finally lifted from her keel blocks at about 9:45 p.m. At 11:15 p.m., after checks were completed, Constitution crossed the sill of the dry dock and into Boston Harbor. Constitution started her service in the U.S. Navy with her launch Oct. 21, 1797. She was one of the six original frigates which began the new United States Navy and construction was authorized by an act of Congress in 1794. She and sister frigates were designed by shipbuilder Joshua Humphreys. As the Navy's capital ships, they were larger and more heavily armed than frigates that had come before her, Constitution and her sisters became formidable opponents on the high seas. Her keel was laid in Edmund Hartt's Shipyard in Boston. She was built from the resilient Southern live oak from Georgia and her three masts were made from the strong white pine of Maine. Humphreys designed her hull at 22 inches thick at the waterline and to protect the hull, copper sheathing was added. Undefeated in battle, she fought wars on the high seas, from the Quasi War with France to the Barbary Wars and most notably the War of 1812 against Great Britain. Her defining and most historic battle was with the British frigate HMS Guerriere, during which one of Constitution's sailors noticed that some of the enemy's cannon shot appeared to fall harmlessly off her hull. "Huzza! Her sides are made of iron!", the sailor purportedly shouted - thus she earned her the nickname Old Ironsides. Constitution remains in service to her country today, sharing the history and heritage of America's Navy. The ship is expected to continue post-docking restoration work before re-opening to the public in early September.
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GAMEZONE GARDEN GERANIUMS GLOVES GNOME GREENHOUSE GROW HOES HORTICULTURE HOSE HYDRANGEA LILACS LILIES
MARIGOLDS ORGANIC PEAS PERENNIAL PETUNIAS PINWHEEL PITCH FORK PLANTING RAIN RAKE RELAXING ROSES
ROWS SEEDS SHOVEL SOIL SPADE SUNSHINE TOMATOES TROWEL TULIPS VEGETABLES WATER WEEDS WHEELBARROW
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ANNUALS BEANS BEETS BIENNIAL BROCCOLI CARROTS COMPOST CULTIVATE DAISIES DIGGING FERTILIZER FLOWERS FUCHSIA
EASY
Find and circle all of the words that are hidden in the grid. The remaining 27 letters spell a Lady Bird Johnson quote.
DIFFICULT
Gardening
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"cATANIA" cont’ from Page 6 Italians believe they have been abandoned by the rest of Europe to cope with the influx. The activists plan to call the Libyan coastguard to ask them to take the migrants and refugees back to the war-torn country.
Prosecutor orders part closure of petrochemical facilities in Sicily, one of EU's largest Story by The Local Refining facilities at the major Syracuse complex have been closed after a two-year investigation found they contributed to air pollution. On July 21, 2017, the prosecutor in Sicily ordered the closure of two major petrochemical facilities – part of the Syracuse refineries – according to Repubblica. The prosecutor was responding to accusations of air pollution brought forward by a number of citizens and environmental groups. The landmark case is a first for such a major EU industrial complex. Esso, a trading name of US oilgiant ExxonMobil, owns one of the facilities ceased by police. The two plants made a "significant contribution to the deterioration of air quality due to plant emissions," said Chief Prosecutor Francesco Paolo Giordano, according to La Stampa. In order to reopen, both the Esso and Isab North and Isab South sites will have to present new monitoring plans and implement several safety upgrades. These include: To monitor the roof of all tanks containing volatile products or kept in temperature conditions such as to generate diffuse emissions, reduce the emission of toxic gases and upgrade emission monitoring data and tracking. According to national news agency Ansa, the parties have 15 days to accept the charge. Esso has also been ordered to improve its technology to reduce sulfur oxide emissions in two key towers and nitrogen oxide emissions in 21 others. According to an investigation by Internazionale, the first impacts of pollution caused by the giant refinery – parts of which are abandoned and old – were first noticed in 1979.
Alitalia staff 'forced to wear wool in scorching heat' Story by Il Fatto Quotidiano/Italianinsider ROME - Alitalia flight assistants have been forced to wear heavy woollen hats as part of their winter uniform, while temperatures in Italy soar. Management have declared that the headgear “must always be worn on any occasion” - on board, of course, and then “in open / indoor airport spaces open to the public, especially in the terminals; in the path from the parking to the workplace […] in the common areas at the hotel, both on departure and on arrival; in the managerial areas,” as recently reported in Italian daily Il Fatto Quotidiano. Over the past ten years, the struggling airline has changed significantly: going from public to private, competing with varying stock exchanges, and facing bankruptcy on three separate occasions. But one thing has remained the same throughout, and that is the insistence for on-board staff to wear their woollen winter uniform all year round. According to trade unions, summer uniforms have been promised, but they still have not arrived. The company have, however, invested in new cutlery for the Business Class passengers’ meals. “It’s the nth time in a few years” flight attendants told Italian daily Il Fatto Quotidiano. According to the leaders of the company, the previous
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spoons did not work. Only the spoons were replaced, not all the cutlery. Italian luxury brand Richard Ginori has supplied Alitalia with cutlery since 2009, but the deal with the company expired in 2017. Alitalia has since got its cutlery from Dutch company Sola, which ironically, in Roman dialect, means “rip-off.” The money spent by Alitalia on cutlery is not known. Last summer, amidst protests about the suffocating uniform from staff and trade unions, Alitalia executives promised that they would no longer be obligatory from summer 2017, which is not the case. This was an empty promise, because crew must wear the full winter uniform, supposedly “for every season”: men wear trousers, a jacket and a waistcoat made of 100 per cent winter wool, as well as a synthetic fabric shirt, while women put on a woollen skirt and jacket, long-sleeved dress or suit. Not to mention the hat. Italian transport trade union Uil Trasporti have stated “Wearing this winter uniform with the current exceptionally warm temperatures means putting the staff in a state of extreme unease.”
Palermo wins title of Italian Capital of Culture 2018 Story by Il Sole 24Ore “And the winner is... Palermo!”. The Sicilian capital has been named “Italian Capital of Culture 2018.” The decision was made yesterday by a jury appointed by the Culture Ministry and will result in a million-euro award for promotion and investments, as well as a likely increase in tourist visits. Palermo, one of the most beautiful cities in Italy—with a truly enviable historical and cultural legacy—was one of the finalists on the shortlist of ten cities: the others were Alghero, Aquileia, Comacchio, Ercolano, Montebelluna, Recanati, Settimo Torinese , Trento, and a joint Elima-Erice bid (including Buseto Palizzolo, Custonaci, Erice, Paceco, San Vito Lo Capo, and Valderice). Now that the city has achieved this recognition, the Sicilian capital will gain certain economic benefits. For starters, it will receive €1 million, allowing it to carry out investments to promote cultural activities and increase the value of its artistic heritage. This expenditure will be excluded from the so-called “Internal Stability Pact”—the limitations the Italian government placed on municipalities in order to manage their budgets. The title of “Italian Capital of Culture” lasts for one year. “We saw that this virtuous competition creates a system of communal participation,” said Culture Minister Dario Franceschini, “Being on the shortlist is a bit like receiving an Oscar nomination: it allows them to do a lot of work, in terms of planning and promotions.” The award, which serves to promote tourism in the chosen city, was given for the first time two years ago. Mantua won in 2016 , and this year’s champion is Pistoia. 2018 will be Palermo’s year: the Sicilian capital is organizing “Manifesta 12”, the European Biennial of Contemporary Art. One of their initiatives currently under development is promoting an Arab-Norman route that will connect Palermo with Cefalù and Monreale (the path was recently granted UNESCO Heritage status). Palermo’s Teatro Massimo—whose façade was lit up with red-white-green lights yesterday—has already scheduled opera performances for 2018, including Verdi’s “Nabucco,” Puccini’s “Turandot,” and the ballet “Adam's Passion” (directed by Bob Wilson); it will also host the multiethnic “Arcobaleno” choir. Their themes include migration in the Mediterranean (with the Immigrant Literature Festival) and religious traditions, starting with the Feast of Saint Rosalia. And here’s the icing on the cake: a few weeks ago, Palermo was also named the Italian Capital of Young People 2017.
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Health Promotion Events
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