The Signature, September 30, 2016

Red Cross: Download New Hero Care App

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Command Challenge:

Domestic Violence:

NMC Dominates!

Oct. is DV Awareness Month

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N A S SIG O N E L L A

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September 30, 2016

Vol. 33 No. 37

Stroke of Good Luck: Sig' Sailors Help Save Life

By HM2 Johanna L. Ruggs USNH Sigonella Public Affairs

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – It was just an ordinary day at the gym for Mr. Robert Kidd until things quickly took a turn for the worse. Lt. Mary Sivulich, Emergency Department (ED) Nurse at U.S. Naval Hospital (USNH) Sigonella, swiftly approached Kidd when she noticed him stumbling and displaying unusual behavior. Kidd recounted at the time of the incident that, “Mary began doing an assessment on me immediately and asking all sorts of questions.” Emergency medical services were called and Kidd was swiftly transported to the hospital for further intervention.

Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Elias Sandoval, ED Emergency Medical Technician, stated, “The left side of Kidd’s face was drooping and had lost function. He also displayed signs of confusion when we were talking with him, which are all indications of a Cerebral Vascular Accident, most commonly known as a stroke.”

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States. It’s also one of the main causes of serious long-term disability in adults. Every year, there are an estimated 600,000 cases of stroke reported in the U.S. A stroke can occur at any time blood flow to the brain is interrupted. Recognizing symptoms of a stroke early and getting immediate help is crucial.

Remember to act FAST for early interventions: (F) ace drooping on one side; (A)rm weakness; (S) peech is slurred; (T)ime is critical, and call 9-1-1.

Thanks to the quick actions of USNH Sigonella’s ED crew, Kidd was able to get the treatment he needed and live to see another day. Kidd acknowl-

Thanks to the quick action of Lt. Mary Sivulich and HM2 Elias Sandoval who recognized Mr. Kidd was experiencing the early symptoms of a stroke, Kidd received immediate medical treatment which ultimately saved his life. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States. Pictured from left to right: Lt. Nathan Voelkel, Lt. Katie Foster, Lt. Mary Sivulich, Mr. Robert Kidd, Lt. Trevis Bachmann and HM2 Elias Sandoval. (U.S. Navy photo by Yeoman 2nd Class Gabrielle Milly/Released)

edged his co-workers at Public Works Department who all supported and cared for him throughout his treatment and recovery.

“I’m very grateful for everyone who looked out

for me. I feel uplifted and very fortunate,” stated Kidd. “It’s a tremendous sentiment knowing that others will care and look out for you like their own famiglia.”

Unit Cohesion Fosters Camaraderie in Housing

by YN2 gabrielle Milly NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – The Unaccompanied Housing Office strives to ensure the best possible living conditions for single Sailors living in the NAS 1 and NAS 2 barracks.

Eight months ago, they introduced

the Unit Cohesion program which enables Sailors from the same command or department to be housed on the same floor or wing of the barracks.

“The goal of the program is to group Sailors of a particular command or department together. We want to offer the best living experi-

The idea for the Unit Cohesion program came during the refurbishment of Bldg. 170 when residents had to be relocated. The program enables Sailors from the same command or department to be housed on the same floor or wing of the barracks. (U.S. Navy photo

by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ramon Go/Released)

ence to Sailors and leadership alike,” said Chief Logistics Specialist Nathan Grant, Unaccompanied Housing Department Lead Chief Petty Officer.

“The Unit Cohesion program allows people from the same command the chance to share rooms or to assign an entire command to a floor. It allows residents who work together to be in the same area which promotes camaraderie and makes it easier for leadership to do room inspections.”

The program started in Bldg. 170 on NAS 1 where the majority of Hospital personnel reside, excluding Sailors assigned to the Flight Line Clinic on NAS 2. “In addition to grouping the Hospital Sailors together, we moved 15 AFN personnel from NAS 2 (Bldg. 623) to NAS 1 so that they could be closer to work and the rest of their command,” said Grant.

“The idea for the Unit Cohesion program came during the refurbishment of Bldg. 170 when we had to relocate all of the residents. Once the renovation was complete, we realized it was the perfect opportunity to reassign residents of the same command or department together, leading to greater unit cohesion,” said Tania Nava, Unaccompanied Housing Building Manager.

Unaccompanied Housing strives for continuous improvement to ac-

commodation, policies and programs to keep residents happy and morale high. According to Nava, “When we first started out nine years ago, Unaccompanied Housing had a total of six barracks: three buildings on NAS 1 and three buildings on NAS 2. At the time we could afford command integrity and we had a whole building for an entire command or a whole floor for another command.

When we were reduced down to two buildings between the bases, we were forced to operate on a first come, first serve basis and this has been the first opportunity for us to better accommodate our residents since then.”

With Unit Cohesion, Unaccompanied Housing has been able to keep the roommate matching program in full swing and the two programs work together seamlessly to accommodate Sailors and commands.

“For a long time we were not able to accommodate residents that wanted to room together. Now we can accommodate individuals with the roommate matching program which enhances quality of life and morale of the residents as well as the commands,” said Nava.

Unaccompanied Housing has plans for the future of Unit Cohesion and hopes to fully implement the program on NAS 2.

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September 30, 2016

Direct Line

Capt. Brent Trickel, Commanding Officer Saluti Sigonella, I want to take this time remind all active duty service members of the outstanding benefit known as the Post-9/11 GI Bill and all of the great educational opportunities and benefits it provides. I have had several friends over the years who were not aware of the ability to transfer benefits to family members, or they waited too late in their career and were not able to transfer the benefits due to service obligation requirements.

That is a mistake that can cost you nearly $90,000 in education benefits over the course of a four-year degree – don’t let this happen to you! If you're eligible, you may transfer benefits to your spouse, one or more of your children, or any combination of spouse and children.

The transfer of benefits (if you choose to do so) is quite easy and can be done online. Four years ago I transferred the benefits to my kids and it took just a few minutes online.

Once transferred it took a couple of phone calls to the VA Regional Office near our son’s college (St. Louis), submitting an online form, and a few calls to our son’s college (University

of Missouri) and in no time he had my Post-9/11 GI money going into his account. Since that time he was selected for an ROTC scholarship so I have three years of benefits left for our daughter to use!

There are some requirements that you need to meet before you can transfer benefits. If you are an officer, you need a Page 13 entry obligating you to four more years of service.

This is the mistake one of my friends made in not knowing this requirement so it is critical you do this before it's too late in your career. For enlisted, you have to have at least four years left on your contract or you need to wait until your next reenlistment in order to be able to transfer benefits. While the majority of this column is dedicated to information regarding the transfer of benefits; of course you can keep the benefits for yourself which requires no action.

The eligibility requirements to receive the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the eligibility requirements to transfer benefits to a family member are quite different. You may be eligible for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits if: If you have at least 90 days of ag-

gregate active duty service after Sept.

10, 2001, and are still on active duty, or if you are an honorably discharged Veteran or were discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days, you may be eligible for this VAadministered program.

You may transfer benefits if: -You have at least six years of service in the armed forces (active duty and/or Selected Reserve) on the date of approval and agree to serve four additional years in the armed forces from the date of election.

-You have at least 10 years of service in the armed forces (active duty and/or Selected Reserve) on the date of approval, is precluded by either standard policy (by Service Branch or DoD) or statute from committing to four additional years, and agrees to serve for the maximum amount of time allowed by such policy or statute.

-Transfer requests are submitted and approved while the member is in the armed forces.

To transfer benefits (after you have met obligated service requirements) go to this website: https:// www.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect/.

I have spent a lot of time talking about the transfer of benefits but what does the Post 9/11 GI Bill offer for the service member or their family member(s): tuition and fees; monthly housing allowance, and annual book stipend and even a onetime rural relocation stipend.

This information is not all inclusive and is intended as a primer on the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The biggest thing I want you to take away is this: If you intend to transfer your benefits and haven’t done it yet – DO IT NOW!

Ticket Sales for the 241st Navy Birthday

NAVY BALL TICKET SALES Navy Ball Committee Ticket sales started on August 11, 2016 and will continue until tickets are sold out.

Point of Contact: LTJG Krista Morris Point of Contact Phone Number: 624-4925 Point of Contact Email Address: krista.r.morris.mil@mail.mil Cost includes entrance to event, commemorative coin of event, and four-course dinner.

Prices: E1-E5: €40 E6-E8, O1-O3: €50 E9, O4-O7: €55

Please see your command representative for more information and to reserve your ticket!

DCS: YN2 James Sorrentino NASSIG Ops: ABF2 Taylor Vet Clinic: SPC Mancha Legal: LN1 McKinney AIMD: AM1 Briggs AFN: IC1 Derrance Dye PWD: LTJG Tom Runner FLC: HM2 Johanna Ruggs CTF-67: AO1 Enrico Dagsindal NAVSUP: ABFC Celocia, LS1 Hassan Global Hawk: SMSgt Robert Simpson NMCLANT DET SIG: GM1 Leah Warren NCTS: IT2 Casey Moore, IT2 Tyler Nichols SPMAGTF: HMC Narciso Fontecha, HM2 Brown USNHSIG: LT Tammy Nguyen and HM2 Joseph Aglubat

THE SIGNATURE

September 30, 2016

Interactive Customer Evaluation Comment regarding “Wi-Fi at NAS 2 Gym”:

Comment regarding “Carabinieri Checking Are there plans to install Wi-Fi at the NAS 2 gym? State Driver’s Licenses”:

I subscribe to a fitness app that streams video and would like to connect via Wi-Fi instead of using my cellular data.

Additionally, it would be great to have more kettle bells in the group fitness room as well as more group fitness classes during lunch to accommodate all services, not just the Navy.

Response:

Thank you for your feedback and patronage of our MWR Fitness Centers. There are plans to install Wi-Fi at both fitness centers in the future. MWR is working with CNIC and NEXCOM to make this happen. However, at this time we do not have a timeline of when Wi-Fi will be available.

To your second point, there are plans to bring in more kettle bells along with an upgrade and replacement of equipment at the NAS 2 Flight Line Fitness Center. Purchase orders are currently being prepared and equipment will be ordered this fiscal year.

Currently MWR Fitness offers group exercise classes three times per week at the NAS 2 Flight Line Fitness Center. The offerings include group cycling, HIIT, and yoga and are available to members from all services. The current attendance is low at NAS 2 for these classes, with group exercise classes having a stronger attendance at the NAS 1 Midtown Fit District. Group exercise classes are an important piece of a Navy fitness program and the management team will continue to monitor industry trends, attendance, and solicit customer feedback from individuals like yourself. If you have further questions, the MWR Fitness Director, Mr. John Lenz, can be reached at 624-0504 (or +39-095-56-0504) or via email at fitness_sigonella@eu.navy.mil.

Name: YN2 Cassandra Millsap Dept: NAS Sigonella Admin.

Hometown: San Diego, Calif.

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting Yeoman Second Class Cassandra Millsap, you would know that, besides being a complete clown, she has her passions and is highly driven towards her goals.

Millsap is beginning a new chapter in her life, transitioning back into the civilian world to pursue her dream job of teaching grade school children. During her five years of service, she has gained a lot more than memories; she has gained a sense of herself and a true direction.

She joined the Navy to figure out exactly what she wanted to do in life. Millsap said, “I didn’t do very well in high school and I didn’t care too much during my high school days. I had no idea what I wanted to do in college and I decided I didn’t want to waste money on going to college without a clear plan. I wasn’t driven, so I decided to join the Navy so I could get job experience, travel the world, and grow as a person so that when I decided to get out, I would have my college paid for on top of really good background experience to put me ahead of

Can you please explain why Americans are constantly being pulled over by the Carabinieri and asked to hand over driver’s licenses and CAC cards? I understand they are performing random checks, but I am very uncomfortable providing my driver’s license which has all of my personal information, including my home address in the States.

With everything going on in the world, I find it hard to trust anyone with that kind of personal information. I am very aware that as Americans, we are merely visitors in this country, but that does not mean that we are not entitled to protect our PII. I take things such as these very seriously, and I am sure anyone who watches the news does as well.

Response:

Thank you for voicing your concern and allowing us to explain this situation. The Carabinieri conduct random inspections on all personnel (Local Nationals and U.S. citizens) to check for proper identification and requirements.

These checks are not exclusive to U.S. Citizens. This is done to ensure the safety of all personnel on the road. The Carabinieri have jurisdiction on all roads in Italy including NAS 2. No PII is recorded during these checks. Your identification is only requested in order to verify that your paper work is current and valid. We understand your concern regarding protection of PII, however, Italian laws are very stringent on PII and Italian Law Enforcement is held to a very high standard. These checks are conducted in the same manner as traffic stops in the U.S. with local police. Please contact the Security Officer, LCDR Cranston, at Charles.Cranston@ eu.navy.mil if you have any questions or concerns.

others when trying to apply for jobs.”

Millsap said, “I always knew I wanted to do something working with children or animals.” She knew she wanted to be involved with both but there are few careers with animals that are easy to come by and are also decent paying.

“I figured that working with animals would be something I could do in my free time, so I decided I wanted to be a teacher. I can teach kids about animals, the environment, and about the world.”

She wants to teach children how to become good people and how to be more caring. “I feel like school is about more than one thing. It's not just about what’s 1+2; it’s about learning how the world works and about broadening their minds and thinking on a larger scale. To go play, get out there instead of sit in a class all day and stare at a teacher while they talk,” said Millsap.

During her time in the Navy so far, Millsap has been all over the world to places like Thailand, the Philippines, Jordan and more while on her two deployments. Since being stationed at NAS Sigonella, she has gotten to do her own traveling around Europe going to Paris, Rome, London, Dublin and more, with her favorite being Scotland.

As NASSIG’s Command Pass Coordinator, Millsap helps people on a daily basis.

She processes paperwork for civilian and military members in NASSIG and Security in their transfers, separations, page two’s and more. “This isn’t my dream job, which is why I want to get out and I want to pursue my passion. I do enjoy helping people and providing assistance to the members and they are able to walk away feeling relieved.

When I am able to do that, it makes me feel good and accomplished for the job that I do here,” said Millsap.

Once Millsap separates from Naval Service in December of this year, she will be entering the Selective reserves as a Yeoman and plans to complete 20 years serving one weekend and month, two weeks in a year.

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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 EDITORIAL Public Affairs Officer Lt. Andriana Genualdi andriana.genualdi@eu.navy.mil Assistant Public Affairs Officer Nicole Ybarra nicole.ybarra@eu.navy.mil Community Relations Officer Dott. Alberto Lunetta alberto.lunetta.it@eu.navy.mil PAO Staff Writers \ Photographers MC2 Ramon Go ramon.go@eu.navy.mil YN2 Gabrielle Milly gabrielle.milly@eu.navy.mil CONTACT US Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily thesig@eu.navy.mil DSN 624-5440; 095-86-5440 PSC 812 Box 7, FPO, AE 09627-0001 PUBLISHER Stampa Generale S.r.l., Sig. Bruno Brandi, Publisher, Naval Support Activity Capodichino (Naples), Italy stampagenerale@tin.it Tel. 081-568-7884 Fax 081-568-7887 This civilian enterprise (CE) newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services overseas. Contents of The Signature are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense (DoD), or the U.S. Navy. The appearance of advertising in this newspaper, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the DoD or Stampa Generale S.r.l., of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factorof the purchaser, user or patron.

A confirmed violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser will result in the refusal to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected.

The Signature is published weekly by Stampa Generale S.r.l., Sig. Bruno Brandi, Publisher, Naval Support Activity, Capodichino (Naples), Italy.

Tel. 081-568-7884. Fax 081-568-7887.

E-mail: stampagenerale@tin.it.

Editorial submissions are welcomed from all Naval Air Station Sigonella departments, divisions and tenant commands.

Editorial submissions should be sent to the Public Affairs Office via thesig@eu.navy. mil, guard mail stop #68 or hand-delivered to our office no later than the close of business on the Friday proceeding the expected publication date. All articles submitted by non-staff members will be considered contributing writers.

The Signature will not publish 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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THE SIGNATURE

September 30, 2016

American Red Cross Launches Hero Care App By kala kirk American Red Cross Sigonella

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – This month the American Red Cross unveiled the new Hero Care mobile application. This free app is designed to help members of the military, veterans and their families identify and access both emergency and non-emergency Red Cross services from anywhere in the world.

When an emergency happens, accurate information, easy access to services and time are of the essence, especially for military families. That’s why the Red Cross has designed the new Hero Care App. Whether you’re the parent of a child joining the military, a military member, a military spouse or a veteran, the Hero Care App will connect you to vital services and guide you to valuable resources that will help alleviate stress during emergencies and provide important information right at your fingertips.

Some important features of the app include: • Request Red Cross emergency services including an emergency message or assistance with emergency travel or emergency financial aid.

• Securely and easily access information about their service member in the case of an emergency, including updated information as they move or change duty assignments.

• Access non-emergency Red Cross behavioral health assistance including financial assistance and free local workshops for military kids and spouses.

• Find local resources and information provided by trusted community partners like Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), Blue Star Families, Military Child Education Coalition, United Way, Goodwill, Easter Seals, and others.

• Locate information on key government resources such as MilitaryOneSource, VA Benefits and Services, Department of Labor VETS, the VA Caregiver Support Program, and SAMSHA

This month the American Red Cross unveiled the new Hero Care mobile application. This free app is designed to help members of the military, veterans and their families identify and access both emergency and non-emergency Red Cross services from anywhere in the world. (Photo courtesy of American Red Cross Sigonella)

Community Health Support Services.

Content in the Hero Care App is available in both English and Spanish, and the call center is staffed 24/7 with multi-lingual translation services. The Hero Care App is available to download for free in app stores for iOS and Android devices.

Although not all of these features are applicable

overseas (ie blood donations), a majority of them can still help the Sigonella Community. The Sigonella American Red Cross is available for questions regarding local assistance, and is located on NAS I, Bldg. 318. You can also call DSN 624-4900 / Comm 095-86-4900 or visit our Facebook page (Facebook. com/ARCSigonella) with any questions.

Need an appointment at the hospital?

Call DSN 624-CARE (2273) or commercial: 095-56-2273, M - F: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

For non-emergent medical questions that arise over the Weekend, Holidays, or after office hours, please call the Nurse Advice Line at 800-877-660 (local/Italy only) Need a medication refill or results from your Provider?

Create an account with Relay Health using your PCM... www.relayhealth.com (click: register, patient, then add PCM)

September 30, 2016

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NEX Expands Ship to Store from nexcom public affairs

The Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) has expanded its Ship to Store Program to include several overseas NEX locations. Customers who purchase merchandise at NEXCOM’s web store, myNavyExchange.com, can choose to have their purchase sent to their local NEX for pick up rather than having it delivered to their home.

“We wanted to expand our ship to store capability to include overseas locations for those customers who may not have access to a full assortment of merchandise at their local NEX,” said Christine Estes, NEXCOM Vice President, Omni-Channel. “We are so excited to bring this service to our overseas customers, just in time for the holiday season!”

Customers get free shipping when they pick up their merchandise at their local NEX. The average delivery time to a stateside NEX is 3 – 5 days while the average delivery to an overseas NEX is 7 – 10 days.

Overseas, customers can use the ship to store at NEX Djibouti; NEX Bahrain; NEX Romania; NEX Yokosuka, NEX Sasebo and NEX Atsugi, Japan; NEX Singapore; NEX Guam; NEX Naples and NEX Sigonella, Italy.

Stateside, ship to store is available at NEX San Diego, NEX North Island, NEX Lemoore, NEX Port Hueneme, NEX Monterey, NEX China Lake and NEX El Centro, Calif.;

NEX New London, Conn.; NEX Jacksonville, NEX Pensacola, NEX Mayport, NEX Orlando and NEX Key West, Fla.; NEX Kings Bay, Ga.; NEX Pearl Harbor; NEX Great Lakes, Ill., Burkey Mall; NEX Belle Chasse, La.; NEX Bethesda, NEX Annapolis and NEX Patuxent River, Md.; NEX Gulfport, Miss.; NEX Fallon, Nev.; NEX Mitchel Field, N.Y.; NEX Mechanicsburg, Pa.; NEX Newport, R.I.; NEX Charleston, S.C.; NEX Memphis, Tenn.; NEX Corpus Christi, Texas; NEX Norfolk, NEX Little Creek, NEX Oceana, NEX Dam Neck, NEX Portsmouth Scott Center, NEX Portsmouth Naval Hospital, NEX Yorktown, NEX Northwest Annex and NEX Wallops Island, Va.; and NEX Bangor, NEX Bremerton, NEX Everett, NEX Whidbey Island and NEX Whidbey Island Fleet Store, Wash.

About NEXCOM The Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) oversees 100 Navy Exchange (NEX) facilities and nearly 300 stores worldwide, 39 Navy Lodges, the Ships Store Program, the Uniform Program Management Office, the Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility and the Telecommunications Program Office. NEXCOM's parent command is the Naval Supply Systems Command. NEXCOM’s mission is to provide authorized customers quality goods and services at a savings and to support Navy quality of life programs for active duty military, retirees, reservists and their families. NEXs and Navy Lodges operate primarily as a non-appropriated fund (NAF) business instrumentality. NEX revenues generated are used to support Navy Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) programs. In FY15, $2.5 billion in sales were generated with $22.3 million in dividends provided to Navy MWR programs.

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THE SIGNATURE

September 30, 2016

The Secret Behind Why Pasta-Loving Italians Live Such Long Lives story by The local

If you’re like me, you’ve often asked yourself, “Why do Italians live longer and stay so trim while consuming daily portions of pasta?”

Perhaps you even read the recent article below debunking the notion that pasta makes you fat.

Yes, for me, it’s comforting to see occasional examples of common sense and good science triumphing over fads and false hype. And yet it seems so challenging for logic to gain any traction when up against superior marketing.

The big consumer food brands must absolutely love it when a new fad diet comes along. Too much fat raises our cholesterol, say the scientists. Great, let’s launch a brand of low-fat frozen turkey burgers.

But wait, sugar is the real culprit! No problem, we’ll just replace the sucrose in our biscuits with Splenda (a no-calorie sweetener) and put the good-tasting fat back in. Well, no, natural sugar is OK, it’s the gluten that’s making me feel bloated. We’ve got you covered there, too - we’ve re-engineered breakfast cereals to conform to your imaginary needs. You’re welcome!

Italians seem immune to all this, preferring mama’s kitchen to anything dreamed up by the food scientist-come-marketer at a food manufacturer. Things are changing in Italy, for sure, but there’s still a huge gap in food attitudes between Italians and Americans (or other non-Mediterranean cultures).

I made my own tiny contribution to this crusade by writing a book a few years ago entitled, “Eat Like an Italian.” It’s a not recipe book or a “blue print” for a healthy diet (as you can no doubt tell by now, I dismiss this notion outright). Rather, it’s much like this post—a thoughtful analysis of two divergent cultural attitudes towards food.

So why do Italians live longer?

To gain some real-life insights, it would be instructive to simultaneously eavesdrop on two random social events; one in Italy and one in the U.S. Notice something in common? Yes—sooner or later, both conversations turn to eating.

Now notice the difference. In the U.S., they’re all discussing saturated fats, anti-oxidants, carbs, proteins, and various micronutrients. The latest bogus buzz words are flung into the fray for good measure: detoxifying, probiotic, and metabolically-optimized.

In other words, they’re discussing diets.

Now listen to the Italian version of this conversation. Even if you don’t speak the language you can hardly miss the sentiments: "Ho mangiato una mozzarella celestiale; una pizza buona da morire; un dolce paradisiaco! Un sogno! Un miracolo!" (I ate some divine mozzarella; a pizza to die for; a heavenly cake! A dream! A miracle!)

In contrast to their American counterparts, they’re actually talking about food.

What’s more, every adjective describes the miraculous nature of pleasurable eating, as if the food itself is a conduit to the divine. The excitement is over the exceptional taste and quality of the foods, not whether they conform to the latest fad diet prescription. Indeed, they couldn’t care less about that, it would seem.

So if they’re indulging in all of this incredible food while ignoring their “diets,” why do Italians live longer than Americans? According to the World Health Organization, Italians have the fifth highest life expectancy in the world while Americans are languishing at number 40, just behind Cuba and Taiwan. The statistics further show that the U.S. spends much more money on healthcare than any developed country in the world at $8,000 (€7,096) per capita, or 17.6 percent of GDP, while Italy spends only $3,000 (€2,662) per capita, or nine percent of GDP. Furthermore, the U.S. spends more money on prescription drugs than the rest of the countries in the world.

Combined! And we’re still not very healthy.

The question remains: How can we explain these apparent contradictions?

Well, don’t bother asking an Italian because they can’t explain it to you. It’s not that they wouldn’t like to, but this knowledge is so innate that most Italians aren’t even aware that they possess it. The instincts are buried deep within their DNA, the evolutionary result of generations of discriminating eaters who could tell at a glance if a particular food was appealing or not.

The point is this: the time-tested traditions of the Italian kitchen contain more wisdom than any scientific study ever could. Doctors and scientists are very good at reductionist experiments, but ultimately these details add little, if anything, to our understanding of what it truly means to eat healthy—or more importantly, to be healthy.

Conclusions reached in the laboratory seldom translate to real-life benefits; indeed they often have the opposite effect. Even scientists themselves are starting to realize this. (NPR article: Scientist Debunks The “Magic” Of Vitamins). Nutrients can’t be accurately studied independent of the foods in which they’re found—our metabolic systems are much too intricate to be subjected to such easy analysis and explanation.

With its combination of pasta, pizza and cheese, the Italian diet might not seem the healthiest.

So how do Italians manage to live longer? American writer Rick Zullo tries to get to the bottom of it. (Photo: Iconic Italian actress Sophia Loren by https://it.pinterest.com/)

September 30, 2016

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Navy Tests 100-Percent Advanced Biofuel

From Naval Aviation News

PATUXENT RIVER, Md. (NNS) -- Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus' energy vision came to fruition in September when the EA-18G "Green Growler" completed flight testing of a 100-percent advanced biofuel at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland. The U.S. Navy is a leader in incorporating alternative fuel into operational supplies, in order to increase mission capability and flexibility.

"From takeoff to landing, you couldn't tell any difference," said Lt. Cmdr. Bradley Fairfax, project officer and test pilot with Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23, after the first test flight Sept. 1.

"The information presented to us in the airplane is pretty simplified but, as far as I could tell, the aircraft flew completely the same as [petroleumbased] JP-5 for the whole flight."

Using the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division's (NAWCAD) Real-time Telemetry Processing System (RTPS) at the Atlantic Test Ranges, flight test engineer Mary Picard monitored the ground and test flights and confirmed Fairfax's observations. "What we have seen is that the 100-percent bio-JP-5 appears to be basically transparent.

It looks just like petroleum JP-5 in the airplane. So far, everything looks good and we haven't noticed a difference."

And that's the technical premise of the Navy's alternative fuels test and qualification program: the JP-5 produced from alternative sources must be invisible to the user, said Rick Kamin, energy and fuels lead for Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR). Kamin also leads the alternative fuel test and qualification program for the Navy.

The catalytic hydrothermal conversion-to-jet (CHCJ) process 100-percent alternative fuel performed as expected during a ground test Aug. 30 at NAWCAD's Aircraft Test and Evaluation Facility (ATEF), followed by the first test flight Sept. 1, Kamin said.

"Today is a further example of how the Navy and Marine Corps continue to lead in energy innovation and, in doing so, remain the greatest expeditionary fighting force the world has ever known," said Mabus.

The fuels program supports SECNAV's operational energy goal to increase the use of alternative fuels afloat by 2020.

"As the owner of the JP-5 aviation jet fuel specification, our job at NAVAIR is to make sure that whatever source our JP-5 is made from, we know it will work in our aircraft," said Kamin.

"This is the first time we've looked at a process that can produce a fuel with all the properties and chemistry of JP-5 jet fuel without having to blend with petroleum based JP-5," said Kamin.

CHCJ, the 100-percent drop-in renewable jet fuel tested, is produced by Florida-based Applied Research Associates (ARA) and Chevron Lummus Global. ARA's process uses the same feedstocks as the Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) 50-percent advanced biofuel blend

previously approved by the Navy, but goes through a unique conversion process that provides a fully synthetic fuel that does not need to be blended, Kamin said.

"We are excited to work with the U.S. Navy as it takes this important step toward the use of 100-percent drop-in renewable jet and diesel fuels in its aircraft and ships," said Chuck Red, vice president of fuels development for ARA. "Our renewable fuels continue to prove their viability as 100-percent replacements for petroleum in diesel and jet fuel applications."

The fuels team has evaluated five alternative sources for JP-5 and four F-76 sources since SECNAV kicked-off the program in 2009. The team, however, was already researching advanced biofuels in response to interest from the U.S. Air Force and the commercial airline industry in 2008.

"We shot for this 100-percent drop-in fuel from the beginning," Kamin said. "We wanted to know if a fully synthetic JP-5 from a non-petroleum source could work in our systems and we proved that it could!"

Benefits of Alternative Fuels "This is a continuation of a long Navy tradition," Mabus said. "In the middle of the 19th century, we went from sail to coal. In the early 20th century, we moved from coal to oil. In the middle of the 20th century, we pioneered nuclear as a propulsion method. Every single time we moved to a new form of power, as we are doing now with alternative fuel, people had doubts; and every single time they were wrong."

A 100-percent alternative helps with procure-

ment and logistics, Kamin said. A blend requires the biofuel manufacturer to blend its biofuel with a petroleum-based JP-5 to produce an on-specification product, which requires more time and additional facilities, all with a higher cost.

"Having our platforms certified to operate on 100-percent alternative fuels gives us flexibility and, in the end, gives us both a strategic and combat advantage," Mabus said. "It gives us options; options which are important now and will remain important in the future," he added.

"And we're not alone," Mabus said. "The commercial sector is also working hard to incorporate alternative fuels into their supply chains, which will only increase our operational flexibility."

The Navy fuels team is collaborating with commercial activities such as the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), the owner of commercial fuel specifications and the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative (CAAFI), which seeks to enhance energy security and environmental sustainability for aviation through jet fuel produced from alternatives to petroleum, Kamin said.

For example, General Electric, which makes the engines for the F/A-18, also makes engines for commercial aircraft. "It's a big community of military and commercial activities sharing information and working together to make sure that everyone has what they need to allow qualification to proceed," Kamin said. "We, the Navy, are a customer and our role is to qualify processes that we can use, regardless of where the fuel source originated."

PATUXENT RIVER, Md. (Sept. 1, 2016) Lt. Cmdr. Bradley Fairfax, project officer and test pilot with Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23, takes flight in an EA-18G Growler on 100-percent alternative biofuel during the first test flight at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland. (U.S. Navy photo by Adam Skoczylas/Released)

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All Hands News Bulletin: BREAST CANCER AWARENESS 5K Command, Department or Organization: USNHSIG Health Promotion and Radiology Departments in collaboration with MWR and FFSC Date of Event: October 5, 2016 Time of Event: Registration starts at 1700 Location of Event: Marinai Community Center Point of Contact Name: Lt. Katrina Lutfy Point of Contact Phone Number: 624-4950 Point of Contact Email Address: katrina.e.lutfy.mil@mail.mil Additional Information: In support of Breast Cancer Awareness and Domestic Violence Awareness Month, MWR, Health Promotion, Radiology, and FFSC are hosting the third run in the Sigonella Race Series! There are two distances: 1.5 miles or 5K.Wear your pink or purple, as there will be prizes for the best adult and child costumes at the end of the race! Earn Captain Cup points for your command while raising awareness for the prevention, screening, and treatment of breast cancer and domestic violence!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR TRICK OR TREAT LANE AT AUTUMN FEST Command, Department or Organization: MWR Date of Event: October 21, 2016 Time of Event: 1630-1830 Location of Event: Next to ITT/ODR on NAS I Point of Contact Name: Chris McKibbin Point of Contact Phone Number: 624-3732 Point of Contact Email Address: christopher.mckibbin@eu.navy.mil Additional Information: Organizations, commands or community members that would like to participate, please contact Chris McKibbin at christopher.mckibbin@eu.navy.mil or call 624-3732.

ALL CANDY AND TREATS WILL BE SUPPLIED BY MWR. Volunteers are requested to provide decorations for their table. Thank you

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 ROMAN CATHOLIC • Sunday - 9 a.m. Catholic Mass at NAS 1 Chapel • Tuesday - Friday - 11:30 a.m. at NAS 1 or NAS 2 Chapel PROTESTANT WORSHIP SERVICE • Sunday - 11 a.m. Traditional Worship at NAS 1 Chapel; 6 p.m. Non-Denominational Sunday at NAS 2 Chapel • Wednesday - 7 p.m. Bible Study at NAS 2 PROTESTANT MEN OF THE CHAPEL • Wednesdays 6 a.m. @ NAS 1 Fellowship Hall PROTESTANT WOMEN OF THE CHAPEL • Tuesdays - 9 a.m. at NAS 1 Fellowship Hall; Thursdays 5 p.m. @ NAS 1 Fellowship Hall LATTER-DAY SAINTS • Sunday - 1:30 p.m. at NAS 1 Chapel Contact: sigonellalds@gmail.com or 624-9049

CLUB BEYOND • Middle School Club & Small Group - Tuesday - 2:45 - 4:45 p.m. at NAS 1 Chapel • High School Club and Small Group - Wednesdays - 6 - 8 p.m. at Marinai Home Catholic Religious Education • September - June - 10:30 a.m. at DoDDS Knights of Columbus • First Wednesday of the month - 5 p.m. at NAS 2 Chapel NIGHT STUDY • AA Meetings - Monday - 5:30 p.m., 2nd Floor at NAS 1 Chapel; Thursday - 7 p.m. at NAS 2 Chapel • AA Family Group - Tuesday - 7 p.m. at NAS 2 Chapel • Tuesday - Italian Class - 7 p.m. at NAS 1 Chapel Classroom • Tuesday - Awana Club - 4:45 p.m at NAS 1 Chapel

Weekly Traffic Report: September 19 - 26, 2016

Ristorante Bella Etna

Breakfast: $3.45 Mon - Fri: 6:30 - 8:30 a.m.

Weekend / Holiday: 7-9 a.m.

Lunch: $5.55 Mon - Fri: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Weekend / Holiday: 11 a.m. -1 p.m.

Dinner: $4.85 Mon - Fri: 4 - 6 p.m.

Weekend / Holiday: 4-6 p.m.

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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Fire Alarm Top Ten Safety Checklist From NAS Sigonella Safety Department

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – One minute or less is all the time you may have to escape a fire in your home. According to local Fire Departments, which are dedicated to keeping homes and families safe, sound and secure, a working smoke detector can double your chances of escaping death.

Home smoke detectors have cut fire fatalities in half since they came on the market in the early 1970s.

Nevertheless, fires kill about 3,000 people each year in the U.S. Forty percent of these deaths occur in homes that lack working smoke alarms (40 percent!)

• If you don’t have a smoke alarm, get one or as many as you need — today.

• Never deactivate them while cooking.

Did you know that most fire deaths are from smoke inhalation, rather than being burned to death? An escape route can be blocked by thick, dangerous smoke, not plumes of fire. A smoke detector can get you responding sooner and thus avoid fatal smoke inhalation.

• Exit the building when the alarm sounds.

• Once out, stay out. (Have a post-escape family meeting place pre-determined.)

• From a neighbor’s house call 9-1-1.

Smoke alarms can also signal a flashing light for the hearing impaired. Alarms are also available that trigger a vibration under your sleeping pillow.

The Importance of Drills Plan an escape route, and then run fire drills.

If possible, figure out two ways to exit every room, even if that means out a window. Make sure everyone in the household understands and can run through the escape route. The practice should include the post-exit meeting place outside.

• Practice drills during less-than-desirable times: in the middle of the night, in very cold weather, etc., as well as under more ideal circumstances.

• Tweak the plan as necessary. Who may be capable of actually sleeping through the alarm?

This should be addressed. Make sure that an escape plan is in place for physically disabled occupants, babies and pets.

• Purchase a folding ladder in case an escape through an upper window is necessary.

Maintenance • Every month (or at least every six months), clean dust from the alarms and push the test button.

• Never paint the alarm.

• Change the batteries every time you change your clocks.

Ten-Year Lifespan An alarm that’s over 10-years-old needs to be replaced. If you’re not sure how old they are, replace them.

Leave Quickly Some door handles are fussy when you try and open them. Make sure your home is equipped with door handles that unlock then the door is opened from the inside.

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GAMEZONE Autumn

RAKE RED LEAVES SCARECROW SCHOOL SEASON SEPTEMBER SHORTER DAYS SQUASH SWEET POTATOES THANKSGIVING TURKEY WINDY YELLOW LEAVES

MEDIUM

FEAST FROST HALLOWEEN HARVEST HAYSTACK HICKORY NUTS LONGER NIGHTS NOVEMBER OCTOBER ORANGE LEAVES PIE PUMPKIN

EASY

ACORN APPLE BIRD MIGRATION BLOWING LEAVES BLUSTERY DAY CANNING CHESTNUTS CHILLY COLD CROPS EQUINOX FALL FARMING

DIFFICULT

Find and circle all of the Autumn words that are hidden in the grid.

The remaining letters spell a secret message - an Albert Camus quotation.

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Prevent Domestic Violence: Strengthen Your Community From NAS SIgonella fleet and family support center

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – Measles, mumps and rubella are serious public health issues that are preventable. Every October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month is observed because it, too, is a serious public health issue that is preventable with the help of all members of the community.

Domestic violence goes against all relationship and military core values and standards of conduct. No one deserves abuse, and anyone can be a victim.

Abuse can be verbal, physical, emotional or sexual. Some of the most hurtful and long-lasting forms of abuse never leave a bruise. At the end of the day, abuse is never justified or acceptable.

Everyone can strengthen their family and their community by following three steps: 1. Live by core values.

2. Strengthen your family.

3. Reach out to help others.

Live by core values Core values provide the foundation for how we live our lives and interact with others. Just as each branch of the military has a set of core values, so should every relationship. Core values of successful, lasting relationships include: • Respect: treating people well because every life has value • Trust: believing a person is reliable, honest • Commitment: promising to be loyal or keeping your word • Integrity: being honest and fair • Selflessness: putting the needs of others before your own Strengthen your family Healthy relationships don't just happen - they take time and effort. Every couple experiences relationship challenges. No matter how tough times get, couples will benefit when they: • Commit to living by the core values and working through problems in a healthy way • Avoid letting individual or family

stress escalate into domestic abuse • Find resources to develop positive relationships and handle common relationship challenges at every stage of life through your installation Family Advocacy Program Exposure to domestic violence can cause long-term harm to children's health, behavior and learning abilities.

Children imitate what they see and hear, which influences how they behave today and how they parent their own children in the future. Parents can strengthen family bonds and provide good examples for their children by: • Modeling safe, respectful communication and conflict resolution with their spouse or partner • Teaching their children early about relationship core values • Contacting Military OneSource or their installation Family Advocacy Program for resources to help in times of relationship and family stress Know how to help Everyone plays a role in upholding core values that support safe, healthy relationships for all community members. If you want to help but don't know where to start, the following information can help: • Call 911 if you or someone you know is being abused. Domestic violence can be fatal.

• The Fleet and Family Support Center offers counseling for individuals, couples and families to help develop healthy relationship skills and address stressful situations. Learn more by contacting the Fleet and Family Support Center at DSN: 624-4291, Commercial: 095 56 4291 • Call a Military OneSource consultant at 1-800-342-9647, the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800799-7233 or your installation Family Advocacy Program for information and support around the clock if you

suspect abuse.

• Listen to the "Impact on Children" podcast through Military OneSource to learn how to help children who experience or witness family violence.

• Check out the Military OneSource podcast, "If You See Domestic Abuse

Speak Up," for the information you need to know, what to look for and what you can do.

Take action to stop domestic violence in your community. Live by core values, strengthen your family and use these resources to help prevent abuse.

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