The Signature | September 18, 2020

September 18, 2020

Vol. 37 No. 16

SIGONELLA COMMITS TO SUICIDE PREVENTION page 9

NAS Sigonella and Nissoria Remember 9/11 Navy Ombudsman 50th Anniversary

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Direct Line Lt. Ryan Albano, Chaplain

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ecently, General John Hyten, the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, made a keen observation in a video he prepared for Suicide Prevention Month. While discussing the stigma surrounding mental health and how it acts as a barrier to care, Gen. Hyten shared a personal story. He hit a low point as the Commanding General of US Strategic Command and reached out to the psychologist. The psychologist, recognizing that a four star going to mental health could be seen in a negative light, offered him a private appointment so that no one would know he was seeking help. Gen. Hyten turned down the offer and, instead, walked through the front door of the Mental Health Office as a clear statement that there is no stigma against seeking mental health at USSTRATCOM. He met the psychologist, and was better for it.

General Hyten took an important step towards breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health in his command, but there is more work for us to do throughout the Armed Forces. I see this each time I teach Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST). One of the first questions we ask at the beginning of training is, “If you were struggling with thoughts of suicide, who would you reach out to first?” The answers are written down anonymously, and without fail the vast majority of people say they would first talk to a friend, family member or someone they trust in their command. This tells us two things. The first is that our seemingly mundane daily interactions with our family, friends and coworkers are of utmost significance.

We build trust with each other in small yet genuine moments, and a person struggling with thoughts of suicide is not necessarily looking for someone who can solve their problems; they are looking for someone they can trust.

The second thing we learn is that there is still a lot of stigma surrounding mental health. While people say they would reach out to people who are close to them first, these same people also have fears about what people will think or say if they meet with a psychologist, counselor, or chaplain. They believe that people will think there is something wrong with them. Sadly, I know where their fears are coming from. When I was a young enlisted airman I regularly heard what people really thought about mental health. At my second duty station I worked with a young airman who was at a real low point in her life and regularly met with a counselor.

One day I walked into our office and asked here she was to which one of my other coworkers replied, “She’s meeting with her shrink. Apparently she has more than a few screws loose.” That is precisely the kind of stigma we are trying to tear down, because it is not true! I still keep in touch with this airman who supposedly “had a few screws loose,” and I can tell you she came back stronger than ever and is now a helicopter pilot in the US Army.

I hope that these two success stories, one from the highest rank in the military and one from the deck plates, demonstrates that seeking help does not hinder your career; it only helps! Seeking help is a sign of strength, not of weakness. The reality is that many people who feel on top of their game today may very well find themselves needing some help in the future.

Look for one small act you can do to improve the connections in your work centers, family and friends every day. And help us end the stigma surrounding mental health. If you hear someone speaking negatively about a person seeking mental health, shut that conversation down. As a leader, don’t just allow people to seek help.

Encourage them to do it! If you’ve sought help before and you feel comfortable talking about, share your story with your team. As you support your team, you will not only help this person get better and come back stronger, but you will also build the kind of trust and camaraderie that genuine care and concern can bring.

September 18, 2020

Interactive Customer Evaluation Customer Comment Regarding High School Food Court Usage: While eating the food court this afternoon noticed that all the high school students had congregated in the food court again and they demonstrated a total disregard for the restrictions in place. Tables are clearly marked for 2 persons only but they were moving all the tables (that can move) and the chairs to have 4-5-6 people at the tables. And when not eating they were not wearing masks - just a total disregard for the rules. The high school students should not be allowed in the food court and should instead bring their lunches and eat in their classrooms if there is not a cafeteria at the school for them. Until the COVID restrictions are lifted, the food court cannot support them and they are making it dangerous for everyone with their disregard for the policies posted.

Response from CO: Thank you for sending us your concern. I have personally witnessed this issue as well, and I would like to reiterate that everyone, including students, must follow the guidelines for visiting the commissary, food court, and NEX. These guidelines include no more than two people sitting at a table (not including members of the same household) and removing masks only when eating. Inability to follow these guidelines will likely result in students losing the privilege of visiting the food court and commissary at lunch.

Within the first week of school, the Sigonella Community School principal, Mr. Dale Moore, recognized this issue and personally enforced the standard.

This should no longer be an issue. If it is, please feel free to contact myself or Mr. Dale Moore.

Customer Comment Regarding Candles: Handling firearms, transferring explosives, sticking needles to deliver vaccines and take blood, owning candles. Guess which one people in the barracks aren’t trusted with?

Why is owning a candle in the barracks cause for “automatic room failure”? We’re grown men and women.

Trusted with handling and protecting million dollar pieces of equipment and yet can’t come back to where we LIVE

and relax to the scent of cinnamon spice or lavender. At this point the barracks policies don’t exist to uphold order, and it’s to belittle those who live there.

To make E-4 and below believe that because they’re a lower rank that the Navy believes they should be treated like children.

Response: The rules prohibiting candles apply in barracks across the entirety of the Navy. The fire safety codes are in place to safeguard everyone and are common for that type of building. We assure you that this is not due to rank, but rather due to the nature of the living quarters where hundreds of lives may be at risk from one candle. We encourage you to seek out alternate sources of relaxation as long as they don’t include an open flame. Our goal is to keep our community safe, and we thank you for allowing us to address this concern Customer Comment Regarding Mini-NEX Hours: As you know, many of us work on Nas 2 regular hours. Some of us live far from base and the only means to get a coffee or necessities in the morning is to go the 7 day. Especially for watch standers.

They already have it bad enough having to stand duty during a pandemic but also can’t get basic needs in the morning? A lot of people are upset over the fact big Als is open at 0600 but the 7 day doesn’t open until 9. That’s well after the time people need to report for work. Very disappointing.

Response: Thank you for bringing up your concern. We’re happy to report that, as of September 1, the NEX Mini Mart is now open from 0700 until 1900 seven days a week. We will continue to provide updates as base services change their hours of availability.

Bravo Zulu BZ to PSD: Mrs. Young was professional and helped ensure that my I.D. situation was taken care of with ease. Thank you so much!

BZ to PSD: Wendy is awesome!

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U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA

Commanding Officer Capt. Kevin Pickard Executive Officer Cmdr. Patrick J. Moran Command Master Chief CMDCM Anna Wood EDITORIAL Public Affairs Officer Lt. Karl Schonberg karl.schonberg@eu.navy.mil Assistant Public Affairs Officer Megan Mills megan.mills@eu.navy.mil Public Affairs Leading Petty Officer MC1 Kegan Kay kegan.kay@eu.navy.mil Community Relations Officer Dott. Alberto Lunetta alberto.lunetta.it@eu.navy.mil PAO Staff Writers \ Photographers MC2 Joshua Coté joshua.m.cote@eu.navy.mil MC2 Jacques Jean-Gilles jacques-laurent.jean@eu.navy.mil MCSA Triniti Lersch triniti.lersch@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

This 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.

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. All articles submitted by non-staff members will be considered contributing writers.

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Preparing for Disasters Now Can Save Lives, Time and Money – Are You Prepared?

WASHINGTON (NNS) – The U.S. Navy is the epitome of preparedness, ready to respond to both natural and man-made disaster.

The preparedness mindset, so important to Navy warfighters, also has tremendous value off-duty and should be practiced year-round to ensure every Sailor, civilian employee, contractor and family member are poised for action as disasters and other calamities strike.

“Being mission ready is a concept drilled into every Sailor in the Navy, but it is crucial that each and every one of us also spend time to ensure that we are personally ready for what might come our way,” said Chris Bobrowski, Emergency Management Specialist for Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC). “September is National Preparedness Month (NPM) and is the perfect opportunity to translate those preparedness skills honed throughout the year and apply them to our personal lives.”

Observed annually in September, this year’s overall NPM theme is “Disasters Don’t Wait. Make Your Plan Today.” Each week in the month focuses on different preparedness themes: Make a Plan; Build a Kit; Prepare for Disasters; and Teach Youth About Preparedness.

“Disaster preparedness is everyone’s business,” Bobrowski said. “Spend time this month, involve the family, and make your plan for natural disasters and potential emergencies, knowing that this year might look different as a result of COVID-19.”

To assist with this, CNIC employs its Ready Navy Program, designed to increase the ability of everyone affiliated with the Navy to plan and prepare for all types of hazards, ranging from hurricanes and earthquakes to terrorist attacks. Reading and implementing the information provided on the Ready Navy website, www.Ready.Navy.mil, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s disaster preparedness website, www.Ready.gov, will strengthen emergency planning at home During major real-world disasters, installations, along with their tenant commands, account for Sailors and Navy families through the Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System (NFAAS). Sailors, civilian employees and Navy families are encouraged to login to NFAAS during the month of September at https:// navyfamily.navy.mil, or utilize the NFAAS mobile app at https://applocker.navy.mil, to update their information so they are ready when, not if, disaster strikes.

September 18, 2020

U.S. Navy Conducts Joint Operations With U.S. Air Force for the Second Time in Two Months

By U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, and NATO units U conducted a joint maritime and air training mission in the Adriatic Sea, Sept. 11, 2020.

The Arleigh Burke class, guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), a P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) from Patrol Squadron VP-47, four F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base, Italy, KC135 Stratotankers from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, Mildenhall, England and Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) E-3A from NATO, Geilenkirchen, Germany, participated in the training.

The training mission was the latest iteration of an ongoing integration of U.S. Air Force Europe and U.S. 6th Fleet. The ultimate goal is to refine joint air defense procedures to better defend U.S. Navy ships.

“Our comparative military advantage is that U.S. uniformed services fight together,” said Capt.

Joseph A. Gagliano, Commander, Task Force 65.

“Today’s exercise demonstrated that our joint

Navy-Air Force team and NATO is ready to operate anywhere in this theater.”

U.S. destroyers, based in Rota, Spain, support NATO’s integrated air missile defense architecture.

These forward deployed naval forces-Europe ships have the flexibility to operate throughout the waters of Europe and Africa, from the Cape of Good Hope to the Arctic Circle demonstrating their mastery of the maritime domain.

VP-47 is currently assigned to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 67 and is forward-deployed to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations (AOO). CTF 67 is composed of land-based maritime patrol aircraft that operate over the waters of the Mediterranean in anti-submarine reconnaissance, surveillance, and mining roles.

U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with joint, allied, and interagency partners in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

U.S. Air Force units execute a flyover with the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), Sept. 11, 2020.

Roosevelt, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is on its first patrol in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of regional allies and partners and U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa. (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Austin G. Collins)

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NAS Sigonella a

By MC2 Jacques Jean-Gilles, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

O

Naval Air Station Sigonella remembers 9/11 with a memorial service on September 11, 2020.

n September 11, 2020, Service members from Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella and Italian nationals participated in an annual ceremony in Nissoria, Italy, to commemorate the terrorist attacks 19 years ago.

On September 11, 2001, four consecutive terrorist attacks by the terrorist organization al-Qaeda killed nearly 3,000 people and injured another 25,000.

Hijacked planes felled the iconic Twin Towers in New York City and also damaged the western side of the Pentagon in Arlington, VA. “The attacks were one of the most horrible things to have happened in recent history,” said Armando Glorioso, mayor of Nissoria. “I couldn’t believe my eyes. I thought I was watching a movie.”

Vincenzo Di Fazio and Salvatore Lopez, two men from Nissoria, lost their lives that day at the World Trade Center.

“I took it very personally because Vincenzo and Salvatore were relatives of mine,” said Mario Chiara, a Sicilian-American. “My brother also worked on

September 18, 2020

and Nissoria Commemorate 9/11 the 107th floor, but he happened to home that day planning his wedding, which was due to be on the 21st at the World Trade Center.”

One year after the attacks, Chiara, his father, and the former mayor of Nissoria, dedicated a plot of land to the memories of the Nissorian men and the other victims, naming it “Parco 11 Settembre” (September 11th Park).

Parco 11 Settembre was one of the first public places in Europe dedicated as a memorial to the attacks.

“We Sicilians already have a close bond to the United States,” said Glorioso, “but we Nissorians feel particularly attached to the tragedy and the United States following the loss of our loved ones.”

Sigonella service members and the locals walked through the 3000-person town to reach the memorial, where they raised an American flag and laid a wreath on a plaque at the memorial. This year’s memorial was affected the coronavirus pandemic. Normally, this public event is full of local spectators, but this

year’s ceremony was kept private and limited to maskdonning service members and local authorities.

“The presence of American service members here today is important because it shows solidarity between our local communities,” said Senior Chief Petty Officer Christopher Aiu, a Los Angeles native assigned to Maritime Patrol Squadron (VP) 47 deployed to Sigonella, Italy. “They lost loved ones, and we lost loved ones. It brought me closer to the community after realizing how small the world is and that we share the same pain.”

The remembrance of the attacks was also important to Italians in attendance.

“Even in Italy, remembering September 11th is important,” said Rosario Colianni, Nissoria’s deputy mayor. “The entire world was reminded that we must remain vigilant because evil exists.

The coordination of this annual memorial not only honors those who lost their lives, but also strengthens the bond between NAS Sigonella service members and the local Sicilian community.

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Sigonella bids farewell to Carabinieri Company Commander Menta

By Dr. Alberto Lunetta, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

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ast week, Sigonella Carabinieri and NAS Sigonella base leadership bid farewell to Carabinieri Company Commander Salvatore Menta, who has been transferred to Reggio Calabria.

Lieutenant Colonel Menta served at the helm of the Sigonella Carabinieri Company for five years with the rank of major. His job was to protect the American and Italian military and civilian communities and assets in Sigonella by preventing crime on base and in the housing complexes. Throughout his tenure, he demonstrated professionalism and dedication to his staff and the local community.

During his time in Sigonella, his achievements included apprehending a criminal gang specializing in stealing jet fuel from the Sigonella NATO pipeline running from Augusta Bay to the base in eastern Sicily (an operation code-named “Black Gold”). These arrests followed a joint investigation with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service which provided Carabinieri with high-technology equipment. On that occasion, Menta and his staff displayed exceptional traditional investigative talent.

Menta also launched multiple investigations to protect local national female employees who have been victims of sexual harassment and assault. He combated the mafia syndicates that have been trying to win American and Italian public works contracts in Sigonella and investigated illegal employment in the American side of the base as well.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, he successfully cooperated with Italian and American military agencies to enforce the Italian government’s safety measures aimed at preventing the spreading of the virus in the installation.

“I am very honored to have had the opportunity to work and cooperate with my American counterparts,” said Menta.

Lt. Col. Menta will now oversee the Judicial Police Division supporting the Reggio Calabria Courthouse. In his new post, Menta will manage a Carabinieri unit which protects at-risk people who bear witness to Mafia operations, mob defectors and magistrates.

Fall is “Caldarroste” Time in Italy!

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all has arrived in Italy, which means you will soon see smoke wafting from street corners around town. This smoke emanates from the vendor’s smoker pans filled with chestnuts called “caldarroste.”

Although the song about “chestnuts roasting on an open fire” is a Christmas carol, Autumn is actually the time of the year when the chestnuts are ripe and ready to appear on our tables.

The best way to eat chestnuts in Sicily is to buy them from street vendors—warm, roasted and tasty, they are perfect for the crispy fall evenings! After being cut on the flat side in order to prevent an explosion, they are cooked with salt on special pans with holes and roasted until the shell has become dark.

Chestnuts are an ancient tradition on Sicilian and Mediterranean tables. In the ancient Roman world, they were considered food for nobles. A famous imperial cook used to prepare them with a pepper sauce and other spices included, mint, vinegar, honey and

After five years of service in Sigonella, Carabinieri Company Commander Salvatore Menta has been promoted and transferred to the Reggio Calabria Court House to be in charge of a Carabinieri police unity which protects endangered Mafia witnesses and magistrates. (Photo by Janine Scianna)

“garum” (sauce made up of fermented fish guts).

In the Middle Ages and the following centuries, chestnuts became a staple food of peasants in large parts of Italy. They were easy to find in the woods and rich in carbohydrates, aiding in their survival during years of famine. During times of war, Medieval and Renaissance European armies would store chestnut flour because of its ability to be preserved for a long time and was used to bake a bread substitute.

In the 18th century an Italian company called “Marengo” created the “Marron glaces” by layering the best quality chestnuts, called “marroni,” with frosting.

Nowadays, chestnuts can be cooked in a thousand ways and represent the symbol of the upcoming Christmas. A French chef suggests to eat them roasted while sitting around a fire with friends sipping a light wine such as “Vino Novello” or “Beaujolais Nouveau (its French equivalent).”

The chestnut and wine pairing is a delight which characterizes "Italian News" cont’d on Page 11

September 18, 2020

NAS Sigonella Commits to Suicide Prevention

By MC1 Kegan Kay , NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

n honor of World Suicide Prevention Day on September I 10th, the Naval Air Station Sigonella Chaplains and Suicide Prevention Team hosted an awareness event at

the Ristorante Bella Etna Galley, providing people with information on how to seek help for themselves and for others, as well as general information on mental health.

While September is Suicide Prevention Month, the goal is for suicide prevention to be an every day, every person mission set.

This year’s theme “aligns with the Navy’s Culture of Excellence (COE) approach by highlighting the importance of connectedness in supporting every Sailor, every day, and integrating Defense Suicide Prevention Office’s (DSPO) call-to-action ‘Connect to Protect.’ Connectedness is a key protective factor against suicide,” according to the “1 Small Act” toolkit.

“During the month of September we take a pause to highlight some of the leading causes of suicidal behavior and suicidal ideations,” said NAS Sigonella Command Suicide Prevention Specialist Chief Master-at-Arms Andre Billingsley. “We provide information leading to programs that can assist in combating suicidal behaviors and recommend resources for those who are suffering from suicidal ideations. It is our hope that we can prevent anyone from even thinking that suicide is an option when dealing with their emotional distress.”

Participants at the event were invited to fill out “I Will” posters declaring what they would do when confronted with someone who is struggling with thoughts of suicide or they themselves are struggling.

“I have lost both friends and family members to suicide, nothing can fill the void that we feel when a loved one takes their own life,” said Billingsley. “I think about how much those people meant to me, how much I miss them and how I wish that I could have been there to stop them from taking

their own lives. I think about what I could have done, what help I could have sought out for them and how we could have made things better for them, together.”

Many factors can influence our mental health, including stress at work, deaths of family members, mental illnesses, and more. Fears surrounding the novel coronavirus, as well as precautions such as social distancing, can also lead to feelings of isolation and depression.

“While [people struggling with thoughts of suicide] say they would reach out to people who are close to them first, these same people also have fears about what people will think or say if they meet with a psychologist, counselor, or chaplain,” explains Lt. Ryan Albano, Chaplain. “They believe that people will think there is something wrong with them.”

The base offers many avenues of help for anyone who is struggling with not only depression and thoughts of suicide, but stress and other emotional issues.

Chaplains are available for non-medical counseling, and both the mental health department at the U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella and Fleet and Family Support Center provide counseling services as well.

“I do understand that the world tends to be more of a burden on some more than others; I just ask that before you think of taking your own life, reach out, communicate and get the help before you act on those emotions,” said Billingsley.

The suicide prevention team is also looking for committed members who would like to help.

“Anyone who would like to be a member of the Suicide Prevention Team can contact me at DSN 624-7142 or email me at andre.billingsley@eu.navy.mil,” explains Billingsley.

“After the training processes are complete, individuals can be added to the official Suicide Prevent Team and contribute year round to prevention measures promoted by the U.S. Navy.”

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Navy Ombudsmen Program Celebrates 50th Anniversary

By Megan Mills, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

n September 14, 1970, Admiral O Elmo Zumwalt Jr. signed the official Navy Family Ombudsmen

Program into existence, writing: “The importance of the Navy wife as a member of the Navy team cannot be over emphasized…. All shore based commanders shall establish procedures which give Navy wives an opportunity to present complaints, viewpoints, and suggestions to commanding officers.”

In the fifty years since inception, the program is now open to all spouses of Sailors, and has continued to grow and evolve while serving its mission of supporting and serving the families of the Navy community. In addition to serving as liaisons between command families and the command, ombudsmen welcome arriving families, serve as a source of emergency and crisis information, and coordinate services for families during deployment.

“These selfless volunteers are crucial to the success of our Navy,” writes Admiral Michael Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. “The contributions Ombudsmen make to the success of a command’s mission are immeasurable.

Their support to Navy families enable Sailors and commands to focus on mission requirements while knowing that their families have a trained and reliable resource to provide support on the home front.”

Here onboard NAS Sigonella, Agata Carnazza serves as the Ombudsmen Coordinator at Fleet and Family Support Center.

Each command is required to have at least one ombudsmen but may have more. “If someone is interested, they should contact Fleet and Family Services,” said Carnazza, “or they can go directly to their command and offer their services.” After being appointed by their commanding officer, ombudsmen take a three-day training. “Our next training is October 28-30, or there’s one online every month,” Carnazza added.

Usually, NAS Sigonella ombudsmen meet on the second Thursday of every month to discuss business and take advanced training on different topics that affect military families. There is also a dedicated space for ombudsmen in the FFS office, including a computer,

a small library, and a quiet space to work on projects or meet with people in a professional environment.

In addition to collecting questions from families and bringing them to the command at monthly meetings, NAS Sigonella ombudsmen present at the spousal orientation and at sponsor training.

During the coronavirus pandemic, NAS Sigonella’s ombudsmen worked overtime making sure families were kept up to date on the quickly changing situation. Instead of monthly meetings, the ombudsmen met via teleconference every week, getting information directly from the CO or XO as well as the Public Affairs Officer to provide to their commands. “The ombudsmen have played a huge role during this difficult time,” said Carnazza.

Because of the coronavirus mitigation precautions, this year’s 50th anniversary celebration will look different than years past; however, ombudsmen will still receive certificates of appreciation as well as gifts from Morale, Welfare, and Recreation as a thank you for their hard work.

Interview with Mandalyn Gilles, Ombudsman, NCTS

How would you describe the ombudsman program to someone new to military life?

I would say that an Ombudsman is a spouse who communicates regularly, provides information, outreach, appropriate referral resources, and acts as an advocate for command families. Essentially, they are the link between command leadership and families. They are also a great resource for families.

Who should consider becoming an ombudsman? How much of a time commitment is it?

Any spouse who has a genuine desire to advocate and help other families. The time commitment really varies. Every month, ombudsmen attend a two-hour assembly meeting and generally have a meeting with their command’s Triad. We also periodically give briefs at command indoc and spouse and sponsor orientations. Otherwise, the communication and outreach to families varies based on what’s happening within the command and within family units. Sometimes it’s very quiet and other times, it’s quite busy. We are always on call.

Can you share a rewarding or meaningful moment from serving as an ombudsman here in Sigonella?

There are honestly so many moments, it’s difficult to select one. Anytime I am able to provide a spouse or family with resolution when they come to me with an issue or concern

makes the position feel incredibly meaningful. I’m lucky to have had the opportunity to work with some really responsive and caring leadership during my time serving as an ombudsman in Sigonella, which has made my job so much easier.

What’s something you wish people knew about the ombudsmen program?

We aren’t a spouse club! I have heard this misnomer many times and it simply isn’t true. Ombudsmen are volunteers and family advocates that are appointed by their command’s CO. We must sign a volunteer agreement and are held to a code of ethics. Meetings and general ombudsman business is conducted professionally and we must abide by strict codes of confidentiality.

What are the best ways to get in touch with your ombudsman?

This is a great question! There are many ways to reach your ombudsman. Each ombudsman has an email and phone number that should be available to you via your command. If your command has an ombudsman in Sigonella, their photo, along with their contact information, will be on display outside of the commissary. Some have dedicated Facebook pages.

You can always look up your ombudsman here: https:// ombudsmanregistry.cnic.navy.mil/ by clicking on “Contact your ombudsman.”

September 18, 2020

The Signature Salutes Our Ombudsmen!

Paul Blanco, CNE DET MAST

cnedetmast.ombudsman@gmail.com

Kelsey D Groner, NMC,

nmcsigonella.ombudsman@gmail.com

Nancy Fernandez, NCTS,

NCTSSicilyombudsman@gmail.com

11 "Italian News" cont’d from Page 8

the most important fall’s attractions in Italy, the “Estate di San Martino” or “Summer of St. Martin,” a festivity, which occurs during a period of unusually warm weather celebrated in late autumn.

Legend states that on a cold day in November during the 4th century, the Roman officer Martino, who later became a bishop then saint, rescued a beggar by giving him half of his cloak. As Martino was on his way back home, there was a sudden weather change; and the weather became beautifully warm!

The Summer of St. Martin is named after St. Martin of Tours and celebrates the wine-racking (separation of wine from its sediment) period, when farmers used to visit each other to compare the products of the winemaking process and dine together with fresh bread, salami, cheese and obviously, “caldarroste.”

NAS Sigonella Delegation Attends WW2 Cassibile Armistice Memorial

ombudsmanUSNHSig@gmail.com

Megan M. Dalitsch, USNH

Corlis K. Jones, 7th RS globalhawkks@gmail.com

Joan DeGuzman, FLC OMBUDSMAN.FLC@gmail.com

Navalhospitalombudsman@gmail.com

Michelle T. Rohner, USNH

Annett M. Barnes, CTF-67 OMBUDSMANCTF@gmail.com

Mandalyn Gilles, NCTS

NCTSSicilyombudsman@gmail.com

Not pictured: Michelle Rodriguez, AIMD Robyn Ernsten, ASD

Stephany Hart, USNH

OmbudsmanUSNHSig@gmail.com

Gladyann Nazario, 7th RS globalhawkks@gmail.com

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ervice members assigned to NAS Sigonella attended an annual memorial ceremony in Cassibile, a district in Siracusa, to commemorate the armistice signed on September 3, 1943

by Walter Bedell Smith and Giuseppe Castellano.

The armistice, stipulating the surrender of the Kingdom of Italy to the Allies during World War II, took effect several days later on September 8 of the same year.

This year’s delegation consisted of NAS Sigonella Hospital and VP47 Squadron service members who participated in the wreath-laying ceremony held on September 3 at the monument remembering the armistice.

The event was a smaller-scale one due to the Italian government’s COVID-19 restrictions.

Also in attendance were Hon. Rossana Cannata, a member of the Sicilian Parliament and Fabio Granata, a delegate of the mayor of Siracusa, as well as veterans and members of the local police force.

The memorial ceremony is organized by the Cassibile-based Associazione Kakiparis and Lamba Doria from Siracusa, and is designed to educate future generations about the dramatic history of WW2 and the soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty.