THE
SIGNATURE SIGONELLA, SICILY
VOL. 29 NO. 29
JULY
27, 2012
cnic.navy.mil/sigonella
U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella Changes Hands
U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella Color Guard parades the colors during the U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella change of command ceremony, July 20, in Naval Air Station Sigonella Gymnasium. Capt. Patricia McDonald assumed command of U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella from Capt. Cynthia Feller. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Brian T. Glunt/Released)
BY MC3 BRIAN T. GLUNT NPASE East Detachment
U
.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella held a change of command ceremony here, July 20, in the Naval Air Station (NAS) I Gymnasium. At the ceremony, Capt. Patricia McDonald relieved Capt. Cynthia Feller as commanding officer of U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella. U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella’s facility was opened in 1993. Along with the hospital, located on NAS I, the command includes the Flight Line Clinic on NAS II, U.S. Naval Branch Health Clinic Bahrain and U.S. Naval Health Clinic Souda Bay in Crete. McDonald, a graduate of
Rutgers University, received her commission in the Navy Nurse Corps in 1986. She is reporting to NAS Sigonella after a tour as the executive officer of Naval Hospital Lemoore in California. “I am very thrilled to be in Sigonella,” said McDonald. "Not only is it a beautiful country, but a wonderful command. I have very big shoes to fill and I hope to continue to move us forward with whatever opportunities that may arise.” Rear Adm. Elaine C. Wagner, Dental Corps, commander, Navy Medicine East, was the guest speaker at the ceremony and commended Feller for her time, leadership and dedication as commanding officer of U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella. “Real influence is most often personal,” said Wagner. “I
think that description describes Capt. Cynthia Feller to a ‘T.’ She has the credentials, she has been in the spotlight and she has helped others make their dreams come true. Simply put, she has had real influence at this command.” Feller will report as Force Surgeon for Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe (NAVEUR), Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVAF), Commander, U.S. SIXTH FLEET (C6F) in Naples, Italy. “It’s been the greatest pleasure to work with my entire team,” said Feller. “If I do have a legacy to leave behind as commanding officer, I hope it’s that each of you continue to take care of your shipmates, to keep growing and keep the love for your country strong.”
Capt. Cynthia Feller salutes the side boys while departing the U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella change of command ceremony July 20, in the Naval Air Station Sigonella Gymnasium. Capt. Patricia McDonald assumed command of U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella from Capt. Cynthia Feller during the ceremony. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Brian T. Glunt/Released)
QUOTE
OF THE WEEK
“Opportunity dances with those who are already on the dance floor.” - Jackson Brown
DEFY
Medieval Festival
Agrigento!
Sigonella Sailors volunteer for kids drug prevention.
Santa Lucia del Mela hosts annual medieval festival.
Visit one of Sicily’s oldest cities.
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Scan for direct links to NAS Sigonella
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THE SIGNATURE U.S. Naval Air Station Sigonella Capt. Scott Butler, Commanding Officer Cmdr. Eric Vosler, Executive Officer CMDCM David Graham, Command Master Chief
EDITORIAL Lt. Tim Page, Public Affairs Officer timothy.page@eu.navy.mil
Dott. Alberto Lunetta, Community Relations Officer alberto.lunetta.it@eu.navy.mil
Jackie Trembath, Editor jackie.trembath@eu.navy.mil
STAFF
Writers/Photographers MC1 Christopher Delano christopher.delano@eu.navy.mil MR1 Gary Spence gwspence2003@hotmail.com MM2 Johnnathan Archbold johnnathan.archbold@eu.navy.mil MC2 Gary Prill gary.prill@eu.navy.mil MC3 Brian Glunt brian.glunt@eu.navy.mil MCSN Cameron Bramham cameron.bramham@eu.navy.mil
CONTRIBUTING Writers/Photographers Retna Shaw Jamie Andrews 1st Lt. Dominic Pitrone Cpl. Adwin Esters
JULY
NAS Sigonella Command Master Chief, David Graham Buon giorno Sigonella! It’s hard to believe that the summer season is passing by so quickly. It won’t be long before the kids are back in school and we return to business as usual. Before we reach the beginning of the new school year though, I hope everyone takes some well deserved time off and enjoys some trips around the island with your family and friends. While enjoying everything Sicily has to offer, please remember to drive carefully while traveling around the island. We’ve recently had a rise in vehicle accidents that could have easily been avoided if we simply slowed down or perhaps paid a little more attention to the road. Additionally, keep in mind that it is going to start raining soon and road conditions can become even more hazardous. Speaking of driving through Sicily, please be aware that the Italian media and union leaders have confirmed that gas stations throughout Italy, including the ones on highways, are going on a two-day strike (Aug. 4/5) Help pass the word that the Italian government has authorized the strike action to begin at midnight on Friday, Aug. 3rd.
Changing gears, there are a couple programs that I would like to give a shout out to. The first of which is the Drug Education for Youth (DEFY) Program. Every year Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella hosts the DEFY Program for Sigonella youth. A self-esteem building program which provides kids with the tools they need to resist drugs, gangs, and alcohol, DEFY is a 2-phase program that begins in the summer with a challenging, fun-filled week, followed by a year of mentoring. Volunteering for this program is not only a great way for you personally to give back to the community, but also has a positive impact on the kids as every time you interact, you help create positive experiences which reinforces choosing healthy alternatives instead of falling prey to substance abuse or alcohol. I applaud those who have volunteered for the Drug Education For Youth (DEFY) Program. Last but not least, I want to remind everyone about the upcoming Youth Ba-
sketball Camp. This camp is a week long camp designed to teach participants the fundamentals of basketball to include: improving footwork, ball-handling, passing, dribbling, shooting, and playing defense. Sign-ups are due by August 1st. Not only is this a program to improve your on the court skills but also to build overall social skills to include communication and group dynamics.
CONTACT US Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily thesig@eu.navy.mil DSN 624-5440; 095-86-5440 PSC 812 Box 3020, FPO, AE 09627
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 factor of the purchaser, user or patron. A confirmed violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser will result in the refusal to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected. The Signature is published weekly by Stampa Generale S.r.l., Sig. Bruno 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.
cnic.navy.mil/sigonella
27, 2012
DRIVE SAFELY
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Sexual Assault Prevention Hotlines DoD SAFE Helpline: 001-877-995-5247 (From cell phones and off-base telephones) Sigonella SAPR VA Hotline:335-642-8312 Or:19020 (toll-free access code) 877-995-5247 (From DSN lines)
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Around NAS Sigonella ... NAS Sigonella youth DEFY drugs through annual program
Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella Sailors volunteer for the Drug Education for Youth (DEFY) Program with Sigonella youth at Knight’s Hall on NAS I July 19. DEFY is a selfesteem building program which provides kids with the tools they need to resist drugs, gangs, and alcohol. These tools include skill-based activities youth can use to improve their abilities and positively shape their futures. Initially developed by the Drug Demand Reduction Task Force, DEFY is sponsored by commands worldwide and limited to youth of military families ages 9-12. A two-phase program, DEFY begins with either a five-day residential or an eight-day non-residential camp program. This challenging, fun-filled week in the summer is followed by a year of mentoring. The structured curriculum focuses on education, skill development, and physical fitness. DEFY is all about creating positive experiences so that kids will choose healthy alternatives instead of substance abuse and gang involvement. In essence, the DEFY program provides leadership to kids and thereby strengthens our military communities. This year’s motto for DEFY is “Strong children.... Strong families.... for a Ready Future.” (Photos by MCSN Cameron Bramham/Released)
Commandant and Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps visit Marines and Sailors of SpecialPurpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Africa
General James F. Amos, Commandant of the Marine Corps, and Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps, Micheal P. Barrett, met with the Marines and sailors of Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Africa at Naval Air Station Sigonella July 18. Special-Purpose MAGTF Africa, a newly formed unit of about 125 Reserve Marines and sailors from roughly 32 different units, is commanded by Lt. Col. Gerard Wynn of 3rd Force Reconnaissance Company out of Mobile, AL. The unit supports Marine Forces Africa and U.S. Africa Command by providing security cooperation teams to African nation partners. “Talking to leadership at U.S. Africa Command they told me that Special-Purpose MAGTF Africa couldn’t be more flexible, more user friendly,” said Gen. Amos. “Other than Djibouti and some episodic exercises, [Special-Purpose MAGTF Africa] is the only trained, consistent, persistent Marine Corps force that AFRICOM has.” While Special-Purpose MAGTF Africa offers AFRICOM a new set of capabilities in theater security cooperation and crisis response, the Reserve Marines and sailors of the Special-Purpose MAGTF are representative of the operational reserve, a concept the Marine Corps has recently embraced. “You Marines are forward-deployed and forward-engaged; shaping, training, deterring, and responding to all manner of crises and contingencies,” said Sgt. Maj. Barrett, referencing the Commandant’s Planning Guidance while talking to the Marines. “You are part of an operational reserve. One hundred percent of Marine Forces Reserve units have deployed over the past ten years. That is over 75,000 Marines and sailors!” Many of the Reserve Marines and sailors of Special Purpose-MAGTF have civilian careers as business owners, law enforcement officers, or as paramedics, while others are working towards a degree. Both Gen. Amos and Sgt. Maj. Barrett thanked the reservists for volunteering to take time away from their civilian lives and staying dedicated to the mission. “Don’t think that we don’t know what you are going through here,” said Gen Amos. “Thank you for being Marines and thank you for volunteering,” (Photos by Cpl. Adwin Esters/Released)
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JULY
27, 2012
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
July
FRIDAY 27 Empty Wallet Lunch Take 5
30
TUESDAY 31
Bowling $1 Day
Library Story Time
Family Fitness Center Family Aerobics Class
Connections Water Wars & BBQ
WEDNESDAY 1 Outdoor Rec Marzamemi Boat Tour
ITT Palermo and Mondello Beach
Midtown 2 Matinee
2012
MONDAY
SATURDAY 28
Outdoor Rec Hike Mt. Etna
Bowling $1 Day
8 Library Story Time
THURSDAY 2 ITT Fireworks Extravaganza at Aci Bonaccorsi
3
4 Empty Wallet Lunch Take 5 Midtown 2 Matinee
Liberty/Connections/Take 5: x4246, x5602 Outdoor Rec: x4777, x4396
Beach shuttle Liberty
ITT Day Spa in Taormina Outdoor Rec Marzamemi Boat Tour
Beach shuttle Liberty
Bowling 2 for 1
Cosmic Bowling
10
ITT Aeolian Islands: Panarea and Stromboli
12
11 Outdoor Rec Weekend Meteor Shower on Mt. Etna
Karaoke Jox Pub
Beach shuttle Liberty Outdoor Rec Weekend Meteor Shower on Mt. Etna
Bowling 2 for 1 Jox Pub Texas Hold’em
Outdoor Rec Marzamemi Boat Tour
5
ITT Piscine Geotermiche on Vulcano Island
Youth Complex Horseback Riding and Swimming
9
Outdoor Rec Marzamemi Boat Tour by Night
ITT Sicilian Country Day: Harvesting and Swimming in Makatarion
Cosmic Bowling
Karaoke Jox Pub
7
29
Movie in the Park “Adventures of TinTin”
Jox Pub Texas Hold’em
6
SUNDAY
Liberty Dinner at Carlito’s
Fitness: x4483, x5243 Midtown 2 Theaters: x4248
Cosmic Bowling
FFSC: x4291 American Red Cross: x4900
Does your command or organization have an event you’d like to see on the Community Calendar? Email us at thesig@eu.navy.mil and let us know!
Need an appointment at the hospital? Call DSN 624CARE (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, a holiday or after office hours, please call 335578-8077 if you are normally seen at the hospital or 335578-8150 if you are normally seen at the Flight Line Clinic.
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How to save money on back-to-school supplies BY RETNA SHAW Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Chairman of Volunteers
Does buying back-to-school supplies leave you feeling broke? It doesn't have to. Here are simple ways to save money on all those back-to-school essentials.
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Shop at home first Before you head to the store, take a walk around your house to see if there are any items on your child's school supply list that you might already have. Things like rulers, pencil boxes, calculators and backpacks do not need to be replaced each year. Don't be afraid to reuse last year's supplies if they’re still in good shape. Only buy what you need Once you're in the store, all those fun extras can be tempting – colored pens, self-stick notes, etc. The list stretches on but chances are, your back to school budget doesn't. To avoid overspending, determine how you'll handle your child's requests for non-essentials before you head out to shop. Personalize Plain Jane school supplies always cost less than their fancier counterparts but let's face it, to a kid they just aren't as fun. The solution? Buy the budget-friendly basics and then let your kiddo jazz them up with stickers and colorful doodles.
Shop around 10-cent crayons, 5-cent folders, 50-cent binders – stores fight hard for your back-to-school dollars, and that's great news for you. Check out online stores, too. You might find deals that can make the delivery time worth it.
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27, 2012
Medieval festival kicks off this weekend in Santa Lucia del Mela Is this the Mona Lisa's skeleton? Discovery of bones in Florence convent believed to be those of silk merchant's wife who inspired Da Vinci
Italian archeologists have recently found a skeleton they believe belonged to the model who inspired Da Vinci's Mona Lisa. The skeleton was discovered at the floor of the medieval Convent of Saint Ursula in Florence. (Photo by http://ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com) (Story by Daily Mail)
A Make sure to visit the “Alla Corte di Federico” (At the court of Frederick) medieval festival, which will be held this weekend July 28 - 29 in Santa Lucia del Mela, a small medieval town nestled on a hilltop in the Messina province. The festival, which is organized by Associazione Culturale Antiche Torri, will begin tomorrow July 28 at 7 p.m. at the town’s magnificent castle dating back to 1228. It will feature medieval parades with over 100 re-enactors in period costumes, dancing, music, archery, living chess games, street artists, guided tours to local monuments and museums and jousting tournaments. For more information and detailed schedules visit http://www.corteostoricoantichetorri.it (Photo by Associazione Culturale Antiche Torri)
Swordfish Festival to be held in Pozzillo this weekend Make sure you don't miss the 21st edition of the mouthwatering "Sagra del Pescespada" (Swordfish Festival) kicking off tomorrow, July 28, in Pozzillo (a small fishermen’s village located along the Acireale coastline) in piazza S. Margherita Regina at 7 p.m. Festivalgoers will have the chance to sample the delicious "panino al pescespada" (swordfish sandwich) dressed with salmoriglio (an Italian sauce made with olive oil, lemon, parsley and oregano) and enjoy arts and crafts and entertainment. On Sunday, July 29, festival grounds will open at 7 p.m.
AY IT! JUST S your Italian Practice
English: gilthead bream English: salmon Italian: orata Italian: salmone English: sea bass Italian: spigola
English: trout Italian: trota
English: red snapper Italian: dentice
English: swordfish Italian: pesce spada
English: mullet Italian: triglia
English: perch Italian: pesce persico
rchaeologists are convinced they've unearthed the secret behind the world's most famous painting, the Mona Lisa. Buried beneath the floor of a convent in Florence, Italy they've found a skeleton they believe belonged to Lisa Gherardini, the model who posed for Leonardo's da Vinci's mysterious masterpiece. Lisa Gheradini, was the wife of a rich silk merchant named Francesco del Giocondo. In Italy the Mona Lisa is known as La Gioconda. Most modern historians agree that the lady depicted in the Mona Lisa was Lisa del Giocondo, who became a nun after her husband's death. She died in the convent on July 15, 1542, aged 63. An archeological team began digging at the abandoned Convent of Saint Ursula last year. They first had to dig through thick concrete, laid down ahead of plans to turn the convent into an army barracks. But they quickly struck gold, finding a crypt they believe to have been Lisa's final resting place and soon after they unearthed a female-sized human skull. The skull was found five feet under the convent's original floor along with other fragments of human ribs and vertebrae. Plans to continue the dig were suspended when the team ran out of funds, but they were able to resume last month. And this week, they found a human skeleton. The bones will undergo tests to establish if they match the skull found last year. Once they have verified the skeleton and skull belong to the model forensic artists will attempt to reconstruct her face to see how it compares to the 500-year-old version painted by da Vinci - and perhaps solve the riddle of the Mona Lisa's enigmatic smile in the process. Archeologist Silvano Vinceti, who is in charge of the dig, explained: 'We don't know yet if the bones belong to one single skeleton or more than one. 'But this confirms our hypo-
thesis that in St. Ursula convent there are still human bones and we cannot exclude that among them there are bones belonging to Lisa Gherardini.' The initial discovery - made using ground penetrating radar and ancient maps and documents - came after a foot of modern concrete was removed and unearthed a layer of ancient, 90-centimeter wide bricks. Professor Vinceti said of the first discovery: 'This is a very exciting development and the find is consistent with our records and our preliminary research. 'The crypt we have found is the one that was mentioned in church records from 1495 and was reached via a grate and then a staircase. 'We also know from those records that in 1625 there was a second crypt and these are the ones we have found. Present on the dig is Natalia Gucciardini Strozzi, who is related to Lisa Gherardini and who is also a close friend of Prince Charles and former Prime Minister Tony Blair. Speaking after the skull was discovered, she said: 'It was so emotional being here - I didn't think I would get so emotional. I am certain that this is the final resting place of Lisa Gherardini. It is not the first time that Professor Vinceti has used such techniques in his work - last year similar methods were used to locate and identify the remains of Caravaggio, another Renaissance master. Last year in a Dan Brown-style mystery professor Vincenti also claimed that a hidden message could be seen in the eyes of the Mona Lisa after examining them with a high powered magnifying glass. The Mona Lisa is an oil on panel painting owned by the French government and the image is so widely recognized and caricatured that it is considered the most famous painting in the world. Da Vinci started to paint it in 1503 or 1504 and finished it in 1519, shortly before his death, and after he had moved to France.
JULY
27, 2012
New Italian passport legislation for minors (http://www.wantedinrome.com )- Rome - A new European Union law (EC Regulation 444/2009)states that from 26 June 2012 minors under 18 years of age can only travel abroad if they hold an individual passport or an individual identity card recognized by customs officials in the country to which they are travelling. The law means that it is no longer possible for babies and children to travel under their parents' passports. If they don’t present their own document they will be denied, for example, a boarding permit at the airport. Entries on one of their parent's passports are no longer valid irrespective of the age of the child and shall not be accepted as a valid form of documentation. The new legislation, which many people complain wasn't publicized, has led to Italian families being stranded at Rome's Fiumicino and Ciampino airports.
Sicily Governor Denies Region at Risk of Default (AP) Palermo- Sicily’s outgoing governor last Wednesday said his region wasn't at risk of default, but was instead suffering from a liquidity crisis like the rest of Italy. "It isn't true [that Sicily risks defaulting on its debts]," Raffaele Lombardo said in an interview with TGCOM24, a local television news channel, which was rebroadcast on its website. "Sicily, like other regions of the South [of Italy], like the country, is going through a crisis that is linked to the recession, a liquidity crisis above all." Mr. Lombardo confirmed plans to resign Tuesday ahead of a July 24 meeting with Prime Minister Mario Monti in which he has vowed to prove the sustainability of the region's finances. Business leaders have raised questions about the Italian island's solvency. The specter of a Sicilian insolvency has cast a shadow over Mr. Monti's efforts to restore confidence in Italy's finances and pull the country out of the euro-zone crisis. At a news conference held Wednesday and broadcast live on television, Mr. Lombardo said the region was actually owed 1 billion euro by the Italian state. He also denied diverting development funds to his friends and family. "This controversy is manipulative and not honest," he said.
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Anti-Mafia judge death mystery 'State humiliation' says Napolitano, 'Must work to solve case, punish errors' (ANSA) - Rome - The gray areas surrounding the death of anti-mafia magistrate Paolo Borsellino represent a "humiliation" for the Italian State, Italian president Giorgio Napolitano said on the recent 20th anniversary of Borsellino's murder on Thursday. "It is a humiliation for all of us who represent the democratic state!" the president wrote in a statement, responding to a letter from Borsellino's widow in which she said she will spend the rest of her life trying to understand the motives behind her husband's death. "We are working on it, and we must work without rest and hesitation, in order to reveal and punish the errors and disgraces that have polluted our understanding of the massacre," he added. Many of the mobsters involved in the 1992 killings of Borsellino and fellow anti-mafia magistrate Giovanni Falcone have been brought to justice, including former Cosa Nostra head Salvatore Riina, who ordered them and a number of bomb attacks in Rome and Florence. But many shadows continue to hang over this period in Italy's history. These include doubts about whether politicians were involved in negotiations with the mafia at the time and whether rogue elements in the nation's secret services had a role in the bloodshed. Napolitano himself has recently been linked to investigations into alleged negotiations to stop the series of Cosa Nostra bomb attacks that claimed the lives of Falcone and Borsellino, but the head of state denies this.
Police bust prosciutto-maker who fed pigs waste, Around 2,300 DOP hams seized (ANSA) - Milan - Police in Cremona, northern Italy, recently seized some 2,300 hams as part of an operation against a local producer who fed pigs with waste from agricultural production. The Parma, San Daniele and Modena hams, all marked with the DOP quality guarantee, were seized by a special unit of the Carabinieri police force from some 40 seasoning facilities scattered around the Emilia and Friuli-Venezia Giulia regions. The hams were made from pigs that were fed waste materials which should have been sent to biogas plants for disposal. The owner of the production facility together with the owner of two feed-production plants face charges that include fraud.
The total value of the hams seized in the operation called Trash Food was estimated to be approximately 300,000 euros. Police caught on to the fraud when they visited one of the pig farms during regular hygiene checks and found large amounts of industrial waste stocked there. Along with the hams, police also seized 750 pigs and 30 tons of production waste materials. "There should be zero tolerance against those who continue to try and take advantage of consumers," said Fabio Rainieri, a Northern League MP and the secretary of the House agriculture committee. "Anyone who plays with the health of our people must end up in jail and, as far as I'm concerned, we can throw away the key".
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Photos by MC2 Gary A. Prill
Sicily, Italy is an island riddled with history from the Catacombe dei Cappuccini in Palermo, containing the preserved bodies of over 8000 friars, famous people and political figures, to the 8th century city of Zancle, now known as Messina, which carries history surrounding the many different cultures that have occupied the city over the centuries. Some of the most notable of Sicilian history can be found in the city Agrigento, renowned as the site of the ancient Greek city of Akragas. In 582-580 BC, Akragas was a one of the most famous Greek colonies due to its unparalleled wealth. Over the course of hundreds of years Akragas changed hands and suffered destruction due to war and conflict. It suffered immensely during the Second Punic War when the Romans seized control and renamed the city Agrigento. Following Roman control, the city flourished and eventually passed to the hands of the Ostrogothic Kingdom of Italy. During this time the city took a drastic change and the lower extremities of the city were abandoned with a massive move of population to the upper acropolis on the mountain. The city suffered its largest destructive period during the bombing raids of World War Two, leaving us with the ruins and temples in the condition with which they stand today.
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Tourists and locals flock to the city for its massive archaeological legacy and its abundant agricultural markets and shops. Visitors can still enjoy towering Greek temples, pillars reaching into the sky, and some of the best preserved Greek history outside of Greece itself. From NAS1 it’s a mere 150km of mostly highway and easily traveled road, with designated parking in the valley below the temples. Visitors have the option of taking a taxi to the highest ridge and walking back to the temples or tackling the 3 mile round trip to the last temple. Following your day at the temples, no Sicilian summer day can be complete without a trip to the beach. Just under 15 minutes from the Valley of the Temples lie Sicily’s brilliant white and weather formed Turkish Steps jutting into the Mediterranean Sea. The steps are named for their striking resemblance to Pamukkale, Turkey, and their former use by Arab pirates referred to as “Turks” to anchor their boats during their pillages of the surrounding area. Parking for the Temples can be found at N37.289 and E13.583. arking for the Turkish Steps is at N37.289 and E13.583. Please keep in mind that each location will require a moderate amount of walking and steps.
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Sigonella Exchange receives Bingham Award By MC2 Gary A. Prill NPASE-East Detachment Europe The Navy Exchange (NEX) at Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella has been named the 2011 Navy Exchange Bingham Award winner in the category three, of sales between $24-$38 million, scoring 102 points out of a possible 105. Named after the late Capt. W. H. Bingham, the Bingham award program was established in 1979 to recognize Exchanges operating above the norm. Bingham was the chief executive of the Roswell H. Macy Company, the owner of the Macy’s department stores, and was appointed by the secretary of the Navy in 1945 to lead an advisory board for the establishment of the Navy Exchange System. Chief Executive Officer Robert J. Bianchi, Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP), Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM), announced the winners July 10 and stated these words. “Being a Bingham winner is more than just a one day recognition, it serves as a benchmark for the NEX’s across the enterprise to emulate,” said Bianchi. “The men and women who wear the cloth of our nation, and their families, are truly the ones who benefit from the great level of customer service these NEX’s deliver each and every day. And in the end that’s what really counts.” The Bingham award annually recognizes facilities within the Navy Exchange system that have successfully reached or surpassed sales goals and demonstrated su“Congratulations to all the NEX managers and assoperior customer service. Exchanges are categorized in sales groups ranging ciates who worked so very hard to achieve this prestifrom $97 thousand to $85 million or greater. They are gious award,” added Bianchi. Also among the winners this year are Naval Support then ranked on seven criterias, including customer and Activity (NSA) Gaeta, Italy, NAS Oceana, Virginia associate satisfaction.
Friday, 27 JULY 12 *Breakfast: Hot Oatmeal, Grilled Sausage Links, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Waffles, Asstd Doughnuts, Cinnamon Rolls. *Lunch: Cream of Potato Soup, Sweet & Sour pork, Baked Fish, Tempura Fish, Oven Glo Potatoes, Tossed Green Rice, Seasoned Mix Vegetables, Summer Squash, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, Chocolate Cake, Vanilla Pudding. Speed Line: Grilled Hamburger/ Cheeseburger, French Fried Potatoes, Baked Beans. *Dinner: French Onion Soup, Chicken Cacciatore, F.F. Fish Portion, Steamed Rice, Spinach, Cauliflower Polonaise, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, Chocolate Cake, Vanilla Pudding.
Beach, VA, and U.S. Forces Air Base Moron, Spain, along with 14 other Navy Exchanges across the world recognized for their excellence. The awards will be presented to each NEX winner and runner up at a ceremony at each respective NEX facility.
Tuesday, 31 JULY 12 *Breakfast: Farina, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Waffles, Biscuits and Gravy, Grilled Sausage Patties, Asstd Doughnuts, Bran Muffins. *Lunch: Spanish Soup, Beef Tacos, Burritos, Chicken Fajita, Mexican Rice, Refried Beans, Calico Corn, Carrots, Jalapeno Cornbread, Raspberry Filled Cake, Pecan Pie. *Speed line: Chicken Fillet Sand., F. Fries Potatoes. *Dinner: Navy Bean Soup, Roast Turkey, Steamed Rice, Mashed Potatoes, Chicken Gravy, Seasoned Asparagus, Honey Dijon Vegetables, Raspberry Filled Cake, Pecan Pie.
Saturday, 28 JULY 12 *Breakfast: Farina, Grilled Ham Slices, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Buttermilk Pancakes, Asstd Doughnuts, Crumb Cake. *Brunch: Breakfast Items, Beef Barley Soup, Swedish meat balls, Buttered Pasta, Brown Gravy, Sprouts Superba, Fried Cabbage w/ Bacon, Snickerdoodle Cookies, Apple Crisp. *Dinner: Pepper Pot Soup, Spaghetti w/meat sauce, Rice Pilaf, O’Brien Potatoes, Peas w/ Celery, Okra Melange, Snickerdoodle Cookies, Apple Crisp.
Wednesday, 1 AUG 12 *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Creamed Ground Beef, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Blueberry Pancakes, Asstd Doughnuts, Danish Diamonds. *Lunch: Puree Mongole Soup, Fish Amandine, Country Style Steak, Brown Gravy, Potatoes Au Gratin, Steamed Rice, Spinach, Peas w/Carrots, Vanilla Cookies, Strawberry Shortcake, Tapioca Pudding. *Speed line: Grilled Hamburger/Cheeseburger, French Fries, Baked Beans. *Dinner: Beef Barley Soup, Baked Chicken, Steamed Rice, Savory Squash, Steamed Broccoli, Vanilla Cookies, Strawberry Shortcake, Tapioca Pudding.
Sunday, 29 JULY 12 *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Grilled Minute Steak, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, French Toast, Asstd Doughnuts, Italian Croissant. *Brunch: Breakfast items, Chicken Gumbo Soup, Chili Macaroni, Oriental Stir Fry, Lima Beans, Peach Cobbler, White Cake w/ Frosting. *Dinner: Manhattan Clam Chowder Soup, Teriyaki Chicken, Spaghetti Garlic & oil, Paprika Buttered Potatoes, Pork Fried Rice, Carrots, Whole kernel Corn, Peach Cobbler, White Cake w/ Frosting.
Thursday, 2 AUG 12 *Breakfast: Hominy Grits, Corned Beef Hash, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, French Toast, Asstd Doughnuts, Danish Diamonds. *Lunch: Velvet Corn Soup, Baked Chicken, Lasagna, Oriental Rice, Oven Brown Potatoes, Steamed Cabbage, Cauliflower Au Gratin, Easy Chocolate Cake, Crisp Drop Cookies. *Speed line: Pizza. *Dinner: Cream of Asparagus Soup, Pork Adobo, Ratatouille Eggplant, Lyonnaise Rice, Mustard Greens, Easy Chocolate, Crisp Drop Cookies.
Monday, 30 JULY 12 *Breakfast: Hot Grits, Minced Beef on Toast, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, French Toast, Asstd Doughnuts, Butterfly Rolls. *Lunch: Creole Soup, Turkey Curry, Baked Fish Fillet, Steamed Rice, Savory Style Beans, Cauliflower, Crisp Drop Cookies, Cherry Crumble Pie, Strawberry Gelatin. *Speed line: Roast Beef Sandwich, French Fries Potatoes. *Dinner: Tomato Bouillon Soup, Baked Breaded Pork Chops, Steamed Rice, Brown Gravy, Green Beans Nicoise, Carrot Slices, Crisp Drop Cookies, Cherry Crumble Pie, Strawberry Gelatin.
Friday, 3 AUG 12 *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Sausage Links, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Waffles, Asstd Doughnuts, Apple Fritters. *Lunch: New England Clam Chowder, Lemon Baked Fish, Grilled Pork Chops w/ Mushroom Gravy, Steamed Rice, Garlic Roasted Potatoes, Asparagus, Creole Green Beans, Sugar Cookies, Cheese Cake, Vanilla Cream Pudding. Speed line: Grilled Hamburger/Cheeseburger, French Fries, Baked Beans. *Dinner: Vegetable Supreme Soup, Teriyaki Chicken, Oven Browned Potatoes, Spinach, Oriental Stir Fry, Sugar Cookies, Cheesecake, Vanilla Cream Pudding.
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August provides a stellar performance BY JAMIE ANDREWS Morale, Welfare and Recreation, Sigonella
A
ugust will be an exciting month to watch the sky! The earth will be passing through the Perseid meteor shower next month, and this year the show is expected to be even more brilliant than usual. These meteors are nothing more
than bits of debris that come from the Swift-Tuttle comet that was discovered 150 years ago and is believed to be over 2,000 years old. But when these particles travel through space at roughly 133,200 miles per hour, they create streaks of light across the dark sky that look spectacular. This celestial occurrence happens every August, and its
meteors are known as Perseids since they appear to originate from the Perseus constellation. In Italy, the Perseid shower coincides with Saint Lorenzo’s celebration, so the falling stars are called “lacrime di San Lorenzo,” or Saint Lawrence’s tears. The trick to getting the best view of any meteor shower is to find a dark place as far away from
light pollution as possible. This year the moon will be in a crescent phase creating a perfect sky to watch the meteors. If you can find a good spot you could see 50 or more shooting stars in an hour! That’s a lot of wishes! The best nights to see the Perseid meteor shower will be the weekend of August 10th – 13th. ITT and Outdoor Rec will have several opportunities to get out and see the spectacle with your own eyes! ITT is taking a trip up Mt. Etna for dinner and star gazing in a spot near Nicolosi on Friday, August 10th. Outdoor Rec will give you the chance to hike up Etna and spend the weekend of August 11th – 12th at a nature reserve, where you will enjoy the meteor shower and other beautiful natural sights. You could also choose to watch from the sea with Outdoor Rec’s Marzamemi Boat Tour by Night on Sunday, August 12th. For more information on these trips, call ITT/Outdoor Rec at 624-4396.
Midtown Movie theaters SCHEDULE & DESCRIPTIONS Tuesday, July 31 5:00 PM 5:30 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM
Amazing Spider-Man Ice Age 4 Safe Chernobyl Diaries
PG-13 PG R R
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN……………………….…PG-13 STARRING: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans
Peter Parker finds a clue that might help him understand why his parents disappeared when he was young. (2 hrs. 16 m.)
Wednesday, August 1 Friday, July 27 2:00 PM 5:00 PM 5:30 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM
Happy Feet Two Amazing Spider-Man Ice Age 4 Snow W. & Huntsman Dark Knight Rises
PG FREE PG-13 PG PG-13 PG-13
Saturday, July 28 2:00 PM Amazing Spider-Man PG-13 2:30 PM Ice Age 4 PG 4:30 PM Men In Black III PG-13 5:00 PM Dark Knight Rises PG-13 8:00 PM Dark Knight Rises PG-13 Movie In the Park – Marinai Soccer Field 9:00 PM Princess & The Frog PG FREE
5:00 PM 5:30 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM
Ice Age 4 What To Expect When Dark Knight Rises Dictator
PG PG-13 PG-13 R
Thursday, August 2 5:00 PM 5:30 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM
Men In Black III Best Marigold Hotel Dark Knight Rises Battleship
PG-13 PG-13 PG-13 PG-13
Friday, August 3 2:00 PM 5:00 PM 5:30 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM
Just Wright Snow W. & Huntsman Ice Age 4 Dark Knigh Rises Best Marigold Hotel
PG FREE PG-13 PG PG-13 PG-13
Sunday, July 29 2:00 PM What To Expect When 2:30 PM Men In Black III 4:30 PM Dark Knight Rises 5:00 PM Dictator 8:00 PM Best Marigold Hotel
PG-13 PG-13 PG-13 R PG-13
GREEN RED BLUE
PREMIER LAST SHOW FREE MOVIE
sUMMer sPeCiaL Matinee During the summer season, catch a 2 p.m. matinee every Friday.
CoMinG soon: Rock of Ages, That’s My Boy, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, Magic Mike, People Like Us, Ted, Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Witness Protection, Savages
CHERNOBYL DIARIES…………………….R STARRING: Jesse McCartney, Jonathan Sadowski, Olivia Dudley
Six tourists hire an extreme tour guide who takes them to the abandoned city Pripyat, the former home to the workers of the Chernobyl nuclear reactor. During their exporation, they soon discover they are not alone. (1 hr. 26 m.) THE DICTATOR………………………………….R STARRING: Sacha Baron Cohen, Anna Faris, Ben Kingsley
The heroic story of a dictator who risks his life to ensure that democracy would never come to the country he so lovingly oppressed. (1 hr. 23 m.)
ICE AGE CONTINENTAL DRIFT……………….PG STARRING: Ray Romano, Denis Leary, John Leguizamo
Manny, Diego, and Sid embark upon another adventure after their continent is set adrift. Using an iceberg as a ship, they encounter sea creatures and battle pirates as they explore a new world. (1 hr. 34 m.)
Movie schedule is subject to change. Please call to confirm. Movie Hotline: 624-4248
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Find the words!
GAME ARCHERY ATHLETICS BADMINTON BASEBALL BASKETBALL BOXING CRICKET CURLING CYCLING DIVING FENCING FOOTBALL GOLF GYMNASTICS HANDBALL HOCKEY HORSE RACING
JUDO LACROSSE MOTOR RACING NETBALL POLO ROUNDERS ROWING RUGBY SAILING SKATING SKIING SOCCER SQUASH SWIMMING TENNIS VOLLEYBALL WRESTLING
JULY
27, 2012
JULY
27, 2012
Did you know? Istanbul, Turkey is the only city in the world located on two continents. Approximately 40% of the U.S. paper currency in circulation was counterfeit by the end of the Civil War. In 1865, the U.S. Secret Service was first established for the specific purpose to combat the counterfeiting of money . Mars is the home of Olympus Mons, the largest known volcano in our solar system.
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Sudoku!
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+++
AUTOMOBILES
2000 Opel Astra station wagon; great condition; very well maintained; 150k km; $3,400 OBO. Call Tyler @ 346 771 0391 1995 Fiat Tempra station wagon; pwr windows and locks; A/C recently serviced; new tires and brakes; mileage 350K; $1,500 OBO; must sell by July 30; Call Jim at 338-337-2960.
sel horse, kitchen and dining room furniture, toys and much more!! Please, contact Rita at 3495298809 or Italianangel71@gmail.com
tens that do well with other cats but not quite friendly with dogs, current on shots, microchipped, and Jax is spayed.
NOTICE
Chomper, 4 months, black and white, male puppy. Loves people, children, and other dogs. Should be fine in any home. Current on shots. Microchipped.
Red Cross Sigonella is looking for eager volunteers to lead our volunteer programs. Come join the team and serve your community, develop professional skills and build your resume. On July 1, the following positions will be open:
2010 Harley Davidson Sportster 883; custom flaming blue; upgraded alloy rims; perfect condition; 2,000 miles; extra two passenger seat included; $6,500; call Stephanie at 349-701-4972
Chairman of Volunteers Health & Safety Programs Co-Chairman Events & Fundraising Chairman Publicity Chairman Call the Red Cross at 624-4900 for more information.
2000 silver BMW 318i; manual transmission; 4-door; Xenon front lights; new brakes; A/C; airbags; 17" wheels; alarm system; 4000 euro negotiable; Tommy 331-954-4486
SAWS ANIMALS
For sale 2004 Toyota RAV 4; good condition; new tires; current inspection; 5000 euro OBO; for information call Angelo @ 3394550970.
Fidel & Phillipo, 4 months, male, black & white and black & brown puppies. Lloves children, people, and other dogs. Will be visiting the vet soon.
FOR SALE
Mini, 2 years old, medium, tan, female, a sweet dog that enjoys people but prefers larger patient dogs to smaller animals, current on shots, and microchipped.
Baby crib, baby chest of drawers, US subwoofer, baby clothes, lamps, carou-
Jax and Creeps, 9 months old, female, tortie and tuxedo, sweet, friendly kit-
4 kittens, 6 weeks, tuxedo, male and female, eating soft and hard food and litter box trained and ready to be adopted. To volunteer, adopt or foster, visit facebook.com/Sigonella.Animals or http://sigonellaanimalwelfare society.webs.com/
JULY
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JULY
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SPMAGTF-Africa Marines train Burundi National Defense Forces
Soldiers with the 1st Sapper Company, Burundi National Defense Force, hike up a hillside with a mortars instructor with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Africa, Security Cooperation Team-2 (SCT-2), during a combined arms breaching exercise, June 27, 2012. Marines and sailors from Special-Purpose MAGTF Africa, SCT-2, have been in Burundi training the 1st Sapper Company in combined arms breaching techniques to prepare the unit for deployment in support of the African Union Mission in Somalia. (Photo by Cpl. Adwin Esters/Released)
By 1st Lt. Dominic Pitrone SPMAGTF-Africa Public Affiars Officer
BUJUMBURA, Burundi – Soldiers with the newly formed 1st Sapper Company of the Burundi National Defense Force (BNDF) concluded ten weeks of training with Security Cooperation Team-2 (SCT2), Special-Purpose Marine AirGround Task Force (MAGTF) Africa, June 28, 2012, with a final exercise and graduation ceremony. The 1st Sapper Company is part of the BNDF’s Engineer Battalion and is the first unit in the BNDF to have snipers, mortar men, machine gunners, medic, security forces, and engineers. The Marines provided training based on requests from the BNDF and suggestions from the U.S. Embassy in Burundi. The training brought each element of the unit together for the first time, and served as pre-deployment training for the unit which will deploy in support of the African Union Mission in Somalia or AMISOM. “This company has different squads of engineers, snipers, machine guns, medics, and mortars,” said Maj. Dismas Bigirindavyi, commander, 1st Sapper Company. “The idea was to create a force that works together. We believe this is going to help us a lot in the accomplishment of the mission in Somalia.” The Marines from SCT-2, Special Purpose-MAGTF Africa, also built on the Burundian soldier’s combat experience with training in combat life saver skills, marksmanship, patrolling, breaching, improvised explosive device detection, and small unit leadership. “For the first four weeks we conducted some basic tests to help form the company, to determine who would fill which billet and be assigned to which platoon. We assigned soldiers to medical, mortar, machine gun, sniper, security force, engineer, and staff sections,” said Maj. John Brown, team leader, SCT-2, Special Purpose- MAGTF Africa. The training program provided each of these sub-units from the sapper company with training in their specific skill set for several weeks before bringing the unit together to learn how to counter improvised explosive devices and other obstacles. “Al-Shabab fight with snipers, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), suicide bombers, and car bombers,” Bigirindavyi added. “The IED detecting is going to help us a
lot, cause we are going to be able to find IEDs and neutralize them.” The operational environment in Somalia has changed over the past few months and Al-Shabab is adjusting its tactics. The training provided by the Marines was developed through coordination with the BNDF to help counter Al-Shabab’s recent adjustments. Captain Claude Bizoza, a Marine Corps Basic Officer Course and Marine Corps Logistics Officer Course graduate, is the BNDF liaison office to the U.S. Embassy in Burundi. Bizoza said, “The training will be helpful as Al-Shabab has suffered some losses. They’ve changed tactics to small arms and IEDs. We want to be able to face them on these IEDs. Now, they may not want to make contact with large units and for safety they keep to small attacks.” To evaluate the sapper company, the Marines organized a combinedarms breaching exercise which tested each sections proficiency and the company’s ability to perform as a unit. “For the final exercise we wanted to see them use all their support assets to suppress multiple objectives, breach an obstacle, and provide security at the breach sight,” Brown said. The Marines also evaluated the company leadership’s ability to command and control the unit during the final exercise. They did this by inserting problems into the scenario that would force the unit leadership to use every skill taught in the 10-week training period. Talking about his unit’s performance during the final exercise, Bigirindavyi said, “We can say that we have been well equipped and we’ll be able to work in a place where there are terrorists or Al-Shabab.” The day after the final exercise the Marines and the BNDF soldiers gathered to celebrate the end of training with a graduation ceremony. Officials from the BNDF came to congratulate the unit on its accomplishment and the Marines provided certificates to the soldiers of the 1st Sapper Company. “Soldiers, remember that in combat you will need to rely on the soldiers to your left and your right,” said Brown during his speech to the 1st Sapper Company. “Leaders, take care of your soldiers. Without them you can accomplish very little.” BNDF officials also had kind words for the Marines. One official thanked the Marines for their work
and later commented on the relationship that has been formed here in Burundi saying, “Long live cooperation between the United States and Burundi. Long live the U.S. Marine Corps!” Special Purpose-MAGTF Africa is based at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy. The SP-MAGTF deploys small teams to support U.S. Department of State sponsored missions for Marine Forces Africa and U.S. Africa Command.
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