All-Navy Rugby: One Sailor's Journey
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Poland:
Relationships:
Europe's Overlooked Gem
10 things you need to know!
PAGEs 8-9
N A S SIG O N E L L A
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May 6, 2016
Vol. 33 No. 18
Sig’ Citizens Help Furry Friends By MA1 Mark Russell NAS Sigonella Security
SCORDIA, Sicily – On April 26, Sigonella Sailors and Airmen conducted an improvement project in Scordia at “Mi Fido di Te” Animal Shelter. During the event, they cleared 1,200 sq. ft. of weeds and laid stone gravel to create a safe and clean exercise area for 26 dogs. This is not the first time Sig’ Citizens have visited the shelter. In December, Master-at-Arms 1st Class Mark Russell and his wife Kimberly volunteered for the first time and felt compelled to help the shelter which relies entirely on volunteer support. Both, with a history of animal volunteer service and Kimberly, a certified Veterinary Technician, made it their mission to make lasting improvements to the shelter that cares for abused and maltreated dogs within the community. They immediately started networking with stateside volunteer groups and received over $4,000 in donations. By increasing awareness in the community about the existence of the local shelter, Sig’ Citizens have continued to donate everything from bags of food to blankets and beds. “We have never had anyone reach out to the shelter to volunteer and actually come back after going once or twice. Mark and Kim have shown
us support that we have never seen before! That is why we gave them a key to the shelter so they can come whenever they want. We trust them with all the dogs and they are always doing something to make the shelter even better!” said Micol Coffa, Project Manager. About 15 Sailors from the Security Department Alpha Section, led by Russell have volunteered more than 360 hours to help improve the facility. By clearing weeds and disposing of almost one ton of trash, they increased the amount of usable land by 100%. The latest improvements include a drainage system to remove waste water that was previously collecting inside the kennels, creating unsanitary conditions. It’s not just Sailors and Airmen putting in hours of back-breaking work; civilians and contractors have also come together in a big way. While searching for a way to build a low cost storage shed to prepare meals and store supplies, Keith Welch reached out and offered his services. Knowing they were on a tight budget, he offered to build the shed. Within two days, Welch, Charles Brackin, and Jerry Bailey exceeded all expectations building an 8’ x 8’ shed. These three heroes refused to be compensated for the materials, donating the shed and their time to the shelter. “Our work here is far from done.
About 15 Sailors from the Security Department volunteered to help improve "Mi Fido di Te" animal shelter in Scordia, April 26. The improvement project resulted in more than 360 hours of clearing weeds and disposing of almost one ton of trash. (Photo courtesy of Mark Russell)
We still have more land to clear, fences to repair and maybe more kennels to build. It’s great to see the support from the entire Sigonella community helping the shelter in whatever way they can. Kim can’t even go to the Commissary without someone recognizing her and making sure she leaves with extra dog food. Without Kim, this would never have happened. She has been instrumental to the success of our efforts. Not only did she administer flea and tick
treatment to 26 dogs, she was able to work with the Sigonella Veterinary Treatment Facility (VTF) to diagnose parasitic infections these dogs were suffering from. With the help of the VTF, we were able to obtain and administer the proper medications,” said Russell. If anyone is interested in volunteering or donating to the shelter, please contact Mark or Kimberly Russell at SigAnimalCops@yahoo. com.
Marines Celebrate Earth Day with COMREL at Lombardy Castle By Cpl. Alexander Mitchell SPMAGTF Public Affairs
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – Community relations play a valuable role for Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Africa Logistics Combat Element (SPMAGTF-CRAF LCE) in developing and maintaining a close relationship with the Sicilian government and its people. “While here in the Sicilians' home, we show our appreciation as guests,” said Capt. Arthur Briggs, chaplain with SPMAGTF-CR-AF LCE. “We help them through community relations projects by Marines with the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Africa Logistics Combat Element (SPMAGTF- investing our time and energy to work CR-AF LCE) volunteered to help clean up Castello di Lombardia in Enna during a community relations project, April 22. The castle with them to better the island.” In previous rotations, SPMAGTF-CRdates back to the 4th Century B.C. Castello di Lombardia in Enna, Sicily is a frequently visited site and museum. (U.S. Navy photo AF LCE participated in many commuby Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ramon Go/Released) nity relations projects for various parts of Sicily and its people, and Briggs plans to continue them as often as possible. “It is a unique opportunity to help preserve the heritage of the Sicilian people by going to well-known places and cleaning up the area,” said Briggs. Castello di Lombardia in Enna, Sicily, dating back to the 4th Century B.C., is a frequently visited site and museum. Marines completed 182 total man hours cleaning up this historical site. “We hope to continue to forge and foster our relationship,” said Briggs. “Caring for the culture and being friendly builds the spirit of America and Sicily by loving your neighbor.”