The Signature | October 27, 2017 by NAS Sigonella Signature

It's a Coach Thing Shout out to the Sigonella Swordfish Coaches

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Chills and Thrills

From CREDO

2017 Autumnfest was a Terror-ific Time

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N A S SIG O N E L L A

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OCTOBER 27, 2017

Vol. 34 No. 40

Sigonella Students Learn: “Your Future is Key - So Stay Drug Free!”

SIGONELLA, Sicily (October 23, 2017) – Lt. Mark Knutson, Health Promotion Coordinator, and Giuseppe Licari, Health Promotion Assistant, teach Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella elementary school students about the different parts of the brain as part of Red Ribbon Week. Red Ribbon Week is a week dedicated to raise awareness and pledge to “stamp out” illegal drugs, tobacco and alcohol among kindergarten to 5th grade students. NAS Sigonella is an operational ashore base that enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where they are needed and when they are needed to ensure security and stability in Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Gordon/Released) By MC2 Christopher Gordon NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – During the week of Oct. 23 to 27 an estimated 80 million people all across America participate in Red Ribbon Week,

including the Sigonella Elementary School. Red Ribbon Week is a weeklong campaign aimed toward children in kindergarten through 5th grade to promote a healthy and drug-free lifestyle. This year’s theme is “your futu-

re is key – so stay drug free.” Lt. Mark Knutson, the Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella Health Promotion Coordinator, along with Giuseppe Licari, Health Promotion Assistant, presented fun, interactive 45-minute classes to Sigonella’s elementary students. “The 4th and 5th graders are more about peer learning so we did some role playing; it’s something they can participate in and remember while not getting lectured to,” said Knutson. “The younger ones are a little bit more about hands on, and we use visual displays, so it’s all about what makes the information stick.” For the younger classes, Knutson and Licari used three different colors of Play-Doh, and molded together into a human brain. From there, the kids discovered what parts of the brain were responsible for balance, personality and breathing, then learned what drugs do to those parts of the brain. “In order teach you have to keep the audience engaged, and they’re children so you lose their attention pretty quickly,” laughed Knutson. “So we tried something new and got the kids talking about the brain and building a brain model. So once the kids can understand that, and feel it, and play with the Play-Doh, I think

they can make that bridge that your brain can be altered by a variety of things.” The Health Promotion team visited a total of 21 classrooms in less than a week to promote the drug-free message, and both deeply enjoy the classroom visits. “I think it’s great, I love seeing their little wheels working and it’s just so easy to see things click,” said Knutson. “The best part of teaching kids is they actually listen, and they are interested in what you have to say as long as you bring it to them in a way they understand.” Red Ribbon Week began as a result of the kidnapping and murder of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena in 1985. His efforts as a DEA agent in Mexico led to a tip that resulted in the discovery and eradication of a drug production operation. But as a result, drug cartels sought revenge by murdering key informants, and ultimately killing Camarena and his pilot, Capt. Zavala-Avelar. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the three most widely used drugs by youth are alcohol, prescription drugs, and marijuana. A study

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OCTOBER 27, 2017

Direct Line

Command Master Chief Nancy Estrada Sono ritornata, Sigonella! I am Command Master Chief Nancy Estrada and your new installation CMC! As indicated by my greeting, this is not my first tour here. Or even my second. This will be my third tour at NAS Sigonella and I excitedly selected these orders each time! I am here with my husband, Tim Cremeans, successful small business owner of 22 years and retired Master Chief, and my son David who will be graduating from our High School this year. Sigonella AIMD was my first ever tour of duty back in 2002-2004. As a junior Sailor, I lived in the BEQ on NAS 1 and later had the opportunity to move into an apartment in Motta for the duration of my tour. During that tour, I was able to visit Malta, London, Rome, Venice, Pisa, Florence, Paris, Barcelona and Lisbon. During my second tour in Sigonella, I was attached to HC-4 and reported as a First Class Petty Officer with a

dependent spouse and two small children (2 years old and 6 months old). While I did not get to travel as much due to a demanding Operational Tempo—particularly in the wake of 9/11—and raising two small children, it was still a very personally and professionally fulfilling tour. The Sicilians cherish children and do not hesitate to help entertain or pacify a grumpy youngster and make families feel welcome in nearly every venue. With the First Class Association, I helped orchestrate Christmas parties with gifts for over 30 children at the Francofonte orphanage in 2000 and 2001. Sigonella was also where I was selected and initiated as a Chief, which is something no Navy senior enlisted forgets! It is a privilege to return here in this capacity to help further strengthen the bonds between the US, our host nation and NATO partners. With this initial message I would like to focus on inclusion and positivity. Having been stationed/deployed/

temporarily assigned to every corner of the U.S. and many points of the globe, I can attest that cultural differences are not just between members from different countries. What is considered acceptable behavior/speech/ attire/attitude in Boston is completely different from the norm in Norfolk, Va. or even San Diego. It can be very easy to label someone else’s cultural adaptations as “wrong” because that is not how it is done where you come from and “everyone” knows it should/ shouldn’t be done that way. If what someone is doing bothers or offends you, take a positive approach and try to get to know them and where they are coming from. Maybe they are struggling with something, are overwhelmed and don’t know who to turn to or what to do. Maybe they never thought of doing things a different way; ignorance does not necessarily equal villainy. You may be able to make the difference between extending the helping hand to get them on

their feet vice being the pointing finger that tips them over the edge. I’m a huge fan of “talk TO someone, not ABOUT them.” In closing, I am proud to be here with a fantastic team of professionals—both military and civilian—who are dedicated to making this the best tour possible for all assigned or stopping through. If there is something I can do to contribute or facilitate reaching this goal, please give me the opportunity to do so.

Commanding Officer's Suggestion Box The ICE/CO Suggestion Box is for our community and Commanding Officer to discuss, with an eye toward constant improvement, how we are excelling* and how we can improve**. The community is strongly encouraged to leave contact information when submitting comments. This ensures that a response will come directly to you. The Signature and NASSIG Facebook Page typically publish comments and responses for the benefit of the Sigonella community. Comments/suggestions are useful when objective, constructive, and specific. ICE/CO Suggestion Box is NOT a forum for mean-spirited attacks. Anonymous comments will be published only if they benefit the greater community at large. * If you submit a "BZ" about a specific person or department, PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR NAME in order to ensure comment authenticity and therefore

publicly recognize employees or organizations. ** The Commanding Officer will ensure a response to all signed comments/ suggestions and the vast majority of anonymous ones but reserves the right to disregard those comments/suggestions disinterested in the spirit of the program! There are two ways to submit; go to: 1) Interactive Customer Evaluation (ICE) home page on a One-Net computer at: http://ice.disa.mil, All Sigonella services are found under the Navy Europe Listing in the scroll-down menu. – or – 2) NAS Sigonella's website www.cnic.navy.mil/Sigonella, go to the "About" drop down menu and click on "CO Suggestion Box".

Interactive Customer Evaluation Comment regarding “NAS 1 Gym cleanliness”:

Sir, I love being stationed at Sigonella! The base is wonderful as are the people and leadership. So thank you. I would like to bring to your attention a problem at the NAS 1 Gym. The women's locker room on NAS 1 is very dirty. The shower stalls are covered in mold, especially the grout and along the bottom. Twice I have been surprised by a roach clinging to the inside of a shower curtain! This should be done probably once per week. There is dust on top of the lockers and on the floors throughout the locker room and bathroom areas. Additionally, at least 3 of the showers are out of service, and one of them has a "work request submitted" that is dated August 2015, two years ago! Also several of the toilets are out of service and have been for some time. NAS 1 Midtown is a beautiful facility but it requires maintenance.

Response:

It's great to hear that you love Sigonella! I also appreciate your comments about the NAS 1 Fitness Center. Your comments have been heard and MWR management is engaged to improve the cleanliness of the locker room facilities. Since the time your comment was submitted, the showers have been deep cleaned and the facilities will continue to be monitored closely for cleanliness. Thank you again for your feedback. If you have future or further questions, the MWR Fitness Coordinator, Mr. Joshua Burkhard, can be reached at 6244301 (or +39-095-56-4301) or via email at fitness_sigonella@eu.navy.mil. Please let me know if you need any additional information.

Comment regarding “Bravo Zulu” for FFSC Employee”:

Andrea was my knight in my shining armor. I came to him after searching for a car for 4 weeks. He spent time with me not only in his office, but after hours and during his lunch to help me find the perfect car and explain the process to the Italian I am buying it from. This was priceless information since MVRO has decreased their facetime at the base INDOC and the safety driver's course is gone. I sincerely appreciate everything he has done for me. He is detailed, thoughtful and helpful truly making my experience here wonderful. Sincerely, Lt. Cmdr. Corinne Devin

Response:

Dear Lt. Cmdr. Devin, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. Your feedback is essential to ensuring we provide the best products and services to the NAS Sigonella community. It is great to hear that Andrea, our Intercultural Relations Specialist, provided you with detailed and thoughtful assistance when you needed it the most. Finding the right vehicle for you and your family while stationed overseas can be a daunting task. Having the support to walk you through this process can make all the difference. I will be sure to share your feedback with Andrea, his supervisor, and the entire team. Your comment means a great deal to Andrea who strives to provide everyone with the most helpful information and quality service, and I know he will be delighted. If

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THE SIGNATURE

OCTOBER 27, 2017

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THE SIGNATURE U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA

Name: Yeoman 3rd class

Matthew Torrez Hometown: Roswell, New Mexico Department: Executive Admin

Filing paperwork, organizing correspondence and taking important, sometimes strange, phone calls, Yeoman 3rd Class Matthew Torrez is one of the first faces you see when walking into Executive Admin. “I do a lot of paperwork for people that need things like command sponsorship, housing, meals for people that work for security, it’s a wide variety of things,” said Torrez. “We also

get a lot of phone calls and I have to know either where to transfer the call to or how to assist them, so it keeps me busy.” Torrez likes his job as a Yeoman, and says it’s a nice change of pace from what he used to do before the Navy. “I’m used to doing a lot of manual labor,” said Torrez, “Back home I did a lot of tiling, roofing, landscaping, construction, all of that. But this environment is nice. I love it because it’s an office environment and it’s something I’m not used to.” Torrez considers himself a reserved and sometimes shy kind of person, but because of his job he overcame that

"ICE" continued from Page 2 there is anything else the Fleet and Family Support Center can assist you with please don’t hesitate to contact the Regina Fivella, Director of Fleet and Family Support Center, and she will be happy to assist. She can be reached at DSN 624-4291 or by email at regina.fivella@eu.navy.mil. Again, thank you for your comment.

Comment regarding “Commissary overcharges”:

This comment is about the Commissary, but directed towards the CO. To be blunt, the Commissary is ripping people off. Yet again I came home and my wife showed me over charges. This ALWAYS happens especially in the cereal section. They have a box priced under $3.00, yet it rings up over $4.00. I feel as if I have to write everything down to match the price at the register. Thank you Sir.

Response:

My apologies for the incorrect over charges you incurred. We at the commissary make every effort to ensure our pricing information is accurately displayed for our patrons and for our accountability. The labels are printed and changed manually when we receive notification of the price change, but mistakes can happen. When checking out at the register if a price scans differently than the shelf label price DeCA personnel will honor the lower posted price. If you should discover after getting home that a pricing error was made please call the store or the mobile phone number listed on the top of the receipt and they will be

and socializes with people every day. “When I first got here I was really shy, really quiet, but once I learned more about the place and got comfortable that’s when I started getting to know people and remembering the faces when they come in,” said Torrez. Along with handling the endless supply of paperwork that crosses his desk, Torrez is also responsible for sending out welcome aboard messages to all of the new incoming Sailors’ commands. When he’s not doing his job, Torrez enjoys hanging out with his friends, working out, keeping in touch with his family and writing. “I’m very family oriented and Skype my family at the very least once a week,” said Torrez. “I also write for a blog online, it’s mostly just for myself – I like to vent or just write about what’s happening in my life. I find it very therapeutic in a way.” Torrez’s favorite part about living in Sigonella is the fact he gets to live somewhere that’s not home for the first time in his life. “I’m finally away from home, I’ve been living in Roswell for 20-something years and never left until I joined the Navy,” said Torrez. “Having a home away from home overseas is something I never expected. People usually say they like to travel or something but for me I’m actually away, getting that life experience here.”

glad to assist you in verifying the incorrect charge and coordinating a refund in the amount of the overcharge on your next visit to the commissary. For any further questions or concerns please contact the Commissary Director, Mr. Scott Huckins, at DSN 624-4385 or by email at scott.huckins@deca.mil and he will be happy to assist you.

Comment regarding “Reckless driving”:

With the spike in traffic due to school being back in session comes also an increase in reckless driving. I know we are all trying to get to work on time in the mornings, but I've witnessed too many vehicles overtaking traffic on the opposite lane while others wait to get on base, causing danger to other motorists and pedestrians in the area at NAS 1. This morning, it happened again, and I witnessed two vehicles do this in a matter of two minutes, skipping the entire line and entering through the gate made available to traffic coming from Motta/Porta di Catania side. This is completely unsafe and disrespectful to all the drivers who are patiently and appropriately waiting to get through Security.

Response:

Thank you for contacting me in regards to reckless driving. Traffic safety is a major concern within our Community and I encourage you to continue to report unsafe violations you observe to Security. The Security Leadership looked into our law enforcement database and the vehicle license plates you provided to us are not registered through the Motor Vehicle Registration Office (MVRO). This year alone, there have been 175 traffic

"ICE" continued on Page 4

Commanding Officer Capt. Brent Trickel Executive Officer Cmdr. Patrick J. Moran Command Master Chief CMDCM Nancy Estrada EDITORIAL Public Affairs Officer Lt. Andriana Genualdi andriana.genualdi@eu.navy.mil Community Relations Officer Dott. Alberto Lunetta alberto.lunetta.it@eu.navy.mil Editor MCC Jessica Vargas Jessica.Vargas@eu.navy.mil PAO Staff Writer \ Photographer MC2 Christopher Gordon Christopher.Gordon@eu.navy.mil 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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OCTOBER 27, 2017

It’s a Coach Thing Story by Brice Goodwin

Every parent with a child enrolled in a sports program might recall the first time they realized the team’s expectation was a bit higher than just remembering to bring a lawn chair to cheer on their kids. Some may have had the thought that “I signed my kid up for this, not me,” when hearing they had a role to fulfill in the team’s success. There are probably few sports beyond swimming that rely so heavily on their coaches and parents for sustainability. Every parent is needed to fill the myriad duties that go with a competition. Not one, but two Timers are required for each swim lane to ensure accurate times. Marshallers and Clerks of Course help corral excited and distractible swimmers so events are ready to start on schedule. Stroke and Turn Officials, Starters, Meet Officials, Statisticians, Announcers, and Concessions all work in unison to fulfill the requirements of USA Swimming and the international swimming organization, or FINA, to deliver a competitive environment that challenges swimmers, and provide fuel and energy to all at the pool. More often than not, the unsung heroes are the team’s coaches. Their job is often thank-less, as parents get accus-

tomed to the seamless day in and day out sightings on deck, receipt of, and response to, emails at all hours, and coordinating meets that match swim strokes with swimmers, and events, to advance the individual and earn the team points. The Sigonella Swordfish are proud to have two of the most devoted, dedicated, and talented coaches in the community. Head Coach Molly Fuselier joined the team late last season and revealed her passion for swimming, and commitment to swimmers, from the start. While everyone on her AMC flight descended the stairs to make their way to their hotel to unwind and relax after their multi-stop journey across the Atlantic, Coach Molly found her way to the pool and introduced herself to swimmers. A former collegiate swimmer during her time at Old Dominion University, her priorities and passion have remained constant as she drives 45 minutes twice daily to coach three different swim groups 3-4 times a week. Outside of practice she coordinates both Home and Away meets to assign swimmers to events that build individual and team growth, while simultaneously keeping everyone up to date on plans and progress. Her dedication and love for the sport keeps her on deck

"ICE" continued from Page 3 accidents within the Sigonella Community; 26 of those are traffic accidents with injuries. A majority of the accidents that occur are due to following too closely and illegal overtaking of vehicles. This serves a reminder to the Sigonella Community to drive with extreme caution and adhere to all traffic laws ON and OFF the installation. I thank you for your comment and if you have any further questions regarding this incident, please contact the Security Officer LCDR Richmond, at 624-6392.

Comment regarding “Bravo Zulu” for Child Development Center:

I am so appreciative to have had free child care for our two and four year old girls during the Inter-Cultural Relations class and base Indoctrination. It allowed my husband to attend which was great because he is fairly new to military life

Coach Matthew Young and Head Coach Molly Fuselier pose for a photo with their Senior Swordfish Group. (Photo by Brice Goodwin)

while others spend their four-day weekends traveling Europe. She explains her choices simply: mentoring and coaching allows her to pass along her passion while instilling life-long skills and lessons in these young athletes. Coach Matthew Young, or Coach Dick as everyone knows him, is never far from Coach Molly's side. By day, he serves as the morning voice for AFN’s “The Eagle,” providing music, information, and knowledge in his role as a mass communication specialist, contributing to the Navy’s larger mission in the AOR.

and has never been overseas. Everyone at the CDC has been so welcoming and they were great with our kids. Sincerely, Susan Antle

Response:

Dear Mrs. Antle, Thank you for your comment. I’m happy to hear that the Child Development Center helped to make your first overseas experience a little easier for your family. It is always a pleasure to hear about the positive experiences from our families. The CDC is dedicated to providing high quality child care for all of the families in Sigonella. Nothing is more important than having the assurance that your children are safe and well cared for when you are not with them. Should you have any other questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact Jennifer Hardy, the Child and Youth Program Director at 624-3736 or by email Jennifer. hardy@eu.navy.mil. Again, thank you for your positive comment and enjoy your tour here at NAS Sigonella.

By afternoon, rather than hanging out with friends and advancing his own interests, he transforms into Coach, Mentor, and Role Model as he applies his training and experience as a Search and Rescue (SAR) Swimmer, to enter the water with “GoPro” in hand to film swimmers underwater and provide feedback to improve technique, build confidence, and instill sportsmanship. Coach Young comes from a family of swimmers and athletes, and recognizes the special opportunity available to share his knowledge, and make a positive impression that will also last a lifetime. What makes these coaches’ sacrifices even more impressive is they do it all as volunteers. The Swordfish is a non-profit organization, which means it receives no financial assistance. It’s all done out of a higher sense of commitment and contribution to the community and development of the future generation. There are few sacrifices that exceed this level of dedication and commitment. The Sigonella Community, and Swordfish in particular, are fortunate and grateful to be able to have Coach Molly and Coach Young committed to positively enhancing the lives of our next generation. So, next time you happen to pass them in your travels on base, make sure to shout out a hearty “BZ” and “Go Swordfish” their way!

OCTOBER 27, 2017

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Couples and Conflict From the Fleet and Family Support Center

All couples sometimes have arguments. This is normal and doesn’t mean you should panic or file for divorce. If, however, something more serious is happening, you should seek help. How to prevent conflict: Show respect: Think about how you would like to treated, and act like that instead. Think positive! A positive attitude can turn something that might have become a problem into no big deal. Try to be flexible and understanding. People have different ideas and opinions, and that’s OK Be helpful and loving: Sometimes life can be busy and overwhelming, and it is easy to forget to show appreciation. Take responsibility. Know that you are responsible for you own choices and actions. If you have offended or hurt your partner whether you meant to or not, say that you’re sorry. Not all conflict is negative: Debating or problem solving can teach you important life skills. Fair Fighting Tips In a relationship, no one should win or lose a fight. The goal is to solve the problem and clear the air so that both partners feel satisfied. Always treat each other with respect. Attack the problem not the person. Find a time to talk privately and calmly without distractions. Find the real issue and focus on that. Don’t get side tracked by other issues. Choose your words carefully and don’t say anything unless you mean it.

Avoid all or nothing accusations such as, “You always….” Or “You never… Don’t use physical contact (holding, shoving, etc.) block your partner from leaving or follow your partner into another room. Not all arguments can be settled in one session. Agree to meet again. Find a middle ground (e.g., “I’ll do the dishes today, and you’ll do them tomorrow”) Don’t wait for a major issue to arise. Practice with smaller issues that are less emotionally charged. When times are tough Remember what first attracted you to your partner. Really care about strengthening and protecting your relationship Commit to doing what it takes to make you relationship work through the good times and the bad (unless you are being abused, in which case seek help) Choose a wide variety of activities, exercises, practices and habits to stay motivated and passionate about improving your relationship. Seek to improve yourself as a person and as a partner. Adapted from Quick Series Publishing. The Fleet and Family Support Center offers a wide variety of support services. To learn more about our classes, workshops and counseling services, contact the Fleet and Family Support Center at DSN: 624-4291, Commercial: 095 56 4291. Other resources on line: www.Loveisrespect.org MilitaryOneSource.mil

Preparing For Cold Weather From the NAS Sigonella Safety Office

• Dress in layers. Use many thin, warm layers rather than a few thick layers. It will insulate better and allow you to strip off layers if the temperature climbs. • Dress for the appropriate activity level. Dressing for an active day of skiing will be different than dressing for a sedentary day of ice fishing. • Buy or find a pair of insulated boots. Ideally, the lining should be wool or synthetic--not cotton. Linings can be purchased separately. You can purchase boots already with the lining, or use boots two sizes larger than usual, and use a lining. • Wear winter socks. Warm winter socks are important in keeping warm dry feet. Wool is best, although good synthetic "fleece" socks are often quite good. You can layer socks, but be careful that your feet are comfortable and the circulation isn't shut down. • Use a good quality coat, parka, or jacket. Generally speaking, the thicker the better, whether it is a synthetic ski jacket, a wool pea coat, or a

down jacket. • Wear a base layer. A "base layer" is long johns, union suit, long underwear, or whatever can provide a warm, light base to your winter gear. Merino wool products are recognised as one of the best base layers available. • Wear a hat. While it's a myth that most body heat escapes through the head, covering any exposed body part helps retain body heat. • Wear gloves or mittens. Fingers and hands are very vulnerable to the cold, so keep them covered. Very thin gloves (like "magic gloves") are better than nothing, but comfortable, warm gloves are important. • Hand warmers can be useful, especially if you don't have shelter handy. They can be purchased at any outdoor or hunting store. Never use these as a substitute for dressing warmly, however. • Keep dry. Being wet will cause chill to set in more quickly than if you're dry. Have waterproof or at least water resistant outer layers. For more information please call the safety office at 624-6265 or 624-6261

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Italians to remember loved ones on the “Day of the Dead”

THE SIGNATURE

OCTOBER 27, 2017

Sigonella Seabees receive volunteer award for COMREL

Story by Alberto Lunetta

No, this is not a horror movie and it’s not even the Italian version of Halloween. November 2 is a celebration honoring departed ancestors and relatives. It is a special day in Italy, a holiday marking the celebration of dead souls. It is called “Giorno dei Morti” (Day of the Dead or All Souls’ Day; Sicilians call it Jornu di li morti). The departed continue to “live” and return annually to visit their loved ones. To children, it feels like Christmas time since they get a gift on the morning of November 2. I still vividly remember, when I was a kid, the excitement that drove me to search every corner of the house looking for the presents that, according to my parents, my dead grandfather had left for me over the night. I knew his spirit was still around and I was sure that he had magically sneaked into my house the night before to bring me my favorite toys and sweets. I also recall my disappointment when I realized, as I grew older, that the “regali” (gifts) were actually brought by my parents. I know that, to some, the idea of the spirits of the dead paying a “holiday visit” to people’s homes might sound spooky and macabre. But it is all a matter of perspective. Usually, the concept of afterlife raises rational fears and concerns, conjuring up images of dead people, ghosts, witches, or even the devil. The “Giorno dei Morti” is indeed a special day. The belief underlying this celebration is that the spirits of the dead return to earth on this day to be with their families and loved ones to eat, drink and be merry and relive the good memories. Italian novelist and playwright Giovanni Verga vividly describes this tradition in one of his famous novels: “On the ‘Day of the Dead,’ walking on tiptoes, mothers put toys and sweets in the tiny shoes of their children while they are dreaming of long lines of white ghosts carrying glittering presents. Smiling young girls try on, in front of the mirror, the earrings or the brooch they were given by their fiancées.” Historic chronicles also confirm this tradition. Giacinto Farina, a priest of the last century, wrote that, in the past, Sicilian children used to leave their shoes on the windowsills in the hope that their dead relatives would place gifts for them. Superstitions say dead relatives “turn themselves into ants” so they can enter easily into the homes to fill the baskets and the socks prepared by the kids with gifts. Sicilian cultural anthropologist Giuseppe Pitrè tells more details about this tradition: “On the night between November 1 and 2, the departed leave their scary dwelling and go to elegant stores in town to steal toys, new clothes and sweets. It is an ‘innocent stealing’ that is aimed at donating gifts to children that have been behaving during the year.” The Day of Dead is actually an ancient festivity and has pagan origins that are rooted in the changing cycle of natural renewal. The return of the departed souls marked the beginning of the new agriculture cycle that was intended to celebrate the continuity of life. By giving presents to their children on behalf of the ancestors, parents keep the “affective bond” between the departed and the living alive. Doing so, children won’t be looking at their deceased relatives as a scaring entity of the afterlife but as good souls that look after them from heaven. In Catholic tradition, the “Giorno dei Morti,” is a day on which believers gather with their family members to make a pilgrimage to the cemeteries where their relatives lie waiting for the Day of Resurrection. According to some historians, early Christians created this religious celebration that blended elements from the Holy Scriptures with pagan traditions. In Sicily, as it happens for every holiday and festival, special cakes made into symbolic shapes are prepared for the Day of Dead. The traditional “cosi ruci” (sweets) include “Frutta Martorana” (Martorana fruits), a confection of almond paste made into the shape of different fruits, “N’zuddi” (almond cook-

"ITALIAN NEWS" continued on Page 14

MONTARGANO (Sicily) – On October 22, Mascali Mayor Luigi Messina and Riposto Mayor Enzo Caragliano recognized Sigonella NAVFAC volunteers’ commitment and dedication to their communities by presenting them with a volunteer award for having successfully completed the renovation project of the new center of MASCI Comunità Riposto I, the local group of the Italian Catholic Scout Movement for adults. Sigonella “Seabees” gave 1,100 hours of their time since March to turn a derelict school building into the new home of the MASCI scouts. The new building was unveiled during an official ribbon cutting ceremony that was attended by the local authorities. The Seabees delegation in attendance included Cdr. Michael Jarosz Sigonella public works officer, NAVFAC EURAFSWA, Senior Chief Bradley Jameson, CE1 Malcolm Marcewicz and CE3 Ana Jaramillo.

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Navy e-Learning Updates Web Address From Naval Education and Training Command Public Affairs

PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- Direct access to the online Navy e-Learning (NeL) management system website will be available at a new web address beginning Oct. 23. The direct NeL link of https://learning.nel.navy. mil is available 24/7 and will take Sailors directly to the 'My Learning' and 'Course Catalog' tabs of the NeL learning management system after logging on. Although direct access to NeL is available through the internet, a Common Access Card (CAC) is still required for NeL login. Courses on NeL have been standardized to run using the Internet Explorer browser. Sailors depend on NeL to help advance their careers and stay current with training requirements. Courses range from general military training to specific training for individual units. The site also contains an individual's training history where completion certificates can be obtained. To find certificates for completed courses, click on the 'Open My Training History' link located above the 'Show Individual Courses' and 'Show Curricula' tabs. Trainees using NeL complete over five million on-

Official U.S. Navy file photo.

line courses a year, from a comprehensive catalog of 12,500 distance learning courses. The Naval Education and Training Command relies on NeL for use in schoolhouses for individual skills and skill refresher training.

To access NeL through a link on My Navy Portal (MNP), select the "Professional Resources" dropdown menu, then "Navy e-learning Online Courses." Users will need to update their saved bookmark to the new NeL URL.

USS Constitution Gets Underway and Celebrates 220 Years By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Casey Scoular USS Constitution Public Affairs

CHARLESTOWN, Mass. (NNS) -USS Constitution and her crew headed underway from the ship's berth in Charlestown, Massachusetts, on Oct. 20, in commemoration of the ship's launching 220 years ago and the U.S. Navy's 242nd birthday. This was the first underway Constitution completed since she left dry dock on July 23 of this year and the first time she has been underway since 2014. "Being aboard Constitution today reminded me of my first underway aboard USS Nassau," said Cmdr. Robert S. Gerosa, Jr., Constitution's 74th commanding officer. Gerosa was stationed aboard USS Nassau (LHA 4) from 1998 to 2000. "I remember the excitement I felt that first day at sea in a Navy uniform. This was the first time that some of our Sailors experienced an underway. I know that they will remember this for the rest of their lives. The hard work and dedication of the crew made this day possible." Constitution started boarding guests at 8 a.m., many of them family and friends of current crewmembers. Shortly after 10 a.m., with more than

349 guests in attendance, she departed her pier. At 11:40 a.m., Constitution performed a 21-gun salute which was returned by the Concord Battery and 101st Field Artillery near Fort Independence on Castle Island. Fort Independence is a state park that served as a defensive position for Boston Harbor from 1634 to 1962. "My time aboard Constitution was absolutely amazing," said Jackie Plank, a guest from Marlborough, Massachusetts. "We feel very blessed to be able to be here today, hats off to the commander and the crew. This was a once-in-alifetime opportunity." The ship also fired an additional 17 shots at 12:15 p.m. as she passed the U.S. Coast Guard Station, the former site of the Edmund Hartt shipyard where Constitution was built. Each round of this salute honored the 16 states that comprised America when Constitution launched in 1797 and one in honor of the ship. "Getting Constitution back on the water has been my mission ever since I took command in 2015," said Gerosa.

BOSTON (Oct. 20, 2017) A U.S. Coast Guard Station Boston law enforcement team provides security for the USS Constitution, Friday, Oct. 20, 2017 as it sails in Boston Harbor to commemorate the Navy's 242nd birthday, officially observed on Oct. 13th. On Oct. 21, 1797, 220 years ago, USS Constitution was launched into the Boston Harbor and commissioned as an active duty warship in the United States Navy. Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Andrew Barresi/Released)

"To see her not only back in the water, but to also have her underway and accompanied by our crew and their family members has been one of the highlights of my navy career. Serving on this ship has been an incredible experience." The ship returned to her berthing, Pier 1 of the Charlestown Navy Yard, at 1 p.m. Constitution is the world's oldest

commissioned warship afloat and welcomes more than 500,000 visitors per year. She defended the sea lanes against threat from 1797 to 1855, much like the mission of today's Navy. America's Navy: Keeping the sea free for more than 200 years. Constitution's mission today is to offer community outreach and education about the ship's history.

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Photos by MC2 Ch

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hristopher Gordon

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NAS SIGONELLA COMMUNITY PAGE All Hands News Bulletin:

HEALTH PROMOTION'S NUTRITION CLASS SERIES

Command, Department or Organization: Health Promotion and Wellness Center Dates of Event: NOVEMBER, 3-8-15 • Time of Event: 1100-1200 Location of Event: NAS 1 Midtown Classroom/NAS 1 Chart Room Point of Contact Name: LT Melissa Amescua • Point of Contact Phone Number: 624-4710 Point of Contact Email Address: usn.sigonella.navhospsigonellait.mesg.hp@mail.mil Additional Information: Join U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella Health Promotion for their Nutrition Class Series and learn how to cope with the hurdles of eating healthy over the holidays. Eating healthy over the holidays can be difficult. Join the base Registered Dietitian and learn how to develop a healthy holiday meal plan, learn new recipes and pick the right items at your store. November 3 - 1100-1200: "Meal Planning for your Festive Holidays" at NAS 1 MWR classroom, Midtown 2nd floor November 8 - 1100-1200: "Your Holiday Eating Guide" at NAS 1 Chart Room, Connection 1st floor November 15 - 1100-1200: "Commissary Tour - How to Choose?" at Health Promotion's office, NAS 1 Midtown 2nd floor For more information and to sign up call U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella Health Promotion at 624-4710.

NAS 1 Mondays AA Meeting:

IMPORTANT HOLIDAY MAILING DATES

Command, Department or Organization : NAVSUP Point of Contact Name: Jeff Criger • Point of Contact Phone Number: 624-5473 Point of Contact Email Address: Jeffery.Criger@eu.navy.mil Additional Information: IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR! Beat the rush and send your mail early TO and FROM the U.S. Further details on mailing dates: APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIPs 090-098 (Except 093), AA ZIPs 340, AP ZIPs 962-966: Priority Express Mail Military Service: Dec 16 First Class & Priority Mail (Letters, Cards, Packages): Dec 11 Space Available Mail: Nov 27 • Standard Post Mail Nov 6 APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIP 093 Priority Express Mail Military Service: N/A First Class & Priority Mail (Letters, Cards, Packages): Dec 4 Space Available Mail: Nov 27 • Standard Post Mail: Nov 6 DOMESTIC MAIL (For Ships in Port and Personnel on Shore Duty in the U.S. Mailing to U.S. Destinations-Not Including APO/FPO/DPO): First-Class Mail: Dec 1 • Priority Mail: Dec 20 • Priority Express Mail: Dec 22 International First-Class Packages and Priority Mail Addressed to Africa and Central / South America: Nov 30 International First-Class Packages & Priority Mail Addressed to Asia /Pacific Rim, Australia / New Zealand, Canada, Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, & the Middle East: Dec 7

Sigonella Religious Ministries Department Worship Services 1800-1900

Tuesdays Protestant Women of the Chapel: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0900-1100 Daily Mass: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1130-1230 AWANA: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1645-1900 Youth for Christ (YFC) Youth Meeting: . . . . . . . . . . . 1200-1430 Wednesdays Protestant Men of the Chapel: .0600-0700 Daily Mass: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1130-1230 Catholic Ladies' Guild (3rd Wednesday): . . . . . . . . . . 1600-1800 Thursdays Daily Mass: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1130-1230

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

Youth for Christ (YFC) Youth Meeting: . . . . . . . . . . . . 1200-1530 Choir Practice: . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1630-1800 The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1800-2030 Fridays Daily Mass: . . . . . . . . . . . 1130-1230 First Friday Mass and Holy Hour:. . . . . . . . . 1700-1830

NAS 2

Wednesdays Knights of Columbus (1st Wednesdays): . . . . . . . . . . . 1700-1800 Protestant Women of the Chapel (PWOC): . 1800-2100

Liturgical Protestant Service NAS I Chapel - . . . . . . . . . 1800

Thursdays AA Meeting: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1800-1900

Sundays Catholic Mass: . . . . 0900-1000 Catholic Religious Education (DoDDS):. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1045-1200

Sundays Protestant Service and Fellowship: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1800-2000 Roman Catholic Mass NAS I Chapel - . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0900 Non-Liturgical Protestant Service NAS I Chapel - . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1100 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormon) - NAS I Chapel - . . . . . . . 1300 Non-Liturgical Protestant Service NAS II Chapel - . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1800

Saturdays First Saturday Rosary and Mass: . . . . . . . . . . . . 1100-1200

Protestant Service: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1100-1200 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1330-1600

Weekly Traffic Report: Oct. 16 - Oct. 23, 2017

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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"STUDENTS" continued from Page 1 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claims 4,300 children under the age of 21 die each year from underage drinking-related causes. These statistics are the motivation for the Red Ribbon Campaign to stay involved and keep kids safe, healthy and drug-free. Sigonella’s elementary school has participated in Red Ribbon Week for the last 5 years, and has seen the students react positively to the short classes. “The kids rememberd this training that they had received over the last few years, one of the students today said ‘oh yeah I remember from last year alcohol makes you dizzy…’ and started listing off all the ef-

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fects that she was taught from Red Ribbon Week,” said Judy Shannon, Sigonella Elementary School Counselor. “We’re just so thankful that Health Promotions will come over and be involved with us.” This year’s Red Ribbon Week had specific themes for each day of the week. Monday the kids all wore their red ribbons with the motto “your future is key – so stay drug free” in gold letters. Tuesday the students were encouraged to wear red, while Wednesday they were told to wear sneakers under the theme: “Don’t let drugs sneak up on you.” On Thursday red pencils were distributed to the students and on Friday, in order to show “spirit is better than drugs, alcohol or smoking” the students were encouraged to wear Sigonella t-shirts.

Deadline for Retirement System Training Fast Approaching From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Sailors eligible to opt-in to the new Blended Retirement System (BRS) will receive a letter from the Navy to complete their mandatory training by Dec. 31, if they have not yet done so. BRS training is mandatory and provides Sailors with information that compares the benefits of the current retirement system and of BRS. Once the decision to enroll in BRS is made, it is irrevocable. Commands must ensure all of their Sailors have completed the required training and documented the training through Fleet Management and Planning System (FLTMPS). Training is available on Navy eLearning at www. nel.navy.mil and Joint Knowledge Online at https://jkodirect.jten.mil/ or may be conducted face-to-face using the OSD syllabus. Navy is also sending letters to all active

and Reserve Sailors eligible to opt-in notifying them that they may enroll in BRS starting Jan. 1, through their Defense Finance and Accounting Service myPay account. Sailors are opt-in eligible if they are an active component member and will have fewer than 12 years of service as of Dec. 31, or are a Reserve component member, to include Full Time Support personnel, and will have fewer than 4,320 points as of Dec. 31. There is no automatic enrollment into BRS for opt-in eligible sailors. Sailors will remain under the current retirement plan unless they choose to enroll in BRS. New Sailors who first join the Navy on or after Jan. 1, will be automatically enrolled in BRS. More information on BRS can be found on the Navy BRS webpage at www.public.navy. mil/bupers-npc/support/21st_Century_Sailor/ readiness/Pages/Personal-Financial-Management.aspx.

A military service member reviews the DoD course content for the Blended Retirement System opt-in training . Eligible service members are required to take the opt-in course to learn about their options with the new retirement system, which goes into effect at the start of 2018. (DoD photo by Lisa Ferdinando)

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OCTOBER 27, 2017

GAMEZONE Spiders 1

RED WIDOW SETAE SILK GLAND SILKHENGE SPINNERETS TARANTULA TEXAS RECLUSE THORAX TRAPDOOR VENOM VIOLIN WATER WEBS YELLOW GARDEN YELLOW SAC

MEDIUM

GIANT HUNTSMAN GOLDEN HUNTSMAN GRASS HEAD HEART INTESTINE LICHEN MIRROR MOUSE OGRE FACED ORCHARD PEACOCK PEDIPALPS PELICAN REDBACK

EASY

ABDOMEN BLACK WIDOW BOOK LUNGS BRAZILIAN WANDERING CAMEL CARDINAL CHELICERAE CLAWS EIGHT LEGS ESOPHAGUS EXOSKELETON EYES FANGS FISHING FUNNEL WEB

DIFFICULT

Find and circle all of the spider species and anatomy words that are hidden in the grid. The remaining letters spell a secret message.

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"ITALIAN NEWS" continued from Page 6 ies), cocoa-based cookies (“Rame di Napoli,” “Totò” and “Bersaglieri”), “Ossa di morti,” (bones of the dead) crunchy cookies that were once shaped as skulls, phalanges (finger bones). They’re made by white dough that contrasts with the dark base where the sugar darkened close to the pan during baking and “Pupi ri zuccaru” or puppets of boiled sugar. Many customs are associated with All Souls Day’s celebration. It is also customary to set up a “Fiera dei Morti” (All souls Day’s Fair). This year the fiera will open tonight and it will be set up in a parking lot near the Catania airport through November 2. The fair, which is usually open from 9 a.m. until midnight, features a variety of items such as rugs, furniture, shoes, clothing, arts and crafts, antiquities, food and more. Traffic will be restricted in the fair area. Parking spaces will be set up in the adjoining streets and will be limited. Car pooling and parking far from the festival area is strongly recommended.

Tourist killed by falling masonry in famous Florence church Story by AP A 52-year-old tourist from Spain has been killed by falling masonry in one of Florence’s most famous churches, the Basilica di Santa Croce, AP reported last week. The fatal accident at the church where Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei and Niccolo Machiavelli are buried raised questions about the state of Italy’s many ageing and fragile monuments. The country’s culture minister, Dario Franceschini, speaking from New York, said prosecutors would conduct an investigation to determine whether faulty maintenance was to blame. The victim was struck by a piece of decorative stone that fell from a height of 20 metres (66ft) as he visited the church with his wife. According to Italian media reports, the fragment was about 15cm x 15cm (6in x 6in). The 15th-century basilica, which has a famed neo-gothic facade, has been undergoing years of maintenance in collaboration with Italy’s civil protection agency, Irena Sanesi, the head of the organisation that manages the church, told the Italian news agency Ansa. “We are really astonished at what has happened, and we ask ourselves how it could happen,” she said. Authorities were checking the stability of the church, which is expected to remain closed to visitors indefinitely. Other deadly incidents involving Italian monuments include the 1989 col-

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lapse of a 14th-century bell tower in the northern city of Pavia, in which four people died. The cause of the accident has never been determined. A toddler and a 30-year-old were seriously injured in July when plaster fell from the ceiling of the Acireale Cathedral in Sicily during a wedding. In October 2012, a cornice fell from the wall of the royal palace of Casertanear Naples causing part of the roof to cave in just a few feet from tourists. No one was injured.

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Eating Healthy while Quitting Tobacco By LT. Lorna Brown Health Promotion and Wellness Department Head

As a Dietitian I frequently hear complaints that tobacco cessation causes unwanted weight gain. Usually it isn’t a huge amount – roughly 5 to 10 pounds. But the frustration is obvious and understandable. I understand that watching the scale go up isn’t the reward you desired. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons weight gain happens and methods to prevent/minimize pounds gained. Hunger and weight gain after tobacco cessation is caused by a few factors. The biggest contributor to weight gain is the simple fact

that your habit probably consumed a fair amount of time during your day – it was a regular part of your routine. As a result, you end up finding other activities to occupy the time. A lot of times people end walking to the vending machine/cupboard and grabbing a bag of chips, cookies, or a candy bar. Couple this with the fact that quitting leads to increased sense of smell and taste; food becomes more attractive. There’s also some research that suggests when you quit nicotine your levels of serotonin decrease. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter responsible for calm, relaxed feelings. So, if you have lower serotonin levels this can lead to irritability and carbohydrate cravings. Consuming sweet and starchy foods increases serotonin levels and so you feel happier. Quitting is a smart decision that will improve your overall health and physical fitness. So what can you do to avoid packing on pounds after you've kicked the habit? • Plan activities for times when you have the urge to grab a cigarette. Go for a coffee break, call a friend, take a walk, or do some errands. • Keep your hands busy at all times. Try new hobbies like building model ships or giving yourself a manicure. • Carry a water bottle with you - it will occupy your hands, and sipping

LT. Lorna Brown, Health Promotion and Wellness Department Head and Registered Dietician. (Photo by Lt. Mark Knutson, Health Promotions Coordinator)

calorie-free water throughout the day will help you avoid weight gain. • Bring healthy snacks like fruit, nuts, reduced-fat string cheese, and raw veggies. This will help you avoid the vending machine. • Try carrying sugarless gum, mints, or a travel-size mouthwash. It's great for cleansing your palate when you're craving sweets. • Be active! If you haven't been exercising, now is a good time to start. Exercising will boost your metabolism, help you burn calories, and improve your mood. For more information on Tobacco cessation please contact the Health Promotion and Wellness Center at 624-4710.

ASIST WORKSHOP A two day Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) Workshop will be offered October 30-31 at the Hospital on NAS I Chapel in the SEAT classroom. ASIST is the world’s leading suicide intervention skills workshop. Developed in 1983 and regularly updated to reflect improvements in knowledge and practice it has become the “go to” Suicide Prevention program for the US Military. During the two-day interactive session, participants will learn to intervene and help prevent the immediate risk of suicide. For more information or to register contact the CREDO Facilitator, Rich Graves at DSN: 624-5231 or email at richard.graves.ctr@ eu.navy.mil or Lt. Joshua Lange USN Case Management, Naval Hospital Sigonella at: DSN: 624-4878 or email at Joshua.t.lange2. mil@mail.mil.

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