American Red Cross: We need your help!
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N A S SIG O N E L L A
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April 28, 2017
Vol. 34 No. 16
USO Sigonella Recognizes Volunteers during National Volunteer Week By Stacey Geddings USO Sigonella
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – At USO Sigonella, volunteers play a special role in serving those who serve. Whether it is welcoming visitors to our center, easing their journey with a cup of coffee, or providing a free phone call to a loved one, volunteers lead with their hearts and serve with integrity. While we recognize the commitment of our volunteers regularly throughout the year, during National Volunteer Week which runs from April 23 – 29, USO Sigonella is paying a special tribute to the men and women who support our mission to strengthen America’s military service members by keeping them connected
to family, home and country throughout their service to the nation. USO Sigonella opened its doors Oct. 19, 2016 with a ribbon cutting ceremony and hosted a Grand Opening BBQ in front of the Air Terminal. More than 300 service members stopped by to enjoy the ceremony and BBQ. Patrick Russel, Tamara Thomas, Anel Montero, Olga Perozo Carrero, Thalia Malave Ortiz, Miranda Umfress, Victoria Castro, and Wendy Stemac volunteered for this wonderful event. Combined they provided more than 30 hours of volunteer work enabling the USO to host a fantastic Grand Opening BBQ. Without the support of USO Sigonella’s first volunteers this event would not have been possible. As the year came to a close, USO volunteers were busy spreading holiday cheer around the community. Throughout the month of December USO Sigonella supported MWR’s Tree Lighting ceremony providing cookies, hot chocolate, and cider; hosted holiday cookie drops, stopping by many of the commands on NAS 1 and NAS 2 delivering delicious holiday cookies; as well as hosting the holiday troop luncheon BBQ. Together, USO Sigonella vol-
unteers totaled over 100 hours of support and reached more than 1,000 members of the Sigonella community. After the New Year, USO volunteers continued to support key USO programs and events. Eager volunteers supported USO’s Tuesday’s Troop Luncheon providing between 40 to 70 service members every week a delicious meal. Flight support for the Patriot Express has rarely seen an empty volunteer opportunity, even with a 0330 show time. “I am proud to volunteer
with the USO to support the Sigonella community and military,” said Anel Montero, a USO volunteer. Through the first quarter of 2017 dedicated USO volunteers like Montero have given more than 400 man-hours enabling the start of new programs such as United through Reading, Taste of Home Night, and the Teddy Bear Club. These new programs, along with many more to come, would not be possible without the wonderful support of USO Sigonella’s volunteers!
Earth Day 2017: Building Strength through Stewardship By Crystal St. Clair-Canaii NAS Sigonella Environmental Department
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily –Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella held a base-wide cleanup on April 21 in honor of Earth Day which is held annually on April 22. The base beautification event was a part of NAS Sigonella’s focus on energy and resource conservation. Earth Day was founded in 1970 as a grassroots effort to increase awareness of environmental issues. Since the 1990s the Department of the Navy and other military services have celebrated Earth Day with themes geared toward recognizing the symbiotic nature between the military mission, the lands entrusted to us, and the communities we serve. This year’s theme was “Building Strength through Stewardship” promoting the message that effective environmental initiatives ultimately support and empower the mission by creating trust with regulatory agencies and the public, preserving the ecosystems in which we operate, and developing science to enable sound decision making for future planning. So, what does this mean? Everything we do has an impact on something else. Everything we use must be disposed of; every time we flip a light switch, energy is consumed; vehicle exhaust emits pollution to the air, and contaminants (oil/paint/grease) that end up on the ground can eventually impact our waterways. What can you do? REDUCE, REUSE, AND RECYCLE as much and as often as you can. REDUCE: One person’s trash is another’s treasure.
Instead of discarding unwanted appliances tools or clothes, try selling or donating them. Not only will you be reducing waste, you’ll be helping others. REUSE: Buy reusable over disposable items. Look
for items that can be reused; the little things can add up. RECYCLE: Make sure you know how to recycle in your neighborhood.
SIGONELLA, Sicily (April 21, 2017) - Aviation Support Equipment Technician 2nd Class Cody Schiffman participates in a base clean up aboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella in observance of Earth Day 2017. 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)