USO: We want your candy!
PAGE 3
Autumn Fest:
Giving Back:
A fun-filled weekend for Sig'
PWD Sailors help local community
PAGEs 8-9
N A S SIG O N E L L A
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October 28, 2016
Vol. 33 No. 41
AutumnFest 2016: Frights and Delights for Sigonella
Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella service members, families and local nationals watch "Sig's Got Talent" during its annual AutumnFest, Oct. 22. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Ramon Go/Released) By Nicole Ybarra NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella hosted its annual fall festival, AutumnFest, this past weekend, Oct. 21-22. The festivities kicked off Friday, as participants ran for their lives in the Zombie Run. Along the course, runners dodged and evaded zombies who attempted to steal their flags as they raced to the finish line. After the run, costume-clad children made their way down Trick-or-Treat lane where local organizations and vol-
unteers handed out candy and treats. Sig’ Citizens and local nationals enjoyed the beer tent and wine tastings as well as food from a variety of vendors, while children played in the bouncy houses and rode carnival rides. This annual autumn event provides a valuable opportunity to strengthen intercultural relations with the local community. “AutumnFest is one of the yearly occasions for the Italian public to meet Sigonellans and enjoy American food and culture,” said Dr. Alberto Lunetta, Community Relations Officer. This year, the NAS Sigonella Public
Affairs Office facilitated the first ever visit of about 50 youths from the Catania working-class neighborhood, Monte Po. The group was accompanied by Giuseppe Gaspare Allegra, coordinator from "Associazione I G.A.M." whose acronym means the "young people love the Monte Po neighborhood." This nonprofit organization aims to improve the image of the Monte Po neighborhood and promotes community service projects and volunteer efforts to keep children off the streets. The group from Monte Po enjoyed the haunted house, carnival rides and had the chance to sample traditional American food such as tacos and hotdogs for the first time in their lives. The food was generously donated by CTF-67 Sailors and officers. "Visiting AutumnFest was like being in an American movie for these kids; they're still talking about this experience. They got the unique chance to eat American food, see patrol cars, interact with Sailors in uniform, and see military working dogs. It was an experience they will never forget,” said Allegra. On the second day of AutumnFest, some of Sigonella’s strongest competed for the title in the Strongman Competition early Saturday morning. Men and women competed in a variety of strength challenges including a giant tire flip and rope carry. “Events like AutumnFest not only bring the community together to have fun, but are a great opportunity to interact with our host nation community as well. There is a lot of planning involved, but it’s amazing to see all this
hard work come together for the Sig’ community and extremely rewarding to see the Sicilians experience a little piece of America," explained Vanessa Olgetree, MWR Marketing Director. The two-day festival was a collaborative effort between NASSIG Security, MWR, Public Works and Public Affairs and left a positive imprint on both the Sigonella and Sicilian communities. Congratulations to this year’s winners! Sig's Got Talent Winners: Youth 17 & Under 1st Place: Averi Chandler 2nd Place: Michelle Rodriguez 3rd Place: Eryn Bell Adult 1st Place: Vanessa Narvaez 2nd Place: Steven "Scooby" Moore 3rd Place: Larry Brown Strongman Winners: Women's Lightweight 1st Place: Annie Huynh 2nd Place: Elizabeth Davies 3rd Place: Danielle Thornhill Women's Open 1st Place: Abby Weiss 2nd Place: Jen Franzke 3rd Place: Becky Ireland Men's Middleweight 1st Place: Adam Spann 2nd Place: Collin Albert 3rd Place: James Van Wynsberghe Men's Open 1st Place: Gordon Adams 2nd Place:Thomas Reyes 3rd Place: Elijah Green See pages 8-9 for more photos.
Sigonella Students Pledge to be Healthy and Drug Free By Nicole Ybarra NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – Throughout the week of Oct. 24-28, students at Sigonella Elementary School celebrated Red Ribbon Week under the theme “YOLO. Be Drug Free.” The event began as a result of the kidnapping and murder of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent Enrique (“Kiki”) Camarena in 1985. Camarena’s work as a DEA agent in Mexico led to a tip that resulted in the discovery and eradication of a drug production operation. Consequently, drug cartels sought revenge by killing key informants and ultimately murdered Camarena and his pilot, Capt. Zavala-Avelar. In his honor, Red Ribbon Week brings millions of people together to raise awareness. During this time, students pledge to “stamp out” illegal drugs, tobacco and alcohol. This year, Sigonella Elementary School students were visited by Health Promotion coordinator Lt. Katrina Lufty and Guiseppe Licari who encouraged the students to focus on making healthy choices and to say “no” to drugs, alcohol and tobacco. The students participated in interactive games that helped them to identify good choices from bad choices. Through roleplaying, children also learned various ways to say no to tobacco and alcohol and spoke about positive healthy choices they could make instead. With the older grades, students discussed the impact of addiction and how manufacturers target children and teenagers in their advertising. Then students devised creative ads that revealed the truth about alcohol, tobacco and drugs. Sigonella Elementary School students then had a chance to sign their name on the Red Ribbon Week pledge, vowing to stay away from bad choices. “Through participation in Red Ribbon Week activities, I hope that each student emerged with a
Throughout the week of Oct. 24-28, students at Sigonella Elementary School celebrated Red Ribbon Week under the theme “YOLO. Be Drug Free.” Sigonella Elementary School students were visited by Health Promotion coordinator Lt. Katrina Lufty and Guiseppe Licari who encouraged the students to focus on making healthy choices and to say “no” to drugs, alcohol and tobacco. (Photo courtesy of Nicole Ybarra)
strong sense of self, a firm knowledge of what is right and wrong, and innovative ways to say ‘no’ to those who pressure them against their values,” said Lufty. The week was filled with fun and meaningful activities. Students received red ribbons to commem-
orate Red Ribbon Week and wore red clothing to school. Pencils were distributed to all students and on Friday, children dressed up as their favorite character during the Storybook parade under the theme “Don’t Let Drugs Ruin Your Character.”