The Signature, March 4, 2016

US, Cameroon: Joint training to combat illicit activities in Cameroon PAGE 4

Prague:

Ombudsmen:

A weekend getaway!

Meet your command ombudsman

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March 4, 2016

Vol. 33 No. 9

Marines celebrate 100th community relations project

By MC2 helen brown NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – Marines with the Special Marine Ground-Air Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa (SPMAGTF-CR-AF) commemorated their 100th Community Relations (COMREL) project since arriving at NAS Sigonella in August 2015, with a cleanup and ceremony at Villa Romana Del Tellaro in Noto, Sicily, Feb. 26.

The Roman archeological site, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site featuring detailed mosaics, was drowning in overgrowing weeds. Marines, along with local volunteers, pulled weeds, raked and bagged waste, and swept the areas surrounding the mosaics which date back to the fourth century A.D. Local high-ranking government officials including the mayor of Noto, the public security authorities, bishop’s delegate and police commanders attended the event and extended their heartfelt thanks to the Marines for volunteering their time and labor.

“The COMRELS are important not only to the Marine Corps, but also the local area,” said Religious Programs Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Bulloch, who assists in the planning of the projects. “We go out, we work with the locals and we build relationships. The fact that we’ve done 100, just shows that we are committed to doing more and more, not only for ourselves but also for the community.”

Corrado Bonfanti, the Mayor of Noto and Dr. Rosalba Panvini, the Director of the Historic Preservation Regional Agency presented SPMAGTF Executive Officer Lt. Col. Jason Tubbs with awards for outstanding and dedicated volunteer service to honor the Marines.

“It is a great joy and honor to have the Marines here,” said Bonfanti. “This is a very incredible way to share a rela-

Corrado Bonfanti, the Mayor of Noto, center, presents an award for outstanding and dedicated volunteer service to Special Marine Ground-Air Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa (SPMAGTF-CR-AF) deployed to NAS Sigonella during the 100th community relations project. SPMAGTF-CR-AF arrived at NAS Sigonella August 2015 and has since then dedicated their time building community relations in Sicily.(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Helen Brown/Released)

tionship with the Unites States military, especially during times of such international complexities. This is an important contribution which will have a lasting impact on the entire community.”

The local community is not the only one who benefits from the COMRELs. The acts of service help the Marines motivate each other and give them a sense of fulfillment. It changes up their routine and gives them a break from regular day-to-day duties while still being productive. It also gives them a taste of another culture by interacting with the local community.

“When the troops come back from COMRELs, they are all amped up,” said

Sgt. Casey Martinez, a non-commissioned officer for the taskforce. “They’re ready to take on the world.”

This 100th COMREL is just one of many others that have occurred at local schools, soup kitchens, churches and a couple of other historic archeological sites. But to commemorate such a momentous achievement, this special archeological site was chosen for the ceremony.

“We were looking for something special to commemorate this occasion,” said Alberto Lunetta, community relations officer for NAS Sigonella. “This group of Marines has been exceptional in carrying out these events. They are

very dedicated and deserve this special location.”

Many people have worked together to plan and organize these events to benefit the local community. As ties are developed with the local nationals, more and more opportunities are presenting themselves.

“I think this is exciting, not just because it’s the 100th COMREL, but because we have many more opportunities to work with the community,” said Lt. Derrick Horne, SPMAGTF-CR-AF chaplain. “It used to be that we had to request these events. Now the community is requesting us. It’s creating memories that will outlast our presence here.”

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Active Duty Fund Drive 2016 kicks off

Fundraising events in March: 4 - Jail and Bail - 0800-1600 - NAS 2 (across the street from Admin building) 5 - Grocery Bagging - 1100-1600 - NAS 1 Commissary 6 - Bake sale - 1100-1400 - NAS 1 Commissary 7 - Breakfast burritos - 0630-0830 - NAS 2 Gate Entrance 8 - Bingo food sales - 1800 - NAS 1 Connections

NAS Sigonella kicks off the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Active Duty Fund Drive 2016 with a cake-cutting, Feb. 29. The Active Duty Fund Drive has two primary purposes: (1) To raise awareness of the programs and services available to active duty Sailors and Marines. (2)To raise funds to support the programs and services offered by the NMCRS. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ramon Go/Released)

9 - (Raffle Winners announced 0700) 10 - Car wash - 1100-1300 - NAS 2 Carport Bar trivia - NAS 2 Jox Pub (raffle) 2000-2200

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March 4, 2016

Direct Line

"ICE" continued from Page 2 or dietary restrictions. This incident, the Galley staff's unawareness of their products and the lack of proper labeling (to include calorie counts), has been addressed by the FSO and the Galley Staff. In the future, please contact our Galley FSO (francisco.marigundon@eu.navy.mil) or LCPO (chico.garcia@eu.navy.mil) directly with any questions or concerns.

Thank you.

Commanding Officer Capt. Chris Dennis Buongiorno Sigonella! Last Sunday, I had a problem of my own doing. What happened? Like most, last weekend I had a full agenda. Saturday we were hosting important visitors from Washington D.C. and then again Sunday morning I met with our Marines’ new boss, Maj. Gen. Miller, 2 MEF. But during all of this, I neglected to follow our Emergency Manager’s sage advice to keep my car’s fuel at or above half a tank... Free time to get gas was sparse, always the next thing on my agenda. And, according to my trusty fuel gauge, I had almost a quarter tank. As I coasted to a dead engine stop Sunday morning on SP106, I realized: my gauge isn’t so trusty, Niki McBain is pretty darn smart, and I on the other hand am pretty darn dumb.

Enter Petty Officer Quinntreal Johnson of NMC. He was out Sunday morning when he came across me, not in my normal “Green Bomb” but in our family Toyota and somewhat incognito in my civvies and ball cap. Though he had plenty he’d rather do, Petty Officer Johnson spent the next 40 minutes of his Sunday morning fixing a problem I had made. He could have easily been judgmental or critical, pointing out; I made this problem, I should fix it. After all, he and most of you know better than to run so low on gas. Instead, he gave me the gift of graciousness. While I waited others stopped, offered assistance or shared a chuckle but after those 40 minutes I was back driving and this time directly to the gas station.

To me, this story epitomizes what makes Sigo-

nella great: people genuinely caring for people, making the Sig’ civic virtue of Health and Welfare real. This story also speaks to the spirit of the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS). NMCRS helps Sailors, Marines, their families and retirees without judgment or regard to the source of the problem. That is because NMCRS truly cares. NMCRS helps through interest-free loans and grants and personal financial management counseling.

NMCRS combat casualty nurses partner with our injured heroes and NMCRS visiting nurses care for us in ways we can’t care for ourselves.

While NMCRS support is FREE to us, it is not free. The abundance of the resources needed to keep NMCRS viably helping Sailors, Marines, Retirees and our families is collected through the annual Active Duty Fund Drive (ADFD). Every March Sigonella distinguishes itself from all other bases in the Navy and Marine Corps as the true community we are, a community that does in fact raise funds “for our own, by our own.” Last year our community needed $178,000 of NMCRS relief, some surely due to poor planning or management, others due to truly unavoidable tragedies. Help came, it was between individuals and NMCRS and ultimately allowed our Sailors and Marines to continue to contribute to the many aspects of Sigonella’s weighty national security efforts. Now is our time to be there for NMCRS, so NMCRS will continue to be here for US. Please know: whatever you are able to contribute

Comment regarding "LNs Receiving Food Through Barbed Wire Fence From Algese":

Why does the Algese kitchen sell food through the barbed wire fence? I see many LNs going to the exterior door, handing over funds to pay for food, then receiving the food up and over the security fence. In addition, many LNs are “double dipping” on one authorized ramp badge to access the Algese kitchen by escorting unauthorized folks through the air terminal on to the tarmac to the chow hall. Let’s start enforcing policies again - if not authorized to be on the flight line, go to NEX food services or to the NAS 2 galley.

Response:

to the ADFD will help shipmates in need; NMCRS help is dignified and except in the rarest of cases remains private between the individual and NMCRS. So thank you Sigonella as you ‘pay it forward’ helping lift up fellow service members.

Your citizenship and commitment to one another are a source of joy and inspiration.

Honor, Courage, Commitment, C. J. Dennis

Commanding Officer's Suggestion Box

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".

Comment regarding "Mail Pick-Up During Holiday Hours":

Can service members go to the Fleet Mail Center and pick up their own packages if commands have liberty day and are not having mail hours/sending orderlies to pick up mail? Second, has there been any forward progress on the NAS 1 and NAS 2 post offices expanding to have post office boxes for 24-hour service and daily package pick up services? This would be outstanding not only for patron convenience but convenience of shift workers, mail orderlies, etc. Thank you.

Thank you for these questions. I am sure others share your interest. In response: when holiday postal hours are published, individuals and Mail Orderlies may stop by the Fleet Mail Center and pick up packages during the times listed. Mail will be picked up at the same postal operation the individual normally receives their mail, NAS 2 for 09627 and NAS 1 for 09623. This applies only to pick up and NOT drop off, as finance windows are only open during the specifically published NAS 1 and NAS 2 Post Office hours.

Longer term, there are plans developing to install mail receptacles at NAS 1 and NAS 2. Naples is going through this transition and we will consider their lessons learned as we design our final Sigonella plan. Tentatively, the NAS 1 PO boxes will be located inside the NAS 1 Post Office. A traffic and manpower study will be necessary to determine the best location(s) for the NAS 2 boxes. Note: when implemented, PO boxes will offer 24/7 access to small parcels. Larger parcels will only be available for pick up during normal operating hours at the supporting Fleet Mail Center. We anticipate the receptacles to be available in 2017. Stay tuned.

Again, thank you for your questions and allowing us the privilege to serve you. For other questions about Postal Services, please contact the Fleet Mail Center at 624-5915.

Thank you for your comment. I honestly know of no legal, ethical, or moral reason why folks should not be allowed to purchase food through the fence from Algese. As for escorting unbadged personnel onto the flight line, Security requires any unauthorized person(s) to be escorted by an authorized badge holder. The badged host maintains responsibility for their guests from the time the guests enter until the time they safely exit. If anyone finds/observes an unescorted, unauthorized individual inside the flight line, please immediately contact the Emergency Dispatch Center at 624-5225. For further access control procedures, please contact the Security Pass and ID office at 624-6387. Note: as you point out, we have a variety of dining options on base, to include the “Italian side.” I encourage folks to enjoy all of them with the exception of the Mini-Mart (and all NEX locations) which is ONLY for authorized patrons and the ITAF Mess which is exclusively for ITAF and their invited guests.

Comment regarding "NATO":

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 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. * If you submit a "BZ" about a specific person or department, PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR NAME in order to ensure comment authenticity and therefore publically 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!

Response:

March 4, 2016

Comment regarding "Paying Bills Through NEX":

In my recent visit to the base in Naples, I was happy to see a system for people living off base to pay their bills through the NEX. I'd love to see the same thing implemented here!

Response:

Thank you for your suggestion. Currently the NEX is capable of accepting payments for electricity billed by Enel for residents living on the economy (including residents of Bldg. 205). The NEX is also capable of accepting payments for Internet services billed by Telecom Italia (TI) for all TI customers, on or off base (to include barracks residents). Note: Barracks residents do not pay rent or electric. Thank you for your comment. For future questions regarding NEX facilities or services, please contact Julie Herring at 624-4379.

Comment regarding "Labeling Food Choices at Galley":

Why doesn't NASSIG label the food they offer to properly identify items that customers may not want due to dietary or religious restrictions? For instance, they should always identify meals that contain pork. On 21 Jan 2016 I went to the Galley for breakfast. One of the meats was listed "Sausage Patties."

When asked if the patties contained pork, no one could provide a definitive answer. Menus should also list types of meats contained or, at an absolute minimum, the staff should know what they are serving their customers.

Response:

I couldn’t agree more! In fact, this is not the first time this has been pointed out and I apologize for our lack of attention to detail! I have spoken with the Food Service Officer (FSO) about this repeat mistake, and he too apologizes and assures it was an oversight and not intended to violate anyone’s religious

"ICE" continued on Page 3

CO, I have seen far too many NATO forces on board NAS 1 and NAS 2 and consuming alcoholic beverages and tobacco directly in front of the NEX, the Seven-Day Store and Take 5,

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often leaving their rubbish behind, too! What can be done to promote a healthy environment and Sig’ Citizenship?

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Response:

U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA Commanding Officer Capt. Chris Dennis Executive Officer Cmdr. Charles G. McKinney II Command Master Chief CMDCM Mike Kaszubowski

Thank you for taking the time to raise your concern. In general, I distinguish between NAS 1 and NAS 2. NAS 1 is an auxiliary base and used by authorized Sig’ Citizens and guests OF ALL AGES. NAS 2, is an operational base and is generally not as open to the whole community to include our youngest Sig’ Citizens. Result, drinking in front of the NAS 1 NEX is NOT COOL. Whereas drinking in and around Jox/ Take 5 (and not to excess) would not be considered a public nuisance. On NAS 1, better locations are the Annex Field, Connections, or the NGIS pavilions. With respect to rubbish, as Sig’ Citizens, we each have the Health and Welfare obligation to care for ourselves and one another, so we should each be RESPECTFUL and CLEAN UP after ourselves. :) To help I have asked base service managers to be on the lookout and have directed our Command Duty Officers and Base Port Ops to remind visiting ships of our NASSIG cleanliness and public order policies. For any future public order concerns, please contact Security at 624-6392.

Comment regarding "Commissary Parking":

I think there needs to be some clarification on the parking spaces in front of the Commissary that are labeled "Parents with children under 5." Tonight I saw a female leave the Commissary/NEX and get into her vehicle that was parked in a "Parents with children under 5" space and drive away.

The reason I took notice was because she didn't have a child with her. Can anyone with a child under five park in these spots even if the child isn't with them?

Response:

I appreciate your question and the opportunity to clarify.

These priority parking spaces are intended for parents WITH children under five AND PRESENT. Understandably the NEX and Commissary do not have the resources to police the parking lots and therefore like many aspects of public order we rely on the honor system and each other, in the hopes the community will use these parking spots as intended, and not forcing parents WITH small children present to use less protected parking spots. If you see someone misusing these or other spaces, please contact Security at 624-6392. Again, thank you for your comment.

Name: YN1 (AW) Priscilla Taft Dept: Executive Admin Hometown: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma YN1 Taft has been in the Navy for 15 years and considers herself a success. Her advice to junior Sailors is to prioritize and continue to push even when things get tough. Her favorite Italian food is Mussel Soup and she loves the town of Noto. She suggests that to make the most out of being in Sicily, get out and see the sights, visit other places in Europe, do COMRELs and enjoy the community, the people and the culture.

EDITORIAL Public Affairs Officer Lt. Andriana Genualdi andriana.genualdi@eu.navy.mil Assistant Public Affairs Officer Lt. Jake Barreiro jake.barreiro@eu.navy.mil Editor Nicole Ybarra nicole.ybarra@eu.navy.mil Community Relations Officer Dott. Alberto Lunetta alberto.lunetta.it@eu.navy.mil PAO Staff Writers \ Photographers MC1 Tony D. Curtis anthony.curtis@eu.navy.mil MC2 Ramon Go ramon.go@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 096270001 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 anyanonymous 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

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March 4, 2016

U.S., Cameroon work together to counter illicit trafficking, improve maritime safety

By Staff Sgt. Bryan Peterson SPMAGTF-CR-Africa Public Affairs

LIMBE, Cameroon – U.S. Marines and Sailors are working with Cameroon’s Fusiliers Marins (FUMA) and Compagnie des Palmeurs de Combat (COPALCO) to increase their capabilities to combat illicit activity and increase security in the waterways and borders of Cameroon.

At the request of the Government of Cameroon and through coordination with the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde, Marines and Sailors with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, are partnering with their military counterparts in infantry tactics in support of their maritime security force capabilities.

The small team of Marines are currently attached to Africa Partnership Station, which is an international security cooperation initiative sponsored by U.S. Africa Command and facilitated by U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVAF), aimed at strengthening global maritime partnerships through training and other collaborative activities in order to improve maritime security and safety in Africa.

The Marines and Sailors are conducting training in combat marksmanship, patrolling, ambush techniques, close-quarters combat, tactical questioning and operations orders.

First Lt. Ryan T. Murray, the SPMAGTF-CR-AF APS team officer in charge, said the ultimate goal is to assist the units to defend Cameroon’s border against a range of threats to include illicit activities, such as countering violent extremist organizations like Boko Haram, which has kidnapped scores of children, mostly girls, to use as suicide bombers targeting military and innocent civilians in the country’s northeastern Borno State.

Murray added, during the month-long mission, the Marines will train FUMA and COPALCO to work together, so they “can seize an objective during the final exercise,” adding some of the troops present for the training have real-world experience to add to the training evolution.

“The Fusilier Marins are basically out of their recruit training, so some of this is new to them," said

U.S. Marines and Sailors are working with Cameroon’s Fusiliers Marins (FUMA) and Compagnie des Palmeurs de Combat (COPALCO) to increase their capabilities to combat illicit activity and increase security in the waterways and borders of Cameroon. At the request of the Government of Cameroon and through coordination with the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde, Marines and Sailors with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, are partnering with their military counterparts in infantry tactics in support of their maritime security force capabilities. The small team of Marines are currently attached to Africa Partnership Station, which is an international security cooperation initiative sponsored by U.S. Africa Command and facilitated by U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVAF), aimed at strengthening global maritime partnerships through training and other collaborative activities in order to improve maritime security and safety in Africa. The Marines and Sailors are conducting training in combat marksmanship, patrolling, ambush techniques, close-quarters combat, tactical questioning and operations orders.

Murray. “But, they are a solid group of men who are working well together. The ultimate goal for FUMA and COPALCO is to ensure they are combat ready and ready to demonstrate their ability to utilize small-unit infantry tactics in a kinetic environment.”

In a press release from the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde, Cameroon, last year, U.S. Ambassador Michael S. Hoza stated the U.S. government is commit-

"MARITIME SAFETY" continued on Page 5

Need an appointment at the hospital?

Call DSN 624-CARE (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, Holidays, or after office hours, please call the Nurse Advice Line at 800-877-660 (local/Italy only) Need a medication refill or results from your Provider?

Create an account with Relay Health using your PCM... www.relayhealth.com (click: register, patient, then add PCM)

March 4, 2016

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"MARITIME SAFETY" continued from Page 4 ted to stand with and support Cameroon as their forces counter illicit trafficking and Boko Haram so that all citizens can build a future of peace and prosperity for all Cameroonians through their talents, contributions, efforts, and ideas.

The Ambassador also stated Army Gen. David M. Rodriguez, commander for U.S. Africa Command, visited Cameroon to reassure Cameroon that the United States remains committed to assisting the country’s fight against Boko Haram.

“We have U.S. military advisors and trainers in Cameroon at the invitation of the [Cameroon] government to train and support the Cameroonian security forces in their fight against Boko Haram,” said Hoza, in the press release. “This commitment is firm, and will continue for as long as Cameroon welcomes it.”

Though the APS mission is to train the Cameroonians to protect their borders and inland waterways, the waterways lead to the Lake Chad Basin, one of the areas where the COPALCO and FUMA work together, an area where Boko Haram is known to operate.

Cameroonian Navy Lieutenant Commander Patrick Nnon Mabiom, COPALCO commander, and his troops are in their third iteration with the U.S. Marines and the partnership has already paid its dividends.

In the past year, Mabiom and his troops employed the Marines’ training from past engagements to combat illicit trafficking and terrorism and welcomes future training opportunities as “we can continue to build on previous training and continue to get better.”

“Because of this training, we are better prepared to address the security concerns facing our country,” said Mabiom. “Whether it’s stopping illicit trafficking, fighting Boko Haram or any other threat, we have the training we need to get the job done. We hope to continue this partnership because we [U.S. and Cameroon] can see the benefits coming out of it.”

Murray said the training they are conducting significantly “contributes to the great partnership between the two countries that only gets stronger every time we work together.”

“When we work with our Cameroonian partners to assist them to counter terrorism and illicit trafficking, it goes to show that both sides are committed to provide a safe environment for everyone,” said Murray. “They are brave, willing and ready to stop what the bad guys are doing to their country, whether it’s illicit trafficking of drugs and weapons or terrorism. This is a mutually beneficial engagement.”

Safety Spotlight How to Pass Safely on a Two-Lane Road Passing on a two-lane road can be dangerous; in fact, following the proper steps and thinking before passing can make the difference between a safe trip and an accident.

1. Ascertain that passing is legal on the stretch of road you are on by observing the highway markings and road signs. Also, make sure you will not exceed the speed limit when passing.

2. Examine all road features such as speed limits, hills, signs, or curves that may influence your ability to pass safely. Remember, tunnels, bridges, and viaducts can obstruct your view.

3. Make sure you can see an adequate distance ahead. These distances are different at different speeds. Establish there is no oncoming traffic that will come within 200 feet (60.96m) of you in the passing lane.

4. Check all traffic and think how it might influence your ability to pass safely, whether it is oncoming traffic, side road traffic, or traffic behind your vehicle.

5. Accelerate slowly to a safe distance behind the vehicle, you will be passing; this is usually one vehicle length or more. Turn on your turn signal, or direction indicator, at least 100 feet (30.5 m). (30.48m) before passing.

6. Check behind you in your rear view and side mirrors for traffic from the back the second before you move into the opposite lane to pass. Then check for oncoming traffic once again.

7. If the conditions are still safe for passing, accelerate quickly and smoothly after you move completely into the other lane; do not gun the engine.

8. Quickly pass the vehicle, glance in both your side and rear view mirrors to determine the position of the vehicle you just passed. If you are two or more vehicle lengths in front of that vehicle, you may signal or indicate that you are moving back into the normal lane of traffic and then move your vehicle back over.

Signed, SAFETY SAM

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March 4, 2016

U.S. NAVY HEADLINES March 4, 2016

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Good Friday Religious Festival in Pietraperzia on March 25

Fleet Master Chief April Beldo recognized at BEYA; CNP highlights importance of STEM in the Navy

Story by Rebecca Taylor

From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

Can you imagine your entire hometown showing up at your son's Bar Mitzvah, taking Communion in the town square, setting up Stations of the Cross along Main Street or preparing a Ramadan feast in the public park? Probably not. In the United States, a country with a diversity of faiths and a separation of Church and State, religious ceremonies are generally celebrated privately, within the walls of the homes or houses of worship of each faith group. By contrast, in Italy, the long predominance of the Roman Catholic Church has allowed an intertwining of religious and civic life, with important religious celebrations spilling out into the streets and becoming public events in which everyone participates. As a result, over the centuries many Italian towns have developed distinctive ceremonies that are not just personal religious observances but expressions of community spirit and unity as well.

A good example is the observance of Good Friday in the town of Pietraperzia which this year falls on Friday, March 25. Good Friday commemorates the day Jesus was crucified, suffered and died. It is an important and very solemn Christian holiday.

Many Sicilian towns hold Good Friday observances, but the tradition of Pietraperzia, located in the province of Enna near Caltanisetta, is unique. The name of the observance is "Lu Signuri di li Fasci," which is Sicilian for "Our Lord of the Bands." The bands, or fasci, are long strips of white linen cloth which are attached to the end of a tall, wooden mast; a crucifix is then mounted onto the mast. The entire assembled construction, called a fercolo, is then raised upright in a dramatic moment and carried through the town at the head of a procession.

Pietraperzia currently has about 7,300 residents. Its population has shrunk over the past century; many pietrini, as the residents of Pietraperzia are called, emigrated in the early years of the 20th century.

But each year some of those who have moved away return to Pietraperzia to participate in their hometown ceremony. And some of those who cannot be present will call a family member or friend and listen to the raising of the fercolo over the phone.

Pietraperzia has held a procession of the crucifix on Good Friday for well over 200 years.

After hours of busy preparation, the spectacular procession of the cross begins around 8:00 p.m. on March 25 and lasts through late night crossing all the main road of the town’s historic center.

A fascinating century-old tradition Last year, the ceremony began as it has for centuries, in the Church of the Carmine, home church of the Confraternity of Maria Santissima del Soccorso, the fraternal organization in charge of the event.

Members of the confraternity were there dressed in their ceremonial regalia - a long-sleeved white robe, a light blue tunic or cape and a white headdress.

Member Andrea Rapisardi stated that his confraternity, one of three in Pietraperzia, has been in existence since 1306 and that there has been a Christian church on this site for even longer - the first was built around the year 1000. The current building retains the outer walls of the structure built in the 14th century. The rest of the church has been extensively rebuilt, but portions of the floor were recently replaced with Plexiglas so that visitors can see some of the remaining crypt and flooring of the earlier church below. But on the afternoon of Good Friday the focus of attention was the church's crucifix with its life-sized figure of Christ carved in the 14th Century of sorbo wood. This crucifix would be carried out of the church and become the starring element in the evening procession through the town. But first, at 3:00 p.m., it was taken down to lie in state; throughout the afternoon the faithful came to participate in a unique tradition. Upon entering the church, participants made a small donation and were given a length of red ribbon.

These red ribbons are called misureddi, meaning

PHILADELPHIA (NNS) -- Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education Fleet Master Chief April D. Beldo was recognized Feb. 19 as the 2016 U.S. Navy Non-Commissioned Officer award recipient during the Black Engineer of the Year Awards (BEYA) 11th Annual Stars and Stripes dinner in Philadelphia.

"I'm humbled and honored to receive this award," Beldo said following the award presentation. "This represents 33 years of service in the Navy doing what I love -- leading and mentoring Sailors. And more than anything, it represents the simple truth that you can do anything you put your mind to if you work hard and stay focused."

Chief of Naval Personnel Vice Adm. Bill Moran attended the ceremony and delivered the keynote address highlighting the importance of STEM, how organizations like BEYA contribute to the success of the Navy, and the important role leaders like Beldo, and the other BEYA award recipients play in today's Navy.

"What better way for us to remember the legacy of this great city, than to reflect on the American spirit that is still ignited, and shining brightly in these individuals tonight," Moran said during his remarks.

"My fervent hope is that by reflecting on what these leaders have accomplished, it will ignite us all with courage and tenacity and cause us to dream, to dream what we see."

Moran said BEYA helps play a key role in showing

young men and women throughout the country what is possible as well as the true meaning of mentorship and leadership.

"Our Navy must be led by individuals who dream the possible, who are consumed with a passion for excellence, and the will to win," Moran said. "It's up to us to show them the way. There is no better place to be, no better life to live than in the service of a cause greater than self."

The three-day BEYA conference, which concluded Feb. 20, brings together young men and women from around the country who demonstrate outstanding performance in a technical field and show great potential for shaping the future course of engineering, science, math and technology.

CNO, MCPON visit Navy's only Boot Camp From Naval Service Training Command Public Affairs

It’s that time of year again! The jaw-dropping Good Friday procession returns to Pietraperzia to remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross. This must-see religious festival will be held on Friday, March 25 (Photo by Lillo Russo)

little measures. Each ribbon was placed upon the crucifix, stretched first across the shoulders of the Christ figure and then the length of the body, thus making the sign of the cross. The ribbon was then tied around the participant's arm. The misureddi represent the connection between the believer and the suffering Christ and are a symbol of divine protection.

Outside in the crowded piazza another important element of the "fercolo" was prepared. The Cross – actually a thick mast of cypress wood nine meters in length – was carried from the church at 6:00 p.m. and laid in the piazza. It was attached to the vara —a square base of oak with two long thick poles which will be used to carry the entire fercolo. Then the members of the confraternity began to direct the tying of the fasci. These bands or strips of white linen, 33 meters in length and about a half a meter in width, were tied in the middle around a large iron ring at one end of the cypress mast. The linen bands are owned by individual families of Pietraperzia. As an act of devotion and gratitude the owners make a donation and register the band to be used for the ceremony. They do not just provide the linen bands but also actively participate in the procession. A family member is assigned to hold each end of the attached band. The holders will pull on the bands to raise the fercolo; throughout the procession they must keep the bands taut to help balance and steady the fercolo.

One of those holding the rolled end of a band in the Piazza del Carmine was Marco Tragno. He explained that the approximately 300 linen bands owned by the families of the town exceeded the capacity of the fercolo. And so the confraternity established a rotation system; the bands are numbered and registered and each year one third of the bands

are excluded. This way each family participates for two years and then sits out one year. The family's name and the year of purchase are embroidered on

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GREAT LAKES, Ill. (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. John Richardson and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Mike Stevens visited The Quarterdeck of the Navy and the Navy's only boot camp here, Feb. 27.

CNO and MCPON toured Recruit Training Command (RTC) facilities, including the Navy's largest battle stations simulator USS Trayer, a 210-foot-long replica of an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer. CNO and MCPON also visited Division 145 in the USS Hopper ship barracks. Recruits demonstrated how they were working and adapting to MCPON's e-Sailor initiative, being conducted and tested at RTC by Naval Service Training Command's (NSTC) Information Technology (N6) and Strategy and Analysis (N5) directorates.

"We strive to provide premier education and training by using the most dynamic learning and development processes," said Rear Adm. Stephen Evans, NSTC commander, who oversees RTC. "We cultivate a culture of personal and professional growth for lifelong learning, training and service. The e-Sailor initiative also assists us to anticipate and respond to emerging training needs to meet fleet requirements."

The goal of the e-Sailor initiative and use of e-tablets is to increase the quality of work and quality of life of both recruits and Recruit Division Commanders (RDCs).

NSTC staff members and RTC are working to integrate the e-tablets in recruit's training curriculum. This technology is already prevalent in elementary through high schools across the nation, creating a seamless educational transition from civilian to Sailor.

"I am encouraged to see the progress made using tablets for training," said Richardson.

"This initiative was started by MCPON Mike Stevens and has really taken off and we're seeing the improvements already."

In 2014, Stevens proposed the e-Sailor initiative to Naval Service Training Command (NSTC) for testing at RTC. In April of 2015 the first division was issued e-tablets. Since then, three more divisions have undergone testing with the e-tablets, including Divisions 145 and 146 currently in training. The NSTC-RTC team have worked to develop protocol for the use, care, and programming of the tablets. Each e-tablet will enable recruits easy access to Navy educational apps, Navy instructions, The Bluejacket's Manual, U. S. Navy ship classifications, Rates and Ranks, training videos, testing and more. The RDCs will also have a quick reference to what recruits use most on the e-tablets to aid in their training.

"During this final cycle of the Pre-pilot, NSTC has deployed iOS tablets (iPads). This will allow the e-Sailor team to monitor the infrastructure and operating requirements associated with this platform to better prepare us for the large scale Pilot that will take place this Spring," said John Drake, NSTC's director of N5. "Additionally, this is the first time we will be able to obtain feedback regarding two new apps we have developed.

First, "Ships and Aircrafts" is a flashcard style app to help recruits identify more than 100 naval ships, aircraft and associated equipment. Second, U. S. Military Rank and Reference is a game/reference based app to educate recruits on the visual identification of cross-service ranks."

Drake said once this current cycle is completed, NSTC and RTC will initiate the large scale Pilot. "During that phase we will evaluate tablets across iOS, Android, and Windows platforms. In addition, we will continue to integrate new content that is currently in development," he said.

After the brief MCPON said he was more excited with how the e-Sailor initiative was progressing since he launched the program.

"I'm very excited with where e-Sailor is going," MCPON Stevens said. "I'm very grateful to the staff at NSTC and RTC for their willingness to embrace the e-Sailor program and understand the value of it. I think this is going to help shape our Navy as we move forward into the 21st Century and ensure that we remain relevant."

CNO and MCPON also toured RTC's largest structure, the 173,000 square-foot

Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. John Richardson tours Recruit Training Command (RTC) at Naval Station Great Lakes. Richardson and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Mike Stevens met with RTC leadership and visited construction of the Freedom-variant littoral combat ship at Marinette Marine Corp. shipyard in Marinette, Wis. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Nathan Laird/Released) three-story Freedom Hall Physical Fitness facility. Freedom Hall is where recruits train and take their three Physical Fitness Assessments (PFAs) during boot camp. CNO and MCPON also were able to observe a weekly Captain's Cup competition between soonto-be-graduating recruit divisions. Captain's Cup is a series of relay races and physical shipboard-style challenges, from caring for a simulated injured shipmate to handling mooring lines. The Navy's top officer and enlisted Sailors also sat down with the NSTC and RTC leadership to further discuss the way-forward of accessions training for the Navy and budgetary concerns.

"Having the Navy's most senior leadership tour the Quarterdeck of the Navy provides a valuable chance for us to not only showcase our facilities and the professionalism of our staff, but to also demonstrate the progress we are making in implementing highvelocity learning through the e-Sailor initiative at the Navy's only boot camp," said Capt.

Doug Pfeifle, commanding officer, RTC. "This program offers the recruits a tremendous opportunity to interface with technology during their training, making for a more streamlined transition from boot camp, to 'A' schools, and out to the Fleet."

"Visiting Great Lakes was inspirational," added Richardson. "The recruits are full of spirit and determination - it was great to see the next generation of Sailors being trained. The entire command was professional - an amazing blend of challenge, respect, mission, and integrity. The RDCs are a hard-working and high-performing team with a very important job. I look forward to coming back for another visit!"

NSTC oversees 98 percent of initial officer and enlisted accessions training for the Navy, as well as the Navy's Citizenship Development program. NSTC includes RTC, NROTC units at more than 160 colleges and universities, Officer Training Command (OTC) at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island, and Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) and Navy National Defense Cadet Corps (NNDCC) citizenship development programs at more than 600 high schools worldwide.

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Weekend getaway in Prague

By Nicole Ybarra NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

For many years Prague was a popular, inexpensive destination for backpacking college students to enjoy a final European fling before they entered the working world. Today, while the city is still comparatively cheap compared to its neighbors, it caters to a more grown up crowd – although you will still find plenty of university students – and offers a mix of architecture, history, culture and great food.

During our recent trip, we stayed in the heart of Old Town which was centrally located to all of the city’s highlights. We were also fortunate in that right outside of our flat, was a modest wooden shack, cooking up what should be a designated national treasure of the Czech Republic: Trdelník.

The pronunciation is similar to “turtleneck;” the taste, reminiscent of a Krispy Kreme-Churro mash-up. Trdelník is a traditional Slovak cake and sweet pastry, originating from the Hungarian-speaking region of Transylvania, Romania. It is made from rolled dough that is wrapped around a stick, then grilled and topped with sugar, cinnamon and chopped walnuts.

Or for those who have completely thrown their diets to the wind, can be smeared with Nutella or filled with gelato.

To help offset uninhibited Trdelník consumption, walk to the Prague Castle (Pražský hrad), a beautiful Old World fortress and former seat of power for kings, Roman emperors and Czech politicians. Grab a glass of warm mulled wine and get lost in the castle grounds, taking in the breathtaking architecture of the largest ancient castle in the world.

After a full morning at the castle we headed back over the Charles Bridge to climb the Astronomical Clock Tower, the oldest such clock still in operation. The line to ascend to the top of the tower was fairly long, but the vantage point was well worth the wait with beautiful views of the iconic Church of Our Lady before Týn (Chrám Matky Boží před Týnem) and massive Old Town square.

Having worked up an appetite, we headed to U Fleků, the only brewery in Central Europe which has been brewing continuously for over 500 years. Here we sampled traditional Prague goulash which we washed down with liters of Czech beer and shots of Becherovka, a unique Czech liquor with unique ginger and cinnamon after tastes.

While we hit many of the main highlights, there is much more to discover in this Eastern European gem that warrants a return trip. From Old World castles, and ancient beer halls, to gut-busting gastronomical delights, there is something for everyone in Prague!

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All Hands News Bulletin: Youth Sports now taking registrations for baseball: Youth Sports is NOW taking registrations for Baseball season! If you have a child interested in playing, now is your chance!

For ages 3-4: Start Smart This is a FREE program that teaches young children baseball fundamentals and must include parent involvement.

For Ages 5-18: Register at SAC - 0900-1200 and 1300-1700, M-F, Cost is $50.00 per child Baseball season runs through 18 Apr - 11 Jun. For more info please email eric.barge@eu.navy.mil or visit http://www.sigmwr. com/event.php?id=3850

March 4, 2016

SP 208 Restriction: A reminder that SP 208 is designated by Italian Authority as a road for local residents and customers of business on the road and through traffic is not authorized. Security is coordinating with local Law Enforcement offices for enforcement of the through-traveler. Additional reminder that driving as a sponsored member of the installation is a privilege, not a right. That privilege can be revoked. Let's do the right thing and stay safe Sigonella.

- Driving on SP-208 is not authorized by host nation laws, and the Commander's guidance on travel in the triangle does NOT include SP-208.

- If anyone is caught driving on SP208, you are violating a direct order of the Base Commander.

- If an accident occurs on SP-208, insurance companies will not pay for any damages caused or suffered.

- Utilizing this road is not what right looks like! Drive safe; for your safety and the safety of our community.

Sigonella Religious Ministries Department Worship Services 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 ROMAN CATHOLIC • Sunday - 9 a.m. Catholic Mass at NAS 1 Chapel • Tuesday - Friday - 11:30 a.m. at NAS 1 or NAS 2 Chapel

CLUB BEYOND • Middle School Club & Small Group - Tuesday - 2:45 - 4:45 p.m. at NAS 1 Chapel • High School Club and Small Group - Wednesdays - 6 - 8 p.m. at Marinai Home

PROTESTANT WORSHIP SERVICE • Sunday - 11 a.m. Traditional Worship at NAS 1 Chapel; 6 p.m. Non-Denominational Sunday at NAS 2 Chapel • Wednesday - 7 p.m. Bible Study at NAS 2

Catholic Religious Education • September - June - 10:30 a.m. at DoDDS

PROTESTANT MEN OF THE CHAPEL • Wednesdays 6 a.m. @ NAS 1 Fellowship Hall PROTESTANT WOMEN OF THE CHAPEL • Tuesdays - 9 a.m. at NAS 1 Fellowship Hall; Thursdays 5 p.m. @ NAS 1 Fellowship Hall LATTER-DAY SAINTS • Sunday - 1:30 p.m. at NAS 1 Chapel Contact: sigonellalds@gmail.com or 624-9049

Knights of Columbus • First Wednesday of the month - 5 p.m. at NAS 2 Chapel NIGHT STUDY • AA Meetings - Monday - 5:30 p.m., 2nd Floor at NAS 1 Chapel; Thursday - 7 p.m. at NAS 2 Chapel • AA Family Group - Tuesday - 7 p.m. at NAS 2 Chapel • Tuesday - Italian Class - 7 p.m. at NAS 1 Chapel Classroom • Tuesday - Awana Club - 4:45 p.m at NAS 1 Chapel

Weekly Traffic Reports: Feb. 22 - 29, 2016

Ristorante Bella Etna Friday, March 4 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Creamed Beef w/ Toast, Grilled Sausage Patties, Home Fried Potatoes Lunch: Chipper Fish, Honey Glazed Chicken Breast, Steamed Rice, Oven-Glo Potatoes Speed Line: Freshly Made Pizza Self Serve Salad Bar: Chili Dog Bar Dinner: Cajun Baked Catfish, Fried Chicken, Steamed Rice Saturday, March 5 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Grilled Ham Steak, Corned Beef Hash, Hash Brown Patty Brunch: Eggs to Order, Grilled Ham Steak, Corned Beef Hash, Spaghetti w/ Meat Sauce, Hash Brown Patty Dinner: Pork Schnitzel, Shrimp Jambalaya, Oven Browned Potatoes

Breakfast: $3.45 Mon - Fri: 6:30 - 8:30 a.m.

Weekend / Holiday: 7-9 a.m.

Sunday, March 6 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Grilled Minute Steak, Sausage Gravy w/ Biscuit, Italian Roasted Potatoes Brunch: Eggs to Order, Grilled Minute Steak, Sausage Gravy w/ Biscuit, Chicken Fried Steak, Italian Roasted Potatoes Dinner: Chicken a la King, Chili Macaroni, Steamed Rice Monday, March 7 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Grilled Sausage Patties, Minced Beef w/ Toast, O’Brien Potatoes Lunch: Cajun Roast Beef, Grilled Salmon, Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Rice Speed Line: Freshly Made Pizza Self Serve Salad Bar: Chili Dog Bar Dinner: Parmesan Fish, Herbed Baked Chicken, Rice Pilaf

Lunch: $5.55 Mon - Fri: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Weekend / Holiday: 11 a.m. -1 p.m.

Dinner: $4.85 Mon - Fri: 4:30 - 6 p.m.

Weekend / Holiday: 4:30 -6 p.m.

Tuesday, March 8 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Oven Fried Bacon, Creamed Beef w/ Toast, Home Fried Potatoes Lunch: Blackened Catfish, BBQ Chicken, Macaroni & Cheese, Potatoes Au Gratin Speed Line: Chicken Fajitas, Beef Tacos, Mexican Rice, Refried Beans Self Serve Salad Bar: Nacho Bar Dinner: Beef Stew, Grilled Pork Chops, Steamed Rice

Thursday, March 10 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Corned Beef Hash, Oven Fried Bacon, Italian Roasted Potatoes Lunch: French Fried Shrimp, Baked Stuffed Pork Chops, Spring Garden Rice, Mashed Potatoes Speed Line: Pasta Bar Self Serve Salad Bar: Nacho Bar Dinner: Chicken Fried Steak, Italian Sausage w/ Onions & Peppers, Steamed Rice

Wednesday, March 9 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Grilled Minute Steak, Sausage Gravy w/ Biscuit, Hash Brown Patty Lunch: Lasagna, Turkey Pot Pie, Rice Pilaf Speed Line: Grilled Hamburgers Self Serve Salad Bar: Chili Dog Bar Dinner: Beef Porcupines, Chicken Tetrazzini, Oven Browned Potatoes

Friday, March 11 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Creamed Beef w/ Toast, Grilled Sausage Patties, O’Brien Potatoes Lunch: Lemon Baked Fish, Beef Stroganoff, Steamed Rice, Roasted Potato Wedges Speed Line: Fresh Pizza Self Serve Salad Bar: Chili Dog Bar Dinner: Salisbury Steak, Creole Fish Fillets, Italian Roasted Potatoes

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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Hats Off to Broadway! Musical opens Friday, March 4

By Lynn soeby Sigonella MHS Musical Director

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GAMEZONE

USA State Capitals

Rooster (Chris Cournoyer), left, Lily (Eleonora Germain), center, and Miss Hannigan (Miriam Stewart) in rehearsal for “Easy Street.” (Photo courtesy of Sigonella MHS)

ALBANY (New York) ANNAPOLIS (Maryland) ATLANTA (Georgia) AUGUSTA (Maine) AUSTIN (Texas) BATON ROUGE (Louisiana) BISMARCK (North Dakota) BOISE (Idaho) BOSTON (Massachusetts) CARSON CITY (Nevada) CHARLESTON (West Virginia) CHEYENNE (Wyoming) COLUMBIA (South Carolina) COLUMBUS (Ohio) CONCORD (New Hampshire) DENVER (Colorado) DES MOINES (Iowa) DOVER (Delaware) FRANKFORT (Kentucky) HARRISBURG (Pennsylvania) HARTFORD (Connecticut) HELENA (Montana) HONOLULU (Hawaii) INDIANAPOLIS (Indiana) JACKSON (Mississippi)

JEFFERSON CITY (Missouri) JUNEAU (Alaska) LANSING (Michigan) LINCOLN (Nebraska) LITTLE ROCK (Arkansas) MADISON (Wisconsin) MONTGOMERY (Alabama) MONTPELIER (Vermont) NASHVILLE (Tennessee) OKLAHOMA CITY (Oklahoma) OLYMPIA (Washington) PHOENIX (Arizona) PIERRE (South Dakota) PROVIDENCE (Rhode Island) RALEIGH (North Carolina) RICHMOND (Virginia) SACRAMENTO (California) SALEM (Oregon) SALT LAKE CITY (Utah) SANTA FE (New Mexico) SPRINGFIELD (Illinois) ST. PAUL (Minnesota) TALLAHASSEE (Florida) TOPEKA (Kansas) TRENTON (New Jersey)

DIFFICULT

Find and circle all of the USA State Capitals that are hidden in the grid.

The remaining letters spell a secret message - a Bill Vaughan quotation.

Ms. Hannigan (Miriam Stewart), left, and Grace Farrell (Kendra van Wynsberghe), center, argue over Annie (Adreanne Matthias). (Photo courtesy of Sigonella MHS)

EASY

Curtain goes up at the school in Knights Hall this weekend on the Sigonella school musical production Hats Off to Broadway! This year’s show features eighty talented Sigonellans performing scenes from three hit musicals. Since the first week of January, twenty-seven elementary school students, thirty-three MHS students and twenty adults have been in rehearsal working intensively on lines, lyrics and choreography. Dozens of cast members, parents and volunteers joined together on weekends to create all the behind the scenes aspects of the show: painting and building scenery, sewing and altering costumes, finding and making props and organizing make-up and tech. It all culminates with three performances for the Sigonella community: Friday at 7 PM and Saturday at 2 PM and 6 PM. For tickets, contact sigonellaonbroadway@gmail.com or call 349-308-9090.

Adult seats are 10 dollars. Students (preschool - 12th grade) tickets are 5 dollars.

First on the action-packed program is Into the Woods featuring the characters from the well-loved fairy tales, Jack in the Beanstalk, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood and Rapunzel. The twelve member ensemble cast for this segment of the show will present the Prologue which introduces the storyline and the characters who all need or want something that leads them to set off into the woods. Cinderella wants to go to the ball; Jack and his mother need to sell their cow; The Baker and his Wife want a child; the Witch needs to have a spell reversed and Little Red Riding Hood needs to visit Granny.

Next up are scenes from the well-known musical Annie. Eleven year old orphan Annie (Adrianne Mathias) incites the girls of the orphanage in a revolt against the vile Ms. Hannigan (Miriam Stewart) in “It’s a Hard Knock Life.” Annie manages to escape and along the way encounters a group of homeless people who are victims of the stock market crash of 1929. She tries to cheer them up after their frustrated and sarcastic lament “We’d Like to Thank You, Herbert Hoover.” Annie is apprehended and taken back to the orphanage only to be rescued by Grace Farrell (Kendra Van Wynsberghe) private secretary to Oliver Warbucks who is proposing to adopt an orphan for the holidays. This is NOT good news for Ms. Hannigan who professes her loathing of children in “Little Girls.” Just when she thinks things can’t get any worse, her deadbeat brother Rooster (Chris Cournoyer) shows up with his latest girlfriend, Lily St. Regis (Eleonora Germain) looking for a handout. Together the three plot and scheme how to make it rich in “Easy Street”. Arriving at the Warbucks mansion, Annie is greeted by the billionaire’s staff and gets a glimpse of the luxury that awaits her in “I Think I’m Gonna Like It Here!”

Part three of the show features scenes from Ian Flemming’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang where we meet eccentric inventor Caratacus Potts (Chris Cournoyer) and his two children Jeremy and Jemima (Graham Ray and Avery Young) as they sing “You, Two”. Hoping to rescue their favorite car from the junkyard, the children have promised that their father will pay thirty schillings to the junkyard owner.

Desperate to raise the money, Caratacus and the children encounter Truly Scrumptious (Kendra Van Wynsberghe) as they attempt to sell sweets to the local Candy Company in “Toot Sweets”. Caratacus procures the car and toils for days fixing her up finally revealing the wondrous car in “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.” Meanwhile, the evil Baron and Baroness of Vulgaria (Christine and Matt Arnold) have kidnapped Grandpa Potts (Mike Sullivan) thinking he is Caratacus and force him into helping the captive inventors to build a magic car in “Grow the Roses”. When Caratacus, Truly and the children get to Vulgaria, they find out just how evil and strange the leaders of Vulgaria are when they learn that all the children of Vulgaria have been locked up by the Child Catcher (Denise Hopkins) in “Kiddy-Widdy-Winkies.” Jeremy and Jemima are captured causing Caratacus and Truly to collude with the captive children of Vulgaria to rescue them and free all the children in “Teamwork.”

The Baron and Baroness prepare for the Baron’s big birthday party during the hilarious “Chu-Chi Face” which is followed by the Baroness getting the party started with the boisterous dance extravaganza “The Bombie Samba.” When the Baroness reveals her surprise gift of life-size toys to the Baron in “Doll on a Music Box,” everyone gets a surprise as the captive children sneak into the party and save the day.

Hats Off to Broadway! will be the last show produced by director, Lynn Soeby who has been teaching at Sigonella schools since 1998. In that time, she has worked with the Sigonella community children and adults to present sixteen full-scale musicals and revues. Performances have included the musicals Annie, The Wizard of Oz, The Music Man, The Sound of Music, as well as scenes from the shows Les Miserables, The Phantom of the Opera, The King and I, Wicked, Tom Sawyer, Mary Poppins, A Chorus Line, West Side Story, Matilda, My Fair Lady, Evita, Fiddler on the Roof and Oliver!

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Jack in the Beanstalk (Graham Dennis), right, and his Mother (Miriam Stewart) rehearsing the Prologue for “Into the Woods.” (Photo courtesy of Sigonella MHS)

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March is Red Cross month

By Kala Kirk Sigonella American Red Cross

Ombudsmen Corner - Meet your command ombudsman!

An Ombudsman is an official representative of the Commanding Officer and plays a vital role in establishing and maintaining current and accurate communication between the command and its family members. Ombudsman training is thorough and continuous. It begins with ombudsman basic training that covers the Navy's Family Ombudsman Program and the skills needed to do the job. Ombudsmen maintain and increase their knowledge and skills by attending advanced training offered by Fleet and Family Support Centers and local Ombudsman Assemblies.

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NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – Every year, the American Red Cross designates the month of March as Red Cross Month – a time to recognize our nation’s everyday heroes who help those in need in their community. Volunteers comprise 90% of the Red Cross workforce.

These selfless individuals help families find shelter after home fires, donate blood to trauma victims, and volunteer their valuable time to provide support and care to those in need in the face of disaster. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.

During Red Cross Month, you can become a community hero by helping the American Red Cross alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies.

• Create an emergency preparedness plan for your household.

• Test your smoke detectors and remind your neighbors to do the same.

• Learn lifesaving skills from Red Cross classes, like lifeguarding or CPR. • Become a Red Cross volunteer.

Through a worldwide network, the American Red Cross provides 24-hour support to members of the military, veterans and their families – in war zones, military hospitals and on military installations around the world.

Here at Sigonella, we handle an average of 172 emergency military calls every year. The Sigonella chapter has taught over 100 classes, from swim lessons to CPR lifesaving skills.

This past year alone, Sigonella Red Cross Volunteers have dedicated 5,497 hours to the community. Their support has made nine Red Cross base events happen to include assisting MWR with the Sigonella Run Series, the annual Pet Appreciation Day in April, and the Bike Safety Rodeo in May which had the largest turnout to date.

Sigonella Red Cross has also partnered with organizations to help deliver services to our military, including the Wounded Warrior Project to provide a free resiliency day trip, Amazon to provide gift bags on Christmas Day, and the USN Sigonella Dental Clinic to provide vocational training to military dependents.

On behalf of the Sigonella Red Cross office, we would like to extend our thanks to the Red Cross Volunteers and Everyday Heroes.

the band in red. Tragno said that his family had purchased their linen band as an act of gratitude after he recovered from a serious illness as a child. Between Good Friday festivals they keep the band at home. The bands are handed down from father to son. One of the oldest bands still in use bears the date 1888. At 8:00 p.m. the third element of the fercolo appeared. A large globe representing the world and constructed of ribs of gold-painted wood and squares of colored glass was carried out of the church. It was affixed to the end of the cypress mast, above the ring of white bands. Then there was an announcement asking for silence and a hush came over the crowd of bystanders.

The crucifix emerged from the church, passed from hand to hand by a line of confraternity members until it reached the fercolo. The members cried out, "Pietà e misericordia Signuri!" which means, "Piety and mercy Lord!" The crucifix was placed at the top of the globe to symbolize Christ's reign over the world. A voice came over the loudspeaker again, reminding the crowd of the solemn meaning of the festival and requesting - in Italian, English and Germanthat there be no clapping when the fercolo was raised. As the tension mounted, the crowd was pushed back from the center of the piazza where the assembled fercolo lay waiting to be raised. As the band holders prepared for the lift, a confraternity member struck the oak base of the fercolo with a staff, making a sound like a drum roll.

At this cue hundreds of bystanders raised their cameras and cell phones to capture the dramatic moment. And then, suddenly, the night sky above the piazza was dominated by a white mountain formed by the stretched bands radiating from the mast. This mountain was crowned with the globe and crucifix on its summit, 12 meters above the ground. As the procession began the fercolo became a moving work of art. The white bands hid the cypress beam from view and made the crucifix appear to float on them as it sailed majestically down the street. The cone shape formed by the bands expanded and contracted as the fercolo moved forward, changing shape to fit the confines of the streets. The fasci holders rolled and unrolled their fasci to maintain a constant tension as they changed their formation. Lights inside the multi-colored globe caused it to glow and cast an iridescent shimmer onto the snowy white of the bands below.

Unlike an American parade float which hides the machinery that propels it, the fercolo’s human engine was an integral part of its performance. At its base, the two long carrier poles rested on the shoulders of dozens of porters lined up in close formation on both sides. Like those who hold the linen bands, the porters who carry the fercolo volunteer as an act of devotion. It required the carefully coordinated efforts of about 500 porters and fasci holders to raise and move the fercolo. As they made their way forward the porters struggled to carry the nine tons of combined weight of the fercolo: their struggle represented a sharing in the suffering of Christ and echoed the suffering depicted on the cross above them.

It would have been easier to just display the fercolo in the piazza and have everyone come to view it there. As part of the preparation for the procession, the streets on the procession route had to be cleared of all obstacles. Electrical wires which were strung across streets had to be taken down to allow the fercolo to pass. But the parading of the fercolo, its movement and its appearance through- out the town, was an essential part of its purpose. Catch- ing sudden glimpses from afar of the glowing white fer- colo as it appeared between the buildings of the dark town was a startling and surreal experience. At each main intersection, the fercolo stopped. This gave the porters a needed rest, but also gave the residents watching from their balconies a good look at the fercolo. Even those unable to leave their homes were a part of the procession.

The fercolo of Our Lord of the Bands was followed by two others –"L'Urna de Cristo," a glass coffin containing a sculpture of the dead Christ, and "L'Addolorata", a statue of Our Lady of Sorrows. After its slow tour through the town, the procession returned to Piazza del Carmine about midnight where the fercolo was lowered and dismantled.

The linen bands were taken home and the crucifix, globe, and mast were carried back into the Church of the Carmine until Good Friday next year.

For more information on this religious festival visit http://www.comune.pietraperzia.en.it/

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THE SIGNATURE

March 4, 2016