US, Cameroon: Joint training to combat illicit activities in Cameroon PAGE 4
Prague:
Ombudsmen:
A weekend getaway!
Meet your command ombudsman
PAGEs 8-9
N A S SIG O N E L L A
PAGE 14
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