March 30, 2012 The Signature by NAS Sigonella Signature

THE

SIGNATURE SIGONELLA, SICILY

VOL. 29 NO. 12

MARCH

30, 2012

cnic.navy.mil/sigonella

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily (March 22, 2012) Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, the Honorable Juan Garcia, speaks during an All Hands Call at Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella. Garcia visited NAS Sigonella to promote the 21st Century Sailor and Marine Initiative. The 21st Century Sailor and Marine Initiative consolidates a set of objectives and policies, new and existing, to maximize Sailor and Marine personal readiness, build resiliency and hone the most combat-effective force in the history of the Department of the Navy. (U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Gary Prill/Released)

Assistant Secretary of the Navy brings 21st Century Sailor and Marine Initiative to Sigonella BY MC1 CHRISTOPHER DELANO NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

AS SIGONELLA, Sicily (NNS) - Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Juan M. Garcia, visited Sailors aboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella March 22. The visit enabled Sailors and Marines the opportunity to learn more about the Secretary of the Navy's 21st Century Sailor and Marine Initiative, which is designed to maximize Sailor and Marine personal readiness, maintain the resiliency of the force, and to hone the most combat effective force in the history of the Department of the Navy. "The way this works is there are five key focus areas; readiness, safety, physical fitness, inclusion and continuum of service," said Garcia. "A decision was made by your leadership, knowing what the future holds in the terms of operational tempo and knowing the sacrifices you and your families have sustained for the last decade, to gather all those existing personnel support programs and a handful of new ones and bring them together under a single overarching rubrik we call the 21st Century Sailor and Marine." The 21st Century Sailor and Marine Initiative takes a hard look at issues such as preventing sexual assaults and how to keep them from occurring, and if they occur, how to support

sexual assault victims, and hold offenders accountable. "There is no room for sexual assault in our Navy and Marine Corps team, a shipmate is a shipmate and a marine is a marine, we need everyone intervening to prevent a single incident from happening again. That's why we hired professional investigators who specialize in sexual assault to ensure that if appropriate, we prosecute to the maximum extent of the law." During the visit, NAS Sigonella Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Coordinator, Angela Dooney discussed programs offered at the Fleet and Family Service Center in Sigonella that already supports the 21st Century Sailor and Marine Initiative. One program, Sigonella Safe, targets the active duty population 25 and younger and addresses high risk behaviors such as alcohol over indulgence, suicide, and sexual assault. Speakers are subject matter experts and speak about risk reduction and bystander intervention. "We are doing great things here," said Dooney. "I'm proud of what we are doing and am grateful that I had the opportunity to talk with him about our statistics, trends that we've identified, and programs that have been put into place in support of those trends. It just shows how proactive Sigonella is in preventing sexual assault."

"We wanted to come and highlight the all-forces effort that's part of the 21st century Sailor and Marine Initiative and ensure maximum readiness and part of that readiness is assuring that one sexual assault is too many," said Garcia. "Every Sailor is tasked with taking care of their fellow Sailor and every Marine is tasked with taking care of their fellow Marine and the folks in Sigonella are leading in that effort." Whether supporting NATO operations in Libya, aiding in natural disasters or chasing pirates off the horn of Africa, the 21st Century Sailor and Marine Initiative is designed to give every Sailor and Marine, and their families, the tools they need to succeed.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"To do something well is so worthwhile that to die trying to do it better cannot be foolhardy. It would be a waste of life to do nothing with one's ability, for I feel that life is measured in achievement, not in years alone." - Bruce McLaren

U.S. Air Force Band performs at NASSIG

Going the distance

Celebrate Easter throughout Sicily

NAS Elementary School kids enjoy performance.

MR2 Gary Spence shares his Malta marathon experience.

Find out whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happening.

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Scan for direct links to NAS Sigonella

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uongiorno, Sigonellans. This Saturday our Chiefs Mess will pause and celebrate 119 years of the steadfast service by the United States Navy Chief Petty Officers (CPO). CPO’s wear their anchors with pride because they are the symbol of a culture which represents our character, loyalty, and a strong commitment to leadership, our core values, and Navy ethos. In honor of Navy Chiefs now and of the past, we are hosting a United States Navy Chief Petty Officers Birthday Celebration which kicks-off with our flag ceremony at 0750 on NAS I. Following the opening ceremony there will be a CPO history presentation at Connections, a 5k run at 1000, and a community BBQ at 1130. We cordially invite the Sigonella community to join us and celebrate the hard work and leadership that the Chiefs provide every day, and make this celebration a truly memorable event.

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cnic.navy.mil/sigonella

30, 2012

NAS Sigonella Command Master Chief David Graham

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Happy birthday Shipmates! I truly appreciate your leadership and the hard work you do every day. Recognizing stellar leadership also brings to mind that this weekend finalizes Women’s History Month which is dedicated to the women who strived so passionately for rights as equals and to the dynamic women of today who continue to shape our path. Whether a military member or spouse, we thank you for your determination and service to our country because without your ideas and cultural diversity we would not be the great nation that we are today. Looking ahead to April, spring break is just around the corner. For many of us this is a time to travel as our kids are out of school. Please allow yourself plenty of time for travel. Be safe during your travels and remember to wear

appropriate safety equipment if activities require it, as we need each of you at full capability to meet our mission.

Attention pet owners! If you are planning on leaving the island within the next six months you will want to attend the Pet Relocation Seminar provided by the Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC). On April 6 from 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., get the 411 from FFSC, Personnel Support Detachment (PSD), the Veterinary Clinics and SAWS on the new regulations of relocating your pet and have your questions answered. To attend, you must sign up by calling the FFSC at 624-4291. Additional Pet Relocation Seminars will be held on April 18 at the Terminal from 3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. and on May 4 at the FFSC from 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Triennial OHA Utility and MIHA Survey open in April for eligible U.S.service members in Italy

Please, don’t become a statistic!

NAPLES, Italy — The triennial Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) Utility and Move-In Housing Allowance (MIHA) survey is open during all of April for personnel stationed in Italy. The voluntary survey is for military personnel who reside in privately leased quarters and receive an overseas housing allowance. Survey results will be used to update OHA utility and MIHA allowance rates for Italy. The Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) encourages participation from every eligible service member. Individual responses will be held in strict confidence by DTMO and will not be shared with any other office or agency. The survey can be found at https://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/aprutilmiha.cfm and will be active starting April 1 until the close of business April 30. The survey may take as much as 45 minutes to complete. The regional commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia will be coordinating survey participation for installations in Italy. If you have any questions or need more information, please contact the regional coordinators at DSN 314-626-2551.

NASSIG WORSHIP SERVICES SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION / PENANCE: Receive absolution through the Sacrament of Penance before Easter. It is available any day or anytime upon request if circumstances allow. ** FOR ALL OTHER WORSHIP SERVICE TIMES AND OPPORTUNITIES contact the Religious Ministries Department, 624-3975

ROMAN CATHOLIC HOLY WEEK WORSHIP SERVICE NAS I Chapel March 31: 1700 Anticipated Mass (Saturday) Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion Palm Sunday April 1: 0830 Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion Thursday April 5: 1700 Holy Thursday (Mass of the Lord's Supper) Friday April 6: 1700 Good Friday of the Lord's Passion Saturday April 7 : 1800 Holy Saturday / Easter Vigil Easter Sunday April 8: 0830 Easter Sunday Mass (Solemnity of the Resurrection of the Lord)

PROTESTANT EASTER WORSHIP SERVICE NAS I Chapel Palm Sunday April 1: 1000 Traditional Protestant Worship 1130 Contemporary Protestant Worship Good Friday April 6: 1200 Good Friday Traditional Protestant Service Easter Sunday April 8: 0630 Easter Sunrise Service * Marinai Youth Center (Outside) 1000 Traditional Protestant Worship Chapel Choir Easter Cantata 1130 Contemporary Protestant Worship

NAS II Chapel Palm Sunday April 1: 1130 Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion

Easter Sunday April 8: 1130

Easter Sunday Mass (Solemnity of the Resurrection of the Lord)

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Around NAS Sigonella ... NAS Sigonella students learn about the importance of being tobacco free

Lt.j.g. Aspen Alu, health promotions coordinator for Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton (left) answered students’ questions about tobacco use during Kick the Habit Day. (U.S. Navy photo by MR2 Gary Spence)

BY MR2 GARY SPENCE NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

n March 21, Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella Schools participated in Kick the Habit Day, a public awareness campaign designed to educate students of the dangers of tobacco use. “This was sponsored by The Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids," said Lt.j.g. Aspen Alu, health promotions coordinator for Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton. "They’ve got kids all over the country doing different kinds of events, from health fairs to educational campaigns, trying to encourage people not to smoke or, if they are older and already smoke, to quit.” Students in middle and high school learned from the visual aids on hand, including one that showed the effects of long term smokeless tobacco use. When asked what they thought of smoking, dipping and chewing, a few students simply said, “It’s just gross!” “One of the points we stress about staying away from tobacco use is not to be pressured into it," said Bernadette Sassen from the health promotions department. "Don’t take up such a dangerous habit just because your friends are doing it.”

(Photo by Francie Hammond)

Master sculptor Maestro Gianni teaches Sigonella School students On March 21, the students at Sigonella Elementary School had the unique opportunity to learn from local Italian artist Maestro Gianni Sessa who taught the kids how to make art out of a piece of wood. "This was a once in a lifetime experience because there are very few master sculptors in the world," said Art Teacher Francie Hammond. " The kids loved it!"

NAS Sigonella spring training

(U.S. Navy photo by MR2 Gary Spence)

U.S. Air Force Band performs for NAS Sigonella elementary school

Family Fitness Day featured several baseball activities including a home run derby station. (U.S. Navy photo by MR2 Gary Spence)

BY MR2 GARY SPENCE NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

On March 24, families from Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella participated in Family Fitness Day at NAS I Land Annex Field, the first in a series of events to celebrate the new Family Fitness Center that will soon open at the NAS I gym. With a focus on baseball in honor of youth baseball season, activities included a fast pitch competition, bunting practice, home run derby, and a water balloon batting challenge.

BY MR2 GARY SPENCE NAS Sigonella Public Affairs On March 26, the U.S. Air Force Band “Five Star Brass” performed for students at Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella elementary school. The band, a component of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) Band stationed at Ramstein Air Base in Germany performed various songs and gave demonstrations about the instruments each member played. Based on the sheer volume of applause the kids showed at the end of each performance, the band was quite a hit with the students. “It really seemed to brighten their day. We got immediate feedback," said band leader Technical Sergeant David Hartung. "That doesn’t happen every place, but today you could tell they enjoyed themselves.” The concert was also a way to bring attention to Music In Our Schools Month (MIOSM), a celebration of music

and music programs offered in public schools. As Hartung points out, “Sometimes when a school is cutting its budget, music programs tend to be among the first to get cut. I think today was a good example how music can inspire people.” According to Staff Sergeant Laura Kluga, this was a way to give back to the students. “Their parents tend to deploy often. So we want to show that we are here for them. Every year we do this and it’s a really good opportunity to be in front of the kids and to thank them for being there for their families.” The USAFE Band is comprised of 45 active duty Air Force musicians committed to fortifying international relationships, enhancing troop morale and fostering trust and friendship among the military, governmental and civilian populations within the European theatre.

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FFSC can be reached at x4291 American Red Cross at x4900 Does your command or organization have an event youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to see on the Community Calendar? Email us at thesig@eu.navy.mil and let us know!

Need an appointment at the hospital? Call DSN 624CARE (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, a holiday or after office hours, please call 335578-8077 if you are normally seen at the hospital or 335578-8150 if you are normally seen at the Flight Line Clinic.

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Fleet and Family Support Center Administration Building Bldg. 319 (NAS I)

Monday–Friday 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. DSN 624-4291 Commercial 095-56-4291

Interview tips and techniques: Make a great impression

ake no mistake, interviews can be stressful. There are many unknowns and it's normal for you to feel a little anxious prior to the big day. Don't worry, the Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) is here to help you prepare for an upcoming job interview, whether here in Sigonella or back in the states. If you have landed an interview – congratulations! You should feel confident because your resume has already shown you can do the job. Now is the time to share what you could not on paper and really stand out to your prospective employer. Even if you don't have an interview currently scheduled, you can begin preparing yourself for one that might be in your future. Although you may feel you already know a lot about the interview process, here are some tips that many people forget about and could prove to be very useful to you on your important day. Always drive to your interview location in advance so you know exactly where you are going the day of the interview. There is no sense in getting lost and showing up late – talk about a bad first impression! In addition, you need to know if parking is readily available and if there is a fee involved (always bring spare coins for the meter, just in case). If you have been wearing a uniform for several years, it is a good idea to do a test run on your interview outfit to make sure it still fits. You don't want to show up to an interview wearing a suit that is two sizes too small (or large!). Find out as much information about the company/organization as you possibly can prior

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to your interview. Take it a step further and ask who will be interviewing you. You can check the company website to see if there is a biography listed for this individual and then you can include some of the information you found out through your research during the interview. The more you know, the more it shows you have a specific interest in the company and want to work there. Know what is in your resume. If you have information listed on paper, it is fair game in the interview. It is helpful to tie items from your resume to interview questions – for example, if you get a question about a time when you managed a group of people, you could refer to a role you held as described in your resume. This can help make your responses easier to recall during the interview. Practice some of the “tough” interview questions. Do this as many times as you are able – the more you practice, the more confident you will be for the interview. In addition, when you do research for the company, draft three or four questions to ask during the interview process. Examples include: Is there a training or mentor program involved? How much travel is required? What opportunities for advancement exist? Always have at least two questions to ask during the interview – you want to appear interested and invested in your potential new job! These are only a few of the tips, tricks and techniques necessary for a successful interview. Contact the FFSC to learn more about our Inside Interviews class (held monthly) at 624-4291 or email Sarah Conlan at sarah.conlan@eu.navy.mil.

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Good Friday in Pietraperzia, a sorrowful and ancient display of devotion

The Artichoke Festival in Ramacca will be held from March 30 to April 1. (Photo by Max Pubblicità)

Ramacca hosts Artichoke Festival

Devotees in Pietraperzia walk slowly in procession as they pull the float displaying the crucifix during the mournful Good Friday commemoration. Every year thousands of visitors and pilgrims from all over Sicily and the mainland swarm the narrow alleys of this beautiful town of the Caltanissetta province to see this dramatic ritual. (Photo by Luigi Salemi)

fter a year of preparation, the time has come to renew a century-old Easter tradition. On Good Friday, (April 6) the Pietraperzia community will commemorate the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. Pietraperzia is a small historic town in the Enna province which has been keeping this ancient tradition alive to show how deep-rooted religious beliefs are among its townspeople. On April 6, members of the Confraternita of Maria Santissima del Soccorso religious brotherhood will flock to the Chiesa del Carmine (Church of the Carmine) to help prepare for the solemn evening celebrations of the "Lu Signuri di li Fasci," (The Lord of the Bands). At 2 p.m., a 14th century life-sized crucifix will be taken from a small chapel, where it is usually kept and placed in the center of the church for adoration. Amidst a surreal silence, devotees will pay their respects for the entire afternoon. Pilgrims will enter the church, make a small donation and get small red ribbons, called "Misureddi," (little measures), which have the same measurements as the crucifix. Misureddi will then be blessed and tied around the arm as a sign of devotion. At 6 p.m., confrati (confraternity members) will mount the crucifix and place "Lu munnu" (a globe symbolizing the world) on top of a 28-foot cypress wood pole. This majestic post will then be placed in the middle of a wooden frame called "Vara." After that, brotherhood members will complete this magnificent and elaborate float, called "fercolo," by tying to the upper part of the mast the traditional "Fasci," which are devotional long strips of white linen cloth that are about 105 feet long and 16 inches wide. Several families in town own white linen bands with their names embroidered in red. These linen bands represent a "thank-you offering" for a miracle received. Devotees are allowed

to tie them to the float on a rotational two-year basis in order to give a chance to everybody to participate in the festival. Thousands of Pietrini (Pietraperzia townspeople) and tourist will crowd outside the church to see the huge religious float being hoisted at 8 p.m. That is probably one of the most important touching and spectacular moments of the entire festival. The float turns from being an inanimate object into an elaborate "living machine," which is maneuvered by 500 believers, as it makes its way through the town's narrow cobblestone streets. Some devotees roll, unroll, pull and hold the devotional linen strips while others carry the heavy wooden support on their shoulders. All this requires teamwork, precision and attention to perfectly balance this imposing float. In fact, as the float proceeds, it changes its shape by performing some rather delicate maneuvers, rotations and turns which create a dramatic and spectacular optical effect. It actually looks like the crucifix floating on top of a snow mountain! Some Pietrini, who immigrated to the United States, call relatives to let them listen over the phone to the meek whispering of the bearers who say "Pietà e misericordia Signuri!" (God have Mercy and Pity on us!). Two litters holding the statues of dead Christ ("L'Urna con il Cristo morto") and Our lady of Sorrow ("L'Addolorata") will accompany the big float during the procession that will continue through late night. All Pietraperzia townspeople join together to keep this tradition alive. The tradition dates back to the 14th century, which according to legend, is also "attended" by the souls of the deceased brotherhood members. For more information on the festival and on the town of Pietraperzia, visit http://www.comune. pietraperzia.en.it/

Attention photographers! Share images from your trips around Europe. Email your best photo and a caption to thesig@eu.navy.mil. Your photo just may be featured!

It’s carciofi time! The 22nd annual “Sagra del Carciofo” (Artichoke Festival) will be held in Ramacca, March 30 through April 1. The Italian word for artichoke (carciofo) comes from the Arabic Al’' quarshuf.” It's a thistle like plant which originated in the Mediterranean region more than 2,000 years ago. Ancient Greeks and Romans loved artichokes. Roman writer Pliny wrote that artichokes were delicacies which were enjoyed only by the upper classes. An artichoke recipe appears in the writings of Roman chef Apicius showing that these vegetables were very popular in ancient times. During the Middle Ages, Saracens cultivated artichokes in Sicily, south of Spain and North Africa. Historic chronicles tell that, in the 16th century, noble woman Catherine de Medici brought with her chefs and artichokes to the French court, when she moved there after marrying King Henry II of France. In 1806, artichokes were brought to the United States by French immigrants who settled in Louisiana. Artichokes are very healthy and delicious. Scientists maintain that this vegetable can lower blood cholesterol, promote bile secretion, help diuresis and prevent liver problems. In Ramacca, the artichoke industry is an important part of the culture and the economy, making it the main source of employment. Two main varieties: Violetto Ramacchese and the larger sized Teramo are indeed widely cultivated in the area. Ramacca also boasts the nickname of “Bread Capital” for its mouthwatering pane (bread) which is still baked the old way using stone ovens fueled by wood. A three-day celebration, this year’s festival, which kicks off March 30 at 5:30 p.m. in Piazza Umberto and Via Risorgimento, features a street fair in the historic center, live musical entertainment, Sicilian carts parades, arts & crafts, artichoke specialties, special art, flag throwers shows, photography and food exhibits. Food booths will sell delicious artichoke-based dishes like pasta and rice. Artichokes are grilled, stuffed with Pecorino cheese or mixed in omelets. Cakes and ice cream made with Violetto Ramacchese artichokes are also prepared. The Teramo, the other variety present in the Ramacca area is typically prepared only as salad. Festival-visitors can buy other local products such as cheeses, citrus, and ceramics. Ramacca has archeological sites that date back to the Paleolithic. They were first excavated in the 1950s when archeologists found an extraordinary large number of flint tools, animal bones and human burials. The main one, which is called La Montagna (the mountain), is located at the top of Mount Ramacca (559 meters) and houses a necropolis of caves and the remains of an ancient Greek town (8th Century BC) named Erjke. Some of the fragments of pottery and ceramics found in this site are currently on display at the local Archeological Museum. For more information, and detailed schedules and guided tours, call Asst. Turistica Pro Loco Ramacca at 095-7931141.

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Police thwart plot to kill anti-Mafia prosecutor (ANSA)

On March 22 and 23, SrA Stephen Bullock and SSGT Jeremy Thatcher from USAF Detachment 4 (Global Hawk) delivered more than 100 bags of clothes and toys donated by Navy-Marines Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) to Casa della Mercede, a Catholic charity in Catania which helps the less fortunate. “We’re ready to help out the local community as much as we can,” said Thatcher, USAF Global Hawk volunteer coordinator. Please note: All COMREL projects must be coordinated through the NASSIG PAO Community Relations Officer. For more information call the Public Affairs Office at 624-5229.

Learn these useful Italian phrases when dining out.

English: Can I order the dish of the day? Italian: Posso ordinare il piatto del giorno? English: Do you have any vegetarian dishes ? Italian: Avete piatti vegetariani? English: That was delicious. Italian: Era squisito. English: Enjoy your meal! Italian: Buon appetito! English: A table for three, please. Italian: Un tavolo per tre , per favore. English: The bill, please. Italian:Il conto, per favore.

Messina - Police in Sicily last Thursday thwarted a plot to assassinate an anti-Mafia prosecutor after intercepting a handwritten note ordering the hit. "Brother, I hope you get to unload all the bullets into that dirt bag who doesn't deserve to live," said the message. "Then burn this note." Pasquale Pacifico, a Catania magistrate, was the target of the murder plot by Orazio Finocchiaro, who allegedly ordered the hit from an Udine prison, where he is already serving a sentence for Mafia-related crimes. "With this attempt, Finocchiaro wanted to assert his dominance within the clan," said Messina prosecutor Guido Lo Forte. Investigators were tipped by Giacomo Cosenza, who was allegedly hired to carry out the contract killing, and whose testimony was verified by a handwriting analysis of the note. "It proved the message came from Finocchiaro's hand," said Catania prosecutor Giovanni Salvi. Pacifico had organized investigations into the Cappello and Laudani gangs, and recently led 'Operation Revenge', which led to the arrest of Sebastiano Lo Giudice, boss of the Carateddi clan. At the time, investigators learned that the crime group was planning a turf war with rival gangs in an effort to wrest control of a drug racket.

Venice is still sinking, study finds. Foundation also tilting (ANSA)

Venice - Venice is still sinking and the foundation is tilting slightly eastward, a new study has found. Despite previous studies that showed that subsistence had leveled off, a forthcoming article in the journal Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems shows Venice to be sinking on average of one to two millimeters per year. Venice's 117 islands are also slipping deeper into the lagoon, with those in the north dropping at a rate of two to three millimeters per year and those in the south at three to four. The study also found that Venice is listing slightly eastward, meaning the western side is higher than the rest, a previously unnoticed phenomenon the researchers detected using a combination of GPS measurements and data from space-borne radar (InSAR) from 2000 to 2010. High tides routinely wash over the city's banks flooding its streets and squares. The reasons Venice is sinking are both natural and man-made. Decades of pumping groundwater caused significant damage to the delicate foundation before the practice was called off. Weather experts say the high-water threat has been increasing in recent years as heavier rains have hit northern Italy. Other possible explanations for the phenomenon include the sea floor rising as a result of incoming silt and gas extraction in the sea off Venice undermining the islands. According to the new study, plate tectonics is also to blame as the Adriatic plate is sliding beneath the Apennine Mountains, causing the area to drop in elevation. Scientists have conceived various ways of warding off the waters since a catastrophic flood in 1966 and a system of moveable flood barriers called MOSE is near completion after years of polemics.

Italian interior minister urges youth to stand up to mafia, 'Camorra worth nothing', Cancellieri says (ANSA)

Naples - Interior Minister Anna Maria Cancellieri told Naples youth last Wednesday to stand "strong and to mobilize" against the local mafia known as the Camorra. Holding a t-shirt printed with bold red letters reading "the Camorra is worth nothing," Cancellieri encouraged a culture of commu-

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nication and culture. The minister also met the families of organized-crime victims reminding them that the Italian State was standing "very close" to them.

89-year-old may be indicted for WWII massacre, Ex-corporal executed '117 Italian officers' says prosecutor (ANSA)

Rome - A Rome military prosecutor last Tuesday called for the indictment of an 89year-old former German officer for alleged involvement in the massacre of thousands of Italian soldiers on the Greek island of Cephalonia in World War II. The suspect, ex-corporal Alfred Stork, should be called to trial for ordering the execution of "at least 117 Italian officers" after they surrendered, said Rome Prosecutor Marco De Paolis, who claimed to have material evidence for his case. Among his evidence is an alleged 2005 confession in which he told German prosecutors he was a member of one of the two execution platoons. The incident was just one episode amid a much larger massacre which came after the 1943 armistice between Italy and the Allies that instructed Italian troops to switch sides. After news of the September 8 armistice filtered across to the island on September 14, 1943, General Antonio Gandin told each of his men in the Acqui division to follow his own conscience and choose between three alternatives: fight on alongside the Germans, surrender his weapons, or keep them and resist German attacks. Over the next eight days, 1,300 men died in battle, 5,155 were shot after being taken prisoner, and 3,000 drowned when a ship carrying them to Nazi concentration camps sank. The bodies of 200 men were tossed down a well, from which they were only recovered and sent back home a few months before former Italian president Carlo Azeglio Ciampi's visit in 2001. To the outrage of Italy, a German court cleared then 86-year-old former lieutenant Otmar Muhlhauser of war-crime charges in 2006. Deceased in 2009, he was believed to be the last survivor of the Werhmacht regiment which carried out the massacre, and he reportedly admitted he had personally ordered the execution of hundreds of soldiers including General Gandin. The incident forms the backdrop to the best-selling 1994 novel, Captain Corelli's Mandolin, which became a film in 2001 starring Nicholas Cage and Penelope Cruz.

Gambling epidemic threatens youth, health ministry says, advertizing restrictions proposed (ANSA)

Rome - Italy's growing gambling industry risks claiming half a million young addicts, the health ministry said last Monday in a call to limit advertizing. "We must rally public authorities, including mayors, to acknowledge the disease and monitor advertizing, above all to protect children," said Health Minister Renato Balduzzi. The plan includes requiring ads to follow guidelines similar to cigarettes, which must list the risks associated with the product. "Banning gambling is out of the question. The state cannot become an ethics monitor," said Balduzzi. "But it can set up guidelines, incentives and disincentives for gambling with ad hoc means". Balduzzi is drafting his initiative with Cooperation and Integration Minister Andrea Riccardi, who last month called for a ban, or a limit, on adverts by gambling-sector companies. In 2011, the industry raked in 79.9 billion euros in Italy. Online betting, which tripled in 2011, is growing the fastest, as gamblers spent 1.5 billion euros on the Internet last year.

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Going the distance: Malta marathon

The 2012 Malta Marathon began at Mdina Gate. Three hundred and sixty six runners completed the marathon which had a cut-off time of five hours. (Photo by MR2 Gary Spence)

Here I am. Finishing â&#x20AC;Ś

BY MR2 GARY SPENCE NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

eing a runner, I was always on the lookout for races that coordinated with port visits. While on a deployment in 2008, the stars finally aligned and we pulled into Malta. Malta is home to an annual marathon. I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get a spot in the full marathon because it had already filled up, but some of my shipmates and I were able to get into the half. I ran my first international race and fell in love with Malta. There is so much history there. It became one of my favorite ports. I used to tell my wife how nice it was and I hoped one day I could show her. So when it came time to pick orders and I wasn't able to get to Washington state, I decided to give overseas shore duty a try. As soon as my orders were approved, I started looking at the overseas race calendars. Malta was on the list.

This time I had the opportunity to register for the full marathon, and as a bonus, I would be able to take my wife with me. We arrived a few days before the race so I could give her a tour of the island and show her some of the things I had seen four years prior. The day after our arrival we stumbled upon a hop on/hop off tour which was relatively self-paced. We stopped off at the Mdina glass factory and picked up some souvenirs. We also saw a church in the town of Mosta that had taken a direct hit by a bomb during World War II. The bomb did not explode nor did it hit anyone that was sheltering in the building at the time. Needless to say this place believes in divine intervention! After enjoying a few days of showing off my VAST knowledge of Malta (not), it was time to tackle the full marathon distance. I thought

I was ready. I have been a runner since 1998, participating marathon in 2007 and completing my last marathon in most days of the week by doing laps around Marinai or N So when the pistol fired sounding the start of the race ted. Perhaps too excited as I overestimated my pace as I r the city of Mdina. The runners spread out so fast, so soon, I was between most immediately. Course markers were not easily visibl running alone and getting lost, I sped up instead of falling was my biggest mistake. By mile 15 with about three miles left to run on, I felt my energy draining . I had tackled the h three small towns which I equated to running in Motta, slightly less steep.

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n 2012

The Mosta Dome in Mosta took a direct hit from a German bomb during World War II. Incredibly, the bomb did not explode or cause any injuries to those hiding inside. (Photo by MR2 Gary Spence)

The marathon course went through the streets of Mosta. Unfortunately, street were not closed to traffic. (Photo by Silvia Spence)

â&#x20AC;Ś FINALLY! (Photo by Silvia Spence)

g in my first 2010. I run NAS II. e, I was exciran through

n groups alle. To avoid g back. That of concrete hills in about with slopes

When the course continued into the countryside I was momentarily distracted by the beauty of my surroundings. I felt relieved that I finally knew where I was running. Then another hill appeared and the pain in my legs reminded me that I had about six miles left to go. Toward the end of the race, my eight minute pace turned into a conservative run/walk . I finished the race in four hours and 28 minutes. Running the marathon was a wonderful experience. However, it is not one I would recommend for the novice runner. There is a cut off time of five hours and the course is rather difficult. There were a few moments when even I didn't think I could do it. Overall, I am glad I powered through. When I crossed the finish line, I was proud of myself, for enduring and for accomplishing a goal I had set for myself four years ago. I had completed my first international marathon!

The Grand Harbour in Valletta, Malta. (Photo by MR2 Gary Spence)

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Help pay for school NAS Sigonella Sailor meritoriously advanced SCSC scholarships defray cost of post secondary education The Sigonella Community Scholarship Council (SCSC) invites Sigonellans to apply for a scholarship to help defray the cost of post-secondary education. In the past, the scholarship program was geared towards high school students. Today, the scholarships are available to all members of the Sigonella community. Funds are donated by various commands, organizations, and individuals. Organizations that donate $1,000 or more can present the scholarship to the winner. Last year, more than $7,000 was raised. Sigonella Community Scholarship Applications are available at the schools' liaison office located at the Sigonella Elementary School (room 102a), the Sigonella Middle/High School front office or Community Bank on NAS I or NAS II. Deadline to submit applications is May 31.

Tune in to Feedback Live this Thursday at 6:30 p.m. on AFN Prime Atlantic or satellite decoder channel 20. Get your questions answered by NASSIG's CO and CMC live on the air by calling 624-4265 during the show. You can also submit your questions online at Sigonella. afneurope.net by clicking on the feedback live link, or on the NAS Sigonella Facebook page.

MA2 Matthew DuPont advanced to MA1 subsequent to his nomination in the Combat Advancement Program As printed in the 2012 03 March MA Career Management Newsletter

ilitary Working Dog (MWD) handlers from Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella "Europe's Largest Kennel" have a steady history of deploying to numerous areas around the 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR). At any given time there are a minimum of four deployed handlers that willfully deploy to the most dangerous areas in Iraq and Afghanistan. Sailors specifically from NAS Sigonella have earned numerous awards including Bronze Stars, Combat Action Ribbons, Joint Service Commendation and Army Commendations just to mention a few. Currently there is one specific handler who has logged more than 400 combat hours and is awaiting approval for a combat advancement that has already been signed and approved by the area officer in charge (OIC). The dog teams specifically from NAS Sigonella have had numerous "finds" that were responsible in the detection of multiple improvised explosive devices (IED) and explosives which without explanation has saved numerous lives. These Sailors combined in the entirety of their deployments have undergone numerous gunfights and mortar attacks while creating joint service cohesiveness by working as a team and rendering their support with not only themselves, but their assigned MWD. Sailors from NAS Sigonella are on a rotational deployment schedule and are able to not only support 5th Fleet Operations, but are able to return from hostile environments and immediately rotate back into Security Operations to support AT and L/E missions at NAS Sigonella. One of these fine security warriors is

MA2(FMF) Matthew S. DuPont, who was recently advanced to MA1 subsequent to his nomination in the Combat Advancement Program. Petty Officer DuPont, and his MWD Rhino, assigned to USFOR-A Detachment West in the Bala Murghad Area of Operations, Badghis Province, Afghanistan. During his tour, he and his team were faced with many combat situations. In one in particular, he was under heavy enemy fire while assigned as an M2 .50 caliber gunner that lasted for five hours. During the battle, MA1 DuPont was able to assist his team with accurate suppression fire as they moved through the wadi (an embankment off the side of the road). While on the M2, his truck's radio went out. Knowing that it was critical to maintain communication with his unit, MA1 DuPont volunteered to exit the vehicle and move up to the third vehicle which was 50 meters up the wadi. While moving through the wadi, rounds were impacting all around MA1 DuPont. He continued to push up to the third vehicle. Once there, he informed the Medical Sergeant that the radios were out in his truck. At that moment, several rounds impacted within six feet of his head. He tactically moved back to cover and began laying suppressive fire with his M4. When the third vehicle assisted with the suppressive fire, MA1 DuPont moved back to his vehicle to get his crew-served weapon and lay down suppressive fire himself. MA1 DuPont and his team have been deployed for approximately 10 months, and have conducted more than 80 missions totaling 744 mission hours. He has been involved with 19 Troops in Contact (TIC), and with his MWD has had two explosive finds.

Friday, 30 MAR 12 *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Grilled Sausage Links, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Waffles, Asstd Doughnuts, Cinnamon Rolls. *Lunch: Cream of Mushroom Soup, Lasagna, Tempura Fish, Baked Fish, Steamed Rice, Calico Cabbage, Herbed Broccoli, Strawberry Cake, Lemon Meringue Pie, Fruit Gelatin. Speed line: Grilled Cheese/Hamburger, Baked Beans, French Fried Potatoes. *Dinner: Egg Drop Soup, Chicken Cacciatore, Rice Pilaf, Southern Green Beans, Savory Squash, Strawberry Cake, Lemon Meringue Pie, Fruit Gelatin.

Tuesday, 03 APR 12 *Breakfast: Farina, Oven Fried Bacon, Sausage Patties, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, French Toast, Biscuits and Gravy, Asstd Doughnuts, Blueberry Muffins. *Lunch: Egg Drop Soup, Sweet & Sour Pork, Chicken Chop suey , Egg Foo Young, Chinese Fried Rice, Chow Mein Noodles, Oriental Fried Cabbage, Corn Kernel, Fruit Cocktail Upside Down Cake, Blueberry Pie. *Speed line: Corn Dog, Onion Rings. Dinner: Cream of Broccoli Soup, Beef Stew, Seasoned Boiled Pasta, Spanish Style Beans, Carrots Slices, Fruit Cocktail Upside Down Cake, Blueberry Pie.

Saturday, 31 MAR 12 *Breakfast: Farina, Grilled Ham Slices, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Buttermilk Pancakes, Asstd Doughnuts, Crumb Cake. *Brunch: Breakfast Items, Chicken Gumbo Soup, Roast Pork, Cottage Fried Potatoes, Tossed Green Rice, Peas w/ Carrots, Cauliflower Au Gratin, Brown Gravy, Velvet Pound Cake, Vanilla Cream Pie. *Dinner: Zesty Bean Soup, Veal Steak W/Mushroom Gravy, Steamed Rice, Home Fried Potatoes, Glazed Carrots, Savory Style Beans, Chicken Gravy, Velvet Pound Cake, Vanilla Cream Pie.

Wednesday, 04 APR 12 *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Creamed Ground Beef, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Blueberry Pancakes, Biscuits, Asstd Doughnuts, Bear Claw. *Lunch: Beef Noodle Soup, Lasagna, Fish w/ Cherry Tomato Sauce, Steamed Rice, Franconia Potatoes, Cream Style Corn, Mix Vegetable, Almond Cookies, Carrot Cake, Chocolate Pudding. *Speed line: Grilled Cheese/Hamburger, Baked Beans, French Fried Potatoes. *Dinner: French Onion Soup, Baked Chicken, Steamed Rice, Potatoes Au Gratin, Club Spinach, Steamed Peas & Carrots, Almond Cookies, Carrot Cake, Chocolate Pudding.

Sunday, 01 APR 12 *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Grilled Minute Steak, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, French Toast, Asstd Doughnuts, Italian Croissant. *Brunch: Breakfast Items, Cream of Broccoli Soup, Steamed Rice, Grilled Chicken Breast, Corn Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien, Green Beans, Marble Cake, Sugar Cookies. *Dinner: Chicken Rice Soup, Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Rice, Mixed Vegetables, Steamed Asparagus, Natural Pan Gravy, Marble Cake, Sugar Cookies.

Thursday, 05 APR 12 *Breakfast: Hominy Grits, Ham Sliced, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, French Toast, Asstd Doughnuts, Raisin Muffin. *Lunch: Vegetable Supreme Soup, Roast Pork loin, Baked Chicken, Steamed Rice, Roasted Garlic Potatoes, Seasoned Mix Vegetables, Club Spinach, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, Cherry Cobbler. Speedline: Italian Sausage W/Onion & Pepper. *Dinner: Tomato Bouillon Soup, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Rice Pilaf, Natural Pan Gravy, Green Beans, Corn Kernel, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, Cherry Cobbler.

Monday, 02 APR 12 *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Minced Beef, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Waffles, Asstd Doughnuts, Cinnamon Rolls. *Lunch: Chicken Gumbo Soup, Hamburgers, Chicken Parmesan, Steamed Rice, Oven Browned Potatoes, Green Peas, Seasoned Summer Squash, Spice Cake w/ Frosting, Vanilla Cookies, Fruit Gelatin. *Speed line: Pizza Ass. *Dinner: Minestrone Soup, Savory Baked Chicken, Pork Fried Rice, Lima Beans, Broccoli Parmesan, Spice Sake w/ Frosting, Vanilla Cookies, Fruit Gelatin.

Friday, 06 APR 12 *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Grilled Sausage Patties, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Waffles, Asstd Doughnuts, Cinnamon Rolls. *Lunch: Chicken Corn Chowder, Baked Fish, Meat Loaf, Paprika Buttered Potatoes, Glazed Carrots, Fried Okra, Spiced Cake w/ Frosting, Crisp Drop Cookies. Speed line: Grilled Cheese/Hamburger, Baked Beans, French Fried Potatoes. *Dinner: Chicken Noodle Soup, Baked Fish W. Cherry Tomato Sauce, Tossed Green Rice, Corn Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien, Lima Beans, Spiced Cake w/ Frosting, Crisp Drop Cookies.

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Celebrate Easter with MWR! Thursday, April 5

Saturday, April 7

Caltanissetta on Holy Thursday

Easter Eggstravaganza

This world-famous procession features 12 floats representing the 12 Stations of the Cross.

Good Friday in Enna

You’re in for some fun and eggcitement Easter weekend with MWR! Join us from 10am until noon at the NAS I Annex Field for our annual Eggstravaganza! There will be activities for children of all ages including an egg hunt for ages 012. The Egg Hunt will begin promptly at 10 a.m. so don’t be late! Enjoy a free movie “HOP” after Eggstravaganza at Midtown 2 Theaters. Call MWR Entertainment at 624-0548.

See Sicily's most famous and unforgettable Good Friday procession.

Sunday, April 8

Friday, April 6

Spring Games & Egg Hunt at Take 5

Friday, April 6 Country Day w/ Mariska & Emilio

Palm Sunday is next weekend, the day that kicks off the Easter celebrations throughout Sicily. MWR has plenty of fun planned for all ages Easter week. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness first-hand some of Sicily’s greatest traditions, and enjoy some American Easter and springtime traditions as well! Sign up for any of the following Easter week excursions at ITT or call (624-4777) for more information.

Sunday, April 1 Gangi Palm Sunday Procession Experience Gangi's unique Palm Processional. The lunch will be in a typical Sicilian restaurant after the parade.

Mariska & Emilio will prepare a Good Friday dinner for you. Then they’ll take you to assist at the “Cristo Morto” procession in Mineo.

Saturday, April 7 Holy Saturday Sciaccariata in Ferla “Sciaccariata” means “illumination by fire with torches.” After the Easter mass is the procession of Madonna and Jesus, raised from the dead. Hundreds of torches light the street in this amazing event that has happened for generations.

BIG MIRACLE……….PG STARRING: Drew Barrymore, John Krasinski and John Pingayak

In small town Alaska, a news reporter recruits his ex-girlfriend - a Greenpeace volunteer - on a campaign to save a family of gray whales trapped by rapidly forming ice in the Arctic Circle. (1 hr. 47 min.)

Ghost Rider 2: Spirit Of Vengeance…….PG-13 STARRING: Nicolas Cage, Ciarán Hinds and Idris Elba

Tuesday, April 3 5:00 PM Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax 5:30 PM Chronicle 7:30 PM The Hunger Games 8:00 PM Safe House

PG PG-13 PG-13 R

Wednesday, April 4 5:00 PM Man On A Ledge 5:30 PM Woman In Black 7:30 PM The Hunger Games 8:00 PM The Grey

PG-13 PG-13 PG-13 R

Thursday, April 5th 5:00 PM Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax 5:30 PM Red Tails 7:30 PM One For The Money 8:00 PM Underworld 4

PG PG-13 PG-13 R

Friday, April 6th – School’s Out! 2:00 PM The Hunger Games 5:00 PM Chronicle 5:30 PM Woman In Black 7:30 PM Ghost Rider 2 8:00 PM The Grey

As Johnny Blaze hides out in Eastern Europe, he is called upon to stop the devil, who is trying to take human form.(1 hr. 35 min.)

THE HUNGER GAMES…......PG-13 STARRING: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth

Set in a future where the Capitol selects a boy and girl from the twelve districts to fight to the death on live television, Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her younger sister's place for the latest match (2 hrs. 22min.)

THIS MEANS WAR………………R STARRING: Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine and Tom Hardy

Two top CIA operatives wage an epic battle against one another after they discover they are dating the same woman. (1 hr. 37 min.) PG-13 PG-13 PG-13 PG-13 R

Saturday, April 7 12:30 PM Hop FREE 2:00 PM Big Miracle 2:30 PM Journey 2 4:30 PM Ghost Rider 2 5:00 PM Man On A Ledge 7:30 PM This Means War

PG PG PG PG-13 PG-13 R

Sunday, April 8 2:00 PM Big Miracle 2:30 PM Man On A Ledge 4:30 PM The Hunger Games 5:00 PM One For The Money 7:30 PM This Means War

PG PG-13 PG-13 PG-13 R

Movie schedule is subject to change. Please call to confirm. Movie Hotline: 624-4248

The Vow, Tyler Perry’s Good Deeds, Wanderlust, Gone, A Thousand Words, Friends with Kids, Project X, Silent House and John Carter

It’s a fun filled Spring BBQ with a mix of great food and games. We will have a grill your own steak BBQ with ultimate frisbee and a special egg hunt! Signup by April 4. Call Take 5 at 624-5602 for more information.

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GAME Find the words! A Fly Went By A Light in the Attic A Swiftly Tilting Planet A Wind in the Door A Wrinkle in Time Aladdin All By Myself Amelia Bedelia Animalia Are You My Mother Arthur Goes to School Babies So Tall Board Book Baby Bop's Toys

Find the way!

Baby's ABC Baby's Animal Friend Baby's First Words Barney's Color Surprise Barney's Farm Animals Barney's Hats Barney's Magical Picnic Barnyard Dance Beauty and the Beast Big Bird's Color Game Big Bird's Mother Goose Bridge to Terabithia Bunnicula

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Sudoku!

Did you know? !

# !

" #

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2000 BMW 318 i, 4 door, xenon front light. Dependable, beautiful and functional. Low miles. Silver. Fully loaded: six airbags, 17" wheels, alarm system, new brakes, great AC. Always garage kept. Needs nothing. 4,600 Euro. Call Tom or Adam at 331 95 444 86 or 340 822 1991 2000 Toyota Echo. AUTOMATIC. 120,000 miles, 4 door, silver, with minor body damage. Reliable island car, already passed inspection, A/C works great, $3,500. Contact Rose 334-829-7565. Available April 9. 2008 Jeep Wrangler Sport X.ColorRed-Rock Perle. Excellent condition. 2 Door 4-WD with RemovableFreedom 3 piece hard top/running boards/tilt steering wheel. 3.8L V-6 W/ 6Speed manual transmission. 34,000 Miles A/C - P/S - Anti-LockBrakes, InDash CD/MP3 Player Serviced every 6,000 miles, very cleanthrough-out. $19,000 firm. Kelly Blue Book $19,600. Call Ron at 335-30-5033 or 624 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4379. 2002 Nissan Altima. Great condition. A/C & Heater. New tires. $4,000. Contact Edward at 346-367-0292 or 6241628. Yellow 1995 Opel Tigra forsale. New brakes, New battery. Recently tuned-up, never wrecked.Perfect is-

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land beater. Asking $2,200 / OBO. Available now. Contact Nick at 348729-8410 or624-9442 2009 Aprilia Dorsoduro750,black great condition 8,300 Km asking 5900 euro. Ask for Davidedavide.annalisa@hotmail.it 2002 Alfa Romeo 147 1900 diesel 116 cv grey leatherseats great condition 145,000 Km asking 4900 euro. Ask for Davide davide.annalisa@hotmail.it 1998 Mazda, automatic, seven passenger. Asking $2,500. Call Alessandra at 366-152-2992. Renault Clio 1.4cc 16V year 1196. Stereo, A/C, power windows, power lock with remote control. Engine belt and water pomp just changed. Excellent conditions. Only $1,500. Call Salvo, Tel: 3383225071 or 624-2208. 2002 Hyundai Elantra, great condition, Automatic, 4 Cyl, very economical. Euro TomTom included, amplifier, bike rack. Asking $3,000. Contact Chris at 3425816533.

2 Computer desks ($40 each) with 1 rolling office chair, IKEA Blonde TV Stand ($50), Solid Dark wood futon with light green slip cover ($125) Contact Rose 334-829-7565.

MARCH

Baby crib, baby chest of drawers, U.S. subwoofer, baby clothes, lamps, carousel horse, kitchen and dining room furniture, toys and more! Contact Rita at 3495298809 or Italianangel71@gmail.com.

position email your resume to Danielle Romanoff at dromanoff@celtictechnologies.com . AA/EOE M/F/D/V

King-size memory-foam/cushion-top mattress VG condition (no stains) $50; 110/220 VAC, 60-cycle 4-person hot tub $200 OBO. 389-9988-376

Sterling silver charm shaped like a carnivale mask. If found please call 346-733-5622 or 624-4979 during working hours.

Decoder, $100. Not HD. Call Alessandra at 366-152-2992.

PTO board members needed for all positions. Contact current PTO President ElisaThompson (thompsonelisa@ymail.com) or PTO teacher representatives, Sallie Davis (sallie.davis@eu.dodea.edu) or Cathy Indresano (catherine.indresano@ eu.dodea.edu). Facility Management Database Specialist: Celtic Technologies, Inc. is seeking a Facility Management Database Specialist at the Naval Hospital. Must be a U.S. citizen residing in the Sigonella area and eligible to attain a security clearance, have good computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft applications required. Experience in data or facilities management support, and undergraduate level studies of one or two years a plus. To apply for the

Red Cross's Bike to Work day and Bike Rodeo events in May volunteers needed. Committee Meeting April 4 at 1630 at the Red Cross office. Contact the Red Cross at 624 4900 or at amanda.raymond@redcross.org, or Charlie Schmidt: +393423627012 or crschmidt2@gmail.com.

30, 2012

/142+8+67 2/1+7 -'7 2/1+'-+ 6+-91'6 931+'*+* #./7 :+ ./)1+ .'7 (++3 97+* '7 ' 7+)43* )'6 '3* .'7 (++3 24781< 97+* 43 7.468 86/57 /3 8.+ 14)'1 '6+' 8 /7 +'7< 84 *6/:+ '3* /7 :+6< 72'11 2'0/3- /8 +'7< 84 -+8 '6493* 84;3 '3* ,/3* 5'60/3- %+ .':+ (++3 8.+ 431< 4;3+67 4, 8./7 )'6 8 /7 6+/78+6+* '8 $! '3* ;'7 1'78 /3 75+)8+* /3 4:+2(+6 438')8 &496 4)'1 1'77/,/+* "/8+ ;;; 7/-43+11'86+' 796+7 )42 $ !/27 "54/1+6 4-7 /6 '-7 #6') 8/43 438641 " 1'62 $+6< 1+'3 "/1:+6 964 + 2'/1 (8 <'.44 )42

Fuzzy: female dog, 6 m., medium, brown w/black tips. Gets along with everyone. Shy but warms up. Current on shots, microchipped. Princess, female lap dog, 5 m., medium to large, brown and white. Enjoys people and other pets. Current on shots, microchipped. To volunteer, adopt or foster, visit facebook.com/Sigonella.Animals or http://sigonellaanimalwelfarsociety.webs.com/

Need a paid classified ad in The Signature?

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30, 2012

Support the NMCRS Active Duty Fund Drive BY ANNEE IMLE NAS Sigonella NMCRS

We are at the half way point for the Active Duty Fund Drive. Support Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS)! To date, more than $9,300 has been raised. There is still a long way to go to reach our goal of $85,050 set for us by RADM Gaiani. Last year, the NMCRS issued $117,593 in assistance to Sailors and Marines station at Sigonella! We need your support today to ensure we can continue to offer financial assistance in 2012 and beyond. Command representatives are currently in the process of making personal asks. Donations can be made via allotment, cash or check. Please join us in making this year's Active Duty Fund Drive a success! Upcoming fundraisers incude:

March 30: AFN the Eagle on 105.9 along with NMCRS will host Radiothon 2012. For a small donation, song requests will be playted from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call 624-4265 or stop by AFN on NAS I.

March 31: - Car Wash at the CDC. - Groceries bagging at the Commissary. - The last day to purchase an NEX NMCRS Benefit Ticket. Tickets are good for a one time discount at the Navy Exchange on April 16 or 17. All proceeds go to the local Active Duty Fund Drive.

Tips to beat summer moving rush BY ELAINE SANCHEZ American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 21, 2012 – With military moving season about to kick into high gear, officials are urging service members to book their moving dates early and to remain as flexible as possible when doing so. Careful planning is vital to ensuring a smooth move, especially during the busiest season, John Johnson, branch chief for the personal property directorate quality assurance division, told the Pentagon Channel. The directorate, part of the Army's Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, manages the personal property program for the Defense Department. Each year, about 225,000 DOD and Coast Guard household goods shipments are slated for movement during the summer months, officials said. With school out for the summer, or about to be, many parents view that stretch of time as the least disruptive for a family move and set their sights on moving over the Memorial Day or Fourth of July weekends to take advantage of the extra days off. But this moving cluster can create a backlog for officials, Johnson said, as military shipments compete with private-sector moves during the peak moving season. “We move almost half of the folks we move in the DOD in the summertime,” he said, noting the “peak of the peak” season takes place toward the end of June through the Fourth of July. Service members who are set on moving around this time may run into some roadblocks when trying to lock in specific dates. However, they can tip the odds in their favor by booking their moving dates early, essentially beating the moving rush, and keeping flexibility in mind when doing so, Johnson advised. “If you go with a specific time in mind and can’t move outside of that, it makes it more challenging,” he explained. Johnson noted some exceptions to this rule, particularly when service members have a limited time frame in which they can move. In these cases, he advises troops consider a personally procured move, formerly known as a do-it-yourself move, where members find their own movers or move their household goods themselves and then file for reimbursement. DOD service members, civilians and their families

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have two options to manage moves, officials said. First, they can visit their local installation transportation office or personal property shipping office to start the move process. Or, they can use the Defense Personal Property System, known as DPS, which can be accessed through move.mil. This website is the portal for DPS and the one-stop shop where members can completely manage their move process, officials explained. Meanwhile, people can create a personal moving calendar with checklists, phone numbers and links to helpful information, Johnson suggested. He also suggests people rifle through their garage or basement and get rid of unwanted items to reduce their shipment’s weight. “No one wants to get a bill for being overweight” on their shipment, he said, referring to authorized weight allowances based in part on rank or civilian pay grade. A quick method for estimating weight is to calculate about 1,000 pounds per room, officials said, or by using the weight estimator on move.mil. Johnson also stressed the importance of taking the time after the move to fill out a customer satisfaction survey, which serves as a “scorecard” for transportation service providers. Providers get business or don’t get business based on their survey scores, he explained, providing incentive for moving companies to do a good job. “Higher scores mean more business,” he said. Johnson also pointed out that the process to file a claim for missing or damaged property has changed. People formerly filed a claim through the military claims office. But now, people initiate the claim process through the online system. The carrier then contacts people directly to discuss how to get estimates or repairs. People who are having issues with this process aren’t on their own, Johnson stressed. They can contact their local military claims officer for guidance and advice. For questions or concerns about the moving process, people should stop by their local personal property shipping office or installation transportation office, Johnson advised. (Mitch Chandran of the Surface Deployment and Distribution Command contributed to this article.)

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