THE
BEACON U.S. Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Greece
October 2021
The Beacon
THE BEACON Warfighting First, Operate Forward, Be Ready
Warfighting First, Operate Forward, Be Ready
Commanding Officer, NSA Souda Bay Capt. Ryan T. Tewell CAPT Rafael C. Facundo COMMANDING OFFICER Executive Officer Michael Mosi EXECUTIVE Cmdr. OFFICER WernerCDR J. Rauchenstein COMMAND MASTER CHIEF CMDCM Igor F. Vargas Command Master Chief CMDCM Neal T. Olds THE BEACON NEWSLETTER PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER Carolyn Jackson COMMUNITY RELATIONS SPECIALIST Kostas Fantaousakis PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST MC2 Kelly Agee
Beacon Staff/Public Affairs Office
Public Affairs Officer, 266-1244 HOW TO CONTACT US Assistant Public Affairs Officer, 266-1392 Joel Diller EMAIL SoudaBayPAO@eu.navy.mil ONLINE www.cnic.navy.mil/SoudaBay Community Relations, 266-1348 Kostas Fantaousakis PHONE +30 28210-21348 WRITE PSC814 BOX 1, FPO, AE, 09266 FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/NSASoudaBay SoudaBayPAO@eu.navy.mil Contact Email (All PAO personnel): FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @NSA_SoudaBay FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM instagram.com/NSASoudaBay Jacky Fisher
TheBeacon Beaconisisthe theprofessional professionalonline onlinenewsletter newsletterofofNSA NSASouda SoudaBay Bay Public Affairs.Information Information contained The Public Affairs. in The Beacon notdoes necessarily reflect the official views views of theof U.S. the Department contained in Thedoes Beacon not necessarily reflect the official the Government, U.S. Government, the of Defense or the Department of the Navy. Editorial content is prepared by the Public Department of Defense or the Department of the Navy. Editorial content is prepared by theAffairs PublicOffice of NSA Souda Bay. Affairs Office of NSA Souda Bay. for publication The Beacon should be submitted to SoudaBayPAO@eu.navy.mil ArticlesArticles for publication in The in Beacon should be submitted to SoudaBayPAO@eu.navy.mil Story submissions must be routed through tenant command or departmental leadership. Story submissions must be routed through tenant command or departmental senior senior leadership. Securityand and policy review must completed before submissions canconsidered be considered for publication. Security policy review must bebe completed before submissions can be for publication.
Page 2 Page 2
Contents October 2021
34 Meet the Team:
Fleet and Family Support Center
4
6
Triad Corner
by CAPT Rafael C. Facundo Commanding Officer
Around NSA Souda Bay Awards, Reenlistments, Events, Operations
22
38
42
Souda Spotlight:
Word on the Street:
Living in Greece:
AO2 Kamellen Gill Maria Prassakis
What is a TV Show You Could Binge Watch for the Rest of Your Life?
“OHI” Day
Front Cover: The sun sets to end another beautiful day in Greece, captured Sept. 16 from a terrace in Oia, Santorini. The opportunity to travel and learn about other cultures is one of the benefits of being stationed at NSA Souda Bay; talk to our MWR team about upcoming adventures! Photo by Carolyn Jackson, Public Affairs. The Parting Shot: Sunrise at Balos Beach, Sept. 25. This is just one of the many spectacular treasures you’ll find when you explore our host nation island of Crete. Photo by Carolyn Jackson, Public Affairs.
Page 3
Triad Corner
Team Souda, Summer is behind us, most of the tourists have departed, and we are going full-speed ahead to the end of the year. Here are a few dates to mark on your calendar: • Friday, Oct. 8, is the Navy Ball. You still have time to purchase your tickets – don’t miss out on an opportunity to get dressed up, celebrate our profession, and show off your dance moves. Sandy and I will see you there! • Monday, Oct. 11, is Columbus Day, a federal holiday for our U.S. military and civilian employees.
• Sunday, Oct. 31, Daylight Saving Time ends in Europe. Turn your clock back one hour before you go to bed. The United States makes the change the following Sunday, on Nov. 7, so we will be 6 hours ahead of the East Coast for one week, instead of 7. • The Seabees are still planning, but it looks like they are going to host their Haunted House this year. I’m looking forward to seeing who’s scarier – me or them.
• Wednesday, Oct. 13, marks the Navy’s 246th Birthday, with the theme ‘Resilient and Ready.’ Team Souda, you epitomize this theme and you carry on the tradition of service with honor, courage, and commitment.
With everything that is going on, I want you to make sure you are taking care of yourself and your Shipmates. Find the time to slow down and recharge your batteries. This is also a good time to think ahead to the holidays, and start working with your Chief and Department Head to plan your leave. Information on our holiday leave periods is forthcoming.
• Thursday, Oct. 28, is OHI Day – the Greek ‘Day of No.’ You can read more about this Greek national holiday on Page 42. Our local national workforce will be on leave and the 115th Gate will be closed.
I also want you to be proactive in your planning as we move into the rainy season in Greece. Inclement weather can change road conditions in seconds. Now is the time to take your vehicle to the Auto Skills
Page 4
Thank you for your continued dedication and Center or inspect it yourself to make sure your brakes and tires are ready for slick road focus on the mission – YOU are the reason we are The Best in the Med! conditions.
~ CO
Catch the XO Radio Show Fridays at 7 a.m. 107.3 on the FM dial or AFN Europe App
Page 5
AROUND NSA SOUDA BAY Awards
Reenlistments
Events
Operations
AWARDS AT QUARTERS FOR September 2021 U.S. Junior Civilian of the Quarter
Miguel Saul, Fire and Emergency Services (not pictured)
U.S. Senior Civilian of the Quarter
Audrey Champagne, Installation Training Office
Local National Civilian of the Quarter Yiannis Karabetsos, Security Department
Region Legal Service Office Naples Civilian of the Quarter Maria Prassakis, Region Legal Service Office
Letter of Appreciation
John Whitehouse, Command Ombudsman
Letter of Commendation
Master-at-Arms Seaman Jarrett Gaud, Security Department (not pictured) Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Brian Pakulski, Security Department Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Matthew Ryan, Security Department Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Kyle Whatley, Security Department (not pictured) Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Kyle Kaniper, Security Department
Flag Letter of Commendation
Newly-appointed Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Michael Fraser, Security Department Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Isac Quezada, Security Department (not pictured) Newly-appointed Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Anthony Santamaria, Security Department Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Jordan Wang, Security Department Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Ashlee Evans, Security Department Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Kelvin Koech, Air Operations (not pictured) Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Shiann Singletary, Security Department Page 6
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal
Master-at-Arms Seaman Aidan Lopez, Security Department Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kelly Agee, Public Affairs Office Master-at-Arms 1st Class Louis Lozada, Security Department Master-at-Arms 1st Class Cory Stewart, Security Department Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michael Wright, American Forces Network
Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal
Chief Gunner's Mate Kevin Founds, Security Department
Meritoriously Advanced
Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Connor Horton, Security Department Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Michael Fraser, Security Department Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Anthony Santamaria, Security Department
Awards at Quarters Ceremony Photos by Kostas Fantaousakis, Public Affairs
During a September 16 ceremony in front of Building 1, Navy Capt. Rafael Facundo, NSA Souda Bay’s commanding officer, recognized Team Souda members for their outstanding achievements.
Page 7
U.S. Senior Civilian of the Quarter Audrey Champagne, Installation Training Office
C
hampagne, a native of Compton, Calif., has been a Department of the Navy civilian for 14 years and at NSA Souda Bay for 4 years.
Champagne is the Installation Training Officer and coordinates the development and delivery of Integrated Training evolutions (drills) that support the improvement of mission readiness. “I'm truly grateful to my colleagues for recognizing my work—thank you. There are so many highly skilled and valued workers here; to be recognized in that group is an honor,” she said.
Page 8
Local National Civilian of the Quarter Yiannis Karabetsos, Security Department
K
arabetsos, a local national employee from Athens, Greece, has been working at NSA Souda Bay for 19 years.
Karabetsos is part of the Security Department where he is an investigator, interpreter and liaison with the local law enforcement authorities. His thoughts on the award: “It's truly an honor to receive such an award as a token of appreciation for my services, and a recognition of a superb performance. The reward for a job well done is a great opportunity and it drives me to accomplish more.” Page 9
Region Legal Service Office Naples Civilian of the Quarter Maria Prassakis, Region Legal Service Office
P
rassakis, a local national employee who was born in Switzerland, has worked for the Navy at NSA Souda Bay for 20 years.
Prassakis is part of the Region Legal Service team where she provides customer service and legal assistance, and performs Notary Public duties. Her thoughts on the award: “In my opinion any award is a team effort, therefore I am grateful to have such good partners in crime.”
Page 10
Letter of Appreciation John Whitehouse, Command Ombudsman
W
hitehouse, a retired U.S. Army Warrant Officer originally from New Hampshire, has been at Souda Bay since 1992. Although he is retired he has volunteered as the Command Ombudsman for the past six years. He and his wife, Kalomira, reside in Kalathas. Whitehouse enjoys helping Sailors and their families and said, “It is nice to know your work is appreciated.”
Page 11
Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Brian Pakulski, Security Department Letter of Commendation
Page 12
Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Matthew Ryan, Security Department Letter of Commendation
Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Kyle Whatley, Security Department Flag Letter of Commendation
Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Kyle Kaniper, Security Department Letter of Commendation
Page 13
Newly-appointed Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Michael Fraser Security Department Flag Letter of Commendation
Newly-appointed Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Anthony Santamaria Security Department Flag Letter of Commendation Page 14
Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Jordan Wang, Security Department Flag Letter of Commendation
Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Ashlee Evans, Security Department Flag Letter of Commendation
Page 15
Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Shiann Singletary, Security Department Flag Letter of Commendation
Master-at-Arms Seaman Aidan Lopez, Security Department Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal Page 16
Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kelly Agee, Public Affairs Office Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal
Master-at-Arms 1st Class Louis Lozada, Security Department Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal
Page 17
Master-at-Arms 1st Class Cory Stewart, Security Department Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal
Page 18
Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michael Wright, American Forces Network Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal
Chief Gunner's Mate Kevin Founds, Security Department Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal
Page 19
Meritorious Advancements Photos by Kostas Fantaousakis, Public Affairs
During a September 16 ceremony, Navy Capt. Rafael Facundo, NSA Souda Bay's commanding officer, meritoriously advanced three Sailors in front of Building 1. Congratulations Shipmates!
Newly-appointed Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Connor Horton Security Department Page 20
Newly-appointed Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Michael Fraser Security Department
Newly-appointed Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Anthony Santamaria Security Department Page 21
Souda Spotlight: Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Kamellen Gill Naval Munitions Command Atlantic Detachment Souda Bay By MC2 Kelly Agee, Public Affairs
Page 22
A
viation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Kamellen Gill, a native of San Francisco, Calif., has been in the Navy for 4 years and has been stationed at NSA Souda Bay for 1 year. Gill joined the Navy right out of high school because she wanted to travel and hoped one day to travel to Japan. Currently, she works for Naval Munitions Command Atlantic Detachment at Naval Support Activity Souda Bay where she supports incoming ships, providing and uploading ordnance. What does a typical day look like in NMC?
with ammunition and ordnance.
We muster at 8 a.m. and have a meeting in the morning where we talk about what the plan is for the day.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
I like it when the ships come through and Ops (operations) is the main thing we do; this meeting new people. is when a ship or flight comes in with supplies When you're not at work, what do you that we have to offload and store. enjoy doing? Also, we onload supplies. When a ship I’m a big gym person. It is a time where I comes in they have a certain time that they can work on myself. In the morning that is want the ammunition or ordnance they need when I do cardo, run at the track and in the and then we schedule the time with them. We afternoon I either hit legs, back or shoulders. then onload to the ships by using a crane and I work out everything so I can keep myself putting it onto the ship. active and healthy. But, sometimes we can get a call, especially What are your goals while stationed at if there is a flight coming in last minute and NSA Souda Bay? we have to come in and unload the supplies. I want to learn more and take advantage When we are in the office we are doing of my job here so I can be prepared for paperwork, keeping track of inventory. wherever I go next. We also deal with the ammunition for the What is something you want Team Souda master-at-arms when they go to the range. to know about NMC? What is the difference between ordnance Even though we are a small command (16 and ammo? people) we get to know each other more one-on- one. Even though we are all here Ordnance is bombs and missiles and and far away from home I feel like this is my ammunition is rounds and ammunition. family. Even though we are working I have What makes NMC unique? a good time with everybody around me and we all have very different personalities and At my previous command (Naval Munitions bring different skills to the table. That is why Command Naval Strike Air Warfare Center I enjoy coming to work every day and seeing Detachment Naval Air Station Fallon, everybody. Nevada) I built bombs and dealt with ordnance. Here in Souda Bay it is different. Here we support the ships by supplying them Page 23
Souda Spotlight: Paralegal Specialist Maria Prassakis
Region Legal Service Office By Kostas Fantaousakis, Public Affairs Photo by MC2 Kelly Agee, Public Affairs
Page 24
M
aria Prassakis, a Greek local national who was born and raised in Switzerland, came to live in Greece when she was 19 years old. Before joining Team Souda she taught German for six years. In 2001, she was hired by the Navy Exchange where she worked for six months before joining the Comptroller’s Office. In April 2004, she was hired as a paralegal specialist and a notary public at the Legal Office, where she continues to provide legal services for Team Souda. What does a typical day look like at the Legal Office? We provide services for all military service members, civilians, contractors and retirees who come to our office for legal assistance. A typical day might include for me to do notaries, passport applications, powers of attorney, logistic support letters and providing instructions about marriages out in town. We provide a large range of services. What role does the Legal Service Office play for NSA Souda Bay? We are a tenant command, Region Legal Service Office Europe Africa Central. It is one of the most important offices on base. Lt. Barta, who is the JAG, LN1 Belz and myself, are notary publics so the nature of services and information that we provide are unique. I have to say that the prestige of the Legal Office is very high. Our most important client is, of course, Capt. Facundo, so the JAG provides additional services for him and to the command, as well. What is your favorite thing about your job? When I have to compile a report of birth abroad and our members bring in a newborn child for me to prepare all the new documents and their first passport. That is a unique experience for me. What do you enjoy doing when you are not at work?
I am a single mom so I have a 13-year-old daughter who is at a very challenging age and phase in her life so this is my main role right now. I also enjoy spending time with my partner and friends. I am a very social person and I like to go out with my friends and enjoy having a coffee in the morning, go for a dinner or lunch. What I really love to do is reading and traveling. It’s a little bit challenging right now with all the new rules but I still managed to visit several cities around Europe this year. I have visited many countries and you can see that through my snowball collection on my desk. What do you want Team Souda to know about the Legal Service Office? We do have walk–in hours and we try to assist after that, but we would like everybody to respect that last minute services are sometimes very challenging to us, especially when it comes to the services that the Greek authorities or the local economy provide due to the limitations of COVID. You need to schedule an appointment to visit the DMV office or the Greek Citizen Center and this limits our services sometimes. Please if you can, come ahead of time and we will provide all the information needed so that you do not get into any inconveniences before you leave. When somebody shows up a day before they transfer, we can’t always do “magic;” being here ahead of time is the only way we can assist you the best way we can. Page 25
9/11 Remembrance Ceremony By MC2 Kelly Agee, Public Affairs
Fire Chief Timothy Dias and Chief Master-at-Arms Sandy O. Cosmetorres pay their respects after placing a wreath in honor of those who perished in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
NSA Souda Bay held a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony in front of Building 1 on September 10 to pay tribute to the victims of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. During the ceremony, Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Shane Labeach recounted the day’s events. Fire Chief Timothy Dias and Chief Master-at-Arms Sandy O. Cosmetorres laid a wreath to symbolize the lives lost and to stand as a reminder for the sacrifices that followed. Navy Capt. Rafael C. Facundo, commanding officer, delivered remarks and Lt. Michael Spoke, chaplain, delivered the invocation and benediction. “We, the men and women of the U.S. Navy, of Team Souda, will always be with them, and care for them, so long as we stand watch over our great Nation,” said Facundo. Page 26
RIGHT: Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Shane Labeach was the Master of Ceremonies for the ceremony. BOTTOM: Team Souda members gather in front of Building 1 for the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony.
Page 27
Fair Winds and Following Seas! By Joel Diller, Special Correspondent
T
eam Souda celebrated Command Master Chief Brian J. McDonough's retirement from the U.S. Navy after 31 years during a Sept. 17 ceremony in the base gym.
"I retire now from our Navy eager to discover what's next with a firm confidence that today's Sailor is in fact the very best Sailor that ever was. Trained by the best chiefs ever, accomplishing ever more challenging missions and keeping us safe," McDonough said in his farewell message.
Page 28
Senior Chief Master-at-Arms David Dwyer Reenlistment Ceremony By MC2 Kelly Agee, Public Affairs
S
enior Chief Master-at-Arms David Dwyer received his Plaque of Reenlistment from Navy Capt. Rafael C. Facundo, commanding officer, NSA Souda Bay, during his September 1 reenlistment in front of Building 1. He reenlisted for 4 more years. Dwyer, a native of Dallas, has been in the Navy for 18 years and at NSA Souda Bay for 1 year. Dwyer said he reenlisted to give back to the Navy and take care of junior Sailors. “I want to continue serving my country. It is a fantastic way to give back to the community, to my country, a great way to give back to the people and to ensure that our way of life remains.”
Page 29
NSA Souda Bay Hosts Congressional Delegation By MC2 Kelly Agee, Public Affairs
C
mdr. Michael Mosi, executive officer, Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Greece, and Hellenic Navy Commodore Ioannis Sarriyiannis, commander, Hellenic Naval Base Souda, share a moment with Senator Jon Ossoff, representing Georgia, and U.S. Ambassador to Greece Geoffrey R. Pyatt at the Marathi NATO Pier Facility, Sept. 5. Ossoff, along with Senator Chris Murphy, representing Connecticut, also received a capabilities briefing and toured NSA Souda Bay during their visit.
Page 30
NSA Souda Bay Hosts Mayor of Tarpon Springs, Fla. By MC2 Kelly Agee, Public Affairs
N
avy Capt. Rafael C. Facundo, center, commanding officer, Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Greece, sets the stage before giving a command capabilities briefing to Tassos Aloglou, vice mayor of Chania, right, and Chris Alahouzos, mayor of Tarpon Springs, Fla., left, Sept. 21. Alahouzos was in Crete for a ceremony as Tarpon Springs and Chania became Sister Cities.
Page 31
Minoan Taverna Conducts Menu Review Board By MC2 Kelly Agee, Public Affairs
C
hief Warrant Officer Van Vergara, food service officer, discusses agenda items during a Menu Review Board meeting September 2 at the Minoan Taverna. The Menu Review Board is a forum where customers are encouraged to voice concerns, opinions and recommendations regarding the Galley’s services. Yeoman 1st Class Robert Watson, who attended the meeting, said this is a direct way for Sailors to talk to leadership and change something that impacts them. “It is important that people come and voice their opinions so they have a say in what is going on in the Galley,” said Watson. Watson said he brought up having the pork schnitzel served on the lunch menu, because he really enjoys it but does not eat in the Galley for dinner when it is normally served.
Page 32
Be Prepared By MC2 Kelly Agee, Public Affairs
D
amage Controlman 1st Class Roneshia Redmond, disaster preparedness operations specialist, and Emergency Dispatcher Eleni Skoulika discuss emergency preparations with Cryptologic Technician (Interpretive) 2nd Class Zuriel Corona. The Emergency Management team helped NSA Souda Bay team members get ready for emergencies as part of National Preparedness Month in September. They manned a series of booths at various locations around the base and provided information on disasters and hazards in Crete, how to get emergency alerts, and where to go if an evacuation is needed. For more information on preparing for a disaster, visit ready.gov
Page 33
Meet the Team: Fleet & Family Support Center By Joel Diller, Special Correspondent
Page 34
Page 35
MEET THE F
KIRSTEN DILLER, LPCC
Director, Fleet & Family Support Center Sexual Assault Response Coordinator Kirsten Diller, a native of Virginia Beach, Va., has been a Team Souda member since January 2017. She earned bachelor’s degrees in psychology and sociology from Grove City College, Pa., and a master’s in counseling from The College of William and Mary. She is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor. She served at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, and Marine Corps Camp Butler, Okinawa, before coming to Crete. She said when she is not at work, she is hiking, at the beach, traveling or relaxing at home with her husband and four dogs.
"Team Souda has been extremely supportive of Fleet & Family and together we all have done a great job of decreasing the stigma of getting help. We are grateful to work so collaboratively with the Team Souda community to make this a better and safer place."
AMANDA HESTER
Program Assistant Civilian Victim Advocate
Amanda Hester, a native of Sumter, S.C., came to Team Souda from Beaufort, S.C., with her firefighter husband and son in 2018. Amanda joined the Fleet & Family team in 2020 and provides many services, to include the sponsor training program. When she is not at work, she said she is either at the beach or traveling. Her favorite local beach is Marathi and her favorite travel experience has been to the Christmas Markets in Prague.
"If you are sponsoring someone, come and see me for sponsor training. That will open up all of the doors to the resources you will need. The training is important because it is only fair to the new people that they get the same level of sponsorship as everybody else, and start off their tour here with a good experience." Page 36
FFSC TEAM
D E N I S E P R E N D E R G A S T, L C S W Resiliency Therapist Civilian Victim Advocate
Denise Prendergast, a native of Brooklyn, N.Y., first came to Team Souda for 10 weeks in 2019 for a temporary assignment and returned in January 2020 as a permanent team member. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Michigan State University and a master’s in social work and international social welfare from Columbia University and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She previously served with the Peace Corps in Botswana and with the Navy at Naval Air Station Oceana, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling and Naval District Washington. She said she likes to travel and go to the beach near her house to snorkel and kayak.
"I think it is really important for people to know that it’s okay to be stressed out, even if you are in a beautiful place. The best time to come and talk to us is before things become a problem. Usually the people who come here are really proactive and are trying to deal with things before there is a problem. I think that’s how we are the best use to people."
What services does the Fleet and Family Support Center provide? • Non-Medical Counseling • Sponsor Training • Relocation/Transition • Mental Health Information and Referral • Resume Writing • Resiliency • Personal Financial • Relationships • Sexual Assault Management • Stress Management Prevention & Response Information and Referral • Family Advocacy • Lending Locker • Deployment Support, Information and Referral Omalos Barracks (Building 11) Monday - Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
DSN: 266-1688 COMM: +30 282-102-1688 SAPR Victim Advocate:+30 694-043-1130 SARC: +30 694-043-1129 Domestic Violence: +30 694-043-1129
@SoudaBayFFSC
cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnreurafcent/installations/nsa_soudabay/ffr/support_services.html
Page 37
Word on the Street
What is a TV Show You Could Binge Watch for the Rest of Your Life? Why?
“Peaky Blinders – I actually have watched it 17 times already. The plot and story keeps you involved with the characters.” Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Jessica Merrywell Security Department
“The Big Bang Theory – It is smart, funny and based off a group of friends made out of different types of people.” Helen Kataki NEXMART (Vendor) Page 38
“South Park – It is one of a kind, there is no other show like it.” Joshua Aponte-Rivera Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department
“M*A*S*H – My dad watched it with me when I was a kid. It was a time where we bonded and it reminds me of those memories.” Air Traffic Controller Airman Apprentice Ethan Smalley Air Operations Department
“Supernatural – It is exciting, it has drama and comedy. Also I like the relationship between the cast, it is incredible.” Amy Parker I.D. Lab
“Amsterdam – It is close to what my job is in medical. It is interesting to see that on a television show.” Hospitalman 3rd Class Ralph Gepila Medical Department/Naval Branch Health Clinic Bahrain Page 39
Word on the Street
What is a TV Show You Could Binge Watch for the Rest of Your Life? Why?
“Seinfeld – The jokes never get old.”
Mike Varoudakis Navy Federal Credit Union
“iCarly – It is so easy to re-watch. They did a lot of cross overs with other shows at the time. I grew up with it and felt like I knew the actors on the show.” Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Brandon Hayes Air Operations Department/T-line
“Downton Abbey – I wish I lived in the era. I especially liked Mary, she was a strong person.” Jane Valentine Travel Office Page 40
“Friends – I've been watching it since I was little. It is a guilty pleasure of mine that I always go back to and watch over and over again.” Utilitiesman 2nd Class Rosalinda Garcia Public Works Department
“The Office – It is funny and you don't have to pay attention on the time because it is mindless.” Lt. Johnathan Fleming Port Operations Department
“Rick and Morty – It is hilarious!” Logistics Specialist Seaman Daanzae Blandwarren NAVSUP
“Friends – It is funny and deals with friendship from when they were 25 to 40.” Irene Kotsifaki NEXMART (Vendor) Page 41
"OHI" Day: Celebrating Greece's Day of "No" Information and images: Encyclopedia.com, Wikipedia
October 28, a day of national celebration in Greece, is remembered as the day Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas rejected an ultimatum from Italian dictator Benito Mussolini in Oct. 1940. It is named “Ohi” Day (Greek word for ‘No’) in remembrance of the Greek resistance to the Italian invasion during World War II. On this day, military and student parades take place in Athens and in all major cities across Greece.
aircraft and paratroopers, during the airborne invasion of Crete. The Greek struggle received exuberant praise at the time — most prominently from Winston Churchill, who said, “Hence we will not say that Greeks fight like heroes, but that heroes fight like Greeks.”
A History Lesson In the summer of 1940, Italian dictator Benito Mussolini adopted an increasingly menacing stance toward Greece, authorizing the torpedoing of the Greek cruiser Elli, stationed off the island of Tenos, on Aug. 15. On the eve of Oct. 28, 1940, Italy's ambassador in Athens handed an ultimatum from Mussolini to Metaxas demanding free passage for Italian troops to occupy unspecified ‘strategic points’ inside Greek territory. Metaxas rejected the ultimatum with the words, ‘Alors, c'est la guerre’ (French for “Then, it is war.”). In this he echoed the will of the Greek people to resist, a will which was popularly expressed in one word: “Ohi” (Όχι). Within hours, Italian troops began attacking Greece from Albania. The Italian invasion of northwest Greece was quickly repulsed by Greek forces, who captured a substantial area of southern Albania before coming to a halt due to atrocious weather. The Italian forces were stronger in artillery and mortars than the Greeks and enjoyed absolute superiority in air forces – but the Italians did not exploit their advantage properly. The Greek army spent all their available resources on defense and counterattack and as a consequence put up little resistance to Operation Marita (the German attack on the Greek mainland) in April 1941. Despite the ultimate triumph of the Axis powers during their campaign in Greece, the Greek resistance to the Italian invasion, according to several historians, greatly affected the course of World War II. More specifically, it has been argued that the need for a German intervention in the Balkans delayed Operation Barbarossa (code name for the German invasion of the Soviet Union), and caused losses, especially in Page 42
Greek soldiers celebrating New Year on the Albanian Front, January 1, 1941.
Painting of Alexandros Alexandrakis, depicting Greek soldiers in the Greek-Italian War (1941) during a bayonet charge.
Community Outreach Photos by Lt. Michael Spoke, Command Chaplain
Barbeque, Fun and Games
O
n Sept. 4, 27 volunteers from NSA Souda Bay hosted a barbeque with outdoor games at the Daily Care Center for Children and Young Adults of Chania. It was a lot of food, fun and a great chance for our Sailors to hang out with the boys and give back to the local community while stationed here in Crete.
School Supplies Delivery On Sept. 30, volunteers from NSA Souda Bay delivered backpacks and school supplies to the Municipal Community Market (Support Center) of Chania. The collection of the donations was organized by the Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions, in coordination with NSA Souda Bay's Chapel. If you are interested in volunteer opportunities, contact Lt. Michael Spoke, Command Chaplain, at 266-1206.
Page 43
Animal Shelter Project Photos by Lt. Michael Spoke, Command Chaplain
V
olunteers from NSA Souda Bay Chapel visited the Nerokourou Dog Shelter in support of the “To Nisi” animal support association on Sept. 19. Volunteers spent the afternoon brushing, cleaning and socializing the dogs waiting for adoption. If you are interested in volunteering at the Nerokourou Shelter, please contact the Chapel at 266-1206.
Page 44
Chili Cook Off Photos by Lt. Michael Spoke, Command Chaplain
O
n Sept. 26, NSA Souda Bay Chapel hosted a base-wide Chili Cook-Off. There were 12 contestants and 70 taste testers/judges. IT2 Christian Choyce was voted the best Chili chef and walked away with the “Golden Ladle.” If you are interested in joining the Chapel community, follow NSA Souda Bay Chapel at: https://www.facebook.com/SoudaBayChapel
Page 45
The Parting Shot...
Page 46