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Veterans Honored:

NAS Sigonella Color Guard

attend Veterans Day ceremony in

Catania.

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Bruges:

The historic capital of West Flanders!

SIGNATURESIGONELLA, SICILY

November 14, 2014 cnic.navy.mil/sigonellaVol. 31 No. 43

THE

Sigonella teams up with Italian volunteers to clean up Acireale

ACIREALE, Sicily – Amidst broken branches, strewn clothing, and random debris instigated by three-and-a-half days of incessant rains and the only tornado many members of this city can recall, volunteers from Naval Air Station Sigonella worked alongside their Italian neighbors with a single purpose – to stand with the people of Acireale during their time of need.

Roughly 500 homes in this coastal Catania Province city were significantly damaged; several needing repairs or entirely new windows, rooftops, and flooring. And then there were the scores of felled trees and scattered rubbish, all of which led Acireale Mayor Roberto Barbagallo to seek help. Meanwhile, NAS Sigonella’s YN3 Chad Grant, who had seen photos of the Acireale damage on line, was moved to do something. So he mobilized volunteers from the base before telling NASSIG’s Community Relations Director, Dr. Alberto Lunetta, that he and a handful of likeminded Sigonella volunteers would be happy to spend part of their weekend helping the people of Acireale. Lunetta thought it a wonderful idea, contacted Barbagallo, and hashed out a plan to leverage the help offered by the base.

Installation volunteers who gathered to assist were a mix of civilians, Sailors, and Airmen. All those on hand when asked said they wished they could have done more for the people of Acireale and that Sunday’s efforts were but a small gesture compared to all that still needed to be done. Despite those sentiments, Barbagello said he was both appreciative and moved by the volunteer’s offer to help.

“I am very impressed with the U.S. Armed Forces and I want to thank the commanding officer and the entire [Sigonella] community for being here and supporting us in times of need,” said Barbagallo. “I have only been the mayor for four months and it has given me a great chance to strengthen the partnership between the communities.”

More than 150 total volunteers participated in the project – about 30 from Sigonella – on a beautiful, sunny Sicilian day that was polar opposite to the conditions the area had seen for the days leading up to it. Those on site pitched in mostly by breaking, separating, and moving tree branches left by the tornado.

BY MC3 RAMON GONAS Sigonella Public Affairs

ACIREALE, Sicily (Nov. 10, 2014) Yeoman 3rd Class Chad Grant, from Schenectady, N.Y., left, removes debris from a recent tornado during a Community Relations (COMREL) Event. More than 150 volunteers participated in Acireale’s community restoration. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ramon G. Go/Released)

“Morgantina and Aidone: History in the making”

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - Before a crowd of volunteers and townspeople in the Aidone Archaeological Museum, Dr. Alberto Lunetta, NAS Community Relations (COMREL)Director, announced: “Today’s COMREL is history in the making. Today is the first community service project in history that Sailors and Marines have conducted at Morgantina and Aidone.”

On Oct. 29, 51 volunteers from NAS Sigonella participated in the community service project at the museum and archaeological site at Morgantina, donating over 459 hours of service to positively impact more than 2,500 annual visitors to the historic sites. Sailors and Marines teamed up in a “fireman’s lie” to move over 25,000 pounds of equipment, glass display casing, and other storage items from the museum to a nearby school house. The Director of the Aidone Archaeological Museum, Dr. Laura Maniscalco, said she was impressed at volunteer’s productivity, saying she “did not expect them to accomplish so much in such a relatively short period of time.”

Meanwhile, a group of Marines from the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force (SPMAGTF) worked on a number of maintenance projects at Morgantina’s archaeological site. The work that the Marines performed that day will ensure that future excavations undertaken by Princeton and Duke Universities will be successful. The SPMAGTF volunteers were led by their executive officer, Major Sean Mellon and their Chaplain, Lt. Cmdr. Danny Purvis.

The COMREL was conceived by Dr. Alberto Sposito, Professor Emeritus from the University of Palermo, who heard about the historic COMREL implemented by NAS Sigonella in July at Castle Ursino. In learning of NAS Sigonella’s involvement in Catania through the newspapers

BY LCdR EdwARd ERwINNAS Sigonella Religious Ministries Department

On Oct. 29, 51 volunteers from NAS Sigonella participated in the community service project at the museum and archaeological site at Morgantina, donating over 459 hours of service to positively impact more than 2,500 annual visitors to the historic sites. NAS Sigonella volunteers carry door frames and glass casing into a storage area located in nearby school. (U.S. Navy photo by Religious Program Specialist 3rd Class Katie Wilkins/Released)

"Clean-up"continued on page 10

"Morgantina" continued on page 10

THE SIGNATUREPAGE 2 November 14, 2014 THE SIGNATURE PAGE 3November 14, 2014

DRIV

E SA

FELY

SIGO

NELL

A

NASSIG WORSHIP SERVICESROMAN CATHOLICSunday■ 9 a.m. Catholic Mass (naS 1 Chapel)

TuESday, WEdnESday & FRIday■ 11:30 a.m. Catholic Mass (naS 2 Chapel)Sacraments of Reconciliation/Penance precede each Mass

FRIday■ 11:30 a.m. Catholic Mass (naS 1 Chapel)

PROTESTANTnaS 1 ChapelSaTuRday■ 6:30 p.m. Contemporary Worship Services

Sunday■ 12 p.m. Sunday School■ 11 a.m. Traditional Worship

LATTER-DAY SAINTS Sunday at 1:30 p.m. (naS 1 Chapel)Contact: sigonellalds@gmail.com or 624-9049

JEWISH SHABBAT LAY SERVICEFRIday at 5:30 p.m. (naS 1 Chapel)

NIGHT STUDY

■ Italian Class Tuesday at 7 p.m (Classroom at naS 1 Chapel)

■ aa Meetings: MOnday at 5:30 p.m. (naS 1 Chapel) second deck; Thursday at 7 p.m. (naS 2 Chapel)

■ Glee Club Tuesday at 12 p.m. (naS 1 Chapel)

■ awana Club Tuesday at 4:45 p.m (naS 1 Chapel)

naS Sigonella Religious Ministries department Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/navalairStationSigonella Chapel

Chapel Offices: naS I 095-56-3975, naS II 095-86-9049, dSn: 624-3975, CHAPLAIN DUTY: 335-831-4493 RP DUTY: 335-786-1950

Executive Officer, Cmdr. Charles McKinney Direct LineTHE SIGNATURE

U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLACommanding OfficerCapt. Chris DennisExecutive OfficerCmdr. Charles G. McKinney IICommand Master ChiefCMDCM Mike Kaszubowski

EDITORIAL

Public Affairs Officer Lt. Paul Newellpaul.newell@eu.navy.mil

EditorM. Todd Butlermichael.butler@eu.navy.mil

Community Relations Officer Dott. Alberto Lunettaalberto.lunetta.it@eu.navy.mil

PAO Staff Writers \ PhotographersMC1 Tony D. Curtisanthony.curtis@eu.navy.mil

MC3 Ramon Goramon.go@eu.navy.mil

YN3 Gabrielle Millygabrielle.milly@eu.navy.mil

CONTACT USNaval Air Station Sigonella, Sicilythesig@eu.navy.milDSN 624-5440; 095-86-5440PSC 812 Box 7, FPO, AE 09627-0001

PUBLISHERStampa Generale S.r.l., Sig. Bruno Brandi, Publisher,Naval Support ActivityCapodichino (Naples), Italystampagenerale@tin.itTel. 081-568-7884Fax 081-568-7887

This civilian enterprise (CE) newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services overseas. Contents of The Signature are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense (DoD), or the U.S. Navy. The appearance of advertising in this newspaper, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the DoD or Stampa Generale S.r.l., of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factorof the purchaser, user or patron. A confirmed violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser will result in the refusal to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected.

The Signature is published weekly by Stampa Generale S.r.l., Sig. Bruno Brandi, Publisher, Naval Support Activity, Capodichino (Naples), Italy. Tel. 081-568-7884. Fax 081-568-7887. E-mail: stampagenerale@tin.it.

Editorial submissions are welcomed from all Naval Air Station Sigonella departments, divisions and tenant commands. Editorial submissions should be sent to the Public Affairs Office via thesig@eu.navy.mil, guard mail stop #68 or hand-delivered to our office no later than the close of business on the Fri-day proceeding the expected publication date. All articles submitted by non-staff members will be considered contributing writers.

The Signature will not publish anyanonymous articles. All advertisements in this publication are the property of Stampa Generale S.r.l. Any reproduction of advertisements in The Signature is unauthorized without the written consent of the publisher.

cnic.navy.mil/sigonella

Buongiorno Sigonella!Transition seasons, like Fall, definitely keep us on our toes.

For those of you that may have been away last week, Eastern Sicily experienced some rare and phenomenal weather that led to dangerous conditions. From Wednesday to Friday some of our expanded community witnessed (and I'm sure all of us heard about) heavy winds, fog, limited visibility, utility outages, flooding in the Catania province, and an EF-2 tornado (111-135 mph gusts) that touched down in Acireale. The tornado, one of only a handful on record in Italy, was directly responsible for injuring over 30 people while causing extensive damage to more than 200 buildings and littering the area with fallen trees and debris. This is a stunning example of how nature can devastate in a short span of time. As many in our community had the opportunity to prepare for the worst, Sigonella stood poised to react to flash flooding as remembered from the flooding that occurred in 2005.

Speaking of flooding, we are entering the part of the year when wet roadways will become commonplace. Typically, from now until early February is considered the rainy season across the plain of Catania. While rainfall is on the rise, the sun will continue to set earlier and earlier. Degraded, wet roads coupled with less hours of light to navigate them can be disastrous if taken lightly. Since being prepared is a side effect of good Sig Citizenship, it is also a good time to make sure that your vehicles are up to the task with adequate tire tread and working wiper blades and headlamps. Also, ensuring that your equipped with reflective vests and caution "triangles" will keep you visible, should you need to exit your vehicle for roadside assistance. There are many controls that you can chose to put in place to reduce the probability and/or severity of hazards associated with driving through inclement weather. However, these controls can’t get into the driver's seat of your vehicle and make smart choices for you. Bear in mind that during certain circumstances of severe weather conditions, the best choice may be to fully reduce the risk by not driving at all. As the saying goes, know your limits.

I know how much everyone loves to read about Safety, but I need to take a moment to address the stellar contributions you have all made since I came aboard as NASSIG’s Executive Officer, and assuredly long before this.

Over the past six months, I have yet to experience the "Groundhog Day" effect. The cliché that “Not one day is like the next” has held steady and true. I have witnessed members of this installation, including tenant commands and associated service members, as well as our local national employees performing at a remarkable level. Sincerely, we have made significant contributions in strengthening Regional and National security goals while simultaneously enriching the relationships we enjoy with the local community. Whether you have been instrumental in executing strategy, or have helped prepare the delicious food that keeps us

going, the overall product has been first rate. The efforts are those of a well-oiled machine operating on hard work and dedication. YOUR HARD WORK AND DEDICATION, to be precise.

However, all machines (well-oiled or not) endure the wear and tear of constant use. They take on stresses that require much needed maintenance in order to continue to function and answer all bells. Under ideal conditions, there is always opportunity to prescribe preventive maintenance to avoid collapse. As we are the "machine", we need to take stock of ourselves and our shipmates while we execute the mission, as well as when we are away from the job. This (personal) preventive maintenance can come in many forms, but is usually some form of resilience. Be deliberate about scheduling time to relax. If that means taking some leave to decompress, do it! Get refreshed! When it’s time to get back to the mission, you’ll be able to refocus your efforts while carefully and conscientiously executing the task at hand.

If job, social, or circumstantial stressors have pushed you or your shipmates beyond the obvious limits of what simply relaxing might solve, some form of intervention should be considered. The Operational tempo has been tremendous here. We are also nearing a popular Holiday Season when most of us want to be with friends and family that we cherish. Some of us may be unable to this. If you, a friend, or just an acquaintance is acting out of the norm, or plain depressed, call the Fleet and Family Support Center at 624-4291 (095-56-4291) to speak to someone who can help. If it is a situation where suicide is a concern, escort that person to the Emergency Room and don’t leave them alone. If getting them to the Emergency Room is not possible, call Dispatch at 624-0911 (095-86-0911). In short, ACT! It's not just some GMT slogan. We will always look out for one another. That's part of the Sig Citizen Pledge. I signed it. You signed it. We live it.

Sigonella, it is a true honor to work alongside you every day. Please take the time needed for personal maintenance, stay safe on the roads, and should our paths not cross before then, I’ll take this opportunity to wish all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Sigonella Middle/High School SAC meeting

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - The Sigonella Middle High, School Advisory Committee (SAC) met for the first time this school year on Oct. 8. If you are new to the school community or have been here for a while and want your concerns addressed, consider joining us for our next meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 3 p.m. in the Information Center.

WHAT IS SAC: The School Advisory Committee (SAC) is a forum for communicating recommendations, concerns or advice to the principal on educational matters.

SAC does have a significant impact on improving school programs, but it is not a school board. It is an advisory committee composed of an equal number of elected parents and professional educators in the school.

The issues can be dealt with by a SAC are:-Review school policy and advise principals on curricular and budget

issues.-Recommend solutions to a problem.-Determine feasibility of implementing new programs.-Use opinion polls to help develop proposals.-Keep the community aware of plans and programs initiated at the

school.-Hold forums on particular topics and invite community members to

present views.-Invite qualified speakers to address specific subjects.-Participate in briefings on school accreditation and school task

groups.-Participate on the School Improvement Leadership Team.For more information contact the SAC chairperson, Jim Burke at 624-

4720.

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - You are invited to participate in a Marriage Enrichment Retreat sponsored by CREDO Nov. 21-23 at the Sheraton Hotel in Catania. This is a great opportunity to gain skills and insights in your marriage.

Participants should meet at the NAS 1 Chapel that Friday at 2 p.m. and carpool to the Sheraton by POV. Lodging and meals are free. If you would like to register for the class, you may call the NAS 1 Chapel at 624-3975 or e-mail Darlene.nuusolia@eu.navy.mil. Space is limited. Child care is not provided.

Marriage Enrichment Retreat with RMD

NASSIG attends Motta Italian Armed Forces' Day ceremony

(Motta Sant’Anastasia) - On Nov. 4 , a Navy delegation led by Cmdr. Charles McKinney, NAS Sigonella (NASSIG)Executive Officer, and accompanied by Lt. Adam Bayer, NAS Sigonella Chaplain and NASSIG Community Relations Officer Alberto Lunetta, joined the Motta Sant’Anastasia newly-elected mayor Anastasio Carrà and his city council staff to honor the Italian fallen from all wars through a wreath-laying memorial ceremony held at the Motta Unknown Soldier Memorial. The event also featured a holy mass at the Church of Saint Antonio, a parade by the NASSIG Honor Guard, and local veterans and the reading of poems celebrating Italian war by local students who also played music. The event annually marks the “Giornata delle Forze Armate (Italian Armed Forces Day), a day of national unity remembering the Allied victory in World War I and paying tribute to all the Italian Armed Forces. (Photo provided by Irene Campanella)

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - The Great American Smokeout is an opportunity for smokers to ban together and quit smoking for 24 hours. This year on Thursday, Nov. 20, military service members who smoke are asked to quit smoking and protect family, friends, children and pets from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke – commit to quit and give them a chance.

Most service members know the health risks of smoking, but smoking not only affects the smoker’s health, it also poses significant risks to others. Secondhand smoke contains over 250 chemicals that are harmful to anyone exposed, leading to serious health risks.

Secondhand smoke is especially harmful to young children, who are still developing, growing and learning. Each year, secondhand smoke is responsible for between 150,000 and 300,000 lower respiratory infections in infants and children under 18 months of age. Pregnant women, who are exposed to secondhand smoke, are more likely to have low-birth weight babies and children are at increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

“You may be thinking to yourself, but what if I don’t smoke in my house, are my children still at risk?” said Paul Fitzpatrick, program director for Quit Tobacco – UCanQuit2.org. “The answer is yes. Even brief contact with secondhand smoke is hazardous and can even be passed from toxins on clothing. There is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke.”

It’s not just the humans in a household that are affected by secondhand smoke, pets have an increased risk of developing lung and nasal cancer. Both cats and dogs are more susceptible to allergy and respiratory problems in smoking households.

The easiest way to reduce the harm of secondhand smoke to loved ones is to quit tobacco. Commit to quit and give them a chance - join the movement this Great American Smokeout on Thursday, November 20 and quit smoking for 24 hours. In preparation to go smoke-free, visit www.UCanQuit2.org for quit resources, tobacco cessation information and live support. For more information on how to quit contact U.S. Naval Hospital's Health Promotions at 624-4710.

The Great American Smokeout

THE SIGNATUREPAGE 4 November 14, 2014 THE SIGNATURE PAGE 5November 14, 2014

Need an appointment at the hospital? Call DSN

624-CARE (2273) or commercial 095-56-2273,

M-F: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

For non-emergent medical questions that arise over the weekend, holidays, or after office

hours, please call 335-578-8077 if you are normally seen

at the hospital or 335-578-8150

if you are normally seen at the Flight Line Clinic.

C A L E N D A R

November2014

Friday14

ICR8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

FFSC

Arrivederci Class8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

FFSC

St Stefano di Camastra Pot-tery Shopping7 a.m. - 5 p.m.

ITT

Saturday15Agrigento: Valley of the Temples & Bagliesi Winery

8 a.m. - 6 p.m.ITT

Circumetnea Historical Train Adventure

6:45 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.ITT

Sunday16Zafferana, Milo, St Alfio &

Gambino Winery8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

ITT

Cucaracha Water Sports Day with BBQ

8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.Outdoor Rec

Monday17Credit and Debt Manage-

ment8 - 9:30 a.m.

FFSC

Bystander Intervention In-terACT Training

8 a.m. - 4 p.m.FFSC

Tuesday18Command Financial Spe-

cialist Refresher Training10 - 11 a.m.

FFSC

IA Discussion Group12:3- 1:30 p.m.

FFSC

Boots to Business

Wednesday19

Anger Management Series1 - 3 p.m.

FFSC

Boots to Business8 a.m. 4 p.m.

FFSC

Thursday20

Spouse Orientation8 a.m - 2 p.m.

FFSC

Healthy Beginnings9 - 11 a.m.

FFSC

21Sig Safe

7:45 a.m. - 4 p.m.FFSC

IA Fair10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

FFSC

22Palermo

6:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.ITT

Family Hike Monti Sarto-rius

8 a.m. - 5 p.m.Outdoor Rec

23Milazzo Castle & Vasari

Winery7:15 a.m. - 5 p.m.

ITT

Mountain Bike along the Simeto River

8 a.m. - 3 p.m.Outdoor Recc

24ICR

8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.FFSC

25ICR

8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.FFSC

Baby Basics12 - 2 p.m.

FFSC

26ICR

8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.FFSC

Anger Management Series1 - 3 p.m.

FFSC

27

Thanksgiving Dinner in Sicily

3 - 11:30 p.m.ITT

28Catania by Night: History

and Wine Tasting4:30 p.m. - midnight

ITT

29Palazzolo Acreide

8 a.m. - 6 p.m.ITT

30Chiaramonte Gulfi &

Olive Oil Tasting8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

ITT

FFSC: x4291ITT : x4777, x4396

Liberty/Connections/Take 5: x4246, x5602Outdoor Rec: x4777, x4396 Fitness: x4483, x5243

Midtown 2 Theaters: x4248American Red Cross: x4900

Does your command or organization have an event you’d like to see on the Community Calendar? Email us at thesig@eu.navy.mil and let us know!

IMPORTANT EXTENSIONS:

There are two ways to submit feed back to Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella Commanding Officer Capt. Chris Dennis.

Visit The Interactive Customer Evaluation (ICE) home page on a One-Net computer at: http://ice.disa.mil, All Sigonella services are found under the Navy Europe Listing in the scroll-down menu. Also, visit NAS Sigonella's website www.cnic.navy.mil/Sigonella, go to the "About" drop down menu and click on " CO Suggestion Box".

The Signature will anonymously publish comments and responses for the benefit of the Sigonella community. If you are submitting a "BZ", we ask that you provide your name in order for us to properly recognize employee. Please make sure your comments and suggestions are constructive. In other words, "BE NICE ON ICE."

Commanding Officer's Suggestion Box

Comment regarding Traffic Safety:I'm very concerned about traffic safety at the Marinai gate at the end of the day. There is often a back-up to get into Marinai, with vehicles coming from NAS 1 and turning left across traffic competing with vehicles coming from NAS 2 and turning right. In the past two days, I've witnessed two very "near miss" events that almost resulted in an awful collision as cars NOT turning into Marinai (either southbound or northbound) nearly collided with crossing traffic. Do you see any opportunity to address and hopefully improve this? Thank you very much in advance for your time.

Response: We've had two serious and multiple "near-miss" accidents in the last few weeks. The large majority of causes for these incidents is driving above the designated speed limit and not obeying traffic laws such as: passing in no-passing zone, and utilizing shoulders to over-pass. Numerous incidents have occurred at the entran-ces of NAS 1, NAS 2 and Marinai. Of these near-misses, it is our own community that is causing the accidents and near-misses. While I do not have direct jurisdic-tion on roads outside of the base, my Security Department and the Caltagirone Polizia have teamed up to help prevent unsafe driving in the vicinity of our instal-lation. Local authorities have installed warning signs near the entrances signaling people to slow down. Additionally, the Commanding Officer has the authority to revoke driving privileges to DoD sponsored personnel assigned to NAS Sigonella who violate traffic laws and pose a threat to others and themselves. Please obey the host nation laws, drive safe, and stay safe Sigonella. Prudence always wins!

Comment regarding Galley Rules:There are 12 rules posted in the front by the sliding door before coming in to the Galley. I've been here for a while now and I don't see those rules being enforced. When will these rules be enforced?

Response: Thank you for bringing this to my attention. Effective immediately, we are posting an extra person at the Galley entrance to monitor all patrons for compliance. We also just posted an All Hands Message reminding of the Galley rules. Again, thank you for bringing this to my attention. For the benefit of everyone below are the rules for using the Galley.

1. No sleeveless shirts or tanks tops (including basketball jerseys)2. No shower shoes or flip-flops (wearing socks with flip-flops does not count)3. No sweat pants or cut-offs4. No white or blue undershirts5. No gym shorts or shorts without pockets6. No hats (unless you are in the performance of your duty/ work)7. No torn or dirty clothing8. Uniform must be clean9. Uncover before entering galley10. No combination of military and civilian clothing11. Boots and shoes must be free of dirt and mud

THE SIGNATUREPAGE 6 November 14, 2014 THE SIGNATURE PAGE 7November 14, 2014

U.S. Navy HEAdLINESAci Castello’s Christmas events for 2014

ACI CASTELLO, Sicily - Next week, the Proloco tourist office of Aci Castello will annouce the many festive events taking place in towns for the upcoming Christmas season. Tourist office’s manager Massimo Pellegrino is planning two big highlights this year: the small but impressive Christmas Nativity exihition from Malta to be enjoyed by Sicilian Crib enthusiasts and tourists who will be visiting the Aci Castello region during December and the concert of the NAS Sigonella Chapel Choir on Monday, December 8th to celebrate the religious feast of the Immaculate Conception (Festa dell’Immacolata) centering on the Catholic belief that Jesus' mother, the Virgin Mary, was conceived without sin.

The nativity Scenes exhibition will kick off on Thursday, December 20 at 6 p.m. and will be open daily through December 30 from 9.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 to 8:30 p.m. at Villa Fortuna in Acitrezza which houses the Aci Castello Tourist Office.

The location and time of the NAS Sigonella Chapel choir concert will be announced as soon as possible.

Other highlights include the Christmas market by the Acitrezza waterfront near the church of San Giovanni Battista on Dec. 13 and 14. On those two days, there will also be a “Christmas Cake designer competition” which is open to all cake decorators. The winner of the competition will get the chance display for the entire Christmas season their winning cake at the Museum Casa del Nespolo, picturesque 19th-century house, celebrating Sicilian novelist Giovanni Verga's great novel “I Malavoglia” and Luchino Visconti's 1948 film adaptation of it, “La Terra Trema.” The museum houses a collection of 19th-century Sicilian rural daily life objects and work tools and photos of Acitrezza taken by Verga.

For more information and detailed events schedules visit http://www.prolocoacicastello.com

Malta’s Christmas Nativity ScenesThe existence of Christmas Nativity Scenes

in Malta dates back to the early seventeenth century when sizeable nativity scenes used to be erected in local churches. Unfortunately, due to the cost of the relevant statues, which were normally imported from nearby Italy, the introduction of the Nativity Scene in Maltese common homes, took some more time to pick up. However during the first years of the nineteenth century, local enthusiasts started making small clay figurines which were then sold at a penny each (approx. €0.1). In fact these figurines, not quite works of art, were and are still referred to as the ‘pasturi tas-sold’ literally translated as the

penny figurines. In spite of their rough shape, which, were it not for the painted features, did not make much difference between the front and the rear, these figurines boosted the presence of the Nativity Scene in the homes of the Maltese populace.

The popularity of the Nativity Scene kept flourishing until after the Second World War. During the post war years, ‘modern’ Christmas customs and foreign traditions were imported into Malta, mainly by British Servicemen who were stationed on the island. These customs or traditions, introduced the Christmas Tree, Father Christmas, and flashy ornaments that went to decorate them. As the saying goes, new brooms sweep clean, and being flashy, as well as easy to put up, these modern Christmas decorations found their way into Maltese homes where they managed to push aside the traditional Nativity Scene.

It was thanks to some enthusiasts that the Star on the Christmas Nativity Scene kept twinkling, if not shining. These persons made it a point to keep building Cribs and putting them up for public viewing. Encouraged by the public’s response to their efforts, these people got together and formed a crib society. On Oct. 7, 1986 the first General Meeting of the Friends of the Nativity Scene Association (Malta) was held. The main aim, adopted by the members present was “to regenerate the popularity of the Christmas Nativity Scene among Maltese people”.

Since then, members of the Friends of the Nativity Scene (Malta), under the leadership of its Administrative Councils, worked hard to meet their aims. Every year a good number of small nativity scenes, built by members, are exhibited in Valletta during the first weeks in December.

Thanks to the Association’s efforts and enthusiasm the Nativity scene has regained popularity and is becoming, once again, the main attraction of Malta’s Christmas celebrations. This can be perceived through the number of sizeable nativity scenes, built and opened for public viewing all over the island, as well as through the various small nativity scenes’ exhibitions which are organized by other voluntary associations.

Through its contacts abroad, the Friends of the Crib Association, better known in Malta as the GHAQDA HBIEB TAL-PRESEPJU-Malta, the Maltese Presepju is gaining popularity even in neighbouring countries. On various occasions, the Maltese Presepju travels to different parts of Europe, where, either on its own or as part of an international group, it transmits the Christmas message to all who visit such events.

Five things you need to know about flat rate Per Diem

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- To provide an incentive to Sailors and civilians on long-term temporary duty assignment (TDY) to seek out extended-stay lodgings, the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) was changed Nov. 1.

The change to a flat rate will help the Department of Defense (DoD) save more than $22 million a year and is in keeping with what many federal agencies already outline for reduced travel rates for longer stays.

Here are five things you need to know about flat rate per diem:

1. Long-term TDY is any temporary duty longer than 30 days. Travel from 31 to 180 days will receive a flat-rate per diem of 75 percent. For travel greater than 180 days, the flat-rate per diem will be at 55 percent. Flat rate will apply to all three parts of the per diem - lodging, meals and incidentals.

2. When staying in government lodging, a traveler will be reimbursed for actual lodging costs. The flat rate per diem does not apply when government lodging or contracted government lodging is available and directed, when contracted government lodging is provided at no cost, or if a traveler chooses to

stay in government quarters.3. Currently the Defense Travel System

(DTS) does not automatically calculate the reduced per diem based on the length of the TDY. Travelers should follow their component guidelines for how to handle TDY in DTS.

4. Travelers may consider furnished apartments or similar types of lodging, which are typically cheaper than the standard room rate at commercial hotels. This policy change also simplifies travel expense management as you will not be required to submit lodging receipts or itemize utilities and furniture rental when renting a home, if receiving the flat rate per diem.

5. You still have options if you are unable to find extended-stay lodging within a reasonable distance of the duty location, or if additional costs arise. You may work with your approving official to do actual-expense authorizations, which may go above the flat-rate per diem to 100 percent, if needed. At no time should travelers end up paying out-of-pocket for authorized TDY expenses.

For further information visit www.defensetravel.dod.mil.

From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

The Proloco tourist office of Aci Castello is planning to offer a plethora of great family-friendly Christmas events that combine arts, culture and music. Highlights include a special Nativity Scenes’ exhibition from Malta and the concert of the NAS Sigonella Chapel Choir on December 8. (Photo courtesy of the Pro Loco Tourist Office)

F-35C completes first arrested landing aboard Aircraft CarrierFrom Naval air Forces, Public aFFairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Navy made aviation history Nov. 3 as an F-35C Lightning II carrier variant Joint Strike Fighter conducted its first arrested landing aboard an aircraft carrier off the coast of San Diego.

Navy test pilot Cmdr. Tony Wilson landed F-35C test aircraft CF-03 at 12:18 p.m. aboard USS Nimitz's (CVN 68) flight deck.

The arrested landing is part of initial at-sea Developmental Testing I (DT-I) for the F-35C, which commenced Nov. 3 and is expected to last two weeks.

"Today is a landmark event in the development of the F-35C," said Wilson, a Navy test pilot with Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23. "It is the culmination of many years of hard work by a talented team of thousands. I'm very excited to see America's newest aircraft on the flight deck of her oldest aircraft carrier, the USS Nimitz."

Commander, Naval Air Forces, Vice Adm. David H. Buss, was aboard Nimitz to witness the milestone event.

"What a historic day today is for Naval Aviation. With the first traps of the F-35C Lightning II aboard an aircraft carrier, we begin the integration of the next generation of warfighting capability into our carrier-based air wings," said Buss. "This important milestone is yet another indicator of Naval Aviation's ongoing evolution to meet future threats and remain central to our future Navy and National Defense Strategy."

DT-I is the first of three at-sea test phases planned for the F-35C. During DT-I, the test team from the F-35 Lightning II Pax River Integrated Test Force (ITF) has scheduled two F-35C test aircraft from Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Patuxent River, Maryland to perform a variety of operational maneuvers, including various catapult takeoffs and arrested landings. ITF flight test operations also encompass general maintenance and fit tests for the aircraft and support equipment, as well as simulated maintenance operations.

As with the initial testing of any new aircraft, the goal is to collect environmental data through added instrumentation to measure the F-35C's integration to flight deck operations and to further define the F-35C's operating parameters aboard the aircraft carrier.

The ITF test team will analyze data obtained during flight test operations, conduct a thorough assessment of how well the F-35C operated in the shipboard environment, and advise the Navy to make any adjustments necessary to ensure that the fifth-generation fighter is fully capable and ready to deploy to the fleet in 2018.

"Our F-35 integrated test team has done an amazing job preparing for today. This will be one landing out of thousands more that will happen over the next few decades," said Lt. Gen. Chris Bogdan, F-35 Program Executive Officer. "For months, we've been working with the Nimitz crew, Naval Air Forces, and our industry partners, Lockheed Martin and Pratt & Whitney, as well as their suppliers, to prepare and train for this event. We plan on learning a lot during this developmental test and will use that knowledge to make the naval variant of the F-35 an even more effective weapons platform."

The F-35C combines advanced stealth with fighter speed and agility, fused targeting, cutting-edge avionics, advanced jamming, network-enabled operations and advanced sustainment. With a broad wingspan, reinforced landing gear, ruggedized structures and durable coatings, the F-35C is designed to stand up to harsh shipboard conditions while delivering a lethal combination of fighter capabilities to the fleet.

The F-35C will enhance the flexibility, power projection, and strike capabilities of carrier air wings and joint task forces and will complement the capabilities of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, which currently serves as the Navy's premier strike fighter.

By 2025, the Navy's aircraft carrier-based air wings will consist of a mix of F-35C, F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers electronic attack aircraft, E-2D Hawkeye battle management and control aircraft, MH-60R/S helicopters and Carrier Onboard Delivery logistics aircraft.

The successful recovery of the F-35C represents a step forward in the development of the Navy's next generation fighter and reinforces Navy-industry partnership goals to deliver the operational aircraft to the fleet in 2018.

Rome’s Domus Aurea reopens to visitors€31 million still needed to restore Nero's monument

(http://www.wantedinrome.com) The partially-restored Domus Aurea or golden palace built by Emperor Nero in central Rome has reopened to guided visits, six years after it closed due to safety concerns over cave-ins.

The tours take place at weekends so that archaeologists can continue their restoration work at the 2,000-year-old site which is situated on the Oppian Hill overlooking the Coliseum.

Visitors can inspect 15 stages of the restoration process and tours are held in Italian, English and Spanish, and tickets cost €12. The tours are held on Saturdays and Sundays from 09.15-15.45, departing every 15 minutes. Access is granted to groups of up to 25 people, all of whom are required to wear a protective helmet. The tour lasts about an hour and a quarter and visitors must book in advance.

News of the reopening comes as the culture ministry announced a campaign to raise the €31 million needed to continue the underground site's restoration which has been slowed down by roof collapses in recent years. Italy's culture minister Dario Franceschini appealed for corporate sponsorship, reminding Italian companies that they can avail of a 65 per cent tax reduction.

After being off-limits for years the enormous complex was re-opened to the public in 1999, at a cost of €2.5 million, and began attracting an average of 1,000 visitors a day. It stayed open until 2005 before being closed again over security concerns. It reopened very briefly in 2007 but collapses caused by water seepage and damage from the roots of trees in the Colle Oppio park above led to its closure once more. In 2010 the monument was back in the news when a 60-sqm section of ceiling from the structure known as Trajan's gallery caved in following heavy rains.

Since then state archaeologists have proposed removing the trees and hundreds of tons of soil above the monument, replacing the park with a much lighter landscaped garden, radically reducing the weight, humidity and water damage to the Domus Aurea. Like the monument, the 16,000-sqm garden is in a state of serious neglect and in recent years has become synonymous with drugs and anti-social behavior.

Built by Nero (37-68 AD) after Rome's great fire in 64 AD, the sprawling Domus Aurea complex covered much of the neighboring Palatine and Coelian Hills by the time of its completion. Rooms were decorated with frescoes depicting fantastical creatures such as griffins and winged lions, while other walls were adorned with semi-precious stones and gold leaf. Emperor Trajan later built the famous Trajan's Baths on top of the Domus Aurea, while the Coliseum was built on the site of a drained lake belonging to the extravagant complex.

During the Renaissance artists such as Raphael, Pinturicchio and Michelangelo lowered themselves down on ropes into the Domus Aurea to learn from the perspective used in the ancient frescoes. The artists also carved their names into the walls as proof of their visit.

Italian News briefs

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You say Brugge, I say BrugesNAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - As I stood in

the Utrecht train station, and repeated myself for the third time, I began to wonder if I was doing something wrong. I was attempting to purchase a ticket from the Netherlands to Bruges, Belgium, but the ticketing employee seemed utterly confused by my request. I later learned that the country of Belgium uses French, Dutch, and German languages. Apparently, I was using the French name for the city, and the employee at the train station knew it by its Dutch name. Finally, I was off on the train to Belgium.

The entire city of Bruges is an UNESCO World Heritage Site, due to its unique medieval architecture that is kept in excellent condition. For many, the city itself is the attraction, rather than specific sites that tourists flock to like Rome’s Colosseum. Walking through the historic city center is like stepping back in time. Belgian chocolate shops are scattered along the streets, in between Belgian waffle restaurants. Although the Choco-story chocolate museum was slightly disappointing, storefronts like Leonida’s and Godiva are nearly impossible to avoid, and the chocolate and waffles really do live up to expectations- and let’s not forget about that infamous Belgian beer. After enjoying some delicious Belgian treats during the day, I branched out and dined at a Greek restaurant (Kouzina) that turned out to be amazing, with its nearly endless stream of plates in the mezze dinner.

The original plan was to stay only two nights in Bruges, and then head back to the Netherlands, but something about strolling through the streets of the charming town center with a cone of French fries and a Belgian hot chocolate made me extend my stay to three nights. The extension gave me two full days in Bruges, which allowed time for a boat tour on the river, and a visit to a cool vintage shop that carried lots of old bar supply items (I am a sucker for branded glasses).

Although I arrived in Bruges via train from the Netherlands, it is also easily reached from Brussels (hint: the Catania airport has direct flights to Amsterdam, and the Comiso airport has direct flights to Brussels). Pair it with a visit to Amsterdam, Brussels, or even Normandy, for a two-in-one trip. Shoulder season is a nice time to visit because the weather is good, and the prices are more reasonable. Keep in mind that Bruges also has a Christmas market that is rumored to be pretty awesome- as if the city could be any more picturesque.

"Walking through the historic city center is like stepping back in time."

BY LIz zEdNERNAS Sigonella Public Affairs Volunteer

THE SIGNATUREPAGE 10 November 14, 2014 THE SIGNATURE PAGE 11November 14, 2014

As a reminder, all dependents are always welcome at the galley!Please provide any negative or positive feedback. There is a suggestion box near the entrance to the galley, next to the serving line.

Friday, November 14Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Oven fried Bacon, Chicken Tocino on Garlic Fried RiceLunch: Soul Food Friday, Speed Line: Chef Gigi’s Freshly Made PizzaDinner: Chili Macaroni, Grilled Cheese Sandwiches w/ Hot Tomato Soup

Saturday, November 15Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Oven fried Bacon, Corned Beef HashBrunch: Eggs to Order, Oven Fried Bacon, Corned Beef Hash, Corn DogsDinner: SpaghettiwithMeatSauce,OvenFriedChickenFillet

Sunday, November 16Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Grilled Minute Steak, Oven Fried BaconBrunch: Eggs to Order, Grilled Minute Steak, Oven Fried Bacon, SauerbratenDinner: Savory Baked Chicken, Chef Melo’s Carbonara

Monday, November 17 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Minced Beef, Oven Fried Bacon Lunch: Roast Turkey, Hamburger Yakisoba, Speed Line: Chef Mauricio’s Freshly Made PizzaDinner: Roast Pork, Chef Franco’s Chicken Alfredo w/ Penne Pasta

Tuesday, November 18Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Biscuits and Gravy, Oven fried BaconLunch: Taco Tuesdays, Speed Line: Pasta Bar with choice of Freshly Made Pasta SauceDinner: Baked Italian Sausage, Chef Franco’s Home Made Meatloaf

Wednesday, November 19Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Chicken Tocino on Garlic Fried Rice, Oven Fried BaconLunch: BeefStew,FriedCatfish,SpeedLine:AllAmericanGrilled BurgersDinner: Fried Chicken, Chef Melo’s Pasta Al forno

Thursday, November 20Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Creamed Ground Beef on Toast, Oven Fried BaconLunch: Chef Mimo’s Home Made Lasagna, Grilled Pork Chops, Speed Line: Panini Bar and Cold CutsDinner: Veal Steaks, Chicken Tetrazzini

Friday, November 21Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Oven fried Bacon, Chicken Tocino on Garlic Fried RiceLunch: Turkey A La King, Baked Fish, Speed Line: Chef Gigi’s Freshly Made PizzaDinner: Salisbury Steak, Chef Melo’s Penne Alfredo

A reminder to please adhere to our galley uniform rules below:1. No sleeveless shirts or tanks tops (including basketball jerseys) 2.Noshowershoesorflip-flops(wearingsockswithflip-flopsdoesnotcount)3.Nosweatpantsorcut-offs4. No white or blue undershirts5. No PT/gym shorts or shorts without pockets 6. No hats (unless you are in the performance of your duty/ work) 7. No torn or dirty clothing 8. Uniform must be clean 9. Uncover before entering galley 10.Nocombinationofmilitaryandcivilianclothing11. Boots and shoes must be free of dirt and mudAlso, the taking of food out of the galley is strictly prohibited.

“I couldn't believe the amount of brush that was down from the storm and the damage to roofs and houses in the area,” said Grant. “I participate in community relation projects because it’s always good to give back and especially in this type of situation where help is really needed.”

Some base volunteers said helping the people of Acireale is a natural response. Public Works Department’s BUC Sean Walters Sigonella, senior-leader for the project, said not only do many Sigonella members live in the beautiful city just north of Catania, but the base and its surrounding communities are really part of the same population.

“We have civilians and military personnel living in this city,” Walters said. “For us to come out here is like helping out our community, because it is our community.”

Caring for people in need, whether or not in times of duress, is what many within the Sigonella family hope speaks loudest about the time they give. Rosario Dire, a local national with the Agesci Boy Scout Group, said giving time without asking for anything in return not only sends a strong message of good will to those directly affected, it speaks volumes to youth looking on.

“It brings me great joy to see others from different towns and countries around the world helping ease our burden from this tragedy,” Dire said. “The U.S. Armed Forces sets a great example to show the younger generations that it’s not only about sharing fun activities, but also [intervening] during a time of need.”

and television networks, the local academic wondered if a similar project couldn happen at Aidone and Morgantina. From there, Dr. Lunetta worked with a military delegation of six members, including Purvis, NAS Sigonella chaplain Lt. Cmdr . Edward Erwin , Lt.j.g. Jack Turner and Lt. j.g. Alexandra Lewis, both of Patrol Squadron Four (VP-4), YN2 Darrius Eaton from the Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station (NCTS) at Niscemi, and AM3 Rachelle Garcia from NASSIG’s Operations Department. The delegation laid the groundwork during a meeting with local officials in Aidone on Oct. 3 to plan and organize the major COMREL.

Typical of Sicilian hospitality and gratitude., once the work was done, Mayor of Aidone, Filippo Gangi, hosted a barbecue luncheon for all the volunteers, members of the Archaeological Club, and local well-wishers, an enjoyable way to finish up another successful COMREL. The Aidone Archaeological Museum is known for its artistic masterpiece – the statue of “Venice of Morgantina” from the 5th-Century BC Hellenistic Period. Also, silver artifacts from the same time period are well-celebrated priceless altar pieces that will be exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum next summer in New York City. The beautifully preserved Greek Amphitheater at Morgantina draws thousands of guests each year to visit the ancient site.

Summing up her experience, Religious Program Department’s RP3 Katie Wilkins said she enjoyed ““the social aspect of the COMREL when we all get together and fellowship and have fun while making a difference in the community.” MA3 Darlene Nuusolia said speaking with the archaeologists offered her a different perspective about the significance of relationship between the artifacts and local community. “The COMREL gave me a greater respect for the history and the importance of these national treasures,” She said.

Lunetta and Religious Programs tailor the COMREL program to strengthen ties with the local population, help people in need, develop group cohesion, and cultivate leadership and core values while providing unique cultural exchanges and travel intended to form lasting memories for NAS Sigonella Sailors and civilians and the local nationals they encounter. For information on upcoming COMRELs, contact Lunetta at 624-5229, or Alberto.Lunetta.IT@eu.navy.mil, or call RMD at 624-3975.

"Clean-up"continued from page 1

"Morgantina" continued from page 1

The NAS Sigonella Color Guard and Italian veterans stand at attention in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Catania War Cemetery during the 9th edition of the memorial ceremony hosted by the Catania Faro Biscari Lions Club at the Catania War Cemetery. This ceremony is held each year to remember the fallen of all wars every November 8. (Photo by Marcello Nicolosi)

Sailors attend Veterans Day memorial at Catania War Cemetery

THE SIGNATUREPAGE 12 November 14, 2014 THE SIGNATURE PAGE 13November 14, 2014

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Find and circle all of the comedy movies that are hidden in the grid.The remaining letters spell an additional comedy movie.

ALL OF MEANNIE HALLBABEBEING THEREBIGBOB ROBERTSBULL DURHAMCARSCAT BALLOUCITY SLICKERSCLERKSCLUELESSDUCK SOUPELECTION

FLETCHGHOSTBUSTERSHAPPY GILMOREHARVEYHOLIDAYHOTSHOTSLEGALLY BLONDELIAR LIARLOCAL HEROMALLRATSMANHATTANMEATBALLSMOONSTRUCK OH, GOD!

PLAZA SUITEREPO MANRUSHMORESHREKSLACKERSLAP SHOTSLEEPERTHE RUTLESTOOTSIETRADING PLACESUNCLE BUCKYES MAN

Comedy Movies 1NEWPORT, RI (NNS) -- Retired Capt.

Shirley Hill of the Nurse Corps was honored Sunday afternoon as the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 4487 2014 Veteran of the Year in front of scores gathered to celebrate her achievements at the post in Middletown.

Attendees included many members of organizations Hill is actively affiliated with - the Navy League; the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA); RI WAVES Unit 118 and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Newport Chapter.

Hill, a Mississippi native, began her military career as a seaman recruit at Bainbridge, Md. and attended Hospital Corps School at Great Lakes, Ill.

She was commissioned in the Navy under the Navy Enlisted Nursing Education Program (NENEP) after graduating from Boston University School of Nursing in 1964.

Her 31 years of active military service included a tour of duty aboard USS Repose hospital ship (AH-16) off the coast of Vietnam, Directory of Nursing Services at Naval Hospital Subic Bay, Republic of Philippines and numerous naval hospital assignments stateside including Naval Hospital Newport. Hill also served in Newport as the Director of Nursing Services prior to retiring from the Navy in 1989.

It was in this position that she met the guest speaker for the luncheon, current commanding officer of Naval Health Clinic New England, Newport, Capt. Maureen Pennington. Hill was then-Lieutenant Pennington's Director of Nursing Services.

"You made me, and many other nurses, better because of what you demanded of us," Pennington said during her remarks.

Pennington relayed anecdotes about what is was like to work for Hill, "I remember so wanting to make her happy," she said.

Hill not only influenced Pennington's active duty development but has since gone on to teach the role we have as veterans and how we learn to be a veteran.

"Thank You for influencing me 28 years ago and for setting the example of what I have to do next," she said.

In addition to remarks made by Pennington,

individuals cued to present Hill with certificates and mementos.

Newport Mayor Harry Winthrop declared Nov. 9 Shirley Hill Day in the city; U.S. Senator Jack Reed and U.S. Congressman David Cicilline both sent along letters of appreciation; WAVES presented her with a plague; Rhode Island statehouse recognized her with citations and letters; retired Air Force Brig. Gen. James D'Agnostino presented her with a challenge coin and Capt. Richard Hartman presented her with the 2014 VFW Veteran of the Year Plaque.

"The Navy has always been my secondary family, but you are all my family," Hill said to the audience. Hill specifically pointed out WWII veterans Luisa White and Carol Rotkin, saying "these 2 ladies set the pace for the rest of us," she said, "this (event) has been awesome."

Since retiring, Hill has been very active in the community. She volunteers many hours at the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society and the retired activities office at Naval Station Newport. She was a member of the Secretary of the Navy's Committee for Retired Personnel for three years where she was an advocate for the Navy retired population. Hill is certified as a Rhode Island Long-Term Care Ombudsman and actively advocates for nursing home residents. She also received the NAACP 2001 Community Service Award and is on the Rhode Island Black Regiment Committee and served as chairperson of the Dr. Martin Luther King Birthday Celebration Committee for the past 15 years and is currently the secretary of the Newport County Branch of the NAACP.

Hill received the MOAA Leadership Award in 2014, is a life member of the Navy League of the United States and was president of the Newport County Council for three years; the Southern New England Area President and the New England Region president. She is currently a national director for Navy League on the Naval Sea Cadet Corps Board. Hill is active in the Navy Nurse Corps Association and a life member and immediate past president of MOAA; current vice president and former president of WAVES and current secretary for the Rhode Island United Veterans Council.

BY LISA RAMANAVSTA Newport, Public Affairs Officer

Retired Navy Nurse recognized as Veteran of the YearSigonella Family History and Genealogy Group

The NAS Sigonella Religious Ministries Department formed a Family History and Genealogy Group, meeting every week on Thursday from 4: 30 - 6 p.m. at the NAS 1 Library. (Picture provided by Elder Ron Clark)

BY ELdER RON CLARkNAS Sigonella Religious Ministries Department

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - The NAS Sigonella Religious Ministries Department recently formed a Family History and Genealogy Group, meeting every week on Thursday from 4: 30 - 6 p.m. at the NAS 1 Library. We meet in the computer classroom at the rear of the library, with laptops and Internet access. Everything we learn in this setting can be continued on our home computers with Internet access. In essence, we are starting or continuing a lifetime pursuit of family history information that we can teach to our families and children. Getting connected with one’s past and ancestors can be a life-changing, and even life-saving, experience.

As a young boy, I had access to my maternal grandmother, and both of my paternal grandparents. All three were immigrants to the United States from Eastern Europe. None spoke English, even after over 35 years in the States. I could have asked them any question imaginable, such as who their parents and grandparents were, who their siblings were, what towns and cities they came from, and so much more.

It wasn’t until I was in my mid-40s that I began to get really interested in my ancestors, but by then, every one of my grandparents and most of my aunts and uncles were gone, and I couldn’t ask them anything. Over the past 30 years, I have made still made very little progress in reaching across the Atlantic Ocean to find my ancestors. If only I had taken the time, especially at family reunions, to ask my still-living parents, aunts and uncles important family history questions.

Please don’t make the same mistake that I did. Please take the time to get ancestral and family information from those who are still living, and also learn how to search for and find correct information for family members who have departed this life. Please consider making some of your European trips to places where you can find out valuable information about your ancestors. You may never again have the opportunity or the means to do so in the future.

During the past three weeks, our group has concentrated on getting all group members signed up with a free membership on https://familysearch.org and exploring the possibilities of having our own DNA testing done for family history purposes. For under $100, one can have their saliva sample DNA-tested by any one of a number of companies, with geographic origin and genetic grouping information provided in a couple of months. Thereafter, from the existing DNA database, and as others are DNA-tested, we are notified of each person who is a statistically close match to our DNA. In essence, they are related to us, as our DNA cousins.

Our group currently has under 20 members who come or chat occasionally, with 4-6 present on any given Thursday. Excitingly, four members of our group have recently traced at least one line of their family back through time some 129-145 generations to Adam and Eve. All generations of one’s family tree can be printed and placed into a family history book with photos, stories and information about each person. This makes a great Christmas or Birthday present for a beloved family member. It is also a perfect gift for every child in your family, to connect them with their ancestors.

Elder Ron Clark facilitates the group, assisted by Echo Groves and Sarah Melvey. Please join us any Thursday that you are free. Contact Elder Clark at any time at drclarkasea@gmail.com or cell 331-675-5605. Our Group has a Facebook page at Sigonella Family History and Genealogy.

THE SIGNATUREPAGE 14 November 14, 2014 THE SIGNATURE PAGE 15November 14, 2014

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - The Transition GPS provides information, tools, and training to ensure Service members and their spouses are prepared for the next step in civilian life whether pursuing additional education, finding a job in the public or private sector, or starting their own business. TGPS is the result of an interagency collaboration to offer separating Service members and their spouses’ better, more easily accessible resources and information to make their transitions more successful. Below are some frequently asked questions regarding Transition GPS:

What is Transition GPS?1. Transition Goals, Plans, Success (GPS) is the Navy’s transition program – redesigned to

ensure you and your family are better prepared for your transition from military to civilian life.2. Transition GPS is made up of four parts – Pre-separation Counseling, 5-Day Workshop,

Career Tracks and Capstone – all of which will provide you with information about post-military benefits, certification & training resources, financial planning and job search techniques.

Do I have to attend Transition GPS?YES – if you are on active duty for more than 180 continuous days, then you are required

to participate in the mandatory portions of Transition GPS (Pre-separation Counseling, 5-Day Workshop and Capstone).

The three Career Track workshops – Accessing Higher Education, Career Technical Training and Entrepreneurship – are important supplements to the mandatory parts of Transition GPS and can help you meet Career Readiness Standards prior to your retirement or separation.

As part of the 5-Day Workshop, the Department of Labor Employment Workshop (DOLEW) covers many important subjects (including resume-writing) and all eligible service members are encouraged to attend.

I’m planning to retire or separate. What do I need to do first?You should schedule a Pre-separation Counseling appointment 18-24 months prior to your

retirement, 12-18 months prior to your separation, or – at the very latest – with not less than 90 days remaining on active duty.

Whether it’s due to an unanticipated separation or prioritized operational requirements, if you have less than 90 days left before your retirement or separation and you have not completed Transition GPS, you must do so as soon as possible within your remaining period of service.

What are the Career Readiness Standards (CRS)?Regardless of what your post-Navy career plans are, you will need to meet the Career

Readiness Standards (CRS) listed below:• CompletetheDoDstandardizedIndividualTransitionPlan(ITP)• PrepareDoDstandardized12-monthpost-separationbudgetreflectingpersonal/family

goals• RegisteroneBenefits• Evaluate transferabilityofmilitary skills to the civilianworkforce (MOCCrosswalk)

and complete the DoD standardized Gap Analysis• Documentrequirementsandeligibility for licensure,certificationandapprenticeship

regarding career selection• Completeajobapplicationpackageorpresentajobofferletter• ReceiveaDepartmentofLaborGoldCardandunderstandthatpost-9/11Veteranshave

priority for six months post-separation at American Job Centers• Complete Continuum of Military Service Opportunity Counseling (only for Active

Component Service members separating with less than 20 years active federal service)• TheCRSarealsolistedontheDDForm2958(ITPChecklist)

What is Capstone?Capstone is the final part of Transition GPS and happens not later than 90 days prior to

your expected date of separation and after you have completed Pre-separation Counseling and attended the 5-Day Workshop and any Career Track offerings.

During Capstone, your commanding officer will check your Individual Transition Plan (ITP) and DD Form 2958 (Individual Transition Plan Checklist) to verify that you have met Career Readiness Standards and have a viable transition plan.

The Navy wants to ensure you continue success as you transition out of the military into a new career field. Through proper planning and continued commitment, the Transition GPS program will be the first step stone to your new career. Questions? What more information? Contact Susanna Fomby at the FFSC 624-4291 or susanna.fomby@eu.navy.mil

BY FLEET ANd FAMILY SERvICE CENTER NAS SIGONELLAFrom www.dodtap.mil

SIGNATURESIGONELLA, SICILY

Do you have a passion for writing? Are you looking for a little experience in journalism?

The Signature is seeking volunteers to help cover base events as well as feature and travel stories.

If this interests you, please call the NAS Sigonella Public Affairs Office at DSN 624-5440 or email us at thesig@eu.navy.mil.

THE

Are you financially ready for the Holidays? Transition GPS: Your pathway to successBY MICHAEL MATHENYPersonal Finance Training InstructorFleet and Family Support Center NAS Sigonella

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - As we enter into November the most intense retail season of the year is kicking into high gear, so now is an ideal time to review your spending plan to budget the expense of holiday gifts for loved ones in your life. The exercise of budget building is a principle strategy for Americans to avoid adding to the estimated $847 BILLION in outstanding revolving debt. Revolving Debt is a term that defines the debt balances carried over from month to month that is subject to interest charges. In December 2013, Americans spent over $131 Billion for the holidays and the historical data shows that the majority of Americans increased their indebtedness as a result. And our spending habits do not end there; in addition to the cost of gift giving are the added expenses of postage and shipping, holiday travel at peak prices, and the entertainment costs of holiday parties.

Take this opportunity to prepare for your upcoming expenses through the holidays and plan ahead to afford your desired purchases up front. You can prevent the “Holiday Spirit” from gifting indebtedness to you and your family’s finances. Your CFS at the command level has budgeting tools to assist you, and the Fleet and Family Support Center has professionals to provide more in depth guidance and support. We are also offering a Credit/Debt management class on November 17th and you can register by contacting our office at 624-4291. Utilize these services to ensure your (financially) Happy Holidays!

Command Financial Specialist Course is December 1-5Registration for the next CFS Course is happening now. Contact FFSC at 624-4291

today to start on the path of a rewarding collateral duty that delivers great benefits both personally and professionally. E6 and above members can confirm their registration with a completed Special Request Chit that authorizes their attendance. E5 members in addition will need to obtain a Financial Suitability Memo from their command CFS. Any E4 members interested in attending need to speak with POC Mike Matheny at FFSC. ALL supporting documents for class registration must be received by November 21st to secure a seat for this limited opportunity course.

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - Your health care team – doctor, nurse, corpsman and pharmacist – have a critical role in ensuring that the medication process is safe. It is their responsibility to prescribe you the right medication at the right time at the right dose.

In this effort, it is important that your health care team have an accurate list of all the medications that you take to include over-the-counter (OTC) medications and supplements. This process is called medication reconciliation, and it’s where you as the patient can help.

One of the major initiatives the healthcare industry has taken recently is to make the medication process safer by conducting medication reconciliations at each visit. It means that your provider should have a complete and accurate list of all your medications. This list will be reviewed and updated every time you are seen at the hospital. Having this list, your provider will be able to reference all your medications when writing your medication orders and the nurse will be able to compare the orders against the list so that any inaccuracies can be caught. Medication errors that can be prevented by adopting this process include: inadvertent omission of home medications, failure to restart home medications, duplicate therapies and other errors such as incorrect dosage, form or interactions.

U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella continuously promotes medication reconciliation in an effort to maximize patient safety. Taking an active role as the patient helps your health care team to have a complete and accurate list of medications. You do not have to wait until you are seen by your provider to begin this process. Start the list at home and give it to your provider at your next visit.

If you have children who take medications, make sure they have a list as well. When making your list, it is important to note the name, dose, and when (i.e. mornings, evenings) and how often you take the medication or supplement. When you come in for your next appointment, share this with your provider and work with him or her in compiling the list for your medical record.

Safety is a top priority to us as we strive to provide you and your family with superior health care. We believe that medication reconciliation is a powerful and long needed tool in ensuring your safety. Your involvement in this process is critical. We all have a role in patient safety and everyone will benefit from its success.

For more information on medication reconciliation, contact U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella’s Medical Home Port at 624-4622.

“Your role in ensuring medication safety”From U. S. Naval Hospital Sigonella

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THE SIGNATUREPAGE 16 November 14, 2014