march 30, 2012 the signature

U.S. Air ForceBand performsat NASSIG

Page 3 Page 8

Going the distance

MR2 Gary Spenceshares his

Malta marathon experience.

1

Celebrate Easterthroughout Sicily

Find outwhat’s happening.

NAS ElementarySchool kids enjoy

performance.

Scan for direct linksto NAS Sigonella

MARCH 30, 2012VOL. 29 NO. 12 cnic.navy.mil/sigonella

SIGNATURETHE

SIGONELLA, SICILY

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily (NNS) - Assistant Secre-tary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve A<airs,Juan M. Garcia, visited Sailors aboard Naval Air Sta-

tion (NAS) Sigonella March 22.;e visit enabled Sailors and Marines the opportunity to

learn more about the Secretary of the Navy's 21st Century Sai-lor and Marine Initiative, which is designed to maximize Sailorand Marine personal readiness, maintain the resiliency of theforce, and to hone the most combat e<ective force in the hi-story of the Department of the Navy.

";e way this works is there are =ve key focus areas; readi-ness, safety, physical =tness, inclusion and continuum of ser-vice," said Garcia. "A decision was made by your leadership,knowing what the future holds in the terms of operationaltempo and knowing the sacri=ces you and your families havesustained for the last decade, to gather all those existing per-sonnel support programs and a handful of new ones and bringthem together under a single overarching rubrik we call the21st Century Sailor and Marine."

;e 21st Century Sailor and Marine Initiative takes a hardlook at issues such as preventing sexual assaults and how tokeep them from occurring, and if they occur, how to support

sexual assault victims, and hold o<enders accountable.";ere is no room for sexual assault in our Navy and Ma-

rine Corps team, a shipmate is a shipmate and a marine is a ma-rine, we need everyone intervening to prevent a single incidentfrom happening again. ;at's why we hired professional inve-stigators who specialize in sexual assault to ensure that if ap-propriate, we prosecute to the maximum extent of the law."

During the visit, NAS Sigonella Sexual Assault Preventionand Response Coordinator, Angela Dooney discussed programso<ered at the Fleet and Family Service Center in Sigonella thatalready supports the 21st Century Sailor and Marine Initiative.

One program, Sigonella Safe, targets the active duty popu-lation 25 and younger and addresses high risk behaviors suchas alcohol over indulgence, suicide, and sexual assault. Speakersare subject ma>er experts and speak about risk reduction andbystander intervention.

"We are doing great things here," said Dooney. "I'm proudof what we are doing and am grateful that I had the opportu-nity to talk with him about our statistics, trends that we'veidenti=ed, and programs that have been put into place in sup-port of those trends. It just shows how proactive Sigonella isin preventing sexual assault."

"We wanted to come and highlight the all-forces e<ort tha-t's part of the 21st century Sailor and Marine Initiative and en-sure maximum readiness and part of that readiness is assuringthat one sexual assault is too many," said Garcia. "Every Sailoris tasked with taking care of their fellow Sailor and every Ma-rine is tasked with taking care of their fellow Marine and thefolks in Sigonella are leading in that e<ort."

Whether supporting NATO operations in Libya, aidingin natural disasters or chasing pirates o< the horn of Africa,the 21st Century Sailor and Marine Initiative is designed togive every Sailor and Marine, and their families, the tools theyneed to succeed.

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily (March 22, 2012) Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve A4airs, the Honorable Juan Garcia, speaks during an All Hands Call at Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella. Garciavisited NAS Sigonella to promote the 21st Century Sailor and Marine Initiative. 3e 21st Century Sailor and Marine Initiative consolidates a set of objectives and policies, new and existing, to maximize Sailor and Marinepersonal readiness, build resiliency and hone the most combat-e4ective force in the history of the Department of the Navy. (U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Gary Prill/Released)

Assistant Secretary of the Navy brings 21st Century Sailor and Marine Initiative to SigonellaBY MC1 CHRISTOPHER DELANONAS Sigonella Public A�airs

QUOTEOF THE WEEK

"To do something well is so worthwhile that to die tryingto do it be er cannot be foolhardy. It would be a waste oflife to do nothing with one's ability, for I feel that life is

measured in achievement, not in years alone."

- Bruce McLaren

THE SIGNATURETHE SIGNATURE MARCH 30, 2012PAGE 2

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cnic.navy.mil/sigonella

Buongiorno, Sigonellans. Bis Satur-day our Chiefs Mess will pause andcelebrate 119 years of the steadfast

service by the United States Navy ChiefPeGy ODcers (CPO).

CPO’s wear their anchors with pridebecause they are the symbol of a culturewhich represents our character, loyalty,and a strong commitment to leadership,our core values, and Navy ethos.

In honor of Navy Chiefs now and of thepast, we are hosting a United States NavyChief PeGy ODcers Birthday Celebrationwhich kicks-oC with our Fag ceremony at0750 on NAS I. Following the opening ce-remony there will be a CPO history pre-sentation at Connections, a 5k run at 1000,and a community BBQ at 1130.

We cordially invite the Sigonella com-munity to join us and celebrate the hardwork and leadership that the Chiefs pro-vide every day, and make this celebrationa truly memorable event.

Happy birthday Shipmates! Itruly appreciate your leadership andthe hard work you do every day.

Recognizing stellar leadershipalso brings to mind that this wee-kend Enalizes Women’s HistoryMonth which is dedicated to thewomen who strived so passionatelyfor rights as equals and to the dyna-mic women of today who continueto shape our path. Whether a mili-tary member or spouse, we thankyou for your determination and ser-vice to our country because withoutyour ideas and cultural diversity wewould not be the great nation thatwe are today.

Looking ahead to April, springbreak is just around the corner. Formany of us this is a time to travel asour kids are out of school. Please allowyourself plenty of time for travel. Be safeduring your travels and remember to wear

appropriate safety equipment if activitiesrequire it, as we need each of you at fullcapability to meet our mission.

NAS Sigonella Command Master Chief David Graham

NASSIG WORSHIP SERVICES

ROMAN CATHOLIC HOLY WEEK WORSHIP SERVICE NAS I ChapelMarch 31: 1700 Anticipated Mass (Saturday)

Palm Sunday of the Lord's PassionPalm SundayApril 1: 0830 Palm Sunday of the Lord's PassionAursdayApril 5: 1700 Holy Aursday (Mass of the Lord's Supper)FridayApril 6: 1700 Good Friday of the Lord's PassionSaturdayApril 7 : 1800 Holy Saturday / Easter VigilEaster SundayApril 8: 0830 Easter Sunday Mass (Solemnity of the

Resurrection of the Lord)

PROTESTANT EASTER WORSHIP SERVICE NAS I ChapelPalm SundayApril 1: 1000 Traditional Protestant Worship

1130 Contemporary Protestant WorshipGood FridayApril 6: 1200 Good Friday Traditional Protestant ServiceEaster SundayApril 8: 0630 Easter Sunrise Service

* Marinai Youth Center (Outside)1000 Traditional Protestant Worship

Chapel Choir Easter Cantata1130 Contemporary Protestant Worship

SAC@MENT OF RECONCILIATION / PENANCE: Receive absolution through the Sacrament of Penance before Easter. It is available any day or anytime upon request if circumstances allow.

** FOR ALL OTHER WORSHIP SERVICE TIMES AND OPPORTUNITIES contact the Religious Ministries Department, 624-3975

NAS II ChapelPalm SundayApril 1: 1130 Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion

Easter SundayApril 8: 1130 Easter Sunday Mass (Solemnity of the

Resurrection of the Lord)

NAPLES, Italy — Be triennial Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) Utility andMove-In Housing Allowance (MIHA) survey is open during all of April for personnelstationed in Italy.

Be voluntary survey is for military personnel who reside in privately leased quartersand receive an overseas housing allowance. Survey results will be used to update OHAutility and MIHA allowance rates for Italy.

Be Defense Travel Management ODce (DTMO) encourages participation from every eligible service member. Individual re-sponses will be held in strict conEdence by DTMO and will not be shared with any other oDce or agency.

Be survey can be found at hGps://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/aprutilmiha.cfm and will be active starting April 1 until theclose of business April 30.

Be survey may take as much as 45 minutes to complete.Be regional commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia will be coordinating survey participation for installations

in Italy. If you have any questions or need more information, please contact the regional coordinators at DSN 314-626-2551.

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

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

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Please, don’t become a statistic!

TRAFFICNUMBERS

THE SIGNATURETHE SIGNATURE PAGE 3MARCH 30, 2012

Around NAS Sigonella ...

BY MR2 GARY SPENCENAS Sigonella Public A�airs

On March 21, the students at Sigonella Elementary School had the unique opportunity to learn from local Italianartist Maestro Gianni Sessa who taught the kids how to make art out of a piece of wood.

"<is was a once in a lifetime experience because there are very few master sculptors in the world," said Art TeacherFrancie Hammond. " <e kids loved it!"

(Photo by Francie Hammond)

Master sculptor Maestro Gianni teaches Sigonella School studentsOn March 21, Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella Schoolsparticipated in Kick the Habit Day, a public awarenesscampaign designed to educate students of the dangers of to-

bacco use.“<is was sponsored by <e Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids,"

said Lt.j.g. Aspen Alu, health promotions coordinator for Naval Ho-spital Camp Pendleton. "<ey’ve got kids all over the country doingdi=erent kinds of events, from health fairs to educational campaigns,trying to encourage people not to smoke or, if they are older and al-ready smoke, to quit.”

Students in middle and high school learned from the visual aidson hand, including one that showed the e=ects of long term smoke-less tobacco use. When asked what they thought of smoking, dippingand chewing, a few students simply said, “It’s just gross!”

“One of the points we stress about staying away from tobacco useis not to be pressured into it," said Bernade@e Sassen from the healthpromotions department. "Don’t take up such a dangerous habit justbecause your friends are doing it.”

NAS Sigonella students learn aboutthe importance of being tobacco free

Lt.j.g. Aspen Alu, health promotions coordinator for Naval Hospital CampPendleton (le-) answered students’ questions about tobacco use duringKick the Habit Day. (U.S. Navy photo by MR2 Gary Spence)

On March 24, families from Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonellaparticipated in Family Fitness Day at NAS I Land Annex Field, the>rst in a series of events to celebrate the new Family Fitness Centerthat will soon open at the NAS I gym.

With a focus on baseball in honor of youth baseball season, acti-vities included a fast pitch competition, bunting practice, home runderby, and a water balloon ba@ing challenge.


NAS Sigonella spring training

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


On March 26, the U.S. Air Force Band “Five Star Brass”performed for students at Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigo-nella elementary school.

<e band, a component of the U.S. Air Forces in Eu-rope (USAFE) Band stationed at Ramstein Air Base inGermany performed various songs and gave demonstra-tions about the instruments each member played.

Based on the sheer volume of applause the kids sho-wed at the end of each performance, the band was quite ahit with the students.

“It really seemed to brighten their day. We got imme-diate feedback," said band leader Technical Sergeant DavidHartung. "<at doesn’t happen every place, but today youcould tell they enjoyed themselves.”

<e concert was also a way to bring a@ention to MusicIn Our Schools Month (MIOSM), a celebration of music

and music programs o=ered in public schools. As Hartung points out, “Sometimes when a school is

cu@ing its budget, music programs tend to be among the>rst to get cut. I think today was a good example howmusic can inspire people.”

According to Sta= Sergeant Laura Kluga, this was a wayto give back to the students. “<eir parents tend to deployo?en. So we want to show that we are here for them. Everyyear we do this and it’s a really good opportunity to be infront of the kids and to thank them for being there for theirfamilies.”

<e USAFE Band is comprised of 45 active duty AirForce musicians commi@ed to fortifying international re-lationships, enhancing troop morale and fostering trustand friendship among the military, governmental and ci-vilian populations within the European theatre.


U.S. Air Force Band performs for NAS Sigonella elementary school(U.S. Navy photo by MR2 Gary Spence)

Need an appointment at thehospital? Call DSN 624-CARE (2273) or commercial095-56-2273, M-F: 7:30 a.m.- 4 p.m.

For non-emergent medicalquestions that arise over theweekend, a holiday or a3ero2ce hours, please call 335-578-8077 if you are normallyseen at the hospital or 335-578-8150 if you are normallyseen at the Flight Line Clinic.

THE SIGNATURE MARCH 30, 2012PAGE 4

FFSC can be reached at x4291American Red Cross at x4900

Does your command or organization have an event you’d like to see on the Community Calendar? Email us at [email protected] and let us know!

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Make no mistake, interviews can be stres-sful. ?ere are many unknowns and it'snormal for you to feel a liBle anxious prior

to the big day. Don't worry, the Fleet and Family Sup-port Center (FFSC) is here to help you prepare for anupcoming job interview, whether here in Sigonella orback in the states.

If you have landed an interview – congratulations!You should feel con@dent because your resume has al-ready shown you can do the job. Now is the time toshare what you could not on paper and really stand outto your prospective employer. Even if you don't havean interview currently scheduled, you can begin prepa-ring yourself for one that might be in your future.

Although you may feel you already know a lotabout the interview process, here are some tips thatmany people forget about and could prove to be veryuseful to you on your important day.

1Always drive to your interview location in ad-vance so you know exactly where you are going

the day of the interview. ?ere is no sense in geBing lostand showing up late – talk about a bad @rst impression!In addition, you need to know if parking is readily avai-lable and if there is a fee involved (always bring sparecoins for the meter, just in case).

2If you have been wearing a uniform for severalyears, it is a good idea to do a test run on your

interview out@t to make sure it still @ts. You don't wantto show up to an interview wearing a suit that is twosizes too small (or large!).

3Find out as much information about the com-pany/organization as you possibly can prior

to your interview. Take it a step further and ask whowill be interviewing you. You can check the companywebsite to see if there is a biography listed for this in-dividual and then you can include some of the infor-mation you found out through your research duringthe interview. ?e more you know, the more it showsyou have a speci@c interest in the company and wantto work there.

4Know what is in your resume. If you have infor-mation listed on paper, it is fair game in the in-

terview. It is helpful to tie items from your resume tointerview questions – for example, if you get a questionabout a time when you managed a group of people, youcould refer to a role you held as described in your re-sume. ?is can help make your responses easier to re-call during the interview.

5Practice some of the “tough” interview que-stions. Do this as many times as you are able –

the more you practice, the more con@dent you will befor the interview. In addition, when you do research forthe company, draA three or four questions to ask duringthe interview process. Examples include: Is there a trai-ning or mentor program involved? How much travel isrequired? What opportunities for advancement exist?Always have at least two questions to ask during the in-terview – you want to appear interested and investedin your potential new job!

?ese are only a few of the tips, tricks and techni-ques necessary for a successful interview. Contact theFFSC to learn more about our Inside Interviews class(held monthly) at 624-4291 or email Sarah Conlanat [email protected].

THE SIGNATUREMARCH 30, 2012 PAGE 5

Fleet and FamilySupport CenterAdministrationBuilding Bldg. 319 (NAS I)

Monday–Friday7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. DSN 624-4291 Commercial095-56-4291

Interview tips and techniques: Make a great impression


It’s carcioJ time! He 22nd annual “Sagra del Carciofo” (Artichoke Festi-val) will be held in Ramacca, March 30 through April 1.

He Italian word for artichoke (carciofo) comes from the Arabic Al’' quar-shuf.” It's a thistle like plant which originated in the Mediterranean region morethan 2,000 years ago. Ancient Greeks and Romans loved artichokes. Romanwriter Pliny wrote that artichokes were delicacies which were enjoyed only bythe upper classes. An artichoke recipe appears in the writings of Roman chefApicius showing that these vegetables were very popular in ancient times.

During the Middle Ages, Saracens cultivated artichokes in Sicily, south ofSpain and North Africa.

Historic chronicles tell that, in the 16th century, noble woman Catherinede Medici brought with her chefs and artichokes to the French court, whenshe moved there aLer marrying King Henry II of France. In 1806, artichokeswere brought to the United States by French immigrants who seMled in Loui-siana.

Artichokes are very healthy and delicious. Scientists maintain that this ve-getable can lower blood cholesterol, promote bile secretion, help diuresis andprevent liver problems.

In Ramacca, the artichoke industry is an important part of the culture andthe economy, making it the main source of employment. Two main varieties:VioleMo Ramacchese and the larger sized Teramo are indeed widely cultivatedin the area. Ramacca also boasts the nickname of “Bread Capital” for its mou-thwatering pane (bread) which is still baked the old way using stone ovens fue-led by wood.

A three-day celebration, this year’s festival, which kicks oI March 30 at5:30 p.m. in Piazza Umberto and Via Risorgimento, features a street fair in thehistoric center, live musical entertainment, Sicilian carts parades, arts & craLs,artichoke specialties, special art, Kag throwers shows, photography and foodexhibits.

Food booths will sell delicious artichoke-based dishes like pasta and rice.Artichokes are grilled, stuIed with Pecorino cheese or mixed in omelets. Cakesand ice cream made with VioleMo Ramacchese artichokes are also prepared.He Teramo, the other variety present in the Ramacca area is typically preparedonly as salad. Festival-visitors can buy other local products such as cheeses, ci-trus, and ceramics.

Ramacca has archeological sites that date back to the Paleolithic. Hey wereJrst excavated in the 1950s when archeologists found an extraordinary largenumber of Kint tools, animal bones and human burials. He main one, whichis called La Montagna (the mountain), is located at the top of Mount Ramacca(559 meters) and houses a necropolis of caves and the remains of an ancientGreek town (8th Century BC) named Erjke. Some of the fragments of poMeryand ceramics found in this site are currently on display at the local Archeolo-gical Museum.

For more information, and detailed schedules and guided tours, call Asst.Turistica Pro Loco Ramacca at 095-7931141.

Ramacca hosts Artichoke Festival +e Artichoke Festival in Ramacca will be held from March 30 to April 1. (Photo byMax Pubblicità)

ALer a year of preparation, the time has come torenew a century-old Easter tradition. On GoodFriday, (April 6) the Pietraperzia community

will commemorate the cruciJxion and death of JesusChrist. Pietraperzia is a small historic town in the Ennaprovince which has been keeping this ancient traditionalive to show how deep-rooted religious beliefs areamong its townspeople.

On April 6, members of the Confraternita of MariaSantissima del Soccorso religious brotherhood willKock to the Chiesa del Carmine (Church of the Car-mine) to help prepare for the solemn evening celebra-tions of the "Lu Signuri di li Fasci," (He Lord of theBands). At 2 p.m., a 14th century life-sized cruciJx willbe taken from a small chapel, where it is usually keptand placed in the center of the church for adoration.Amidst a surreal silence, devotees will pay their re-spects for the entire aLernoon. Pilgrims will enter thechurch, make a small donation and get small red rib-bons, called "Misureddi," (liMle measures), which havethe same measurements as the cruciJx. Misureddi willthen be blessed and tied around the arm as a sign of de-votion. At 6 p.m., confrati (confraternity members) willmount the cruciJx and place "Lu munnu" (a globesymbolizing the world) on top of a 28-foot cypresswood pole. His majestic post will then be placed in themiddle of a wooden frame called "Vara." ALer that, bro-therhood members will complete this magniJcent andelaborate Koat, called "fercolo," by tying to the upperpart of the mast the traditional "Fasci," which are de-votional long strips of white linen cloth that are about105 feet long and 16 inches wide. Several families intown own white linen bands with their names embroi-dered in red. Hese linen bands represent a "thank-youoIering" for a miracle received. Devotees are allowed

to tie them to the Koat on a rotational two-year basisin order to give a chance to everybody to participate inthe festival.

Housands of Pietrini (Pietraperzia townspeople)and tourist will crowd outside the church to see thehuge religious Koat being hoisted at 8 p.m. Hat is pro-bably one of the most important touching and specta-cular moments of the entire festival. He Koat turnsfrom being an inanimate object into an elaborate "li-ving machine," which is maneuvered by 500 believers,as it makes its way through the town's narrow cobble-stone streets. Some devotees roll, unroll, pull and holdthe devotional linen strips while others carry the heavywooden support on their shoulders. All this requiresteamwork, precision and aMention to perfectly balancethis imposing Koat. In fact, as the Koat proceeds, itchanges its shape by performing some rather delicatemaneuvers, rotations and turns which create a dramaticand spectacular optical eIect. It actually looks like thecruciJx Koating on top of a snow mountain! Some Pie-trini, who immigrated to the United States, call relati-ves to let them listen over the phone to the meekwhispering of the bearers who say "Pietà e misericordiaSignuri!" (God have Mercy and Pity on us!). Two lit-ters holding the statues of dead Christ ("L'Urna con ilCristo morto") and Our lady of Sorrow ("L'Addolo-rata") will accompany the big Koat during the proces-sion that will continue through late night. AllPietraperzia townspeople join together to keep this tra-dition alive. He tradition dates back to the 14th cen-tury, which according to legend, is also "aMended" bythe souls of the deceased brotherhood members.

For more information on the festival and onthe town of Pietraperzia, visit hMp://www.comune.pietraperzia.en.it/

Good Friday in Pietraperzia, a sorrowfuland ancient display of devotion

Devotees in Pietraperzia walk slowly in procession as they pull the -oat displaying the cruci,x during the mournful Good Fridaycommemoration. Every year thousands of visitors and pilgrims from all over Sicily and the mainland swarm the narrow alleys ofthis beautiful town of the Caltanisse.a province to see this dramatic ritual. (Photo by Luigi Salemi)

A%ention photographers! Share images from your tripsaround Europe. Email your best photo and a caption [email protected]. Your photo just may be featured!


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English: Can I order the dish of the day?Italian: Posso ordinare il pia%o del giorno?

English: Do you have any vegetarian dishes ?Italian: Avete pia%i vegetariani?

English: $at was delicious.Italian: Era squisito.

English: Enjoy your meal!Italian: Buon appetito!

English: A table for three, please.Italian: Un tavolo per tre , per favore.

English: $e bill, please.Italian:Il conto, per favore.

Learn these useful Italianphrases when dining out.

On March 22 and 23, SrA Stephen Bullock and SSGT Jeremy Batcher from USAFDetachment 4 (Global Hawk) delivered more than 100 bags of clothes and toys donatedby Navy-Marines Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) to Casa della Mercede, a Catholic cha-rity in Catania which helps the less fortunate. “We’re ready to help out the local commu-nity as much as we can,” said Batcher, USAF Global Hawk volunteer coordinator. Pleasenote: All COMREL projects must be coordinated through the NASSIG PAO CommunityRelations ODcer. For more information call the Public ACairs ODce at 624-5229.

Police thwart plot to kill anti-MaEaprosecutor(ANSA)

Messina - Police in Sicily last Aursdaythwarted a plot to assassinate an anti-MaDaprosecutor aFer intercepting a handwriGennote ordering the hit.

"Brother, I hope you get to unload all thebullets into that dirt bag who doesn't deserveto live," said the message. "Aen burn thisnote."

Pasquale PaciDco, a Catania magistrate,was the target of the murder plot by OrazioFinocchiaro, who allegedly ordered the hitfrom an Udine prison, where he is already ser-ving a sentence for MaDa-related crimes."With this aGempt, Finocchiaro wanted to as-sert his dominance within the clan," said Mes-sina prosecutor Guido Lo Forte. Investigatorswere tipped by Giacomo Cosenza, who wasallegedly hired to carry out the contract kil-ling, and whose testimony was veriDed by ahandwriting analysis of the note.

"It proved the message came from Finoc-chiaro's hand," said Catania prosecutor Gio-vanni Salvi. PaciDco had organizedinvestigations into the Cappello and Laudanigangs, and recently led 'Operation Revenge',which led to the arrest of Sebastiano Lo Giu-dice, boss of the Carateddi clan. At the time,investigators learned that the crime group wasplanning a turf war with rival gangs in an ef-fort to wrest control of a drug racket.

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

Venice - Venice is still sinking and thefoundation is tilting slightly eastward, a newstudy has found. Despite previous studies thatshowed that subsistence had leveled oB, a for-thcoming article in the journal Geochemistry,Geophysics, Geosystems shows Venice to besinking on average of one to two millimetersper year.

Venice's 117 islands are also slipping dee-per into the lagoon, with those in the northdropping at a rate of two to three millimetersper year and those in the south at three tofour. Ae study also found that Venice is li-sting slightly eastward, meaning the westernside is higher than the rest, a previously un-noticed phenomenon the researchers detec-ted using a combination of GPSmeasurements and data from space-borneradar (InSAR) from 2000 to 2010. High tidesroutinely wash over the city's banks Eoodingits streets and squares. Ae reasons Venice issinking are both natural and man-made.

Decades of pumping groundwater causedsigniDcant damage to the delicate foundationbefore the practice was called oB. Weather ex-perts say the high-water threat has been in-creasing in recent years as heavier rains havehit northern Italy.

Other possible explanations for the phe-nomenon include the sea Eoor rising as a re-sult of incoming silt and gas extraction in thesea oB Venice undermining the islands.

According to the new study, plate tecto-nics is also to blame as the Adriatic plate is sli-ding beneath the Apennine Mountains,causing the area to drop in elevation. Scien-tists have conceived various ways of wardingoB the waters since a catastrophic Eood in1966 and a system of moveable Eood barrierscalled MOSE is near completion aFer yearsof polemics.

Italian interior minister urges youthto stand up to maEa, 'Camorra worthnothing', Cancellieri says(ANSA)

Naples - Interior Minister Anna MariaCancellieri told Naples youth last Wednesdayto stand "strong and to mobilize" against thelocal maDa known as the Camorra.

Holding a t-shirt printed with bold red let-ters reading "the Camorra is worth nothing,"Cancellieri encouraged a culture of commu-

nication and culture. Ae minister also metthe families of organized-crime victims re-minding them that the Italian State was stan-ding "very close" to them.

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

Rome - A Rome military prosecutor lastTuesday called for the indictment of an 89-year-old former German oCcer for alleged in-volvement in the massacre of thousands ofItalian soldiers on the Greek island of Cepha-lonia in World War II.

Ae suspect, ex-corporal Alfred Stork,should be called to trial for ordering the exe-cution of "at least 117 Italian oCcers" aFerthey surrendered, said Rome ProsecutorMarco De Paolis, who claimed to have mate-rial evidence for his case.

Among his evidence is an alleged 2005confession in which he told German prosecu-tors he was a member of one of the two exe-cution platoons. Ae incident was just oneepisode amid a much larger massacre whichcame aFer the 1943 armistice between Italyand the Allies that instructed Italian troops toswitch sides.

AFer news of the September 8 armisticeDltered across to the island on September 14,1943, General Antonio Gandin told each ofhis men in the Acqui division to follow hisown conscience and choose between three al-ternatives: Dght on alongside the Germans,surrender his weapons, or keep them and re-sist German aGacks.

Over the next eight days, 1,300 men diedin baGle, 5,155 were shot aFer being takenprisoner, and 3,000 drowned when a ship car-rying them to Nazi concentration campssank.

Ae bodies of 200 men were tossed downa well, from which they were only recoveredand sent back home a few months before for-mer Italian president Carlo Azeglio Ciampi'svisit in 2001.

To the outrage of Italy, a German courtcleared then 86-year-old former lieutenantOtmar Muhlhauser of war-crime charges in2006.

Deceased in 2009, he was believed to bethe last survivor of the Werhmacht regimentwhich carried out the massacre, and he repor-tedly admiGed he had personally ordered theexecution of hundreds of soldiers includingGeneral Gandin.

Ae incident forms the backdrop to thebest-selling 1994 novel, Captain Corelli'sMandolin, which became a Dlm in 2001 star-ring Nicholas Cage and Penelope Cruz.

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

Rome - Italy's growing gambling industryrisks claiming half a million young addicts,the health ministry said last Monday in a callto limit advertizing. "We must rally public au-thorities, including mayors, to acknowledgethe disease and monitor advertizing, above allto protect children," said Health Minister Re-nato Balduzzi. Ae plan includes requiring adsto follow guidelines similar to cigareGes,which must list the risks associated with theproduct. "Banning gambling is out of the que-stion. Ae state cannot become an ethics mo-nitor," said Balduzzi. "But it can set upguidelines, incentives and disincentives forgambling with ad hoc means".

Balduzzi is draFing his initiative withCooperation and Integration Minister AndreaRiccardi, who last month called for a ban, ora limit, on adverts by gambling-sector com-panies. In 2011, the industry raked in 79.9 bil-lion euros in Italy.

Online beGing, which tripled in 2011, isgrowing the fastest, as gamblers spent 1.5 bil-lion euros on the Internet last year.


Being a runner, I was always on the lookout for races that coor-dinated with port visits. While on a deployment in 2008, thestars :nally aligned and we pulled into Malta.

Malta is home to an annual marathon. I couldn’t get a spot in thefull marathon because it had already :lled up, but some of my shipma-tes and I were able to get into the half.

I ran my :rst international race and fell in love with Malta. 7ereis so much history there. It became one of my favorite ports. I used totell my wife how nice it was and I hoped one day I could show her.

So when it came time to pick orders and I wasn't able to get to Wa-shington state, I decided to give overseas shore duty a try. As soon asmy orders were approved, I started looking at the overseas race calen-dars. Malta was on the list.

7is time I had the opportunity to register for the full marathon,and as a bonus, I would be able to take my wife with me.

We arrived a few days before the race so I could give her a tour ofthe island and show her some of the things I had seen four years prior.

7e day a;er our arrival we stumbled upon a hop on/hop o8 tourwhich was relatively self-paced. We stopped o8 at the Mdina glass fac-tory and picked up some souvenirs. We also saw a church in the townof Mosta that had taken a direct hit by a bomb during World War II.7e bomb did not explode nor did it hit anyone that was sheltering inthe building at the time. Needless to say this place believes in divineintervention!

A;er enjoying a few days of showing o8 my VAST knowledge ofMalta (not), it was time to tackle the full marathon distance. I thought

I was ready. I have been a runner since 1998, participating in my :rstmarathon in 2007 and completing my last marathon in 2010. I runmost days of the week by doing laps around Marinai or NAS II.

So when the pistol :red sounding the start of the race, I was exci-ted. Perhaps too excited as I overestimated my pace as I ran throughthe city of Mdina.

7e runners spread out so fast, so soon, I was between groups al-most immediately. Course markers were not easily visible. To avoidrunning alone and ge<ing lost, I sped up instead of falling back. 7atwas my biggest mistake. By mile 15 with about three miles of concretele; to run on, I felt my energy draining . I had tackled the hills in aboutthree small towns which I equated to running in Mo<a, with slopesslightly less steep.

W

Going the distance: Malta marathon 2012


Here I am. Finishing … FINALLY! (Photo by Silvia Spence)3e 2012 Malta Marathon began at Mdina Gate. 3ree hundred and sixty six runners completed the marathon which had a cut-o4 time of 6ve hours. (Photo by MR2Gary Spence)

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g in my :rstm 2010. I runm NAS II.

S e, I was exci-t ran throught

n groups al-m le. To avoidr g back. 7atw of concretel hills in aboutt with slopess

When the course continued into the countryside I was momenta-rily distracted by the beauty of my surroundings. I felt relieved that I:nally knew where I was running. 7en another hill appeared and thepain in my legs reminded me that I had about six miles le; to go.

Toward the end of the race, my eight minute pace turned into a con-servative run/walk . I :nished the race in four hours and 28 minutes.

Running the marathon was a wonderful experience. However, it isnot one I would recommend for the novice runner. 7ere is a cut o8time of :ve hours and the course is rather di9cult. 7ere were a fewmoments when even I didn't think I could do it. Overall, I am glad Ipowered through. When I crossed the :nish line, I was proud of my-self, for enduring and for accomplishing a goal I had set for myself fouryears ago. I had completed my :rst international marathon!

G n 2012

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… FINALLY! (Photo by Silvia Spence)3

3e Mosta Dome in Mosta took a direct hit from a German bomb during World War II. Incredibly, the bombdid not explode or cause any injuries to those hiding inside. (Photo by MR2 Gary Spence)

3e marathon course went through the streets of Mosta. Unfortunately, street were not closed to tra5c.(Photo by Silvia Spence)

3e Grand Harbour in Valle7a, Malta. (Photo by MR2 Gary Spence)


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

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

Glazed Carrots, Savory Style Beans, Chicken Gravy, Velvet Pound Cake, Vanilla Cream Pie.

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

Steamed Asparagus, Natural Pan Gravy, Marble Cake, Sugar Cookies.

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

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

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

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

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

Help pay for schoolSCSC scholarships defray cost of post secondary education

Military Working Dog (MWD) handlersfrom Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigo-nella "Europe's Largest Kennel" have a

steady history of deploying to numerous areasaround the 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility(AOR). At any given time there are a mini-

mum of four deployed handlers thatwillfully deploy to the most dangerousareas in Iraq and Afghanistan. SailorsspeciHcally from NAS Sigonella haveearned numerous awards includingBronze Stars, Combat Action Ribbons,Joint Service Commendation andArmy Commendations just to mentiona few. Currently there is one speciHchandler who has logged more than 400 combathours and is awaiting approval for a combat advan-cement that has already been signed and approvedby the area oGcer in charge (OIC). Ee dog teamsspeciHcally from NAS Sigonella have had nume-rous "Hnds" that were responsible in the detectionof multiple improvised explosive devices (IED)and explosives which without explanation hassaved numerous lives. Eese Sailors combined in the entirety of their

deployments have undergone numerous gunHghtsand mortar aIacks while creating joint service co-hesiveness by working as a team and renderingtheir support with not only themselves, but theirassigned MWD. Sailors from NAS Sigonella areon a rotational deployment schedule and are ableto not only support 5th Fleet Operations, but areable to return from hostile environments and im-mediately rotate back into Security Operations tosupport AT and L/E missions at NAS Sigonella. One of these Hne security warriors is

MA2(FMF) MaIhew S. DuPont, who was recen-tly advanced to MA1 subsequent to his nomina-tion in the Combat Advancement Program. PeIyOGcer DuPont, and his MWD Rhino, assigned toUSFOR-A Detachment West in the Bala Murghad

Area of Operations, Badghis Province,Afghanistan. During his tour, he andhis team were faced with many combatsituations. In one in particular, he wasunder heavy enemy Hre while assignedas an M2 .50 caliber gunner that lastedfor Hve hours. During the baIle, MA1DuPont was able to assist his teamwith accurate suppression Hre as theymoved through the wadi (an emban-kment oF the side of the road). While

on the M2, his truck's radio went out. Knowingthat it was critical to maintain communicationwith his unit, MA1 DuPont volunteered to exit thevehicle and move up to the third vehicle which was50 meters up the wadi. While moving through thewadi, rounds were impacting all around MA1 Du-Pont. He continued to push up to the third vehicle.Once there, he informed the Medical Sergeant thatthe radios were out in his truck. At that moment,several rounds impacted within six feet of his head.He tactically moved back to cover and began la-ying suppressive Hre with his M4. When the thirdvehicle assisted with the suppressive Hre, MA1 Du-Pont moved back to his vehicle to get his crew-ser-ved weapon and lay down suppressive Hre himself. MA1 DuPont and his team have been deplo-

yed for approximately 10 months, and have con-ducted more than 80 missions totaling 744mission hours. He has been involved with 19 Tro-ops in Contact (TIC), and with his MWD has hadtwo explosive Hnds.

NAS Sigonella Sailor meritoriously advanced MA2 MaChew DuPont advanced to MA1 subsequent to hisnomination in the Combat Advancement ProgramAs printed in the 2012 03 March MA Career Management Newsle�erEe Sigonella Community Scholarship Council (SCSC) invites Sigonellans

to apply for a scholarship to help defray the cost of post-secondary education.In the past, the scholarship program was geared towards high school students.

Today, the scholarships are available to all members of the Sigonella community. Funds are donated by various commands, organizations, and individuals.

Organizations that donate $1,000 or more can present the scholarship to the win-ner. Last year, more than $7,000 was raised.Sigonella Community Scholarship Applications are available at the schools'

liaison oGce located at the Sigonella Elementary School (room 102a), theSigonella Middle/High School front oGce or Community Bank on NAS I orNAS II. Deadline to submit applications is May 31.

Tune in to Feedback Live this Eursday at 6:30 p.m. onAFN Prime Atlantic or satellite decoder channel 20.Get your questions answered by NASSIG's CO and CMClive on the air by calling 624-4265 during the show.

You can also submit your questions online at Sigonella.afneurope.net by clicking on the feedback live link, or onthe NAS Sigonella Facebook page.

Tuesday, April 35:00 PM Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax PG5:30 PM Chronicle PG-137:30 PM The Hunger Games PG-138:00 PM Safe House R

Wednesday, April 4 5:00 PM Man On A Ledge PG-135:30 PM Woman In Black PG-137:30 PM The Hunger Games PG-138:00 PM The Grey R

Thursday, April 5th 5:00 PM Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax PG 5:30 PM Red Tails PG-13 7:30 PM One For The Money PG-138:00 PM Underworld 4 R

Friday, April 6th – School’s Out!2:00 PM The Hunger Games PG-135:00 PM Chronicle PG-13 5:30 PM Woman In Black PG-137:30 PM Ghost Rider 2 PG-13 8:00 PM The Grey R

Saturday, April 712:30 PM Hop FREE PG 2:00 PM Big Miracle PG 2:30 PM Journey 2 PG 4:30 PM Ghost Rider 2 PG-13 5:00 PM Man On A Ledge PG-137:30 PM This Means War R

Sunday, April 82:00 PM Big Miracle PG2:30 PM Man On A Ledge PG-134:30 PM The Hunger Games PG-135:00 PM One For The Money PG-137:30 PM This Means War R

Movie schedule is subject to change. Please call to confirm.

Movie Hotline: 624-4248

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Celebrate Easter with MWR!

Palm Sunday is next weekend, the day that kicks oI the Easter celebrationsthroughout Sicily. MWR has plenty of fun planned for all ages Easter week.Don’t miss the opportunity to witness Jrst-hand some of Sicily’s greatesttraditions, and enjoy some American Easter and springtime traditions aswell! Sign up for any of the following Easter week excursions at IG or call(624-4777) for more information.

Sunday, April 1 Gangi Palm Sunday ProcessionExperience Gangi's unique Palm Processional. He lunch will be in a typicalSicilian restaurant aLer the parade.

=ursday, April 5 Caltanisse-a on Holy ,ursdayHis world-famous procession featu-res 12 Koats representing the 12 Sta-tions of the Cross.

Friday, April 6 Good Friday in EnnaSee Sicily's most famous and unfor-geMable Good Friday procession.

Friday, April 6 Country Day w/ Mariska & EmilioMariska & Emilio will prepare aGood Friday dinner for you. Henthey’ll take you to assist at the “CristoMorto” procession in Mineo.

Saturday, April 7Holy Saturday Sciaccariata in Ferla “Sciaccariata” means “illumination byJre with torches.” ALer the Eastermass is the procession of Madonnaand Jesus, raised from the dead. Hun-dreds of torches light the street in thisamazing event that has happened forgenerations.

Saturday, April 7Easter EggstravaganzaYou’re in for some fun and eggcitement Easter weekend with MWR! Join usfrom 10am until noon at the NAS I Annex Field for our annual Eggstravaganza!Here will be activities for children of all ages including an egg hunt for ages 0-12. He Egg Hunt will begin promptly at 10 a.m. so don’t be late! Enjoy a freemovie “HOP” aLer Eggstravaganza at Midtown 2 Heaters. Call MWR Enter-tainment at 624-0548.

Sunday, April 8Spring Games & Egg Hunt at Take 5It’s a fun Jlled Spring BBQ with a mix of great food and games. We will have agrill your own steak BBQ with ultimate frisbee and a special egg hunt! Sign-up by April 4. Call Take 5 at 624-5602 for more information.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


GAMEFind the words!

Find the way!

A Fly Went ByA Light in the A&icA Swi%ly Tilting PlanetA Wind in the DoorA Wrinkle in TimeAladdinAll By MyselfAmelia BedeliaAnimaliaAre You My MotherArthur Goes to SchoolBabies So Tall Board BookBaby Bop's Toys

Baby's ABCBaby's Animal FriendBaby's First WordsBarney's Color SurpriseBarney's Farm AnimalsBarney's HatsBarney's Magical PicnicBarnyard DanceBeauty and the BeastBig Bird's Color GameBig Bird's Mother GooseBridge to TerabithiaBunnicula


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Sudoku!

2000 BMW 318 i, 4 door, xenon frontlight. Dependable, beautiful andfunctional. Low miles. Silver. Fullyloaded: six airbags, 17" wheels,alarm system, new brakes, great AC.Always garage kept. Needs nothing.4,600 Euro. Call Tom or Adam at 33195 444 86 or 340 822 1991

2000 Toyota Echo. AUTOMATIC.120,000 miles, 4 door, silver, withminor body damage. Reliable islandcar, already passed inspection, A/Cworks great, $3,500. Contact Rose334-829-7565. Available April 9.

2008 Jeep Wrangler Sport X.Color-Red-Rock Perle. Excellent condition. 2 Door 4-WD with RemovableFree-dom 3 piece hard top/running bo-ards/tilt steering wheel. 3.8L V-6 W/6Speed manual transmission. 34,000Miles A/C - P/S - Anti-LockBrakes, In-Dash CD/MP3 Player Serviced every6,000 miles, very cleanthrough-out.$19,000 Orm. Kelly Blue Book$19,600. Call Ron at 335-30-5033 or624 – 4379.

2002 Nissan Altima. Great condition.A/C & Heater. New tires. $4,000. Con-tact Edward at 346-367-0292 or 624-1628.

Yellow 1995 Opel Tigra forsale. Newbrakes, New battery. Recentlytuned-up, never wrecked.Perfect is-

land beater. Asking $2,200 / OBO.Available now. Contact Nick at 348-729-8410 or624-9442

2009 Aprilia Dorsoduro750,blackgreat condition 8,300 Km asking5900 euro. Ask for [email protected]

2002 Alfa Romeo 147 1900 diesel116 cv grey leatherseats great con-dition 145,000 Km asking 4900 euro.Ask for Davide [email protected]

1998 Mazda, automatic, seven pas-senger. Asking $2,500. Call Alessan-dra at 366-152-2992.

Renault Clio 1.4cc 16V year 1196.Stereo, A/C, power windows, powerlock with remote control. Engine beltand water pomp just changed. Excel-lent conditions. Only $1,500. CallSalvo, Tel: 3383225071 or 624-2208.

2002 Hyundai Elantra, great condi-tion, Automatic, 4 Cyl, very econo-mical. Euro TomTom included,ampliOer, bike rack. Asking $3,000.Contact Chris at 3425816533.

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

Baby crib, baby chest of drawers, U.S.subwoofer, baby clothes, lamps,carousel horse, kitchen and diningroom furniture, toys and more! Con-tact Rita at 3495298809 or [email protected].

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

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

PTO board members needed for allpositions. Contact current PTO Presi-dent ElisaThompson ([email protected]) or PTO teacherrepresentatives, Sallie Davis([email protected]) or CathyIndresano ([email protected]).

Facility Management Database Spe-cialist: Celtic Technologies, Inc. isseeking a Facility Management Da-tabase Specialist at the Naval Hospi-tal. Must be a U.S. citizen residing inthe Sigonella area and eligible to at-tain a security clearance, have goodcomputer skills and proOciency inMicrosoft applications required. Ex-perience in data or facilities mana-gement support, andundergraduate level studies of oneor two years a plus. To apply for the

position email your resume toDanielle RomanoM [email protected]. AA/EOE M/F/D/V

Sterling silver charm shaped like acarnivale mask. If found pleasecall 346-733-5622 or 624-4979 du-ring working hours.

Red Cross's Bike to Work day andBike Rodeo events in May volunteersneeded. Committee Meeting April 4at 1630 at the Red Cross oNce. Con-tact the Red Cross at 624 4900 or [email protected], orCharlie Schmidt: +393423627012 [email protected].

Fuzzy: female dog, 6 m., medium,brown w/black tips. Gets along witheveryone. Shy but warms up. Cur-rent on shots, microchipped.

Princess, female lap dog, 5 m., me-dium to large, brown and white. En-joys people and other pets. Currenton shots, microchipped.

To volunteer, adopt or foster, visit fa-cebook.com/Sigonella.Animals orhttp://sigonellaanimalwelfarso-ciety.webs.com/

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Emergency Management

Office

We are at the half way point for the Active DutyFund Drive. Support Navy-Marine Corps Relief So-ciety (NMCRS)! To date, more than $9,300 has beenraised. Gere is still a long way to go to reach our goalof $85,050 set for us by FDM Gaiani.

Last year, the NMCRS issued $117,593 in assi-stance to Sailors and Marines station at Sigonella! Weneed your support today to ensure we can continue tooHer Jnancial assistance in 2012 and beyond.

Command representatives are currently in the pro-cess of making personal asks. Donations can be madevia allotment, cash or check.

Please join us in making this year's Active DutyFund Drive a success! Upcoming fundraisers incude:

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

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

Support the NMCRS Active Duty Fund DriveBY ANNEE IMLENAS Sigonella NMCRS

WASHINGTON, March 21, 2012 – With militarymoving season about to kick into high gear, oIcials areurging service members to book their moving dates earlyand to remain as Kexible as possible when doing so.

Careful planning is vital to ensuring a smoothmove, especially during the busiest season, John Joh-nson, branch chief for the personal property directo-rate quality assurance division, told the PentagonChannel. Ge directorate, part of the Army's MilitarySurface Deployment and Distribution Command, ma-nages the personal property program for the DefenseDepartment.

Each year, about 225,000 DOD and Coast Guardhousehold goods shipments are slated for movementduring the summer months, oIcials said. With schoolout for the summer, or about to be, many parents viewthat stretch of time as the least disruptive for a familymove and set their sights on moving over the MemorialDay or Fourth of July weekends to take advantage ofthe extra days oH.

But this moving cluster can create a backlog for oI-cials, Johnson said, as military shipments compete withprivate-sector moves during the peak moving season.

“We move almost half of the folks we move in theDOD in the summertime,” he said, noting the “peak ofthe peak” season takes place toward the end of Junethrough the Fourth of July. Service members who areset on moving around this time may run into some ro-adblocks when trying to lock in speciJc dates. Howe-ver, they can tip the odds in their favor by booking theirmoving dates early, essentially beating the moving rush,and keeping Kexibility in mind when doing so, Johnsonadvised.

“If you go with a speciJc time in mind and can’tmove outside of that, it makes it more challenging,” heexplained.

Johnson noted some exceptions to this rule, parti-cularly when service members have a limited timeframe in which they can move. In these cases, he advi-ses troops consider a personally procured move, for-merly known as a do-it-yourself move, where membersJnd their own movers or move their household goodsthemselves and then Jle for reimbursement.

DOD service members, civilians and their families

have two options to manage moves, oIcials said. First,they can visit their local installation transportation of-Jce or personal property shipping oIce to start themove process. Or, they can use the Defense PersonalProperty System, known as DPS, which can be acces-sed through move.mil. Gis website is the portal forDPS and the one-stop shop where members can com-pletely manage their move process, oIcials explained.

Meanwhile, people can create a personal movingcalendar with checklists, phone numbers and links tohelpful information, Johnson suggested.

He also suggests people riKe through their garageor basement and get rid of unwanted items to reducetheir shipment’s weight. “No one wants to get a bill forbeing overweight” on their shipment, he said, referringto authorized weight allowances based in part on rankor civilian pay grade.

A quick method for estimating weight is to calcu-late about 1,000 pounds per room, oIcials said, or byusing the weight estimator on move.mil.

Johnson also stressed the importance of taking thetime aLer the move to Jll out a customer satisfactionsurvey, which serves as a “scorecard” for transportationservice providers. Providers get business or don’t getbusiness based on their survey scores, he explained,providing incentive for moving companies to do agood job. “Higher scores mean more business,” he said.

Johnson also pointed out that the process to Jle aclaim for missing or damaged property has changed.People formerly Jled a claim through the militaryclaims oIce. But now, people initiate the claim processthrough the online system. Ge carrier then contactspeople directly to discuss how to get estimates or re-pairs.

People who are having issues with this processaren’t on their own, Johnson stressed. Gey can contacttheir local military claims oIcer for guidance and ad-vice.

For questions or concerns about the moving pro-cess, people should stop by their local personal pro-perty shipping oIce or installation transportationoIce, Johnson advised.

(Mitch Chandran of the Surface Deployment andDistribution Command contributed to this article.)

Tips to beat summer moving rushBY ELAINE SANCHEZAmerican Forces Press Service

march 30, 2012 the signature

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