September 14, 2012 The Signature

VP-9 honored

Page 3 Page 7

Festivalin Acireale

Arts and crafts festivalgoing on now.

Page 10

Meet Coco Faber

Comic strip artistshares his creative

talents.

VP-9 receivesvolunteer award for

work in Catania.

Scan for direct linksto NAS Sigonella

SEPTEMBER 14, 2012VOL. 29 NO. 34 cnic.navy.mil/sigonella

SIGNATURETHE

SIGONELLA, SICILY

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Honor never grows old, and honor rejoices the heart of age. It does so because honor is, finally, about defending those noble and worthy things that deserve defending, even if it comes at a high cost. In our time,that may mean social disapproval, public scorn, hardship, persecution, or as always, even death itself. The question remains: What is worth defending? What is worth dying for? What is worth living for?”

- William J. BennettUnited States Naval Academy, November 24, 1997

Naval Air Station Sigonella remembers ...

During the Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella September 11 Remembrance Ceremony, FY13 chief petty officer (selects) presented two memorial wreaths in honor of the lives lost and the lives forever changedby the September 11, 2001 terrorists attacks. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Julie Cox/Released)

BY MCSN JULIE COXNAS Sigonella Public AffairsAmericans gathered at the World Trade Center site in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington D.C., the site of the Flight 93 crash in Shanksville, Pa.,

across the United States, and across the world including Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella in Sicily to honor the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. continued on page 8

THE SIGNATURETHE SIGNATURE SEPTEMBER 14, 2012PAGE 2

THE SIGNATUREU.S. Naval Air Station Sigonella

Capt. Scott Butler, Commanding Officer

Cmdr. Eric Vosler, Executive Officer

CMDCM David Graham, Command Master Chief

EDITORIALLt. Tim Page, Public Affairs Officer

[email protected]

Dott. Alberto Lunetta, Community Relations Officer

[email protected]

Jackie Trembath, Editor

[email protected]

STAFFWriters/Photographers

MC1 Christopher Delano

[email protected]

MR1 Gary Spence

[email protected]

MM2 Johnnathan Archbold

[email protected]

MC2 Gary Prill

[email protected]

MC3 Brian Glunt

[email protected]

MCSN Cameron Bramham

[email protected]

MCSN Julie Cox

[email protected]

CONTRIBUTINGWriters/Photographers

HM2 Matthew Clutter

PS2 Jose “Coco” Faber

CONTACT USNaval Air Station Sigonella, [email protected] 624-5440; 095-86-5440

PSC 812 Box 3020, FPO, AE 09627

PUBLISHERStampa Generale S.r.l.,Sig. Bruno Brandi, Publisher,Naval Support Activity Capodichino (Naples), [email protected]

Tel. 081-568-7884 – Fax 081-568-7887

This civilian enterprise (CE) newspaper is anauthorized publication for members of themilitary services overseas. Contents ofThe Signature are not necessarily the officialviews of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government,the Department of Defense (DoD), or theU.S. Navy. The appearance of advertising in thisnewspaper, including inserts or supplements,does not constitute endorsement by the DoDor Stampa Generale S.r.l., of the products orservices advertised. Everything advertised inthis publication shall be made available forpurchase, use or patronage without regard torace, 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 thisequal opportunity policy by an advertiser willresult in the refusal to print advertising from thatsource until the violation is corrected.The Signature is published weekly by StampaGenerale S.r.l., Sig. Bruno Brandi, Publisher,Naval Support Activity, Capodichino (Naples),Italy - Tel. 081-568-7884, Fax 081-568-7887.E-mail: [email protected].

Editorial submissions are welcomed from allNaval Air Station Sigonella departments,divisions and tenant commands. Editorialsubmissions should be sent to the Public AffairsOffice via [email protected], guard mail stop#68 or hand-delivered to our office no later thanthe close of business on the Friday proceedingthe expected publication date. All articlessubmitted by non-staff members will beconsidered contributing writers.

The Signature will not publish any anonymousarticles. All advertisements in this publication arethe property of Stampa Generale S.r.l. Anyreproduction of advertisements in The Signatureis unauthorized without the written consent ofthe publisher.

cnic.navy.mil/sigonella

I want to start by offering my most sin-cere congratulations to all of the newly-pin-ned chief petty officers here in Sigonella –and around the world. Your new positionrepresents the continuation of a journeythat I know has not always been easy. Youhave likely spent deployments away fromhome, family and friends. You’ve missedbirthdays, holidays and many other impor-tant events in your life and that of your fa-mily. You’ve worked late nights, stoodthankless watches, and endured hardshipsthat many cannot begin to understand. Butnow each of you has earned the right to becalled “chief.” That title is one of which youshould be incredibly proud, but it comeswith greater responsibilities, as you will seeevery day for the rest of your career. Just asthe Chief Petty Officer Creed states, “Yourentire way of life has now been changed.More will be expected of you; more will bedemanded of you. Not because you are anE-7, but because you are now a chief pettyofficer.” Congratulations, chiefs!

Next week, the Sigonella Communitywill host visitors from the Navy InspectorGeneral’s Office. These folks are here toconduct a Quality of Life assist visit and Iask that all of you take the time to welcomethem to our Community and, if able, shareyour views with them regarding the issuesyou find most important here. They aretruly interested in your thoughts about ser-ving overseas – the benefits as well as thechallenges – and only through your candidassessments can they hope to provide effec-tive advocacy to political and military lea-dership back in the States. Please, take thetime to make sure your voice is heard.

We received so many questions for Sep-tember’s Feedback Live that we couldn’tcover them all during the show, so I’ll usethe next few Direct Line columns to answerthem. Your questions are very important to

me, and I encourage you to keep sendingthem via email. Remember that FeedbackLive is a LIVE call in show – if time permits,you can get your question answered on thespot. The show is held on the first Thursdayof each month, from 6:30 – 7 p.m. To callin live on the show, please dial 624-4265 or095-56-4265.

QWhy wasn't the community notifiedof the rule change at MVRO that only

three vehicles total can be registered duringa member's tour? I bought a new car fromNEX Car Sales only to be told I can't regi-ster it on-base because I have already hadmy full allotment of cars registered here.I’m not terribly happy that I have a car Ican't register, can't drive and I haven't got aclue how I will ship it out at the end of mytour - if I even can since it cannot be regi-stered on base.

AThis was not a rule change, but a reite-ration of a rule that has been around

for a long time. Following a recent inspec-tion of MVROs throughout Italy, Navy lea-dership felt it important to reemphasize thisrule. Waivers and exceptions can, however,be made on a case-by-case basis. Please visitMVRO and talk with Mr. Jim Thompsonwho will be happy to help you find a solu-tion.

QWhy does the Base CommunicationsOffice (BCO) only accept cash? It can

be frustrating to make sure you have the rightamount of cash in such large sums. I wouldthink the BCO would have the ability to usecredit cards. Thank you!

AThe BCO accepts cash, checks andmoney orders, and the amount doe-

sn't need to be paid in person at the cashie-r’s window -- it can be mailed through theMilitary Postal Service (MPS) and avoidany reason to stand in lines. In fact, I paymy bill every month through a USAA elec-tronic check. If you choose to pay in per-

son using cash, the BCO can give youchange back, so you really don’t need theexact amount. In addition, the BCO is in-vestigating the possibility of payment viathe web (MyPay.Gov) and/or credit cardson government/private banking systemsand deposit accounts.

QWhen will the 2012-2013 HolidayLeave Policy be approved and relea-

sed? Last year’s policy was signed July 26,2011. I'm planning a five family trip to Edel-weiss and as a lot of us know they are busythat time of year. I cannot finalize the plansuntil I know the dates we are restricted to.

AThe holiday leave policy was approvedand released last week. The two holi-

day leave periods will be December 12-28December 28 - January 14. Exceptions tothis policy will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may be approved by the de-partment head. Each department mustmaintain a minimum of 50 percent man-ning through the holiday leave period. Havefun at Edelweiss!

NAS Sigonella Commanding Officer, Capt. Scott Butler

DR

IVE

DR

IVE

SAF

ELY

SAF

ELY

THE SIGNATURETHE SIGNATURE PAGE 3SEPTEMBER 14, 2012

Around NAS Sigonella ...

DoD SAFE Helpline: 001-877-995-5247 (From cell phones and off-base telephones)Sigonella SAPR VA Hotline:335-642-8312

Or:19020 (toll-free access code) 877-995-5247 (From DSN lines)

Sexual Assault Prevention Hotlines

Rotary Club Catania Duomo 150 President Dr. An-gelo Alaimo and Patrol Squadron (VP) 9 representativeLt. Cmdr. Dave Aliberti exchanged outstanding volunteerawards during the "Catania da Amare" annual event. Theevent, hosted by the cities of Catania and Sant’ Agata LiBattiati and the Catania Soccer and Rotary Clubs reco-gnized outstanding volunteer work and citizens, organi-zations, media and athletes whose efforts contribute tothe enhancement of Catania and its cultural heritage.

Service members from Patrol Squadron (VP) 9 andSpecial Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force

(SPMAGTF) 12.2 (deployed to Naval Air Station (NAS)Sigonella) participated in an historical cleaning and be-autification project on June 23 in Catania.

The project was part of a community relations(COMREL) event headed up by service members fromVP- 9 and focused on cleaning an area in the center of Ca-tania that holds the ruins of a Roman amphitheater, ther-mal baths and road. This was the first time in NASSigonella history (base opened in 1959) that U.S. militarypersonnel were involved in cleaning an historic archeo-logical site in Sicily.

VP-9 honored with volunteer awardRotary Club Catania Duomo 150 President Dr. Angelo Alaimo presents Patrol Squadron (VP) 9 representative Lt. Cmdr.Dave Aliberti with an outstanding volunteer award during the "Catania da Amare" annual event. (Photo by Pino Cosentino)

Volunteers from VP-9 and SPMAGTF 12.2 pose for a group photo along with Catania Rotary Club 150 official Dott. MaurizioCatania, his wife Mariella Perconti, Italian Army General (ret.) Francesco Polizzi and Naval Air Station (NAS) SigonellaCommunity Relations Officer Alberto Lunetta, at the end of the cleanup effort which marked the first ever U.S. militaryvolunteer project at archeological sites in Sicily, June 23. (U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Patrol Squadron 9/Released)

The Sigonella Jaguars opened their 2012 football season Saturday, Sep-tember 8 against the Rota Admirals at the Annex field on NAS I. Despite aloss in their first game of the season, it was a victory for the school and com-munity as a whole as 2012 marks the return of football to Sigonella highschool. Due to a player shortage in 2011, the school was forced to cut theirseason short. Head Coach Matt McKown was proud to get his boys backon the field and get the season started. “It was awesome to get back outthere. Our objectives were to just have everyone play to the end, have no-body quit, to play competitive, and to have fun.” Their next game is on theroad against Baumholder in Naples on September 15.

Sigonella Jaguars open 2012 seasonBY MR1 GARY SPENCENAS Sigonella Public Affairs

The Navy Exchange (NEX) Sigonella celebrated Sigonella chief petty officer (selects), their families and sponsor during the NEX Night event, September 6.Chief (selects) were joined by Command Master Chief David Graham (center)and NEX Sigonella General Manager Ron Dahl (far right). (U.S. Navy photo byMCSN Julie Cox/Released)

NEX Sigonella salutes CPO (selects)

(U.S. Navy photo by MR1 Gary Spence/Released)

On September 5, chief petty officersand chief (selects) volunteered for acommunity relations (COMREL) pro-ject at the Talita Kum Catholic Charitywhich supports disadvantaged childrenin the town of Librino. Chief(select)Ingry Lopez (left) assisted with washingone of the many windows at the facility.“Being in this training helps us becomebetter leaders," Lopez said. " [voluntee-ring] shows the community and the Sai-lors that we are here together to helpeach other out."

CPO (selects) volunteer in Librino

(U.S. Navy photo by MCSN JulieCox/Released)

BY DOTT. ALBERTO LUNETTANAS Sigonella Public Affairs

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 afteroffice 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 SEPTEMBER 14, 2012PAGE 4

FFSC: x4291American Red Cross: 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!

C O M M U N I T Y C A L E N D A RFRIDAY

14

LibertyDinner at Oxidiana

Healthy Pregnancy Healthy Baby Class9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Outdoor RecHike Lamponi’s Cave &

BBQ

Mountain Bike to EtnaPark & BBQ

ITTSiracusa

15 16

SATURDAY SUNDAY

21

NO SCHOOL

Dueling Pianos Noel &Dan

Jox Pub

Sigonella GolfTournament

LibertyBowling Challenge

ITTCircumetnea Antique

Train Adventure

Taormina & Isola Bella

Youth ComplexFamily Toboggan Trip

ConnectionsIce Cream Cone Day

ITTLipari Express

Outdoor RecMarzamemi Boat Tour

by Night

Youth ComplexFamily Toboggan Trip

22 23

28Take 5

Empty Wallet Lunch

LibertyDinner at Paradise Pizza

27Bowling2 for 1

KaraokeJox Pub

26Tobacco Cessation Class

NAS I MidtownClassroom2 - 3 p.m.

Jox PubTexas Hold’em

ConnectionsCoffee House & Open

Mic Night

2524Bowling$1 Day

Outdoor RecBike Trip from Portopalo

to Cassibile

Cosmic Bowling

Jox PubWeekend Dance Party

ITTBronte Pistacchio

Festival

Outdoor RecKayak Giardini Naxo &

Taormina by Night

29 30

MONDAY

17Take 5

Animated MovieMarathon

Bowling$1 Day

Tobacco Cessation ClassNAS I Midtown Cla-

ssroom2 - 3 p.m.

Jox PubTexas Hold’em

ConnectionsTalk Like a Pirate Day

18 19

TUESDAY WEDNESDAY

Bowling2 for 1

KaraokeJox Pub

20

THURSDAY

September

2012

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

Fitness: x4483, x5243Midtown 2 Theaters: x4248

THE SIGNATURESEPTEMBER 14, 2012 PAGE 5

Fleet and FamilySupport CenterAdministration Bldg. Bldg. 319 (NAS I)

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

The Ombudsman program benefits youAn ombudsman's primary duties involve providing in-

formation and referrals to command families. Whether it'san issue involving deployment, finances, navigating theNavy system, or relocation, ombudsmen can guide familiesin the right direction.

Ombudsmen also work to improve communication bet-ween the command and the command's family members, andare motivated by a sincere desire to serve others and theircountry. In addition, ombudsmen are available to help familiesin times of crisis, such as during natural disasters. Your ombud-sman can help you and your family by:

Referring you to appropriate resources for profes-sional services. While ombudsmen aren't counselors, theycan provide referral information to professional counselingservices, if necessary. They can also provide referral infor-mation to a wide variety of other helpful resources, inclu-ding the Fleet and Family Support Center, the AmericanRed Cross, the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, MilitaryOneSource, chaplains, medical facilities, and legal assistanceoffices. Whether your issue involves deployment, child care,education, stress, parenting, or relocation, your ombudsmancan help you find the information and services you need.

Serving as an information communicator. An om-budsman serves as a channel of official information from thecommand to command families. Ombudsmen regularlyrelay timely and critical information -- such as squadronschedule changes -- via newsletters, care lines, telephonetrees, and e-mail messages.

Serving as an advocate. Ombudsmen act as advocatesfor command families. They use their knowledge of the sy-stem to access the appropriate level of the chain of com-mand for intervention purposes. They may then forwardsuitable requests or concerns to the command.

Providing support during deployments. Navy om-budsmen serve as key resources for command family mem-bers, allowing them to successfully meet the challenges theyface before, during, and after deployments. They keep cur-rent resource files with information on military and civiliancommunity agencies that can help families with deploymentmatters. They also publish or contribute to command new-sletters and maintain an email contact listing that relay im-portant information from the command.

Responding during emergencies. Ombudsmen pro-vide initial assistance and information, and ongoing support,during crisis situations.

Article referenced from Military OneSource

Ombudsman from Naval Air Station (NAS)Sigonella and the tenant commands:AIMD: Retna Shaw, 624-1669ETD: Yolanda Sais, 339-784-5231FLC: Erin Work, 342-169-5547Global Hawk: Suni Medina, 095-276-311NASSIG: Alexandria Lindert, 349-462-4322 NAVHOSP: Jacqueline Arthur-Baidoo, 095-831-5176NAVHOSP: Jenny Raisanen, 624-1283NAVHOSP: Amber Wolf, 624-1287NAVHOSP: John Youberg, 624-1476NCIS: Jess Meares, 624-1381NCTS: Julie Ferris, 335-135-0325NMC: Jennifer Patton, 342-723-1450PWD: Carla Reaves, 342-012-2176

Ombudsman Assembly Chairman: Amanda Duenes348-259-1389Ombudsman Coordinator: Agata Carnazza, 624-4291

Do you want to quit tobacco but don't want to do it alone?Join Health Promotion's 4-week Tobacco Cessation Class

and learn how to kick the habit for good.Wednesday's, through September 26, from 2 - 3 p.m.

NAS I Midtown Classroom

To register or for more information about one-on-one appointments call 624-4710.


JUST SAY IT!Practice your Italian

English: roseItalian: rosa

English: daisyItalian: margherita

English: lilyItalian: giglio

English: magnoliaItalian: magnòlia

English: tulipItalian: tulipano

English: orchidItalian: orchidèa

When the friends of British Lance Sergeant Sydney Swift visited the Catania War Cemetery in Sicily, Italy, they could not find anyheadstone for Rifleman Horace Savage (Daily Mail). (Photo by www.cwgc.org)

World War II veteran, 95, who buried comrade onbattlefield in Sicily leads call for proper funeral

For seven decades Sydney Swift believed the sol-dier he buried in a battlefield after his death infront of him was given a proper military funeral

and headstone in a cemetery.But when the 95-year-old British Lance Sergeant’s

friends visited the Catania War Cemetery in Sicily,Italy, they could not find any memorial for RiflemanHorace Savage.

The soldier was first buried in unmarked gravesalong with Rifleman Edwin Pearton and Lance Cpl.John Biggs, close to where the three men fell duringWorld War II in July 1943.

After the war, the bodies of Pearton and Biggs wereexhumed and they were given a military funeral andheadstone at the Sicily cemetery.

It had been presumed that Rifleman Savage wasalso re-buried there after a funeral following his deathat Primosole Bridge in Catania, which preceded themainland Allied Invasion of Italy.

So when friends told Swift they were visiting thecemetery, the great-grandfather asked them to leaveflowers on the grave of Savage.

But they found no headstone for the soldier.This prompted an investigation by Swift, who

found his fallen comrade’s name on the Cassino Me-morial at the Cassino War Cemetery in Frosinone.

This site is 370 miles from Sicily on mainland Italyand lists more than 4,000 commonwealth soldiers whotook part in the Italian campaign but whose graves arenot known.

Now, despite the passing of seven decades, Swiftsaid he can pinpoint to within a few yards the locationof the grave he placed the serviceman in with the helpof a stretcher bearer.

With the London Irish Rifles Regimental Associa-tion’s backing, he is urging Italian authorities and theCommonwealth War Grave Commission to now burySavage with full military honors.

They also want to trace the family of Savage, whowas in the 1st battalion London Irish Rifles.

"Last year friends of mine were going to Sicily andasked them to look up the three men killed in actionat Primisole Bridge in Catania," said Swift. "They cameback and said they had only found two graves. We re-

searched his name and realized it was on the Cassino Memorial as 'noknown grave'. Well, I know where his grave is because I buried him in aditch that we were holding as a position. It was the only time I have buriedsomebody in my life. I am hardly likely to forget it. I put a marker on thegrave. He must still be there. The Commonwealth War Graves Commis-sion have told me that if a body is discovered they can arrange for a properburial and a headstone. Somebody needs to go and find him for that tohappen. He needs a proper burial and proper grave."

The three men were killed when a 16-man patrol was sent out towardshigh ground in Catania to make contact with the Germans. As they nearedthe enemy line German machine guns opened up.

Swift and a stretcher bearer recovered a mortally-wounded Savage andcarried him back to a dressing station 400 yards away, where he died a fewminutes later.

"The men had been mown down by machine gun fire and Savage hadbeen shot," Swift said. "Two stretcher bearers were told to recover himbut one of them was too frightened so I went.

The Germans were very fair and didn’t fire on us and allowed us tobring Savage back to the ambulance. He was in a lot of pain and was deli-rious.

We couldn’t do anything for him and he died at the ambulance. Weburied him out of sight in the ditch.

I was very upset as he was a friend and it was probably due to thetrauma that I forgot to take his identity tags and personal possessions ofhim. I think he had a ring on his finger. I don’t know why he wasn’t found."

Details of where dead soldiers ended up were often recorded contem-poraneously in the regimental war diaries.

After the fighting had moved on or even after the war had finished theCommonwealth War Graves Commission located as many men as possi-ble and buried them in local war cemeteries.

But due to the ‘fog of war’, the records were sometimes missing or in-complete and many men were forgotten about.

London Irish Regimental Association spokesman Nigel Wilkinsonsaid, "Mr. Swift believes that he can still locate Savage’s grave and despe-rately wants to see his comrade buried beside his friends before he dies.It is right that he should be properly buried."

Peter Francis, of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission saidthat if a set of remains were discovered and confirmed to be a Common-wealth serviceman they would be presented for proper burial.

"We would mark the grave and care for it.’(Story by Daily Mail)


(ANSA) Savona - A man was fined

1,559 euros for the hit-and-run murder of a cat in the Li-gurian city of Savona, theNational Association for theProtection of Animals (Enpa)said last Thursday.

Witnesses called authori-ties with the man's licenseplate when he fled the scenewithout stopping after strikingthe cat as it crossed the road.

Police located the manand he was issued the fine.

(ANSA)Florence - Pressure is building for the return of Leo-

nardo Da Vinci's famous portrait, the Mona Lisa, to the cityof Florence from the Louvre Museum in Paris.

A campaign launched by the National Committee forHistorical, Cultural and Environmental Heritage togetherwith the Province of Florence has garnered 150,000 signa-tories petitioning for the return of the painting in 2013.

The return would be of "high historical value, both sym-bolic and moral," Committee President Silvano Vincenti said.

"The committee has officially submitted a request for ameeting with the new French minister of culture, AurelieFilippetti. I am convinced that, thanks to the minister's Ita-lian origins, she will not only respond positively to our re-quest, she will understand its motives," said Vincenti.

The painting depicts the figure of a woman with anenigmatic facial expression, seated before a visionary lan-dscape, and is seen by millions of visitors every year.

The Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre in 1911 byrobbers dressed as Louvre janitors.

It was recovered two years later inside Italian waiterVincenzo Peruggia's hotel room in Florence.

The painting was exhibited briefly in the Uffizi and inRome before it was returned to the Louvre.

The committee spearheading the return campaign isalso behind the search team that believes they may havefound a skeleton belonging to the model, Lisa Gherardinidel Giocondo (1469-1542), known as the Mona Lisa.

The painting in Italian is called 'La Gioconda' after thesubject of the portrait

Bring the whole family for some fall fun. TheFiera dello Ionio is happening in Acireale at theCorso Italia (historic center) now through Mon-day, September 17.

More than 200 booths feature a wide selectionof food and arts and crafts.

Admission is free. Hours: Monday Friday, Sa-turday and Monday from 5 p.m. to midnight, Sun-day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. to midnight.

Fiera dello Ionio in Acireale

The Fiat 500 Club of Sigonella attended a two-day rally sponsored by the cities of Belpasso andPaterno. More than 300 car enthusiasts participa-ted. People lined the streets and round-abouts tovideo tape and photograph their favorite cars. TheSigonella Fiat 500 Club received a group partici-pation plaque from the Fiat 500 Chapter PresidentDavide Cappadonna. For more information, visitthe "Sigonella Fiat 500 Club" on Facebook.

The Fiat 500 (Italian: cinquecento) is a carproduced by the Fiat company of Italy between1957 and 1975, designed by Dante Giacosa. Itwas marketed as a cheap and practical town car,measuring only three meters (10 feet) long, andoriginally powered by a tiny 479 cc two-cylinder,air-cooled engine.

Sigonella Fiat 500 Club participates in local event

Members of Sigonella Fiat 500 Club attend local event featuring the cinquecento.(Photo courtesy of Sigonella Fiat 500 Club)

More than 300 cinquecentos were on display during the two-dayevent. (Photo courtesy of Sigonella Fiat 500 Club)

Man fined for hit-and-run murder of cat

Committee seeks return of Mona Lisa from Louvre; More than 150,000signed petition for painting to go back to origins



NAS Sigonella community members joined together for aSeptember 11th Remembrance Ceremony at the MidtownPlaza on NAS I.

"We take a moment out of our busy schedules and think aboutwhat this day means to our country, to our people, to our worldand we move on from there; stronger, united and together,” saidNAS Sigonella Commanding Officer, Capt. Scott Butler.

Ceremony guest speaker, Senior Chief Aviation Machinist'sMate Alex Lymber, a native New Yorker, shared his memoriesof that tragic day.

"The morning was business as usual," said Lymber. "Whatseemed to begin as a routine day of work for myself and manyother Americans, would unfortunately turn out to be the worst,

deadliest attack against the United States, since the attack onPearl Harbor, December 7, 1941."

Like millions of other Americans, Lymber recollects exactlywhat he was doing on that September morning.

"I can still recall that moment as if it were yesterday, burntinto my memory for a lifetime. The north tower was in flames.I asked myself, how could this have happened. Moments lateras we watched the north tower burning, the second aircraft [im-pacted] the south tower."

September 11 is a day that will never be forgotten, a daywhen innocent lives were lost and lives forever changed. In re-membrance, NAS Sigonella FY13 chief petty officer (selects)presented two red, white and blue wreaths.

"The wreaths symbolize a circle of eternal life for the spiritsof those who lost their lives on 9/11," said Master-at-Arms

Chief (select) Glenn Wade. "They represent strength and toge-therness for the people we lost that day and in the days since,fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, so that we may never forgettheir sacrifice."

More than 8,000 people have died since 9/11, whether ci-vilians, soldiers, sailors, airmen or marines.

"My children, many of our children have never known a timewithout war," said Butler. "We have stuck together as Americans,as a world-wide populous, and we have fought back proudly,strongly and together against what I truly view as evil."

Because of the power of the American spirit, the true legacyof 9/11 will not be one of fear or hate.

As President Obama said as he spoke at the Pentagon, "Itwill be a safer world, a stronger nation, and a people more uni-ted than ever before."

Remember, continued from page 1

Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella held a September 11 Remembrance Ceremony honoring the lives lost and lives forever changed by the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Julie Cox/Released)


WASHINGTON (NNS) -- President Barack Obamasigned a proclamation designating the 11th anniversary ofthe Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States asPatriot Day and National Day of Remembrance.

Here is the president's proclamation:On September 11, 2001, a bright autumn day was dar-

kened by the worst attack on the American people in ourhistory. Thousands of innocent men, women, and childrenperished when mighty towers collapsed in the heart ofNew York City and wreckage burned in Pennsylvania andat the Pentagon. They were family and friends, servicemembers and first responders -- and the tragedy of theirloss left pain that will never fade and scars our country willnever forget.

More than a decade later, the world we live in is foreverchanged. But as we mark the anniversary of September 11,we remember what remains the same: our character as aNation, our faith in one another, and our legacy as a countrystrengthened by service and selflessness. In the spirit thatmoved rescue workers and firefighters to charge into dar-kness and danger that September morning, we see the samesense of moral responsibility that drove countless Ameri-cans to give of themselves in the months that followed. Weoffered our neighbors a hand and lined up to give blood.Many helped our Nation rebuild and recover long after thedust had settled, donating and volunteering and helpingsurvivors who had borne so much. We were united, and theoutpouring of generosity reminded us that, through chal-lenges that have spanned from acts of terrorism to naturaldisasters, we go forward together as one people.

Today, as we remember the victims, their families, andthe heroes who stood up during one of our country's dar-kest moments, I invite all Americans to reclaim that abi-ding spirit of compassion by serving their communities inthe days and weeks ahead. From volunteering with a faith-based organization, to collecting food and clothing forthose in need, to preparing care packages for our men andwomen in uniform, there are many ways to bring service

into our everyday lives -- and each of us can do something.To get involved and find a local service opportunity, visitwww.Serve.gov, or www.Servir.gov for Spanish speakers.

Even the simplest act of kindness can be a way to honorthose we have lost, and to help build stronger communitiesand a more resilient Nation. By joining together on this so-lemn anniversary, let us show that America's sense of com-mon purpose need not be a fleeting moment, but a lastingvirtue -- not just on one day, but every day.

By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001(Public Law 107-89), the Congress has designated Sep-tember 11 of each year as "Patriot Day," and by Public Law111-13, approved April 21, 2009, the Congress has reque-sted the observance of September 11 as an annually reco-gnized "National Day of Service and Remembrance."

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, Presi-dent of the United States of America, do hereby proclaimSeptember 11, 2012, as Patriot Day and National Day ofService and Remembrance. I call upon all departments,agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States to di-splay the flag of the United States at half-staff on PatriotDay and National Day of Service and Remembrance inhonor of the individuals who lost their lives on September11, 2001. I invite the Governors of the United States andthe Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and interested organi-zations and individuals to join in this observance. I callupon the people of the United States to participate in com-munity service in honor of those our Nation lost, to ob-serve this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities,including remembrance services, and to observe a momentof silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time tohonor the innocent victims who perished as a result of theterrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set myhand this tenth day of September, in the year of our Lordtwo thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the Uni-ted States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.

- BARACK OBAMA

President proclaims Patriot Day, Day of RemembranceFrom American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON (Sept. 11, 2008) The American Flag drapes over the side of the Pentagon signifying where American Airlinesflight 77 crashed into the building, killing 59 people aboard the plane and 125 inside the Pentagon in 2001. The flag wasdraped for a Memorial Dedication Ceremony hosted by Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates, for those who lost their livesthat day. (U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Molly A. Burgess/Released)


The Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella Swordfish opened up the season with a special9/11 remembrance swim meet hosting the Tiger sharks from Naples. The meet consistedof 40 individual and relay events. (U.S. Navy photos by Lt. Tim Page/Released)

Morale, Welfare and Recreation, Sigonella hosted the "Courtesy of the Red, White &Blue" prisoner of war/missing in action remembrance run on September 7. Four hundredand forty members of the Sigonella community participated in the 5K run/1 mile walk.(U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Julie Cox/Released)

The Religious Ministries Department hosted a special Patriots Day Concert in remembranceof 9/11. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Julie Cox/Released)

Friday, 14 SEP 12

*Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Grilled Sausage Links, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order,

Roasted Potatoes, Waffles, Asstd Doughnuts, Apple Fritters.

*Lunch: New England Clam Chowder, Fried/Baked Pollok Fish, Pork Chop , Mushroom Gravy,

Steamed Rice, Roasted Garlic Potatoes, Steamed Asparagus, Fried Cauliflower, Lemon Cookies,

Cheese Cake, Chocolate Cream Pudding.

Speed line: Grilled Cheese/Hamburger, Baked Beans, French Fried Potatoes.

*Dinner: Cream Of Mushroom Soup, Cantonese Spareribs, Farfalle al Ragu’, Pork Fried Rice, Steamed

Whole Corn, Seasoned Spinach, Lemon Cookies, Cheese Cake, Chocolate Cream Pudding.

Saturday, 15 SEP 12

*Breakfast: Farina, Grilled Ham Slices, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted

Potatoes, Buttermilk Pancakes, Asstd Doughnuts, Butterhorns.

*Brunch: Breakfast Items, Beef Vegetable Soup, Chicken Nuggets, French Fries, Mixed Vegetables,

Broccoli, Sweet & Sour Sauce, Chocolate Drop Cookies, Apple Crisp.

*Dinner: Manhattan Clam Chowder, El Rancho Stew, Spaghetti Carbonara, Mashed Potatoes,

Chicken Gravy, Steamed Rice, Green Kale, Peas & Mushroom, Chocolate Drop Cookies, Apple Crisp.

Sunday, 16 SEP 12

*Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Grilled Minute Steak, Oven Fried Bacon, French Toast Puff, Asstd Omelets,

Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Asstd Doughnuts, Kolaches.

*Brunch: Breakfast Items, Bean & Bacon Soup, Breaded Pork Chop, Italian Roasted Potatoes, Sea-

soned Green Beans, Glazed Carrots, Yellow Cake w/ Frosting, Hermits.

*Dinner: Split Pea Soup, Turkey Ala King, Aztec Rice, Fish Portion, Black-eye Peas, Fried Cauliflower,

Yellow Cake w/ Frosting, Hermits.

Monday, 17 SEP 12

*Breakfast: Hominy Grits, Minced Beef on Toast, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order,

Roasted Potatoes, French Toast, Asstd Doughnuts, Streusel Coffee Cake.

*Lunch: Chicken Noodle Soup, Rosemary Roast Turkey, Baked Fish, Mashed Potatoes, Summer

Squash, Steamed Peas, Turkey Gravy, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, Banana Cake, Dutch Apple Pie.

*Speed line: Pizza

*Dinner: Pepper Pot Soup, Linguine Carbonara, Baked Chicken Quartered , Baked Potatoes, Collard

Greens, Calico Cabbage, Brown Gravy, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, Banana Cake, Dutch Apple Pie .

Tuesday, 18 SEP 12

*Breakfast: Farina, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Waffles,

Biscuits and Gravy, Asstd Doughnuts, Blueberry Muffins.

*Lunch: Cream of Asparagus Soup, BBQ Spareribs, Southern Fried Chicken, Chicken Gravy, Mashed

Potatoes, Hopping John, Corn on the Cob, Southern Style Greens, Jalapeno Corn Bread, German

Chocolate Cake, Cherry Pie.

*Speed line: Corn Dog, Onion Rings.

Dinner: Beef Rice Soup, Sauerbraten, Lasagna, Lyonnaise Rice, Vegetable Stir Fry, Steamed Asparagus,

Brown Gravy, German Chocolate Cake, Cherry Pie .

Wednesday, 19 SEP 12

*Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Creamed Ground Beef, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order,

Roasted Potatoes, Blueberry Pancakes, Asstd Doughnuts, Bear Claw.

*Lunch: Beef Vegetable Soup, Breaded Pork Steaks, Savory Baked Chicken, Potatoes Au Gratin,

Oriental Rice, Cauliflowers, Tangy Spinach, Cherry Cheese Cake, Chewy Nut Bars, Cream Puffs.

*Speed line: Grilled Cheese/Hamburger, Baked Beans, French Fried Potatoes.

*Dinner: Minestrone Soup, Fish Portion, Spaghetti w/Meat Sauce, Steamed Rice, Brown Gravy, Peas

& Carrots, Wax Beans, Cherry Cheese Cake, Chewy Nut Bars, Cream Puffs.

Thursday, 20 SEP 12

*Breakfast: Hominy Grits, Oven Fried Bacon, Corned Beef Hash, Asst Omelets, Eggs to Order,

Roasted Potatoes, French Toast, Asstd Doughnuts, Raisin Muffin.

*Lunch: Onion Soup, Asian Barbecue Turkey, Beef Stroganoff, Mashed Potatoes, Boiled Pasta,

Chicken Gravy, Mix Vegetables, Simmered Cauliflower, Vanilla Cookies, Devil’s Food Cake.

Speedline: Assorted Pizza..

Dinner: Chicken Noodle Soup, Meat Loaf, Breaded Pork Chop, Oven Browned Potatoes, Corn

O’ Brien, Simmered Carrots, Vanilla Cookies, Devil’s Food Cake.

Friday, 21 SEP 12

*Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Grilled Sausage Links, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order,

Roasted Potatoes, Waffles, Asstd Doughnuts, Cinnamon Rolls.

*Lunch: Cream of Mushroom Soup, Lasagna, Tempura Fish, Baked Fish, Steamed Rice, Calico

Cabbage, Herbed Broccoli, Strawberry Cake, Lemon Meringue Pie, Fruit Gelatin.

Speed line: Grilled Cheese/Hamburger, Baked Beans, French Fried Potatoes.

*Dinner: Egg Drop Soup, Chicken Cacciatore, Farfalle Seafood, Rice Pilaf, Southern Green Beans,

Savory Squash, Strawberry Cake, Lemon Meringue Pie, Fruit Gelatin.


Meet Coco FaberRelatively new to Sicily, Personnel Spe-

cialist Second Class Jose "Coco" Faberof Executive Transport Detachment

(ETD) shares his artistic talent with Naval AirStation (NAS) Sigonella as the creator of the"Field Day" comic strip. The comic illustratesthe day-to-day life of military members. An ac-tive duty Sailor for the past eight years, Faberbegan creating comic strips about four yearsago when he was stationed in GuantanamoBay, Cuba and even published a book titledEgg Samples.

Q: Where did the name "Coco" come from?A: My middle name is Ricco. People starting callingme Coco and it stuck.

Q: How long have you been drawing comics?A:I've been drawing since I was 8-years-old, but star-ted drawing comics about four years ago when I wasstationed IA in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. I drew acomic strip called "Sherman the Iguana," named afterSherman Avenue where all the iguanas hang out.Field Day comic started when I checked in to NASSigonella.

Q: How do you develop your characters?A:I base them on people I meet, their personalitiesand what they think or I see them as. Sometimes, Imake them up, but mostly they are after people I wor-ked with. For example, the German Shepherd is afterAWFC Trembath, the white tiger after PS1 Clark,the chicken after myself, the rhino after PR2 Stafford,

the turtle after IT2 Lee and the red bull after AWF1Maust.

Q:What is your process for creating comic strips?A:I draw on little 4x6 index cards. They easier tocarry so I can draw anywhere. Then I scan them andcolor them with Photoshop.

Q:How long does it take you to draw a comic?A:The drawings takes 2-5 minutes, but the coloringabout 10 -15 depending on how many frames.

Q:What do you love most about creating co-mics?A:I love seeing people enjoy the humor, walking intoa room and hearing the laughs and giggles.

BY JACKIE TREMBATHNAS Sigonella Public Affairs

PS2 Jose “Coco” Faber displays a fewof the sketches used in creation of hiscomic strips. (U.S. Navy photo byMCSN Julie Cox)


Friday, September 14 5:00 PM Dark Knight Rises PG-13 5:30 PM Witness Protection PG-137:30 PM Seeking A Friend R 8:00 PM Magic Mike R

Saturday, September 15 2:00 PM Ice Age 4 PG 2:30 PM People Like Us PG-13 4:30 PM Witness Protection PG-13 5:00 PM Seeking A Friend R7:30 PM Magic Mike R Sunday, September 16 2:00 PM Amazing Spider-Man PG-132:30 PM Ice Age 4 PG4:30 PM Magic Mike R5:00 PM Expendables 2 R7:30 PM Dark Knight Rises PG-13

Tuesday, September 185:00 PM Dark Knight Rises PG-13 5:30 PM People Like Us PG-137:30 PM Magic Mike R8:00 PM Expendables 2 R

Wednesday, September 195:00 PM Amazing Spider-Man PG-13 5:30 PM Ice Age 4 PG7:30 PM Witness Protection PG-138:00 PM Seeking A Friend R

Thursday, September 205:00 PM Witness Protection PG-135:30 PM Seeking A Friend R 7:30 PM Magic Mike R8:00 PM Abe: Vampire Hunter R

Friday, September 212:00 PM The Sandlot PG5:00 PM Moonrise Kingdom PG-13 5:30 PM People Like Us PG-137:30 PM Savages R 8:00 PM Magic Mike R

Saturday, September 22 2:00 PM Dark Knight Rises PG-132:30 PM Ice Age 4 PG 4:30 PM Moonrise Kingdrom PG-13 5:00 PM Magic Mike R7:30 PM Savages R Sunday, September 23 2:00 PM Witness Protection PG-132:30 PM Moonrise Kingdrom PG-134:30 PM People Like Us PG-135:00 PM Savages R7:30 PM Seeking A Friend R

GREEN PREMIERRED LAST SHOWBLuE FREE MOVIE

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

Movie Hotline: 624-4248

Coming soon ...

Step Up Revolution 2D & 3D, The Watch, Diary of AWimpy Kid: Dog Days, Hope Springs. Avatar 3D, Lorax2D & 3D

Midtown Movie theatersSCHEDuLE & DESCRIPTIONS

THE EXPENDABLES 2……………RSTARRING:Sylvester Stallone, Liam Hemsworth and Randy Couture

Mr. Church reunites the Expendables for what should be an easy paycheck,but when one of their men is murdered on the job, their quest for revengeputs them deep in enemy territory and up against an unexpected threat.(102 m.)

SAVAGES………………………….….RSTARRING: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Taylor Kitsch and Blake Lively

Pot growers Ben and Chon face off against the Mexican drug cartel whokidnapped their shared girlfriend. (131 m.)

MOONRISE KINGDOM….PG-13STARRING:Jared Gilman, Kara Hayward and Bruce Willis

A pair of young lovers flee their New England town, which causes a localsearch party to fan out and find them. (94 m.)

MAGIC MIKE………………….…RSTARRING:Channing Tatum, Alex Pettyfer and Olivia Munn

A male stripper teaches a younger performer how to party, pick up women,and make easy money. (110 m.)


GAMEF

ind

the

wor

ds!

WASHINGTONJ ADAMSJEFFERSONMADISONMONROEJ Q ADAMSJACKSONVAN BuRENW HARRISONTYLERPOLKTAYLORFILLMOREPIERCEBuCHANANLINCOLNA JOHNSONGRANTHAYESGARFIELDARTHuRCLEVELAND

HARRISONMCKINLEYT ROOSEVELTTAFTWILSONHARDINGCOOLIDGEHOOVERF D ROOSEVELTTRuMANEISENHOWER KENNEDYL JOHNSONNIXONFORDCARTERREAGANG H W BuSHCLINTONG W BuSHOBAMA


Sudoku!

Did you know?

Oak trees don’t produce acorns untilthey are 50 years or older.

Pogonophobia is the fear of beards.

One in five office coffee mugscontains fecal bacteria and E.coli,

which can cause diarrhea, food poisoning and infections.

photograph events, and updateour facebook page. If you are in-terested in using your talents toserve the community, contactthe Red Cross at 624-4900 or [email protected].

Bruno, 6-8 weeks old male puppy,pure white, already been to thevet for his first check up andshould do well with all families.

Jenna's puppies, 8 weeks old, 3females, black and brown, allpuppies are currently or alreadyhave seen the vet for their first

set of boosters and microchips,they will be happy in any familyhome.

Mini, 2 yr. old female, medium,dog, Does best with older pa-tient dogs that are larger thanher, she doesn't care too muchfor smaller breeds or cats, andprefers older children but is fullof love for the right family. She iscurrent on shots and microchip-ped.

Jax, 11 month old female, blackand orange, very petite, she canbe shy at first but loves window-sills and people. She always

comes when called. She is cur-rent on her shots, microchipped,and spayed.

Creeps, 11 month old, female,black and white, very petite andwill fit in cabin for PCSing fami-lies, she loves other cats, peopleand children. She is current onher shots and microchipped.She also has two 3 month oldkittens up for adoption.

To volunteer, adopt or foster, visitfacebook.com/Sigonella.Animalsor http://sigonellaanimalwelfa-resociety.webs.com/

2010 Harley-Davidson FatboyCustom; One owner; Excellentcondition; Custom paint; Custom everything! Too manyextras to list. Extra set of tins;seats etc. 23K invested, sellingfor 18K firm. Contact Mikeat 3357124697 or Mr. Gee, ENCSOffice NAS 1 or call at3482748397.

2002 BMW 320 diesel touring lu-xury 4-door, manual, metallicblue, tan leather interior, naviga-tion system, eight cd changer,eight air-bags, alarm,17" wheels.Fully loaded, xenon lights, tele-phone on board, engine runsgreat, just tuned up with newparts for engine and car, greatexterior condition with minorscratches, great for this island.Asking 5K euro. For more infocall Tom at 338-821-7390

1999 BMW 318; 118 CV; 1800 ccengine; metallic grey; manualtransmission; all powered, ABS,airbags, A/C, immobilizer; very

good condition. 3000 euro. callDante at 624-5043

1996 BMW 520; European specs;2.0L V6; manual transmission; 4-door; green. Needs some electri-cal work, priced accordingly.$2,000. Contact Jeff at 335-827-9210 or [email protected].

1993 Mercedes E320 6 cyl. Excel-lent Condition, 18-20 mpg incity, 22-24 mpg on highway. Lea-ther interior, A/C, stereo withiPod access, power amp, tires 1-yr-old. Serviced Aug. 12, 2012.Asking $3,500 but negotiable.Good discount if can drive untilOct. 26, 2012. Contact FrankSmith, Cell: 329-921-5435, after5pm 0923-75-1034.

Do you like Facebook? Howabout photography? Are you awriter? The Sigonella Red Crossis currently looking for newmembers for their PublicityTeam to help get the word outabout what the Red Cross isdoing. Help write our newsletter,

AUTOMOB I L E S

NOT I C E

S AWS AN IMA L S



The pitch is enticing. Food,drinks, fun. Just know that there arealso 160 long miles in between allof that. All atop two wheels.

“All the things you do at a bar,we do on a bicycle,” said LieutenantJunior Grade Chris Gelakoska. “Weeat. We drink. We laugh. We sing.”

But amid all the fun, there is agreater purpose to this ride. Gela-koska will join two others from U.S.Naval Hospital Sigonella in a groupthat will be making the trek on theUndefeated 2-day Ride on Septem-ber 22-23 to raise money for theWounded Explosive Ordnance Di-sposal Warrior Foundation (WE-ODWWF). An official route hasyet to be determined, but the ridewould be the equivalent of ridingfrom Palermo to Siracusa.

The event has its roots in SanDiego and Niceville, Fla., but hasbeen expanded to include a virtualrider group for any participants notin those two areas. Riders in the vir-tual rider group are required toraise at least $300 as opposed to the$1,000 minimum required for SanDiego and Niceville. And accordingto the Wounded EOD Warriorwebsite, U.S. Naval Hospital Sigo-

nella’s Gelakoska, Lieutenant Chri-stina Bologna and Commander Pa-mela Krahl have raised nearly$2,000 combined for the event.

For Gelakoska, there is a perso-nal side to all of this. He is espe-cially linked to the EOD/Spec Opscommunity after his friend, PettyOfficer Second Class Adam Smith– a SEAL – died in a helicoptercrash in Afghanistan in Septemberof 2010.

“I get that these guys do a jobvery different than us in the hospi-tal, except for the Corpsmen out onthe front lines,” said Gelakoska, ahealthcare administrator. “You in-stantly realize how insignificantyour job is – especially mine.”

The upcoming WEODWWFride is a mere jumping off point forhis fundraising, though. His goal isto raise $10,000 for the BlazemanFoundation in time to participate innext year’s Ironman Competition.This foundation is touted as, accor-ding to its website, “a multi-sportmovement to end Lou Gehrig’s di-sease” in honor of the late JonathanBlais.

But that’s the end goal. To aidget him there, Gelakoska helped

create Sigonella Endurance Sportsthis year, a group dedicated to,among other things, cycling, run-ning, swimming and triathlonevents in the Sigonella area.

“This is kind of the philanthropicside we haven’t explored yet,” Gela-koska said. “The [Undefeated 2-dayRide] is a way for me and others toget our feet wet, so to speak.”

In addition to the three U.S.Naval Hospital Sigonella partici-pants, three other riders from NavalAir Station (NAS) Sigonella will bejoining them, including CaptainBarry Tanner, U.S. Navy Reserve;Commander Scott Needle, officerin charge, Executive Transport De-tachment (ETD); and LieutenantCommander Marc Overman, ETD.

So what does one do to pass thetime when riding 160 miles overtwo days? According to Gelakoska,there is a lot of singing (Pitbull andLMFAO are two of his favorites)and laughing.

“And,” he adds, “we’ll be stop-ping every 20 miles for coffee andgranita.”

It is Italy, after all.For more information, visit

www.eodride.org.

Helping wounded warriors

HM2 Matthew Clutter

Two days and 160 mileson two wheelsBY HM2 MATTHEW CLUTTERNaval Hospital Sigonella

Documents

September 14, 2012 The Signature