Vol. 36 No. 19
CHIEFS AND MASTER SERGEANTS WELCOMED INTO THE MESS Story on pages 6-7
REMEMBERING 9/11 Story on pages 8-9
MARINE DEPLOYMENT TO SIGONELLA WRAPS UP
September 20, 2019
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Direct Line
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Lt. Col. Rolly Cooper, USAF 7th Reconnaissance Squadron Commanding Officer
s I approach the three-month mark of my command tour, the realization that I am one eighth of the way done commanding the Titans of the 7th Reconnaissance Squadron is setting in. My family and I had the privilege to serve the 7th for two years as the Director of Operations prior to taking command. This afforded us the opportunity to live on the economy, and explore both the island and greater Europe. As swim parents, we have used away meets as an excuse to travel to destinations that we would not have visited otherwise. All of the traveling has opened my eyes to many different cultures, but has also forced me to reconcile the fact that Europe is a really big place, with complex political boundaries of both friendly partner nations, and not-so-friendly nations. That is what makes NAS Sigonella such a strategic base. The 7th Reconnaissance Squadron’s mission is to “Protect, Maintain, and Employ Reconnaissance Capability in support of National Objectives.” It is true that we are a flying squadron, but we are also so much more. Did you know that out of the 110 active duty members, only three are permanently assigned pilots? Rotational pilots sent to Sigonella on 90-120 day orders do the bulk of the flying, and out of the 20-30 hour mission flight times, our 7 RS pilots only fly the first and last hour of each remotely-piloted mission. Mission commanders back in the U.S. take
over for the remainder of the flight. The other 107 Airmen that make up the squadron are security forces, back-shop maintenance, communications technicians, logisticians, and the commander’s support staff. Aside from active duty folks, the 7 RS also employs 65 contractors that perform the handson maintenance for the aircraft and the Launch and Recovery Ground Station (LRE). Together, we occupy over two buildings on base to facilitate the 24/7 mission that is the RQ-4 Global Hawk. We’ve all heard the term “The Hub of the Med” which referenced the strategic location of NAS Sigonella, but with regards to RQ-4 Operations out of NAS Sigonella, a better term would be, “Hub of this Hemisphere!” The RQ-4 is capable of launching from Sigonella, transiting to subSaharan Africa to loiter for 10+ hours, and then flying back to Sigonella. Once on the ground, our maintenance professionals can recover, fuel, pre-flight, and launch a new mission in just three hours. The next mission could transit north of the Arctic Circle and loiter for 8-10 hours before returning to Sigonella. So in a span of less than 72 hours, the RQ-4 can spend 10 hours collecting data in Africa, followed immediately by collecting 10 hours of data near the North Pole. When you couple that capability with the extreme high altitudes the aircraft flies at, you have a unique air vehicle equipped with state-of-the-art technology, keeping our national leaders and allies informed of our adversaries’
intentions, posture, and movement. Recently, the 7 RS opened up our NAS II hangar for our first-ever Global Hawk open house. The goal was to give the greater community an up close and personal look at the “mysterious flying robot” that has been operating out of Sigonella since 2009. There have been a lot of rumors, misnomers, and alternative facts surrounding the program, and I wanted to allow regular people the opportunity to learn first-hand about the actual mission. It was an overwhelming success, and we welcomed 764 visitors in just over two hours. Your questions were thought provoking, inquisitive, and relevant, and I thank you for taking the time to learn more about our squadron. As we look to the future of flying on Sigonella, I am excited to break barriers to unmanned flight and continue supporting the legacy of the “Hub of the Med.”
September 20, 2019
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Interactive Customer Evaluation Comment Regarding MWR:
I recently received several complaints about a recent policy change that led to the ending of ballet lessons on base by an Italian instructor. Please allow me to explain why this change, while regrettable, was necessary.
Response:
Thanks to everyone who took the time to comment on the recent difficult decision to end outsidevendor ballet lessons on base. This followed an extensive legal review conducted by base and region counsel who determined that in order to meet the obligations of Department of Defense instruction 1402.05, all vendors must have background checks in order to work with children on base. These checks are critical to ensure that any vendors that care for and work with our children are thoroughly vetted. Unfortunately, we have no ability to conduct background checks for local nationals that are not directly employed by the U.S. government. Therefore, we could not legally continue the vendor’s provision of services on base. I truly empathize with the families who participated in the well-reviewed ballet program, but I also have an obligation and responsibility to operate within DoD regulations. These regulations are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all of our children. For any future suggestions about MWR programs, please feel free to reach out to the MWR Director, Courtney Silvestre, at DSN 624-0503 / COMM 095-56-0503 or courtney. silvestre@eu.navy.mil.
Comment Regarding Abandoned Vehicles and Safety Inspections:
I wish to bring your attention to three things: 1. The amount of abandoned cars at the gym parking. There are at least 10 cars that have been parked there for months, no exaggeration. Can Security make them move? I am sure they notice these vehicles on their routes. 2. The safety of the cars on the base. There are so many cars with obvious safety violations that are dangerous to them and others. For example, bumpers hanging loose, cracked windshields, and tape and bungee cords holding car hoods down. Very unsafe. These cars are driven through the gates every day and no one says anything. The safety inspections at the Autoport is also a joke. Please review this for our safety. 3. The pass office at NAS I. When I brought my guest here, I was embarrassed at the condition of the entrance. The area was filled with trash and cigarette butts. That seems like a simple fix that will make our community better.
THE SIGNATURE
U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA
Commanding Officer Capt. Kevin Pickard Executive Officer Cmdr. Patrick J. Moran Command Master Chief CMDCM Nancy Estrada EDITORIAL
Public Affairs Officer Lt. Karl Schonberg karl.schonberg@eu.navy.mil Assistant Public Affairs Officer Janine Scianna janine.scianna@eu.navy.mil Community Relations Officer Dott. Alberto Lunetta alberto.lunetta.it@eu.navy.mil PAO Staff Writers \ Photographers
MC2 Joshua Coté joshua.m.cote@eu.navy.mil
MR2 Kyle Drummond kyle.m.drummond@eu.navy.mil CONTACT US
Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily thesig@eu.navy.mil DSN 624-5440; 095-86-5440 PSC 812 Box 7, FPO, AE 09627-0001
Response:
Thank you for taking the time to submit your comments about various aspects of vehicle and access policies. There is a lot to unpack here, so let me address your concerns individually. 1. Abandoned Vehicles Current policy regarding vehicle parking is addressed in NASSIGINST 5114.1I. Failure to adhere to guidelines subjects the owner to curtailment or revocation of driving "ICE" cont’d on Page 13
This newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services overseas. Contents of The Signature are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense (DoD), or the U.S. Navy. Editorial submissions are welcomed from all Naval Air Station Sigonella departments, divisions and tenant commands. Editorial submissions should be sent to the Public Affairs Office via thesig@eu.navy.mil. All articles submitted by non-staff members will be considered contributing writers.
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Name: YN2 Jeffery Mann Department: NCTS Sicily Hometown: Cape Coral, Fla.
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here are many different commands that call Naval Air Station Sigonella home. One of them is Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station Sicily. NCTS Sicily is strategically positioned to provide mission critical communications support to U.S., NATO, and coalition forces operating in the AFRICOM, CENTCOM, and EUCOM area of operations. Out of everyone working at NCTS, one Sailor who has stood out to leadership is Yeoman 2nd Class Jeffery Mann from Cape Coral, Florida. Mann is part of the N1 admininistration department at NCTS. It takes Sailors like Mann to ensure that the command is running smoothly. Mann has a typical Navy start to his day with Admin quarters, where they plan out the day’s work and hit the ground running. He and two others
are in charge of the administration work for the command. Mann deals the command’s transactions such as pay and personnel, along with permanent change of station travel. He also helps service members that are separating and retiring. Although he has recently passed on his collateral duties in anticipation of moving, Mann served as the NFAAS coordinator and as an assistant section leader. He also was the vice president of the command’s MWR and a member of the Second Class Petty Officer Association. Mann has been in the Navy for six years now. NCTS Sicily is his second command, and his first was at Strike Fighter Squadron 143 (VFA-143) out of Oceana, Virginia. For many, the food and the easy travel opportunities are their favorite parts of living in Sicily. For Mann, his favorite is the Sicilian culture.
“It’s just the Sicilian way, nothing is more important to them than friends and family and just being together,” said Mann. Mann recalled one occasion in particular when he first got here and was out to eat. He and his friends didn’t have Euros on hand and the owner told them to just pay another day, the important thing was that they had food in their stomachs. During his time here, Mann finished his associate’s degree in computer studies and is currently working on his bachelor’s degree in cyber security and networking. Although he is transitioning to the reserves, he hasn’t yet decided if, once he has completed his degree, whether he wants to be a full-time civilian or continue his military service as an officer. For now, he is keeping all doors open and opportunities on the table for the future.
September 20, 2019
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Marines in Review SPMAGTF-CR-AF 19.2 COMPLETES DEPLOYMENT U.S. Marine Corps photos by Staff Sgt. Mark E. Morrow, Jr.
Marines and Sailors conduct sword manual during a Marine Corporals Course held onboard NAS Sigonella.
SPMAGTF-CR-AF 19.2 receives a Lion’s Club International award for their volunteerism.
Marines and Sailors participate in bilateral training with Spanish forces held in the Canary Islands.
Marines and Sailors conduct a 7-mile conditioning hike onboard NAS Sigonella.
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SIGONELLA PINS NEW CLASS OF L The Signature
FY20 chiefs and m chief ’s mess. U.S. By Janine Scianna
NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Josh Coté.
An FY20 chief is pinned with his fouled anchors. U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Josh Coté.
For six weeks, Naval Air Station Sigonella’s FY20 E-7 selects have trained together as a group and worked through adversity. For six weeks, they have been mentored by the chief’s mess, conducted community improvement projects, been immersed in naval heritage, and gone through a rigorous physical fitness regime, all while keeping up with demands from their normal day jobs. This training period is intended to physically and mentally shift these Sailors into the leaders they will become in tomorrow’s Navy. This year’s class of chief petty officer selects included 17 first class petty officers and three U.S. Air Force technical sergeants, who voluntarily participated in the Navy’s CPO training program to hone their leadership and teamwork skills. And on September 13, 2019, these 20 E-7 selects were ceremoniously pinned with their new rank and
welcomed into the ch Master of ceremoni Communication Spec Cote, led off by advis pinning shouldn’t be end of initiation, rath of their new journey a “A great chief does his anchors once, but every day,” said Cote longer about you, but those you lead and gu This year’s guest sp senior enlisted leader Facilities Engineerin Europe, Africa, and S Asia, Master Chief Ut Travis Canady, also im wisdom to the new cla “Strive every day to on the deck plates,” s “Have the foresight t and persevere throug challenges while insp One by one, each se
LEADERS
September 20, 2019
master sergeants join the NAS Sigonella Navy photo by MC2 Josh Coté.
hief’s mess. ies, Chief Mass cialist Brett sing that their e viewed as the her the beginning as leaders. s not earn t earns them e. “It is no t about uide.” peaker, the r of Naval ng Command Southwest tilitiesman mparted his ass of leaders. o always be visible said Canady. to get ahead of, gh, the toughest piring others.” elect was pinned by
family and friends and covered by fellow chiefs. And finally, after dedicating years of their lives to reach a milestone that only 10% get to achieve, they were piped aboard through the side boys and rung into the chief’s mess. There are few promotions in military service that are as monumental as becoming a chief. So much more is now expected of these chiefs and master sergeants. They will be seen as subject matter experts by all, and mentors to the enlisted and junior officers alike. Canady went through the laundry list of all the character traits that will come to be expected with their new rank. Innovation, trust, loyalty, integrity, and team building are now core components of their work. But above all else, character. “Most importantly, serve with character,” urged Canady. “You must exemplify the core values of honor, courage, and commitment. You are the chief.”
An FY20 chief is rung into the chief ’s mess. U.S. Navy photo by MR2 Kyle Drummond.
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United Through Trag The Signature
A new ceremonial fire pit is dedicated to NAS Sigonella during a 9/11 memorial ceremony. U.S. Navy photo by MR2 Kyle Drummond.
Sigonella Remembers By ET2 Rebecca Moore
NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance Force
On September 11, 2019, service members and civilians gathered on Naval Air Station Sigonella to honor and memorialize those affected by the terrorist attacks 18 years ago. Guests vowed to “Never Forget” the four coordinated attacks that targeted the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and United Flight 93 killed 2,977 and injured more than 6,000. “We are ever mindful of the sacrifice of emergency responders who demonstrated the highest ethic of love by laying their lives down that others might live,” said Chaplain Ryan Albano during his invocation. “May we who live on, live lives that would be worthy of the sacrifice given by so many that day.” Master of ceremonies, Master Sgt.
Danielle Heiser, invited members of the crowd to share their own stories of where they were that day. Lt. Cmdr. Lynn Skinner, a registered nurse at U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella, described how her husband, a firefighter, was dispatched to the scene at the Pentagon. NAS Sigonella Executive Officer Cmdr. Patrick Moran also recalled his time in the air on that day as a flight instructor, and being immediately recalled to base. “I saw the South Tower fall and instantly knew the world was a different place,” said Moran. “Watching the events and learning the stories and the history of what happened on that day forever changed Cmdr. Hamish Kirkland gives exits remar Serviceofmembers conduct9a deploye passing of command Patrol Squadron my outlook on first responders.” "9/11" continued on Page 13
9/11photo memorial ceremony. U.S. Navy (U.S. Navy courtesy of VP-9)
gedy
rks after being relieved gedoftothe flag ceremony during a NAS Sigonella. y photo by MR2 Kyle Drummond.
September 20, 2019
Sicilians, Americans Share 9/11 Ceremonies
The town of Nissoria holds a ceremony to remember Sicilian and American victims of the 9/11 attacks. U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Rashaan Jeffery.
Sicily Remembers
By Staff Sgt. Elissa Pedelty , SPMAGTF-CR-AF 19.2 and Janine Scianna, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
Throughout the island, Sicilians empathize with the attacks on the United States. Many see them not as an insular attack on the country, but as a metaphorical attack on freedom and the western world. But Nissoria, a small town of less than 3,000 people in the province of Enna, has a pointed connection to the attacks. Two of their own were working in the World Trade Centers that fateful day and died when the towers collapsed. In Nissoria stands the “Parco 11 Settembre,” one of the first public spaces in Italy dedicated to the September 11th attacks. Mario Chiara, who at the time of the attacks was a Sicilian-American living in New York, is the man behind the memorial. A twist of fate caused his cousin, who worked at the towers, to be late getting
to work that day, which ultimately saved his life. Since then, Chiara and his family inspired the former mayor, Marco Murgo, to establish the memorial in remembrance of the Nissoria victims, Vincenzo di Fazio and Salvatore Lopez. Every year, the town of Nissoria holds a joint ceremony with NAS Sigonella service members to honor the Sicilians and Americans who were killed in the attacks. This year, Marines deployed with the Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force, Crisis Response—Africa unit and Sailors deployed with Patrol Squadron (VP) 9 were invited to participate. Mayor Armando Glorioso and Deputy Mayor Rosario Colianni, alongside town citizens and Sigonella
"Nissoria" continued on Page 12
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Italian Coalition Wins Senate Vote, Allowing it to Govern From AFP
Italy’s new governing coalition has been given the green light to govern after winning a confidence vote in the upper house of Parliament. But, after a heated debate, in the end it was a close-run affair. The coalition of the antiestablishment Five-Star Movement (M5S) and center-left Democratic Party (PD), led by Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, was approved by Italy’s Senate on September 10. It was the last hurdle the new coalition needed to clear to begin governing, after winning a confidence vote in the lower house the day before. The new, more pro-European government took the Senate vote by 169 to 133. The vote was expected to be a close one, as the government held a much slimmer majority there than it did in the lower house. The populist M5S and the PD agreed to join forces after far-right League leader and former Interior Minister Matteo Salvini pulled his party out of the previous coalition with the M5S. Salvini accused the M5S and PD of working together purely out of their mutual opposition to his leadership. Rome’s new government has signaled that it will pursue an expansive economic policy, but without jeopardizing public finances. It will also likely step back from the hardline punitive measures that Salvini employed with the country’s immigration policy. The new cabinet is the youngest in Italy’s history. At age 33, M5S leader and former Deputy Prime
The town of Corleone, which became famous worldwide for its connection to “The Godfather” book and film trilogy, is the actual birthplace of several Mafia bosses. Some are fictional, such as The Godfather’s Vito Corleone, and some real, such as Salvatore Riina and Bernardo Provenzano. The local community and grassroots anti-mafia movements have been trying to shrug off the town’s infamous stereotyped brand, which some use to attract tourists. (Photo from Spokesman.com)
Minister Luigi Di Maio is also the youngest foreign minister the country has ever had.
Sicily Lures Visitors with ‘Ethical Tourism’ Free of Mafia Taint By The Standard
At the crossroads of the Mediterranean, Sicily has lured hordes of visitors in its 2500-year history. Today, it is enticing ethical tourists who do not want to line the pockets of organized criminals. Challenging the stereotypical portrayal of Sicilians as mobsters, businesses are steering visitors toward mafia-free hotels, restaurants and shops. In the last decade, AddioPizzoTrav-
el, the social enterprise offshoot of an anti-mafia grassroots movement, has been working with locals determined to shake up the status quo by declining to pay the “pizzo” - Sicilian slang for protection money. According to a 2012 study, nearly three-quarters of Sicily’s businesses do pay. AddioPizzo also proposes tours geared toward discovering the island’s natural and cultural treasures while learning about its history of civic resistance to the mafia, as well as the stories of activists and magistrates who paid with their lives. “We wanted to promote the beauty of our landscapes and our "ITALIAN NEWS" continued on Page 13
September 20, 2019
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MyPCS Mobile Now Has Electronic Travel Voucher Submittal Capability From Navy Personnel Public Affairs
Striving to further improve the PCS move experience, the Navy has added the ability to electronically prepare, sign and submit a permanent change of station (PCS) travel voucher within MyPCS Mobile available on Sept. 11. MyPCS Mobile provides Sailors access to a personalized checklist tailored for an individual Sailor’s PCS move, the ability to apply for government housing and childcare services at their next duty station, the ability to view a streamlined, simplified and plain language set of PCS orders referred to as “Lean Orders,” a PCS Entitlements Calculator, and Sailors can now electronically prepare and submit their PCS travel voucher. In MyPCS Mobile, Sailors can upload images of receipts using their mobile device, complete a user-friendly travel voucher prepopulated with basic information available from their orders/record, electronically sign the travel voucher, and make it available electronically to their Command Pay and Personnel Administrator (CPPA) for review and release for payment by the Travel Processing Center (TPC). Under this new system, Sailors can: - Create a travel voucher for member only, member and dependents, or dependents only - Review and edit personal information - Enter their travel itinerary - Add expenses for reimbursement (to include the images of supporting documentation (e.g. receipts) uploaded from a mobile device) - Print and save their travel voucher - Acknowledge their travel voucher via
electronic signature and electronically submit to their CPPA. CPPAs, using their desktop, can: - View a command list of pending travel vouchers - View the travel voucher under the travel voucher wizard, which includes, - Approve a travel voucher - Recycle travel voucher, sending it back to the Sailor for correction - Print and save the travel voucher - Upload the approved travel voucher for processing at the TPC. Similar to the other components of MyPCS Mobile, the MyPCS Mobile
Travel Voucher is accessible using any mobile device. Sailors may access MyPCS Mobile either through the Navy App Locker (https://www.applocker. navy.mil) or MyNavy Portal (https:// my.navy.mil). Access to MyPCS Mobile does not require a Common Access Card (CAC); however, for CAC-free access, Sailors will need to perform a one-time setup via MNP on a CACenabled machine. For more information or to provide feedback, contact the MyNavy Career Center Operations Center at (833) 330-MNCC (6622) or via email at askMNCC@navy.mil.
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determine that a vehicle has a potential safety deficiency, they privileges on NASSIG, towing of can direct the vehicle owner to POV at owner’s expense, removal complete an additional unscheduled of the privilege to utilize the resale inspection of that vehicle. lot, and/or POV disposal without As an overview on regulations, owner consent. Specifically, this NAVSUPPACT instruction instruction prohibits members from 11240.19 and NASSIGINST parking POVs on the installation for 5514.3 require that all AFI-plated more than 96 hours without prior vehicles undergo a mechanical approval. After that, it is considered and safety inspection by personnel an abandoned vehicle. Security certified and designated by the personnel conduct periodic sweeps installation commander. Currently, of parking structures and lots the Autoport on NAS II fills that role. looking for abandoned vehicles. Ultimately though, no different Exceptions for long-term parking of vehicles are outlined in NASSIGINST than living in CONUS, members are responsible for the safety of 4525.2C, which allows members to their own vehicles. Everyone should park POVs in a designated area for regularly inspect their vehicle and the purpose of resale. The parking complete repairs as they are needed. garage you reference, NAS II Bldg. Any vehicle that fails to pass a safety 555, (second level, first 15 outer inspection cannot be registered parking spots facing west) is one of or sold until the discrepancies two authorized sites on base where authorized individuals may park POVs are corrected. If after 30 calendar days the vehicle has not passed for extended periods of time for the sole purpose of soliciting its sale. The inspection, the sponsor must provide the MVRO director proof that parts other is on NAS I, at the Mitscher are on order. After 90 calendar Road parking lot. Individuals must apply to use the resale lots through the days, the sponsor must dispose of Pass and Identification Office at NAS I the vehicle through local scrapping or II. As a reminder, only operational procedures. If circumstances prevent you from completing a vehicles (i.e., vehicles which can timely inspection, you can request move under their own power) owned an exception to policy waiver. by individuals authorized to have Safety inspections are required at a POV may use the resale lot. the following times and frequencies 2. Vehicle Safety Inspections depending on the age of the vehicle: I have received some complaints • Less than four years old: recently about the quality of the Required upon initial registration vehicle safety inspections. In and again once the vehicle reaches response, NEX management four years of age. Then bi-annually. has conducted a safety audit to • Four to six years old: ensure that safety inspections are Required upon initial registration conducted effectively. In addition, and then bi-annually. I have also directed security forces • Vehicles over six years old: to look out for vehicles that have Required upon initial registration obvious safety violations. If they and then on an annual basis.
• Upon transfer of title to another eligible AFI-privileged person. The inspection must occur within the past two months in order to complete the transfer. For further questions or concerns, please contact the NEX Autoport at DSN 624-2814 / COMM 095-86-2814. 3. NAS II Pass and ID Office Thank you for bringing my attention to the cleanliness of the Pass and ID office. We are taking extra steps to ensure that this office in particular, which is often the first encounter with our installation, maintains a professional appearance. "Nissoria" cont’d from Page 9
service members, walked through the town to the memorial, where they raised the American flag and laid a wreath upon the memorial plaque. It was obvious through this joint ceremony that the attacks reached far beyond American soil, touching remote corners of the world like this rural Sicilian village. “Eighteen years later, the world is still grappling with the dire consequences of the 9/11 deadly attacks. That is why, as we get on with our lives, we should never forget the victims of this terrible attack,” Glorioso said. Nissoria also guided the ceremony attendees through the town’s agricultural museum and hosted a traditional Sicilian four-course meal. At the end, a cake with both the American and Italian flags was cut and served. Altogether, this somber occasion ended up reminding everyone who attended that the joint mission of sustaining peace transcends our two countries’ borders.
September 20, 2019 "9/11" cont’d from Page 8
Chief petty officer selectees have become annual facilitators of the event. In what has now become tradition, the selectees paid tribute to the fallen by performing the passingof-the-flag and fire pit dedication. This year, the American flag was ceremoniously presented to local blacksmith artist Mario Pesce, who "ITALIAN NEWS" cont’d from Page 10
gastronomy,” Dario Riccobono, a founder of AddioPizzo told the Thomson Reuters Foundation, adding “without the stereotypes that are usually attached to Sicily.” It all began in 2004, when a group of young friends in Palermo, Sicily’s capital, plastered their home town with stickers declaring: “An entire people that pays the pizzo is a people without dignity.”
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designed the new memorial fire pit. In the aftermath of the attacks, 16,000 first responders have reported illness attributed to their time spent at ground zero. Thousands have reported PTSD, cancer, and other ailments, and over 3,000 have reported suicidal thoughts or gestures. In her remarks, Skinner reminded
the crowd to stay compassionate and attentive to those living with long-term physical and mental health effects of that day. “We thought the funerals were hard, but every day is hard,” said Skinner. “I ask that you be good shipmates and good community members. Be intrusive so we can continue to save lives.”
AddioPizzo’s act of defiance led to the creation of a support network linking small businesses that refused to pay the pizzo, with local consumers willingly supporting a clean economy. As word spread, would-be visitors to Sicily began contacting the association for mafia-free travel advice, giving birth to AddioPizzoTravel in 2009.
otherwise become ensnared in the net of organized crime. Its affiliate network of social enterprises cultivates organic crops on lands confiscated from the mafia, and has branched out into offering tours and farm stays.
Today the social enterprise works with a network of more than 1,000 businesses in and around The pizzo is not just a cash payment, Palermo, identifiable by distinctive but an implacable mechanism that window stickers proclaiming, “I swallows up businesses and assimilates pay those who are not paying.” them into a far-reaching criminal netAnd far from attracting bullying work. In exchange for lower payments, extortionists, Riccobono said the the mafia may impose hiring its assobright orange badges act as a deciates or using suppliers connected terrent because any intimidation with it, effectively gaining control of or threat would promptly draw the business. Those who refuse often police, and media, attention. receive death threats or become the victims of vandalism and arson. They “The mafia prefer to stay away can even face ostracism from the local because they know our members community and lose their customers. wouldn’t hesitate to report them to the police. We are a minority, so we A survey by the Rocco Chinnici Foundation found that small business- are just not worth the trouble.” es like shopkeepers and artisans on Wine, pasta, and farm stays average pay up to 600 euros a month The Sicilian town of Corleone may in protection money, which many have gained worldwide fame thanks owners view as an inevitable business to its connection to “The Godfather” expense. For larger firms like superbook and film trilogy. But anti-mafia markets and construction companies, association Libera prefers to focus it can reach thousands of euros. on creating job opportunities for local unemployed people, who might Clean economy
Visitors can board at working farms, stock up on locally produced organic wine, pasta and preserves and take guided trips to stone villages perched atop the rugged hills in the Palermo hinterland. Still, anti-mafia activists acknowledge that there remains more work to do to spread the footprint of ethical tourism in Sicily, especially as most of the island’s economy remains in the firm grip of organized crime. According to a 2012 study by SOS Impresa, the anti-racket arm of Confesercenti, the Italian retailers association, about 70% of the 50,000 businesses based in Sicily pay the pizzo, primarily in provinces with large urban centres such as Palermo, Trapani, Catania and Messina. “Even though Cosa Nostra and other mafia groups in Sicily are showing signs of crisis, today many business owners refuse to admit they are paying the pizzo,” said Umberto Santino, a founder of the Giuseppe Impastato Sicilian Centre of Documentation, an anti-mafia association in Palermo.