THE
SIGNATURE SIGONELLA, SICILY
VOL. 29 NO. 36
SEPTEMBER 28, 2012
cnic.navy.mil/sigonella
SIGONELLA CYCLISTS RIDE 160 MILES TO HELP WOUNDED WARRIORS
Sailors from Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, donned in black and red, catch up to local Italian cyclists on their way to Sferro. The Sigonella cyclists rode 160-miles around Sicily as part of the virtual Wounded Explosive Ordnance Disposal Warrior Foundation Undefeated 2-Day bike ride fundraiser. (U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Gary Prill/Released)
BY MR1 GARY SPENCE NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
S
ailors from Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella cycled 160-miles around Sicily as part of the virtual Wounded Explosive Ordnance Disposal Warrior Foundation (WEODWF) Undefeated 2-Day bike ride fundraiser, September 22-23. The main WEODWF Undefeated 2-Day ride is held in the United States in San Diego, California in October to support the recovery of EOD techs wounded in action. Virtual riders from across the globe can participate by riding 160 miles at a time and location of their choosing. Inspired by the cause, Lt.j.g. Chris Gelakoska., Lt. Christina Bologna and Cmdr. Pamela Krahl from U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella joined forces with Capt. Barry Tanner, U.S. Navy Reserve; Cmdr. Scott Needle, officer in charge, Executive Transport Detachment (ETD); Lt. Cmdr. Marc Overman, ETD and civilian Michael Boyle to embark on the 160-mile journey. They departed Marinai housing complex
early in the morning on September 22, heading into Sferro to refuel with a cappuccino and a breakfast pastry before getting back on the road. The group proceeded into Enna, stopped again briefly and returned to Marinai, completing day one. On Sunday, September 23, the cyclists rode through Agone, Augusta Bay, and Brucoli before turning around and heading back to base. “We participated in the ride as a way to give back to those EOD personnel that have given so much for us and to the United States for freedom," said Overman. "When it was over we were tired, but happy that we were able to complete the ride. Ours was a small challenge compared to the daily challenges the wounded warriors go through.” The group raised more than $2,980 by the end of the weekend and will continue to collect donations through the WEODWF website and various other fundraising events. The WEODWF is a non-profit organization that supports military
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EOD families caring for their loved ones at military medical facilities across the country. Donations collected by the WEODWF are used to help wounded EOD warriors, from flying family out to Bethesda Naval Hospital to support and aid in their recovery to modifying cars with hand controls so amputees can drive and maintain independence to building wheelchair ramps in homes. “We look forward to the ride next year," said Overman. "Hopefully other riders will join us and make it an even bigger event. It’s a great way to raise awareness while getting out to experience parts of Sicily you might otherwise miss.” EOD techs disarm bombs, protecting their fellow service members, and the innocents nearby. Due to the nature of their work, EOD technicians experience the highest percentage rates of injuries within the military. According to the WEODWF website, 11 EOD warriors have been wounded in action this year alone.
OF THE WEEK
“The brick walls are there for a reason. The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something. Because the brick walls are there to stop the people who don’t want it badly enough. They’re there to stop the other people.” - Randy Pausch
Catania beach clean-up
Cucina Italiana
Sigonella Superstar!
Sailors from NASSIG’s Aviation Support Division volunteer.
Easy and delicious recipes.
Meet Sigonella’s newest Superstar.
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