The Signature | February 22, 2019

NAVSUP Holds Annual Leadership Conference

Important Tax Changes for Service Members and Families

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Sigonella Wrestling Wins European Championship

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N A S SIG O N E L L A

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FEBRUARY 22, 2019

Vol. 36 No. 4

Meritorious Advancement Program Gains a Season, Quotas Increase From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy released the calendar year (CY) 2019 Meritorious Advancement Program (MAP) plan, Feb. 8, in NAVADMIN 031/19, announcing the transition from one to two MAP seasons and increasing quotas in a continuing effort to empower command triads to recognize their most highly-talented Sailors through immediate advancement.

The move to two seasons which overlap the Navy-wide advancement exam cycles is designed to incentivize selection of the most deserving Sailors – without regard for how they might fare on the exam.

MAP is one of Navy’s continuing efforts to foster more merit-driven career outcomes as part of the modernization of personnel systems and processes under Sailor 2025.

“The Meritorious Advancement Program is important because it empowers command triads to identify and advance the best experienced and proficient Sailors from within their commands,” said Capt. Angela Katson, branch head of Enlisted Force Shaping Plans and Policies. “And they will make

those decisions based on Sailors’ demonstrated performance and ability.”

The two MAP seasons will align with the Spring and Fall Navy Wide Advancement Exam (NWAE) cycles.

Season One will begin 1 March 2019 and end 30 April 2019. Season Two will begin 1 September 2019 and end 31 October 2019. Approximately 10 percent of the CY-19 quotas will be assigned for each season, however business rules and quota allocations will be evaluated after the first season.

MAP functions in conjunction with the Navy’s established advancement system and is open to all Active, Full Time Support and Canvasser Recruiter Sailors who meet advancement eligibility requirements.

“The total advancement opportunity for paygrades E4 through E6 includes both MAP and the Navy Wide Advancement Exam,” said Katson.

Following feedback from the deckplates and command leadership teams, MAP will account for approximately 20 percent of all E4 through E6 advancements for 2019.

“It is important to note that the primary focus remains to recognize the most deserving Sailors, therefore commands are encouraged to exercise

SIGONELLA, Sicily (June 18, 2018) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 1st class Brandon Ji is promoted from second to first class petty officer by virtue of the Meritorious Advancement Program. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Gordon)

their best judgment and return quotas as appropriate,” said Katson. “Returning quotas will not impact allocation of future year quotas.”

The NAVADMIN also announced the Feb. 25, 2019 deadline for com-

manding officers to request a quota for a controlled rate to the Budget Submitting Office (BSO)/Echelon II command.

"MAP" continued on Page 9

Relief Society Gears Up For Active Duty Fund Drive Season

By Janine Scianna NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

Living overseas isn’t always easy. Just getting here can be a logistical nightmare, and feeling a sense of community and belonging can take months, if not much longer, to gain. For many, Sigonella is their very first tour of duty, and so these young service members have the added pressure of adjusting to life as a brand new adult. It is daunting, even for the most seasoned of us. That’s where all the local support organizations—the Religious Ministries program, USO, American Red Cross, Fleet and Family Support Center, and Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS)—come into play. Everyone can and should

utilize these very important resources to help cope with life’s challenges away from our normal support networks.

The NMCRS is one of four military aid societies (one for each service) and specifically exists to support Sailors and Marines in times of need. And because the Army and Air Force aid societies don’t have a local presence on Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, NMCRS can also support Soldiers and Airmen. It is the organization you can go to if you need help dealing with a financial emergency. NMCRS offers regular interest-free loans to active duty service members and their families, and “quick assist” interest-free loans of up to $500 to service members.

The application process takes between 15 minutes and an hour to complete depending on the type of loan. These loans are also available to help you pay for emergency travel to visit an ill or deceased loved one. Last year, the NMCRS provided $44 million in interest free loans and grants to 55,000 service members and retirees. NMCRS can also provide financial counseling and education if you need assistance beyond what an emergency loan can provide. Caseworkers understand the unique challenges of military life and are trained to offer options to bring you needed relief.

Another great benefit is the monthly Budget for Baby course that prepares new parents for the financial obligations of raising a child. During the workshop, parents also receive a hand-knit blanket. I will always hold dear the blanket I was given during a Budget for Baby workshop when I was expecting my first child—a lot of care and time was clearly put into knitting it. NMCRS also has a volunteer nurse that can field parents’ questions about an infant’s health or even conduct home visits.

All of these services are funded with donations to the NMCRS; the organization does not receive a federal appropriation or any funding from the Department of the Navy. Approximately half of these donations are received through the annual Active Duty Fund Drive (ADFD.) And 80 percent of ADFD donations come from automatic payroll contributions.

The 2019 ADFD will kick off at an event to be held Feb. 27 from 1100 to 1300 outside the NAS II galley, and

the campaign will continue through March and April.

During the campaign, service member volunteers will organize ADFD events and be available to collect any donations or help donors fill out payroll allotment forms.

Only active duty service members are eligible for payroll contributions but anyone is welcome to make donations.

The official slogan of the ADFD is “By Our Own, For Our Own.” Since the NMCRS is prohibited from actively soliciting donations on its own, it relies on the active duty population to volunteer to help organize and administer the campaign, NMCRS’s Chief Development and Communications Officer, Shelley Marshall, explains.

“This is a way for service members to support their own official charity,” said Marshall.

The director of the NAS Sigonella NMCRS, Virginia Imlah, said that lead ADFD volunteer roles have been filled but there will continue to be a need for volunteers to assist with fundraising events during the campaign. Each command will have their own point person for the ADFD who will coordinate the grassroots campaign within their command.

“There will big events on the base but also each command can come up with their own ideas for fundraising within their own organization,” said Imlah. “It’s their fund drive and I’m here to assist. They are doing it to help each other.”

Beyond ADFD, the NMCRS is always looking for more volunteers. They especially need help in the thrift store and are looking for someone to help out with social media and marketing. They are also in need of volunteers with strong financial management skills to help counsel fellow service members and process loans. The NMCRS will accept any time commitment you can give them, however big or small. And you can even be reimbursed for childcare expenses incurred while volunteering!

If you are interested in assisting the ADFD this year, contact one of this year’s ADFD coordinators: BMC Harrison: Wendell.Harrison@eu.navy.mil LTJG Gramling: Carrie.B.Gramling.mil@mail.mil And if you would like to become an NMCRS volunteer, contact Virginia Imlah at virginia.imlah@nmcrs.org.

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FEBRUARY 22, 2019

THE SIGNATURE

Direct Line

Lt. Cdr. Allen Richmond, NAS Sigonella Security Officer Buongiorno, Sigonella!

My name is Lt. Cdr. Allen Richmond and I am the Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella Security Officer. I am reaching out today to discuss the upcoming certification/assessment called the Final Evaluation Problem, or FEP, that the security department will execute from 26 Feb. to 1 March.

I know, I know—more drills and disruption to the community—but it is for a very important purpose.

First, a little history. Following the horrific events of September 11th, the Master-At-Arms (MA) rating significantly grew from 1,800 to over 11,000.

However, very little in the way of training was added to this incredible growth in manpower as the community saw our focus shift from primarily law enforcement to antiterrorism.

Stateside, the Navy added Department of the Navy civilian police to perform the law enforcement function and this was removed from the MA training pipeline.

The shooting death of Master-atArms second class Mark Mayo at Naval Station Norfolk, along with a series of other significant issues across the

security enterprise, brought the importance of MA training and certifications to the forefront. The Command Assessment for Readiness and Training (CART), a comprehensive review of readiness previously reserved just for ships, was expanded by Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) to assess installation security readiness, too.

The new ashore training cycle is a three year process that has CART and FEP spaced 18 months apart with regional assessments mixed in. The end goal is to have a certified security force at each installation. The first step in this process is a five-day CART exercise, which is a deep dive into 11 different programs under the security department’s purview along with a drill set for two watch sections. A command improvement plan is then generated to document all of the findings and put together a plan to identify and correct the deficiencies.

A year and a half may seem like a significant amount of time to fix discrepancies identified in CART, but I can assure you that it went by in the blink of an eye when coupled with

day-to-day security operations. However, the NAS Sigonella security team has done a tremendous job of re-writing instructions and procedures while balancing training needs.

Next week’s FEP is a four-day certification that will spot-check the administrative programs but also focus on drills and whether the base can defend itself. The security department cannot defend the installations alone, which is why the evaluation will look for the integration with other emergency responders—emergency dispatch, fire, and medical—along with the support of the community.

All of this background serves to highlight just how important the FEP is to base security. During the assessment, there will be days when you will experience significant delays while the team combats the problem. Should you find yourself in the middle of a drill, comply with all instructions given to you by the Security team. If you work on NAS I or II, there will be lockdowns for active shooter scenarios and shelter-in-place drills in response to vehicle- and personnelcarried improvised explosive devices.

If you hear the terms lockdown or shelter-in-place and are outside of a building, please proceed to the nearest building. This is also an excellent time for NAS Sigonella departments and tenant commands to execute their own emergency action plans. Your assistance will go a long way towards the base receiving this important readiness certification. I personally want to thank you for your time and cooperation next week. Please encourage the security team when you see them!

Commanding Officer's Suggestion Box The ICE/CO Suggestion Box is for our community and Commanding Officer to discuss, with an eye toward constant improvement, how we are excelling* and how we can improve**. The community is strongly encouraged to leave contact information when submitting comments. This ensures that a response will come directly to you. The Signature and NASSIG Facebook Page typically publish comments and responses for the benefit of the Sigonella community. Comments/suggestions are useful when objective, constructive, and specific. ICE/CO Sug-

gestion Box is NOT a forum for mean-spirited attacks.

Anonymous comments will be published only if they benefit the greater community at large. * If you submit a "BZ" about a specific person or department, PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR NAME in order to ensure comment authenticity and therefore publicly recognize employees or organizations. ** The Commanding Officer will ensure a response to all signed comments/suggestions and the vast majority of anonymous ones but reserves the right to disregard

those comments/suggestions disinterested in the spirit of the program!

There are two ways to submit; go to: 1) Interactive Customer Evaluation (ICE) home page on a One-Net computer at: http://ice.disa.mil, All Sigonella services are found under the Navy Europe Listing in the scroll-down menu.

– or – 2) NAS Sigonella's website www.cnic.navy.mil/Sigonella, go to the "About" drop down menu and click on "CO Suggestion Box".

Interactive Customer Evaluation Comment Regarding Postal Service:

I am trying to ship a gift to my grandkids. I am being told they will not deliver to a P.O. Box but that is the only address that exists. What should I do?

Kathy McMahen

Response:

Ms. McMahen, Unfortunately, many companies do not ship to P.O. boxes because of contractual or cost constraints. Assuming you are trying to ship to NAS Sigonella, I suggest you research companies such as ShipitApo or Apobox. For an additional fee, these companies will get your package delivered by creating a virtual address similar to a stateside residential one and then forward that package to your original FPO/APO address. These services can be expensive but they are a good option if it’s your only choice.

If your package destination is somewhere other than NAS Sigonella and the company won't ship to a P.O. box, then the only recourse is to see if the local serving post office will accept general delivery. If it does, the local post office will hold the package for 30 days. To locate the nearest main post office call the USPS at 1-800-275-8777 and select the option for customer service. Or visit www.usps. com and the "Look up a ZIP code" link. You will need to type general delivery in the address portion and follow the steps on the site from there.

For any future postal concerns, feel free to contact the Fleet Mail Center directly by reaching out to the postal officer, Mr. Ajaka Chesterfield, at Ajaka.chesterfield@eu.navy.mil or DSN 624-5558/COMM +39 095-86-5558.

Comment Regarding Manpower:

In the past month, I’ve noticed that a junior Logistics Specialist (LS) who used to work in the housing barracks is now working in the galley as a cashier. I understand that many service members who are assigned to Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella are under general billets, but wouldn’t it be more professionally beneficial to have this Sailor working in his rate in Air Cargo, Security Supply, or on temporary additional duty to the Post Office or the Hazardous Material Minimization Center? There are lots of culinary specialists who work in the barracks so having an LS assigned to the galley doesn’t seem to make sense.

Response:

Thank you for your question regarding the assignment of personnel to the galley. As the base commanding officer, I take great care when managing personnel,

the base’s most important resource.

There are several reasons that this particular LS is assigned to the galley. First, he is the primary government purchase cardholder. In this capacity, he identifies, orders, stocks, and issues repair parts, clothing, and general supplies using the Navy’s supply system.

In addition, the NAS Sigonella galley is a highly reputable and award-winning organization. As such, it is not a place where underperforming Sailors are assigned, and instead is a place where a service member can expect professional development to occur. In fact, the galley has Sailors that are currently Blue Jacket and Junior Sailors of the Year and a meritorious advancement program promotion recipient.

Please rest assured that even if an assignment doesn’t appear to make sense on the surface, we are putting great thought and care into our Sailors’ careers.

Working as a cashier at the Galley is only a collateral duty of this particular Sailor.

Their primary duties at the Galley are in line with his rate and are contributing to his professional development.

Comment Regarding Gym Equipment:

The bikes in the spin room have been broken for over six months. They had someone come in and fix them around September, but then they broke again right after they were fixed. As of yesterday there were three machines that were down and the instructor had to turn away people from class because of this. One person even got up and left early to allow another participant to have a bike.

Response:

Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback about our facility. Our fitness team does their best to remove broken equipment from the floor and to fix equipment during our monthly maintenance visits. While the gym’s spin bikes are not old, they are not holding up well under heavy use, so staff are trying to maintain them as they break down. Fitness center staff are currently working on a large purchase to replace most of the spin bikes, which can take time when shipped from the continental U.S. I appreciate your patience during that process. In the meantime, if you have any other questions or comments about the fitness program, please contact Elizabeth Leonard, Fitness Director, at DSN 624-0504.

Comment Regarding Utility Billing:

I was fortunate to live in the same house in Motta Sant'Anastasia from 2011 until 2018, at which time I moved out due to a PSC move to Okinawa, Japan. Since

"ICE" continued on Page 3

FEBRUARY 22, 2019

THE SIGNATURE

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THE SIGNATURE U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA

Name: Logistics Specialist Seaman Lisette Gomez Department: NAVSUP Fleet Mail Center Hometown: Austin, Texas There’s nothing better than getting an anticipated package to brighten a lackluster or stressful day. Naval Supply Systems Command’s (NAVSUP) Fleet Mail Center (FMC) is at the heart of postal operations at Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella and is charged with efficiently and accurately getting mail routed to service members, their families, civilians, and deployed Marines and Sailors. It takes Sailors like Logistics Specialist Seaman Lisette Gomez to ensure that your incoming and outgoing mail reaches its destination in a timely manner.

Working in the FMC requires a cando attitude and being a jack of all trades.

A lot of the physical labor entails going on early morning daily truck runs to pick up mail in Catania. When the trucks return to Sigonella, the mail needs to be

unloaded and promptly sorted—either letter mail, packages for commands, or mail destined for ships deployed in the region.

But another big component of Gomez’s job is customer service. Mail orderly pickup runs from 0800 to 1100 MondaySaturday, when designated command representatives can pick up mail for their entire command. During this time, mail is also still being sorted from the delivery truck, so it is a hectic time. In addition to back end operations, Gomez also staffs the customer service counter to accept outgoing mail. That role can be demanding, especially around holidays and when deployed service members are departing and sending home souvenirs and other acquired items.

Gomez’s positive attitude is the perfect match for the busy tempo of the FMC. In fact, the working environment is something Gomez enjoys the most about her job.

“It’s nice to talk to new people. We have good conversations about where

"ICE" continued from Page 2 June, I have been trying to recoup an over payment of my electric bill of 471.41 Euro. I have yet to receive my refund. The first excuse I received was to wait for it, the second excuse was it was sent to me via mail then returned. I was then asked for my mother's address in the United States to mail a check, yet no check appeared. The excuse I got then is they no longer mail checks, they have to credit. If it were a few dollars I would not care, but this is a substantial amount of money. Please let me know what is going on and what can be done to fix this situation.

Response:

Thank you for your comment. In the last year, Italian utility companies have been broken down into smaller companies or bought out by others. This has caused a near constant change of call centers and points of contact. The housing office has reached out to you and is working on your specific issue.

For other economy tenants, there are some steps you can take to prevent a situation like this one from occurring. During the Arrivederci/Smooth Move brief held biweekly at the

they travel to or how their day’s going,” said Gomez. “We build relationships with the people we see every day.”

After arriving at NAS Sigonella in July 2017 for her first tour in the Navy, Gomez was initially assigned to the Hazardous Materials Department at NAVSUP and then transferred into FMC after six months. There is a decent chance she will rotate again—potentially back to Hazmat or the Logistics Support Center—as she broadens her skill set and knowledge base.

The youngest of three siblings, Gomez says she joined the Navy so she could be financially independent and not be a burden to her mother. She is the first female to join the military from her family and also the first to serve in the Navy.

Gomez is looking forward to hopefully getting stationed Stateside for her next duty location but is making the most of her time here in Sicily. She enjoys spending her free time with her coworkers and traveling around Europe. She has been to Malta and Venice, but her favorite trip so far was to Oktoberfest in Amsterdam.

Her sights are set on hopefully arranging a girls’ trip to Santorini and visiting Rome. And before she leaves Sicily, she has dreams of riding a Vespa.

While she is uncertain how long she’ll serve in the Navy, she intends to start coursework soon towards a degree in nursing. She especially enjoys working with children and would love to ultimately become a pediatric nurse.

Gomez is currently studying for the third class petty officer exam next month and has her first opportunity to weigh in on her next set of orders in August. If she does make a career out of the Navy, Gomez wants to be a leader that makes a difference.

“One day if I was a chief, I’d like to be the best chief. Be the leader that I would want and just be helpful,” said Gomez.

Fleet and Family Readiness Center, residents are reminded to provide their referral counselor with their current gas meter readings at the time of the vacate submission and again three days prior to their final check-out inspection so that the utilities section can start working on an accurate final invoice.

Meter readings info can be provided either in person or via e-mail at NASSIG-HousingUtilities@eu.navy.mil at any time.

Submitting timely readings helps ensure that a resident pays the actual amount owed to the utility company and an overpayment doesn’t occur.

In addition, Community Bank also asks residents if they are expecting a credit and or debit from a utility company during the check-out process and if they are, then the account at the bank can remain open for up to 90 days after PCS at the request of the customer. Utility companies can only transfer credits to a bank in the members name and with an international banking number (IBN). Contact Community Bank on NAS I or II for more details.

For any future questions or concerns, please contact the housing director, Peter Faulk, at DSN 624-4070/COMM 095-56-4070.

Commanding Officer Capt. Brent Trickel Executive Officer Cmdr. Patrick J. Moran Command Master Chief CMDCM Nancy Estrada EDITORIAL Public Affairs Officer Lt. Andriana Genualdi andriana.genualdi@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 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 PUBLISHER Stampa Generale S.r.l., Sig. Bruno Brandi, Publisher, Naval Support Activity Capodichino (Naples), Italy stampagenerale@tin.it Tel. 081-568-7884 Fax 081-568-7887 This civilian enterprise (CE) newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services overseas.

Contents of The Signature are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense (DoD), or the U.S. Navy.

The appearance of advertising in this newspaper, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the DoD or Stampa Generale S.r.l., of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron.

A confirmed violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser will result in the refusal to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected.

The Signature is published weekly by Stampa Generale S.r.l., Sig. Bruno Brandi, Publisher, Naval Support Activity, Capodichino (Naples), Italy.

Tel. 081-568-7884. Fax 081-568-7887.

E-mail: stampagenerale@tin.it Editorial submissions are welcomed from all Naval Air Station Sigonella departments, divisions and tenant commands.

Editorial submissions should be sent to the Public Affairs Office via thesig@eu.navy.mil, guard mail stop #68 or hand-delivered to our office no later than the close of business on the Friday preceeding the expected publication date.

All articles submitted by non-staff members will be considered contributing writers.

The Signature will not publish any anonymous articles. All advertisements in this publication are the property of Stampa Generale S.r.l.

Any reproduction of advertisements in The Signature is unauthorized without the written consent of the publisher.

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THE SIGNATURE

Black History Month

The theme for 2019's Black History Month is "Black Migrations." This theme is a tribute to the mass movement of people of African descent from the American South to new destinations and social realities across America. During the early 20th century, some six million African Americans fled the rural South in search of better lives in northern cities. The Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute's Black History Month poster shows a man's silhouette constructed from images of African Americans from all walks of life; inventors, scientists, military members, astronauts, actors/actresses, politicians, sports figures, and others.

FEBRUARY 22, 2019

Heart Health Month From Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center

Week 3: Increase physical activity and adopt healthier eating habits to avoid developing diabetes, a major but controllable risk factor for heart disease.

Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which insulin is unable to work effectively. When the body is resistant to insulin, excess glucose collects in the bloodstream.

This weakens arteries and may cause heart disease. You could be at risk of developing type 2 diabetes if you have unhealthy exercise and eating habits. If you don’t exercise regularly and you eat more food than your body needs, you could gain weight and increase your body fat. Fortunately, you can take steps now to avoid developing diabetes by maintaining healthy eating habits and increasing physical activity to at least 150 minutes each week. See your doctor if you often feel tired, thirsty, and urinate frequently – these are signs of high blood glucose levels, a factor that leads to a diagnosis of diabetes.

Week 4: Improve your heart health at any age by adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors including healthy eating, active living, and tobacco free living.

To have a better idea of what your food habits are and what factors might contribute to overeating, start logging what you eat and drink utilizing online tools, such as the NMCPHC “Tracker to Identify Your Food Triggers” food log, or you can use a mobile app. Then, develop a healthy eating plan that fits your lifestyle.

You can make a healthy eating lifestyle fun by learning how to master flavorful cooking. Be physically active on a regular basis, even if you have a wound, illness, or injury. If you use tobacco products, quit now! Within one year of quitting, the risk of heart attack is reduced.

Learn other ways to improve heart health by talking with your provider.

Resources: Heart Disease Facts: www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/ facts.htm Tips for Increasing Physical Activity: https://www. choosemyplate.gov/physical-activity-tips

FEBRUARY 22, 2019

THE SIGNATURE

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NAVSUP FLC Sigonella Leaders Meet to Plot Command’s Course for 2019

By Joe Yanik NAVSUP FLC Sigonella Public Affairs

Within the last few years, Naval Supply Systems Command (FLC) Fleet Logistics Center (NAVSUP) Sigonella experienced a dramatic increase in logistics support operations within the European and Africa Command theaters of operation.

To prepare for and respond to the growing future needs of the fleet and shore-based forces, more than three dozen of the command's military and civilian leaders gathered for its annual leadership conference Jan. 29-31 at Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella. During the conference, they exchanged ideas and developed solutions to better achieve the command's strategic goals during fiscal year 2019.

"You are all here as leaders to challenge existing assumptions that may be inhibiting our progress, make decisions that improve our processes and ultimately, make a difference in how we provide logistics support to our areas of operation," said NAVSUP FLC Sigonella Commander Capt. Dion English during his opening remarks to the group.

Presentations during the conference focused on the capabilities and responsibilities of its headquarters and each of its five sites. Discussion topics emerged organically among attendees in a spontaneous, open forum format to generate solutions to operational and workforce challenges.

"Candid dialogue about important issues was very important to the success of the conference because it fosters common understanding of the root causes of issues or challenges, and produces best courses of action to go forward," said Bong Cabling, NAVSUP FLC Sigonella executive director.

Two recurring themes during this year's conference were the importance of taking care of the command's workforce, professionally and personally, and recognizing the contributions of Navy reservists and local nationals to the NAVSUP FLC Sigonella mission.

Mercedes Maestre, a procurement technician at FLC Site Rota and one of several local national team

SIGONELLA, Sicily (January 31, 2019) Rear Adm. Grafton Chase Jr. (right, standing), Director of Readiness and Logistics, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa, speaks to NAVSUP FLC Sigonella's senior leaders during the command's leadership conference. Chase visited as guest speaker to highlight the role FLC Sigonella plays in providing logistics readiness support to the Navy and Joint Warfighters operating in the region by aligning its command priorities with those of the U.S. 6th Fleet. (U.S. Navy photo by Joe Yanik/Released)

members in attendance, delivered a presentation at the conference on behalf of her local national colleagues.

"The purpose of my remarks was to present issues to leadership that are important to my colleagues and to propose ideas for solutions, like opportunities for professional development," Maestra said.

NAVSUP FLC Sigonella's Navy Reserve Commander Capt. Charles Kirol was another attendee at the conference.

"By gaining an understanding of FLC Sigonella's goals and manning challenges, we reservists can rally around our active duty counterparts with support to drive maximum value for the command," Kirol said.

From the dialogue that took place at the confer-

ence, leaders devised action items that will be assigned in the coming weeks for completion.

"Our ability to achieve our objectives this year depends not just upon exchanging ideas and brainstorming solutions, but following through on action items we recorded during our discussions," Cabling said. "Following up enables us to align our approach and answer leadership's mandate of being able to fight and win."

FLC Sigonella is one of NAVSUP's eight globallypositioned logistics centers that provides for the full range of the Fleet's military operations. NAVSUP FLC Sigonella delivers solutions for logistics, business and support services to the Navy, Military Sealift Command, Joint and Allied Forces throughout Navy Region Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia.

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THE SIGNATURE

FEBRUARY 22, 2019

It’s Carnival Time in Sciacca!

By Alberto Lunetta NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

If you have already visited the spectacular local Acireale and Misterbianco carnivals, it is time to travel to the other side of the island, in the Agrigento province, to discover another breathtaking and unique Carnival tradition. From Feb. 28 through March 5, the town of Sciacca will host a spectacular 400-year-old festival featuring breathtaking satirical parades of floats in the historic heart of the town. On the last night of the week (this year, March 5) Sciacca’s puppet, named "Peppi 'Nnappa," will be burned just as the Romans used to do when they burnt the effigy of the "King of the Saturnalia." This event marks the night of “Shrove Tuesday.”

Sicilian priest Mario Ciaccio was the first historian to write about the Carnival of Sciacca in 1890. However, historic sources indicate that the carnival had been celebrated since the 17th century. It started as a farmers’ festival featuring peasants, fishermen, and herdsmen with painted faces and funny hats, playing pranks and cursing one another. It was also known as a time for political satire and role reversals. This festival was called "Lu gabbu" (the mockery) and the grand finale for the celebrations was the burning of "Lu Nannu," a straw puppet embodying the spirit of carnival and the predecessor for today’s Peppi 'Nnappa. In burning the puppet, bad luck and the sins of the community were burned away, paving the way for good things to come.

Today, the decorated “carri,” or floats, are at the center of the celebrations. Associations of amateur musicians, ceramists, costume designers, poets, craftsmen, and decorators begin creating these majestic papier-mâché floats in the fall. At the end of every working day around midnight, everyone who is involved in building a float gathers for the "schiticchio" (dinner among friends). The carri, which depict political and social satire, are truly works of art. Ballets and performances are also staged during the parades.

This year’s festival highlights include parades of floats on Feb. 28, and March 1, 2, 3, and 5 in the historic heart of the town.

Don’t miss the traditional burning of Peppi 'Nnappa that is performed around 2:00 a.m. on March 5, ending the celebrations.

Sciacca is about a two and a half hours’ drive from Catania, northwest of Agrigento. For more information and detailed schedules of the parades visit http://www.sciaccarnevale.it/programma-carnevale-di-sciacca.

€1 Villas for Sale in Wine-Producing Sicilian Town

By The Drinks Business

The small Sicilian town of Sambuca is reportedly selling villas for as little as €1 in the hopes of bringing the town back to life after severe depopulation, as reported by CNN travel. Many small towns across Italy are suffering as their residents move to bigger cities, and a few have turned to unusual tactics such as selling properties for less than the price of your morning coffee.

There is a slight catch, though. After you have paid €1 for the villa, you will be expected to invest at least €15,000 to restore the property over three years, as well as paying the local council a €5,000 security deposit, which is refundable once the restoration is complete.

Despite its name, Sambuca is not named after the anise-flavored spirit but is well known locally for its wine. So if you’re thinking of moving abroad, Sambuca could be the perfect place for wine-producers and drinkers alike. With wine made in the area since ancient Greek times, the town is now covered in vineyards. Red grapevines, especially Nero d’Avola, grow around the town’s lake, Lago Arancio. More recently, Merlot, Syrah and Chardonnay grapes have been planted and are used to produce premium bottles that are exported internationally.

Giusseppe Cacioppo, the deputy mayor and tourist councilor, told CNN, “Sambuca is known as the City of Splendor. This fertile patch of land is dubbed the Earthly Paradise. We’re located inside a natural reserve, packed with history. Gorgeous beaches, woods, and mountains surround us. It’s silent and peaceful, an idyllic retreat for a detox stay.”

Any interested parties will have to move quickly though, as Cacioppo said.

Make sure to mark your calendar for the Sciacca Carnival which will run from Feb. 28 through March 5 and feature spectacular parades of floats, the traditional burning of the “Peppi ‘Nnappa” straw puppet, and a plethora of fun events. (Photo by Sciacca Carnival Press Office)

“Foreigners are flocking here, flabbergasted by all this beauty. Ten houses have already been sold. Dozens of others are available but badly in need of a makeover. We’ve been contacted by

people from Switzerland, France, and Spain and are receiving many requests,” Cacioppo said.

"ITALIAN NEWS" continued on Page 18

FEBRUARY 22, 2019

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DOD Seeks Ways to Improve Family Housing Initiative

By Jim Garamone Defense.gov

WASHINGTON -- Because the health, safety and welfare of service members is always a top priority for the Defense Department, DOD officials are looking for ways to improve the Military Privatization Housing Initiative that was established in the 1990s, a Pentagon spokeswoman said.

When DOD recognized a need to improve housing conditions on its installations 25 years ago, Heather Babb said, it sought ways to leverage the expertise of private-sector partners.

“The department needed to improve its on-base housing to address retention, recruitment and quality-of-life concerns,” Babb said.

Since Congress authorized the MPHI in 1996, DOD has privatized 99

Doe Park in the Presidio of Monterey’s base housing community is an example of privatized military housing, which represents 99 percent of family housing inventory DOD-wide. (Photo by Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs)

percent of its family housing inventory in the U.S. -- more than 200,000 units at about 150 installations.

MHPI partners have constructed nearly 80,000 new housing units and performed major renovations to more than 50,000 additional housing units, Babb said, and they also have made cosmetic improvements and basic repairs to the remaining housing.

Faster Transformation “The program transformed the quality of on-base housing much faster than traditional military construction could have,” she added.

Housing privatization also provides for long-term reinvestment, the Pentagon spokeswoman noted. Residents who choose to live in privatized housing sign a lease and pay rent to the project, just as they would rent housing offbase.

Privatization projects, through 50year deals, use rental income to pay project expenses such as property management and taxes and to pay off project debt that financed housing redevelopment. Funds are also set aside for future redevelopment to keep the homes in good condition for residents 10 to 20 years from now and beyond, Babb explained.

Continued Active Management Still, she said, there is room for improvement, and that’s why working with

privatized housing partners to address reports of unhealthy living conditions at any DOD installation is a top priority for Robert McMahon, assistant secretary of defense for sustainment, who provides programmatic oversight of DOD’s housing privatization program.

“We want to ensure that our installations provide safe, quality housing to military families,” McMahon said. “The privatized program resulted in great long-term improvements in base housing, and we must continue to actively manage this program to ensure its longterm success. If there are problems, we will address them.”

McMahon, along with counterparts from the military departments, recently met with executives representing each of the privatized housing partners to look for ways to improve the initiative and better ensure residents have a positive living experience.

“We are committed to working together to take care of our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines -- and, equally important, their families,” he said.

At the meeting, McMahon outlined a common vision between DOD and privatized housing partners to provide safe, high-quality and affordable housing where military members and their families will want, and choose, to live.

“We recruit the individual, and we retain the family,” he said. “Where we can do better, we have a responsibility to do so.”

Federal Tax Changes for Military, Spouses

By Jim Garamone Defense.gov

WASHINGTON -- Most service members and their families will see a reduction in their tax bills this year, but there are a number of changes in U.S. federal tax laws that they need to be aware of, said Army Lt. Col. Dave Dulaney, the executive director of the Pentagon’s Armed Forces Tax Council.

“The last tax year has been quite exciting with all the changes that were made,” Dulaney said. He noted that the Internal Revenue Service will start accepting tax returns Jan. 28 for tax year 2018.

A number of pieces of legislation affect military taxpayers, he said: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the Vet-

erans Benefits and Transition Act and the CombatInjured Veterans Tax Fairness Act are just a few.

Tax Cuts for Troops The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will mean that most service members will see a reduction in federal taxes for 2018, he said. There is an overall reduction of 3 percent for most military families under this act, Dulaney said, in addition, the standard deduction doubled, as did the Child Tax Credit. “Because of these three things, most of our military families are going to see a substantial reduction in overall tax liability,” he said.

There are also some special provisions that apply

to military personnel. Service members who served in the Sinai Peninsula since June 9, 2015, are now eligible for the combat zone tax exclusion, the colonel said.

“This was retroactively applied and what that means is that since taxpayers have up to three years to file an amended tax return to make a claim for refund, those service members who served in the Sinai back in 2015 would be eligible to file an amended tax return, and they need to do it quickly,” he said.

Service members with questions should go to their local tax assistance centers, Dulaney said, noting that this change should affect about 2,000 service members.

“FEDERAL TAX” continued on Page 19

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FEBRUARY 22, 2019

Three Power Habits of the New Year—Part 3 Adapted by MWR Fitness from ACE Fitness author Brett Klika

MWR Fitness is motivating everyone to start the New Year with three power habits! In the first two parts of this series, we covered the first two habits: making consistency king and meditating. Consistency is all about establishing realistic components of larger goals that can be integrated and performed in daily life.

Meditating decreases the negative impacts of stress and improves overall focus. This week we will discuss the final power habit, sleep.

Habits, good or bad, become magnets that pull us to think or act a certain way. These thoughts, actions, and beliefs become engrained through hours of practice over the course of a lifetime. While good habits become a source of energy and strength, enabling endless life possibilities, bad habits can act as roadblocks, leaving us perennially frustrated and defeated.

Sleep Sleep is a time to recover from the mental, physical, and emotional demands of the day.

A common recommendation is to get a minimum of seven to nine hours of quality sleep every night for optimal performance. But according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in every three people don’t achieve this goal. With less sleep, people can experience a decrease in performance and an increase in morbidity and mortality.

On a day-to-day basis, lack of sleep can impair coordination and short-term memory while increasing the negative impact of stress.

Building habits around getting a better quantity and quality of sleep can pay dividends in multiple aspects of life.

Below is a list of both good and bad sleep-

related habits. Adopt one or more of the good habits, and focus on eliminating at least one of the bad habits.

Good Sleep Habits: • Go to bed and wake up at the same time each night • Exercise daily • Make the bedroom as dark as possible at night • Avoid alcohol or nicotine consumption immediately before bed • Take a 20-minute power nap during the day • Keep electronic devices out of the bedroom • Meditate prior to going to bed Poor Sleep Habits: • Checking phones and other devices in bed: both the blue light emitted and the arousing emotional reaction resulting from this practice may interfere with sleep • Eating immediately prior to sleep • Watching television or other screens before bed; screen time often competes with sleep time • Consuming caffeine late in the day • Having undiagnosed or untreated sleep apnea (snoring) While there is no magic pill for quality and quantity of sleep, adopting the above “good” habits and minimizing the bad ones increases the likelihood that sleep will be a help, instead of a hindrance, in changing your life for the better.

Together with increasing your consistency and meditating, these three power habits will pave the way to improved health as you welcome the challenges and opportunities of the new year.

According to the Air Force, many mishaps have cited fatigue as a contributing factor. Getting a better night's sleep is not only important to be alert during the work day, but also for avoiding health risks. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kristoffer Kaubisch)

FEBRUARY 22, 2019

Preventing Teen Dating Violence

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month to remind parents to help their teenagers develop healthy connections and recognize behaviors that can lead to abuse. Teenagers are learning how dating and healthy relationships work, so they do not always recognize excessive teasing or controlling behavior as problems. By accepting inappropriate behaviors, teenagers leave themselves open to more serious forms of abuse like physical, sexual or emotional abuse from a current or former partner. Nearly ten percent of high school students report being physically abused by a partner within the past year.

That is why it is crucial for parents to stay aware and involved.

Parents can help by: • Modeling healthy relationships to show how honest communication builds trust.

• Talking with teenagers about the importance of being respected – and respectful – in relationships.

• Teaching teenagers to use social networks and other digital media responsibly.

• Connecting teenagers with help through resources like your installation’s Family Advocacy Program (FAP).

For more resources, visit Love is Respect at www.loveisrespect.org.

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"MAP" continued from Page 1 The following rates, by component, are controlled for CY-19 Season One (i.e., BSO/Echelon II approval is required for Sailors to be advanced through MAP into the rates listed): (1) Active Component: AWO1, CTI1, RP1, SH1, YNS1, AWF2 and AWV2.

(2) Full Time Support: AME1, AS1, AT1, AZ1, CS1, ET1, IT1, NCR1, AS2, EM2 and CS2.

The NAVADMIN also announced that there will be no redistribution of unused MAP quotas to the BSOs during Season One. Unused quotas will be returned to OPNAV N132 on 1 May 2019 and factored into the 2019 Spring Cycle 243 NWAE. This change was based on the fact that over 95 percent of the MAP quotas for 2018 were used and this change will eliminate an administrative burden for commands.

Modifications to MAP are the result of the close partnership between Navy leadership and the MAP strategic working group, comprised of senior enlisted leaders across the Fleet. The strategic working group assessed lessons learned from fiscal year 2018 and Sailor feedback to ensure command triads are provided even greater opportunity and flexibility.

The effective date of advancement is based on the date of the MAP Certification Letter (MCL), but it will be no earlier than 1 March 2019. The time in rate for E4-E6 MAP candidates will be 1 January 2019. The time in rate for E2 and E3 MAP candidates who advance between the 1st and the 16th day of the month will be the first day of the month in which they are advanced.

The time in rate for E2 and E3 MAP candidates who advance between the 17th day of the month and the last day of the month will be the first day of the following month. Commands are encouraged to begin their MAP selection process and submit their MCL as early as possible to ensure Sailors are advanced and paid expeditiously.

Sailors can only be advanced one paygrade.

Additionally, Sailors can only be meritoriously advanced once during CY-19 MAP seasons (i.e. a Sailor meritoriously advanced in Season One can-

PAGE 9 not be meritoriously advanced in Season Two).

Sailors in a frocked status are not eligible for advancement to the next higher paygrade until effectively advanced (i.e., a frocked E5 cannot be meritoriously advanced to E6). However, COs are authorized and encouraged to MAP frocked Sailors who were selected for advancement from the Fall 2018, Cycle 240, NWAE provided they have not reached their effective pay date (i.e., a frocked E5 can be meritoriously advanced to E5). Refer to the profile sheet of the member for effective pay date.

Sailors must have the following TIR in paygrades E1 through E5 for MAP advancement eligibility: E6: 1 January 2018 E6 (Nuclear-trained Sailors): 1 January 2017 E5 and below: No TIR requirement COs may select an E6 MAP candidate with no-TIR through BSO/Echelon II endorsement.

The command must submit the BSO/Echelon II endorsement with the MCL. Professional Apprenticeship Career Track (PACT) Sailors remain eligible for MAP advancement, provided the Sailor has an approved quota for rating designation (i.e., approved quota in Career Waypoints (C-WAY)) via the NWAE or rating entry designation.

MAP advancement is not authorized for PACT Sailors with designation approval for ASchool required ratings.

Navy Recruiting Districts (NRD) are authorized to use one AC/FTS MAP quota per NRD for reserve Sailors filling Canvasser Recruiter billets. Additionally, Navy Recruiting Command established the Recruiter of the Quarter (ROQ) MAP which authorizes the use of 12 MAP quotas throughout the year in conjunction with the ROQ program. ROQ MAP eligibility requirements differ from all other Sailor of the Quarter or advancement programs.

For more information on MAP visit https:// www.mnp.navy.mil/group/advancement-andpromotion/a-enlisted-advancement-resourcesand-links and select the *Websites* tab in the blue banner.

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Sigonella Wrestling Makes History

By Randy Latimer

Sigonella High School wrestler Amari Pyatt (top) completed his undefeated season by pinning his opponent in three minutes, 22 seconds to win the 170 lb. weight class title. (Photo by Randy Latimer)

Sigonella High School wrestler Dylan Estes (top) wins fifth place in the 106 lb. weight class by defeating his opponent 9-4. (Photo by Randy Latimer)

The Sigonella Middle/High School Wrestling Team made sports history for our small school on Presidents’ Day weekend at the DoDEA European Championship in Wiesbaden, Germany. Six wrestlers qualified for the Championship tournament and after two days of grueling competition, they brought home five top-five individual place finishes and the overall Division III championship for the first time since 2011. Sigonella wrestlers have never won an individual weight class championship and this year they won not one, but two individual titles.

Sophomore Ben Latimer, in the 132 lb. weight class, worked his way through a tough bracket, losing only once by two points, and amassed enough points to earn a place in the finals. Facing a veteran wrestler from Ramstein, Latimer would not be denied, winning the match 9-2 and bringing home Sigonella’s first-ever individual DoDEA European Championship title.

Junior Amari Pyatt, in the 170 lb. weight class, went unbeaten in the regular season and ended every match by pin fall. A recent transfer from Nebraska, he continued his pinning ways and earned a spot in the finals against another unbeaten Ramstein opponent. Pyatt has been favored since early in the season to win an Individ-

Sigonella High School wrestler Joey Perroni (right) wrestles in the championship match to win second place in the heavyweight division. (Photo by Randy Latimer)

FEBRUARY 22, 2019

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at DoDEA European Championship ual title, and he wasted little time in achieving that goal, winning by pin in just three minutes and 44 seconds. His talent and ability did not go unnoticed by the coaches in attendance, and he won the Most Outstanding Wrestler Award, sharing the honor with Spangdahlem’s freshman phenom in the 113 lb. weight class, Carson Hicks.

Three other Jaguar wrestlers also made it to the podium on Saturday. Senior Joey Perroni faced the twotime European Champion at heavyweight and brought home the second-place trophy. Senior Munro Manning competed in the toughest weight class of the tournament at 126 lb. and came in fourth place. And freshman Dylan Estes finished an amazing year by defeating a long-time rival from Vicenza in the consolation finals to win fifth place overall in the 106 lb. weight class.

Sigonella’s fairy tale championship tournament was made all the more special by the final team score.

Each individual match victory scored team points for Sigonella in Division III. Sigonella amassed 120.5 team points which not only won the Division III championship, but was also higher than all the Division II teams and fourth behind the much larger Division I teams. To see pictures and videos of the amazing athletes in action, check out the Sigonella wrestling team’s Facebook page. Go Jaguars!

Members and coaches of the Sigonella High School wrestling team pose with their medals and trophies. In addition to their individual medals, the team won the Division III team championship title. (Photo by Randy Latimer)

Sigonella High School wrestler Munro Manning (top) wrestles in his match to win fourth place in the 126 lb. weight class. (Photo by Randy Latimer)

Sigonella High School wrestler Ben Latimer (top) won the 132 lb. weight class championship by defeating his opponent 9-2. (Photo by Randy Latimer)

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FEBRUARY 22, 2019

FEBRUARY 22, 2019

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FEBRUARY 22, 2019

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NAS SIGONELLA All Hands Announcements:

NAS I SECURITY EXERCISE Command, Department or Organization: NASSIG Security/Training Date of Event: 28 FEB Time of Event: 0830-1130 Location of Event: NAS I Point of Contact: Installation Training Office Point of Contact Phone Number: DSN 624-4696/COMM 095 86 4696 Additional Information: On Thursday morning, 28 February, NAS Sigonella Security Forces and other first responders will be evaluated on their reaction to realistic scenarios on NAS I. This evaluation will require practicing gate closures, shelter-in-place, lock-down, and evacuation procedures for some facilities and the public on base. We request that all personnel please plan to avoid any trips to NAS I during the period of approximately 0830 to 1130 when access into and out of NAS I will be restricted. Thank you for your cooperation and your understanding.

While our Security Forces and first responders train like they fight to successfully pass this test, movement on NAS I will be severely restricted.

The annex gate will be open to emergency vehicles only. While we understand the inconvenience this exercise will impose on our tenants and the public, it is critical that our Security Forces and first responders practice responding to realistic scenarios. NAS I personnel have been made aware of movement restrictions and requirements during this exercise.

SY 2019-2020 SCHOOL REGISTRATION Command: SIGONELLA SCHOOL COMPLEX Date of Event: 5-7 MAR Time of Event: 0700-1500 Location of Event: Sigonella Elementary and Sigonella Middle/ High School Point of Contact Name: Marla Trickel (Elementary) or Tanya Estes (Middle/High) Point of Contact Phone Number: 624-4406 (Elementary) or 624-4281 Opt 2 (Middle/ High) Additional Information: Registration is MANDATORY for ALL students planning to attend Sigonella schools this fall.

Registration requirements: * Updated immunization records * Orders must be current. Please provide extension paperwork if rotation date is before the start of school (August 26, 2019). \

* If a tuition paying family, a current copy of the sponsor's ID card/Contractor Employee Status Accreditation Letter. Central Billing Letter is due NLT Aug. 23.

For Elementary Only: * Birth certificate for 1st grade and under. * SureStart must be 4 years old by September 1, 2019. * Kindergarten must be 5 years old by September 1, 2019.

For Middle/High School Only: * Student's tourist Passport, if new 9th grader or the passport was renewed in the last year.

USO SIGONELLA HIRING FOR PROGRAM AND VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR POSITION Command, Department, or Organization: USO Sigonella Date of Event: Ongoing Location of Event: NAS II USO Center Point of Contact Name: Gregory Winebrenner Point of Contact Phone Number: 624-6377 Point of Contact Email: SigonellaUSO@uso.org Additional Information: USO Sigonella is currently accepting applications for our Program and Volunteer Coordinator Position. Applications should be submitted at the following web address: http://uso.hrmdirect.com

FOOD HANDLERS COURSE FOR ACTIVE DUTY FUND DRIVE PARTICIPANTS Command, Department or Organization: NASSIG Location of Event: EOC Date of Event: 22 FEB Time of Event: 0900-1030 Point of Contact Name: CSC Guevarra / LS1 Estrella Point of Contact Phone Number: 624-2585; 624-5186 Point of Contact Email Address: marco.guevarra@eu.navy.mil; ryan.estrella@eu.navy. mil Additional Information: In preparation for the upcoming Active Duty Fund Drive, we're offering a food handler's course for participants who are not certified, but are interested in volunteering in upcoming events. Please contact CSC Guevarra or LS1 Estrella to register for the class by COB on 20 February 2019.

As a reminder to everyone: There are no PTUs allowed at the Galley. Appropriate athletic gear is authorized at the discretion of the Galley staff. Please remember that for sanitation purposes and for the consideration of other customers, if you have been at PT, working out at the gym, or have just been engaged in any physical activity where you or your clothing has become soiled or sweaty you will be turned around at the door.

FEBRUARY 22, 2019

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COMMUNITY PAGE Sigonella Religious Ministries Department Worship Services NAS 1 Tuesday Protestant Women of the Chapel: 0900-1100 Daily Mass: 1130-1200 Chapel Youth Middle School: 1445-1615 AWANA: 1645-1900 Wednesday Protestant Men of the Chapel: Daily Mass:

0600-0700 1130-1200

Thursday Chapel Youth High School: 1330-1500 Choir Practice: 1545-1700 The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults: 1800-2030 Friday Daily Mass: 1130-1200 First Friday Mass and Holy Hour: 1700-1830

Phone Numbers: NAS I 095-56-3975, NAS II 095-86-9049, Chaplain Duty: 335-831-4493, RP Duty: 335-786-1950.

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Naval Air Station Sigonella Chapel

Saturday First Saturday Rosary and Mass:

1100-1200

Sunday Catholic Mass: 0900-1000 Catholic Religious Education: 1045-1200 Protestant Service: 1100-1200 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints: 1330-1600

NAS 2 Tuesday AA: 1730-1830 Wednesday Protestant Women of the Chapel: 1830-2100 Thursday Daily Mass:

1130-1200

Traffic Report: February 5 - February 20, 2019

As a reminder to everyone: There are no PTUs allowed at the Galley. Appropriate athletic gear is authorized at the discretion of the Galley staff. Please remember that for sanitation purposes and for the consideration of other customers, if you have been at PT, working out at the gym, or have just been engaged in any physical activity where you or your clothing has become soiled or sweaty you will be turned around at the door.

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FEBRUARY 22, 2019

FEBRUARY 22, 2019

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GAMEZONE HELLO GOODBYE HEY BULLDOG HEY JUDE HONEY PIE I ME MINE I WILL IF I FELL IN MY LIFE JULIA LADY MADONNA LOVELY RITA MICHELLE NO REPLY OH DARLING

PLEASE PLEASE ME POLYTHENE PAM SEXY SADIE SOMETHING SUN KING TAXMAN TELL ME WHY THE END TICKET TO RIDE TWO OF US WAIT YER BLUES YESTERDAY

MEDIUM

ANOTHER GIRL ASK ME WHY BIRTHDAY BLACKBIRD CRY BABY CRY DAY TRIPPER DEAR PRUDENCE DIG A PONY ELEANOR RIGBY FIXING A HOLE FLYING GET BACK GETTING BETTER

EASY

Find and circle all of the songs by The Beatles that are hidden in the grid.

The remaining letters spell the name of an additional Beatles song.

DIFFICULT

Beatles Songs 1

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"ITALIAN NEWS" continued from Page 6

Italy’s Education Ministry Offers Teachers Intensive “Exorcism” Courses at Vatican-Linked University in Rome

By The Daily Mail

Italy’s education ministry has caused outrage after offering teachers exorcism courses at a Catholic university in Rome. The 40-hour course in “exorcisms and prayers of liberation” is being provided by the Vatican-affiliated Pontifical University of Regina Apostolorum as part of the government's program of voluntary training for teachers. The course is among some 30,000 that the education ministry advertises on a professional development portal to help teachers further their careers.

The course promises to train teachers, especially those who specialize in religious studies, in how to correctly practice exorcism. The course costs 400 euros per participant.

Politicians criticized the course offering as soon as it was announced, with some accusing the government of failing to prepare young people for the challenges of the future.

“With all the problems in Italian schools, the ministry is trying to bring back the Dark Ages,” said Laura Boldrini, an opposition, center-Left MP and former parliamentary speaker. “Schools are not safe, gyms are not fit to be used, and teachers are not properly paid. And what does the education minister do? He promotes exorcism courses. Schools should prepare young people for the challenges of the future.”

The education ministry recently announced that it may remove the listing from the portal, but the course will still go ahead as planned.

There are Thousands of Job Vacancies That Italy Can't Fill

By The Local

A new survey reveals how many Italian businesses are struggling to recruit staff to fill everything from tech jobs to more traditional ones like woodworking and weaving. A new study by Confindustria said a huge gap between business demand and training supply means tens of thousands of technical roles in Italy will go unfilled in the coming years.

It means companies that could drive the national economy forward are stalling, the study's authors said, not because of a lack of orders coming in but because of a lack of skilled workers applying for jobs.

According to the study, between 2019 and 2021 there will be some 193,000 job vacancies in the food, technology, mechanical, textile, chemical, and wood-furniture sectors. Engineers, technical experts, and other skilled workers are badly needed for these roles, but with a lack of young Italians taking the required training courses, the study predicts that at least a third of these job vacancies will never be filled. It expects business owners to be left fighting over the few qualified staff available.

Some 45,000 jobs are expected to be available in the technology sector alone. The study showed that some of the sector’s most

FEBRUARY 22, 2019

in-demand positions would include software/app designers and developers, computer equipment designers, and telecommunications systems designers.

The study also looked at traditional Italian business sectors like wooden furniture making, which it says will have an estimated 11,000 jobs available in the next few years. There will be another 30,000 positions in the food and beverage sectors and 21,000 in the textile industry. In these sectors, the most sought-after workers will include craftspeople skilled in artistic weaving, woodworking, and pattern making.

Italian businesses are being badly hit by this skills gap as well as a “brain drain”, as thousands of the country's brightest move abroad each year for work. Italy’s technology and engineering sectors have had this problem for years, but nothing seems to be changing.

"These figures show that the companies of the future need young people,” commented Confindustria president Vincenzo Boccia.

“Italy has no raw materials, but has human capital, knowledge and talent, and we must focus on building the future of the country,” he said. "Training must return to the center of the government and national agenda," he said, adding that

"ITALIAN NEWS" continued on Page 19

FEBRUARY 22, 2019

"ITALIAN NEWS" cont’d from Page 18 the government’s planned reforms, including a “Quota 100” pension reform, are not tackling the issue.

“Quota 100 is not a measure for young people,” said Confindustria vice-president, Giovanni Brugnoli. “Perhaps it will free up jobs, but it does not solve the mismatch between training supply and business demand. It risks leaving a vacuum of skills.”

France Sees No Reason to Oppose Extradition of Italian Militants

By AFP

France has changed its position on extraditing those wanted on terrorism charges by Italy or Spain, a French minister said today.

France now sees no reason to oppose the extradition of former Italian militants sought by Rome, one of the irritants between the neighbors, French European Affairs Minister Nathalie Loiseau said in an interview published today.

She added that the country had until now

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underestimated the trauma of terrorism on its neighbors.

She revised France's long-standing position not to extradite political militants who had renounced their armed struggle.

"Judges will work this out among them, case by case... but there is no reason to oppose a possible extradition," the minister told Le Monde newspaper. "I think that our country has for a long time underestimated the trauma of terrorism in Italy or Spain, which we have treated with indifference."

Italian authorities said in January they were still hunting 30 terrorists on the run abroad after far-left militant Cesare Battisti was jailed, ending his 37 years as a fugitive.

Italy's populist coalition government has repeatedly sparred with French President Emmanuel Macron on a number of issues, including rising nationalism in Europe and the migration crisis in the Mediterranean. Earlier this month, France recalled its ambassador to Rome in protest over an unannounced meeting between Italy's deputy prime minister and anti-government protesters in Paris. The envoy returned to Rome last week, marking a decline in the tensions.

"FEDERAL TAX" continued from Page 7 Members of the armed forces are still able to deduct their unreimbursed moving expenses incurred during permanent change of station moves, he said.

There are changes to deductions for travel to drill for reservists. “Reservists cannot take deductions for drill duty expenses that are under 100 miles,” he said. Those driving more than 100 miles can still take deductions.

Military Spouses For military spouses there is a significant change as part of the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018. “This allows military spouses to elect to use their service member’s state of legal residence for state and local taxes,” he said.

In the past a spouse may have had to file a different state tax return because they had split legal residences. For example, if a service member with a legal residence of New York moved to Virginia and married a person with a legal residence from that state.

“Now, our military spouses can now elect to use the legal residence of the military member for purposes of filing their state and local taxes,” Dulaney said.

“Military couples will no longer have to file different state tax returns…additionally it will reduce the overall tax burden for military families.”

Injured Troops Finally, the Combat-Injured Veterans Tax Fairness Act has been implemented for veterans who received disability severance pay and had tax withholding applied to the pay. “Now under the tax code, disability severance pay is not taxable under certain situations,” he said. More than 133,000 veterans who have received this pay are eligible for relief under the act.

The vets have until July to file for a refund.

There are a number of aids for military personnel and their families as they prepare their taxes. Each base has a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program office that will help. To find your local office, visit www.militaryonesource.mil.

The Military OneSource website also has information about military tax services in its tax resource center located at www. militaryonesource.mil/financial legal/tax-resource-center.

The IRS also offers information about free tax preparation at www.irs.gov.

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FEBRUARY 22, 2019