Heart Health: Tips to keep you going strong
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Ireland:
Gateway to Italian:
A land of magic and beauty
Parli Italiano?
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N A S SIG O N E L L A
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February 24, 2017
Vol. 34 No. 7
ADFD 2017 in Support of the NMCRS Kicks Off By Nicole Ybarra NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – For many, spring symbolizes a season of renewal. For service members, spring has also become synonymous with the Active Duty Fund Drive (ADFD) in support of the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS). The ADFD is held annually during the month of March to generate awareness of the programs and services offered by the NMCRS and to provide an opportunity for Sailors, Marines and civilians to donate. The Sigonella community has long been a generous supporter of the ADFD as evidenced by its designation as the
highest across the fleet and force in per capita donations. But many who give to the ADFD may not be aware of the impact their contribution can make. The NMCRS provides need-based financial assistance in the form of interestfree loans. Last year, the NMCRS provided $48 million in financial assistance to active duty service members and retirees. Locally, the NMCRS Sigonella provided $140,000 in assistance, helping 129 clients during times of need. “You can donate $10 a month and have a significant impact on the life of your fellow Sailors and Marines. In the aggregate of $120 per year, your donation might buy a new tire for someone, or cover the cost of a night in a hotel during emergency
Brittany Sadler, NMCRS director provides a briefing of the 2017 ADFD campaign to command leadership, Feb. 21 at the Duomo Conference Center. The ADFD in support of the NMCRS provides programs and services to active duty and retired service members. (Photo courtesy of Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society).
leave, or enable a Sailor to buy groceries when they otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford it,” said Shelley Marshall, Vice President and Chief Development and Communications Officer for the NMCRS. Marshall feels a personal connection to the NMCRS, having retired from the Navy after 26 years of service. “During my career it was about taking care of Sailors and Marines as a Naval officer and now this is a way to continue to serve those who wear the uniform. I like being able to honor their service and take care of their families, enabling them to focus on the mission.” In addition to financial assistance, the NMCRS operates the base thrift store and teaches a Budget for Baby workshop every third Wednesday of the month from 12:30 – 1:30 at the base library. The NMCRS relies on its team of 28 volunteers to keep the thrift store running, facilitate classes and even hand-knit baby blankets. The services provided by the NMCRS are not limited to Sailors and Marines. Airmen and Soldiers can also receive assistance at the Sigonella office. “Our door is open to all service members. We will connect with their aid societies and ensure that they get the assistance they need,” explained Brittany Sadler, NMCRS director. The 2017 ADFD in support of the NMCRS kicks off next week on Feb. 28 with a month filled of activities to help raise money toward this year’s goal of $117,000 for NAS Sigonella and the campaign-wide goal of $12.5 million. “Every dollar that is raised is going to go directly to a Sailor or Marine that needs assistance. Sigonella has a reputation for being the most generous installation and we hope to see that legacy continue,” said Marshall.
events Schedule Tuesday, Feb. 28: ADFD Kick-Off & Homerun Derby 1130-1300 NAS 2 Pavilion/field near gym
Wednesday, March 1: Burrito Sale 0630-0830 NAS 1 & 2
Thursday, March 2: Jail & Bail 0900-1300 NAS 2 Water Fountain Lunch Sale 1100-1300 NAS 2 Community Bank Parking Lot BINGO Food Sale 1800 NAS 1 Connections
Saturday, March 4: Commissary Bagging 1100-1600
USO Sigonella: Supporting the "Hub of the Med" By Stacey Geddings USO Sigonella
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – It’s Friday morning and the sun slowly rises over Sigonella. The work day is just beginning for most service members but inside the NAS 2 air terminal, it’s been a whirlwind of activity for hours. The smell of fresh coffee permeates through the airport, drawing visitors to the newly opened United Service Organizations (USO) Sigonella. Passengers traveling to Rota, Spain and Norfolk, Va. are greeted by enthusiastic volunteers who arrived shortly after 3 a.m. to make preparations for the incoming flight. PO1 Brandon Livengood, a USO volunteer, enters the airport nursery – recently renovated with the help of volunteers – carrying a tray of snacks for the small guests inside. An animated movie plays on the television, much to the delight of both parents and children. “Our primary mission is to support the passengers traveling through Sigonella’s air terminal. We want to provide them comfort and enable them to stay connected with their families back home. We do this by providing more than just snacks and coffee – we have excellent WiFi service throughout the terminal and telephones available for them to make calls throughout Europe and back stateside,” explained USO Sigonella Center Manager James Hodges. Although the center has roughly 1,500 visitors each month, USO Sigonella’s efforts go beyond supporting flights. Among the most popular events is their Troop Luncheon, a complimentary lunch offered in the terminal every Tuesday from 11:00-12:30. “We all look forward to the weekly Troop Lunch. Besides the lunch itself, it’s nice to be able to relax for awhile and watch TV or surf the internet,” commented AM3 Kody Ragas who is not only a frequent visitor, but also a volunteer with the USO.
Service members enjoy a complimentary luncheon provided by the USO Sigonella at the NAS 2 Air Terminal. (Photo courtesy of USO Sigonella)
Another popular event is the USO’s PT Drop, where staff and volunteers provide Powerade and Vitamin Water to service members during PT outside the NAS 2 gym. The USO also partners with other organizations to increase their impact around Sigonella. Thanks to MWR support, USO Sigonella has been able to provide support to the MWR tree lighting, and Take 5’s after-Thanksgiving event. An important part of the culture at the USO is their volunteer force. Since opening, USO Sigonella has
amassed volunteers who are both diligent and focused in their mission to support our troops and their families. Center Operations specialist Stacey Geddings offered praise to the volunteer team remarking, “We have the best volunteers in Sigonella. They’re the heartbeat of our organization; and we wouldn’t be successful without them.” For more information on volunteering with the USO, please visit volunteers.uso.org or on Facebook.com/ USOSigonella.