SIGNATURE THE
SIGONELLA, SICILY
February 8, 2013
Vol. 30. No. 5
cnic.navy.mil/sigonella
A helping hand and hot plate of food
Chief Naval Aircrewman Operator Edward Hopper from Patrol Squadron FOUR (left) hands a hot plate of food to a patron at Chiesa di San Camillo, Mensa dei Poveri, a food kitchen in Acireale. Patrol Squadron FOUR volunteered to help those less fortunate as part of a community relations project on February 5. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Devin Menhardt/Released)
Patrol Squadron FOUR helps those in need by LtJG miyuki kauffroath Patrol Squadron FOUR
O
n February 5, the “Skinny Dragons” of Patrol Squadron FOUR (VP-4) ventured into the heart of Acireale to help those in need by volunteering alongside local community members at Chiesa di San Camillo, Mensa dei Poveri, a food kitchen which provides meals, showers, clean clothes, and other commodities to those less fortunate. This community relations (COMREL) project is part of an ongoing effort by Patrol Squadron FOUR, a Hawaii-based Maritime Patrol Squadron on deployment at Naval Air Station Sigonella, supporting the SIXTH Fleet area of responsibility. “Being members of the service, we have most of our needs met on a daily basis. We are never left wanting a warm meal or a nice bed," said Cmdr. Brent Strong, commanding officer of Patrol Squadron FOUR.
"Experiences like these open our eyes to how hard some people struggle. It's important for us to not only realize this is happening, but provide services that will aid these individuals in any way we can.” Upon their arrival, the “Skinny Dragons” were immediately put to work sweeping, mopping and cleaning the courtyard. CMC Gary Smedley was overjoyed to get his hands dirty, “It feels good to give back to a community that treats us like family while we are deployed,” he said. The volunteers also helped serve a hot meal to those in attendance. Vera Presti, a regular volunteer at Chiesa di San Camillo, expressed her excitement to receive help from the military members stationed here, “I enjoyed working with everyone today. They were very organized, active,
and helpful. Their time is very valuable and we appreciate that.” Patrol Squadron FOUR plans on making a weekly appearance at Chiesa di San Camillo, Mensa dei Poveri throughout their deployment. “Today’s visit was productive; we made a difference, but even better, we can continue to make a difference by improving each time we volunteer,” said Chief Edward Hopper. Throughout Patrol Squadron FOUR's tour in Sicily, approximately 100 “Skinny Dragons” will get the opportunity to contribute to the local community through this COMREL. "By the end of deployment, the squadron will have volunteered more than 400 hours," said Lt. Cmdr. Ryan Davis. "VP-4 is making a difference!”
QUOTE OF THE WEEK “You may never know what results come of your actions, but if you do nothing, there will be no results.” - Mahatma Gandhi
Around Sigonella
Carnevale in Acireale
Sicily celebrates
Find out what's happening in Sigonella.
Fun things to do in Sicily.
Read about Catania's Sant'Agata Festival.
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