May 31 "The Signature"

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SIGONELLA, SICILY

May 31, 2013

Vol. 30. No. 21

cnic.navy.mil/sigonella

NAS Sigonella welcomes new commanding officer

Capt. Chris Dennis is piped ashore after assuming command of Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella at a change of command ceremony held aboard NAS Sigonella, May 23.

During the ceremony, Dennis relieved Capt. Scott Butler as commanding officer of NAS Sigonella. (U.S. Navy photo by MR1 Gary Spence/Released)

by MC3 Cameron Bramham NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella held a change of command ceremony, May 23, in the Fit District Gym at Midtown Complex on NAS Sigonella support base.

During the ceremony, Capt.

Chris Dennis relieved Capt.

Scott Butler as commanding officer of NAS Sigonella.

“There is no harder leadership challenge than joining an incredibly successful organization and following a beloved and effective leader,” Dennis said. “These are the exact circumstances I find myself in. I have met countless people from all over the Navy and outside the Navy that have sung the

praises of Scott Butler, and NAS Sigonella.”

Guest speaker, Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia, R. Adm. Tony E. Gaiani spoke highly of Butler as well before welcoming Dennis as commanding officer of NAS Sigonella.

“Capt. Butler was the right

man, in the right place, at the right time, and I think all of us owe him a debt of gratitude for the leadership he has shown,” Gaiani said. “I would like to welcome and congratulate Capt. [Chris] Dennis to his new command. Everyone here wants you to succeed, whether it’s EUCOM, NAVEUR, or my

own staff. All of us want to help.”

During the ceremony, Gaiani presented Butler with the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in performance of his duties as commanding officer of NAS Sigonella. During his time as commanding officer, Butler oversaw increased operational pace and changes during Operation’s Unified Protector and Odyssey Dawn, where NAS Sigonella became a primary location for U.S. and coalition aircraft enforcing a no-fly zone over Libya as part of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1973.

“This has been an incredible tour for me and my family,” Butler said during his final comments to NAS Sigonella service and community members. “Your collective efforts in the most demanding environments have ensured that Sigonella has a pretty bright future.”

After the ceremony concluded, participants and attendees were invited to a reception where the NAS Sigonella community was able to bid farewell to Butler and welcome Dennis as the commanding officer for NAS Sigonella.

“Today is a great day,” Dennis said. “It is with great deference, that I stand before you this beautiful, Mediterranean morning as your commanding officer.

You have my commitment that I share your standard of excellence and exceptionalism in all things. I share your embrace of a commitment to fleet, fighter, and family. I am confident together, and only together, we will continue and with blessings from above, to improve the fine legacy we celebrate today.”

NAS Sigonella provides logistical support for Commander, U.S. 5th and 6th Fleets and NATO forces in the Mediterranean area.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK “I'm a greater believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it” - Thomas Jefferson

Around Sigonella

Festival in Caltagirone

Villa Romana del Casale

Find out what is happening around NAS Sigonella.

Special festival May 31.

Take a photo tour!

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Scan for direct links to NAS Sigonella

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MAY 31, 2013

Direct Line

U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA Commanding Officer Capt. Chris Dennis

NAS Sigonella Commanding Officer, Capt. Chris Dennis

Executive Officer Cmdr. Eric Vosler

HEEELLLLOOOO NAS SIGONELLA!!!! Thank you to all the friendly smiles, waves and "welcome skipper" or "welcome comandante" greetings. I am so excited to be here because here is an exciting place to be and YOU ARE TERRIFIC! Like all us "new check-ins," I too will be feeling my way around Sigonella and Sicily over the coming months. My family and I are living in the lodge, getting licenses, and registering vehicles. We will be taking MWR trips and completing Indoc...going to the pool, chapel, library and theater...learning to safely navigate Sicilian roads and living and hopefully learning some useful host nation phrases!

This base, like this island, has a really good vibe!

While I am getting acquainted with my new home, I will be trekking to every corner of NAS Sigonella. I want to meet each of you. When you see me coming, say "hi!" But don't just stop with a greeting, if something is on your mind, tell me. If you have always wondered why something is the way it is, I probably will wonder as well - and we can both find out. If you have an idea of how we can make Sigonella an even better Naval Air Station or even more livable then I'm "all ears." What you think matters a great deal and I don't just want to hear it, I need to hear it.

In closing, I want to say again thank you for welcoming the Dennis family into this fine community. We are so honored to be joining you. Like

Command Master Chief CMDCM David Graham

EDITORIAL Public Affairs Officer Lt. Tim Page

timothy.page@eu.navy.mil Communtiy Relations Officer Dott. Alberto Lunetta alberto.lunetta.it@eu.navy.mil Editor Jackie Trembath jackie.trembath@eu.navy.mil Staff Writers/Photographers MR1 Gary Spence gary.spence@eu.navy.mil MC3 Cameron Bramham cameron.bramham@eu.navy.mil CONTACT US Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily thesig@eu.navy.mil DSN 624-5440; 095-86-5440 PSC 812 Box 3020, FPO, AE 09627 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

The Signature will not publish anyanonymous 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.

cnic.navy.mil/sigonella

At the Library ...

NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

With the month of May coming to an end and this year’s celebration of AsianPacific American Heritage Month wrapping up, the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Library located on NAS I displays a book collection dedicated to Asian and Pacific Island Heritage.

Head Liberian Richard Aubrey said the library is gearing up for next month’s themed displays with brand new travel books for those looking to find information on possible vacation destinations during the summer.

“We are also gearing up for ‘Adopt-a-Dog’ Month which will be held in June,” Aubrey added.

“So we’ll have a display set-up with lots of books on canines very soon.”

all of you, it is my deep desire to have a successful, safe and enriching tour. I promise to try and match your luster, which is a very tall challenge...because NAS Sigonella already shines brightly. Ci vediamo Sigonella!

Jan Stanley reads to children during Story Time, Wednesdays at the NAS I Library.

(Photo courtesy of MWR)

NASSIG WORSHIP SERVICES ROMAN CATHOLIC

OTHER SERVICES/ACTIVITIES

■ 8:30 a.m. Catholic Mass (NAS I Chapel) ■ 11:30 a.m. Catholic Mass (NAS II Chapel) Sacraments of Reconciliation/Penance precede each Mass

LATTER-DAY SAINTS

PROTESTANT

CHURCH OF CHRIST LAY SERVICE

Sunday at 3 p.m. (NAS I Chapel) Contact: sigonellalds@gmail.com or 624-9049

■ 6:30 p.m. Contemporary Worship Services

Noon Bible Study (NAS 1) 12:30 p.m. Worship Service Contact Virgil Strobridge at 624-4779 or Reginald McNeil at 335-578-8519

■ 10 a.m. Traditional Worship

■ AA Meetings: Monday, NAS I at 5:30 p.m. and Wednesday, NAS II at 11:30 a.m. Contact: 346-840-7745

NAS I Chapel

Saturday Sunday

NASSIG Sailors attend petty officer leadership courses

By MC3 CAMERON BRAMHAM

Story Time Wednesdays at NAS I Library

Sunday

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What’s Happening Around NAS Sigonella

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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 proceeding the expected publication date.

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

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Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month Display

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 advertisingin this newspaper, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the DoD orStampa Generale S.r.l., of the products or services advertised.

Everything advertised in this publications hall 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 factorof the purchaser, user or patron. A confirmed violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policyby an advertiser will result in the refusal to print advertising from that source until the violationis 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.

MAY 31, 2013

Chapel Offices: NAS I 095-56-3975, NAS II 095-86-9049, DSN: 624-3975, CHAPLAIN DUTY: 335-831-4493 RP DUTY: 335-786-1950

By Jan Stanley Story teller

Story Time at the NAS I Library is a place where children and adults come together to share in the enjoyment that books bring.

Why is Story Time important? It promotes reading, which is a great foundation for young children when they start kindergarten.

It also teaches kids from an early age the value and magic of books.

I take great pleasure in reading with the children every week at

the library. It's always fun to try and capture their imagination and see their faces light up with understanding. I try to mix it up with songs and finger plays (especially for the younger ones) and it's a great way to meet new people and see familiar faces.

Take advantage of Story Time, which is held at the library every Wednesday morning starting at 10 a.m. The Summer Reading Program is another great opportunity to enjoy books. The Summer Reading Program will be open to all and will involve the book "Flat Stanley" and traveling.

Anyone interested in volunteering to read, please call the library at 095-86-3875 (DSN 624-3875). We are always looking for volunteers. In the meantime, pick up a book, or better yet, share a story with a child and watch their imagination soar!

Chief Master-at-Arms (SW) Barion Haywood conducts a ‘loyalty’ and ‘heritage’ brief during the Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella Petty Officer Leadership Course (POLC) in the Compass room on NAS I, May 20. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Cameron Bramham/Released)

By MC3 CAMERON BRAMHAM NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

Sailors participated in the Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella Petty Officer Leadership Course (POLC) in the Compass room on NAS I, May 20. “[POLC] instills in our Sailors the characteristics of leadership necessary to meet the expectations of the rank that they will soon be advanced to,” said Chief Master-at-Arms Barion Haywood.

Haywood said POLC allows chief petty officers to facilitate courses for incoming first, second, and third class petty officers.

Haywood added that POLC is important for Sailors to attend the courses but also believes that Sailors should not stop there when it comes to their training.

“This is our opportunity to discuss with them and teach them about the leadership challenges that they may face as they accept greater responsibility,” Haywood said. “Don't let your leadership training end at the completion of your Petty Officer Leadership Course. Take the topics covered in your course back to your work centers and discuss them with your Chief and your co-workers. This will not only continue the learning process for you but will also allow those around you to learn as well.”

DON'T DRINK and DRIVE. In case you haven't heard, it's still NOT OK to drink and drive.

Drinking and driving endangers the safety of everyone on the roads and throughout our community. Sigonella's Security Forces will continue to perform increased Alcoblows and sobriety checkpoints on all of our installations. Although this is a great deterrent for our bases and people coming through the gates, many DUIs and DWIs are the result of traffic accidents. In every case, local law enforcement has required BAC samples. If above host nation limits, criminal charges have been/will be pressed.

Don't become a statistic and don't think that because you're out in town you won't get caught.

It's simple: DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE.

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MAY 31, 2013

C O M M UNI T Y C A LEND A R

JUNE

MAY 31

ITT Catania Shopping*

2013 Monday

3

Playgroup Marinai Youth Complex 10 - 11 a.m.

4

$1 Bowling* Sparetime Bowling

11 Playgroup Marinai Youth Complex 10 - 11 a.m.

5

Wednesday Storytime*

Battle of Midway Anniversary

Library 10 a.m.

FREE MOVIE:

Texas Hold'em

Battle of Midway Midtown Theater 2 p.m.

*EVERY MONDAY

10

Tuesday

6

Storytime* Library 10 a.m.

1

2

Thursday

7

8

9 Movie in the Park "Wreck-it Ralph" Marinai Roller Hockey Court 7:30 - 10:30 FREE

Relocation Fair FFSC 1 - 3 p.m.

*EVERY FRIDAY

13

14

15

16

Texas Hold'em Jox Pub 6 p.m. *EVERY WEDNESDAY

IMPORTANT EXTENSIONS:

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NDW to Celebrate 71st Anniversary of Battle of Midway Victory From Naval District Washington Public Affairs

Family Night Out* Sparetime Bowling 5 - 8 p.m.

*EVERY WEDNESDAY

Sunday

*EVERY FRIDAY

Survive & Thrive FFSC 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Jox Pub 6 p.m.

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Saturday

Friday

MAY 31, 2013

Liberty/Connections/Take 5: x4246, x5602 Outdoor Rec: x4777, x4396 Fitness: x4483, x5243 Midtown 2 Theaters: x4248 FFSC: x4291 American Red Cross: x4900

Does your command or organization have an event you’d like to see on the Community Calendar? Email us at thesig@eu.navy.mil and let us know!

Need an appointment at the hospital? Call DSN 624-CARE (2273) or commercial 095-56-2273, M-F: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

For non-emergent medical questions that arise over the weekend, holidays, or after office hours, please call 335-578-8077 if you are normally seen at the hospital or 335-578-8150 if you are normally seen at the Flight Line Clinic.

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Naval District Washington will be honoring the service and sacrifices of the Midway veterans during the 71st Battle of Midway Anniversary at the Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C., June 4, at 9 a.m.

June 4, 1942, was a historical game-changing day for the United States military. On that day, the U.S. Fleet defeated the finest of the Imperial Japanese Navy in the waters off a small Pacific atoll named Midway.

The Battle of Midway spanned three days, at the end of which large-scale Japanese expansion in the Pacific was no more.

"It was a major battle in terms of our own ability to meet the enemy and defeat him," said Robert Cressman, a historian with the Naval History and Heritage Command. "The skill of the attacks and heroism was great on both sides."

Cressman says Midway was a significant strategic target. "If the Japanese could capture Midway then they could attack Hawaii anytime."

He said recounting the plan of the Japanese Imperial Navy which was to capture Midway to lure the U.S. carriers that had roamed unimpeded between February and April, into decisive battle and destroy them. The object was to destroy what the Japanese considered its most dangerous element: its carriers.

"The Japanese planned to attack Midway and draw out our carriers," he said.

But that didn't happen thanks to intelligence, specifically the work of intelligence station HYPO Americans were ready and waiting. Retired Navy Capt. John Crawford told of how cryptologists broke the Japanese code which revealed the bearings and location of the Japanese fleet. "It was miraculous. Our intelligence predicted the time of the planned attack, the distance and location of the Japanese."

Crawford was on the bridge of the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown (CV-5) when the message came in at 4 a.m. "Our intelligence solved the problem. I was happy as a clam and I was relieved as I read the message to Capt. Buckmaster."

The message also bore-out the Japanese military's ominous attack plan. "Many planes were headed to Midway," said Crawford.

"We were attacked first by dive bombers around noon, then aircraft from the Japanese carrier Hiryu followed our planes and attacked us," Crawford said.

According to Cressman, from the Yorktown's perspective, the Hiryu's dive bombers came in at about 2:00 p.m., and stopped Yorktown with at least three bomb hits. Yorktown repaired, had just gotten underway and was proceeding fast enough to launch planes when the Hiryu torpedo planes (their second strike, unrelated to the first), attacked at about 4:40 p.m., scoring two hits.

Cressman said, June 4, she was attacked twice.

Yorktown got hit a third time, by the submarine I-168, June 6.

"After the first attack, she got underway just in time to be attacked a second time, then took two torpedo hits that stopped the ship again, forcing her abandonment," he said.

The crew was evacuated to several awaiting ships including USS Russell, the ship that now carried Crawford and some of his crewmates.

"What they did was transfer them to another ship and parcel them around," said Cressman.

The next day USS Hammann was on scene, ready to provide power and maintenance support to the disabled Yorktown. In the area were American destroyers patrolling in an effort to protect Yorktown from the enemy.

Crawford said he was relaxed aboard the rescue ship destroyer Russell, then he learned the tide had changed in favor of the Americans.

"We knew by the time we were picked up that we had sunk most of the Japanese carriers."

The Japanese had sustained relentless attacks from land and carrier based aircraft. However, danger still stalked the American fleet from beneath the waters. June 6, Japanese submarine I-168, a 1400-ton "Type 6-A" submarine torpedoed USS Yorktown and destroyer Hammann which exploded and sank immediately. The Yorktown went down the next morning.

At the outset of the Battle of Midway, the American fleet boasted three aircraft carriers: USS Hornet, USS Enterprise and USS Yorktown to Japan's Akagi, Kaga, Hiryu and Soryu.

"We nailed three of the four in the first part of the battle," said Cressman. "Hiryu, which survived the first devastating attack that morning, took mortal damage that same [June 4] afternoon. She had been the most successful Japanese carrier that day, having launched two attacks that damaged the Yorktown twice, first with bombs, second with torpedoes."

All told, a devastated Japan lost four of its six fleet aircraft carriers that had attacked Pearl Harbor. Also lost were a large number of highly trained aviation mechanics.

Cressman says the veterans who fought valiantly in the Battle of Midway more than demonstrate the characteristics of honor, courage and commitment.

"The Navy has core values and the people who fought at Midway personify them."

Robert Cressman is the author of several books, including The Official Chronology of the U.S. Navy in World War II. This chronology of American World War II naval operations greatly expands and updates a work published just ten years after the war. Drawing on information from more than four decades of additional research sponsored by the Naval Historical Center, the work addresses the operational aspects of every theater in the naval war.

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MAY 31, 2013

On May 23, about 3,000 students and teachers arrived in the Sicilian capital from the ports of Naples and Civitavecchia aboard two ships to mark the 21st anniversary of the slaying of anti-Mafia magistrate Giovanni Falcone and his slain colleague Paolo Borsellino killed by mafia in 1992.

Thousands of students remember magistrates killed by Mafia in Palermo, 'Mafia martyr' Don Giuseppe Puglisi beatified in Sicily

By ANSAmed/BBC

Photo by http://radiomosaici.blogspot.it/

Spring events in Caltagirone Bring the whole family and friends to celebrate spring in Caltagirone, one of the most beautiful Baroque towns in the Catania Province and a UNESCO Heritage site! Caltagirone offers an array of spring events in May for anyone who enjoys arts, outdoor activities, eating good food and learning about the Sicilian culture.

Programs include art exhibitions, a religious festival to honor the Madonna Conadomini or Conadomini Virgin Mary, music and fashion shows, wine tasting, and food fairs.

The “Festa della Madonna Conadomini” is held on May 31 in the historic heart of the town. The Conadomini Virgin Mary, who is venerated in town, is depicted in a 15th century painting preserved in the Chiesa di Santa Maria del Monte, a beautiful church sitting atop the famous tile-decorated steps of Santa Maria del Monte.

This imposing 17th century scala (steps) is decked with flowers (Infiorata) through Sunday, June 2 to honor the Madonna. This year, this set of steps is decorated with a writing remembering the 100th anniversary of the first celebration honoring the Conadomini Virgin Mary.

In the past, devotees used to set up edicole (little temple-like structures intended as a shrine or votive offering) in town featuring an image of the Virgin Mary during the festival and, after sunset, recited a special rosary in Sicilian.

On May 31, a religious procession begins at 7:30 p.m. in the historic center. The festa ends with a spectacular fireworks’ show.

The Museo Regionale della Ceramica (Regional Museum of Ceramics) is another must-see stop. It houses an impressive collection of ceramics from ancient times up to modern day.

As reported by Thatsarte.com, the local production of functional pottery started as early as the 2nd century B.C. thanks to the abundance of clay in the area. The style and techniques adopted by the first inhabitants of Caltagirone were deeply influenced and modified by the many cultures who ruled this part of Sicily. First the Romans, then the Greeks, the Arabs, the Spanish and the Normans. Each culture provided new elements of creativity and technical experience to the local ceramic production, making it one of the most distinctive in Italy. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. For more information call 0933-58418/23 According to Sicily’s Region web site, Caltagirone takes its name from an Arabic expression (qal’at-alganom) meaning “castle of the genies” (spirits believed to dwell in the surrounding caves). The necropolises in the country areas of Montagna and degli Angeli, dating from the 2nd millennium B.C., together with numerous findings from the Neolithic and the early Bronze Age, are evidence that the territory was inhabited in prehistoric times. A Sicel settlement has been identified on Monte San Mauro, southwest of the modern town. The Arabs built a castle here which was attacked in 1030 by a group of Ligurians led by the Byzantine general George Maniakes. The local dialect still has some Ligurian traces. The town flourished under the Normans and the Swabians and became a centre for the production of ceramics. The earthquake in 1693 necessitated reconstruction that was the work of a number of skillful baroque architects, including Gagliardi, Marvuglia and Bonajuto.

For more information and detailed festival schedule call Caltagirone Tourist Office at 0933-41365.

Palermo - On May 23 , Italian president Giorgio Napolitano praised slain anti-mafia judges Paolo Borsellino and Giovanni Falcone on the anniversary of Falcone's death. ''Italy has been strongly influenced by these two exceptional servants of the nation, by these important judges, these authentic heroes that sacrificed their lives in the name of lawfulness and democracy,'' Napolitano said. ''Their battle, and their example, have borne fruit''. On May 23, 1992 a roadside bomb took the lives of Falcone, his wife and three police officers. The massacre was followed by a July 19 car bombing that killed Borsellino and five police officers.

Many of the mobsters involved in the killings have been brought to justice, including former Cosa Nostra head Salvatore 'Toto'' Riina, who ordered them and a number of bomb attacks in Rome and Florence.

But many shadows continue to hang over this period in Italy's history. These include doubts about whether politicians were involved in negotiations with the Mafia at the time and whether rogue elements in the nation's secret services had a role in the bloodshed.

Napolitano himself has been linked to investigations into alleged negotiations to stop the series of Cosa Nostra bomb attacks, but the head of state denies this.

Last Thursday, thousands of Italian students sailed to Palermo aboard so-called 'ships of lawfulness' to mark the slaying of Falcone. An estimated 3,000 students and teachers arrived in the Sicilian capital from the ports of Naples and Civitavecchia on board two ships, The Falcone and The Borsellino.

They were greeted by a large group of Sicilian students, politicians and family members of the magistrates'. Senate Speaker Pietro Grasso used the occasion to comment on a recent bill that proposed drastically reducing sentences for those convicted of colluding with the mafia. He

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MAY 31, 2013 called the very idea ''divisive''. ''The only permissible division in the fight against corruption is the one between the honest and corrupt,'' said Grasso. The issue hit the headlines this week when a Senator allied with ex-premier Silvio Berlusconi's People of Freedom (PdL) party briefly tabled a bill that would reduce the maximum sentence for 'external involvement in mafia association' from 12 years to five.

Amid an immediate outcry, the bill was withdrawn because ''it was so unpresentable,'' said Grasso. ''Shame brought that bill down. I hope they don't re-propose it''. Grasso added that it was important that citizens see their politicians working together for justice, in order to maintain confidence in government institutions. ''The State must be and appear to be strong, serious and credible,'' he said. A number of people who have worked to bring down organized crime in Italy remain under threat, such as Roberto Saviano, author of the 2006 bestseller Gomorrah, which exposed the inner workings of the Naples-based Camorra mafia, sparking death threats and round-the-clock police protection. As reported by BBC news, more than 50,000 people have attended the beatification of Don Giuseppe Puglisi, a Roman Catholic priest murdered by the mafia in 1993.

The ceremony, in the Sicilian capital Palermo, marks the penultimate step on the path to being made a saint.

He was shot by a hitman in front of the church where he used to urge his congregation to disobey mafia bosses. He will be the first victim of organized crime to be declared a martyr by the Catholic Church.

Six men are currently serving life sentences for the murder, which took place on his 56th birthday.

Forty bishops and a cardinal representing Pope Francis attended the ceremony, as well as government ministers from Rome.

Born in Palermo, Father Puglisi was the son of a shoemaker and seamstress, and was ordained at the age of 22.

He taught mathematics and religion in several schools, served as the chaplain in an institute for orphans, and went on to work in run-down areas of Palermo.

But he became a target as he grew increasingly outspoken in denouncing crime and alleging collusion between politicians and mafia figures. Don Giuseppe Puglisi has been declared a martyr of the church, murdered "in hatred of the faith".

He was famous for a rhetorical question, which he used as a catch phrase in order to encourage Sicilians to stand up and fight organized crime: "And what if somebody did something?"

The BBC's David Willey in Rome says the Catholic Church has been accused in the past of an ambiguous relationship towards Cosa Nostra, the men who for decades have controlled organized crime on the Mediterranean island.

By beatifying Father Puglisi, the Church is making a strong stand against mafia crime - which has been protected by a code of silence - our correspondent says.

Earlier this month, Pope Francis proclaimed the first saints of his pontificate in a ceremony at the Vatican - a list which includes 800 victims of an atrocity carried out by Ottoman soldiers in 1480.

These meant that, within two months of taking office, he had proclaimed more saints than any previous Pope, although his predecessor Pope Benedict had given the go ahead for their canonizations.

JUST SAY Pra ctice

IT!

your Italia n!

Learn how to say these words in Italian!

English: to sail Italian: navigare

English: to pray Italian: pregare

English: to sing Italian: cantare

English: to run Italian: correre

English: to write Italian: scrivere

English: to preserve Italian: conservare

Electrical bills jump 11.2% in Italy; Country one of Europe's most energy costly Brussels - Italians saw their electricity bills jump by 11.2% in the last half of 2012 compared with one year earlier - one of the largest increases recorded in the European Union, the region's statistical agency said Monday. At the same time, gas prices for Italian families rose by 10.3% between the last six months of 2011 and the same period in 2012, Eurostat reported.

The jump in household electricity prices across the EU came on the heels of an average price increase of 6.3% between 2010 and 2011, and an average gas price hikes of 12.6%. According to Eurostat, the largest price increases for electricity were reported in Cyprus, where prices jumped by 21%; Greece, with a 15% increase; while Italy ranked third for the greatest price increase in 2012 compared with one year earlier. Ireland and Portugal each saw a 10% price rise while the cost of electricity dropped in Sweden, by 5%; Hungary, down 2%; and Finland, down 1%. In terms of gas prices, families in Latvia saw a 21% increase; in Estonia, a 19% rise; and in Bulgaria, prices jumped by 18% last year.

Italy chefs roast junior minister who snubbed national cuisine ROME (Reuters) - Top Italian chefs are clamoring for the resignation of a junior minister who dismissed the country's cuisine as a poor copy of trendy French cooking, poking a sore spot in a long-held kitchen rivalry between the two nations.

"I have a negative judgment of the skill of Italian chefs," Italian Culture Undersecretary IlariaBorletti Buitoni told weekly magazine Panorama.

"In Italy, we haven't been able to eat well for a long time, unfortunately. We are trying to do what's trendy, what's French, moving away from our concept of cuisine."

Restaurateurs were outraged at the betrayal by a person whose job is to promote Italian culture, including the culinary kind whose regional diversity has given the world famed pasta dishes, risotti, pizza, fine wines and gelato.

"I read this statement in disbelief," Raffaele Alajmo, owner of the three Michelin star restaurant Le Calandre ranked 27th best in the world, wrote in an open letter to Prime Minister Enrico Lettaquestioning if the minister was in the right job.

"What parallel world does Mrs Borletti Buitoni live in? What restaurants has she eaten in to declare the total collapse of Italian cuisine?"

Her words stung all the more because she comes from food aristocracy in Italy: she takes her name from her husband, the former heir to the Buitoni pasta and sauce empire, now owned by Nestle.

"If she comes to my restaurant, I'll ignore her," Rome chef Filippo La Mantia told Panorama.

The snub was seen as an own goal in a historic rivalry between the two countries.

"In France, butchers and pastry-makers are awarded prizes every year from the government as the best

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artisans in the country. In Italy, far from recognizing our value, our institutions are actually against us," said two-starred Michelin chef Moreno Cedroni.

Others lost no time in slipping in a jibe at the culinary prowess of their Gallic rivals.

"She accuses us of aping the French. She should know that their cuisine is outdated," said chef Chicco Cerea of northern Bergamo.

Behind the bile lies a serious concern about support for a tourist industry that accounted for 8.6 percent of Italy's gross domestic product in 2011, a mainstay of an economy mired in its longest recession on record.

Both France and Italy are in the top five mostvisited countries in the world, but France has remained persistently more popular with tourists, according to the world tourist organization.

Rates of divorce, separation rising in Italy, says Istat (ANSA) Rome - Marriage in Italy is becoming increasingly fragile as the number of separations and divorces has jumped dramatically over the past two decades, Istat reported last Monday. And on average, marriages last just 15 years, the statistical agency added. For every 1,000 marriages in 1995, there were 158 separations and 80 divorces; in 2011, the rates increased to 311 separations per 1,000 marriages and 182 divorces. That shows a jump of almost 56% in the divorce rate and doubling of the separation rate compared with 1995. The 2011 rates, however, were little changed from one year earlier: an increase of 0.7% in 2011 separations compared with 2010 and a slightly drop, 0.7%, in divorces in the same time period.

Almost 89,000 separations and almost 54,000 divorces were reported in 2011, says the statistical agency. On average, marriage lasts 15 years before separation and 18 years before divorce, Istat found. Average age for separation is approximately 46 years for husbands and 43 for wives while in divorce, the ages are slightly higher, 47 for men and 44 for women. Almost 85% of separations were consensual while 69.4% of marriages ended by mutual agreement.

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MAY 31, 2013

Visit Villa Romana del Casale

Located just a few kilometers outside of Piazza Armerina, the Villa Romana del Casale was built between 330 and 360 A.D. (Photos by Jackie Trembath)

by jackie trembath NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

Located in the center of Sicily, in the province of Enna, the picturesque town of Piazza Armerina embodies Italian charm. With its narrow cobble stone streets and baroque architecture, the city offers a visual retreat to those who visit.

Founded during the Arab era, Piazza Armerina features a beautiful baroque Duomo and a medieval castle, the Castello Aragonese.

However, the city is best known for the Villa Romana del Casale, an ancient Roman villa with the largest and most complex collection of Roman mosaics in the world. In fact, the villa is one of the 44 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy.

Located just a few kilometers outside of Piazza Armerina, the Villa

The town of Piazza Armerina is picturesque.

The main Duomo is baroque style.

Romana del Casale is quite a tourist attraction. For a small fee, visitors get a ticket to view the villa and step back in history. Built between 330 and 360 A.D., the villa depicts scenes from daily life including hunting and exercising. Perhaps the most famous of the mosaics is that of women clad in bikinis exercising with barbells.

There are catwalks mounted on top of the old walls of the villa. The catwalks protect the mosaics from being walked on and allow visitors a bird's eye view of the 3,500 square meters of masterpieces.

Take advantage of the proximity to Piazza Armerina and make a day trip from Sigonella. See for yourself the charm of the city and step back in time with a visit to the Villa Romana del Casale.

The Duomo is spectacular inside.

The ruins of Castello Aragonese, a medieval castle remain in the center of the city.

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MAY 31, 2013

Calling all Naval Air Station Sigonella college graduates!

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MAY 31, 2013

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ON THE GO WITH MWR Don't miss the fun

Call on the

Fit Chics

... Here's what's hap

pening:

for PT FUN!

Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella Class of 2012 stands during the NAS Sigonella Navy College Office Graduation Recognition Ceremony. During the ceremony, thirty-nine NAS Sigonella graduates received degrees ranging from Associate's to Master's degrees. (U.S. Navy Photo by MR1 Gary Spence/Released)

University of Maryland University College Europe (Sigonella) Senior Field Representative Lou D'Angelo provides information via telephone for the 2013 NAS Sigonella Navy College Office Graduation Recognition Ceremony which takes place June 12 in the NAS I Chapel. (U.S. Navy Photo by MC3 Cameron Bramham/Released)

by MC3 Cameron Bramham NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

Naval Air Station service members and family members are invited by the NAS Sigonella Navy College Office (NCO) to attend the annual NAS Sigonella NCO Graduation Recognition Ceremony at the NAS I Chapel, June 12.

“The ceremony is for anyone and everyone who graduates from the period of December last year [2012] through December of this year,” University of Maryland University College (UMUC) Europe Senior Field Representative Lou D’Angelo said. “We do have people who will be walking, but haven’t received their degree yet. They may be finishing in August, they may be finishing in December, but the idea is they may not be here for next year’s ceremony. So they won’t get a chance to don that cap and gown, or do their tassel turn anywhere else. We want them to be able to participate.”

UMUC isn’t the only school that will be handing

out degrees during the ceremony. Others include the University of Phoenix, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and Central Texas College.

“Anyone receiving their diploma from any of the contracted schools on base is welcome to attend,” D’Angelo said. “We also have people who get their degrees online through a lot of extraneous schools associated with [NAS] Sigonella [NCO].”

UMUC President Javier Miyares is scheduled to attend as the guest speaker during the ceremony which commences at 1 p.m. There will also be a rehearsal ceremony at the NAS I Chapel, June 11 at 3 p.m.

D’Angelo said that no one needs to wear their cap and gown for the rehearsal, but would like people to attend to make sure everyone involved is on the same page.

“We have about 50 people so far scheduled to walk,” D’Angelo said. “We basically need everyone there to

choreograph the process before conducting the actual ceremony.”

For those who plan on participating in the ceremony, and haven’t received their caps or gowns, contact D’Angelo or NAS Sigonella NCO universities as soon as possible.

“It could be close but I don’t want people to not to walk because of a cap or gown issue,” D’Angelo said. “I want people to contact me and we’ll see what we can do from there.”

For more information on the ceremony, or questions about graduation statuses, contact the NAS Sigonella NCO at 624-4514/4517, Central Texas at 624-4306, Embry-Riddle at 624-4550, UMUC at 624-4492/4496, and Phoenix at 624-4339. Those associated through online schools with questions or concerns can reach D’Angelo at UMUC.

Physical Readiness Test (PRT) season may be over for now, but that’s no reason to forget about command Physical Training (PT) programs. Are you a Command Fitness Leader (CFL) who is looking for fresh new ideas on how to train your sailors? MWR Fitness can help! The “Fit Chics” – Jill Lynch, Monica Long, and Erin Work – would love to lead a command PT session and show you some fresh, out-of-the-box ways to up your command’s fitness ante. These ladies are the instructors who teach the CFL and Navy Operational Fitness and Fueling Series courses here at Sigonella, so not only can they make PT fun, but additionally, they are on the cutting edge of the latest and greatest Navy fitness techniques and trends.

Sailors who largely ignore their fitness throughout the year and then try to make up for it right before PRT time are more likely to be injured during their PRT. “We can make our Sailors stronger, better, faster in a safe,

motivating way,” says Fitness Director Jill Lynch. "When the Fit Chics run a PT session, the Sailors receive focused, hands-on training and form correction in a group setting."

Call on MWR Fitness to pull your command out of the monotonous cycle of running, push-ups, and sit-ups: from TRX suspension training to indoor cycle classes to high intensity training and unique circuit workouts, the Fit Chics can blast variety into your PT regimen.

Call Jill Lynch at 624-4301 or email jill.lynch@eu.navy.mil to schedule a session for your command. One Fit Chic will lead a smaller command or platoon, but all three energetic ladies will come out together to run a mass PT session for an entire large command! Each command or platoon may schedule one PT session per month with the Fit Chics. Call or email today to reserve your spot!

Midtown Movie Theaters Schedule & Descriptions

Friday, 31 MAY 13 *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Grilled Sausage Patties, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Waffles, B’fast Pastries. *Lunch: Cream of Mushroom Soup, Lasagna, Tempura Fish, Baked Fish, Steamed Rice, Calico Cabbage, Herbed Broccoli, Cake/Cookies.

Speed line: Grilled Cheese/Hamburger, Baked Beans, French Fried Potatoes. *Dinner: Chicken Noodle Soup, Italian Sausage & Chips, Chicken Cacciatore, Rice Pilaf, Southern Green Beans, Savory Squash, Cake.

Tuesday, 04 JUN 13 *Breakfast: Hot Farina, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Grilled Sausage Patties, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Waffles, Biscuits and Gravy, Asstd Pastries. * Lunch: Cream of Asparagus Soup, BBQ Spareribs, Southern Fried Chicken, Chicken Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Hopping John, Corn on the Cob, Southern Style Greens, Jalapeno Corn Bread, Cake. *Speed Line: Grilled Panini Sandwich (Beef/Turkey), French Fried Potatoes. *Dinner: Zesty Bean Soup, Pasta al Forno, Roast Pork Tenderloin, Orange Rice, Roasted Potatoes, Southern Greens, Seasoned Mixed Vegetables, Down Cake, Oatmeal Cookies.

Saturday, 01 JUN 13 *Breakfast: Farina, Grilled Ham Slices, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Buttermilk Pancakes, Asstd Pastries. *Brunch: Breakfast Items, Creole Soup, Chicken Nuggets, French Fried Potatoes, Asparagus, Calico Corn, Cake. *Dinner: Vegetable Soup, Baked Lasagna, Steamed Rice, Grilled Pork Chops, Seasoned Asparagus, Steamed Cauliflower, Garlic Bread, Cake.

Wednesday, 05 JUN 13 *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Creamed Ground Beef, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Blueberry Pancakes, Asstd Pastries. *Lunch: Clam Chowder Soup, Fish w/Cherry Tomatoes, Grilled Pork Chop w/Mushroom Gravy, Buttered Potatoes, Rice Pilaf, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts Polonaise, Cake. *Speed Line: Grilled Cheese/Hamburger, Baked Beans, French Fried Potatoes. *Dinner: Cream of Chicken Soup, Meat Loaf, BBQ Chicken, Steamed Rice, Mashed Potatoes, Brown Gravy, Greens Beans Nicoise, Steamed Peas, Cake.

Sunday, 02 JUN 13 *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Grilled Minute Steak, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, French Toast Puff, Asstd Pastries. *Brunch: Breakfast Items, Broccoli Soup, Pork Roast, Carrots, Rice Pilaf, Club Spinach, Cake. *Dinner: Chicken Vegetable Soup, Sauerbraten, Spaghetti Garlic & Oil, Mashed Potatoes, Natural Pan Gravy, Steamed Cut Green Beans, Seasoned Carrots, Cake.

Thursday, 06 JUN 13 Black History Month Meal *Breakfast: Hominy Grits, Corned Beef Hash, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, French Toast, Asstd Pastries. *Lunch: Chicken Noodle Soup, Roast Beef, Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Brown Gravy, Collard Greens, Cauliflowers, Corn Bread, Cookies. *Speed Line: Baked Italian Sausage w/pepper & Onions, Onion Rings. *Dinner: Minestrone Soup, Turkey Pot Pie, Veal Parmesan, Ginger Rice, Boiled Egg Noodles, Calico Corn, Steamed Broccoli, Cookies.

Monday, 03 JUN 13 *Breakfast: Hot Hominy Grits, Minced Beef on Toast, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Pancake, Asstd Pastries. *Lunch: Creamed of Broccoli Soup, Stuffed Baked Fish, Steamed Rice, Mixed Vegetables, Chicken Adobo, Squash, Brownies, Cake. *Speed Line: Assorted Pizza. *Dinner: Vegetable Supreme Soup, Salisbury Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Brown Gravy, Linguine Carbonara, Peas & Onions, Corn on the Cob, Brownies, Cake.

Friday, 07 JUN 13 *Breakfast: Hot Oatmeal, Grilled Sausage Patties, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Waffles, Asstd Pastries. *Lunch: Cream of Potato Soup, Spaghetti yakisoba, Tempura Fish, Baked Fish, Tossed Green Rice, Seasoned Mix Vegetables, Summer Squash, Cake. *Speed Line: Grilled Hamburger/ Cheeseburger, French Fried Potatoes, Baked Beans. *Dinner: French Onion Soup, BBQ Spareribs, Steamed Rice, Deli Sandwich (Ham/Turkey), Chips, Spinach, Cauliflower Polonaise, Cake.

Wednesday, June 5 5:00 PM 5:30 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM

Now You See Me Hangover Part III The Great Gatsby 3D Iron Man 3

Thursday, June 6

Friday, May 31 5:00 PM 5:30 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM

5:00 PM 5:30 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM

Now You See Me Big Wedding Mud Iron Man 3

PG-13 R PG-13 PG-13

Saturday, June 1 2:00 PM 2:30 PM 4:30 PM 5:00 PM 7:30 PM

Epic 3D PG 42 PG-13 Now You See Me PG-13 Mud PG-13 The Hangover Part III R

Sunday, June 2

2:00 PM 2:30 PM 4:30 PM 5:00 PM 7:30 PM

The Hangover Part III R Epic PG Fast & The Furious 6 PG-13 Pain & Gain R Star Trek 2 3D PG-13

Tuesday, June 4 2:00 PM 5:00 PM 5:30 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM

Battle of Midway PG 42 PG-13 Scary Movie 5 R Oblivion PG-13 Evil Dead R

Iron Man 3 3D Big Wedding Star Trek 2 Mud

Friday, June 7

5:00 PM 5:30 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM

Peeples Now You See Me Hangover Part III Fast & Furious 6

PG-13 R PG-13 PG-13

PG-13 R PG-13 PG-13

PG-13 PG-13 R PG-13

Saturday, June 8 2:00 PM 2:30 PM 4:30 PM 5:00 PM 7:30 PM

Epic 3D PG Big Wedding R Peeples PG-13 The Great Gatsby PG-13 Mud PG-13

Sunday, June 9 2:00 PM 2:30 PM 4:30 PM 5:00 PM 7:30 PM

Now You See Me Epic Star Trek 2 3D Pain & Gain Fast & Furious 6

Movie Premiere

Free Movie

Same Day Release

Last Show

PG-13 PG PG-13 R PG-13

EPIC 2D & 3D ... PG STARRING: Amanda Seyfried, Beyoncé Knowles, Josh Hutcherson

A teenager finds herself transported to a deep forest setting where a battle between the forces of good and the forces of evil is taking place. She bands together with a rag-tag group characters in order to save their world -- and ours. (102 m.)

THE FAST & FURIOUS 6 ... PG13 STARRING: Dwayne Johnson, Vin Diesel, Paul Walker

Agent Luke Hobbs enlists Dominic Toretto and his team to bring down former Special Ops soldier Owen Shaw, leader of a unit specializing in vehicular warfare. (142 m.)

THE HANGOVER PART III ... R STARRING: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis

This time, there's no wedding. No bachelor party. What could go wrong, right? But when the Wolfpack hits the road, all bets are off. (100 m.)

MUD ... PG-13 STARRING: Matthew McConaughey, Tye Sheridan, Jacob Lofland

Two teenage boys encounter a fugitive and form a pact to help him evade the bounty hunters on his trail and to reunite him with his true love.

(130 m.)

NOW YOU SEE ME ... PG-13 STARRING: Morgan Freeman, Mark Ruffalo, Jesse Eisenberg

An FBI agent and an Interpol detective track a team of illusionists who pull off bank heists during their performances and reward their audiences with the money. (116 m.)

Movie schedule is subject to change.

Please call to confirm.

Movie Hotline: 624-4248

ANESTHESIA APPENDIX BIOPSY BLOOD BONE SAW BRAIN CALIPER CANNULA CATHETER CLAMPS COLON DILATORS DISTRACTORS DRILL ENDOSCOPE FORCEPS GRASPERS HEART HEMOSTAT HOOK INCISION INJECTION IRRIGATION KIDNEY LANCET LIVER

LUNGS MALLET NEEDLE OCCLUDERS PROBE RETRACTORS RIBS RULER SCALPEL SCISSORS SKIN SPECULA SPLEEN SPLINT SPONGE STAPLER SUCTION SURGEON SUTURE SYRINGE TISSUE TRACHEOTOME TRANSPLANT TREPHINE TROCAR TWEEZERS

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SUDOKU DIFFICULT

SURGERY

MAY 31, 2013

MEDIUM

GAME ZONE

MAY 31, 2013

EASY

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IL

M ERCATO

AUTOMOBILES 1972 Fiat 500l in great condition.

Must see! Asking 4,800 euro.

Call Joe at 346-6082330.

2009 HD FDXF Dyna Fat Bob. Black, 5K miles. $10K. Call 348629-8881 or 624-2941.

PAID AD

Adopt while stationed overseas International & fostercare adoptions, homestudies. www.adopt-abroad.com

MAY 31, 2013

MAY 31, 2013

American Red Cross sends delegates to AWAG Leadership and Training Seminar

All classified ads are free to the community for advertising personal property for sale, trade or giveaway. Ads must be sent to thesig@eu.navy.mil no later than 5 p.m. of the Friday before the week of publication and must include POC name and phone number. For more information, call 624-5440, 624-2798 or 095-86-5440/2798 or stampagenerale@tin.it.

SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIM ADVOCATE HOTLINES:

Sigonella SAPR VA Hotline: 335-642-8312.

DoD Safe Helpline: 001-877-995-5247 (From cell phones and off-base telephones) Or: 19020 (toll-free access code)1-877-995-5247 (From DSN lines)

The appearance of advertising in this newspaper, including inserts of supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Navy (or Marine Corps), (name of command) or (name of publisher) of the products and services advertised. “Everything advertised in this newspaper shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the publisher shall refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected. Published by Stampa, a private firm in no way connected with DoD, the U.S. Navy (or Marine Corps), under exclusive contract with the U.S. Navy (or Marine Corps).

NOTE: Ads run for two weeks on a space available basis and must be sponsored by active duty military members, family members or Italian/ American base employees. AFTS/AFN decoders must be sold only to another authorized individual: active duty or retired U.S. military, DoD direct-hire employees or their spouse.

Ads that profit a business or individual, such as housekeeping or baby-sitting services considered commercial ads. Commercial ads are not accepted.

Requests for commercial ads must be made to Stampa Generale: 081-568-7884 or stampagenerale@tin.it

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By elizabeth biddle American Red Cross Americans Working Around the Globe delegates from ItalySouth attended a special leadership and training seminar.

The American Red Cross (ARC) in Sigonella sponsored two member delegates, Ashanti Cole and Shannon Freeman, to attend the 57th Annual Americans Working Around the Globe (AWAG) Leadership and Training Seminar held at Edelweiss Lodge and Resort in Garmisch, Germany, May 5-9. The theme for this year's seminar was "Leading By Serving" and more than 200 delegates from Germany, Belgium, Italy and United Kingdom attended the four days of training.

Keynote speakers included Gen. Philip M. Breedlove, MG Michael S. Repass and Army CSM Faris.

Gen. Philip M. Breedlove, NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe thanked volunteer delegates for always being there for his family.

MG Michael S. Repass, Commander of Special Operations Command Europe since 2010, provided a look at "Why Are We In Europe? " In addition, CSM Chris and Mrs. Lisa Faris took the stage to offer a very authentic look at how deployments and war take their toll on marriage. Army CSM Faris spent much of his adult life in the military's most secretive, frequently deployed units. The operational tempo only increased after 9/11.

Now the senior enlisted adviser to Adm. William H. McRaven, commander of U.S. Special Operations Command at Tampa, Fla., he gave delegates an inside look at how PTSD can change everything.

Another keynote speaker was Kathy Roth-Douquet, co-founder and CEO of the military family organization, Blue Star Families.

She provided delegates with the findings of the 2013 Military Family Lifestyle Survey which highlight key concerns identified by military family members including: pay/benefits, with specific emphasis on changes to retirement benefits, military spouse employment, the effects of deployment on children, and issues surrounding military child education. She stated the survey revealed that "92% of respondents felt the general public does not truly understand the sacrifices made by service members and their families." To read more of the survey go to: www.bluestarfamilies.com AWAG is an organization whose mission is to train, strengthen, and connect volunteers and their organizations and their communities. All volunteers in our community are invited to participate in AWAG conferences. AWAG is planning a mini-AWAG in the Fall of 2013 in Sigonella. Those interested in attending or speaking should contact italy-south@awagonline.org.

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MAY 31, 2013