Photo By Master Sgt. Bryan Peterson | More than 20 Marines and sailors with SPMAGTF-CR-AF LCE volunteered their time cutting...... read more read more
Subscribe
NOTO, Italy – Local Sicilian government, business and church officials recognized Marines and sailors volunteer efforts, Feb. 26, during their a community relations event at the Villa Romana del Tellaro archaeological site in Noto, Italy.
Noto Mayor Corrado Bonfanti presented the Marines and sailors with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa Logistics Combat Element, who just finished cutting grass and cleaning areas surrounding the 4th-century site, with a “100 volunteer projects” plaque.
The Marines and sailors have volunteered at many Sicilian cities since they deployed to Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy, in July 2015, such as participating in American-Italian parades, war memorials, restoring ancient temples, engaging with Italian high school students in an English-speaking interactions, among many others.
Navy Lt. Derrick Horne, the SPMAGTF-CR-AF Logistics Combat Element chaplain, said the 100th community relations event summarizes the “positive influence American military members have had on the Sicilian population which goes to show we all share the same values.”
“We are guests in Sicily and we want to make sure we do our part in taking care of it,” said Horne. “Today’s recognition was amazing. It wasn’t about the number of events we have completed. Rather, the number represents how much we care and we want the people to know that.”
Horne and Dr. Alberto Lunetta, the NAS Sigonella community relations director, have worked together on a daily basis since the unit’s arrival to ensure the Marines and sailors have many opportunities to get out in the community and “make a difference,” according to Horne.
The difference is in the making. The old saying, “When one door closes, another opens,” doesn’t apply to the Marines and sailors. In fact, when one door opens, many more have opened.
One of the highlights during the deployment, according to Horne, was when Marines and sailors helped the University of Catania beautify its gardens and reorganize its library during its renovations. The engagement was the first time U.S. service members worked with the university since NAS Sigonella opened its gates in 1959.
Since then, some university students joined the Marines and sailors at orphanages, cleanup projects, among others, either cutting grass or translating.
“When we first got here, I would go to Dr. Lunetta and see what places and events we could be involved in,” said Horne. “After a while, the word was spreading around the island what we were doing and it got to the point where, instead of inquiring about where we could go, we started receiving requests for us to come to various locations around the island.”
The community engagements have also allowed local Sicilians and tourists to enjoy the island’s history, whereas, before, certain areas were inaccessible due to various factors.
“Just recently, we helped clean up areas surrounding the Temple of Zeus in Siracusa, where it was closed for quite a while,” said Horne. “Because of our guys’ and gals’ hard work, the local authorities opened the site back up for everyone to visit. It was great to see, because this island has so much history.”
The unit’s visit to Noto was a first, according to Bonfanti, and he hopes it isn’t the last. He said the residents of Noto are “happy to see our friends from across the world to be active in its community.”
“I’m very honored to be here to be with the U.S. military today and share my gratitude and my city’s gratitude with our friends,” said Bonfanti. “This is an intelligent way for the U.S. military to be appreciated in the area. Last year, through the media, I heard about all the events they were participating in and I am glad I was able to get in touch with the right person. The way they have touched the lives of Sicilians is precious and I know I speak for all Sicilians when we say ‘thank you’ and we hope to keep continuing this.”
Horne knows when the Marines and sailors rotate back to the U.S. in the near future, the incoming unit will continue the relationship even further.
“These events are great because it gets the Marines and sailors out to experience the culture and people of Sicily,” said Horne. “Also, it helps all of us to build relationships and, hopefully, sparks an interest to give their lives in service to others whether in the Marine Corps or as a civilian. As I’ve always said, the smallest act of kindness can have an impact that last for eternity.’ I believe we have begun that work here in Sicily.”
| Date Taken: | 02.29.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 02.29.2016 09:51 |
| Story ID: | 190413 |
| Location: | NOTO, IT |
| Hometown: | TULSA, OK, US |
| Web Views: | 208 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Sicilians recognize Marines for 100th community relations event, by MSgt Bryan Peterson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
LEAVE A COMMENT