Community Bids Farewell to Marks, 2 Welcomes New Commander Berdy Travel Safe This Summer by Karin J
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Vicenza and Darby Military Communities www.italy.army.mil July 28, 2017 | Vol. 50 | Issue 14 What’s Inside Community bids farewell to Marks, 2 welcomes new commander Berdy Travel safe this summer By Karin J. Martinez 3 Outlook Editor Meet the new CASERMA EDERLE – Members of garrison commander the Vicenza and Darby military com- munities, special guests, and family and friends gathered here July 21 to bid USARAF honors deputy farewell to the outgoing commander and welcome a new leader in the Unit- ed States Army Garrison Italy change of command ceremony at Hoekstra Field. 4 After serving in Italy for two years, Exercise "Rock Knight" Col. Steve Marks relinquished command of the garrison to Col. Erik Berdy, who comes to Vicenza from the Pentagon in 5 Washington, D.C., where he served as Finding Hope, Part 4 division chief for Strategy, Plans and Policy on the Joint Transregional Threats Coordination Staff. The ceremony was marked with not 6 only a big welcome to the Berdy fami- Air conditioning rules ly, but also a touch of sadness at Marks’ departure, beginning with a farewell to Col. Erik M. Berdy accepts the garrison colors from Michael D. Formica, Regional the commander from Installation Base Director of Installation Management Command Europe, during the change of Yard of the Month Commander, Italian army Col. Umberto command ceremony held on Caserma Ederle July 21. The passing of the unit D’Andria. colors signifies that Berdy has accepted his charge to command United States “I know it might be unusual for a for- Army Garrison Italy. (Photo by Antonio Bedin, 7th ATC RTSD-South) 7 eign officer to speak at an American cer- Firefighter training emony,” began D’Andria. “This ‘unusu- and honestly interested and attentive to In the 2015 ceremony when Marks took al’ event is explained by something just our culture and our places. … At times, the reins of the garrison, he said, “I prom- as unusual and exceptional, which is Col. commanders doubt about their accom- ise that I will do all that I can to ensure Volunteer opportunities Marks’ accomplishments during his two- plishments’ effectiveness. Steve, I do not this garrison remains ready to provide year command. know if you have ever had those doubts. support and services to our communities, “On behalf of all the Italians who If so, I am here to dispel them. Have no enabling mission readiness and enhanc- work here, whom I represent today, I doubts. We are aware of how much you ing quality of life.” 10 would like to extend … a deep and sin- accomplished, and we greatly appreciate See COMMAND, page 4 Out & About cere thanks. Thank you for being always it.” Also see related story on page 3 Medal of Honor to stay in Vicenza Antiterrorism By Charlsy Panzino Army Times awareness VICENZA — When troops receive the matters to all Palio di Siena Medal of Honor for acts of valor, they usually credit their fellow service mem- VICENZA — August begins Antiterror- bers. ism Awareness month, a campaign aimed Former Army Staff Sgt. Salvatore at promoting tips, tools and strategies for Giunta took that sentiment one step fur- recognizing possible indicators of terror- Did you know? ther last week when he offered his Medal ism. There are posters, leaflets, websites of Honor to the brigade he served with and manuals dedicated to training and l Around €3,000 of change is during the brigade’s “Bayonet Week” promotion of the program. thrown in the Trevi Fountain festivities July 3-7. Yet, how do we ensure that the mes- daily. It is collected and Giunta received the Medal of Honor sage has the widest dissemination pos- donated to charity. in 2010 for his actions in October 2007 sible without becoming tired, trite and when he was a team leader with Com- tedious? Is it leveraging more briefings, l Vatican City is the smallest pany B, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd more online training, and more mandato- country in the world. Parachute Infantry Regiment, 173rd Air- ry events? Is it leveraging social media, FRG and community involvement? borne Brigade Combat Team. Col. Gregory K. Anderson, previous l Italy has 50 UNESCO World Then a specialist, Giunta was conduct- It can be a combination of all of these 173rd Airborne Brigade commander, things, but these are just the first steps. Heritage Sites, more than any ing a patrol with his team in the Korengal holds Medal of Honor that was given other country. Valley in Afghanistan when they were to the brigade by former Army Staff Sgt. Antiterrorism principles should not ambushed by the enemy, according to his Salvatore Giunta. (Photo by 1st Lt. Victoria be the immediate thought upon waking l Eating pasta can be traced citation for the medal. G. McGoffin, 173rd Airborne Brigade Public in the morning, but should always be to the 4th century B.C. Giunta exposed himself to enemy fire Affairs) in the back of one’s mind as a basis of to help his injured squad leader find cov- self-protection and preservation. l Lilies are the national flower er. His body armor and secondary weap- the squad. The biggest key to ensuring everyone’s of Italy. on were struck with enemy fire as he per- Giunta then realized one soldier was safety is knowing what to look for, how formed first aid on the squad leader. still missing. to ensure you are not making yourself l Italy is the fourth most Using grenades to provide cover, Giun- He discovered two insurgents carrying a target, and whom to report suspicious visited country in the world. ta and his team made it to other wounded (From www.roughguides.com) soldiers who had been separated from See MEDAL, page 6 See ANTITERRORISM, page 4 Opinion & Policy Travel safe in Europe during summer vacation U.S. Army Europe Commander Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges VICENZA — Terrorist attacks have be- • Keep a low profile; make an effort to come more prevalent throughout Europe blend into the local environment. U.S. Army Africa Commander • Maj. Gen. over the past few years. During the sum- Be aware of your surroundings. Joseph P. Harrington mer travel season, please be vigilant. • Always let someone know where you Increased travel, mass transit, and large are going and when you expect to re- USAG Italy Commander gatherings of personnel could present at- turn. and Publisher tractive targets of opportunity for those • Stay away from high risk areas. Col. Erik M. Berdy • who wish to do harm. Watch or read the Avoid planned gatherings or demon- USAG Italy news, check out the State Department’s strations. Public Affairs Team Lead website for the countries you are travel- • Carry a cell phone. and Outlook Editor ing to, and contact your unit’s AT Officer • Know emergency numbers. Karin J. Martinez for information about travel location(s). Public Affairs Staff The U.S. Army Africa commander and Protecting our community and families Laura Kreider U.S. Army Garrison Italy garrison com- is a top command priority, and education Chiara Mattirolo mander encourage all personnel to mon- and awareness are the two most import- Aaron P. Talley itor local media and factor relevant in- ant elements to keep everyone safe. It Anna Terracino formation into their personal travel plans may seem difficult, if not impossible, to Mark Turney and activities. prevent an attack, but knowing what to The Outlook is an authorized publication With the current threat environment do if something occurs will improve ev- supporting the USAG Italy command in Europe, it is highly advisable to have eryone's chances of staying safe, keeping information program as provided by AR some sort of communications plan and in touch, and quickly reuniting with your 360-1. All editorial content of the Outlook is prepared, edited and approved by the USAG meet-up plan set up in advance of your family. Maintain situational awareness Italy Public Affairs Office, Unit 31401, Box travel, and to discuss this plan with your and stay safe.v 10, APO, AE 09630, located in Bldg. 10 on family. At least this way if something (Photo by Mark Turney, VMC Public Affairs Office) For more information on how to stay Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy. happens and your family gets separated, safe, contact the USAG Italy Antiter- Contents of the Outlook are not necessarily they all know where to meet up and you still be able to communicate if something rorism Office at DSN 637-8018, comm. the official news of, or endorsed by, the U.S. will have the best chance of being able to happens. If you still can't communicate 0444-61-8018. (AT OFFICE) Government, the Department of Defense, communicate with one another. via messaging because the system is so Department of the Army, Installation Regarding communications during bogged down, having predesignated Management Command-Europe, U.S. EMERGENCY NUMBERS Army Garrison Italy or U.S. Army Africa. a crisis, telecommunications systems meet-up points will get the family back in the affected area may become over- together. FIRE AND MEDICAL EMERGENCY (VMC) The Outlook accepts submissions. Call whelmed which may prevent or delay Though there is no known targeting of DSN 117 CELL 0444-71-7117 24 hours the editor with questions at DSN 637- 8031, comm. 0444-61-8031, or submit phone calls. Messaging delivery through Department of Defense personnel or as- via email at [email protected]. A apps and text messaging uses a different sets, that does not mean there is no threat. POLICE EMERGENCY 24 hours submission does not guarantee publication.