VICENZA, Italy -- Sky Soldiers from the 173d Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) joined with paratroopers from the Italian army's 9th Regiment and Carabinieri military police at Aviano Air Base Nov. 5, 2013 to conduct a St. Michael's Day Jump.

"St. Michael is the patron saint for both the American and Italian paratroopers, police and emergency services personnel," said brigade chaplain Maj. Eddie Cook of Hickory, N.C., who served as one of the jumpmasters for the event. "The jump was a great success."

Cook organized the event and presided over the ceremony where he presented the Italian paratroopers with St. Michael's medallions and the two forces exchanged their countries' respective parachutist badges in the spirit of camaraderie.

"The conditions were great out here," said Italian army Sgt. Maj. and paratrooper Luca Bertozzo, who serves as the Italian army liaison officer at the brigade. "It was a beautiful day for this kind of thing."

Family members also travelled to Aviano to watch the jump. Troops were greeted on the ground by friends and family after they landed and took photos and exchanged goodwill throughout the day's training and airborne operation.

"We also had several members of the 173rd Airborne Association with us today," said Cook. "The members of the 173rd Association gave us perspective on some of the history and traditions of the "Herd" and the Sky Soldiers were glad to take photographs and share memories with the association members."

The 173rd Airborne Association members were in Italy to as part of a visit timed with the brigade's Running of the Herd Nov. 7-8 here. The annual 24-hour race recognizes the sacrifices of those Sky Soldiers who fought in Operation Hump on Nov. 8, 1965 during the Vietnam War. During that battle, the brigade lost 48 U.S. Soldiers and two Australian soldiers from its attached unit, the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment.

"We partnered with the Italians and worked with the Italian jumpmasters and had fellowship with our fellow Paratroopers here today," said Cook. "It was a great time and a superb chance to enjoy the esprit de corps between our forces. We were able to jump together and celebrate our patron saint of the airborne."

173rd Airborne Association Secretary Tim Austin from Choctaw, Okla., said it was fantastic to come to Italy and talk with Sky Soldiers and Italians during this special event.

"It is so good to be out here among these young men and women and see these airborne paratroopers conduct an actual airborne operation like this," said Austin. "It was a real treat."