Col. Matthew Gomlak presents awards to Italian soldiers, Tenente Colonel Paolo Anzisi and Artigliere Michela Augusto, for their military horse and artillery display during the garrison’s Independence Day celebration on July 5.

VICENZA, Italy – For Col. Matthew Gomlak, pausing to highlight the achievements of garrison employees and local community members is a pleasure of the job.

Gomlak, commander of U.S. Army Garrison Italy, took part in a July 28 awards ceremony where he applauded more than 60 Soldiers, civilians and Italian carabinieri for their service to the community.

“One of my favorite things to do is recognize and appreciate all the contributions of our garrison team, in our organizations and in the broader community,” Gomlak said. “We are one big family here.”

More than 100 spectators took part in the afternoon event held at the Golden Lion on Caserma Ederle. Nearly 300 people watched via livestream, to include family members of awardees watching from the U.S. and other locations.

Cub Scout Pack 295 were the first to take the stage, receiving a certificate of appreciation for their support of the garrison’s 247th Army birthday celebration on June 14.

Col. Matthew Gomlak, commander of U.S. Army Garrison Italy, and 1st Sgt. Jonathan Risher, present length of service awards to Italian carabinieri.

Among the honored guests were Italian Base Commander, Col. Michele Amendolagine and Commander of the Carabinieri, Tenente Antonio Cerrone. Two special certificates went to Italian soldiers, Tenente Colonel Paolo Anzisi and Artigliere Michela Augusto, for their military horse and artillery display during the garrison’s Independence Day celebration on July 5.

“It was a world class experience,” Gomlak said.

Amy Cates, the community readiness and resilience integrator, Evelyn Watkins, human resources officer with the civilian personnel advisory center, and John Cummings, the garrison’s chief of operations received civilian awards for their support to the equal employment opportunity program. David Mangers, a garrison security specialist, was recognized as professional of the quarter. Carlos Florez-Baez was awarded for his work at the passport office.

Michela Martinello and Giulio Rigodanzo received recognition for their work at the central processing facility, taking care of newcomers and people departing the community. Cheers went out for Spc. Quintais Doublin, the military police soldier of the quarter. His family congratulated him online through the garrison livestream.

Several other employees received citations for their length of service, to include dozens of Italian carabinieri officers.