Through a video produced by the 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), two Sky Soldiers based at Caserma Del Din showed visiting students from Prospect High, Ill., a world they had never seen before -- that of being Soldier serving in Italy.
The 19 high school seniors were travelling in Italy on an educational exchange program with the Copernico High School of Verona and were welcomed by their peers at Vicenza High School March 25. Most of them were first timers in both Italy and on an Army base.
Sgt. 1st Class Jan Johnson, HHC Brigade, and Sgt. Angie Trejo, Brigade Support Battalion, talked with the students about the importance of having the U.S. military overseas and gave them a soldier's perspective of what the Army and duty in Europe are all about.
"It is a unique opportunity to be here today and get a chance to interact with young students," said Trejo. "It was really good to see them so interested in what we do in our daily life here in Italy, both at work and off duty."
The students learned about the history and the mission of the brigade as the Army's only contingency response force in Europe, capable of rapidly projecting troops in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The video included exclusive images not often seen in the news media.
"I am very passionate about the Army and when I get a chance to talk about my experience there is a synergistic effect that results in a positive experience for all involved," Johnson said.
After an overview of the brigade's recent training deployments, Johnson and Trejo engaged the students in a group discussion that became more interactive with each question.
Keeping the conversation flowing with personal anecdotes, the Soldiers shared their respective career experiences with highlights on the camaraderie, excitement and sense of purpose mission in what they do for the Army. They also told students about their combat deployments, with Johnson serving four tours of duty in Iraq and Trejo one in Afghanistan.
One student asked if they had ever been in a situation that scared them. Both answered that good training and discipline are essential to deal with any fears about the obstacles or challenges that might come along the way. They agreed that it is a lesson they learned with the Army, and it also applies when they don't wear the uniform.
The students quickly took notice of their combat uniforms and asked questions about their uniform insignia. Johnson noted Trejo's master parachutist badge on her uniform, explaining how it is awarded only to individuals rated excellent in character and jumping efficiency.
More than one student was interested to know why they joined the Army.
"I was bored," said Johnson. "I could have gotten loans for college but didn't want to start out my adult life in debt, so initially I joined for something to do and be able to make my own way through college."
"The beautiful thing about the Army is that it gave me three years to figure out what I wanted to do in life," he said. "It also gave me a chance to get out there, take some time to see the world and be a part of something bigger than myself."
The military presentation was organized by Michela Ambruoso, Italian language teacher at VHS, in an effort to add value to the students' visit to Caserma Ederle and provide the most unique learning experience possible.
Ambruoso worked closely with her counterpart from Illinois, Lyn Scolaro, who accompanied the students on a ten-day trip around the Veneto region. Both teachers are members of the Italian Honor Society and support educational exchanges to promote interest in the study of Italian culture.
"The sergeants were wonderful. They really motivated the students and provided incredible information. It was very, very meaningful. You could see it and feel it by the numbers of raising hands with multiple questions," Ambruoso said.
"This experience was extremely important for me as an educator," Scolaro said. "When one teaches a world language, along with that comes the ideals of the country, its culture, its food, its historical gems, etc." She added that when Professoressa Ambruoso mentioned the opportunity of meeting some Soldiers here in Italy, they were all very excited, especially one of her student whose father was stationed in Vicenza between 1990-1993.
Senior Christa Cecala said that her older brother was born in Vicenza and this base is part of her family's life. "My parents speak about it all the time at home. Even though I have never been here, I feel there is a special connection with Caserma Ederle and I am very fortunate to be here today," Cecala said.
Asked if she enjoyed the military briefing, visiting student Emily Saenz said it was interesting to see how the Army can have such an impact overseas. Before coming to Italy she said: "I had no idea that an American presence was within this community, and this is great."
Fellow student Brendan Fergus joined the ROTC program at Prospect High and plans on pursuing a commission as a Navy officer after college. "I found the briefing very informative and helpful, especially in explaining U.S. military life in other countries. That opened up many interesting perspectives," Fergus said.
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