Soldiers help kids with paint and brushes

By Ms. Anna Ciccotti (IMCOM)April 23, 2015

Soldiers help kids with paint and brushes
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Soldiers help kids with paint and brushes
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Soldiers help kids with paint and brushes
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VICENZA, Italy - Eighteen Soldiers from the Vicenza Military Intelligence Detachment based on Caserma Ederle, joined with members of the Vicenza Alpini "Sarfatti -- Villaggio Del Sole" group to repaint the interior of the "Collodi" kindergarten school in Vicenza April 16.

Volunteers worked in morning and afternoon shifts and completed the interior painting the same day. Lunch offered the opportunity to build friendship.

"Every volunteer project inevitably becomes a lesson in Italian culture, whether we're enjoying homemade meals and looking through war artifacts in the Alpini clubhouses, or practicing Italian language skills and playing soccer with kids in the elementary schools," said 1st Lt. Ann Thompson, U.S., Army Africa Intelligence support platoon leader.

"I think we've learned that despite language and cultural differences, our core values aren't any different from those of our neighbors 'outside the gate'. Through these service opportunities, the Soldiers gain a strong sense of community that's greater than any classroom painting or trash clean-up we could ever give back," she said.

Asked what he enjoyed the most about the painting project, Spc. Bradley G. Durbin said that he appreciated going out and showing the local community the positive impact the American presence can have here. "The children can go home and tell their parents they got to play with us and that we painted their school and parents who picked up their children up from school got to see us."

Durbin added that spending lunch with the Alpini was enjoyable. "It is always nice to hang out with other nations' militaries as well as having the opportunity for Soldiers from different sections to bond outside the office," he said.

Proud to see that the partnership between the Alpini and the Soldiers from the Vicenza Military Community keeps growing stronger with each initiative, 1^ Mar. Lgt. Antonio Quaglia, Command Sgt. Maj. to the Italian Base commander, said "It is great to see the enthusiasm with which the Americans support the Alpini and how this friendship serves as a catalyst for renewed community pride and civic spirit for both our Italian and American partners."

The painting project is part of the Vicenza Garrison ongoing community neighborly initiatives between the Vicenza Military Community and local Italian organizations. Those interested in future activities can contact the garrison PAO at 637-8009.

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