CASERMA EDERLE, Italy -- Italian base commander Col. Umberto D'Andria met with the entire Italian civilian workforce of the Vicenza Military Community during a first-of-its-kind town hall at the post theater here.
D'Andria opened the March 18 meeting by introducing himself and the Italian military staff to more than 300 in attendance, praising the workforce for its professionalism and dedication.
"What you do is vital to the success of the United States' mission in Italy, and I want to thank each one of you for your support and for worthily representing our country on the international level," D'Andria said.
The colonel, who assumed command Nov. 30, provided an overview of his role and responsibilities as Italian base commander, ultimately responsible for the Italian military infrastructure used by the United States for fulfillment of their mission.
"As the senior representative of the Italian Defense General Staff on base, my office has equal dignity as the American commanding general officer," noted D'Andria, adding that his primary duty is to ensure both parties abide by the terms and conditions of the bilateral Italian/American agreement.
During the hourlong session, D'Andria discussed his command priorities, which are aimed at strengthening the already solid ties between the two communities here.
While hiring, conditions of employment, and union-related issues are beyond the scope of his authority, the commander announced his willingness to serve along with his staff as an intermediary between Italian employees and their American counterparts.
"If you have an idea, a suggestion or a project that you think could be of interest to the community and you don't know whom to approach at the office, feel free to come and talk to me," he told the group. "My staff and I are willing to listen and provide support," he said, acknowledging that communication sometimes can be a challenge. Following his briefing, the commander opened the floor to questions.
After a few employees expressed concern over the perception of decreased security at the leased site of Lerino, D'Andria said he would address the issue with the garrison commander to see what can be done.
While most questions dealt with specifics of installation passes and base security, the general reaction among audience members appeared to be positive because the commander made it a priority to open a new door for dialogue, according to some workforce employees.
"In my 40 years with the U.S. Army here in Vicenza, it is the first time that an Italian base commander has met with the Italian workforce," said former union representative Ronald A. Carpenter, Environmental Division, Directorate of Public Works, U.S. Army Garrison Italy.
"I think this is an important signal that testifies the Italian military's attention to the issues of the Italian civilian employees," Carpenter said.
"I found Col. D'Andria to be an open person, with a good sense of humor. He projected a positive attitude, and I would say he was able to establish a solid foundation with his audience," said Leticia Pimentel, senior human resources specialist at the civilian personnel office. "Events like these make the Italian workforce feel more at home in the workplace. They provide a channel for open communication, and provide for a more interpersonal contact and perception of fairness in the workplace."
Also pleased with the opportunity of the town hall was Lt. Col. Alfredo La Marca, Italian Air Force Liaison officer stationed with South European Task Force at Caserma Del Din.
"Today it was great chance for both the Italian military personnel and the civilian workforce to get to know each other. I think everybody left with a better understanding of the role of the Italian armed forces within installations that host U.S. military units," he said.
Asked about his impression after more than three months into the job, D'Andria said the initial impact was quite challenging.
"This is a complex environment, extremely varied, and it requires a great deal of tact and determination. I think one can get the best results only with a high degree of personal commitment and motivation," he said, adding that a previous multinational experience and exceptional support from both Italians and Americans helped him make a seamless transition.
As far as goals during his tenure, D'Andria said: "The Italian workforce here has a lot to offer in terms of professionalism, and I am thinking of new ways to rightfully value those talents. At the same time, I would like to give more institutional visibility to that group of military who, almost unnoticeably, work on a daily basis to attain some goals that it would be impossible to achieve without their personal and admirable involvement.
"This is a fantastic assignment, and it is impossible to get bored. I am going to enjoy it a lot," D'Andria said.
Social Sharing