U.S. Army Col. Stephen T. Skells, 207th Military Intelligence Brigade (MIB) commander, and Paolo Pellizzari, Mayor of Arcugnano Vicenza, Italy, discuss the meaning of the fallen warrior memorial statue at Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Italy Nov. 16, 2023. The visit provided an opportunity for the 207th MIB to forward the relationship between the Mayors of Longare and Arcugnano as part of U.S. Army Garrison Italy’s Community Alliance Program. During the visit, the local leaders received a better understanding of the 207th MIB by familiarizing them with the Brigade, its Soldiers, and Caserma Ederle. (U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Genesis Miranda)
(Photo Credit: Cpl. Genesis Miranda)VIEW ORIGINAL
VICENZA, Italy — When Matteo Zennaro stepped onto Caserma Ederle he didn’t anticipate the immersive American experience awaiting him.
Zennaro, the mayor of Longare, joined Paolo Pellizzari, the mayor of Arcugnano, recently as guests of the 207th Military Intelligence Brigade-Theater. The unit, which is due to move its headquarters to Longare is partnered with the two towns under U.S. Army Garrison Italy’s Community Alliance Program. The visit served as a catalyst for forging stronger bonds between the military and the local communities.
Col. Stephen Skells hands a framed group photo to mayor Matteo Zennaro at the end of their visit to Caserma Ederle. The visit provided an opportunity for the 207th MIB to forward the relationship between the Mayors of Longare and Arcugnano as part of U.S. Army Garrison Italy’s Community Alliance Program. During the visit, the local leaders received a better understanding of the 207th MIB by familiarizing them with the Brigade, its Soldiers, and Caserma Ederle.
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army)VIEW ORIGINAL
“This is a great experience for us,” Zennaro said. “We hope to see you at our Christmas markets.”
The visit unfolded as more than a diplomatic exchange — it became a testament to the power of shared experiences and mutual understanding. The 207th sought to bridge the gap between two communities.
“Deepening our ties with the Italian community is not just a goal– it's a commitment to unity and shared growth,” said Col. Stephen Skells, commander of the 207th MIB(T), emphasizing the building of a strong and interconnected community.
U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Maurice Parker, brigade command sergeant major of 207th Military Intelligence Brigade introduces and gives a brief history of himself at Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Italy Nov. 16, 2023. The visit provided an opportunity for the 207th MIB to forward the relationship between the Mayors of Longare and Arcugnano as part of U.S. Army Garrison Italy’s Community Alliance Program. During the visit, the local leaders received a better understanding of the 207th MIB by familiarizing them with the Brigade, its Soldiers, and Caserma Ederle. (U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Genesis Miranda)
(Photo Credit: Cpl. Genesis Miranda)VIEW ORIGINAL
Both mayors fully immersed themselves in the 207th’s mission and the day-to-day lives of its Soldiers. The command team took the local leaders to their headquarters for a briefing then showed them how the Soldiers work and live on Caserma Ederle. They even got a treat – an all-American barbeque lunch.
Between bites of pulled pork sandwiches, Zennaro and Pellizzari shared their satisfaction with the U.S. Army experience alongside their partners from the 207th.
The interaction went beyond the diplomatic niceties. It was an endeavor to promote the spirit of camaraderie and understanding between the military and the local Italian community, Skells said.
U.S. Army (left) 1st Sgt. Katina James, first sergeant of Bravo Company 522nd, 207th Military Intelligence Brigade (MIB), Lt. Col. Richard Smith, 522nd MIB commander, Command Sgt. Maj. Maurice Parker, 207th MIB brigade command sergeant major, Paolo Pellizzari, Mayor of Arcugnano Vicenza, Italy, Col. Stephen T. Skells, 207th MIB brigade commander, Matteo Zennaro, Mayor of Longare Vicenza, Italy, Lt. Col. Ramzy Nefoussi, 207th MIB deputy commanding officer, Lt. Col. John Wildt, 307th MIB commander, and James Gill, Senior Civilian Advisor, pose for a photo at Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Italy on Nov. 16, 2023. The visit provided an opportunity for the 207th MIB to forward the relationship between the Mayors of Longare and Arcugnano as part of U.S. Army Garrison Italy’s Community Alliance Program. During the visit, the local leaders received a better understanding of the 207th MIB by familiarizing them with the Brigade, its Soldiers, and Caserma Ederle. (U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Genesis Miranda)
(Photo Credit: Cpl. Genesis Miranda)VIEW ORIGINAL
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