VICENZA, Italy — A unique group of people at U.S. Army Garrison Italy recently joined together for a social event that offered them a sense of community.
Their commonality – they’ve each suffered the loss of a family member in the U.S. military. In Army communities, they are known as Surviving Family Members.
Survivor Outreach Services, part of the garrison’s Army Community Service, honored them during the holidays – an annual event held at the Golden Lion on Caserma Ederle. Dozens of people, to include Maj. Gen. Todd Wasmund, commanding general, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, and Col. Scott Horrigan, commander of USAG Italy, attended the event.
It’s just one the many ways the SOS program remembers those who have passed by supporting their love ones, said Steve Mendiola, USAG Italy’s SOS coordinator.
“It's our goal to make sure that every survivor in our community is reached,” Mendiola said. "We provide services for as long it's wanted—not just how long it is needed.”
The program is a pillar of the Vicenza Military Community, said Jolly Miller, ACS director, who recently spoke with the Garrison Outlook about the SOS program. Services include financial and employment resources, designated on-post parking spaces, mental health support and bereavement services.
"The loss will never be forgotten or 100 percent mended,” Miller stated. “But, with some dedicated help from professionals, it can be relieved.”
For Luca Harbeson, a surviving family member, ACS offers opportunities for fallen loved ones to be remembered outside of traditional events such as Memorial Day services.
"When you lose someone, you're kind of lost," Harbeson said. "So, (ACS) are helping to guide (survivors) in the right direction."
Harbeson's father, Chief Warrant Officer 2 James R. Harbeson, died in a 1990 helicopter accident while serving as a SETAF helicopter pilot. In 2021, the garrison dedicated the Child Development Center and School Age Center at Villaggio to his memory.
Visitors to ACS on Caserma Ederle can also learn more about the SOS program through the Wall of Heroes. It’s a way for local surviving families to remember their loved ones. The wall features photos and plaques of the community's fallen soldiers in a comfortable waiting area.
"It is an honor for ACS to be able to offer the opportunity to all members of our community to remember our fallen heroes,” Miller said.
For more information on Survivor Outreach Services, visit their webpage.
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