Things You Need to know

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"Five Things" you should know (July 25, 2025)

1. July 27 is that last day that the City of Venice requires an Access Fee for all individuals aged 14 and above. This fee applied to visitors entering the city on designated dates and was part of a broader initiative to manage tourism flow. To all U.S. Service Members and affiliated personnel stationed in Vicenza: If you plan to visit Venice, please note that proof of residency in the Vicenza area and assignment to the U.S. base qualifies as a valid exemption from the Access Fee. If they implement a new fee, The Garrison Outlook will do our part to keep you informed. For additional information, visit https://cda.veneziaunica.it/en.
2. Gnocchi lovers, rejoice! Poianella di Bressanvido’s iconic Gnocchi Festival is back from July 24–29 in Piazza Marconi—serving up delicious handmade gnocchi, live music, dancing, charity raffles, and a fireworks grand finale. Catch acts like ASBRONZATISSIMI, EVOLUTION 80, and more! Entry’s free, food stand opens at 6 p.m. nightly. Come for the flavor, stay for the fun!
3. Montecchio’s going beachside! From July 30 to August 3, the old Boom area turns into an epic pop-up beach complete with live music, food trucks, a kid zone, and eco-friendly vibes (bye-bye plastic cups) Festivities start nightly at 6:30 p.m.—entry’s free with drink purchase, cheaper if you come early. Bonus: the setup is accessible + includes a no-alcohol bar for designated drivers
4. Starting July 31, the photo lab will no longer be able to fulfill the requirements for official DA photographs as the Department of the Army Photograph Management Information System will sunset. For those that have appointments for DA photos on Aug. 1 and beyond, those appointments will be cancelled. The photo lab will continue to take head-and-shoulders photos for command boards and the like, but no DA photos.
5. August 13 - Save The Date - the Community & Leaders Information Forum – “Back to School” edition. Come get the latest information about schools, upcoming events and more. This is a community town hall event that is open to everyone. It’s 10:30 at the Golden Lion. Mark your calendar, August 18 is the first day of school.

More stuff you should know this month ...

• August 20 to 22 - Army Community Service holds Benvenuti New to Vicenza? Do you want to learn a few helpful phrases in Italian and meet other spouses while sightseeing in the Veneto region? Join us for ACS FREE 3-day culture and language course, Benvenuti. Next session will be from 20 to 22 August from 9 to 2 pm. For more info call 0444-71-5843.
• August is Antiterrorism Awareness Month - Terrorism is an enduring, persistent, worldwide threat to our Nation and our Army communities at home and abroad. Extremist ideologies and separatist movements continue to have an anti-western and anti-U.S. orientation which threatens our Nation. Porous international borders and unimpeded access to social media presents increased opportunity for terrorists and their affiliates to travel and use the internet to provoke religious ideologies and radicalization at an increasing scale. Army communities must be capable of deterring, preventing, and defending against the full range of terrorist tactics.
• Time to Upgrade Your USID Card ... If you’re a military retiree or family member still holding onto a paper-based USID card—even one with an “INDEF” expiration—it’s time for an upgrade. The Department of Defense is rolling out new plastic USID cards that are tougher, more secure, and built to last. These new cards are gradually replacing the old ones, so don’t wait until yours is no longer accepted. You can easily schedule an appointment using the RAPIDS ID Card Office Locator, or reach out to your local ID card office at 0444-71-5147 for help.
• Want to reach the U.S. Army Active Duty and Reserve Recruiter for our area? It’s their mission is to support our Soldiers, Government Civilians, and Military Families by providing guidance on career opportunities within the U.S. Army and Army Reserve. Whether you’re active duty transitioning, a family member exploring options, or simply curious—I’m here to help. You must be a U.S. Citizen or Green Card holder. Call or message +49 1622631241 to learn more.

Still want to know more about USAG Italy ... we applaud you!

Piazza Project —This summer, the playgrounds and parking lot behind Bldg. 300 (Mensa/Java Café) and Bldg. 308 (SKIES) will permanently close as work begins on the new Ederle Central Piazza. Nearby playgrounds near Bldgs. 311 (Golden Lion) and 345 (Ederle Inn) will stay open. Limited Access at Spiritual Life Center Access to Bldg. 395 (Spiritual Life Center) will be restricted during construction. For info, contact Religious Services at DSN: (314) 646-4935. Office Relocations on Caserma Ederle The SHARP office is now at Bldg. 28. USAG Italy EO/EEO and CR2C have moved to Bldg. 393.

Central Processing Facility

VICENZA, Italy -- All Central Processing Facility services are relocated at Building 309. Relocated services include in- and out-processing, identification cards and Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System, Total Army Sponsorship Program, military pay in- and out-processing, housing, transportation, driver testing, and the photo booth.

CASUALTY NOTIFICATION AND CASUALTY ASSISTANCE OFFICER TRAINING 2025: 23 – 25 September. All classes from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Bldg. 359 on Caserma Ederle. Must be (E-7) & above, (WO-2) & above and (O-3) & above. To enroll, send Soldier’s name, rank, unit and email to: ariel.g.rivera2.civ@army.mil

PLACE MAIL ON HOLD DURING TDY/LEAVE: Before going on TDY or Leave, personnel should stop by the post office and place their mail on hold. Visit the postal services site to find information on how to forward or place your mail on hold.

REGISTERING FOR ALERTS: ALERT! is the primary DOD emergency mass warning system. Self-registration is available to Soldiers, Family Members, DAC Civilians, and LN employees on a CAC-enabled computer. Be sure to update your profile when you PCS.

Follow The Garrison Outlook for up to date info as well as alerts and closures. www.army.mil/italy