U.S. Soldiers and Italian volunteers unite for Monte Berico cleanup ahead of annual pilgrimage

VICENZA, Italy — U.S. Soldiers from the Vicenza Military Community joined local Italian organizations on Aug. 30 for a community cleanup of the arcades and walkways leading to the Santuario della Madonna di Monte Berico, one of Vicenza’s most revered landmarks. The event marked the seventh consecutive year of this collaborative effort.

Nearly 40 volunteers, including service members, family members, and representatives from the Alpini groups of Vicenza and the Order of Malta, gathered early in the morning to prepare the site for the Sept. 8 celebration of the Virgin Mary of Monte Berico. The annual pilgrimage draws thousands of visitors from across the region and is a cornerstone of Vicenza’s religious and cultural calendar.

“This is our first time volunteering for a cleanup here, and I just think it’s a great opportunity to have our children be part of some volunteer work and give back to the community and just participate in making this a great place to live,” said Kimberly Dokos, an Army family member.

The event was more than a cleanup—it was a demonstration of community spirit and shared responsibility. Volunteers worked together to clear debris, sweep the arcades, and beautify the historic path leading to the sanctuary.

“I did this last year when I first arrived to Italy. This is my second time doing it, and it is very rewarding to contribute to a very historic place,” said Sgt. Miguel Campano, Operations NCO, Intelligence and Sustainment Company, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, Southern European Task Force, Africa.

“Italy has opened their doors to us so it’s important to show we appreciate them and that we care,” Campano said.

Campano also highlighted the strong leadership presence at the event.

“Our leadership stressed the importance of this event. We have our battalion commander, our command sergeant major, our company commander and our first sergeant out here helping as well,” he said.

Lt. Col. Christopher Christiana, commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, SETAF-AF, emphasized the value of the event for families.

“It’s a great family activity. It’s outdoors. It’s giving back. It’s teaching many life lessons that we always try to educate our children in and there’s nothing better than volunteering and selfless service,” Christiana said.

Monte Berico is steeped in history and spiritual significance. According to legend, the Virgin Mary appeared twice to a peasant woman during a plague in 1426 and 1428, promising relief if a church was built in her honor. The resulting chapel, completed in just three months, eventually became the Basilica of Santa Maria di Monte Berico, a Marian shrine elevated to minor basilica status by Pope Pius X in 1904.

Roberto Tovo, group leader and Alpini sectional councilor of Monte Berico, expressed his appreciation for the American volunteers.

“We ensure that this area is honored for the feast of the Madonna and I just have to thank the Alpine troops, but first and foremost, the Americans, because you give us a hand, we meet, we have a great party together,” he said. “We take care [of the porticoes first], but then we have fun.”

The event also served as a reminder of the long-standing partnership between the U.S. and Italy.

“We’re here volunteering to clean up the area in preparation for the festival while also building on 70 years of partnership between the Italians and Americans. Together we can accomplish great things,” said Col. Vaughn Strong Jr., USAG Italy Commander.

His son, Vaughn Strong, also participated in the cleanup.

“I’m a boy scout in troop 295, and it feels great to represent them while providing community service,” he said.

Command Sgt. Maj. Nadejda Vorobyeva-Santiago of the 414th Contract and Support Brigade said the event is a highlight of the year.

“It’s a really great event to come out every year to help the community and help to clean up historic sites, beautiful sites that a lot of people enjoy here,” she said. “It just really feels good to be part of the community and do this event.”

Kelvin Magee, deputy to the commander of the 414th Contract and Support Brigade, echoed the importance of community engagement.

“Every little bit that we do as Americans here in the community helps strengthen the relationships between our Italian partners and the U.S.,” Magee said.

The cleanup effort reflected a shared commitment to preserving Vicenza’s heritage and fostering connections between cultures. As the volunteers wrapped up their work, the arcades and walkways stood ready to welcome an estimated nearly sixty thousand pilgrims.

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