Travel: Discovering Friuli-Venezia Giulia: the territory

First of all, as for any other journey, we need a map to see where we're going. That, together with our imagination and curiosity, will be the only necessary tool for our trip. If you don't already have one, get yourself a Friuli-Venezia Giulia map, unfold it in front of you and be ready to travel

Travel: Discovering Friuli-Venezia Giulia: introduction

(This feature is part of the "Discovering Friuli-Venezia Giulia" series. These stories highlight the history and culture of the region surrounding Aviano Air Base.)It's something we all do; we'll often travel miles and miles (kilometers and kilometers if you're in Italy) to visit cities, take

Legendary ace returns to Triple Nickel

The Air Force's only Vietnam pilot ace visited Aviano's 555th Fighter Squadron Aug. 28 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of his fifth aerial victory while supporting operations in Vietnam.Retired Brig. Gen. R. Steve Ritchie, a native of Reidsville, N.C., earned the ace designation during the Vietnam

Travel: Being frugal on the French Riviera

I'm all for saving a couple of bucks whenever I can. If I go shopping, I'm going to hit up the sales and take advantage of coupons. When I need to make a major purchase, I do plenty of research for good bargains and the best reviewed products. Even when it comes to traveling I look for the best

Bystander intervention training ensures Airmen are part of solution

The sexual assault response coordinator here recently wrapped up a training initiative intended to highlight the importance of bystander intervention, remind everyone on the sexual assault reporting process, and highlight the purpose of the SARC and victim advocates.Rebecca White, the 31st Fighter

20 years later: Hurricane unable to topple historic wing

On Aug. 24 1992, Hurricane Andrew swept across southern Florida, leaving extensive damage in its wake. At Homestead Air Force Base, Fla., every building of the 31st Fighter Wing suffered some damage as a result of the hurricane. Many were destroyed. Naturally, the wing's personnel and aircraft had

COMMENTARY: Volunteerism strengthens communities

What is it? Defined by Dictionary.com, volunteerism is the policy or practice of volunteering one's time or talents for charitable, educational, or other worthwhile activities, especially in one's community. There are as many reasons why people volunteer as there are volunteers. Some of these

Aviano Airmen hone combat readiness skills

Travel: Historic tale of two cities

Budapest should be on everyone's bucket list of places to visit before leaving Aviano. The city has a rich history with a little something for everyone. There are many history and art museums, family friendly attractions, a great night-life scene, and for a truly relaxing weekend, the famous Turkish

31st Force Support Squadron won’t settle for being best

After being named best force support squadron in the Air Force, one might think the 31st FSS would just maintain their award-winning customer service standard, but the FSS at Aviano has something else in mind: improving on the best. After claiming 2011 Air Force's Gen. Curtis E. LeMay Award this