11 Italian community leaders inducted as honorary squadron commanders

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Michael O'Connor
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  The 31st Fighter Wing inducted 11 Italian community leaders as honorary squadron commanders in a ceremony Nov. 5 at the La Bella Vista Club here.

"This is an important program," said 31st Fighter Wing commander, Brig. Gen. C.Q. Brown Jr. "Much of the Wing's success comes from the community support of our Airmen and families assigned here."

The program, which began at Aviano Air Base in 1997, aligns leaders in the local community with Aviano squadron commanders to create avenues for continuous dialogue and the exchange of ideas between community and Air Force members.

As HSCs, participants can serve a two-year term. During that time, they participate in a variety of squadron and wing functions, whereas the 31st FW squadron commanders and unit members participate in local Italian events.

Since the program's inception, prominent members of the Italian community from such backgrounds as industry, business, professional and neighborhood associations, sports and entertainment, education, labor, religion, arts and philanthropic organizations, as well as media and publishing have participated.

While traditional elements of squadron change-of-command ceremonies were incorporated in the ceremony, the event focused on the induction of a new group of friends, rather than on one commander replacing another.

"Through this program, we are committed to enhancing the relationship and understanding between the base and community," said General Brown. "We hope the friendships created within the HSC program long outlast the two-year terms."

Leading up to the induction ceremony, inductees were met by General Brown, Col. Luca Cappelli, Pagliano e Gori Military Airport commander, and their respective unit commanders for a brief social. All received a wing mission brief and took part in several individual and group photo sessions. A reception followed the ceremony and they were afforded the opportunity to spend the remainder of the day with their respective units.

Aviano's Newest HSCs are:

Mr. Roberto Hellweger Rocco Barichello, Council member of Belluno Town board, 31st Operations Support Squadron
Mr. Claudio Menegazzo, Franchise Owner of BINGO food supermarkets, 510th Fighter Squadron
Mr. Ilario De Marco Zompit, Pro Loco President for the Aviano community, 555th Fighter Squadron
Mr. Gionata Sturam, Marketing Director for Claut Arts and Crafts, 31st Maintenance Squadron
Mr. Marco Tramontina, Entrepreneur in Computer Business, 31st Munitions Squadron
Capt. Luigino Cancian, Commander for Sacile Town Police, 31st Security Forces Squadron
Dr. Eng. Luigi Cimolai, Chairman of Cimolai Construction Industry, 31st Logistics Readiness Squadron
Dr. Ing. Paolo Qualizza, Commander Pordenone Fire Department, 31st Civil Engineer Squadron
Mr. Renzo Cardin, Director Media Relations for Pordenone Merchants Association, 31st Contracting Squadron
Dr. Yigal Leykin, Director of Pordenone Hospital Anesthesia Department, 31st Surgical Operations Squadron
Attorney-at-Law Bruno Malattia, President of Pordenone Criminal Chamber, 31st FW/Office of the Staff Judge Advocate

The outgoing HSCs are:

Mr. Andrea Malacart, 31st OSS, Mr. Andra Acco, 510th FS, Mr. Loris Pujatti, 555th FS, Dr. Antonella Vasti, 31st MXS, Col. Arrigo Buranel, 31st SFS, Dr. Silvano Carnera, 31st LRS, Mr. Gianfranco Della Puppa, 31st CES, Dr. Francesco Venier, 31st CONS, Dr. Fabio Springolo, 31st SGC and Attorney Giancarlo Zannier, 31st FW/JA.