Aviano's Finest - Master Sergeant-Captain Category

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AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Name: Capt. Deborah Hatala

Unit: 31st Operations Group/ Operations Group Intelligence

Duty Title: Director, Intelligence Analysis

How long have you worked for the military? 4 years

Hometown City, State and/or Country: Manton, Michigan

How do you support the 31st Fighter Wing mission? OGI supports the 31st Fighter Wing mission by providing current, accurate intelligence to the 31st Fighter Wing Commander, wing leadership, the 510th Fighter Squadron, the 555th Fighter Squadron, the 603rd Air Control Squadron, and the 8th Air Support Operations Squadron. Our realm of responsibility includes everything from analyzing force protection threats to the base, to providing targeting imagery for the fighter squadrons, to informing the 31st FW/CC on emerging trends and threats in the deployed AORs that affect deployed Aviano members.

What's one thing you've learned about Italy's history, people and culture? Italians place a high value on family and relationships. They are extremely hospitable and generous, and once they get to know you, they will also treat you like family.

What's one advantage of being stationed overseas? Experiencing new cultures and forming friendships/relationships with people who have a completely different outlook on life; traveling to places many people only dream of; learning to appreciate what it is like to be a newcomer in a foreign country; and learning to appreciate the conveniences we take for granted while living in the States

What's your favorite European destination and why? I have multiple favorites, but my short list includes the following locations: Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria; the Sudräst Dreiländerecke (a hotel/restaurant just across the Austrian border); Hochosterwitz Castle in Carinthia, Austria; the Fregona Caverns near Vittorio Veneto, and Gorgazzo Springs just outside Aviano.