Scorpions sting Italian school with goodwill

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Lindsey Maurice
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Aviano Airmen dedicated their time and energy Oct. 16 to help a local Italian elementary school, the Scoula Materna di San Quirino with various beautification projects around the school.

The Airmen, all from the 603rd Air Control Squadron, said they saw a need in the community and acted on it, donating about 60 hours of their time and supplies.

"My son goes to school there and they recently did a large renovation over the summer months," said Master Sgt. Eric Clark, 603rd ACS NCO in charge of quality assurance. "While the work was complete, they left some things unattended that were not. We always do a great job of helping our own on the base, but not so well in assisting the local community. There were several things that were going into disrepair and I simply asked the director if the base and more specifically the 603rd ACS could help."

Twenty-one Airmen assisted with the project. Tasks included trimming trees, preparing the yard for seeding new grass, mowing and trimming the lawn, painting benches and varnishing the outdoor playhouse. Participants also hung up wooden staffs that the teachers use to display children's artwork and information bulletins for parents.

"I think doing this is great," said Senior Airman Zachary Gripp, 603rd ACS vehicle maintainer. "It's fun to volunteer, but when it's to help kids its even better because they can't always help themselves."

Members of the unit also donated several needed items for the students such as crayons and coloring books.

"Community projects like this are important because we can show the local community that we truly do care and that we're not only here for our own interests," said Sergeant Clark. "It shows that we are friends and can bring new ideas as well."

Elena Noluta, the school director, said everyone at the school really appreciates the effort the Airmen put forth.

"We are very happy they are here," she said. "These were all things that needed to be done and we really needed their help to finish it. We are very thankful."

Sergeant Clark said the school faculty and staff was very gracious through the entire project and that he was just glad the "Scorpions" could be of service.

"The school staff was great, even making us a cake and providing drinks," he said. "The school board president, mayor of San Quirino and the vice president of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region also thanked the base personally Oct. 17 during the school's grand re-opening ceremony."

Airmen looking to volunteers in the community can contact the Airman and Family Readiness Center volunteer coordinator at 632-5407.