Wyverns assist in Aviano cleanup

  • Published
  • By Staff Reports
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Seventy Aviano Airmen and their families stepped up this weekend alongside 130 Italian volunteers from the local community to collect nearly 1,500 kilograms - more than 3,300 pounds - of trash on the first of three annual community cleanup days.

For more than 10 consecutive years, the 31st Fighter Wing has participated in these community events which simultaneously enhance the local environment and spread environmental-mindedness.

"The economic impact of this effort for the Aviano administration was huge," said Giovanna Coppola, 31st Civil Engineer Squadron community recycling liaison. "However, what made an even bigger difference was the educational impact the event had on environmental consciousness within the community as a whole."

Carlo Tassan Viol, Aviano environmental councilor, expounded on this point.

"It is a major warning signal for our environment," he said in reference to the amount of trash that the teams of volunteers collected.

At a celebratory lunch concluding the event, Italian air force Col. Stefano Cianfrocca, Italian base commander, thanked participants for their selflessness and enthusiasm.  "It is amazing how much was accomplished today," said Cianfrocca. "Thank you for your willingness to sacrifice your time to make this event a success."

U.S. Air Force Col. Bryan Wolford, 31st Fighter Wing vice commander, added his thanks and praised the flourishing partnership between the Wyvern community members and their Italian hosts.

"I'm excited to see how much we accomplished today," said Wolford. "I'm very happy to see our friendships and our partnerships in the community grow stronger as we work together."

Wolford presented certificates of appreciation to each participant that had been signed by Tassan Viol and Lt. Col. Dennis Phillips, 31st Civil Engineer Squadron Commander. Phillips highlighted how the event promoted pride in ownership of the community by both U.S. and Italians.

"As engineers, we're always building things, but one of the most important things we build is partnership," said Phillips. "We keep the foundation of our partnership solid with events like this."

Wyverns will participate in two more cleanup events in other communities in the next several weeks.