Soccer brings service member closer to Italian culture

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Matthew Lotz
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  A 31st Security Forces Squadron defender is developing Aviano ties with the local community as one of two Americans playing on an Italian soccer team in Aviano.

Jose Padron-Hernandez, 31 SFS office clerk and operator, is the team's starting defensive back, but more importantly, he's building ties with the people he considers more than just coworkers.

"People should take advantage of the work relationship we have with our Italian counterparts," said Padron-Hernandez. "If I hadn't joined the team, I wouldn't have been able to experience the Italian culture like I have."

The team consisting of mostly Italian air force security forces members, started when the two nations' - U.S. and Italian air force defenders decided to scrimmage after work. Padron-Hernandez's talents stood out to his future teammates and they asked the 23 year old if he would join their team.

"My friends said things like 'Italians are amazing at soccer' and 'you won't be able to keep up with them', they play different from how I play and I think that's why they liked me," said Padron-Hernandez. "I'm aggressive and if I fall down, I won't just lie there looking for a penalty -- I'll get back up."

The stereotype of Italian soccer didn't keep Padron-Hernandez from stepping out on the field with the Italians, but the physically-demanding first week of practice almost ended his desire to play.

"That week kicked my butt," he said. "Italians are very healthy and in shape so the first practice we just ran. It started with a mile on the track and I thought 'ok this isn't bad', but then we ran another three miles before we even touched a ball."

Physical fitness isn't the only thing needed for a long season, which is October through May, Padron-Hernandez says. He explained that over his 12 years playing soccer, being mentally fit is also important.  According to Padron-Hernandez remembering the definition of a team is key to having team chemistry.

"I know my teammates have my back," he said. "If I foul an opposing player or take the ball, they will run up to me screaming something in Italian and I have no idea what they saying. My teammates will always run up to them and say 'He's American,' and they leave me alone.

"They don't care if your American or Italian, in the end, they just want to play soccer," he added.

Military members stationed overseas may have difficulty overcoming language barriers during their tour, but even with broken words and hand signals his teammates do their best to accommodate him.

"It is difficult for us because we try to speak English and it may not come out like we wanted," said Alessio Buonnano, ITAF security forces member. "Although my English is not always right, we always find a way to communicate."

Though both Buonnano and Padron-Hernandez face challenges each time a new drill begins, they overcome and believe the team is part of something greater than just 'compagni di squadra' or teammates.

"I would say as little as 'hey' to my co-workers before the team, but now it feels like a small-Italian-family environment," said Padron-Hernandez. "I feel a little more comfortable being stationed overseas."

"He teaches me English and we teach him Italian," Buonnano said.

The end of the season and their soccer family is near with only two and half months left. Although the team hasn't won many games and has the option to call it quits at any time, they plan to keep going and finish strong.

"I think we have won three games, tied two and lost a lot, but honestly that doesn't matter to me," Padron-Hernandez explained. "People ask me why I haven't quit. I made a commitment and will finish the season. I'm having fun."