May 24, 2005

Paratroopers build Forward Operating Base in Bermel

By Catie Bertoldi22nd Area Support Group S3

This year’s annual 22nd Area SupportGroup force protection/anti-terrorismexercise, Lion Shake ‘06, is scheduled forNov. 8.

This exercise will be another step forwardin our efforts to prepare the Vicenza militarycommunity in the event of an emergency.

Not only does this exercise enable U.S.emergency responders and their Italian

Lion Shake ‘06 scheduled for Nov.8

Effective immediately, alltelephone numbers at the SanBortolo Hospital beginning withthe prefix “99” have changed tothe prefix “75.”

For example, the old PatientLiaison Desk number of 0444-99-3300 is now 0444-75-3300.

San Bortolo Hospitalchanges phone

numberscounterparts to practice, improve anddemonstrate their abilities in the event of aserious incident on this installation, but it willinvolve the participation of the Ederlecommunity as a whole.

The 22nd ASG will be using variouschannels to get this information to you. Forexample, this is the first of a series of articlesthat we will be placing in the Outlook to helpyou and your family prepare for the day’sevents.

Story and photoBy Sgt. Douglas DeMaio20th Public Affairs Detachment

FORWARD OPERATING BASEBERMEL, Afghanistan – A new ForwardOperating Base being built in the PaktikaProvince is giving the coalition and thegovernment of Afghanistan a footprint in theBermel district and bringing the battle to thefront door of insurgents.

Platoons from A Company, 1st Battalion,508th Infantry (Airborne), began buildingFOB Bermel April 27, and progress israpidly being made.

“It seems like we are doing somethingworthwhile here,” said Sgt. WilliamUnderhill, 3rd Platoon, 1-508th Inf (Abn).

Afghan National Army and police, alongwith Soldiers from 1-508 Inf (Abn), areusing the base as a staging ground foroperations throughout the remote district tobring security and stability to the previouslyungovernable region.

“We’re looking to fight a successfulcounter insurgency by going on the offensiveand establishing a secure presence in the areaso the government of Afghanistan can beginto function in the district,” said A Co.commander, Capt. Joseph Geraci.

Geraci said the government ofAfghanistan had previously tried to governthe region, but the police in Bermel had beenmurdered by insurgents along the boarderregion of Pakistan.

“What we’ve done here is put a big shockon the enemy’s position here,” Geraci saidabout setting up the FOB.

The FOB’s perimeter is already completeand permanent structures are being built tohouse the security forces who patrol the area.

Primarily, the Afghan Army and police

will patrol the district, allowing the 1-508Inf (Abn) Soldiers to provide training andlogistical support for the host nation forces.

“Mostly we are still in the process ofteaching them how to patrol this area on theirown,” said Pfc. Todd Arney, one ofUnderhill’s Soldiers.

Even though host nation forces will be

patrolling the district, the 508th will be inthe area, so the animosity surroundingforeigners not normally welcomed to thetribal area will need some work, Arneysaid. When the 508th arrived to the area,villagers where reserved at first, but manyof the villagers have warmed up to thesecurity and service the infantrymen are

providing to the community.“The people know why we are here,”

Arney said. “For the people that don’twant us here, we haven’t yet had a chanceto change their mind. If we do get to stayhere permanently, people are going tochange their minds. A lot of people alreadyhave.”

Pfc. Todd Arney, A Company, 1st Battalion, 508th Infantry (Airborne), assists local Afghans in building a barrier around ForwardOperating Base Bermel, which the unit is helping to construct. The barrier consists of two metal and fabric walls with dirtinbetween.

Story and photoBy Pfc. Jon H. Arguello173d Brigade Public Affairs

DEY CHOPAN, Afghanistan—In anintensive week of successful combatoperations, the 2nd Battalion, 503rdInfantry (Airborne) came away withseveral victories that demonstrate not justthe warfighting capabilities of Task ForceRock’s paratroopers, but their composureunder fire.

As Battle Company was climbingmountains and chasing insurgents, ChosenCompany won a victory in a large clash.

A convoy carrying the battalion

2-503d Soldiers fend off ambushduring week of heavy fighting

commander and sergeant major wasambushed and engaged in a fierce firefightthat left one American injured andunknown number of injured insurgents inthe Zabul province.

“It was the worst I’ve seen in 22 yearsof service,” said Command Sgt. Maj.Jeffrey Hartless, the battalion sergeantmajor. “From the first Gulf War to my lastdeployment in Iraq, I’ve never been in afirefight like that.”

The convoy was moving between unitsand as the roads got rough, the vehiclesbecame separated by more than 100meters. At that point, the two parts of theconvoy were attacked simultaneously byseveral rocket propelled grenades (RPGs).

“I yelled, ‘IED! IED!’ but it wasactually an RPG,” Hartless said.

“Right after the command sergeantmajor said ‘IED,’ a hail of bullets camedown,” said Spc. Edwin Laboy-Cortes.

As paratroopers dismounted, they wereimmediately fired upon by insurgentsusing small arms and then machine guns.Bullets ripped through the Humvee’s roof,blowing out gauges and riddling thetruck’s interior frame with bullet holes.

“We got out of the vehicle and bulletswere flying through it,” said Hartless. “We

Command Sgt. Major Jeffrey Hartless describes the ambush on his convoy in lateApril. It was the excellent reaction to the well-planned attack that prevented multiplecasualties.

See Ambush on page 4

2 THE Outlook May 24, 2005

This forum is to discuss issues that affectthe community.

If you have an issue that you would liketo submit, visit the 22nd Area Support GroupWeb site at www.22asg.vicenza.army.mil andclick on the Community Action Council link.This link provides you the opportunity toreview issues that have been previouslysubmitted and responded to by post agencies.There is also a form available for you tosubmit any new issue you would likeaddressed.

If you have questions, call 634-5222 or0444-71-5222 from off post. The commandencourages you to identify yourself whensubmitting a CAC issue in order to be ableto answer your concern directly.

Childcare is offered during the CAC at$2.50 per hour, per child for children ages 6weeks through kindergarten from 8:45-11:15a.m. Preregistration is required. Children willbe cared for in the Child DevelopmentCenter, Building 395. Children must beregistered with Child and Youth ServicesCentral Registration. Call 634-7219 or stopby their new location in Davis FamilyReadiness Center.

The next CAC meeting is Wednesday at9 a.m. in the Ederle Theater.

Issue: I have concerns for families tryingto get appointments with the pediatrician atthe Vicenza Health clinic. I work in specialeducation at the elementary school and sinceJanuary 2005, I have had at least threefamilies who have children with specialneeds who have been unable to obtain anappointment with the pediatrician.

I realize the clinic has been very busygetting the soldiers ready for deployment butlet’s not forget our children.

Response from the U.S. Army HealthClinic-Vicenza: First, the Vicenza Health

CommunityAction

Councilclinic staff apologizes to any and all of ourbeneficiaries who have had appointmentproblems or contacting their physician. Thehealth clinic commander has already actedon this issue, and others, by appointing a newsupervisor at the clinic front desk andappointing new personnel.

Next, the commander opened moreappointments and instituted a NOD (Nurseof the day) who can address any patient issuenot perceived as not running smoothly. Frontdesk staff are now prepared to take anypatient issue through telephone consultsdirectly to the physician for a response within72 hours.

Most importantly, we value our childrenequally as Soldiers. New pediatricians arearriving and they will be able to augment thegreat pediatric care our current pediatricianand family physicians have been delivering.This will also open even more appointmentsfor adults in Primary Care.

Finally, for any patient issue or concernthere is always a patient representativeavailable. Jo Penhallegon engages all patientconcerns with compassion and kindness andmay be reached at 634-7952.

Issue: There is no place for children whoare going into Kindergarten this fall to spendthe summer. The Child Development Centerstops providing care for children who havecompleted kindergarten, and School AgeServices won’t let children in until they haveattended first grade. Is there a place forkindergarten-age children to go thissummer?

Response from Directorate of Morale,Welfare and Recreation: The ChildDevelopment Center does continue toprovide full-day care for the “graduated”Kinders in the summer until their transitionto School Age Services, approximately twoweeks prior to school restarting in theautumn.

During their week-long transition to SAS,they will spend decreasing amounts of time

For the next 37 weeks, the 22nd AreaSupport Group Chaplain’s Family LifeOffice, in partnership with deployedSETAF and 173d Airborne Brigadechaplains, is publishing a series ofdevotional articles based on the best-selling book, “A Purpose Driven Life,”by Pastor Rick Warren.

The intent of these articles is to offerthe deployed Soldiers and their familymembers a devotional meditation whichcan be used as weekly discussion, andto deepen their spiritual connectionduring their separation.

Warren’s book is a 40-chapterspiritual journey that seeks to transformyour answer to life’s most importantquestion: “What on earth are we herefor?” Knowing God’s purpose forcreating you will reduce your stress,focus your energy, simplify yourdecisions, give meaning to your life,and, most importantly, prepare you foreternity.

The book is a blueprint for living inthe 21st Century – a lifestyle based onGod’s eternal purposes, not culturalvalues.

Chaplain (Maj.) James SheilVicenza Community Catholic Pastor

“This life is not all there is.”It might be hard to keep this in mind

as we face the many things continuallyclamoring for our attention and energy.

Yet, as important as these things maybe, there is so much more.

The great religious traditions remindus that this life is transitory, and is a

preparation for the fullness of life, or,perhaps the emptiness of life, that comeslater.

We reach the fullness of life when weare prepared to move into our full potential.

We reach the emptiness of life when wechoose to lay aside all that distracts us andkeeps us from knowing the peace for whichwe are created.

In the military setting, if we lose ourfocus on the mission and how to accomplishit, we will be defeated.

In sports, if we lose our focus, we willlose.

In life, if we lose our focus on eternity,we will be, at best, confused.

Philosophers talk about beingtransparent to eternity.

When we have an awareness of what isgoing on in our life as a reflection of andpreparation for eternity, we enter into amuch fuller appreciation of life and all thatis in it.

There is an old saying that; “When youare up to your ears in alligators, it is hard toremember that your original intention wasto drain the swamp.”

Most of our life we are up to our ears inalligators. We need to do what we can togain a sense of who we are. This requiresdiscipline and dedication, and begins witha choice.

A worthwhile question is, “How doeswhat I am doing now prepare me foreternity?”

Is there anything I need to start doing?Is there anything I need to stop doing?Where is what I am doing today taking

me?

in the kinder room, just as our preschoolerswill be transitioning into the Kinder roomthat week.

The ‘new’ first graders will take the lastfield trip of the season as SAS kids andwill be fully integrated at that time. AllKinders have first priority on enteringSAS.

Issue: During the last snowstorm Istopped in the Military Police desk at thegate nearest the chapel to ask if they’dplease open it due to the pile-up of carswaiting to exit the main gate.

The Italian MP’s told me they could notopen until 4:30 p.m.

After sitting in traffic one hour I calledthe MP desk and asked if they could pleaseopen other gates so people could leave.

I also suggested they make anannouncement on the PA system so peoplewould know not the sit in the long line atthe main gate. I was told later by a friendthe chapel gate was open after 4:15 p.m..I finally exited close to 5 p.m. and was homeat 6:30 p.m..

Response from Office of the ProvostMarshal: During that snowstorm, the MP’sestablished Traffic Control Points on OlsonAvenue in an attempt to facilitate movementoff-post. Gates 1 and 2 were open at thetime.

The problem we experienced trying toget off post was that traffic off post was ata standstill. The Italian public was tryingto get home at the same time.

As stated earlier, the traffic off post wasat a standstill, opening any other gates forexample Gate 3 (the gate used by schoolbuses) (on to Aldo Moro) would not havehelped as traffic was at a standstill.

Issue: Sometime ago there was asentiment presented to the communityactions council regarding theadministrative processes and coordinationfor the permesso di soggiorno.

The Community Action Council

responded with clear and precise insight butthe response had no information regarding thecoordination of this document for civiliansliving outside of Vicenza province.

I live in the province of Verona. When I firstembarked upon this journey to acquire mysoggiorno back in 2002, I went to the 22ndArea Support Group liaison office to initiatethe process but received no support.

I then went to the NATO base in Veronaand discovered they did indeed process thesoggiorno for Americans. Now that NATO hasclosed in Verona, who works the soggiornoissue in Vicenza?

Response from G-1: We have worked anagreement with the Verona Questura to processsoggiorno requests for customers residing inthe Verona area. In essence, we will advise/review the soggiorno applications here inVicenza. Customers who live outside theVicenza province will take the application tothe Joint Headquarters South (Caserma LiGobbi) in Verona (not to the Questura).

From the entrance gate, the customer willbe escorted to the Carabinieri administrationoffice staff, who will then take the applicationand process it with the Questura.

Issue: Most of the crosswalks on post arebare visible and it makes crossing the streetdifficult.

Response from Directorate of PublicWorks: Approximately 20 crosswalks havebeen repainted, and the remaining crosswalkswill be repainted when construction along theaffected streets is finished.

However, the crosswalks on CasermaEderle are painted with the same type of paintused on Italian streets and highways. Becauseof the high volume of traffic on post, the paintquickly fades.

The DPW is investigating a longer lastingmarking material so that the crosswalks willnot need to be repainted as often.

Made to last forever

Up to your ears in alligatorsEqual Employment Opportunity OfficePress Release

Conflict is inevitable in any organization,but unless properly managed, unresolvedconflict can cause low morale, lowproductivity, high personnel turnover andhigh absenteeism.

To minimize these unwanted results, thefirst step in managing conflict in theworkplace more effectively is to ensure thatall employees have options in resolvingconflict.

One option is through Alternative DisputeResolution – Mediation.

Mediation is a voluntary and confidentialprocess where a neutral third-party(mediator) helps employees come togetherto talk and decide how to end their dispute.

The mediators do not take sides or makea decision for the parties. The mediatorenables and empowers the parties to reachan agreement that will work for them.

The 22nd Area Support Group EqualEmployment Opportunity office, is pleasedto offer an Installation Management Agency-Europe training opportunity: MediatingWorkplace Disputes.

This course is a highly interactive trainingthat emphasizing lectures, supervisedpractical exercises and small groupdiscussions.

Sessions include:•Alternative Dispute Resolution methods

available to resolve disputes•The mediation process

•Role of the mediator

•Essential mediation skills of neutrality,

Mediating workplace disputesworkshop offered to community

effective communication; appropriatequestioning, summarizing and negotiatingtechniques

•Settlement agreement writing

•Mediation ethicsThis course is open to civilian, military

and Italian work personnel who want to learnmore about handling conflict and mediatingworkplace disputes.

Selections are made on the followingbasis:

•Attendee’s willingness to participate inIMA-E-EEO’s shared neutral AlternativeDispute Resolution program which mayconsist of mediating at least one mediation(eight hours) per calendar year.

•Willingness to attend additionalmediation refresher training, whenannounced.

•Possess good oral communication skillsand ability to work with diverse groups.

Funding for travel, per diem and lodgingis the responsibility of the requestingorganization and not the mediator’sinstallation.

This is a five day course and will be heldAug. 15-19, at a location to be announcedlater. There is no tuition fee, but travel andper diem will be borne by all nominatingorganizations.

The deadline to submit nomination formsis June 15. Submit forms to richard.medina@setaf.army.mil.

For more detailed information about thiscourse, please contact Richard Medina, 22dASG EEO Office, at 634-7914 or off post at0444-71-7914.

May 24, 2005 THE Outlook 3

22nd Area Support GroupPublic AffairsPress Release

Living in Italy can be excitingand fun, but there are rules thatmust be adhered to.

A juvenile was recently caughtshoplifting by the Army and AirForce Exchange Service Security.

Parents and juveniles shouldknow the severe ramifications ofsuch misconduct. When civilians(juveniles or adults) commitcriminal or regulatory offenses,either on or off Caserma Ederle,their installation support may berevoked or permanently suspended.

In more serious cases, the familycan be barred from the installationand returned to their home ofrecord. Sponsors are responsiblefor misconduct of their familymembers.

While living in Italy, U.S.civilians are governed by specialinternational agreements –including the NATO Status ofForces Agreement or “SOFA.” U.S.civilian employees and familymembers accused of criminaloffenses are always subject toItalian jurisdiction. Italian courtshave jurisdiction over all parties incivil actions, regardless ofnationality or military status.

You may sue and be sued inItalian courts for such matters asfailure to pay debts or breach oflease.

When the criminal act orregulatory offense is committed on

Caserma Ederle, the civilianmisconduct officer willimmediately contact the sponsor.The 22nd Area Support GroupCivilian Misconduct Officer willtake appropriate action for offensescommitted by community membersthat are command sponsored or arereceiving logistical support.

Individual LogisticSupport

Civilians who accompany theU.S. forces are authorizedindividual logistic support. Thissupport is conditional upon thecivilians’ good behavior.

The authority to revoke orsuspend this support has beendelegated to the garrisoncommander because he or she isresponsible for upholding themorale, welfare, safety, and goodorder within the garrisongeographic area.

An offender’s privileges may besuspended or revoked throughoutthe entire European theater.Privileges that may be suspendedor revoked include:

♦ Entry to one or all militaryinstallations within the EuropeanCommand.

♦ Army and Air ForceExchange Service (AAFES) salesfacility privileges.

♦ Commissary privileges.♦ Participation in Morale,

Welfare, and Recreation activities.♦ Community Club privileges.♦ Check-cashing privileges.

♦ Government quarters.Government quarters may be

terminated if civilian sponsors orfamily members of a sponsor areinvolved in illegal use of quartersor misconduct contrary to safety,health, or morale.

♦ Ration privileges.♦ Class Six privileges.♦ U.S. Forces privately owned

vehicle driving privileges.Incidents of civilian misconduct

will be resolved as quickly andinformally as possible.

The civilian misconduct officerwill process actions thoroughly andfairly, acting in concert withmilitary police officials, host-nationauthorities, and investigatingofficers.

The command is in the processof developing a JuvenileMisconduct Review Board.

The Last StrawThere are many levels of

punishment for civilianmisconduct. None are pleasant andall levels of punishment can beavoided by following the rules.

In the most severe misconductcases, the commander willconsider returning the entire familyto the United States.

It’s simply not worth it.Misconduct, criminal or regulatoryoffenses will not be tolerated by thecommand. Don’t ruin yourbeautiful tour in Italy by notplaying by the rules.

Sponsors are responsible for misconductof their family members on, off post

Vicenza Post ExchangePress Release

Effective immediately, the postexchange will no longer have IDcheckers at the front of the store.AAFES’s responsibility is to ensurethat only authorized patronspurchase in the store because of thetax-free status of our merchandise.

PCSing, traveling with petsSouthern Europe VeterinaryDetachment - VicenzaPress Release

When it is time for you topermanently change stations, orif you are taking your pet backto the states for a vacation,please call the VeterinaryTreatment Facility at least 45days in advance to schedule out-processing for your pets.

If you are PCSing to a rabies-free island (Hawaii, Guam orEngland), please contact usimmediately! You may needthree to six months ofpreparation to accomplish themove.

All pets must meet thefollowing requirements:

• Rabies vaccinations must benot less than 30 days current andnot more than 11 months old.

• Our veterinarian must seeyour animal and issue a HealthCertificate within 10 workingdays of your departure. In theevent that our veterinarian isunavailable, the VTF will directyou to an authorized Italianveterinarian in the area.

• Obtain a postal pre-paymentslip from the VTF and pay for

the export document at an Italianpost office. It costs about 20Euros per animal. Be sure tosave your receipt.

• Once you have completedthese steps, take the HealthCertificate, your pet’s recordsand the postal receipt to theU.L.S.S. No. 6 building locatedon Via Camisano 66. Therepresentative is only availableweekdays from 9 a.m.-noon.

Do not take your animal forthis appointment.

The Veterinarian TreatmentFacility is located on Longare.Office hours are: Mondays,Tuesdays and Wednesdays from8 a.m.-noon, and 1-4 p.m.

Thursdays from: 1-4 p.m. forover the counter sales only.

Fridays from 8 a.m.-noon,and 1-4 p.m., for over-the-counter sales and limitedappointments.

Office visits, sick calls, andsurgeries are by appointmentonly. The VTF is closed onholidays, weekends, and lastworking day of the month forinventory.

For information, call the VTFat 635-4841 or off post at 0444-71-4841.

Make moving easy for you and your pets with advance planning.

This policy will continue to beenforced at the registers wherecustomers will be required to showtheir ID card.

Although the policy determiningwho is an authorized patron islengthy, briefly put; all US militaryID cardholders and NATO forcesID cardholders are authorized toshop at the PX.

The PX will still require thatguests of authorized patrons besigned in and, as before, guestsneed to remain with the IDcardholder and are not authorizedto purchase. The log will continueto be located at the front of the storeand we ask customers to pleaseadhere to this policy.

AAFES makes changes to ID checks

By Desiree HenryNational Honor Society sponsor

Vicenza High School’s annualinduction ceremony for theNational Honor Society 2005-2006school year was held May 16 in theEderle Theater.

To be eligible for membershipconsideration in the National

Vicenza High School students inducted intoNational Honor Society

Honor Society, students must havea cumulative grade point averageof 3.5 percent.

Additionally, potentialmembers must meet highstandards of leadership, service,character, and citizenship.

Members of the sophomore andjunior classes were evaluated bythe faculty council.

Congratulations to thefollowing students who wereselected for membership thisyear: Luke Beachaump, JessicaBoydston, Crystal Buhler, JessicaBuhler, Megan Gafford, GracePemberton, Adam St. Vincent,and Zackery Williams.

Caserma Ederle road work updateThroughout the month of

May, Olson Avenue, from thepost chapel to the Ederle Inn,will experience ongoing pavingoperations, as will the postexchange parking areas.

From May 27 through June 4traffic will be restricted to onelane from the Post Office to theEderle Inn.

Motorists driving past the

post office toward the Ederle Innwill be required to continue drivingdown past the sports field and comeback along 9th Street-the road thatruns in front of the U.S. ArmyHealth Clinic-Vicenza and FitnessCenter.

There will be no parking onOlson Avenue near the post officeand parking at the Vicenza Schoolswill be extremely limited.

These dates are subject toweather conditions, naturally ifwe experience rain, the road maybe closed longer.

The command asks thatcommunity members use cautionwhile driving or walking in thesecongested areas and be alert toconstruction vehicles andpedestrians.

4 THE Outlook May 24, 2005

Ambush from page 1didn’t think of closing the doors until a littlelater.”

“I couldn’t see the lead vehicle while wewere engaged in our firefight,” said Hartless.“Hankins was the closest to the door and Itold him to get the handset.”

Spc. Brian Hankins jumped into theHumvee to retrieve the radio. Ten minutesinto the firefight the realization thatcommunications between the vehicles wastemporarily disrupted would lead thesergeant major to believe the worst.

“I couldn’t get anybody on the radio. Ithought they were all dead,” Hartless said.

The paratroopers were under heavy fireand everyone reacted to the fire with fire oftheir own. The exchange of heavy fire didn’tallow for instant communication.

“The fire was so intense, it took everyonewe had to fire,” said scout Staff Sgt. RandallAustin. “It became shoot first andcommunicate later. We thought they weredead and they thought we were dead.”

Soon the convoy took a casualty.“I was behind the truck, shooting next to

Captain Wright. He stopped shooting backand moaned - then he turned to me and said‘I’m hit’ and went down,” said Laboy-Cortes. “I started treating him. He wascoherent and calm the whole time.”

Capt. Benjamin Wright began calling inhis own 9-line report. The 9-line, a radioreport describing the injury and whether or

not medevac is necessary, was finished byLaboy-Cortes

The smoke plume from insurgents firingRPGs gave away the enemy’s position. Thisallowed Staff Sgt. William Terry to lay downa barrage of MK19 fire on the location whichsuppressed the enemy fire.

“I couldn’t believe how well the Soldiersreacted to the ambush,” Hartless said. “Theambush site was well-planned and ranged,but the Soldiers were incredible.”

“’Wojo’ was on it,” said Austin, referringto Spc. Thomas Wojtowicz. “Before I knewwhat was going on, ‘Wojo’ was firing the.50 cal and Walker was feeding him ammo.They went beyond my expectations.”

“I saw the two explosions from the RPGsand I started firing,” said Wojtowicz, fromChicago. “I knew what area the fire wascoming from but I couldn’t see anybody, soI’d light up that area and the fire would stopbut it would start coming from another area.”

No matter how much training the Soldiershave had, considering the circumstances ofthe ambush, their performance wasremarkable.

“When I asked Hankins to get the radio,he didn’t hesitate,” said Hartless. “He doveinto the Humvee with bullets flying andgrabbed it without hesitation. The quickreaction by Laboy was also amazing. EvenCaptain Wright’s response to his own injurywas outstanding.”

“I was worried but I knew I had the

Bullet holes riddle this Humvee caught in an ambush on the 2nd Battalion, 503rdInfantry (Airborne) battalion commander’s convoy in late April. Photo by Pfc. JonArguellobiggest gun out there so I had to keep it up,”Wojtowicz said.

When the decision was made to take thecasualty out of the area, the sergeant majordevised a plan to put the HMMV in reversewith the casualty inside, while Laboy-Cortesand the sergeant major would run along thetruck for cover.

“It was the longest 100 meters of my life,”Hartless said.

Eventually, contact with the enemy wasbroken, close air support arrived and theenemy retreated into the mountains with theirwounded.

Regardless of how well they fended offthe attack, Task Force Rock’s paratroopers

have a better understanding of why it isimportant to stay alert.

“I take my job very seriously, I stay alertand pay attention to the details,” saidWojtowicz.

“You really have to go out there and dowhat you’re supposed to be doing,” Austinexplained. “They are dead set on killing us,but that’s not going to happen.”

Whether it was the amount of training,the airborne frame of mind or the composureof the Soldiers on that day, there is no doubtthat all of their quick, selfless actions playeda part in bringing home every Soldier on theconvoy back to base alive.

Story and photosBy Sgt. Adrian SchulteCJTF-76 Public Affairs

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan—One of the easiest and most effective waysU.S. Soldiers can achieve the respect, andperhaps friendship, of the Afghan peopleis through the children of the country.

Troops from Headquarters andHeadquarters Company, Combined JointTask Force-76, got a chance to make agood impression with young Afghans May9 during a trip to an orphanage and all-girl school.

The troops visited the side-by-sideinstallations in Charikar, a village nearBagram Airfield, bringing with themdonations such as school supplies, toysand clothing from various individuals,groups and organizations from their homestations and the states.

The school and orphanage had beenadopted by the previous Headquarters andHeadquarters Company troops that theCJTF-76 troops replaced in March.

“We decided to head out there andcheck it out,” said 1st Lt. Tim Benedict,executive officer HHC, CJTF-76, whohelped orchestrate the event. “[We] wentout two weeks ago to find out what theyneeded, how many kids they have, and tosee what we could do for them.”

Benedict also linked up with baseoperations on Bagram to get a bigger pictureof what schools and orphanages in the areaneeded help the most.

“These are two that are most in need whilewe are here,” Benedict said. “Possibly wecan pick up more down the road.”

Along with humanitarian supplies, theheadquarter Soldiers also hope to help theschool officials patch up some of thedamaged areas of the building.

Benedict said he also hopes to bring amedical mission out to the school andorphanage allowing the children to receivesome basic health care.

The Soldiers will visit the school and

Afghan orphanage, school benefitfrom adoption by Soldiers

Quick reaction to ambush keepstroop’s injuries to a minimum

orphanage an average of twice a month,Benedict said. Sometimes with just thecore members of the headquarters platoon,other times with other Soldiers from theheadquarters.

Many Soldiers working in the jointoperations center on Bagram rarely get toventure beyond the wire to see the effectsof their work in the headquarters.

These trips by the headquarters companyallow those Soldiers to interact with localcitizens and take part in a mission.

“The reason I open it up to everyone inHHC is because people who might just besitting at a desk the whole time and neverget to get out and see Afghanistan, see whatwe are doing to help these people,” Benedictsaid. “I want to give them a chance to comealong and feel like they are contributing.”

The chance to interact with Afghans,especially young ones, is not lost on theheadquarters Soldiers.

“I liked the way the kids were excited tosee us and what we were able to do for them– the little we get to do,” said Spc. NadiaAvila, a tactical communications specialistwho works out of the joint operations center.

“The most rewarding thing is the look ontheir faces, and the things they ask,” she said.“You realize how much you take forgranted.”

Benedict hopes to give some of thesechildren an opportunity they may have nothad before.

“Just that whenever they have somethingnew, it’s something they didn’t have before,”Benedict said. “Obviously, we want to maketheir lives better but that is going to takeyears.

“But anytime we see their faces lightenup because they got a new toy or anytimethere is a positive impression from anAmerican or the foreign community ingeneral, anything that we can do to make alasting impression in these children, it’s allworth the effort,” said Benedict.Chief Warrant Officer Janet Martin, CJTF-76 Property Book officer, recieves

a flower from a young Afghan orphan during a humanitarian trip to an all-girl school and orphanage in Charikar village near Bagram Airfield May 9.

Master Sgt. Joseph Issertell, CJTF-76 Joint Visitors Bureau, hands out shoes to youngAfghan girls during a humanitarian mission to an all-girl school and ophanage inCharikar village near Bagram Airfield May 9.

May 24, 2005 THE Outlook 5

Story and photoBy Chiara MattiroloCamp Darby Public Affairs

Spc. Christopher Meadows, AFN-Livorno Operations NCOIC, won not onlythe AFN Soldier of the Quarter, AFN Soldierof the Year for AFN South, but he also wonAFN Soldier of the Year for Europe.

When his station commander, Staff Sgt.Joyce Costello, nominated Meadows forAFN Soldier of the Quarter, Meadows wasn’tconfident he could win, but as he alwaysdoes, he gave it his best effort.

“It felt good to me that Sergeant Costellohad enough confidence to nominate me,” saidthe married father of three. Meadows hasonly been in Livorno for a year, coming fromthe 27th Public Affairs Detachment, FortDrum, New York. “From that moment, Istarted studying seriously every evening tobe prepared. I knew the board questions werefocused on the knowledge of theregulations.” said Meadows.

“When I won the AFN South Soldier ofthe Year, I really wasn’t expecting it. When Iwon the AFN Soldier of the year for allEurope, it was even a bigger surprise,” hesaid. “I really think there are plenty of otherjunior enlisted AFN Soldiers in Vicenza andin Germany who are more deserving of thisrecognition.

“I think what played an important role inmy selection was the fact that I really always

strive for the best I can do,” said Meadows.“I may not be the best broadcaster, but Ialways strive to do my best – I demand a lotfrom myself,” Meadows added.

“If he doesn’t know something, he willdo research to acquire the knowledge,” saidCostello. “He is always engaged in betteringhimself and learning to become a leader.

“I nominated him for his qualities of

character and integrity,” she said. “Meadowsis also blessed with a wife who supports him.He’s not just a good Soldier and anextraordinary father and husband, but he triesto strike a balance between meeting themission requirements and taking care of hisfamily.

“It is rewarding to know my hard workpaid off,” Meadows said.

Camp Darby Public AffairsPress Release

The 2005 Annual VolunteerRecognition Ceremony took place atthe Camp Darby Community ClubApril 29.

This year there were 224 registeredvolunteers in the Installation VolunteerProgram who reported a total of 16,272.25 hours worked in various placeson post.

The hours put in by the volunteerssaved the United States government anapproximated value of $285,799,which was represented by a big checkpresented at the end of the ceremonyto the Lt. Col. Charles Leaming,Installation commander.

“Thank you, volunteers of CampDarby for all your hard work andselfless dedication. you have trulymade a difference to the DarbyCommunity” said Corinne Jordy, ArmyCommunity Services Officer to thecrowd.

“ Simply put – we couldn’t havedone without the selfless commitmentof these wonderful people “ said Lt.Col. Charles Leaming, Installationcommander.

Congratulations to:22nd ASG Youth of the Year

Award: Megan ThompsonExceptional Volunteers: Angela

Bishop, Paul Bishop, Andre Cameron,Jennifer Carpenter, Shelley Davidson,Kim Dianich, Colter Fernandez,Andrew Hallenbeck, Erin Heck,Daniela Johnson, Kurt Umlauf,Melissa Wilde, and Linda Willhoite.

Volunteers of the yearMilitary:Andre CameronCivilian: Linda WillhoiteFamily Member: Kim DianichYouth: Colter Fernandez

Spc. Christopher Meadows, AFN-Livorno Operations NCOIC at his workplace. Meadowswas recently awarded AFN Soldier of the Year for both AFN South and AFN-Europe.

Darby broadcaster is AFN-Europe Soldier of the Year Camp Darbyvolunteers honored

American Red Crosscelebrates volunteers

Story and photoBy Chiara MattiroloCamp Darby Public Affairs

The Family Readiness Center, also calledthe Yellow Ribbon Room, opened May 17with an open house.

The FRC is located in the yellow buildingin front of the Darby Theater. Hours ofoperation are Monday through Friday from8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

The OutlookPress Release

The annual SETAF CivilianRecognition ceremony was held May11 in the Ederle Theater.

This year Maj. Gen. David Zabeckigave the Commander’s Award forCivilian Service to Jean F. Lindquist,SETAF G4.

Other awards included:Length of Service award - Five

years:Michele Ballardin, 22nd Area

Support Group, Directorate of LogisticsLength of Service award -10 yearsVera Frater, SETAF SGSSvetlana Langford, SETAF SGSPatricia Hawkins, Office of the Staff

SETAF civilian workers laudedJudge Advocate

Marta Cinello, SETAFComptroller

Douglas Yocum, OSJALength of Service award - 20

years:Col. Mark Oswald, OSJABarbara Kraemer, SETAF G1Liliana Poloni, SETAF G1Douglas Askins, SETAF G3

TrainingDonald Hiles, SETAF G3 Plans

and ExercisesIvo Toniolo, SETAF

Headquarters Support Company S4Length of Service award - 25

yearsRobert Krcelic, SETAF G3

“Our mission is to provide individualswith means that strengthen communities,promote self-sufficiency and missionreadiness by transforming and buildingstrong and ready military families,” saidEvelyn Watkins, acting Mobilization andDeployment Program manager.

“The Family Readiness Center is aresource center and provides a meeting placefor family members and family readinessgroups,” she said. “Everyone is welcome to

come and take advantage of our readinessresources.”

The center is equipped with four computerstations with web cams and Internet accessto help maintain contact between deployedservicemembers and their families. Childrenare welcome here as there is a TV and VCRto entertain them while parents are at thecenter, according to Watkins.

May is National Military Appreciationmonth and this year Camp Darby is alsorecognizing military spouses.

“We get caught up in the daily activitiesthat characterize the modern military life. Weoften overlook opportunities to express ourgratitude to those who support us and makeuntold sacrifices in support of the militaryprofession,” said Lt. Col. Charles Leaming,Installation commander during the grandopening of the FRC.

“Frequently, the importance of ourspouses’ contribution and sacrifices areoverlooked, taken for granted, or gounappreciated. While service members havefaced increased deployments and longerfamily separations, spouses’ remain behindto hold down the fort. Through dedicationand care they meet the challenges of job,family and home while their loved one isabsent,” said Leaming.

Yellow Ribbon room opens doors on Camp Darby

Lt. Col. Charles Leaming (right), Camp Darby Installation commander, presides overthe opening of the Yellow Ribbon room, which is also the Family Readiness Center onCamp Darby. The center is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. for assistance tofamily members of deployed servicemembers.

Story and photo by Laura KreiderOutlook Staff

The American Red Cross 2005 VolunteerRecognition ceremony was held May 13.

The guest speaker was Col. Ronald Keen,U.S. Army Health Clinic-Vicenza, whoended his tribute by repeating an anonymousquote saying, “Volunteers are not paidbecause they are worthless, but because theyare priceless.”

Among the volunteers recognized wasLeda Stauffer (see photo below). Staufferreceived the Clara Barton VolunteerLeadership Honor Award and the First LevelAward for Employee Excellence in SupportService. The Clara Barton VolunteerLeadership Honor is awarded for meritoriousguidance in volunteerism for an individualwho has served in a number of leadershippositions over a period of years.

6 THE Outlook May 24, 2005

By Dorothy Spagnuolo&Out About Now Showing

Admission: Adults age 12 and over $4, children $2.The Ederle Theatre box office opens one hour prior to show time.

Tickets to blockbuster shows are presold at Baskin Robbins.

Caserma Ederle Theater

Camp Darby TheaterMay 27 Miss Congeniality 2 (PG13) 7 p.m.

May 28 Robots PG) 7 p.m.

May 25 Diary of a Mad Black Woman (PG13) 7 p.m.

May 26 Million Dollar Baby (PG13) 7 p.m.

May 27 The Ring 2 (PG13) 7 p.m.

Beauty Shop (PG13) 10 p.m.

May 28 Beauty Shop (PG13) 2 p.m.

Hostage (R) 7 p.m.

Hostage (R) 10 p.m.

May 29 Ice Princess (G) 2 p.m.

Beauty Shop (PG13) 7 p.m.

May 30 Beauty Shop (PG13) 3 p.m.

Movie SynopsisDIARY OF A MAD BLACK WOMAN - Kimberly Elise, Steve

Harris. Devoted housewife Helen and powerful attorney Charleshave a picture-perfect marriage. Just as Helen begins preparationsto celebrate their 20th anniversary, Charles drops his bomb: he wantsto divorce Helen for her best friend. Helen takes her belongings,and her wounds, back to her family, where a pot-smoking, gun-toting grandmother figure gives Helen the strength to heal.

MILLION DOLLAR BABY - Clint Eastwood, Hilary Swank.Frankie Dunn is a veteran boxing trainer who has devoted his lifeto the ring and has little to show for it; he’s estrangement from hisdaughter and a fighter he’s groomed into contender status has signedwith another manager. Then, Maggie Fitzgerald enters his life andannounces she needs a trainer. Frankie regards her as a dubiousprospect, as she’s too old at 31, lacks experience, and has notechnique. Finally won over by her determination, Frankie takeson Maggie, and as she slowly grows into a viable fighter, anemotional bond develops between them.

THE RING 2 - Naomi Watts, Simon Baker. Sequel to the horrorflick The Ring, Naomi Watts reprises her role as Rachel Keller,who, six months after the events of the first film, moves to Astoria,Ore., with her son, Aidan, to escape their memories of whathappened in Seattle. When a few locals start dying, however, and astrange videotape reappears, Rachel becomes aware that the creepySamara is back and after Aidan.

BEAUTY SHOP - Queen Latifah, Alicia Silverstone. GinaNorris is a long way from the Barbershop - she’s moved to Atlantaso her gifted daughter can attend a prestigious music school andmade a name for herself at a posh salon. But when her egotisticalboss takes credit for her work, she leaves the salon to open a shopof her own. Gina buys a rundown salon and inherits a motley groupof headstrong stylists, a colorful clientele, and a sexy piano-playingelectrician. It’s a rocky road to fulfilling her dreams, but you can’tkeep a good woman down.

HOSTAGE - Bruce Willis, Kevin Pollak. Jeff Talley, a formerLAPD hostage negotiator, has moved himself away from his failedcareer outside of Los Angeles, and away from his wife and daughter.When a convenience store robbery goes wrong in his turf, the threeperpetrators move in on an unsuspecting family. But the family’sfather has a secret which might compromise his kin, and one of thecriminals is about to jump over the edge. Jeff Talley has to geteverybody to survive the night......if he can.

MISS CONGENIALITY 2: ARMED AND FABULOUSSandra Bullock, Regina King. The story catches up with FBI agentGracie Hart shortly after she successfully disarmed a threat againstthe Miss U.S. Pageant while working undercover as a contestant inMiss Congeniality. Having become a media celebrity following herheroic pageant exploits, Gracie has been spending more time latelyat the salon than the shooting range, working the talk show circuitand promoting her book. When her friends, pageant winner Cheryland emcee Stan, are kidnapped in Las Vegas, Gracie’s all-out effortsto jump back into action to save them puts her at loggerheads withthe FBI top brass who don’t want to risk losing their mascotand fear she might not be up to the job anymore.

ICE PRINCESS - Michelle Trachtenberg, Joan Cusack. Caseyhas never quite fit in. Caught between her fantasy of becoming achampionship figure skater and her strong-willed mother, who hasher on the fast track to Harvard, she can only hope to be like Nikki,Tiffany and Gen - three elite skating prodigies who are ruthlesslycompeting on the US National circuit. Casey takes on the challengeof her life when she finds herself competing against the best tomake it into the championship circuit and become a real “iceprincess.”

Installation ManagementAgency-EuropePress Release

The National Military FamilyAssociation has extended theapplication deadline for OperationPurple Camp to Friday.

Operation Purple Camp Italiafor middle school youth (grades sixto eight), is hosting one session July17 to 23, and another session July24 to 30. Both sessions are held atCamp Darby.

Operation Purple CampBavaria is for high school youth(grades nine to 12) with one sessionAug. 21 to 27, and a second fromAug. 28 to Sept. 3. Both sessionsare held in Garmisch, Germany.

The camps are specially designedfor youth whose parents arecurrently deployed, are preparing todeploy, or have recently returnedfrom deployment.

Each camp will feature teambuilding, recreational and leisureactivities, creative art projects, amotivational speaker, forums foremotional awareness and self-expression, and more.

Operation Purple Camp Italiaand Camp Bavaria are designed tostrengthen resiliency and copingskills through healthy socialrelationships.

Applications are availableonline at www.mwr-europe.com orcall IMA-Europe, MWR Child andYouth Services at DSN 370-7486,

commercial 06-221-57-7486 (inGermany).

Mail applications to USA IMA-E, ATTN: IMEU-MWD-C, Unit29353, Box 200, APO AE 09014.Or e-mail forms to: purple@ima-e.army.mil, or fax forms to: DSN370-8491, comm. 06-221-57-8491.

Spaces are limited. Applicantswill be prioritized based on thesponsor’s deployment status andthen by date of receipt of theapplication. Priority is given tochildren of currently deployedservice members, followed byreturned service members’ childrenand finally children of servicemembers pending deployment.Selections will be made before theend of the DoDDS-E school year.

Free summer camp sign up deadline nears

Celtic music festivalThe 2nd Annual Celtic Music

Festival will be held in Venigallia,a suburb of Montecchio Precalcino,Friday through Sunday.

Events start Friday at 6 p.m. withthe opening of ‘The Roads ofVeneto’ exhibition organized by the‘Bissari’ archeological group

At 7 p.m. the Celtic restaurantopens; at 7:30 p.m. in the ‘village’watch the ritual of the lighting ofthe bonfire

At 9:30 p.m. ‘fighting’ betweenwarriors; followed at 10 p.m. witha performance by the Tara Schoolof Irish Dancing.

Friday night’s final event is themidnight lighting of the bonfire.

Saturday and Sunday eventsstart at 11 a.m.

The Celtic restaurant opens eachday at noon closes after lunch andreopens at 7 p.m.

The fight between warriors is at9 p.m.

Entrance fee for adults is 6 Euro,and children who are shorter thanthe King’s sword enter free.

The program is in Italian onlyat the Web site: www.venigallia.com. Montecchio Precalcino isabout 12 km north of Vicenza.

Verona ExhibitionsIn Verona an exhibition for

collectors is taking place Friday-Sunday in the exhibition grounds.

“VeronaFil’ is the 104thexhibition to buy or exchangestamps, postcards, frankedenvelopes, coins or medals.

Going on at the same time is the‘Verona Mineral Show,’ where youcan see minerals, fossils, books,equipment and precious stones.

The exhibitions are open Fridayand Saturday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.,Sunday 9 a.m.-2 p.m., and entranceis free.

To reach the exhibition groundsleave the autostrada at Verona sudand follow signs for the ‘Fiera.’

Wineries openMore than 16 wineries in the

province of Vicenza will open theirdoors for wine tasting and toursround their establishment Saturdayand Sunday, in towns such asArcugnano, Longare, Breganze,Gambellara, Nanto andMontebello. Visitors can enter from10 a.m.-6 p.m.

For a complete listing visit the

Web page www.movimentoturismovino.it. click on‘le regioni,’ then Veneto orToscana; find ‘cantine dellaregione.’

Veg and fruit festivalsThe town of Castegnero, located

after Longare will hold their ‘Festadea Siaresa’, (dialect for cherryfestival), everyday through Sunday.

The festival opens in the earlyevening hours. Enjoy the foodstands, rides for children, dancingand, of course, cherries for sale.

Sunday evening there will be afirework display.

The town of Peseggi, provinceof Scorze’, Venice, will hold its36th Annual Pea festival Fridaythrough June 5.

This weekend the followingevents take place: Saturday eveningat 7:30 p.m. food stands will open,of course serving dishes with‘piselli’ (peas); at 8:30 p.m. musicby Stefano e I Nevada.

Sunday at 11 a.m. watch a flagwaving exhibition and hearmusicians from the town of Mestre.At 11:15 a.m. the vegetable marketopens; at noon food stands open;at 4 p.m. an equestrian exhibition;at 6 p.m. watch a performance by adance group.

Peseggi is 62 km northwest ofVicenza, toward Noale.

Like Italian bread? The be inPiazza Liberta’ in Bassano delGrappa Sunday from 9 a.m.-sundown. Different types andforms of bread will be prepared fortasting or buying by the artisans ofthe Bassano bread bakeries.

Noale in flowerThe town of Noale takes

Corpus Domini very seriously. Onthat day, which is Sunday, from theearliest hours of the morning, menand women meet up as planned onthe road that lies between the twomedieval towers of the town.

They bring with them thousandsof flowers and tree scents gatheredthe days leading up to this.

They lay down sand and withgreat care sketch out the lines of agrand image; while others work todivide up petals and separate themin various baskets.

A great floral carpet takes shape– seven images with religiousscenes, which are different everyyear; the carpet covers 160 meters,

a continuous spray of water holdsthe petals to the ground and keepsthem fresh. The carpet remains onshow to thousands of onlookersuntil dusk. At dusk, the religiousretinue that carries the Eucharist inits triumph passes the length of thecarpet, processing down the sidesso as not to spoil this floral homage.

Noale is in the province ofVenice and is located 57 kmnortheast from Vicenza.

MarketsSunday the antique market takes

place in the town of Piazzola sulBrenta, east of Camisano. Held inthe Piazza P. Camerini, its one ofthe largest and liveliest antiquesmarkets in the Veneto region.

Open from 9 a.m.- 6 p.m., you’llfind over 500 exhibitors offeringantiques and other merchandise.

If Piazzola is too far to go, theSunday morning market inCamisano, with more than 200stalls, is open from 8 a.m.-noon.

Medieval eventThere will be a historical parade

with a horse tournament in the townof Grazzano Visconti, province ofPiacenza, Sunday. The town wasspecifically built in the late 1800sto have all the characteristics of aperfect medieval town.

The day’s events includejousting on horseback by knightsand contests of sword fighting andarchery.

Events start at 10 a.m. and endat approximately 6 p.m.

Entrance fee is 8 Euro for adultsand children under 14 pay 6 Euro.

Grazzano Visconti is located 11km from Piacenza, and 180 kmfrom Vicenza, and southeast ofMilano.

Festival of FitnessThe ‘Festival del Fitness’ in the

city of Rimini’s Fiera complex runsSaturday through June 5.

Every sort of exercise isavailable, from yoga to golf, andtennis to aquatics. At this festivalit is possible for the public toparticipate in any or all of theactivities – it’s ‘the biggest gym inthe world.’

Open Monday-Wednesday from3-9 p.m.; Thursday through Sunday10 a.m.-7:30 p.m.

The entrance fee is 20 euro andthe ticket is valid for nine days.

8 THE Outlook May 24, 2005

Story and photosBy Laura KreiderOutlook Staff

May is Asian Pacific AmericanHeritage month and Caserma Ederlecelebrated it in a big way May 19 inthe Teen Center/Youth Pavilion.

“The theme this year is ‘Bridgingthe Gap Between our Differences’,”said Sgt. 1st Class Tracy Johnson,22nd Area Support Group EqualOpportunity advisor to the crowd.

The event kicked off the Subli, afun dance from the Philippines, wherewomen carry flowered hats, while themen click bamboo castanets in timewith the music. Next came the VicenzaPolynesian Reflection Dancers whoperformed several dances.

This was followed by songs anddances from China, Japan and Hawaiiand a performance by the VicenzaElementary School third-graders.

School Age Services children thengot the crowd to participate in a BonOdori dance.

Bon Odori is an event held duringObon, a Japanese Buddhist feastperiod. The Bon Odori originates fromthe story of a Buddhist disciple whoenvisioned his deceased mother in theRealm of Hungry Ghosts.

Greatly disturbed, he went toBuddha and asked how he couldrelease his mother from this realm.Buddha advised to his disciple toperform some charitable act inmemory of his mother. The disciple didthis, and, thus, saw his mother’srelease. Happy because of this result,the disciple started dancing with joy.

From this dance of joy comes BonOdori, or Bon Dance, a time in whichour ancestors and their sacrifices areremembered and appreciated.

“I thank all of our performers, thecooks, Renee Citron, DPW, Jamiefrom MWR office, the Soldiers in the22nd ASG S-3 office, South of theAlps Dining Facility, 13th MilitaryPolice Company, AAFES, and all ofthe agencies in this community fortheir hard work,” said Johnson.

The event concluded with foodtasting for the crowd, featuring itemsfrom Guam, Japan, Philippines,Korea, Samoa and Hawaii.

Closing out Asian Pacific AmericanHeritage month is a martial artsdemonstration Saturday at the postexchange sponsored by AAFES.

Cougar SportsCougar SportsStory and photosBy Laura KreiderOutlook Staff

It’s been a ‘hit and miss’ season for theVicenza High School Cougars Tennis team.Both Boys and Girls teams played well duringtheir May 7 home matches against Naples.Luke Beauchamp beat Tim Ozimek withscores of 7-5, 3-6 and 6-1. Vicenza’s RachelBryan and Daile St. Vincent were the GirlsDoubles winners against Ashley Martinezand Jesslyn Francisco with scores of 3-6, 6-1 and 6-2.

But the tables turned during their May14 match when they played Aviano at home,with both teams losing.

May 14 the VHS Cougars Soccer teamsplayed Aviano at home.

Despite some great plays and saves, bothteams lost.

Cougar Boy’s thought they had a chancewhen the game was tied 2-2, but Avianocame roaring back to score the winning goaljust before the game ended.

Bridging the gap Between our differences