Italian community leaders gain insight into Aviano Air Base mission

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Michael O'Connor
  • 31st Fighter Wing public affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Brig. Gen. Craig Franklin, 31st Fighter Wing commander, hosted an induction ceremony for 12 Italian community leaders into the Honorary Squadron Commander Program at the La Bella Vista Club here May 8. 

"I'd like to thank Maurizio Salvador, president of the Honorary Squadron Commanders Association, as well as all current and former honorary squadron commanders for taking part in this program and strengthening ties between our countries and for their continued support of the 31st Fighter Wing and the Airmen and their families assigned here," said General Franklin. This program has allowed Americans and Italians to meet and to exchange ideas and experiences. Most importantly, the program develops lasting, lifetime friendships." 

The program, which began in 1997, aligns community leaders with a squadron that parallels their trade background or interest. 

As an HSC, a participant can serve a two-year term. During such time, they participate in a variety of squadron and wing functions, where as the 31st FW squadron commanders participate in local Italian events. 

Since the programs inception, prominent members of the Italian community from such backgrounds as industry, business, professional and neighborhood associations, sports and entertainment, education, labor, religion, arts and philanthropy organizations, as well as media and publishing have participated. 

Leading up to the induction ceremony, which mirrors a squadron assumption of command ceremony, inductees were met by General Franklin, Col. Filippo Zampella, the Pagliano e Gori Airport commander, and their respective unit commanders for a brief social. Each received a wing mission brief, and took part in several individual and group photo sessions. A reception followed the ceremony and they were afforded the opportunity to spend the remainder of the day with their respective units.