US, Italian police corps celebrate longtime partnership



By Staff Sgt. Amanda Fry SETAF-Africa Public Affairs Vicenza, Italy Sep 24, 2021
View Gallery
fallback
Gallery contains 6 images

On Sept. 22, 2021, members of the Italian Carabinieri Corps were recognized for their longstanding efforts in both the Center of Excellence for Stability Police Units (CoESPU), and the Operational Protection Directorate, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa at Caserma Chinoto in Vicenza, Italy.

Lt. Col. Vito Camassa was awarded with the Medaglia di Lungo Comando, and Col. Maurizio Mele was recognized with the Medaglia Mauriziana, both prestigious awards presented by the Italian Carabinieri Corps.

Additionally, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Antonio Spinelli and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Franco Bove, and Brig. Gen. Giovanni Pietro Barbano were recognized with the U.S. Army Military Police Regimental Association’s Friend of the Regiment award by CoESPU and SETAF-AF for their ongoing cooperation and partnership.

In remarks, SETAF-AF Operational Protection Directorate Sgt. Maj. Joel Zecca recognized Spinelli and Bove. He spoke on his personal work with the two officers, which began in 2008, when the three were conducting missions in Afghanistan.

“The first time that our base was attacked, rockets and gunfire, we had to respond,” Zecca said. “My very first firefight was in Kabul, and I was not worried, I was not concerned, because when I looked to my right, (CW3) Franco Bove was with me. When I looked to my left, (CW5) Antonio Spinelli was with me.”

“I can’t thank you enough,” Zecca said.  “You were there in that first firefight -- something you can’t forget. I thank you. It is truly an honor not only for the Army and our Military Police Corps, but for our nation to stand in front of these two great flags on an Italian base and present this American award, it is incredible.”

Col. Rebecca Hazelett, the CoESPU deputy director, said that the awards ceremony, which took place approaching the 80th anniversary of the U.S. Military Police Corps and the 16th Anniversary of CoESPU in Vicenza, is a significant reminder of the ongoing partnership between U.S. Army military police and the Italian Carabinieri Corps.

“This the 80th Military Police Regimental week, and this is a great opportunity to recognize the Carabinieri officers that we work with on a daily basis here at CoESPU at an Italian compound in honor of the Military Police Corps association. Sgt. Maj. Zecca saw the opportunity on the horizon and seized it, and this ceremony happened.  It’s the perfect time.” 

Barbano also spoke at the event on the longstanding partnership between the two units, with efforts ranging from local community protection, to security and peacekeeping missions throughout the world.

“During many occasions, the U.S. military police and Italian Carabinieri faced serious combat situations and provided security to the force, protection to the force and civilians, providing the security and the safety of protection and supplies,” he said. “We are grateful to the soldiers who come and allow us to have freedom and democracy,” Barbano added.  “Let’s keep moving forward with this partnership, and the strong links between our corps.”

More in Partnerships
Double Duty: Twin Airmen tackle African Lion 2025 side by side
Assigned to the 121st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Dexter as an assisted dedicated crew chief and Dylan a fuels system specialist with the 121st Maintenance Squadron, these identical twins from the Ohio Air National Guard are working together once again, this time during the multinational military exercise African Lion 2025.
Read more
Honoring the fallen, uniting the living: A legacy rekindled at African Lion 2025
DODJI, Senegal – During African Lion 2025, U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan Gabay and Royal Netherlands Army Capt. Lars Roijen rekindled a personal and historical connection that began at a World War II cemetery in Margraten, Netherlands. After discovering that Gabay’s great uncle was buried there, Roijen—whose hometown is Margraten—adopted the grave, honoring a Dutch tradition dating back to the war. Now serving together at AL25 in Senegal, the two Soldiers embody the enduring bonds between allies. Their story highlights the human connections behind military cooperation and reflects the spirit of African Lion: strengthening partnerships, honoring shared sacrifice, and building a safer future together.
Read more
US Army Advisor gains valuable experience at African Lion 25
TAMALE, Ghana - Teaching classes in a room full of multinational military partners from 6 different countries could be daunting even for the most senior leaders in the U.S. Army, but for Staff Sgt. Marangely Hein, it’s just another adventure - and a day in the life of an Army Advisor.
Read more
More in Partnerships
Double Duty: Twin Airmen tackle African Lion 2025 side by side
Assigned to the 121st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Dexter as an assisted dedicated crew chief and Dylan a fuels system specialist with the 121st Maintenance Squadron, these identical twins from the Ohio Air National Guard are working together once again, this time during the multinational military exercise African Lion 2025.
Read more
Honoring the fallen, uniting the living: A legacy rekindled at African Lion 2025
DODJI, Senegal – During African Lion 2025, U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan Gabay and Royal Netherlands Army Capt. Lars Roijen rekindled a personal and historical connection that began at a World War II cemetery in Margraten, Netherlands. After discovering that Gabay’s great uncle was buried there, Roijen—whose hometown is Margraten—adopted the grave, honoring a Dutch tradition dating back to the war. Now serving together at AL25 in Senegal, the two Soldiers embody the enduring bonds between allies. Their story highlights the human connections behind military cooperation and reflects the spirit of African Lion: strengthening partnerships, honoring shared sacrifice, and building a safer future together.
Read more
US Army Advisor gains valuable experience at African Lion 25
TAMALE, Ghana - Teaching classes in a room full of multinational military partners from 6 different countries could be daunting even for the most senior leaders in the U.S. Army, but for Staff Sgt. Marangely Hein, it’s just another adventure - and a day in the life of an Army Advisor.
Read more
More in Partnerships
Double Duty: Twin Airmen tackle African Lion 2025 side by side
Assigned to the 121st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Dexter as an assisted dedicated crew chief and Dylan a fuels system specialist with the 121st Maintenance Squadron, these identical twins from the Ohio Air National Guard are working together once again, this time during the multinational military exercise African Lion 2025.
Read more
Honoring the fallen, uniting the living: A legacy rekindled at African Lion 2025
DODJI, Senegal – During African Lion 2025, U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan Gabay and Royal Netherlands Army Capt. Lars Roijen rekindled a personal and historical connection that began at a World War II cemetery in Margraten, Netherlands. After discovering that Gabay’s great uncle was buried there, Roijen—whose hometown is Margraten—adopted the grave, honoring a Dutch tradition dating back to the war. Now serving together at AL25 in Senegal, the two Soldiers embody the enduring bonds between allies. Their story highlights the human connections behind military cooperation and reflects the spirit of African Lion: strengthening partnerships, honoring shared sacrifice, and building a safer future together.
Read more
US Army Advisor gains valuable experience at African Lion 25
TAMALE, Ghana - Teaching classes in a room full of multinational military partners from 6 different countries could be daunting even for the most senior leaders in the U.S. Army, but for Staff Sgt. Marangely Hein, it’s just another adventure - and a day in the life of an Army Advisor.
Read more