Photo By Spc. Samantha Powers | Children of U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) Soldiers and...... read more read more
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VICENZA, Italy – Over 150 children participated in U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) “Bring your Lion Cubs to Work Day” at Caserma Del Din Aug. 10, 2023.
“There were 30 ‘cubs’ who participated in our physical training formation as early as 7:30 a.m.,” said U.S. Army Maj. Sam Sistare, executive officer of Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion (HHBn), SETAF-AF.
The SETAF-AF motto is “Lions Lead” and the Lion of Saint Mark is the prominent feature on the unit’s patch and heraldry.
Workouts included in-cadence preparatory drills, medicine ball relays, sprint-drags of 25-pound plates, as well as a spirited game of sharks and minnows. It ended with cool-down exercises and stretching.
The event was organized by SETAF-AF in collaboration with U.S. Army Garrison Italy and community partners such as the Red Cross, Army Community Services, teams from Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention, the Military and Family Life Counseling Program and the United Services Organizations.
The Sgt. Morales Club also assisted with kid-friendly events. This local club is the U.S. Army Europe and Africa equivalent of the Sgt. Audie Murphy Club as both organizations encourage members to be active in the community.
“SETAF-AF increased family resiliency and community connectedness over this morning's activities,” added Sistare.
Multiple service organizations brought their pop-up tents and offered yard games that entertained and informed Vicenza military community families with hand-outs explaining available resources.
“The U.S.O. was gracious enough to provide fruit snacks and drinks for kids and parents,” said Sistare.
Highlights of the day included rides in light medium tactical vehicles. Multiple volunteers assisted with the rides, helping ensure safety in troop carriers while informing kids of vehicle specifications.
SETAF-AF Soldiers also led weapons demonstrations and weapons safety for both parents and kids, teaching proper handling techniques as participants looked through sight apertures at simulated targets.
“Another highlight for the kids was Vegas and Bico, a couple of our military working dogs,” said Sistare. “They put on a show and took down an ‘unknown criminal’ wearing a big blue over-garment. He was definitely up to no good. This is a crowd-pleaser every year!”
Other events included a robotics demonstration with the hands-on challenge of remotely driving vehicles around an obstacle course. Additionally, children were able to view fire trucks and many different military vehicle displays.
With military life often preventing the discussion of specific missions with family members due to operational security concerns, today’s event offered a unique family-bonding opportunity.
“Overall, today’s mission was a success,” said Sistare. “Those who participated greatly appreciated the morning spent together.”
| Date Taken: | 08.16.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 08.17.2023 18:06 |
| Story ID: | 451438 |
| Location: | VICENZA, IT |
| Web Views: | 106 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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