MILITARY ATTACHE TO TALK ABOUT ITALIAN ARMY AT THE MARCH 20, 2016 PROGRAM
What distinguishes Italy’s military from the military of other countries? What is it in the Italian character that makes the difference? To find out the answers, come to our program on March 20, 2016, to hear Colonel Rodolfo Sganga, the Military Attachè of the Embassy of Italy. Colonel Sganga is a muchdecorated soldier who has served in Afghanistan and elsewhere, and who will tell us about the role of the Italian military in today’s world. The history of the Italian Army (Esercito Italiano) dates back to the unification of Italy, but since the end of the Cold War, the Army has seen extensive peacekeeping service and combat in Afghanistan and Iraq. Colonel Sganga, who is from Varese, studied at the military academy in Modena, at the University of Trieste and the University of Torino, as well as at the United States Marine Corps University at Quantico, Virginia.
As a paratrooper, among his prestigious assignments was commander of the 187so Reggimento Paracadutisti Folgore, the airborne brigade of the Italian Army. Before the program, we will have a delicious lunch catered by 3 Brothers. The menu will consist of rigatoni al forno, chicken marsala, rice, vegetable medley, salad, bread, and desserts. And of course, wine. You won’t want to miss this wonderful program, so please plan to come and tell your family members and friends, and remember to make your paid reservations early. A flyer with additional details, including a reservation form, is included in this issue of the Notiziario.
WELCOME SPRING WITH TRIP TO HILLWOOD ESTATE & GARDENS
By Nancy DeSanti,
1st VP - Programs Come celebrate the beginning of spring by joining us on a trip to Hillwood Estate & Gardens. It’s a chance to enjoy Hillwood’s beauty and serenity right in Washington, DC. We are planning a trip on Sunday, April 3, leaving from Casa Italiana at 12:30 p.m. Parking at Hillwood is free, so you could drive yourself or share a ride with friends. If we have a group of 10 of more, tickets to tour the mansion would cost $15 per person.
Lunch at the café on the premises is optional. The tour covers the beautiful mansion, highlights of the French collection, highlights of the Russian art collection and stories of the Russian treasures. As an added bonus, there is an exhibit featuring the color, romance, and extravagance in the lives that captivated late 19th century Russia, as portrayed in exquisite detail by Konstantin Makowvky, known as “the Tsar’s Painter.” The exhibit is traveling to Hillwood for the first time from St. Petersburg through Paris to the United States where it has been received with great enthusiasm. If you are interested in joining us, please let Nancy DeSanti or Nancy Hurst know you plan to come. Their e-mails are ndesanti7@gmail.com and nhurstosia@gmail.com. More information is available on the Hillwood website at http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org. Please let us know by March 20 if you are interested.