“Targa Città di Loreto” award to the Marescialli A.M. School/Air Force Command of Viterbo Airport

”On the occasion of the religious and civic events organized by the Pontifical Delegation of Loreto and the municipal administration for the commemorations of September 7 and 8 related to the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the’Italian Air Force, As every year, he renewed his deep devotion to the Church with his active participation in the Madonna of Loreto –  Saint Patron of Aviators.

On the evening of September 7, as is now a tradition, a representation of the Armed Forces, in the presence of Brigadier General Romeo Paternò, Deputy Commander of the Command of the Schools of the A.M. / 3rd Air Region of Bari, accompanied by Colonel Giancarlo Filippo, the newly appointed Commander of the A.M. Centre for Aviation English Training (Cen.For.Av.En.).) from Loreto (AN), participated in the Solemn Vespers and the procession of the Statue of the Madonna. On this occasion, the Sublieutenants of the “Zodiaco V” Course of the Air Academy, currently attending language training courses, with the support of the staff of the same Center, carried the Holy Icon of the Virgin on their shoulders through the city streets.

On the morning of September 8, the patronal celebrations saw the participation of’On. Minister of the Interior Dr. Luciana Lamorgese. The day began with a conference on the theme “The home as a place of family relationships and the building of social cohesion”, held by Prof. Flick and Prof. Villanacci, with the closing remarks of the Minister of the Interior. The event was followed by the traditional Mass, at the conclusion of which the Minister of the Interior lit the “Lamp of Peace for the World”, followed by the recitation of the Angelus and solemn blessing by His Eminence Monsignor Fabio Dal Cin, Archbishop Prelate of Loreto and Pontifical Delegate for the Holy House, from a helicopter. HH-139 of the 15th Squadron of Cervia of the A.M. which symbolically flew over the Sagrato. The 15th Squadron, through the employees of SAR centers deployed at the airports of Cervia (RA), Pratica di Mare (RM), Gioia del Colle (BA), Trapani and Decimomannu (CA), guarantees 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the search and rescue of the flight crews of military aircraft in difficulty, in addition to contributing to public utility activities such as the search for missing persons at sea or in the mountains, the emergency medical transport of patients in danger of life and the rescue of severely traumatized people.

In the evening, the Mayor of Loreto he delivered the award “Targa Città di Loreto” to Col. Sandro Cascino, Commander of the A.M. Master Sergeant School/Viterbo Airport Command. Colonel Pil. Sandro Cascino expressed the pride and gratitude of the personnel under his command for the prestigious recognition that comes in a civic context so closely linked to the Blue Army. At the end, Colonel Giancarlo Filippo, at the invitation of the Mayor who wanted to address a public “welcome” to him, thanked the Authorities present at the Concert (in addition to the Mayor, also H.E. Mons. Dal Cin), the Head of SMA and the Commander of the Schools of the A.M./3rd Air Region, represented in this occasion by Gen. B. Paternò, for the trust expressed in granting a prestigious command assignment. A command even more significant because it is located in Loreto, which is the Seat of the Holy Effigy of the Holy Patroness of Aviators, a city that, through its own religious and civil authorities, welcomed him in this first week of his tenure, warmly allowing him to feel already “at home” after only a few days.

The School of Air Force Commandants It was identified as the recipient of the “Targa Città di Loreto” award for the quality of university-level training provided in recent years, for the activation of new university courses, fundamental for the efficiency of the Armed Forces, and for the introduction of innovative programs accompanied by sophisticated teaching logistics procedures. Additionally, the Scuola Marescialli A.M. has also distinguished itself in the last year for the development of the “Centurion” program, a didactic/training program aimed at a more focused development of ethical-military values.

At the end of the awards ceremony, Italian Air Force Band She performed a concert in the courtyard of the Basilica, giving, with her own notes, a special atmosphere to Piazza della Madonna, much appreciated by the religious, civil and military Authorities present, as well as by all the numerous and enthusiastic guests who had gathered; she concluded magnificently an evening truly exceptional for the city of Loreto and for the Navy.