Celebrating the New Health Center

The large crowd of over 100 Italian and U.S. military and civilian community members applauded as the yellow ribbon was snipped to mark the grand opening of the new US Army Health Center, Vicenza. The sunny October 7th morning was appreciated as the event was held outdoors in front of the new facility that consolidated both the medical and dental services that were previously housed on opposite sides of the army base in 1960’s era buildings. Several senior military officers were in attendance including General Carter Ham, US Army Europe commanding general. The health center is beautiful decorated in an Italian motif and is vastly larger and more modern than the previous clinics.

The building was completed after three years of construction from Italian and German companies. We were able to watch it evolve as we arrived May 2008.

What that day marked for me was that I would finally get my husband back after an exhausting 6 months of intense 12-14 hour days and working most weekends. One of his key duties in the Information Technology Department was to support the technology initiatives for the new clinic. He and his team did an outstanding job and Michael was acknowledged by his commander, COL Armstrong and other officers. The Commander called him her “rock star.” He made quite an impression with his leadership and effective delivery of all the complex and detailed projects involved with the implementation of the $52 million (your tax dollars) new clinic.

In honor of the grand opening I produced a 14 minute video on the history and the development of the new health center. It was a huge success and was played during the celebration. Commander Armstrong was thrilled and cries every time she watches it as she is filled with pride and with satisfaction as it will become her legacy. The video is also played during orientation for new employees at the clinic. Mr. Ornellas ain’t the only one that gots some game.

-Cynthia

Enjoy the video!