More than 300 distinguished guests, family members, Soldiers and civilians braved sweltering heat today as U.S. Army Garrison Italy bade farewell to Garrison Commander Col. Erik M. Berdy and welcomed Col. Daniel J. Vogel as its new leader. The change of command ceremony took place on Hoekstra Field here after an awards ceremony wherein Berdy and his wife Kelli received a Legion of Merit and Meritorious Service Medal, respectively, for their service and leadership in the Vicenza Military Community.

Also before the ceremony commenced, Berdy, Italian Base Commander Col. Umberto D'Andria, and Vicenza for Children President Coralba Scarrico signed a Friendship Covenant that recognized the commitment to building strong friendships between American and Italian families.